Good morning, and welcome to L.A. on the Record — our City Hall newsletter. It’s David Zahniser, with an assist from Noah Goldberg, giving you the latest on city and county government.

It was a move this week that drew immediate blowback: Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson pulled Councilmember Nithya Raman off of her position as chair of the city’s housing and homelessness committee, just as Raman enters the homestretch in her campaign to unseat Mayor Karen Bass.

Raman quickly suggested that she was being punished for challenging Bass, a Harris-Dawson ally. On a video titled “Bass’ Ally Removed Me as Chair,” she portrayed the move as retribution for saying City Controller Kenneth Mejia should audit the mayor’s homeless programs.

“Mayor Bass and her allies are protecting what we all know is a deeply broken status quo, one that is not serving any person here in the city of Los Angeles,” she said.

For months, many at City Hall had expected Raman to make a stink if she was yanked from her post, transforming herself into a martyr. So what exactly was Harris-Dawson thinking?

In an interview Friday, Harris-Dawson said the removal of Raman as committee chair was simply one piece in a larger effort to make the council’s committees work better — and not punishment at all.

“If I were trying to punish her, I would have moved her off [her post] the day after she filed to run for mayor” back in February, he said.

Harris-Dawson said he split Raman’s committee into two — one focused on housing, the other on homelessness — because the two subjects were simply too big for a single committee to handle effectively. He said he and Raman had talked extensively about that idea, disagreeing on whether the two topics should have been combined.

The homelessness committee needs someone who can focus their undivided attention on the ongoing crises surrounding homeless services — including the Trump administration’s effort to strip hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, Harris-Dawson said.

“We’ve got to be able to move, and move in the most efficient manner possible,” he said.

Councilmember Nithya Raman attends a city council meeting at City Hall in downtown Los Angeles on August 14, 2026.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

As part of the reshuffling, Harris-Dawson picked Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents Skid Row, to lead the now renamed homelessness and health committee. Jurado will also sit on the new three-member housing committee, which will be chaired by Councilmember Imelda Padilla.

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, fresh off his reelection victory, will head up the council’s economic development committee, replacing Councilmember Curren Price, who leaves at the end of the year.

Even Councilmember Monica Rodriguez landed a spot in charge of the committee that deals with parks, a pet issue of hers. Harris-Dawson stripped Rodriguez of her committee seats last year, after she criticized his leadership.

The new assignments could give Harris-Dawson a base of support the next time there’s a vote on his presidency. Harris-Dawson dismissed the idea that there was any connection, calling such speculation “completely inaccurate.”

The committee assignments take effect next month.

Raman will continue serving on the five-member homelessness committee, just not as its chair. She will head the council committee dealing with immigration and civil rights. She even broadened her portfolio in some ways, securing a seat on the public safety committee, which deals with police and fire responses.

“If you’re on a committee, you definitely can get things done, and you don’t have to be the chair,” Harris-Dawson said.

Raman offered a different take, telling reporters on Friday that a committee chair simply has more authority, setting the agenda.

“You also have some more power in trying to get the departments to reply — although even my best efforts to get the departments to reply to report-backs didn’t work,” she said.

Not happy with the homeless count

The hot potato that is homelessness now heads to Jurado, at a critical time for the city and her district.

Jurado’s district, which takes in downtown and parts of the Eastside, saw a 23% increase in unsheltered homelessness, according to this year’s homeless count. On top of that, The Times recently reported that the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which runs the count, failed to tally hundreds of residents at a Skid Row shelter in 2024 and 2025, skewing this year’s citywide numbers.

Jurado voiced frustration over those issues, saying city officials shouldn’t have to spend time and money verifying data that “should have been accurate from the start.”

She isn’t the only one voicing displeasure.

Harris-Dawson questioned the accuracy of the count in his own South L.A. district, where LAHSA reported a 127% increase in unsheltered homelessness.

Harris-Dawson thinks the big increase may stem from a single census tract south of Manchester Avenue between Normandie and Van Ness avenues. In that area, LAHSA said it found 277 unsheltered homeless people.

Last year, the agency counted 19, Harris-Dawson said.

“A jump of this magnitude in a single corridor strongly suggests a data collection or processing error rather than an actual change on the ground,” according to a motion signed this week by Harris-Dawson that calls for an explanation.

LAHSA officials didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Sherman Oaks Smackdown, Part II

It was the most personal of the mayoral debates staged last spring: Bass and Raman going mano a mano in front of an audience at the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn.

During that 90-minute back-and-forth, the two took shots at each other over homelessness, police hiring and their respective leadership styles, among other things.

Now, with the Nov. 3 runoff approaching, Bass and Raman are set for a Valley rematch on Wednesday, which will again feature Fox11’s Phil Shuman, as well as a panel of representatives from Sherman Oaks community groups.

Reservations have been filling up for in-person attendance. The event will also be live streamed on www.soha914.com and aired on LAist 89.3, organizers said.

State of play

— HITTING HUD: In a scathing order, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from taking control of federal funding for homelessness programs across L.A. County. In his preliminary injunction, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter said the Department of Housing and Urban Development acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it suspended LAHSA from managing federal funds.

— LOATHING LAHSA: Federal officials also denounced LAHSA as corrupt and incompetent during an appearance at the Dream Center, a faith-based residential treatment center. LAHSA pushed back, saying the federal government has failed to provide evidence of graft or abuse.

— RETURN ENGAGEMENT: The mayor’s Inside Safe homelessness program is spending more and more time going back to the same locations. Data reviewed by The Times showed that, in the fourth quarter of 2025, four out of every five Inside Safe operations were carried out in places already visited by its outreach teams. The repopulation problem has been especially pronounced along the 110 Freeway in South L.A.

— WAREHOUSE WOES: City leaders have accused Lineage, whose warehouse in Boyle Heights was destroyed by fire, of blowing past the city’s 45-day deadline for removing millions of pounds of rotting food from its property. Lineage reported Friday that the task was 94% done. Bass wants the city’s lawyers to take Lineage to court and impose penalties.

— RISKY BUSINESS: A divided City Council finalized an agreement aimed at controlling the city’s costs during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, amid complaints that the event poses a major financial risk.

— TRAIN IN VAIN: Despite months of test runs, the Automated People Mover train is facing new uncertainty, with a bond rating downgrade and a legal battle between the city and the contractor.

— ZEROING IN: City Controller Kenneth Mejia told The Times he’s planning to use his auditing authority to examine spending by LA28, the privately run committee that is staging the Games.

— BUMMER NUMBERS: Euthanasia rates for cats and kittens are up in a big way in L.A. this year, according to the city’s latest stats.

— LICENSE TO CARRY: The federal government and the county’s Sheriff’s Department have reached a settlement over what prosecutors alleged was a pattern of delaying applications for permits to carry concealed firearms. The Sheriff’s Department has cut its waiting times and now complies with statutory deadlines, officials said.

— END OF THE PARTY: A mansion in Encino, located in the western end of Raman’s district, has become a massive party house, drawing a neighborhood outcry.

QUICK HITS

• Where is Inside Safe? The mayor’s signature homeless program went to the area around Bessemer Street and Cedros Avenue in Van Nuys, an area represented by Padilla.
• On the docket next week: As we mentioned earlier, Bass and Raman go head to head in Sherman Oaks on Wednesday. Tune in!

Stay in touch

That’s it for this week! Send your questions, comments and gossip to LAontheRecord@latimes.com. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Saturday morning.

Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has been identified by the Scottish FA as their prime candidate to replace Steve Clarke.

The 39-year-old Belgian, who left Monaco at the end of last season, previously led Union Saint-Gilloise to a first league title in 90 years in 2024-25.

Pocognoli is one of several candidates to have been spoken to by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and Craig Mulholland, who was appointed as the association’s chief football officer in May.

And it is thought an appointment could be imminent, with Scotland returning to action in the Nations League with a four-game block of fixtures, starting in Slovenia on 26 September.

Pocognoli spent time in England during his playing career, turning out for West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, and earned 13 caps for Belgium.

He would become just the second foreign boss of the Scotland men’s team, after German Berti Vogts.

Clarke – who had signed a new four-year deal in May – resigned following the group-stage exit at the World Cup, ending his seven-year tenure.

Steven Naismith, who served as one of his assistant, said last month he expects to continue in the national team set-up under a new boss.

SPEEDING through a jungle of steel, I’m flipped 180 degrees to face the ground as crowds gawp up from below.

I’m suspended midair for what feels like minutes as I travel upside down through a zero-G stall.

Held in only by a lap bar, I’m suddenly snapped upright and fired into another series of twists at breakneck speed.

As I hurtle out of Wayne Manor in a Batmobile, I know this isn’t your average rollercoaster.

It’s Batman Gotham City Escape at Parque Warner Madrid — Spain’s answer to the big US theme parks.

And at just half an hour from the Spanish capital, it’s way easier to get to than its American counterparts.

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The Madrid park impresses from the off. You enter through Hollywood Boulevard — a glitzy strip modelled on the LA Walk of Fame.

Palm trees, golden stars and vintage studio lights line the streets.

But all eyes are on the towering “top hat” drop of Batman Gotham City Escape in the distance, which everyone races to ride first.

There’s no clanking of lift hill chains as you’re raised up to the heavens.

You’re launched out of the station at nearly 65mph and right into the action. It’s gut churning, but in the best possible way.

Themed on The Dark Knight Trilogy, the ride features Batmobile-themed trains that take you on a high-speed chase through Gotham as you escape the Joker.

This rollercoaster is the only multi-launch one of its kind in Spain, boasting four inversions, a 147ft beyond-vertical drop and, honestly, it’s the best I’ve done in Europe.

But that’s just the start.

From Gotham, it’s straight into the action-packed Movie World Studios zone.

Here you’ll find Stunt Fall — a terrifying giant inverted boomerang coaster that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

It yanks you backwards vertically up an almost 200ft tower before dropping you through a loop and cobra roll — only to do it all again, but in reverse.

There’s also a live stunt show packed with explosions and car chases straight out of a Fast & Furious film.

From here, you can head over to the Old West Territory, where things get pretty wild.

The theming is top-notch — it’s all wooden saloons, sheriffs and live shootouts.

Plus, there’s Coaster Express — a massive wooden coaster that looks as old as a western and rattles so hard it feels like it’s going to fall apart.

You’ll also find a Wild West-style flume ride, perfect for baking summer visits — just don’t sit at the front unless you want a good soaking.

The biggest rides of the park are in DC Super Heroes World.

Aside from Gotham City Escape, you’ve got Superman: Atracción de Acero — a floorless coaster that throws you around seven inversions and over a 180ft drop with your feet dangling.

There’s also Shadows Of Arkham, a disorientating inverted coaster that whips you through Gotham’s darkest corners.

While La Venganza Del Enigma — a giant drop tower themed on Batman villain The Riddler — sends you plummeting more than 300 feet.

For younger ones — or anyone needing a break from G-force — there’s Cartoon Village.

This Looney Tunes-themed land has gentler rides, costumed characters and everything from Correcaminos Bip Bip, a Road Runner coaster, to a mild Tom & Jerry’s kids’ chase ride.

Going into Parque Warner Madrid park is like stepping onto a movie set, where every ride’s an action scene.

And this is what makes it a great alternative to those big US theme parks such as Universal or Disney.

It has all the theming with less of the faff. Instead of princess castles, you’ve got Bugs Bunny, Batman and Superman.

It’s also packed with Warner Bros characters including those from DC, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera, with plenty of meet-and-greet opportunities and shows to be seen.

So there’s plenty to keep younger generations entertained.

Visit out of season and skip the queues too. I went on a Friday outside of peak summer holidays and didn’t wait more than 20 minutes for a ride.

And the price? It’s miles better than Disney.

Tickets start at just €32.90 (£28.50) for both adults and juniors, cheaper than some UK parks too.

While eating options are limited — think classic, fast-food diner menus — it’s great value.

For just over a tenner, I bought an enormous sandwich, fries and a drink that could have easily fed two people.

When it comes to overnight stays, there’s no Disney-style resort hotel attached to the park, but most people pick accommodation in central Madrid, or base themselves in Pinto, the closest train stop.

If you want US-style experience without the hefty price tag and gruelling ten-hour flight — this is the place to go.

As the conflict in Yemen rages on and spills over into the Red Sea, developments in recent weeks reveal a new trend worth pondering. The Houthis group, which for years almost monopolised the advantage of drone warfare, has begun facing fire from the same weapon used by its opponents on multiple fronts.

This does not mean that the balance of power has shifted, or that the Houthis have lost their missile and drone superiority. However, the increasing use of this type of warfare by the forces loyal to the internationally recognised government may change the nature of the confrontation, especially if it shifts from scattered operations to an organised and sustained capability.

For years, the Houthis were able to use drones as one of the most important weapons of asymmetric warfare. They were able to monitor their opponents and strike their gatherings, command centres and facilities far from the lines of contact, while government forces were mostly in a position of defence and interception.

Today, the equation is no longer that simple.

Forces affiliated with the government have announced in recent days the use of drones against Houthi positions in Marib, al-Jawf, Taiz, Hajjah, al-Dhalea and other fronts – and have shown video of a number of those operations.

It is not yet possible to speak of parity in drone power. The Houthis have years of experience and a more advanced missile and drone infrastructure. However, the government does not necessarily need full parity in order to bring about change on the battlefield.

It is enough for Houthi gatherings, vehicles, artillery, reinforcements and command centres to become vulnerable to strikes for them to be forced to change their patterns of deployment, movement and supply. In war, forcing the enemy to change its behaviour is in itself a military achievement.

It would be wrong to say that the Houthis have moved onto the defensive. They are carrying out broad offensive operations: they have struck Marib and Hadramout, repeatedly targeted al-Makha (Mocha), escalated against Saudi Arabia and once again moved their operations to the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb.

But there is a difference between the group being on a strategic defensive and beginning to act on some fronts as though it must prepare for a possible attack.

Here, the geography of the recent strikes becomes more important than their number.

Marib, Taiz, al-Makha and the western coast are not random fronts; they represent key gateways for any potential ground war.

Marib is the gateway to the east and one of the government’s most important military and political centres of gravity. Striking camps and movements there not only causes losses, but can also expose deployments, defences, response speed and sources of reinforcement.

Taiz is the central and coastal junction. Activating its fronts can pin down large forces and prevent their easy redeployment towards the western coast or other fronts.

Al-Makha and the western coast carry a different significance. South of the city lies Bab al-Mandeb and to the north the road extends towards Hodeidah. Therefore, the repeated targeting of al-Makha with missiles and drones can also be seen as a test of a front that could become very important if a ground operation begins along the coast.

When we combine what is happening in Marib, Taiz, al-Makha, al-Dhalea, al-Jawf, Saada and Hodeidah, it becomes difficult to view each front as a separate incident.

This does not mean that the decision for a ground war has been made, but it does mean that the parties have begun to act as though this possibility must be taken seriously.

For this reason, the most important indicator in the coming period will not be the number of missiles or drones, but the movement of forces and reserves, and the transfer of ammunition.

When this movement begins to concentrate on a specific axis, we will have moved from testing the front to preparing the front.

It is precisely in this context that the recent statements of Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi should be understood.

Al-Alimi offered the Houthis the option of laying down their arms and participating in the political life of the country, but he also said that from now on, no Houthi action would go without a response or comprehensive deterrence. He defined the strategic objective as restoring state institutions, stressing that sustainable peace is based on the state’s monopoly over arms and sovereignty.

If these statements hadn’t been accompanied by action, they could have been seen as escalating political rhetoric only.

But what gives Al-Alimi’s latest message its weight is what is happening on the ground: government drones have entered the confrontation openly, artillery is operating on more than one front, military readiness is increasing and the government is speaking more clearly about deterrence.

The real test for the government would be whether these moves turn into a sustained operational doctrine, whereby any Houthi attack incurs a direct cost, or the old pattern is maintained where government forces absorb strikes and issue limited responses.

All of this is happening within a larger regional context. The turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz and the US-Israeli war on Iran are raising the strategic value of the Red Sea. The less secure Hormuz becomes, the more important Saudi energy and trade routes to the west become.

Here, the value of Bab al-Mandeb automatically rises as a power card in the hands of the Houthis.

The geographic equation is highly complex: Iran can exert pressure on Hormuz, the Houthis have the ability to threaten Bab al-Mandeb and Saudi Arabia is strategically positioned between the two corridors.

In return, Riyadh is working on arrangements to protect the Red Sea, while Yemeni government forces are showing greater activity on the ground.

This may lead to a formula different from the previous war: Yemeni forces taking on the bulk of the ground confrontation, while Saudi Arabia and its partners provide support, deterrence and protection for maritime routes.

The danger is that everyone is now approaching the brink of war: the Houthis are testing how much pressure they can exert on Saudi Arabia, the Yemeni government, and international navigation. Meanwhile, government forces are testing new tools and their ability to regain the initiative and Saudi Arabia is trying to build a new deterrence, while the US-Iranian confrontation continues in the background. This widens the margin for strategic error that could lead to an open war.

Former Loose Women panellist, Nadia Sawalha, has spoken out in support of her co-star Denise Welch after her shock departure from the show earlier this week to concentrate on her “first love” of acting.Nadia, 61, told the Mirror she is “really happy” for her pal, praising how Denise, 68, was “never afraid to share what she thought.” Nadia, claims to have been “bullied off” Loose Women after complaints were made about her pro-Palestinian beliefs, and is now threatening to sue ITV.Yesterday Nadia’s husband Mark Adderley and her sister Dina Sawlaha hit out over the lack of support she has been given since leaving the show amid celebrations of Denise’s time at Loose Women.

Mark, a film producer and local councillor, said in a video post that the way she had been treated “breaks my heart”.

He declared: “I am absolutely flabbergasted, agog, horrified, shocked, beyond dismayed and disappointed by the cowardly lack of support I have heard or seen for you from people I would’ve expected it to come from.”

When Kaye Adams replied to the news of Denise’s departure, Dina raged: ”So your Instagram does work! After all of Nadia’s support for you during your bullying allegations, you couldn’t even LIKE her Daily Mail apology post, which is about as controversial as it gets. Wow, wow, wow!”Last month Nadia received a “substantial” payout and apology from two newspapers which had printed false claims about her and husband Mark.

Despite the drama, Nadia is fully supportive of Denise, and tells the Mirror: “Denise was a great Loose Woman, never afraid to share what she thought, even if it was unpopular sometimes.

“I have always admired her advocacy for those suffering with their mental health and addiction, as I’ve faced similar challenges within my family.”

The pair have worked together on the ITV Daytime show on and off for 20 years.

Nadia adds: “We always said it would have been a disaster if we’d gone to school together, as we would have been in trouble constantly!”Denise, recently appeared in Channel 4 drama Tip Toe and previously starred in Waterloo Road, Coronation Street, Benidorm and Hollyoaks. “Having seen her on stage and, of course, many times on TV, I know she is a fabulous actress,” Nadia says. “So I’m really happy for her. Anything is possible for her. The sky’s the limit.”

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror last week, Nadia claimed some Loose Women colleagues had offered support, but she alleges many are too scared to do so publicly.

She said two well-known faces at ITV reacted to an Instagram video she posted on her threat to sue the network. It was not clear who those individuals were.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Bournemouth have vowed to “do better” after changes to matchday staffing were handled in a manner which “did not reflect the standards” the club expects.

Concerns were raised over the way the Premier League club told some long-serving members of their matchday team that their services would no longer be required for the 2026-27 season.

An email was sent from “the safety team” two weeks before the start of the season.

In a statement,, external the club acknowledged those concerns and said: “We have reviewed the way these changes were communicated and recognise that it did not reflect the standards we expect of ourselves as a club.

“People who have given many years of service to AFC Bournemouth deserve to be treated with appreciation and respect.

“We are contacting those affected directly to listen to their concerns and review their individual circumstances.”

The Cherries made a rapid rise from League Two to the Premier League, taking just five years to reach England’s top flight when they were promoted in 2015.

Despite being relegated in 2020, they returned to the Premier League two years later and this season will be playing in Europe for the first time.

The club reviewed its matchday staffing arrangements for 2026-27 and have made changes to a number of roles and working requirements “as we continue to strengthen the safety and security of the stadium, its perimeter and surrounding areas”.

Their club statement added: “These changes are important, but so too is the way we communicate with and treat the people who have served our club. We should have handled this better, and we will do better.

“We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to AFC Bournemouth over the years, and particularly those who have served the club for decades.”

One post on X, external said that a man who has been a member of Bournemouth‘s matchday staff for nearly 60 years received an email that was four paragraphs long, adding that it was a “disgusting approach”.

After saying their contracts would not be renewed, the email ended with: “We appreciate this will be disappointing news. On behalf of everyone at AFC Bournemouth, I would like to thank you for your commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during your time with us.

“We are grateful for the support you have provided over the years and wish you every success for the future.”

BBC Sport has been told that the club reached out to the individual involved before the statement was released.

He had been working in the car park but has now been offered employment for next season in a different area.

A GRAND historic castle in the UK is getting a new lease of life, by reopening as a major tourist attraction.

Haverfordwest Castle in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is set to undergo a massive £17.7million project to become a top tourist attraction with Christmas markets, open-air theatre shows, community events and a visitor centre.

There will also be a new cafe at the castle as well as a shop selling locally crafted items and produce.

The castle itself dates back over 800 years and over that time has changed hands several times, seeing numerous wars.

In 1648, Oliver Cromwell even ordered the castle to be destroyed and later in the 18th century part of the castle was turned into a prison.

It then later became a police station and local council offices.

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Today, the castle is mainly in ruin with the remains of some of the castle’s towers still standing.

Regarding the upcoming project, the castle’s website states: “The new flagship heritage attraction will tell Pembrokeshire’s fascinating story in a fun, immersive and interactive exhibition space.

“You will explore how creativity and resourcefulness have shaped local life; feel the spirit of place, myths, legends and natural forces; and explore stories through playful, physical and digital experiences.

“There will be a new café selling locally-sourced food and drink and a 500-seater outdoor event space with shows and live-music expected to be programmed throughout the summer months.”

The castle is then expected to reopen to the public in 2028 and will be free to visit.

Councillor Paul Miller, deputy leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We are excited to see this ambitious project continue apace and this next stage brings us much closer to what will be a flagship heritage attraction, boosting not only the town’s economy but also the wider area.”

KELLY Osbourne has turned up the heat in an animal-print swimming costume as she enjoyed some much-needed downtime.

The TV star and daughter of the late legend Ozzy Osbourne shared photos of her break in the sunny UK, rocking a retro one-piece and Black Sabbath-inspired glasses.

Looking stunning in a one-piece show-stopper, the star accessorised the balconette-style spaghetti-strapped number with black bat-wing sunglasses and pointed frames.

Wearing a wide-brimmed woven straw sun hat and multi-layered gold chain necklaces including a cross pendant and medallion charms, she paired her chic look with gold rings and diamond earrings.

Poised to perfection on a sunlounger aside a pool, she also delighted fans with a slick runway-style photo poolside – showing off her toned figure and tattoos.

In another snap, she looked sharp as she held a pose and a coffee cup, lying next to the outdoor pool.

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Kelly Osbourne says ‘part of her died’ with Dad one year since Ozzy’s death

The television star has gone through “the hardest time of her life” over the last year after the death of her father Ozzy Osbourne.

She recently opened up about the reality of living without her dad Ozzy, and admitted in a poignant heart-breaking letter: “Life without you has been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure.”

She recently spoke about navigating grief following on from the rock legend’s death aged 76.

Her tear-jerking post described grief as leaving people “ghosts of the people we used to be”.

“People think grief is missing someone who is gone, but the deepest sorrow is waking each day longing for the version of yourself who died with them.

“Grief is a language no one truly speaks until life forces it upon them.

“It cannot be explained, borrowed or imagined. You only understand its endless ache when you’ve stood in the unbearable silence, carrying a love that has nowhere left to go.

“I miss who I was before my daddy died. Before my heart became a home for absence.

“Before every memory became both a blessing and a wound.”

Kelly explained how she often finds herself imagining him looking down on her mum “with that magical smile, the one that held so much pride and so much love”.

Kelly also said how Ozzy would be “so incredibly proud” of the woman Sharon is becoming, “not because you’ve forgotten him, but because you’ve found a way to keep living while carrying him with you”.

Kelly shares three-year-old son Sidney with her ex-fiancé, Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson who she split with in March of this year.

Ozzy doted on his grandson, with the youngster a regular fixture at family celebrations before the rock legend’s death.

The musician died at his home in Buckinghamshire, just 17 days after his farewell Black Sabbath concert at Villa Park in Birmingham.

July 4, 2026 marked what would have been Ozzy and wife Sharon‘s 46th wedding anniversary.

The duo got married in 1982 as they said “I do” in a ceremony in Maui, Hawaii.

Bill Plaschke should have consulted with his colleague Laurence Darmiento before writing his ill-informed column on the sale of the Lakers. Had he done so he would’ve realized that Joshua Kushner, who is co-buying the Lakers, is a lifelong Democrat, and therefore President Trump‘s showing up for a Lakers’ tip-off as suggested by Plaschke is off the table.

Jack Wishard
Los Angeles

In 2025, when Mark Walter acquired his majority stake in the Lakers, he said, “It’s a privilege to work alongside Jeanie Buss as we maintain that excellence and set the standard for success in this new era, both on and off the court.”

That era concluded quickly, undone by his hubris and deceit. Did he mean to say “error” both on and off the court? That he did quite well.

David Griffin
Westwood

Like in real estate, the Lakers were flipped by Dodgers majority owner Mark Walter after only 10 months of ownership. One person took a “flip in his grave,” previous owner Jerry Buss, who died in 2013. The Lakers as an organization have never been the same since his passing.

Wayne Muramatsu
Cerritos

Former Disney head honcho Bob Iger, et al., owning the Lakers? Can’t wait to see Goofy and Mr. Toad as ushers at the Crypt!

Jack Wolf
Westwood

Lakers previous owner Mark Walter is under federal investigation for possible loan fraud, and new Lakers owner Joshua Kushner’s company, Thrive Eternal, participated in the recent FIFA private equity scandal. Why can’t NBA owners avoid financial shenanigans? Thank God for Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. … Oh, wait.

Jonathan Curtiss
Sherman Oaks

This city offers stunning hidden walkways, picturesque views and a world-class cuisine – it’s also far less crowded than other destinations in Europe so it’s worth adding to your bucket list

If you’re looking for your next city break destination, then this is one place you must visit. When you think of weekend getaways, Barcelona, Paris and Budapest are among the most popular spots for Brits.

Whether you’re keen for an eating holiday or exploring some picturesque streets, this European city has it all. And the best part is, you don’t have to worry about too many crowds as you would if you were visiting Madrid or Berlin. So the place we’re talking about is in France and it’s none other than the gorgeous city of Lyon.

It is the third largest city in France and unlike the other major tourist hotspots, it certainly has fewer crowds. It does experience distinct peak times during weekends, summer holidays and of course, major festivals.

But in August, locals leave for holidays and international tourism may peak, but it’s still not enough to put you off. One woman recently flocked to the city on a trip – and she was not disappointed.

Speaking with her 21,600 TikTok followers, Reanna said: “Why is no one talking about this European city? Welcome to… Lyon.”

She explained why Lyon had won her over after spending four days as she “couldn’t get enough of how picturesque it is”.

Exploring Picturesque Streets and France’s Culinary Capital

The travel content creator added: “From the colourful streets and hidden passageways to incredible views, there’s so much to explore.”

Not only is it the third-largest city in France, Lyon is also the country’s culinary capital so if you love food, then you have to visit.

Reanna continued: “The Old Town is UNESCO-listed and full of beautiful Renaissance architecture. It’s also considered the birthplace of cinema, thanks to the Lumiére brothers.”

Lyon has no shortage of attractions, from strolling through secret covered traboules (covered pedestrian shortcut) to taking in the breathtaking hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Kick things off with some sightseeing by strolling through the cobbled streets of one of Europe’s largest Renaissance old towns. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden shortcut passageways that wind through buildings and corridors.

Make sure to hop on the funicular for breathtaking views across the city. When it comes to food, there’s an absolute wealth of choice on offer. Tuck into local meat dishes and pink praline tarts at traditional eateries.

Top Attractions, Parks, and Flights from the UK

A visit to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is well worth your time, where you can browse bustling indoor food stalls brimming with local cheese, wine, and meats.

For parks and museums, the Parc de la Tête d’Or boasts a vast lake, botanical gardens and a free zoo area. Many visitors also flock to the Musée des Confluences, a striking modern museum perched at the junction of the city’s two rivers.

A direct flight to Lyon from the UK will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes on average. If, for example, you’re departing from London this might take slightly less than if you were going from up north.

Many airlines offer multiple flight times to the French city, like British Airways and easyJet.

When you fly to the destination, you will land at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) which is considerably close to the main city, taking around 45 minutes with public transport.

If you want to stay close to the city centre, prices range from £30 to £45 per night for budget hotels and basic rooms.

As for a standard hotel, this will cost about £200 or slightly more depending on what star you go for.

THREE steps. That was all it took to go from my villa’s back door to the pool.

Around me, the gentle hum of cicadas and the fragrant breeze of Mediterranean flora filled the air.

It was everything I had imagined rural Greece to be, and more.

While I was on the popular island of Crete, Ella Resorts’ Rocrita sits on the quieter, eastern side where many tourists don’t venture.

For miles around, the only views are of the shimmering Aegean and a blanket of green olive groves across the rolling hills.

The all-inclusive 5* resort only opened a few months ago, so everything still had that new feel and fresh scent.

SHE’S ELECTRIC

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I found a UK beach with crystal clear water & no crowds that felt like Greece

Rooms range from deluxe to two-bedroom suites, many with swim-up pool access.

My earthy-toned villa had a spacious bedroom with customisable lighting, and a plush lounge with stylish sofas, a Nespresso machine, TV and writing desk.

The lounge also had a mini-fridge, restocked daily with complimentary soft drinks.

The bathroom had all the essentials plus a few luxuries — think high-end exfoliating loofahs and boujee body lotion.

When you aren’t in your swim-up pool, there are other pools across the resort lined with loungers looking out to the ocean.

Sprawled in a cabana by one of the main pools with a spritz, I tucked into a freshly made pistachio tiramisu from the street food hub right next to the pool — just one of many mouthwatering desserts to tempt you.

Guests can also enjoy direct beach access to a quiet stretch of coast, dotted with the comfiest beanbag loungers I’ve had the pleasure of laying on.

Families are well-served, with a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course suspended over a pool, a creche and a kids’ club.

Couples can head to Roée Spa for a treatment, plus steam rooms and a sauna.

And when it came to dining, I was spoilt for choice with six à la carte and buffet restaurants.

These featured a wide mix of cuisines curated by Michelin-star chefs including traditional Greek dishes as well as Italian and Mexican.

At Smigo, there were cold and warm plates, freshly made bread and locally caught seafood.

It was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, with colourful, fragrant ingredients in every dish.

The star of the show, though, was definitely breakfast — in fact, it was the biggest I’ve ever seen.

Spread across four buffet stations, there were all the breakfast items I could think (or dream) of, including semolina pudding, fresh pastries, antipasti, fully cooked breakfast items, pancakes, yoghurt, omelettes, cakes, fresh fruit . . .  the list goes on.

Without exaggerating, I ate so much each morning I didn’t need to have lunch.

For a tipple, there were four bars, including one stocking 300 local and international wines.

There’s enough to do that you needn’t leave the resort, but staff can arrange excursions if you want to explore.

Try the historic island of Spinalonga, an hour’s drive away.

Once a Venetian fortress, the island later became a leper colony — which was one of the last in Europe, before being abandoned and left as it is, with the same sights on the island there today.

A ferry runs every half hour and costs €12 (£10.44) return.

For something slower-paced, head up into the mountains to the 15th-century Toplou Monastery, where you can taste a flight of eight organic wines including white, rose and red.

To accompany the wines you’ll get a plate of cheeses, olives, figs, breadsticks and oil, and a host talking you through how the wine is made and the history of the monastery.

Whether I’d spent the day uncovering the history of a forgotten island or tasting wine in the hills, the best part was always returning to my villa in this untouched corner of Greece, sliding into my swim-up pool with a glass of local wine in hand and floating to the familiar soundtrack of the cicadas.

Aug. 14 (UPI) — A Kentucky woman was arrested for allegedly vandalizing the National Mall’s World War II Memorial, officials said Friday.

Melissa L. Farris, 41 of Elizabethtown, is charged with depredation against federal property and destruction of veterans’ memorials, both of which are felonies. She faces 10 years in prison on each charge.

“Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement on X.

Farris was arrested about 2 p.m. on Thursday when U.S. Park Police responded to reports of a disorderly person, according to the criminal complaint.

Law enforcement found spray paint and colored foam covering several portions of the Atlantic Theatre Pavilion of the memorial.

The words “Clean Hands Dirty $” were sprayed onto the walls in orange paint. There were also splatters of green and pink paint.

Officials said Farris had been arrested four days earlier for allegedly camping on federal property, the criminal complaint said.

She is also alleged to have posted videos on social media admitting to the vandalism.

In the postings, Farris said she is “cognitively aware” and “doing so to push my whistleblower case into the courtroom,” according to the criminal complaint.

“Our beautiful World War II Memorial was just hit by Spray Painting Vandals,” President Donald Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. “THERE CAN BE NO GREATER INSULT TO THOSE AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II.”

Welcome to Bunker Talk. This is a weekend open discussion post for the best commenting crew on the net, in which we can chat about all the stuff that went on this week that we didn’t cover. We can also talk about the stuff we did or whatever else grabs your interest. In other words, it’s an off-topic thread.

This week’s caption reads:

BALLYMENA, NORTHERN IRELAND – FEBRUARY 4: The communal recreation room at a nuclear bunker site on the Woodside Road industrial estate on February 4, 2016 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The underground shelter has been put up for sale by the offices of the Northern Ireland First and Deputy First Minister. The bunker which was completed in 1990 was built to hold up to 235 people in the event of a nuclear bomb and is complete with kitchen facilities, dormitories and decontamination chambers. The site, one of approximately 1,600 nuclear monitoring posts built in the UK since 1955, is on the housing market with an asking price of £575,000. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

PRIME DIRECTIVES:

• If you want to talk politics, do so respectfully and know that there’s always somebody that isn’t going to agree with you. 
• If you have political differences, hash it out respectfully, stick to the facts, and no childish name-calling or personal attacks of any kind. If you can’t handle yourself in that manner, then please, discuss virtually anything else.
• No drive-by garbage political memes. No conspiracy theory rants. Links to crackpot sites will be axed, too. Trolling and shitposting will not be tolerated. No obsessive behavior about other users. Just don’t interact with folks you don’t like. 
• Do not be a sucker and feed trolls! That’s as much on you as on them. Use the mute button if you don’t like what you see.  
• So unless you have something of quality to say, know how to treat people with respect, understand that everyone isn’t going to subscribe to your exact same worldview, and have come to terms with the reality that there is no perfect solution when it comes to moderation of a community like this, it’s probably best to just move on. 
• Finally, as always, report offenders, please. This doesn’t mean reporting people who don’t share your political views, but we really need your help in this regard.

Fans are eagerly awaiting news on brand new releases as the hit documentary series is set to return

Channel 4 has dropped a huge update on all new 24 Hours in Police Custody – and fans cannot wait.

The hit landmark documentary has been a firm favourite amongst fans since it was first released in 2014, following a local police force as they investigate serious crimes.

Plunged into the heart of an investigation, the award-winning series follows officers from the moment a 999 call is made, right through to conviction as detectives fight against the clock for justice.

Earlier this week, Channel 4 teased that brand new episodes could be released very soon, sending viewers into a frenzy. Now, the broadcaster has dropped another tantalising update, leaving fans of the show on the edge of their seats.

Taking to Facebook, the Channel 4 documentaries page shared a picture of a to-do list captioned: “Busy week ahead.”

The tasks listed on the image included: “1. Apologise to the legal team (again. 2. Collect rain coat from lost property. 3. Leak details of new 24 Hours in Police Custody. 4. Find out why our office pass doesn’t work anymore.”

The post hints that a major update could be released this week, and that brand new episodes may be on the way very soon. However, fans are still awaiting any official news, with the upcoming TV guide not giving anything away.

One person commented: “Ooooh, new 24 hours? Can’t wait.” Another said: “If they fire you we will hire you on the spot over at 24 Hours in Police Custody Group , we’ve got your 6.”

A third penned: “Oooh, teasing”, as a fourth echoed: “Number 3 only. Thank you…patiently waits for said leak.”

A fourth stated: “24 Hours in Police Custody is the best thing on C4, but can anyone help me understand why they’re not weekly, & just randomly appear? No ‘season’, just every now & again a new one’s there.”

A fifth replied: “#3 – we love watching that!” Another echoed: “Yes more 24 hours coming up. One of the best programmes on TV bar none!”

Earlier this year, new episodes were aired on Channel 4 before being replaced with repeats, a move which did not go down well with viewers at the time.

With calls for more episodes, it could be that prayers may be answers very soon. In the meantime, 24 Hours in Police Custody can be streamed on Channel 4 online.

Fifth in a series of stories profiling top high school football players by position. Today, Vincent Shields, Murrieta Valley offensive lineman.

For those who love dogs, offensive tackle Vincent Shields of Murrieta Valley High needs to be on your must-invite list. His mother and father run a dog training business. There are five dogs living at their home. All the female dogs are named after Disney characters. Vincent swears dogs can be trained to do anything, like open the refrigerator.

He just got a golden retriever puppy named Nala, the wife of Simba from “The Lion King.” The question is will Shields train her to rush the passer so he can practice his blocking techniques against someone with agility and a hunger to do anything for biscuits?

“That would be a good challenge,” he said.

The football journey of the 6-foot-6, 285-pound junior involves a change of positions, a change in eating habits and a recognition he has found his calling.

“He’s a freak athlete,” former Murrieta Valley offensive line coach Alex Rosenblum said. “That kid has had an amazing offseason.”

Teammates share a laugh with Vincent Shields as he engages in a power lifting exercise.

(Sandy Huffaker / For The Times)

By the end of the summer, Shields was nearing 20 scholarship offers after just one season as an offensive lineman. That’s what happens when college recruiters discover someone with size, good footwork and the ability to improve.

He started at right tackle last season for a school that has been producing outstanding linemen.

“We love to run the ball,” Shields said.

He was a defensive end as a freshman before Rosenblum convinced him to become a blocker. It opened a path that Shields has embraced.

“He told me at the end of my freshman year, ‘You’re going to start and if you make a mistake, it’s OK. Everything is a learning experience.’ I made mistakes and he was supportive,” Shields said.

He has been receiving private instruction to understand his role of blocking specific defenders and adjusting when linebackers blitz. All that was thrown at him as a sophomore, so it was no surprise he had some offside penalties. A year later, there’s no telling how dominant he can become.

“It takes a different person to play O-line,” he said. “It’s violent and that takes a special person. Not everyone is meant for the mental part and physical part. Are you going to take another man against his will and drive him down the field?”

Murrieta Valley offensive tackle Vincent Shields, center, does exercises during practice.

(Sandy Huffaker / For The Times)

Shields said he has been playing tackle football since he was 11. He was primarily a linebacker to take advantage of his athleticism. Then he started to grow and eat and eat.

Those were the days he loved French fries, chips, hamburgers and anything fried. He once ordered three 4×4 burgers from In-N-Out, which is four beef patties and four slices of cheese. He used to order from Chick-fil-A two chicken sandwiches, four chicken strips and 10 chicken nuggets.

Then he learned about nutrition and choices. He’s been eating steak and grilled chicken lately.

“I’ve done a good job shedding the bad weight,” he said.

His father, a former Marine, likes to cook, so everyone is watching Shields’ eating habits. He’s 17 with an appetite like a dog.

And speaking of dogs, the family has Shields’ golden retriever, a Rottweiler named Fancy, a giant schnauzer named Goose and two Belgian Malinois named Hero and Baymax.

That’s enough dogs to form a starting offensive line. But one of them has to beat out Shields, who intends to cause a whole lot of trouble blocking opponents over the next two seasons.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “You’re going to see a jump and a lot of people are going to wonder how it happened.”

Sunday: Godschoice Eboigbodin, JSerra defensive lineman

Offensive linemen to watch

Austin Attalah, Orange Lutheran, 6-8, 270, Jr.: His size alone makes him a can’t-miss prospect

Amaziah Siale, Mission Viejo, 6-7, 360, Sr.: Louisiana State commit can take on sumo wrestlers

Lance Ciechanowski, Sierra Canyon, 6-6, 275, Jr.: Let’s see who gets by him on pass plays

Drew Fielder, Servite, 6-6, 270, Sr.: USC commit is a former tight end who should dominate

Jackson Hill, Chaminade, 6-6, 300, Sr.: Notre Dame commit keeps getting bigger and stronger

Vincent Shields, Murrieta Valley, 6-6, 285, Jr.: Moves to left tackle as his blocking skills progress rapidly

Lex Mailangi, Mater Dei, 6-3, 350, Sr.: Oregon commit was a much-desired college recruit

Elisha Mueller, St. John Bosco, 6-4, 295, Jr.: Braves’ best blocker since Wyatt Davis

Lucas Rhoa, Orange Lutheran, 6-5, 305, Sr.: Texas commit has been a standout since his sophomore year

Jack Schein, JSerra, 6-6, 290, Sr.: Colorado State commit comes from a program that develops linemen

FROM the first ‘we’re here, cheers!’ to a cheeky afternoon vino settled by the sea, wine can be the perfect holiday accompaniment.

Yet, with the average price of a glass nudging up to £20 in some parts of the world, it’s not always easy to find good wine for a decent price.

Fortunately, there are still some parts of Europe where you can ensure your bank balance can stay in the pink as you drink.

I’ve been visiting vineyards and tasting wines as a journalist for more than 15 years and even hiked the famous ‘Hollywood Hill’ Hermitage.

My experience of studying with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) – one of the world’s most revered wine qualification providers – has allowed me to travel the wine world virtually, too.

Now undertaking the highest tier qualification, the WSET Diploma, I immerse myself in a different grape region every day. So it’s safe to say I know a where to find some of the biggest bargains around the world.

So whether you’re looking to let your hair down with friends or just want to feel your shoulders soften after a hectic summer with the rugrats, here are my go-tos for an affordable getaway woven with wine…

Athens, Greece

The capital of Greece plays host to some of the world’s best bars where you’ll be lucky to get change from a 20 euro note for a single drink.

Yet this doesn’t mean there are no bargains to be found in the city.

In the Plaka area, at the foot of the Acropolis Hill, regular happy hours promise glasses of wine for as little as €2 (£1.71).

These are typically malagousia (white) or agiorgitiko (red) wines – they’re not the very best Greece has to offer, but they’re chalice sized, drinkable, and a good choice for a laid back early evening drink with friends.

Cheap eats in Athens take the form of souvlaki – skewers of spit roasted chicken or pork served in pillowy pitta with chips.

At Souvlaki Livadia, close to the Omonia metro stop, skewers are just a few euros including free bread.

For an affordable place to stay, Hotel Marina Center, a 25-minute walk from the Acropolis, has rooms from €51 (£44).

Lourmarin, France

An hour on a bus from pricier Aix en Provence, the hilltop town of Lourmarin is officially recognised as one of France’s prettiest villages.

Its centre is all limestone buildings with wooden window shutters, crooked cobbled lanes, and overflowing hanging baskets.

And the town is as easy on the wallet as it is on the eye, especially when it comes to wine.

Tucked inside a cave beneath Lourmarin’s 15th century castle, Le Caves du Château offers tasting sessions of six wines for €15 (£12.84) which works out to just over £2 a glass.

The pours are generous and – if the owner takes a liking to you – you might even get an extra taste for free.

Visit on a Friday to take advantage of the market that floods Lourmarin centre every week. Colourful food stalls are leaden with dry-cured meats, cheeses, and breads, which you can put together as a picnic lunch for less than a tenner.

When it comes to shut-eye, meanwhile, Ò Mamma Mia has rooms from €75 (£64) a night.

Top wine tip: Depending on the day, you’ll get to sample blends made from juicy syrahs, spicy grenaches and rare serine grapes with dark cherry and berry flavours.

Porto, Portugal

The trick to getting a bargain wine in Porto, in northwest Portugal, is to seek out the street sellers.

Pop up stalls regularly set up in locations like Jardin Morro and along the banks of the Douro in the Vila Nova de Gaia area, selling glasses of Portugal’s signature vino verde wine for €3 (£2.57) and three shots of port for €5 (£4.28).

If you want to combine sightseeing with sipping, the Pink Palace is a real giggle.

Entrance to this rosé themed attraction is €25 (£21), but the price includes five samples of rosé wine, and there are dozens of interactive exhibits to discover – including a giant pink ball pool.  

One of the cheapest things to eat in Porto is a classic francesinha – a multi decker, gravy-slicked sandwich. Each one will set you back about a tenner but is so big, you won’t need to eat for the rest of the trip.

On the accommodation front, there are plenty of affordable places to stay in Porto, from hostels with private rooms like Being Porto to B&Bs and apartments.

Centrally based Lusitana Hotel, for example, has doubles from €60 (£52) a night.

Bratislava, Slovakia

In the cobbled Old Town of the capital of Slovakia, the Slovak National Collection of Wines gives you 100 minutes to taste 80 wines for €40 (£34) which works out at 43p a sample if you can somehow manage them all.

To work up a thirst first, make the uphill walk to Bratislava Castle before returning to the Old Town to make a wish on the bronze Čumil statue, which emerges from a drain cover amongst the cobbles.

If you want more wine later, Grand Cru is the best wine bar in the city.

You won’t find wine for 50 cents a glass here, but you’ll get to taste gems like peachy devín and a grape called palava, all under the expert guidance of owner Martin.

For a place to crash out afterwards, We Stay has apartments in a restored 17th century Old Town building from €64 (£55) a night.

Top wine tip: You’ll taste your way through some better-known grape varieties like chardonnay and some that may be new to you such as peppery blaufränkisch and dunaj, bursting with red fruit.

Bari, Italy

Perched at the top of Italy’s stiletto heel, Bari is an fun port town where both life and prices remain largely unchanged by mass tourism.

Within the spaghetti streets of the Old Town, restaurants advertise offers like Antica Salumeria Di Lapesara’s two glasses of local wine and three cheeses for just €10 (£8.50).

It’s easy to find bargain bites in Bari, too.

The city is teeming with places that serve panzerotto (a type of pasty) or pucce (filled bread rolls) for as little as €2 a portion.

If you’re self-catering, pop to Strada Arco Basso. Known as ‘the street of the nonnas’, it’s an alleyway where local matriarchs make and sell fresh orecchiette pasta every day – you can pick up a bag for just €2.50.

For a wallet-friendly place to stay, Arvian B&B near the Old Town has rooms from €115 (£98) a night.

Top wine tip: In this part of the world, you can expect local grape varieties like verdeca and fiano (white) and aglianico and primitivo (red).

Kos, Greece

The birthplace of Hippocrates, or the ‘Father of Medicine’, Kos offers wines that are its own kind of medicine.

A 15-minute Uber ride from the centre of Kos Town, there’s a cluster of vineyards the serve affordable wine flights.

At family-run Hatziemmanouil, where the tasting terrace is topped with wine barrel tables in view of the vines, you can taste eight wines for €20 (£17) and the price includes a small board of cured meat, cheeses, breads, and tomatoes.

A short walk away, Ktima Akrani is a little pricier – with four wines costing €15 (£12.84) – but offers a tasting terrace that is all plump sofas, rattan, and wood, so it’s worth the extra pennies if you want a touch of lux.

To bed down, Bristol Sea View Hotel has apartment rooms from €94.50 (£81) a night.

Top wine tip: Count on tasting syrahs, grenaches, and one of Greece’s flagship grapes, citrussy assyrtiko.  

Béziers, France

This castle crowned hilltop city in southern France is surrounded by the Languedoc wine region, so it’s a great spot for a bargain drink.

If you’ve hired a car, you can also motor out into the vineyards of Fos.

Here, wineries like Domaine Ollier Taillefer offer tastings like six wines for just €10 (£8.50) and if you buy a bottle or two to take home, they sometimes waiver that cost.

The wines aren’t too badly priced at Béziers market, either – wine bar Jaja (a slang word for table wine) serves glasses from €4 (£3.50).

If you’re trying to save your cash just try not to be tempted by the croque truffle, which sells for nearly forty quid a metre at a stall across the street.

Or on the edge of the Old Town, Maison Carne serves wine by the centilitre, where you’re left in charge of the pour.

You’re only charged for the centilitres you drink and the rest is taken away at the end of your experience.

For a cheap place to stay, Hotel Paul Riquet, a five-minute walk from the Old Town, has rooms from €42 (£36) a night.

Top wine tip: The area is best known for its syrah, grenache, carignan and chardonnay wines.

Bilbao, Spain

Once you’ve ticked off Bilbao’s gargantuan Guggenheim art museum and ridden the funicular up Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of the city, it’s txakoli time.

This light, slightly sparkling wine is Bilbao’s signature drink, and it’s served in bars all over the city, for a few euros a glass.

Plaza Nueva in the Old Town is the best place for a txakoli crawl. All four sides of this suntrap square are lined with bars, with al fresco seating areas.

As well as serving wine, these joints serve pintxos – northern Spain’s equivalent of tapas, but typically served on cocktail sticks rather than in bowls or on plates.

Sold for €2 to €3 a portion, options include stuffed mushrooms, cured ham on mini baguettes, tortilla, and gilda (olives, anchovies, and pepper on a stick), and three to four can make a decent substitute for lunch. Favourite haunts include Café Bilbao and Taberna Ona.

To sleep it all off, Casual Mardones Bilbao has rooms in the Old Town from £92.45 a night.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

This red-roofed town on the banks of Lake Ohrid is dubbed North Macedonia’s Lake Como, although the cost of living in the two locations is incomparable.

Of course, prices are a little higher in the city’s bars and restaurants, but they’re still pocket friendly.

Near the lively Old Bazaar area, places like Star Cinar sell local wines for a few euros.

The food here is affordable, too. Share a platter of five dips and bread for £4 or tuck into a mućkalica (smoky stew) for less than £5.

For more choice, head to Winery Mal Sv. Kliment in the Old Town, where you can sample wines made from local grapes like ohridsko crno and pamid for less than €5 (£4.20) a glass in a cool, stone walled, tasting room. 

One of the cheapest ways to stay in Ohrid is to book a private villa.

Dozens of options, like Villa Malezan and Villa Dvor, can be booked for less than £50 a night.

Dolenjska, Slovenia

A 50-minute drive or one hour 45-minute bus journey from Slovenian capital Ljubljana, Dolenjska is the land of Cviček – a light, fruity, lower alcohol, traditional red wine that’s so loved by locals it has its own wine princess.

This part of Slovenia is ideal for a girls’ escape.

Dozens of stone vineyard outbuildings have been converted into cottages with facilities like wine barrel hot tubs and saunas.

Many of them, including Matjaz’s Homestead, offer wine blending experiences which let you blend your own bottle of Cviček wine in the cellars – for just €5 (£4.28) a bottle.

Stays in Dolenjska’s vineyard cottages can be booked for as little as €100 (£85) for four people.

Aug. 14 (UPI) — An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger last fall has been released, officials said Thursday.

Kevin Rideout, 50, was abducted by three men from outside his home in the capital of Niamey on Oct. 21.

The details of his release are unclear, but he was in FBI custody and in good health as of Thursday, The New York Times reported.

Rideout, a pilot, was in Niger working for SIM, a North Carolina-based missionary organization.

“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” SIM International Director Phil Bauman told CNN in a statement. “Kevin is in good health in the care of US officials.”

President Donald Trump said “the United States of America looks forward to welcoming” him home.

“Kevin was kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists in West Africa – the epicenter of Islamist terrorism, where there have been more deadly attacks in the past year than anywhere else on Earth,” the president added on Truth Social.