Nations Championship: Cardiff City Stadium set to host Wales v Fiji in July
The Fiji fixture is not Wales’ game to organise.
Wales traditionally play their home matches at the Principality Stadium but this contest is considered an away match with Fiji being the hosts.
Similarly, the invitational Barbarians will be the “home” side when they face Wales at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, 27 June.
Fiji are set to play their Nations Championship home matches at venues outside their own country, given the logistical difficulties of travel to the Pacific Islands and the ability to maximise revenue at larger grounds elsewhere.
Fiji face England in the second round of fixtures, before finishing the July group stages against Scotland.
The Principality Stadium is also continuing the tradition of hosting a number of non-rugby events this summer, so is unavailable to stage matches in late June and early July.
There are no official events yet listed in the Principality Stadium calendar for July, but rock group Metallica are holding a concert in Cardiff on Sunday, 28 June, 12 days after Take That have played in the Welsh capital.
Wales will host Japan, New Zealand and Australia at the Principality Stadium in November in the second half of the Nations Championship.
Airlines warn Brits face paying extra £250 for flights due to major airport expansion
WITH Heathrow Airport set to add a third runway, there are growing fears that it could increase the price of flights.
Airlines warn that the planned expansion could result in a £250 price increase for passengers on a family fare.
With the expansion set to cost £33billion, The Times has reported that airlines are “seriously worried” that Heathrow’s landing charge will increase to pay back the cost of the project for investors.
Their landing fees are already the highest in the world.
In July 2025, Heathrow Airport proposed to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to increase airport charges to fund the expansion.
The average charge over the next five years could increase to around £33.26 per passenger, up from the current average of £28.46 per passenger.
Now, The Times added that airline bosses have pointed out that the cost of the project would add “at least” £60-£65 to average ticket prices.
This means that the additional cost for a family of four could be as much as £250.
Officials from IAG – the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus – raised their concerns to Downing Street.
Another group called ‘Heathrow Reimagined’ have written to Rachel Reeves about the expansion.
The letter raised points that going ahead with the current model will “deliver a scheme which negatively impacts connectivity, competitiveness and the wider UK economy“.
It added that increased charges that are “already the highest in the world” would undermine the “government’s commitment to reduce the cost of living.”
The letter was signed by the boss of IAG, the chief of Virgin Atlantic and the director-general of the airline trade body International Air Transport Association (Iata).
However, a Heathrow spokeswoman told The Times: “Expansion provides a rare opportunity to drive real economic growth for the UK and deliver value for future generations of passengers.
“With demand consistently outpacing supply, incumbent airlines currently compete to charge a premium and the evidence speaks for itself: airfares at Heathrow have risen by 30 per cent in real terms since 2014, whilst the airport passenger charge has decreased by 19 per cent.”
They added that the analysis has “shown fares will be lower with expansion than without it” and said that they did not “recognise those numbers nor have we seen calculations that would support them.”
The huge expansion for the UK’s busiest airport was given the green light in November 2025.
The Heathrow proposals involve building a 3,500-metre runway which will require a new M25 tunnel and bridges to be built 130 metres west of the existing motorway.
The expansion is estimated to cost £33billion which includes building a 3,500 metre runway.
It will see Heathrow’s capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers per year.
The project has received government backing and is moving forward, but it has not yet received final planning approval or development consent.
Heathrow Airport is making other big changes this year…
London Heathrow will undergo a series of developments this year starting with Terminal 2 and 4…
The airport will improve the passenger experience by using AI-technology and has plans to make flights more punctual along with better baggage facilities.
Heathrow Airport revealed it will start upgrading Terminal 4 next year costing £1.3billion.
The first step will be building a new multi-storey car park and upgrading its check-in area.
The works will be phased to ensure that there’s no disruption to the running of Terminal 4 – and these are expected to be completed in 2031.
Over in Terminal 2, Heathrow has announced that work will also begin on a new baggage system that will be able to handle 31,000 bags each day.
In order to speed up flights and improve punctuality, it will install AI-powered turnaround tech. This will involve a network of cameras being installed across Heathrow.
Using AI to analyse data, the airport will speed up turnaround times between flights, which will make journeys more punctual.
Coverage is expected to be across all terminals by the end of 2026.
3 in 10 households in S. Korea raise pets, mostly dogs
Nearly 3 out of 10 households in South Korea raise pets, mostly dogs, government data showed Tuesday. In this Sept. 28, 2025, photo, dogs wear traditional hanbok at a fashion show held in Seoul. File Photo by Yonhap
Nearly 3 out of 10 households in South Korea raise pets, mostly dogs, government data showed Tuesday.
A survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs showed that 29.2 percent of households were raising pets at home in 2025.
Of such households, 80.5 percent raised dogs, while 14.4 percent raised cats and 4.1 percent fish.
Pet owners spent an average of 121,000 won (US$84) per month for their pets.
The survey marked South Korea’s first nationally approved statistical survey on pet ownership.
In a separate survey on animal welfare, also conducted by the agriculture ministry, a little less than half of respondents said pet owners appear to be properly complying with pet-related requirements, such as using leashes and identification tags.
Still, there existed a wide perception gap depending on the respondents’ pet ownership, with 86.9 percent of those who own pets saying they comply with the rules, while only 39.9 percent of non-owners gave the same response.
Regarding the penalty for animal abuse, 93.2 percent of respondents agreed with a need for stronger punishment for those who abuse animals, including bans on animal ownership.
Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.
New Mexico lawmakers launch probe into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch | Sexual Assault News
The ‘truth commission’ will interview victims who say they were abused at the sprawling property south of Santa Fe.
Lawmakers in the US state of New Mexico have approved the first fully-fledged investigation into Zorro Ranch, a sprawling property where the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is alleged to have trafficked and sexually assaulted girls and women.
The legislation, which passed New Mexico’s House of Representatives by a unanimous vote on Monday, forms a bipartisan “truth commission”.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Its four members will seek testimony from victims and local residents about the ranch, located about 55km (34 miles) south of the state capital, Santa Fe.
Members are slated to begin work on Tuesday, with an initial update to be delivered in July and a full report by the end of this year.
The move comes in the wake of the release of more than three million previously unpublicised files related to the disgraced financier, who died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
State Representative Melanie Stansbury said in a video posted after the vote that the commission will “help to bring forward a full picture of what happened here in New Mexico”.
“The crimes that were reported to federal and state authorities were never fully investigated,” Stansbury said. The probe seeks to “ensure we have safeguards in place not only to hold those individuals accountable, who were complicit, but to ensure that this can never happen again”.
Epstein bought the 7,600-acre (3075-hectare) property, which included a hilltop mansion and private runway, from former New Mexico Democrat Governor Bruce King in 1993.
Victim advocates say Epstein trafficked and sexually abused girls at the so-called “playboy ranch” as early as 1996, including Virginia Giuffre, the prominent victim who accused Epstein and the disgraced British royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of abuse.
Multiple civil lawsuits specify the ranch as a site of abuse. Epstein’s habit of flying “masseuses” to the property – as well as hiring local massage therapists – was also revealed in the Epstein files as part of a ranch manager’s 2007 testimony to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Epstein was never charged with crimes related to the site.
“Many of the survivors had experiences in New Mexico, and as we’ve learned, you know, there were local politicians and other people that were aware of what was happening in New Mexico,” said Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer whose law firm has represented hundreds of Epstein survivors.
Yet federal investigators never cast their eye on the property, according to Andrea Romero, a New Mexico state representative who co-sponsored the legislation.
And while New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas attempted to kick off a probe in 2019, federal prosecutors asked for it to be put on hold to avoid a “parallel investigation”, he said in a statement.
Epstein “was basically doing anything he wanted in this estate without any accountability whatsoever”, Romero said.
The committee – which will have subpoena power – aims to close that gap by gathering testimony that could be used in future litigation, Romero said. New Mexico’s state attorney general has also allocated a special agent to look into any allegations that arise.
The ranch was sold at a 2023 auction to the family of Don Huffines, a former Republican Texas senator who is now running for Texas state comptroller, the Santa Fe New Mexican media outlet reported. A family spokesperson said they would give investigators “full and complete cooperation”.
Millie Mackintosh admits she spent Valentine’s weekend ‘sobbing’ after split from Hugo Taylor
MILLIE MACKINTOSH has admitted she spent Valentine’s weekend “sobbing” following her split from husband Hugo Taylor.
It was revealed earlier this month that the couple had parted ways after seven years of marriage.
As she celebrated Valentine’s Day as a newly-single woman, it turned out to be an emotional one for the 36-year-old mum-of-two.
She went to watch the new romantic drama Wuthering Heights in cinemas before coming home and reviewing the Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi film in a video.
The movie follows the love story between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, a woman from a wealthy family in 18th-century England.
Millie said: “So I saw Wuthering Heights over the weekend, it was very spicy. The way Heathcliff loved her ah! Everyone in the cinema was just sobbing.
READ MORE MILLIE AND HUGO
“I would definitely recommend to go and see it. They had great chemistry and the costumes were so good.”
It comes after she opened up about having an “alternative” Valentine’s Day this year as she nurses her heartbreak over the end of her marriage.
She took to Instagram on Friday to share a photo of a London Underground board titled: “Valentine’s Day Alternatives.”
The suggestions included: “Galentine’s Day” with the girls, “Malentine’s Day” with the lads, and “Palentine’s Day” with friends.
According to the Daily Mail, Millie and Hugo, 39 – who share two daughters – went their separate ways after a series of discussions in the New Year.
An insider told the publication: “Millie and Hugo are currently going through a separation and have sadly decided to split.
“They have known each other for many years, and in recent weeks, have had serious conversations about their future, ultimately deciding it’s better for them both to part ways.
“Their main priority remains their children and family life, and separating is not something they ever hoped would happen.”
The source added they are living a part and figuring out how best to co-parent.
The pair got married in 2018, seven years after initially dating on Made in Chelsea.
However, they ended up parting ways, with Millie marrying rapper Professor Green in 2013.
But, following their divorce in 2016, Millie and Hugo got back together before tying the knot themselves two years later at Whithurst Park in West Sussex.
Millie said at the time: “Even in my wildest dreams I didn’t imagine it would be this perfect. I am so excited to finally be married to Hugo — he’s the love of my life.”
They had their first daughter, Sienna, in 2020 and second daughter, Aurelia, in 2021.
After the news broke of their split, Hugo was pictured still wearing his wedding ring while Millie was seen without hers.
Meta’s Recent Acquisition Worries Chinese Regulators
US regulators welcomed Meta’s $2 billion December acquisition of AI-assistant platform Manus, while Chinese regulators were far less receptive.
Manus AI agents help execute tasks, such as screening resumes, creating trip itineraries, or analyzing stocks.
For Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Manus is a worthwhile target. Its agents can be swiftly integrated into Meta’s apps, but its Asian roots are difficult to digest. Manus was created by Chinese entrepreneur “Red” Xiao Hong and originally had its headquarters in Beijing.
Fortunately for Meta, Xiao decided last summer to relocate the startup to Singapore. The move alleviated US regulators’ worries about a potential Chinese interference into American business. However, it didn’t address Chinese fears. If one of its startups could escape to a friendlier country, it would encourage other Chinese tech firms to relocate abroad and transfer their technology to the US.
China’s commerce ministry in January deepened an investigation into the acquisition. Moving to Singapore doesn’t place Manus beyond Beijing’s jurisdiction. Xiao remains a Chinese citizen and his company’s obligations didn’t disappear with relocation. Chinese regulators are looking into potential violation of techexports controls.
The issue: Will user data be compromised or shared with Manus’ American parent? There are also questions about national security and cross-border rules governing currency flows, tax accounting, and overseas investments.The investigation could lead to a worstcase scenario: the cancellation of the acquisition.
Through Manus, Beijing is sending a warning to the Chinese community: Relocation will not exempt them from domestic oversight. Still, promising companies are already looking for greener pastures abroad. HeyGen, an AI video company, moved to Los Angeles. WIZ.AI, a conversational startup, went to Singapore, as did Tabcut, an expert in TikTok data analytics.
Huge list of 100 free family days out in the UK this spring
WHAT if the best memories you make with your family this year didn’t have to cost you a single penny?
We’ve scoured the internet for family days out across the UK – and the best part is, they are all TOTALLY free.
We’ve compiled a mega list of all the best free family days out taking place this spring, including free kids festivals, a travelling activity train, wilding workshops and more.
For the mini history buffs, science geeks, horse lovers, artsy types and railway enthusiasts in the family, we’ve got you covered.
From free mini kids concerts in Birmingham, to meeting newborn lambs at farms in Wales, you’re bound to find something near you that the whole family will love this spring.
North of England
1. National Railway Museum, York
The National Railway Museum in York is free to visit and open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Inside, you’ll find an extensive model railway, a large family play area and a viewing balcony overlooking York Railway Station.
Make sure to book your free tickets in advance to secure your slot.
2. Play Pavilion at The Hepworth, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
The Hepworth art museum in Wakefield is home to a Play Pavilion full of arts materials, books, fun artifacts and more for kids to get stuck into.
The Play Pavilion is part of the artistic Playing with Fire exhibition, and will be available to visit until May 4 2026.
There’s plenty more for families here, too, like Explore and Draw stations dotted around the exhibitions and a welcoming free Warm Space to enjoy a free hot drink and a biscuit.
3. Family Parkrun in Fountains Abbey
Parkruns are free to attend and take place across the country, so as the sun comes out in the springtime, what better way to celebrate than a family Parkrun?
The trails are 5km routes, which most people run but you can walk them as well.
The Fountains Abbey Parkrun is often considered to be one of the most beautiful in the UK as it goes through a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Run along past 12th-century abbey ruins and gorgeous Georgian water gardens.
You can sign up for free on Parkrun’s website.
4. Tiny Tigers and Rory’s Saturday Club at Leeds City Museum
Tiny Tigers is a creative kids workshop held at Leeds City Museum, where children under 5 can get stuck into some colourful arts and crafts.
The sessions take place every Friday morning inside the Life on Earth gallery of the museum.
The museum also runs crafts for families of mixed ages on Saturday mornings, hosting Rory’s Saturday Club drop-in sessions.
All of the messy craft sessions have materials provided at no cost, although the museum itself is a Give What You Can museum.
5. Little Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool
The National Museums in Liverpool are running plenty of free events for families this spring.
Whilst the permanent displays on Ancient Egypt, Natural History, and on-site planetarium are fascinating enough, there are also extra events taking place across locations.
Little Liverpool is a hands-on giant fantasy world at the Museum of Liverpool, designed for children aged 6 and under.
You must have a ticket to take part in this area of the museum, which can be reserved online in advance or collected on the day from the welcome desk.
6. Aquarium baby sessions, World Museum, Liverpool
This 45-minute sensory session is a relaxing choice for families with babies under 12 months.
Here, light from glowing fish tanks and soft colours soothe little ones lying on soft cushions and blankets.
The sessions take place in early spring until March 19 2026. You can book a free ticket for your 0 – 12-month-old online on the museum’s website.
7. Interactive Big Art, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool is open from 10am – 4pm from Tuesdays to Sundays, and is free to enter.
The gallery has its own creative area for kids called Big Art, designed for families with kids aged 0 – 5.
Here, there’s plenty of toys and games, costumes to dress up in, and a craft table which rotates themes on a weekly basis.
Entry is free, just make sure that you pre-book your slot in advance online, where you can find all the timings available.
8. Wild and Kind workshops and walks, Bradford
The Wild and Kind Gatherings held by local artist Rachel Cambell offer a free day out for families with children ages 6 – 12 to walk through nature and learn about the world around them.
Nature-themed walks and workshops include The Whispering Sky, inspired by astronomy, and The Quiet Stirring, all about the telltale signs of nature transforming for spring.
The events take place every Wednesday from 1:30 – 3pm until April 2026. Booking is required for certain events.
9. Cereal Disco and artist workshops at Baltic Arts Centre, Gateshead
The Baltic Arts Centre in Gateshead is free to visit, and it’s full of all sorts of weird and wonderful art exhibitions.
There’s also quirky kids’ events on offer here, such as the Cereal Disco, which mixes breakfast with party tunes and runs from 10 – 11am on Wednesdays – Sundays.
There’s also Meet & Make workshops every Sunday from 2pm – 4pm, with arts and crafts activities for children aged 5 – 12.
Both events are free drop-ins with no pre-booking required.
10. Bolton Museum and Little Lever Library
The Bolton Museum and libraries have plenty to see and do for families and young children – and admission is totally free.
Inside, there’s a fascinating Ancient Egypt gallery, as well as Greater Manchester‘s only aquarium inside the Central Library and Museum building.
Plus, throughout spring at the Little Lever Library, families can attend the weekly Toddler Tales for ages 2 -5 for morning storytelling sessions.
There are also Create and Craft events every Saturday from 11am – 1pm with free arts activities.
Events are drop-ins with no booking required.
11. Durham Cathedral Lego display
A Lego edition of the beautiful Durham Cathedral, which took three years to create, is on display in the city.
The huge model is made of 350,000 Lego bricks, and its details include glowing stained glass windows and an intricate roof structure.
The display is available to view for free inside the Durham Cathedral Museum with no admission fee.
The museum is open from 9:30 – 4:30pm Monday – Saturday, and 12 – 3pm on Sundays. Other exhibitions require a paid admission ticket (£7.50 adults, under 18’s free).
12. Fairy-tale Forest Creative Play at Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington
Just next door to Darlington Hippodrome, The Hullabaloo is a venue created for kids with creative events for all ages on offer.
The events programme is constantly updated with new and exciting shows and workshops. Whilst theatre shows have admission charges, there are plenty of exciting free events too.
The Hullabaloo is open from 10am – 2pm from Wednesday – Saturday. The listed events are free to attend with no booking required.
13. Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail at the Great North Museum, Hancock
Some of the best to look forward to this spring include the Little Light Explorers sensory play from March 18 – 28, and the space-themed Moonbeam Creative Play and dress up from April 1 – June 27.
Running until April 2, the Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail is fun for the whole family with plenty of activities and games to find dotted around the Great North Museum: Hancock.
Simply pick up a free trail sheet at the welcome desk, and follow the activities around the galleries – there’s even some fun prizes to take home, too.
And if you happen to visit on Saturday, March 28, there’s a free drop-in living history family fun day to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition Treasure: Hidden, Lost and Found.
Entry to the Great North Museum, Hancock, is free. The museum is open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday, closing an hour earlier on weekends.
14. National Football Museum, Manchester
Manchester’s National Football Museum has plenty to see and do that footie fans will love.
There’s four galleries of memorabilia, interactive sporty activities, and shiny league cups and trophies to see up close.
The National Football Museum is free to visit for City of Manchester residents.
15. Baby Active and Baby Pitch and Play – National Football Museum, Manchester
There are also free events for tots and toddlers held at the National Football Museum.
Baby: Active takes place in the museum’s discovery zone, and includes sensory play as well as physical movement and singing songs.
Baby Pitch Play is another sensory play option for small babies below walking age.
Booking is encouraged but not essential.
16. Clitheroe Castle, Lancashire
The grounds and keep of the medieval Clitheroe Castle in Lancashire are totally free to visit and open to the public to explore.
The castle dates all the way back to the 12th century, and its beautiful surrounding green fields make for a picnic spot with a great view.
Or see if you can find any ancient coins, which you can bring to the Finds Liaison Officers to identify and record your discoveries.
17. Tracks of Life Train Exhibition, Clitheroe Castle Museum, Lancashire
The Tracks of Life: Trains, People and Places exhibition at Clitheroe Castle Museum is the perfect place to take train enthusiasts, young and old.
The exhibition celebrates local photographer and railway enthusiast Ken Roberts, who was recognised nationwide for his talent in railway photography.
As well as his famous photographs, there are plenty of model railways and other artefacts to see donated by local historians.
The exhibition is open daily to visit for free between 11am – 4pm, and will run until June 30 2026.
18. The Harris Museum, Preston, Lancashire
The Harris Museum in Preston is free to enter, and is also holding a variety of free events for all ages this spring.
Baby Bounce and Rhyme is a weekly drop-in where families with infants can share in songs and stories – plus if you collect eight stamps on the loyalty card they give you, you receive a free children’s book.
There’s also a jungle-themed reading club, Little Steps on Mondays and Fridays for children aged 2 -5, and the Curious Creators drop-in arts activities for ages 3 – 9.
All of the free events are drop-ins with no booking required.
19. SEA LIFE Beach Cleans in Blackpool
Beach cleans are a fantastic way to do your bit in keeping our oceans safe and clean for both animals and people, and taking part in a beach clean as a family can be incredibly rewarding.
Luckily, SEA LIFE plans and hosts regular beach cleans with all the equipment you’ll need, as you set out as a large group to tackle the rubbish left on the sea shores.
Grab a litter pick and stroll along the stretches of sand, clearing your path as you go and disposing of items safely and correctly with trained professionals.
Multiple SEA LIFE sites across the UK host these beach cleans, with events taking place in Blackpool this spring on April 26 and May 23.
20. The HAPPY! exhibition at Hatton Gallery, Newcastle
To inspire the young artists in the family, the HAPPY! The exhibition at Newcastle‘s Hatton Gallery is an art exhibition made entirely by young people.
Created by local youth art group L-INK, the exhibition is a collection of vibrant art pieces made in collaboration with professional artists.
The Hatton Gallery itself is free to enter, and often hosts pop-up art workshops for children of all ages, so make sure to keep an eye on their website for new events.
The exhibition will take place from February 14 – May 9 2026. The gallery is open from February 14 – May 9 from Monday – Saturday.
21. Trails, arts activities and baby sensory sessions at Salford Museum
The START trail is a hands-on way for all ages to explore the Victorian Gallery of the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, and let creativity flow with writing and drawing exercises.
Pick up a free trial and pencil case, and take your time exploring the gallery’s dramatic paintings and marble sculptures.
The attraction is open from 9:30am – 4pm from Tuesday – Friday, and 11am – 4pm on weekends.
22. Locomotion, Shildon, County Durham
Visit the world’s first railway town and blow off some steam at Locomotion in Shildon this spring.
The star object of the attraction is Locomotion No. 1 – the 200-year-old locomotive which ran the first ever passenger service on a public railway.
Once you’ve admired its “knitting needle”-like gears and giant black chimney, families can make use of the outdoor play area and free Railway Boy trail (make sure to print this at home first).
And if you choose to visit the weekend of May 16-17, you can take part in a completely free Magnificent Models weekend, where you can browse stalls and take part in family railway modelling craft activities.
Locomotion is free to visit and open from 10am – 4pm daily.
23. Derwent Reservoir, Northumberland
Head to Derwent Reservoir on a sunny day this spring for a wide open space the whole family will love, including the dog.
Here, there’s a giant wooden play park, a nature trail, picnic spots and plenty of cycling and hiking routes.
There’s also a 12-acre secured field where dogs can be let off the lead to roam free.
Derwent is also a popular fishing spot, with cash prizes available for any tagged fish caught.
Plus, if you do have a few pounds to spare, the half-term kids clubs during the Easter break and May cost £2.50 per child for some artsy activities.
24. The Stick Man Outdoor Trail, National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
The free Stick Man trail in the woods of Alrewas, Staffordshire is a must-visit for kids who are fans of the book, animated film, or of course, the kids’ party song.
The woodland trail is dotted with recognisable wooden animal sculptures, and runs one mile in length.
Simply pick up your paper trail copy from the welcome desk of the National Memorial Arboretum, then head on your merry way to meet the much-loved characters.
25. Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
If you’re looking for something different to do in the city, you can visit a former Victorian railway viaduct turned beautiful sky garden in the heart of Manchester.
The Grade II-listed viaduct was built by the same engineers who constructed Blackpool Tower, and now it blends Victorian history with modern gardens.
Explore secret gardens, untouched wild areas, and plenty of scenic rooftop viewpoints, whilst introducing children to hundreds of plant species they may have never seen before.
The viaduct is free to visit and open from 10am – 5pm from Wednesday – Sunday.
26. Darlington and Durham Running Day, County Durham
On 18 April 2026, County Durham is celebrating the Darlington and Durham Running Day.
This free day celebrating transport will see classic and modern buses take to the streets, with free bus rides on offer throughout the day.
The event will take place from 10am – 4pm, and there’s no need to book a ticket.
27. The Wind in the Willows interactive trails at RHS Gardens
Beginning in February and running until December of 2026, all five Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gardens are taking part in a Wind in the Willows-themed event.
Each magical garden trail hides story characters such as Mole, Toad and Badger around each corner – with garden games and plenty of photo opportunities.
The five RHS gardens across the UK are located in Manchester, North Yorkshire, Essex, Devon and Surrey.
The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure is a free trail included with your garden entry.
28. Newcastle Discovery Museum
Newcastle Discovery Museum is another great option for a free family day out in the North.
It’s home to Turbinia: a huge ship powered by steam turbines, and collections with some really unique items, such as a Roman toilet and rare sea slugs collection.
And for some play time, their kids’ space, Tiny Tyneside, is full of replica transport inventions to play with, and is open daily.
The museum is open from 10am – 4pm on weekdays, opening an hour later on weekends.
Central and East of England
29. Wild City and Marvellous Makers, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s Marvellous Makers is a weekly free drop-in for creative kids of all ages.
Activities are switched up every single week, with previous sessions including building wild sculptures and creating huge collaborative floor artworks.
The sessions take place every Sunday from 11am – 3pm, and there’s no need to pre-book.
Make a day of your visit by wandering through the two new Wild City galleries, with animal and nature-themed displays that are designed for children and families.
The museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm during Birmingham school holidays, and Wednesday – Sunday during term time.
30. RAF Museum: Midlands, Cosford
The free-to-enter RAF Museum: Midlands contains everything from the world’s oldest Spitfire plane, to a playground with mini models of RAF aircraft to play inside.
Aviation geeks will enjoy walking underneath the wings of the Vulcan, trying on RAF uniforms and seeing the world’s oldest surviving Supermarine Spitfire.
You can even have a go at sitting inside the cockpit of a Phantom or Hunter aircraft.
The museum and playground are open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm.
31. Free tours of the Lapworth Museum, Birmingham
This specialist geological museum is perfect for the history buffs and budding archaeologists of the family.
The museum regularly hosts comedy, quiz and music events for a small fee, but has plenty of free things to see and do, too.
Here you can look back at 4.6 billion years of history in palaeontology and fossil collections, or marvel at geological displays and historic maps.
There’s also free family tours of the museum, which come on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Just make sure to arrive early and ask at reception, and you’re in with the best chance of receiving a guided tour, free of charge.
32. Musical Picnic and miniBEAST music concerts at The Dome, Birmingham
The University of Birmingham are putting on a series of musical events this spring that are both family-friendly and totally free.
Taking place at The Dome inside the University of Birmingham’s Bramall Music Building, these events provide both live and electronic music options.
The Barber Baby with Musical Picnic events are designed for families with children aged 0 – 4, with creative musical sessions themed around famous paintings.
These take place once a month, with dates available on their website.
The miniBEAST informal concerts play electronic music made by both the staff and students of the University of Birmingham. These take place weekly on Wednesdays.
33. Free arts and crafts, comics and music workshops, The Exchange, Birmingham
The Barber Family events held at The Exchange in Birmingham are free, creative workshops designed for families with children aged 4 – 10.
Upcoming events this spring include musical performances and activities at Sounds of the Sun on March 21, and a Light and Landscape textiles activity on April 1. Both activities take place from 11am – 3pm.
There will also be an exciting comic book workshop on April 18, in which families can take part in a writing and illustration workshop, creating a comic of their own.
These workshops operate as free drop-ins, with no need to reserve a slot.
34. Uncover bank secrets and history with an immersive free family tour, The Exchange, Birmingham
The Exchange in Birmingham City Centre are offering free family immersive tours, where you can explore the fascinating history of the Birmingham Municipal Bank.
A bank clerk character will lead you and your family through a journey marked by mysteries and historical artefacts.
This immersive family tour is entirely free, but make sure to reserve your slot. The tours take place once a month, with tickets available to book in April and May.
35. Stonebridge City Farm, Nottingham
An option for animal lovers is Stonebridge City Farm in Nottingham, which is free to enter but supported by donations as a charity.
This unique working farm in the middle of the city has amazing grounds, with a well-kept wildlife pond and even Japanese gardens.
Plus, there are, of course, plenty of farm animals to meet and greet, including fluffy sheep, goats and rabbits.
And if you have a couple quid to spare, they also run plenty of cheap family and children’s events.
There are regular £2 craft sessions, and Rainbow Stripes on Tuesdays (£3), which is an interactive live music workshop.
36. Museum of Lincolnshire Life
If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.
The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.
There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.
The museum is open from 10am – 4pm throughout the week, closing on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
37. Bransby Horses, Lincolnshire
The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.
There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.
Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.
38. Hubbard’s Hills, Lincolnshire
Hubbard’s Hills in Lincolnshire is a vast green space with plenty of trees and a water valley, perfect for getting out in the outdoors.
Here, there’s open space for bringing a bat and ball or running around, dog walking paths, cycling trails and more.
Park up with a homemade picnic on the riverbank, after enjoying a family day out full of fresh air and exercise.
39. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
Situated in Shrewsbury’s town square, the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is free to visit and chock-full of things to see and do.
Here, there’s a fascinating geology and fossils gallery, containing woolly mammoth specimens and more rare finds.
There’s also a social and industrial history collection which will transport you back to 18th-century Shropshire through costume, vehicles, machinery and more.
The museum and gallery are open from 10am – 4pm daily, closing on Monday and Sunday.
40. Sandringham woodland trails and adventure playground, Norfolk
Sandringham in Norfolk attracts many visitors who come to tour the Royal House and gardens, which costs a pricey £26 per ticket.
However, a free family day out can be enjoyed exploring the estate’s 1,300+ acres of forest.
Next to the visitor centre and restaurant, you’ll find a vast open field space that’s perfect for ball games and burning off some energy.
Head towards the woods to find an adventure playground and multiple forest trail routes, which are marked by tall, wooden animal sculptures.
41. Old Hunstanton Beach and RNLI Lifeboat Station, Norfolk
Old Hunstanton Beach is one of Norfolk‘s most family-friendly options and makes for a fantastic day out.
Stroll the coastal path beside Old Hunstanton’s red and white striped cliffs to reach its wide stretch of beach, where there’s plenty of room to run about on soft sands or set up a picnic on the dunes.
There’s plenty of facilities here, including a cafe, loos, a large car park and taps to rinse off.
Plus, Hunstanton Lifeboat Station is right on the beach, with its giant lifeboat and hovercraft on display, alongside a friendly team who are always willing to answer children’s questions.
Hunstanton Lifeboat Station is open from the Easter weekend through to October, 10am – 4pm on Monday – Friday and 9am – 12pm on Sundays.
42. Crabbing and adventure playground in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Soak up the sights of Wells-next-the-Sea‘s pretty quayside by bringing along a bucket, bait and wire to go crabbing.
Whilst the main quay can become busy with fishermen loading boats and holidaymakers queuing for fish and chips, the East Quay is a quieter spot to set up and enjoy the views in a more peaceful location.
Plus just around the corner is a giant children’s playground with a colourful pirate ship and skate park, which is right beside the scenic pinewood walk down to the beach.
43. Family drop-in activities at Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Cambridge‘s Fitzwilliam Museum offers relaxed morning workshops and craft activities for families.
The family-friendly drop-ins are suitable for all ages, with sensory play, picture books and arts materials available to use.
Family Friendly drop-in events occur monthly, with the first springtime event taking place on March 4 2026.
There is also a free paper fortune-telling crafts event at the museum running from 2pm – 4pm on April 8 – 9.
44. Little Stars and Travellers in Time event at the Whipple Museum, Cambridge
The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is stocked with fascinating collections of instruments and artefacts that the science geeks of the family will love.
Plus this spring, there’s plenty of free family-friendly events to enjoy.
Weekend at the Whipple: Travellers in Time is an all-ages time-travelling adventure in which families can explore the museum’s collection and learn about the history of time. The event will take place from 10am – 4pm on March 28 – 29.
Plus the Little Stars at the Whipple provides a relaxed morning for families to make use of art and sensory play resources in the museum’s Learning Gallery. The event takes place monthly, with the first spring session beginning on March 19.
The museum itself has free entry and some exciting exhibitions for 2026, such as The Art of Deception, where visitors can learn how to spot a fake or forged artefact.
The museum is open from 12:30 – 4:30pm from Monday – Friday, as well as the third Saturday of each month.
45. Felixstowe Activity Park, Suffolk
Smack-bang on Felixstowe‘s scenic seafront, this outdoor activity park has games and sports equipment that are completely free to use.
Here you’ll find everything from climbing walls, table tennis and chess tables for kids, to outdoor fitness equipment.
Make a day of your visit to the seaside town by strolling down the seaside promenade and exploring the seafront gardens.
46. Wildlife Trust nature reserves, Suffolk
Suffolk‘s Wildlife Trust nature reserves stretch all the way along the coast from Lowestoft to Felixstowe, and is home to beautiful landscapes such as green marshes and the calm waters of Lound Lakes.
Pick a section of the nature reserves to explore on foot or by bike, and see which animal species you can spot as a family.
Native wildlife species you may spot include beautiful birds such as Bittern and Avocet, as well as otters, water voles and Chinese water deer.
47. Christchurch Mansion, Suffolk
Christchurch Mansion in Suffolk is free to enter and full of fascinating rooms and displays to explore as a family.
The 12th-century building has historical rooms kept in period fashions, ranging from the Tudor to the Victorian era.
Step back in time and stroll through stately bedrooms, from the Queen Anne Room to the Butler’s Room, plus explore the kitchen and servants’ quarters.
There are also fascinating collections of historical items, such as old toys and instruments.
Christchurch Mansion is open from 10am – 5pm, closing on Mondays and Fridays.
South and West of England
48. Natural History Museum, London
Young dinosaur, animal and fossil enthusiasts should look no further than the Natural History Museum.
Its dinosaur specimens and replicas are world-famous – and include part of the first Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered.
The building, in South Kensington, London, is one of the city’s most spectacular architectural attractions in itself.
Although some exhibitions may have an entry fee, general admission to the museum is completely free.
The museum is open daily from 10am – 5:50pm.
49. Science Museum, London
London’s Science Museum has world-class displays and collections, with over 500,000 fascinating objects to discover.
Some of the most jaw-dropping displays include the Black Arrow satellite launcher, the 1928 Gipsy Moth aircraft, and the 1950 Pilot Ace Computer.
There’s also a free interactive gallery for ages 0 – 3 called The Garden, located on the museum’s basement floor.
The museum is open daily from 10am – 6pm. Make sure to pre-book your free tickets online.
50. Spring Family Fun Festival at the Southbank Centre, London
From April 1 – May 31 2026, London’s Southbank Centre will be hosting its Spring Family Fun festival.
The festival comprises both free and paid events, with some of the most exciting free events on offer being poet Michael Rosen’s 80th birthday party and the energy-filled “DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow“.
More free events on offer include the Architecture Explorers: Family Trail and a family quilting textile workshop.
Make sure to check the festival website for the dates and times of specific events, and to pre-book your slot.
51. Character encounters and sea-themed playground at the National Maritime Museum, London
The National Maritime Museum in London’s Greenwich is both free to enter and packed with things for kids to do.
There’s The Cove playground, a sea-themed area with a giant shark, pirate ship and huge kraken with rope tentacles to swing from.
Plus, you can visit the National Maritime Museum every Saturday to discover a different character based on real historical figures with their own fascinating story to tell.
Characters include sailor John Simmonds, who served with Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, as well as James Robson, a sailor who served on the greatest tea clipper, Cutty Sark.
The museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm. You can reserve your free booking slot online.
52. Tate Modern, London
The Tate Modern is the perfect place for kids to express themselves through art and creative play.
Once you’ve browsed the range of awe-inspiring galleries and exhibitions, which include works by Picasso, head to Tate Draw.
Here, children can grab a digital sketch pad and watch their drawings come to life on the big screen.
The Tate Modern is open from 10am – 6pm Monday – Thursday, staying open later until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
53. Daily combat shows at Royal Armouries, London
Exciting combat shows take place daily at the Royal Armouries Museum in London.
Here you can watch authentic combat techniques performed, as well as knight duels and battles with swords, shields and spears.
The demonstrations last 10 – 15 minutes, plus there is allotted time afterwards to handle objects and ask any questions.
Other daily shows include a Celtic warrior’s recounting of Boudica, and first-hand style reenacted tellings of the Battle of Towton and the Battle of Little Bighorn.
The Royal Armouries Museum, London, is open from 10am – 5pm daily during the school holidays, closing on Mondays during term time.
54. Mudchute Park and Farm, East London
Mudchute Park and Farm in East London is another working farm that is free to visit – and has a massive 32 acres of land to explore.
Their courtyard and small animals area has just reopened for the year, where you can visit guinea pigs and rabbits.
Here you can also meet cows, sheep, goats, and more.
The farm is open from 9am – 4pm daily.
55. MinaLima, London
Found in the heart of Soho in London, MinaLima is the home of the graphic designers of the Harry Potter movies.
Inside, you can explore some of the original props used in the films as well as learn about Mina and Lima and see their designs that featured in the films.
From Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean packaging to the Lestrange’s family tree – they designed something in pretty much every scene.
56. Free children’s animal workshops at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Enjoy free entry to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and explore its exciting collections.
Free family trails are available from the welcome desk, with a variety of options for children of all ages. Plus, this spring there’s some free family events to look forward to.
The ‘A Little Look At’ series takes a deep dive into various animal species, with a Flying Animals workshop on March 16 and an Ocean Animals edition on April 20.
Another free event held at the museum is Super Science Saturday on March 7, where children can meet scientists and researchers at a science fair full of hands-on activities.
The museum is open from 10am – 5pm daily.
57. Explorer trails and historic coin handling at Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is full of free hands-on activities that kids will love.
Have a go at handling historic coins in the Money Gallery, where volunteer experts are there to tell you all about the coins from 11am – 3:30pm every Saturday.
There’s also a free explorer activity pack for kids available to pick up from the welcome desk, which is currently themed as the ‘Viking Ashventure’.
The museum is open from 10am – 5pm daily. It’s recommended to book your free tickets ahead of time online.
58. Storytelling sessions and Easter Play Days at Hove Museum of Creativity
The Hove Museum of Creativity is one of the most family-friendly museums in the South of England, with a rotation of bright and colourful exhibitions and activities to enjoy.
Play days at Easter provide free outdoor Easter-themed fun and games over the bank holiday of April 5 – 6.
Storytelling sessions will take place on March 30 and April 6, with morning or afternoon sessions available for ages 4 and under, with a separate story for ages 5+.
The sessions are free and operate on a drop-in basis. Hove Museum of Creativity is open from 10am – 5pm daily, closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
59. House of Marbles, Devon
The House of Marbles in Devon is home to four unique museums and is free to visit.
There’s loads of unique marble runs to take part in, including a massive snooker ball-sized contraption as well as a games garden.
Their free games museum can be enjoyed by kids and parents alike, as you learn about the history that inspired Pac-Man and Space Invaders.
House of Marbles is open Monday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm, opening an hour later on Sundays.
60. Explore Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Dartmoor National Park in Devon is a great place for a walk – but you will see much more than hills.
The National Park is home to hundreds of tors, which formed around 280 million years ago, when molten magma solidified in the rock to form granite.
Different spots across the Moor have myths associated with them, making them intriguing to explore.
Another fun activity is looking for letterboxes in the rocks.
One really special feature of this National Park is that there are free-roaming ponies – just note some are friendlier than others!
61. Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is a special place to visit with kids.
The sanctuary is a working farm with rescued donkeys, and you can walk around different trails to see the herds.
Then head inside to learn all about the donkeys in the exhibition centre.
The site also has a hedge maze, nature trails, a gift shop and The Kitchen, where you can grab a bite to eat.
The sanctuary is open daily from 9am – 4pm.
62. Explore the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast stretches across Dorset and East Devon and is a much-loved World Heritage site for beach lovers and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.
Over the 96 miles of coast, there are many famous beaches to explore like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
But one key characteristic of some of the beaches on the Jurassic Coast is that they are fossil-rich, making them the ideal day out for the family.
Free beaches to fossil hunt on include Charmouth and Monmouth Beach – where the rocks have crumbled, revealing many fossils, such as shark teeth, ammonites and belemnites.
Just make sure to check the rules on the specific beach you are visiting, as some don’t allow the rocks to be chiselled at.
63. Spring Fayre at Bath City Farm
Bath City Farm is free to visit – and it’s easy to spend an entire day there exploring its woodland trails, children’s playground, seeing the animals and visiting the farm shop and cafe.
Springtime sees not just the arrival of adorable newborn animals, but fun events such as the popular Spring Fayre and Spring Plant Sale.
The farm is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am – 4pm, and on Sundays from 9.30am – 4pm.
64. Bluebell Railway, Sussex
The Bluebell Railway in Sussex has plenty to see and do, with an interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station and an outdoor playground at Kingscote station.
There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too.
Make sure to check their website ahead of time for non-service dates.
65. Novium Museum, Chichester
The Novium Museum in Chichester is free to visit and great for families.
At this fascinating museum, families can learn about ages through history, covering the Stone Age to the Saxons.
The museum is open from 10am – 4:30pm Tuesday – Friday, and on Saturdays at 10am – 5pm.
66. Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
Haldon Forest is full of exciting family activity trails and mountain biking routes.
The most popular is the Discovery Trail – a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot. Plus, there’s also an impressive Gruffalo sculpture along the way.
Haldon Forest Park is just 15 minutes from Exeter, and home to over 3,500 acres of woodlands to explore.
67. The Jolly Roger, Dartmoor
Hidden in the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey is the exciting indoor attraction, The Jolly Roger.
Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.
There’s also models of race cars, fairies, life-size animals, pirate boats and more.
You can visit for free from 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday.
68. Bristol Walk Fest
From May 1 – 31, Bristol Walk Fest invites families and individuals to explore the outdoors on a series of walking events.
Most events are free, and different routes and activities are available for a range of ages and abilities. Some are simple nature routes, whilst others involve wacky costume dress-up and more.
The popular festival attracts over 7,500 attendees each year, and themed walks range from street art discovery to historical tours, led by walk providers.
69. Inspiration Railway Exhibition, Bristol
Inspiration is a travelling transport exhibition contained within one action-packed train, stopping at Bristol Temple Meads station this March.
Here, families can learn all about the history of railways, the engineering of locomotives and more, all whilst making their way through interactive carriages.
Entry onboard is completely free – just make sure to book your tickets online in advance.
The touring exhibition will be stopping at Bristol from March 23 – 29. You can check the other locations Inspiration is due to stop online at their website.
70. Free guided tours of Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol
Towering over Avon Gorge in Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a sight to behold – and walking across the giant landmark takes a whole hour!
For families with any budding young architects, you can snap yourself up a free guided tour, where you can learn all about the history, design and construction of the bridge.
The tours last between 45 minutes and an hour, and end at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum.
Free tours take place at 3pm on weekends and bank holidays from the Easter weekend through to October. You can book your free tour on the Clifton Suspension Bridge website.
71. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
There’s plenty for all ages to see and do at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
Beginning on the ground floor, you can explore collections that range from the wonders of Ancient Egypt to works by Banksy.
The first floor houses the dinosaur collections and the popular Alfred the Gorilla, whilst the second is home to art galleries with paintings and pottery.
The museum is open from 10am – 5pm from Tuesday – Sunday.
72. Windmill Hill City Farm, Bedminster
This free community farm hosts a variety of educational events and fun activities, as well as access to their working farm, outdoor playground and walking trails.
The 4.5-acre farm has animal paddocks and barns, a duck pond, a fairy garden, wildlife gardens, as well as several picnic and play areas.
The farm even offer free hot meals at the weekly Tuesday Supper Club from 5pm – 7pm. These meals also offer fun children’s activities, such as crafts and board games. There’s no need to register.
The farm is open from 9am – 5pm daily.
73. Roskilly’s Farm, Cornwall
Take a free visit to Roskilly’s working farm in Cornwall to meet its friendly farm animals, and of course, find out how their delicious ice cream is made.
Meet animals such as Tamworth piglets and fluffy cows with their newborn calves.
And if you fancy treating the family to a meal out, the Croust House restaurant serves delicious meals and ice creams made from the farm’s very own produce.
74. Baby paint sessions at Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall
Falmouth Art Gallery are hosting Baby Paint sessions for families with little ones up to 18 months old this spring.
Sessions take place at either the Falmouth Art Gallery itself or the Dracaena Centre.
Here families can enjoy a messy painting experience with all materials provided – just make sure to dress them in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!
The sessions are completely free, and last for one hour. Just make sure to book your slot online.
75. The Castle Bude, Cornwall
The Castle Bude is a historic site and heritage museum with lots to see and do, including archives of local history and museum exhibitions that explore everything from sailing to life-saving.
The castle also offer free live music days, such as Coffee, Acoustic and Cake taking place on March 1 and 8.
There’s also free heritage tours available to book each month, with the first spring tour taking place on March 12.
The castle is open from 10am – 4pm daily.
76. Trevaskis Farm, Cornwall
Trevaskis Farm in Hayle, Cornwall, is free to enter and home to a farm park with friendly animals and a farm cafe.
As well as visiting the resident farm animals, you can even pick your own fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries and beans.
Farm entrance is free, but if you do choose to take part in the pick-your-own experience, you must pay a small charge for what you pick.
The farm is open from 8am – 7pm daily.
77. The Box, Plymouth
The Box in Plymouth is a free-entry family attraction with free trails, drop-in activities and changing exhibitions.
Grab a family trail upon arrival, head to the craft creation tables, or explore the current exhibitions, which include Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy.
There’s also free storytelling sessions for under-5s every Friday from 10:30am – 11am, where afterwards children can meet Mildred the Mammoth or settle down with some crafts.
The Box in Plymouth is open from 10am – 5pm from Tuesday – Sunday.
Scotland
78. Crafternoons at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Drop in for an afternoon of completely free arts activities for all ages at Crafternoons, held at the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament.
Each week, the craft activities change in theme, with previous themes including ink stamping and origami.
The building also has public areas with permanent exhibitions to explore, including an art collection and regular short talks.
Crafternoons sessions take place between 11am – 4pm every Saturday.
79. Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
This 9-day festival is packed with performances to bring the whole family along to.
Celebrating the best in children’s theatre, circus and dance shows, with free pop-up events taking place in the National Museum of Scotland.
Theatre groups, actors and dancers travel from all over the world to perform at the festival, which showcases a wide range of shows from slapstick comedy to beautiful dances with colourful fabrics.
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival will take place from 30 May to 7 June 2026, with free pop-up events at the National Museum of Scotland.
80. Adventure Planet and Imagine zone, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
The free-to-enter National Museum of Scotland is home to two large play areas that kids will love: Adventure Planet and Imagine.
Adventure Planet is full of hands-on and interactive games, such as design games, puzzles, digital games and dress-up.
Imagine, on the other hand, having a musical floor to step all over, funny distorted mirrors, or a cosy reading corner to head into to wind down with a story.
The National Museum of Scotland is free to enter, with Adventure Planet located on Level 5 of the museum and Imagine on Level 1.
81. Tech Decoded at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
This free pop-up for kids is part of the 2026 Edinburgh Science Festival, which takes place from 4 – 19 April 2026.
Here, kids of all ages can get hands-on with electrical circuits, machine learning and get to grips with all things tech – from AI to coding.
The event runs from 10am – 5pm daily, as a drop-in with no need to book ahead.
Tech Decoded will take place from 13 – 19 April 2026 at Hawthornden Court in the National Museum of Scotland.
82. Riverside Museum, Glasgow
The Riverside Museum in Glasgow offers free admission and has plenty to see and do for all ages.
Main Street will transport you to the Glasgow of the early 20th century, as you can pop in and out of historical shops with fully-decorated interiors.
There’s plenty of transport marvels here, too, such as the South African Loco 3007 locomotive, life-size buses and boat models.
83. Free Lego building sessions, Glasgow
These free, drop-in Lego building sessions take place in various libraries across Glasgow on a weekly basis throughout 2026.
Both regular kits and various Lego set collections are available, so the whole family can get stuck into building something spectacular.
Participating libraries include the Castlemilk Library, Elder Park Library, Bridgeton Library and more.
There’s no need to book, and there is a full list of libraries, dates and times available on the event website.
84. Art for Baby workshops at the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow
These workshops for babies aged 0 to walking age are informal gatherings where you can meet other families, and even create crafts together to take home.
The workshops take place in the gallery’s rooftop studio, with toys, books and simple art projects available.
The workshops are free to attend, but you must reserve your slot in advance online.
85. Children’s Discover Sessions, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are holding weekly children’s Discover sessions throughout 2026.
Here, families can discuss and handle objects from the museum‘s collections, as well as undertake some creative tasks.
The Discover sessions operate on a drop-in basis, from 1:30pm – 4pm every Saturday.
86. Family fun craft workshops at Art Gallery, Aberdeen
These themed weekly craft sessions at the Art Gallery, Aberdeen are free to attend and suitable for families with children aged 5 – 12.
Themes throughout the spring include paper sculptures, decorate your own treasure box, and portraits.
The weekly drop-in sessions will run on Saturdays from 1pm – 3pm from March 28 – June 6, 2026.
The Art Gallery itself is free to visit, and open from 10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 4pm on Sundays.
87. Zoology Museum with free tours, Aberdeen
The Zoology Museum in Aberdeen charges no admission fee, and has many fascinating animal collections.
Popular displays include Rani the tiger, as well as collections of beautiful butterflies and beetles.
There are also free guided tours available on Wednesdays during term time, from 12 – 12:45pm. Reserving your slot for tours online is advised.
The museum is open from 10am – 4pm on weekdays, closing on weekends.
88. The Kelpies and Helix Park, Falkirk
The Kelpies in Falkirk are two giant horse head sculptures overlooking Helix Park, and are well worth the visit to see the sculptures alone.
However, the Helix Park site happens to have lots for kids to do, too, including an Adventure Zone with rope bridges, swings, slides and even its very own Splash Play Area.
Plus there’s plenty of scenic walking and cycling routes too.
Wales and Northern Ireland
89. Visit newborn lambs at Llwyn yr Eos farm, Cardiff, Wales
What better way to celebrate the spring than going to see some adorable newborn lambs?
At Llwyn yr Eos farm in Cardiff, visitors can watch newborn lambs be born in the farm’s lambing shed.
From March 1 – 28, 2026, lambing at Llwyn yr Eos farm will be open to the public to visit for free from 10am – 5pm.
90. Little Movers, Little Speakers play group, Cardiff, Wales
Little Movers, Little Speakers is a free group designed for families with babies aged 6 weeks to 12 months and their parents.
These monthly family sessions combine music and movement play with the Welsh language.
Sessions take place at the St Fagans National Museum of History. Attendance is free, and you’re able to view upcoming dates and reserve your space on the group’s website.
91. Geocaching in Snowdonia, Wales
Geocaching is an exciting activity for families with children of all ages, and can make for an energy-burning day out exploring nature.
Geocaching is essentially a huge outdoors treasure hunt – and it’s also totally free!
Tucked away in nooks of the National Park and in the UK beyond, you’ll find stashes of hidden items and letters known as caches.
Simply sign up for a geocaching website, and follow the clues to find the hidden item. signing your name upon arrival to prove that you were there.
Geocaching is particularly popular in Snowdonia, with the park attracting many hiking visitors throughout the year who leave hidden items for others to find.
92. Big Pit National Coal Museum, Pontypool, Wales
The Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales is free to enter, and is a real coal mine as well as a museum with mining galleries.
The museum, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you through a fascinating audio-visual experience that teaches you all about the Welsh mining industry.
The museum is open daily from 9:30am – 5pm.
93. Go rock pooling on the Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
For a cost-free afternoon that feels like a mini-expedition, take the family rockpooling along the Pembrokeshire Coast.
At low tide, beaches like Broad Haven, Wisemans Bridge, and the wilder Freshwater West transform into secret saltwater worlds.
Kids can spend hours peering into crevices to spot devil crabs with their bright red eyes or translucent shrimp darting through the waters.
It’s a brilliant way to connect with nature without spending a penny – just make sure to pack some sturdy wellies for those seaweed-covered rocks!
94. Oriel Science, Swansea, Wales
For a brain-boosting indoor day out for the whole family, try Oriel Science in Swansea.
This free-entry interactive attraction brings local scientific research to life through hands-on exhibits that turn complex science into a playground.
Science corner activities are a permanent and free option at the museum, with mini experiments and crafts available aimed towards younger children.
The centre is open from 10am – 4pm on Saturdays only.
95. Belfast Children’s Festival, Northern Ireland
Belfast Children’s Festival are hosting a range of both free and paid events in the first few weeks of March 2026.
‘Drop‘ is a free theatrical comedy and clowning show for 0 – 6 year-olds, whereas the Festive Family Day Out in the city’s Cathedral Quarter will see a day full of pop-up storytelling, circus acts and more.
Belfast Children’s Festival runs from March 5 – March 14 2026 at various venues across the city. Check the website for more information on specific events.
96. Free kids discovery centre at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Ulster Museum in Belfast is a great place to enjoy a rainy day out, with lots to see and do for free.
Explore exhibitions like the scientific Elements or Inclusive Global Histories.
Kids will love the Discovery Centres, which house art, history and nature-themed sections with activities like dress-up and a big sensory tree to crawl inside.
The museum and Discovery Centres are open from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday.
97. The Linen Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
As Belfast’s oldest library, The Linen Hall has plenty to please the bookworms in the family.
Explore the collections, including Irish and Local Studies, Theatre and Performing Arts and more.
Or simply grab a book from the General Lending section and settle down for a couple of hours of quiet reading.
The Linen Hall is open from 9:30am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday.
98. Urban Farm, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
This free-to-visit farm in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, is home to all the usual farm animals like pigs, goats and chickens, as well as ponies and small pets, too.
You’ll also find the non-profit cafe called the Dancing Goat, serving hot drinks, soups, salads and sandwiches, with all money received going back into the local community.
The farm is open from 9:30am – 4pm throughout the week, and closed on Sundays.
99. Family walking trails at Gortin Glen Forest Park, Omagh, Northern Ireland
Gortin Glen Forest Park in Omagh has six exciting walking trails to choose from, each varying in difficulty.
The park is home to one of County Tyrone’s Giants of the Sperrins – huge wooden sculptures inspired by folklore that are said to watch over the past, present and future.
You can see Darach, the so-called guardian of the present, if you take the Mullaghcarn Trail.
100. Deer-spotting at Gosford Forest Park, Armagh, Northern Ireland
As the sunshine returns and blue skies open up again, head outdoors to Gosford Forest Park in Armagh to make the most of the green landscapes and local wildlife.
Whether you choose to bring your bikes and cycle the routes, or simply stroll and take in the fresh air, you won’t regret getting outdoors into the forest this spring.
Plus, Gosford Forest Park is home to a giant wooden playground, as well as a herd of striking red deer that you may encounter from afar on your walk.
Use of Tear Gas in Waco Raid Under Scrutiny : Siege: Experts raise safety questions. Reno says she was assured substance would not harm children.
WASHINGTON — Since a government raid near Waco, Tex., turned into a fiery disaster two years ago, Atty. Gen. Janet Reno has steadfastly defended her decision to storm the besieged compound of the Branch Davidian religious sect and cited a need to rescue the 24 children inside from unsafe and worsening conditions.
But as the episode becomes the focus of renewed attention in the nation’s capital and beyond, fresh questions are centering on certain tactics used by federal agents–specifically the firing of hundreds of rounds of a military-style tear gas into the camp–that may themselves have endangered the children.
At 6:02 a.m. on April 19, 1993, following a 51-day standoff, FBI agents in military tanks advanced from siege lines around the Branch Davidian compound and fired volleys of CS gas inside the buildings to immobilize the heavily armed occupants.
The wooden structures were filled with the gas over the next six hours before the building erupted into flames, leaving more than 80 people dead, including all of the children. Before giving the order to advance, Reno said, she was assured by military experts that CS gas would cause no serious harm or permanent damage to the children of the besieged cult members.
However, it is now clear that medical literature and manufacturers’ warnings available at the time dispute that conclusion.
CS gas is potentially so hazardous when applied in confined spaces that California prison guards are cautioned against using it in the cells of unruly inmates. A Sherman Oaks company suspended sales of CS to the Israeli government in 1988 at the same time Amnesty International linked the gas to the deaths of Palestinians in homes and other buildings in the occupied territories.
Although adults can withstand CS exposure by wearing gas masks, and the Branch Davidian compound was well stocked with military equipment, no masks were available to properly fit children.
“All of those young children who breathed that gas for hours and didn’t have masks would have been in intensive care if they had survived,” said Dr. Alan A. Stone, a Harvard University professor of law and psychiatry who was chosen by the Justice Department to review its performance at Waco and only recently began to speak out. “This seems so clear and apparent that it’s hard for me to imagine how the attorney general, who I have great respect for, could have OKd this.”
The official cause of death for the children, whose bodies were badly burned in the blaze, could not be determined. Smoke inhalation was a leading possibility. However, autopsy records also show that some of the victim’s bodies contained cyanide, a chemical emitted when CS gas–and other substances such as plastic–are heated in a fire. Many of the toddlers and infants may have been overcome by the gas before they died, some experts believe.
In contrast, a government specialist in riot-control agents who requested anonymity said scientific studies indicate that it would be “almost virtually impossible” for large quantities of CS to severely injure any of the Davidians, including the 17 children under age 10. And Justice Department officials say they doubt that many, if any, Davidians breathed significant amounts of CS because of strong winds that whipped through large holes knocked in the building by tank-mounted battering rams to insert the gas.
*
Controversy surrounding the Branch Davidian incident has been fanned by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, the second anniversary of the Waco blaze. The leading suspect in the fatal attack on the federal building, Timothy J. McVeigh, reportedly considered the Waco siege an example of government’s intention to crush individual liberties, particularly the right to bear arms.
He is not alone. Some conservatives and civil libertarians question whether the full story of the government’s actions at Waco has come to light. At least two congressional committees plan to hold hearings into the Branch Davidian incident this summer.
Officials at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, which conducted the initial raid at Waco to serve search warrants related to weapons violations, maintain they have learned painful lessons from their mistakes and adopted changes to ensure they are not repeated.
But the Justice Department has denied being at fault, instead blaming the loss of life solely on Branch Davidian leader David Koresh, who was suspected of stockpiling illegal weapons.
“There is much to be angry about when we talk about Waco, and the government’s conduct is not the reason,” Reno told a gathering of federal law enforcement officers this month. “David Koresh is the reason.”
Henry Ruth, a former federal prosecutor who served on the independent board that reviewed the ATF’s actions, said he found the Justice Department’s review of Waco full of glowing appraisals.
“That is appalling to me when children die in a fire and there is a precedent for it,” said Ruth, citing the five children who burned to death in 1985 when authorities dropped a bomb on the MOVE community building in West Philadelphia. “When they don’t learn their lessons, are children going to die the next time?”
The FBI was called in on Feb. 28, 1993, to resolve an exceedingly difficult situation at the Branch Davidians’ compound after the ATF raid there went awry. As ATF agents stormed the compound, armed cult members opened fire, killing four officers and five Branch Davidian members. After negotiating a cease-fire with Koresh, the FBI decided that its principal goal was gaining the release of the children inside, according to the Justice Department review of the incident.
Koresh sent out 21 children and 14 adults through March 23. But the releases stopped, and he showed no willingness to surrender.
*
As weeks passed, the uncertainty about the outcome began to mount. The FBI’s longest previous standoff had lasted four days. When the Waco encounter entered its second month, the situation became more “dangerous” because of the difficulty in maintaining security around such a large area and because the FBI’s hostage rescue team was exhausted and in need of retraining, Reno said. The FBI had no backup unit.
On the 22nd day, FBI officials recommended using tear gas to clear the compound. Three weeks later, on April 12, the attorney general was briefed on the FBI’s proposal to use CS gas.
In meetings with military experts, Reno was reassured that the plan to drive out the Branch Davidians with gradual applications of CS gas was safe. They referred to cases of children who had completely recovered within hours of being exposed to CS with no long-term effects.
Reno spent more time weighing the merits of the gassing strategy than any other issue at Waco, said Justice Department spokesman Carl Stern. Among those she consulted was Harry Salem, a toxicologist at the Army’s Chemical and Biological Defense Command.
Reno was advised that although no laboratory tests measuring the effects of CS gas on children had been performed, “anecdotal evidence was convincing” that there would be no permanent injury, according to the Justice Department report. “The military personnel made Reno feel more confident with the concept of tear gas, as opposed to the original concept in her mind of ‘gassing,’ ” the report said.
Salem declined to be interviewed. In written responses to questions submitted by The Times, Salem wrote that CS can be used indoors as long as safety ratios are not exceeded. Achieving lethal concentrations of CS, Salem wrote, would be “extremely difficult.”
After the Waco standoff’s fiery end, Stone, one of the experts retained by the Justice Department to examine what happened, specifically requested the briefing materials Salem provided to Reno. Stone said he was furnished a copy of a 1971 report by the British government that advocated CS as a crowd-control agent in open-air settings.
“There was nothing the attorney general was given in her material and nothing I was ever given which addressed the problem of CS gas in a closed space,” Stone said.
Stone issued a scathing 33-page report in November, 1993, which the Justice Department declined to make available, that criticized the decision to deploy CS gas. In the Justice Department report, Stone wrote, there is no mention during Reno’s deliberations that young children do not have the lung capacity to use gas masks.
“I find it hard to accept a deliberate plan to insert CS gas . . . in a building with so many children,” Stone wrote. “It certainly makes it more difficult to believe that the health and safety of the children was our primary concern.”
Reno has discounted Stone’s criticism, saying he lacks expertise in the field of toxicology.
The danger of applying CS in enclosed spaces is spelled out in an array of medical literature and manufacturers’ reports, including the Army’s guidelines on civil disturbances. Army Field Manual FM 19-15, published in 1985, warns that CS “is not to be used in buildings, near hospitals or in areas where lingering contamination could cause problems.”
Kelly Donahue, spokeswoman for Federal Laboratories Inc., which produces CS gas, said the chemical is designed for use in a large, open area. “If you were to shoot too much in a building or enclosed area, you could suffocate individuals.”
*
CS takes its name from two scientists, B.B. Corson and R.W. Stoughton, who invented it in 1928. The chemical, ortho-chlorobenzal malononitrile, is considered a “super tear gas” because it works instantly, causing burning eyes, coughing, breathing difficulty, stinging skin and vomiting. Though it is commonly referred to as a tear gas, CS is actually a white crystal that looks like talcum powder. In 1959, the Army adopted CS as its standard riot-control agent, and the chemical was used extensively in the Vietnam War.
The widespread use of CS by South Korea on hundreds of thousands of civilians in 1987 was researched by the Physicians for Human Rights group. After discovering that civilians suffered serious acute illnesses, sometimes with permanent injury, the group called for banning the use of CS on humans.
“Exposure to high concentrations of tear gas in small, enclosed spaces for 10 minutes is potentially lethal, particularly to infants and children. . . ,” the organization concluded.
High levels of CS exposure have led to heart failure and death in adults, according to a 1989 report in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. The principal author of the study, Dr. Howard Hu of Harvard University Medical School, said he would have strongly recommended against firing CS into the Branch Davidian compound if there was any chance the occupants would remain inside.
*
In the days leading up to the assault, FBI officials told the attorney general they planned to introduce the CS gradually over two or three days. They hoped to force the Davidians out the front door by using gas at opposite ends of the compound.
But the tear-gas raid on April 19 was anything but gradual.
Within minutes of the initial delivery of two bottles of CS, the Davidians fired automatic weapons at the military armored vehicle, according to the Justice Department report. Two M-60 tanks and four Bradley fighting vehicles responded by launching an all-out assault on all areas of the building. Under the plan approved by Reno, the FBI was authorized to escalate the gassing operation if the tanks encountered resistance.
By 6:31 a.m., half an hour after the mission began, the entire building had been filled with CS. The rest of the morning, the FBI continued to deliver gas volleys through all openings of the residential structure to increase the pressure on the occupants.
The attack was so rapid that the tanks quickly exhausted the supply of tear-gas canisters that was to last for several days. At 7:45 a.m., senior FBI officials requested additional rounds of CS from field offices around the country. By the time the final gas volleys were fired at 11:40 a.m., the Bradley tanks had fired at least 300 rounds at the building and the M-60 combat vehicles had made six gas injections.
*
Clive Doyle was inside the chapel when an M-60 tank burst through the front door spraying CS and as additional so-called ferret rounds from the Bradley vehicles landed through the windows. While most Davidians in the chapel had gas masks, Doyle said, they only worked for about half an hour before the filters started to fail. He said there were screams as the gas burned the skin of some people and left others gasping.
“The ferret rounds were almost like rockets,” said Doyle, 54, who lived at the compound off and on for nearly three decades and was acquitted of all charges at the Branch Davidian trial last year.
“They crashed through windows, came whistling past your head and embedded themselves in the wall,” he said. “You could hear them hissing once they broke open. We were praying to God that somehow we would be delivered.”
Doyle said there was “no doubt” the gas poured into an aboveground concrete bunker where the women and children had retreated. The 20-by-21-foot bunker, which had been used as a locked vault and food cooler, was waist-deep in stored ammunition.
“The children had no protection from [the gas] being sprayed because there were no windows or major holes,” Doyle said. “I can imagine it was agonizing for them without gas masks and being in a cul-de-sac part of the building with no wind.”
FBI officials offered a contrasting view. They say that any suggestion that CS could have worked its way through rooms into the bunker is highly improbable.
“They probably would not have had to don gas masks or shed one tear from the CS that would have entered that bunker,” said the government specialist on tear gas.
The charred remains of children, including at least 10 who were younger than 3, were found in the bunker along with 13 women, seven men and a fetus. Coroner’s investigators determined that mothers put wet blankets around the children and held them in their arms before they died.
Given the large quantities of CS pumped into the building, it would have been very difficult for children to have walked out to safety, as envisioned by the FBI plan, some experts say.
“The kids would never have made it,” said George F. Uhlig, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and professor of chemistry at the College of Eastern Utah who has researched the use of CS at Waco. “Eventually you pump in enough gas and you exclude breathing.”
An arson investigation team compiled by the Texas State Rangers found that the ensuing fire that engulfed the compound was deliberately set by one or more people inside the building. The team concluded that the fire was not caused or spread by any chemicals used in the gassing operation.
It is unclear how many Davidians inhaled the CS gas, according to the Justice Department report. The passage of at least an hour between the last gas attacks and the end of the fire would have allowed evidence of the gas to dissipate in the bodies.
“It is impossible to predict what role CS played in this case,” said Dr. Nizam Peerwani, chief medical examiner of Tarrant County, Tex., whose office performed the toxicological tests on the bodies.
While the criticism has mounted, the Justice Department has held firm that the use of the CS was appropriate. Within the past two weeks, Reno went back to Salem to ask him about the safety of CS gas, according to Justice Department spokesman Stern.
“He hasn’t changed his thinking at all,” Stern said.
Times staff writer Ronald J. Ostrow contributed to this story.
T20 World Cup: Canada’s Yuvraj Samra becomes first associate player to make century and youngest in history as New Zealand win to reach Super 8s
Canada’s Yuvraj Samra became the first player from an associate nation to make a T20 World Cup century but it was not enough to stop them sliding to an eight-wicket defeat byt New Zealand, who confirmed their place in the Super 8 phase.
Samra made 110 off 65 balls in a knock which featured 11 fours and six sixes as his stunning innings helped Canada post 173-4.
The teenager had brought up his hundred off 58 balls as he eclipsed the previous top score by an associate player – 94 not out by the USA’s Aaron Jones against Canada at the last World Cup.
At 19 years and 141 days, he also became the youngest-ever T20 World Cup centurion, beating Pakistan Ahmed Shehzad’s (22 years and 127 days) against Bangladesh in 2014.
Samra was eventually dismissed by Jacob Duffy – caught in the deep behind square by Glenn Phillips – and left to a standing ovation at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai
“I manifested this moment ever since we qualified for the World Cup. Every single day, I dreamed about scoring a hundred on this stage,” said Samra, who is named after ex-India batter Yuvraj Singh.
“To do it here, in my first appearance [in Chennai], and as the youngest player in this World Cup – it’s truly a dream come true.”
Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who shared a 116-run stand with Samra for the first wicket, added: “Hats off to Yuvraj, he finished with a hundred in this match and it’s a proud moment for him and all Canadians.”
Kiwi seamers Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham and Duffy all claimed one wicket apiece.
New Zealand had a brief wobble early in the chase when they lost openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in quick succession and slipped to 30-2.
However, Canada’s bowlers were unable to press home the advantage and an unbroken 146-run stand for the third wicket between Rachin Ravindra and Phillips got them home with 29 balls to spare.
Phillips top-scored with a brutal 76 not out of 36 balls while Ravindra finished unbeaten with 59 off 39 deliveries.
New Zealand’s victory sent them through and eliminated Canada in addition to the UAE and Afghanistan.
Year of the Fire Horse: Can Lunar New Year festival boost China’s economy? | Explainer News
About 1.4 billion people began marking the Lunar New Year on Tuesday amid fireworks as China enters the Year of the Fire Horse, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
Known as the Spring Festival in China, the new year, based on the lunar calendar, also brings about the world’s largest annual human migration, called Chunyun, as millions travel across the country for family reunions.
It is also a huge opportunity to boost domestic consumption in the world’s second-largest economy, which has been driven by exports.
Monday night’s gala, one of the largest state-sponsored televised events, was marked by a stunningly synchronised kung fu performance by robots and children.
The Year of the Horse, said to bring optimism and opportunity, is following the Year of the Snake, which represented transformation and strategy.
Here is a quick snapshot of the festival.
What’s Lunar New Year?
It is the most important holiday in China and is celebrated by millions of people in the country and in East and Southeast Asia.
In the days leading up to it, people clean their homes and decorate with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings that represent prosperity and good fortune.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, families gather for a large reunion dinner, exchanging hongbao, red envelopes of cash as a symbol of blessings and good fortune.
The celebrations usually last about 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. Fireworks, dragon and lion dances, temple fairs across big cities and the hinterland are common during this period.
In the Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, which is believed to influence the year’s character and fortune.
The animal from the Chinese zodiac is then paired with any one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth.
This is the Year of the Fire Horse.
This year’s official holiday is nine days, rather than the typical eight, with New Year’s Day falling on Tuesday, February 17.
What’s Year of the Fire Horse?
The Chinese zodiac system is incredibly complex, repeating every 12 years, each represented by an animal in this order: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
The year of one’s birth decides their zodiac sign; meaning, the ones born last year were Snakes, this year’s children would be Horses and next year’s would be Goats.
A complex mechanism decides how the year will be paired with one of the five elements.
This year, the element is Bing, or big sun, paired with the Horse. This pairing occurs every 60 years, most recently in 1966.
For those who believe in the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Fire Horse represents an explosion of energy and independence, with unpredictable realignments.
Why is China hoping the Lunar New Year spending will boost the economy?
The Spring Festival in China is not just cultural but also economically significant, typically driving a spike in consumption across multiple sectors.
People spend heavily on food and festive goods, entertainment, and tourism, with retail and e-commerce platforms registering a surge in sales during the pre-holiday period.
The Chinese government is also expecting a record 9.5 billion passenger trips during the 40-day Spring Festival period, up from nine billion trips last year, as they travel for annual reunions.
The government has also issued consumer vouchers worth more than 360 million yuan ($52m) this month to boost consumption.
China is looking to boost domestic spending in its next five-year economic plan, where households save nearly a third of their income.
Where else is Lunar New Year celebrated?
It is a global phenomenon extending beyond China. In East and Southeast Asia, several countries observe the Lunar New Year under distinct cultural pretexts.
For instance, Vietnam celebrates Tet Nguyen Dan, which emphasises family reunions and specific culinary traditions like banh chung. In South Korea, Seollal, or the Korean New Year, focuses on honouring ancestors and the consumption of tteokguk, a rice cake soup believed to grant people another year of age.
In Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia, the holiday is a multicultural event marked by public holidays.
Diaspora communities in cities like San Francisco, London, and Sydney also host some of the largest celebrations in the world, featuring massive parades, dragon boat races and fireworks.
Fun fact about the Year of the Horse
This Lunar New Year found its mascot in a rather unusual place: in the World of Harry Potter, a wildly popular British production. And that too in the franchise’s most popular villain, Draco Malfoy.
In Mandarin, the name Malfoy is written phonetically as “ma er fu”. The opening character, ma, signifies “horse” and the closing character, fu, represents “fortune” or “blessing”.
Venezuela’s Magallanes Battle Back to Win Baseball Americas Series
Venezuela’s Navegantes del Magallanes were crowned champions of the 2026 Americas Series. (John Requena)
Caracas, February 17, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuela’s Navegantes del Magallanes claimed the 2026 Serie de las Américas baseball tournament after defeating Colombia’s Caimanes de Barranquilla 10–9 on Friday, February 13, at the Estadio Monumental Simón Bolívar in Caracas.
The Colombian squad stunned fans with a commanding 5–0 lead in the opening inning and maintained a five-run advantage for much of the game. However, Magallanes engineered a dramatic comeback that will become one of Venezuela’s most celebrated baseball victories, scoring seven unanswered runs in the eighth inning to overturn the deficit.
The Venezuelan team, representing the host nation for the tournament held from February 5 to 13 in Caracas and La Guaira, stumbled in its opening match against Panama before rallying and stringing together consecutive wins. This included a decisive 9–1 semifinal victory over Cuba to book a place in the final.
The 2026 Serie de las Américas—the second edition of this regional international baseball competition organized by continental baseball league associations—brought together national teams from Cuba and Curaçao, and the winter league champions from Venezuela, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Argentina. The tournament featured a round-robin phase followed by semifinals and a championship game.
Navegantes del Magallanes secured its place in the tournament after winning the Venezuelan league in early February.
Venezuela’s participation in the Serie de las Américas became possible after the country opted out of the February 1–7 Serie del Caribe, following decisions by that event’s organizers to relocate the tournament amid claims of “political conflicts” linked to the January 3 US military strikes and kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro.
The Venezuelan professional league initially suspended its Round Robin phase following the attacks, though play resumed on January 7 and continued through the Serie de las Américas.
On Saturday, the champion Magallanes were welcomed at Miraflores Palace by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who praised the team’s achievement.
“When they achieved victory, I felt the joy of seeing a country rise up and demonstrate its winning spirit. The most important jersey we Venezuelans wear is that of Venezuela; you wore it and showed that there is no adversity we cannot overcome,” Rodríguez said.
The Venezuelan leader also formally expressed Venezuela’s desire to once again host the regional tournament in 2027.
Robert Duvall dead: Actor who specialized in tightly wound men was 95
When Robert Duvall was floundering around in college, his father, a career Navy man who retired with the rank of rear admiral, told him to shape up — and start acting.
“I wasn’t pushed into it but suggested into it,” Duvall once told an interviewer. “They figured I did skits around the house. They figured I had a calling, or whatever, in that line.”
They figured correctly. With his weathered face and receding hairline, he did not stand out for his movie star looks but for the intensity and depth he brought to his craft. New York Times film critic Vincent Canby in 1980 called him “the best we have, the American Olivier.”
Duvall, a veteran of many leading roles but best known for his sharp portrayal of supporting characters such as “The Godfather’s” Irish American consigliere and the unhinged Army colonel who loved the smell of napalm in the morning, died at 95 on Sunday, his wife, Luciana Duvall, announced on Facebook.
“Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort,” she wrote.
Although he could play comic characters such as Maj. Frank Burns, the priggish Army doctor who was obsessed with nurse “Hot Lips” Houlihan in “MASH,” Duvall specialized in tightly wound tough guys.
In “The Great Santini,” he was a Marine fighter pilot who was as overbearing and explosive with his family as with the men under his command. In “The Apostle,” he was a preacher who killed his wife’s lover with a baseball bat. In “The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part II,” he was Tom Hagen, a buttoned-down attorney who was loyal to his mob bosses and lethal to those who got in their way. He was an expert, one critic said, in playing “self-controlled men who should not be pushed too far.”
Duvall was known for pouring himself into his characters. He could move with the grace of the tango aficionado he became or with the slow, pained gait of the cancer-ridden editor he played in “The Paper.” He was a keen student of dialect; doing movies in the South, he meandered down backroads, learning just the right way to frame a question in rural Mississippi or deliver a compliment in west Texas.
He loved playing country people and particularly loved westerns.
“That’s our genre,” he said in a 2011 interview with the News and Advance in Lynchburg, Va., near his home on a 362-acre horse farm. “The English have Shakespeare, the French Moliere, and the Russians Chekhov. The western is ours.”
When asked about his acting technique, Duvall would describe it as simply as his favorite character — Augustus McCrae, the wry trail boss on the TV miniseries “Lonesome Dove” — might have described riding a horse.
“It’s just talking and listening,” Duvall told The Times in 2006. “Nothing’s precious. Just let it sit there and find its own way.”
Nominated seven times for an Academy Award, Duvall won lead actor honors in 1983 for his role as Mac Sledge, a broken-down country singer in “Tender Mercies.” A guitar player since childhood, he did his own singing and wrote two of the songs.
Turning down his studio’s offer of a cast party at glitzy Studio 54, Duvall hosted a heartfelt hoedown in his New York City apartment. The crowd ate down-home food cooked by character actor Wilford Brimley, who had flown in from Tennessee. As the party ended at 3 a.m., an exuberant Duvall had everyone join hands for a chorus of “Amazing Grace.”
Willie Nelson — who sang duets with Duvall at the party — told Village Voice columnist Arthur Bell that “Tender Mercies” was dead-on accurate.
“These people Bobby portrayed in his movie, I grew up in those parts and know each of them personally,” he said. “And I’ll probably be that character he plays someday if I don’t take care of myself.”
Many of Duvall’s characters had hardscrabble backgrounds, but Duvall grew up in privilege. Born in San Diego on Jan. 5, 1931, he was raised in places around the U.S. where his naval officer father was posted.
When he was 10, the future star of so many westerns rode his first horse and got to know his first Texans on a family trip to see his mother’s relatives.
By his teen years in Annapolis, Md., Duvall had become an excellent mimic, absorbing dialects and mannerisms wherever he happened to be. He did hilarious impressions of people like his cousin Fagin Springer, a singing evangelist from Virginia, and the tough old cowhands on his uncle’s Montana ranch. Years later, on the set of “The Godfather,” he did impressions of Marlon Brando.
In his more than 85 movies, many of his characters were heavy drinkers, but not Duvall. He went to a Christian Science boarding school in St. Louis and to Principia College, a Christian Science college in Elsah, Ill., and never smoked or drank.
When the affable, athletic Duvall was nearly kicked out of college for poor grades, administrators summoned his parents for an emergency meeting. Everyone agreed he was miscast as a history major. The boy’s only talent, besides tennis, appeared to be acting.
Switching to drama — a decision supported by his parents, who wanted him to stay in school — he turned his academic career around.
In a college production of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” Duvall so deeply merged into the character of a ruthless businessman haunted by a bad decision that he found himself crying. “That clinched it,” wrote Judith Slawson in “Robert Duvall: Hollywood Maverick,” a 1985 biography. “Acting was for him.”
Graduating in 1953, Duvall was drafted into the Army. He trained in radio repair at Camp Gordon in Georgia but spent his off-duty time with a community theater group in nearby Augusta. When he left the service in 1955, he studied at New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, a training ground for such top talents as Gregory Peck, Steve McQueen and Jon Voight.
Sanford Meisner, the school’s legendarily demanding director, was impressed.
“There are only two actors in America,” he told playwright David Mamet years later. “One is Brando, who’s done his best work, and the other is Robert Duvall.”
In New York, Duvall worked night shifts at the post office, washed dishes and kept auditioning. He shared an apartment at Broadway and West 107th Street with a fledgling actor named Dustin Hoffman. The two also palled around with Gene Hackman and James Caan.
Over coffee at Cromwell’s Drugstore, the yet-to-be-discovered actors would discuss the mumbling, moving technique of another young actor.
“If we mentioned Brando once, we mentioned him 25 times,” Duvall told The Times in 2014.
After several years of off-Broadway productions, summer stock and roles in TV dramas such as “Naked City” and “The Twilight Zone,” Duvall landed his first Hollywood role in 1962.
As Boo Radley, a mysterious recluse in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Duvall was on-screen for less than five minutes at the film’s end and had no lines. But he played a pivotal character and the film launched a cinematic career that lasted more than five decades.
In the 1979 Vietnam War epic “Apocalypse Now,” he delivered one of the most famous lines in the history of film. As the swaggering Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, he orders U.S. helicopters to destroy a coastal Viet Cong-held village so he and his men could surf there.
“You smell that? Do you smell that? Napalm, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that,” Kilgore says nonchalantly as the village before him erupts in flame. “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
Kilgore’s chilling monologue topped the list of best movie speeches in a 2004 BBC poll. Duvall later said he had no idea people would remember it.
Duvall seldom played leading men, but Mac Sledge, in “Tender Mercies,” was a notable breakthrough.
“This is the only film where I’ve heard people say I’m sexy,” he told an interviewer. “It’s real romantic — rural romantic. I love that part almost more than anything.”
Duvall was married three times before meeting Luciana Pedraza, a young woman who was dared by her friends to approach him on a Buenos Aires street and invite him to a tango gathering. She played opposite him in “Assassination Tango,” a 2002 film in which he portrays a hit man dispatched to Argentina. They married in 2005 and for years practiced tango on a dance floor they installed in one of their barns.
In addition to his wife, Duvall is survived by his older brother William, an actor and music teacher. His young brother John died in 2000.
Duvall’s legacy includes a wide range of films, from “True Grit” to “True Confessions.” He played a retired Cuban barber in “Wrestling Ernest Hemingway”; a cynical TV executive in “Network”; a dirt-poor Mississippi farmer in “Tomorrow”; a quietly effective corporate attorney in “A Civil Action”; a middle-aged astronaut in “Deep Impact”; a grizzled cattleman in “Open Range”; a tobacco company bigwig in the satirical “Thank You for Smoking”; and in the miniseries “Ike,” he was Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
He also tackled some less commercial projects. In 1977, he directed a documentary about a Nebraska rodeo family, “We’re Not the Jet Set.” In 1983, he wrote and directed “Angelo, My Love,” a drama inspired by and starring Romani whom Duvall came to know in New York City.
He worked well into his later years. In the 2009 film “Get Low,” he was a backwoods hermit who staged his own funeral. Two years later, he was a rancher and ex-golf pro who takes a young golfer under his wing in the spiritual drama “Seven Days in Utopia.” And four years after that, he played an alcoholic and abusive justice in “The Judge,” earning a supporting actor Oscar nomination — the oldest actor at the time to do so.
In “A Night in Old Mexico” (2014), he played an ill-tempered rancher preparing for suicide after losing his land to foreclosure. His plans change when he meets an adult grandson he never knew he had and the two wander across the border into bars and bordellos and reflect on life.
“No one plays wise old coots more convincingly,” the New York Times said.
Duvall drew on his inner curmudgeon throughout his career.
As an actor who prided himself on an up-close, deep-down knowledge of his characters, he sometimes bristled at direction.
“If I have instincts I feel are right, I don’t want anyone to tamper with them,” he told After Dark magazine in 1973. “I don’t like tamperers and I don’t like hoverers.”
Horton Foote, who adapted “Mockingbird” for the movies and wrote “Tender Mercies,” became one of Duvall’s few lifelong friends in the industry.
When Duvall was checking out Southern churches as he researched “The Apostle,” which he wrote, directed and starred in, the two were frequently in touch on the phone.
“I could always tell he’d been with a different preacher,” Foote told The Times in 2006, “because he’d try out these different voices.”
Authenticity was so important to Duvall that he gave some key roles in “The Apostle” to local people with little or no acting experience.
Rick Dial, who played a small-town radio reporter in the film, was actually a local furniture salesman.
“Rick improvised a lot of his dialogue,” Duvall told Backstage magazine in 2001. “At the end of ‘The Apostle’ when they cart me off, his skin turned a certain color of grief. I don’t know who told him to do that. He just did it.”
For Duvall, known as an actor who “just did it” in film after film, that was the highest kind of praise.
Chawkins is a former Times staff writer.
Democrats Take Bush to Task on Iraq
WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidates are stepping up their assault on President Bush’s handling of Iraq, increasingly faulting the White House for failing to anticipate or avert the tumult that has engulfed the war-torn nation.
The Democrats have urged Bush to rely more on allies to help stabilize Iraq, reviving past criticism that the administration is too reluctant to work with the international community. And they have questioned Bush’s credibility after White House officials conceded this week that part of his case for going to war was based on incomplete intelligence.
The escalating attacks signal a sense among the Democratic campaigns that Bush may be vulnerable on a front that has been his strength — national security.
Bush couched the conflict with Iraq as crucial to America’s war on terrorism and basked in the quick overthrow of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Violence Continues
But since Bush triumphantly flew aboard the aircraft carrier Lincoln off San Diego and declared the end of major conflict in Iraq, U.S. occupational forces have been plagued by continuing violence.
Since Bush’s May 1 speech, 31 Americans have died as a result of hostile fire.
On Thursday, in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Army Gen. Tommy Franks said U.S. troops are facing 10 to 25 attacks a day by Iraqi insurgents.
Franks, the commander of the war, was grilled by lawmakers about problems — and rising costs — confronting the U.S. effort to rebuild Iraq. He warned that American troops could be there for years.
Franks’ remarks followed Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld’s estimate on Wednesday that monthly military costs in Iraq total about $3.9 billion — almost double the administration’s projection in April.
These developments — along with the White House’s acknowledgment on Monday that there was insufficient support for Bush’s claim in January that Hussein had tried to buy uranium in Niger for use in a nuclear weapons program — have fueled the growing Democratic criticism of the president on Iraq.
“We lack sufficient forces to do the job” of restoring order in Iraq, Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts said Thursday. “It is time for the president to step forward and tell the truth: The war is con- tinuing and so are the casual- ties.”
Kerry, who like several other Democratic presidential candidates supported the congressional resolution last fall that authorized Bush to use force against Iraq, released his own four-point plan for reconstructing the country.
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, campaigning in New Hampshire on Thursday, berated Bush for making the claim in his State of the Union address that Iraq had tried to buy uranium.
Resignations Sought
Dean, whose rise in the Democratic race has been based largely on his opposition to the war, called for the resignation of any administration official responsible for the mistake.
“Anyone who deliberately misled the president about a matter as serious as sending our troops to war should resign — whoever that might be,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee sent an e-mail to activists seeking donations to pay for a television ad questioning Bush’s credibility on Iraq.
Democrats in Congress joined in the criticism of Bush’s postwar policy.
Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, backed by other Democrats, sponsored a measure that urged Bush to seek military support from NATO and the United Nations in the occupation of Iraq.
The measure passed 97 to 0; because it was nonbinding, few saw it as an accurate measure of likely divisions among lawmakers over how far Bush should go in seeking international aid.
But Biden said there was broad bipartisan anxiety about the rockiness of the postwar period.
“Find me somebody on the floor who says, ‘This is going great,’ ” Biden said.
The barbs from Democrats have intensified as a recent poll indicated that the pub- lic has an increasingly nega- tive view of the situation in Iraq.
The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found fewer than one-quarter of those surveyed in June and July thought that the U.S. effort was going “very well” — down from 61% in mid-April.
Still, the poll found little sign that those anxieties had seriously hurt Bush’s political position — 63% of those surveyed said there was a “good” chance or “some” chance they would vote for him in 2004.
The Democrats “need a lot more than some screwed-up intelligence report to really be able to peck at the president on foreign policy,” said a Republican political consul- tant close to the Bush cam- paign.
But he added: “If three months from now things aren’t any better [in Iraq], people are going to be asking: ‘What’s the plan, Stan?’ ”
The more pointed Democratic criticism of Bush stands in contrast to the wartime posture of most candidates.
Among the party’s major candidates, only Dean and Sen. Bob Graham of Florida opposed the decision to attack Iraq.
Along with Kerry, those supporting the war were Rep. Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri and Sens. Joe Lieb- erman of Connecticut and John Edwards of North Caro- lina.
Coalition Urged
The emerging critique among the candidates of Bush’s handling of Iraq echoes the argument some used against him before the war: that he has been too reluctant to build a coalition of allies to share cost and responsibilities.
“The United Nations, European Union, NATO — all have to be involved,” Ed- wards said at a recent town hall meeting in New Hamp- shire.
“We should welcome their involvement. It gives us a chance to re-engage in the international community.”
Kerry, in the plan he unveiled, called on the administration to increase troop strength in Iraq by adding coalition soldiers.
He also proposed more rapid training of Iraqi troops for security functions, development of a clear plan for transferring power to Iraqis and increased efforts to improve basic services such as electricity and water.
“The administration went to war without a thorough plan to win the peace,” said Kerry.
“It’s time to face that truth and change course.”
This week Lieberman mounted a similar attack in an opinion article in the Washington Post.
“Enough time has passed to conclude that what we are doing is not working,” said Lieberman. “The administration has … mishandled the efforts to get key allies on board….”
Erik Smith, a spokesman for Gephardt, said the congressman and other candidates have been arguing for some time that the presi- dent had not adequately pre- pared a postwar strategy for Iraq.
The criticism “takes on a new urgency in light of unfolding events,” said Smith.
“Voters are increasingly concerned about it.”
*
Times staff writers Mark Z. Barabak and Ronald Brownstein contributed to this report.
Emma Raducanu: Briton beaten by lucky loser in Dubai Tennis Championships first round
British number one Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the first round.
She recovered from a set and a break down against Antonia Ruzic to force a decider but the Croatian prevailed, winning 6-1 5-7 6-2.
Ruzic is ranked 67th in the world and was one of seven lucky losers from qualifying to fill the main draw after several players pulled out through injury, illness or a schedule change.
The Croatian said it was a ‘crazy turnaround,’ with little preparation time for what became her first career top 30 win.
“We were going to stay here for two-three days. It’s crazy because I got in on Monday. Playing against Emma, of course, is a tough match,” Ruzic explained.
“A lot of the girls were cancelling and a lot of them were not here to sign (as alternates). I was like ‘OK, I’m going to sign and let’s see what happens’.”
Raducanu’s initial opponent Elisabetta Cocciaretto was ruled out with a thigh problem, and Ruzic won the first set in 30 minutes having twice broken Raducanu.
The world number 25 then sought medical attention, just as she did last week at the Qatar Open when she had to retire from her first-round match.
Despite falling 5-3 down after being broken again in the second set, Raducanu fought back to claim two breaks and make it a set apiece.
The Briton won six consecutive games at the end of the second set and start of the third to go 2-0 up in the decider, but Ruzic won the next six to clinch victory.
Imran Khan’s sister rejects Pakistan gov’t claim jailed ex-PM’s vision fine | Imran Khan News
Islamabad, Pakistan – The sister of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has told Al Jazeera that the family has rejected a government board’s claims that the cricketer-turned-politician’s eyesight has improved since a court report last week said he had lost most vision in one eye.
A government-appointed medical board examining the jailed ex-leader reported a significant improvement in his eyesight after weeks of controversy over his deteriorating vision. Its medical report, seen by Al Jazeera, claims that Khan’s vision in his right eye has improved from 6/36 to 6/9. His left eye remains at 6/6 vision with the use of glasses.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
In ophthalmic terms, 6/6 vision means the person’s eyesight is fine. A 6/9 reading means the person can see at 6 metres (20 feet) what someone with normal vision sees at 9 metres (30 ft).
The assessment was carried out on Sunday by a two-member board comprising doctors Nadeem Qureshi and Muhammad Arif Khan. The specialists conducted a detailed examination at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where the 73-year-old founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has been imprisoned since August 2023.
But Khan’s family said it had “no trust” in the authorities.
His sister, Aleema Khan, described it as “extremely concerning and unacceptable” that the government had resisted allowing Khan’s personal doctor and a family representative to be present during the examination and treatment.
“Without the physical presence of both his personal doctor and family representative, we categorically reject any claims made by the government regarding his examination, treatment or medical condition,” Aleema told Al Jazeera.
Aasim Yusuf, chief medical officer of the Imran Khan-founded Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and one of Khan’s personal physicians, said in a video message that he had held a 40-minute conversation with the two doctors who examined Khan on February 15.
In the video, shared by the PTI on social media, Yusuf said the visiting doctors briefed him on the treatment and future plan of care, adding that according to their latest assessment, “Khan had shown significant improvement as a result of treatment and his vision had improved significantly as well”.
“I would be extremely happy if I was able to confirm that this was the case. Unfortunately, because I have not seen him myself and have not been able to participate in his care or to talk to him, I am unable to either confirm or deny the veracity of what we have been told,” Yusuf said.
Disputed diagnosis
The latest examination comes after reports last month that authorities had taken Khan late at night to a government facility for a medical procedure without informing his family. Following the outcry, Pakistan’s Supreme Court appointed Barrister Salman Safdar as amicus curiae to meet Khan and assess his condition.
In a seven-page report filed last week, Safdar painted a troubling picture. He wrote that Khan had suffered rapid and substantial vision loss over the past three months and that despite repeated complaints of persistent blurred and hazy vision, “no action was taken by the jail authorities to address these complaints”.
Safdar quoted Khan as saying that “only 15 percent” vision remained in his right eye.
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja told reporters in Islamabad on Monday that the two doctors, one of whom was recommended after consultations with Yusuf, confirmed that Khan’s vision had improved.
“The two doctors who met him in jail said that Khan confirmed to them that he was unable to see the clock on the wall for a few weeks, [but] can now not only see that, but also the clock hands. According to doctors, this was an incredible improvement in his vision,” Raja said.
Aleema, however, insisted that the family could not accept any medical report until Khan’s physician examined him in person. She renewed the demand that he be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
She accused the government of repeatedly misleading the family about Khan’s health.
“After our protest and Salman Safdar’s report, we were told that he would be taken to Shifa International Hospital, along with [the] presence of his physician as well as a family member, but then, abruptly, they [the government] changed the plan. How can we be suddenly denied?” she asked.
Aleema said authorities had asked the family to provide the names of doctors and relatives who could accompany Khan, only to reject each proposal.
“There have been repeated back-and-forth phone calls. We gave them the names of his personal doctors, including Dr Aasim. Another name we gave was our sister, Uzma Khan, to represent the family. But the response from the government was that no sister will be allowed to meet him,” she claimed.
She added that her brother had no underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and described him as a political prisoner.
“Our hearts are breaking, and we are so frustrated. This is deliberate. When Salman Safdar went there and came back, he told us the story, and we cried hearing about Khan’s current situation. This is not just criminal negligence, this is outright criminal and deliberate,” she said.
Standoff over medical access
The PTI and its allies, who are holding a sit-in outside parliament, have promised to continue their protest until their demands are met, including access to Khan and his transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
Sheikh Waqas Akram, the party’s central information secretary, said the demand was straightforward and focused on securing “specialised treatment” for Khan.
“When you deny the family access, or the physicians recommended by the family, and when you break promises, how can we trust? We don’t even know what they have done with him. We believe the government is certainly hiding something,” he told Al Jazeera.
Aleema said she would hold a news conference on Tuesday outside Adiala jail and added that the family had not sought any concessions from authorities beyond medical access.
“Imran’s sons have been trying to visit Pakistan since last year and have applied several times, but their visa has not been processed. It is in limbo, they do not get a denial, nor an approval,” she said, referring to Kasim and Suleman, Khan’s two sons, who are nationals of the United Kingdom.
The sons were born during Khan’s first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith. The couple divorced in 2004 after nine years of marriage. Both sons are based in London.
Government rejects negligence claims
The government, meanwhile, has defended the medical board’s work. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the treatment provided to Khan had led to improvement and that the specialist team had expressed satisfaction with his progress.
Speaking at a public event on Monday, Tarar said opposition leaders and Khan’s personal doctors had been briefed.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also said the examination inside the jail was conducted “in accordance with government directives and with complete transparency”.
“The government provided every necessary facility on site to ensure no question of any negligence arises,” Chaudhry wrote on social media, adding that Gohar Ali Khan, the PTI chairman in Khan’s absence, had been kept informed.
Imran Khan, a former Pakistan cricket captain who led Pakistan to its 1992 World Cup victory, became prime minister in 2018.
He was removed in 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote, which he said was orchestrated by the military in collusion with Washington and his political rivals. Both the military and the United States have denied the allegations.
Since his ouster, Khan has blamed Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for his legal and political troubles and has repeatedly urged supporters to protest.
In June 2024, a United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Khan’s detention “had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running [for] political office”.
2026 Winter Olympics: What has gone wrong for British short track speed skating?
Eight years later, the latest UK Sport funding allocation of just under £2m has been presented as a total for short track, figure and long track speed skating.
So short track is caught in the situation which befalls many Olympic sports in Britain – they need to perform at the Games to get more funding, but without the funding they struggle to achieve success.
Asked what work is being done to fix short track, British Olympic Association (BOA) chair Dame Katherine Grainger told BBC Sport: “As much potential as we have in that team, there is more untapped.
“It is not a sport we have a legacy in, so that opens the door – we need to learn from other countries where we can.”
Add in the fact that there are few sports in the world more chaotic and unpredictable than short track.
Christie was Britain’s most recognisable speed skater a decade ago when she won three gold medals at the 2017 World Championships, but a series of crashes and disqualifications ruined her Olympic dreams in 2014 and 2018.
And this year, Treacy’s luck was also out. Take his 1,000m final – usually this event would have six racers, but in Milan had nine because three athletes were advanced to the medal race after being illegally hindered in their semi-finals.
Would Treacy, who was running in third when he tangled with Liu, have won a medal if there were fewer men on the track? Ultimately, hypotheticals do not put cash in the bank.
Treacy could not hide his funding frustrations when speaking to the BBC following that final.
“If we only had a bit more support going through the Olympic cycle,” he said. “In the UK we don’t even have an ice centre which is safe enough for competitions.
“In the UK we have to look at ourselves and see we need a facility where we can train at the top level, instead of having to go to other countries.”
Treacy is correct that there is no venue in Britain that could host an international short track event, because there are no rinks with the soft boards needed around the border to protect racers when there are crashes.
Hollywood groups condemn ByteDance’s AI video generator
A new artificial intelligence video generator from Beijing-based ByteDance, the creator of TikTok, is drawing the ire of Hollywood organizations that say Seedance 2.0 “blatantly” violates copyright and uses the likeness of actors and others without permission.
Seedance 2.0, which is available only in China for now, lets users generate high-quality AI videos using simple text prompts. The tool quickly gained condemnation from the movie and TV industry.
The Motion Picture Assn. said Seedance 2.0 “has engaged in unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale.”
“By launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding well-established copyright law that protects the rights of creators and underpins millions of American jobs. ByteDance should immediately cease its infringing activity,” Charles Rivkin, chairman and chief executive of the MPA, said in a statement Tuesday.
Screenwriter Rhett Rheese, who wrote the “Deadpool” movies, said on social media last week that “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.” His post was in response to Irish director Ruairí Robinson’s post of a Seedance 2.0 video that shows AI versions of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Actors union SAG-AFTRA said Friday it “stands with the studios in condemning the blatant infringement” enabled by Seedance 2.0.
“The infringement includes the unauthorized use of our members’ voices and likenesses. This is unacceptable and undercuts the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. “Seedance 2.0 disregards law, ethics, industry standards and basic principles of consent. Responsible AI development demands responsibility, and that is nonexistent here.”
ByteDance said in a statement Sunday that it respects intellectual property rights.
“[We] have heard the concerns regarding Seedance 2.0. We are taking steps to strengthen current safeguards as we work to prevent the unauthorized use of intellectual property and likeness by users,” the company said.
The dispute comes a month after ByteDance finalized a deal to secure TikTok’s future in America. ByteDance agreed to divest majority ownership of U.S. operations to an American-led investor group, averting a shutdown of the hugely popular social media app.
President Trump during his first term sought to ban the platform, citing national security concerns, but he shifted his views after ByteDance agreed to the new joint venture.
The venture now has three managing investors: Silver Lake, Oracle and Emirati investment firm MGX, each holding 15%, with ByteDance retaining 19.9% of investments.
Ortutay writes for the Associated Press. Times Staff writer Cerys Davies contributed to this report.
Fight to ban Russian steel intensifies in Brussels
Published on
Four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union is still importing Russian steel – and not everyone is happy about it.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Next week, MEPs and EU member states will begin negotiations on whether to ban Russian steel outright. What began as a sanctions debate has morphed into a high-stakes political fight.
Swedish lawmaker Karin Karlsbro is preparing to take on the EU council, which represents the member states, with Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic and Denmark all arguing that they still need imports of unfinished steel for major construction projects.
“It is a big provocation that we haven’t done everything possible to limit Putin’s war chest,” Karlsbro told Euronews. “The Russian steel industry is a backbone of Russian war, it is the Russian war machinery.”
Finished Russian steel was banned in 2022, but semi-finished steel, a key input for further processing, was spared after a number of countries secured an exemption until 2028 to cushion the blow to their industries.
“Unfinished steel can’t be produced anywhere in the EU,” a European diplomat from one of those countries told Euronews, “while it is required for big infrastructures.”
Three million tonnes
Karlsbro says she was astonished to learn that EU imports of Russian steel amount to nearly 3 million tonnes a year, roughly equivalent to Sweden’s entire annual output and worth around €1.7 billion.
For her, the type of steel is beside the point.
“There is absolutely no argument that this is special steel or highly qualified steel with any essential quality. There is simply no additional reason to buy this steel,” she said.
To bypass the unanimity required for the adoption of EU sanctions by the member states, Karlsbro inserted a ban on Russian steel into a separate European Commission proposal aimed at shielding the bloc from global steel overcapacity, as US tariffs divert excess supply toward Europe.
The European Parliament’s trade committee approved the move on 27 January.
The procedural shift is crucial. Unlike sanctions, the trade file requires onlythe support ofa qualified majority of EU countries, potentially sidelining governments that might otherwise veto a full ban.
“The Parliament is playing politics on this,” an industry source familiar with the file told Euronews.
Another diplomat from a country dependent on Russian semi-finished steel said the ban was important for his government, which is why the 2028 deadline has been set – highlighting the dilemma the EU faces as it balances industrial needs with the need to confront the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The talks are beginning as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, and the clock is ticking. By June, the EU must adopt the Commission’s plan to shield its market from a glut of global steel.
One diplomat insisted the two files – banning Russian steel and protecting the EU market from overcapacity – pursue “totally different goals”.
Still, the same diplomat acknowledged the ban could pass, as there are not enough member states pushing to maintain a phase-out only by 2028.
Solitary confinement case set to expand
OAKLAND — A federal judge Thursday said she is likely to allow a lawsuit alleging that solitary confinement conditions at Pelican Bay State Prison amount to psychological torture, to be expanded from the cases of 10 prisoners to include about 1,100 inmates now held in indefinite isolation.
U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken expressed concern at a hearing, however, that changes the state has made in how it identifies inmates for isolation means those prisoners won’t be included in the pending class-action lawsuit.
What’s more, lawyers for the state say they are in the process of moving some existing prisoners out of confinement in Pelican Bay’s super-maximum security isolation cells.
“I’m wondering how I would manage a class that has people moving in and out,” Wilken said. Nevertheless, she used Thursday’s hearing in Oakland to set Nov. 3, 2014, for the trial. Her ruling over whether that trial will be a class action, or remain confined to the few inmates who filed the case, is yet to be decided.
Inmates in Pelican Bay’s segregation units spend 22.5 hours a day confined to their cells and, though some have cellmates, are otherwise allowed limited human contact and few activities to occupy their time. They are allowed fewer possessions than other inmates, cannot earn good-time credits toward early release like other inmates and are generally refused parole.
The lawsuit alleges that the sensory deprivation of that confinement, especially for 500 men held in isolation more than a decade, causes irreparable psychological harm. The claims were also at the heart of three statewide prison hunger strikes, including a 60-day protest that ended last month when lawmakers pledged public hearings on the practice.
Only one hearing at the moment is planned, Oct. 9, in Sacramento, said staff for Assembly Public Safety Chairman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco).
Meanwhile, hunger strike leaders who had been moved during the protest have been returned to their old cells at Pelican Bay, said Anne Weills, one of the lawyers representing those prisoners. She met with them two weeks ago, and said several reported health problems related to their fasting, including cardiac trouble.
ALSO:
Analysts see compromise possible for prison crowding
State officials say federal courts want to release prisoners
Campaign watchdog Ann Ravel confirmed to Federal Election Commission
High school soccer: Updated playoff schedule
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE
SOUTHERN SECTION
BOYS
QUARTERFINALS
(Games at 5 p.m. unless noted)
OPEN DIVISION
Pool Play
#4 Placentia Valencia at #8 Orange Lutheran
#2 Mater Dei at #6 JSerra
DIVISION 1
Anaheim Canyon at Torrance
Santa Monica at Servite, 3:30 p.m.
Sunny Hills at Sultana
El Segundo at Fontana, Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
DIVISION 2
Downey at El Dorado, 6 p.m.
Newport Harbor vs. Crossroads, 6 p.m. at Belmar Park
Bishop Amat at Culver City, 3 p.m.
Patriot at Citrus Hill, 5:30 p.m.
DIVISION 3
West Torrance at Los Alamitos
Godinez at Palmdale, 3 p.m.
Channel Islands at Littlerock
Knight at Calabasas, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 4
Cypress at Granite Hills
Indian Springs at Sierra Vista
Santa Paula at Irvine University
Oxnard Pacifica at Lakewood
DIVISION 5
Crespi at Santa Ana Valley
San Marcos at Mountain View
Tustin at Esperanza, 6 p.m.
Westlake at Camarillo
DIVISION 6
Viewpoint vs. Bishop Montgomery at South Torrance
Coachella Valley vs. Animo Leadership, 4 p.m. at Edward Vincent Field
Vista del Lago at Cerritos Valley Christian
Lakeside at Ontario Christian, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 7
Maranatha vs. Cerritos, 5:30 p.m. at Gahr
Edgewood vs. Pasadena Poly at San Marino
Oakwood at Ganesha
Palmdale Academy Charter at Pioneer
DIVISION 8
San Jacinto Leadership vs. Fairmont Prep, 3 p.m. at Great Park
Bishop Diego vs. OC Pacifica Christian, 3 p.m. at Vanguard University
Holy Martyrs vs. Rio Hondo Prep, 3 p.m. at Kare Park
de Toledo at Thacher, Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Note: Semifinals Saturday; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.
WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE
CITY SECTION
BOYS
SECOND ROUND
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)
DIVISION I
#17 King/Drew at #1 Chavez
#9 Angelou at #8 LA University
#12 Sun Valley Poly at #5 Chatsworth
#13 Van Nuys at #4 Granada Hills
#19 LA Marshall at #3 Diego Rivera
#11 San Pedro at #6 Cleveland
#10 Carson at #7 Legacy
#15 Granada Hills Kennedy vs. #2 Roybal, 2:30 p.m. at Contreras
DIVISION II
#17 Canoga Park vs. #1 New West Charter, 2p.m. at Dignity Health Park
#9 Santee at #8 South Gate, 4 p.m.
#12 Arleta at #5 Annenberg
#20 Neuwirth Leadership Academy at #4 Orthopaedic
#14 Taft at #3 Fremont
#22 Elizabeth at #6 Garfield
#23 Huntington Park at #7 Alliance Health
#15 RFK Community at #2 Locke
DIVISION III
#17 West Adams at #1 LACES
#9 Franklin at #8 Alliance Bloomfield
#12 North Hollywood at #5 SOCES
#13 Foshay at #4 San Fernando
#14 Hollywood at #3 Gardena
#11 Grant at #6 Animo Pat Brown
#23 Sun Valley Magnet at #7 Collins Family
#15 Bernstein at #2 LA Hamilton
DIVISION IV
#16 Smidt Tech at #1 Mendez
#24 New Designs University Park at #8 LA Roosevelt
#12 MSCP at #5 East Valley
#13 Animo South LA at #4 Maywood Academy
#19 Lakeview Charter at #3 Downtown Magnets
#11 Triumph Charter at #6 Panorama
#10 Alliance Levine vs. #7 Aspire Ollin, 2 p.m. at Boyle Heights Sports Center
#18 Port of LA at #2 Belmont
Note: Quarterfinals Friday; Semifinals Feb. 25; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.
GIRLS
SEMIFINALS
OPEN DIVISION
#5 Palisades vs. #1 Cleveland, 5 p.m. at Taft
#6 New West Charter at #7 Granada Hills, 7 p.m.
Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.
SOUTHERN SECTION
GIRLS
QUARTERFINALS
(Games at 5 p.m. unless noted)
OPEN DIVISION
Pool Play
#1 Santa Margarita at #4 Oaks Christian
#2 Redondo Union at #3 Mater Dei
DIVISION 1
Rosary Academy vs. Westlake, 7 p.m. at Cal Lutheran
Newport Harbor at Orange Lutheran
Etiwanda at Eastvale Roosevelt, 6 p.m.
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at Harvard-Westlake, 5:30 p.m.
DIVISION 2
Saugus at Ayala
San Marino at Portola, 3 p.m.
Millikan at Warren, 3 p.m.
Riverside King at Bonita, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 3
Crescenta Valley at Valencia
La Salle at Paloma Valley, 3 p.m.
La Canada at Quartz Hill, 3 p.m.
Simi Valley at Flintridge Prep, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 4
Patriot at San Jacinto, 3 p.m.
Arcadia at Granite Hills, 3 p.m.
Laguna Hills vs. Immaculate Heart, 5:30 p.m. at Glendale College
Chino at Arlington, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 5
Artesia at Anaheim, 3 p.m.
Grand Terrace at Coachella Valley
La Palma Kennedy at Sultana, 3 p.m.
Alemany vs. Del Sol at Rio Mes
DIVISION 6
Adelanto at Ocean View
Palmdale Aerospace at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
Segerstrom at Arroyo Valley, 3 p.m.
Mayfair at Grace, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 7
Nuview Bridge at Savanna
Ganesha vs. SM Pacifica Christian, 3 p.m. at Airport Soccer Complex
Cate at Santa Rosa Academy
San Gabriel at Azusa, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 8
CAMS at Mountain View, 3 p.m.
Buckley at Milken, 3 p.m.
Big Bear at Environmental Charter, 3 p.m.
Miller at Webb, 3 p.m.
Note: Semifinals Saturday; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.
THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
CITY SECTION
BOYS
SEMIFINALS
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)
OPEN DIVISION
#4 Palisades at #1 El Camino Real
#6 Marquez at #2 South East, 6 p.m.
Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.
GIRLS
QUARTERFINALS
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)
DIVISION I
#8 Van Nuys at #1 Birmingham
#5 Chatsworth at #4 Granada Hills Kennedy
#11 LA Hamilton at #3 Wilmington Banning
#15 King/Drew at #7 Eagle Rock
DIVISION II
#8 Mendez at #1 South East
#13 Lakeview Charter at #5 Animo Bunche
#19 Bravo at #6 LA Roosevelt
#7 Garfield at #2 Gardena
DIVISION III
#9 Maywood CES at #1 Fairfax
#5 Reseda at #4 Marquez
#6 Verdugo Hills at #3 Huntington Park
#7 Santee vs. #18 Manual Arts / #2 Angelou
DIVISION IV
#16 Franklin at #9 Aspire Ollin
#13 Arleta at #12 Monroe
#6 Animo De La Hoya at #3 Camino Nuevo
#10 Sun Valley Poly at #2 Fremont
Note: Semifinals Feb. 24; Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.
Barcelona lose to Girona 2-1 after Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss | Football News
Barca miss a chance to move above Real Madrid in the Spanish league as Catalan neighbours Girona climb to 12th.
Published On 17 Feb 2026
Lamine Yamal missed a penalty as Barcelona lost to Girona 2-1, passing up a chance to overtake Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. The defeat was the second in less than a week for Barca and left them second in the table, two points behind Madrid.
A win on Monday would have taken the defending champions above their archrivals, but, instead, a crisis brewed for coach Hansi Flick, whose side lost to Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Copa del Rey last week.
The second loss came even though Barcelona took the lead early in the second half.
Yamal hit the post with his spot kick on the stroke of half-time, but 14 minutes into the second period, Pau Cubarsi met Jules Kounde’s cross from the right and placed his header perfectly into the top corner.
The goal was Barcelona’s 100th in all competitions this season, making them the second club in Europe’s big five domestic leagues to hit the century mark after Bayern Munich.
However, Girona roared back into the game just three minutes later.
Barcelona’s Joan Garcia was already the busier of the two goalkeepers, but he could not stop Thomas Lemar side-footing home from close range after nice work from Vladyslav Vanat on the left wing.
Both sides pushed for a decisive second, and it was Girona who executed with three minutes remaining, substitute Fran Beltran scoring with a low shot from just inside the box.
Girona’s Joel Roca was sent off in the dying seconds, but there were no more goals.
The victory ended a three-game winless streak for Girona and lifted them by three places into 12th, equal on points with Getafe.
Only seven points separate the 11 clubs from eighth to 18th in La Liga.
Royal Mail allegedly 'choosing not to deliver letters', MP claims
Royal Mail has been accused of prioritising delivery of parcels and packages over letters, but it has denied this.
Source link