The Canyon Fire burns on brush-filled hillsides in Castaic, Calif., on Thursday. Photo by Allison Dinner/EPA
Aug. 9 (UPI) — An air quality alert was issued for parts of Southern California because of the effects of the Canyon Fire, fueled by dry brush and extreme heat.
But evacuation orders were canceled and shifted to warnings for thousands of residents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, CalFire said Saturday.
The wildfire had spread to 5,370 acres and was 48% contained, the state agency said Saturday afternoon. On Friday morning, it was 4,756 acres, but none contained.
The fire ignited on Thursday afternoon in a remote area east of Lake Piru, north of Highway 126 and west of Castaic in Ventura County, and spread to Los Angeles County.
The National Weather Service said the smoke was causing harmful air pollution in parts of Southern California through the weekend.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an air quality alert on Friday night.
The alert is in effect for the Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, and the Inland Empire. It expires Sunday morning for the Santa Clarita Valley and 8 p.m. Saturday for everywhere else.
“Even in areas far from fires or areas not covered by a smoke advisory, if you can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, avoid or limit outdoor activities,” the alert read.
People with medical conditions are urged to stay inside with the windows closed.
“Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing,” the alert reads. “Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.”
On Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized the use of federal funds to help California in battling the Canyon Fire. The state on Thursday sought the funds.
“At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 5,118 homes in and around Hasley Canyon and Val Verde,” FEMA said. “Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 5,000 people. Evacuation warnings are in effect for another 11,000 people.”
FEMA grants provide funds for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.
No injuries have been reported and no structures are threatened, CalFire said.
Fighting the fire are 1,148 personnel, 45 engines, seven helicopters, three dozers and nine hand crews.
A firefighter was injured in a rollover crash in a grassy area in the Romero Canyon. The victim was airlifted to a hospital but was alert. Three firefighters also suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital “out of an abundance of caution,” the L.A. Fire Department posted Friday on X.
“Crews worked throughout the night to improve defensive positions and further secure the fire’s perimeter,” CalFire said. “Overnight fire activity was minimal as firefighters worked to continue strengthening existing control lines.”
Firefighters “will continue to enhance, monitor and patrol existing control lines … while providing structure defense for residences in the affected areas,” CalFire said.
Temperatures will be in the mid-90s with relative humidity 19-24% and wind gusts up to 20 mph.
Historically dry vegetation contributes to the ongoing potential for rapid fire growth and significant fire behavior,” CalFire said.
On Friday, firefighters dealt with gusty conditions.
“This afternoon, we’re starting to see the temperatures come back up, we’re seeing winds start to pick up,” Andrew Dowd with Ventura County Fire told KABC-TV. “There’s still a risk here. Fire is still burning, and we’re still going to be incredibly vigilant until we get this fire contained.”
Residents in the Hasley Canyon area of Castaic were thankful the wildfire didn’t reach their homes as flames were visible, and some families didn’t evacuate, instead opting to take care of their animals.
“It’s been a long night just watching the fire,” Castaic resident Geri Aebersold told KABC-TV. “Just watching it coming up right there on that hill. A firefighter said, ‘You’re ok. We got this.'”
Naga Munchetty was left red-faced on BBC Breakfast when she was forced to admit an amusing mishap live on air.
Kelly Smith Screen Time Reporter
11:04, 09 Aug 2025
TV star Naga Munchetty found herself in an awkward spot on Saturday’s programme (9 August), admitting to viewers she was thinking “I’ll have to get out this one” after wrongly anticipating her colleague’s next move whilst presenting.
The BBC Breakfast host experienced an embarrassing moment alongside co-presenter Charlie Stayt as they prepared to hand proceedings over to weather forecaster Simon King for the weekly outlook. Earlier in the programme, Simon had been delivering promising news of continuing sunshine and an approaching heatwave set to sweep across the UK – welcome tidings for viewers nationwide.
However, unbeknownst to Naga, Simon had switched up his usual approach and opted to begin his weather segment with overcast skies and rainfall predictions. As the BBC Radio 5 Live presenter turned to face him mid-sentence, she suddenly realised the forecast didn’t match what she’d been discussing on air, reports the Express.
Naga Munchetty says ‘i’ll have to get out of this one’(Image: BBC)
The presenting duo had been chatting about British seaside resorts and their iconic pleasure piers when Naga expected the sunny predictions to complement their conversation perfectly.
She began: “I think Simon will tell us…” before catching her error and adding: “It doesn’t quite look like it there.” In an attempt to ease the uncomfortable silence, Simon quipped: “I always try to link what you are going to say with the weather,” before admitting: “It hasn’t worked.”
Naga Munchetty candidly acknowledged a blunder, saying: “I turned around thinking, ‘yes, there’ll be a visual of sunshine or something’ and then ‘Ahh I’ll have to get out of this one’.”
Her co-host Simon chimed in with an explanation: “I’d been starting with the sunshine all morning but thought I’d focus now on the rain because we’ve had quite a bit across Scotland and Northern Ireland,” leading Naga to respond with sarcasm: “Thank you.”
Naga found herself in a red faced moment(Image: BBC Breakfast)
The week wasn’t without its hitches for Naga and Charlie, as a BBC spokesperson had to issue apologies following a noticeable disruption during Thursday’s (August 7) programme.
In the midst of presenting the day’s news, Naga and Charlie were caught off guard by a technical glitch that resulted in some viewers seeing an unexpected switch to alternative programming.
Viewers took to social media to report the odd occurrence, describing how their screens briefly showed a preacher before returning to the regular broadcast.
The technical issue appeared to be localised, affecting only certain regions. Disgruntled viewers who encountered the interruption expressed their frustration online.
One perplexed viewer questioned on X: “Anyone else got tbnuk just taken over #bbcbreakfast?” A fellow viewer confirmed the anomaly: “Yes – and then a switch back after 5 mins without any explanation!”
Further comments echoed the confusion, with remarks such as: “Yes, I was so confused,” and queries about the source of the problem: “Its just happened again & also on iPlayer, but still #BBCBreakfast on BBCNews! I have Virgin – it may be coming through their feed?”
Another viewer shared their experience: “I had a frozen screen but it was flashing green and orange, no sound, thought my TV had broken.”
In response to the technical glitch, a representative from the BBC stated: “Due to a technical issue, viewers in the Midlands experienced a short interruption to BBC Breakfast this morning. We apologise for this.”
BBC Breakfast airs on weekdays starting at 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and summer temperatures soaring up to 30°C, it’s a paradise for sun worshippers. Jetting off to Albania won’t break the bank either.
Albania has been keen to push the idea that it’s the ‘Maldives of Europe’(Image: Getty Images)
Wizz Air has launched a new route, linking up the UK with a cheap and sunny European destination.
Albania has been dubbed “the Maldives of Europe” thanks to its unspoilt white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters that grace its spectacular Riviera. Whilst it’s not exactly a hidden gem – with growing numbers of holidaymakers discovering the region – it still offers remarkable value compared to other European hotspots. Travellers can indulge in luxury accommodation without emptying their bank accounts, with seafront flats available from just £20 per night.
Food is equally kind to the purse strings, with a hearty meal and drinks typically setting you back around £15. Thanks to a flurry of TikTok videos flaunting its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands, Albania has become a hot topic for holidaymakers seeking a slice of the Maldives experience.
Wizz Air has launched a new route to Tirana(Image: Fani Kurti via Getty Images)
Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and summer temperatures soaring up to 30°C, it’s a paradise for sun worshippers. Jetting off to Albania won’t break the bank either.
Albania boasts the lowest living costs in Europe, with city-centre hotel rooms in Tirana going for less than £30, breakfast included. Beachside flats along the Adriatic coast are even more affordable.
Another wallet-friendly route to Albania’s glittering coastline is to fly into Corfu and then hop on a ferry for roughly £15 each way. If you set up camp in Dhërmi, you can explore a new beach every day. A delightful beachfront lunch in the area will only cost about £10 per person.
Laura Hewson, a Kiwi backpacker who explored the country last autumn, said: “We were planning to go Croatia. But one of our friends who’d been to Albania told us [we should go there]. They said it’s like Greece or Croatia but cheaper and a lot more beautiful because there are not as many tourists. We’re actually staying at a four-star hotel with breakfast included for the same price that we were staying in hostels with eight [strangers] in a room in Italy and Spain.”
Her travel companion, Farrell Modd, mentioned that social media influenced their decision to visit Albania, noting the impact of TikTok videos from travel accounts that highlighted the country’s stunning landscapes. She commented: “It’s beautiful, clear blue water, lots of swimming spots.”
Princess Andre, the daughter of Peter Andre and Katie Price, is stepping into the limelight herself with her own show and it is due to start airing on ITVX very soon
Princess Andre was born into the world of celebrity as the daughter of showbiz legends Katie Price and Peter Andre, and now she’s fronting her own reality show on ITV2(Image: ITV)
Princess Andre was born into the world of celebrity as the daughter of showbiz legends Katie Price and Peter Andre. But now, she’s stepping into the limelight in her own right with her own show The Princess Diaries. The starlet, who recently celebrated her 18th birthday, is set to open up about how her parents’ estranged relationship has affected her through her childhood and teenage years amongst other things when the series goes to air.
The first episode will air on Sunday 10 August at 9pm on ITV2, and viewers who are so captured by the new series will be able to watch the whole thing as a boxset on ITVX as well. And in the new series, the teenager has shared things haven’t always been easy for her.
The first episode will air on Sunday 10 August at 9pm on ITV2, and viewers who are so captured by the new series will be able to watch the whole thing as a boxset on ITVX as well(Image: ITV)
Princess followed in 2007 but the couple eventually called it quits in 2009 after four years of marriage. These days, Peter is married to Emily Andre and has Theo, Amelia and Arabella with her whilst Katie has Jett and Bunny with Kieran Hayler, and was already mum to Harvey, 23, with Dwight Yorke by the time she met Peter. Princess has addressed traumatic memories of her glamour model mum Katie’s divorce from Pete as well as her other very public relationships
In a candid confession on the series, its title a reference to the 2001 Disney classic starringAnne Hathaway and the young adult novel of the same name, Princess said: “I did have a counsellor, I do still see her every now and then.
“But I don’t feel like I can really talk, so I just write everything down in my notes. I do wish, like, I could have had a more happier childhood. In the sense of like, I had so many things on my plate at a young age.”
Princess said she wishes she “wasn’t like that” and that she had things lingering at the back of her mind while being very young. She did acknowledge “good times” in her childhood and discussed Katie’s split from Kieran Hayler when she was 10 years old.
Katie and Kieran were married for eight years but had a rocky relationship, with accusations of infidelity. They officially split in May 2018 but were married from 2013 to 2021, and Katie is now in a relationship with former Married At First Sight star JJ Slater.
However, Princess admitted when speaking of her mum’s previous breakup: “My mum, obviously being heartbroken, didn’t deal with that in the best way, she went through a very, very dark time, which is understandable,” Princess shared.
Revealing how the tough time also had an impact on her, she added: “Which is hard for me because I was around adulty things that kids should never see and I think as well, when we needed our mum there, she wasn’t emotionally able to be there because she had so much of her own problems going on.”
She heartbreakingly shared how she would return from school early to “get into bed and cry”. Princess said she is close to her dad Pete, but would never speak to him about her pain.
The model confessed she has “always grown up knowing my mum and dad don’t like each other.” Princess added: “I wouldn’t say I’m fully, fully recovered from it but mum is such a different person and if you put her now to back then, she’s genuinely really fixed herself.”
Blazes across several Canadian provinces and territories pose health risks to Canadians and their southern neighbours.
Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has triggered air quality alerts over the border in the United States.
Several blazes continued to rage across Canada on Saturday, sending smoke wafting over several states in the US Midwest and bringing warnings of unhealthy air for at least the third day.
Air quality alerts were in effect in the US states of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, as well as eastern Nebraska and parts of Indiana and Illinois.
Conditions were especially dire in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir reporting that the US city had some of the worst air pollution in the world since Friday.
The Air Quality Index (AQI), a system used to communicate how much pollution is in the air, is expected to reach the red or unhealthy category in a large swath of Minnesota, and will likely remain so through Saturday.
“We’ve sort of been dealing with this, day in and day out, where you walk outside and you can taste the smoke, you can smell it,” said Joe Strus, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.
Forecasters warned that smoky skies would remain across the Midwest for much of Saturday, but could start to dissipate before spreading as far south as Tennessee and Missouri.
The poor air quality poses particular risks for people with lung and heart conditions, as well as children, the elderly and pregnant women.
This is not the first time that Canadian wildfires have prompted air quality alerts in the US and further afield. In 2023, a record early wildfire season sent smoke across the Atlantic into northern Europe.
On Saturday, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported “out-of-control” blazes in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, as well as in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
The centre said that 717 fires were active across the country.
Environment Canada also said “extremely high” levels of air pollution were present in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Northwest Territories, according to a report by The Canadian Press news agency.
Areas in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec were also under air-quality watch, though risks to health were reportedly lower.
Environment Canada said reduced visibility and poor air quality would persist into Sunday.
Allegations against MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld, and they both lost their jobs on the BBC programme, which has aired in various guises since 2005
06:27, 24 Jul 2025Updated 06:39, 24 Jul 2025
John Torode and Gregg Wallace had presented MasterChef for 20 years (Image: BBC/Shine TV)
The BBC has stressed it wants to “properly recognise” the MasterChef contestants by airing a series filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld.
But they filmed a series last year before these claims were upheld, and the BBC has decided to air this to honour the amateur chefs involved. However, the futures of the celebrity series and the Christmas special, again both already filmed, remain unclear as yet.
Reacting to the news on Wednesday, one former MasterChef worker said the decision to go ahead showed “a blatant disregard for the people who have come forward”.
Speaking to BBC News, she warned it was “a total reversal of so-called firing from MasterChef – how can you be fired by your work is still made public? While a gap in the prime time schedule is not ideal, for integrity they should have found other series to go into those slots.”
Gregg and John, pictured last year, will feature in the series of MasterChef due to air next month(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
However, the BBC said in full: “After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.
“This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.
“At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.
“Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual. There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”
The statement followed news last week that Torode’s contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK.
Torode, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday, confirmed he was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.
NASCAR is returning to Southern California, only its cars will be racing on the streets of Coronado and not on an oval in Fontana. The stock car racing circuit announced Wednesday it will be hosting a three-day series of races June 19-21, ending in a NASCAR Cup Series race on the U.S. Naval base in Coronado.
NASCAR did not race in Southern California last year for the first time since 1997, with the exception of 2021, when the schedule was hampered by the coronavirus pandemic. For much of that time, the races were held at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, but that track was torn down in 2023 to make room for a giant warehouse complex. NASCAR preserved part of the grandstand and had hoped to built a half-mile oval track on the site, but that project has stalled and is unlikely to be revived.
NASCAR also raced on a temporary quarter-mile oval on the floor of the Coliseum, but that event has also been abandoned.
Next summer’s Coronado race, which came to fruition after years of careful negotiation, is the first NASCAR event to be run on an active military base. It is being timed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and will feature a race weekend including an Xfinity Series race and a Craftsman Truck Series event.
NASCAR ran street course races in Chicago’s Grant Park from 2023-25 but that event will not return in 2026, making the Coronado race the only street race on the schedule next year.
“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan said in a statement. “Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country.
“We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who wear the uniform, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.”
Naval Base Coronado, known as the West Coast Quarterdeck, is a consortium of nine Navy installations stretching from San Clemente Island, 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach, to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility 50 miles east of San Diego.
“Hosting one of America’s premier motorsports events on this historic base reflects our partnership with the local community and our shared pride in the nation’s heritage,” said captain Loren Jacobi, commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado. “We are privileged to showcase the dedication of our sailors alongside NASCAR’s finest as we celebrate our 250th anniversary.”
The NASCAR San Diego logo features an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which is recognized as only being flown by the U.S. Navy. The three stars in the logo signify land, sea, and air, which represents the Navy as the only branch of the military to operate in all three spaces. The arch represents the mission-style architecture found in San Diego. The stripes at the bottom of the logo represent the four largest United States Armed Force branches: Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy.
Tickets for the 2026 NASCAR San Diego Weekend will go on-sale this fall.
An Air India flight skidded off the runway while landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in heavy rain.
Flight AI 2744 from Kochi suffered a “runway excursion” the airline said.
It veered off the runway and suffered damage to an engine.
All passengers and crew were able to deplane safely and no injuries were reported.
It was able to taxi to the gate.
The plane is now out of service pending repairs.
“Flight AI2744 experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown. The aircraft taxied safely to the gate, and all passengers and crew members have since disembarked,” an airline spokesperson said.
An airport spokesperson said the landing caused minor damage to the runway.
Taylor Swift’s life and legacy are to be showcased in a new Channel 4 series, which will explore the Americana star’s stratospheric rise to global stardom
Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat (Image: PA)
Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat as a new two-part documentary about the Starlight star is winging its way to Channel 4. With a working title of ‘Taylor’, the series, which is set to air later this year, will explore the Bad Blood billionaire’s rise to global stardom as one of the world’s most successful pop stars.
According to Channel 4, the programme will ‘dig deep’ into Taylor’s 20-year career through interviews with high-profile commentators, industry insiders, and fans.
The documentary will also ‘examine the forces that have shaped her trajectory and the devoted community she has inspired’. And ‘rare archive will reveal fresh insights into Taylor and her story as the series charts her journey from ambitious teen with towering dreams to one of the most influential and scrutinised figures of our time’.
Taylor Swift’s life and legacy is to be showcased in a new Channel 4 series(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Director, Guy Fall (The Fall, Bombing Brighton), Guy King, claims the billionaire is “unprecedentedly powerful”, saying: “Taylor Swift is an unprecedentedly powerful 21st Century voice for women and young people.
“Under the microscope of social media since the earliest days of MySpace and Tumblr, she came of age during a new feminist wave.
“With her fame came controversy, which she so skilfully wrestled to the floor. We’re excited to tell her story.”
Meanwhile, Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4 and Commissioning Editor said: “We’re thrilled that Sandpaper and director Guy King will be bringing their calibre of storytelling to chart the impact of Taylor Swift on today’s culture.
“Her journey has been nothing short of epic, and we’re keen for this series to reflect all the joy and artistry, the heartbreaks and high stakes, of her stunning career, while also showing viewers sides of Taylor Swift that they might not know or expect.”
Taylor, 35, was at her father’s side last month after Scott Swift underwent major heart surgery after going to the doctor for a check-up.
Scott, 73, who played a significant role in his daughter’s music career, had quintuple bypass surgery last month after his GP “saw something” in worrying news for the family.
Thankfully, Scott, is now said to be “doing great” after the operation, according to TMZ, after being supported by Taylor‘s mum and Scott’s wife, Mrs Swift, who has been married to Scott for 37 years, and the singer’s brother, Austin, throughout the surgery and during the recovery process.
Taylor’s rep also told the outlet that the procedure was not the result of a heart attack, but because Scott’s doctor “saw something” while confirming that the dad-of-two is now “feeling just great”.
The singer’s spokesperson told the outlet: “Scott Swift had quintuple bypass surgery over a month ago and his wife, Andrea, and their kids, Taylor and Austin, were with him through the entire surgery and recovery process.”
Mostly students killed and more than 50 wounded as training aircraft crashes into campus in capital Dhaka.
At least 19 people have been killed as a Bangladesh air force training aircraft crashed into a college and school campus in capital Dhaka, a fire services official and local media reports said.
The F-7 BGI aircraft crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhood at about 1pm (07:00 GMT), when students were taking tests or attending regular classes.
More than 50 people, including children and adults, were hospitalised with burns after the crash, a doctor at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery told reporters.
Videos of the aftermath of the crash showed a big fire near a lawn emitting a thick plume of smoke into the sky, as crowds watched from a distance.
Firefighters sprayed water on the mangled remains of the plane, which appeared to have rammed into the side of a building, damaging iron grills and creating a gaping hole in the structure.
“A third-grade student was brought in dead, and three others, aged 12, 14 and 40, were admitted to the hospital,” Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, where some victims were taken, told the Reuters news agency.
An ambulance carrying injured people comes out after an air force training aircraft crashed into Milestone College campus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 21, 2025 [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters]
Social media videos showed people screaming and crying as others tried to comfort them.
“When I was picking [up] my kids and went to the gate, I realised something came from behind … I heard an explosion. When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke,” Masud Tarik, a teacher at the school, told Reuters.
Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, said “necessary measures” would be taken to investigate the cause of the accident and “ensure all kinds of assistance”.
“The loss suffered by the air force … students, parents, teachers and staff, and others in this accident is irreparable,” he said.
Yunus also announced that an emergency hotline has been activated at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the wake of the crash.
The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society called for donations for those injured.
The incident came a little over a month after an Air India plane crashed on top of a medical college hostel in neighbouring India’s Ahmedabad city, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground, marking the world’s worst aviation disaster in a decade.
July 20 (UPI) — The Transportation Department has announced a series of actions against Mexico for violating a years-old bilateral air carrier trade pact.
The department said Mexico has not been in compliance with the airline competition agreement since 2022 when it took back some slots for flights for U.S. air carriers at Benito Juarez International airport in Mexico City and forced U.S. cargo planes to shift their operations to other parts of the city.
“Since 2022, Mexico has altered the playing field significantly for airlines that reduce competition and allow prominent competitors to gain an unfair advantage in the U.S.-Mexico market,” a release from the Transportation Department said. “The United States and Mexico have an air services agreement… that commits both parties to a liberalized operating environment for all airlines…Mexico has walked away from its commitments.”
Mexico has said it rescinded the slots to make room for construction at the airport, but the work has yet to materialize three years later, the transportation department contended.
“By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of [Mexico City International Airport], Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs,” the release continued.
Mexico seized slots from U.S.-based carriers American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines, as well as from three Mexican airlines — Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris — to make room for the construction.
“Despite repeated outreach from the Department, Mexico has not provided any information regarding when these slots would be returned or any major construction projects at MEX will ever materialize,” the release continued.
Duffy added that the United States is also reviewing trade agreements with other countries to determine if they are being violated, including pacts with some European nations.
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Scottie Scheffler had all the time in the world to celebrate his latest major title. This British Open was never in doubt Sunday as golf’s No. 1 player delivered another dominant performance to win his second major this year and grab the third leg of the career Grand Slam.
Scheffler began with a shot into 10 inches for birdie. One hour into the final round, his lead already was seven shots and got no closer than four the rest of the way at Royal Portrush.
He closed with a 3-under 68 for a four-shot victory, sending him to the U.S. Open next year with a chance to make it a clean sweep of golf’s biggest titles.
Scheffler won the Masters by three shots in 2022 and by four shots last year. He won the PGA Championship by five shots in May. With his first career British Open title in hand, he only needs to win the U.S. Open to complete the career slam.
When he arrived in Northern Ireland, Scheffler shared some extraordinary insight while explaining that celebrating tournament wins doesn’t last but a few minutes before it was on to the next one. He loves the work required to be the best. He thrives on competition. But in terms of fulfillment, he often questions why he wants to win so badly when the thrill of winning is fleeting.
He tapped in for par on the final hole, making it all look so routine. But then he saw his family, thrust both arms into the air, pumped both arms and tossed his cap in the air. That’s what it was all about for the 29-year-old from Texas.
And he gets to keep the silver claret jug for a year.
Rory McIlroy referred to the outcome as “inevitable” when Scheffler built a four-shot lead going into the final round, and it was every bit of that.
Along with the stars on Hollywood Boulevard and the Universal Studios theme park, a new celestial attraction is set to debut in Los Angeles.
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at Exposition Park is expected to complete construction this year, according to its architects, only three years after the first shovels broke ground.
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That would make the center ready in time for when Los Angeles hosts visitors from around the world to see the 2026 World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympics.
One of the aspects that makes this place special is its showcase, the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The spacecraft stands in a stack position, meaning it’s standing — complete with boosters and a rare fuel tank — as if it were ready to launch. It’s the only shuttle in the nation to feature such a feat.
Jeffrey N. Rudolph, president and chief executive of the California Science Center, and Ted Hyman, partner at architectural firm ZGF, which designed the air and space center, recently shared updates with The Times, including news of an exclusive partnership with director/producer J.J. Abrams’ production company Bad Robot.
(William Liang / For The Times)
What’s that shiny thing off the 110 Freeway?
That silver cylindrical colossus that is easily seen from the freeway houses the stacked space shuttle.
The Endeavour was meticulously placed there in January 2024 as much of the museum was built around it.
As for the 20-story diagrid, or shuttle housing building, the museum’s construction crew is about 80% finished wrapping a stainless-steel skin exterior around the shuttle, according to an estimate from Mark Piaia, a ZGF project architect.
The shiny view comes courtesy of 4,247 panels and 1,074 diagonal strips that would stand 7,862 feet tall if lined up.
(William Liang / For The Times)
When will construction be done and the museum be open?
Rudolph said building construction is expected to be completed this year.
He would not provide an official opening day but noted that artifact and exhibit installations would still need to be completed.
The museum is expected to house about 20 planes and jets, including a Boeing 747.
There are also plans for a 45-foot slide that imitates the feeling of entering the atmosphere with a radiating orange glow, two sonic booms and the “S” turns a shuttle would make upon reentry.
(Courtesy of ZGF via the California Science Center)
What should visitors expect to see?
Rudolph was excited about what he’s calling “the reveal.”
He exclusively told The Times that a pair of introductory films are being produced by directing/producing titan J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot. That’s the same production company responsible for some of the latest “Star Wars” and “Mission:Impossible” movies.
The first film will greet visitors as they walk into the museum and will focus on the entire air and space exhibits.
The second will screen at a mini theater at the entrance to the space shuttle exhibit. It is a five-minute film that focuses on the history and inspiration behind the space shuttle. The film ends with a simulated launch, during which steam rises from the floor and through hallway doors and fills the theater.
As the steam impairs a guest’s vision, the screen is removed and visitors get a surprise: a full, “envelope” view of the stacked 20-story space shuttle.
“It is an amazing experience and we want to really build it up,” Rudolph said. “It’s not just about the hardware, but about the people and the educational aspects.”
Can visitors get inside the shuttle?
The delicate nature of the shuttle makes that impossible.
“There’s no way,” Rudolph said. “The hatch is very small and it’s very fragile.”
There is, however, a mock-up of the flight deck — an area designed to carry cargo — that visitors can toy with to get a feel that only shuttle astronauts once got.
We’ll continue to follow the progress of the air and space museum as we head toward opening day.
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A baggage handler has shared the ‘worst’ types of suitcases to take on a plane – and those that are more likely to get to your destination unscathed
A baggage handler has named the best and worst types of suitcases to travel with(Image: PonyWang via Getty Images)
A baggage handler has named the “worst” types of luggage to use when jetting off abroad, and also revealed which are more likely to arrive in one piece. With a plethora of suitcase options out there, picking the perfect travel companion can be quite the conundrum.
Thankfully, social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit have become goldmines for savvy travel advice, with airport staff dishing out their best-kept secrets to ensure your belongings stay intact during transit. On Reddit, a user by the name of Adam, who works as a baggage handler, opened up the floor for any burning questions.
A curious traveller inquired: “Any tips for avoiding baggage being lost or destroyed? And best/worst types of suitcases/bags?”
Adam’s top tip for dodging misplaced bags was simple: name tags. He pointed out that many bags look the same and often end up on the same flight, saying: “We see a lot of bags that look exactly identical to one another going on the same flight.”
He suggested personalising your luggage with a tag bearing your name and address, making it easy to identify as yours. Other recommendations included distinctive straps wrapped around the bag, reports the Express.
Suitcases come in all shapes and sizes(Image: Getty)
For those keen to keep their cases from harm, he recommended opting for luggage that boasts “four good wheels, with soft lining on the inside and a hard outer shell.”
When another user quizzed, “Why do you hate my bag?” Adam had a clear response: “Is your bag one with a dodgy wheel? One with no wheels at all? One with no proper handholds? Those are some of the bags I really, really hate.”
A curious traveller posed the question: “Hard case bags or cloth bags? Which is better?” To which the airline employee replied: “If you don’t mind your stuff being compressed, then soft case will do you fine, these tend to be more space efficient in the hold.”
The airport worker shared some savvy tips for safeguarding breakables while flying, advising: “If you have anything kinda fragile, you want a hard case to keep that stuff protected.”
Some suitcases are more prone to damage(Image: Getty)
When quizzed about the best and worst types of luggage to use, Adam revealed: “Some of the worst bags to buy are the ones which have no wheels.”
He explained the logistics behind the scenes at his airline: “In my airline, none of our holds are bin loaded, so we have to manually stack the bags inside each hold, and they can get fairly long. If your bag has at least 2 high quality wheels, then it allows us to roll them down the hold quickly, making it easier for us.”
Adam highlighted the importance of efficiency, noting: “Otherwise, we have to throw the bags in order to keep to the scheduled times.”
He confessed his pet peeve when it comes to luggage: “My absolute least favourite bags are the ones that have 4 wheels, but one of them is seized up, so we try to roll it down, but it just falls over after moving 6 inches.”
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been cancelled by CBS with the show’s final season set to air in May 2026. Fans hav been left devastated by the news with one saying “Stephen Colbert deserves better”
The network has now clarified the reasoning behind the decision(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is set to bid farewell in May 2026.
Stephen became a household name hosting the satirical news programme The Colbert Report on Comedy Central from 2005 until 2014, before taking over from David Letterman as host of The Late Show on CBS, a subsidiary of Paramount Global.
CBS announced: “‘THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT’ will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the ‘THE LATE SHOW’ franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television.”
The network clarified the reasoning behind the decision, stating, “This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,”
Colbert himself broke the news to his audience during Thursday’s show, revealing, “Before we start the show, I want to let you know something I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending ‘The Late Show’ in May,” he disclosed.
Fans took to social media to express their dismay over the show’s cancellation, with reactions such as, “Stephen Colbert deserves better!””I’m absolutely not ready to NOT have Stephen Colbert on my TV at night,” and “CBS letting Stephen Colbert go is BS! Boycott CBS” dominating X, the platform previously known as Twitter.
Several viewers have suggested that the show’s cancellation might be linked to the network’s recent legal settlement with President Trump, given Stephen’s outspoken criticism of the President. Paramount Global is currently merging with Skydance Media, a move that requires the green light from the Federal Communications Commission, reports the Mirror US.
“Just days after Paramount announces it settles the lawsuit Trump brought against them, they announce they are cancelling Stephen Colbert. Can’t help but think the cancelling of Stephen Colbert’s show was part of the settlement that Paramount agreed to. It’s so obvious,” one viewer commented.
Another shared their discomfort: “I’m not going to pretend that Stephen Colbert is perfect or anything, but it really does not sit right with me that this news comes just after Paramount settled with Trump and in the midst of merging with Skydance Media. This just feels like textbook censorship, plain and simple.”
New details about last month’s Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, have emerged this week, shifting focus onto the actions of the senior pilot during the last moments before the plane crashed.
According to a report published on Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal quoting sources close to United States officials’ early assessment of evidence, the black box audio recording of the last conversation between the two pilots indicates that the captain might have turned off the switches controlling the flow of fuel to the plane’s engines.
Last week, a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that both engines had shut down within the space of one second, leading to immediate loss of altitude, before the plane crashed into a densely populated suburb of Ahmedabad. However, that report, which stated the fuel-control switches had moved to the “cutoff” position, did not assign blame for the incident.
Two groups of commercial pilots have rejected suggestions that human error may have caused the disaster.
What happened to the Air India flight?
At 1:38pm (08:08 GMT) on June 12, Air India Flight 171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad for London Gatwick Airport, carrying 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew and two pilots.
About 40 seconds after taking off, both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost power during the initial climb. The plane then crashed into the BJ Medical College Hostel in a populated suburb 1.85km (1.15 miles) from the runway.
The aircraft broke apart on impact, causing a fire that destroyed parts of five buildings. All the passengers on the plane died except one – Vishwaskumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin. Some 19 people on the ground were killed as well, and 67 were injured.
(Al Jazeera)
What did the AAIB report say?
The AAIB is investigating the crash, the deadliest aviation incident in a decade, along with Boeing and experts from the US and United Kingdom. A preliminary report from the investigators released on Saturday found the aircraft had been deemed airworthy, had up-to-date maintenance and carried no hazardous cargo.
But the report noted that a 2018 US Federal Aviation Administration advisory warned of a potential flaw in the fuel-control switch system of some Boeing planes, including the Dreamliner. The report said Air India did not inspect the system and it was not mandatory for it to do so. During the crash, recovery systems activated, but only partial engine relight occurred, the report stated.
Both engines shut down just after takeoff as fuel switches moved from the “run” to “cutoff” positions. The report cited a black box audio recording in which one pilot asked, “Why did you cut off?” and the other denied doing so. The speakers were not identified.
Despite taking emergency measures, only one engine partially restarted, and moments before impact, a “Mayday” call was issued before communications were lost.
Air traffic control received no response after the distress call but saw the aircraft crash outside the boundary of the airport. CCTV footage from the airport showed one of the flight recovery systems – known as the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) – deploying shortly after liftoff, followed by a rapid descent.
Who were the pilots?
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, served as the pilot-in-command on the flight. A soft-spoken veteran who had logged more than 15,600 flight hours, 8,500 of them on the Boeing 787, Sabharwal was known for his reserved nature, meticulous habits and mentorship of junior pilots.
He trained at India’s premier aviation school, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, and friends who spoke to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recalled him as deeply committed to his career as a pilot as well as caring for his ageing father, a former civil aviation official.
First Officer Clive Kunder, 32, was the pilot flying the aircraft at the time of the crash while Sabharwal was the pilot monitoring.
Kunder had accumulated more than 3,400 flying hours, including 1,128 hours on the Dreamliner. Flying was his childhood dream, inspired by his mother’s 30-year career as an Air India flight attendant.
At age 19, he trained in the US and earned a commercial pilot’s licence before returning to India to join Air India in 2017.
Described by family and friends in the WSJ as joyful, curious and tech-savvy, Kunder was said to be passionate about aviation and excited to be flying the 787.
People stand next to a condolence banner as they wait for the body of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal [File: Hemanshi Kamani/Reuters]
What has emerged this week?
According to US officials who examined evidence from the crash and were quoted by the WSJ, the cockpit voice recording suggests it was Sabharwal who may have moved the fuel control switches to “cutoff” after takeoff, an action that cut power to both engines.
The switches were turned back on within seconds, but it was too late to regain full thrust.
As the flying pilot, Kunder would have been occupied with the climb-out, making it unlikely he could have manipulated the switches, according to unnamed US pilots quoted by the WSJ. Sabharwal, as the monitoring pilot, would have had a freer hand, they said.
What are the fuel-control switches?
Located on a key cockpit panel just behind the throttle levers between the two pilot seats, these switches manage the flow of fuel to each of the aircraft’s two engines.
Pilots use these fuel cutoff switches to start or shut down the engines while on the ground. In flight, the pilots can manually shut down or restart an engine in the event of a failure.
How do fuel-control switches work?
The switches are designed for manual operation. They are spring-loaded to stay firmly in place and cannot be moved accidentally or with light pressure during flight operations.
The switches have two settings: “cutoff” and “run”. The “cutoff” mode stops fuel from reaching the engines while “run” allows normal fuel flow. To change positions, a pilot must first pull the switch upwards before shifting it between “run” and “cutoff”.
Could the crash have been caused by human error?
Experts are cautious about this. US aviation analyst Mary Schiavo told the Financial Express in India that people should not draw premature conclusions, arguing that there is as yet no definitive evidence of pilot error.
She highlighted a similar incident during which one of the engines suddenly shut down midflight on an All Nippon Airways Boeing 787 during its final approach to Osaka, Japan, in 2019.
Investigators later found that the aircraft’s software had mistakenly interpreted the plane as being on the ground, triggering the thrust control malfunction accommodation system, which automatically moved the fuel switch from “run” to “cutoff” without any action from the pilots.
Schiavo warned that a similar malfunction cannot yet be ruled out in the Air India crash and stressed the importance of releasing the full cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcript to avoid misleading interpretations.
“There is nothing here to suggest pilot suicide or murder,” she said. “The voices, words and sounds on CVRs must be carefully analysed.”
India’s Federation of Indian Pilots criticised the framing of the preliminary findings in the media this week.
In a public statement, the federation noted that the report relies heavily on paraphrased CVR excerpts and lacks comprehensive data.
“Assigning blame before a transparent, data-driven investigation is both premature and irresponsible,” the statement read before adding that it undermines the professionalism of the crew and causes undue distress to their families.
Campbell Wilson, chief executive of Air India, this week urged staff not to make premature conclusions about the causes of the crash, telling them this week that the investigation was “far from over”.
This Morning’s Cat Deeley was left lost for words when she found out that she is in fact 15 years younger
This Morning’s Cat Deeley was left speechless as she discovered her biological age after confessing to bad sleeping habits.
During Thursday’s (July 17) episode of the ITV hit chat show, Cat, 48, and co-host Ben Shephard, 50, made a return to our screens as they presented the day’s top stories.
However it was one segment that took the pair by surprise as they took a medical test to discover what their biological age is.
Joined by longevity and biohacking expert, Dr. Alka Patel Cat asked: “Tell us, what is biohacking?” Dr Alka explained: “Biohacking is all about taking control of your health. If you split the word up, what you’re taking control of is your biology and the hacking is getting into your control centre, to really understand how you’re made.”
This Morning’s Cat Deeley was left speechless after making a discovery (Image: ITV)
Keen to find out more, Cat further asked: “So what’s the difference between your biological age and the other age.”
Dr Alka revealed: “This is super important to know is that getting older and ages are two different things and most people don’t think of it like that. Your biological age is based on the level of your cells.”
Eager to find out how old they really are, Dr Alka, 53, went first and revealed that her biological age is 20. A shocked Ben replied: “What!” as Cat jumped in: “How did you do that?”
Dr Alka admitted: “I’ve been testing for a number of years and over the years that biological age hasn’t shifted.”
Cat, 48, was left lost for words when she found out that she is in fact 15 years younger(Image: ITV)
Turning attention to Ben, he went on to say: “My chronological age, not sure I’ve told you this but I’m 50, so we’re going to find out my biological age.”
The TV star, who prides himself on living a healthy lifestyle and regularly exercises, was left unimpressed as he discovered his biological age was only 46-years old.
Turning to the camera, he shouted: “46, is that it? I’m quite surprised about that because I think I look after myself, I get a decent amount of sleep, train really hard and I feel fit and healthier than I ever have in my life. I’m really fascinated that it’s only four years younger.”
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard presented Thursday’s show together (Image: ITV)
Moving on to Cat, she admitted that taking the test was a ‘nightmare’ as she had to take the test twice. It was clear that Cat was expecting to also have a high age as she revealed: “I’m a terrible sleeper but I am healthy.”
Cat, 48, was left lost for words when she found out that she is in fact 15 years younger, with a result of 33-years-old.
A stunned Cat replied: “I could cry” as Ben jumped in and joked: “33! I want a recount.” Cat added: “I don’t know how I’ve done it because I certainly don’t sleep, which I know is one of the most important factors.”
This Morning continues on ITV1 from 10am every weekday and is available to stream back on ITVX.
EastEnders fans may be disappointed tonight as the BBC soap has been taken off its usual 7.30pm slot on BBC One – and won’t be back on air again until next week
EastEnders has been taken off air again tonight in another schedule shake-up(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders fans won’t be able to take their usual Thursday visit to Albert Square tonight, as the soap has been taken off air yet again in another huge schedule shake-up.
The BBC soap has seen huge changes in the schedule over the past few weeks with major sporting events such as Wimbledon and the Women’s Euros broadcasting on the BBC. Although Wimbledon came to an end over the weekend, the Women’s Euros are still in full swing – affecting EastEnders‘ schedule.
The Lionesses are still very much in the running to take home the title with their quarter final against Sweden being broadcast on the BBC tonight from 7pm, wrapping up at 10.15pm. This means that unfortunately there’s no room for EastEnders on tonight’s schedule.
The soap will be back on air next week – as the new owner of the Vic will be revealed(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
However, EastEnders fans still received their two hour dose of Walford drama this week, as the soap aired a double bill on Tuesday night. The dramatic episodes saw Karen Henthorn reprise her role as Julie Bates after 27 years as Jay Brown contacted her to let her know Nigel was in Walford.
Julie wasn’t best pleased that Nigel and Phil had kept her in the dark, and towards the end of the double bill, she was seen taking Nigel home to Scotland. A heartbroken Phil couldn’t bring himself to say goodbye to his best friend – but is it the last we’ll see of Nigel?
EastEnders fans will have to wait until Monday for the next instalment, and once again, they’ll have to deal with another schedule shake-up. Fans will be treated to another double bill on Monday night, with both episodes dropping at 6am on iPlayer.
This week saw the return of Oscar Branning – and he’s set to up the drama next week(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
For those who want to wait until the evening, the first episode will be airing on BBC One at 7.30pm, with the second airing straight after at 8pm.
The soap will air in its usual 7.30pm slot on Tuesday, however will be taken off air again next Wednesday for the second semi-final of the Women’s Euros. Business will commence as usual on Thursday evening, as the soap will be back in its usual 7.30pm slot.
Spoilers for next week tease an explosive week for the soap, as the new owners of the Queen Vic will be revealed. It’s the end of an era for the Carters as Linda and her mother Elaine agreed to sell. Next week, the auction will begin as a bidding war ensues between the Slaters, the Beales and a developer. But who will emerge victorious?
Elsewhere, it looks like Max Branning may not be too far away from returning to Walford as Linda Carter decides to tell Oscar the fact her daughter Annie is his biological half-sister. Oscar’s father Max Branning has no idea Linda’s daughter is his child.
Oscar decides Max needs to know the truth and is keen to tell him, leaving Linda terrified. Lauren Branning is tasked with trying to reason with her brother – is Max’s return sooner than we think?
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The BBC and Banijay UK are reportedly still planning to air the final MasterChef series featuring axed Gregg Wallace and John Torode despite findings – and when the ‘dust settles’
Gregg Wallace and John Torode fronted MasterChef for years(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s final series of MasterChef will reportedly still be aired. It has been revealed that the BBC and Banijay UK are keen to air the final two series featuring the presenters “when the dust settles”.
Gregg Wallace’s position on MasterChef became “untenable” after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month investigation. John Torode was also axed after he confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language. However, John said he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened.
Now sources have revealed that the BBC and Banijay are currently planning to air the already-filmed two series of MasterChef including a celebrity version. Gregg and John both appear in one and Grace Dent stepped in for Gregg in the other.
“These past eight months have been truly hellish for all concerned. The BBC and Banijay have faced a moral and professional dilemma like never before. Obviously Gregg’s case was more clear cut, but John being dragged through the mud wasn’t what anyone wanted or expected to happen,” a source said.
John Torode and Gregg Wallace have left MasterChef but their final series could air(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
“But at the same time, and as a publicly funded body, the BBC has a duty to both provide entertainment as well as fulfil its obligations to cast, crew, contestants and viewers alike. If they were to can these two series, hundreds of people — those who appeared or worked on the shows — would be so bitterly disappointed.”
The insider added to The Sun : “So the feeling at present is that the show, quite literally, must go on — albeit once the dust has settled and all the fuss died down. The two presenters have already been cancelled on the Beeb — they don’t wish to cancel the series too; neither of which, it must be noted, received any complaints.” The BBC has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.
In a lengthy statement, the BBC said they had no plans to work with Wallace again. They wrote: “We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour. We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.
“No decision has yet been made over the completed series of MasterChef, which was not broadcast earlier this year while the investigation was conducted. At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part. At the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.”
The strikes targeted areas in the Bekaa Valley, including a Syrian refugee camp, Lebanon’s state news agency says.
Israeli air strikes have killed at least 12 people, including five Hezbollah fighters, in eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media reports, in what Israel said was a warning to the armed group against trying to re-establish itself.
Eight other people were wounded on Tuesday in the Israeli air strikes that hit the Wadi Fara area in the northern Bekaa Valley, including a camp for displaced Syrians, Lebanon’s National News Agency said.
The Israeli military said its air strikes targeted training camps used by elite Hezbollah fighters and warehouses the group used to store weapons.
The air strikes were the deadliest on the area since a United States-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel last November – a truce repeatedly violated by Israel, which has carried out near-daily strikes across parts of the country.
Bachir Khodr, governor of the Bekaa region, said seven of the dead were Syrian nationals.
Israel dealt Hezbollah significant blows in last year’s war, assassinating its leader Hassan Nasrallah along with other commanders and destroying much of its arsenal.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday’s strikes sent a “clear message” to Hezbollah, accusing it of planning to rebuild the capability to raid Israel through the elite Radwan force.
Israel “will respond with maximum force to any attempt at rebuilding”, he said. He added that strikes were also a message to the Lebanese government, saying it was responsible for upholding the ceasefire agreement.
There was no immediate public response from Hezbollah or from the Lebanese government to the latest Israeli strikes.
Under the November ceasefire deal, Hezbollah was to pull its fighters back north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border, leaving the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers as the only armed parties in the region.
Israel was required to fully withdraw its troops from the country, but has kept them in five places it deems strategic.
The US has submitted a proposal to the Lebanese government aimed at securing Hezbollah’s disarmament within four months in exchange for Israel halting air strikes and withdrawing troops from the positions they still hold in south Lebanon.
