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BBC Breakfast’s Luxmy Gopal were left shocked after their co-host shared some statistics on eating in bed

Luxmy Gopal told her co-star, “That’s not good,” after he announced some surprising news on Monday’s BBC Breakfast.

During one segment, Ben revealed the latest statistics about where most people eat their tea or dinner in the evenings.

However, when he explained that some people have admitted to eating in bed, Luxmy was left taken aback.

To kick off the discussion, Ben asked his co-star, “What do you think about having your phone at the dinner table?”

“I would say just hygiene-wise, it is not ideal because you know, your phone has a lot of bacteria on it,” Luxmy replied, reports the Express.

“You use it a lot without washing your hands; there is just a lot of dirt there.”

Ben went on to point out that many people sit at their tables and scroll on their phones or watch TV while they eat instead of talking to their family.

“I understand watching TV, it’s kind of a classic, it’s how TV dinners were a thing,” Luxmy went on. “Watching TV while you eat is quite common.”

Ben then read out some of the statistics that had been reported. He said, “Three percent eat their dinner in a bedroom..”

Before Ben could continue, Luxmy looked disgusted and responded, “Ohhh, that is not good. That doesn’t seem hygienic.”

Ben then gave the statistics for how many people stood in the kitchen while they ate.

“Standing up?” Luxmy said in surprise. “That can’t be comfortable or enjoyable. I don’t think that is good for your digestion, is it?”

“I am actually surprised that it is as high as that,” Luxmy chimed in after Ben revealed that a quarter of people still sit at a table and eat together.

“I think that is quite encouraging,” she commented, with Ben adding his two cents: “But the phone has to be away. You can’t have it sat on the table because then it is like you’re waiting for something better to come along.”

Meanwhile, Carol Kirkwood was in the studio to provide the latest weather updates, while John Watson provided the most recent sports news.

BBC Breakfast is broadcast every day at 6am on BBC One.

It covers all new reservations made from Friday, August 22 onwards

Leading leisure carrier Jet2.com has bolstered its family-friendly credentials by revealing that children under two will now fly for free. The move makes Jet2.com the only UK airline that does not charge for children under two travelling to spots across Europe, the Canaries and the Mediterranean.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “As a family-friendly airline and tour operator, we are always looking at how we can make the experience even better for families travelling with us. By putting our customers first and making these changes, meaning that all children under 2 now travel for free whether on a package holiday or a seat-only flight, we are making travel even more accessible for millions of families.”

This fresh policy covers all new reservations made from Friday, August 22, with youngsters needing to be under two at the time of travel for it to be valid.

Given that children under two already travelled free with Jet2holidays, this now ensures that all under-twos fly free with Jet2 – whether on a package break with Jet2holidays or on a seat-only journey with Jet2.com., reports Bristol Live.

Additionally, Jet2.com has brought in a new family-friendly amendment to its child and infant equipment allowance, ensuring that no extra baggage fees will be levied for child or infant kit being checked into the hold.

This policy takes effect straight away. In addition to an extra 10kg baggage allowance for children under two, customers can bring up to two items per child under two free of charge to be checked into the hold.

These can include a collapsible pushchair, pram or buggy, car seat or booster seat, baby carrier, or travel cot and the 10kg weight limitation no longer applies to these items.

Jeremy Clarkson has been inundated with congratulations from fans after he made a rare social media statement

Jeremy Clarkson has made a sudden declaration about his pub, The Farmer’s Dog, on social media this week as he praised staff who have made its inaugural year of trading a triumph.

The Clarkson’s Farm star launched his Cotswolds watering hole in August 2024, documenting the adventure on his Prime Video programme as workers at the time mounted a significant walkout.

Now Jeremy, 65, has shared a photograph of the pub’s signage on Instagram and informed followers: “Exactly a year ago, we opened The Farmer’s Dog to back British farming.

“Today, there are 146 people on the payroll, and I’d like to thank every single one of them for making it such a roaring success.”

Supporters hurried to praise the former Top Gear presenter on his accomplishment, with one retailer of his Hawkstone beer disclosing they have also been marking his triumphs in the commercial realm.

The retailer wrote: “Congratulations! We are proud sellers of Hawkstone and have sold almost 6000 bottles in just over a year! Good going for a small indie shop,” reports the Express.

“Not only are you providing jobs, you are helping small businesses like mine keep going during tough times. Cheers.”

Another person added: “Happy first birthday! We just visited yesterday, what a wonderful creation.”

A third admirer commented, “I hope everyone within the farmers’ cooperative is thriving through the enterprise, too. I’ve visited twice and had a great time. Lovely staff, great location, wonderful food.”

Someone else expressed support by saying, “I look forward to visiting soon; it’s just up the road for me.”

The Farmer’s Dog, a mere 10 miles south of Diddly Squat Farm and nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside along the A40, was formerly known as The Windmill.

Jeremy reportedly paid “less than £1million” for the property, only to find that it had been a popular spot for particularly exhibitionist locals.

Thankfully, the pub has undergone a complete makeover, including the addition of a massive chrome tractor hanging in the bar area.

For people who reach retirement without much savings, Social Security can be a true lifeline. And it’s people in that situation who tend to be very reliant on the program’s cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

Social Security benefits are eligible for a COLA each year. That doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to get one, though.

Image source: Getty Images.

If there’s no rise in inflation from one year to the next, benefits don’t increase. Thankfully, though, the worst thing that happens is that they stay put. Social Security benefits can’t be adjusted downward, even if there’s a drop in inflation year over year.

At this point, many Social Security recipients are eager to know what raise they’ll be getting in 2026. And unfortunately, it’s too soon to have an official answer.

Social Security COLAs are based on third-quarter inflation data. This means that until data from September comes in, a COLA can’t be calculated. It’s for this reason that the Social Security Administration won’t be able to announce a COLA until Oct. 15.

However, based on inflation data so far, there are clues as to what year’s COLA might be. Whether you’re happy with the number, though, depends on how you look at things.

What we know about 2026’s Social Security COLA so far

In 2025, Social Security recipients saw their benefits increase by 2.5%. And many seniors were unhappy with that small a raise.

So far, next year’s COLA is potentially looking to be more promising. The Senior Citizens League, an advocacy group, is estimating that 2026’s raise will come in at 2.7%.

Of course, this number could wiggle upward or downward, depending on what inflation has in store for August and September. But either way, there’s a good chance seniors on Social Security will get a slightly larger raise in 2026 than they did this year.

Should you be happy with a 2.7% COLA?

That depends. On one hand, it’s higher than this year’s raise, and it’s not nothing. There have been many COLAs in the past that were much smaller (including a number of 0% COLA years).

On the other hand, 2.7% is hardly a large boost. If you’ve been struggling to keep up with your living expenses, you may find that a 2.7% Social Security COLA doesn’t do all that much for you.

But there’s another silver lining to a 2.7% COLA, or something in that vicinity. A moderate COLA is an indication that inflation isn’t rising at such a rapid pace.

There’s fear that in the coming months, tariffs will drive living costs up — not just for seniors, but Americans on a whole. If next year’s COLA ends up somewhere in the ballpark of 2.7%, it will be an indication of economic stability.

Think about your lifestyle carefully if you’re COLA-dependent

All told, you’ll have to wait until mid-October to see what the official word is on next year’s COLA. But if you’re worried it won’t be enough, it may be time to reassess your financial situation.

Think about the things you spend money on and the value they bring you. You may not be able to cut back on food or electricity, but you may be able to sell a nicer car and replace it with a cheaper one. Or you may be able to give up a car altogether if you live in a walkable neighborhood and no longer have a job to commute to on a daily basis.

Another thing worth considering is part-time work if you’re able to do it. Not only might that give you something to do with your time, but it could also improve your finances a lot more than a Social Security COLA — even a larger one.

Suki Panesar looked like she had lost everything in tonight’s EastEnders as the character was exposed for her request to pregnant granddaughter Avani Nandra-Hart

It was an emotional night for the Panesar/Gulati family in tonight’s EastEnders, as Suki was ‘disowned’ by her whole family after the truth about Avani’s pregnancy was revealed. Now fans fear we could be seeing an exit for the character – especially after the actor’s recent Strictly announcement.

Last night, Eve took Avani to get a termination without Suki’s knowledge. In previous scenes, we had seen Suki asking Avani to keep the baby for herself and Eve to bring up. Although Avani was up for the plan at first, she later disclosed to Eve that she had changed her mind.

In tonight’s episode, the aftermath of the revelation continued, with Ravi and Priya unleashing their fury onto Suki for her actions. An angry Priya even went as far as to slap Suki across the face, but that wasn’t the least of her troubles.

READ MORE: EastEnders’ George faces ‘worst nightmare’ as Kojo arrested following shock drug twistREAD MORE: EastEnders’ Oscar Branning gets close to unlikely resident – leaving Lauren in shock

Later on in the episode, she took Avani to hospital after she was experiencing heavy bleeding, and once again met a furious Ravi and Priya in the hospital corridors.

As she left them alone to make their way back home, Suki was left with even more panic when she found her grandson Nugget and son Vinny packing their things to move out the house. However, they weren’t the only ones, as wife Eve also had the same idea.

A tearful Eve then called out Suki for opening her up to the hurt of losing out on motherhood – something she had never been open to in the past.

“I don’t know what we’ve got left anymore,” Eve said as she made her way out the door, leaving Suki in tears.

Now, fans fear a split between one of their favourite couples – especially as it was recently announced actor Balvinder Sopal would be appearing on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

“Oh dear! Is Suki about to have a #strictly sized break after a massive argument with Eve?” said one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, while another said: “Don’t think #SukEve will survive this!”

A third said: “I think the suki and avani storyline is a build up to suki temporary exit for strictly and also maybe the reveal of joel recording avani…”

But is this the end of SukEve as we know it? With nothing left in Walford for Suki – will she be making a sharp exit?

When Balvinder’s Strictly announcement was made, many fans were convinced the character would be leaving for an extended period of time.

Many believed she would go off to visit her daughter Ash in Canada to try and make amends after the rest of her family has ultimately disowned her.

However, the actor revealed she’d still be working alongside Strictly rehearsals, as she said: “I’ll still be working here so I’ll be doing two jobs. I don’t know how I’m going to handle it. I don’t know what’s gonna happen but I’m looking forward to it.”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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If you’re feeling a little peckish as you open this week’s letter from the editor, our latest cover subject, “Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder, has a recommendation for you: a breakfast burrito from Historic Filipinotown’s Doubting Thomas, home of her favorite in the city.

And while you wait for those eggs to cook up, let’s unwrap the foil on our Aug. 14 issue and chomp down on some highlights.

Cover story: Hannah Einbinder’s next act

(Bexx Francois / For The Times)

No, “Hacks” is not over. As of this writing, Season 5 is not even officially its last. But with a stand-up comedy special under her belt, Jane Schoenbrun’s “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” in the can and another hush-hush project already underway, it’s clear that the “Hacks” star isn’t planning to rest on the laurels of four Emmy nominations.

As former competitive cheerleader Einbinder tells Margy Rochlin in this week’s cover story, the prospect of leaving the “Hacks” nest is “emotional,” but the novelty of new challenges scratches its own itch: “I’m an adrenaline seeker,” she says. “I just have always liked the feeling of flying.”

Accompanying the story online is the debut of our new short-form series “In the First Place,” in which we ask cover subjects about life and career “firsts” — including, in Einbinder’s case, her first stop at the Americana, the first comedy album she listened to on repeat and more.

Inside the year’s most ambitious TV episode

(Matthew Lewis / Netflix)

As a result, perhaps, of my particular lens — former high-school teacher here — it wasn’t the destabilizing premiere, the wrenching finale, or Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty’s riveting two-hander that left me most awestruck when I watched Netflix’s “Adolescence” this spring.

It was only after the second episode, which weaves a murder investigation into a chaotic school day, that I found myself muttering under my breath, “I need a diagram of how they did that.”

Thanks to Emmy-nominated director of photography Matthew Lewis for obliging my curiosity (see above), and for speaking to contributor Bill Desowitz for his story about the extraordinary choreography required to piece a fire drill, a police chase and a drone shot into a single continuous shot, all with 350 young extras to corral.

For logistical stress, that puts even chaperoning prom to shame. And trust me, I’d know!

A real ‘Somebody’

(The Tyler Twins / For The Times)

“Somebody Somewhere’s” Jeff Hiller is having the time of his life — and not just in the photo above, snapped last month in the courtyard of his Manhattan apartment building.

As Tyler Coates writes in his profile of the first-time Emmy nominee, the surprise and delight of the announcement allows Hiller to keep basking in gratitude for the role of lovable queer Kansan Joel even though the series ended its three-season run last fall: “If I could play a role like that for six weeks once a year, for the rest of my life? I’d be more than fulfilled.”

It also allows him entree to HBO’s vaunted after-party, though my fingers are crossed that “Somebody Somewhere” doesn’t inspire any trays of “St. Louis sushi.”

Read more from our Aug. 14 issue

Lisa Berns, the niece of retired Gen. Colin L. Powell, passed by a newsstand in Los Angeles over the weekend and found herself reacting with dread and alarm to the news that Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin had just been assassinated.

The Orange County woman’s reaction surfaced again Wednesday, when her uncle announced he would not be running for President, a decision that, in Berns’ words, “hasn’t ruined my day. . . . It takes a lot of the pressure off of us. It takes the worry away.”

“People in public office just put themselves at risk every day, so I’m not unhappy that he decided not to run,” she said.

Lisa Berns’ mother, Marilyn Berns, whose only sibling is Powell, said she had never discussed the dangers of running for office with her brother, “But I know that it concerned us–my husband and our family. I think Colin’s decision was made prior” to Saturday’s tragedy in Israel.

“I wasn’t surprised [by Wednesday’s announcement] because Colin called me [Tuesday] night and told me what his decision was,” said Marilyn Berns, 64, a teacher at Martin Elementary School in Santa Ana until her retirement in June. “I’m pleased about the decision. It’s important to us that he do the thing he feels most comfortable with. . . . We were all getting very edgy about it.”

Berns said that her brother’s consideration of seeking the presidency had left his family subject to prolonged stress.

“There was this monumental decision that had to be made,” Marilyn Berns said. “Both of them [Powell and his wife, Alma], along with their kids, were just meeting and meeting and thinking it over. I didn’t realize until I spoke to him the gravity of what my brother was dealing with. That was very disturbing to me. I got a little teary over that.”

Elsewhere in Orange County, the response was less personal and more political as Democratic and Republican leaders found a common ground: Albeit for their own reasons, both parties agreed that Powell had done the right thing–the only thing he could do, really–in not seeking the White House.

But private citizens throughout the county reacted glumly, saying that Powell’s decision deprived American voters of a candidate whom many felt was potentially the best President of anyone in public life.

Others expressed relief, however, saying the timing just didn’t feel right.

Numerous political pundits said Wednesday that Powell’s wife had been “adamant” about having him decline, language with which both Berns women took issue.

Marilyn Berns said that her sister-in-law “has a lot of input” into her husband’s choices and that “they do things together as a team”–to a point.

Even if Alma Powell had strongly resisted her husband’s running, “she’s not the type of woman who is so forceful that she would ram her views down someone’s throat. That’s not Alma Powell’s style. She gives her input, and that’s it. She doesn’t beat a dead horse.”

“I haven’t talked to my aunt [Alma, Powell’s wife]. I don’t know that she’s adamant about him not running,” said Lisa Berns, a computer saleswoman in Orange County, “but I don’t think she’s got a burning desire for him to run.

“I don’t know what she feels precisely about Rabin’s assassination. I don’t know that it played a big part in their decision, but I will tell you this: I was in L.A. over the weekend visiting friends. I hadn’t been watching the news, or reading the newspaper.

“But at 5 o’clock when I walked by a newsstand and saw that Rabin had been assassinated, my heart sank. I don’t know if anybody else in the family had it cross their minds, but it certainly crossed mine.”

The Berns family is so concerned about its own privacy that both mother and daughter asked not to have published the name of the Orange County community where the family lives.

Despite her uncle’s decision, “I think he would have been great” as President, Lisa Berns said. “I think he would be good at anything he sets out to do. He’s obviously very bright, very well spoken, level-headed, cool. . . . He knows how to work under tremendous pressure in various capacities. He’s a fair person, an eminently decent person.”

On other fronts, Democrats and Republicans across the county were not about to try to persuade Powell to change his mind.

“If he had run, it would have made the Republican [presidential] race even uglier than it is already,” by pitting the moderate Powell against GOP conservatives, said Irvine attorney Jim Toledano, chairman of the Democratic Party in Orange County.

“The announcement comes as no surprise to me,” countered Thomas A. Fuentes, chairman of the Republican Party in Orange County. “I never met a party activist who was favorable to [Powell’s] nomination during all the time the press was touting it.”

It was always the media and never the GOP constituency who wanted Powell to run, Fuentes said, claiming the negative feeling was far more prevalent in the ultraconservative, Republican stronghold of Orange County.

“If there were ever a media-contrived candidacy, this was the best example,” Fuentes said. “To carry our banner requires some time of service to the party and also the full embrace of the values and ideals of the party–and that was lacking.”

Fuentes suggested that party regulars felt the would-be candidate had not yet paid his dues, noting that Powell’s most trusted advisers “obviously shared with him the reality that there was no Powell ground network. There has to be some structure, some network, some reality to a campaign. That not being in place, I think he just came to grips with reality.”

But some people reacted to Wednesday’s news with disappointment.

At the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, about 150 people watched Powell’s announcement on a big-screen television. Many were both surprised and crestfallen at his decision. “I really thought he had the impetus and the appeal to win,” said 54-year-old Beverly Nocas of Pasadena. “He’s very articulate and I think he could have done a lot for us.”

Norma Canova, a 50-year-old resident of Yorba Linda, said, “I think he could have had a great role in healing racial problems in this country.”

But several onlookers, who had gathered to watch a fashion show called “Dressing the First Lady,” expressed relief.

“I couldn’t vote for him because I don’t know what he stands for,” said 81-year-old Henry Boney of San Diego. “I know that he’s a good salesman though. He created a lot of publicity for his book.”

Newport Beach resident Elaine Parks said she was “very impressed” with Powell, but was heartened by his decision to stay out of the race.

“It would have been divisive to the party, and we need complete unity to beat the current President, which I sincerely hope happens,” Parks said.

In the late 1990s, Paula Deen was an independent restaurateur whose family-operated restaurant had just received a glowing review from USA Today. Her life and career were permanently changed.

Now, over 25 years later, the Georgia native has announced the closing of the Lady and Sons — the iconic restaurant that made her a star of Southern cuisine and a household name in the cooking world.

Opened in downtown Savannah, Ga., in 1996, the Lady and Sons boasted a menu of local classics like fried green tomatoes, banana pudding and hoecakes. The signature dish, Southern fried chicken, was enough to draw lines wrapping around the block — and the restaurant came to be viewed as an embodiment of the indulgent and buttery flavors that characterize Southern cooking.

“There in Savannah, Paula Deen’s homestyle Southern menu at the Lady and Sons turned me into a ravenous beast, unmindful of manners, cholesterol, North-South diplomacy and the dropped jaws of my companions,” USA Today, then the nation’s most-read daily newspaper, wrote on Dec. 17, 1999.

Earlier that year, the popularity of the Lady and Sons caught the attention of Food Network journalist Gordon Elliott. Deen appeared on Elliott’s short-lived show “Door Knock Dinners” that led to her own Daytime Emmy-winning Food Network program, “Paula’s Home Cooking.”

On her website and social media accounts, Deen bid farewell to the Lady and Sons and its longtime fans. Also closing is her newer restaurant, the Chicken Box, which opened in 2023.

“Hey, y’all, my sons and I made the heartfelt decision that Thursday, July 31st, was the last day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box,” Deen said in the statement. “We will now focus our attention on the four Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations across the country.”

The announcement came without warning, especially as the restaurant continued to draw tours and lines of customers. Three weeks prior to the announcement, the Lady and Sons posted on Instagram that it was hiring for all positions.

Over the years, some of Deen’s other restaurants have also closed suddenly. In 2014, employees at Uncle Bubba’s Seafood and Oyster House — a Savannah eatery she co-owned with her brother, Earl W. “Bubba” Hiers Jr. — reportedly arrived to work to find the doors locked and the appliances removed. A sign on the door said, “Thank you for 10 great years. Uncle Bubba’s is now closed.”

The Panama City, Fla., location of Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen also closed abruptly in 2019, laying off 30 employees without advance notice. Several former employees told local news channel WJHG that they were left without their main source of income following the closure.

Uncle Bubba’s closure came a year after controversy began to surround Deen after a former manager at the restaurant sued Hiers, alleging sexual and racial discrimination.

Food Network canceled “Paula’s Home Cooking” after Deen admitted to using a racial slur during a deposition for the 2013 lawsuit. Lawyers asked Deen if she had ever used the N-word, to which Deen replied, “Yes, of course,” later adding, “It’s been a very long time.”

Since then, the 78-year-old has focused on her restaurants.

The Lady and Sons, as her core establishment, was the result of a litany of personal struggles and ambition. Both of her parents passed away when she was in her early 20s and Deen, then a young mother, struggled with depression and agoraphobia, or fear of going outside.

With only $200 left, Deen founded a catering company out of her kitchen called the Bag Lady. Her handmade bag lunches were delivered by her sons Jamie and Bobby and earned Deen a local reputation for her homestyle cooking. After one attempt at a restaurant, the Lady in 1991, the follow-up, the Lady and Sons, co-owned with Jamie and Bobby, would be her success.

In her first interview since losing the election to President Trump and leaving office, former Vice President Kamala Harris told Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show” that her decision not to run for California governor was more “basic” than saving herself for a “different office” — which is to say, another run for president in 2028.

After years of being a “devout public servant,” Harris said in the interview, set to air Thursday night, she just doesn’t want to be “in the system” right now.

“Recently I made the decision that I just — for now — I don’t want to go back in the system,” she said. “I think it’s broken.”

She said that was not to take away from the important work being done every day by “so many good people who are public servants,” such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and scientists.

“It’s not about them,” she said. “But you know, I believe, and I always believed, that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think right now that they’re not as strong as they need to be.”

She said she instead wants to travel the country and talk to Americans in a setting that isn’t “transactional, where I’m asking for their vote.”

Colbert said to hear Harris — whom he called “very qualified for the presidency” — say that the American system is broken was “harrowing.”

“Well, but it’s also evident, isn’t it?” Harris replied, to applause from the studio audience.

The interview came on the heels of Harris’ announcements this week that she is not running for California governor and is releasing a memoir about her short, whirlwind presidential campaign following President Biden’s decision to drop from the race, and it was a big get for Colbert in what appears to be his final chapter on late-night TV.

CBS, blaming financial concerns across late night, announced July 17 that the 2025-2026 season of “The Late Show” would be its last.

The announcement followed Colbert sharply criticizing Paramount Global’s $16-million settlement with Trump over a CBS News “60 Minutes” interview with Harris during the presidential campaign, which Trump accused the venerable news show of manipulating to make her look better.

Paramount Global was at the time seeking a major merger with Skydance Media and needed the Trump administration’s approval, which it ultimately got. Just days before the announcement that his show would be ending, Colbert described the “60 Minutes” settlement as a bribe to get the merger deal done.

All that caused many observers and allies of Colbert to speculate that the cancellation of the show was political in nature. The Writers Guild of America, for example, said the company appeared to be “sacrificing free speech to curry favor with the Trump Administration.”

Trump said it was “not true” that he was “solely responsible for the firing of Stephen Colbert,” and that the “reason he was fired was a pure lack of TALENT” and that Colbert’s show was losing Paramount millions of dollars a year.

“And it was only going to get WORSE!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Paramount has said the decision was “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,” though some polling has suggested many Americans don’t believe the company.

It’s unclear whether Harris considered any of that in granting Colbert her first interview since leaving office. However, it would almost certainly not have been her only reason.

Colbert is liberal and seen as a friendly interviewer by Democrats.

During Thursday’s interview, the late-night host heaped praise on Harris. After saying it was “harrowing” to hear she feels the system is broken, he asked whether she was giving up fighting.

Harris said she was not.

“I am always going to be part of the fight,” Harris said. “That is not going to change.”

RIO DE JANEIRO — The U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday announced sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes over alleged suppression of freedom of expression and the ongoing trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

De Moraes oversees the criminal case against Bolsonaro, who is accused of masterminding a plot to stay in power despite his 2022 election loss to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“De Moraes is responsible for an oppressive campaign of censorship, arbitrary detentions that violate human rights, and politicized prosecutions — including against former President Jair Bolsonaro,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

The Treasury cited the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which targets perpetrators of human rights abuse and corrupt officials, as its authority to issue the sanctions.

The decision orders the freezing of any assets or property De Moraes may have in the U.S.

Brazil’s Supreme Court and the presidential palace did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wednesday’s announcement follows the U.S. State Department’s announcement of visa restrictions on Brazilian judicial officials, including De Moraes, on July 18.

It also comes after President Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imported goods that is set to take effect Friday. In a letter announcing the tariff, Trump explicitly linked the import tax to what he called the “witch hunt” trial of Bolsonaro that is underway in Brazil.

Days later, Bolsonaro was ordered to wear an ankle monitor after being deemed a flight risk.

Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo celebrated the Treasury’s announcement on X, calling it a “historic milestone” and a warning that “abuses of authority now have global consequences.”

Eduardo Bolsonaro relocated to the U.S. in March and is under investigation for allegedly working with U.S. authorities to impose sanctions against Brazilian officials.

Hughes writes for the Associated Press.

Ryanair failed to load a single piece of lugagge on to a Gran Canaria-bound flight, blaming it on a security issue at Bristol Airport but refused to explain what the exact issue was

A plane full of tourists have been left in Spain without their belongings after their Ryanair flight flew across Europe without a single piece of checked luggage on board.

Travellers on the Gran Canaria-bound flight FR4757, which departed from Bristol on Friday, were left stunned when the pilot told them there suitcases had not been loaded due to “time constraints”. The pilot blamed the blunder on a security issue at Bristol Airport.

Among the passengers were 11 pals from Taunton, who were on their way to Maspalomas, where they were going for a birthday and graduation celebration.

Madeline Cooper, 22, said it was a normal journey until they were told about the issue when they landed.

“We had absolutely no issues at all until we landed. Then the captain said they made the difficult decision to not bring any of our luggage,” she explained. “They wouldn’t say what the security issue was – just that every single person’s bag had been left behind.”

The group quickly discovered they weren’t the only ones affected, reports Bristol Live. “We were told today that it was 70 bags that didn’t fly. One pram made it across, that’s it,” Madeline added.

“People didn’t even believe it at first – some thought it was a joke.”

Vital belongings left behind included medicines, contact lenses, cosmetics and sun protection. Sophie Payne, one of the party, suffers severe asthma and found herself stranded without her inhaler.

“It was really stressful,” she said. “I take it twice a day and it gets worse at night.

“We’ve had to search for a pharmacy in an area we don’t know.”

The group, staying at the Cordial Green Golf Bungalows, were informed that their luggage might arrive by Saturday night.

But as of 6pm, they had not received any updates from Ryanair.

“There’s been zero communication,” Madeline commented. “They keep telling us to use the app, but some older passengers don’t even have smartphones.”

The ordeal has already disrupted their plans. “We’ve had to pay €60 just to get to a shopping centre and back for clean underwear and essentials,” Madeline said. “We’re all students – we can’t afford to keep replacing everything.”

With temperatures soaring and no suncream in sight, Sophie summed up the mood: “There’s a lot of burnt bodies around here.”

Other travellers vented their frustration on social media.

One user said: “Great start to the holiday as Ryanair decided to bring 0 of the suitcases from Bristol to Gran Canaria. No heart medication for me tomorrow.”

Another shared: “Currently in Gran Canaria with zero belongings.”

Despite the problems, the group is still hopeful that their luggage will turn up in time for their activities, which include a birthday celebration, a trip to a water park, and a private boat tour.

“This is provided that we are able to get our luggage,” Sophie pointed out. “If we don’t our stuff then it’s completely ruined the holiday.”

Some of the group face an hour-long round trip back to the airport to retrieve their suitcases.

Ryanair and Bristol Airport have been contacted for comment.

Snoop Dogg told us long ago that he’s got his mind on his money and his money on his mind.

Now he’s got his mind on using some of that money to become the latest American celebrity to invest in an English Football League team.

On Thursday, Welsh club Swansea City announced that the hip-hop legend, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, is joining its ownership group. It was not disclosed what percentage of the club is now owned by Snoop Dogg or how much he invested in the team.

The announcement came days after the “Gin & Juice” rapper helped reveal Swansea City’s uniforms for the upcoming season by posing in the new home jersey in a video posted to Instagram.

“My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement released Thursday by Swansea City. “The story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me.

“I’m proud to be part of Swansea City. I am going to do all I can to help the club.”

Swansea City plays in the EFL Championship, the league’s second tier, which means Snoop Dogg’s team will be competing against the likes of Wrexham, which was famously purchased in 2020 by actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, and Birmingham City, which boasts NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner.

Other famous Americans who own stakes in EFL teams include Lakers superstar LeBron James (Liverpool) and former NFL star J.J. Watt and his wife and former NWSL star Kealia Watt (Burnley).

Once a polarizing gangsta rapper and now a beloved pop culture icon, Snoop Dogg has expressed interest in owning a soccer team before. The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper told the Daily Record in 2012 that he wouldn’t mind purchasing a stake in a specific Scottish club.

“I see how passionate Celtic fans are about their team,” Snoop Dogg said, “and I could see myself making an investment if any of the board wanted to sell.”

He added: “The boxes at Celtic would never be the same once I have hosted a party there.”

Now Snopp Dogg is finally a club owner, and Swansea City is happy to have him.

“To borrow a phrase from Snoop’s back catalogue, this announcement is the next episode for Swansea City as we seek to create new opportunities to boost the club’s reach and profile,” the club said in a statement.

“Snoop’s colossal global fanbase and audience will certainly help us do that, and he has made clear to us throughout this process just how excited he is at the prospect of joining the club. … We expect his involvement to support us putting as competitive a team as possible out on the field.”

The Steve Miller Band has pulled the plug on its 2025 tour a month before it was set to kick off. Why? In the band’s words: “Blame it on the weather.”

The California rock group announced Wednesday that it has called off the remainder of its 2025 tour, including several shows in New York and concerts in Southern California, citing several extreme weather conditions.

“The combination of extreme heat, unpredictable flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and massive forest fires makes these risks for you our audience, the band and the crew unacceptable,” the “Fly Like an Eagle” group said in a statement shared on its social media pages.

The Steve Miller Band announced its tour in March. In May, the group revealed that the slate of live shows would take its members across North America, starting with the East Coast in August. Shows in San Diego, Inglewood and Anaheim were set for November. While the announcement comes amid climate crises, including the fatal floods in the Northeast and Texas, the band did not specify which areas or weather events posed a risk to its tour plans.

Wednesday’s statement also left the possibility of future live performances pretty open-ended: “Don’t know where, don’t know when…We hope to see you all again.”

Though the group concluded its statement by wishing fans “peace, love and happiness,” it was met with division in the comments section. On Instagram, several followers said that they understood the rock band’s decision to call off the tour, while others wrote that they found the justification “odd” and speculated on reasons for the abrupt cancellation.

A representative for the rock group did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for additional information.

Just a day before its sudden announcement, the group continued to promote the tour on social media. On Tuesday, the band’s X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram pages published a photo of Miller, 81, receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987.

“Catch him and the band on tour starting next month,” said the caption accompanying the photo. The post at the time directed followers to the band’s website to purchase tickets.

Fans visiting the website are now met with the cancellation notice.

The Steve Miller Band was founded in the 1960s and is led by its namesake Grammy-winning vocalist and guitarist. It is also known for songs such as “Jungle Love,” “Abracadabra,” “Take the Money and Run” and “Space Cowboy.”

LAFC defender Aaron Long will miss the rest of the season after having surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles.

The team — which said the surgery was successful — made the announcement on Tuesday, three days after Long was injured in the 76th minute of a 2-0 win over Dallas.

The 32-year-old Long is in his third season with LAFC and has started all 15 games this year, scoring one goal. He’s started 60 games for the club over the last three seasons.

Long has also made 35 career appearances with the U.S. men’s national team, with three goals and two assists. He was part of the 2022 World Cup roster and last played for the national team in 2023 at the Gold Cup.

LAFC is currently in sixth place in the MLS Western Conference standings with a 9-5-5 record.

Mayor Karen Bass announced a plan Friday to provide direct cash assistance to people who have been affected by the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration raids.

The aid will be distributed using cash cards with a “couple hundred” dollars on them, which should be available in about a week, Bass said at a news conference.

“You have people who don’t want to leave their homes, who are not going to work, and they are in need of cash,” she said.

Bass spoke about a family she met who needed two incomes to afford their rent. After one of the breadwinners was detained in an immigration raid, she said, the family is concerned they may face eviction.

It was not immediately clear what the qualifications will be needed to receive the cards.

The mayor emphasized that the money will not come from city coffers but from philanthropic partners. The cards will be distributed by immigrants rights groups such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

The city will coordinate between philanthropists and organizations distributing the cards, according to the mayor’s office.

The mayor compared the program to “Angeleno Cards,” created by Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2020 to give financial assistance to people struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement came during a Bass news conference about an executive order she signed Friday directing all city departments to “bolster protocols” and training on how to comply with the city’s sanctuary policy, which states that city employees and city property may not be used to “investigate, cite, arrest, hold, transfer or detain any person” for the purpose of immigration enforcement, except for serious crimes. Departments will have to come up with their plans within two weeks.

The Trump administration sued the city over the sanctuary policy last month, arguing that it discriminates against organizations like ICE.

The executive order also creates a working group that will examine — and possibly update — the LAPD’s policy on responding to immigration enforcement. Since 1979, the LAPD has taken a strong stance against enforcing federal immigration law, prohibiting its officers from initiating contact with anyone for the sole purpose of learning their immigration status.

The executive order also includes a directive to file Freedom of Information Act requests for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to turn over records with the dates and locations of every raid in the city since June 6, as well as the identities of the people detained and the reason for their detention.

The cash cards are one of a slew of announcements — including the executive order — this week by the mayor in response to the federal immigration crackdown in Los Angeles that has entered its second month.

Earlier this week, Bass and the city attorney announced the city’s intention to join a lawsuit calling for an end to the Trump administration’s “unlawful” raids in the city.

Death in Paradise fans have been given exciting news about the hit BBC show as bosses have announced a special book for a limited time only.

Death in Paradise fans might have to wait a bit before jetting off again to the make-believe island of Saint Marie with DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilbert) at the helm.

While new episodes are on the horizon, fans of the BBC series can now play sleuth themselves thanks to an exhilarating book from the bosses.

For those eager to test their investigative skills, the Death in Paradise Puzzle Book is available for a limited-time, allowing people to see if they have what it takes to join the police team.

Flaunting the news on Instagram, the show’s official page revealed: “Big News! For a limited time only, you can get a copy of The Death in Paradise Puzzle Book for just £9.19 on Amazon!

Casting you among your favourite characters on the island of Saint Marie, the puzzle book features 150 murderously challenging brain-teasers to test your wits! Get your copy now!”

The announcement swiftly sparked excitement in the comments section, with one user exclaiming: “I have mine and I absolutely love it”

Another chimed in with their own joy: “I got mine [sic]” Overcome with enthusiasm, another tagged a pal, posting: “No way!”

Taking to the online review space, a satisfied customer shared: “Great for fans of the show. I bought it for a long journey and it helped pass time so quickly. Variety of different types of puzzles link into the overarching story, presenting a decent mix in terms of ease and challenge. It gets my wholehearted endorsement.”

Another fan gushed: “Great present for a Death in Paradise fan.”

On Amazon, the book has earned a 4.5-star rating and currently sits at the top spot as the number one best seller in the TV Tie-in Humour category, reports the Express.

The excitement continues to mount as filming for the new series of Death in Paradise is well underway, confirmed by the show’s Instagram a few weeks ago.

Season 14 concluded on a poignant note as audiences saw Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (played by Don Warrington) make the bittersweet decision to depart the island.

In an emotional scene with Catherine Bordey (portrayed by Elizabeth Bourgine), he disclosed his plans to visit his daughter, casting uncertainty on his return date.

The future remains unclear for the beloved character in the upcoming series 15.

Catch up with all the episodes of Death in Paradise on BBC iPlayer.

Loose Women was pulled off air for the rest of the week as host Christine Lampard made an announcement at the end of the ITV show

Loose Women star Christine Lampard dropped a significant update at the end of the programme.

On Wednesday’s (July 9) episode of the popular ITV show, Christine joined panellists Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore, and Mariella Frostrup to discuss current affairs from the UK and beyond.

Yet, as the live show wrapped up, Christine delivered a key announcement about changes to the show’s schedule for the week.

The presenter announced to the audience and viewers at home that Loose Women would be taking a brief hiatus to accommodate ITV Racing: Live from Newmarket.

Christine made the unexpected revelation, stating: “That’s all we’ve got time for today and indeed the rest of the week because the racing is on.”, reports Belfast Live.

She then hinted at what fans can look forward to when Loose Women returns to our screens next week, adding: “But we’ve got some great stuff coming up for you including a catch up with Coleen’s brother Brian.

“Big Brother legend Brian Dowling and we’ll be celebrating Janet Street Porter 50 years on our screens, can you believe that? We’ll see you soon.”

Loose Women is set to make its comeback next Monday, July 14, at its regular slot of 12.30pm.

This follows an emotional moment on Tuesday’s (July 8) show where Denise Welch expressed her desire to “re-do” her son Matty Healy’s upbringing.

The 67 year old television personality has previously been candid about her struggles with addiction in her youth, and made the decision to become sober 13 years ago.

During a heartfelt conversation about living in the present, Denise was visibly moved as she admitted: “When you do reflect you have to forgive yourself for realising… I always get emotional because I wish that I could re-do bits of particularly Matty’s (Healy) childhood, because I was coping with addictions and self-medication..”

Tears welled up as Nadia consoled her, praising Denise as “the most proud, present mum”, prompting Denise to reply: “Matty and I talk about it, and we’re so close I just wish I could do it again”.

As Christine brought up Matty’s success headlining Glastonbury with his band The 1975, Denise expressed: “I’m incredibly proud, it’s just when I look at things, why couldn’t I? You know..”

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX

Neighbours cast member Annie Jones has taken to social media to document her final journey to Ramsay Street as she films scenes as Jane Harris for the last ever episdoe

Neighbours legend Annie Jones has taken to social media to post a selfie from her last journey to Ramsay Street.

The 58-year-old actress plays Jane Harris in the long-running Australian soap which is coming to an end for the second time.

Annie logged into her Instagram page to share a snap in the car which she captioned: “On our way to Ramsay. St for the LAST time.”

Unsurprisingly, her emotional update was inundated with supportive message from fans who are heartbroken that the show is ending.

One fan penned: “So sad it is ending again. Enjoy your last day of filming and I really hope it will be saved again and come back. I have watched it since the beginning and I’m 72 now and not ashamed to say I love it. So going to miss you all, I watch it at 5.30 like the old days. Hope you all find work again but still hope Neighbours will get saved.”

Another added: “That is so sad, sending best wishes to all of you wonderful cast and crew who have given us so much through our favourite show. This cannot be the end #saveneighbours.”

A third person agreed: “Let’s really really hope it is not goodbye forever,it is too good a show not to be saved, thank you and all the cast and crew over the years for giving us fans so much joy when watching.”

A fourth person wrote: “This is so sad. I’ve watched right from the beginning. Still hoping somewhere it will be picked up xx.”

It was announced earlier this year that Neighbours had been axed just two years after moving to Amazon Freevee.

The daytime TV staple was saved by the streaming platform in 2022 just months after its finale aired on Channel 5, who had axed it earlier that year.

In late 1985, original producers Seven Network dropped it after eight months due to poor ratings.

However, ival channel Network 10 saw potential and it returned two months later, with a huge publicity campaign and introduction of mega stars Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce as new teenage characters Charlene, Scott and Mike.

Kylie and Jason returned for the finale on Channel 5 in 2022 but they will not appear in the last episode of the Amazon Freevee era, it has been confirmed.

The last episode is set to air in December and shoe producer Jason Herbison has previously opened up about what to expect for the last instalment.

“I’ve already written it, and I would say that I definitely am not going to try and compete with that finale’, he told Back to the Bay, noting the 2022 episode.

“I haven’t picked up the phone to Jason [Donovan] and Kylie [Minogue] and Guy [Pierce] again. I’ve left them alone, but it will be very similar in tone.

“I think it’s a very warm, hopeful tone, but it’s also a little bit different. There are things about it that I think might remind people of the previous finale, but it’s also very different.

Neighbours is available to stream on Amazon Freevee

The One Show has been dropped from BBC schedules after it was announced that Alex Jones and Roman Kemp are taking a long break from the hit BBC programme

The One Show is set for a hiatus from BBC schedules due to a significant TV revamp – and it won’t be back for a while.

Presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp are stepping away from their usual weekday slot at 7pm on BBC One as Wimbledon takes centre stage.

From Monday, June 30, the prestigious tennis event will dominate the main BBC channels, running daily for a fortnight.

Wimbledon coverage will alternate between BBC One and BBC Two, with evening broadcasts on the primary channel at 7pm, usurping The One Show’s regular timeslot.

Alex concluded last Friday’s episode by announcing: “We are taking a bit of a break for the next four weeks and we’ll be back on Monday, 28th July but there’s plenty to enjoy like Wimbledon and the Euros,” reports Wales Online.

In other changes, EastEnders will temporarily move to BBC Two on June 30 and July 1, featuring consecutive episodes at 7pm and 7.30pm.

Daytime TV is also affected, with Escape To The Country being ousted from its familiar 3pm weekday spot on BBC One to make room for tennis.

On Wednesday, July 2, Wimbledon’s evening matches will air on BBC Two, while BBC One airs Match of the Day for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Group A match between Switzerland and Norway.

This programming overhaul follows closely behind another announcement made on The One Show.

During the June 25 broadcast, Alex Jones, alongside Clara Amfo, welcomed Matt Allwright and Nikki Fox to commemorate Watchdog’s 40th anniversary.

In honour of the significant milestone, Matt and Nikki dedicated the show to the programme, reflecting on some of their recent triumphs, which ranged from undercover investigations to major business policy changes and substantial refunds.

As the show concluded, Matt expressed: “Happy birthday Watchdog and everybody who has worked on the show, amazing people. Thank you to everyone who has contacted us over the last 40 years because without you it would not mean a thing.”

Nikki chimed in: “We can not do it without your stories.”

The television presenter then revealed that the show will be taking a ‘break’, announcing: “Watch Dog is going to be taking a break over summer and we are back in September so please keep them coming.”

The One Show is now available on BBC iPlayer

TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said late Sunday that trade talks with the U.S. have resumed after Canada rescinded its plan to tax U.S. technology firms.

President Trump said Friday that he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue with its tax on technology firms, which he called “a direct and blatant attack on our country.”

The Canadian government said that “in anticipation” of a trade deal “Canada would rescind” the digital services tax, which was set to go into effect Monday.

Carney and Trump spoke on the phone Sunday, and Carney’s office said they agreed to resume negotiations.

“Today’s announcement will support a resumption of negotiations toward the July 21, 2025, timeline set out at this month’s G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis,” Carney said in a statement.

Carney visited Trump in May at the White House, where he was polite but firm. Trump traveled to Canada for the Group of 7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where Carney said that Canada and the U.S. had set a 30-day deadline for trade talks.

Trump, in a post on his social media network last Friday, said Canada had informed the U.S. that it was sticking to its plan to impose the digital services tax, which applies to Canadian and foreign businesses that engage with online users in Canada.

The digital services tax was due to hit companies including Amazon, Google, Meta, Uber and Airbnb with a 3% levy on revenue from Canadian users. It would have applied retroactively, leaving U.S. companies with a $2-billion bill due at the end of the month.

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, called Carney’s retreat a “clear victory” for Trump.

“At some point this move might have become necessary in the context of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations themselves, but Prime Minister Carney acted now to appease President Trump and have him agree to simply resume these negotiations, which of a clear victory for both the White House and big tech,” Béland said.

He said it makes Carney look vulnerable to Trump’s outbursts.

“President Trump forced PM Carney to do exactly what big tech wanted. U.S. tech executives will be very happy with this outcome,” Béland said.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne issued a statement after speaking Sunday with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

“Rescinding the digital services tax will allow the negotiations of a new economic and security relationship with the United States to make vital progress,” his statement said.

Trump’s announcement Friday was the latest swerve in the trade war he’s launched since taking office for a second term in January. Progress with Canada has been a roller coaster, starting with the U.S. president poking at the nation’s northern neighbor and repeatedly suggesting it would be absorbed as a U.S. state.

Canada and the U.S. have been discussing easing a series of steep tariffs Trump imposed on goods from America’s neighbor.

Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum as well as 25% tariffs on autos. He is also charging a 10% tax on imports from most countries, though he could raise rates on July 9, after the 90-day negotiating period he set would expire.

Canada and Mexico face separate tariffs of as much as 25% that Trump put into place under the auspices of stopping fentanyl smuggling, though some products are still protected under the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement signed during Trump’s first term.

Gillies writes for the Associated Press.