banned

Swimming has been banned at certain beaches in theBasque region of the North of Spain after Portugese man o’ war stung swimmers, landing at least two people in hospital

Sunseekers have been banned from swimming on some beaches after a spate of Portuguese man o’ war stings.

On Thursday alone, seven people received nasty stings from the jellyfish-like animal, bringing the total number of people hurt by the creatures’ 10-metre-long tentacles in Bizkaia this past week to 14. Overall, 36 swimmers have been stung in the Basque Country in the past week.

The warm summer waters of the north of Spain and southwest of France are particularly welcoming to man-o’-war, which aren’t actually jellyfish but siphonophores, a group of animals that are closely related to the blobby critters. The man o’ war invasion comes after multiple giant “alien” jellyfish were found washed up on a British beach, causing concern among the country’s barefoot beachgoers.

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This week, several people required medical attention from Osakidetza’s Emergency Service at the scene of the incident, with two being sent to the hospital for treatment.

The Basque Government’s Department of Health explained that swimming is generally best avoided if jellyfish or Portuguese man o’ war are present, and touching them, even if they are on the sand, is not recommended. In the event of a sting, it is advisable to go quickly to the first-aid station, not scratch or rub the area, and clean the area with seawater, never fresh water.

Debris should be removed with tweezers, not with your hand unless wearing gloves. It is also advisable to apply cold or ice in a plastic bag to the area for five minutes.

A series of measures are currently in place at beaches in the area, ranging from the display of a yellow ‘jellyfish’ flag warning of their presence to a total ban on swimming, which is communicated via a red flag.

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Over in the UK, Joel Gabirel, an engineer and amateur photographer, shared pictures of the creatures after he stumbled across them while on holiday in Llandudno, Wales. The 31-year-old was out for an early morning walk along the coast when the tide was out, when he spotted what he calls “danger pancakes” blending into the sand.

“Jellyfish are already dead by the time you find one. They’re 95% water and dehydrate within minutes of washing ashore. They’re basically a digestive system with some tentacles. They don’t have a brain. But they can still sting. Seeing the jellyfish and their sizes really surprised me,” he said.

Joel said he didn’t even spot the larger ones at first because he thought they were rocks. The beachgoer seems to have stumbled across several different types of jellyfish. The species with straight lines running from its peak down to its edge appears to be a compass jellyfish.

“With brown markings reminiscent of a compass, this jellyfish is really quite distinctive. A summer visitor to our shores, the compass jellyfish feeds on small fish, crabs and even other jellyfish. They give a nasty sting, so if you spot them during a visit to the beach – look, but don’t touch! Once they have stung something, jellyfish often leave the tentacle behind and can continue to sting using it even when not connected to their body,” the Wildlife Trust explains.

When is AI not artificial intelligence? When it refers to ammonia inhalants, aka smelling salts.

When are these AIs in the news? When it was reported that the NFL banned their use, San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle protested, and the NFL walked back the ban a day later. The league’s players association clarified that players can still use AIs as long as teams don’t provide them.

Got it?

The NFLPA sent a memo to players on Wednesday saying that the ban only prohibits team employees from distributing AIs during games.

That must have pleased Kittle, who when under the impression that AIs were banned completely, grabbed a microphone on an NFL Network broadcast to say, “I honestly just came up here to air a grievance. Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I’ve been distraught all day.”

The five-time All-Pro tight end said he used the substances for an energy boost before every offensive drive and joked that upon learning of the ban he “considered retirement.”

Except that it isn’t a ban. Kittle will just have to bring his own AI stash to ballgames.

“To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form,” the NFLPA memo said. “The NFL has confirmed this to us.”

The use of AIs by NFL players has been under the radar despite apparently being a common practice. Their primary use is to prevent and treat fainting, with the Federal Aviation Administration requiring U.S. airlines to carry them in the event a pilot feels faint.

The ammonia gas irritates the nasal membranes, causing a reflex that increases breathing and heart rate. That can keep a person from fainting, and apparently can also help a person block and tackle.

In short, an AI — which has been described as smelling like cat urine — is a performance-enhancing substance.

The NFL, however, cited a warning from the FDA that AIs can mask symptoms of a concussion and have not been proven to be safe or effective simply to increase energy.

“In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy,” the NFL memo to teams stated. “The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use.

“AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield — who says he uses AIs — said the logic behind the NFL no longer supplying them is convoluted.

“I think the reasoning was that it masked concussion symptoms,” Mayfield said on “Up and Adams.” “But if you get knocked out, which is the whole purpose of smelling salts — to wake you up — you’re not allowed back in the game.

“I think it was a quick trigger to ban them, just to kind of CYA [cover your ass].”

Maybe NFL officials figure that by no longer supplying AIs and forcing players to bring their own batch to games, their liability in case of concussions or other medical complications is reduced.

“You just got to bring your own juice to the party, got to wake up ready to go,” Mayfield said.

Cliftonville captain Kelsie Burrows has been handed a 16-match ban for an alleged ‘assault on a match official’.

The Northern Ireland international was shown a red card by referee Simon Bickerstaff after the Reds’ 2-0 win against Glentoran Women on 25 July.

The suspension is effective immediately and cover all competitions but it is understood that the club are appealing the decision, which means Burrows will be available to play in Friday’s Premiership game against Crusaders Strikers.

Team coach Brendan Lynch has been handed a three-match ban from the same game for ‘entering the field of play to confront a match official’.

The incident came after the final whistle of the victory over Glentoran which put Cliftonville right in the mix at the top of the table as they currently sit six points off leaders Linfield with two games in hand.

Cliftonville, the Irish FA and NIFL have been contacted by BBC Sport NI for comment.

While capturing that perfect selfie while on vacation can be exhilarating, there’s one type of selfie that could land you in trouble — especially in a national park or nature reserve.

With summer in full swing across most parts of the world, millions of people are making travel plans to make the most of the sunshine. These days, national parks and nature reserves are emerging as a popular choice for wholesome getaways, providing holidaymakers a chance to immerse themselves in their surroundings and get up close and personal with the great outdoors.

While on holiday, people naturally tend to click pictures in order to preserve a special moment in time and even though capturing that perfect selfie on vacation can be exhilarating, there’s one type of selfie that could land you in trouble. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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Why a popular travel selfie could see you barred from a nature reserve

Taking the perfect selfie with wild animals might seem like a harmless holiday highlight — but experts are warning that it could lead to grave consequences. According to travel expert Naturetrek, snapping certain pictures in protected areas could disturb wildlife, violate conservation regulations, and even result in a permanent ban from reserves.

The selfie trend that’s raising eyebrows

Tourists in the UK and overseas are increasingly chasing “up-close” wildlife photos — particularly with seals, nesting birds, or rare species in national parks. Some even cross clearly marked boundaries or stray from designated paths to achieve that perfect shot.

But whilst the results might appear spectacular on Instagram, the effect on wildlife can be catastrophic. Naturetrek explains that constant human interference in delicate habitats can disrupt breeding, force animals to desert their offspring, and result in prolonged environmental distress.

A Naturetrek spokesperson shares: “One of the worst offenders we’ve seen is people trying to take selfies with seal pups or nesting seabirds. It only takes a few seconds of disturbance to frighten adult animals away – and that can have lasting consequences.”

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What the regulations state

Nature reserves across the UK and throughout Europe maintain stringent guidelines for public conduct – particularly during mating or breeding periods. These encompass remaining behind barriers, keeping noise levels down, and never feeding or getting close to wildlife.

Violating these regulations can result in immediate fines, ejection from the site, or prohibition from returning. Certain locations now additionally supervise visitors via drone surveillance or ranger monitoring. Perpetrators have been captured on film climbing fences or crouching beside animals to secure a “wildlife close-up”.

According to Naturetrek: “It’s not just about physical harm – even the sound of a phone shutter or a quick movement from a selfie stick can spook some species.”

Alternative options that are safe

Wildlife snappers and experienced tour guides suggest admiring animals from afar – utilising binoculars or long lenses for superior snaps. Numerous reserves provide guided strolls or hides, where guests can safely watch and photograph animals without danger. “If you want great wildlife photos, patience is key,” advises Naturetrek. “The best shots are often taken quietly, with respect, and without disturbing the natural behaviour of the animals.”

Respect nature, safeguard the experience

Naturetrek cautions that if current trends persist, more reserves may be compelled to limit access, tighten restrictions, or close certain areas entirely during peak seasons. The travel expert says: “We understand the desire to capture the moment – but if that moment harms nature, it’s not worth it. Our wild spaces need protection, and that means putting the camera down when needed.”

So, the next time you’re on a hike, boat trip, or coastal tour, think twice before you edge in for a selfie. Respect the distance, heed local advice, and savour the encounter without intrusion. You’ll protect wildlife – and your access to these stunning locations – for years to come.

Naturetrek adds: “At the heart of every memorable wildlife experience is respect. By choosing not to disturb, you become part of the solution — helping to preserve nature’s wonders for generations to come.”

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Mild mannered presenter Michael Aspel is now 92 but caused uproar in his younger presenting days

Veteran broadcaster Michael Aspel has revealed how one of his TV shows was banned by the BBC and the Government.

The mild-mannered presenter – who found fame hosting Ask Aspel and This Is Your Life – was invited to front a documentary about the horrors of nuclear war but it was deemed too graphic and realistic. The 92-year-old star now admits: “I had no idea about the uproar that was to follow.” Aspel was invited to be part of a mini-film called The War Game in 1965 to mark the 20 ^th anniversary of the American nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Director Peter Watkins wanted to show Brits the realities of what could happen if the same happened here.

The show used actors to play the victims of an atomic attack and it gave gory detailed descriptions of what would happen to their bodies before death. Aspel was asked to narrate the project which would air on the BBC and he happily agreed.

He recalls in a new BBC 4 documentary: “Now I had done a few of those before but little did I know the furore this particular film would cause.

“It was made to reflect what had happened in Hiroshima and Peter wanted to see what life might have been like in this country if we had been the victims of an atom bomb.

“Although newsreaders used to do odd jobs away from the BBC with medical films and stuff like that, I was particularly interested why the director and writer of this film would want me to be the narrator.

“And I could only suppose, because being a newsreader and perhaps being familiar to listeners as well as to viewers in that role, it would suit his film very well.

“The idea was to give the film authenticity. The director wanted to present a very ordinary community of people in this country with all the foibles of the time such as casual racism.

“The film was made to be as realistic as possible so the viewer would believe what they wee watching it as though it was a Government warning.”

However, the programme was pulled from broadcast. The BBC claims it was their decision. It had given some members of Harold Wilson’s Government a copy of the violent and graphic documentary in advance as it feared it might be seen as an advertisement for nuclear disarmament with a pacifist CND agenda. Even the ex-BBC head of documentaries – the late Huw Weldon – branded it ‘a political hot potato’.

The BBC maintains it was told it had to make the decision over whether to broadcast the show itself. And the director general at the time – Hugh Carleton Greene – shelved the show saying it was ‘so shocking and upsetting’ that he could never forgive himself if someone ‘threw themselves under a bus’ because of it.

However Aspel reveals another side to the story. He claims Peter Watkins felt ‘betrayed’ by this decision and always believed it was really The Government who banned his documentary.

The TV host – who also presented Aspel and Company and Give Us A Clue and Crackerjack – adds: “He was always sure it was Government interference that stopped the film.”

And archive footage is shown from a 1998 interview with the late Labour MP and former postmaster general Tony Benn. He admits: “Frank Soskice, who was the home secretary, ordered me to ban the programme… because it was argued this would lead to panic.

“I was only his master’s voice and had nothing to do with it (the decision) so I had to send a directive to Carleton Greene saying ‘You must not broadcast it’. I greatly regret it. I never believe in censorship.”

It took another 20 years for the film to see the light of day. The War Game was finally broadcast on the BBC to mark the 40 ^th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Ironically it even won an Oscar for best documentary feature.

Aspel now says: “It is now 80 years since the bombings in Japan and 60 years since I sat in that little recording studio with no idea of the uproar that was to follow.”

* Michael Aspel Remembers.. The War Game will air on BBC 4 on Wednesday July 30 at 10pm followed by a screening of the 1965 film.

UK’s Met police says 55 people have been arrested in Parliament Square for displaying placards in support of the group.

Protests are taking place across the United Kingdom calling for the ban on Palestine Action to be reversed, amid police warnings that those showing support for the proscribed activist group face arrest.

Demonstrations have been taking place on Saturday in Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Truro and London as part of a campaign coordinated by Defend Our Juries, which has already seen dozens arrested.

London’s Metropolitan police said 55 people have been arrested Saturday in Parliament Square for displaying placards in support of the group.

The Met police said 70 people were arrested at similar demonstrations in Parliament Square over the past two weekends, while Defend Our Juries said a total of 120 had so far been arrested across the UK.

It comes ahead of a High Court hearing on Monday in which the cofounder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, will ask for the green light to challenge the home secretary’s decision to ban the group under “anti-terror” laws.

The ban means that membership of, or support for, the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000, putting the group on a par with armed groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).

Authorities have beefed up police presence in Westminster in the wake of the rallies.

A counterprotest by the pro-Israeli Stop the Hate group will also take place in London on Saturday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said those expressing support for Palestine Action “will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested”.

Five people appeared in court on Saturday over a Palestine Action protest at an Israeli-linked defence firm’s site.

Members of the organisation, allegedly armed with sledgehammers and whips, are accused of breaking into the Elbit Systems site near Patchway, Bristol, in the early hours of August 6, 2024, “counter-terrorism” police said.

More than 2 million pounds of damage ($2.68 million) was caused, and police officers and a security guard were assaulted, the Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutors claim the alleged offences had a “terrorist connection”. The five involved were charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder.

Palestine Action describes itself as “a pro-Palestinian organisation which disrupts the arms industry in the United Kingdom with direct action”.

Since its founding in July 2020, it has carried out hundreds of protests across the UK aimed at disrupting the operations of companies they accuse of profiting from Israeli military operations, with a particular focus on the Israeli arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems.

The group’s tactics typically involve breaking into facilities, chaining themselves to machinery, daubing buildings with red paint and destroying equipment.

The UK has seen hundreds of thousands of people peacefully protest on a near-weekly basis, calling for an end to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza in the last 22 months.

Some restaurants in Spanish holiday hotspots like Majorca, Malaga and Zaragoza are reportedly taking on the rule

Brits jetting off to Majorca for their summer holidays need to be aware of a new rule being rolled out in some restaurants across the Spanish island, according to reports. If tourists are planning to treat themselves to a dinner as a group, a typical request is now being ‘banned’.

The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that holidaymakers considering splitting the bill at restaurants will be in for a shock in certain spots. Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association in Mallorca, was quoted as explaining that some dining establishments are starting to stop customers from settling the bill separately.

Ferrer said: “There is one bill per table, and it is up to the customers to deal with the payment. Some don’t want to pay for the wine, others specifically ask to pay for their dish. This gets complicated for the staff, and there can be items that no one is charged for. It is time-consuming and even more so if the bill doesn’t add up.”

In an era where tapping your bank card is quicker and more convenient than counting cash, dividing up a dinner tab usually leads to extra hassle for the staff, as opposed to guests doing the maths with cash in hand. Ferrer noted in the report that “only 30-40%” of diners opt to pay with bank notes and coins in 2025.

Ferrer highlights that the hassle of settling bills just piles onto the already tough workloads of restaurant workers. This is made even worse by a staffing shortage, an effect from the pandemic, it is claimed, that continues to plague the hospitality sector, reports Wales Online.

The “one table, one bill” rule is gaining traction in Spain. Holiday hotspots like Zaragoza, Málaga, and parts of Barcelona are adopting the policy, as reported by Euro Weekly.

Restaurants are implementing this approach in two main ways. Either, outright banning the splitting of bills, or permitting it but imposing a surcharge for each card transaction, usually between €1 and €2.

A Zaragoza restaurateur reportedly started this practice after finding it too time-consuming to process multiple payment requests simultaneously. This became particularly problematic during peak seasons like summer, when tourist numbers swell.

Is this allowed and what can I do when eating out?

Spanish legislation doesn’t specifically mention that businesses have to accommodate split payments, so restaurateurs are at liberty to set their payment policies. So, in essence, yes. Spanish restaurants can legally decline to split bills, provided they communicate their policy upfront through menu notices, visible signage and verbal explanation.

Plan how you’ll settle the bill before sitting down to dine to avoid any hassle. Discuss with your group whether to pool cash together or nominate one person to foot the bill and sort out transferring via bank transfer later.

If possible, ask for separate bills when you order. This helps the restaurant in managing payments more efficiently from the outset. Splitting bills can put additional strain on busy staff, so your patience and understanding will be appreciated.

Is Majorca the same as Mallorca?

Majorca and Mallorca are two names for the same island. “Majorca” is how you spell it in English, whereas “Mallorca” is the spelling in Spanish and Catalan, which is the official name. Both names are used interchangeably, but Mallorca is the more widely accepted and technically accurate term.

The British player said she had suffered “19 months of lost time and emotional distress”, and that her reputation had been damaged as a result of the case.

She returned to the tour in April 2024 and has played mostly on the ITF World Tour since.

Earnings for doubles players are meagre, although Moore did make it into the main draw for Wimbledon and the US Open last year, as well as for the Australian Open this January.

But following a hearing in March, this ruling from Cas means she will not be free to play again until the start of the 2028 season.

“After reviewing the scientific and legal evidence, the majority of the Cas panel considered that the player did not succeed in proving that the concentration of nandrolone in her sample was consistent with the ingestion of contaminated meat,” Cas said in a media release.

“The panel concluded that Ms Moore failed to establish that the ADRV (Anti-Doping Rule Violation) was not intentional. The appeal by the ITIA is therefore upheld and the decision rendered by the Independent Tribunal is set aside.”

This idyllic coastal town boasts a high street brimming with independent shops and cafes that ooze exclusivity all set against the a picturesque golden sand beach.

Southwold, in Suffolk, is often referred to as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ due to its exclusive atmosphere – and locals have worked hard to keep it that way, by banning big-name chains.

This idyllic coastal town boasts a high street brimming with independent shops and cafés that ooze exclusivity, all set against a picturesque golden sand beach.

It’s earned its stripes as one of the most stylish villages in the UK, with a town council dedicated to preserving its charm by fending off fast food and high street chains like Costa and Waterstones.

However, a compromise was reached with Waterstones, which was given the green light to open under the caveat that it would retain the moniker of its former incarnation, Southwold Books.

Venturing through Southwold, you’re greeted with an array of unique businesses, including the exquisite Amber Shop with its specialisation in amber jewellery complemented by an engaging museum.

The local lighthouse, a magnificent structure erected in 1890, stands as one of the village’s iconic landmarks, featuring a powerful 150-watt lamp that shines for 24 nautical miles. This historic beacon even offers tours thanks to the Adnams Brewery, much to the delight of visitors.

Southwold Pier epitomises traditional British seaside pleasure, where model yacht regattas take place on its boating lake, continuing a Victorian-age legacy.

At the pier’s end, you’ll stumble upon an eccentric assortment of coin-operated arcade machines, the brainchild of artist and engineer Tim Hunkin, with paddle steamers frequently seen mooring nearby.

The Southwold Museum invites guests to delve into the town’s rich heritage, displaying a variety of exhibits on its local and natural history.

Southwold boasts a colourful past, with famed author George Orwell spending his formative years in the town during his adolescence and again in his 30s, penning some of his renowned works there.

Like many seaside towns, Southwold’s primary allure is its idyllic beach, boasting golden sands overlooked by charming, colourful beach huts. Despite some holidaymakers suggesting the town is losing its charm, it continues to draw a multitude of visitors captivated by its unique charm.

For those keen to fully embrace the Southwold experience, a double room at the town’s Amber House can be booked for approximately £85 per night.

A JOCKEY banned from racing for his role in the ‘biggest race-fixing storm ever’ was beaten by a 40-1 outsider on his first ride back in 14 years.

Greg Fairley beat William Buick to the Champion Apprentice title in 2007 and looked all set for superstardom in the saddle.

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He would go onto Group 1 glory and massive prize money earnings of £2.8million on the track over a few short years, banging in 381 winners in Britain alone.

But his career looked done and dusted in 2011 when he was hit with a colossal ban for two of the most serious rules breaches.

He was found guilty of riding a horse to lose – ‘failing to obtain the best possible placing’ – and passing on inside information for reward.

A total of 11 people were sanctioned by the BHA for what at the time was called the ‘largest race-fixing ring ever exposed in British racing history’.

Fairley and fellow jockey Paul Doe were warned off for a dozen years, while two owners were banned for 14 for betting on their horses to lose, ‘corrupting’ jockeys in the process.

Fairley last rode 14 years ago but, having served his time and been regranted a licence by the BHA, he made his comeback at Ayr on Monday.

Scottish trainer Iain Jardine gave Fairley, who in his own words ran away’ back home to Scotland to run a tree surgery business before the BHA announced his ban, the ride on 4-1 Superior Council.

The six-year-old gelding, who had finished first and second on his two most recent starts, had been backed into as short as 3-1 before drifting slightly before the off.

But despite jumping well from the stalls he found little in the 6f race and finished eighth pf 16.

Former Amo Racing jockey Kevin Stott was on the winner – two-time Grand National champ Lucinda Russell’s 40-1 South Road.

In a statement written before his return, Fairley addressed his past ban and said it’s all now behind him as he focuses on winning again.

Fairley wrote: “Fifteen years ago I chose a path that was wrong and paid a justifiably significant price for my poor decisions.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the licencing committee of the BHA for giving me a second chance.

“I would also like to thank Sandy Thomson, Iain Jardine and Charlie and Mark Johnston who have all been very supportive.”

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More than 25 protesters have been detained by police a day after the activist group was banned in the UK.

Police have arrested protesters in London for supporting activist group Palestine Action, which was banned at midnight in the United Kingdom.

“Officers have arrested more than 20 people on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000. They have been taken into custody. Palestine Action is a proscribed group and officers will act where criminal offences are committed,” the Metropolitan Police wrote on X on Saturday.

Campaign group Defend Our Juries said in a press release that 27 people, including a priest and a number of health professionals, had been arrested for offences under the Terrorism Act.

They were holding cardboard signs, saying: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Passersby reacted to the arrests as the police intervened in the demonstration at noon.

“Met Police, you are puppets of the Zionist state” and “leave them alone”, they were quoted as shouting by the Press Association, the British news agency.

Other supporters, not directly involved in the Palestine Action protest, shouted: “Who do you protect? Who do you serve?” and “British police off our streets.”

There were further chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” during the incident.

The ban

Police warned on Friday that expressing support for Palestine Action would be a criminal offence after the ban kicked in at midnight.

“This includes chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos,” said the force.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: “We commend the Counter Terrorism police for their decisive action in protecting the people of London from some cardboard signs opposing the genocide in Gaza and expressing support for those taking action to prevent it.”

The proscription cleared parliament on Thursday, with a court challenge to try to stop it becoming law failing on Friday.

The government announced last week it would ban Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000, days after activists from the group broke into an air force base in southern England.

Two aircraft at the base were sprayed with red paint, causing an estimated 7 million pounds ($9.55m) in damage.

Four Palestine Action activists were remanded in custody on Thursday after appearing in court over the incident.

Palestine Action has condemned the proscription as an attack on free speech.

The ban will make it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

A woman was left furious when a fellow plane passenger tried to ban her from using one of the features of her seat on an overnight flight, meaning she struggled to get any sleep

Trying to keep everyone happy on a flight isn’t always easy. Planes are notoriously uncomfortable places, as you often don’t have much space to spread out and relax, and you’re surrounded by strangers for several hours. Not to mention that these strangers can often have bad manners that make the whole trip a painstaking ordeal.

But one woman was left feeling “shaken up” after a recent flight on which she was confronted by another passenger who was furious at her for attempting to use one of the features available to everyone on the aircraft. The other passenger told her she couldn’t recline her seat – despite the flight being an overnight one where almost everyone wanted to sleep.

In a post on Reddit, the woman explained she tried to recline her seat so that she could go to sleep, but her chair “popped back upright” as the other woman behind her was “shoving it forward” to prevent her from reclining.

The woman eventually got her seat to recline, but the other passenger was livid – accusing her of reclining “too far back”.

She wrote: “I tried to recline my seat, and it popped back upright. I tried again and realised the lady behind me was shoving my seat forward. I tried again, and she yelled at me that I couldn’t recline my seat.

“I was very shaken up by the interaction, so I just stayed upright for like 10 minutes until I could see a flight attendant nearby. I was able to quickly recline and have my chair click into place so she couldn’t shove it forward.

“She raised her voice at me again, and I told her everyone on the whole plane gets to recline their seat. She said I was reclining too far back, though I told her my seat was in the same position as the person sitting in front of me.”

The woman said the ordeal made her feel “so uncomfortable” and stopped her from getting much rest on the plane.

She also clarified that the woman was “petite” so shouldn’t have been affected by the reclined seat, especially as a taller man next to her was also telling her to “calm down”.

Commenters on the post were sympathetic to both sides of the situation.

Many said that it’s a “doomed situation” either way as planes often don’t have enough legroom for people to be comfortable when seats are reclined, but conceded that it’s a passenger’s choice whether to recline their own seat or not.

One person said: “It’s such a doomed situation all around. [With] some people, you are literally crushing their legs, and it’s horrifically uncomfortable to sit fully upright if you nod off. Aeroplane hell.”

Another added: “Airlines are responsible for our conflict. Either give all of us more room or remove the reclining seat option.”

While a third posted: “If the seats are able to recline, people are going to recline in them… it’s a pretty simple concept. Sorry you had to deal with that passenger, but I’m glad you kept your seat reclined.”

Airlines across the globe are cracking down on a popular device following safety concerns and are banning it from being stored in overhead lockers – here’s everything you need to know

A growing list of major airlines has banned a popular item from being stored in the overhead lockers during flights amid safety fears.

Japan is among the latest countries to join the global clampdown on carrying portable chargers on flights. On Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism unveiled a series of new regulations for passengers with these devices.

Set to kick in from 8 July, travellers will need to keep power banks – even if not in use – within sight at all times and not stashed away in overhead compartments.

In addition, passengers flying domestically within Japan or internationally on Japanese carriers such as All Nippon Airways or Japan Airlines will also face limitations on the type of chargers they can bring onboard. To mitigate the risk of explosions and fires, batteries exceeding a capacity of 160 watt-hours will be prohibited.

The ministry’s rules stipulate that passengers can only carry two such devices when flying. Portable electronic gadgets, like mobile phones or laptops, must be placed somewhere they can be constantly monitored for overheating while charging, reports the Express.

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These modifications are in addition to existing restrictions that prevent power banks from being stored in checked luggage in aircraft holds.

Japan is following in the footsteps of China’s Civil Aviation Administration in tightening regulations on portable chargers. Just last Saturday, the Chinese regulator decreed that anyone travelling by air within China can only carry devices that have been safety-certified in the country.

The push for tighter regulations follows an incident in which a fire engulfed an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea this January, injuring seven. Portable chargers were cited as a potential culprit.

This led South Korea to issue reminders to passengers to keep their chargers close and visible during flights. Taiwanese airlines EVA Air and China Airlines have also clamped down, prohibiting the use of power banks on board.

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Ryanair has also been cautioning its customers against stowing portable chargers in overhead compartments.

The Air Transport Association, representing 350 carriers and over 80% of worldwide air traffic, advised: “We recommend that you keep all your electronic devices in carry-on baggage.”

In the United States alone, 84 recorded incidents last year involved malfunctions of lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in these portable chargers, up from 32 in 2016. With these gadgets becoming increasingly popular, sales are soaring in the UK, where the market was valued at $62m in 2023, as reported by Next Move Strategy Consulting.

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Paul and Ellie Bell’s Greek getaway was cut short after the couple were ejected from their hotel and told they couldn’t fly home – but TUI say the decision was based on “repeated incidents”

A British couple were left stranded in Corfu after being booted out of their hotel and denied boarding on their return flight to the UK, claiming that TUI “washed their hands of them”.

North Shields couple Paul Bell, 64, and his wife Ellie, 65, had booked a week-long half-board holiday at the Terezas Hotel in Sidari, Corfu, having previously enjoyed a stay there.

Their holiday was abruptly cut short when TUI removed them from their hotel and prevented them from flying home, despite the couple having booked a package deal.

Paul is baffled as to why they were ejected and then left several hundred pounds out of pocket, having to arrange an alternative flight home with Jet2, take a taxi to the airport instead of a transfer, and book into another hotel for the remainder of the holiday.

In letters seen by ChronicleLive, TUI stated that the decision was based on repeated incidents during their stay which were deemed unacceptable and disruptive. However, Paul contests this, stating that TUI never asked him or Ellie for their side of the story.

Earlier in the holiday, Ellie had voiced her dissatisfaction to the manager about the quality of the food, which Paul described as “tepid” and “not very nice”. He said: “Some of the things you would get were rice with sprouts, or another time you’d have rice with a slice of beetroot in it.

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“My wife spoke to the manager twice, she complained about the food being inedible and he didn’t seem interested. She asked him to join us for breakfast the next day so we could show him what we meant, but he never turned up.”

The couple enjoyed a day out, but upon their return, they “had a word” with the representative. The following day, as Paul and Ellie awaited their excursion to Corfu town, they were stunned to receive a letter stating they could no longer stay at the hotel.

Dated May 20, the letter read: “You caused a serious disturbance by shouting inside the hotel restaurant in front of other guests, resulting in significant distress and disruption to the peaceful environment of the hotel,” and “you directed aggressive and disrespectful language towards both hotel staff, the hotel owners, and TUI representatives on site.”

Paul insists that they did nothing wrong, highlighting that no one from TUI sought their side of the story before making a decision. He claimed: “I don’t remember anybody shouting.

“We only spoke to the rep when she was present at the hotel, and there was no disrespect towards her. They’ve made a decision based on the manager’s account without hearing us out. But surely every story has two sides? I was livid; it completely ruined our plans for the day.”

Paul and Ellie were instructed to contact the UK consulate for further assistance, rather than being given a chance to respond or appeal. On May 21 at 22.28, they received another letter stating that Ellie was prohibited from boarding the TOM1531 flight on Friday, May 23.

Just over 12 hours later, an additional email stated that both Paul and Ellie would be barred from the flight. TUI explained this decision was made in line with their terms and conditions, due to “due to your conduct and behaviour”.

On Thursday, May 22, Paul booked flights home from Corfu with Jet2 for later that day, costing €328.56 (£284). However, after returning to North Shields, they received another email from TUI stating that “the refusal of carriage for Paul Bell and Eleanor Bell has now been revoked, and you will now be allowed travel on your inbound flight”.

Paul said: “That doesn’t help us now, because we were told we have to make our own travel arrangements and we came home. We had to pay €60 (£50) for a taxi to the airport as well, because we weren’t allowed on the transfers.

“When we go on holiday, we try to go somewhere nice and quiet, sit and chill, try the local stuff, go to the towns and see the scenery and to have food like we did (in the hotel) was really disappointing. We got no back-up whatsoever from TUI.

“They took whatever the manager said as gospel and came to a decision just like that. Had we been drunk and disorderly, fine, but we weren’t – we’ve never had any bother on any holidays before, until this time with TUI.”

ChronicleLive reported that TUI plans to refund the couple’s flights home with Jet2.com and their journey to the airport. TUI declined to comment further.

Paul is not the only North East holidaymaker to come back from Corfu feeling let down by their experience. Earlier in June, Westerhope gran Susan Edwards vouched to never book with the tour operator again after moaning that there was “no English food” available at the Lido Corfu Sun Hotel.

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A creepy island surrounded by mystery and ghostly myths is just 10 miles from an insatiably popular tourist destination – but visitors are strictly banned from visiting it

A spooky island enveloped by its own grim history and ghostly tales has long prohibited tourists from visiting.

Last year, a whopping 30 million visitors flocked to the canal-divided city of Venice, lured in by its enchanting romance, beautiful architecture and delicious food. The influx resulted in Italian officials extending its tourist tax, which can be as steep as €10 for day-trippers, into 2025 – but even that hasn’t stopped the insane crowds that queue up for attractions such as Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica.

However, just 10 miles away from the chaos lies an abandoned island that has been left to rot for decades. Poveglia, which is technically a cluster of three tiny islands in the Venetian Lagoon, was once a ‘peaceful little community’ that first welcomed inhabitants back in the 7th century. Throughout the years, it managed to avoid invasions occurring on the mainland, and benefited from trading with the nearby island of Pellestrina.

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However, in the 14th century it is believed the Battle of Chioggia near Venice resulted in residents fleeing the island. Many relocated to Giudecca, a popular island now saturated with tourists.

“It wasn’t until the 18th century that it was put to use again as a storage location for the Republic of Venice,” states Walks of Italy. “Subsequently, in 1776, it came under the jurisdiction of the local Public Health Office.”

But, in 1793 two ships that stopped for a check were believed to have several cases of the plague, which saw the island rapidly transform itself into a plague quarantine site. Legend has it that the island is now made up of 50 per cent ash due to thousands of victims who were left to die in so-called ‘plague pits’.

“In the 20th century, the island transformed into the site of a psychiatric hospital,” Walks of Italy added. “Another version of the story says that the asylum’s director went crazy and jumped off the clock tower. But according to legend, it wasn’t the jump that caused his death—it was a mysterious fog. This doctor was known for being a bit ‘mad’ and for doing experiments on patients, including performing several lobotomies.”

Poveglia, which is now owned by the government, has long banned tourists from visiting. This is likely due to safety concerns around the hospital, psychiatric ward, prison, and San Vitale Church, which have all been left to crumble.

According to reports, you can seek special permission from the Municipality to visit. However, this tends to be for film crews or researchers, not tourists. However, if you head down to Lido di Venezia near Malamocco – you can catch a glimpse of the island and its ancient church on a clear day.

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In the coming days, the United Kingdom government is moving full steam ahead to proscribe Palestine Action – a movement of young people with a conscience – as a terrorist group. Some of its members are already behind bars; others face trials or await sentencing. Yet, despite the “terrorist” label and the threat of imprisonment, tens of thousands across the country have taken to the streets chanting, “We are all Palestine Action”.

If the government’s goal was to intimidate people into silence – to ensure British complicity in genocide continues unchecked – it has badly miscalculated. A recent poll found that 55 percent of Britons are against Israel’s war on Gaza. A significant number of those opponents – 82 percent – said Israel’s actions amount to genocide. Something fundamental is shifting. There is a gaping disconnect between the media’s narrative and the views of common people, who reject ministerial spin and the framing of resistance to tyranny and fascism as terrorism.

Like the defiant youth of Palestine Action, I too was once branded a terrorist. In 1981, I was a member of the United Black Youth League. We knew building petrol bombs was legally “wrong”, but we believed in our right to defend our community – even by armed means – against fascist threats in Bradford. Arrested alongside 11 others, I faced terrorism charges carrying life sentences in what became known as the Bradford 12 case.

While our struggle was against local fascists, Palestine Action’s fight is nobler: exposing and halting a genocide in Palestine, carried out by Israel’s neo-fascist regime with British support. And unlike us, they have not taken up arms. Where we built crude weapons in self-defence against immediate violence, Palestine Action has used only nonviolent direct action – spray-painting warplanes, occupying factories, and disrupting business as usual – to confront British complicity in genocide. I recognise their rage – I have gone hoarse screaming about genocide myself. How many burning children must we see to know it is wrong? How many starving families must be slaughtered to sustain an apartheid state?

The pain is sharper knowing the weapons murdering Palestinians are made in Britain. It is worse watching hypocritical politicians twist words – from Keir Starmer justifying genocide early on, to now hiding behind hollow phrases like “Israel’s right to defend itself”. But as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese and many others have repeatedly clarified: “Israel has no right to defend itself against those it occupies.”

If the UK government succeeds, anyone associated with Palestine Action will be branded a “terrorist”. During the Bradford 12 trial, we were painted the same way. Like Palestine Action activists, we had, in our own time, fought for a more just and fairer world.

Palestine Action emerged from the failure of endless protests demanding an end to never-ending wars and justice for Palestine. As they state: “Palestine Action is a direct action movement committed to ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime. Using disruptive tactics, we target enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex, making it impossible for them to profit from Palestinian oppression.”

We, the Bradford 12, were born from the police’s failure to protect us from fascist violence. We took armed self-defence into our own hands in an organised community defence. To do nothing would have been the greater crime. Similarly, UK complicity in genocide demands action. Disrupting the war machine is not criminal; it is a moral necessity.

At our 1982 trial in Leeds Crown Court, tens of thousands mobilised to demand our acquittal. They saw through the state’s lies – they knew convicting us would unleash repression against youth movements, trade unions, and anyone fighting for justice. The jury faced a pivotal question: What kind of world do you want to live in if you acquit these men? I testified that, faced with the same threats, we would do it all again. That question echoes today; if Palestine Action is criminalised, we risk slipping into a lawless world where genocide becomes the norm, not the exception.

We were acquitted, establishing a legal precedent for armed community self-defence. Palestine Action needs no precedent to justify its cause, because its actions are already grounded in legality, morality, and nonviolence. It is not a threat – it is a moral compass. The UK must follow it, not ban it.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

A holidaymaker who wanted to visit pals in New York claims a political meme put him in hot water but The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a robust denial

Political memes are hugely popular on the internet but one holidaymaker with a funny picture on his phone claimed he was “made to feel like a terrorist” when he tried to enter the United States.

Tourist Mads Mikkelsen, 21, had arrived at New Jersey’s Newark Airport on June 11 with plans to visit friends in New York City before making his way to Austin, Texas.

Mads said that when immigration officers found a meme of US Vice President JD Vance on the Norwegian’s phone, he wasn’t allowed into the country.

“I was subjected to abuse of power and harassment,” he told Norwegian newspaper Nordlys. “They took me to a room with several armed guards, where I had to hand over my shoes, mobile phone and backpack.”

The tourist claimed he was quizzed about “drug trafficking, terrorist plots, and right-wing extremism… totally without reason” before being thrown in a cell. But The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, operating under the Department of Homeland Security, hit back with a firm denial, saying: “Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons”.

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Mads said officials threatened him with jail or a $5,000 (£3,600) fine if he didn’t give them access to his phone. He claimed agents then found the Vance meme, which distorted the politician’s face to make it cartoonish, chubby and bald and it was game over.

“The picture had been automatically saved to my camera roll from a chat app but I really didn’t think that these innocent pictures would put a stop to my entry into the country,” said Mads, who claimed he was next forced to give blood samples and supply fingerprints.

“It felt like I was a terrorist suspect where I was sitting,” he added. “I tried to pull myself together several times but in the end, I just wanted to get home.”

But The U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that the story wasn’t quite as Mads had painted it. “Fact Check: FALSE,” they wrote on X. “Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use.”

Mads told Nordlys that he was questioned at the airport about illegal drug use. He admitted to having used cannabis on two occasions – in Germany and in New Mexico. “It’s legal in both places, so in my mind it was irrelevant,” he said.

The tourist also said he never got the impression that the drug-related questions were an issue at the time of questioning.

The Norwegian was flown back to Norway the same day and when his claims reached social media, supporters branded his US ban “authoritarian”. “Remember when JD Vance went to Germany to lecture them about free speech?” said one user on X.

“So much for free speech. Note to visitors: Best not come for a few years,” added another supporter.

Mads’ ban comes after reports last month that an Australian woman was detained and jailed overnight before being deported. Nikki Saroukus, a former police officer from Sydney who was visiting her US military husband, had arrived for a three week holiday with her mum when she was taken in for questioning.

“They were asking me about ice and meth and whether I knew how much was being imported from New Zealand,” said Nikki, who was allegedly forced to sign a document stating she was not a part of a cartel and had no affiliation with gang members.

The Australian claimed she was handcuffed and subjected to an in-depth cavity search before being detained overnight and flown back home.

ROYAL Ascot jockey Gary Carroll has been banned and fined – days after winning the biggest race of his life.

Carroll steered home 33-1 roughie Cercene in a shock finish to the Coronation Stakes last Friday.

1

Trainer Joseph Murphy said the unlikely victory – worth just shy of £500,000 – was the culmination of his life’s work and there were emotional scenes in the winner’s enclosure afterwards.

But the superstar filly will need a new jockey for her intended run in the Irish Oaks next month after Carroll was hit with a big ban.

He has been whacked with a two-week suspension and fined £5,800 for using his whip twice above the limit of six in the mile race.

More to follow.

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Majorca Platja Tour has announced plans for protests targeting beaches in Spain, warning that some seaside areas have become like ‘theme parks’ due to the crowds

Brits heading for Majorca this summer face being “confined” to beaches as protesters call for resident-only spots.

Majorca Platja Tour has announced the first “symbolic occupation” of a beach in Spain this summer, in a bid to preserve the area’s most beautiful coastal destinations from being overrun by tourists. “Prepare your towels, umbrellas and banners, because we will be making a new symbolic occupation on a beach in Majorca,” announced the movement.

A date for the protest has not been announced.

The protests will echo those of last summer, carried out at Platja de Palma—one of the best beaches in the capital—and Caló des Moro, a stunning beach located in the southeast of Majorca, featuring 40 metres of fine-grained sand surrounded by cliffs.

The protesters say beaches in Majorca are so packed with tourists that locals avoid them in the summer. They want holidaymakers either banned from certain beaches or for areas to be designated for local residents only, not tourists.

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The movement demands that the citizens of the islands be able to enjoy the beaches in summer—a situation that, according to critics, is currently impossible because the beaches are overcrowded. “What used to be a corner of peace becomes a theme park,” they claim.

They say the beach at Platja de Palma is a prime example: “There is no area that better represents the overcrowded Majorca than this one.” The campaigners are calling for a census or registry to be introduced so that only certain people can access beaches at certain times.

Mallorca Platja Tour has called on neighbourhood, cultural, and environmental associations—as well as political parties “committed to Mallorca”—to join the initiative. “There is nothing more Majorcan than spending a day on the beaches,” they said in a statement.

The group highlighted the Municipality of Ameglia in North East Italy, where 60% of the beaches are kept for local residents.

Ameglia Emanuele Cadeddu, despite mayor of the Italian region, said in 2020: “We do not want to give up tourism, which is the basis of our economic fabric. Doing so would mean closing or putting in difficulty the countless activities present in our area, but we expect maximum respect for the rules both from our fellow citizens, to whom we will reserve and guarantee an adequate number of spaces in the amount of 60 percent of the beaches, and from the tourists who will arrive in the Ameglia area”.

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Road routes to many beaches in Majorca are frequently clogged with traffic during the high season, with hundreds of cars parked on sandbanks.

Majorca is in the grip of mass tourism protests, with large crowds of placard-wearing campaigners taking to the streets earlier this month.

The Balearic Islands have received more than 4.3 million international passengers between January and May of this year, representing an increase of 4.8% compared to the same period last year, according to data published on Wednesday by Turespaña.

Bookings have slumped in parts of Majorca in recent months. The Alcudia and Can Picafort hoteliers association has sounded the alarm that bookings on the island are down on last year, especially among travellers from Germany, their principal markets. Bar and restaurant takings were down by between 15 and 20 percent compared to last year, which is a significant blow for an industry already struggling.

The president of the Association, Pablo Riera-Marsa, said: “We are seeing how the German market, traditionally our number one market, is the one that has slowed down the most. In addition, we are detecting that this season, last-minute bookings are once again becoming more popular, with tourists waiting for special offers and promotions before making their purchase decisions.”