Trump says South Africa refused to hand over the G20 presidency after the U.S. skipped the Johannesburg summit, while South Africa says the handover happened properly at its foreign ministry because the U.S. delegation didn’t attend the closing ceremony. The dispute lands amid worsening U.S.–South Africa tensions, including Trump’s aid cuts and his repetition of discredited claims about attacks on white farmers.
Why It Matters The move is unprecedented inside the G20 and threatens the group’s cohesion at a time of already strained geopolitics. It could accelerate a shift in South Africa’s global alignment, deepen rifts between Washington and African partners, and unsettle diplomatic cooperation on issues like climate, trade, and global governance.
The Trump administration is asserting pressure to punish South Africa for its foreign-policy stances; the Ramaphosa government is defending its credibility and G20 stewardship; and other G20 members are confronted with a fracture that could undermine the forum’s legitimacy and continuity. Investors and regional partners are watching closely for economic and political fallout.
What’s Next Pretoria is expected to lodge formal diplomatic objections and seek backing from other G20 members. Quiet negotiations may emerge over whether a U.S. president can unilaterally block a member’s invitation. Further punitive actions from Washington are possible, while South Africa may lean more heavily on BRICS alliances as the rift widens.
The hotel has six pools, an aquapark and entertainment from festivals to karaoke, and even cinema nights.
It also has ultra all-inclusive options with gourmet meals all day and night.
A seven-night stay at the Luna Vista Belek starts from £770pp including flights from London Gatwick.
3HB Faro, Portugal
The five-star luxury3HB hotel is in downtown Faro but is still quiet enough that it won’t feel like its in the heart of the city.
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Rob said: “If you want a city break that feels like a beach resort, this is it”.
Common mentions in the reviews are the modern rooftop pool area and ‘ridiculously good breakfasts’.
The hotel has two restaurants as well as a rooftop bar that looks over the city and is a five-minute walk from the centre of Faro.
A seven-night stay at the 3HB Faro starts from £830pp (room only) with flights from London Gatwick.
The Eagles Nest Studios has an onsite pool and is tucked away in a small villageCredit: Unknown
Eagles Nest Studios, Kefalonia
The Eagles Nest Studios is in the tiny village of Lourdas in Kefalonia at the foot of Mount Ainos – which means you get amazing mountain and sea views.
Rob calls it the “definition of an underrated Greek gem” and reviews compliment the “unbelievably kind owners”, “panoramic hillside views” and “simple but spotless rooms”.
It’s even been lauded as a ‘four star experience at a two star price’.
The Eagles Nest Studios is a perfect stay for anyone looking for simplicity – it has an onsite pool and local tavernas.
A four-night stay at the Eagles Nest Studios starts from £420pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.
Basar Hotel is less busy than others near to Marmaris in TurkeyCredit: Unknown
The white-washed peaceful complex has an outdoor pool, guests can stay in one of the roomy apartments that’s equipped with speedy Wi-Fi.
Reviews have described the place as a “luxury Airbnb” and Rob reveals the reason that it isn’t as booked up because it’s slightly tucked away.
A seven-night stay at La Concha Boutique starts from £565pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.
Hotel Iliana Panormos on the island of Crete is near to beaches and local tavernasCredit: On the Beach
Hotel Iliana Panormos, Crete
The Hotel Iliana Panormos is a two-star hotel on the island of Crete with a central courtyard and swimming pool.
Reviews say it’s a “proper Greek family run gem” in the village of Panormos near pretty tavernas.
The hotel looks classically Greek with white walls with terracotta rooftop tiles and bright blue doors.
It’s only 150m from pretty sandy beaches as well as watersport spots, and it’s within walking distance of local tavernas and shops.
A seven-night stay at Hotel Iliana Panormos starts from £370pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.
A Suite Side in Antalya can be booked from £455ppCredit: Unknown
A Suite Side, Turkey
A Suite Side is a three-star complex in Side, Antalya that has self-contained apartments with a shared pool.
Rob reveals that guest reviews say it feels a “boutique design hotel but with Turkish value for money“.
The hotel is missed because it doesn’t have sea views – but it’s a very short walk away from the beach front.
There are plenty of rooms up for grabs including those with garden and pool views, others come with Jacuzzis – but all come with a furnished balcony or terrace, an open-plan living room and kitchen.
At the hotel are multiple pool areas, one for adults and a smaller one for children.
A seven-night stay at A Suite Side starts from £455pp (on a self-catering basis).
The family run Idyll Suites has a huge pool and central courtyardCredit: On the Beach
Idyll Suites, Gran Canaria
The adults only Idyll Suites is found in sunny Gran Canaria which has sunny terraces and incredible ocean views.
In fact, the 24 deluxe suites and 23 superior suites, all face the sea and have beautiful panoramic views.
Reviews say it feels like a “luxury suite at a mid-range price” with many guests stating they return year after year.
It’s self-catering, but nearby is the Delicias restaurant and a place to enjoy Mediterranean specialities – and hotel guests get an exclusive discount.
STRICT new rules are being rolled out in one of Europe’s prettiest cities next year.
Florence, which was named the best city in Europe by Travel + Leisure this year, is cracking down on outdoor dining in the popular tourist areas.
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New outdoor dining rules will see a ban on tables in some of Florence’s most historical streetsCredit: AlamyIt includes the famous Ponte Vecchio bridgeCredit: Alamy
The new rules, the Times reports, will see outdoor seats banned across 50 streets in Florence.
This mainly affects the city centre, which is UNESCO protected.
Along with the bans, another 73 locations will see stricter regulations on outdoor seating areas.
This could mean while seating is allowed, umbrellas and plexiglass barriers could be banned.
Local restaurant owners have slammed the rules, saying it is an important part of their service especially in the summer months.
The owner of Ristorante Pizzeria Il David, which has 60 seats outside, said: “Our outdoor seating is fundamental.”
Another said: “True restaurateurs have begun to close.
“They are crushed by impossible costs and by city policies more concerned with the aesthetics of outdoor seating than with the survival of those who brought these spaces to life.”
But locals have said the new rules are needed as the narrow streets can’t cope with the outdoor terraces, many of which were introduced during Covid.
Some said it had made roads unliveable, and like an “obstacle course”.
It isn’t the only strict ban introduced over the years in Florence.
It comes after fears of overtourism across Florence.
Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia, toldlocal media: “Florence is very beautiful and I would like it to return to its citizens and not be crushed by tourism.”
Many restaurant added the outdoor seating during CovidCredit: Alamy
Nov. 8 (UPI) — A federal judge issued a permanent injunction that prevents the deployment of the National Guard in Portland, Ore., saying Donald Trump “exceeded the President’s authority.”
U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, in a 106-page decision Friday, wrote in all caps: “THIS PERMANENT INJUNCTION ORDER IS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.”
She issued a temporary restraining order on Oct. 4 blocking the deployment of the Oregon National Guard to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. One day later a second order blocked deployment of National Guard troops from other states to Portland streets.
“The evidence demonstrates that these deployments, which were objected to by Oregon’s governor and not requested by the federal officials in charge of protection of the ICE building, exceeded the president’s authority,” the judge, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, wrote.
Immergut, who made the decision after the three-day trial, said the troops were not needed to quell protests against Trump’s immigration policies.
“This Court arrives at the necessary conclusion that there was neither ‘a rebellion or danger of a rebellion’ nor was the President ‘unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States’ in Oregon when he ordered the federalization and deployment of the National Guard,” Immergut wrote.
She said a stay of federalization of Oregon troops will last 14 days that “preserves the status quo in which National Guard members have been federalized but not deployed.”
Starting in early June, there were daily demonstrations outside ICE’s building in Portland. They have been small and peaceful and dispersed when federal agents in riot gear came to the scene, The New York Times reported.
Sometimes federal officers used tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray balls.
Immergut said she expects the decision to be appealed with the White House not responding to a request for comment Friday night.
“The ‘precise standard’ to demarcate the line past which conditions would satisfy the statutory standard to deploy the military in the streets of American cities is ultimately a question for a higher court to decide,” she wrote.
During the trial, federal lawyers said they intended to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco.
On Sept. 27, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he planned to use “full force” to protect “war-ravaged Portland.”
The next day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek to activate 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to protect federal property. Kotek refused and Trump federalized the troops.
Under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, a president may use the National Guard on U.S. soil in only three situations: a foreign invasion; a rebellion or threat of a rebellion; or laws of the nation cannot be enforced with existing resources.
The Trump administration argued the last two conditions were met. The judge disagreed.
“Oregon National Guard members have been away from their jobs and families for 38 days,” Kotek, a Democrat, said after the ruling on the lawsuit by the state and city. ” The California National Guard has been here for just over one month. Based on this ruling, I am renewing my call to the Trump Administration to send all troops home now.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the decision involving his state’s troops “a win for the rule of law, for the constitutional values that govern our democracy, and for the American people.”
Trump has sought to send troops into Democrat-run cities. Another judge has blocked troops from Chicago after a lawsuit and that decision has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Troops have been sent to the District of Columbia, Los Angeles and Memphis, Tenn., to assist ICE and/or reduce crime.
CHELTENHAM is famed for its racecourse and its annual “Greatest Show On Turf”.
But there’s so much more to do in this pretty Regency spa town than have a flutter on the horses.
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Cheltenham’s gorgeous Regency buildings are a highlight of the townCredit: Getty
Emma Glanfield takes you on a tour of the best of the rest.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Sitting at the foot of the Cotswolds hills, Cheltenham is vibrant and buzzy, with a backdrop of well-preserved Regency architecture and rolling countryside.
And its abundance of quirky hotels, lively bars and boutique shops make it perfect for a weekend away.
There always seems to be something exciting going on, too, with the town hosting more than 30 festivals and events a year.
Among these are the 80-year-old music festival and the world’s longest running literature festival.
And, of course, it is the home of National Hunt racing, with the Cheltenham Festival boasting pinnacle event the Gold Cup.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? The spa town is sprawling but walkable, and there’s plenty of gorgeous architecture to enjoy on the way.
Wander the elegant, tree-lined Montpellier district — one of the town’s most historic areas — and take in the surroundings while popping into boutique shops and cosy cafes.
The Grade I-listed Rotunda, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, was once a spa pump room but is now a branch of The Ivy hotel. You can dine there amid the Art Deco-style interior.
It’s also worth a stroll around The Suffolks, a sought-after district with mid-19th century buildings, independent shops and cafes, plus a friendly pub called The Suffolk Arms.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? It really is worth attending a Cheltenham race meet. There’s a reason the town is known for its horseracing, and you don’t have to be massively into the sport to enjoy it.
With food, drink and glam all on offer, it’s a great, fun-packed day out. Alternatively, take a walk up Cleeve Hill — the highest point in the Cotswolds — for breathtaking panoramic views across the town and towards The Malverns.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? With burgers as big as your head, The Beefy Boys is not to be missed. It was buzzing on the Saturday night we visited.
The atmosphere was jolly but not so loud you couldn’t chat.
The award-winning Dirty Boy and Oklahoma Onion Boy are absolute beasts, but delicious. Go hungry!
For those wanting a more formal affair, or for a special occasion, Settebello, in Belgrave House, serves authentic Italian cuisine. We feasted on giant bowls of rigatoni with an ox cheek ragu, £18, and Spigola Puttanesca (sea bass with a punchy tomato sauce), £25. The two-course lunch menu at £19 is well worth the money.
With burgers as big as your head, The Beefy Boys is not to be missedCredit: instagram.com/thebeefyboysThe Gin & Juice Bar has more than 400 gins on offer and regular live musicCredit: instagram/ginandjuice_official
FANCY A DRINK? There are stylish bars all over, but a visit to Mr Cambray’s Curiosity won’t leave you disappointed.
Cafe by day, cocktail room by night, it has five themed rooms to explore.
There’s also the recently opened Parler on Clarence Street, in the heart of town. This Georgian building has been reimagined into a Parisian-style cafe by day, and a Japanese listening bar come sundown, with a cosy retro vibe.
The Retreat Wine Bar in Suffolk Parade is a bit of an institution, having been serving drinks since 1982. For late-night entertainment, the Gin & Juice Bar has more than 400 gins on offer and regular live music.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? For those wanting to be in the town centre, Hotel du Vin is a great choice. The 4H boutique hotel is set in the Montpellier district just a five-minute walk from The Promenade, a local shopping district.
Breakfast is a continental spread with hot plate options, taken next to the impressive underground wine cellars.
At night, guests can enjoy a glass of wine in The Laroche tasting room before diving into soft Egyptian cotton sheets in one of the hotel’s 49 bedrooms. Our room had a huge double bed and walk-in “monsoon” shower.
For those seeking pure relaxation away from the hustle and bustle, you won’t go wrong with The Greenway Hotel & Spa.
The 16th-century manor house — an eight-minute taxi ride from the town centre — was once a grand family home before being taken over by The Eden Hotel Collection. A £1.2million makeover included 21 beautifully revamped bedrooms.
The in-house Elan Spa is not to be missed.
For those seeking pure relaxation away, you won’t go wrong with The Greenway Hotel & SpaCredit: SuppliedA £1.2million makeover of the Greenway Hotel & Spa included 21 beautifully revamped bedroomsCredit: Kieran BrimsonSettebello, Cheltenham Press HandoutCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
GO: CHELTENHAM
GETTING THERE: Cheltenham Spa station serves routes up and down the country, from Aberdeen to Penzance, while GWR runs direct trains to London in two hours. By car, Cheltenham is just off the M5.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at Hotel du Vin start from £90 per night B&B for two people. See hotelduvin.com. The Greenway is £203 per night. See thegreenwayhotelandspa.com.
DETROIT — Two men who had acquired high-powered weapons and practiced at gun ranges were scouting LGBTQ+ bars in suburban Detroit for a possible attack, authorities said Monday in filing terrorism-related charges against the pair.
Momed Ali, Majed Mahmoud and co-conspirators were inspired by Islamic State extremism, according to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court. Investigators say a minor, identified only as Person 1, was deeply involved in the discussions.
“Our American heroes prevented a terror attack,” U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi said on X.
The men, described as too young to drink alcohol, had looked at LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale as a possible attack, according to the complaint.
FBI agents had surveilled the men for weeks, even using a camera on a pole outside a Dearborn house, according to the court filing. Investigators also got access to encrypted chats and other conversations.
FBI Director Kash Patel had announced arrests Friday, but no details were released at the time while agents searched a home in Dearborn and a storage unit in nearby Inkster.
The FBI said the men repeatedly referred to “pumpkins” in their conversations, a reference to a Halloween attack.
Ali and Mahmoud were charged with receiving and transferring guns and ammunition for terrorism. Mahmoud had recently bought more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition that could be used for AR-15-style rifles, and they practiced at gun ranges, the government alleged.
They will appear in court Monday for their initial appearance. Mahmoud’s lawyer, William Swor, declined to comment. Messages seeking comment from Ali’s lawyer, Amir Makled, were not immediately answered.
Over the weekend, Makled seemed to wave off the allegations, saying they were the result of “hysteria” and “fear-mongering.”
It’s the second case since May involving alleged plots in the Detroit area on behalf of the Islamic State. The FBI said it arrested a man who had spent months planning an attack against a U.S. Army site in Warren. Ammar Said has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Nvidia’s most advanced artificial intelligence chips known as Blackwell will be reserved exclusively for U.S. companies. Speaking on CBS’ “60 Minutes” and aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We will not let anybody have them other than the United States.” This declaration signals a hard turn in U.S. tech policy, potentially going beyond previous export controls designed to curb China’s access to high-end AI semiconductors.
Why It Matters
The decision could reshape the global AI race. Nvidia’s Blackwell chips are the backbone of next-generation AI systems, from large language models to autonomous weapons. By blocking access to China and possibly even U.S. allies Washington is seeking to maintain a decisive technological lead. However, the move could also strain trade ties, disrupt supply chains, and challenge U.S. allies like South Korea and Japan who rely on American chips for innovation and competitiveness.
China Hawks in Washington: Applauded the move. Rep. John Moolenaar compared allowing China access to the chips to “giving Iran weapons-grade uranium.”
China: Beijing has remained publicly quiet, though the move will likely be seen as another escalation in the U.S.-China tech war.
Nvidia: CEO Jensen Huang said the company has not sought export licenses for China, citing Beijing’s current unwillingness to engage with Nvidia. However, Huang warned that global restrictions could hurt U.S.-based R&D funding.
Allies: The statement comes just days after Nvidia announced plans to supply over 260,000 Blackwell chips to South Korea’s Samsung and other tech giants now casting doubt over whether those deals will proceed.
What’s Next
The Trump administration may soon issue new export rules formalizing these restrictions. Analysts expect a clearer framework distinguishing between “advanced” and “scaled-down” versions of Nvidia’s chips, determining what if anything can be sold abroad. The decision also raises the stakes ahead of Trump’s next expected talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with AI dominance likely to top the agenda in future U.S.-China negotiations.
