Ukrainian forces used drones to attack two oil tankers in the Black Sea, alleged to be part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ used to evade sanctions. The Gambia-flagged ships, named Kairos and Virat, were said to be empty and are now out of service.
Nov. 29 (UPI) — The nation’s consumers spent a record $11.8 billion on Black Friday, which exceeded the amount spent during in-store visits on the day after Thanksgiving.
Adobe Analytics data show a combined total of more than 1 trillion online visits to retailers’ websites, during which consumers spent the record amount that exceeded 2024’s Black Friday spending by 9.1%, Forbes reported.
The final numbers for Black Friday in-store spending were not available on Saturday, but analysts said it is less than the online total.
“Cyber Week is off to a strong start, with online spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday both coming in above Adobe’s initial forecasts,” Adobe Digital Insights lead analyst Vivek Pandya said, as reported by Forbes.
“This was driven in large part by competitive deals across categories, like electronics, toys and apparel,” Pandya said.
“Discounts are set to remain elevated through Cyber Monday, which we expect will remain the biggest online shopping day of the season and year.”
Adobe Analytics had predicted an 8.3% rise for ecommerce retailers, but online buyers spent an average of $12.5 million per minute to break the 9% mark for online sales.
Mastercard SpendingPulse reported even more robust year-to-year increases in Black Friday sales, with 10.4% for online and 1.7% for in-store purchases.
Jewelry and apparel ranked among the leading product categories for online and traditional retailers, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.
While the total spent in stores on Black Friday was up from 2024, foot traffic was down.
Shoppers are changing how they go about making holiday purchases and are spending less time inside stores than they did during prior holiday seasons.
Many online shoppers were aided by artificial intelligence to locate online deals, with Adobe Analytics reported an 805% increase in AI-driven traffic to retail sites in the United States when compared to 2024.
The Black Friday numbers help the National Retail Federation to assess the impact of the holiday season, which runs throughout November and December.
The NRF is scheduled to update its holiday spending outlook on Tuesday.
Apple TV has launched a rare Black Friday deal that sees the subscription cost cut in half for six months.
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Season two of Severance is Apple’s most-watched series ever.
Apple TV has unveiled a rare Black Friday deal that’s slashed its subscription cost by half. Across this Black Friday weekend, new and eligible returning subscribers can join Apple TV for £4.99 per month for six months.
This marks a 50% discount from the usual £9.99 and grants full access to series such as Slow Horses, Severance, Ted Lasso and The Studio, all while saving a cool £30. However, Apple TV has issued a ‘last chance’ warning to claim the deal before it expires on Monday, December 1.
It makes Apple TV the most affordable major streaming service when compared to the basic plans of Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video, which all now cost £5.99. After the six-month promotional period, Apple TV will revert to its usual price of £9.99 per month unless cancelled.
Those who take advantage of this offer will be able to stream every episode of titles including Pluribus, the new sci-fi drama from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. Emma Thompson’s mystery thriller Down Cemetery Road, based on Slow Horses author Mick Herron’s debut novel, is also streaming now.
Coming to Apple TV soon are Brad Pitt’s F1 (December 12), Hijack season two (January 14), and Godzilla series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season two (February 27). It comes as Apple’s streaming service quietly underwent a significant change in October, dropping the ‘+’ from its name and rebranding simply as Apple TV, reports Wales Online.
Apple TV has had a record-breaking year for its original content, with season two of Severance surpassing Ted Lasso to become the platform’s most-watched series ever. It also dominated the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, bagging a total of 22 wins for Severance, Slow Horses and The Studio.
The latter made Emmys history by scooping 13 awards – the highest ever for a comedy series – including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor for Seth Rogen. However, while Apple TV’s library is brimming with original content, it doesn’t offer the endless blockbusters and classic films found on rivals like Netflix or major Disney+ franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel.
What it does provide are exclusive titles featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Jake Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt and Matthew McConaughey, as well as legendary filmmakers like Martin Scorsese. Customers can enjoy 50% off Apple TV when signing up by December 1.
Happy woman is sunbathing on a beach deck chair, wearing sun hat and sunglasses, drinking a orange juice on a sunny day by the seaside, concept of a summer beach holiday, booking travel and resort
LOVEHOLIDAYS has kicked off its biggest ever Black Friday sale until midnight on December 2.
So if you’re planning a last-minute winter sun break or planning for a spectacular summer 2026 trip, you’re in luck, as there are huge savings on your next getaway.
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Itching to swap the grey skies for golden beach days
loveholidays Black Friday deals
From classic Canary escapes to budget-friendly visits to Tunisia, these deals are delivering serious value for money.
Black Friday is a great opportunity to snap up a discounted holiday, whether you’re looking for a European getaway or to finally book that long-haul flight, but there’s one blunder to stay clear of
There are some things to be aware of when booking a holiday during the Black Friday deals (Image: Getty Images)
Black Friday deals are now in full swing, and there are some fantastic holiday packages available at a discounted rate. However, amid the excitement of booking that next getaway, a travel expert has outlined the one mistake you need to avoid.
From today (Friday, 28 November) the internet is ablaze with tempting offers during the annual Black Friday event, with many discounts also available before and after this date. Some of the most appealing offers are those related to our next holiday, whether that’s booking a tropical getaway for early next year or a last-minute trip to explore a charming European Christmas market.
A vast number of airlines, travel booking websites, and hotels offer major deals and discounts during Black Friday, but there’s something we need to be aware of when planning that desirable trip. Travel expert and Managing Director at hoppa, Chris Harrington, warned that the cheapest deal isn’t always the best for value.
“Black Friday deals can be extremely tempting, with many companies offering as much as £100 off per person or 20% off overall flights. But these headline prices can often hide add-ons,” Chris shared. “So be sure to check what’s included in your deal, such as resort fees, airport transfers and cancellation policies, before comparing offers.”
To help us navigate the chaos of Black Friday deals, Chris outlined additional top tips, including how to make the most of the annual sale. A key point is to verify your flight times before confirming the booking.
He explained: “Sometimes, a deal can be too good to be true. Sure, it may look like you’re getting a steal, but the flight may be going cheap because it departs at 5am or there’s a 12-hour layover. If the deal is a long-distance flight, be sure to check both legs of the journey to ensure you’re not stuck with ridiculously long layovers or connection times that are too tight to make comfortably.”
Black Friday doesn’t just need to be for booking a new holiday, but you can also take advantage of the deals when it comes to upgrading your flights or hotel. The expert said: “In addition to bagging a cheaper deal than usual, there’s also the opportunity to secure an upgrade at a fraction of the usual cost. This can range from flight upgrades to all-inclusive resorts and hotels with more luxurious facilities. If you fancy a sweeter deal, now is the time to cash in.”
Furthermore, Chris pointed out that it’s a good idea to have a flexible booking policy, particularly for trips next year. “If you’re booking trips for this time of year, keep in mind the likelihood of weather disruptions like heavy snowfall and storms. I suggest prioritising Black Friday deals that include a flexible cancellation policy or allow you to exchange flights. A slightly higher upfront cost can save you hundreds if plans need to change,” Chris shared.
While it may seem like you need to rush to book the holiday before it’s sold out or before the end of November 28, you still need to be sensible with your decisions.
“Deals can move quickly, but keep a steady head and spend some time checking recent price trends by using price comparison websites or fare-tracking tools, as it may turn out to not be a decent deal at all. If the price has been inflated before the discount, it’s not a true saving. Something I’d suggest is to keep a budget in mind in terms of how much you wish to spend and stick to it to avoid overspending,” he continued.
If you follow these simple tips from Chris, you will help ensure a great bargain while enjoying the best possible holiday, without any hidden surprises. The expert added: “Black Friday is a brilliant opportunity to secure yourself a great deal or treat yourself to that extra bit of luxury, but take the time to do your research before booking. Compare what’s included, check the fine print, and make sure the deal supports the kind of holiday you actually want. A little diligence now can save you a lot of stress later.”
Walt Disney World super fan Scott Wells shares how to save on your 2026 holiday with these Black Friday deals
12:09, 19 Nov 2025Updated 08:14, 28 Nov 2025
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I’ve been to Walt Disney World over 12 times(Image: Scott Da Silva-Wells)
2026 is fast approaching which means that holiday planning is underway, and there’s always one place I look forward to returning to every year, Orlando, Florida. You could say I’m somewhat of a theme park fan. I have unashamedly visited Walt Disney World over 12 times in my life, and it doesn’t look like I’m going to slow down, thanks to the Walt Disney World Resort Black Friday deals that are on offer this year.
From hotel stays, dining deals, and ticket passes, you can save over a whopping £500 for you and your families. The magical area of Walt Disney World Florida is made up of six phenomenal theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and two waterparks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
The offer is applicable to selected Disney Resort Hotels and up to 25% discount on Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket that includes the amazing Disney Memory Maker. Plus, if guests book a flight-inclusive package by 26th February 2026, they will save an extra £500.
One of the best parts of this deal, besides the savings, is that it includes Disney Memory Maker. This is a photo package that allows unlimited downloads of all of your professional photos and videos from around the parks, character meets, and attraction pictures. This service usually costs around £160 ($210), so having this included will immediately have you saving even more money.
Another of the biggest offerings is a 20% saving off a range of tickets through Attraction Tickets.
Attraction Tickets is the place not only I, but many theme park fans return to to book their tickets year after year as they have great offers all year round. However, their Black Friday deal is one not to miss out on.
The offer runs from 6th November, to December 1st 2025, with up to 20% off the likes of Universal Orlando and more using the code BLACKFRIDAY.
We all know these types of holidays aren’t always the most affordable, so if you’ve not started planning your holidays for 2026, then now is one of the best times as you can find yourself big savings during the Black Friday period. I’ll see you at Cinderella’s castle.
BLACK Friday has arrived and the cruise deals are making waves.
From the Caribbean to the Norwegian Fjords, cruise lines are slashing prices, throwing in free drinks packages and cutting hundreds of pounds off cabin costs.
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We’ve picked out the best Black Friday cruise dealsCredit: Getty
But don’t delay – most offers end in early December.
Jacob Lewis looks at the top deals.
PRINCESS CRUISES
THE cruise line is turning Black Friday ‘Blue’ with up to £1,000 off per stateroom across more than 1,500 voyages.
The sale runs until December 2, for cruises in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
SOME great savings can be had on Dover departures, valid on all cruises booked departing November 30 to September 30, 2027.
See Rotterdam on the 13-night Canary Island Enchantment cruiseCredit: Getty
They include $400 onboard credit per person on 21-day cruises, $300 for 10-20 day cruises and $200 for eight days.
Examples include the 13-night Canary Island Enchantment with Portugal itinerary sailing from Dover on April 17, 2026 and including calls in Rotterdam, Agadir, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lisbon.
Prices start from £2,779pp for the ‘Have It All’ package including drinks, shore excursion credit, speciality dining, wifi and tips plus $300pp ship credit.
P&O is having its biggest Black Friday sale, with up to £300 off per cabin on more than 500 cruises.
The offer runs until December 2 on sailings from March 2026 to October 2027 in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords.
See Barbados on P&O’s 14-night Caribbean Islands cruise on BritanniaCredit: Alamy
There’s a stunning 14-night Caribbean Islands cruise on Britannia, leaving Bridgetown, Barbados on March 6, 2026.
You’ll visit Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, St Vincent, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Saint Maarten.
Prices from £1,779pp based on two sharing an inside cabin. Call 0345 356 9999 or visit pocruises.com.
MSC CRUISES
MSC has up to 50 per cent off more than 5,900 cruises from Winter 2025 through Summer 2027.
Destinations include the Caribbean, Emirates, Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Voyagers Club members get an extra five per cent off.
Grab a seven-night Northern Europe cruise on MSC Poesia departing Southampton on January 3, visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam and Le Havre.
It’s from only £379pp — perfect for a post-Christmas getaway. For more deals visit msccruises.co.uk.
AMBASSADOR CRUISE LINE
AMBASSADOR’S campaign brings back free drinks on selected UK no-fly departures from April 2026 to March 2028.
Running until December 1, the offer includes house-brand spirits, wines and soft drinks on sailings from London Tilbury, Portsmouth, Belfast, Liverpool and Newcastle.
See Santander on Ambassador’s ten-night France and Spain Explorer round-trip sailing from Portsmouth on AmbitionCredit: Getty
Its ten-night France and Spain Explorer round-trip sailing from Portsmouth on Ambition, departs April 12, 2026.
Visit Bordeaux (with an overnight), La Coruna, Gijon and Santander.
Fares start from just £636pp with drinks included.
Sail the Med in style on a seven-night cruise from Barcelona, calling at Tuscany and Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Rome (Civitavecchia), Ajaccio in Corsica, Cannes and Marseille before returning to Barcelona.
Departures on September 26 and October 17, 2027 from £1,045pp. Book at virginvoyages.com.
But there are loads of other week-long stays that are under £200 this winter as well.
If you fancy the Algarve, you can spend seven nights Muthu Clube Praia Da Oura (with Liverpool flights) for £149; at Natura Algarve Club for £159 each (with flights from London Stansted) or in Balai Golf Village for £189pp (from London Luton).
Currently sitting at 19C this week, it remains around this temperature even in December.
Or if you want to fly from Newcastle, spend seven nights at Pebbles Resort in Malta for £149 each, or from Birmingham, seven nights in the Solana Hotel and Spa for £169 each.
IT’S never too early to book a holiday for next year – and with Butlin’s launching its Black Sale Friday, you might want to look now.
The holiday park is offering bargain breaks for families to adults-only weekends with up to 40 per cent off.
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Butlin’s has released its Black Friday offers with big savingsCredit: South Of Heaven2026 will see new shows like Maximum Pro Wrestling and a new show from DiversityCredit: Butlins
Butlin’sBlack Friday sale, or as they like to call it, the Red Friday Event, hasplenty of great offers for breaks next year, including family-friendly holidays across its three resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.
You can book now for up to 40 per cent off – and that includes getting to see their new headline acts for 2026 if you book before December 2, 2025.
From Maximum Pro Wrestling to The Masked Singer Live and Diversity, which will perform their brand-new, exclusive show ‘Time Capsule’.
Peppa Pig and her baby sister Evie Pig will trot into the spotlight in a brand-new live show for 2026 during school holidays and Showtime breaks.
Another new addition is The Dinosaur that Pooped, a Rock Show that’s a high-energy live musical and will be at all resorts.
And Fireman Sam will be solving clues and saving the day in The Lost Pirate Treasure show.
February Half Term breaks start from £67 based on a family of four staying in a two bedroom Comfort Room on February 23, 2026 in Bognor Regis for four nights.
The Showtime midweek breaks start from £39 which across four nights works out at just £2.44pppn.
It’s not just for kids though – adults can also book themselves onto a Big Weekender for 2026.
Big Weekenders, which are exclusively for adults, and also has savings of up to 40 per cent.
Adults can enjoy child-free weekends at the Butlin’s Big Weekender eventsCredit: Paul Underhill
These start from £54 per person which includes three-nights’ accommodation, access to all music venues and plenty of daytime and evening activities.
Performers include the likes of Peter Andre, Cascada and B*Witched; these are all included in the price.
During the day guests can check out the Saddle Up Line Dancing, Soul Stroll and pool parties to Club Classic Nights and silent discos in the evening.
Next year, four brand-new Big Weekenders will begin across all three resorts.
Dress up and hit the dance floor where big names like Peter Andre and Cascada will performCredit: Paul Underhill
My Generation Weekender, devoted to Mod culture, will kick off in Minehead in early 2026.
Meanwhile, Skegness resort will be immersed in the ‘neo-soul’ era at the Soul Power Weekender.
Bognor Regis will host the Don’t Tell Mama LGBTQ Weekender and Bugged Out! will return after 10 years with the biggest names in the EDM space.
Soul Power Big Weekender starts from £54pp based on a two bedroom Comfort Room that sleeps four on January 16, 2026 in Skegness.
One writer checked into Butlin’s for a Big Weekender…
“Clutching my bottle of Smirnoff Ice in the middle of a packed dancefloor wearing silver combat trousers and a bum bag, I felt like I had been transported back to my youth.
“And for a fleeting moment, I forgot I was a mother of three with a job, a mortgage and a pile of laundry to tackle when I got home.
“This is part of the joy of a Butlin’s ’90s Reloaded Weekender where garage legends DJ Luck and MC Neat were belting out the floor fillers from my teen disco days.
“Held across Butlin’s resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, each “weekender” break celebrates a different era or genre, from the Ultimate ’80s to I Love Ibiza.
“I was at the Bognor Regis Resort with three old school friends, which only enhanced the nostalgia of the Nineties-themed weekend.
“The fancy dress aspect alone provided plenty of entertainment. Luckily, the Nineties are enjoying something of a fashion revival, which means it was easy to source some party gear.
“And the trends of the decade were out in force — from bucket hats and Kappa tracksuits to cycling shorts and, of course, shell suits.
“There were plenty of hilarious costumes celebrating Nineties icons, too. The winner had to be one ingenious reveller who dressed head-to-toe as a bottle of Nineties alcopop Hooch, an outfit she ran up on her own sewing machine.
“In true Nineties style, midnight felt too early to go to bed so we hit the silent disco at the resort’s sports bar venue Hotshots where we could flick between channels on our light-up headphones, blasting everything fromWhigfieldto Warren G.
“The brilliant thing about a Butlin’s Weekender break is you know exactly what you’ll be spending. All entertainment and accommodation is included in the price of your visit so it’s great value for groups like ours.
“If you do have a little extra cash to splash, you can book additional activities like the ’90s Bottomless Brunch in Butlin’s restaurant The Diner.
“The bottomless prosecco and cocktails, accompanied by a live DJ, were a great way to kick off our Saturday, and my delicious build-your-own burger perfectly set me up for another day of drinking and dancing.
“In the afternoon, Butlin’s huge swimming complex opens for pool parties, also complete with DJ.”
Clad in close-fitting black outfits, two performers get into stance for a fight scene. The cameras surrounding the massive stage in Playa Vista start rolling.
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One turns around slowly, pantomimes being shot, and carefully, deliberately, arches himself backward, clawing at the air before a stunt coordinator helps ease him toward a black mattress.
That movement is translated into dots and lines on a nearby computer, transmitted by the round, white sensors embedded in the suits’ colorful almond-shaped patches. Later, those will be fleshed out into characters and scenes in the new “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” game, which debuts Friday.
It’s all part of the blockbuster production effort that goes into making one of the most popular video game franchises ever. “Call of Duty,” from Santa Monica publisher Activision, has ranked as the top-selling video game series in the U.S. for 16 straight years and has sold more than 500 million copies globally since the first installment was released in 2003.
And as one of the few franchises with an annual release schedule, hitting that deadline takes an army. About 3,000 people worked on “Black Ops 7” over the course of four years.
Activision executives declined to discuss the game’s budget but called it a “significant investment.” Top video game franchises can have production costs of $250 million or more — higher than most big-budget Hollywood films.
“It’s like, every year we have to launch a new ‘Star Wars.’ Every year we have to launch a new ‘Avatar,’ ” said Tyler Bahl, chief marketing officer at Activision. “So we have to think about, how do we do this in an unexpected way?”
“Ultimately, we want to treat our games like an absolute blockbuster,” said Matt Cox, general manager of “Call of Duty” at Activision, who has worked on the franchise for more than 10 years. “The investment is there for them.”
Activision’s Treyarch game production studio is where Call of Duty video game is produced.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The franchise has become a key driver of Activision’s success, analysts said.
The base game consistently sells more than 20 million units annually, not including the live services components that update after a game’s launch and keep players engaged, monthly battle passes that unlock rewards or even the mobile game, all of which add up to an estimated annual sales of about $3.5 billion to $4 billion, said Eric Handler, media and entertainment analyst at Roth Capital.
“It revolutionized the first-person shooter and has done a great job, year in and year out, of being the best of breed, building the largest community and evolving, pivoting to where video game players are all over the world,” Handler said. “There are other [shooter] franchises that are trying to replicate its success … but nobody’s been able to match the consistency of ‘Call of Duty.’”
To maintain its annual cadence, Activision rotates game development among several of its studios, including Playa Vista-based Treyarch, which co-developed “Black Ops 6” and “Black Ops 7” in parallel — the first time that two “Call of Duty: Black Ops” games came out in subsequent years.
The previous game is set in the ‘90s, while the newest installment jumps ahead to 2035, meaning designers and animators had to envision what gear and gadgets might look like in the future (“Call of Duty: Black Ops 2” was eerily accurate in its predictions for the year 2025).
“It was a huge opportunity for us to tell two unique but also connected stories at the same time,” said Yale Miller, senior director of production at Treyarch.
Unlike the linear nature of film production, many things happen in tandem when producing a game like “Call of Duty.” The game has a campaign mode that follows a story, a multiplayer option to play with friends and the ever-popular zombies portion, meaning each designated team is thinking in parallel about things like tone, features and playable moments that they want fans to experience, Miller said.
While an actor is recording lines, another team may be building the weapon they mention and making it interactive, while another group builds the explosion that the lines and weapon will be part of.
“It’s not just, ‘Oh, we got the shot. We’re done for the day,’ ” Miller said. The acting performance is “an anchor for a lot of the things that we build, but then it’s the whole world in parallel, and that’s how we get to such big teams working on stuff, and everything has to get thought about.”
The franchise has become known for its intense, cinematic quality, a reputation enhanced by the live-action film and television backgrounds of many who work on the games, including some stunt performers and Treyarch performance capture director Mikal Vega, who worked on the 2017 NBC drama “The Brave” after a long career in the military.
“It’s theater-in-the-round,” he said during a Zoom call from the stage. “A lot more like theater-in-the-round than film in some cases, and very much like film in other phases of it.”
And there is a bit of a learning curve, particularly because of the motion-capture technology used, which can make movements awkward.
In the new game, “This Is Us” star Milo Ventimiglia plays Lt. Cmdr. David Mason, a character who first appeared in 2012’s “Call of Duty: Black Ops 2” and is now on the hunt for a former arms dealer who caused the death of his father and was previously believed dead.
Acting in “Black Ops 7” was “more technical” than his previous film and TV roles since it required getting used to a boom mic or camera that jutted out in front of him, he said. In one early instance, Ventimiglia went to scratch an itch on his cheek and was told by the crew not to put anything between his face and the camera, and to pantomime scratching outside of the camera, not realizing it wasn’t acting.
Then there were four-hour sessions in the sound booth, saying lines dozens of times in dozens of ways with any number of weapons.
“It’s super, super taxing, hard work, but fun at the same time,” Ventimiglia said. “When are you going to talk about calling out grenades and flash bangs and using different weapons? Very rarely.”
Adding to the cinematic quality are the hyper-realistic portrayals of actors, gear and costumes, which are the result of scans on a light stage that can re-create items in 3-D. Principal and background characters sit on a chair inside the sphere and do poses, surrounded by 16 DSLR cameras and dozens of hexagonal lights that emit a hazy glow. In 1.3 seconds, more than 256 images will be shot. Principal characters like Ventimiglia will typically do up to 120 poses — all to make sure the nuances of someone’s face are captured.
Evan Buttons, Activision director of technical projects, is photographed inside the face scanning studio.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
In a nearby room with a 22-foot ceiling and black, soundproof walls, an even larger sphere with more than 140 cameras and several video cameras are used to capture full body scans, gear and costumes. Everything captured then goes to the character art team, which will tweak it to their specifications and put it in the game.
Even in the days leading up to the game’s release, the team was still busy. In an era when internet speeds are faster, work doesn’t end with a game’s initial release. Content will be released regularly in the months after “Black Ops 7” debuts, all to keep it fresh for players, who can put more than 1,000 hours into the game.
“The No. 1 reason why they play ‘Call of Duty’ is actually because their friends are there,” said Bahl of Activision. “Those bonds and those social connections, I think, is really what makes this game different and stronger, and it’s made it last for so long.”
Allan Bunting has stepped down from his role as New Zealand director of rugby following the Black Ferns’ semi-final exit at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand Rugby has announced it will recruit a new head coach following an “extensive review of the Black Ferns programme” after the tournament in England – and that Bunting will not be seeking the position.
New Zealand, who had won six of the previous seven Women’s Rugby World Cups, were knocked out in the semi-finals of the 2025 edition by Canada but then beat France to finish third.
Hosts England defeated Canada in the final to win the competition.
Bunting, who was appointed director of rugby of the Black Ferns in 2023, said it had been an “absolute honour” to lead the team.
He added: “Over the past 14 years, I’ve been honoured to contribute across both the Sevens and Fifteens programmes and experience pinnacle events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Series and World Cups.
“To have played a role in the growth of the women’s game during this time has been a privilege.”
WANT to snap up a holiday next year for less? TUI Black Friday sale has something for every budget.
Whether you’re looking to book some New Year winter sun or next summer’s break, there are great deals to be had.
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Las Teresitas beach is walking distance from Santa Cruz, capital of Tenerife
With TUI, you can bag Black Friday discount codes for offers that cover departure dates from January 1, 2026 to October 31, 2027.
Simply bookmark the Black Friday sales page at tui.co.uk, browse the discount codes, apply them to the trip of your choice and save big.
The world is your oyster – but where to go?
Long haul or short?
It’s not too late to treat yourself to a winter holiday in the New Year – TUI’s Black Friday discount vouchers can be used for last-minute trips.
Tempted by the thought of some some sunshine? While we shiver at home, Florida is enjoying average temperatures of 25C – so hit the beach, tour Miami or visit Orlando’s theme parks.
Or soak up the sun in Mexico, explore Mayan ruins, laze on powder-sand beaches and stay in an incredible seafront hotel.
The Canaries are always a hit, winter or summer, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria ever-reliable choices.
Agaete – in the north of Gran Canaria – has some great beaches and natural pools, plus a quaint old town with a walled botanical garden.
Corfu is in the Ionian Sea, known for its turquoise waters
Greece is the word
How about one of the Greek islands? Corfu is a lush picture of cypress trees, olive groves and sun-bleached towns.
Make sure to fit in a trip to Paradise Beach, reachable only by boat.
Elsewhere, Rhodes has a breathtaking mix of dazzling beaches and ancient ruins.
Take the ferry to tiny island of Symi, which has a beautiful harbour and a striking 15th-century monastery on the waterfront.
Spain’s Balearics always deliver. Cala Galdana – a small, colourful resort set in a lovely cove in southern Menorca – has lots to keep the family entertained.
And of course Ibiza’s party scene, bohemian vibes and gorgeous sand are rightly legendary.
The Caribbean shores of Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
How to shop the deals
Book your next break now with the TUI Black Friday discount code BLKFRI, available to use when you open a myTUI account online.
With a myTUI account you can save up to £300* per booking on a package – including thousands of family-friendly getaways – from January 2026 to October 2027.
Once you’re set up, having your details stored online allows you to book that break swiftly before the deal is snapped up and disappears.
And if you already have dates and destinations in mind, that helps to narrow your search for the best deals.
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When you shop the TUI Black Friday sale, you’ll find unbeatable bargains… so what are you waiting for?
*Save £300 per booking when you spend £3,500 with code BLKFRI; save £300per booking including children aged 2 and over on TUI package holidays. Offer excludes city destinations operated on third-party flights. Discount is valid on holidays departing between January 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. Minimum spend is £3,500. Room upgrades and flight extras on TUI flying will count towards your minimum spend. However, other extras such as insurance andTUI Care Foundation donations do not count towards your minimum spend.Saving is based on a minimum of 2 adults sharing. Offer is valid until midnight on December 2, 2025 when logged into a myTUI account. Offer does not apply to accommodation only, flight only, cruise and ski bookings. Offer is valid for new bookings only when logged into a myTUI account and can only be redeemed once. Enter code BLKFRI in upper case when on the holiday payment page of the TUI website. See tui.co.uk or the relevant brochure for booking terms and conditions. Offer is subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. This promotional code is non-transferable and not valid in conjunction with any other discount code.
Romania aims to strengthen ties with Black Sea allies to protect its energy projects and become the European Union’s largest gas producer by 2027, according to a draft national defense strategy released on Wednesday. The strategy highlights the concern over Russian threats, especially with incidents of drones violating Romanian airspace and floating mines affecting vital trade routes in the Black Sea. This sea is essential for transporting grain and oil and involves Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia.
The offshore gas project Neptun Deep, co-owned by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, is expected to begin operations in 2027. The national defense strategy for 2025-2030 emphasizes stronger cooperation with Turkey and Bulgaria to safeguard important energy and telecommunications infrastructure. It warns that Russia’s military actions and the militarization of Crimea pose a threat to the region’s security.
The draft strategy, open for public debate for two weeks before parliamentary approval, underscores the significance of Romania’s partnership with the United States. It also discusses addressing risks such as cyber attacks, corruption, and institutional weaknesses, and notes that delays in the EU integration of Moldova and Ukraine may increase security threats for Romania.
“I couldn’t ask for a better horse – Guchen gave me such a great feeling and I will remember this day forever.
“I just wanted to get round safely and repay the trust that Kim and Mat have had in me.
“I am really proud to be the first black British female jump jockey. When I was growing up I looked up to Khadijah Mellah and I hope that now other young people will look up to me as well and know that they can also reach their dreams.”
“I have watched Aamilah progress over the years and I could not be more excited and proud to see her race today,” said Mellah.
“Visibility is so important and I am excited for her to have the opportunity to display her talent and hard work.”
Fellow academy co-founder Naomi Lawson said the organisation was aiming to “ensure that young people from diverse ethnic communities have the chance to shine in the sport”.
She added: “Only around 2-3% of licensed jockeys come from these communities, far below the national average, so we hope that Aamilah is the first of many to come through the ranks and succeed.”
Oliver Brendon, travel expert and CEO of AttractionTickets.com, has shared his top five tips for saving money ahead of Black Friday, which takes place on November 28, 2025
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A holiday expert has shared the best way to save cash ahead of Black Friday(Image: Getty Images)
Oliver Brendon, travel expert and CEO of AttractionTickets.com, says that knowing how and where to look can be the difference between a good deal and a great one when the big shopping day arrives on November 28.
Brendon warns that “logging on early is no longer enough to get a great travel deal. To make the most of the biggest sale of the year you’ll want to navigate price algorithms, leverage loyalty perks, and utilise more clever hacks that many buyers overlook.”
If you really want to save the big bucks, then putting in some time now to sign up to the best loyalty schemes is key.
“Brands are almost always going to reward their loyal customers first and, because of this, the very best deals often never reach the main sale. By signing up for loyalty programmes and email marketing opt-ins ahead of Black Friday, you may get early access to pre-sale discounts, exclusive codes, or even bonus rewards. If the particular booking you’re after is likely to sell out, signing-up to these is the best way to know you’re one of the first customers to access the sale,” Brendan said.
Here are his other top tips:
1. Outsmart Price Algorithms
“Before you start comparing prices, you need to clear your cookies or switch to an incognito browser window. Some airlines and booking platforms can adjust fares based on your browsing behaviour, so if you’ve been researching Disney ticketsfor months hoping for a great deal, you might not be shown the best price.”
2. Flex Your Dates and Group Size to Unlock Hidden Deals
“Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to travel savings. Flying midweek, especially Tuesday to Thursday, or opting for early-morning departures can cut costs dramatically, but you won’t get shown these deals if you have specific date and time filters in use. Ensure when browsing that you have the most flexible option selected, and that includes your group size too. Don’t assume group bookings are always cheaper as sometimes two single tickets cost less than one multi-traveller fare.”
3. Use Filters and Comparison Tools Smartly
“When comparing travel options, choosing a ‘low to high’ filter may not actually be showing you the lowest prices first. Some travel websites order their low-to-high offerings by the price of the just accommodation. Instead, where possible, use filters for ‘lowest total price’ to make sure you’re seeing the full cost including travel, taxes, luggage, and other hidden fees.”
4. Turn Cashback Into Holiday Spending Money
“Cashback rewards is another easy win that many people overlook. Banks, credit cards, and even cashback-specific companies often offer cashback on travel bookings as well as retail purchases. Those savings can quickly add up, and if you activate these schemes before Black Friday, you’ll have extra spending money for your holiday or even a discount on your next trip.”
The burst of energy was likely triggered when an unusually large star wandered too close to the black hole.
Published On 4 Nov 20254 Nov 2025
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Scientists have documented the most energetic flare ever observed emanating from a supermassive black hole, a cataclysmic event that briefly shone with the light of 10 trillion suns.
The new findings were published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Astronomy, with astronomer Matthew Graham of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) leading the study.
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The phenomenal burst of energy was likely triggered when an unusually large star wandered too close to the black hole and was violently shredded and swallowed.
“However it happened, the star wandered close enough to the supermassive black hole that it was ‘spaghettified’ – that is, stretched out to become long and thin, due to the gravity of the supermassive black hole strengthening as you get very close to it. That material then spiralled around the supermassive black hole as it fell in,” said astronomer and study co-author KE Saavik Ford.
The supermassive black hole was unleashed by a black hole roughly 300 million times the mass of the sun residing inside a faraway galaxy, about 11 billion light years from Earth. A light year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
The star, estimated to be between 30 and 200 times the mass of the sun, was turned into a stream of gas that heated up and shined intensely as it spiralled into oblivion.
Almost every large galaxy, including our Milky Way, has a supermassive black hole at its centre. But scientists still aren’t sure how they form.
First spotted in 2018 by the Palomar Observatory, operated by the Caltech, the flare took about three months to reach its peak brightness, becoming roughly 30 times more luminous than any previously recorded event of its kind. It is still ongoing, but diminishing in luminosity, with the entire process expected to take about 11 years to complete.
Because of how far away the black hole is located, observing the flash gives scientists a rare glimpse into the universe’s early epoch. Studying these immense, distant black holes helps researchers better understand how they form, how they influence their local stellar neighbourhoods, and the fundamental interactions that shaped the cosmos we know today.
