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Departure of the flotilla from Tunisia to Gaza was delayed due to logistical issues.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has begun sailing out of Tunisia, with organisers and participants saying they are determined to break Israel’s siege on Gaza and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid.

The convoy departed from the northern port city of Bizerte with activists from more than 40 countries aboard. Its departure was delayed after two flotilla vessels came under attack earlier this week.

On Monday, the main ship Family was struck by a drone while docked in Sidi Bou Said, followed by an attack on the boat Alma on Tuesday night.

No casualties were reported in the attacks.

Al Jazeera’s Hassan Massoud, reporting from the Shireen Abu Akleh boat, said: “The global flotilla has set sail from the port in Tunisia to the Gaza Strip, its main destination, without any scheduled stops, 14 days after its departure from Barcelona.

“The ships are carrying food and humanitarian aid towards Gaza. Volunteers and participants have said this mission is non-violent; they only aim to open a corridor to deliver aid towards Palestinian people in Gaza.”

A number of prominent figures have joined the flotilla, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, and Barcelona’s former Mayor Ada Colau.

At least four Italian members of parliament are also taking part, alongside dozens of other elected officials and activists.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament that Rome had urged Israel to respect the rights of its citizens aboard the flotilla, including parliamentarians.

“Our embassy in Tel Aviv, under my instruction, talked to the Israeli authorities about the respect of the rights for all the fellow citizens who are part of the flotilla, including among them several members of parliament,” Tajani said.

“I also called [Israeli] Foreign Minister [Gideon] Saar to personally make him aware of the matter.”

Tajani said 58 Italians are among the participants and would be provided consular and diplomatic assistance.

Organisers say the Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “resilience”, represents one of the most determined challenges yet to Israel’s blockade of Gaza’s coastline.

The attempt comes as the United Nations warns that more than half a million Palestinians face catastrophic hunger, with aid groups and legal experts describing Israel’s war on Gaza as a genocide.

The attacks on the convoy follow previous incidents in which flotilla ships were intercepted or targeted at sea.

In early June, Israeli naval forces intercepted the aid vessel Madleen in international waters, seizing its aid cargo and detaining its crew of 12, while in May, another vessel, the Conscience, was hit by drones near Maltese waters, leaving it unable to continue.

Activists from 40 countries sail from Tunisia to defy Israel’s blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.

An international convoy of boats, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), has set sail from Tunisia, aiming to defy Israel’s siege on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.

The GSF, which departed Bizerte Port on Saturday, includes more than 40 vessels carrying between 500 and 700 activists from more than 40 countries, according to Anadolu.

Participants say they are determined to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Among those joining is Franco-Palestinian lawmaker Rima Hassan, a member of the French National Assembly, who announced her participation after boarding in Tunisia.

“Our governments are responsible for the continuation of the genocide in Gaza,” Hassan wrote on X, accusing European leaders of silence in the face of Israeli attacks on aid convoys. In June, she joined another Gaza-bound boat that Israeli forces seized in international waters.

he flotilla is supported by prominent activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who has long been vilified by Israeli officials for her solidarity with Palestinians.

The flotilla reported this week that two of its ships – the Family, which had members of the steering committee on board, and the Alma – were attacked while anchored near Tunis.

Activists suspect Israeli involvement, noting that one of the vessels was struck by a drone.

Tunisia’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed a “premeditated aggression” and said an investigation had been launched.

Despite the attacks, flotilla organisers insist they will press ahead. “Faced with this inaction, I am joining this citizens’ initiative, which is the largest humanitarian maritime convoy ever undertaken,” Hassan said.

History of intervention

This is not the first time Israel has moved to stop such missions.

In early June, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen ship in international waters, seizing its aid supplies and detaining the crew of 12 activists. Another vessel, the Conscience, was struck by drones in May near Maltese waters, leaving it unable to continue its journey.

Organisers say the GSF – named after the Arabic word for resilience – represents one of the boldest challenges yet to Israel’s control of Gaza’s coastline.

The attempt comes as the United Nations warns of famine in Gaza, with more than half a million people facing catastrophic hunger.

It was the only destination to score five stars for value for money

Europe boasts countless stunning cities ideal for weekend breaks or extended holidays, with one destination claiming the ultimate crown. Research by Which? Travel has declared Krakow the continent’s finest city break for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year.

The Which? study evaluated seven key factors: cuisine and beverages, lodging, cultural landmarks and attractions, retail offerings, transport convenience, crowd levels, and financial value. An overall rating was then determined based on general satisfaction and the likelihood visitors would recommend the destination.

Krakow topped the rankings with a remarkable 92% score. The Polish city earned five-star ratings for its food and drink, accommodation, and transport links.

Uniquely, it was the sole destination to achieve five stars for value for money, with Kayak data showing average nightly accommodation costs of just £86. The city also secured four stars for its cultural offerings.

One survey respondent commented: “Beautiful, mainly unspoilt city. Superb food at a fair price. I’ve stayed many times, and there are lots of good-value hotels. Friendly and pretty safe.”

Kraków is particularly renowned for enabling day excursions to historically significant sites like Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, creating a deeply meaningful travel experience.

One visitor to Kraków shared on TripAdvisor: “We visited over Easter weekend so it was extremely busy but the atmosphere was buzzing. The markets were on, a sun was blazing and the horse and carriages were clattering around the streets.

“Whilst there the area was clean and tidy, there was no trouble at all and it was great to see people carrying their Easter baskets. The buildings and churches were beautiful and we really enjoyed the park.”

Another chimed in: “Beautiful city, what I can highly recommend as a place to discover a little Poland. Lots of attractions around and legends.”

Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, sharing the survey results, said: “Whether you are looking for culture, art, history or top gastronomy, there are several European cities that deliver. Book ahead and choose to visit off season to secure the best prices.

“British holidaymakers who look beyond the most famous destinations, can find great value for money in foodie escapes, such as Krakow and Valencia. Despite the crowds, classic city breaks Venice and Vienna scored highly with visitors due to their unparalleled cultural attractions.”

Europe’s five best city breaks:

1. Kraków, Poland
2. Venice, Italy
3. Valencia, Spain
4. Vienna, Austria
5. Istanbul, Turkey

Rose Lavelle scored her first goal of the season and Gotham FC defeated Angel City 3-1 on Sunday.

Kennedy Fuller put Angel City in front 1-0 less than two minutes into the match. The Angel City midfielder stuck the ball on the edge of the box on the half-volley.

Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amoros made two significant substitutions at the break: Midge Purce replaced Josephine Hasbo and Lavelle came on for Sarah Schupansky.

Gabi Portilho scored the equalizer in the 47th minute. The Brazilian tucked away a short pass from Purce. Then, Lavelle made it 2-1 by pouncing on a goalkeeping mistake in the 51st minute.

Jaelin Howell capped the scoring in the 68th minute.

Gotham (7-6-6) moved up to sixth place in the NWSL standings, and opened a four-point gap ahead of 10th place Angel City (6-8-5).

The Istrian peninsula is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe and is the perfect place to soak up some September sunshine – and what’s better? Flights can cost as little as £20

September has arrived, and with the school holidays now officially behind us, it presents the ideal opportunity for a spontaneous getaway to prolong summer and soak up some rays before the lengthy winter nights set in.

Whilst France, Spain and Italy remain the go-to destinations for British holidaymakers, anyone who’s experienced Venice will tell you that swarms of tourists can completely destroy any hopes of a peaceful break.

However, one location that’s frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbours has been hailed as the ideal spot to bask in some September sunshine – and here’s the cherry on top – flights can be snapped up for as little as £20.

Tucked away at Croatia’s most northern tip, and merely kilometres from both Slovenia and Italy, the Istrian peninsula stands as one of Europe’s most undervalued gems.

Encircled by the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, this destination is perfect for those seeking coastal adventures, both cultural and gastronomic, reports the Express.

Istria is frequently passed over in favour of its southern counterparts like Dubrovnik or Split, yet it offers a superior alternative for avoiding the masses.

Featured as one of Lonely Planet’s premier September hotspots, the travel bible declared: “Overflowing with asparagus, olives and oysters, there are few tastier destinations than Istria, the triangular peninsula nudging into the Adriatic in far northwest Croatia.

“And there are few tastier times to explore Istria than September, when grapes are harvested and truffles ripen beneath the forest floor.”

Istrians are passionate about their truffles, and a stroll through Pula, the region’s principal city, reveals market stalls and shops selling this culinary treasure in various forms – as crisps, preserved in oil, or served whole.

To build up an appetite before indulging in the delightful Adriatic gastronomy, take a walk through this ancient settlement and discover its massive Roman amphitheatre. Often confused with the Colosseum, Pula Arena stands as the sole surviving ancient theatre where all four corner towers remain completely intact.

Like much of Croatia’s shoreline, the beaches feature mainly pebbles with some rocky inlets, occasional sandy patches, and are encircled by verdant vegetation.

Dramatic islands also dot this peninsula, providing the perfect setting for sunrise views that create an unforgettable panorama.

Following a day of sea swimming, you’ll have built up quite a thirst, and fortunately for wine enthusiasts, Croatia crafts some excellent vintages.

The guide added: “But for the real gastro treats, crank up the calf muscles and explore the truffle-centric hilltop settlements of medieval Motovun, Buzet and tiny Hum in the north, and the wine regions around Buje and Momjan to the northwest – white Malvasia and red Teran are top local tipples.”

Ryanair operates direct services to Pula from several UK airports, with September flights available for as little as £23 at the time of writing. For those preferring to stay closer to home, the guide also recommends a September break to the Cotswolds.

Canadian PM Carney also announced a fund of $5 billion in Canadian dollars ($3.6bn US) to help firms in all sectors hurt by tariffs.

Canada will waive a requirement that 20 percent of all vehicles sold next year be emissions-free, part of an aid package designed to help companies deal with damage done by tariffs from United States President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement on Friday.

The 20 percent target was mandated by the Liberal government of then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023.

Carney, Trudeau’s successor, said waiving the rule would help the industry deal with punitive US measures that are also targeting the steel and aluminium sectors.

“This will provide immediate financial relief to automakers at a time of increased pressures on economic competitiveness,” Carney told a televised press conference.

Ottawa will also launch an immediate 60-day review to reduce costs linked to the EV sales requirement.

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association welcomed the move, saying the push for mandates imposed unsustainable costs on companies and threatened investment.

Carney said it was too soon to draw any conclusions about whether Ottawa should lift the 100 percent tariffs it imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles last year. China on Friday prolonged a probe into imports of canola from Canada, one of the world’s leading suppliers.

Carney, who won an April election on the need to diversify the economy away from the US, said Ottawa would set up a new fund worth $5 billion Canadian dollars ($3.6bn US) with flexible terms to help firms in all sectors affected by tariffs.

The US measures are “causing extreme uncertainty that is holding back massive amounts of investment”, he said.

Ottawa will introduce a new policy to ensure the federal government buys from Canadian suppliers and is also introducing a new biofuel production incentive, with more than $370 million Canadian dollars ($267m US) for farmers to address immediate competitiveness challenges.

Carney did not mention specific new aid for the steel and aluminium sectors. When pressed, he said companies could apply for help from existing funds.

Lululemon Athletica (LULU -0.80%) is suing Costco Wholesale (COST 1.08%) for selling similar, knock-off products in its warehouses. For the high-end apparel company, how this ends up playing out could be a make-or-break moment for its stock.

Shares of Lululemon are down close to 50% this year as investors have grown concerned with the company’s lackluster growth and worrisome exposure to China. The stock hasn’t been trading at these levels since 2020, and depending on your outlook for the business in the long run, Lululemon could either be a steal of a deal right now, or nothing more than a value trap.

What could end up determining that is its battle with Costco.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why the Costco lawsuit could be critical for Lululemon

Lululemon is alleging that Costco has been selling “dupes” of its products and that they are confusing its customers. The suit claims that Costco has infringed on Lululemon’s intellectual property due to how similar the items are, and that they go beyond just selling similar types of clothing. It says that Costco is also using the same color names, such as “Tidewater Teal,” which Lululemon says, “is an important component” of its business.

If Costco is able to fend off the lawsuit and continue selling the products, it could pose a serious threat to Lululemon’s growth at a time when it’s already struggling to grow sales at a high rate. Consumers have been cutting back on discretionary expenditures and if Lululemon has to also compete against Costco and its low prices, that could exacerbate its current woes.

Many Lululemon pants frequently retail at more than $100, and if consumers can buy similar products at their local Costco, that could hurt the company’s pricing power, possibly forcing it to reduce prices, which would hurt its gross margins and impact its overall level of profitability.

Lululemon’s growth rate has been falling sharply in recent years

In recent quarters, Lululemon has been growing its sales by just single digits, which is down significantly from how well the business did in previous years — when it wasn’t uncommon for its growth rate to be in excess of 20%.

LULU Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) data by YCharts

If you factor in the potential for Costco to provide customers with similar-looking products, that could further erode its growth rate in the future. And with tariff uncertainty still looming with respect to China, a key market for Lululemon and where it also imports many of its products from, there are multiple headwinds for investors to consider before buying the retail stock.

Why I’d avoid Lululemon stock right now

Lululemon’s intellectual property and overall competitive advantage faces a big test with its suit against Costco right now. If consumers can buy similar-looking clothing at just a fraction of the price, it could lead to even worse growth prospects for the company in future quarters. And with macroeconomic conditions not looking all that great, consumers may still be tempted to look for lower-priced alternatives. The declining growth rate does seem to suggest that demand may be constrained right now.

Although Lululemon stock may look cheap, trading at a price-to-earnings multiple of around 14, given the uncertainty the business faces in both the short and long term, this is not a company I’d invest in today. It all hinges on how much value consumers place on the brand and the willingness to pay significantly more for Lululemon products. Right now, things aren’t looking too good, and unless Lululemon’s growth prospects drastically improve or it wins its suit against Costco, I’d avoid the stock.

Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls returned to the show after their summer break on Monday

Good Morning Britain fans said the same thing as Susanna Reid unveiled a new look after her summer break.

During Monday’s (September 1) edition of the hit ITV programme, Susanna and her co-host Ed Balls made their return as they presented the latest news from across the UK and around the world.

It comes after the pair took several weeks off over the summer holidays.

They were joined in the studio by Alex Beresford, who delivered regular weather forecasts, while Ranvir Singh took charge of the rest of the day’s news.

The show’s viewers quickly took to social media to share their delight at Susanna’s return, with many noticing her glam new hair transformation. The 54-year-old has notably dyed her hair a lighter colour, a far cry from her signature brunette locks.

“Hello, September new month new hairstyle. Nice to see you back,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another added: “I’m glad you’re back, it’s not been the same show without you. I hope you had a great summer,” while a third said: “Susanna looking fresh faced and lovely after her well earned summer break.”

This is a breaking showbiz story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly to get the latest news, pictures and videos.

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Wells is one of England’s most charming cathedral cities where you can browse markets, drink cider in cosy pubs and wander the cathedral’s gorgeous grounds

Nestled in Somerset lies one of England’s most picturesque cathedral cities, Wells, where you can explore markets, sip cider in quaint pubs and stroll around the stunning grounds of the cathedral. Wells is situated on the southern fringe of the Mendip Hills, with the imposing figure of Wells Cathedral at its heart, reports the Express.

Constructed between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been hailed as the most poetic of the English Cathedrals, and it’s not hard to see why. It holds the distinction of being the earliest English Cathedral built in the Gothic style and enjoys an international reputation.

This grand cathedral is worth a visit for its architecture alone, but it also houses over 300 sculptures, Britain’s oldest functioning mechanical clock, and offers daily tours to delve into the city’s rich history.

The city itself gained international recognition after serving as the filming location for the fictional village of Sandford in the cult film Hot Fuzz, featuring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and a host of other renowned British actors.

Many of the film’s most memorable locations such as the Swan Hotel, the corner shop where the characters purchase Cornettos and the marketplace where the epic gunfight occurs are actual places you can visit.

Wells is also home to Europe’s oldest residential street. Vicars Close boasts beautiful stone houses, cobbled streets and a breath-taking view of the cathedral, perfect for capturing memorable photos of your weekend getaway.

The marketplace in front of the cathedral opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays where you can buy fresh produce, treats and homemade crafts – perfect for a lazy day of mooching around before stopping in to one of the city’s many pubs and enjoying a pint of Somerset cider.

According to Tripadvisor, one of Wells’ finest boozers is the Sheep and Penguin, which serves up a cracking Sunday roast.

One punter raved: “The choice of beer was excellent and the bar manager’s knowledge and enthusiasm was great. We then returned for more beer and a meal. The beer remained delicious and the meal was fabulous. If we lived anywhere near, we would be enjoying the delights on a frequent basis.”

If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here

SOME people enjoy netball or cross-stitch, but my hobby is booking holidays – and I’m really good at it.

I know a lot of people hate searching for a family holiday, working out what resort is best and whether it’s good value for money, but I enjoy it and it can save you A LOT of money.

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I treat it like a sport, and as a family of four, with two children aged 8 and 5, we have been on some brilliant budget breaks.

There is no better feeling than getting a really great deal for a week in the sun, and I’ve got some great tips to help you do the same.

I go through the flights, hotels and dates with a fine-tooth comb, working out little ways to save. 

It’s even easier to do this at the end of the school holidays or in the shoulder season, such as the October half term, because there are some great deals around.

I have been doing this since my early 20s, after picking up the habit from my dad – back then, the best bargains were on last-minute deals.

We used to pack our suitcases, and my dad would be on the phone to Teletext Holidays, nabbing a same-day bargain. 

His greatest achievement was booking a flight that had already started boarding. Although we’d never be able to do that now. 

However, it’s still a thrill when you lock in a trip for a bargain price. It makes the holiday instantly better. 

Sometimes it’s a small saving, like finding a cheaper airport transfer and saving £20, but sometimes my research pays off, saving hundreds, and nowadays it all adds up. 

Getting a package deal

Last year, I got my biggest saving yet on a family holiday to Greece. 

By booking everything individually, instead of going for a package deal, I saved over £1000 – which was a third of the price. 

I couldn’t believe it!

Having just moved house, we hadn’t booked anything for the summer, hoping to utilise the garden. 

But the end of term was approaching, and after months of grey skies and drizzle, I decided we needed a proper holiday. 

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Heading first to a popular holiday provider, I browsed the best deals across all six weeks of the kids’ school break. 

I didn’t have a set departure airport or destination in mind, and I kept the dates and length of time we’d be away flexible, which meant I had a wide range to choose from. 

At the time, Greece was coming up as the cheapest, and I narrowed it down to the Louis Apostolata Island Resort in Kefalonia.

The deal was pretty good. Flights from London, a week’s half-board in a four-star resort, a suitcase each and transfers to and from the airport in Greece for £3400.

But, since we hadn’t planned on a summer holiday, it was still over budget. 

That’s when I started looking into each aspect separately. I discovered that instead of flying with the designated airline, we could fly with Ryanair for half the cost. 

Flights were £140 return on the budget airline.

Since we didn’t need four suitcases, we just booked one between us for the week, immediately saving another £150 on the Ryanair flights. 

Going onto the hotel’s own website, I noticed that I could book directly with them, and the price was coming up a lot less.

They also had an offer on a room upgrade if you signed up for the mailing list. We actually ended up with a nicer room while paying less. 

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The only thing that wasn’t covered was transfers. On the package deal, a coach transfer was included, but it also stopped at a number of other hotels. 

When I looked it up, a taxi to the resort was only £80 return. 

However, even with this on top, we still saved a whopping £1001 on the whole trip, which in total cost £2300.  

We used the money we saved to book a weekend in Disneyland Paris in October.

Again, I booked everything separately, using the Eurotunnel to drive to France and booking a hotel close to the theme park with 2-day tickets for just £440 for all of us. 

Our trip only cost £1300. 

After saving money on our Greece trip, I told people that Disneyland only cost us £300! 

Book carefully

My advice would be to always book with reputable suppliers, because you could end up forking out more if they are not legitimate. 

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

I do like DIY holidays, but I am not against booking a package deal, and sometimes they are so good, I can’t beat them.

Our favourite places to shop for a package holiday are Jet2holidays and TUI.

Booking a package means you get extra protection for your holiday through regulators like ABTA, ATOL and ABTOT. 

This means you’ll get your money back on all aspects of the package in the event of any holiday disasters, like flight cancellations or issues at the hotel – which I wouldn’t have had with my DIY version.  

For peace of mind, some people prefer to pay extra and not have to think about that, but massive holiday disasters are rare so I am happy to take the risk. 

The record for the amount paid for a basketball card is about to be broken by Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 47th birthday … with some help from his “big brother,” Michael Jordan.

The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring Bryant and Jordan is up for bid online at Heritage Auctions. Bidding closes Saturday at 8 p.m. PDT, with extended bidding available at that time.

As of early Friday afternoon, bidding for the one-of-one card had reached $7.015 million, including the 22% buyer’s premium added to the successful bid. That already shatters the current record price garnered by a basketball card — the $5.9 million paid for the 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Stephen Curry Logoman Autograph card in a 2021 private estate sale.

With more than a day still remaining for bids, it’s still tough to tell what the new record might end up being.

“Most likely, it’ll end up somewhere in the $8-million range,” Heritage director of sports collectibles Chris Ivy told The Times late Friday morning, although he added that he “wouldn’t be shocked” if it went for $10 million or more.

The most anyone has paid for any sports card is $12.6 million for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card in a 2022 Heritage auction. The Curry card currently sits at No. 4 among all sports cards.

The Dual Logoman Autographs series of cards features the images and signatures of two iconic players, as well as NBA logo patches from a game-worn jersey from each player. Jordan appeared on eight such cards and Bryant was on 11, but this is the only one that paired the two of them.

“It’s the only one that has Kobe and Jordan on it, and it has both their Logoman logos, and it’s signed by both,” Ivy said, “and so kind of all those factors combined together to make this the top card for modern card collectors. And we’re seeing that in the price that it’s generating right now.”

Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan eyes the basket as he is guarded by the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant on Feb. 1, 1998, at the Forum.

(Vince Bucci / AFP via Getty Images)

Cards featuring Jordan and Bryant individually haven’t brought in nearly as much cash, with Jordan’s top seller going for $2.93 million in 2024 and Bryant’s going for $2.3 million earlier this month.

Ivy said it is a coincidence that the auction is ending on Bryant’s birthday.

The beloved Los Angeles icon and daughter Gianna were among the nine people who died in a Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash in Calabasas. Jordan was one of the speakers at the father and daughter’s public memorial held on Feb. 24, 2020, at Staples Center.

“Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends,” Jordan said. “But we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend, he was like a little brother.”

He added: “What Kobe Bryant was to me was the inspiration that someone truly cared about the way that I played the game or the way that he wanted to play the game.

“He wanted to be the best basketball player that he could be. And as I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be. To do that you have to put up with the aggravation, the late-night calls or the dumb questions. I took great pride as I got to know Kobe Bryant that he was just trying to be a better person, a better basketball player.”

We’ve got a prize package that will transport you back to the 80s, 90s or Y2K with a stay at Butlin’s for one of its legendary Big Weekenders

You can enjoy the ultimate throwback weekend with our competition to win a VIP break for four adults to a Butlin’s Big Weekender!

The lucky winner will get a three night stay from Friday to Monday, on selected dates in October, to Butlin’s ‘Halloweekender’ breaks, which include 80s, 90s and Y2K-themed vibes! Running from October 3 to 31, the Halloweekenders see Butlin’s decade-themed parties given a spooky makeover.

Options include Ultimate 80s Thriller, 90s Reloaded Fright Nights, Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares, and a mash-up Replay Time Warp Terror. Acts confirmed so far include Chesney Hawkes, Claire Richards and A1.

The prize includes VIP passes, premium dining and one Bottomless Brunch session for the duration of your stay – subject to availability. The winner will stay in a gold apartment, or a hotel if staying at Bognor Regis resort – subject to availability. Additional guests can be added to the booking, subject to availability at the time of booking. The costs for any additional guests must be fully covered by the winner.

The break will be for a 3-night (Fri-Mon) Halloweekender break only including:

• Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 3 October (Bognor Regis)

• Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 3 October (Minehead)

• Replay Time Warp Terror – 10 October (Bognor Regis)

• Ultimate 80s Thriller – 17 October (Minehead)

• Ultimate 80s Thriller – 31 October (Bognor Regis)

• 90s Reloaded Fright Nights – 31 October (Minehead)

• Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 31 October (Skegness)

The prize must be taken by 31 October, 2025. Enter the competition by filling out the form below and if you can’t see it, click HERE:

What to expect at the Butlin’s Big Weekender:

Ultimate 80s Thriller

Love the 80s? Then get ready for a Thriller night throwback this Halloween! Butlins will be digging up the decade of big hair, and even bigger tunes. Expect hauntingly good headline acts, DJ sets and live bands with an 80s Halloween twist (Ghostbusters anyone?) plus endless daytime activities. There’s so much to do, you can’t fail to have frighteningly good fun!

This break is fancy dress-friendly (in fact, it’s almost compulsory) so get your ghoul on – quite literally– and start planning your perfect 80s ‘Thriller’ look.

90s Reloaded Fright Nights

Gather your F.R.I.E.N.D.S, your glow sticks, and get ready to take the plunge with the grunge, because it’s time to bring the 90s back from the dead, with Butlin’s 90s Reloaded weekender! This Halloween, relive the decade of BritPop, house music and indie bands, with live performances from music legends of the era and endless entertainment. Fancy dress? You bet. From Scream to Freddie Kruger, which 90s nightmare look will you and your mates unearth?

Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares

It’ll be murder on the dancefloor at Butlin’s 2000s Halloween bash. The noughties are being resurrected with the best pop, dance and garage music given a frightful twist! For three days, expect high-energy party vibes, plenty of hands-in-the-air moments and a ghoulishly good dose of noughties nostalgia with the best live performances and music from the decade. Fancy-dress is actively encouraged, so get ready to rock those terrifying noughties outfits!

Replay Time Warp Terror

There’s no need to compromise on your music taste this Halloween when you hit Butlin’s REPLAY Weekender. A monster mash-up of decades, REPLAY celebrates the best music of the 80s, 90s and beyond, with different stages dedicated to each. You’ll be partying to nostalgic throwbacks one minute, and chart-topping floor fillers the next. Start planning your horrifying Halloween outfit now! So many decades to choose from!

This week, we are chatting with Ada Tseng and Jon Healey about their new book, “Breaking Into New Hollywood.” We also take a look at what our critics read, and visit a bookstore that has become a social beehive in Culver City.

The entertainment industry is experiencing a massive transformation, as traditional jobs are vanishing and artificial intelligence increasingly upends the way media is created. Thankfully, former L.A. Times editors Ada Tseng and Jon Healey are here to help. The duo, with extensive experience covering show business, have written a new book for anyone who’s ever dreamed of working in Hollywood. Tseng and Healey interviewed hundreds of insiders who work in front of and behind the camera to provide a thorough look at how to break in, and what it’s like when you do find that dream job.

I sat down with authors to discuss “Breaking Into New Hollywood.”

(Please note: The Times may earn a commission through links to Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookstores.)

✍️ Author Chat

Tseng and Healey are here to help you pursue your Hollywood dreams with their book, “Breaking Into New Hollywood.”

(Ricardo DeAratanha; Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

This is the most comprehensive how-to guide for Hollywood careers I’ve ever read. Where did the impetus for the book come from?

Ada: The book started as a Hollywood careers series at the Los Angeles Times, when Jon and I were editors on a team that specialized in writing guides and explainers. As we were thinking about how to be useful to L.A. Times readers, I pitched a project to help people who were interested in getting a job in Hollywood. A lot of people come to L.A. starry-eyed with big dreams, but the film and TV industry can be pretty brutal.

As journalists, we’re Hollywood outsiders, but we had access to hundreds of professionals who were generous enough to share what they wished they knew when they were starting out. We see it like this: On behalf of the people who don’t have connections in the industry, we cold-emailed people, asked for informational interviews, picked their brains, listened to stories of what they did to build a career — and did our best to consolidate their most practical pieces of advice into an actionable guide.

Jon: A lot of folks I interviewed had similar origin stories in this respect: They knew that they wanted to work in the industry in some capacity, but they didn’t know what exactly they could do. So it made sense to do a book for that sort of person — a guide that would show an array of possible career paths to people who didn’t know what role they wanted to fill.

I feel like “How to Break into the Business” books in the past have tended to focus on positive outcomes rather than the struggle. Did you want to temper expectations, or at least make sure people think things through very thoroughly before jumping in?

Ada: We just wanted to be honest. The glamorous fantasy of Hollywood is so intoxicating. But if you’re going to work in the industry, you need to navigate the day-to-day reality of it. I don’t think we were trying to encourage or discourage anyone. I’d hope that some people would read the chapters and think, “This seems doable, and now I can make a plan,” while others would read it and think, “If I’m honest with myself, I’m someone who needs more stability in my life.” Because it’s not just a career choice. It’s a lifestyle choice.

Jon: Right, this was about expectation-setting and reality-checking. The very first interviews I did in this project were of Foley artists. An expert I interviewed said there were 40 to 50 established Foley practitioners in the U.S., and 100 to 200 folks trying to get into the field. That’s a very tough nut to crack. Then there are the Hollywood unions, which present a catch-22 to anyone trying to join their ranks — they have to do a certain number of hours in jobs covered by union contracts, but union members get first crack at all those gigs.

Your book also covers jobs above and below the line. I think many people don’t even realize how many different career opportunities exist.

Ada: There are two things we heard over and over again. People would say, “It’s incredibly important to understand what all the different departments do.” And they’d also say, “So many people — even our own colleagues in the industry — don’t understand what we do.” So we wanted to encourage newcomers to learn about all different types of jobs in Hollywood and how they work together.

Jon: Talking about the emotional components is about setting expectations too. The vast majority of people who work in Hollywood, from A-list actors to entry-level grips, are freelancers. That’s a tough life of highs and lows, and you have to prepare for that mentally as well as financially. People have to hustle for years to establish themselves, and that takes an enormous capacity for rejection. On top of that is the physical toll the work can extract, especially on the folks involved in setting up and tearing down sets. Part of the point of the book is to tell people with Hollywood dreams that they’ll need to gird themselves emotionally and physically for the work.

📰 The Week(s) in Books

Karin Slaughter’s new book series, which launches with “We Are All Guilty Here,” is not for the squeamish.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Mark Athatakis finds much to like in “Ready for My Close-Up,” David M. Lubin’s book about the classic 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard.” “Though the book has its shortcomings,” he writes, “[Lubin] rightly sees the movie as a kind of passkey into the history of the first half-century of Hollywood itself.”

Robet Allen Papinchak weighs in on Phoebe Greenwood’s Middle East satire “Vulture,” finding it “a darkly comic, searing satire grounded in historic politics.”

Emma Sloley’s novel “The Island of Last Things” envisions a future where animal life, and then entire ecosystems, are wiped out, but Ilana Masad writes that Sloley also highlights “the small moments of beauty, joy and care that emerge even during … horrible times.”

And Paula L. Woods has a chat with master thriller novelist Karin Slaughter about her new book, “We Are All Guilty Here,” and TV series.

📖 Bookstore Faves

“Books are an antidote to the constant distractions in our lives,” says the owner of Culver City’s Village Well bookstore.

(Jennifer Caspar)

Four years after it opened its doors to the public, Village Well Books & Coffee has become a community locus in its Culver City neighborhood. Owner Jennifer Caspar has created a vibrant space with a full-service cafe, allowing her customers to linger for as long as they please while perusing Caspar’s ample and well-curated selection of new books. I chatted with Caspar about her store and what’s selling right now.

Why did you open the store?

I wanted a place where people can facilitate connections with others, because I think that’s what people need. Everyone is so overwhelmed by their phones and technology, and we tend to take the easy path, which is to not get out and see people.

What’s selling right now?

“Atmosphere,” Taylor Jenkins Reid; “Martyr,” Kaveh Akbar; “The Emperor of Gladness,” Ocean Vuong; “All Fours,” Miranda July. There’s been a real increase in books about activism and the Middle East situation. We’re launching an activism book club here, starting with “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)” by Dean Spade. It will be interesting to see who comes out for that.

Why books now? Why not the Substack, social media, etc.?

Books are an antidote to the constant distractions in our lives. People need to connect offline, and books give us a chance to settle down and focus. Studies show that what we learn from books stays with us longer. You can read a Kindle, and I do, but there is something about sitting down with words on paper. For me, it’s great physical therapy for my emotional state.

Village Well is located at 9900 Culver Blvd., Culver City.

A NEW road side in France this summer is threatening to impose a huge fine for holidaymakers if they break its key rule.

Travellers to the country’s capital may come across the sign when driving in Paris, and it should not be ignored.

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A fine of £118 awaits motorists breaking the rules of the sign, which features a white diamond on a blue background.

The sign can be seen on the eight lane Boulevard Périphérique around Paris, which is used by around one million vehicles each day.

The symbol on it signifies that the left-hand lane can only be used for vehicles with passengers.

Motorists caught driving alone in these lanes on the road’s cameras will be issued automatic fines.

It is being used in a bid to restrict car use in the capital, following changes in recent years to the Boulevard by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Another measure was introduced last year, which reduced the speed limit to 30mph on the 22-mile motorway.

Four filling stations along the stretch of road were also banned from selling diesel fuel.

However, the latest road rule incurs a costly bill if not followed, requiring a payment €135, equating to around £117.50.

A new control system was installed on May 2, and put live to ensure compliance with the rules.

The system involves hi-tech computer-assisted video enforcement (VAO) which monitors vehicles in the far left lanes at all times.

It can capture the number of people in each car through artificial intelligence cameras.

The recordings of vehicles considered to be breach the rules are then sent to a human agent for verification, who can then issue motorists abusing the rules with a fine.

Signs and enforcement for the new carpool only lanes on the ring road also started at the beginning of May.

They aim to encourage commuters to travel into the city in groups of at least two, hoping to reduce congestion and emissions from vehicles.

The car sharing lanes are on the far left of the four-lane carriageway in both directions of what is one of the busiest ring roads in Europe.

These exclusive lanes were initially introduced for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games last summer, designated for athletes and staff to use as priority vehicles accessing the city.

Hidalgo, who has launched various anti-car measures for the city, confirmed they would remain after the conclusion of the games, and instead be used for car sharing in peak congestion hours.

These hours 7am to 10:30am and 4pm to 8pm on weekdays.

On weekends and public holidays, all lanes are open to any vehicle.

Public transport operators, emergency service vehicles, taxis, and cars for people with reduced mobility are also permitted to use the carpool lanes at any time.

President of Automobile Association, Edmund King, told the Daily Mail: “Britons driving to Paris this summer might be forgiven for not understanding a new addition to French road signs – the diamond with a blue background. 

“Some might think it is a sign to the ‘diamond district’ in Paris, which is around Place Vendôme and Rue de la Paix, but it is not – it is a sign denoting a car sharing lane.”

The surf can be fun on the right tides, but it is most often best for beginners unless the waves reach over 3 feet and begin to close out quickly. It is a popular spot with foil boarders who like to practice on the rolling waves commonly found on smaller days.

If you don’t like the occasional wag of a wet dog, you should pick another spot. There is a short trail leading up to the cliffs. From the top, you get a great view of the strand heading south into Del Mar with Torrey Pines and La Jolla in the distance. At high tides, you lose access to a strand that heads north to Solana Beach for short periods.

Best for: Dog lovers, volleyball, walkers and joggers, families

Bathrooms: Porta-potties

Parking: Paid street parking along Coast Highway

Dog-friendly: Yes, off-leash from the day after Labor Day to June 15 and from dawn to 8 a.m. the rest of the year, otherwise must be leashed.

ADA-accessible: Yes, paved ramp leading to the beach, but there is no path leading out onto the sand.

What’s nearby: The Del Mar Fairgrounds, home of the Sound, an indoor music venue that fits 1,900, is just behind the beach. Also, try the breakfast burrito at Ranch 45 Local Provisions.

DESPITE being the only pair in an official relationship, Love Island’s Dejon Noel-Williams and Meg Moore found themselves brutally dumped at the end of last night’s instalment.

The former islanders returned to cast their votes about which couple was the least compatible between Dejon and Meg and Ty Isherwood and Angel Swift.

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After receiving the most votes, the OG pair were forced to pack their bags and leave the villa – just a day before the all-important final.

Now that they’re out, the two have broken their silence and revealed their plan to “prove everyone wrong”.

When asked what was next for the pair, Meg, who recently sparked outrage, responded: “Proving to everyone we are actually going to stay together! Spending time together and introducing one another to family and friends.”

Dejon echoed these sentiments by adding: “I definitely want to have a conversation with her family, get to know them and have her meet my family so they can see the real us.

“A lot of the Islanders saw how genuine we were and I have no doubt it will be like that with our families.

“After that hopefully we can move in together as I can’t imagine not living with her.”

Dejon and Meg, who hit the rocks this week, have been the subject of plenty of criticism from their fellow islanders and viewers alike, with many questioning if Dejon was playing a game.

The two paired up from day one but found themselves at loggerheads due to Dejon’s flirty antics with numerous bombshells.

In last night’s episode, Maya Jama returned to the villa and revealed one couple would be dumped from the island and the decision was in the hand of some familiar faces.

One by one the ex-Islanders had their say, leaving the couples at risk less than impressed by their comments.

After much back and forth, Meg and Dejon received 10 votes, while Angel and Ty received 8 votes.

Fans were left elated at home as they flocked to X to share their excitement about Dejon and Meg leaving the ITV2 show.

One viewer wrote: “The timing for Megan and Dejon being dumped is so perfect.”

Another person gushed: “Finally Meg and Dejon are gone, I prayed for times like this! And that was such an epic way to dump them too, love a good revenge vote.”

Somebody else expressed: “Meg and Dejon finally off my screen and out of the villa! I love to see it.”

A fourth commented: “It’s been a long time coming, thank you ex-islanders for getting rid of Meg and Dejon.”

While a fifth added: “Meg and Dejon being dumped makes me feel like I’m going to have a great week.”

The savage dumping means there are four couples that are vying to win the series – Jamie and Yasmin, Cach and Toni, Harry and Shakira and Ty and Angel.

Maya will return to the villa in Majorca one last time to reveal the outcome of the public’s vote, with one pair being crowned champions of series 12 and walking away with £50,000.

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ANTHONY HARTIGAN was once taught a tough lesson at Wembley by Tottenham “beast” Victor Wanyama as a skinny 17-year-old.

But the Barnet captain is hoping to put that and all his EFL experience to good use as the Bees return to League Two on Saturday after a seven-year absence when they host Fleetwood.

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Hartigan, 25, clocked 118 appearances in League One for AFC Wimbledon and another 20 for Newport (on loan) and Mansfield in League Two before dropping into non-league with Barnet.

And he has also played at Wembley twice — including taking on Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs in 2018 with the Dons while their new stadium was being built.

He told SunSport: “We got drawn away against Tottenham in the FA Cup so I had a unique chance to play at Wembley. It was an incredible experience to take on Premier League stars live on TV.

“I was only 17 and it was my breakthrough year. I’d only made my senior debut that season so to be walking out under the arch alongside the likes of Harry Kane was surreal.

“Tottenham had a great team then. They also had Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen, Kieran Trippier, Mousa Dembele, Son Heung-Min, Victor Wanyama, players like that.

“I was up against Alli and Wanyama. I’ve got a photo of me trying to get the ball off Wanyama, which is funny because I’m like a skinny little boy and he was just a beast! I didn’t stand a chance!

“Our manager Neal Ardley told us the next morning, ‘That’s the standard you must reach if you want to make it to the top.’

“They just do everything so well technically, tactically, physically and mentally. It’s frightening how big a gap it is from our level.”

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Hartigan was also on the losing side in the 2021 League Two play-off final with Newport when they were beaten after extra-time by Morecambe.

Not only was the day soiled by the result but the crowd number was limited to only 9,083 because of Covid restrictions.

Hartigan feels he has unfinished business in the EFL, having played regularly for the Dons.

But when he joined Mansfield three years ago, a shoulder injury wrecked his first season there before he was loaned for a year to Barnet, a move he made permanent last July.

However, he has found a home at the Hertfordshire club, starting 89 of his 90 league appearances — and winning the National League title in May.

Now he cannot wait to get his EFL career motoring again with the Bees.

He said: “I had a bit of bad luck going to Manfield. It was the right club for me at the wrong time — but Barnet has definitely proved to be the right team at the right time.

“I’ve excelled here because there are good people around me, I’m getting games under my belt again and the whole environment has been excellent.

“We don’t fear the jump into League Two because this team deserves to be here.

“On a personal level I want to reach the highest level I can and enjoy my football. I’m enjoying my journey with Barnet.”

New guidance has warned that holidaymakers should avoid one drink at all costs while on holiday this summer

The summer holidays have arrived, and families are embarking on globe-trotting adventures for some well-deserved breaks. But there’s one beverage you ought to steer clear of during your getaway, as it may leave you feeling rather poorly.

Fresh advice is warning holidaymakers against consuming water directly from hotel bathroom taps. Brian Toward, chief executive of UK bathroom supplier Wholesale Domestic, reveals that countless tourists remain oblivious to the potential hazards of sipping tap water straight from hotel bathrooms.

Numerous accommodations feature antiquated plumbing networks that may deliver inferior water quality compared to what you’d expect back home. Some vintage establishments still even have lead piping throughout their structures.

“If you’re staying at a hotel, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking from the bathroom tap if you can,” advises Brian.

“It might be tempting, especially if there’s no other tap in the room, but it’s better to grab a few bottles of water during your stay, especially if the hotel is older and might still have old lead pipes.”

Despite potentially holidaying in destinations with pristine water supplies, Brian cautions that numerous hotels continue to depend on massive rooftop or loft water reservoirs to service guest bathrooms.

Although these containers are generally refilled regularly, they may present contamination dangers if maintenance standards slip.

Should the water within these reservoirs become stagnant, it risks collecting limescale deposits, harmful bacteria, and even fragments from the storage unit itself.

Brian further explained: “The less frequently the water in the tank is refreshed, the more likely it is to pick up some contaminants along the way and if hotels still have old pipes, stagnant water is more likely to absorb lead and other metals, making it even more risky.”

He also emphasised that simply boiling the water in a kettle isn’t a foolproof solution.

He stated: “A common belief is that boiling tap water makes it safe to drink, which is somewhat true, but it’s important to note that doing so does not entirely eliminate the risk of chemical contamination or debris.

“While boiling tap water for 15 minutes will remove trace amounts of chlorine, and studies have shown that it can also remove up to 90% of microplastics in the water, this will not help if your water has been contaminated by lead.”

Love Island fans were left shocked during tonight’s episode as Blu and Megan discussed what had been going on in the outside world – something which is usually banned on the show

Things got personal in last night’s Love Island as the Couple Goals challenge allowed the Islanders to air all their dirty laundry. Tonight things escalated as the Islanders discussed the outside world – which is usually strictly against the rules.

As we know, Megan and Blu re-joined the villa after being booted out weeks ago, and during tonight’s episode Blu spilled all on the outside world, despite Islanders usually having to be shut off from the outside world.

“You know how much I love Megan but I just feel like the first time Megan came in compared to this time is completely different,” Dejon told Blu and Harry, as he continued to drop some home truths.

READ MORE: Love Island hit with over 9000 Ofcom complaints after bullying scenesREAD MORE: Love Island’s Emma Munro makes shock Harry Cooksley confession

During her first stint in the villa, Megan formed a connection with Tommy before dumping him for Conor. Blu then revealed that Megan was left “fuming” after seeing Lucy and Tommy in Tape. Conor then confronted Megan about the ongoings, as she admitted they shared a few flirty texts.

However, fans were left baffled that the Islanders had been allowed to speak about the outside world, as one penned: “are they allowed to talk about the outside world like this? Blu is working overtime to get that screentime!”

A second wrote: “Why would they allow Blu to reveal how the public feels?? It goes against the whole point of contestants not allowed contact with the outside world.”

“So the producer are just gonna allow Bly to talk about what happening on the outside??!??????!! Hmmh kinda beat the point of the concept on show having no contact with the outside world….but does kinda cause drama but still.”

Elsewhere, the Islanders had their biggest fallout yet. Last night, during the Couple Goals challenge, the Islanders were asked which couple they thought were the most fake, and the answers caused a stir. Meg and Dejon chose Harry and Shakira, as Meg announced: “I feel like Shakira, you’ve made some very hurtful comments to me that we’re not very nice and I’ve always been there for you.”

Tonight, the arguments continued, as the Islanders were asked: “Which couple are you most scared to give your honest opinion on?”

Shakira and Harry choose Meg and Dejon, as Meg told to Shakira, “I think if people were honest in the first place and told us to our faces instead of saying it constantly behind our back, it would be a different story.”

However, Shakira wasn’t having any of it, as she responded: “You throwing around the fake word is rich to be honest. I don’t know why you keep acting like we’re the best of mates in here. From day one, you were very standoffish with any girl that was posed as a threat.”

The argument continued to escalate as Meg told Shakira she wouldn’t be her friend on the outside. “I will never speak to you on the outside. I honestly can’t stand you sometimes,” Shakira responded.

Will the girls make up?

LOVE ISLAND CONTINUES TOMORROW NIGHT AT 9PM ON ITV2 AND ITVX

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Landon Donovan can’t be sure he would have played international soccer had the World Cup not come to Pasadena in 1994, but he can say with certainty he wasn’t aware what international soccer was until then.

“I went to one game,” said Donovan, who was a 12-year-old prodigy the first time the World Cup was played in the U.S. “And I knew nothing — and I mean nothing — about soccer on the global scale. It opened my eyes because there was no soccer on TV, no internet. I didn’t know anything about it.”

Eight years after watching Romania eliminate Argentina at the Rose Bowl, Donovan was scoring the U.S. team’s final goal in the 2002 World Cup, helping the Americans reach the quarterfinals for the only time in the modern era.

The tournament will be back in the U.S. in less than 11 months, with the U.S. playing two of its three group games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. And Donovan is certain some of the people watching will be kids who, like him, will be inspired by their first up-close look at the global game.

“There’s millions of kids who maybe played a little bit, or thought about playing, or play a lot and go to a World Cup game. It changes their life forever,” he said.

“Millions” might be a bit of a stretch, but the sentiment is well-taken. And it’s not just one Donovan experienced himself, but a transformation he saw take place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup final in Vancouver as well.

“I was watching these little girls in front of me just completely fall in love with the game right in front of my eyes,” he said. “That’s part of the reason why I’m critical or passionate about our team. It’s because I understand what the opportunity is.”

The criticism and passion Donovan is referencing are comments he made last month on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast he does with former USMNT teammate Tim Howard. In discussing the decision of players such as Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah to pass up this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, the last major tournament before next year’s World Cup, Donovan said their choice to take a “vacation” angered him.

The comments seemed hypocritical since Donovan took his own well-chronicled sabbatical from the game in 2013, missing some World Cup qualifiers. And in his case the break helped, with Donovan returning to the national team that summer to get a career-high 24 points (on eight goals and eight assists) in 10 games, only one of which the U.S. lost.

Pulisic said he needed both a mental and physical break after playing a career-high 3,650 minutes in all competitions for AC Milan last season and appearing in 118 games for club and country in the last 22 months. Donovan believes in and supports that idea, he clarified in a phone interview last week.

It was the timing he didn’t like.

“That’s his decision and only he gets to make that decision,” Donovan said. “So my criticism was never with him or anyone taking a break. It was choosing when to take the break and from which team they were taking the break.”

“It was at the expense of the national team growing this summer,” he added.

When Donovan took his respite he missed five games with the national team as well as training camp and five games with the Galaxy, which cost him the armband as captain and, he says, $1 million in salary. Pulisic, he argued, could have done the same, splitting his break between his club and the national team.

“So it was never about taking a break. The break is justified,” Donovan said. “It’s about prioritizing the national team.”

The idea of AC Milan giving Pulisic time off is a nonstarter, however. The American is the fifth-best-paid player at the club, earning a reported $5.8 million a season, and he was the team leader in goals and assists last season. With Milan chasing a European tournament berth down the stretch, there was no time for rest so Pulisic started 12 games in the final 7½ weeks. He was on fumes when the final whistle sounded.

So Donovan’s comments seemed influenced more by wisdom and jealously than reality.

Wisdom because, at 43, he knows that playing for the national team is an honor that doesn’t last forever and when it’s over you regret the games you missed more than you celebrate the ones you played. And jealousy because for all that Donovan accomplished — he retired as the national team’s all-time leader in goals, assists and starts and the MLS record-holder in goals, assists and championships — he never played a World Cup game at home. Pulisic, who turns 27 next month, will get that chance.

“That would have been incredible to play a World Cup in your prime in your home country. And knowing two of the games are in L.A., that is literally a dream come true,” he said.

“There is a massive opportunity to build this thing and get this country behind our team. I just don’t want this opportunity to get wasted.”

The last World Cup in the U.S. ended with the country forming a top-tier professional league in MLS, soccer becoming a top-five sport in the U.S., and the U.S. Soccer Foundation getting the funding needed to help grow soccer at the grassroots level. It also inspired a youthful Landon Donovan to become the greatest player in the country’s history.

As a result, the tournament will return to a country with a soccer culture far advanced from 1994.

“There’s a massive, massive wealth of talent here,” said Donovan, who speaks from experience after spending part of last week at a “dream team” tryout organized by Spanish club Real Madrid and Abbott, a global leader in the healthcare industry. “Some of those kids out there — 17, 18 years old — technically are better than guys I played with.”

The top 11 players from five tryout camps will go to Spain to train at Real Madrid’s complex. The fact that the richest club in the world came to the U.S. to scout players, Donovan said, is more evidence of soccer’s growth in this country, which he believes makes next summer even more important.

“We’re at a point where we’re doing a lot of things well,” Donovan said. “The one area where we are still struggling is in our development. It was eye-opening to watch some of these kids because I think we’re missing out still on a lot of these players.”

Next summer’s World Cup can close that gap, provided we don’t waste the opportunity.

⚽ You have read the latest installment of On Soccer with Kevin Baxter. The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories. Listen to Baxter on this week’s episode of the “Corner of the Galaxy” podcast.