confirms

The International Criminal Court confirmed 39 charges against Kony, paving the way for a trial if he is ever captured.

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have confirmed war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony, nearly two decades after the court first issued a warrant for his arrest.

Kony, who remains at large, faces 39 charges, including murder, sexual enslavement and rape, making him the ICC’s longest-standing fugitive.

Judges from the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber III said there are “substantial grounds to believe that Mr Kony is criminally responsible for the crimes” committed in northern Uganda between 2002 and 2005, when he commanded the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Besides crimes committed by his rebels, the judges said Kony could also be held responsible for 10 crimes he allegedly committed himself, linked to two women he forced to become his wives.

“Mr Kony issued standing orders to attack civilian settlements, kill and mistreat civilians, loot and destroy their property and abduct children and women to be integrated into the LRA,” the judges said in their ruling.

The ruling marks the first time the ICC has confirmed charges in a suspect’s absence, meaning the case can formally proceed to trial if Kony is ever captured. Under ICC rules, a full trial cannot begin without the defendant’s presence in court.

Prosecutors said efforts to track down and arrest Kony, now 64, are ongoing.

The ICC’s decision followed a three-day hearing in September in which prosecutors and victims’ lawyers presented evidence and testimony without Kony present – an unusual procedure that set the stage for Thursday’s ruling.

Years of investigations and witness accounts formed the basis of the decision.

Emerging from northern Uganda’s Acholi region in the late 1980s, Kony’s LRA combined Christian mysticism with an armed rebellion against President Yoweri Museveni’s government.

The United Nations estimates about 100,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced during the conflict.

Even after being pushed out of Uganda, LRA fighters launched deadly raids across South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, burning villages, looting communities and abducting tens of thousands of children – the abducted boys forced to fight and girls forced into sexual slavery.

Kony came back into international focus in 2012 when a viral video about his crimes led to the #Kony2012 campaign on social media.

Despite the global attention and years of military operations to apprehend Kony, he remains at large.

Ariana Grande has been confirmed to star in the 13th season of American Horror Story alongside a host of franchise regulars

American Horror Story season 13 has revealed its star-studded line-up will feature pop sensation Ariana Grande alongside a roster of franchise favourites.

The two-time Grammy Award winner, currently portraying Glinda in the musical films Wicked and its forthcoming sequel, will lead the series with an ensemble cast.

Whilst she’s never featured in the acclaimed horror anthology previously, she has collaborated with its creator Ryan Murphy on the cult favourite series Scream Queens, which launched a decade ago and spanned two seasons.

Grande is joined by several cast members unveiled this Halloween, including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe and Leslie Grossman.

The official line-up was revealed on Murphy’s Instagram account through a mysterious video featuring Vera Lynn’s rendition of I’ll Be Seeing You, reports the Express.

American Horror Story’s forthcoming season will follow the Kim Kardashian -fronted Delicate, which broadcast from September 2023 through April 2024.

Fans have since started theorising that the 13th instalment could be its final chapter and revisit a previous narrative.

It’s scheduled to premiere on FX in precisely one year’s time, 31st October, 2026.

Numerous fans have already flocked to social media to express their enthusiasm, with one X user writing: “Ariana Grande will be in AHS season 13!!! What a Halloween treat!”

Another declared: “ariana in AHS alongside all the iconic actresses that carried the series… y’all IM GAGGING-“

One particularly enthusiastic Ariana fan commented: “Ariana Grande is about to be that girl yet again in the next 12 months.

“She can essentially win an Emmy (Wicked TV special, AHS 13), an Oscar (Wicked), and another Grammy (Brighter Days Ahead MV, any ES deluxe nomination).

“She would only need the Tony to become an EGOT. She’s been that girl and I will be seated for each of her projects.”

Have you already marked the 13th season of American Horror Story in your diary?

American Horror Story season 13 premieres 31st October 2026 on FX.

ROMEO Beckham has confirmed that he is back with his ex Kim Turnbull after rekindling their romance.

The pair were seen in Paris this weekend, holding hands and looking loved up, just six months after the strain of the Beckham family feud led to them splitting up.

The pair’s romance was previously said to have “fizzled out” shortly after Romeo’s dad David’s star-studded 50th birthday party.

The split also came amid the subsequent feud between Romeo’s brother Brooklyn Beckham and the rest of the Beckham clan.

Last week, Romeo, 23, soft-launched that he and Kim, 24, were back on, and now things are official since they were spotted in public holding hands.

On a date night in Paris with Kim, Romeo could be seen wearing black cargo trousers with a black top and a leather jacket.

SOFT LAUNCH

Why Romeo’s reunion with girlfriend shows there’s ‘no going back’ for Beckhams

BECKS APPEAL

Romeo Beckham is back with ex Kim – six months after split

He completed the look with some beige boots and a couple of chains around his neck.

Meanwhile, Kim twinned with her boyfriend and also opted for an all-black look.

Kim could be seen donning black pinstripe trousers with a waistcoat worn alone and buttoned down the front.

She held onto a black jacket and carried a bag on her shoulder.

Kim wore her hair up in a sleek ponytail, and finished off her look with a pair of white shoes.

In other pics from their outing, Romeo donned the same outfit while Kim rocked a different look.

For their daytime outing, Kim wore some baggy blue ripped jeans and a button-down black leather jacket.

Last week, Romeo hinted that he and Kim were back together when he shared a very telling image on social media.

It came when he posted a snap with Kim on his Instagram Stories.

The picture saw Kim dressed in an oversized jacket with the hood up, and Romeo in a beanie hat as he stood behind her.

The pair were facing the camera as he took the selfie.

It was revealed back in June that the pair had decided to call time on their romance.

The announced of their split came around the same time that the Beckham family feud kicked off.

A source told The Mail at the time: “Romeo and Kim are both young and they had a lovely time together but at that age things don’t always last forever and they decided to split up.

“They have been friendly since and have even been at the same venues.

“It’s a huge shame, particularly as David and Victoria really adored her and thought she made Romeo happy but it wasn’t to be.

FREEBIE FINDER

Last minute October half-term ideas – everything you can do for FREE

SPICING UP

How ‘diva’ Geri’s ‘embarrassing’ saga with Christian reignited Spice Girls rift

“It happened a couple of weeks ago and relations have remained friendly between them.”

Kim and Romeo first went public with their romance after his split from Mia Reagan, his ex of five years.

FORMER Sugababes star Amelle Berrabah has confirmed she’ll “reveal secrets” about the band after being ousted from the reunion.

The popstar, now 41, joined the girl group in December 2005 as a replacement for Mutya Buena and stayed with the band until they went on hiatus at the end of 2011.

When the Sugababes came to end, Amelle was singing alongside Heidi Range, who joined the group in 2001, and last recruit Jade Ewen, who came on board in 2009.

Whilst with Heidi and Jade, Amelle released the Suagbabes seventh album Sweet 7 before the band “fizzled out”.

At the same time, the band’s original line-up, Mutya, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy began performing together again and by 2019 won a legal battle to re-gain the band name Sugababes – essentially preventing the other three from ever reuniting.

Now Amelle is getting her own back on being ousted from the band’s reunion.

oh babe

Sugababes look like they’re ageing backwards as they headline first arena show

SUGA FREE

Sugababes reveal bold change behind reunion & admit Gen Z artist is their inspo

She is set to spill “secrets” in an explosive new BBC documentary called Girlbands Forever.

Posting about the doc on Instagram, she wrote: “Had such a wonderful time chatting all things girlbands for the BBC show ‘Girlbands Forever’.

“It brought back so many amazing memories — from my time in the Sugababes to the incredible era of pop that shaped so many of us.

“So grateful to have been part of it all, and to share a few laughs (and maybe a few secrets 😜) along the way!

“Sending love to all the girlbands who paved the way and to all the music lovers who still keep the music alive!

“Girlbands Forever promises a nostalgic trip through that time in pop music history.”

It comes as The Sun asked Amelle last year if she ever saw any of the Sugababes stars anymore.

She admitted she hadn’t heard from any of the original three and revealed that there has been virtually no contact with them ever.

The star, who is the only Sugababe to achieve a solo number one away from the group, said: “I’ve never met Siobhan, I’ve heard great things, though.

“Mutya, the only day I’ve ever met her was to wish me luck for CDUK and we had a little chat and a cuddle.

“That’s literally the only time I’ve ever met her.

“And then Keisha, we haven’t spoken in a few years to be honest.”

Girlbands Forever airs on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer on November 1 at 9,20pm

Sugababes – over the years

Siobhan Donaghy (1998-2001, 2013-present)

Keisha Buchanan (1998-2009, 2013-present)

Mutya Buena (1998-2005, 2013-present)

Heidi Range (2001-2011)

Amelle Berrebah (2005-2011)

Jade Ewen (2009-2011)

The kidnapped man is a pilot for an evangelical organisation, a diplomatic source says.

A US missionary working for an evangelical Christian organisation has been kidnapped in Niger’s capital Niamey, the US State Department has said, in the latest kidnapping of a foreign national in the country.

The US State Department confirmed the abduction to the AFP news agency on Wednesday, saying its embassy in Niamey was doing what it could to secure the man’s safe release.

The victim, a man in his 50s, was seized on Tuesday night and was “already en route for the border with Mali”, a diplomatic source told AFP.

The Reuters news agency, citing another diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity, said the man was a pilot for the evangelical organisation Serving in Mission (SIM).

SIM describes itself on its website as a “global mission family of more than 4,000 people, serving in more than 70 countries”, whose focus is on “taking the gospel to places where there are no, or very few, Christians”.

The diplomat said the victim was abducted by three unidentified men in Niamey’s Plateau neighbourhood as he was heading for the airport. The group then headed for Niger’s western Tillaberi region, where armed fighters linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda are known to operate.

In a post on X, Wamaps, a collective of journalists in West Africa, said the abducted man had been working in Niger since 2010, and had been kidnapped just a few streets away from the presidential palace in central Niamey. It said no group had yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping or claimed a ransom.

String of kidnappings

The abduction is the latest in a spate of kidnappings this year in Niger, a country that has been battling armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL for years. Security threats ramped up after the military toppled the country’s democratically elected government in July 2023.

In April, 67-year-old Swiss woman Claudia Abbt was kidnapped in the northern city of Agadez, three months after the abduction of Austrian Eva Gretzmacher, 73, in the same city. Neither has been released.

ISIL was considered responsible for the kidnappings, carried out by local criminal groups on its behalf, AFP reported, citing observers of armed groups in the region.

According to Wamaps, other abductions of foreign nationals this year have included four Moroccan truck drivers in January, two Chinese petroleum company workers in February, and five Indian power company technicians in April.

Niger is one of several West African countries battling armed conflict that has spread from Mali and Burkina Faso over the past 12 years, killing thousands of people and uprooting millions.

Following Niger’s 2023 military coup, US and French forces that had been involved in the fight against armed violence in the region were expelled from Niger, as the country turned to Russian mercenaries in an effort to maintain stability.

In May, General Michael Langley, the former head of the US Africa Command, said that the withdrawal had removed the US military’s “ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely, but [we] continue to liaison with partners to provide what support we can”.

Appointment clinched via a last-minute coalition deal, but government remains without a majority, leaving the risk of instability.

Japan’s parliament has elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s first female prime minister.

A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi received  237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament on Tuesday to confirm her in the role.

The victory follows a last-minute coalition deal by her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also known as Ishin, on Monday. However, her government is still two seats short of a majority, suggesting a risk of instability.

Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the LDP – which has governed Japan for most of its post-war history – suffered a disastrous election loss in July.

Her victory marks a pivotal moment for a country where men still hold overwhelming sway. But it is also likely to usher in a sharper move to the right on immigration and social issues, with little expectation that it will help to promote gender equality or diversity.

Takaichi has stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. She supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.

The LDP had earlier lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance.

Komeito ended the partnership due to its concerns that the LDP was not prepared to fight corruption.

“Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said at the signing ceremony with the JIP leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”

JIP will not hold ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet until his party is confident about its partnership with the LDP, Yoshimura said.

After years of deflation, Japan is now grappling with rising prices, something that has caused public anger and fuelled support for opposition groups, including far-right upstarts.

Like Abe, Takaichi is expected to favour government spending to jumpstart the weakened economy. That has prompted a so-called “Takaichi trade” in the stock market, sending the Nikkei share average to record highs, the most recent on Tuesday.

But it has also caused investor unease about the government’s ability to pay for additional spending in a country where the debt load far outweighs annual output.

Shortly after the lower house vote, Takaichi’s elevation to prime minister was also approved by the less-powerful upper house. She will be sworn in as Japan’s 104th prime minister on Tuesday evening.

Takaichi is also running on a deadline, as she prepares for a major policy speech later this week, talks with United States President Donald Trump and regional summits.

Iconic panel show Mock the Week is set to return to screens in 2026, four years after it was axed by the BBC, and will be broadcast on a free-to-air rival challenge

Mock the Week was axed from television four years ago, but the BBC panel show is now poised for a spectacular return next year. The satirical news commentary programme, which launched the careers of Hugh Dennis, Frankie Boyle, and Russell Howard, is scheduled to make its comeback on screens in 2026.

Initially debuting back in 2005, Mock the Week offered a comedic take on weekly news stories and quickly established itself as a broadcasting favourite. The half-hour comedy format eventually concluded in 2022 following 17 years on air, but its return has now been officially announced.

This time around, the programme will air on TLC, as the channel transitions to free-to-air broadcasting in the UK come January 2026, delivering additional scripted and unscripted programming, reports the Express.

Warner Bros. Discovery released a statement confirming the show’s revival, produced by Angst Productions, would provide the “much-loved” format with a “new look”.

Cast announcements remain pending, though supporters are eager to witness Hugh, Frankie, Russell, and fellow comedian Andy Parsons grace screens once again.

TLC operates as a television network in America, which Warner Bros. Discovery has recently chosen to introduce on Freeview in Britain, simultaneously discontinuing HGTV.

The UK debut of TLC will additionally showcase scripted programming including The Big Bang Theory and its enduring comedy-drama offshoot, Young Sheldon.

The show, which first aired in 2005, was cancelled back in 2022 with host Dara O’Briain sharing a sad statement at the time. “That’s it folks, the UK has finally run out of news,” he said.

“The storylines were getting crazier and crazier – global pandemics, divorce from Europe, novelty short-term prime ministers. It couldn’t go on.”

Earlier this year, Mock the Week star Milton Jones announced that he was ‘cancer free’ after undergoing surgery. The stand-up comic cancelled a number of dates earlier this year after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

However, he said in August that he is “in a completely different place” now. He said in a statement: “A few months ago, I had to stop my tour Ha! Milton because I needed treatment for prostate cancer. I’m glad to say I’ve had that treatment and am now cancer free!”

Milton continued to the PA News Agency: “So, many thanks to all the doctors and nurses who helped me get better – I couldn’t do their job (I tried, but apparently you have to be qualified).

“A big thank you to my family, friends, all those who helped reschedule things and the many others who have been so nice to me.

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.

Medical TV show 24 hours in A&E is returning to London hospital St George’s four years after producers announced that it was relocating to Nottingham

Medical reality TV show 24 Hours in A&E which highlights the hectic day to day life of emergency nurses and doctors, is set to return to London after four years. The Channel 4 show will now be filmed in the south west hospital St George’s, four years after relocating to Nottingham.

More than 130 cameras will track and provide viewers with fly on the wall footage of nurses, doctors and patients who walk through the doors of the accident and emergency room. The series has been running since 2014 and Kate Slemeck, who is the Managing Director for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said that she’s “incredibly proud” to bring it back to St George’s.

“[I’m proud] to showcase the unwavering work of our Emergency Department colleagues and the teams who work with them – from minor injuries to major traumas and everything in-between. A lot has changed since the last time the series was filmed here, including increased demand for our services – but the main thing viewers will take away is the expert care, compassion and kindness our patients receive every day.”

And Gabe Jones, Clinical Director and Consultant for Emergency Medicine and Major Trauma at St George’s, said: “I’m excited to show viewers our brilliant Emergency Department, which continues to deliver excellent care in the most challenging circumstances.”

He continued: “I’m proud of my exceptional colleagues for the life-saving work they will continue to do long after the cameras have stopped rolling, and am grateful to our patients for allowing us to document their most vulnerable moments. “

He went on to say: “We thank the staff at Queen Medical Centre in Nottingham for showing the NHS at its best, and are very pleased to welcome the series back to St George’s.”

In addition to the comments about the show returning to London, Manjeet Shemar, Medical Director at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), said: “We are so proud to have been the home to 24 Hours in A&E for so long, bringing the show into the heart of our Nottingham community and sharing the incredible stories of our staff and patients. “

Manjeet explained: “The series gives the public the chance to see what it is like working in a busy emergency department like QMC, the complexities of it and the kind of things that staff see and work on day in and day out. It really is quite remarkable. I am so thankful that the series came to QMC, and even more so to those colleagues who were involved.”

Manjeet went on to say: “We’re excited for our colleagues over at St George’s to have the series return to them, and hope that the series will make a return to QMC one day in the future too.”

The show was first broadcast in 2011 and filmed from King’s College Hospital before moving to St George’s in 2014. The decision to relocate the TV show to Nottingham came after the broadcaster announced it was moving its headquarters to the city.

Produced by The Garden, the Director of Factual, Spencer Kelly added: “The privilege of being invited to film the brilliant work of our NHS staff and the brave patients it cares for, never wears thin. We are extremely grateful to everyone at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham for allowing us to tell their story over the past few years and delighted to be welcomed back to St George’s for this exciting new chapter.”

A broadcast date remains to be confirmed but Rita Daniels, who is the Commissioning Editor for the channel said: “We’re grateful to Nottingham University Hospitals for the powerful and moving stories we’ve been privileged to film during our time there and the compassion and resilience shown by staff and patients alike has made a lasting impact on the series.

“As 24 Hours in A&E returns to St George’s Hospital in London – at the heart of the UK’s most populated city – we look forward to continuing to tell the extraordinary stories that unfold every day in our NHS.”

READ MORE: Shoppers praise ‘bargain’ £35 Christmas tree that looks ‘expensive and traditional’

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

SACRAMENTO — California will close part of Interstate 5 on Saturday after military officials confirmed that live-fire artillery rounds will be shot over the freeway during a Marine Corps event, prompting state officials to shut down 17 miles of the freeway in an unprecedented move expected to cause massive gridlock.

Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the White House for failing to coordinate or share safety information ahead of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebration, which will feature Vice President JD Vance.

The closure will stretch from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre and will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Amtrak also is shutting down train service between Orange and San Diego counties midday.

“The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom said in a statement Saturday. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”

The freeway closure comes despite the Marine Corps and White House saying it is unnecessary. It also underscores the deepening strain between California and the Trump administration — which has been escalating in recent months after the White House deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles to clamp down on protests, ramped up immigration raids and pressured California universities to comply with his agenda.

The Marine Corps said in a statement that Saturday’s event will be a “historic Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration, showcasing the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team and ensuring we remain ready to defend the Homeland and our Nation’s interests abroad.”

A spokesperson for the Marines said artillery was shot from Red Beach into designated ranges on Friday evening as part of a dress rehearsal.

“M777 artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based artillery firing points west of the I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate within existing safety protocols and without the need to close the route,” the statement said. “This is an established and safe practice.”

The governor’s office said it was informed earlier in the week that the White House was considering closing the freeway and when no order materialized by Wednesday, state officials began weighing whether to do so themselves. Driving that decision, they said, were safety concerns about reports that live ordnance would be fired over the freeway and onto the base.

Newsom’s office said Thursday it was told no live fire would go over the freeway, only to be informed Friday that the military event organizers asked CalTrans for a sign along I-5 that read “Overhead fire in progress.”

Earlier Saturday morning, the state was told that live rounds are scheduled to be shot over the freeway around 1:30 p.m, prompting California Highway Patrol officials to recommend the freeway closure because of the potential safety risk and likelihood it would distract drivers.

The military show of force coincides with “No Kings” rallies and marches across the state Saturday challenging President Trump and what critics say is government overreach. Dozens of protests are scheduled Saturday across Southern California, with more than 2,700 demonstrations expected across the country.

During “No Kings” protests in June, President Trump held a military parade in Washington, D.C., which included a 21-gun salute, to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

“Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength — it’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s beneath the office he holds,” Newsom said in a statement. “Law and order? This is chaos and confusion.”

The Marine Corps said in a statement to The Times on Thursday that a detailed risk assessment was conducted and “no highways or transportation routes will be closed” for the event titled “Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength.”

Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis of the I Marine Expeditionary Force said that no ordnance will be fired from a U.S. Navy ship during the event, but Marines will fire high explosive rounds from artillery known as M777 Howitzers into designated ranges “with all safety precautions in place.” Simulated explosives and visual effects will also be used, he said.

William Martin, the communications director for Vance, said the Marine Corps determined the training exercise is safe and accused Newsom of politicizing the event.

“Gavin Newsom wants people to think this exercise is dangerous,” Martin said in a statement.

Caltrans said in a press release that the closure is “due to a White House-directed military event at Camp Pendleton involving live ammunition being discharged over the freeway” and that drivers should expect delays before, during and after the event.

CalTrans advised drivers in San Diego County that the detour to head north will begin at State Route 15 in southeast San Diego. Travelers west of SR-15 along the I-5 corridor in San Diego are advised to use SR-94, SR-52, SR-56, or SR-78 to I-15 north.

Drivers heading from San Diego to Los Angeles County are advised to use I-15 north to State Route 91 west into Los Angeles. For those starting in Los Angeles and heading south to San Diego, use SR-91 east to I-15 south.

To get to Orange County from San Diego, drivers should take I-15 north to SR-91 west, then SR-55 south. If heading from Orange County south to San Diego, drivers should use SR-55 north to SR-91 east to I-15 south.

The Trump administration previously had plans for a major celebration next month for the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines, which would have included an air and sea show — with the Blue Angels and parading warships — to be attended by Trump, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Plans to host that show in San Diego have been called off, the paper reported.

Camp Pendleton is a 125,000-acre base in northwestern San Diego County that has been critical in preparing troops for amphibious missions since World War II thanks to its miles of beach and coastal hills. The U.S. Department of Defense is considering making a portion of the base available for development or lease.

IT’S hard to believe, but at the age of 68, Gloria Estefan, one of the biggest-selling and most-celebrated artists of all time, is marking her 50th year in music.

She has had a stellar career, racking up everything from a slew of Grammy awards to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

But after her musician daughter Emily performed with Cyndi Lauper at Glastonbury last year, she now has one more thing she wants to strike off her bucket list – a major slot on the prestigious Pyramid Stage.

In an exclusive chat, she told Bizarre’s Howell: “It’s very exciting, big and complex from what I hear from Emily. Like, it was crazy. But that would be super exciting.

“If I’m still around, I would love to do that. Now, Glastonbury likes all kinds of artists.”

With hits like Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, Dr Beat and, of course, Conga, she would have plenty of songs to entertain Worthy Farm.

SNAPPY SNUB

Love Island’s Whitney sparks new feud revealing TV star who was ‘really rude’

NEW LIFE

Celeb SAS star reveals she secretly gave birth to second baby & shares first pic

And she may soon be wowing even more viewers, with a big-budget biopic on the cards.

For the first time, she has confirmed Rachel Zegler, who shot to fame in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Disney’s Snow White and recently in Evita on the West End, is set to play her.

She said: “I think she’s awesome. I think she’s incredible. I know she’s killed it in Evita.

“We’re still working on the green light because we’re figuring out where to do it, how to do it.

“This has been in the works for quite a few years now. And that’s how it is. You work, you work, you work, and then all of a sudden, boom, the trigger’s pulled and you’ve got to do it right away. But she’s lovely.”

But asked if she thinks Rachel will take the part, she continued: “I think she would. I just need to offer her an actual part. So we need to be greenlit completely and we’re almost there.

“I met her by Zoom. She’s got a beautiful singing voice and she’s a great actor. So absolutely.”

It was originally claimed the film will be an adaptation of her 2015 jukebox musical On Your Feet! although that idea has changed.

The star explained: “The movie’s not going to be the show. There’s a lot in there.”

Gloria was born in Cuba but her family fled to the US during the Cuban Revolution and she has now become one of Miami’s most famous residents.

And as one of the city’s stars, she has become pals with David and Victoria Beckham, who have a home there and have become key to the area with Becks’ football team Inter Miami CF.

But it’s clear they all move in the upper echelons when Stateside.

In a major name drop when quizzed on hanging out with them, she said: “I’ve been at their home. It’s lovely. David is such a lovely man – and Victoria.

“We actually went to a dinner at their home and President Obama was there, and the head of Reddit, and Jeff Bezos. It was really cool.

“It was small, but only the most powerful people in that room. It was great.

“They’re very kind people. And he’s done amazing things for soccer or football, as you call it here.”

And there have been more Brits in Miami, with Dua Lipa performing there last month, when she covered Gloria’s 1985 hit Conga.

“I was so sad that I wasn’t in town,” Gloria said.

“She had invited me to go and do that with her. And I love her. I’m a big fan of Dua Lipa. And that’s the sexiest conga you’re ever going to see, hands down.”

After such an illustrious career, she recently released her 30th album Raíces, which is largely Spanish-language escapism and the perfect soundtrack for a soiree or relaxing evening in.

And it was her husband of 47 years, producer Emilio, who made it happen.

Gloria, who was writing another musical at the time, explained how the salsa record poured out of him.

She added: “It’s got beautiful, romantic ballads. Emilio said, ‘I wrote you a love song’. I go, ‘Babe, you’re going to sing it?’.

He goes, ‘No, you’re going to sing it for me’.”

Charming.

And as for retirement after five decades in the game? Don’t count on it.

She giggled: “In ten years time, I hope to still be alive. That’s my first plan. Who knows?

“I only choose what I really, really want to give my time to. It’s just that. I had all these amazing opportunities. And they just converged this year.”

Kristen chilled Water

KRISTEN STEWART didn’t let the falling temperatures bother her as she headed out in this white mini-dress.

The Twilight actress showed off a stark fringe and bare legs as she left a screening of her new film The Chronology Of Water at the Curzon Mayfair on Thursday night.

It was part of the BFI London Film Festival and the movie, an adaptation of US writer Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, is her directorial debut.

Lily ‘cheat’ pain

LILY ALLEN has confirmed my story that she is about to make a return with her fifth album.

And on it, she seemingly accuses ex-husband David Harbour of cheating on her.

The Smile singer married the Stranger Things actor in 2020.

But things crumbled last year, with the relationship inspiring the latest record which is expected to be released imminently.

A new interview with Lily came out in Vogue magazine yesterday.

It features lyrics from two tracks that suggest David romanced other women while they were together and the pair then decided to “open” their marriage.

On one song, Sleepwalking, Lily sings: “You let me think it was me in my head, and nothing to do with them girls in your bed.”

On another, called Dallas Major, she reveals: “You know I used to be quite famous, that was way back in the day.

“I probably should explain how my marriage has been open since my husband went astray.”

And Lily didn’t hold back in her interview, either.

She told the magazine: “I’ve had real problems with my food over the past few years.

She added that during their break-up “it got really, really, really bad”.

Lily, who is sober, said: “The feelings of despair that I was experiencing were so strong.

“The last time I felt anything like that, drugs and alcohol were my way out, so it was excruciating to sit with those [feelings] and not use them.”

KYLIE JENNER says being a pop star is her lifelong dream – despite being mocked this week when she sang on Terror JR’s new song Fourth Strike.

Having just started singing under the name King Kylie, she said: “You know this is my dream. I’ve been talking about this since I came out of the womb… that like I wanted to be a pop star.

“I just never had the confidence or… I think turning 28 just does something to you. Like I’m going to be 30 soon and I don’t want to look back on life and have any regrets.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to try.”

JENNIFER LOPEZ is up for returning to the Super Bowl stage in February – six years after her stellar half-time show with Shakira.

The singer, whose parents are from Puerto Rico, waved the country’s flag during her performance and next year will see rapper Bad Bunny, who is from there, playing the show.

Quizzed on US TV whether they could do something together there, she said there had been “no talk” of a collaboration but that she would be open to it.

She said: “There’s no talk. I have not gotten any calls. So I just want to put the expectation down. But of course if he wanted me to do something, I would definitely do it.”

Crouchy Enter the Dragon

ABBEY CLANCY and Peter Crouch are slowly turning their home into a zoo – and the next animal they are adding is a bearded dragon.

The couple, who live in Surrey with their four children, already own two dogs, cats and a horse but now they are adding reptiles to the menagerie.

Crouchy says they are getting the reptile, which is native to Australia, because their son is desperate for one as a pet.

As well as the lizard, Abbey wants to also get lambs and chickens.

Peter said: “The more animals the better, apparently. Bearded dragons are next on the horizon. My little boy has wanted one for years. They’re actually all right. I thought it would be a nightmare, but I’ve been down the shop and held them.

“We’re actually going to get one. They grow to be quite big but they’re quite chilled.”

Michael makes big money

MICHAEL McINTYRE’s firm raked in more than £3.2million last year – making him one of the biggest earners on TV.

He had another stellar year presenting Saturday-night series Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and quiz The Wheel.

The comedian’s TV production firm Hungry McBear paid £805,000 in corporation tax in its last financial year up to December 31.

That rate suggests he made just over £3.2million.

Reserves in the company now stand at £1,718,407.

The firm is jointly controlled by Michael and TV producer Dan Baldwin, who is married to Holly Willoughby.

HOLIDAY HUSTLE

All the Xmas jobs available which could pay YOU £6k over festive period

ENDER THE ROAD

EastEnders star leaving soap after controversial storyline

It makes all of Michael’s shows, including Christmas and Easter one-offs and Michael McIntyre: Showman for Netflix.

But the cash doesn’t include earnings from his stand-up tour, so he will be raking in even more.

WASHINGTON — President Trump confirmed Wednesday that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said he was weighing carrying out land operations on the country.

The acknowledgement of covert action in Venezuela by the U.S. spy agency comes after the U.S. military in recent weeks has carried out a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. U.S. forces have destroyed at least five boats since early September, killing 27 people, and four of those vessels originated from Venezuela.

Asked during an event in the Oval Office on Wednesday why he had authorized the CIA to take action in Venezuela, Trump affirmed he had made the move.

“I authorized for two reasons, really,” Trump replied. “No. 1, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America,” he said. “And the other thing, the drugs, we have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea.”

Trump added the administration “is looking at land” as it considers further strikes in the region. He declined to say whether the CIA has authority to take action against President Nicolás Maduro.

Trump made the unusual acknowledgement of a CIA operation shortly after the New York Times published that the CIA had been authorized to carry out covert action in Venezuela.

Maduro pushes back

On Wednesday, Maduro lashed out at the record of the U.S. spy agency in various conflicts around the world without directly addressing Trump’s comments about authorizing the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela.

“No to regime change that reminds us so much of the [overthrows] in the failed eternal wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and so on,” Maduro said at a televised event of the National Council for Sovereignty and Peace, which is made up of representatives from various political, economic, academic and cultural sectors in Venezuela.

“No to the coups carried out by the CIA, which remind us so much of the 30,000 disappeared,” a figure estimated by human rights organizations such as the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo during the military dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983). He also referred to the 1973 coup in Chile.

“How long will the CIA continue to carry on with its coups? Latin America doesn’t want them, doesn’t need them and repudiates them,” Maduro added.

The objective is “to say no to war in the Caribbean, no to war in South America, yes to peace,” he said.

Speaking in English, Maduro said: “Not war, yes peace, not war. Is that how you would say it? Who speaks English? Not war, yes peace, the people of the United States, please. Please, please, please.”

In a statement, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday rejected “the bellicose and extravagant statements by the President of the United States, in which he publicly admits to having authorized operations to act against the peace and stability of Venezuela.”

“This unprecedented statement constitutes a very serious violation of international law and the United Nations’ Charter and obliges the community of countries to denounce these clearly immoderate and inconceivable statements,” said the statement, which Foreign Minister Yván Gil posted on his Telegram channel.

Resistance from Congress

Early this month, the Trump administration declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and pronounced the United States is now in an “armed conflict” with them, justifying the military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States.

The move has spurred anger in Congress from members of both major political parties that Trump was effectively committing an act of war without seeking congressional authorization.

On Wednesday, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said while she supports cracking down on trafficking, the administration has gone too far.

“The Trump administration’s authorization of covert CIA action, conducting lethal strikes on boats and hinting at land operations in Venezuela slides the United States closer to outright conflict with no transparency, oversight or apparent guardrails,” New Hampshire’s Shaheen said. “The American people deserve to know if the administration is leading the U.S. into another conflict, putting servicemembers at risk or pursuing a regime-change operation.”

The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that the boats targeted by the U.S. military were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the administration has only pointed to unclassified video clips of the strikes posted on social media by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and has yet to produce “hard evidence” that the vessels were carrying drugs.

Lawmakers have expressed frustration that the administration is offering little detail about how it came to decide the U.S. is in armed conflict with cartels or which criminal organizations it claims are “unlawful combatants.”

Even as the U.S. military has carried out strikes on some vessels, the U.S. Coast Guard has continued with its typical practice of stopping boats and seizing drugs.

Trump on Wednesday explained away the action, saying the traditional approach hasn’t worked.

“Because we’ve been doing that for 30 years, and it has been totally ineffective. They have faster boats,” he said. ”They’re world-class speedboats, but they’re not faster than missiles.”

Human rights groups have raised concerns that the strikes flout international law and are extrajudicial killings.

Madhani writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Jorge Rueda in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.

Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies recently announced that she will be stepping away from the BBC show

Dragons’ Den favourite Sara Davies has dropped hints about an “exciting” twist that’s never been witnessed before as she prepares for her departure.

The businesswoman, 40, first entered the Den in 2019 and during her time she has helped a range of entrepreneurs with her expertise.

The TV personality has now revealed she’ll be ‘stepping back’ from the BBC programme to concentrate on her own enterprise.

Before her poignant farewell, Sara graced Tuesday’s (October 14) instalment of BBC The One Show with presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.

Roman was eager to discover more about her final series as he hinted at a ‘remarkable’ scene that’s still to be broadcast, reports the Express.

The television host continued: “There is a very special moment this week as part of Dragons’ Den history. What can you tell us because I know you can’t say much.”

Sara began by revealing: “I don’t want to give too much away but there was a moment that happened in filming last year, which is what you will see this Thursday on Dragons’ Den between Steven (Bartlett) and I.”

The personality hinted: “We do something that has never ever happened in the Den before and as a result of that something pretty exciting happens and let me just tell you it’s a pretty good business. You’ll love it.”

Dragons’ Den viewers will witness the extraordinary moment unfold on Thursday’s (October 16) show and judging by Sara’s teaser, it’ll be utterly unforgettable. This follows Sara’s confirmation in an Instagram statement that she had “taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business” – a crafting enterprise she established in 2005.

She will continue to feature in the latter half of the current series and judging by her statement’s phrasing, there remains potential for her comeback down the line.

The BBC is yet to reveal her replacement.

In her social media post, Sarah declared: “As this last run of Dragons’ comes to an end I have to say I’ve loved every minute of this series so far and I’m so proud of the businesses I’ve invested in this year!”.

“As a lot of you will know, I’ve taken up my position again as CEO of Crafter’s Companion and my business is my big priority this year. And when I commit to a business, I really commit, which is why I find Dragons’ Den such a rewarding role.

“As well as filming an incredible show, being a Dragon requires so much dedication and time behind the scenes as you join the life of each business you invest in.

“It means seeing through your investment and committing to your part in that organisation. It’s so much more than a TV show. That’s why taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business, which was my first baby! So I won’t be filming with the team this year for the next series.”

The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer and Dragons’ Den is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

Israeli officials have confirmed that all 20 living captives have been released in Gaza. Under the terms of Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, this should trigger the release of almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Convicted music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs looked to the White House for major relief amid his legal saga, President Trump says.

“I have a lot of people asking for pardons,” Trump said Monday as reporters pressed him about whether he will pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein. Trump went on to name-drop Combs, using one of his former stage names.

“I call him Puff Daddy, he’s asked me for a pardon,” he continued. A representative for Combs did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but reports about a potential pardon for the Bad Boys Records founder and former Cîroc alcohol entrepreneur first surfaced months ago.

Combs, also formerly known as “Puffy,” “P. Diddy” and “Love,” was convicted in July in his high-profile federal criminal case, in which he was accused of sexually assaulting numerous women. Jurors found Combs guilty on two prostitution-related charges but cleared him of the most serious: racketeering and sex trafficking.

A month after the verdict, CNN reported that Combs’ legal team had reached out to the Trump administration to clear his name. “It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” attorney Nicole Westmoreland told the outlet at the time. Days later, the New York Post reported otherwise, with Combs’ lead attorney Marc Agnifilo disputing Westmoreland’s claim.

Earlier this year, Trump also issued pardons for rapper NBA YoungBoy and “Chrisley Knows Best” reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, among others.

Combs was sentenced Friday to more than four years in federal prison for transporting prostitutes across state lines for drug-fueled sex performances he dubbed “freak-offs.” The rapper’s legal team on Monday requested he carry out his sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security federal prison in New Jersey. This will allow Combs “to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts,” lawyer Teny Geragos wrote.

Meanwhile, as Combs prepares for time behind bars, 50 Cent is making it abundantly clear he’s going to make the most out of his rap foe’s sentence. Over the weekend, the “Candy Shop” musician poked fun at an upcoming speaking engagement that Combs had scheduled before his sentencing, joking that he’s open to take the spot.

50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, also reacted on Trump’s latest pardon comment, of course. “Man you can’t get No pardon running ya mouth like that,” he wrote on Instagram. “LOL Get Out of here.”

Times staff writer Richard Winton and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Oct. 8 (UPI) — The Senate on Tuesday confirmed a bloc of 107 people nominated to serve in the Trump administration after majority Republicans secured a rules change making it easier to overcome Democratic delay tactics.

The 51-47 party line vote approved nominations that included ambassadorships, assistant or undersecretary positions, U.S. attorneys, seats on regulatory commissions and other roles in the federal government that required Senate approval.

Republicans began publicly looking into a rules change in September to speed up the confirmation process, which members of both parties at various times have used for political gain. The move is the latest in a series of rules changes that have weakened the leverage held by the chamber’s minority party.

Those confirmed Tuesday include Sergio Gor, a businessman and political operative, as ambassador to India, as well as former Georgia Senate candidate and football star Herschel Walker as ambassador to the Bahamas.

Senate majority leader John Thune issued a statement hailing the vote for “overcoming historic Democrat obstruction” and “getting more” of President Trump’s team in place. The vote is the second mass approval of Trump nominees after the Senate confirmed 58 positions last month.

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer had earlier criticized the rules change, stating it would mean Republicans were caving to Trump and weakening the chamber’s “traditional and powerful sense of deliberation.”

“Well, the kind of people who have been confirmed by this chamber so far this year have been unprecedentedly bad,” Schumer said in a floor speech in September. “Beyond the pale. Scandal after scandal, expose after expose”

Ryanair has launched a brand new flight route to a popular Italian tourist hot spot which will make it easy for Brits to travel to – and it will create over 800 new jobs

Ryanair has announced a brand new holiday destination for Brits looking for a sunny getaway for next year.

A beautiful Italian holiday spot is now easier than ever to access, and it’s part of an ‘exciting’ expansion of the airlines presence in the EU country.

The new route, that will go from Bournemouth Airport to the western tip of Sicily in Trapani-Marsala will begin operation in January 2026 and the airline said it will “enhance connectivity and the availability of low fares for Sicilian residents”.

READ MORE: Pizza Express is giving a lucky fan free pizza for a year on one conditionREAD MORE: M&S brings back popular product 10 years after being axed from shelves

It comes after Sicilian authorities decided to scrap the Municipal Tax at its smaller regional airports in Trapani-Marsala, and scrapping this levy has made access to the areas easier for tourists.

According to Daily Express, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said: “As Europe and Italy’s number one airline, Ryanair is delighted to announce this major investment at Trapani-Marsala with the opening of a new base from January 2026. We’ve worked closely with both the regional government and Airgest teams to deliver this exciting investment.

“Since first flying to Sicily in 2003, Ryanair has carried more than 100 million passengers to and from Sicily [and] our new Trapani-Marsala base will deliver two new aircraft, 23 routes, more than one million passengers annually and support over 800 local jobs.

“Ryanair welcomes [Sicilian] President Schifani and the Sicilian Government’s decision to scrap the Municipal Tax at the smaller Sicilian airports, and now is the right time to take the next step. Extending this measure to all Sicilian airports would unlock further connectivity, deliver low fares and strengthen year-round connectivity for Sicilian citizens and visitors.”

Alongside its route to and from Bournemouth, in southwest England, the site will see the launch of services to London, Baden-Baden, Bari, Bratislava, Brussels, Katowice, Pescara, Saarbrücken, Stockholm and Verona. The move also means there is a creation of 800 local jobs and will facilitate 23 new routes and 260,000 extra seats.

Mr Wilson has also urged the Italian government to “scrap” the Municipal Tax at all Italian airports, as Ryanair is prepared to invest $4 billion (£3 billion) in Italy.

Adding 40 new aircraft, 20 million additional passengers and over 250 new routes. Byscrapping this tax, it will “stimulate capacity” as well as help to reduce fares and drive economic growth.

He has also previously challenged Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a 0.5 euro per passenger rise in the municipal surtax for non-EU flights for airports exceeding 10 million passengers a year. He described it as a “short-sighted and regressive” policy that would be “damaging” for Italian tourism.

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

A design of a patch for the F-47 System Management Office (SMO) that has been circulating on social media was indeed created by members of that organization, but is still being refined and hasn’t been formalized, the Air Force has confirmed. The patch’s central feature, which appears to be a phoenix or a firebird, raises the question of whether the sixth-generation fighter may already have a nickname.

User @SR_Planespotter on X was first to share a look at the patch earlier this month. In March, Boeing’s next-generation fighter was officially declared the winner of a competition for what had previously been referred to as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) combat jet or “platform.”

“The patch is an early design concept that was generated within Air Combat Command’s F-47 System Management Office,” an Air Combat Command (ACC) spokesperson told TWZ. “It is still being developed, and there is currently no official patch being worn by anyone in the Air Force.”

In addition to the phoenix or firebird, the circular patch has “ACC F-47 SMO” in white lettering and three yellow or gold-colored triangles/arrows/deltas with trailing lines along the left side. On the right side, there is “FBC” written in black lettering and a white-colored ‘path,’ which we will come back to later on. There are six red stars of equal size, three above and three below the central ‘bird’ motif, as well.

Under the main body of the patch is the Latin “Superamus Perstamus Letamus” written in white lettering. A basic machine translation of this is “We overcome. We Persist. We Rejoice.” The same motto has been seen on other patches and insignias, some dating back many years now, associated with the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative and the Agile Development Office within the Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). The Agile Development Office evolved from the Program Executive Office for Advanced Aviation, first created in 2019 to serve as a central manager for NGAD efforts, including the work that led to the F-47, which you can read more about here.

Much about the meaning of the various elements of the F-47 SMO patch design otherwise remains unconfirmed.

Triangles, arrows, and delta shapes are often used in Air Force heraldry to symbolize aircraft or subordinate units. The Agile Development Office insignia seen earlier in this story also has three deltas with trailing lines, but in gray. In addition to Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman had also competed in the NGAD combat jet competition, but whether any of this is a reference to that fact is not known. Northrop Grumman had bowed out in 2023, and there are indications that its entrant would have otherwise been cut.

Stars are also common. Six of them together often refers to the top-secret flight test center at Groom Lake in Nevada, better known as Area 51. It is worth noting here that Boeing and Lockheed both built top-secret X-plane demonstrators as part of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) efforts that fed into NGAD and ultimately the F-47. They are understood to have been flight tested at Area 51.

The white ‘path’ on the right side of the patch looks to be an outline of a portion of China’s eastern coastline. The Air Force has framed the F-47 as key to ensuring it can achieve air superiority in future conflicts, especially high-end fights against an opponent like China. The sixth-generation fighters would be at the ‘tip of the spear’ to penetrate through the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) extensive anti-access and area denial ‘bubbles’ in any such scenario in the Pacific.

The central phoenix/firebird motif (which may or may not be tied in some way to the as yet unexplained “FBC” acronym) is particularly interesting to consider in light of what is known about the history to date of the F-47 program and the work that preceded it. Until President Donald Trump’s administration decided to proceed, there was a very real chance of the program being cancelled in favor of other priorities. In April, former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, who left his post in January, penned an opinion piece questioning the decision to move ahead.

Whether it is the intended symbolism of the patch or not, a phoenix would certainly be appropriate for the F-47 program. A legendary immortal bird commonly associated with ancient Greek mythology, but also found in other traditions, it is often depicted ‘rising from the ashes’ of its own demise.

There is also the mythical firebird found across Slavic folklore, which is both a blessing and a curse to anyone who tries to capture it.

In the same way, phoenix or firebird might be plausible nicknames for the F-47, officially or unofficially. However, phoenix, at least, is unlikely to become the formal name for the jet. The U.S. military just announced in August that Phoenix II is now the official moniker for the U.S. Navy’s future E-130J aircraft. Some kind of double-up (Phoenix III on top of Phoenix II), or a renaming of the E-130J, are possibilities, but seem less likely. The E-130J is a so-called ‘doomsday plane’ that will be tasked with acting as an airborne command and control node for the Navy’s nuclear ballistic missile submarines, including being able to send orders to them to launch strikes while submerged, a mission set referred to as Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) that you can learn more about here.

We already know the F-47 designation is tied to the Republic P-47 of World War II fame, the official nickname for which was Thunderbolt. The Air Force has also said the “47” is a reference to the year the Air Force was founded (1947) and President Trump (the 45th and 47th President). The P-47 was subsequently redesignated the F-47 before the type was retired.

It’s worth noting here that the A-10, better known by its unofficial nickname, Warthog, is also officially dubbed the Thunderbolt II, in homage to the P-47. The Warthogs are set to be retired well before the new F-47s start to enter service, which would free up the Thunderbolt name.

As the A-10 underscores, unofficial nicknames for American military aircraft are also common, in general, and sometimes become more widely used than the official ones.

The formal naming of an aircraft like the F-47, expected to be a centerpiece of Air Force power projection for decades to come, is likely to be the subject of significant debate, whatever unofficial monikers it might pick up along the way. Prime contractor Boeing is now building the first of the jets, and the hope is that a first flight will occur in 2028. When operational units might begin to receive F-47s is unclear.

More details about the F-47 SMO patch’s symbolism may emerge as the program gets more underway. In the meantime, we at least know it is a real design that is still a work in progress.

Howard Altman contributed to this story.

Contact the author: [email protected]

MCDONALD’S has made a major change to its breakfast menu and customers have been left devastated.

The fast food giant has axed its long-time favourite Breakfast Roll from the menu.

1

The Breakfast Roll first arrived on menus in 2020 and has remained on there since then.

But a McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed to The Sun the breakfast item was quietly axed earlier this month.

The Breakfast Roll had included smoky bacon, a juicy sausage patty, melted cheese and a free-range egg, all served in a warm white roll.

You could then choose to have it with either ketchup or brown sauce.

McDonald’s fans on Reddit said they’d been left gutted by the move.

One wrote: “Removing the breakfast bagel? An act of aggression. Removing the triple cheeseburger? A show of power.

“But now removing the breakfast roll… this is surely an act of war?”

Another replied: “What, there getting rid of the breakfast roll? Nooooo (sic).”

A third added: “It’s gone! I realised this morning when I popped into one. So sad.”

A fourth replier joked: “This country is ruined……”

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We’re always evolving our menu with our customers in mind to keep things fresh and exciting.”

However, there is a brand new item that has replaced the Breakfast Roll.

Now Maccas fans can get hold of the Sausage Sandwich, which has been added to menus nationwide after a trial in the North of England.

The morning meal comes with a pork patty and melted cheese, and can be topped with either ketchup or brown sauce.

It will cost £1.99, although you can get a selected drink with the sandwich as a bundle deal for £2.99.

The new item will be on the Saver Menu alongside six other breakfast choices including hash browns (£1.59), porridge pots (£1.69) and apple slices (79p).

Other items on the list include a cheesy bacon flatbread for £1.99 and apple or orange Tropicana juice for £1.89.

Remember, if you want to try the new sandwich you’ll need to head to your local McDonald’s before 11am as that’s when breakfast is served until.

The fast food chain has made plenty of changes to its breakfast menu in the past.

Last year, it brought back the popular Breakfast Wrap after it was axed in January 2022.

Luckily for fast food fans, it’s still on the menu for now.

More menu changes

Maccas changes its menu every few weeks to keep things fresh for customers.

Its latest menu drop was on September 10, when it brought back favourites including the Philly Cheese Stack and Mozzarella Dippers.

Plus, the Chicken Big Mac was added to the menu.

But other items were axed, including the Chilli Cheese Bites, Steakhouse Stack, Big Tasty and Spicy Chicken McNuggets.

Meanwhile the Loaded Caramel McFlurry was added to the menu – but was quickly taken off again just days later.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said at the time the ice cream dessert was removed because of a “quality control issue”.

It came after some social media users claimed they had cracked their teeth on hard pieces inside the dessert.

The Loaded Caramel McFlurry was quickly replaced by the Toffee Crisp McFlurry – a returning favourite,

Sun that it’s been replaced by a returning favourite.

Sept. 22 (UPI) — Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that President Nicolás Maduro sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, saying he was willing to hold direct talks with Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell.

“The letter was delivered Sept. 6 to a South American intermediary to be passed on to its recipient. … In it is reflected Venezuela’s irrefutable truth: We are a territory free of illicit activities, peaceful and secure,” Rodríguez said on Telegram, where she also published the letter.

It added: “The military threat against Venezuela, the Caribbean and South America must cease, and the proclamation of a Zone of Peace must be respected.”

In the letter, Maduro said “many controversies have arisen around the relationship between the United States and Venezuela. In the midst of these controversies we have witnessed countless fake news stories circulating in the media.”

He recalled “the fake news claiming that Venezuela had refused to accept migrants returning to our country,” adding that the issue “was resolved and clarified quickly in a conversation with Grenell, Trump’s special envoy to Venezuela.”

Maduro said “This channel has functioned impeccably during the first months of your second administration. We have always sought direct communication to address and resolve any issue that arises between our two governments.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in the daily news briefing Monday that “We have seen the letter. Frankly, I think there were a lot of lies repeated by Maduro, and the administration’s position on Venezuela has not changed.

“We view the Maduro regime as illegitimate, and the president has clearly shown that he is willing to use any and all means necessary to stop the illegal trafficking of deadly drugs from the Venezuelan regime into the United States,” Leavitt said.

The letter was sent days after Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he had ordered a “kinetic strike” on a vessel “linked to a cartel” departing Venezuela, saying there was “proof” the boat was carrying drugs. Eleven alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang were killed in the strike.

“In recent weeks, there have been absolutely false accusations of links with mafias and drug-trafficking groups involving Venezuela’s legitimate authorities,” Maduro added in his letter.

In his view, this is the worst “fake news” directed at his country, meant to justify an escalation into an armed conflict that would cause catastrophic damage to the continent. The president said Venezuela is a “territory free of drug production and a country irrelevant in the field of narcotics.”

He also cited United Nations data indicating that only about 5% of the drugs leaving Colombia “attempt” to transit through Venezuela, where they are “fought, intercepted and destroyed” once seized.

He added that “a very relevant fact is that this year we have already neutralized and destroyed more than 70% of that small percentage that tries to cross through the long border of more than 2,200 kilometers we share with Colombia. We have destroyed 402 aircraft linked to international drug trafficking in accordance with Venezuelan law.”

Maduro closed his letter by inviting Trump to “preserve peace through dialogue and understanding across the hemisphere. This and other issues will always remain open for a direct and frank conversation with your special envoy Richard Grenell, to overcome media noise and fake news.”

Between the delivery of the letter and its public release, relations with the United States saw a rapid military escalation: Trump announced successive “kinetic strikes” on boats departing from Venezuela.

At least 15 people have been killed in the airstrikes, with Trump said they were “terrorists” involved in drug trafficking. The fatal interdictions came from expanded U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean under an “anti-drug” campaign that has included allies.

Venezuela has announced a “Sovereign Caribbean 200” campaign in response to U.S. military movements in the region.

Sept. 19 (UPI) — The U.S. Senate confirmed 48 appointees of President Donald Trump, almost entirely made up of ambassador and sub-cabinet positions.

The lone Senate vote unfolded 51-47 mostly along party lines, after a rule change earlier in the month changed the confirmation process.

Earlier this month, Republican lawmakers passed changes allowing nominees to be confirmed through the Senate in a one group rather than individually.

The term is referred to as “en bloc” and only applies to lower roles like ambassadors, not judges or cabinet positions.

Former Trump 2020 presidential campaign advisor Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Callista Gingrich, the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, were among the most notable nominees confirmed.

Guilfoyle is the U.S. ambassador to Greece, while Gingrich was confirmed as the American ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Senate Democrats had pushed back against the group confirmation vote. Their Republican colleagues continually accused them of holding up or obstructing the process, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., calling the lead-up “a broken process” and “an embarrassment.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., referred to the result as “a sad, regrettable day for the Senate.”

The group confirmation comes after Senate Republicans earlier this week confirmed White House economic adviser Stephen Miran to join the Federal Reserve Board.

Mrian’s confirmation comes amid vocal concerns about his independence as he will serve in both capacities.