days

Feb. 13 (UPI) — Brazilian authorities have ordered that Elon Musk’s platform, X, must implement measures to prevent its artificial intelligence tool, Grok, from generating sexualized content involving minors and involving adults without consent.

The case is being reviewed by Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority, the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Consumer Secretariat. The agencies contend that, despite prior warnings, the social network failed to show effective action to curb these practices.

“X must immediately implement appropriate measures to prevent the production, through Grok, of sexualized or eroticized content involving children and adolescents, as well as adults who have not expressed their consent,” Brazilian authorities said in a joint statement.

The agencies gave the platform five days to comply with the determination, under penalty of fines and legal action.

On Jan. 20, the agencies recommended that X establish, within up to 30 days, technical and operational procedures to identify, review and remove sexualized content generated by Grok that remained available on the social network. That deadline co-existed with the requirement to adopt immediate actions to prevent new posts.

The company said at the time that it had removed thousands of posts and suspended hundreds of accounts for violating its policies.

However, Brazilian authorities said the information provided “was not accompanied by concrete evidence, technical reports or monitoring mechanisms that would allow its effectiveness to be assessed.”

Tests conducted by technical teams indicated that the platform still allows the generation and sharing of sexualized or eroticized images of minors and adults without authorization.

Since late last year, thousands of complaints in several countries have alleged that Grok responds to requests to alter photographs posted by women on social media, making them appear nude or in bikinis. At least two Brazilian women have reported being victims of these deepfakes.

The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered X to submit monthly reports on the actions taken to prevent the production of these images and pointed to a lack of transparency in the company’s response.

The National Data Protection Authority also required the platform to detail the measures implemented and provide evidence that can be verified by authorities.

The new five-business-day deadline requires the company to explain what specific actions it will take to prevent Grok from creating this type of content. The official document does not specify when clock began.

If the order is not met, the company could face fines and other administrative sanctions. Those responsible could also be prosecuted for disobedience.

The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office said it could open broader investigations that may lead to legal action to seek damages for harm caused by the creation and dissemination of these images.

The case adds to investigations in Europe. On Feb. 3, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office searched Grok’s offices as part of a preliminary investigation into the alleged dissemination of child pornography and deepfakes. Authorities in the United Kingdom and the European Union are also examining Grok’s use to manipulate images.

Grok is developed by xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, which also controls X. Earlier this month, the entrepreneur announced the merger of xAI with SpaceX, his aerospace company. SpaceX is expected to debut on the New York Stock Exchange later this year.

As a child, I spent nearly every weekend with my best friend shooting hoops and jumping fences throughout Hollywood.

It was always amusing seeing tourists — especially foreigners — line up around buildings and outside nightclubs and lounges that held no meaning to me, at the time.

These monuments I ignored as a youngster became the must-see places of my teenage years and early 20s.

It was at the Viper Room where a 20-year-old me was tossed out of line trying to crash the same venue where Pearl Jam had played.

I was first scandalized by the price of a drink for a date’s $10 cocktail at the Troubadour in West Hollywood (I think I was making $6.50 an hour at the time). But I had to visit one of Jim Morrison’s favorite haunts.

So I was delighted when The Times entertainment team compiled its list of 26 legendary music sites in L.A.

It was fun to see favorites, but more importantly, to read about new places and legends.

Hopefully, there’s a spot that intrigues you. Let’s take a look at a few selections.

Capitol Records (Hollywood)

The most famous tower in all of music was never overtly intended to look like a stack of LPs and a stylus needle.

“The building was not designed as a cartoon or a giggle. To have it trivialized with the stack-of-records myth is annoying and dismaying,” architect Louis Naidorf has said of his Capitol Records Building. “There’s not a thing on the building that doesn’t have a solid purpose to it.”

That was no obstacle for it becoming emblematic of both Los Angeles and the record business. It’s still home to one of the most renowned recording studios on Earth, and its silhouette remains a Hollywood icon and a symbol of Los Angeles on par with the Hollywood sign nearby.

(Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times)

Elliott Smith Wall (Silver Lake)

The beloved singer-songwriter Elliott Smith posed at the swooping mural outside Solutions speaker repair in Silver Lake for the cover of his LP “Figure 8” in 2000.

After he died by suicide in 2003, the wall became an unofficial memorial for Smith, where fans left touching notes, song lyrics and nips of liquors mentioned in his songs.

While the wall has been cut out in spots to make room for various restaurants — and it’s often covered in more flagrant tagging — it’s still a living connection to one of the city’s most cherished voices.

(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Chaplin Studio (Hollywood)

John Mayer calls it “adult day care”: the historic recording studio behind the arched gates on La Brea Avenue where famous musicians have been keeping themselves — and one another — creatively occupied since the mid-1960s.

Known for decades as Henson Studios — and as A&M Studios before that — the 3-acre complex in the heart of Hollywood has played host to the creation of some of music’s most celebrated records, among them Carole King’s “Tapestry,” Joni Mitchell’s “Blue,” Guns N’ Roses’ “Use Your Illusion” and D’Angelo’s “Black Messiah.”

Charlie Chaplin, who was born in London, began building the lot in 1917 in a white-and-brown English Tudor style; he went on to direct some of his best-known films, including “Modern Times” and “The Great Dictator,” on the property.

The Lighthouse Cafe (Hermosa Beach)

The Lighthouse Cafe might seem familiar from its cameo in the Oscar-winning movie “La La Land,” but this jazz cafe was once instrumental in shaping the West Coast jazz scene.

The beachside spot first opened as a restaurant in 1934 and was changed into a bar by the 1940s. It first started to play jazz in 1949 when the owner let bassist Howard Rumsey host a recurring jam session. The jams quickly began to draw both a vivacious crowd of listeners and a core group of budding jazz musicians.

Over the years, musicians like Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis and Max Roach all made regular appearances at the Lighthouse. Today, the venue still hosts jazz brunches every Sunday and other musical gigs throughout the week.

For more, here is the entire list.

The week’s biggest stories

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles news

Trump administration policies and reactions

Milan-Cortina Olympic Games

Crime, courts and policing

What else is going on

Must reads

Other meaty reads

For your downtime

(Illustrations by Lindsey Made This; photograph by Rony Armas)

Going out

Staying in

L.A. Affairs

Get wrapped up in tantalizing stories about dating, relationships and marriage.

Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Jim Rainey, staff reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, fast break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew J. Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.

A MAJOR UK train station has closed for nine days as planned upgrades get underway.

Rail passengers can expect disruptions as the bustling travel hub undergoes a “once-in-a-lifetime overhaul”.

Network Rail is investing £8 million in an upgrade to Manchester Piccadilly train station in an effort to reduce future service disruptions.

Track and signalling upgrades are scheduled to take place from Saturday, 14 February to 22 February.

The southern approach to station, which was built in the 1980s, will see significant upgrades to a stretch of track.

Network Rail previously explained that issues with its outdated infrastructure can disrupt all trains running in and out of Manchester.

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This amounts to around 400,000 trains into the station every year.

Manchester Piccadilly has advised passengers that no trains from the south and east of the city will run into the station over the half-term break.

Some trains from across the north will also be impacted as well as direct connections to Manchester Airport station, which were impacted by a signal failure earlier this week.

Services normally running to and from Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at other stations, including Stockport, over the next nine days.

Platforms 1-12 will be closed but the concourse will remain open to the public, while there will be a limited service westbound from platforms 13 and 14.

Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail’s North West & Central deputy regional managing director, said: “Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway. 

“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we are working closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council on alternative travel plans to keep people on the move.”

AFTER five long years, the dark truth behind Jesy Nelson’s feud with Little Mix has been laid bare for the first time – as the singer reveals she made a secret suicide attempt days before quitting the group.

Jesy — whose abrupt exit from the girl band has been shrouded in mystery until now — claimed her cry for help in the lead-up to her overdose was ignored by bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall.

Thankfully, she was saved by her quick-thinking mum Jan, who raised the alarm after Jesy fell unconscious while on the phone to her.

Speaking about her daughter’s near-death experience for the first time,

Jan said: “For a few days before, she had just been really down and not talking much. She wanted to be on her own quite a lot.

“I got a gut feeling that something wasn’t right. I kept ringing and ­ringing, but there was no answer.

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“She eventually answered the phone and the way she talking was really slurry.

“I heard the phone drop and didn’t hear anything else — I knew she’d done something.”

It was the second time Jesy had tried to take her own life following an overdose in 2013, which she ­previously opened up about in her NTA-winning BBC documentary Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out.

She later said that online abuse over her appearance left her unable to “tolerate the pain any more”.

‘You’ve got to stop’

Her boyfriend at the time, Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo, called an ambulance and she was taken to ­hospital, but one week later was told to “pull it together” to film a video for Little Mix’s single Salute.

Jesy, 34, admits: “It all just got too much for me. My manager was like, ‘Come on Jesy, you need to pull ­yourself together.’

“So it just got swept under the rug and everything went back to normal.”

Reflecting on her second attempt seven years later — just days before she quit Little Mix — Jesy said: “I was so sad. I was so down.”

The star was rushed to hospital by ambulance and missed the final of Little Mix’s BBC talent show The Search, with host Chris Ramsey ­telling fans she had fallen ill.

The singer recalled: “I knew after coming out of hospital that I ­mentally couldn’t do it [be in the band] any more.”

Jesy had sunk into a deep depression after returning to work following the 2020 pandemic.

Recalling the painful breakdown of Little Mix’s friendship days before her overdose, Jesy said: “I sat ­everyone down to explain how I was feeling and I remember one of the responses being, ‘Are you done now? Is that it?’

“She [one of the girls] was like, ‘Can I go now?’”

Fighting back tears, Jesy added: “That made me feel really alone. I felt like there was no point. That no one cared.”

Hidden turmoil within the group led to Jesy trying to take her own life, with her mum Jan insisting: “I can see why they [the other Little Mix members] did get angry at times.

“It’s hard to work with someone who is always down when you are always happy.

“But I personally believe that at Jesy’s lowest of low times, the girls were not really there for her and I think that’s why she’s so sad now.”

In her new Prime Video docuseries Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, Jesy also makes the bombshell claim that another bandmate tried to quit a year before her shock exit.

Unbeknown to fans, the girls had agreed their next tour would be their last, but a two-year delay pushed their “sisterhood” to the brink.

After Jesy’s second suicide attempt, her mum said: “I kept cuddling her and said, ‘Right, that’s it now. No more.

I didn’t get my opportunity to explain why I couldn’t do this any more. I feel mad that that was taken away from me

Jesy Nelson

“You’ve got to stop doing what makes you unhappy’.”

While in hospital recovering, Jesy made the difficult decision to quit.

But after seeking legal advice, she felt betrayed when her lawyer ­delivered the news to the rest of ­Little Mix without her consent.

Jesy said: “I think they felt really hurt about that and it should never have played out like that.

“I didn’t get my opportunity to explain why I couldn’t do this any more. I feel mad that that was taken away from me.”

When Jesy later attempted to meet up with the girls, she claims her manager said that Leigh-Anne, Perrie and Jade “would only feel comfortable if there was a therapist present”.

Jesy tearfully said of Little Mix: “I didn’t feel like they were my sisters [any more]. I’d just come out of the hospital. This is the time I need you the most.”

Despite what she’d been through with her mental health battle, Jesy never saw the girls again.

Leigh-Anne went on to say the girls were left so “traumatised” by their bandmate’s exit they needed counselling.

Jesy explained: “Eventually there was a phone call.

“It was really awkward and so weird. It was like talking to strangers.

“It was the most uncomfortable phone call of my life. No one knew what to say.

“And that’s the last time I ever spoke to them as a group. It’s been five years now and every time I think about it, I think, was it them or was it the management? I’ll never know.”

‘Me and Jade cried’

Speaking for the first time about the end of Little Mix being planned a year before her exit when one of the other girls announced they wanted to walk away, Jesy said: “I thought everyone was in a really good place, but I was wrong.

“We got called in for a meeting and I just had this gut feeling that it wasn’t going to be good.

“One of the girls had decided they didn’t want to be in the band any more. I remember feeling my whole world had fallen apart.

“It was a really sad day — me and Jade really cried. I was devastated.”

When pushed to reveal the name of singer who wanted to quit at the beginning of 2020, Jesy added: “I don’t think that’s for me to say because they still haven’t said.

“It’s been really hard to not speak out about this.

“I thought we’d be together ­forever. It was never my decision to leave first.”

When Covid hit, the band’s end date was pushed back by two years.

“That’s when everything got messy,” Jesy said.

“I knew the band was coming to an end because one of the girls had made the decision to leave and I felt like I was being fake.

“I got this very quick realisation that I wasn’t happy.”

Jesy felt “swarmed with insecurities” after returning to the limelight following lockdown.

She began to feel fearful of performing — with panic attacks leading her to pull out of live performances including a BBC Radio One Live Lounge and as a judge on The Search.

Her vocals are also missing from tracks on Little Mix’s final album.

Jesy continued: “I had mentally checked out. It was like my body was telling me, ‘Stop now’.

“That was the moment I thought, I can’t do this any more.

“I just remember thinking, I ­cannot last another two years.

“I felt like it [the relationship with the girls] had shifted.

“There would be days I would cry and be a miserable bitch.

“All those little things build up and build up and they do get to a boiling point.”

Explaining why she is speaking out now, Jesy insists she wants to draw a line under the speculation.

She said: “I really f*ing hate that there were nine and a bit really beautiful years that I had with the girls and I really didn’t want for us to be known for that one sh***y part.

‘Sad and hurt’

“It overrode every amazing thing that we ever did and what we stood for.

“We were genuinely like sisters and I think that is what’s so sad about this whole thing.

“As the years have gone on I see both sides. I see why they would be sad and hurt.”

Little Mix became the first group to win X Factor in 2011 before making UK singles chart history with five No1s and selling more than 75million records worldwide.

Jesy walked out of the girl band in November 2020 and two years later released her debut single Boyz with rapper Nicki Minaj.

On the track Mine, she paired up with Zion Foster — who later became the father of her two children before they split in January.

Little Mix went on an extended hiatus in 2022 to pursue solo careers and start families.

Despite never reconnecting in person again, in May last year Jesy’s former bandmates got back in touch after she became pregnant with identical twins.

Nine-month-old girls Ocean and Story have since been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 — the most severe form of a rare disease affecting muscle strength and movement.

Jesy recently told The Sun there was hope of reconciliation between her and the girls after the five- year feud was “healed” by her children arriving.

In the docuseries, Jesy said: “They reached out to me when I was pregnant.

“It was lovely because I never thought that would happen. It made me really emotional.

“We’re grown women. We’ve got kids. I just think there are so many more important things in life.

“It’s just one of those things that needs to be put to bed now.”

• Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix is available on Prime Video from today.

IN the south of Spain is a sandy strait with palm-tree lined promenades and high rise hotels that looks like Florida.

You’ll find La Manga less than an hour away from Murcia – and it even has its own salt water lagoon where you can take a mud bath.

La Manga is a 13 mile long strip of sand which offers a ‘two seas experience’.

One being the actual Mediterranean Sea, the other the Mar Menor.

Visitors have compared La Manga to Florida thanks to it’s thin sandbank as well as sunny weather and high rise apartment buildings.

With its bright blue seas, it especially looks like parts around West Palm Beach and even Miami.

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La Manga de Mar Menor literally means ‘The Sandbar of the Minor Sea’ – and the strait splits the Mediterranean Sea from Mar Menor lagoon – the biggest salt water lagoon in Europe.

The lagoon has also been referred to as the ‘Spanish Dead Sea’.

This is because the lagoon has healing mud – visitors smear it all over their bodies and its said to have properties that are good for damaged skin and arthritis pain.

The water is shallow year round and is a popular spot for sailing.

Swimming is allowed at certain times of the year, but there are occasions when the water is off limits – like when there are jellyfish spotted in there.

La Manga is a great spot for holiday makers looking for sunshine too.

Due to its position, it gets a Mediterranean climate and over 300 days of sunshine a year.

This week, while the UK is sitting under 10C – La Manga is enjoying highs of 19C.

Peak months of July and August can see average highs of 30C and no rainfall.

It’s a hit with visitors too, one wrote on Tripadvisor: “It’s just a splendid destination! Beautiful climate, warm water on the “mar menor” side and warm on the “mar major” side and a place not very touristic so perfect for a holiday.”

Another added: “Perfect in every way, walk around the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor, and enjoy its mood and tranquility.”

Hotels on La Manga aren’t expensive either – you can stay for 5 nights in April at the Poseidon La Manga Hotel & Spa from £36.10pppn.

All rooms have air conditioning, TV and private bathroom – in the hotel there’s a spa with a sauna, steam room, gym, hot tub and experience showers.

There’s also a buffet restaurant and cafe-bar.

Outside of the hotels are plenty of beach bars like El Parador del Mar Menor which sits at the very end of the strait.

A popular restaurant is Maloca which serves up Mediterranean dishes like clams, mussels, tuna, or cod with grilled vegetables with one visitor saying “it was spectacular, and nothing expensive!”

The closest airport is Murcia which is two and a half hours from the UK – plus a 30 minute drive.

At this time of year you can get direct flights to Murcia from Birmingham from £15.

For more on Spain discover this resort you’ve NEVER heard of – where locals holiday and hotels start at £28 a night.

And one top travel mum influencer reveals her best cheap, family-friendly hotels – and one is in Spain.

FOR many, winter means hibernation – but if you’re looking for something to do as a family, there are plenty of options out there.

Now might also be a good time to look for better deals, with fewer crowds and lower prices; those looking for winter days out and short breaks can feel more special than during peak season.

Whether you’re craving crisp countryside walks, a fun day filled with adventure and rides, or something a bit more spontaneous, a little planning goes a long way.

Winter can also open the door to seasonal events that don’t exist during the summer and cosy family experiences with less hustle and bustle.

Wondering where to get started?

That’s where this checklist comes in handy, as a practical, inspiration-led guide to making the most of the colder months.

Before you resign yourself to another winter spent mainly indoors, here are five ideas worth considering.

Top 5 travel checklist

Drayton Manor

IT WAS a classic case of Brits abroad. You and 10,000 mates go on a mission and end up on a party island in the Med.

Richard the Lionheart laid claim to the first sunlounger in Cyprus 800 years ago.

And while many travel trends have since passed, nothing tops the 340 days of sunshine this country sees per year.

My family and I were staying at Louis Phaethon Beach hotel, the last resort on the strip to the east of town, which is geared up for enjoying the endless rays.

The 4H hotel is a 400-plus rooms, all-inclusive mecca for families with children.

By the time we arrived gone 11pm the staff were still buzzing.

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We were greeted by huge smiles and cold beer, and escorted straight past reception and into the buffet area to check in and fuel our late-night hunger.

Kids’ corner covers all the pizza, pasta and nugget needs for less adventurous youngsters, while there’s a full selection of traditional Greek delights for seafood and meat-loving grown-ups.

And here was every beer fan’s dream, an unlimited supply of draught lager.

You could help yourself to as much Keo, the local brew, as you could handle.

Within moments, you’ll be showboating as you try to top off the perfect foaming pint.

Non-beer drinkers needn’t fret. They’ve got the all-inclusive cocktails nailed, too — and can knock up a round of pina coladas quicker than a racecar pitstop.

The 4-star hotel is a 400-plus rooms all-inclusive mecca for families with children

When it comes to getting some kip, the adjoining rooms are great for families in need of space.

Ours came with the usual mini-fridge, as well as balconies overlooking vast pool areas, a beach bar and the shimmering eastern Mediterranean.

Being right on the beach is a huge perk, and you can follow the coast all the way to the Paphos Promenade.

The stroll is 2.5 miles in total, taking you past neighbouring hotels and along the harbour to Paphos Castle. For 2.50 euros you can get an even better view.

Climbing to the rooftop of the Byzantine fortress, we were treated to impressive sights of the calm sea and Paphos Archaeological Park, with its ancient temples and sand-coloured pillars that date back to Roman times.

The UNESCO site is steeped in history, and you can actually walk inside the ruins in the footsteps of antiquity.

It’s made up of a huge collection of sites, from the Odeon amphitheatre and mosaics to Forty Columns castle, all set in a dusty landscape criss-crossed with boulders and crumbled city walls.

A relatively modern lighthouse shines from its centre, which overlooks the neighbouring Tombs of the Kings.

It wasn’t actually home to any kings, but you can certainly unleash your inner Indiana Jones exploring the 4th century crypts and tunnels carved out of rock.

If you’ve got the legs, walk up into Old Town Paphos.

It has been regenerated, with beautiful terracotta rooftops and terraces.

You’ll also get a better value bite to eat than down at the harbour.

Beach bar Karkoloues is owned by none other than Demetrios “Demi” Demetriou aka Stavros Flatley who handles much of the cocktail making

The kids discovered their favourite beach spot, which featured a celebrity guest star.

Beach bar Karkoloues is owned by none other than Demetrios “Demi” Demetriou, half of Britain’s Got Talent’s Stavros Flatley, who handles much of the cocktail making.

He’ll pose for a selfie in return for a small donation to charity.

The bar is worth a visit, with 300 loungers in a sheltered bay. There’s no better place to catch the sunset.

For something more energetic, head up the Trodos Mountains, Cyprus’s largest range. We’d booked a 4×4 tour through TUI Musement, with lunch included.

A specially extended 110 Defender takes ten passengers to places only a 25-year-old Land Rover with 1million km on the tacho can go.

Our driver Rickos roared the TD5 up to Dipotamos Dam — a sobering sight with its perilously low water levels after months of drought.

We then headed through a winding mountainside track into Mesa Potamos Forest to see its roaring waterfalls.

Lunch was in a gorgeous village taverna followed by a tasting at LionSpirit winery.

Try their Azure Lion blue special — it’s the new rose for Haribo lovers.

The final stop was a wander around the cobbled streets of Omodos village to marvel at its monastery.

If you’re looking for a place to fully unwind, the 5H Royal Apollonia in Limassol has less of a family atmosphere, but is a haven for grown-ups.

Part of the Louis Hotels’ elegant collection, it is about an hour’s drive east from Paphos.

It is one of the oldest in the city, a bustling Monaco-style metropolis.

Refurbished in 2023, the 204-room resort has as many business clients as tourists.

Refurbished in 2023, the 204-room resort has as many business clients as tourists.

But they all receive the same impeccable service.

It has pools, gym, spa, sauna — plus three restaurants and a poolside bar.

It also has its own private beach, with soft sands and crystal-clear waters.

Its manager, Dr Harry K Georgiou, began his career at Louis Hotels 25 years ago.

His philosophy has always been happy staff means happy guests.

And that’s why Louis guests keep coming back to the Island of the Lionheart.

FEBRUARY half term is just around the corner, and if you’re wanting to get out and enjoy some family quality time – we’ve got the list for you.

Especially if you’re looking for days out that won’t hurt the bank account, as these festivals, castles and railway days out are all under a tenner.

We’ve rounded up the biggest and best February half term events for families across the UK.

And with entry from just £1 – or even totally free – you’ll be smiling just as much as the kids.

Yorkshire Games Festival, Bradford

Taking place from the 11 – 22 February 2026, the Yorkshire Games Festival will take place at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford.

This family-friendly gaming festival is full of free activities and fully hands-on. It’s packed with real gameplay, workshops and group activities – as well as talks from big names in gaming.

Activities include an interactive comedy gaming show, an interactive videogame-making workshop, and a big screen where attendees can join a round of Nintendo’s Mario Party Jamboree.

Plus, there’s dark and cosy gaming corners away from the noise for those who wish to play in a peaceful setting.

Make sure to book your free museum admission ticket in advance before dropping into sessions or reserving your slot for events online.

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Shropshire

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings are running a free craft activities program this February half term.

Kids can get stuck into arts and crafts, using linen and rag rug techniques to make dolls, friendship bracelets, badges and more.

The activities will take place in the Stables and Smithy rooms, and are suitable for ages five to eleven.

You can drop in for the arts and crafts between 10am – 3pm on Monday 16, Tuesday 17 and Friday 20 February.

If you also want to view the mill exhibitions during your visit, tickets cost £8 per adult and £4.50 per child, with under fives going free.

English Heritage even have a free printable Adventurer’s Checklist online that you can bring along, which children can colour in as they go.

Imagine Children’s Festival, London Southbank Centre

London’s Southbank Centre are hosting a huge children’s festival this February half term.

Between the 11 – 21 February, the Imagine Festival will host nearly 40 children’s events – many of which are free to take part in.

Free activities include dance and theatre shows, live music dance-alongs, and a free family trail called “Architecture Explorers”.

There’s also a Hip Hop Half Term free dance event on 20 February, and a Toasty Tots toddler event on 13 February.

Plus there’s paid events for under £10, like access to the indoor Replay playground for £7.50.

Most free events do not require pre-booking, but to book a ticketed event or see all of the events on offer, head to the Imagine Festival website.

Animal Adventures and Paddington Bear at Cardiff Castle, Wales

On the 16 and 17 of February, Cardiff Castle are running an Animal Adventures event to kick off half term.

This educational event allows kids of all ages to get up close to unique creatures including snakes and insects, whilst learning facts all about the species.

There’s also a special Paddington Bear statue at the castle up until September 2026, which is one of 23 unique sculptures that have popped up across the UK.

Admission tickets to Animal Adventures cost just £7.50. Slots are available between 10:15 and 16:30 and must be booked online on the Cardiff Castle website.

Horsey Half Term at Windsor Castle, Berkshire

If you receive Universal Credit, you can enjoy £1 entry to Windsor Castle this February half term – and take part in a creative celebration of all things equine.

Between the 14 – 22 February, Windsor Castle are hosting horse-themed arts and crafts events to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse.

Windsor Castle is already a top attraction for horse lovers, being home to Royal Mews that house the Royal Family‘s horses when riding at Windsor, as well as many ornate carriages.

To celebrate the year of the fire horse, arts and crafts activities will be available in the castle’s Learning Centre. You can also pick up a free children’s trail sheet to fill in during your visit.

There’s even a giant colourful Dream Horse sculpture on display, made of recycled materials from racecourses.

The £1 entry tickets are available for those who receive Universal Credit and other named benefits, which you can check online.

Moomin Trail and castle crafts at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Fans of Moominvalley can enjoy a magical trail through Bodiam Castle this February half term.

Start by grabbing a Moomin trail sheet, then wander through a fairy-tale path littered with characters, games and activities.

The trail takes place inside the castle itself, so no need to worry about dressing for the outdoors.

The trail itself costs just £2 to take part in, however you must also have admission tickets to the castle.

There’s also arts and crafts activities on offer this half term, such as decorating your own wooden knight’s shield or painting a ceramic dragon flowerpot.

If taking part in the arts and crafts, the items available to decorate cost between £2 – £5.

The Moomin trail is open until 8 March, whilst arts and crafts are available between 14 – 22 February.

Admission to Bodiam Castle is discounted for families. A family ticket for one adult and three children costs just £18 (£4.50pp). Under fives go free.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Osterley Gardens, Middlesex

Fans young and old of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar will enjoy this themed trail through the stately gardens of Osterley in Middlesex.

The story of the endlessly hungry creature is bought to life through educational activities, plus a trail accessible via paper sheet or QR code.

The trail itself is free to take part in, although you must have admission tickets to Osterley Gardens. It is recommended for ages three to six.

Plus to keep with the insect theme, there’s also a Zoolab Animal Encounter event, where you can meet with millipedes, spiders and more.

Admission to the gardens costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, with under fives going free.

Seven Stories, Newcastle

Seven Stories is an attraction and National Centre for Children’s Books, which is free to enter and full of exciting exhibitions and galleries.

Throughout February, families will be able to visit the free Elmer and Friends exhibition, which centres around the colourful patchwork elephant.

There is also a free exhibition on Mog, the Forgetful Cat which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Judith Kerr.

During the February half term, the centre will also be running daily story-time sessions every hour from 10:30am.

The sessions cost an additional £3.50 per child with adults sitting in for free, however the 3:30pm story time sessions are always free.

The story times are best suited to children under eight, and should be booked in advance on the Seven Stories website.

London Museum Docklands: Viking exhibition

There’s a completely free Viking-themed exhibition running from 14 – 20 February at the London Museum Docklands.

Kids can decorate a Viking shield biscuit, sit in on storytelling sessions, and create digital designs on a tablet – plus there’s a sensory play area for babies, too.

There’s also arts and crafts available such as making Viking brooches and moulding your own Roman pot.

Plus the rest of the main galleries and exhibitions are free and open to all, and include immersive Victorian streets and a unique mud-larking zone.

Whilst all of the activities are free, some require booking in advance online.

Harewood House Family Takeover, West Yorkshire

From 16 – 22 February 2026, Harewood House in West Yorkshire is undergoing the House Family Takeover.

This event will see the house filled with colourful, interactive play zones and historical characters to immerse you in Harewood’s history.

Other activities taking place include Welly Walks and relaxed arts and crafts sessions for SEND children.

The Family Takeover events are included in the cost of your day ticket, which should be purchased online in advance.

A family ticket for two adults and two children starts at £33, costing just £8.25pp to enter. However prices can vary depending on the date you choose to visit.

Leeds Storytelling Festival

Running from 14 February – 8 March 2026, the Leeds Storytelling Festival will take over the city for three weeks of theatre, readings, workshops and family trails.

One of the events taking place during the festival is the CBeebies Read and Rave at Leeds Central Library, a free event recommended for families with children under five.

Other fun options include Story Explorers face painting and crafts, and a family-friendly Ask an Astronaut Q&A with NASA’s Meganne Christian.

Most of the events at the festival are free, however you should check online if the events you want to attend need to be pre-booked.

Horniman Museum: Octonauts Trail and Underwater Adventures, London

Starting on February 13 and running all the way through until November, you can take part in a brand new exhibition at the Horniman Museum.

Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is a new interactive exhibition which includes climbing aboard a submarine and crawling through shipwrecks.

There’s plenty of interactive and hands-on elements to this underwater adventure, plus there’s Octonauts themed activities and fun facts along the way, too.

Adult tickets cost £9.80 and children’s cost £7. A family ticket for four costs £27, or if you’re receiving Universal Credit you can enter for just £2. Book in advance online.

Colne Valley Railway, Essex

For a cheap half term activity that train-lovers will enjoy, head to Colney Valley Railway in Essex.

On the 15, 18 and 21 February 2026, the railway are offering the Kids for a Quid scheme, where families can enjoy free parking and unlimited train rides on a heritage steam train – with kids tickets for just £1.

The steam and diesel railway is a family and dog-friendly attraction close to Sible Hedingham in Essex.

Hop aboard a restored railway coach or wagon and enjoy views of the Essex countryside. The round trip takes about 15 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes.

All children are given an activity sheet upon arrival, plus there’s also a large model railway on site, as well as a cafe with cosy seating and hot food.

A family ticket for two adults and three children usually costs £33.00, working out at £6.60 each.

But with the Kids for a Quid offer you’ll get it even cheaper, with the same family visit costing just £27, or £5.40 each.

To get the offer, head to the Railway’s website to pre-book and enter the code ‘KIDQUID26’.

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire

The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is running a “Hands-on History” event this February half term.

From the 14 – 22nd of February, families can follow an immersive, card-collecting trail through the museum, stopping to jump into plenty of fun tasks.

Activities along the way include getting hands-on with motoring mechanics in Jack Tucker’s Garage, as well as hopping aboard a replica 1912 London bus and quizzing the driver on all things transport.

There’s also plenty more to see here, like a limited-time collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s Cars until April 12.

Although adult tickets cost £27 and kids cost £16.65 (0 – three go free), there is a trick to make visiting the museum cheaper.

If you add on Gift Aid to your ticket when booking online (an extra 25%), you’ll receive a free annual pass to the National Motor Museum.

This means that after paying for your initial entry, you can return as many times as you want throughout the year for free – which can easily work out at under £10 per visit if you make the most of your pass!

ODEON and Vue discounted cinema tickets, nationwide

Vue Cinemas‘ Mighty Mornings deal offers cinema tickets for just £2.49 for children aged four to eleven, plus the same reduced rate applies to the adults accompanying them.

Mighty Mornings takes place every day during the school holidays from 10am, and offers a range of family-friendly films to pick from that all ages will enjoy.

Alternatively, ODEON offer ODEON Kids screenings with tickets from just £1.

ODEON Kids screenings run every day during the school holidays, however availability depends on your chosen cinema location and can be checked online.

Films to look forward to in the 2026 February half term include Sony Pictures’ GOAT and Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up.

A senior South Korean official said Thursday that he anticipates “some new progress in a few days” regarding North Korea-related issues, but he noted it is not about the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang.

The official made the remarks during a meeting with reporters in Washington amid speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump could seek a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un when he visits China in April.

“There may be some new progress in a few days. It is not anything significant, but it is intended as a gesture of goodwill that can serve as a starting point (for progress in diplomacy with North Korea),” the official said.

“It doesn’t go as far as dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea,” he added.

He also pointed out North Korea’s lack of interest in diplomacy with Seoul or Washington.

“So we need to wait and see,” he said.

Both South Korea and the U.S. have expressed their desire to reengage with North Korea. But it remains uncertain whether Pyongyang would accede to dialogue overtures at a time when it has deepened cooperation with Russia and China to address its economic and other needs.

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Four days after a KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker made an aborted takeoff at Moron Air Base in southern Spain, the runway at the installation remain closed and will be for several more days, according to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notice To Airman (NOTAM). The base is a key logistics hub for military aircraft, equipment and personnel heading east from the U.S. to Europe and the Middle East. The incident came as the U.S. is building up its forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility amid growing tensions with Iran.

We were the first to report about the mishap at Moron and related problems.

The jet, callsign GOLD71, is still blocking the runway, according to online flight trackers. According to a firsthand account provided to The War Zone, the incident started after the KC-46 experienced an engine failure on Saturday while taking off. That resulted in rejected takeoff with hard braking that reportedly blew out eight tires. What damage was done to the runway remains unclear. We have reached out to U.S. Air Forces Central-U.S. Air Force Africa (USAFE) and Air Mobility Command for more details.

The following video shows the aftermath of the aborted takeoff as the jet came to a halt.

“It was a routine takeoff of a Pegasus KC46 with an RTO (rejected takeoff) due to engine failure, emergency braking sequence and everything that involves braking a loaded tanker,” Pepe Jimenez, the aircraft spotter who took the video, told The War Zone on Tuesday morning. “AB Morón result blocked for days.”

Additional images taken by Jimenez after the mishap show damaged landing gear and base emergency crews responding.

Jimenez also shared images showing personnel near the KC-46A’s starboard engine.

After the mishap, the FAA issued an initial NOTAM on Jan. 31 notifying pilots that there was a disabled jet on the runway. That NOTAM expires Feb. 7.

“AERODROME CAUTION: DISABLED AIRCRAFT LOCATED ON THE RUNWAY 1935 FT FROM RWY 02 THRESHOLD (SOUTH END),” it read. 

On Monday, the FAA issued two more NOTAMs, notifying pilots that both the military and civilian runways at the facility would be closed until Feb. 6.

Jimenez told us that the incident left several aircraft at the base unable to take off. The list includes one KC-135 Stratotanker, another KC-46, one C-17 Globemaster III cargo jet, “and the entire 11th Wing with Eurofighters from the Spanish Air Force,” Jimenez told us.

Another image Jimenez shared with us shows the Globemaster III and another Pegasus at the base. The War Zone cannot verify the current status of the aircraft at Moron.

It is unclear at the moment how badly U.S. logistics are affected by Moron’s closure. At the time of the incident, GOLD71 was part of an effort to take Air Force F-35A stealth fighters to the Middle East, according to online flight trackers. The F-35As, from the Vermont National Guard, were moving east from the Caribbean after taking part in the operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. The fighters were diverted to Rota Air Base in Spain after the KC-46 mishap, and it remains unclear when the flight will resume to its ultimate destination. We were the first to report that they landed in Lajes, Portugal, and were possibly slated to head to Jordan.

Further highlighting the importance of Moron, a F/A-18G Growler electronic warfare (EW) jet left Moron and landed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on Jan 31. Just like the F-35As, these aircraft departed from their assignment to the Caribbean before crossing the Atlantic. It is unclear if the Growlers took off before or after the KC-46 incident. Jimenez also captured an image of a Growler at Moron.

“Morón Air Base is a vital link in any operation moving east from the United States due to its strategic location close to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, its massive flight line, long runaway, aircraft refueling systems and excellent weather,” according to the 465 Air Refueling Squadron, the facility’s host unit.

In addition to serving as a transit hub, Moron also hosts temporary deployments of strategic aviation, like the B-52J Stratotankers from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. The B-52s arrived in November in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1.

B1-B Lancer bombers have also flown BTF missions to Moron from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.

While the U.S. has other bases in the region, like Rota some 50 miles to the southwest, the KC-46 incident at Moron highlights the complexities of large-scale logistic maneuvers like the one taking place now. The U.S. is flowing forces to the Middle East as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to pressure Iran to end its nuclear ambitions. This has required many cargo flights to move materiel and personnel, as well as tankers to keep them refueled along the way. The situation at Moron shows how one incident can slow a global operation for days.

Yesterday, we reported that U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to meet on Friday for negotiations. Tuesday morning, Axios reported that Iran wants to change the venue from Istanbul to Oman.

The Iranians “also now want to hold them in a bilateral format, only with the U.S., rather than with several Arab and Muslim countries attending as observers,” Axios added.

Should the negotiations not happen or breakdown, Trump has options in the region for carrying through on his threat to attack Iran, even if there are not yet enough tactical aircraft in the region for a sustained military operation. We will keep an eye out to see when Moron reopens to continue assisting U.S. military logistics.

Update: 8:11 AM Feb. 4 –

The KC-46 has been moved to a taxiway, and the runway at Moron has reopened, according to the FAA’s latest NOTAM. However, Taxiway Alpha, where the jet was moved to, remains closed. It is unclear at the moment whether flights have resumed. The NOTAM is in effect through April 30.

Morón’s RWY02/20 is open again (with limitations). Personally I see a problem with the #KC46 just outside the runway strip penetrating obstacle limitation surfaces, but who am I… 😉🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/1C1THXCUL4

— Sir Listenalot (@SirListenalot) February 4, 2026

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com

Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny star in the biographical drama which fans have a limited time to watch for free

A period drama viewers have called “absorbing” and “intoxicating” is currently available for free streaming – but fans keen to watch it only have a limited time to do so.

Director Sofia Coppola’s biopic Priscilla was made available on BBC iPlayer nearly a year ago, and there is now just one month left to watch it before it exits the platform.

The film is based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir, Elvis and Me, and charts her life with legendary rock star Elvis Presley behind closed doors, from their initial meeting to their turbulent marriage. Their relationship has long been a hotly-debated topic given Priscilla was just 14 when she met a then-24-year-old Elvis.

It stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla, who earned a Best Actress nod at the Golden Globes for the role, while Jacob Elordi portrays Elvis. BBC iPlayer’s synopsis reads: “Fourteen-year-old schoolgirl Priscilla Beaulieu is accustomed to the unsettled life of an army family.

“Invited to a party at Elvis Presley’s house as he carries out his military service in Germany, the shy teenager catches his eye and is gradually drawn into a strange and unhealthy co-dependent life.”

At time of writing, the film – released back in 2023 – enjoys an impressive 84 per cent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile audiences awarded it a lower 64 per cent score on average.

One reviewer gushed: “A tender, poignant drama and an excellent continuation of her muted but no less intoxicating style. It shows [Sofia] Coppola at her most understanding as she presents a complex, multi-faceted love story where two lovers drift apart.”

Another viewer said: “This was probably the most visually stunning movie I’ve seen,” as a third shared: “Great movie! Very engrossing – felt like I was right there with her every step of the way. The chemistry between the lead actors was mesmerizing.”

A fourth added: “A really we done biopic about Priscilla. Truly shows how even in a house full of people she was still lonely. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi work really we as Elvis and Priscilla, especially with the height difference.”

However one more critical viewer said: “Truth be told, this film is little more than the story of a relationship between child and the childish. A rather tedious, and in parts, even a queasy watch, even for the Elvis fan.”

Priscilla is now streaming for free on BBC iPlayer. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

The flash sale launches today and offers up to 20% off peak date ski trips for 2026/27

Ski fans and families looking to hit the slopes for the 2026/27 season can get ready to bag some big deals, as Club Med has announced its highly anticipated Winter 2027 sale. Short but sweet: the sale will run from today until February 6, 2026.

The promotional deal offers up to 20% off all Ski Resorts for stays between three and 28 nights. Those looking for a bit of luxury can bag 20% off premium rooms (including deluxe rooms, suites, and villas), while standard superior rooms are discounted by up to 15%.

With a travel window running from November 14, 2026, to May 5, 2027, this three-day flash sale offers plenty of flexibility for shoppers. Crucially for parents, the discounts also apply to peak dates, meaning half-term and Christmas holidays are also included.

READ MORE:

The travel experts at Club Med are promising a “worry-free” winter by locking in all-inclusive prices now. Premium mountain getaways start from £1,085 per person, including several “hidden extras” that usually send ski budgets racing downhill.

Club Med offers families a way to hit the slopes, with children under 4 staying for free and bookings secured with a £150 per person deposit. Their premium all-inclusive packages eliminate hidden costs by covering dining, drinks and a range of sports and activities, and Kids Clubs are included for those aged four to 17, with additional childcare services also available.

Save 20% on deluxe rooms, suites and villas at all Club Med Ski resorts

Prices vary

Club Med

Book Here

Kids under 4 stay free, with bookings secured from £150pp, and guests can enjoy a premium all-inclusive experience with food, drinks, sports, activities and Kids’ Clubs (extra cost for under-4s).

A spokesperson for Club Med said: “With our upcoming Winter 2027 sale, we are offering our best deals of the season across all dates. By booking during this window, guests can secure their dream room and preferred peak dates at a price that simply won’t be beaten later in the year.”

For those looking to hit the French or Italian Alps, several top-tier resorts are expected to be popular next winter. Nestled at 1,460 metres behind spruce trees, Club Med Valmorel features architecture inspired by traditional Beaufortain mansions with stone roofs and colourful facades.

The resort offers plenty of activities ranging from sledding and skiing in the Grand Domaine to snowshoeing through the Aigueblanche valley and relaxing in the indoor pool. Guests can upgrade to the “Le Lodge” Exclusive Collection space to enjoy elegant suites, private ski rooms and luxury perks like champagne service from 6pm.

Elsewhere at Club Med Alpe d’Huez in the Savoie ski area, serious skiers can enjoy direct ski-in/ski-out access to a vast 250km domain featuring Europe’s longest black run. The resort is designed for all generations and abilities though, with the “Happy Lounge” and indoor pool with adult-only sanctuaries such as “La Bulle” and the PAYOT spa.

Guests can enjoy panoramic mountain views from private balconies or take part in unique alpine experiences including dog sledding and vibrant après-ski at the lobby bar. For a real touch of luxury, Club Med Val d’Isère is the only Exclusive Collection Resort in the French mountains, offering a stylish blend of stone and wooden chalets nestled in a legendary alpine valley.

The resort caters to ski enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike with world-class slopes, yoga and a luxury spa, all within a setting designed for privacy and relaxation. A highly regarded resort for upscale skiers who appreciate the finer things in life, guests can enjoy enhanced premium services, including a dedicated concierge to cater to every need and a private shuttle service to the village centre.

Another choice is the Club Med La Rosière, perched 1,900 metres high with 180° south-facing views in the Haute-Tarentaise Valley. Families can explore the Espace San Bernardo – a cross-border ski domain once traversed by Hannibal – or enjoy the village’s famous Saint Bernards and freestyle competitions. For ultimate luxury, the Exclusive Collection space offers premium balconies overlooking the Tarentaise Valley in the shadow of Mont Blanc.

If the Italian slopes are calling, Club Med Pragelato Vialattea is a charming Piedmont resort designed like a traditional Italian hamlet, featuring clusters of cosy chalets set around a village fountain at 1,600 metres. The resort provides direct access to the Olympic slopes of the Via Lattea and Sestriere domains, complemented by alpine activities such as snowshoeing through pine forests and relaxing in a Finnish sauna. Families can experience the authentic Italian mountain lifestyle, pairing days on the slopes with après-ski treats like Genovese focaccia and evenings in the resort’s lounge.

Alternatively, Club Med Saint-Moritz Roi Soleil provides a glamorous Swiss Alps experience at 1,750 metres, just a short distance from the prestigious lake and high-end boutiques of St Moritz. The resort offers access to 350km of slopes that have hosted the Winter Olympics and World Championships, with activities including cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing through the Engadine valley.

Families can enjoy mountain-top lunches, horse-drawn carriage rides, and traditional Swiss fondue dinners, all included alongside premium amenities like a heated indoor pool and sauna. For skiers who are looking to go further afield, Club Med’s first North American mountain resort – Club Med Quebec Charlevoix – offers a unique “sea meets peaks” experience with contemporary Canadian architecture and sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River.

Located in the Charlevoix region, experienced skiers can tackle challenging slopes with direct ski-in/ski-out access, while year-round trails provide diverse opportunities for both winter sports and summer hiking. The resort is designed to immerse guests in an unspoiled natural landscape, blending premium all-inclusive comfort with the raw beauty of a UNESCO-designated biosphere.

Club Med’s ski holidays offer a fully all-inclusive getaway that most ski operators don’t match. But for ski fans looking for something different, TUI offers a range of ski holidays across Europe. Offering a range of hotels and self-catering accommodation, guests can book ski and lift passes, equipment passes and more before they travel.

Alternatively, British Airways has some European deals worth considering, including ski holidays in Bulgaria. As one of Europe’s best value resorts, Sofia is a good choice for skiers on a budget.

Ski fans who have already hit the piste with Club Med have left thousands of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. One traveller who stayed at Val d’Isère left a five-star review, saying: “Stayed here recently and would certainly recommend.

“Such a good location, with pistes from the door, which is rare in Val d’Isere. Easy walk to town too if you fancy it. Bus stops at the front door too, if you don’t want the walk. Catering was the usual Club Med quality buffet, with loads of choice and variety every day.”

Another who visited Club Med La Rosière, was also delighted, sharing: “Club Med, all included and you don’t want for anything. It makes things very simple. The hotel is beautifully presented, looks very classy and modern, yet still comfortable. It was spotlessly clean and a comfortable temperature throughout. Staff are very friendly and always say hello and are very helpful if you have a query.”

However, a visitor who stayed at the Alpe d’Huez resort was less impressed, noting: “Everything is perfect except the noisy dining room. Lots of people, but the fact that the tables are very close exacerbates the problem.”

While another visitor at the same resort was bowled over, adding: “Of all the rest of the network that I have hosted, in fact, the ClubMed Alpe D’Huez is the best. The offer of services, the party climate and especially the team of ski teachers, plus an amazing piste made – at least for me – the best choice among the hotels of this network for a family looking to enjoy the trip with friends, have fun and even improve their skill in skiing.”

Time is running out to binge watch the addictive and highly rated series

Time is running out for Netflix fans to enjoy an ‘epic’ sci-fi adaptation.

The series was originally an exclusive on rival streamer Paramount+, with episodes released weekly beginning in 2022. That was until the live-action series based on the popular video game series Halo made its Netflix debut in March last year.

Finding a new home on the platform, it quickly surged up the charts of most watched titles among UK subscribers. However, it looks like the deal to bring the show over was only good for a year, as it is set to be removed a day before its 12 month anniversary.

The show, based on the much-loved Xbox-exclusive game franchise, follows super soldier Master Chief John-117 and his team of Spartans as they battle against the alien threat known as the Covenant.

Its first season scored a respectable 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the second series upped the ante with an impressive 90% rating. Pablo Schreiber, known for roles in Orange is the New Black, Den of Thieves and The Wire, took on the role of Master Chief.

Despite its eventual cancellation by Paramount, many viewers have expressed their admiration for the show. This includes many acknowledging the challenge of successfully adapting such a beloved series.

One fan, sharing their opinion online, posted: “The Halo show on Paramount+ is everything I could have hoped for and more. As a fan of the Halo series, I was thrilled by how they brought the universe to life.

“The visuals are stunning, capturing the gritty yet futuristic essence of the franchise. The action sequences are intense and cinematic, especially the battles with the Covenant, which felt ripped straight out of the games.”

Another added: “Epic! If you want action, violence and non stop battles, this is for you. Amazing cinematography. Brought to screen successfully, I’d say.”

They continued: “Heaps of effort and money went into producing this, obviously. Visually stunning. Whole cast excels in character very convincingly. If you are a Halo fan, this will keep you glued to the screen. Lots of twists and dilemmas to keep it gripping and interesting.”

However, its not just dedicated fans of the game series that have been able to enjoy the show. As one person claimed: “Production quality is outstanding, on par with Star Wars or Star Trek. I found the first season intelligent, enjoyable to watch and honestly, very addictive.”

While someone else suggested: “Pure fun, best sci fi since Expanse and The Mandalorian.” And one person commented: “Excellent! They have filmed and written the storyline perfectly and it has me hooked wanting more. Binge watched whole of season 1 in two days.”

Halo is streaming on Netflix until February 28 and on Paramount Plus.

Santagiulia is due to host many of the biggest ice hockey fixtures at the Games, including the men’s and women’s gold medal matches.

The first match is due to be held there on Thursday, 5 February, when hosts Italy face France in their first game of the women’s competition.

However, the stadium, less than a week before that game, is far from ready to host matches.

The stadium has been the centre of concerns throughout the build-up to the Games, including resulting in a boycott warning from the National Hockey League (NHL).

The rink in Milan, approved by the International Ice Hockey Federation, is shorter than the minimum requirement in the NHL, leading to suggestions there could be an increase in high-speed collisions. The quality of the ice has also been questioned.

“Obviously, if the players feel that the ice is unsafe, we’re not going to play,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in November. “It’s as simple as that.”

The NHL said it was “pleased” with the test event at the arena in January, although that did not pass without incident. During the event there was a short delay while a small hole in the ice had to be repaired.

Santagiulia is one of two ice hockey venues for the Games, with the Milano Rho Arena staging some group-stage matches.

The Rho Arena, a temporary venue constructed in the Fiera Milano exhibition centre, has a capacity of 5,800 – 6,000 fewer than Santagiulia.

BBC Sport visited all four venues in the Milan Cluster which will host events during the Games, which officially run between 6 and 22 February.

As well as the ice hockey venues, speed skating will take place at a temporary venue in Fiera Milano to the west of the city, while short track and figure skating are at Unipol Forum on the southern outskirts.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been contacted for comment.

Bangladesh cricket lost their place at T20 World Cup after refusal to play in India, but shooting team heads to New Delhi.

Bangladesh ‌has approved its shooting team’s tour to New Delhi for ‍next month’s Asian ‍Shooting Championships, days after the cricket team’s refusal to play in India due to safety concerns cost them a place at the Twenty20 World Cup.

Bangladesh have been replaced by Scotland in ⁠the T20 World Cup, which runs from February 7 to March 8, ​after they insisted they would not tour India, highlighting security ‍concerns following soured political relations between the neighbours.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), citing independent security assessment reports, dismissed Bangladesh’s demands to play their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, the tournament ‍cohosts, ⁠instead, arguing the late change in schedule was “not feasible”.

However, media reports in Bangladesh said a three-member contingent comprising shooter Robiul Islam, his coach Sharmin Akhter and jury member Saima Feroze had received approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to compete in New Delhi.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary-general, Pawan Singh, confirmed the shooting team’s participation in India.

“Bangladesh’s participation was confirmed a month ‌ago. Our applications for clearances for all nations have been in process for almost three months,” Singh told the Reuters news agency.

“We have to follow ISSF norms as a ‌sport and comply with the IOC (International Olympic Committee) charter, and as NRAI, we have always received support ‌from the government,” he said, referring to the International Shooting Sport Federation.

Singh added that the Bangladesh contingent ⁠did not request any extra security measures.

“The Bangladesh team has come to our tournaments many times, so they know our strict protocols well. Maybe that’s why they are confident and ‌have not made any special requests.”

The Asian Shooting Confederation, which is organising the event, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The continental ‍rifle and pistol shooting championship will be held in New Delhi from February 2 to 14.

The perfect winter escape awaits just 4.5 hours from London, with temperatures reaching 22 °C and 300 days of sunshine annually. As well as charming mountain villages, visitors to Cyprus can also explore the world’s only divided capital, Nicosia.

Brits looking for a sun-drenched getaway might want to consider this English-speaking island, just a short flight from the UK, with pleasant winter temperatures of 22 °C. Only a four-and-a-half-hour journey from London, this Mediterranean gem offers a welcome break from the UK’s current cold, wet weather.

With year-round sunshine and flowers beginning to bloom in March, Cyprus is a fantastic choice for families, offering numerous family-friendly hotels. The island also features a range of activities, from walking trails to discovering a variety of cultural and historical sites.

Winter sees fewer visitors, making it the perfect time to explore popular attractions without the lengthy queues. Whilst partygoers will be drawn to Ayia Napa, one of Europe’s top party destinations, those seeking blissful tranquillity can bask in the island’s 300 days of sunshine each year.

READ MORE: All holidays cancelled as major UK travel company collapses after 30 years

A trip into the Troodos Mountains unveils stunning scenery and a delightful village nestled in the valley below. In a surprising twist, there’s even a ski resort located within the breathtaking Troodos Mountain Range. Operating from January to March, it’s positioned on Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Cyprus, and an iconic destination bound to intrigue lovers of ancient mythology.

Visitors can drive up to the slopes, which feature several scenic viewpoints en route. Hidden in the valley is the picturesque village of Omodos, filled with restaurants serving traditional food such as fresh halloumi and lamb Kleftiko – the ideal conclusion to a day of mountain exploration. The village also boasts the Monastery of Timios Stavros, one of the most historically significant monasteries on the island, which offers tours.

A local fortified sweet wine, commandaria, is popular in the area and can be purchased from locals’ doorsteps for €2-€5 (£1.61-£4.23). Another must-visit is Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. Following the 1974 civil war, the island was bifurcated into two states: the Greek Republic of Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and this fascinating city remains a stark reminder of these troubled times.

The border, known as the ‘green line’, cuts through lively Nicosia, making it the only divided capital city in the world, with a rich history stretching back more than 5,000 years. Tourists may cross the border in a fairly straightforward process, at The Ledra Street Border Crossing and The Ledra Palace Border Crossing, the second of which allows for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Other attractions include underwater waterfall hikes, a turtle conservation station, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, snorkelling adventures, Akamas Peninsula National Park, castles and even a wellness retreat.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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A film buff has shared 10 lesser-known psychological thrillers including Fresh, No Exit and Strange Darling that are described as masterpieces that will mess with your mind for days

We all adore films that have us gripping the sofa, pulse pounding, eyes glued to the screen. That’s why psychological thrillers are so popular!

The films excel at delivering these spine-tingling sensations – and there’s a wealth of brilliant examples you might have missed. TikTok user horror_hideout91 has compiled a selection of underrated thrillers perfect for your viewing queue.

Some are hailed as masterpieces that’ll haunt your thoughts for days afterwards – so why not give them a whirl:

First up is ‘No Exit’. The plot follows a university student who discovers a kidnapped girl at a remote motorway services during a snowstorm, with the abductor lurking close by.

Following that, there’s ‘Fresh’. This chilling tale revolves around a woman fed up with dating apps, who hands her digits to an apparently delightful bloke she meets whilst shopping. Yet appearances can be deceiving.

The third recommendation is ‘Deep Water’. A husband who permits his spouse to conduct extramarital relationships to prevent divorce becomes the main suspect when one of her loversvanishes.

Alternatively, consider ‘The Lie’. This centres on a dad and daughter who encounter the girl’s closest mate beside the motorway. When they pull over to offer transport, they discover their kind gesture has triggered dreadful repercussions.

Alternatively, there’s ‘The Woman in the Window’, which follows an agoraphobic woman who observes her neighbours for entertainment – only to discover she’s witnessed a horrific crime.

The cinema enthusiast also suggested ‘Exam’, featuring eight job candidates competing for a corporate position. They’re placed in a room and must answer one straightforward question. The catch? Working out what the question actually is.

Next up is ‘Burn’, centring on a lonely and unstable petrol station worker constantly living in the shadow of her more charismatic colleague. When they’re robbed one evening, she seizes it as the ideal chance to forge a bond with the robber.

Alternatively, give ‘Take Shelter’ a go. It tracks a man tormented by apocalyptic visions who must determine whether to protect his family from an impending catastrophe – or shield them from himself.

The penultimate recommendation is ‘Strange Darling’, depicting a one-night stand that descends into darkness, spiralling into a serial killer’s brutal killing spree.

Finally, the list concludes with ‘Milk & Serial’, where a surprise prank sees a well-known social media pair forced to confront the ramifications of their behaviour.

So there you have it – 10 chilling recommendations guaranteed to keep you gripped throughout!

Jan. 26 (UPI) — The Mexican content creator Nicole Pardo Medina, known online as “La Nicholette,” reappeared publicly over the weekend at a church in Culiacán, one day after state authorities confirmed she had been found alive following four days in captivity.

Visibly emotional, Pardo Medina addressed a religious service held in a church in El Salado, a rural area of Culiacán, where she thanked attendees for their support during her disappearance. Videos shared on social media on Sunday show the influencer speaking through tears.

“Thank you to everyone for keeping me in your prayers, for every candle you lit, and for not losing faith,” she said, according to the recordings.

Pardo Medina was reported kidnapped on the afternoon of Jan. 20 in a residential area of Culiacán, the capital of the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa. The case quickly drew widespread attention after footage from the security camera of her vehicle circulated online, showing armed men forcing her into another car.

On Jan. 24, the Fiscalía General del Estado de Sinaloa confirmed that the influencer had been located alive. Authorities did not disclose details about the circumstances of her release, identify possible suspects, or provide information about her medical condition. They also did not indicate whether a specific line of investigation has been established.

Unconfirmed reports from local media suggested that Pardo Medina returned to her home in the El Salado area by taxi. That information has not been corroborated by officials.

During the days she remained missing, another video circulated on social media in which the influencer reads a statement accusing a criminal group known as “La Mayiza,” also referred to as “Los Mayos,” a faction linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, of pressuring individuals like her to participate in criminal activities tied to organized crime. In the same video, she alleges being forced to hand over money to state patrols on behalf of a figure identified as “El Mayito Flaco,” among other claims.

Culiacán is considered one of the cities most affected by violence linked to organized crime in Mexico, amid internal disputes between trafficking groups. In recent months, those conflicts have fueled a rise in homicides, kidnappings and disappearances, according to official figures and security analysts.

State authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing but have released no further details.