deals

Google to pay $360M in Australia for Android preinstallation deals

Aug. 18 (UPI) — The Australian government announced Monday that Google must pay after having admitted to making monopolistic preinstallation deals with Android manufacturers.

An agreement, made in federal court between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Google, would see the U.S.-based tech company penalized for around $360 million. The court will ultimately decide if the penalty is appropriate.

The arrangement comes after Google LLC and its Google Asia Pacific regional entity confessed to making contractual arrangements with Android Original Equipment Manufacturers and Australian Mobile Network Operators in regard to the “preinstallation and placement of Google Search and the Chrome Browser Application on Android devices.”

The ACCC considers such pledged provisions to be in violation of Section 45 of the Australian Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which bans anti-competitive agreements.

According to the ACCC, the Telstra and Optus telecommunications companies made deals with Google between December 2019 and March 2021 to only preinstall Google Search on the Android phones they sold, but no other search engines.

In return, the companies received a share of the revenue generated from advertising during the use of Google Search on the devices.

Google has admitted that reaching those understandings with each of Telstra and Optus was likely to lessen competition.

However, the ACCC added that “Google does not agree with all of the ACCC’s concerns but has acknowledged them and offered the undertaking to address these concerns.”

Nonetheless, under the agreement, Google will also remove particular preinstallation and default search engine restrictions from its contracts with Android phone manufacturers and telecommunications companies.

Telstra and Optus, as well as the telecommunications provider TPG, agreed last year not to renew or make new exclusive search engine deals with Google.

“Conduct that restricts competition is illegal in Australia because it usually means less choice, higher costs or worse service for consumers,” said ACCC Chairperson Gina-Cass Gottlieb in the release.

“Today’s outcome, along with Telstra, Optus and TPG’s undertakings, have created the potential for millions of Australians to have greater search choice in the future, and for competing search providers to gain meaningful exposure to Australian consumers,” she added.

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Syria signs $14bn infrastructure deals, will revamp Damascus airport | Business and Economy News

Syria’s fledgling government has sought investment to reconstruct the country after its devastating yearslong civil war.

Syria has signed a series of investment deals with international companies, covering 12 major strategic projects in infrastructure, transportation and real estate valued at a total of $14bn, the latest lifeline aimed at reviving its war-ravaged economy.

The plans included a $4bn investment project for Damascus airport signed with Qatar’s UCC Holding and a $2bn deal with the United Arab Emirates national investment corporation to establish a metro in the Syrian capital, Talal al-Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said during the ceremony at the presidential palace in Damascus on Wednesday.

It’s a welcome development for President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s new government as it has been grappling with the heavy fallout from sectarian violence that broke out on July 13 in the southern province of Suwayda between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Government troops were deployed to quell the conflict. The bloodshed worsened, and Israel carried out strikes on Syrian troops and also bombed the heart of the capital Damascus, under the pretext of protecting the Druze.

Other major developments on the investment front destined for Damascus include the $2bn Damascus Towers project signed with the Italian-based company UBAKO, a $500m deal for the Baramkeh Towers project and another $60m agreement for Baramkeh Mall.

Since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December in a lightning rebel offensive, Syria’s new authorities have worked to attract investment for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed in the country’s devastating, nearly 14-year-long civil war.

The projects “will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life”, al-Hilali said on Wednesday, adding that the agreements were “a turning point” for Syria’s future.

Al-Sharaa and United States special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack were both present at the signing ceremony, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported on Wednesday.

Barrack congratulated Syrian authorities on “another great accomplishment”, saying they will witness the rise of a “new hub” in “trade and prosperity”.

The United Nations has put Syria’s post-war reconstruction costs at more than $400bn. Several deals have already been announced.

Last month, Saudi Arabia signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4bn.

Also in July, Syria signed an $800m deal with UAE-based company DP World to develop the port of Tartous, state media reported.

In May, Syria signed a $7bn energy deal with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish and US companies as it seeks to revive its crippled power sector.

The US and European Union have recently lifted sanctions on Syria in the wake of al-Assad’s ouster, opening the nation to further investment and trade deals.

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Trump’s tariff deadline arrives with fewer deals than promised

July 31 (UPI) — President Donald Trump‘s suspension of reciprocal tariffs ends Friday and the United States has only managed a small portion of his goal for new trade deals.

Trump has pushed back his self-imposed deadlines on multiple occasions during his second term but said in a post on social media on Wednesday that Friday’s deadline will not be extended.

A day after the post, Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs on Mexico as trade negotiations continue.

The United States has reached preliminary trade deals with at least five countries, though these framework agreements lack some publicly disclosed details. Trump has also announced an agreement with the European Union for a 15% tariff on most goods from the 27-nation bloc.

The European Union is the largest trade partner of the United States, exchanging about $605 billion in goods annually. The easing of tariffs on the European Union does not extend to the 50% tariffs on steel that Trump imposed earlier this year.

Trump’s tariff gambit sparked immediate economic turmoil with the hope that it would reset global trade in favor of the United States. He claimed to have made 200 deals in April, though details about those deals were never shared, and the administration called “90 deals in 90 days” a possibility.

While the administration is set to fall significantly short on its lofty goals, Trump has lauded the success of his tariff policy.

“We are very busy in the White House today working on Trade Deals,” Trump posted on Wednesday. “I have spoken to the Leaders of many Countries, all of whom want to make the United States ‘extremely happy.'”

Trump announced Wednesday on social media that negotiations continued this week with South Korea. The United States is imposing a 25% tariff on South Korean goods but Trump said South Korea has made an offer to “buy down” that tariff rate.

The agreement materialized on Thursday. The United States will reduce the tariff on South Korea to 15% based on South Korea agreeing to $350 billion in investments “owned and controlled” by the United States and selected by Trump.

China is among the United States’ biggest trade partners and a primary target of Trump’s tariff policy dating back to his first term in office. In June, Trump announced that the United States and China had come to an agreement over the trade of rare earth minerals.

As part of the agreement, China would export rare earth minerals to the United States and both countries would reduce their tariffs for 90 days. The rare earth minerals discussed are a crucial component in energy sources for mobile devices like smartphones as well as electric vehicles.

China is subject to a 34% reciprocal tariff that has been suspended until Aug. 12. The tariff is on all products, including those originating from Hong Kong and Macau. In response, China has increased tariffs on the United States by more than 120% since Trump took office.

July was the busiest month in terms of trade announcements, starting with a deal reached with Vietnam on July 2. According to Trump, Vietnam will pay a 20% tariff on all goods exported to the United States and 40% on goods that are transhipped through Vietnam to the United States.

U.S. exports to Vietnam face no tariff.

As Trump discussed trade with Vietnam, he cast doubt that an agreement would be reached with Japan. He imposed a 24% tariff on the ally nation.

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the United States and Japan traded $227.9 billion in goods in 2024. The United States exported about $79.7 billion to Japan, an increase of more than 5% over 2023. The United States also imported about $148.2 billion in goods, or about a $971 million increase.

“Japan will continue to engage vigorously in sincere and honest discussions toward the realization of an agreement that will benefit both Japan and the United States,” said Kazuhiko Aoki, Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary.

Trump met with the leaders of five African nations — Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon — in July to discuss increased trade activity.

“We’re shifting from aid to trade,” he said. “In the long run, this will be far more effective and sustainable and beneficial than anything else that we could be doing together.”

Trump said at the time there was a possibility that the five countries would be exempted from reciprocal tariffs. No agreements have been officially announced since the meeting took place.

A similar deal with Indonesia was announced days later by the president. Trump said he reached an agreement that would see Indonesia pay a 19% tariff on U.S. exports while dropping most tariffs on the United States.

Trump added that the agreement includes a commitment by Indonesia to purchase $15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion in agriculture products and 50 Boeing jets.

According to the White House, the United States and Indonesia seek to eliminate barriers for digital trade as part of their agreement. Indonesia is also committed to improving its labor standards by removing provisions that prevent workers and unions from collective bargaining.

The Philippines has followed suit with cutting tariffs on U.S. products, according to Trump. The United States and the Philippines reached an agreement last week.

The United States will lower its tariff on imports from the Philippines from 20% to 19%.

The United States and the Philippines traded about $23.5 billion in goods in 2024.

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Macron says the EU-US trade deal’s not yet done, and calls for more negotiation

Published on
30/07/2025 – 18:23 GMT+2


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French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the EU Commission to rebalance EU’s trade relationship with the US, particularly in the services sector, just days after a deal was reached between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump.

“To be free, one must be feared. We haven’t been feared enough,” Macron said during a meeting of the French council of ministers, French media reported, calling for “relentless efforts to rebalance trade, particularly in the services sector.”

“This is not the end of the story, and we will not stop here,” the French president added, as the EU Commission is still negotiating exemptions to the 15% US tariffs on EU imports agreed on 27 July.

Since the beginning of the tariff war with the US, France has consistently favoured a hardline approach, brandishing the threat of the anti-coercion instrument — an EU tool that allows foreign companies to be denied access to public procurement, licenses, or intellectual property rights.

The tool would enable the EU to target US services, where the bloc runs a trade deficit with the US, unlike in goods.

Countermeasures

The EU has also adopted a package of countermeasures worth €95 billion targeting US products, but these were suspended until 4 August. The Commission is now awaiting a US executive order confirming that a 15% blanket tariff will apply to imports of EU goods as of 1 August.

“Of course the measures are there,” an EU official said, adding: “They have been approved by the member states. So if there was a need, we could always bring them back on Tuesday [4 August]. But that is not the assumption from which we start this next phase in transatlantic relations.”

The French President acknowledged that negotiations with the US had been difficult, and welcomed exemptions secured for the aerospace sector, considered strategic for Paris. France also hopes that the Commission will manage to negotiate an exemption for wine and spirits, which represent France’s leading export market to the US.

“We are continuing to negotiate with the Americans so that, if possible, spirits, perhaps wine, and other sectors can be exempted. It’s a work in progress,” French Economy Minister Éric Lombard told French radio on Wednesday.

On top of aircraft, Von der Leyen on Sunday announced that zero-for-zero tariffs will apply to certain chemicals, generic drugs, semiconductor-making equipment, some agricultural products (but with the exclusion of all sensitive products like beef, rice, ethanol, sugar or poultry), some natural resources and critical raw materials.

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Best PS5 deals for July 2025: Save £100 on PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console

LOOKING to score a PS5 without spending a fortune? There are plenty of game consoles up for grabs.

From discounted consoles and controllers to budget-friendly games and accessories, read on for our roundup of this month’s best PS5 deals.

PS5 controller in front of PS5 Digital Edition box.

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Read on for our round-up of the best PS5 deals

Sony’s PlayStation 5 is one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market, thanks to its powerful hardware and a library of exclusive games.

From the award-winning Astro Bot to the recently released EA SPORTS College Football 26, the PS5 offers a game for every type of player.

Whether you’re upgrading your setup or surprising a loved one with a new console, there are plenty of PS5 deals to explore.

From price cuts on consoles to affordable accessories, find the best PS5 deals below.

Best PS5 deals at a glance

  • Best PS5 console deal: PlayStation 5 Pro, £659 (was £699.99) from Amazon – buy here
  • Best PS5 slim deal: PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console Slim, £329 (was £429) from EE – buy here
  • Best PS5 bundle deal: PlayStation 5 Disc Console & Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, £469 (was £534) from Very – buy here
  • Best PS5 controller deal: Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller, £54.99 (was £64.99) from EE – buy here
  • Best PS5 accessories deal: PlayStation PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds, £139.99 from Amazon – buy here
  • Best PS5 game deal: Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, £22.97 (was £44.97) from Currys – buy here

Best PlayStation 5 deals July 2025

Best PS5 console deal

PlayStation 5 Pro, £659 (was £699.99)

PlayStation 5 console and controller.
We’ve stumbled across a price cut on the PlayStation 5 ProCredit: Amazon

PlayStation 5 Pro, £659 (was £699.99) from Amazon

What’s the deal? Amazon has slashed the cost of Sony’s popular PlayStation 5 Pro to £659.

Why it’s a good buy: If you’re seeking the best possible PS5 experience, the Pro model should be on your radar, and there are plenty of reasons why.

The PS5 Pro is the first major upgrade to the console since it was released in November 2020.

It’s an all-digital console featuring advanced ray tracing, super-sharp image clarity using AI-enhanced resolution, and high frame-rate gameplay.

You can also play over 8,500 PS4 games, and with 2TB of storage, you can squeeze even more top titles onto your console.

Specs: Storage capacity: 2TB; Connectivity: WiFi 7; Colour: White and black

Best PS5 slim deal

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console Slim, £329 (was £429)

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition console, controller, and packaging.
Discover great deals at EECredit: EE

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console Slim, £329 (was £429) from EE

What’s the deal? We’ve also found a fantastic price drop on the  PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console Slim.

The popular gaming console is currently on sale for £329 at EE.

Why it’s a good buy: As you may have already guessed, the PS5 Digital Edition is an all-digital version of the console, with no disc drive.

It’s a great buy for gamers looking for a lighter and smaller console that boasts 4K Ultra HD graphics at up to 120 fps.

Specs: Storage Capacity: 1 TB; Connectivity: Built-in WiFi & Ethernet & Bluetooth; Colour: White and black

Best PS5 bundle deal

PlayStation 5 Disc Console & Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, £469 (was £534)

PlayStation 5 console with Spider-Man 2 game.
Bundle bargains are not to be missedCredit: Very

PlayStation 5 Disc Console & Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, £469 (was £534)

What’s the deal? Bundle bargains are not to be missed, and Very has a great offer available.

Priced at £469, this bundle comes with a PS5 Disc Console and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

Why it’s a good buy: PS5 bundles offer great value by combining a console and a game at a lower price than purchasing them separately.

Bundles are not only cost-effective but also convenient, providing everything you need to start gaming straight away.

For £469, you’ll get a high-performance console along with instant access to a fan-favourite game.

Specs: Storage Capacity: 1TB; Connectivity: Built-in WiFi & Ethernet & Bluetooth; Colour: White and black

Best PS5 controller deal

Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller, £54.99 (was £64.99)

PlayStation 5 controller.
Shoppers can pick up a DualSense Wireless Controller for lessCredit: EE

Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller, £54.99 (was £64.99) from EE

What’s the deal? EE customers can also pick up a PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller for £54.99.

Why it’s a good buy: That’s a great price for a wireless controller that provides immersive haptic feedback and dynamic adaptive triggers.

The controller is also available in several other colours, but prices may vary depending on your selection.

Specs: Connectivity: Wireless; Audio: Built-in microphone; Colour: White and black

Best PS5 accessories deal

PlayStation PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds, £139.99

Pair of PlayStation earbuds.
Experience impressive sound with the PS5 PULSE Explore Wireless EarbudsCredit: Amazon

PlayStation PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds, £139.99 from Amazon

What’s the deal? Right now, you can get the PS5 PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds for £139.99 from Amazon.

Why it’s a good buy: You’ll experience lifelike sound, and with two hidden microphones equipped with AI-enhanced noise rejection technology, your friends will hear you loud and clear.

Specs: Compatible with: PlayStation 5 consoles, PlayStation Portal remote player, PC/Mac; Connectivity: PlayStation Wireless/Bluetooth

Best PS5 game deal

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, £22.97 (was £44.97)

PS5 game case for Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
You’ll bag a popular game that delivers an action-packed adventureCredit: Currys

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, £22.97 (was £44.97) from Currys

What’s the deal? Shoppers can save £22 when they add Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales to their basket.

The game currently costs just £22.97 when purchased from Currys.

Why it’s a good buy: For that price, you’ll bag a popular game that delivers an action-packed adventure, great visuals, and a gripping storyline.

Specs: Rated: 16+; Release date: 2020

PS5 game deals

Astro Bot, £48.95 (was £59.99)

Astro Bot game cover for Playstation 5.
You can explore planets, volcanoes, undersea cities, and moreCredit: Amazon

Astro Bot, £48.95 (was £59.99) from Amazon

What’s the deal? Looking to bag the award-winning Astro Bot game? We’ve found an Amazon offer you won’t want to miss.

Now discounted to £48.95, Astro Bot takes gamers on a galactic quest in search of ASTRO’s lost crew.

Why it’s a good buy: If you’re shopping for a title that offers high-quality gameplay, you’ll want to take a closer look at Astro Bot.

You’ll explore planets, volcanoes, undersea cities, and more in this playful space adventure that’s packed with creative levels.

Specs: Rated: 7+; Release date: September 2024

TopSpin 2K25, £6 (was £55.99)

PS5 Top Spin 2K25 game cover featuring Serena Williams and Roger Federer.
Go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennisCredit: GAME

TopSpin 2K25, £6 (was £55.99) from GAME

What’s the deal? We’ve spotted a fantastic discount at GAME.

If you want to go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennis, TopSpin 2K25 should be on your list, and it’s now available for just £6.

Why it’s a good buy: TopSpin 2K25 is a solid choice for tennis fans thanks to its in-depth career mode, realistic gameplay, and selection of pro players.

There are over 24 playable pros to choose from, and you can even customise your look on the court.

Specs: Rated: 3+; Release date: April 2024

More PS5 game deals:

  • Disney Dreamlight Valley: Cozy Edition, £34 (was £44.99) from GAME – buy here
  • PJ Masks Power Heroes: Mighty Alliance, £11 (was £34.99) from GAME – buy here
  • NBA 2K25, £29 (was £59.99) from GAME – buy here

Best PS5 deals FAQs

PS5 UK stockists

Whether you’re looking to buy a new console or controller, several retailers stock PS5 products.

For example, EEAmazon, and Very offer impressive discounts on consoles and bundles, and you’ll find a wide selection of games and accessories at CurrysJohn LewisArgosAOGAME, and, of course, the PlayStation Store.

It’s best to shop around and compare prices to find the best deals and sales.

PS5 UK stockists include:

  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console, £329 (was £429) from EE – buy here
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Slim, £339 (was £429.99) from Amazon – buy here
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, £329 (was £429) from Very – buy here
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Slim, £339 (was £429) from Currys – buy here
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, £339.99 (was £429.99) from John Lewis – buy here
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, £339.99 from Argos – buy here
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, £339 (was £429) from AO – buy here
  • PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Console, £339.99 (was £429.99) from GAME – buy here
  • PlayStation5 Digital Edition Console, £339.99 (was £429.99) from PlayStation Store – buy here

When did the PS5 come out?

Sony’s PlayStation 5 was released on November 19, 2020, in the UK.

However, shoppers in JapanCanadaMexicoAustraliaNew ZealandSouth Korea, and the US were able to get their hands on the console a little earlier, on November 12.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro was released later, on November 7, 2024.

If you’re planning on purchasing a new PlayStation, check out our PS5 review.

For those torn between a PS5 and an Xbox Series X, our head-to-head has everything you need to know.

Can you play PS4 games on PS5?

Yes, thanks to its backward compatibility, most PS4 games are playable on the PS5.

According to PlayStation: ”The overwhelming majority of the 4,000+ PS4 games are playable on PS5 consoles.”

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Beat ’em or buy ’em. Fox News and others chase online audiences with podcaster deals

As legacy news brands turn to podcasters to court online audiences, another digital media upstart has been invited to sit at the grown-ups table.

Fox News Media this week signed a licensing deal with the makers of “Ruthless,” a popular conservative podcast, a move aimed at expanding the network’s digital reach.

The five-year-old podcast is co-hosted by public affairs and digital advocacy consulting firm Cavalry LLC’s founding partners Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook, as well as Shashank Tripathi, a commentator known by the pseudonym “Comfortably Smug.” It will operate under the Fox News Digital division led by Porter Berry. The co-hosts will also get exposure on the Fox News Channel.

The move is another sign of traditional media outlets looking for ways to appeal to audiences who are no longer in the pay-TV universe. Faced with a slow but steady decline in audience levels due to competition from streaming, upstart digital operations are seen as a route to reach those consumers.

Podcasts — particularly those hosted by comedians such as Joe Rogan and Andrew Schulz — proved influential in the 2024 presidential election as more traditional news outlets felt their relevance waning.

“Ruthless” has gained a large following among men aged 18 to 45, a group that is spending less time with traditional TV, where Fox News is the most-watched cable channel and often tops broadcast networks in prime time. The podcast is regarded as the conservative answer to “Pod Save America,” the popular digital program led by four former Obama aides, which is produced by Los Angeles-based Crooked Media.

Recent “Ruthless” episodes covered anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles and Elon Musk’s proposal for a new political party.

Fox News Media has a stable of podcasts hosted by the network’s on-air talent such as Will Cain. But “Ruthless” is the first outside entity to join its digital platforms, and similar deals could follow.

Fox News has a multiyear deal with “Ruthless,” which will share in the revenue the podcast generates across the network’s various platforms. The “Ruthless” partners will retain editorial control over the podcast, although their right-leaning worldview is in keeping with other commentators on Fox News. They will also serve as Fox News contributors appearing on the TV network’s programs.

Others media giants have gotten into the more freewheeling online sphere by working with podcasters and YouTubers.

ESPN reached into the digital media space when it picked up sports commentator Pat McAfee’s program — a hit on YouTube — for its TV networks. McAfee retains control of the program, which is licensed by the Walt Disney Co. unit.

Earlier this year, Fox News parent Fox Corp. acquired Red Seat Ventures, which provides ad sales, marketing and production support for digital content creators, many of them aimed at politically conservative audiences.

There may be more such deals ahead.

The Fox News announcement follows reports that David Ellison, whose company Skydance Media has a merger agreement with Paramount Global, has engaged in talks about acquiring The Free Press, a popular digital news site launched by former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss.

The entity, which produces Weiss’ current affairs podcast “Honestly” and uses the independent newsletter publishing platform Substack, would operate separately from Paramount Global’s CBS News division, according to one person familiar with the discussions who was not authorized to comment publicly.

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Palm Springs hotels have big summer deals — if you can face the heat

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Summer is here, and with it comes the annual desire to pack up and unplug somewhere, anywhere, else. But sandy beaches, far-flung tropical locales and mountain escapes often come with throngs of tourists and inflated pricing.

Then there’s Palm Springs, where crowds empty out in the summer and luxury hotel prices dip to year-round lows. Before you shrug off summer in the desert, consider this: The Coachella Valley is picturesque all year, most restaurants have wide-open availability and keeping cool is easy when all you do is bop between the pool and blissful A/C.

And unlike pricey beachfront resorts, the best hotels around Palm Springs are charging a fraction of their typical nightly rate. Five-star spots like the Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage or the Parker Palm Springs, for example, have dropped prices, and some properties, like the atmospheric Casa Cody, host seasonal activities like dive-in movies after dark.

The pricing below is accurate as of publishing but may change at any time. Prices also may not include additional charges, like resort fees. Most deals are available throughout September, but check the fine print and be aware of minimum stay and age requirements.

Whether for a week or quick weekend jaunt, the desert beckons, and in the weeks and months to come, it won’t cost as much as usual.

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New college sports agency is rejecting some athlete NIL deals

The new agency in charge of regulating name, image, likeness deals in college sports sent a letter to schools Thursday saying it had rejected deals between players and donor-backed collectives formed over the past several years to funnel money to athletes or their schools.

Those arrangements hold no “valid business purpose,” the memo said, and don’t adhere to rules that call for outside NIL deals to be between players and companies that provide goods or services to the general public for profit.

The letter to Division I athletic directors could be the next step in shuttering today’s version of the collective, groups that are closely affiliated with schools and that, in the early days of NIL after July 2021, proved the most efficient way for schools to indirectly cut deals with players.

Since then, the landscape has changed yet again with the $2.8-billion House settlement that allows schools to pay the players directly as of July 1.

Already, collectives affiliated with Colorado, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia and others have announced they’re shutting down. Georgia, Ohio State and Illinois are among those that have announced plans with Learfield, a media and technology company with decades of licensing and other experience across college athletics, to help arrange NIL deals.

Outside deals between athlete and sponsor are still permitted, but any worth $600 or more have to be vetted by a clearinghouse called NIL Go that was established by the new College Sports Commission and is being run by the auditing group Deloitte.

In its letter to the ADs, the CSC said more than 1,500 deals have been cleared since NIL Go launched on June 11, “ranging in value from three figures to seven figures.” More than 12,000 athletes and 1,100 institutional users have registered to use the system.

But the bulk of the letter explained that many deals could not be cleared because they did not conform to an NCAA rule that sets a “valid business purpose” standard for deals to be approved.

The letter explained that if a collective reaches a deal with an athlete to appear on behalf of the collective, which charges an admission fee, the standard is not met because the purpose of the event is to raise money to pay athletes, not to provide goods or services available to the general public for profit.

The same would apply to a deal an athlete makes to sell merchandise to raise money to pay that player because the purpose of “selling merchandise is to raise money to pay that student-athlete and potentially other student-athletes at a particular school or schools, which is not a valid business purpose” according to the NCAA rule.

Sports attorney Darren Heitner, who deals in NIL, said the guidance “could disproportionately burden collectives that are already committed to spending money on players for multiple years to come.”

“If a pattern of rejections results from collective deals submitted to Deloitte, it may invite legal scrutiny under antitrust principles,” he said.

On a separate track, some college sports leaders, including the NCAA, are seeking a limited form of antitrust protection from Congress.

The letter said a NIL deal could be approved if, for instance, the businesses paying the players had a broader purpose than simply acting as a collective. The letter uses a golf course or apparel company as examples.

“In other words, NIL collectives may act as marketing agencies that match student-athletes with businesses that have a valid business purpose and seek to use the student’s NIL to promote their businesses,” the letter said.

Pells writes for the Associated Press.

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‘I was genuinely wowed by these 31 Amazon Prime Day 2025 UK deals today – they’re the best I’ve seen’

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is now in full swing, saving you huge amounts on thousands of products. Here are the very best deals with the biggest savings to shop today

Amazon products
Amazon Prime Day day two’s deals have dropped(Image: Amazon)

Get set to save some serious money, as it’s day two of Amazon’s popular annual Prime Day sale, and it’s the perfect time to shop for all your summer essentials, from beauty and tech to homeware and gardening gear.

Whether you need a new fan, garden furniture, plants or beauty product top-up, you’ll find thousands of products slashed in price during this mega-sale, which is running until Friday 11 July.

And if you need some help filtering out the offers, The Mirror’s team of shopping experts – who have been covering Prime Day sales for years – have rounded up the very best deals worth buying, with many items at the cheapest price they’ve been all year.

READ MORE: Ninja Portable Air Fryer lands in Amazon Prime Day deal with over £55 off

READ MORE: Get into gardening with 10-piece kit that has ‘all the essentials for weeding and planting’

Best Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals

Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless Fan

Was £149.99, now £89.99

Shark FlexBreeze Fan
This compact but powerful fan is proving to be super popular this summer(Image: Amazon)

This is the fan that we’re all talking about this summer, and even considering ditching our Dysons for it – and this is the cheapest price we’ve seen it since the hot weather began. And we’re not the only ones – celebs have also been singing the praises of this Shark model. Hailing it “the best” during the UK’s recent heatwave, Louise Thompson pointed fans in the direction of her new favourite fan, which she’s even touted as better than built-in air conditioning.

SMILOVII 24V Cordless Strimmer

Was £89.99, now £42.29

SMILOVII 24V Cordless Strimmer
This SMILOVII 24V Cordless Strimmer set is currently on sale(Image: Amazon)

As the nice weather continues for much of the UK, now is the perfect time to invest in some must-have equipment for keeping your outdoor space neat and tidy. Whether you’re looking for an easy and cost-effective way to keep grass trimmed on a small lawn or battling overgrown weeds, this strimmer set has the solution to it all – plus, you can save nearly £50 thanks to this Amazon sale, where, again, it’s currently the cheapest we’ve seen it.

Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose

Was £34.99, now £19.99

Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose Pipe
Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose gets axed by 43% (Image: Amazon)

Perhaps not the most exciting purchase, but certainly a useful one for your garden this summer – and at a great price.

This highly rated, kink-free expanding hose promises to make watering your plants less of a chore and has hundreds of five-star reviews, and right now, you can get it with a huge discount.

Apple AirTag

Was £35, now £28

Apple AirTag
An essential if you travel often(Image: Amazon)

Apple products are rarely on sale, so they’re worth snapping up when they are. AirTags are a must for frequent travellers, and an excellent way to keep track of items, misplaced or otherwise.

Packs of one, two, three and four AirTags are all reduced on Amazon at the moment, making it an excellent time to snap them up.

Jugeman Store Smart Watch

Was £99.99, now £23.99

Jugeman Store Smart Watch
Reduced by a whopping 76%(Image: Amazon)

We’re so impressed with the saving on this smartwatch: over £70, and a huge 76% discount. If you’re looking for a high-end quality model such as the Apple Watch then this won’t be for you, but if you have a small budget and need something basic, this is it. The 1.96-inch device has fitness tracking, a step counter, a sleep monitor, and more than 100 sports listed in its activity tracker. There’s also a Bluetooth calling feature, so if your phone is in your pocket you’ll be able to call through the watch – similar to how you would use a pair of wireless headphones.

Olay Super Serum

Was £39.99, now £19.89

Olay super serum
Delivering five benefits in one(Image: Olay)

Looking for a one-and-done skincare solution? Olay’s best-selling Super Serum is the answer. It contains five potent ingredients to deliver five skin benefits: better texture, more even tone, firmer skin, smoother lines, and long-lasting hydration – and it’s now half price.

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Fancy free takeaway delivery? Access to Deliveroo Plus is one of a host of advantages of Amazon Prime membership, including exclusive Prime Day discounts and perks on Hello Fresh, music, books and Prime Video. Usually £8.99 a month, you can now get a 30-day free trial to get access to the latest deals.

soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds

Was £29.99, now £15.98

soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds
Now under £16(Image: Amazon)

If you’re not fussy about owning ones from a big-name brand, you’ll often find plenty of affordable earbud headphones on sale during Amazon Prime Day – including this nifty pair, now with almost 50% off and tens of thousands of five-star reviews.

If you do want the big brand, you’ll won’t want to miss out on…

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

Was £229, now £179

Apple's AirPods Pro 2
Now with 22% off(Image: Apple )

…which, with £50 off, are the cheapest price they’ve been all year, according to Amazon.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the best-in-class noise-cancelling earbuds on the market — perfect for busy commutes, travelling or just zoning out all the background noise (we can confirm that this noise-cancelling technology is worth every penny).

Ninja CRISPi Portable Air Fryer

Was £179.99, now £124

Ninja CRISPi Portable Air Fryer
Now’s a great time to snap up a reduced-price air fryer(Image: Amazon)

Because it wouldn’t be an Amazon sale without an air fryer slashed in price, and here’s your chance to grab the cute, compact and portable Ninja CRISPi with almost a third off. Amazon shoppers are calling it “great for single portions” and “very easy to use”.

Yankony Underseat Cabin Bag

Was £29.99, now £16.99

 Yankony for Ryanair 40x20x25 Underseat Cabin Bag
Yankony for Ryanair 40x20x25 Underseat Cabin Bag(Image: Amazon)

Even though Ryanair has just announced measures to increase the size of cabin bags allowed on board, you can still potentially save money on your flight booking by travelling with an under-seat bag instead; this one’s an excellent price, and guaranteed to fit under seats on Ryanair flights.

HP Chromebook 14″

Was £249.99, now £139.99

HP Chromebook 14"
Perfect for college or university(Image: Amazon)

Now’s a great time to buy big-ticket items too, including tech such as laptops, especially if you – or someone you know – will be heading to collage or university after summer. Again, this is the cheapest price we’ve seen it in ages (it was £159.99 last week).

Don’t forget to shop around for the best deals at other retailers such as Currys and Argos.

Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener

Was £79.99, now £19.66

Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener from Amazon
Now under £25(Image: Amazon)

If you’re in need of a new pair of hair straighteners, these are a shopper favourite. They’re now under £20, and with a whopping 75% off – even cheaper than yesterday, when they were selling for £23 – and shoppers are even calling them “just as good as ghds”. Snap them up now before the price rises or they sell out, as they’re a popular buy every Prime Day.

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Eau de Parfum 200ml

Was £95.79, now £20.50

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Eau de Parfum
(Image: Boop Beauty)

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Lovely would usually cost over £90 for a hug 200ml bottle – but has dropped down to £20.50 for Prime Week.

One shopper has sworn by it for almost two decades, writing: “An absolute gem of a fragrance! I wear as my work perfume and also everyday fragrance. It’s light and flowery but not overpowering which is ideal when working in the NHS. People comment in this all the time, and because it is EDP it lasts all day! I have been buying this for 17+ years and it never fails to make me feel fab!”

Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5

Was £610, now £299.99

Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5
At home laser hair remover from Braun gets 51% off in Amazon sale (Image: Amazon)

If you’ve always wanted to try an at-home hair removal IPL device, now’s the time to shop, as this popular Braun device has a whopping £300 off – and the top-of-the-range model, the Braun Smart IPL Skin i·Expert, has an even bigger discount, down from £899.99 to £399.99.

Shoppers are calling the Silk-Expert Pro a “total game-changer”, reporting that they’ll “never going back any other hair removal”.

Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine with milk frother

Was £199, now £89

Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine with milk frother
Now better than half price(Image: Amazon)

“I’ve tested a number of different Nespresso machines and the Vertuo makes the best tasing coffee by far,” says our beauty editor (and former barista) Laura Mulley.

This bundle is a complete all-in-one, enabling you to make milky coffees such as lattes and cappuccinos – and it’s now better than half price.

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet

Was £149.99, now £59.99

Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition
Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition(Image: Amazon/PA)

If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained when travelling this summer, now’s the time to snap up one of these Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablets, now with60% off their usual price.

Shoppers are calling it “great for planes and holidays” and the “best kids tablet on the market”.

Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover

Was £35.99, now £22.01

Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaning Solutions
Shoppers have hailed Wet & Forget as ‘so easy and super effective’ (Image: Amazon)

Perhaps not the most exciting purchase, but this product caused such a stir when we discovered it earlier this year and flew off the shelves, so it’s a must-buy for anyone looking for an effortless way to clean their outdoor space this summer – simply mix, apply and leave to work, no scrubbing required.

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker

Was £539.99, now £399.99

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker with App Control
The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker with App Control is available from Amazon for £399(Image: Amazon)

It’s not cheap (although it is does currently have £140 off), but if you love cooking and eating outdoors in summer, you’ll get so much use out of this multi-way cooker, which can grill, smoker, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate and reheat, all in one.

Check out our full review of the Ninja Woodfire here to see if it’s something you want to treat yourself to this summer.

Foreo Bear Smart Microcurrent Face Device

Was £319, now £167

Foreo Bear Smart Microcurrent Face Device
This Foreo Bear Smart Microcurrent Face Device was £319 but is now £167(Image: Foreo)

The Foreo Bear Smart Microcurrent Face Device claims to give “facelift-like” results with consistent use. Utilising two microcurrent spheres that channel energy deep beneath the skin to tone, this gadget works to improve sagging, puffiness, and jawline contours.

It’s now priced at £167, down from £319, making Amazon the cheapest place to buy one right now (you can pick up the same Foreo Bear Face Device for the reduced price of £317.16 over at Foreo’s own site, for £273.84 from Sephora, or for its full price at Boots).

Isle of Paradise Self Tan Mousse

Was £15.26, now £9.50

Isle of Paradise Self Tan Mousse
A favourite with our beauty team(Image: Amazon)

This is one of my all-time favourite self-tans – and popular with other members of our beauty team too – so I’ll be stocking up this Prime Day now that it’s on sale. It blends in well and leaves a very natural colour, giving me the confidence to get my normally pasty legs out in shorts over summer.

Vera Wang Women’s Flower Princess Eau de Toilette 30ml

Was £34, now £16.19

Vera Wang Princess perfume
Vera Wang Princess is a ‘bargain price’ in the Amazon sale(Image: Amazon)

Another popular classic perfume, and now at an incredible price: just over £16. Top notes of water lily, golden apricot and mandarin meringue are blended with base notes of vanilla chiffon, amber and forbidden woods, delivering the ultimate fruity, floral fragrance.

Ninja Thirsti Water Bottle and Flask

Was £29.99, now £19.99

Ninja thirsti
Back in stock and now reduced(Image: Amazon)

This bestselling water bottle keeps flying off the shelves, but it’s back in stock and on sale this Prime Day – although we can’t say how long it’ll stay in stock.

The Ninja Thirsti leak-proof travel bottle is designed to hold any drink but a feature that sets it apart from other vessels is a clever smooth interior, retaining bubbles for lasting fizzy beverages. It also claims to keep cold drinks fizzy and chilled for up to 24 hours, hot for up to 12 hours and iced for up to two whole days.

Russell Hobbs Handheld Clothes Steamer

Was £59.99, now £33.24

Russell Hobbs handheld steamer
The Russell Hobbs handheld steamer now has 45% off(Image: Amazon)

Perfect for travelling, or when you just can’t be bothered to spend hours slaving over a heavy iron, this lightweight steamer is the solution – especially now that it’s almost half price. It can be used horizontally or upright, and kills 99.9% of bacteria in clothes.

Apple iPhone 16e 128GB

Was £599, now £494

Apple iPhone 16e 128GB
Now’s the time to save on a new iPhone(Image: Amazon)

In recent years I’ve found that it works out cheapest to buy a SIM-only phone contract and a separate handset rather than sign up for a pay-monthly contract, and so this Prime Day I’m seriously tempted by the deal on this iPhone 16e, now with a rarely-seen £100+ off its usual price.

Levi’s Women’s 80s Mom Jeans

Was £99, now £39.67

Levi's Women's 80s Mom Jeans
Levi’s jeans with 60% off (Image: Amazon)

Here’s an unmissable chance to nab an absolute wardrobe staple at an amazing price: authentic Levi’s jeans, which usually cost £99, now less than £40. At the time of writing they were still available in a huge array of sizes and lengths, with the price varying slightly depending on which colour of denim you select.

Gozney Roccbox Pizza Oven

Was £399.99, now £319.99

Gozney Roccbox portable pizza oven
You’ll get everything you need to make delicious pizzas(Image: Amazon)

If you’ve always fancied an outdoor pizza oven, now’s a great time to shop, as the bestselling Gozney Roccbox now has £80 off on Amazon today. This portable pizza oven fits conveniently on a countertop or table, or can even be placed on the ground if you’re using it whilst camping. It has foldable legs and a compact design which make it easy to transport, so you can set it up in minutes and take it anywhere from the beach to the campsite.

If you’re looking for a pizza oven that’s even more budget friendly, the VonHaus Pizza Oven Outdoor is now £119.99 down from £144.99. Meanwhile Ninja’s Artisan Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven & Air Fryer is £299.99, whilst Ooni’s Koda 12 1st Generation is also £299.

Radley London Henrietta Place Tote Bag

Was £259, now £79

Radley Henrietta Place large tote bag
The Radley tote bag is the perfect size for work(Image: Radley)

I’ve been on the lookout for a new work bag for ages – one that fits in the many things I need throughout the working day – and I’m seriously tempted by this chic and spacious Radley bag.

This oversized tote bag is usually priced at £259, but now thanks to the Prime Day sale you can get your hands on it for £79 – saving you a huge £180. The bag is made from real leather and touted as being big enough to fit your laptop in, making it the perfect pick for a work bag.

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser

Was £49.99, now £27.99

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser
This 2-in-1 styling tool uses hot air to achieve professional-looking blow-dries at home(Image: Amazon)

Getting a professional blow-dry can soon start to add up, but beauty fans have found a way to get a ‘professional finish’ at home for under £30. Revlon’s One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser has been a viral hit, racking up more than 40,000 reviews on Amazon. At £49.99 full price it’s still a lot cheaper than getting hair blown out in a salon, however thanks to this Amazon Prime Day deal, it’s currently even more of a bargain, on sale for £27.99.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Replumping Water Cream

Was £29.99, now £13.79

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Replumping Water Cream
Shoppers have raved about how well this cream works(Image: Amazon)

Zara McDermott recently shared her two-product trick to instantly glowing skin, and this plumping face cream is one of them – and it’s currently better than half price. Shoppers are calling it a “brilliant cream” that “really does plump and hydrate”.

Zara mixed it with the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion, which is also slashed from £12.79 to £8.99 today.

Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask with Under-Eye Cooling

Was £299.99, now £238.49

Shark CryoGlow LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask
Shark’s popular LED mask is in the sale(Image: Shark)

Give your skin a boost with this clever LED mask – it tackles fine lines, blemishes and puffiness in just a few minutes. With red, blue and infrared light plus cooling under-eye tech, it’s like a mini facial from the comfort of your sofa. Our head of shopping Zoe uses hers just about every night, and says it has really helped calm her reactive skin.

Amazon Kindle Scribe

Was £379.99, now £267.99

Kindle Scribe
Amazon has slashed the Kindle Scribe by 30%(Image: Amazon)

Of course, you’d probably expect one of Amazon’s own inventions, the Kindle, to be included in the Prime Day sale, and you’re not wrong. The latest generation Amazon Kindle Scribe is now available for £267.99, £112 off its usual price of £379.99. According to price comparison site Camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price the Scribe has ever been listed for on Amazon.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Amazon is also offering discounts of up to 31% on several other models, including the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, which is touted as the fastest ever Kindle, now reduced to £118.74 from £159.99.

Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Peel Off Masque

Was £18, now £13.68

Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Peel Off Masque
A viral sensation(Image: Wonderskin)

This unusual transfer-proof, waterproof lip stain gives your lips a bold, smudge-free pop of colour that stays put all day. It feels lightweight and comfortable, so you can go about your day without worrying about touch-ups. Our tester wore the Charming shade to a wedding last week and it didn’t budge for six hours, and you can read our shopping writer Meghan’s full review of it here.

When is Amazon Prime Day 2025?

Amazon’s annual Prime Day 2025 began at 00:01 yesterday on Tuesday 8 July and will run until 23:59 on Friday 11 July – running over four days for the first time ever. This gives shoppers even longer to shop for a bargain – although be aware that prices may change, or deals may end early, over this period.

What is included in the Amazon Prime Day 2025 sale?

We’re already seeing thousands of top products reduced across pretty much every category: homeware, tech, beauty, gardening, fashion and more. As we’re reaching the height of summer, there are loads of offers on warm weather essentials, such as fans, sun creams and gardening tools (see above for our top picks).

How do I access these deals?

To shop these deals when they launch you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member. Membership costs £8.99 a month and gets your loads of perks, including next day delivery on thousands of items plus access to Prime Video, where you can watch hit TV shows such as Clarkson’s Farm and Molly-Mae: Behind It All.

If you’re not yet a member, you can sign up here for a 30-day free trial.

Don’t forget that Amazon isn’t the only place where you’ll find a great deal this summer. Lookfantastic and Boots always run plenty of offers on beauty (including the super-popular Boots £10 Tuesday on today), Boden is currently running a huge sale, and Yimbly, the shopping platform owned by The Mirror’s parent company Reach Plc, has lots of garden furniture at excellent prices.

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‘I’ve wanted this Shark fan for a while and Prime Day sale price is very tempting’

With more hot weather on the horizon I’ve finally taken the plunge and bought this snazzy Shark fan that’s heavily discounted for Amazon Prime Day

The Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless fan
The Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless fan(Image: SHARK . GETTY)

I’ve had my eye on this Shark fan for a while. It’s become one of those products, you know the ones where you look at something once then it feels like it’s constantly popping up on your social media feed tempting you forevermore.

The Shark FlexBreeze TableMate has been on sale at £99.99 for a while, which has really caught my attention. But now even more has been shaved off the price as Amazon launches its Prime Day Deals, knocking another £10 off and leaving it at a super enticing £89.99 – 40% off the £149.99 RRP.

It’s such a good deal that I’ve finally bitten the bullet and ordered it. Amazon’s price is currently even cheaper than direct from Shark where the fan will set you back £99.99. It’s significantly more expensive at Currys where it’s priced at £149.99.

Read more: ‘Biggest ever’ teeth whitening sale beats Amazon Prime Day with 50% off

Read more: ‘I sleep with this fan on every night and it’s incredible in a heatwave’

I’m one of those people who’s always too hot at the best of times. Where others are reaching for the thermostat I’m normally just right, and, as such, I love a good fan, especially over summer.

I already have two fans that I rate very highly. One is the Challenge White Pedestal and Desk Fan (£70 at Argos), that’s super impressive when you turn it up. So much so I’ve used it in some capacity almost every night since I’ve bought it.

Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless Fan

Shark FlexBreeze Fan

£149.99

£89.99

Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Shark’s popular FlexBreeze fan has £60 off

The fan is a bit cheaper than some of the more premium options but still really packs a punch when you need cooling down. If you have a bit more budget to spend, I also have the Midea SmartAir Cool and Purify Bladeless Fan. Sold for £199.99 at both High Street TV and £199 at Amazon, (you can read the full review here).

It has all manner of fancy features and High Street TV says it’s a fan that “does it all” and it’s hard to disagree. But what those two don’t have is a battery function. I spend a lot of my spare time doing DIY or playing with my son (not at the same time!) as such, I’m often sweltering outdoors in the recent heatwave temperatures, but can’t be bothered going to the effort of setting up an extension lead and plugging in one of the fans.

Midea SmartAir Cool and Purify Bladeless Fan
Midea SmartAir Cool and Purify Bladeless Fan(Image: Sam Jones)

That’s where the Shark FlexBreeze TableMate is going to be excellent. Its portability means it can simply be unplugged and run off the battery, making it ideal for those looking for a cooling breeze on the go. Shark says the fan can run for up to 24 hours on the battery, though that’s on the lowest speed setting.

When ramped up the fan covers “up to 20 meters”, while it’s UV and rain resistant, making it suitable for use outdoors. Other features include five fan speeds, 180 degrees of side-to-side oscillation, and a 55° tilt to keep the air circulating at the desired angle.

Of the buyers who’ve delved in to date, the fan has averaged 4.5 stars out of 5. One of the delighted reviewers said: “This is by far the best fan I have ever had! We have a heatwave right now and I normally can’t sleep, but not this year! Slept all the way through and didn’t hear the fan yet I was cool all night. Only wish I’d found this sooner.”

Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless Fan
The fan has a remote control for easy adjustment(Image: Amazon)

One of the few less positive reviews highlighted a potential issue: “When using this fan as a plug in it’s brilliant and I’m very happy with it in every way, but when using it on battery which is fully charged and on 2nd lowest setting the battery doesn’t last long.”

Despite this another buyer was very happy: “I did consider another leading brand but decided on Shark. This for me has been a really good choice. This fan is fairly expensive but the build quality is plain to see and it works really well.

“It is so versatile being able to run on mains and battery I can take it anywhere, it even has a remote control. I would recommend this fan to anyone even my friends.”

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‘Explosive’: US Supreme Court deals blow to those challenging Trump’s power | Courts News

Washington, DC – The United States Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to those challenging Donald Trump’s use of presidential power, in what the president and his allies have hailed as a major victory.

In its decision on Friday, the nine-member panel weighed whether courts could block an executive order on birthright citizenship.

The court did not rule directly on the president’s order, which would limit citizenship for US-born children based on their parents’ immigration status.

But in a six-to-three ruling, the court’s conservative supermajority did severely curtail the ability of judges to issue so-called universal injunctions: blanket bans on presidential actions stemming from legal challenges.

The court’s move, according to Allen Orr, the former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), is nothing short of “explosive”.

“For lawyers and people who practice law, this is a drastic change from the way we’ve had courts run in the past,” he told Al Jazeera. “It’s weakening the judiciary yet again, as a balancing act [against the executive branch].”

Friday’s ruling lifts the nationwide block on Trump’s executive order that seeks to redefine birthright citizenship, which generally allows those born on US soil to be recognised as American citizens.

However, Trump’s order, signed just hours after he took office for a second term on January 20, would restrict citizenship for individuals born to undocumented parents in the US.

That “opens the door to partial enforcement” of Trump’s order, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), one of several groups that have challenged the attempted policy.

That is, at least until the Supreme Court makes a determination on whether birthright citizenship is indeed protected by the US Constitution, as proponents – and the court’s own precedents – have long maintained.

If no further action is taken, in theory, the order could be blocked in the handful of states where judges have already issued injunctions related to at least 10 individual lawsuits. But it could go into effect in dozens of other states where judges have issued no such injunction.

The Supreme Court’s ruling says Trump’s order will not be enforceable for at least 30 days.

But Leon Fresco – a former deputy assistant attorney general who oversaw immigration at the Justice Department under President Barack Obama – warned that, after that 30-day period, there could be grave consequences for the newborn children of immigrants.

“If there isn’t an injunction in your jurisdiction that prevents the executive order from being implemented and you’re born to a parent without a status that confers you citizenship, then the government could deny you either a passport, if you apply for a passport, or a Social Security number,” he told Al Jazeera.

Class action challenge

The decision on Friday does not completely remove the possibility of a judge issuing a nationwide injunction to an executive order. Legal experts say it just severely restricts the avenues.

Prior to the decision, groups and individuals could launch a panoply of legal challenges in federal courts across the country, any of which could result in nationwide injunctions.

Now, a judge can only issue a blanket pause in response to a class action lawsuit, which is a complaint brought on behalf of an entire “class” of people. The process is typically more complex, time-consuming and costly.

The Supreme Court’s majority opinion, Fresco explained, also clarified that only one nationwide class action lawsuit can represent a specific challenge.

“There wouldn’t be this ability, which happens now, where plaintiffs can file cases in five or six different courts, in hopes of getting one judge in any of those courts to issue a nationwide injunction,” he said.

“With the class action, you’ll only have the one time to win,” he added. “If you lost, you’d have to hope that the appellate court changed it, or that the Supreme Court changed it.”

Class action lawsuits also have stringent requirements for who can participate. A judge must agree that all plaintiffs are pursuing the same case and that there are no substantial differences in their claims.

Shortly after Friday’s ruling, the plaintiff, CASA Inc, an immigration advocacy group, swiftly refiled its legal challenge against Trump’s birthright citizenship order. Now, it is pursuing the case as a class action lawsuit.

Critics, meanwhile, took aim at the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority. Even Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a liberal judge on the nine-member panel, criticised her colleagues for ruling on national injunctions but not on Trump’s executive order, which she called blatantly unconstitutional.

“The majority ignores entirely whether the President’s Executive Order is constitutional, instead focusing only on the question whether federal courts have the equitable authority to issue universal injunctions,” Sotomayor wrote.

“Yet the Order’s patent unlawfulness reveals the gravity of the majority’s error.”

Absent a class action lawsuit, individuals and groups will be forced to launch their own lawsuits to get individual reprieves from potentially illegal presidential orders.

That’s because the conservative supermajority ruled that court injunctions in most cases should only apply to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit at hand.

In a post on the social media platform X, Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz wrote that the Supreme Court’s decision allows Trump to “rip away birthright citizenship, forcing individuals to file burdensome lawsuits to get it back”.

Wider implications

But Friday’s decision not only restricts who is protected by a given court injunction, it also has sway over how much the judicial branch of government can continue to serve as a bulwark against the executive branch.

Critics of universal injunctions have long accused federal judges of overstepping their authority by blocking presidential action.

Among those celebrating Friday’s decision was Senator Chuck Grassley, who has spearheaded legislation on the issue.

In a statement, he called such injunctions an “unconstitutional affront to our nation’s system of checks and balances” that “ought to be stopped for good”.

Proponents, however, say the ability for judges to issue swift, wide-reaching pauses on controversial policies is needed to safeguard against presidential overreach.

Many see Trump as taking the expansion of presidential powers to a new level during his second term.

Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has issued 164 executive orders, surpassing the 162 issued by former President Joe Biden during his entire presidency. That number – for a span of about five months – is rapidly approaching the total for Trump’s entire first term: 220.

Meanwhile, federal judges issued at least 25 national injunctions to Trump’s orders during his first 100 days in office, some of which paused cuts to federal funding, attacks on diversity initiatives and overhauls to the US immigration systems.

Some of those court cases will likely be re-challenged in light of the latest ruling, experts said.

In a post on X, Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat, warned the courts ruling “will only embolden Trump and his dismantling of our federal government”.

“It will create an unworkable patchwork of laws that shift depending on who you are or what state you’re in.”

Orr, the former law association president, agreed with that assessment.

“This decision does not build consistency across the United States at a time when people need these standards,” he said. “People do not have time or money to wait to have these issues resolved.”

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Argos launches summer deals with savings on home, garden and furniture

ARGOS has kicked off a massive summer sale, offering huge discounts across thousands of products as temperatures start to soar.

The retail giant’s summer deals feature savings of up to 50% – perfect timing for shoppers looking to spruce up their homes and gardens for the sunny season.

Collage of sale items including furniture, a vacuum cleaner, a lawnmower, and a smartwatch.

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Argos has reduced thousands of products in its Easter Big Red Event sale

Argos Easter Big Red Event sale: Up to 50% off

The Argos summer sale launched earlier this week, bringing welcome discounts during the peak barbecue and outdoor entertaining season.

This is the ideal moment for shoppers to refresh their outdoor spaces, with fantastic savings on garden furniture, BBQs, and seasonal must-haves.

It’s a prime time for home improvements, and savvy shoppers can snag big discounts on everything from patio sets to indoor furniture upgrades.

Homeware, garden essentials, outdoor cooking equipment, and tech: Argos has covered all bases with its June deals and discounts.

Just remember that popular items tend to sell out fast during Argos sales, so don’t delay if something catches your eye.

We’ve picked out our favourite Argos summer deals below.

Argos summer deals this June

Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame

Pale yellow metal children's bed with pastel bedding.

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Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame
£76 (was £115)

What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish kids’ bed frame with a fab £39 discount – that’s 34% off a statement piece that’ll transform any child’s bedroom this summer.

Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous curved metal design brings a touch of cool to your little one’s space without breaking your budget.

Available in grey, it’s sturdy enough for everyday use, while its sleek lines add a modern touch that suits any age.

The metal slats provide great support for a comfy night’s sleep during hot summer months, and the simple assembly means you’ll have it up in no time – perfect for summer bedroom makeovers while the kids are playing outside.

  • More Argos furniture deals: beds, mattresses, wardrobes – shop here

GreenPan Geneva 28cm Non Stick Stainless Steel Wok

Frying pan with eggs and rosemary.

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GreenPan Geneva 28cm Non Stick Stainless Steel Wok
£57.75 (was £77)

What’s the deal? Snap up this premium stainless steel wok with a tasty 25% discount – perfect for whipping up delicious summer stir-fries without spending hours scrubbing pans afterwards.

Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous Geneva wok combines style with serious cooking power.

The diamond-enhanced non-stick coating allows you to use less oil for healthier summer meals, while the stainless steel construction distributes heat evenly for perfect results every time.

It’s induction-compatible too, making it ideal for any kitchen setup.

Whether you’re tossing together a quick weeknight dinner with garden veggies or impressing friends with a summer feast, this durable wok handles it all – and looks fab hanging in your kitchen when not in use.

  • More Argos cookware deals: pots, pans, kitchen gadgets – shop here

McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories

Garden hose reel with watering attachments.

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McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories
£33 (was £45)

What’s the deal? Snap up this essential garden gadget with a juicy £12 saving – perfect for keeping your garden blooming through the summer heatwave without breaking your budget.

Why it’s a great buy: This compact little hero is an absolute must-have for summer garden maintenance.

The 25m hose length is perfect for small to medium gardens, while the lightweight design makes it super easy to drag around your outdoor space.

It comes fully loaded with all the accessories you need to get watering straight away, and the clever reel system means no more tangled hose nightmares ruining your sunny afternoon.

The space-saving design won’t clutter up your shed or garage, but still packs enough power to keep your garden looking lush all summer long – even during hosepipe ban season.

  • More Argos garden deals: sprinklers, watering cans, garden tools – shop here

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Charms Class set.

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LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set
£14 (was £18)

What’s the deal? Snatch up this magical LEGO set with £4 off – perfect timing for keeping little wizards entertained during the summer holidays without emptying your Gringotts vault.

Why it’s a great buy: This pocket-sized piece of Hogwarts magic lets kids recreate Professor Flitwick’s famous “Wingardium Leviosa” lesson, where everything went hilariously wrong.

The set cleverly opens up for easy play and comes packed with fun details like a tiny blackboard and potion ingredients.

It includes popular minifigures to act out all those iconic classroom scenes – ideal for Harry Potter fans who want to bring a bit of wizardry to rainy summer days.

At this price, it’s a spellbinding little treat that won’t have parents reaching for a time-turner to undo the purchase.

  • More Argos toy deals: LEGO, outdoor games, water toys – shop here

Shark Anti Hair Wrap & Flexology Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Cordless stick vacuum with attachments.

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Shark Anti Hair Wrap & Flexology Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
£175 (was £250) with code ELEC30

What’s the deal? Bag this powerful Shark vacuum with a fantastic £75 discount, giving you a 30% saving on a top-rated cleaner that’ll make summer cleaning an absolute breeze.

Why it’s a great buy: This clever cordless wonder is a summer cleaning essential that makes tackling every corner of your home effortless.

The Anti-Hair Wrap technology prevents annoying tangles around the brush head (goodbye, scissors!), while the Flexology feature bends to reach under furniture, making it perfect for grabbing all that summer dust and pollen.

It effortlessly converts to a handheld for tackling stairs, sofas, and cars after those beach trips.

With its powerful suction that works brilliantly on both carpets and hard floors, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it, especially at this sizzling summer price.

  • More Argos vacuum deals: Dyson, Shark, Hoover, Henry – shop here

Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B iO2 electric toothbrush with case.

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Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush
£45 (was £100)

What’s the deal? Snap up this premium electric toothbrush with a massive 55% discount – perfect timing to get your smile summer-ready while saving a whopping £55.

Why it’s a great buy: This clever little gadget combines gentle micro-vibrations with Oral-B’s dentist-inspired round brush head for a seriously deep clean that’s 100% more effective than manual brushing.

The smart pressure sensor glows red when you’re brushing too hard – brilliant for protecting sensitive summer gums.

With three brushing modes and a handy two-minute timer, it eliminates the guesswork of achieving a perfect smile for your summer selfies.

At less than half price, it’s the ideal time to upgrade your bathroom routine with some serious dental tech.

  • More Argos bathroom deals: electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, styling tools – shop here

Habitat Celine Velvet Accent Chair

Orange velvet armchair with black legs and a cream throw pillow.

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Habitat Celine Velvet Accent Chair
£113 (was £170)

What’s the deal? Snap up this gorgeous velvet accent chair with a whopping £57 off – that’s a stylish 33% discount on a statement piece that’ll instantly elevate any room this summer.

Why it’s a great buy: This luxurious little number is the perfect summer home upgrade that won’t break your budget.

The plush velvet upholstery feels truly premium, while the high-reclined back and deep-cushioned seat make it incredibly comfortable for those lazy summer evenings with a good book or a Netflix binge.

Available in several eye-catching colours, it’s the ideal size for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or home office corners.

The sleek, splayed metal legs add a modern touch that works with practically any decor style.

At this price, you might want to grab two for a perfectly coordinated look that’ll impress summer visitors.

  • More Argos furniture deals: sofas, chairs, tables – shop here

McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower

Green and black lawn mower.

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McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower
£67 (was £90)

What’s the deal? Snap up this summer lawn essential with a fantastic £23 off, giving you a neat 26% discount just in time for peak grass-growing season.

Why it’s a great buy: This nifty little mower makes light work of small to medium lawns without the faff of petrol or pricey batteries.

The powerful 1400W motor and sharp 34cm steel blade slice through even the most overgrown summer grass, while six height settings allow you to pick the perfect cut, ranging from 2-7cm.

The generous 35L grass box means less emptying and more mowing, and the whole thing is lightweight enough to push around without breaking a sweat in the summer heat.

At this price, it’s the perfect upgrade for anyone whose garden’s looking a bit wild after all this sunshine and rain.

  • More Argos garden deals: trimmers, mowers, garden power tools – shop here

Habitat 2.5m Overhanging Garden Parasol

Beige cantilever patio umbrella.

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Habitat 2.5m Overhanging Garden Parasol
£75 (was £100)

What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish garden essential with a fab £25 discount – that’s 25% off the perfect shade solution just as the summer sun really starts to heat up.

Why it’s a great buy: This clever overhanging design gives you way more flexibility than standard parasols – position it exactly where you need that cooling shade without a chunky pole getting in the way of your garden lounging.

The generous 2.5m canopy provides ample coverage for garden furniture or paddling pools, while the adjustable tilt feature allows you to track the sun throughout the day.

The sleek Habitat design looks way more expensive than its price tag suggests – ideal for instantly upgrading your outdoor space for all those summer BBQs and garden gatherings.

  • More Argos garden deals: parasols, gazebos, outdoor furniture – shop here

KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer

Black KitchenAid stand mixer with ingredients for baking.

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KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer
£350 (was £499)

What’s the deal? This iconic kitchen status symbol is now available with a massive £149 discount, offering 30% off one of the most coveted kitchen appliances around, just in time for the summer baking season.

Why it’s a great buy: Let’s be honest, this mixer isn’t just about whipping up cakes – it’s kitchen eye candy that’ll have your mates green with envy.

The classic tilt-head design gives easy access to the bowl while the powerful motor makes light work of everything from bread dough to fluffy meringues.

With 10 speed settings and that signature planetary mixing action, you’ll get perfectly mixed results without the arm ache.

The included accessories tackle most kitchen tasks, but true baking enthusiasts can expand their collection with the vast range of available attachments.

Available in several gorgeous colours, it’s the summer kitchen upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

  • More Argos kitchen deals: mixers, food processors, blenders – shop here

Argos Summer Sale: Essentials under £20

It’s not all about pricy appliances and homeware in the Argos – you’ll find some great deals on cheaper items too.

  • Yankee Home Inspiration Large Jar Candle, £12.75 (was £17) – buy here
  • Revere Sterling Silver Teddy Bear Baby Bangle, £14.99 (was £22.99) – buy here
  • Johnstones One Coat Shed and Fence, £10.89 (was £16.50) – buy here
  • LEGO Valentine’s Heart Ornament, £7.80 (was £8.80) – buy here
  • Opti Blue Gym Ball, £9 (was £12) – buy here
  • Oral-B Pro Electric Toothbrush Heads, £15.50 (was £30) – buy here
  • Argos Home 14m 3 Tier Indoor Clothes Airer, £11.99 (was £18) – buy here
  • WORKPRO 6 Pieces Screwdriver Set, £8.25 (was £11) – buy here

Is Argos open over the Easter weekend?

Argos stores across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will open on Good Friday (April 18), Easter Saturday (April 19) and Easter Monday (April 21) in 2025.

However, stores which do open their doors on these dates will likely follow a reduced hours policy common across the UK.

On Easter Sunday (April 20), the retailer will close all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, marking the Christian holiday.

Scotland will be the outlier with most Argos locations closing for Easter Sunday but a select few staying open – so remember to check opening times before you travel to your local store.

Does Argos do January sales?

Yes, Argos does hold January sales and the retailer gives shoppers the entire month to snag any deals which catch their eyes.

That’s right, the retailer doesn’t bring their January clearance sales to a close until January 31 giving you as much time as possible to get your money’s worth.

In 2025, Argos sliced 66% off of selected electronics and home appliances, meaning shoppers could save on anything from TVs to vacuum cleaners.

The Remington Shea Soft Hair Dryer dropped a whopping 66% in price, falling from £50 to only £17 in the January clearance sale.

Sale items were available both in-store and online with standard delivery starting at just £3.95 and same-day options available for an additional fee.

Click and collect is free for items ordered online.

Does Argos do Black Friday sales?

Yes, Argos does offer Black Friday sales and the retail giant has already begun counting down to the big day!

With November fast-approaching, the high street store has some advice for potential customers:

Be prepared: The store’s website advises shoppers to prepare for a day of smooth shopping by researching the products you want and writing up a list of back-up options in case you are too late.

Create an Argos account: To purchase an online order on the day you will need an Argos account set up, so you can get ahead of the game and make sure to register before the rush!

Shopping online: Finally, Argos recommends shoppers complete their hauls from the comfort of their own home by starting early, prioritising their lists, sticking to their budgets and being patient.

On the big day, all orders bought online before 5pm will be delivered by 10pm on the same day for just £5.95, subject to availability.

Or, customers can choose to pick up from a Sainsbury’s Collection Point near you.

Head to The Sun’s shopping section for more of the latest discounts we’ve spotted.

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Senate parliamentarian deals blow to GOP plan to gut consumer bureau in tax bill

Republicans have suffered a sizable setback on one key aspect of President Trump’s big bill after their plans to gut the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and other provisions from the Senate Banking Committee ran into procedural violations with the Senate parliamentarian.

Republicans in the Senate proposed zeroing out funding for the CFPB, the landmark agency set up in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, to save $6.4 billion. The bureau had been designed as a way to better protect Americans from financial fraud, but has been opposed by many GOP lawmakers since its inception. The Trump administration has targeted the CFPB as an example of government overregulation and overreach.

The findings by the Senate parliamentarian’s office, which is working overtime scrubbing Trump’s overall bill to ensure it aligns with the chamber’s strict “Byrd Rule” processes, signal a tough road ahead. The most daunting questions are still to come, as GOP leadership rushes to muscle Trump’s signature package to the floor for votes by his Fourth of July deadline.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the chairman of the Banking Committee that drafted the provisions in question, said in a statement, “My colleagues and I remain committed to cutting wasteful spending at the CFPB and will continue working with the Senate parliamentarian on the Committee’s provisions.”

For Democrats, who have been fighting Trump’s 1,000-page package at every step, the parliamentarian’s advisory amounted to a significant win.

“Democrats fought back, and we will keep fighting back against this ugly bill,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the Banking Committee, who engineered the creation of the CFPB before she was elected to Congress.

Warren said that GOP proposals “are a reckless, dangerous attack on consumers and would lead to more Americans being tricked and trapped by giant financial institutions and put the stability of our entire financial system at risk — all to hand out tax breaks to billionaires.”

The parliamentarian’s rulings, while advisory, are rarely, if ever ignored.

With the majority in Congress, Republicans have been drafting a sweeping package that extends some $4.5-trillion tax cuts Trump approved during his first term, in 2017, that otherwise expire at the end of the year. It adds $350 billion to national security, including billions for Trump’s mass deportation agenda. And it slashes some $1 trillion from Medicaid, food stamps and other government programs.

All told, the package is estimated to add at least $2.4 trillion to the nation’s deficits over the decade, and leave 10.9 million more people without healthcare coverage, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s review of the House-passed package, which is now undergoing revisions in the Senate.

The parliamentarian’s office is responsible for determining if the package adheres to the Byrd Rule, named after the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who was considered one of the masters of Senate procedure. The rule essentially bars policy matters from being addressed in the budget reconciliation process.

Senate GOP leaders are using the budget reconciliation process, which is increasingly how big bills move through Congress, because it allows passage on a simple majority vote, rather than face a filibuster with the higher 60-vote threshold.

But if any of the bill’s provisions violate the Byrd Rule, that means they can be challenged at the tougher 60-vote threshold, which is a tall order in the 53-47 Senate. Leaders are often forced to strip those proposals from the package, even though doing so risks losing support from lawmakers who championed those provisions.

One of the biggest questions ahead for the parliamentarian will be over the Senate GOP’s proposal to use “current policy” as opposed to “current law” to determine the baseline budget and whether the overall package adds significantly to deficits.

Already the Senate parliamentarian’s office has waded through several titles of Trump’s big bill, including those from the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Energy & Public Works Committee.

The Banking panel offered a modest bill, just eight pages, and much of it was deemed out of compliance.

The parliamentarian found that in addition to gutting the CFPB, other provisions aimed at rolling back entities put in place after the 2008 financial crisis would violate the Byrd Rule. Those include a GOP provision to limit the Financial Research Fund, which was set up to conduct analysis, saving nearly $300 million; and another to shift the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which conducts oversight of accounting firms, to the Securities and Exchange Commission and terminate positions, saving $773 million.

The GOP plan to change the pay schedule for employees at the Federal Reserve, saving $1.4 billion, was also determined to be in violation of the Byrd Rule.

The parliamentarian’s office also raised Byrd Rule violations over GOP proposals to repeal certain aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act, including on emission standards for some model year 2027 light-duty and medium-duty vehicles.

Mascaro writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

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Kate Middleton-worn jewellery brand Monica Vinader slashes up to 60% off pieces

Monica Vinader has added even more styles to their summer sale with up to 60% off necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and more

Kate Middleton wearing the Monica Vinader Siren Wire Earrings
Kate Middleton wearing the Monica Vinader Siren Wire Earrings(Image: Monica Vinader)

Monica Vinader, the popular jewellery brand favoured by celebrities like Kendall Jenner and royalty including the Princess of Wales, has reduced prices further on its website, with up to 60% off summer picks. Known for being one of the more affordable accessory retailers, you can now pick up Monica Vinader pieces at a reduced price.

With over 600 pieces of Monica Vinader jewellery to choose from, including stackable rings, personalised necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more, prices now start at £14. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself or a loved one to something sparkly for less.

Kate Middleton owns the Monica Vinader Nura Pearl Necklace and it is now in sale for £110, down from £129. The similar Nura Tiny Keshi Pearl Necklace is also on sale for £60 down from £150. Made from 18K gold vermeil and pearl, it makes a lovely layering piece or would make a statement on its own.

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Shoppers on the hunt for a versatile pair of earrings perfect for daily wear, the Siren Mini Domed Huggies are down from £60 to £39. Constructed from 18K gold vermeil, one customer said: “Such a beautiful, classy, comfy everyday hoop, which I never need to take out to sleep. Would highly recommend, particularly for the price.”

However, not everyone is satisfied with the size and another person expressed their surprise at the compactness, noting they were ‘shocked at how small they were’. For those considering a present, the Linear Disc Friendship Bracelet could be an ideal pick. Discounted from its regular £99 to £64.25 thanks to the sale offering 35% off – it’s available in various finishes.

Royally-approved jewellery

Monica Vinader earrings

from £14

Monica Vinader

Shop sale

Save up to 60% off summer jewellery.

A delighted shopper left a review saying: “Small delicate charm bracelet that would make a lovely gift. Simple style that can be easily layered up with other pieces. Easy to fasten on your own too. Also come in a cute little gift box if you were purchasing as a present.”

Yet someone else commented on the difficulty of fastening, stating: “Can be a little tricky to tighten and loosen, couldn’t get over my big hands to start with, may need to utilise a friend to help but makes it more secure.”

Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton wearing Monica Vinader Nura Pearl Necklace (Image: Getty)

Missoma is also running an up to 50% off summer sale. Pearls are featured in the sale, with the Savi Seed Pear Bracelet reduced by 26%. The limited edition bracelet is a ‘cute and elegant piece’, discounted to £73 down from £98.

Love Island fans are in luck as the exact necklace Samie Elishi wore on the show is finally back in stock. Called the San Pietro necklace by Soru, the £270 piece ‘goes with anything and stands out’.

For a splash of colour, take a look at the Monica Vinader Siren Stacking Ring. With a variety of stones and metal finishes on offer at different price points, one standout is the 18K gold vermeil with amazonite, reduced from £80 to £48.

Perfect for layering with other pieces, one happy customer wrote: “I bought this for my friend for her 40th birthday. It looks so stunning! I’m so pleased with it, and she loves it too.” You can browse the full Monica Vinader summer sale online.

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President Donald Trump heads to Canada for G7, says ‘we have our trade deals’

June 15 (UPI) — President Donald Trump departed the White House on Sunday en route to Western Canada for the annual G7 summit, promising to secure trade deals weeks ahead of a tariff hike deadline.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his departure, Trump appeared confident he’ll “have a few new trade deals” during the three-day summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Newsweek reported.

“Look, we have our trade deals,” he said, according to CNN. “All we have to do is send the letters: ‘This is what you are gonna have to pay.'”

The annual Group of 7 brings together some of the world’s largest economies, including Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union. Several other countries also were invited.

Trump was expected to arrive at the G7 venue in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday evening. He was scheduled to meet privately with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday morning.

Last month, Trump agreed to delay imposing a 50% tariff on goods from dozens of European countries, allowing them more time for trade negotiations with the United States. He offered no details Sunday about which countries he expects to secure deals with during the summit.

In April, the Trump administration announced plans to have trade deals with 90 countries within 90 days. So far, the United States has secured deals with China and Britain.

Trade isn’t the only topic expected to be on the docket at this year’s G7 summit. The countries are expected express support for Ukraine in its war against Russia; address the Israel-Gaza war; and discuss immigration, security, energy, technology, the environment and job creation.

Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities Friday and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks are also likely to be addressed.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive on the Truman balcony during the congressional picnic event on the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday. Photo by Al Drago/UPI | License Photo

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From ‘normalising’ surgery & sex talk to catchphrases & big money deals, how 10 years of Love Island has shaped the UK

IN 2015, 12 twentysomething singles walked into a Majorcan villa for the very first time – and ­viewers fell head over heels for Love Island.

The premise was simple: couple up and don’t get dumped, to win £50,000.

Ten years on, psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley says: “Love Island rewired the way we think about love, attraction and even language. It normalised enhanced beauty.”

With the 12th series kicking off next Monday, here we look at how the show shaped the nation.

SKIMPIER SWIMWEAR

Woman in green bikini and cream shirt under a wooden pergola.

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Antigoni Buxton wears a bikini top upside downCredit: Instagram

THE Islanders’ clothes — or lack of — made us reassess our own poolside wardrobes.

Thongs stole the show in 2018, with contestants including Laura Anderson and Georgia Steel wearing the painful-looking cheese-string variety.

Sales of thong bikinis subsequently soared as the nation got on board.

But a family-friendly pool in Lincolnshire banned customers from wearing “thongs or see-through” garments, dubbing it the “Love Island effect”.

In 2019, Molly-Mae Hague and Yewande Biala helped spark an underboob revolution, while 2022 contestant, Antigoni Buxton, inspired us to turn swimwear tops on their head, with searches for “upside-down bikini” rising by 203 per cent.

Sun Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says: “At the start of each series I’m hit with a barrage of emails from retailers reading, ‘Get the Love Island look’ as they all quickly roll out the on-trend swimwear for that year.”

MAKE-UP RITUALS

Woman curling her eyelashes with a hairdryer.

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Dani Dyer uses a hairdryer to dry her false lashes in 2018Credit: ITV

AS well as putting their love lives under the spotlight, the Islanders revealed their beauty hacks.

In 2018, Dani Dyer brushed her false eyelashes with a spoolie and blasted them with a hairdryer to give them a fluffy look.

The following summer, Molly-Mae sparked the top-knot trend after she gave a tutorial on how to achieve her trademark hairdo, while in the show’s Beach Hut.

And last year, Ella Thomas changed the way we cleanse our faces when she blew on a cotton pad soaked in micellar water — causing the liquid to foam.

A TikTok video on the tip has 13.8million views.

THE LOVE ISLE LOOK

Malin Andersson on Love Island.

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Series two’s Malin Andersson has given up BotoxCredit: Rex Features

BOOB jobs, fillers, Botox — you name it, a Love Island contestant has had it.

Every summer, fans take to Google to see what islanders looked like before their tweakments, with bombshell Megan Barton-Hanson’s transformation one of the most talked about.

The “Love Island Effect” has been blamed for a boom in the number of women — many of them young or even teenagers — seeking cosmetic procedures.

One plastic surgeon said that requests for dermal fillers increased twelve-fold after last year’s series. Demand for other tweakments at High Street salons is up 31 per cent in five years.

However, many former contestants such as Molly-Mae and Shaughna Phillips have had their filler dissolved.

And series two’s Malin Andersson, has given up Botox.

TOXIC ISLANDERS

Adam Collard and Rosie Williams on Love Island.

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Adam Collard was accused of ‘gaslighting’ Rosie WilliamsCredit: Rex Features

THE show has made headlines over the years for demonstrating the problematic and toxic behaviour of both men and women.

In 2019, domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid accused Adam Collard of “gaslighting” Rosie Williams by denying he was flirting with Zara McDermott, who he later ended up with.

Similarly, in 2022 the charity was “forced” to speak to ITV after being tagged by viewers in social media posts criticising Luca Bish for his “misogynistic and controlling behaviour” towards screen partner Gemma Owen.

Contestants have also faced bullying claims.

Earlier this year, media watchdog Ofcom received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar’s “alleged bullying” of co-star Ekin-Su Culculoglu during an argument.

However, the pair were soon shown working through their fall-out before making up.

THE LINGO

Olivia Attwood at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show.

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‘The ick’ was made popular by Olivia AttwoodCredit: Getty

REMEMBER the time when “muggy” referred to the ­weather and “my type on paper” was just a font?

The show’s catchphrases have left a lasting impression on the English language.

“The ick”, made popular by Olivia Attwood, was added to the Cambridge Dictionary in 2024, defined as “a sudden feeling of dislike or loss of attraction towards someone or something”.

Linguist and interpreter Ana Clarke says the show’s own lingo has even helped British men drop the stiff upper lip and better express ­emotions.

She said: “Now we see younger males talking about their feelings. They talk about ‘my type on paper’, ‘being mugged off’, ‘keeping their options open’.

“They often talk about relationships and use the word ‘journey’.”

Other terms popularised by the show include “pied” (to be dumped); “it is what it is” (that’s the situation); “putting all my eggs in their basket” (focusing on one person); and “melt” (liking someone so much that you don’t mind embarrassing yourself to prove it).

MENTAL HEALTH

Caroline Flack hosting the Love Island TV show.

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Former presenter Caroline Flack’s suicide threw ITV into turmoilCredit: Rex

SADLY, Love Island has been hit by a number of tragedies, which highlighted how reality TV shows that thrive on ­conflict and emotions can harm the mental health of contestants.

After the suicides of former Islanders Sophie Gradon (series two) and Mike ­Thalassitis (series three) and presenter Caroline Flack within a period of 20 months, ITV was thrown into turmoil.

Bosses introduced new duty-of-care protocols including pre-show psych-ological and medical assessments, training on social media impacts and ongoing support both during and after the programme aired.

Following Caroline’s shock death early 2020, Love Island and its sponsor JustEat replaced advertising with messages from charity Samaritans.

PR expert Nick Ede said: “ITV understood that they do have a duty of care. They put in place stringent guidelines to really support each of the contestants.

“After Caroline, it was important for them to support their viewers as well.”

A STAR IS BORN

Man in white hoodie with eye design.

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Ovie Soko poses for Asos after signing a brand deal

A BEVVY of beauties have found fame on the show — becoming some of the our most talked about and successful celebs.

Even the losers have walked away winners thanks to lucrative brand deals or showbiz gigs.

Nick Ede says: “They are kind of relatable. Millions feel they could be with them or be on Love Island.” Season five runner-up Molly-Mae has been the most successful influencer.

She has made an estimated £6million from deals with Pretty Little Thing, L’Oreal and Beauty Works.

She now has a daughter with her Love Island boyfriend boxer Tommy Fury, her own clothing line and a docuseries with Amazon Prime Video.

Ovie Soko, Dani Dyer and Kem Cetinay also raked it in from brand deals.

Alex and Olivia Bowen have a son and are worth almost £10million, mainly due to ­sponsored Instagram deals. Maura ­Higgins has fashion and beauty deals and hosts a US Love Island spin-off.

Olivia Attwood makes document-aries and a podcast.

Amber Davies is a West End star.

FASHION FOOTPRINT

Portrait of Dami Hope in front of a heart-shaped lollipop background.

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Dami Hope was in 2022’s season eightCredit: ITV

CUT-OUT dresses and co-ords and, for men, spray-on jeans were all popularised on the show.

The early seasons’ contestants were dressed by sponsors including fast-fashion retailers I Saw It First and Missguided, but it soon sparked a backlash.

In 2022, the show made headlines by announcing it would now dress the Islanders in pre-owned outfits from eBay, to promote more sustainable shopping habits.

PR expert Nick Ede said it was a savvy move by ITV to appeal to eco-conscious Gen Z.

“It opened them up to a whole new generation,” says Nick. “We know younger audiences are more conscious when it comes to clothing.”

ONE SIZE FITS ALL

Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan from Love Island.

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Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winnersCredit: Rex

YOU can’t deny there is a ­stereotypical Love Island look.

While the show has included contestants such as Tasha Ghouri, who is deaf and wears a cochlear implant, raising awareness around her disability, it has been criticised for ­failing to include any plus-size contestants.

Dating coach Eimear Draper says: “TV shows such as Love Island are putting a huge amount of pressure on beauty standards. For those who already ­struggle with self- esteem, this is concerning.”

Eimear, founder of Kindling Dating, adds: “All the women look the same with their ­bikinis, tanned skin and long, flowing hair.

“The Love Island guys likeChris Hughes are all hunks. They are buff. They, too, are tanned and tattooed.”

Young blokes have been warned by the group UK Anti-Doping not to resort to performance-enhancing drugs to achieve “ripped” physiques,

Periodically, Love Island has also been accused of tokenism, with often only one or two black contestants each series. Last year, Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winners.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX

Zara Holland and Alex Bowen asleep in bed.

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Alex Bowen and Zara Holland have sex on TV in series 2

IN the early days, the show was a bit of a bonkfest.

Ofcom received complaints about one couple getting busy in front of their rival housemates in series two.

And Miss Great Britain Zara Holland was stripped of her pageant title after getting it on with Alex Bowen.

Series three winners Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies were also at it like rabbits.

In 2018, producers decided to stop showing sex scenes. Nowadays, you might just get a glimpse of a headboard banging or happy feet under the sheets.

But experts reckon the show has, in some ways, sexually empowered women.

Therapist Sergio Rebelo says: “Many women on the show are unafraid to talk about their bodies and sexuality. This can encourage others to discuss their own sexuality.”

Case in point: Maura ­Higgins talking about which of the men gave her “fanny flutters”.

Then there’s ex-stripper Megan Barton-Hanson, who was on Love Island in 2018 and later paired up with Ann ­Summers to launch her own range of sex toys.

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Casino Deals an Unfair Advantage for Tribes

Re “Tribe Risks Rejection, Pushes Plan for Casino Near Capital,” Dec. 20: Native American gaming on nonreservation land would set a dangerous precedent and absolutely should not be allowed. Granting permission to even one such tribe places us on a slippery slope that could quickly turn into a landslide of applications for similar treatment by the many tribes that are suddenly appearing from seemingly out of nowhere. I am against any and all tribal gaming, as I believe it is inherently unfair to allow them to profit in an untaxed manner while other Californians, by virtue of their ethnic roots, are not allowed the same privilege. This is a very clear example of an “uneven playing field.”

In an extremely short period of time since approval of the 2000 ballot proposal that guaranteed tribes this unfair business advantage, Native American tribes have parlayed huge gaming profits into tremendous political clout. As political contributions and lobbying from tribal windfalls continue to increase, Californians can only expect to see more perks and political favors go inequitably to these “impoverished” tribes and their wealthy financial backers. This nonsense needs to stop now.

Philip W. Luebben

Cypress

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Lakers will be looking for bargain deals this offseason

Hey, everyone, welcome to the Lakers newsletter, a time for me to write a bunch a basketball items all in service of me trying to make you listen to a song of my choosing.

This week, I wanted to share kind of a common exercise I take in the summer, and how my thoughts on team building are evolving.

Newsletter

All things Lakers, all the time.

Get all the Lakers news you need in Dan Woike’s weekly newsletter.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

The man before the man

I was speaking to a longtime NBA talent evaluator this week when we began speaking about the playoffs and the game Minnesota wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker had just played against the Thunder — 23 points, four rebounds, six assists and five made threes in eight attempts while playing the kind of on-ball defense that teams all want.

Alexander-Walker will be an unrestricted free agent after this season and due for a healthy raise from the $4.3 million he earned this season. He’s exactly the kind of player whom Lakers fans want to see the team chase.

But as I was speaking to this exec, he mentioned a saying a previous employer tasked their pro scouts to focus on: “Find the man before he becomes the man.”

See, a lot of Alexander-Walker’s value to the Timberwolves comes from how his on-court impact dwarfs his impact on the team’s salary cap. He’s currently Minnesota’s ninth highest-paid player. Next season’s full mid-level exception is $14.2 million. The taxpayer mid-level exception is $5.7 million.

The latter seems as though it’ll be too low to get a two-way wing entering his prime like Alexander-Walker, and the full number (which the Lakers aren’t projected to have available) would make him the fifth highest-paid player on the Lakers’ books next season.

All of this is to say that, in speaking with scouts and executives from around the league, the key to having the best possible roster isn’t signing Alexander-Walker — it’s adding a player who can affect your roster as he has in Minnesota.

Finding rotation players who can play on rookie and minimum contracts is one of the keys to building depth. When the Lakers won the championship in 2020, Alex Caruso, Dwight Howard and Kyle Kuzma were all on bargain deals. This year in the playoffs, the Lakers’ “cheap” players were Jaxson Hayes and Jordan Goodwin.

Although one obvious pathway for the Lakers to improve this summer is via trade, packaging a group of players with expiring contracts for higher-impact players, another is going to be on the minimum-contract market.

Trouble is that every team is looking for help like this and they’re all fishing in a free-agency pool that’s generally regarded as weak, especially when it comes to players who scouts think could be both affordable and improving.

Luckily, when it comes to this type of player, situation and opportunity, as well as system and fit, are as important as talent — maybe even more. And role players who got paid when they hit the market and didn’t live up to the paycheck, well, they can usually be had for cheap as they try to rebuild value.

With Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have a core that they’re familiar with and know the kind of players that work around them. Finding great role players before they get paid like great role players should be the charge of any contending front office.

Luka look

Photos of Doncic looking trimmed down in early stages of summer hit the internet this past week, with Doncic posting some himself on his Instagram, including workout photos in Lakers gear.

Without trying to gauge whether Doncic is in awesome shape or in a flattering T-shirt, I will say this: There were people in his camp who felt as though he was in store for a big offseason because of the humiliation he felt in the discussions about his work ethic and conditioning after he was traded from Dallas.

With EuroBasket getting underway in late August, the Lakers should expect a fully engaged Doncic whenever he gets back to Los Angeles.

Song of the week

Elderberry Wine by Wednesday

If there’s new Wednesday or MJ Lenderman music, it’s ending up here. The steel pedal, the vocals, Lenderman on guitar … some real song of the summer stuff for me and the kind of thing I’ll have on repeat for months. Also, another great Wednesday video.

In case you missed it

So far for the Lakers, it’s been status quo in the offseason

The Lakers should draft a big man who’s also a grown-up

Until next time …

As always, pass along your thoughts to me at [email protected], and please consider subscribing if you like our work!

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Emma mattress deals 2025 UK: You can save up to 56% off this May Bank Holiday

LOOKING for a new mattress? Great news – Emma’s May Bank Holiday sale is on, with eye-popping discounts you won’t want to miss!

Right now, savvy shoppers can snag up to 56% off Emma’s award-winning mattresses and sleep accessories – perfect timing if your current mattress is on its last legs.

Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress on a bed frame.

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Emma has great deals for customers this MarchCredit: Emma

Get FREE products + an extra 5% off with code: THESUN

The sale covers all the fan favourites including the Original, Premium and Hybrid models, so there’s something for every sleep style and budget.

Even better – many purchases come with free sleep accessories depending on which bundle you choose. One standout deal includes complimentary bedding worth a whopping £337!


Emma Sleep mattress deals: at a glance

  • Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress Small Double, £604.45 (was £1,099)shop here
  • Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress Double + FREE mattress protector, pillows, and duvet (worth £337) – shop here
  • Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress + FREE mattress protector and pillows (worth £253)shop here
  • Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress + FREE pillows (worth £160) – shop here
  • Emma One Foam Mattress, £259.74 (was £349) – shop here
  • Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress, £787 (was £1,499) – shop here

And here’s an exclusive treat just for Sun readers – we’ve nabbed you an EXTRA 5% discount on top of these already massive savings.

Simply use code THESUN at checkout to boost your bargain even further!

Emma Sleep mattress deals for May Bank Holiday

Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress: 45% less

Illustration of a mattress cut away to show its layers.

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The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress is currently on sale with a massive 45% offCredit: Emma

Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress, £714.45
(was £1,200) + extra 5% off with code THESUN

What’s the deal: Emma is discontinuing this model so when current stocks are gone, they’re gone.

You’ll save yourself a massive £494.55 with this deal, bringing the price down to just £604.45 from the original £1,099.

Then add in our discount code THESUN at checkout to get an extra 5% off your order.

Why it’s a good buy: The single and double sizes have already sold out, but you can still get your hands on the small double, king size and super king versions.

Perfect for warmer sleepers, the Luxe Cooling uses special temperature-regulating technology to stop night sweats.

With over 100 reviews of this mattress to read online at Emma, customers particularly love how it helps them sleep through warm nights without constantly throwing off the covers.

Check out our guide to the best cooling mattresses for more tried-and-tested options.

Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress: FREE mattress protector, pillows, and duvet

Illustration of a mattress cut away to show its layers.

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Seven layers to support your whole bodyCredit: Emma

Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress Double, £1,008 + FREE mattress protector, pillows, and duvet worth £337

What’s the deal: Snap up a potential £337 saving on this premium double mattress bundle, which includes a free mattress protector, two premium cloud pillows, and Emma’s cloud duvet.

Then add in our discount code THESUN at checkout to get an extra 5% off your order.

Why it’s a good buy: The clever seven-layer design makes this perfect for hot sleepers who don’t want to compromise on support.

Its innovative AirGrid layer works overtime to disperse heat while the targeted 7-zone spring layer provides precise pressure relief exactly where your body needs it most.

We’re particularly impressed with the practical UltraDry cover that zips off for easy washing – keeping your sleeping space fresh with minimal maintenance.

For anyone dreaming of hotel-quality sleep with serious cooling tech, this premium hybrid delivers impressive results that justify the investment.


READ MORE:


Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress, £819 + FREE mattress protector and pillows

Illustration of a mattress cut away to show its layers.

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If you overheat while sleeping try the Hybrid Thermosync mattressCredit: Emma

Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress,
£819 + FREE mattress protector and pillows worth £253

What’s the deal: Save a whopping £253 on this temperature-regulating double mattress bundle, which includes a FREE mattress protector and pillow pair.

Apply our exclusive code THESUN at checkout for an extra 5% saving on top of these already impressive discounts.

Why it’s a good buy: Hot sleepers: this could be your perfect match.

The clever Thermosync combines graphite-infused layers to regulate your body temperature with seven targeted support zones that provide pressure relief exactly where you need it most.

Customers particularly love how it helps tackle back pain while preventing that dreaded night-time overheating – a combination that’s surprisingly rare in the mattress world.

The removable, washable cover is a game-changer for allergy sufferers too, making this a smart investment for better sleep whatever the season.

Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress, £569 + FREE pillows

Illustration of a hybrid mattress with its layers separated to show the different components.

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Shoppers can save a fortune with the Hybrid Premium Mattress, which currently has 15% off.Credit: Emma

Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress,
£569 + FREE pillows worth £160

What’s the deal: You’ll save yourself £160 with this bundle deal, which includes two free pillows.

Apply our exclusive code THESUN at checkout for an extra 5% saving.

Why it’s a good buy: The award-winning Hybrid Premium combines both pocket springs and memory foam across seven supportive zones – ideal if you suffer from aches and pains.

Reviewers particularly love how it keeps your spine perfectly aligned while relieving pressure on joints, hips and shoulders.

The clever design also allows air to flow through the mattress, keeping warmer sleepers cool throughout the night.

With Emma’s standard 200-night trial, you can test it thoroughly before committing – though most customers are sold after just a few nights of improved sleep.

Emma One Foam Mattress, £259.74 (was £349)

Emma One foam mattress in its box.

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Emma One Foam Mattress
£259.74 (was £349)

What’s the deal? Save a whopping £89.26 on this popular foam mattress – that’s over 25% off the regular price!

Why it’s a good buy: The award-winning Emma One combines three premium foam layers across seven ergonomic zones for perfect support that won’t break the bank.

Reviewers love its medium-firm feel that’s perfect for all sleeping positions – whether you’re a back, side or front sleeper.

The breathable, removable cover makes cleaning a breeze, while the foam construction helps minimize partner disturbance for undisturbed nights.

With free next-day delivery and Emma’s 200-night trial period, you can test this mattress thoroughly before committing – though, with hundreds of five-star reviews, we’re betting you’ll be sleeping soundly from night one!

Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress, £787 (was £1,499)

Illustration of Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress cutaway showing its layers.

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Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress
£787 (was £1,499)

What’s the deal? Save a whopping £712 on Emma’s luxury mattress – that’s a massive 47% off the original price!

Why it’s a good buy: The premium Diamond Hybrid is Emma’s top-of-the-range mattress, combining the best of both worlds with plush memory foam and responsive pocket springs.

It’s got a special graphite-infused foam layer that actively regulates temperature – perfect for hot sleepers who wake up sweating during warmer months.

With seven ergonomic zones providing tailored support across your entire body, it’s ideal for couples and those suffering with back pain.


Emma sleep accessories and bedding deals

Emma Mattress Protector, £59 (was £145)

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Emma Mattress Protector
£59 (was £145)

What’s the deal? You can now nab the Emma Mattress Protector with a whopping 59% discount – down from £145 to just £59.

Why it’s a great buy: This isn’t just any old mattress protector – it’s a proper game-changer for your sleep setup.

The Emma protector is fully waterproof (perfect if you’ve got little ones or enjoy breakfast in bed) but doesn’t have that annoying crinkly feel of cheaper options.

It’s breathable too, meaning no more waking up sweaty in the night, and it’s designed to fit snugly around your mattress with elastic corners that don’t budge.

Machine washable at 60°C, it’s a doddle to keep clean – ideal for allergy sufferers who need to wash bedding regularly. At this price, it’s an absolute no-brainer for protecting your mattress investment!

Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow, £49 (was £115)

Emma Premium Cloud Pillow bundle.

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Shoppers can save a fortune with the Premium Cloud Pillow Bundle, which currently has 20% off.Credit: Emma

Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow
£49 (was £115)

What’s the deal: You’ll save yourself £66 with this deal, bringing the price down to just £49 from the original £115.

Why it’s a good buy: Say goodbye to neck pain with these clever adjustable pillows that let you customise the height and firmness to match exactly how you sleep.

Perfect for couples with different preferences, the Premium Cloud features special Outlast thermal technology that regulates temperature throughout the night – keeping your head cool when it matters most.

The breathable, machine-washable design makes these pillows practical as well as comfortable, with reviewers particularly praising how they’ve helped reduce morning stiffness and improve sleep quality.

Head over to our guide to the best pillows for more options we’ve put to the test.

Emma Premium Mattress Topper, £321 + FREE mattress protector

Illustration of mattress topper layers.

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Keep your new Emma mattress topper clean with a free mattress protectorCredit: Emma

Emma Premium Mattress Topper, £321 + FREE mattress protector worth £93

What’s the deal: You’ll save yourself £93 with this bundle, which includes a FREE mattress protector.

Apply our exclusive code THESUN at checkout for an extra 5% saving on top of these already impressive discounts.

Why it’s a good buy: If you’re a hot sleeper who tosses and turns, this could be your perfect match.

The Thermosync combines seven zones of pocket springs with cooling technology to support different parts of your body.

Perfect for those with neck or back pain, the memory foam layers work with the springs to keep your spine aligned while regulating temperature all night long.

The removable, washable cover is a practical bonus that keeps your investment fresh for years to come.

Emma Cloud Duvet, £59 (was £135)

White four-season duvet.

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Snuggle up in a brand new 4-Seasons DuvetCredit: Emma

Emma Cloud Duvet, £59 (was £135)

What’s the deal: Sleep like you’re floating on air with the aptly named Emma Cloud Duvet – now with a massive £76 price drop.

Why it’s a good buy: This clever bedding uses temperature-regulating technology to keep you perfectly comfortable all year round, making early morning wake-ups a thing of the past.

The secret is in the special microfibre filling that allows fresh air to flow through the duvet, preventing bacteria build-up while keeping you cool in summer and cosy when temperatures drop.

Light as a feather but seriously effective, this cloud-soft duvet from the sleep experts at Emma feels luxuriously soft to the touch – exactly what you want after a long day.

The practical side is sorted too. Spills and stains? No problem – the entire duvet is fully machine washable, meaning you can enjoy that fresh-bed feeling whenever you need it.

For hassle-free comfort that works year-round, this duvet is a no-brainer – especially with that impressive 56% discount.


Emma mattress FAQs

Are Emma mattresses any good?

For us at Sun Shopping, the answer to this question is a resounding yes.

Whether you opt for the economical Emma Original or the more luxurious Emma Premium mattress, we think you’re getting value for money and giving yourself the best chance of a good night’s sleep.

It is important to do your research to figure out exactly what specifications you need from a mattress.

In the Emma premium mattress review, our tester noted that “Having a high-quality mattress has truly levelled up my sleep game”.

This will help you buy one that’s right for your requirements and needs, and will hopefully ensure longevity and overall satisfaction.

Which Emma mattress is best?

The Emma NextGen Premium Mattress is a great all-rounder.

It has a combination of memory foam, springs and cooling technology, so ticks the boxes for anyone wanting the most bang for their buck.

That’s not to say we don’t love the Emma Original Mattress though, and the single version is ideal for children — check out our Emma Kids’ Single Mattress review to find out more.

Make sure you add the discount code THESUN for an extra 5% off any Emma deal.

Are Emma mattresses any good for side sleepers?

Emma doesn’t exclusively reference mattress technology specifically for side sleepers, however, the NextGen Cooling mattress does offer full body pressure relief and support.

The mattress has seven different pocket spring zones, which provide specific support to different areas of the body.

This particular Emma mattress has received plenty of positive reviews online.

Fans have shared their thoughts on the quality of the design and improved sleep, with one reviewer stating it has created an “optimum balance between support and comfort”.

Our own The Sun shopping tester, “who sleeps chaotically on all sides” also gave the mattress top marks in our best cooling mattress roundup.

What is the life expectancy of an Emma mattress?

Emma offers shoppers a 10-year guarantee on all its mattresses, a policy that starts as soon as you receive your mattress.

If you encounter any problems with your mattress, Emma’s customer service will assist you in resolving the issue including completely swapping out your faulty mattress for a new one.

A mattress is certainly an investment piece, so Emma customers can also make the most of the brand’s 200-day sleep trial.

It means you get enough time to really road-test your mattress in real life and decide if it works for you.

What is the firmness of an Emma mattress?

Emma’s mattresses are rated using a scale to explain how firm their mattresses are.

The firmness of Emma’s mattresses is the product of premium extra-tall springs aiding support and correct spinal alignment.

A majority of Emma mattresses are scored with a medium-firm rating, reviews suggest that the Simba Hybrid is firmer than Emma mattresses.

However, it is important to do your own research to find the mattress suitable for you.

If you do purchase an Emma mattress, you can trial it for up to 200 days to make sure it is right for you.

For further inspiration take a look at our top picks of the best mattress you can buy right now.

What are the disadvantages of the Emma mattress?

While Emma consistently ranks among the UK’s top mattress brands, there are some potential downsides worth considering before you commit.

First, several customers report that Emma mattresses tend to sleep warmer than advertised.

Despite the cooling technology, hot sleepers may find the heat retention problematic, particularly with the all-foam models.

The price point sits firmly in the premium category. Even with impressive discounts, you’re still looking at a significant investment compared to budget alternatives – though the quality generally justifies this.

Some users note a longer-than-average break-in period, with firmness levels feeling excessive during the first few weeks before the materials properly adjust to your body.


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