fall

Crude oil prices jump more than 4 percent amid fears the US may join Israel’s offensive against Iran.

Oil prices have spiked amid fears that the Israel-Iran crisis could spiral into a broader conflict involving the United States.

Brent North Sea Crude and West Texas Intermediate – the two most popular oil benchmarks – rose 4.4 percent and 4.3, respectively, on Tuesday as US President Donald Trump demanded “unconditional surrender” from Tehran.

The benchmarks stood at $76.45 per barrel and $74.84 per barrel, respectively, following the jump.

Oil prices edged up further in early trading on Wednesday, with both benchmarks about 0.5 percent higher as of 03:30 GMT.

US stocks fell on the rising geopolitical tensions overnight, with the benchmark S&P500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declining 0.84 percent and 0.91 percent, respectively.

Israel has bombed multiple oil and gas facilities in Iran since Friday, including the South Pars gasfield, the Fajr Jam gas plant, the Shahran oil depot and the Shahr Rey oil refinery.

While there has been little disruption to global energy flows so far, the possibility of escalation – including direct US involvement in Israel’s military offensive – has put markets on edge.

On Tuesday, Trump ratcheted his rhetoric against Iran, adding to fears that his administration could order a military strike against Iran’s uranium enrichment facility at Fordow.

In a thinly veiled threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump said in a Truth Social post that the US knew his location but did not want him killed “for now”.

Iran has the world’s third-largest reserves of crude oil and second-largest reserves of gas, though its reach as an energy exporter has been heavily curtailed by US-led sanctions.

The country produced about 3.99 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2023, or 4 percent of global supply, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Iran also sits on the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a conduit for 20-30 percent of global oil shipments.

Nearly all of Iran’s oil exports leave via the Kharg Island export terminal, which has so far been spared from Israeli bombing.

“In the context of seeking to destabilize Iran, Israel may choose to strike its oil exports, believing that working to finish off a hostile regime is worth the risk of alienating allies concerned with potential price escalation,” Clayton Seigle, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, wrote in an analysis on Monday.

“Israeli strategists are likely well aware that Iran’s oil export capacity is quite vulnerable to disruption. Its offshore oil export terminal at Kharg Island accounts for nearly all of its 1.5 million barrels per day average export volume.”

MINNEAPOLIS — Napheesa Collier scored 26 of her 32 points in the first half while Courtney Williams added 17 points and the Minnesota Lynx returned to their winning ways by beating the Los Angeles Sparks 101-78 on Saturday.

Reserves Natisha Hiedeman had 14 points and Maria Kliundikova finished with 11 for the Lynx (10-1), who were handed their first loss of the season on Wednesday by the Seattle Storm, 94-84.

Kelsey Plum scored 20 points, Rickea Jackson added 18, reserve Emma Cannon had 14 and Dearica Hamby finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Sparks (4-8).

It was Collier’s third 30-plus point effort of the season. She started the year with season-high 34 points in a win over Dallas on May 16. Collier followed that with a 33-point effort a week later against Connecticut.

Against the Sparks, however, with the game in hand, Collier sat the fourth quarter after a 13-for-16 shooting performance including three for four from three-point range.

Collier recorded more field goals in the first quarter than Los Angeles as a team. She was seven-for-nine shooting compared to the Sparks who were four for seven. Minnesota led 34-15 at the end of one.

By halftime, Collier was at 10-for-12 shooting while Los Angeles overall still trailed her by shooting only seven for 30. Minnesota led 58-26 at halftime for its highest scoring half of the season.

The billing couldn’t have been bigger. Dodgers vs. Giants. Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. Logan Webb. One of the game’s oldest rivalries, pitting what were supposed to be two of the game’s top pitchers.

On Friday night at Dodger Stadium, however, only one right-handed ace showed up.

In the first meeting of the season between the Dodgers and Giants, Webb did his thing, giving up just two runs on two hits over seven spectacular innings.

Opposite him, Yamamoto was no match, floundering in a five-run, 4 ⅔-inning start that sent the Dodgers to a 6-2 defeat — leaving the teams tied atop the National League West with identical 41-29 records at the 70-game mark.

The evening was a study in pitching excellence (or, in Yamamoto’s case, a lack thereof); serving as a reminder that, for as good as Yamamoto has become in his second major league season, there are tiers to his talent he has still yet to reach.

Where Webb got soft contact and quick outs, needing just 98 pitches to complete his seventh seven-inning outing of the season, Yamamoto labored through hitters’ counts and long at-bats, issuing a career-high five walks while finding the strike zone on just 56 of his 102 pitches.

Where Webb limited traffic and escaped rare damage, giving up just two hits while walking only three batters, Yamamoto toiled through self-inflicted trouble; none worse than when he walked the bases loaded in the third, before giving up a tie-breaking grand slam to Casey Schmitt.

Most of all, where Webb played the part of a contending team’s staff ace, lowering his earned-run average to 2.58 (fifth-best in the National League), Yamamoto faltered in a way that’s become uncomfortably familiar of late, his ERA rising to 2.64 despite an almost flawless opening month.

In his first seven starts, Yamamoto was 4-2 with a 0.90 ERA, a 0.925 WHIP and only one game in which he gave up even two earned runs.

“Right now, he’s pitching like the best pitcher in the world,” catcher Will Smith said on May 2, after Yamamoto pitched six shutout innings against the Atlanta Braves.

Since then, Yamamoto has been on a different planet — and not a good one.

Over his last seven outings, the 26-year-old Japanese star is 2-3 with a 4.46 ERA. In that span, he has more starts of less than five innings (two) than of seven full innings (one). He has given up three or more runs four times. And Friday was the second in which he was scored on five times, tying his MLB career-high.

The most consistent problem during that slump: Poor command.

Yamamoto has walked 17 batters in his last 38 ⅓ innings. And when he isn’t issuing free passes, he is putting himself in bad counts, like when Willy Adames opened the scoring Friday by getting ahead 2-and-0 and hitting a down-the-middle fastball to right for a solo home run.

Another potential factor in Yamamoto’s recent struggles: He has been forced to pitch on less rest between starts.

Over his first seven starts, Yamamoto pitched on at least six days of rest — mirroring the once-per-week schedule he had in Japan.

Since then, however, each of his outings have come on only five days’ rest.

Yamamoto has downplayed that factor in the past. And last year, he actually had slightly better numbers on five days of rest (2.97 ERA in 11 starts) than six (3.07 ERA in starts).

Still, for a Dodgers staff that has been shorthanded — leaving the club without the luxury of starting Yamamoto only once a week — it has been a marked drop-off, coming at a time when their once three-game lead in a competitive NL West has quickly evaporated amid a grueling stretch of the schedule.

The Dodgers’ lineup, of course, didn’t help Yamamoto much, either.

After scoring on an Andy Pages sacrifice fly in the second, when a throw home beat Smith but was dropped by Giants catcher Andrew Knizner while trying to apply a tag, the team’s only other production against Webb came via Teoscar Hernández, who lined the Dodgers’ first hit to right in the fourth before homering for a second-straight game on a solo blast in the seventh.

By then, however, Webb had already put the game on ice, becoming the latest starting pitcher this month to handle the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup (opposing starters have a 2.43 ERA against the Dodgers in June, and are averaging almost six innings per start).

It made Yamamoto’s clunker all the more costly, highlighting an extended slide in production that continues to plague the team’s only healthy ace.

UK companies are holding back on hiring or are not replacing departing workers, sending job vacancies tumbling, official figures suggest.

The number of available jobs fell by 63,000 between March and May while the unemployment rate ticked higher.

“There continues to be a weakening in the labour market,” said Liz McKeown, director of econonic statistics at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), adding that there had been a noticeable drop in the number of people on payrolls.

In April, National Insurance Contributions paid by employers increased while a rise in the minimum wage came into force.

The estimated number of available jobs fell to 736,000 over the three months to May.

“Feedback from our vacancies survey suggests some firms may be holding back from recruiting new workers or replacing people when they move on,” said Ms McKeown.

The figures also showed that the unemployement rate rose from 4.5% to 4.6% – the highest since July 2021.

It took the Dodgers until the ninth inning Monday night to erase their first two-run deficit.

But when Tanner Scott surrendered a pair of scores in the top of the 10th, they couldn’t do it again.

In a 4-3 extra-innings loss to the New York Mets on Monday, a night that started with frustration — then crescendoed with a late-game rally — ultimately ended in a familiar fizzle.

Despite tying it behind a seventh-inning home run and a ninth-inning sacrifice fly from Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers (36-24) once again stumbled beneath the weight of their slumping closer.

In the top of the 10th, Scott gave up an RBI double to Francisco Alvarez to lead off the inning. Francisco Lindor followed with a down-the-line single to bring another run for the Mets (38-22). The left-hander, who signed for four years and $72 million this offseason, has a 4.73 earned-run average in his first 28 outings.

And after coming back once on Monday night, the Dodgers’ magic ran out in the bottom of the 10th.

Although Freddie Freeman led off with a walk, and Andy Pages followed with an RBI single that made it a one-run score, the Dodgers came up empty the rest of the way.

Max Muncy struck out. Will Smith pinch-hit for Michael Conforto at the last second — literally running out of the dugout with Conforto already digging in at the plate — but flied out to center. Then Tommy Edman scorched a comebacker straight to reliever Jose Buttó, concluding a night in which the Dodgers went two for 11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 men on base.

The result squandered a strong six-inning, two-run start from Dustin May. It let Ohtani’s late-game heroics go to waste.

And instead of a rollicking late-game comeback, the Dodgers instead suffered a second consecutive deflating defeat.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a 424-foot home run to right field during the seventh inning Monday.

(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)

PUNTERS were quite rightly stunned and social media went into meltdown after a shock unseat on a horse who drifted like a barge at Wexford on Wednesday.

Philip Byrnes flopped off Redwood Queen – trained by the jockey’s old man Charles – in the opening 2m1f claiming hurdle.

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Although on itself merely an extreme example of desperate riding, what angered many about this was that Redwood Queen had drifted in the betting from 7-2 to 13-2.

She clearly had the race in the bag when the jockey disappeared out the ‘side door’.

Byrnes runners, more than most other stables, appear to do best when the money is down.

My Saturday NAP

A Listed winner on comeback from ages off having previously run well in the 2000 Guineas when well fancied – everything, including the strong pace, points to a big run here. Back my tip simply by clicking the odds above.

To an outsider, the County Limerick handler runs what the majority would call a ‘gambling outfit’, for all that racing fans would have no proof of any financial transactions.

So when a Byrnes runner drifts like a barge, is clear at the last and then the jockey falls off, naturally many will cry foul play.

Only time will tell if that was the case – as the IHRB launch their full investigation.

But the chances are the case will eventually be dropped.

Only money trails could really prove guilt, and with so much punting action now on the Black Market, if anyone was trying to do something untoward they would have to be very thick indeed to leave any trace.

I did ask one top class jumps rider what they thought of the fall, and their response was interesting.

“Terrible bit of riding really,” they said.

“The horse came out of his hands and he was unbalanced but who knows whether that was enough to fall off?”

They added: “Personally I don’t think he’s that good a stunt rider. I think if they wanted to throw themselves off it would have looked more obvious.

“It’s really hard to throw yourself off a horse. I just don’t think he’s that good.”

Social media is always fascinating on these occasions. People like me – journalists and presenters on TV – tend to come in for a barrage of abuse.

The general gist is that we ‘don’t tell it as it is’.

As well as that, we should ‘have an opinion’ and we won’t talk out against the ‘racing family’.

What those on social media are actually saying is that if we don’t agree with what they suggest we are on the so-called ‘gravy train’.

In this case, what those on social media wanted me to say was a jockey had deliberately fallen off a horse who had taken a walk in the betting because connections did not want it to win.

They would also like me to add the whole game is corrupt.

To say the above is fine for most, although technically there would always be a chance of action being taken against them if the authorities found there was no case to answer.

But if a TV presenter was to say such things – or someone in writing – they would be in court or before lawyers before you could count to ten.

I know this as a fact.

In my early days of broadcasting I was laid off for a month for two instances which I stand by to today, but which could not be proven.

Did one of those mouthing off on social media offer to help pay my bills because I had publicly stood up for the punters? No they did not.

Being a keyboard warrior is, naturally, a very different world to broadcasting or writing in a newspaper.

Social media has given the people an opening to express themselves like they have never had before.

But just because the rules of the land appear to matter little online, everyone should remember that for broadcasters and journalists it’s a different world.

The Wexford incident looked awful. But was it deliberate? I have absolutely no idea.

And at this stage none of you reading this have any concrete proof either. Such is life.

It’s the calm before the Derby and Royal Ascot this weekend, but one race I’m excited to watch is Saturday’s Group 3 Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock and live on ITV.

Old favourites Audience and Kinross are in the line-up, but it’s Alyanaabi who interests me.

He was once fancied for last year’s 2000 Guineas, and eventually finished fifth behind Notable Speech.

He carried on at about a mile for Owen Burrows, but his stamina has always been open to question and he returned over course and distance when scoring on May 10.

I was impressed then and everything looks right here for another bold run with a strong pace assured. Come on, Alyanaabi!

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Jacob Fearnley moved into an all-British meeting with Cameron Norrie in the French Open third round after his opponent Ugo Humbert retired following a nasty fall.

Fearnley, who replaced Norrie as the British number two earlier this year, was leading 6-3 4-4 when French 22nd seed Humbert quit.

Humbert tumbled as he stretched for a return at 40-40 in the eighth game and instantly clutched his right leg.

After receiving treatment and wearing heavy strapping, Humbert gamely tried to continue and finished the game before deciding it would not be sensible to carry on.

As a result, 23-year-old Fearnley – who is 55th in the world after a rapid rise over the past 12 months – moved into the last 32 on his French Open debut.

Norrie booked his place earlier on Thursday with a 7-6 (9-7) 6-2 6-1 win over Argentine qualifier Federico Gomez.

The 29-year-old has slipped to 81st in the rankings, but has rediscovered his form on the clay and earned one of the most satisfying wins of his career when he beat former world number one Daniil Medvedev at Roland Garros earlier this week.

May 26 (UPI) — A 13-year-old boy is dead after he fell from a float during a Memorial Day parade in northeastern Ohio, authorities said.

The teenager sustained critical injuries Monday when he fell off the front of a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck during the City of Green’s Memorial Day Parade, according to the city’s fire department, which is located about 50 miles south of Cleveland.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office, which described the incident as a “tragic accident,” said in a statement that the boy was struck by the dual tires of the trailer in the fall.

He was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said.

The incident happened at about 11:23 a.m. EDT, it said.

The name of the child has not been released to the public.

“The incident remains under investigation by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office,” according to the sheriff’s office.

WE all function better after a decent night’s sleep, but sometimes life gets in the way and we simply can’t bank the hours of shut-eye we need to feel energised, upbeat and alert. 

Getting up at the crack of dawn for an early morning flight, long train journeys on uncomfortable seats, and staying in unfamiliar hotel beds can make it difficult to get the slumber we want. 

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We may even find it hard to squeeze in a daytime nap on the sofa or in the car when our bodies are crying out for some more rest. 

Joshua Piper, sleep clinician at Resmed UK, tells Sun Health: “Whether you’re on a plane, in a hotel or trying to sneak a power nap in the car, falling asleep away from home can be tricky.

“Thankfully, there are some sneaky little tips that can help you to sleep, no matter your location.”

In a hotel bed…

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YOU’VE splashed out for a trip overseas, staying in a nice hotel with a bed that’s far more luxurious than the one you have at home. 

Yet for some reason, your sleep couldn’t be worse. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. 

Research by the Sleep Foundation found that the majority of people get less sleep in hotels than at home. 

When asked where they slept best, a measly 13 per cent of people chose hotels compared with 65 per cent who chose their own bed. 

Plus, only 54 per cent of people questioned said they got seven hours of sleep a night in a hotel.

“Hotel rooms can throw sleep patterns off with bright lighting, unfamiliar beds, and that ‘not-quite-home’ vibe,” says Joshua.

“Even if the bed is great, your brain is subconsciously on alert. It’s called the ‘first night effect’.”

“One half of your brain stays more vigilant in a new setting as a survival mechanism, especially during deep sleep stages,” adds Jules Goldberg, an expert in sleep health and technology and founder of sleep tech brands, Sleepwave and Snorelab.

Jet lag can play a role, but your production of the sleepy hormone melatonin can take a hit regardless of timezone. 

Routine is key here, according to Joshua. 

“Keeping your bedtime routine the same, even on the road, is one of the simplest ways to ease into sleep,” he says.

“Brush your teeth, do your skincare routine, read your usual two pages of a book. Do whatever tells your brain ‘it’s time for bed’.”

Jules adds: “Keep the room cool and dark. Try setting the temperature to around 18C, which is ideal for sleeping. 

“And if the curtains don’t quite cut it, a sleep mask can help you block out the light.”

She also suggests bringing something familiar to the hotel. 

“Whether it’s your pillowcase or a small item from home, that sense of familiarity can help signal to your brain that it’s time to switch off,” she says. 

On a plane…

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A LONG journey means a long snooze, right? Well, it’s not quite so easy. 

Joshua says that sensory overload can make sleep very difficult. 

Think loud noises, people talking and unless you’ve splashed out for business class, you’ll likely be in an upright, uncomfortable seat too.

Where possible, select your seat in advance – and choose wisely. 

“A window seat away from foot traffic helps, and sitting over the engine can provide that steady white noise effect,” says Joshua. 

Aim to keep your sleep short too – around 20 minutes maximum. You want to feel refreshed, not groggy

Jules GoldbergSleep expert

The exact location of over-engine seats varies, but they’re typically in the middle, near the wings of the plane, or to the rear of the plane.

“Eye masks, neck pillows, warm socks and a blanket go a long way too,” says Joshua.

“And a proper travel pillow can stop your head from nodding and waking you up repeatedly,” adds Jules.

Wear loose clothing when you fly so that your movement isn’t restricted. 

And if you have time before a flight, try to squeeze in some exercise, such as a brisk walk, jog or gym session. 

Research published in the journal Advances in Preventive Medicine found that exercise improves sleep quality and duration.

In the car…

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MUCH like in a plane, if you have a long car journey ahead, you might be planning a little sleep, if the driver doesn’t mind you dozing off!

For a decent rest, recline your seat slightly.

“Being fully upright makes it harder for your body to enter proper rest,” says Jules. “Even 15 to 20 degrees helps.”

As for background noise, go for calm, instrumental music.

“Ambient playlists work best,” says Jules. “But if you prefer, choose a chatty radio station as this may help you to drift off.

“Aim to keep your sleep short too – around 20 minutes maximum. You want to feel refreshed, not groggy.”

Whatever you do, make sure you’re safe and stay belted if you’re in a moving vehicle.

On the sofa…

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BIG night ahead and want to bank some sleep so you can stay awake into the early hours?

“If you’re going for a tactical 3pm sofa snooze, aim for it to be around 20 minutes,” says Joshua. 

“This is typically enough to recharge without dipping into deep sleep. 

“Most of us take eight to 10 minutes to drift off, so set an alarm accordingly.”

While you can’t force sleep, you can create a peaceful, sleep-promoting environment. 

“Even if you don’t fall fully asleep, a period of restful stillness can recharge you enough to feel sharper and more energised,” Jules says.

“Dim the lights as bright light confuses your internal clock, and do a short breathing exercise or body scan to calm your system.”

We tested 10 sleep aids to see which ones really work

By Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor

FROM magnesium to meditation, there are hundreds of alleged tricks to help you get a good night’s sleep.

But which ones really work, and which ones are a waste of time and money? 

As a team, we put 10 of the most popular to the test.

Some had us nodding off within minutes of hitting the hay. Others, not so much. 

If you’re one of the 16million Brits with insomnia or other sleep troubles, here are some products and lifestyle tweaks you might want to try – and the ones you’re better off without…

• ASHWAGANDHA – 5/5
• LACTIUM AND LACTOFERRIN – 0/5
• BLACKOUT SLEEP MASK – 4/5
• INFRARED SAUNA – 3/5
• NO BOOZE – 3/5
• MEDITATION APPS – 3/5
• SLEEPY GIRL MOCKTAIL – 3/5
• DIGITAL DETOX – 2/5
• WARM FEET – 5/5
• SLEEP GOGGLES – 4/5

You can read our full verdict here.

In the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, mindfulness activities like body scans were shown to help improve sleep quality and even reduce some sleep issues. 

A body scan involves focusing on a spot on your body, such as your right foot, and noticing how it feels or if there is any pain or tension. 

Then, you move on to another area until you’ve covered your entire body. 

By this point, you’re hopefully drifting off – or already asleep! 

On a boat…

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WHETHER it’s a cruise ship, ferry or commuter boat, trying to catch some Zzzs on the water isn’t always smooth sailing. 

“With long-term motion comes some detriment,” says Joshua.

“Motion sickness has been shown to have negative effects on sleep duration and quality. 

“This often creates a vicious cycle, as sleepiness increases the risk of motion-related illness.”

The best thing you can do is maintain a consistent sleep schedule, sticking to your wind-down activities like normal to prepare your body for sleep. 

For me, the bedroom is for sleep and, if the stars align, sex! That’s it. No TV, no laptop, no doom-scrolling. Otherwise, your brain won’t associate that space with winding down

Joshua PiperSleep clinician

Avoid using screens before hitting the hay as this can exacerbate the symptoms of motion sickness as your brain is receiving conflicting signals from your eyes and inner ear about movement. 

But, boat sleeping isn’t all bad. Joshua says that the gentle rocking can actually help support sleep. 

“Plus, quite often, being at sea means you are governed by natural light, which can have positive effects on sleep as you align more closely to your natural circadian rhythm, aka your body clock,” he adds. 

“We also tend to have reduced noise pollution and other environmental disturbances. 

“Just make sure everything is tied down!”

In your own bed…

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WE all want to get good sleep at home. 

While the NHS recommends we get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, half of Brits don’t get nearly enough, according to research by YouGov.

More than a third (34 per cent) struggled to drift off three or more times a week, and almost half (44 per cent) have called in sick to work because of extreme tiredness, research by Resmed shows. 

Making your bedroom a sleep sanctuary goes a long way in improving your shut-eye. 

“It’s about giving your brain the right signals,” Joshua says.

“For me, the bedroom is for sleep and, if the stars align, sex! That’s it. No TV, no laptop, no doom-scrolling. 

“Otherwise, your brain won’t associate that space with winding down.”

You also don’t need to spend thousands of pounds on blackout blinds or fancy gadgets.

“Start with small steps, like an eye mask, a bit of down time before bed, even dimming the lights,” he adds.

“Stick to the same wake-up time (on weekends too) and get some morning sunlight. 

“It’s the best natural reset for your body clock.”

The 8 sleep-destroying habits that are waking you up in the night

By Lucy Gornall, health writer

IT can be frustrating when you get into bed early, ready for a solid night’s rest, only to wake up several times. 

Bad sleep can leave you grouchy, unproductive and of course, very tired.

Young children, loud noises and a restless sleeping partner can all cause you to wake up in the night.

But if none of these are affecting you, then why are you still unable to sleep through, undisturbed? Experts say it could be one of eight things:

1. Your sleep posture is wrong
2. You’re not getting enough sunlight in the day
3. You have sleep apnoea
4. You’re having coffee in the afternoon
5. You’re stressed
6. You’re eating chocolate after dinner
7. You’re having wine with dinner
8. Your joints are aching

You can read the full article, which includes how to combat these issues and top feeling tired all the time, here.

WASHINGTON — In the wake of the Murphy Brown uproar, Vice President Dan Quayle has delivered another double-barreled commotion. First, in the past 10 days, he has made two more fire-breathing speeches on family values, one to a convention of Southern Baptists and the other to a National Right to Life gathering. Second, he has demonstrated he does not know how to spell potato .

My West Coast sources say politically aware people in the entertainment industry have made up their minds about the vice president’s “values” theme: It will not play in Peoria. Quayle’s distasteful traditionalist fervor, in this view, simply does not reflect the ethics or concerns of most Americans. Besides, how can you take a man seriously who doesn’t know the names of his vegetables?

But Quayle’s critics are kidding themselves, trying to suppress the message by deriding the messenger. They may think the vice president’s misspelling marks him as an irredeemable jerk, but many of his fellow citizens are not so sensitive, and some will even sympathize with him. (Pop quiz: Is it potatos or potatoes ?)

The same critics are surely right in seeing considerable daylight between most Americans’ general moral posture and the pungency of some of Quayle’s stronger words. Nonetheless, the “values” card might not only help the Bush-Quayle reelection effort, it may even play a moderating role in the campaign.

In his speeches, Quayle again criticized the “cultural elite” that “flees from the consequences of its self-indulgence.” But he also expanded on the idea of this elite as an alien force in American life. The country is made up, he said, of “the cultural elite, and the rest of us.” The elite “mock us in the newsrooms, sitcom studios and faculty lounges,” but “we Americans” must “stand up for our values, stand up for America.” The American people are “playing David to the Goliath of the dominant cultural elite,” he exhorted, “but remember the final outcome” of that battle: “The Philistines fled.”

This is unattractive stuff. It says only the people on Quayle’s side of the argument can lay legitimate claim to the label “American.” One of our worst national characteristics in politics is the tendency to read our opponents out of the rolls of American citizenship–and parts of the Quayle speeches serve as fair examples of this nasty habit.

But the recent Quayle sorties, despite the rough language, are not the beginning of a crusade–which would fail–to Puritanize American life. Instead, speeches like his accomplish two other things.

First, such talk shores up the Bush Administration’s base among social conservatives. They are not a majority in America, but they constitute a Peoria in which the vice president’s ideas will play to standing-room-only crowds. Solidifying a core constituency is a prudent thing to do for an electorally weak Administration facing a three-way presidential race. In olden times, national politicians could do this type of cheerleading in obscurity, with their most inflammatory words heard only by the special groups they were addressing. But now, because of modern communications, we are constantly eavesdropping on each other’s private political conversations.

Second, Quayle’s theme promises benefits for the Administration’s campaign even among many who do not share his moral fervor but do share a general unease with TV, movies and a popular culture that seems out of control. Often these are the same people now lured, to the Administration’s discomfort, by the siren song of Ross Perot.

Perot, it is becoming clear, is a strange man. He has displayed an authoritarian temperament in his business and public life and in the preemptory ways he proposes to deal with problems ranging from entitlements to the cost of U.S. troops abroad. He is cavalier about constitutionally rooted civil liberties and about institutions with which the Constitution says a President must share power. The different versions he gives of his own life are starting to make Ronald Reagan’s lapses in this area look trivial and benign.

In short, Perot is dangerous. Moreover, his attitudes do not reflect the considered views of the electorate: Americans of all kinds remain massively attached to the basic features of the American system. Yet Perot maintains his political strength because he has succeeded in presenting himself as the ultimate outsider to a citizenry that has been brought to mistrust all insiders.

We know today’s citizens are increasingly alienated from their government and public officials. Many Americans have come to see today’s politics and government as one vast sinkhole of incompetence and corruption. Even with the large problems our nation faces, this despair is out of proportion.

There is more than one reason for this mistrust, which has been building for a quarter-century. But the “cultural elite” cannot deny having had a hand in shaping it. If popular culture has shaken tradition regarding sexual morality, parts of the elite have also mounted a challenge in the arena of conventional politics.

To take the largest example, the national press, since Watergate, has given news consumers an unending stream of political scandal. Yet national politics is, by most measures, far cleaner than it was 25 years ago. But there is no way that newspaper readers and TV viewers absorbing this reportage can escape thinking that today’s politicians are incorrigibly dirty.

The view we get from movies that deal with politics is even darker, ranging from simple corruption to grand conspiracies to steal the presidency from the American people. “The “faculty lounges” that Quayle cited are, like the sitcoms, a mixed bag, but some major university campuses have been seedbeds for critiques of the profound structural racism, sexism and imperialism said to infest our conventional social and political institutions.

Those who have purveyed this radical political disaffection may have hoped it would lead to a more just America. Instead, what they begot was Perot, and they should recognize him as their child.

By pounding away at the theme of the cultural elite vs. America’s traditional values, Quayle is asserting that the Administration should be seen not as a bunch of political insiders but as the champion of all those cultural outsiders who feel denigrated and ignored by the media and popular culture. In other words, he argued that voters should exempt him and President George Bush from the “insider” curse of 1992.

More important, in appealing to traditional values, Quayle took the quickest and most powerful route to generally delegitimizing what have been called the “chattering classes” and casting grave doubt on whatever comes out of their collective mouths. Once people are reminded of how little they trust the “cultural elite,” they can be persuaded to exercise this mistrust in other areas. If members of the elite are insensitive to issues of family values, there is no reason to think them trustworthy on general politics. If they say American politics stinks, they should not be believed any more than they should be trusted on the issue of sex.

But if American politics does not stink in the way Hollywood says it does, then Perot should not get credit for being the outsider who champions the people against the Establishment. To the contrary: Perot can be portrayed as a creature of the cultural elite and its cynical view of American political life. His contempt for other politicians and his insistence on his unique ability to save us are perhaps messages not from the majority of Americans, but from an elitist fringe. Quayle has actually started in on this idea, chiding Perot for not showing sufficient respect for the Constitution.

If this strategy works, the “family values” issue will have tapped into some of the same anti-Establishment voter anger to which Perot appeals and will shake Perot loose from his position as the embodiment of average people’s sentiments. Even for those who do not like some of Quayle’s recent speeches, this is probably a good trade.

While it can be tempting to close your eyes while you’re waiting for your flight to depart, a member of cabin crew has revealed why you should avoid having some shut-eye

You might think that taking a snooze before your plane takes off is harmless, but a flight attendant has revealed a vital reason why you should avoid doing it on your next getaway.

Catching a flight can be tiring, especially if you’ve woken up at 3am to get to the airport in plenty of time for your long-haul flight. The early starts can quickly catch up with you, and before you know it, you’ve drifted off while waiting for everyone to board the plane.

But flight attendant, Ale Pedroza, who lives in Orlando, Florida, has revealed ‘what not to do’ on a flight – and top of her list is when not to nap.

“Let’s talk about things you shouldn’t do on an airplane – coming from a flight attendant,” she said in a TikTok video. “The first tip is try not to fall asleep before take off. I know travelling can be exhausting and sometimes you just want to get on an airplane and go straight to sleep.”

READ MORE: Terrifying airport near-miss as planes almost crash in view of New York skyline

She continued: “So not only is it not good for your ears to fall asleep before take off but you also want to remember that taxiing is one of the most crucial phases of flights. You want to make sure that you are completely aware and completely awake in case of an emergency or in case you have to evacuate.”

Ale, who has worked in the industry for a decade, then shared tip number two. “Next is do not consume your own alcohol. It is against federal relations to consume your own alcohol because we do need to make sure that you are drinking responsibly.

“And if you are drinking your own alcohol we can’t really track that. It is a federal thing, it is not an airline thing.” Serving your own alcohol on a plane is also banned in the UK.

Finally, she concluded: “One of the most obvious ones is don’t walk around barefoot on any airline or any airplane. If you decide to take your shoes off in your seat, that’s a different story, but do not walk into the lavatory with bare feet. You never know what you are stepping on, and the floor is not always the cleanest!”

It comes after air steward Tommy Cimato urged passengers not to wear shorts on a flight. The aviator turned video creator, who boasts more than 450,000 followers on his account @tommycimato, warned that wearing shorts can potentially pose a risk without you even realising it.

READ MORE: Brits heading to Spain should make four checks now after Airbnb crackdown

“Don’t or try not to wear shorts when on an airplane. You never know how clean it’s going to be, so if you’re wearing trousers you’re going to have fewer germs,” he explained.

Sharing other vital first-hand advice with his followers, Tommy went on: “Do not ever push the flush button or lever with your bare hands. It’s honestly just unsanitary and it’s pretty gross, so when you flush use a napkin or tissue. Don’t forget to drink water and stay hydrated! You’re going to want about 16 ounces for every flight that you go on.

“Do not fall asleep or lean your head on the window. You’re not the only person to do that and you don’t know how many people or children have wiped their hands or other things all over the window. Don’t feel afraid to let a flight attendant know that you’re feeling sick. We are there to help so if you need food, water, or an air sickness bag then please feel free to let us know.”

READ MORE: Water-resistant nine-person tent with ‘three bedrooms’ gets price slashed by over £100 in sale

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Winter fuel payment row

Standing charges

ENERGY bills are set to drop this July, bringing much-needed relief to millions of households.

The energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed the new price cap, which comes into effect on July 1, 2025.

The average gas and electricity bill is set to drop from £1,849 to £1,720, saving the typical household £129 a year.

But bear in mind the exact amount you pay can be higher or lower depending on your usage, and the cap is reviewed every three months.

This is significantly higher than the drop this time last year, when it decreased from £1,690 a year to £1,568.

The savings will still provide relief to millions, as over 22million households on standard variable tariffs are directly affected by the price cap, which is updated every three months.

Experts at Cornwall Insight had rightly predicted the energy price cap would drop to £1,720 in July.

Currently, the price cap sets annual energy costs at around £1,849.

However, many households may still pay more than Ofgem‘s headline figure.

This is because the price cap doesn’t cap total bills but limits the maximum cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas and electricity, along with daily standing charges.

Ofgem’s headline figure is based on the assumption that a typical household consumes 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas annually.

So if you use more than a typical households expect to pay more.

However, energy experts say that households could make significant savings by switching to a fixed-rate energy deal now.

By choosing a fixed deal, customers can lock in consistent rates for a set period, potentially avoiding fluctuations in energy prices.

Of course, opting for a fixed energy deal carries the risk that, if energy prices drop further, you might end up paying more than you would on a variable tariff.

However, analysts have long said that households should not anticipate any significant drops in prices this year.

In response, National Energy Action Chief Executive Adam Scorer said: “Any fall in the price of energy is always welcome news, but this is a short fall from a great height. Bills remain punishingly high for low-income households.

“Four years of extraordinarily high energy bills has taken its toll. We hear heart-breaking cases every day.

“The likely expansion in eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment will be a relief for some, but National Energy Action is calling for deeper energy bill support and a real focus to support households out of debt.”

How can I find the cheapest fixed deals?

To find the best fixed energy deals, start by visiting price comparison websites, which aggregate various offers from different energy suppliers.

The best sites include Uswitch.com and MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Energy Club.

Enter your postcode and current energy usage details to receive a list of available deals tailored to your needs – it’ll take you less than five minutes.

You’ll then be able to compare the rates, contract lengths, and any additional features or benefits offered by each deal.

Next, visit the websites of individual energy suppliers to check if they have exclusive deals that are not listed on comparison sites.

Sometimes, suppliers offer special promotions or discounts directly to customers.

Compare these offers with those on the comparison websites to ensure you get the best possible rate.

Finally, consider customer service reviews and the overall reputation of the suppliers.

Once you have identified the best deal, follow the instructions to switch your energy provider.

What energy bill help is available?

There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.

If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.

This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.

If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.

Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.

Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.

Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.

The UN says 100 aid trucks were approved Tuesday to enter Gaza Tuesday, far below the 600 needed daily. Despite Israel easing a 2.5-month blockade, aid remains stalled. Medicine sits unused in Jordan as Gaza faces worsening hunger and critical shortages.

Public spending cuts across six African countries have resulted in the incomes of health and education workers falling by up to 50 percent in five years, leaving them struggling to make ends meet, according to international NGO ActionAid.

The Human Cost of Public Sector Cuts in Africa report published on Tuesday found that 97 percent of the healthcare workers it surveyed in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi and Nigeria could not cover their basic needs like food and rent with their wages.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to blame for these countries’ failing public systems, the report said, as the agency advises governments to significantly cut public spending to pay back foreign debt. As the debt crisis rapidly worsens across the Global South, more than three-quarters of all low-income countries in the world are spending more on debt servicing than healthcare.

“The debt crisis and the IMF’s insistence on cuts to public services in favour of foreign debt repayments have severely hindered investments in healthcare and education across Africa. For example, in 2024, Nigeria allocated only 4% of its national revenue to health, while a staggering 20.1% went toward repaying foreign debt,” said ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director Andrew Mamedu.

The report highlighted how insufficient budgets in the healthcare system had resulted in chronic shortages and a decline in the quality of service.

Women also appear to be disproportionally affected.

“In the past month, I have witnessed four women giving birth at home due to unaffordable hospital fees. The community is forced to seek vaccines and immunisation in private hospitals since they are not available in public hospitals. Our [local] health services are limited in terms of catering for pregnant and lactating women,” said a healthcare worker from Kenya, who  ActionAid identified only as Maria.

Medicines for malaria – which remains a leading cause of death across the African continent, especially in young children and pregnant women – are now 10 times more expensive at private facilities, the NGO said. Millions don’t have access to lifesaving healthcare due to long travel distances, rising fees and a medical workforce shortage.

“Malaria is an epidemic in our area [because medication is now beyond the reach of many]. Five years ago, we could buy [antimalarial medication] for 50 birrs ($0.4), but now it costs more than 500 birr ($4) in private health centres,” a community member from Muyakela Kebele in Ethiopia, identified only as Marym, told ActionAid.

‘Delivering quality education is nearly impossible’

The situation is equally dire in education, as budget cuts have led to failing public education systems crippled by rising costs, a shortage of learning materials and overcrowded classrooms.

Teachers report being overwhelmed by overcrowded classrooms, with some having to manage more than 200 students. In addition, about 87 percent of teachers said they lacked basic classroom materials, with 73 percent saying they paid for the materials themselves.

Meanwhile, teachers’ wages have been gradually falling, with 84 percent reporting a 10-15 percent drop in their income over the past five years.

“I often struggle to put enough food on the table,” said a teacher from Liberia, identified as Kasor.

Four of the six countries included in the report are spending less than the recommended one-fifth of their national budget on education, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.

“I now believe teaching is the least valued profession. With over 200 students in my class and inadequate teaching and learning materials, delivering quality education is nearly impossible,” said a primary school teacher in Malawi’s Rumphi District, identified as Maluwa.

Action Aid said its report shows that the consequences of IMF-endorsed policies are far-reaching. Healthcare workers and educators are severely limited in the work they can do, which has direct consequences on the quality of services they can provide, it said.

“The debt crisis and drive for austerity is amplified for countries in the Global South and low-income countries, especially due to an unfair global economic system held in place by outdated institutions, such as the IMF,” said Roos Saalbrink, the global economic justice lead at ActionAid International. “This means the burden of debt falls on those most marginalised – once again. This must end.”

Dodger Stadium was eerily quiet for much of Monday night. And not just because whole sections of the upper deck sat largely empty.

In a 9-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers didn’t just drop their fourth straight game, but turned in a performance that elicited as many boos as anything else at Chavez Ravine, stumbling to a season-worst losing streak on a night they did little right in any facet of the game.

There was bad defense early. In the first inning, center fielder Hyeseong Kim lost a fly ball in the twilight sky, leading to two runs that would have been unearned had it not been ruled a double. In the second, third baseman Max Muncy spiked a throw to first on a slow-rolling grounder that led to another preventable score, even though his miscue was also ruled a base hit.

The pitching wasn’t great either. Left-handed opener Jack Dreyer followed Muncy’s bad throw with an even wilder pitch to the backstop in the next at-bat, advancing the runner to set up an eventual sacrifice fly. Landon Knack took over in the third and promptly gave up a pair of two-run home runs, one to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on a down-and-in slider and another to Gabriel Moreno on an inside fastball.

Even the few bright spots offensively weren’t close to being enough.

Mookie Betts hit two home runs in his continued search to break out of a slow start. Shohei Ohtani retook sole possession of the major league lead in long balls by whacking his 17th of the season. But all three blasts came with no one on base. And they represented the Dodgers’ only hits of the night against Arizona right-hander Brandon Pfaadt, who was otherwise unbothered in a six-inning effort that included no strikeouts (or even a single swing-and-miss from a Dodgers hitter) but plenty of fine plays from an athletic defense behind him.

“It’s hard to start games behind before you take an at-bat,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We’ve given up runs in the first inning. We got to put up that zero and kind of get a chance to get the game going.”

While shaky defense and inconsistent production at the plate have been bugaboos for the Dodgers (29-19), it is the team’s increasingly pitching struggles that have stood out most during this four-game skid — the club’s longest since losing five in a row in late May last season.

With the loss to the Diamondbacks (26-22), the Dodgers own a team earned-run average of 4.28, which ranks 22nd in the majors and is their highest at this point in a campaign since 2010.

The main root of the problem is easy to identify. Starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki remain on the injured list, forcing the club into plans such as Monday with a rookie in Dreyer opening for a depth arm in Knack. The bullpen has been shorthanded, too, with Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips and Kirby Yates all injured, as well.

“You go through certain situations like this, it’s just tough to find a way to get back healthy and get our guys back out there,” Betts said. “But we’re battling with what we got.”

Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno, right, celebrates with teammate Josh Naylor after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning Monday.

(Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)

The good news is that several of those sidelined options are on the mend. Glasnow and Snell are both progressing in their throwing programs, with Glasnow “a tick ahead of Blake,” according to Roberts. Sasaki is expected to begin his throwing program during the team’s upcoming road trip. And Ohtani, who has been throwing regular bullpen sessions all season, is beginning to build up his pitch count as the club targets his return to the mound sometime around the All-Star break.

But in the meantime, the Dodgers have still expected more from their currently healthy group.

“It’s not the staff we thought we’d have this season, but I feel that what we still do [have], and have done in the past with injuries, we’re not doing,” Roberts said. “In the sense of getting ahead of hitters, and keeping them in the ballpark.”

And to do that, Roberts cited one place to start.

“On first glance, we need to be better at getting ahead in counts,” he said. “It doesn’t take a deep dive to see we start 1-and-0 quite often. When you do that, it makes pitching tough.”

Indeed, the Dodgers entered the night 24th in the majors with a 59.8% first-strike rate, a problem Roberts believes has led to too many long innings, and too large a workload for the staff.

“The 30-pitch innings just don’t play. It’s not sustainable,” he said. “And that starts with getting strike one. That ultimately goes to our entire pitching staff.”

The Dodgers were better in that area Monday, starting 27 of 49 at-bats with a strike. But it didn’t help. Dreyer needed 38 pitches to get through his two innings. Knack threw 106 to get through the next five (including 16 in one at-bat to Moreno in the fifth).

And when long reliever Matt Sauer took over in the eighth and gave up a two-run home run to Geraldo Perdomo, much of a season-low (and atypically quiet) crowd of 41,372 began streaming for the exits, not sticking around for one of the Dodgers’ flattest showings this year.

Portugal’s ruling centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) is poised to win the most votes in an early parliamentary election, but is short of a full majority, exit polls have shown, paving the way for more political instability in the country.

Sunday’s election, the third in as many years, was called just one year into the minority government’s term after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro failed to win a parliamentary vote of confidence in March when the opposition questioned his integrity over the dealings of his family’s consultancy firm.

Montenegro has denied any wrongdoing, and most opinion polls showed that voters have dismissed the opposition’s criticism.

The election, also dominated by issues such as housing and immigration, follows a decade of fragile governments. And the only one of those governments to have a parliamentary majority collapsed halfway through its term last year.

Exit polls published by the three main television channels – SIC, RTP and TVI – put Montenegro’s AD as receiving between 29 percent and 35.1 percent of the vote, garnering the biggest share but again no parliamentary majority, similar to what happened in the previous election in March 2024.

Outside the polling station where Montenegro voted in the northern city of Espinho, Irene Medeiros, 77, told Reuters the “best candidate must win”, but that she feared more uncertainty ahead.

According to the exit polls, Montenegro’s main rival, the centre-left Socialist Party (PS), garnered between 19.4 percent and 26 percent of the vote, nearly tied with the far-right Chega party’s 19.5 percent to 25.5 percent share, which is higher than the 18 percent it won in 2024. Montenegro has refused to make any deals with Chega.

With that tally, the DA could get between 85 and 96 seats, short of the 116 needed for a majority in Portugal’s 230-seat parliament. It could form a minority government or forge partnerships with smaller parties to obtain a majority.

Most official results are expected by midnight (23:00 GMT).

For the last half century, two parties have dominated politics in Portugal, with the Social Democrats, who head the DA, and the PS alternating in power.

Public frustration with their record in government has fuelled the search and for growth of new alternatives in recent years.

“This campaign was very, very weak, had ridiculous moments, like clownish. Very little was spoken about Portugal within the European Union – it’s like we are not part of it,” teacher Isabel Monteiro, 63, told the Associated Press news agency in Lisbon, adding that she felt “disenchantment” with all parties.

Political scientist Antonio Costa Pinto said the new parliament would likely be similar to the last, and it was impossible to predict how long the government would last, as it depended on factors ranging from the international situation to the AD’s ability to reach deals with other parties.

“The only doubt is whether the AD will form a new minority government … or whether it will form a post-electoral coalition with IL, even if this coalition does not guarantee an absolute majority,”, referring to the pro-business Liberal Initiative (IL) party, according to Reuters.

Shortly after casting his own ballot, Montenegro told reporters he was confident stability could be achieved.

“There is a search for a stable solution, but that will now depend on [people’s] choices,” he said.

A second consecutive minority government in Portugal would dash hopes for an end to the worst spell of political instability in decades for the European Union country of 10.6 million people.

For the past 50 years, two parties have dominated politics, with the Social Democrats, who head the DA, and the Socialist Party alternating in power.

THERE have been some massive fall outs among famous siblings.

From Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham spat to the Gallagher brothers’ bitter feud, there are several famous faces who are at war, or have been in the past, with their family,

And British stars aren’t the only ones, because there are several high-profile Hollywood stars who have been at war with their loved ones.

From Julia Roberts to Leonardo DiCaprio – The Sun explores some of the biggest sibling feuds.

Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham

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Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz were notable absentees from his dad David Beckham‘s recent birthday bash.

Brooklyn’s siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper all turned out to party with their dad, mum, and famous names like Tom Cruise and Guy Ritchie, while the eldest Beckham child was nowhere to be seen.

And since the snub, a rift between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo has been uncovered.

Romeo’s girlfriend is Kim Turnbull, who previously dated Brooklyn.

Romeo and his girlfriend Kim, who Brooklyn once dated, have kept things low-key since going public in November.

The Sun understands Nicola and Brooklyn had intended to be at David’s birthday bash but cancelled at short notice due to Kim being in attendance.

Brooklyn felt uncomfortable that his ex would be in attendance.

But the blame is being levelled at Nicola, which has upset Brooklyn, according to a source.

They said: “She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive — she’s a loyal wife.”

Brooklyn and Nicola also missed an intimate evening last Wednesday at the family’s £10million Cotswolds mansion.

The dinner was attended by Victoria, Romeo, Cruz, and his girlfriend Jackie.

Kim was absent, as were Brooklyn and Nicola.

Liam and Noel Gallagher

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The two Manchester-born stars became famous together when they were in the band Oasis.

Clashing personalities saw Noel briefly quit the band after Liam threw a tambourine at him during a performance.

Later, Noel hit Liam on the head with a cricket bat when Liam annoyed him while he was working.

Liam’s last-minute pull-out and heckling from the audience during their MTV Unplugged performance in 1996 added to the feud. 

The last straw was when a backstage argument in Paris in 2009, reportedly over Liam’s clothing firm, Pretty Green, led to Noel’s decision to leave the band. 

But last month, Liam and Noel performed together for the first time in 16 years as they took to the stage of a members’ club in north London.

And now, the pair are preparing for the Oasis reunion tour which will take place later this year.

Leonardo DiCaprio and his step-brother Adam Farrar

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Although Leo and his step-brother Adam were close as kids, as they grew up, they grew apart.

In the 00s and 10s, Adam accused Leo of putting fame before his family.

In 2016, Adam spoke out about his relationship with Leo.

“We were once so close. I loved him and I still do,” he told MailOnline.

He added: “But we’ve not spoken in a couple of years. The last time I saw Leo was at his birthday party a couple of years ago.

“I’d been invited by another friend. Leo was pleased to see me and gave me a hug.

“But when I try to call him, my messages go unanswered. He has a whole team around him now and it’s impossible to penetrate that wall of hangers-on.”

He also told the paper: “Leo wants to save the world but he seems more concerned about the environment and climate change than he does about his own brother. It hurts.”

While Leo got famous, Adam developed a marijuana and cocaine habit, as well as a serious heroin addiction, with this coming to a head in 2008.

“I was arrested five or six times for petty theft, shoplifting from supermarkets, trying to support an opiate addiction of half a gram to a gram a day,” Adam told the outlet.

“Leo and I never had an argument. But he started surrounding himself with people that didn’t want me around. He’s the biggest star in the world and there’s me, messed up on drugs. I was slowly shut out of his world.

“Finally I got tired of going in and out of jail. I’ve been off heroin since 2013,” he said.

Meghan Markle and her half-sister Samantha Markle

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Megan and her half sister Samantha Markle have been embroiled in a feud that has been long-running for many years.

According to Samantha, she and Meghan were close when they were growing up, although this is not backed by the Duchess.

The pair are 17 years apart and did not grow up at the same time.

In 2018, Vanity Fair reported that Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle “moved in together a couple of years before Meghan was born, along with Samantha and Thomas junior, who had relocated to L.A. after living with their mum.”

In Meghan’s chat with Oprah in 2021, she declared: “I grew up as an only child, which everyone who grew up around me knows, and I wished I had siblings.”

Samantha is estranged from Meghan, and the pair have not spoken for more than a decade, since her “early twenties”, it has been claimed.

Due to their estrangement, Samantha was not invited to Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. Samantha said at the time: “Out of respect and humanitarianism, the Markles should be invited if 2,000 complete strangers are. Our uncle, brother, me, best friend of 30 years, nephews. At issue is not a matter of closeness. Family is family.”

Nick and Aaron Carter

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Nick and Aaron Carter grew apart over the years.

The pair’s bond weakened due to childhood trauma, addiction, and family drama.

In 2019, Nick filed a restraining order against Aaron, saying he had made violent threats.

Aaron denied this also accusing Nick of abuse.

On November 5, 2022, Aaron died at his home in California at the age of 34.

His body was found in his bathtub by a housekeeper.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner later ruled that Carter’s death was accidental: drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam (Xanax).

He was cremated, and his ashes were left in the care of his twin sister Angel.

Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes

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Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes had a “tortured” bond before she died by suicide.

In 2014, Nancy, who was 37, was found in a bathtub filled with water at a friend’s home in Los Angeles, where she had been dog-sitting.

LA County Coroner spokesman John Kades said prescription drugs had been found at the residence.

She wrote a suicide note blaming Julia for bullying her most of her adult life.

In the three-page note, she said: “My so-called siblings get nothing except the memory that they are the ones that drove me into the deepest depression I’ve been in.”

Louis Tomlinson and his half-sister Georgia

The One Direction star’s biological dad left shortly after he was born and became estranged from him.

His father later had a daughter called Georgia who became a huge One Direction fan when she was 14.

She and Louis’ biological dad, Troy, then saw Louis in a One Direction concert when the band were at the height of fame.

The siblings failed to reconnect.

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Howdy! I’m Jaclyn Cosgrove, an outdoors reporter at the L.A. Times. My job is to explore the mountains surrounding Los Angeles to find the best hikes, campgrounds and other adventures for you to tackle. I also write Between a Rock, where we feature outdoors survival stories every month, and The Wild, our (free!) weekly outdoors newsletter where I feature the absolute best things to do around L.A. and Southern California. In short, I’m outside a lot!

Would you like to join me sometime? How about later this month? The Times will host its fourth subscriber hike at 9 a.m. May 24 on a 3.5-mile hike to Sycamore Canyon Falls.

Tucked away in Point Mugu State Park, Sycamore Canyon Falls is a multi-tier 55-foot waterfall near Newbury Park. And hopefully with recent rainfall, it’ll still be flowing for us to enjoy.

There are multiple ways to reach the falls, but we will take the shortest and more direct way, starting in Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa in the Santa Monica Mountains. We’ll start at the Wendy Trail and wind our way through the park before entering Point Mugu State Park. Because we’re hiking through a state park, dogs aren’t allowed on this hike. (Trust me, I’m bummed too!)

I’ll lead a group of 30 subscribers to the falls, where we’ll hang out, snap images and maybe even share a snack or two. This hike is moderate and requires good footwear. I will probably bring along my poles for traction and welcome you to do the same.

Parking is free and easy. Please park at the Wendy Trail Head. We’ll meet at the start of the trail there.

We will have water bottles for attendees, but you’re also welcome to bring your own. You must be 18 or older and will be required to sign a waiver prior to attending. Grab a spot at Tixr.com.