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One travel expert has offered handy advice for all visitors to the US

Travellers to the Unites States face paying a new £185 fee from today (Wednesday, October 1) – but many Brits won’t have to fork out a penny more. The US government announced the new measure in the summer, aimed at reducing visa overstays. It came into effect today, meaning Brits – and other foreign nationals heading to the States – could have to pay up before flying across the pond.

The new charge applies to travellers from non-Visa Waiver Program nations, who need to apply for non-immigrant visas. But, as one travel expert explains, the fee won’t apply to many of us travelling to hotspots like New York or Florida.

Brenda Beltrán, a travel expert at Holafly, says that the majority of travelers from the UK will not have to pay the $250 fee. She said: “The UK is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

“That means most Brits visiting for tourism or short business trips of up to 90 days will continue to use ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and will not face this new $250 charge.” However, there are still circumstances in which the fee does apply.

Some British visitors to the USA will still have to pay up. If they apply for certain visas that are not included in the usual ESTA route, the charge applies.

For example, the following circumstances would incur the charge:

• Student visas (F-1, M-1)
• Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
• Extended stays beyond the 90-day ESTA allowance
• Specialist visa categories for exchange, journalism, or diplomatic purposes

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Brenda added: “For the average Brit heading to New York for shopping or Florida for Disney, nothing changes. But if you’re planning to study in the U.S., take up a job, or stay longer than three months, you should budget for the new $250 cost on top of existing visa fees.”

For the vast majority of British holidaymakers, nothing changes after 1 October 2025. ESTA remains the standard route for short-term visits, and the cost is currently $21.

The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee is primarily aimed at travellers from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program. Therefore, it is unlikely to affect UK–US tourism levels.

Brenda continued: “This update sounds alarming at first glance, but most Brits won’t notice any difference. As long as you qualify for ESTA, which nearly all UK holidaymakers do, you won’t be hit by the new charge.”

How to get the fee reimbursed

As part of the new law, the US government will reimburse certain travellers the £185 cost. The legislation allows for the Secretary of Homeland Security to pay visitors back if they prove they complied with their visa.

As long as they have not tried to extend their stay without a relevant visa and left the USA within five days of the visa expiring, visitors may be eligible. They must also not accept unauthorised employment and have lawfully changed their nonimmigrant status.

Foreign Office guidance on travelling to the United States

The UK Foreign Office has specific advice on the entry requirements to visit the US. The government guidance on ESTA states: “ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

“You can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS. All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry.

“Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy & Consulates. Travellers whose sex on their passport differs from their sex recorded at birth should contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for further advice.”

Those who may not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver include those:

• who have been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• with a criminal record
• who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the US
• who have previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

Furthermore, there are a list of countries that visitors must not have been in on or after March 2011 to apply for an ESTA waiver. These are Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

You also cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. An ESTA may not be sufficient for all types of business travel – particularly if you are travelling on behalf of a US company.

The Foreign Office says: “Please check the rules on the ESTA website carefully. If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa. Travelling on an ESTA when ineligible can lead to detention and deportation by the US authorities.”

Brenda’s expert tips for travelling to the US

• Apply early for ESTA: it’s valid for two years and covers multiple trips, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
• Double-check eligibility: if your circumstances don’t fit the Visa Waiver rules (e.g. long-term study or work), be prepared for the additional cost.
• Stay updated: Immigration rules evolve regularly, so always check official guidance before booking flights.

The Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza has started sailing out of Tunisia. Al Jazeera’s Hassan Massoud is on board one of the vessels in the fleet aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of the territory.

The Greek government is considering extending a ban on short-term rentals. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, spoke on the topic of holiday lets

Holidays to parts of Greece may soon get a little trickier if Athens goes ahead with a new crackdown.

The Greek government is considering extending restrictions on short-term rentals to alleviate the strain on the nation’s property market. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, said that the possibility of prolonging the ban on new short-term lets in three Athens districts for another year was under consideration.

He also suggested that the ban could be expanded to other regions of the country. To incentivize more property owners to switch from short- to long-term leases, a three-year tax exemption would also be extended in proposed legislation.

“I am open to extending the ban on the inclusion of new homes in short-term rentals outside of Attica, to other popular destinations, and it is something we will decide on in the next one to two months,” the prime minister said.

“The problem has arisen in recent years and is a result of a rapidly growing economy. The problem for the tenant is a benefit for the landlord. We need to see both sides.”

The abundance of holiday lets in the Mediterranean country is causing issues in the housing market. According to ekathimerini.com, official 2024 statistics indicate that the average number of properties available for short-term rentals per 1,000 permanent residents in Greece is 46.

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In the Cyclades, this figure rises to 611 per 1,000 residents, while in the Ionian Islands it stands at 340, and in the Dodecanese at 125.

The Greek government has been wrestling with a surge in short-term lets, driven by platforms like Airbnb, and the urgent need for local housing, reports the Express.

When the ban on short-term rental licences was announced in 2024, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni cautioned that it could be extended beyond a year. The ban came into effect on January 1.

Tourism brings in billions for Greece, with the country’s beaches, hot weather and warm seas attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. During the nation’s debt crisis following the 2008–09 financial meltdown, residential property values crashed by 42%.

They have since bounced back to the extent where homeownership has become an unlikely prospect for some residents trying to climb onto the property ladder. Estate agent Engel & Völkers Germany reports that Greek prices have kept climbing since hitting rock bottom in 2017, with this upward trajectory persisting throughout this year.

The estate agent has noted that Greece still provides “affordable” and “moderate” pricing compared to other European destinations.

Engel & Völkers, highlighting the dilemma facing the Greek administration, indicated that predictions for the coming year stay “positive”. It continued: “Greece is increasingly positioning itself as a safe and value-stable destination for investments in vacation and lifestyle properties.”

In June Mr Mitsotakis made a commitment to address overcrowding and manage the number of visitors on the country’s islands, including limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.

Mr Mitsotakis acknowledged that the Cycladic Islands were “clearly suffering”, amid complaints from locals about the effect on their daily lives and the cost of living, according to Bloomberg reports.

The Greek Prime Minister has highlighted Santorini as the “most sensitive” to overcrowding, with around 800 cruise ships docking last year, closely followed by Mykonos with 750 in 2023.

In April last year, Athens was rocked by furious protests, with demonstrators reportedly shouting: “They are taking our houses while they live in the Maldives”.

Sept. 9 (UPI) — A boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza was struck by a drone, the nonviolence coalition said Tuesday.

The Portuguese-flagged Family Boat was at a port in Tunis, Tunisia, when it was struck at about 2 a.m. local time Tuesday, it said on X, stating the flotilla had been “attacked.”

“While all participants are safe, details about the attack remain limited,” it said in an official statement that followed.

Global Sumud Flotilla posted uncorroborated video of the incident shot by a nearby boat to X, showing a streaking flame hitting the deck of Family Boat.

Crew member Miguel Duarte said he saw the drone “clearly” about 13 feet above him.

“It stopped close to us and then moved slowly to the forward part of the ship and dropped what was obviously a bomb,” he said in a video published to the flotilla’s X account.

“There was a huge explosion, lots of fire, big, big flames.”

The purported bomb landed on a pile of life jackets, he said, which caught fire and had to be extinguished.

“Let me be clear: 100% it was a drone dropping a bomb on the forward deck of our ship,” he said.

The flotilla arrived in Tunis on Sunday after departing Spain a week earlier with climate justice Advocate Greta Thunberg aboard.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said it consists of about 50 boats loaded with food and aid and hundreds of activists from more than 45 countries.

Its mission is to break Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave.

“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement. “Our peaceful mission to break the siege of Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve.”

Israel has enforced a land, sea and air blockade of Gaza since Hamas‘ takeover of the enclave in 2007. The blockade has further been tightened since the Iran-backed militia’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began to allow aid into the country in May following a three-month prohibition, but international organizations say it is not enough.

The United Nations has accused Israel of creating a manmade famine in Gaza — accusations that Israel has rejected.

The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, as well as former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on allegations of using starvation as a method of warfare.

According to the Palestine Ministry of Health, 387 Palestinians, including 139 children, have died of starvation in Gaza.

At least 64,455 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, the ministry said.

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday that immigration operations will soon be expanded in Chicago, confirming plans for a stepped-up presence of federal agents in the nation’s third-largest city as President Trump continues to lash out at Illinois’ Democratic leadership.

Noem’s comments came a day after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson struck back against what he called the “out-of-control” plan to surge federal officers into the city. The Chicago Police Department will be barred from helping federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement or any related patrols, traffic stops and checkpoints during the surge, according to an executive order Johnson signed Saturday.

The Homeland Security Department last week requested limited logistical support from officials at the Naval Station Great Lakes to support the agency’s anticipated operations. The military installation is about 35 miles north of Chicago.

“We’ve already had ongoing operations with ICE in Chicago … but we do intend to add more resources to those operations,” Noem said during a Sunday appearance CBS News’ ”Face the Nation.”

Noem declined to provide further details about the planned surge of federal officers. It comes after the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops to Washington, saying they were needed to target crime, immigration and homelessness, and two months after it sent troops to Los Angeles.

Trump lashed out against Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in a social media posting Saturday, warning him that he must straighten out Chicago’s crime problems quickly “or we’re coming.” The Republican president has also been critical of Johnson.

Johnson and Pritzker, both Democrats, have denounced the expected federal mobilization, noting that crime has fallen in Chicago. They are planning to sue if Trump moves forward with the plan.

In his order signed Saturday, Johnson directed all city departments to guard the constitutional rights of Chicago residents “amidst the possibility of imminent militarized immigration or National Guard deployment by the federal government.”

Asked during a news conference about federal agents who are presumably “taking orders,” Johnson replied: “Yeah, and I don’t take orders from the federal government.”

Johnson also blocked Chicago police from wearing face coverings to hide their identities, as most federal immigration officers have done since Trump launched his crackdown.

The federal surge into Chicago could start as early as Friday and last about 30 days, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss plans that had not been made public.

Pritzker, in an interview aired Sunday on “Face the Nation,” said that Trump’s expected plans to mobilize federal forces in the city may be part of a plan to “stop the elections in 2026 or, frankly, take control of those elections.”

Noem said it was a Trump “prerogative” whether to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago as he did in Los Angeles in June in the midst of protests there against immigration raids.

“I do know that L.A. wouldn’t be standing today if President Trump hadn’t taken action,” Noem said. “That city would have burned if left to devices of the mayor and governor of that state.”

Unlike the recent federal takeover of policing in Washington, the Chicago operation is not expected to rely on the National Guard or military and is focused exclusively on immigration, rather than being cast as part of a broad campaign against crime, Trump administration officials have said.

Chicago is home to a large immigrant population, and both the city and the state of Illinois have some of the country’s strongest rules against cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. That has often put the city and state at odds with the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda.

Johnson’s order builds on the city’s longtime stance, that neither Chicago nor Illinois officials have sought or been consulted on the federal presence and they stand against Trump’s mobilization plan.

During his news conference Saturday, Johnson accused the president of “behaving outside the bounds of the Constitution” and seeking a federal presence in Democratic cities as retribution against his political rivals.

“He is reckless and out of control,” Johnson said. “He’s the biggest threat to our democracy that we’ve experienced in the history of our country.”

In response, the White House contended that the potential flood of federal agents was about “cracking down on crime.”

“If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in an email Saturday.

Critics have noted that Trump, while espousing a tough-on-crime push, is the only felon ever to occupy the White House.

Madhani and Beck write for the Associated Press and reported from Washington and Chicago, respectively.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) recently awarded a contract for new rifles chambered to fire the 6.5mm Creedmoor round to Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT). The Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGG-A) rifles will give special operators greater reach, as well as improved accuracy and terminal performance against targets at those longer ranges.

The Pentagon quietly announced the deal for the MRGG-As (sometimes also referred to as Medium-Range Gas Gun-Assault or Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assaulter rifles) in its daily contracting announcement on August 22. The contract, which covers “medium range gas gun-assault kits, spare parts and accessories, new equipment training, and engineering change proposals,” has a maximum ceiling of $92 million and runs through August 14, 2035.

LMT’s MRGG-A is a member of its Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System-Heavy (MARS-H) family, which are commonly described as AR-10-style rifles. The original Armalite AR-10 is the larger predecessor to the widely recognized AR-15/M16 pattern. Like the AR-10, as well as many AR-15/M16 variants and derivatives, all of the MARS-H versions listed on LMT’s website at the time of writing use the so-called direct impingement operating principle. This means that when the gun is fired, some of the gas that propels the bullet down the barrel is siphoned off and blown directly against the main action to cycle it. Variations on the AR-15/M16 pattern that use a physical gas piston instead are increasingly common. A piston keeps propellant gas, and the particulate matter within it, away from the gun’s action, reducing the chance of fouling and offering other maintenance and reliability advantages. These rifles are typically heavier and more expensive than their DI counterparts, though.

The MRGG-A configuration LMT has shown publicly has a 14.5″ barrel built into an upper receiver with a ‘monolithic’ Picatinny type rail for optics and other accessories that runs the full length of the top of the rifle. The sides of the handguard have additional accessory attachment points utilizing the increasingly popular M-LOK system from Magpul. The gun has ambidextrous controls and is capable of semi-automatic and fully-automatic fire.

LMT has also shown MRGG-As with scopes from Nightforce Optics, as seen in the picture at the top of this story. Back in 2021, Nightforce announced it had secured a contract from SOCOM for ATACRTM 4-20×50 F1 scopes “to augment multiple systems in the SOCOM inventory and… to support the MRGG (Mid-Range Gas Gun) once it is fielded.” In U.S. service, those optics are also referred to as Ranging-Variable Power Scopes (R-VPS).

SOCOM’s MRGG effort traces back to the late 2010s and was subsequently split into two separate subcomponents, the MRGG-A and the MRGG-S (for sniper). It has also been presented in the past as primarily intended for use within the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, which includes the U.S. Navy’s SEAL teams, though it is unclear if this is still the case.

In 2023, SOCOM chose a separate AR-10-esque design with a 20-inch barrel from Geissele Automatics to become the MRGG-S. The Pentagon’s contracting notice at the time noted that, despite the name, the MRGG-Ss would be used in the “sniper support weapon” and “designated marksman rifle” roles.

The 2023 video below from Geissele Automatics offers a brief overview of the company’s MRGG-S rifle.

The MRGSS-S takes “advantage of advances in ammunition and weapons technology to improve the intermediate range sniper rifle lethality, reliability and performance when suppressed during 50-1,500 meter engagements,” the Pentagon’s notice added.

The shorter-barreled MRGG-A will still offer special operators in the assault role a significant boost in capability when it comes to range and terminal effectiveness. SOCOM has said in the past that rifles chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor, in general, could double a shooter’s probability of scoring a hit on targets up to 3,280 feet away (1,000 meters).

As a comparison, the 5.56x45mm M4A1 carbine, modified versions of which remain in use in the U.S. special operations community, has a maximum effective range of around 1,640 feet (500 meters), according to the U.S. Army. The 7.62x51mm M110, a designated marksman rifle in service across all branches of the U.S. military, as well as various U.S. federal government law enforcement agencies, can reach out to just under 2,625 feet (800 meters).

The MRGG-A is also heavier and bulkier than the M4A1. The U.S. special operations community does have a wide array of small arms options it can issue depending on the operational requirements, including if there is an expectation of close-quarters combat inside buildings or other confined spaces.

With all this in mind, SOCOM has also been looking into new light machine guns chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor in recent years. The cartridge is seeing increasing interest elsewhere, too. In March, the U.S. Secret Service notably put out a contracting notice seeking information about potential 6.5 Creedmoor rifles to supplant its M110s.

There has been a broader drive within the U.S. military in recent years toward rifles firing larger cartridges with greater reach, as well as increased lethality at those ranges, driven heavily by combat experiences in Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror era. Concerns about improving adversary body armor had also been a factor. This is what led the U.S. Army to adopt the M7 rifle, which has been the subject of some controversy recently, as well as the companion M250 light machine gun. The M7 and M250 are chambered to fire the 6.8x51mm cartridge. Army special operations forces were involved in developmental testing of the M7 and M250, but it remains to be seen how widespread those guns might be issued within the broader special operations community.

In the meantime, U.S. special operators are now set to get new 6.5mm Creedmoor MRGG-A rifles from LMT.

Contact the author: [email protected]

“The more times you get it wrong or it doesn’t happen for you, you start to not fear it,” Fleetwood said of his chances of winning after narrowly missing out on victory at the St Jude Championship and Travelers Championship earlier this season.

“Experience is something you can’t practise. It’s all to play for and an amazing opportunity.

“Everybody competing this week wanted to be in that final pair on Sunday and I’m one of those guys. Hopefully I am stood on the 18th green with the trophy.”

And on a leaderboard stacked with great potential storylines, US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley is on 13 under after shooting the low round of the day, a seven-under 63 at East Lake in Atlanta.

Bradley, who is currently 11th on the US ranking list, has already said he faces “the decision of his life” as he contemplates naming himself as one of his six picks to complete the 12-strong US team for next month’s contest against Europe at Bethpage Black in New York.

Arnold Palmer was the last playing captain on a Ryder Cup team in 1963 when the contest was not the behemoth it has become.

That call will be made public on Wednesday, 27 August and Cantlay must be in Bradley’s reckoning too.

Cantlay was fifth in the world heading into the 2023 Ryder Cup, where he became something of a pantomime villain over his decision to not wear a cap. Since then, he has steadily fallen down the rankings to 23rd.

And he has missed out on automatic qualification for the Ryder Cup, meaning he needs a captain’s pick from Bradley to make his third successive US team.

The 33-year-old, who won the Tour Championship in 2021, closed with a hat-trick of birdies to cap an impressive bogey-free 64.

“I feel like I’m striking it well and in control of my golf ball,” he said.

“I’m exactly where I want to be going into Sunday and I’ll keep sticking to my process.”

The leaders will also have an eye on world number one Scottie Scheffler, who is lurking on 12 under after a 66.

Scheffler opened with successive bogeys but five birdies in his next eight holes lifted him to 11 under.

However, he missed several other short birdie putts and after a wayward eight-foot attempt on the 16th, he angrily threw his putter at his bag as his frustrations boiled over.

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre looked to be surging into contention when he reached 11 under with a birdie on the 10th but he too double-bogeyed the 15th after hitting his tee shot into water as he posted a 72 to end on eight under.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy briefly flickered, getting to nine under with a birdie on the 13th but a poor finish with successive bogeys saw him end on six under overall.

Both of those players have secured their Ryder Cup spots but several European players will be looking to give their captain Luke Donald a timely reminder of their quality on Sunday.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who looks likely to be knocked out of the final qualifying spot for the European Ryder Cup team by Rasmus Hojgaard at the British Masters, is the highest placed of those at nine under par.

Lowry cannot improve his ranking at the Tour Championship, while Hojgaard, who is 14th at the Belfry heading into the final round, needs to be in the top 29 to nick that final automatic spot.

Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland of Norway are at five and four under respectively and require Donald to give them the nod.

The same goes for Sepp Straka, who is set to finish eighth, above Aberg and Hovland in the qualification standings. The Austrian has won twice on the PGA Tour this year, but has had a poor week in Atlanta and is bottom of the 30-man field on six over par.

You can follow the final round of the Tour Championship via BBC Sport’s live text page from 18:30 BST on Sunday.

Families are being warned of several dangers

The Foreign Office has issued new advice for people travelling to Turkey. New guidance was published regarding swimming and beaches on August 22. The advice is crucial to note if you are heading to the coast as there have been fatal incidents.

The advice says: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Turkey. Always supervise children, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.”

Families are warned of several dangers when going for a swim in the ocean in Turkey. The guidance says: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Some beaches may have strong undercurrents.

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“Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water. Follow local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.”

Holidaymakers are also advised that many beaches have a flag system that you may want to look out for. The Foreign Office advises: “Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Follow instructions from lifeguards.

“Take extra care and seek local advice if there are no lifeguards, flags, or signs.” Another rule you may want to note if you are in Turkey is that it’s illegal not to carry some form of photo ID.

The Government guidance says: “Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks.

“There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks.”

What travel restrictions apply in Turkey?

The Foreign Office advises against any travel to within 10km of the border with Syria. This is due conflict in the area and “a heightened risk of terrorism”.

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The guidance explains that most terrorist attacks to date have happened in southeast Turkey, and in Ankara and Istanbul. Visitors are advised: “You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”

The advice page includes further information about the risks and restrictions that apply in certain regions of Turkey.

At the invitation of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to India on August 18th and 19th. The visit is being considered as a significant step for the restoration of Sino-Indian bilateral relations. On the first day of his visit, Wang Yi sat for a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. In the meeting, Jaishankar stressed building a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking relationship between India and China, and differences between the two states must not turn into disputes. Then Wang Yi stressed that China and India should strengthen the momentum of improving bilateral relations, expand cooperation, and provide much-needed certainty and stability. The next day, Wang Yi met Ajit Doval to attend the 24th round of Border Talks. Both Doval and Wang emphasized maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas for the well-being of the Sino-Indian bilateral relations. Before departure, Wang Yi called on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and handed over the invitation from China’s president to India’s prime minister for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit being held in Tianjin, China.

For some years, due to some issues, including border tensions, there has been a kind of coldness in the bilateral relations between the two states. Especially after the Galwan border clash in 2020, the bilateral relations between the two states turned highly complicated. Then both states had deployed a large military presence close to the border. In addition, both states imposed several sanctions on one another, including cutting off direct flights, visa restrictions, banning social media apps, etc.

The situation started to change last year when India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping held a direct bilateral meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. This was the first direct meeting between the heads of the governments of the two states after the Galwan border clash. Since the meeting, both states have started withdrawing their troops from sensitive areas of the border. Some meetings have been held between officials from the foreign and security affairs of both states. Both parties have emphasized normalizing the relations between the two states and increasing cooperation. This was the first major move for the realignment of the Sino-Indian bilateral relations.

For the second major move, US President Donald Trump has played a big role. His reciprocal tariff policy has encouraged both India and China to come close. Trump imposed a 50% tariff on several key Indian products. On the other hand, China is also in discomfort with Trump’s trade policy, though negotiation with the US is still going on regarding tariff issues. It is creating pressure on the Chinese economy.

Despite the economy, Trump’s geopolitical strategy is also pushing India and China to walk in an aligned way. After the Pahelgam attack, India did not get expected support from the US. Rather, Pakistan has gotten an advantage from the US, including a lower tariff than India and a warm reception of Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in Washington and Tampa back-to-back within two months after the Pahelgam attack. 

On the other hand, China has huge discomfort with the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) of the US. Through the Quad alliance, the US is trying to create pressure on China’s supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region. China’s dispute with the US over Taiwan is on the way to growing. In addition, the growing US military presence in the South China Sea has become a major concern for China.

From there, it can be well understood that the US’s tariff policy and geopolitical strategy have become a common issue of discomfort for both India and China at this moment. As a result of all of these, the two immediate neighboring states have started to realize that partnership rather than rivalry between them can be useful for their mutual benefit.

As part of the partnership, both states have already started to take several initiatives. Both states have agreed to operate direct flights between them. Visa restriction is taking back from both sides. China has agreed to supply fertilizer and a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to India. Recently China has allowed resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims. India has agreed to open its market for Chinese investment. According to a Reuters report, China promises to address India’s rare earth mineral needs.

Last month Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaisankar visited China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers’ summit. This was Jaisankar’s first China visit after the border clash.Now China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has made a visit to India. In the call with Wang Yi, Narendra Modi confirmed that he will visit China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit at the end of August.High officials’ visits like these indicate the intention and effort to normalize relations from both sides.

While the apparent initiatives taken by the two states for the realignment of the bilateral relations should be considered in a positive way. But it must be kept in mind that there are several major and complex obstacles standing in the way of a complete stabilization of the relationship between the two states. For example, just as India is uneasy about China’s Dalai Lama and Pakistan policy, on the other hand, China is also uneasy about India’s expansion of regional influence and effective involvement in the Quad alliance. In addition, there is still no stable solution to the border problem. In this scenario, both states have to come forward with equal effort and willingness for their mutual benefit. 

A stable and cooperative Sino-Indian relationship has far-reaching benefits not only for both states but also beyond. Regional and global economic growth, security, and connectivity are deeply intertwined with the activities of these two states. Economically, China is the world’s second largest economy, and India is the fifth largest. In terms of military strength, China is the third and India is the fourth. Besides, both states are the most populous states in the world. Therefore, if these two states can resolve their differences through diplomatic means and move forward together in partnership, it will bring mutual prosperity not only to them but also to the regional and global scales. For this, realignment between the bilateral relations of the two states is highly required. Recent visits and several initiatives taken by the two states can be considered as significant moves of the realignment. And if the realignment takes place properly, then Dragon and Elephant can dance together.

There are a lot of things to remember while preparing for a holiday – but the NHS has urged all travellers to book in with their GP ahead of their travels in order to stay safe

While booking a holiday can be exciting, travellers are warned to check with their GPs before jetting off in order to stay safe. Going on holiday requires a lot of planning, making sure your passport is in date, sorting arrangements for your stay and remembering your SPF but also it’s crucial to make sure you are vaccinated if heading to certain countries.

Brits are being warned to double-check their vaccinations at least six weeks before going away, as they have to be done ahead of time to allow your body to build an immunity against viruses and diseases abroad.

The NHS recommends booking in with their doctor to avoid falling unwell while on holiday and health experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise people to check if they need to take any preventative measures.

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In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

The UKHSA urged: “Ideally travellers should consult their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic at least four to six weeks before their trip for individual advice, travel vaccines and malaria prevention tablets, if relevant for their destination.”

Travellers can also use the TravelHealthPro website which offers country-specific advice giving vaccine recommendations as well as active health risks at each destination.

NHS vaccinations include MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), polio, meningitis, hepatitis and tetanus which all adults and children should be up to date with – as these infections can be more prevalent in some countries.

In a recent report by UKHSA, it indicated a rise in travel-associated fever cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a total of 702 instances of cases – including typhoid and paratyphoid infections – were reported in 2024, compared to 645 cases in 2023. These are preventable illnesses that are transmitted through contaminated food or water, and the majority of cases caught during travel to regions with poor sanitation.

Brits heading abroad can A free free typhoid vaccination is available at local GP surgeries for British travellers heading abroad, but there are no existing jabs paratyphoid.

The NHS say you may be more at risk of some diseases if you are doing any of the following:

• travelling in rural areas
• backpacking
• staying in hostels or camping
• on a long trip rather than a package holiday

It’s also important to note that some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

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

EUROPE’S car industry is “heading at full speed against a wall” and risks collapsing if the EU doesn’t rethink its ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the boss of a huge car firm has warned.

In a stark intervention, he said a “reality check” was needed before the 2035 ban on combustion-engine sales is locked in.

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Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius told German business paper Handelsblatt: “We need a reality check. Otherwise, we are heading at full speed against a wall.

“Of course, we have to decarbonise, but it has to be done in a technology-neutral way. We must not lose sight of our economy.”

The luxury brand — once gung-ho about going fully electric in Europe — has already dropped its ambitious 2021 pledge to stop selling combustion cars “where market conditions allow” by the decade’s end.

Källenius, who also heads the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), now warns the EU’s policy could trigger a last-minute rush for petrol and diesel cars before the cut-off, which “doesn’t help the climate at all.”

Electric cars remain far from dominating the market.

In the first half of this year, EVs made up just 17.5 per cent of sales across the EU, UK, and EFTA countries, while plug-in hybrids took 8.7 per cent.

Traditional hybrids accounted for 35 per cent, but that figure includes mild-hybrids, which critics say aren’t “true” hybrids.

Mercedes’ own figures show EV sales slipping — just 8.4 per cent of its global deliveries in the first six months of 2025, down from 9.7 per cent last year.

Even with plug-ins included, electrified models made up just 20.1 per cent of shipments.

The EU’s 2035 ban is due for review in the coming months, but Brussels has so far signalled no U-turn, reiterating in March its commitment to zero-emission new cars by the mid-2030s.

It comes as the boss of Stellantis — the giant behind 14 brands including Fiat, Peugeot, and Maserati — warned that unreachable EU CO2 targets could force plant closures.

Europe chief Jean-Philippe Imparato said the Franco-Italian group faces fines of up to €2.5 billion within “two-three years” if it fails to meet emissions rules.

Without a regulatory rethink by year-end, “we will have to make tough decisions,” he told a conference in Rome.

“I have two solutions: either I push like hell (on electric)… or I close down ICE (internal combustion engine vehicles).

And therefore I close down factories,” he said, pointing to the risk for sites such as Stellantis’ van plant in Atessa, Italy.

The warning comes amid fresh turmoil for Stellantis, with its new CEO Antonio Filosa inheriting the fallout from Donald Trump’s 25 per cent US import tariffs and a crisis at Maserati, which has seen sales plunge from 26,600 in 2023 to 11,300 last year.

With EV targets biting, petrol and diesel models under threat, and luxury brands cancelling investments — including Maserati’s £1.3bn electric MC20 Folgore — Europe’s car bosses are sending a clear signal to Brussels: ease off, or risk slamming the brakes on the continent’s auto industry.

Everything you need to know about electric cars

As medical tourism in Turkey has become more popular among Brits for its accessibility and cheaper prices, an expert has warned against the risks of seeking medical and cosmetic procedures abroad

While cosmetic trips to Turkey have become the newest craze among British holidaymakers since the pandemic, a travel expert has warned that this can come with serious risks.

Simon Hood, travel expert and Executive Director of John Mason International, warns that foreign medical procedures come with their own dangers. This comes after an estimated nearly 250,000 Brits opted for foreign medical care in 2019, citing that the UK was too expensive and had wait times beyond their expectations, according to ITIJ.

Turkey has become a prime destination for medical tourism. Particularly in Antalya and Istanbul, clinics and hotspots have become renowned for providing ‘medical tourism packages’. This includes offering all-in-one inclusive quotes to patients, with luxury perks like chauffeurs from the airport, hotel stays and even travel between appointments.

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Plus, there is a sizable disparity in prices. Costs for ‘Turkey teeth’ typically cost 40% to 60% cheaper than surgery in the UK. For example, a set of veneers in the UK can cost around a staggering £9,000, while practices in Turkey offer sets from anywhere between £1,500 to £2,400 according to Adalya.

However, Simon Hood warns that these cheaper rates often come with their own risks. He also cautions against taking social media videos at face value.

He says: “Turkey teeth procedures and other cosmetic work can be quite the risk. We’ve all seen the glossy videos on social media with TikTokers promoting practices during the summer, but you need to double-check the practice you’re planning on attending is board-certified.”

He continues: “In Turkey, regulations vary slightly from the UK, but any practice or clinic can be recognised by international organisations like the Joint Commission International, or JCI. Having this recognition can help assure you that your deal is both safe and indeed a bargain.”

Simon also recommends researching whether the surgeons of your local practice have membership of the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (TSPRAS).

This follows thousands of medical tourists each year, who receive care below what would be considered safe practice in the UK, often resulting in medical issues down the road.

A recent audit by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has called for government action, with more than 300 Brits now requiring corrective surgery following their ‘cosmetic vacations’ abroad.

On the back of this, Simon urges his clients as well as others travelling to Turkey to do their research. He explains: “Turkey is notorious for its underground medical tourism, with people flocking in hope of getting a quick and cheap deal. But it doesn’t work like that; cheap cosmetic work could result in serious issues.”

“That’s why we’re recommending to all clients at John Mason International, or otherwise, that they need to do the appropriate research and make sure practices and surgeons have the best accreditations available.”

The Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory for anyone headed to Vietnam as popular tourist destinations including Hanoi are set to be affected by heavy rainfall with the arrival of Storm Wipha

Tourists planning to visit Southeast Asia this week have been issued a travel warning ahead of Storm Wipha’s descent on the region. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned on Monday, July 21 that the typhoon is heading for northern Vietnam, and is likely to lead to flooding and mudslides in affected areas.

Tropical storm Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday July 22 – in alignment with the forecast shared by the FCDO. Wipha hit the provinces of Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa early on Tuesday afternoon and authorities remain on alert due to heavy rains. The FCDO has named specific popular tourist destinations as affected areas, including Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and Ninh Binh.

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Wipha has already ravaged southern China but wind speeds have weakened since its descent on Vietnam according to the national weather forecasting agency.

The FCDO warned travellers to Vietnam: “You should expect heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding and mudslides in affected areas in the days after landfall. You should expect travel disruption and should follow advice from local authorities.”

The FCDO also advises that travellers can receive regular news updates in English via VNexpress and Vietnam News. Additionally, travellers can sign up to get email notifications when the FCDO updates its travel advice for Vietnam.

A number of flights in Vietnam were cancelled ahead of Wipha’s arrival. Vietnam Airlines announced on Monday that it would be cancelling several flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong to “ensure the safety of passengers and crew”.

Meanwhile, Pacific Airlines rescheduled two flights, between Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, to depart earlier than planned, while two more flights on the same route were cancelled.

On Tuesday, all flights operated by Vietnam Airlines Group, including Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines, to and from Hai Phong were moved to depart in the afternoon. The group said: “Vietnam Airlines Group regrets the schedule changes caused by this force majeure weather event and appreciates our passengers’ understanding.

“Flight times may continue to be adjusted depending on the storm’s progression. Updated information will be communicated via the airline’s official channels and passenger contact details provided in booking records.”

The new tropical storm is set to strike just days after a tourist boat carrying as many as 53 people capsized in stormy weather in Vietnam on Saturday, July 19. Of the 53 people on board, 38 have been declared dead.

The boat was carrying 48 tourists and five crew members near Đầu Gỗ Cave off the coast of Ha Long Bay when it was hit by a sudden squall and overturned, according to local media.

Over the previous weekend, Wipha hit Hong Kong, leaving 33 people injured and the Philippines has struggles with monsoon downpours that began last week.

Hong Kong authorities erected temporary shelters for around 277 people who sought refuge from the storm. There were also 286 reports to the Government’s 1823 Call Centre and the Fire Services Department, 425 reports of fallen trees and seven confirmed flooding cases received by the Drainage Services Department, according to a statement by the Hong Kong Government on Sunday.

Brits heading to Greece including islands like Santorini and Mykonos will need to pay tourism taxes – and during the peak summer months these can add on a hefty cost

Brits who snap up bargain Greece holidays this summer may want to double check their destination’s tourist taxes to avoid any nasty surprises when they arrive.

Like most holiday destinations, a number of Greek islands have upped their tourist fees which need to be paid on arrival. In Santorini and Mykonos, where you’ll find plenty of the more luxurious resorts, those who arrive on cruises between June to September face costs of €20 per night, which will need to be paid at the port.

Meanwhile on the mainland, tourists can expect to pay €8.00 per night between April and October, or €2.00 per night outside of this peak season. This is compared to the previous charge of €0.50, making for a huge jump. The new charges have been brought in to reportedly help fund efforts against climate change, as well as improving infrastructure and disaster prevention.

It’s worth noting that in Greece, tourist tax rates can vary depending on the type of accommodation you’re staying in, and whether you’re visiting during the peak summer months, or if you’re travelling outside of the busiest dates. If you’re unsure, get in touch with your hotel or accommodation provider directly, and they can advise you of what fees you’ll need to pay when you arrive.

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Tourist taxes aren’t anything new; they’re often a few extra Euros a night, and the idea is that the money is poured back into the destinations to combat overtourism by boosting local infrastructure and protecting local environments or heritage sites.

Travel experts have warned Brits of a number of price hikes when it comes to tourist taxes, including popular European city break destinations such as Venice, Lisbon, Porto and Amsterdam. As a result, travellers are being urged to check the fees at various holiday destinations so that these are factored into their budgets, even if they have snapped up seemingly cheap holiday deals.

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Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “The concept of a tourist tax isn’t a new one, but it is certainly something many more countries have introduced over the last few years. Many of these countries seem to be charging tourists in response to overtourism concerns. This year, Scotland’s capital will charge visitors a 5% levy on hotel costs, while Thailand looks set to bring in a charge of around £6.86.

“The new and increasing tourist fees across Europe allow cities to fund measures to attract more holidaymakers, support the local infrastructure and businesses, and to prevent damages from overtourism. As holidays surge in price this year by over 10%, we encourage all travellers to look into the tourist taxes in place before booking a holiday destination, to help avoid any unexpected extra costs they haven’t budgeted for.”

Do you have a holiday story that you’d like to share with us? Email us at [email protected].

Brits heading to the likes of Spain, Egypt and Portugal for their summer holidays could find they’re paying pay hundreds of pounds more this year

Families have seen some holiday prices to top hotspots rocket by nearly quarter this summer, research has revealed.

The jump means travellers looking forward to their break abroad risk having to shell out hundreds of pounds more than last year.

Analysis by the website TravelSupermarket for the BBC revealed big price rises in a host of destinations popular with Brits. The data compared all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing this August with a year ago.

Prices to Cyprus have leapt 23%, from an average £950 per person to £1,166. The cost of a week away to Egypt has soared by a fifth – almost £200 each – from £980 to £1,176. Jetting to top getaway Spain has risen by 9%, or from £835 to £913 And a typical week away to Portugal will cost £972 per person this summer, against £936 last year.

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For those looking further afield, the analysis found the United Arab Emirates has seen the steepest price rise overall. A week away now costs an average £1,525 per person, up 26% – or £300 – from £1,210 per person in 2024.

Chris Webber, head of deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Like most things, family summer holidays have become more expensive over the past 12 months — and our data backs that up. We’ve seen price rises of between 4% and 26% across popular destinations like Spain, Greece, Turkey, the UAE and Portugal. These increases are likely tied to rising fuel prices driving up flight costs, along with hotel expenses rising due to energy costs – which in turn pushes up food and drink costs for all-inclusive packages.”

It is not all bad, with some destinations actually cheaper this year. For instance, a week in Italy will cost an average £1,128 per person this summer, or £137 less than a year ago. Tunisia is also around £30 better value, at an average £763.

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And while accommodation and flights may have risen, other holiday costs have come down.

Research published last month by the Post Office found Brits planning foreign holidays will be quids in thanks to the pound’s strength. Sterling has shot up against a host of currencies – in some cases, by a lot. For instance, the pound’s 30% rise against the Turkish lira in the past year means holidaymakers jetting there will have £116 more to spend for every £500.

In many cases, car rental prices have also fallen. A study by iCarhireinsurance.com last month revealed that the average cost of a week’s car hire this summer is £369, 43% lower than the 2022 high of £652, but still 19% more than in 2019 (£310).

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected].

The UK government is urging Brits planning trips to Spain to ensure they have a copy of this document to hand, or they could face a large fine

British holidaymakers plotting a Spanish holiday could face massive fines of up to €6,900 (£5,900) if caught without the proper paperwork in a post-Brexit travel clampdown. Spain’s Ministry of the Interior alongside the Ministry of Health have laid down the law with a new regulation that Brit tourists heading for some sunshine need to know.

UK travellers to Spain now need to provide evidence of comprehensive travel insurance upon arrival. And a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), will not be enough to cover your stay.

Private health insurance, complete with full coverage, will now be required for all holidaymakers. According to Travel and Tour World, it’s mandatory for British visitors to offer up proof of health insurance which covers emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation, and your policy should not have hefty excesses or exclude existing health conditions.

Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias said: “The health of our visitors is a priority. We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British nationals, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local healthcare system.”

If tourists arrive without the right health insurance , they could even find themselves turned away at Spanish borders. Worse still, those on holiday without insurance may get hit with fines climbing up to £5,900, reports Bristol Live.

The UK government has stepped in with key advice for holidaymakers, emphasising the importance of obtaining proper travel insurance before jetting off to Spain, and recommending that travellers carry evidence of their coverage.

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In a statement issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), they advised: “If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.”

They also pressed on the significance of getting travel insurance before departure, saying: “If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away.”

Official guidance concludes: “If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.”

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The change comes among a raft of amendments to rules for Brits visiting Spain, with UK tourists urged to check documents such as their passport before they jet off.

Spain has also created a new national register for tourist accommodation in a bid to cut down on unlicensed short-term rentals.

RICHMOND, Va. — Democrats in Virginia have built up a hefty fundraising advantage for their effort to reclaim the governor’s mansion in a November election that is seen as a bellwether for the party in power in Washington ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case manager turned congresswoman, has a more than 2-to-1 fundraising advantage over her GOP opponent for governor, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who has struggled to draw support from her fellow Republicans. Both were unopposed for their party’s nominations and were able to focus on the fall general election without having to overcome a challenge in this week’s primaries. The match-up means Virginia is all but certain to elect the state’s first female governor.

Spanberger has amassed $6.5 million toward her campaign for governor over the last two months after raising $6.7 million between January and March, according to the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project. Combined with the money Spanberger raised in 2024, she has gathered $22.8 million and still has $14.3 million in her coffers.

Earle-Sears, meanwhile, spent more than she earned between April and June, bringing in $3.5 million and spending $4.6 million. Between January and March, she also raised a little over $3.1 million. In total, she has raked in nearly $9.2 million since launching her campaign last September. Now, she has a little under $3 million in the bank, according to Virginia Public Access Project data.

In a statement, Earle-Sears’ campaign said the candidate is putting forward a message for Virginians that money can’t buy.

“Clearly the Spanberger campaign needs a lot of help attempting to erase Abigail’s bad voting record on issues that actually matter to Virginians,” press secretary Peyton Vogel said in an email. “This race isn’t being bought — it’s being built on a message that matters.”

Virginia is one of two states, along with New Jersey, that host statewide elections this year. The contests will be closely watched as a measure of whether voters in the shadow of Washington will embrace President Trump’s aggressive effort to overhaul the federal government, or be repelled by it.

Democrats’ outsized fundraising lead ahead of the primaries may reflect local Democratic enthusiasm and the party’s ability to push people to the polls in light of Trump being in office. Mark J. Rozell, dean of George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, also referenced the noticeable frostiness among leading state Republicans. The party’s statewide nominees have yet to campaign together, despite securing their nominations at the end of April.

“Enthusiasm drives fundraising and in Virginia right now the Democrats’ voting base has much greater enthusiasm“ than Republicans, Rozell said. ”It is reminiscent of Trump’s first term in office when Democratic fundraising and ultimately voting overwhelmed the Republicans in Virginia.”

Money does not guarantee success, however. In the last Virginia governor’s race, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe outspent Republican Glenn Youngkin, who had invested $20 million of his own money in the race. Youngkin still clinched the election by nearly two points.

Youngkin, who is term-limited from seeking reelection, has offered more than $21,000 in support to Earle-Sears through his political action committee.

When asked whether he would donate more, his PAC responded, “Governor Youngkin is working to elect the entire GOP ticket and is urging all Virginians to support the commonsense team this November to keep Virginia winning.”

The Democrats’ fundraising advantage isn’t confined to the governor’s race.

State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, who eked out a primary win in a close three-way contest for lieutenant governor, raised nearly $1.8 million in her primary race and has $462,000 remaining.

The Republican nominee, conservative talk-radio host John Reid, raised nearly $312,000 since launching his campaign and has $116,000 remaining.

The only statewide GOP candidate with a fundraising lead, incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, has $2.3 million in the bank after raising a total of $4.6 million. His Democratic opponent, Jay Jones, has raised $2.7 million. He had about $493,000 left at the beginning of June, reports show.

This year, all three Democratic statewide candidates are backed by Clean Virginia, a political group that pushes for clean energy and often takes on legislative challenges against Dominion Energy, Virginia’s largest utility.

The two groups are some of the most influential entities lobbying on state politics and policy. With energy demand likely to be a key issue in November, their influence could be significant.

According to the nonpartisan public-access group, Spanberger has taken in $465,000 from the environmental organization. On Tuesday, Clean Virginia endorsed Hashmi’s candidacy for lieutenant governor, following its previous donations to her state Senate campaign committee.

During his campaign, Jones also received $1.5 million from Clean Virginia, while his primary opponent, Democrat Shannon Taylor, accepted $800,000 from Dominion Energy between 2024 and 2025. Clean Virginia released attack ads targeting Taylor for accepting Dominion money.

The energy utility has become entangled in other statewide battles. On the Republican ticket, Earle-Sears accepted $50,000 from Dominion in March. Miyares also gained $450,000 from the utility so far this year.

Clean Virginia has donated to both Democrats and Republicans, including to candidates running for the House of Delegates, where all 100 members are up for reelection in November.

Democrats who control the legislature are hoping to keep or expand their thin majority and amend the state’s Constitution to protect rights to voting, marriage equality and abortion.

Democratic candidates have raised about $16.9 million in those races, with $3.2 million stemming from House Speaker Don Scott.

Meanwhile, Republicans have raised $8.8 million, with former Minority Leader Todd Gilbert earning over $643,000, and newly tapped Minority Leader Terry Kilgore raising nearly $470,000.

Diaz writes for the Associated Press.

Spain has introduced a number of new regulations for tourists this summer, with fines of up to £2,500 for those who make ‘one drinking error’

Brits jetting off to Spain could be hit with hefty fines of up to £2,500 if they fall foul of the country’s strict drinking laws this summer.

As the holiday season approaches, travel experts are warning UK sunseekers to brush up on Spanish regulations or face penalties.

Organising “unauthorised gatherings” could see Brits forking out as much as €750 for blasting tunes too loudly. In places like Valencia, setting up unapproved tents or shelters might land you a fine ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.

Spain’s beaches are increasingly becoming smoke-free areas, with lighting up potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, while sipping a drink on the sands or promenade could set you back between €1,501 and €3,000.

The Spanish authorities have tightened the rules on public alcohol consumption, banning it on streets, parks, and beaches, reports the Express.

Caught with a tipple in public?

You could be coughing up to €3,000. Majorcan hotspots such as Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf have even curtailed alcohol sales from 9:30pm to 8am and clamped down on happy hour promotions.

For those who throw loud parties without permission, a €750 fine awaits, and Valencia’s crackdown includes hefty charges of up to €3,000 for unsanctioned tent pitching.

Many beaches have now become smoke-free zones, with a fag potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, and penalties for boozing on the beach or promenade ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.

Spain has also put a cap on daily visitors at certain beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Platja d’Aro, in Costa Brava, has announced fines up to €1,500 for appearing in public “with clothing representing human genitals” in a crackdown on stag and hen dos from Blighty.

The bylaw specifically bans people from appearing “on the public thoroughfare without clothing or only in their underwear or with clothing or accessories representing human genitals or with dolls or other accessories of a sexual nature”.

There’s also new information required for those wanting to book digs or hire motors. Information gathered by hotel owners, private rental providers and car hire companies will now be passed on to the Spanish Ministry of Interior to bolster the country’s national security.

Visitors will now have to provide their:

• Gender
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Landline phone number
• Mobile phone number
• Payment details and method
• Relationship to any children in the travelling party under the age of 14.

Chris Harrington, Managing Director at travel experts hoppa, said: “Spain is introducing a wave of new travel regulations in 2025, following record-breaking visitor numbers. These new regulations have been put in place to manage mass tourism and public behaviour, and are extremely important to follow.”

“Failure to comply with new regulations can lead to holidaymakers being slapped with hundreds of euros, with more serious offences potentially incurring fines between €1,500 and €3,000.

“To help holiday makers enjoy their jolly without facing any unwanted charges, we’ve compiled a list of the 4 regulations you should be aware of.”

Chris added: “Spain is an incredibly popular tourist destination for British holidaymakers. But it’s more important than ever to be mindful and respectful when holidaying.

“By travelling with awareness of the local culture and regulations, you can contribute to a positive travel experience for yourself and others. Before travelling, it is a good idea to check the Spanish tourism board and ensure that you are abiding by the rules of the municipality you are visiting.”

EVEN on a bad headliner year, Glastonbury is the best music festival in the world.

The mix of music and other activities… and general vibe of the place makes it like no other place on earth.

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But it’s also very large and very busy – it covers 1,100 aces (around 500 football pitches) and has a capacity of 210,000 people – more than twice the population of nearby Bath.

It’s also famously temperamental weatherwise – in my eight Glastonbury festivals, I’ve had everything from torrential rain and mud baths to scorching heatwaves.

So failing to come prepared has the power to make or break you weekend, which is why we’ve compiled a list of all our favourite Do’s and Don’ts for Glastonbury… to make sure you have the best time.

Caroline McGuire, Head Of Travel – Digital (pictured bottom right, above)

Beg whoever you know who owns a camping trolley (from £20 at Decathlon) to borrow it for the weekend – the site is enormous and you’ll be carrying all your belongings a long way before you set up camp.

Make sure to experience some of the unique areas that make Glastonbury so special – the theatre and circus fields, the Healing Fields, the Lost Horizon Nomadic Spa (aka secret nudist area with sauna, massage parlour and plunge pool).

Speaking of which, don’t just buy your food from the nearest vendor – make sure to make a pilgrimage to Permaculture, a shaded haven near the middle of the site that serves delicious food made from produce grown in their own garden on the site.

Finding your tent can be tricky, especially when it’s dark and you’ve had a few drinks – memorise some notable things near your pitch, like a flag or a gazebo.

It’s possible they’re placebo, but my friends and I swear by Happy Tuesdays – vitamins that support your body’s natural recovery while they sleep. We’re convinced they help us deal with the post-festival blues far easier.

Finally, stick a plastic bag or bin bag in your bumbag, so you always have something to sit on when it’s a muddy and rainy weekend.

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Howell Davies, Associate Bizarre Editor (pictured right)

Don’t over-pack your schedule. You won’t be able to see half of one set and half of another – and you’ll spend the whole time walking, only to get nowhere near the stage.

Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes, even if they do look trendy. You should expect to walk a minimum of 25,000 steps a day and the last thing you want is blisters.

Do plan individual outfits for each day, and pack them separately so that you’re organised and not scrambling for pants or matching shorts.

Do go off the beaten track to explore the activity away from the Pyramid Stage. That’s where the maddest memories will be made.

Ellie Henman, Bizarre Editor (pictured centre, above)

Do scope out the best food places. You don’t want to be stuck eating burger and chips every day, and there are genuinely amazing places to eat when you’re there.

Don’t put up your tent near a path, at the bottom of a hill, or next to the loos – you won’t get a wink of sleep with the banging of the doors, let alone the stench.

Do pack an eye mask and ear plugs. You don’t want to be woken up by the sun streaming in through your tent at the crack of dawn, having only just gone to sleep.

Do walk up to the Glastonbury sign at least once. As well as spectacular views, there is a bar near the top.

Jack Hardwick, Senior Showbiz Reporter (pictured left, above)

Do make sure to carry spare toilet roll with you. Getting caught short miles from a toilet is no fun.

Do take a refillable water bottle – there are loads of water points around the site These camping water pouches come with hooks so you can clip them onto your bag – fill some with water and two with booze.

Don’t leave it until mid-morning to leave on Monday. Getting off the site will take hours, so either get up early, or have a long lay-in and lunch before going.

6

Vanessa Chalmers, Assistant Head of Health, The Sun

Take a flag. They are incredibly useful for finding friends in a sea of people – or for them finding you – as there is rarely phone service. Most flag poles bought online can be shortened, so you can easily carry it around with you when moving between stages.

Drop any expectation at all that you will see who you want to see, especially if you are in a large group as it’s hard to find your group again once you are split up. Choose one or maybe two acts you simply must see, and stick to your guns.

Make something in the healing fields, or buy a souvenir, to take home! There is so much on offer. My friends and I have made a silver ring each year we have been. It takes about two hours.

Follow @secretglasto on X, formerly known as Twitter, and turn on notifications. If you are lucky to get service, you might just be in the right place at the right time for a surprise set. We saw Fatboy Slim at Greenpeace completely randomly one Sunday afternoon, standing right underneath him in ‘the tree’.

There is no shade at Glastonbury. Well, certainly not enough for the number of people – there are so many crammed under the singular tree at Pyramid stage. So wear a hat! But if you are desperate, there is a hammock area in Park stage – near lots of camping – which is quite shaded.

6

Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun

Definitely use Vodafone’s new Glastonbury Festival app, as this will help you keep all the acts and locations organised – allow the notifications as well, as they’ll let you know about surprise acts.

This year they’ve added a handy feature to find your friends on the map if you lose each other.

A power bank is a must but if you forget, you can buy a fully charged battery pack from the Vodafone tent.

6

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

You’ll save cash and time queuing by bringing your own booze. There’s a no glass rule and cans take up too much space. So fill a cool bag with boxed wine (ditch the box and take just the pouch). Or decant your favourite spirits into plastic bottles with a bit of mixer.

I always pack a collapsible sink from The Range that costs a few quid.
It‘s the most-used item among my pals at Glasto – when a pal fell in the mud, when I got sticky ketchup in my hair, and for clean hands when removing contact lenses.

Pack a small bag, so you don;t have to venutre back to the tent for more supplies. Cram it with everything you need for the day: water, a portable charger, sunglasses, SPF, a jumper for when the sun goes down.

Food for £6. It used to be ‘food for a fiver’ but this is nearly as good.
Many food vendors commit to selling meal deals and dishes for £6.
The scheme ran last year and although they haven’t announced anything yet for this year, keep your eyes peeled on the blog posts.

6

Will Hagerty, Associate Editor at The Sun

If you intend going to Shangri-La on Friday or Saturday night, skip a headliner and head up there early, or you might not get in for hours. It’s a long walk and they often close the area because it gets so crowded.

Take something to sit on if it’s likely to be muddy. I take a genius umbrella which doubles as a shooting stick stool.

Go up to the Crows Nest, high above the Park Stage, for the best view of the site and the odd secret gig

OAKMONT, Pa. — Sam Burns only wobbled twice on a soggy Oakmont course Saturday and held his nerve with a great lag from just inside 60 feet on the final hole for a one-under 69, leaving him one round away from a U.S. Open title and no margin for error.

Burns, who has never contended in his 20 previous majors, next takes on the Sunday pressure of golf’s most stringent test alongside Adam Scott, the 44-year-old Australian and the only player among the top 10 with experience winning a major.

Scott, whose lone major was 12 years ago at the Masters, didn’t make a mistake since a soft bogey on the opening hole and looked far younger than his 44 years down the stretch with brilliant iron play and enough putts for a 67, leaving him one shot behind.

This was shaping up to be a wild chase to the finish, with only four players under par. That starts with Burns at four-under 206. He has five PGA Tour titles, the last one more than two years ago. He is coming off a playoff loss last week in the Canadian Open.

J.J. Spaun, who lost in a playoff at The Players Championship in March, kept pace with Burns throughout the back nine until the end, when he couldn’t save par from a bunker and shot 69. He joined Scott a shot behind.

“It seemed like we were kind of back and forth,” Spaun said. “He would take the lead, I would take the lead, I would fall back, whatever. But it was fun. You can’t really play against your opponent; you got to play this course. There’s just so much on demand with every shot.”

The other survivor to par was Viktor Hovland, who has been smiling as much as anyone on a course that has been exasperating to so many all week. Hovland salvaged a bogey from an opening tee shot into the bushes and an exquisite shot off the muddy cart path.

But he hit the pin on the uphill ninth hole for birdie and hit an amazing wedge from the cabbage left of the 17th green for a tap-in birdie. He closed with a bogey from the rain-soaked rough on the 18th for a 70 and was three behind.

“I’m well aware that I’ve got a chance tomorrow, and if I shoot a low round of golf tomorrow then anything can happen,” Hovland said. “But there’s a lot of good players around me. Adam Scott played a brilliant round today, just didn’t really miss a shot. That forces me to play some really good golf tomorrow.”

Carlos Ortiz turned in one of the most remarkable performances by going bogey-free for 30 consecutive holes. The streak ended on the 18th, but the Mexican still had a 67 and was very much in range at even-par 210.

Missing from the mix was Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player who had won three of his last four tournaments coming into the U.S. Open. Scheffler never found any momentum, with one critical stretch coming right before the turn.

After holing a 20-foot birdie putt on the sixth, Scheffler saved par after driving into the rough on No. 7 and hitting wedge to 3 feet. But then what looked like a tap-in par on the long par-three eighth turned into a shocking miss.

He wound up with a 70, moving him from a tie for 23rd to just outside the top 10. But he was eight shots behind Burns, his best friend on tour with whom he shares a house at the majors.

“I put myself in this position,” Scheffler said. “It’s not the position I want to be in, but I’ve done a good job of hanging in there and staying in the tournament.”

The best news for this U.S. Open was that it finished the third round without weather getting in the way. Oakmont received an inch of rain from when play ended on Friday evening. The USGA offered to refund tickets to spectators who didn’t want to traipse through the muck.

Divots taken from the fairways looked like pelts, and the greens were noticeably softer and more receptive. There was one spell midway through the round when umbrellas were out and the sun was shining.

Everyone plodded along, trying desperately to avoid rough that hasn’t been cut and greens that never seem to lose their speed.

Burns, a 28-year-old from Louisiana, had the look of someone determined to add his list to young Americans ready to capture a major. He took a most unusual route on the tough third hole with a drive well to the left, over the church pew bunkers and into the adjacent fourth fairway, allowing him to avoid a blind shot.

He picked up birdies with a wedge from the fairway to a back pin on No. 5 and a tee shot to 7 feet on the accessible par-three 13th. Equally important were the three times he saved par from the fairway after getting out of position off the tee

Then came the closing stretch. He clipped a wedge that raced toward a back pin and checked up a foot away on the short par-four 17th. And he caught a break on the 18th when his drive into the rough caught a good lie, a rarity at Oakmont, allowing him to reach the back of the green nearly 60 feet away. He gently rolled the putt down to 4 feet for one last par and the lead.

Ferguson writes for the Associated Press.