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Travel vlogger Just Deano paid just £15 on Ryanair for a flight from Manchester to Spain’s Costa Del Sol, where he soon discovered a pub making a surprise claim

A man who booked what he claimed was Britain’s cheapest flight was gobsmacked by what awaited him at his destination. Content creator Just Deano set his alarm for the crack of dawn to catch his bargain departure from Manchester Airport.

Explaining his early start, he told viewers: “It was the cheapest flight hence why I had to get up at four in the morning!”

Using Skyscanner to hunt down the most wallet-friendly option, Deano snapped up a single Ryanair ticket to Malaga on Spain’s Costa Del Sol for just £15. Following his three-hour flight, he admitted he was simply “winging it” after failing to sort out somewhere to stay or a return journey home.

But after browsing Booking.com, he discovered a pod at a hostel in Malaga’s heart, costing him £111 for three nights. He remarked: “Just looking at this map here, I might have struck gold with where this hostel is, it is right in the centre of everything. I can see the cathedral and everything all round it so hopefully this is a pretty nice spot.”

Once he’d completed his lengthy trek and settled into the swanky Coeo Pod Hostel Beatas Malaga, Deano was ready to relax – and where better than an Irish pub?

Addressing his 36,600 followers, Deano revealed: “There is somewhere I am going first. I have changed my T-shirt; I’ve got my Guinness T-shirt on and I’ve got my Guinness socks on. But, when I was walking through this Old Town, I saw an extravagant claim by a pub.

“This one where I am going to claims to be the smallest Irish pub in the world. So we are going to go there, sample their Guinness, why not? It’s Friday night after all. This place is buzzing, absolutely buzzing with life.”

While there’s no official record holder for the world’s tiniest Irish pub, several establishments stake their claim, including The Dawson Lounge in Dublin and Lynott’s Pub on Achill Island. Since 2017, however, the Neil MacGregor pub in Malaga has proudly displayed signs throughout its compact premises declaring itself “the smallest Irish pub in the world”.

Arriving on a Friday evening, Deano acknowledged he’d chosen the “worst possible time” to drop by, as the outdoor seating area was heaving with drinkers. Nevertheless, he managed to secure a spot, and the barman delivered him a pint of the dark brew.

Savouring his drink, he remarked: “I have had my fair share of Guinnesses in Spain. Well, I’ve had my fair share of Guinness anywhere. That one was actually very very good. I was a bit worried when it first came out obviously it was absolutely mental as well. But that one, decent. Now, I don’t know how much it cost but I need to order another one just in case. I need to make sure if it were just a fluke.”

Wrapping up his visit, he reflected: “Ok, that was Neil MacGregor’s, the smallest Irish pub in the world apparently. I got the oldest pub in Ireland wrong a few months back so you can’t believe what’s written on the pub walls, can you?”

After sharing the video, which can be viewed in its entirety here, one viewer responded: “Deano, don’t get me wrong, but why would you go to the Costa del Sol, eat pizza, and go to an Irish Pub to drink Guinness? You can get that stuff on any high street in Britain. My only assumption is you feel ‘safe’ doing that. Get out there, man. Travelling a life adventure.”

Another commented: “Great price for that location hotels are expensive there. One of my favourite cities . Tapas bar next to the smallest bar does great food.”

A third chimed in with: “Wow deano that best hostel I’ve seen on your video.”

The period drama first aired back in 2021 and features the likes of James Norton, Eleanor Tomlinson and Tom Riley.

Next month, ITV viewers are in for a treat as a popular supernatural period drama is set to land on the streaming platform.

The Nevers, which is originally a Sky Atlantic and HBO series, was first released five years ago in 2021 and consists of 12 episodes, which were split into two instalments.

Set in 1896 Victorian London, it follows a community that is rocked to its core after a supernatural event.

As a result, the event gives people, mostly women, abnormal abilities from the wondrous to the disturbing. This group are then given the name the ‘Touched’.

A synopsis for the show reads: “But no matter their particular ‘”turns,'” all who belong to this new underclass are in grave danger.

“It falls to mysterious, quick-fisted widow Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and brilliant young inventor Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) to protect and shelter these gifted “orphans.” To do so, they will have to face the brutal forces determined to annihilate their kind.”

The cast features the likes of James Norton, who takes on the role of Hugo Swan, a morally ambiguous aristocrat who runs a secret club. Although he’s fascinated by the touched, he exploits the supernatural group for entertainment.

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Also in the supernatural drama in Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson, who plays the gentle but resilient singer Mary Brighton in the series.

ITV viewers will also see the likes of Olivia Williams, Tom Riley, Rochelle Neil and Amy Manson in The Nevers.

Pip Torrens, Denis O’Hare, Zackary Momoh, Elizabeth Berrington, Kiran Sawar, Anna Devlin, Viola Prettejohn, Ella Smith, Nick Frost and Ben Chaplin are also featured in the show.

Speaking to Radio Times in the past about the show, James said: “It’s so unpredictable and as a result it’s just so brave.”

“That’s what makes the series unique, I think. When you watch episode six, your mind will be blown. Ours was blown when we read it, so watching it is going to be an absolutely crazy experience!”

The series has received high praise in the past from fans as one person said: “This is a superb supernatural drama. Well acted, great characters and superbly produced. Well worth a watch, so you can make up your own minds.”

Another shared: “So far, I think this show is a cinematic masterpiece. Slow and deep storytelling, beautiful world-building and intriguing character-building. It sweeps you in. I definitely recommend.”

While someone else shared: “Have just binge watched the first six parts, I am totally hooked. This is a very original series that is really refreshing. It has great characters who you become really attached to. Some of the best television I’ve seen for a long time.”

ITV will launch The Nevers to stream for free on ITVX from February 1

UCLA has landed a transfer who could hasten Bob Chesney’s rebuilding efforts.

Wayne Knight verbally committed to following Chesney from James Madison to Westwood on Wednesday, giving the new Bruins coach a high-quality running back to pair with quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

Showing what he could do on a national stage last month, Knight ran for 110 yards in 17 carries against Oregon in the College Football Playoff. It was the fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season for Knight on the way to being selected a first team All-Sun Belt Conference player.

Combining excellent speed with the toughness needed to break tackles, the 5-foot-6, 189-pound Knight led the conference with 1,357 rushing yards. He also made 40 catches for 397 yards and averaged 22.3 yards on kickoff returns and 9.5 yards on punt returns. His 2,039 all-purpose yards were a school record, helping him become an Associated Press second team All-American all-purpose player after ranking third nationally with 145.6 all-purpose yards per game.

Knight, who will be a redshirt senior next season in his final year of college eligibility, becomes the seventh player from James Madison to accompany Chesney to UCLA, joining wide receiver Landon Ellis, defensive back DJ Barksdale, tight end Josh Phifer, edge rusher Aiden Gobaira, right guard Riley Robell and offensive lineman JD Rayner.

UCLA also has received verbal commitments from Michigan wide receiver Semaj Morgan, Florida wide receiver Aidan Mizell, San Jose State wide receiver Leland Smith, Iowa State running back Dylan Lee, Boise State offensive tackle Hall Schmidt, Virginia Tech defensive back Dante Lovett, Iowa State defensive back Ta’Shawn James and California edge rusher Ryan McCulloch.

But no incoming player can match the production of Knight, whose highlights included a career-high 211 rushing yards — including a 73-yard touchdown — against Troy in the Sun Belt championship game, earning him most valuable player honors for the Dukes’ 31-14 victory.

Knight will join a group of running backs that includes senior Jaivian Thomas (294 yards rushing and one touchdown in 2025), redshirt senior Anthony Woods (294 yards rushing in 2025) and redshirt freshman Karson Cox (nine yards in two carries during his only appearance as a true freshman).

With Knight on board, the Bruins presumably have their starting running back in Year 1 under their new coach.

AS 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead to what’s up and coming this year.

Theme park fans have a lot to look forward to, as much-loved attractions are getting revamps, and brand new theme parks are entering the scene.

From the highly-anticipated opening of Disneyland Paris‘ World of Frozen, to the launch of PokéPark Kanto – here’s our top picks for the most exciting theme park lands set to open in 2026.

PAW Patrol-themed land, Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures will soon become home to the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land.

‘Project Play’ was announced in April 2025, as construction began to build the new land in place of the Scorpion Express coaster.

The immersive land will be inspired by the show’s Adventure Bay, fit with themed decorations and rides.

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The land will be home to four rides in total, including the brand new ‘my first rollercoaster’.

Whilst waiting for rides, Chessington also offers young fans interactive meet and greets where they can grab a photo with Chase, Skye and Rubble.

The theme park even has its own PAW Patrol-themed hotel rooms, which sleep a family of up to 5 and come complete with a Pup Pass for priority meet and greet access.

The show is incredibly popular amongst young children, with Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort offering an entire PAW Patrol themed month in June.

The PAW Patrol-themed land is set to open in Spring 2026.

World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World, Disneyland Paris, France

Disneyland Paris will see some major changes in spring of 2026 – and it’s good news for fans of Disney’s Frozen.

‘World of Frozen‘ has been in construction since 2022, and is set to open on 29 March 2026.

Glimpses inside the new world show majestic castles, palaces, and Scandinavian buildings that look just like Arendelle.

Two major attractions in the themed land are Arendelle Castle, as well as Elsa’s ice palace which sits high atop North Mountain, overlooking the entire area.

Frozen fans will be able to attend a special royal meet and greet with Anna and Elsa, as well as a show called ‘Frozen: A Musical Invitation’.

And if you get hungry, visitors can stop for a bite to eat at the new Nordic Crowns Tavern.

World of Frozen will also be home to the Frozen Ever After Ride – a fan favourite ride from Florida’s EPCOT, but designed with extra details just for Paris.

The ride takes visitors on a slow and scenic boat ride through familiar scenes from Disney’s Frozen, complete with singalong music and audio-animatronics.

But the addition of World of Frozen isn’t the only new change at Disneyland Paris.

The area previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park has had a makeover to become Disney Adventure World.

Disney Adventure World is home to multiple immersive areas inspired by Disney, Marvel and Pixar’s most popular movies.

The renamed world contains a Marvel Avengers Campus where superhero fans can take part in the Spider-Man W.E.B Adventure, a family friendly immersive experience.

Guests can also visit the Worlds of Pixar area, where you can ride Crush’s Coaster inspired by Finding Nemo or hop on the Cars ROAD TRIP ride.

And for fans of Disney classic The Lion King, construction is now underway for a new themed area: The Pride Lands.

Both World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World will be open at Disneyland Paris from 29 March 2026.

LEGO® Galaxy, California

Legoland California Resort is launching a brand new immersive, space-themed zone next year named LEGO® Galaxy.

The space-themed zone will be home to three new rides as well as the Junior Astronaut Training Zone, where toddlers and little ones can lose themselves in a themed play area.

The opening of the new land will see the arrival of the attraction’s first new roller coaster in nearly 20 years: Galacticoaster.

Galacticoaster is a family-friendly indoor coaster spanning nearly 1,500 feet of track with exhilarating galaxy views.

The land will also see the addition of two extra space-themed rides, as well as immersive areas to eat, drink and shop.

The LEGOLAND California Resort is already home to 11 themed lands including Dino Valley and Pirate Shores, a water park, and even its own SEA LIFE Aquarium.

The space-themed land is set to open on 6 March, 2026.

PokéPark KANTO, Tokyo

Pokémon fans have long been waiting for a permanent theme park – and Tokyo will provide a fitting home in 2026.

The attraction will span 26,000 square metres of land in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan.

Rather than hopping between rides and food trucks, visitors here take the role of Pokémon trainers.

Guests walk through the park searching through forests to encounter Pokémon, just like in the videogames.

The attraction is located in Tokyo’s Tama Hills, where there is plenty of luscious greenery to make the park look like a real Pokémon cartoon come to life.

Away from the 500 metres of Pokémon forest, guests can visit Sedge Town where they’ll find a recreation of a Pokémon Centre, Poké Mart and Sedge Gym.

The attraction is also designed so that you can connect with other guests (or fellow Pokémon trainers) and explore the theme park together.

PokéPark KANTO will open in early 2026.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, Paultons Park, UK

Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig World, will open a brand new Viking-themed land in May 2026.

Valgard will be decorated head-to-toe in Nordic theme, with red rollercoaster tracks weaving their way behind traditional Viking buildings.

The £12m Viking-themed park will be home to rides and immersive experiences for all ages, as well as a themed playground and dining area.

The new area will be located next to the Lost Kingdom, the attraction’s dinosaur adventure park.

The park will include the addition of two new rides, including Paultons’ most thrilling coaster yet: Drakon.

Drakon is an inverting coaster ride which intertwines with Raven – the new name for the rollercoaster previously named Cobra.

The other new addition to the park will be the Vild Swing – a Viking take on a Wild Swing ride, providing a family-friendly alternative to the extreme Drakon.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is set to open in Paultons Park on May 16, 2026.

Last February, I climbed into a Jeep and rumbled up a rocky shelf road that took me high above a breathtaking corner of the Mojave National Preserve. At the top was an old gold mine where an Australian company had recently restarted activities, looking for rare earth minerals.

The National Park Service had been embroiled in a years-long dispute with the company, Dateline Resources Ltd., alleging that it was operating the Colosseum Mine without authorization and had damaged the surrounding landscape with heavy equipment. Dateline said it had the right to work the mine under a plan its prior operators had submitted to the Bureau of Land Management decades before.

President Trump had taken office just weeks before my visit. Environmentalists told me the conflict posed an early test of how his administration would handle the corporate exploitation of public lands.

At the time, observers weren’t sure how things would shake out. Conserving public lands is one of the rare issues that’s popular on both sides of the political aisle, they pointed out.

Almost a year later, it’s clear that the Trump administration has sided with the corporations.

Trump directed the Department of Interior to inventory mineral deposits on federal lands and prioritize mining as the primary use of those lands. He instructed officials to dramatically fast-track permitting and environmental reviews for certain types of energy and critical minerals projects — and designated metallurgical coal a critical mineral, enabling companies that mine it to qualify for a lucrative tax credit.

His budget bill lowered the royalty rates companies must pay the government to extract coal, oil or gas from public lands and provided other financial incentives for such projects while reducing the authority of federal land managers to deny them.

Under the president’s direction, the DOI has opened up millions of acres of federal land to new coal leasing and moved to rescind both the 2021 Roadless Rule, which protects swaths of national forest lands from extractive activities by barring most new road construction, and the 2024 Public Lands Rule, which puts conservation and restoration on par with other uses of BLM land like mining, drilling and grazing.

The administration is seeking to roll back limitations on mining and drilling for specific pieces of public land, including portions of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, the watershed feeding the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and a buffer surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers overturned management plans limiting energy development on certain BLM lands in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.

Altogether, the Trump administration and its legislative allies have taken steps to reduce or eliminate protections for nearly 90 million acres of public land, according to the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank. That figure rises to more than 175 million acres if you include the habitat protections diminished by the administration’s moves to weaken the Endangered Species Act, the organization notes.

“All of these things represent in some ways the largest attack on our public lands and giveaway to large multinational mining corporations that we’ve seen probably since the 19th century,” said U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, who likened the level of resource exploitation to “something like what happened during the robber baron era when there was no regulation or protection for our communities or the environment.”

Stansbury has introduced legislation that would increase the fees mining companies must pay to sit on speculative claims on federal lands and require those funds be used for conservation. She told me it’s just a tiny contribution to a larger effort to push back against the administration’s approach to initiate extraction on public lands, which she described as so frequent and pervasive that “it’s a bit like whack-a-mole.”

“So much damage has been done, both administratively and legislatively, over the last 11 months since Trump took office,” she said.

As for the Colosseum Mine, the DOI sided with its operators back in the spring, saying Dateline Resources did not have to seek authorization from the Park Service to keep mining. The announcement was followed by public endorsements from Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The company’s stock value soared, and by September, it had kicked off a major drilling blitz.

The company has already uncovered high-grade gold deposits. It’s taking a break for Christmas, but is expected to resume drilling in the new year.

More recent land news

The Pacific Forest Trust returned nearly 900 acres of land near Yosemite National Park to the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation in a transfer partially financed by the state, reports Kurtis Alexander of the San Francisco Chronicle. Members of the Indigenous group were forced off their ancestral lands during the California Gold Rush, when state-sponsored militias undertook efforts to exterminate them. Some now hope the new property will bolster their decades-long push for federal recognition.

California State Parks is violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing offroaders to drive over dunes that are home to western snowy plovers, a judge recently ruled in a long-running legal case over the use of Oceano Dunes State Recreation Area along the Central Coast. Edvard Pettersson of the Courthouse News Service reports that State Parks will need a federal “take” permit to continue to allow offroading at the popular beachside spot.

California lawmakers introduced legislation to conserve more than 1.7 million acres of public lands across the state, in part by expanding the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument, according to Stephanie Zappelli of the San Luis Obispo Tribune.

The federal public lands grazing program was created as a bulwark against environmental damage but has been transformed into a massive subsidy program benefiting a select few, including billionaire hobby ranchers and large corporations, according to an investigation by ProPublica and High Country News. The three-part series also found a loophole allowing for the automatic renewal of grazing permits has led to less oversight over the health of these lands.

A few last things in climate news

President Trump’s media company is merging with a nuclear fusion energy firm in a $6-billion deal that some analysts have described as a major conflict of interest, my colleague Caroline Petrow-Cohen reports.

House Republicans pushed through a bill that would overhaul the federal environmental review process in a way that critics say could speed up the approval process for oil and gas projects while stymieing clean energy, report Aidan Hughes and Carl David Goette-Luciak of Inside Climate News.

The iconic chasing-arrows recycling symbol is likely to be removed from California milk cartons, my colleague Susanne Rust reports. The decision exposes how used beverage packaging has been illegally exported to East Asia as “recycled” mixed paper, violating international environmental law.

Wind energy is again under attack from the Trump administration, which this week ordered all major wind construction projects to halt. As The Times’ Hayley Smith notes, the White House has been consistent in slowing down clean energy development in 2025, but offshore wind has been a particular bête noire for the President.

We’ve published a comprehensive collection of stories looking back on the wildfires that burned though Altadena and Pacific Palisades last January and all that’s happened since, which columnist Steve Lopez calls “one of the most apocalyptic years in Southern California history.” Check out After the Fires here.

This is the latest edition of Boiling Point, a newsletter about climate change and the environment in the American West. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. And listen to our Boiling Point podcast here.

For more land news, follow @phila_lex on X and alex-wigglesworth.bsky.social on Bluesky.