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POLITICS

The pope in a major foreign policy address blasts how countries are using force to assert dominion

VATICAN CITY — In his most substantial critique of U.S., Russian and other military incursions in sovereign countries, Pope Leo XIV on Friday denounced how nations were using force to assert their dominion worldwide, “completely undermining” peace and the post-World War II international legal order.

“War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,” Leo told ambassadors from around the world who represent their countries’ interests at the Holy See.

Leo didn’t name individual countries that have resorted to force in his lengthy speech, the bulk of which he delivered in English in a break from the Vatican’s traditional diplomatic protocol of Italian and French. But his speech came amid the backdrop of the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela to remove Nicolás Maduro from power, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and other conflicts.

The occasion was the pope’s annual audience with the Vatican diplomatic corps, which traditionally amounts to his yearly foreign policy address.

In his first such encounter, history’s first U.S.-born pope delivered much more than the traditional roundup of global hotspots. In a speech that touched on threats to religious freedom and the Catholic Church’s opposition to abortion and surrogacy, Leo lamented how the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole were increasingly under threat.

“A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies,” he said. “The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined.”

“Instead, peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion. This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence,” he said.

A geopolitical roundup of conflicts and suffering

Leo did refer explicitly to tensions in Venezuela, calling for a peaceful political solution that keeps in mind the “common good of the peoples and not the defense of partisan interests.”

The U.S. military seized Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, in a surprise nighttime raid. The Trump administration is now seeking to control Venezuela’s oil resources and its government. The U.S. government has insisted Maduro’s capture was legal, saying drug cartels operating from Venezuela amounted to unlawful combatants and that the U.S. is now in an “armed conflict” with them.

Analysts and some world leaders have condemned the Venezuela mission, warning that Maduro’s ouster could pave the way for more military interventions and a further erosion of the global legal order.

On Ukraine, Leo repeated his appeal for an immediate ceasefire and urgently called for the international community “not to waver in its commitment to pursuing just and lasting solutions that will protect the most vulnerable and restore hope to the afflicted peoples.”

On Gaza, Leo repeated the Holy See’s call for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and insisted on the Palestinians’ right to live in Gaza and the West Bank “in their own land.”

In other comments, Leo said the persecution of Christians around the world was “one of the most widespread human rights crises today,” affecting one in seven Christians globally. He cited religiously motivated violence in Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Sahel, Mozambique and Syria but said religious discrimination was also present in Europe and the Americas.

There, Christians “are sometimes restricted in their ability to proclaim the truths of the Gospel for political or ideological reasons, especially when they defend the dignity of the weakest, the unborn, refugees and migrants, or promote the family.”

Leo repeated the church’s opposition to abortion and euthanasia and expressed “deep concern” about projects to provide cross-border access to mothers seeking abortion.

He also described surrogacy as a threat to life and dignity. “By transforming gestation into a negotiable service, this violates the dignity both of the child, who is reduced to a product, and of the mother, exploiting her body and the generative process, and distorting the original relational calling of the family,” he said.

Winfield writes for the Associated Press.

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SHOW BIZ

Iconic Bruce Springsteen hit Born in the USA CENSORED by major UK radio station over ‘offensive’ lyric

Jan 9, 2026 News Desk

BRUCE Springsteen’s classic Born in the USA is being censored for radio — with a lyric about “the yellow man” removed.

The Boss, now 76, is widely considered to be calling out racism in his 1984 hit, covering the struggles of war vets returning from Vietnam.

Bruce Springsteen playing an electric guitar at a concert. — Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA album is being censored for radio over a lyric deemed to be offensiveCredit: Getty

He belts out: “So they put a rifle in my hands, sent me off to a foreign land, to go and kill the yellow man, Born in the USA.”

However Absolute Radio will mute the song as he utters “yellow man”, considered an offensive slur for an Asian person.

The track, hailed for its scathing commentary on the treatment of Vietnam vets and working-class Americans, is ranked 275th in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Born in the USA album sold over 30 million copies worldwide and was the world’s best-selling record in 1985.

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It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012 and includes other hits like Dancing in the Dark, Glory Days and I’m on Fire.

Bruce’s censorship comes after the Spice Girls’ 1997 track Spice Up Your Life — which includes the lyric “Yellow man in Timbuktu. Colour for both me and you” — was similarly altered last year on BBC Radio 2.

DJ Scott Mills played a version on his breakfast show which removed the word “yellow”.

Bauer Media, which owns Absolute Radio, declined to comment.

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TRAVEL

Chaos as major UK rail network suspends ALL trains with millions warned ‘do not travel’ after Storm Goretti hits

Jan 9, 2026 Travel Desk

STORM Goretti is continuing to cause chaos across the UK as further travel disruptions are confirmed.

A number of rail lines have suspended services as the first storm of the year batters Britain.

West Midlands Railway officially cancelled routes this morning, Friday, 9 January.

In an official statement, the rail network said it is “unable to provide services until the afternoon”.

“Due to the significant ongoing transport and infrastructure disruption caused by Storm Goretti, we advise passengers not to travel on West Midlands Railway services on the morning of Friday, January 9,” the operator said.

“Passengers wishing to travel on the afternoon on Friday 9th January should check their journeys before they travel as we work to resume services.”

Mood of Discontent Hovers Over South; Presidential Rivals So Far Fail to Tap It : Campaign: Major primaries approach rapidly, but message of competing hopefuls seems not to have reached voters.

Jan 9, 2026 Politics Desk

WASHINGTON — After weeks of meandering through snowy fields of the North and Midwest, the campaign for the presidency now turns South, to a vast region that paradoxically mixes relatively low unemployment with high dissatisfaction.

In Blanco County, Tex., for example, the unemployment rate of 3.5%–down one-third over the last three years–compares favorably with the days when local favorite son Lyndon B. Johnson reigned in Washington in the ‘60s. But that fact does not console Ava Johnson Cox, the late President’s 87-year-old cousin.

“At one time, America contained the inspiration and the purifying principles of the world,” Miss Ava told a visiting reporter recently. “But no more.”

Clear across Dixie, in Atlanta, Jackie Rogers, owner of a downtown ladies’ boutique, struck a similar note.

“I’m very upset about this economy,” she said. “This is the first time America is not rewarding their well-educated people.

“They are the ones who went to school and studied so hard to make America No. 1,” she added. Now, “they are the ones on the unemployment lines.”

But while Southerners may agree with citizens of, for example, New Hampshire, about the problems the country faces, they have had much less exposure to politicians’ proposed solutions.

Unlike New Hampshirites, who lived for two months under a steady barrage of campaigning before they voted last week, citizens of the South have only just begun to hear from the candidates. When they vote–March 3 in Georgia and Maryland, March 7 in South Carolina and March 10 in Florida, Texas and several other Southern and border states–they will do so after an intense, but short, campaign.

As a result, for many potential Southern voters, the sense of discontent they share with the rest of the nation remains somewhat separated from the political process, and their feelings about candidates remain largely unformed.

“It’s strange to be so far into the process and not feel more committed to someone,” said Margaret Yoder, a 44-year-old real estate broker in Miami. “I’m feeling confused.”

Southern voters know President Bush, and many in the South still like him despite disapproval of his handling of the economy.

“I’m going to vote Republican,” said Henry Dryer Jr. of Carollton, Ga. “I think, personally, and most of the people in my circle feel, like Bush has done as good a job as any President in his circumstances could have done.

“The poor man can’t do it by himself,” Dryer said. On the other hand, he added: “People in this part of the country are just very disappointed that Bush hasn’t done something to pull us out of the recession.”

On the Democratic side, the name of Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton registers with many, but primarily for the controversies surrounding him–unsubstantiated allegations of marital infidelity and questions about his Vietnam-era draft status.

And as for former Massachusetts Sen. Paul E. Tsongas, some voters say they like what they have heard of him. Tsongas is “not a showman,” said James Smith, a retiree in Atlanta. But more typically, Southerners interviewed for this story said that despite his victory in New Hampshire, they simply remain unsure who Tsongas is.

“People still have trouble pronouncing his name,” said Beth Carper, a graduate student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, who said she supports Tsongas but doubts he can win when her state votes March 10.

In Johnson City, Tex., the Blanco County seat in the hill country west of Austin, Ralph Moss, 48, said he has made only one decision about the election. He voted for Bush once and will not do it again. Beyond that, Moss said, he cannot decide what to do.

“There’s not a real good choice to make,” said Moss, who is the mayor, a nonpartisan position. “I may not vote in the primary.”

DeeDee McKennis, a cashier at Johnson City’s Dixie Fried Chicken and Quick Stop, would like to see the country make a change.

Even though she and her husband have had “the best year we’ve had in years” economically, she remains worried. McKennis, 46, and her husband both hold two jobs, she said, but they cannot afford to send any of their four children to college. Nor can they afford health insurance.

Still, McKennis has not found a candidate she feels confident would bring about the changes she would like to see.

Down the street, Duke Rumpf, 68, the manager of the Charles’ Motel, gave Clinton a tepid endorsement and, in the process, summed up what many Southern voters seem to feel.

Clinton, he said, had “got the state of Arkansas in pretty good shape.” But, he added: “I ain’t seen anybody I’m real enthused about. I know I ain’t enthused about the one (President) we got.”

Special correspondents Edith Stanley in Atlanta, Karen Brandon in Johnson City, Tex., Michael Clary in Miami and Patrick Thomas in Nashville contributed to this story.

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MONEY

Paris to vote ‘No’ on Mercosur, risking major diplomatic setback for Macron

Jan 9, 2026 Finance Desk

Published on 08/01/2026 – 20:28 GMT+1
•Updated
20:33

France is set to reject the Mercosur deal in a vote among EU member states, after months of efforts by Paris to build a blocking minority against the contentious accord.

If, as signals suggest, Italy backs the agreement, it would represent a severe diplomatic defeat for Macron, whose strategy to derail the deal would collapse.

“France has decided to vote against the signing of the agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries,” Macron posted on X.

He said the “EU-Mercosur agreement is a deal from another era, negotiated for too long on outdated foundations,” adding that the economic benefits “would be limited for French and European growth.”

“It does not justify exposing sensitive agricultural sectors that are essential to our food sovereignty,” he wrote.

Paris failure to build a blocking minority

The Mercosur agreement was clinched in December 2024 by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, aiming to create a free-trade area of about 700 million people across the Atlantic after more than 25 years of negotiations.

France has opposed the deal at every phase, citing concerns about unfair competition from Latin American imports and under pressure domestically from its farmers.

Amid rising geoeconomic tensions, supporters led by Germany and Spain have pushed for a swift signing to open new export markets.

The signature was postponed following an EU summit last month after Italy and France expressed reservations. The Commission suggested these issues could be addressed and the signature would go ahead in January.

Paris intensified efforts in recent weeks to assemble a blocking minority, securing backing from Poland, Hungary, Ireland and possibly Austria. But Italy’s position remained decisive in the run-up to Friday’s vote at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels.

After a series of concessions from the European Commission, including strengthened safeguards to monitor market disruptions and early cash payments for farmers, Italy appears to have shifted toward the deal’s supporters.

If a qualified majority backs the agreement, it would mark the first time France has been outvoted at the Council, which represents member states in Brussels – another blow for Macron as he grapples with a deep political crisis at home.

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TRAVEL

Traitors-style Scottish hotel owned by major sports star closes for several months

Jan 8, 2026 Travel Desk

A HOTEL owned by a major British sports star has closed ahead of a huge transformation.

Three-time tennis Grand Slam winner Andy Murray has closed the hotel he owns, just three miles from his hometown of Dunblane, in Scotland.

The closure comes ahead of a major transformation to the hotel, which sits on a Victorian country estate sprawling over 34 acres with its own chapel and small loch.

Over the coming months, the hotel will remain closed while a new 80-seat restaurant with a ‘living’ roof covered in plants is built.

A smaller, fine dining restaurant will be added to the hotel as well.

The current restaurant, The Glasshouse, will be transformed into an afternoon tea and event space.

Major new £556million waterpark to open with world’s tallest water slide, underwater rides and surfing lagoon

Jan 7, 2026 Travel Desk

A MASSIVE new waterpark with record-breaking rides is set to open this year.

Aquarabia will be part of the massive Qiddiya City complex in Saudi Arabia.

The desert-themed waterpark will have 22 rides, across nine themed zones as well as 22 dining outlets and seven shopping stores.

Set to cost $750million (£556million), it makes it one of the most expensive waterparks every built.

Four of the rides will break the current world records, including Junoon Drop, the world’s tallest and longest watercoaster at 12-storeys high.

The tallest water slide, tallest mat racer slide and tallest drop body slide will inside the water theme park.

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The Entry Plaza will have dining and shopping, along with the Arabian Peak.

Other themed areas include Dhub Grotto, which will have the world’s largest waterplay structure with climbing, bridges and slides.

Wave pools and rapids will be in Wadi Wadi while an ‘underwater’ adventure ride will be part of Viper Canyon.

An on-site surfing lagoon will also be part of the complex, with lessons for both beginners and experts.

Extreme water sports will be part of the attraction too.

Kayaking and rafting as well as canyoneering and cliff jumping at the Herding Ground.

It doesn’t have an official opening date yet but it is rumoured to be in early March.

Ticket prices are also yet to be confirmed.

It comes after the opening of the new Six Flags in Riyadh, also with its own record-breaking attractions.

This includes Sirocco Tower, the world’s tallest free-standing shot tower ride, and Falcons Flight, the world’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster

Inside will be six themed lands – Steam Town, City of Thrills, Twilight Gardens, Grand Exposition, Valley of Fortune and Discovery Springs.

It is the first Six Flags park built outside of North America.

Also at Qiddiya City, will be a two-level racetrack, which hopes to one day be the host of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Called Speed Park, the track is set to open in 2027.

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TRAVEL

Four major UK airports ‘have already raised’ drop off prices in 2026 – list

Jan 7, 2026 Travel Desk

People are being charged up to £1 a minute, new figures revealed

Four major airports have increased their drop-off charges already this year, delivering a fresh blow to air travellers. Depositing loved ones at some of the UK’s biggest airports has grown more costly, as several facilities have raised their fees this week.

From January 6, Gatwick Airport will boost the cost of its drop-off zones by £3 – pushing the minimum charge up to £10.

London City Airport, amongst the final major hubs not to impose a drop-off fee, will also introduce an £8 charge tomorrow for drop-offs lasting up to 5 minutes, plus an extra £1 per minute for extended stays, capped at a maximum 10-minute drop-off period.

This comes after Heathrow’s drop-off fees rose from £6 to £7 on January 1, whilst Southend airport shifted from no charge to £7 last summer.

Emily Barnett, Travel Expert at Compare the Market, commented: “With multiple London airports increasing passenger drop-off charges this year, the cost of a holiday before travellers have even reached the terminal is on the rise. For families trying to save some cash by being dropped off by a friend or family member, these fees can quickly add an extra, unexpected expense to an already costly trip. While solo travellers will have to shoulder the cost alone, it’s wise to plan ahead and assess whether an alternative travel option would suit.

“Taking public transport to get to the airport could be more cost effective if flight times and the journey route permit. For some travellers, using Park and Ride services at Heathrow and Gatwick may be more convenient as they offer passengers frequent shuttle buses between terminals and off-airport parking services for free.

“The news of price rises serves as a good reminder for holidaymakers to look for savings on other travel expenses where possible. Booking early could help get a better price, while comparing travel insurance deals and taking a ‘buy when you book’ approach means you’re covered before you even set off should you need to cancel for an unforeseen circumstance. Taking the time to weigh up prices and options could make a real difference to the overall cost of a trip.”

For the latest money saving tips, shopping and consumer news, go to the new Everything Money website

New 2026 airport charges rundown:

London City Airport has ended its reign as the only airport in the capital not charging drivers for dropping off loved ones by introducing an £8 fee. The charge must be paid for parking for up to five minutes – every additional minute after that will cost £1 until you hit the maximum 10-minute stay.

The airport said the fee will help to “maintain efficient access to the forecourt and support the best possible access for everyone”. Blue badge holders and black cabs are exempt from the charge.

Gatwick Airport has become the most expensive airport for drop-offs, increasing its fee from £7 to £10 for 10 minutes.

The airport – Britain’s second busiest after Heathrow – only bumped its charges to £7 in May last year.

It cited rising expenses, including business rates that have more than doubled, as the reason behind the increase.

The airport also informed Money that it was “not aware” of any additional rises planned for this year, or a review of the existing charge.

Guy Hobbs, Which? Travel Expert said: “It’s unsurprising that following Heathrow’s announcement, Gatwick has also pulled the trigger on a drop off price hike in a fresh blow to travellers. These harsh price hikes and oppressive time limits from two of the UK’s busiest airports will only add another layer of stress, frustration and cost to passengers.”

He added: “Fortunately, there are alternative long stay car parks where you can drop off free of charge at all major UK airports.”

London Heathrow bumped its fee from £6 to £7 on New Year’s Day, and brought in a fresh 10-minute rule in drop-off zones, with motorists who overstay facing a penalty.

The airport has stated that no further rises were scheduled for this year.

Bristol Airport lifted its charges from £7 to £8.50 for up to 10 minutes of parking. Motorists staying between 10 and 20 minutes have also witnessed their fee rise from £9 to £10.50.

Blue Badge holders can utilise the drop-off car park for an extended period of 40 minutes, but that will also climb from £7 to £8.50.

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SHOW BIZ

Stranger Things ‘hero’ bags major role in exciting new project with A-list cast

Jan 7, 2026 News Desk

A Stranger Things icon has announced their next big career move alongside Julianne Moore and a Disney princess.

A Stranger Things star has already moved on from the unforgettable Netflix sci-fi drama with a major project now in the works.

Stranger Things has officially come to an end and while fans did have some questions after the finale, Netflix subscribers couldn’t help but labelled it as the “best show ever”.

All of the characters upped their game ahead of the final battle against Vecna but someone who surprised fans with their newfound bravery was Karen Wheeler (played by Cara Buono).

Not only did Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Holly Wheeler’s (Nell Fisher) mum fight off a demogorgon with a wine bottle, she blew up three of the creatures in the hospital’s laundry room, saving some of the beloved gang.

Fans flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to hail Karen a “hero” and a “bada**”, with someone writing: “Wow. I feel like I need to write Karen Wheeler multiple apology letters. She achieved fully elevated GOAT status this season.”

Now Karen Wheeler star Cara Buono is working on a brand new project that’s worlds away from the dangers of the Upside Down.

Buono is set to play the leading role of Cassie in what’s currently being listed as “Untitled Musical Comedy Jesse Eisenberg”.

The official synopsis for the project, which is currently in post-production, reads: “A shy woman unexpectedly cast in a local musical production loses herself in the role under the spell of the strong-willed director, immersing herself in the high-stakes world of community theatre.”

But Buono is far from the only familiar face in the upcoming musical comedy as she heads up a star-studded cast.

Alongside the Karen Wheeler actress, the project will star Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti, famed for The Holdovers, Billions and Black Mirror.

Another massive name in the cast is Hollywood legend Julianne Moore whose work includes Boogie Nights, The Hours and Still Alice which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey, who also features in Grown-Ish and The Colour Purple, joins them along with Better Call Saul icon Patrick Fabian.

The musical comedy has been created by none other than Jesse Eisenberg who rose to fame in The Social Network, but has since gone on to star in the Now You See Me franchise.

He also wrote and starred in the 2024 film A Real Pain which won Kieran Culkin the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Stranger Things is available to watch on Netflix.

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TRAVEL

Major airport forced to cancel ANOTHER 700 flights with trains axed and passengers stranded

Jan 7, 2026 Travel Desk

ONE of Europe’s busiest airports has cancelled hundreds more flights as chaos enters its sixth day.

A major snow warning has resulted in the cancellations at Amsterdam‘s Schiphol Airport since the weekend.

According to local media, another 718 flights have been cancelled today with fears of another 10cm of snow across the country.

The airport stated: “On Wednesday, due to persistent winter weather and heavy winds, only limited air traffic is possible to and from Schiphol.

“More cancellations are expected. This will be mostly European flights.”

The majority of flights from the UK have been cancelled to Schiphol Airport today, affecting as many as 60 inbound and outbound flights.

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ALL flights suspended at major UK airport due to heavy snow amid -11C cold snap

This affects routes from London airports, as well as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The few that are still in operation are expected to be severely delayed.

Passengers have been left stranded at the airport for days, due to the ongoing cancellations.

On Monday, the airport cancelled 450 flights, affecting arrivals and departures.

And yesterday, another 455 flights were cancelled as well.

As many as a thousand passengers were thought to have slept at the airport overnight, due to visa issues preventing many from leaving.

One woman said has been left stuck at the airport since Sunday.

She explained: “Yesterday morning, we were sent away again. We ended up coming back.

“And we’ve been waiting here ever since. We had to sleep here, too.”

Most trains to and from the airport have been cancelled.

And Eurostar trains have also been affected, with two of the five planned routes from London to Amsterdam cancelled today.

Others are offering a limited service with passengers not able to join at some stops.

Desperate travellers have been forced to find alternative routes home.

One said on social media: “We got a ferry from Rotterdam to Hull last night.”

Another said: “I got a taxi to Brussels for €500 and getting on a flight to London.”

A third added: “Decided to book Flixbus from Amsterdam to London.”

Sadly, passengers won’t be able to claim compensation for any losses due to the weather being seen as an ‘extraordinary circumstance’.

Airlines must offer either a full refund or book you on the next available flight.

If stuck overnight, hotels and food vouchers must also be offered.

Flights at Liverpool Airport were also axed this week after the airport was forced to close.

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SHOW BIZ

The Beauty gets major update days before series release as Disney Plus make announcement

Jan 5, 2026 News Desk

Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty centres around a brand new medicine that promises to keep users looking youthful, but it comes with a dark price

A brand new Sci-Fi series from the creator of American Horror Story has had a major update just days before its release.

Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Beauty’, based on a comic book series, is set to centre around a brand new medicine that promises to keep users looking youthful, but it comes with a dark price.

Premiering on Disney Plus on January 22, fans will be treated to the first three episodes, but those wanting to binge watch will have a wait on their hands. The 11-episode series will see new instalments released weekly every Thursday, with two episodes releasing in each of the final two weeks.

When supermodels start dying in gruesome and mysterious deaths, FBI Agents Cooper Madsen (played by Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (played by Rebecca Hall) are sent to Paris to uncover the truth.

Today, a brand new trailer has been released with Disney Plus teasing the short clip: “One shot makes you hot.”

The explosive trailer shows a variety of people taking the so called beauty shot before things start to go tragically wrong. In it, it is claimed: “It’s an STD that people will actually want…”

Disney Plus teases: “As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a sexually transmitted virus that transforms ordinary people into visions of physical perfection, but with terrifying consequences.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

“Their path leads them directly into the crosshairs of “The Corporation” (Ashton Kutcher), a shadowy tech billionaire who has secretly engineered a miracle drug dubbed “The Beauty,” who will do anything to protect his trillion-dollar empire—including unleashing his lethal enforcer, “The Assassin” (Anthony Ramos).

“As the epidemic spreads, “Jeremy” (Jeremy Pope), a desperate outsider, is caught in the chaos, searching for purpose as the agents race across Paris, Venice, Rome, and New York to stop a threat that could alter the future of humanity. “The Beauty” is a global thriller that asks: what would you sacrifice for perfection?”

Viewers have previously been quick to call out the show’s similarities to award-winning horror film The Substance starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, which also features an injectable wonder drug that can make people youthful.

But now, fans have wondered whether the show will follow the graphic novel it is based upon as one person wondered on Reddit: “So in the comics, it’s an STD that over half the world contracts….but in this adaptation, it’s a super drug so that the show can reel in people who enjoyed The Substance?”

Fans will recognise some familiar faces including Amelia Gray Hamlin, Ari Graynor, Bella Hadid, Ben Platt, Billy Eichner, Isabella Rossellini, Jaquel Spivey, Jessica Alexander, Jon Jon Briones, John Carroll Lynch, Julie Halston, Lux Pascal, Meghan Trainor, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Peter Gallagher and Vincent D’Onofrio.

The Beauty is available to stream exclusively on Disney+ from January 22

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SHOW BIZ

Major pop star revealed as Goldfish on Masked Singer in ‘most obvious unmasking ever’

Jan 3, 2026 News Desk

A huge pop star was revealed as Goldfish, the lead singer of a group called No Trout, in the launch episode of The Masked Singer as the hit series returned to ITV on Saturday

19:36, 03 Jan 2026Updated 19:38, 03 Jan 2026

Anne-Marie was revealed as Goldfish on the launch episode of The Masked Singer. In a first for the programme, the first two episodes will feature a full band, and the panel also had to guess the identity of the lead singer.

After performing as Bruno Marse and Rose hit Apt part of a group called No Trout, the judges correctly guessed the identity of the singer. Following her unmasking, the songstress said: “When I was at school, I had a very short attention span! I’m used to the voice just going that way [in front of me] but in the thing, it was like ‘Oh, that’s what I sound like!” She then gave her first unmasked performance for the studio audience of her signature track 2002.

Fans were thrilled with the star’s appearance, with one writing on X: “Anne-Marie is sooooo good and such a lovely person, that unmasked performance was beautiful!!” But others had guessed it long before the unmasking took place, with one writing: “Knew it was Anne Marie purely by the way she stood” and another said: “Anne Marie was possibly the most obvious unmasking ever. I knew Goldfish was Anne Marie.”

READ MORE: The Masked Singer fans confused as ITV confirms last-minute schedule changeREAD MORE: The Masked Singer’s Goldfish ‘revealed’ as clue ‘gives it away’ they’re huge pop star

Prior to the revelation, Goldfish asked Davina: “How did it feel to be top of the Christmas tree?” and then asked Jonathan: “They say goldfish have a three-second memory. We’ll be the Judge of that!” Mo received: “54x4x10-166+8=X”, and Maya got a text that says: “I heard you became an award-winning billionaire by swimming upstream!”

The equation, which gives an answer of 2002, was possibly the biggest clue yet. The pop track was released by Anne-Marie in 2018, and references the period of time in which music icons like Britney Spears, Jay-Z and N*Sync ruled the charts. Eager fans who had spotted a preview of the series had already guessed who was behind the mask before it even went to air.

Previously, it was claimed that the new format with the bands was a way of keeping viewers guessing.

The Sun reported that a source said: “As The Masked Singer heads into series seven in the UK, bosses are keeping everyone on their toes by upping the ante on clues and throwing in even more unmaskings. “The franchise’s first-ever bands are going to blow everyone’s minds – but viewers will be left scratching their heads as to whether the band is a big clue or not. “The celebrities hiding inside might run solo in their real lives, or they might be part of some sort of group, or could even be exactly what it says on the tin – an actual frontman or woman.

“Viewers are going to be more bamboozled than ever, but it’s going to be lots of fun.” Viewers can expect to see four unmaskings in the first two episodes. Goldfish and Emperor Penguin are extra celebrities on top of the 12-person lineup.

Last year, the programme was won by West End legend Samantha Barks, who had dressed up as Puffer Fish throughout the series’ run. Samantha, who found fame on the BBC’s I’d Do Anything alongside Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger and then starred in the film adaptation of Les Misérables with Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne.

Upon her victory, she said: “I feel like I’ve lived this double life because I’ve had these crazy experiences, but nobody in my life knows [about] this, so I’ve loved it!

“I’ve had the best time, I really have. Underneath the mask, it’s been hurting my cheeks because I’ve been smiling so hard! Thank you so much!”

Samantha, who is also known for having played the lead in the West End production of Disney’s Frozen, had fought off competition from celebrities like EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy, singer Macy Gray, and Celebrity Trators star Kate Garraway, amongst a host of others.

Other previous stars to have been brave enough to take part in the fun show include Dionne Warwick, Prue Leith, Daisy May Cooper, Glenn Hoddle, Mel Giedroyc, Sir Lenny Henry and Lorraine Kelly.

The Masked Singer, ITV1/ITVX, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th January, 6.30pm

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TRAVEL

Four seaside towns that have had major revamps in recent years

Jan 3, 2026 Travel Desk

MANY of us have fond memories of our UK seaside summer holidays growing up.

Fish and chips, building sandcastles, braving the British waters – this is all a part of growing up holidaying in the UK.

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Cromer in Norfolk is known for crabbing and classic bucket-and-spade holidaysCredit: Getty

But as time went by, many seaside resorts lost their sparkle, leaving behind abandoned fairgrounds or forgotten piers, especially following the boom in cheap package holidays abroad.

Thankfully, many major seaside resorts in the UK have had some serious revamps – with new restaurants, hotels, cafes and shops breathing fresh life into these beloved beach towns.

Now, some of these familiar towns are becoming family holiday hotspots, and are fast-becoming some of the UK’s must-visit destinations.

Here are some of the seaside towns that were once left to ruin – only to have become the coolest places to visit in recent years.

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Folkestone, Kent

Folkestone was was once dubbed a “dump” in a viral TikTok video, and was left rundown after years of neglect, despite being a popular holiday resort back in the Victorian times.

Not only was there once a direct train from London to the harbour itself, but it had a thriving funicular, lido and even rollercoaster.

Yet over the years, these were all left to fall into disrepair before closing or being knocked down.

However, the seaside town is becoming a new coastal hotspot.

Most read in Best of British

The town was named the Best Place to Live in South East England last year in The Sunday Times, and even charted as Time Out’s best UK place to visit in 2025.

Folkestone has undergone major transformation in recent years.

Folkstone’s most popular beaches include Sunny Sands and Sandgate BeachCredit: Getty

The historic Leas Lift, installed in 1885. is making a return in 2026Credit: Getty

Once a tired ferry port, Folkestone has been refreshed with the addition of trendy seafront bars, high-end restaurants, and a thriving Creative Quarter.

The once-derelict Harbour Arm celebrates it’s 10th anniversary this year, now lined with nearly 70 food and retail stalls, bars and live music spots.

Linking the Harbour Arm to the Lower Leas Coastal Park is the Boardwalk – a path over the calm shingle beach made from old railway sleepers.

Or wander up the hilly, cobbled streets from the harbour into the town centre, and you’ll find the vibrant Creative Quarter – packed with galleries, studios, and independent shops.

Here you’ll find the Folkestone Quarterhouse, showing a range of theatre shows, comedy and music events and festivals.

In fact the town is home to many artistic festivals – celebrating everything from poetry to documentaries.

The seaside town even attracts hoards of Kate Bush fans for the viral Wuthering Heights day.

And the transformation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The historic Leas Lift, a Grade II listed funicular railway taking passengers between the seafront and promenade, is set to reopen in 2026.

Artsy resort Folkestone was once a quiet harbour town and ferry portCredit: Getty

Folkstone’s creative quarter is dotted with colourful boutique shopsCredit: Getty

Cromer, Norfolk

Cromer in North Norfolk was seen as a dated seaside town for a long time.

With trendy seaside towns like Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham drawing in crowds to North Norfolk each summer, to many Cromer appeared bland and dreary in comparison.

However, Cromer has recently reinvented itself with a wave of new cafes, shops and quirky art spaces.

And with Norfolk being named a must-visit destination by Condé Nast in 2025, the limelight is shining back on the Victorian seaside town.

Cromer once seemed bland compared to quaint and pretty Blakeney or royal favourite HolkhamCredit: Getty

Cromer’s traditional seaside charm now mixes with trendy art galleries and coffee shopsCredit: Getty

“Come for the party but stay for one of the UK’s very best summer getaways […] as you stroll Cromer’s charmingly retro pier” states the travel magazine.

Cromer Artspace is home to contemporary art and exhibitions, whilst the artisan Grey Seal Coffee shop offers a trendy new spot to grab a flat white.

And recently, new dessert spot Norfolk Crumble has seen queues long out the door for its unique crumble flavours and popular thick shakes.

Down at the Blue Flag beach, you’ll find a maritime museum, pretty painted beach huts, and Norfolk’s best waves for surfing.

There’s also a year-round weekly market on Fridays, and the Amazona Zoo where you can meet jaguars, parrots and anacondas.

Cromer has been home to a seaside pier since 1391Credit: Getty

Hastings, Sussex

For many, Hastings has not been a top pick when choosing a seaside town to visit in the South-East of England.

In fact, a Which? survey of more than 3,500 people saw the resort rank in last place under the “best small UK cities for a short break“.

However, the Victorian seaside town has been undergoing a glamorous a glow-up.

Hastings was one of 101 UK towns to be given a share of investments from the government in their £3.6bn Towns Fund – a plan to “level up our regions”.

The program has seen the addition of public art, extra green spaces, and even a boost in affordable housing for locals.

Thanks to these investments, Hastings is not only becoming a desirable place to live – but a trendy seaside spot to visit.

The East Hill Lift up to Hastings Castle is the UK’s steepest funicular railwayCredit: Getty

Historic Hastings Castle is home to Norman ruins and breath-taking clifftop views, whilst the iconic Hastings pier (opened in 1872) is a Victorian classic revamped.

The pier, which suffered a dramatic fire in 2010, has been rebuilt with cafes, children’s rides, and even live music in the summertime.

It’s also home to the Pavilion Restaurant and Bar, a 2x AA Rosette-winning restaurant inside of the original pier’s only remaining building.

There’s also plenty to see and do in Hastings with the kids, including the traditional Flamingo Amusements, and Hastings Aquarium – home to pufferfish, pythons and axolotls.

There’s also the exciting Smugglers Adventure – a journey through caves and caverns to discover the secrets of real smugglers.

The colourful Hastings beach huts make for a postcard-perfect pictureCredit: Alamy

Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Southend-on-Sea has long had a divisive reputation, and was even once dubbed the “worst place on earth” by a resident on TripAdvisor.

In fact, Which? Travel ranked the Essex town number 10 in their list of the Top 10 Worst Seaside Towns in the UK earlier this year.

Many have thought the town to be an unsafe place to visit, but a £16 million cash injection has revived the once-faded seaside resort.

Now, Southend is swapping tacky for trendy, with a line-up of brand new restaurants, hotels and revitalised shores.

The well-known Essex Mimosa restaurant has opened up a stylish location on Southend’s seafront, and the brand-new boutique Seven Hotel has added a splash of luxury to the resort.

Southend’s strip of sandy beach sees thousands of tourists each summerCredit: Getty

Plus an £8m refurbishment of the popular Cliffs Pavilion arts venue is underway, which will see a major restaurant expansion, a modern new entrance and brand new outdoor piazza.

Another major change the town has seen is the introduction of a “green oasis” on the seafront.

Work is underway to create luscious gardens which will both prevent flooding and add a pretty landscape of canopies and greenery.

Alongside these new additions, classic attractions such as Adventure Island continue to bring in hoards of thrill-seeking tourists.

Many continue to return to Southend year after year for the ever-popular pier and railway, chasing a wave of childhood nostalgia from bucket and spade summer holidays.

Now in the coming years, the seaside town is set to offer the perfect mix of classic coastal charm and modern design.

Adventure Island in Southend is a fairground with free admissionCredit: Getty

Hastings is full of picturesque old houses, nestled in the Bourne Stream valleyCredit: Getty

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TRAVEL

Europe’s longest urban cable car opens in major city just an hour from the UK

Jan 2, 2026 Travel Desk

CABLE cars aren’t just for ski holidays – this urban one has just opened an hour from the UK and it’s open for tourists.

The next time you’re in the French capital, skip the Metro and hop on this cable car instead.

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The new cable car will take just 18 minutes to completeCredit: AFP

The cable car in Paris stretches for just under three miles longCredit: Alamy

A new cable car has opened in Paris and it’s the longest in Europe.

It’s called Câble C1 or the Paris Téléphérique and is 4.5km, or 2.79miles long.

The line has 105 gondolas which hold up to 10 people and it was expected to transport 11,000 people per day.

The cable car isn’t actually a tourist attraction and instead was built as an alternative for the Metro.

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The line will predominantly be used by residents. All you need to ride the cable car is a bus ticket or travel pass that you’d also be using on the metro, and it will only cost around €2 (£1.74).

The purpose of the cable car is to connect poorly served southeastern suburbs like Créteil and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges.

The journey from Créteil to Villeneuve-Saint-Georges by road takes 40sminutes-– the cable car can do it in 18.

It will fly over four municipalities in the Paris region; Créteil, Limeil-Brévannes, Valenton, and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges.

This is the seventh urban cable car to open in France, it cost a whopping €138million (around £120.8 million) to build.

While this might seem a lot – it’s much less than a new Metro line would have cost to build.

You can experience another cable car right here in the UK

There’s a cable car and caves combo at the heart of the UK that offers an almost similar experience to being in the Alps.

The Heights of Abraham in the Derbyshire Dales installed the UK’s first ever alpine-style cable car 40 years ago to get visitors up to its hilltop park.

You’ll find underground tours, play areas and woodland wanders for you and your family to enjoy.

The unique transport system cuts out the need to scramble up the steep hillside and has even inspired the likes of the London Eye and the cable car at Alton Towers.

The trip to the top takes you over trees, rock formations and the river, with incredible views of the town of Matlock Bath below you and rolling countryside stretching as far as the eye can see.

But the cable car voyage is only the start of a day out with a difference deep in the Derbyshire Dales.

Plus, check out the 1,024-year-old medieval town with terrifying cable car attraction that’s three hours from the UK.

And check out the cheap European city Brits often overlook – with Only Fools and Horses pub and new cable car attraction.

Europe’s longest cable car has opened in ParisCredit: AFP

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TRAVEL

Major UK airport to AXE free drop off with new fee starting this week

Jan 2, 2026 Travel Desk

LONDON City Airport will introduce drop-off fees for the very first time.

In just a matter of days, the airport will charge those dropping off passengers at its airport.

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London City Airport is adding a new drop-off feeCredit: Alamy

Drop-offs used to be free – but they now charge £8Credit: Alamy

London City Airport will introduce a drop-off charge of £8 from January 6, 2026.

On its website, the airport said: “The charge will be £8.00 for 0-5 minutes, then £1 per minute for any additional minutes, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes.”

Blue Badge holders are exempt, as are licensed black cab drivers.

London City is the last of the London airports to allow free drop-offs.

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The airport explained: “The charge will help London City meet its wider sustainability goals by reducing the number of vehicles travelling to and from the airport, supporting efforts to lower congestion, reduce emissions and improve air quality in the surrounding area.”

The hope is that the fee will encourage travellers to use public transport rather than arrive by car.

Currently, around 10 per cent of passengers arrive by car, with another 14 per cent using taxis.

Planes from London City Airport fly to over 30 destinations across Europe including Amsterdam, Spain and Greece.

London City is the most recent airport to announce its new drop-off charges, but other major airports are doing the same in 2026.

As of January 1, 2026, London Heathrow has increased its drop-off fee from £6 to £7.

London City will join other major UK airports in upping its drop-off feesCredit: Alamy

The last drop off increase at London Heathrow was in December 2024, from £5 to £6.

It is also introducing a strict 10-minute drop-off time, with drivers charged £80 if they go over the allocated time slot.

In just a matter of days, London Gatwick is also upping its drop-off fee.

From January 6, 2026, London Gatwick Airport will charge passengers being dropped off the new fee of £10.

Currently charging £7, the £3 increase (a 40 per cent jump) will apply to all drivers using the drop-off zone, excluding Blue Badge holders.

Major UK airport’s plans for millions more passengers ahead of £1.1bn expansion – with new flights to Europe this year.

My local airport was named the best in the UK – it beats London Heathrow and City by miles.

London City Airport has upped its fee from £0 to £8Credit: Alamy

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SHOW BIZ

The Night Manager fans fume over ‘major issue’ minutes into series two

Jan 2, 2026 News Desk

The Night Manager has returned with both Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie as executive producers.

22:16, 01 Jan 2026Updated 22:19, 01 Jan 2026

The Night Manager season two has landed, but it didn’t take fans long to complain about a glaring problem.

Tom Hiddleston fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to The Night Manager, an unforgettable BBC drama that originally aired in February 2016.

Starring opposite Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman, The Night Manager season one revolved around ex-soldier Jonathan Pine (played by Tom Hiddleston), who was hired to infiltrate the inner circle of a secretive arms dealer.

Despite series one getting rave reviews, viewers had given up hope that it would return for a second season, but to everyone’s delight, the series two renewal came in April 2024.

The Night Manager season two finally made its debut this evening, Thursday, January 1, once again focusing on Pine, now known as Alex Goodwin, who works as part of the nocturnal surveillance unit, the Night Owls.

But it isn’t too long before he spots a familiar face from his past with Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), taking him down yet another dangerous path.

Fans couldn’t wait to tune into the new series, but many couldn’t help but make the same complaint on X, formerly Twitter, as they struggled to remember season one.

“Watching #TheNightManagerS2 when you already have a notoriously bad memory,” someone joked.

A second echoed: “Was going to watch the #TheNightManagerS2 but I can’t remember #thenightmanager so will have to rewatch series one. Anyone else doing the same thing?”

“I have no idea what is going on”, a third began.

“Not sure if it would be easier to follow if they didn’t keep cutting back to characters from 10 years ago that I have forgotten about.”

A fellow user remarked: “Was struggling to understand why I couldn’t for the life of me remember what happened in season 1 of #TheNightManagerS2 only to Google it and see that it aired TEN years ago?????? Girl bye.”

Someone else posted: “The recap hardly helped, I can’t remember what happened last week, let alone what I watched on TV 10 years ago”, as another added: “The Night Manager is really testing everyone’s memory right now.”

Despite fans having an issue with remembering what happened in series one, others have also been praising the new season.

Someone labelled the debut episode as “outstanding” and “brilliant”, while a fellow viewer commented: “Well that didn’t disappoint!!! Episode 1 of The Night Manager- Phew – must resist the temptation to binge!”

Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait very long for the second episode, with the next instalment set to air on Sunday, January 4, at 9pm.

After this, The Night Manager will continue to be shown every Sunday in the same timeslot.

The Night Manager is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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TRAVEL

Major boost for incredible £7.4bn tunnel that will connect Europe and Africa

Dec 30, 2025 Travel Desk

A feasibility study has concluded that a railway tunnel beneath the Strait of Gibraltar is technically viable, with Spain now commissioning blueprints for the ambitious project

Milo Boyd Deputy travel editor and Emily Wright

10:46, 30 Dec 2025

A colossal underwater tunnel linking Europe and Africa could finally be on the cards after the project received a major boost.

The ambitious project, which would see the tunnel burrow beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, has been reignited by Spain after being mooted by various governments for decades. Now scientists have declared that such an engineering feat is possible.

In October, a study commissioned by the Spanish Government and carried out by German tunnel experts Herrenknecht concluded that drilling a railway tunnel below the Strait would be technically achievable with current technology. Since then, Spanish consultancy firm Ineco has been tasked with drawing up a blueprint for the project by the end of next year, with hopes that Government approval could be granted as early as 2027.

The concept of creating a man-made link between Europe and Africa first surfaced in the 1970s, popping up intermittently in election campaigns and Government agendas since then, but no tangible steps have been taken until now. Previous proposals included the establishment of a joint Spain-Morocco committee in 1979 to assess the feasibility of the plan.

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The proposed tunnel, to be drilled beneath the nine-mile stretch of water separating southern Spain from Morocco, would take inspiration from the Eurotunnel, which opened in 1994 and links Britain to northern France under the English Channel.

The Herrenknecht report, formally commissioned by the Spanish Society for Studies on Fixed Communication across the Strait of Gibraltar (Secegsa), under the Ministry of Transport, has assessed the feasibility of constructing the railway tunnel in its most complex sections, especially under the Camarinal Threshold – an area with extremely difficult geological conditions.

The most recent cost estimate for the project is €8.5 billion (£7.4 billion), according to Voz Populi.

The project, featuring two separate railway tunnels each carrying trains in one direction, is set to connect Punta Paloma in Cadiz with Morocco’s Cape Malabata, near Tangier. The tunnel would span roughly 26 miles, with nearly 17 miles of the route submerged underwater, reports the Express.

It’s also projected to reach a depth of 1,540 feet – significantly deeper than the Channel Tunnel, which only dips to 246 feet below sea level. Upon completion, the journey is estimated to take about 30 minutes by train, with the capacity to carry both passengers on high-speed AVE trains and freight.

The project faces significant technical challenges, particularly due to its location at the boundary between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates along the Azores-Gibraltar fault line, Morocco World News reports.

If given the green light, fieldwork is anticipated to commence in 2030, with the main construction phase scheduled for between 2035 and 2040. However, these dates could be subject to change.

While initial plans aimed to complete the tunnel by 2030, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, experts have since stated that this timeline is unrealistic, given the project’s complexity and its current preliminary stage of studies.

The current proposed route, from Punta Paloma to Cape Malabata, comes after decades of discarded proposals, including an early concept for a suspension bridge. This type of connection was eventually ruled out due to the Strait’s depth, seismic activity and extreme wind conditions.

The project is being jointly managed by SECEGSA and its Moroccan counterpart, SNED (National Society for Strait Studies). Both organizations are working to establish a reliable rail connection for passengers and freight between Europe and North Africa.

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NEWS TODAY

Taiwan rocked by magnitude 7.0 quake but no major damage reported | Earthquakes News

Dec 27, 2025 News Desk

The weather administration said damage from the quake should be limited because it was deep and hit offshore.

Published On 27 Dec 2025

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A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Taiwan’s northeastern coastal city, the island’s weather administration said, with no immediate reports of major damage.

The quake with a depth of 73km (45 miles) was felt across Taiwan and shook buildings in the capital Taipei, the administration said on Saturday, assigning it an intensity-four category, meaning there could be minor damage.

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Taipei city’s government said there was no major damage reported in the immediate aftermath, with some isolated cases of damage, including gas and water leakage and minor damage to buildings.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) put the magnitude of the earthquake at 6.6.

More than 3,000 homes in Yilan briefly lost power, the Taiwan Power Company said.

Major chipmaker TSMC said a small number of its facilities in the northern Hsinchu Science Park met evacuation thresholds after the quake, and evacuated staff had since returned to their posts.

The weather administration said people should be on alert for aftershocks of magnitude 5.5-6.0 in the coming day. It also said damage from the quake should be limited because it was relatively deep and hit offshore.

Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te said in a social media post that authorities had the situation under control and also urged the population to be on alert for aftershocks.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes.

In April 2024, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake killed 17 people as it triggered landslides and severely damaged buildings around Hualien city.

Officials at the time said it was Taiwan’s strongest quake in 25 years.

More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, while a magnitude 7.3 quake killed more than 2,000 people in 1999.

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SHOW BIZ

Death in Paradise star confirms return in major crossover and fans will be thrilled

Dec 27, 2025 News Desk

EXCLUSIVE: Death in Paradise star Don Gilet has teased the return of a familiar face in Sunday night’s Christmas special

13:44, 27 Dec 2025Updated 13:44, 27 Dec 2025

Don Gilet, known for his role as Mervin Wilson in the BBC series Death in Paradise, has hinted at the reappearance of a well-known character in the upcoming Christmas special. In an exclusive chat with Reach PLC and other media outlets, Don gave a sneak peek into what viewers can anticipate from the festive episode airing this Sunday.

Without revealing too much, Don hinted that fans should brace themselves for the return of a familiar face – a speculation some fans believe they’ve already figured out.

He revealed, “It’s a very interesting thing to think about that one of the characters, who is the beating heart of this whole thing that has been there from the beginning, the thought that, from a character perspective, they may not be there anymore, and what hole that leaves.

“Because I suppose, in terms of family, they are the closest thing, and then to think, Mervin is back to feeling like an orphan again, just when he’s starting to embrace what Saint Marie has to offer.”

Speaking on the UK crossover in the holiday episode, Don added, “I think it’s great to see what the UK looks like at the very same time as Mervin is solving crimes in the beautiful sunshine,” reports the Express.

This revelation follows Don Warrington’s surprise cameo in Beyond Paradise’s Christmas special last weekend. Warrington, who portrays Commissioner Selwyn Pattison in Death in Paradise, was seen reuniting with Humphrey Goodman (played by Kris Marshall) and Martha Lloyd (portrayed by Sally Bretton) as the pair finally tied the knot.

The episode concluded with Selwyn receiving a phone call from Mervin, hinting at the Commissioner’s appearance in the upcoming festive episode.

Fans took to a Facebook fan page to share their theories and excitement. One viewer exclaimed, “What a surprise ending and lead into DIP Christmas special.”

Another chimed in, “Should be interesting, looking forward to it.”

A third fan added, “Loved the crossover with Selwyn involved.”

Yet another commented, “Intriguing about the Commissioner’s phone message, and hopefully we will find out in the DIP Christmas special.”

The synopsis for the Christmas episode teases: “The office Christmas party of a lifetime takes a dark turn when four co-workers wake up to find a stranger dead in the pool of their Caribbean villa.

“DI Mervin Wilson and the team identify the murder weapon, but they’re left baffled when they find that it was locked in a drawer when the murder took place… thousands of miles away from the crime scene, in Swindon!”

“Stranded in Saint Marie, the team enlists the help of a familiar face to solve the case. Meanwhile, Mervin anxiously awaits news from his newly discovered brother, which hinders him from fully embracing the Christmas festivities of Saint Marie. Can Mervin resolve his family situation and get into the festive spirit – for the sake of his team and the island?”

Death in Paradise is set to air on Sunday at 8.30pm on BBC One.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

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SPORT

Jumbo Ozaki, who had most wins of any Japanese golfer, dies at age 78

Dec 24, 2025 Sports Desk

Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, whose 113 worldwide victories were the most of any player from Japan, died Wednesday in his home country after a battle with colon cancer, the Japan Golf Tour said. He was 78.

Ozaki was revered in Japan, a big hitter with a sense of style who won 94 times over 29 years on the Japan Golf Tour, the last one coming at the 2002 ANA Open when he was 55.

He rose to No. 5 in the world ranking in 1996 at age 49. Ozaki often got overlooked for never winning outside Japan except for the New Zealand PGA Championship. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

“He is an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in discussing men’s golf, both now and in the future,” the tour said in a social media post.

Ozaki competed in 49 majors, his best finish coming in the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill when he finished three shots behind Curtis Strange. He played the Masters for the 19th and final time in 2000 when he was 53 and tied for 28th.

Isao Aoki was the first Japanese player in the World Golf Hall of Fame, and Hideki Matsuyama became the first to win a major at the 2021 Masters. Both were inspired in some fashion by Ozaki, the pioneer in a nation now obsessed with golf.

Ozaki won the Japan Open five times and the Japan PGA Championship six times. He led the Japan Golf Tour money list a record 12 times, including five in a row from 1994 through 1998. He won his final money title in 2002, when he was 55.

When he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Ozaki said his one regret was not playing more outside of Japan.

“But I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honor,” he said upon his election. He received 50% of the vote on the International ballot.

Ozaki was looked upon as the Arnold Palmer of golf in Japan with his powerful swing, charisma and sense of style, often wearing silk shirts and baggy pants. And his skill was not limited to just golf. He played the guitar and had three songs reach the pop charts in Japan, according to the Hall of Fame.

His first love was baseball, and he spent three years pitching professionally before turning to golf. That was evident when Ryo Ishikawa, who won his first Japan Golf Tour title at age 15, spoke of Ozaki’s influence. Ishikawa said he would visit Ozaki about 10 times a year to get advice.

“Jumbo used to be a baseball player, so he always tried to teach me the link from pitching or hitting to golf,” Ishikawa said in 2010 interview with the Associated Press. “Jumbo wanted me to hit the ball far.”

Ozaki traveled with an entourage when he did play outside Japan in the majors, usually renting a house and bringing a sushi chef so his people would feel at home.

He has two younger brothers who also played on tour, Naomichi (Joe) and Tateo (Jet).

Ozaki played in the 1996 Presidents Cup, partnering with Vijay Singh to beat the American duo of Fred Couples and Davis Love III. He qualified for the 1998 team but decided against the trip to Australia, and his brother, Joe, played instead.

Ferguson writes for the Associated Press.

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SPORT

Brooks Koepka: Five-time major winner announces departure from LIV Golf

Dec 24, 2025 Sports Desk

Florida-born Koepka, who is married and has a young son, turned professional in 2012 and won nine PGA Tour events during his nine seasons on North America’s elite professional circuit.

The PGA Tour also wished Koepka and “his family continued success” in a statement, before adding they “continue to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness”.

A three-time US PGA champion, Koepka, has also twice triumphed at the US Open.

His defection from the PGA Tour, along with big names such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, was seen as a major coup for LIV during a period when the sport appeared to be at civil war.

Koepka’s captaincy of the LIV Golf team, Smash, will now pass to Talor Gooch, with the side having an opening to fill for the start of the 2026 season in February.

Koepka becomes the first star player to leave LIV Golf, however, there has been speculation over his future for months and a possible return to the PGA Tour.

The Tour has suspended players who competed in LIV Golf events after categorising them as unauthorised. Non-members have been subject to a year ban following their previous LIV event.

Koepka will also be eligible to join the DP World Tour and have exemptions to compete in golf’s four major championships.

Earlier this week, Chilean Mito Pereira announced his retirement from golf aged 30 after three seasons with LIV.

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SHOW BIZ

Major girl group reunion ‘confirmed’ after member’s cryptic comeback comment

Dec 23, 2025 News Desk

THE Pussycat Dolls have seemingly “confirmed” their reunion by signing with a new talent agent.

The news comes despite feuds and legal battles in the band, formed of Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Carmit Bachar and Melody Thornton.

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Fans are convinced that The Pussycat Dolls have “confirmed” they are reunitin (Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt, Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton and Ashley Roberts pictured in 2008)Credit: Getty

It wouldn’t be the first time the band got back together, with an attempted reunion in 2019Credit: PA:Press Association

Nicole has had her fair share of trouble since leaving the band, including a highly-public feud and legal battleCredit: Getty

CAA music division head Rob Light and Paul Franklin – a specialist in reunion tours – are now set to manage the band in a telling move.

While Nicole teased the reunion this week by talking about “what’s to come” for the band.

Sharing a clip from their hit song Buttons, Nicole wrote: “From then to now… seeing this video hit 1 billion views on YouTube fills my heart with so much gratitude.

“For the PCD fans. For the memories. For what’s to come.”

LILY’S HABIT

Lily Allen reveals she’s in therapy for secret addiction

staying put

ITV confirm Ant and Dec have signed HUGE £30m deal to stay on I’m A Celeb & BGT

Last month, The Sun revealed that the band were “in talks” for a reunion, with the idea spearheaded by Kimberly.

At the time, a source said: “Kimberly has been open about the fact the girls have sorted out their issues.

“She also told pals they’ve been discussing a tour.

“The Pussycat Dolls certainly had their differences over the years, but a comeback would send fans wild.”

The Dolls started off as a burlesque troupe but in 2003 Nicole , Melody and Kaya joined Carmit, Ashley , Jessica and Kimberly to form the group.

They split in 2010.

This is not the first time a reunion has been on the cards, with multiple members of the band reuniting in 2019 before planning a 2020 tour, which was halted due to Covid-19.

It was later cancelled due to the pandemic and legal issues.

Nicole had a bitter row with the band’s founder, Robin Antin, 60, who sued singer for “extortion”.

Robin claimed that Nicole was refusing to take part in the tour unless she received a larger share of the group’s joint firm.

She allegedly demanded her 49 per cent holding in the firm is increased to 75 per cent, giving her creative control of the group and “final decision-making authority”.

According to the lawsuit filed by Robin, Nicole said the “growth of her personal brand” and the “opportunities she would have to forego to engage in the partnership” was why she deserved an increased share.

However, in a fiery retaliation, former X Factor judge Nicole issued a statement through her lawyer, Howard King, in which she branded Robin’s claims as “ludicrous and false”.

Melody wasn’t involved in the last planned reunion after clashing with Nicole over singing the band’s lead vocals.

Robin Antin sued Nicole following the band’s 2019 reunion in what became a bitter legal battleCredit: Getty

The band originally rose to fame in 2003Credit: Getty

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