making

IBM‘s (IBM -1.34%) efforts to capitalize on the rise of generative AI aren’t its only big bet on future technology. Alongside this, the company has also been investing heavily in quantum computing.

Quantum computing utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems more quickly than classical computers. The potential use cases of this technology are extensive, including applications in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, drug development, and even areas like sustainable energy and traffic optimization.

However, with the perception that this catalyst, at best, will only start to positively impact performance many years from now, investors don’t seem all that interested in “Big Blue’s quantum leap” right now.

Instead, what’s top of mind among them right now is whether increased spending on AI infrastructure is coming at the expense of IBM’s other product and service offerings, which may result in lower-than-expected overall growth for the company.

Still, does this mean it’s better to “watch and wait” with this stock right now? Not necessarily. Instead, this dynamic may start to shift.

Image source: Getty Images.

IBM makes more quantum progress, but investors are unimpressed

Up until recently, news related to IBM’s quantum computing catalyst would elicit a positive reaction from the market. For example, back in June, the stock surged when the company announced plans to have the world’s first “large-scale, fault-tolerant supercomputer” on the market by the end of this decade.

A “fault-tolerant” quantum supercomputer monitors and self-corrects errors at the component level, to prevent the system from producing faulty calculations. This is important, since a high error incidence rate has been a key reason why quantum computing, despite being many decades in the making, has yet to go mainstream.

Now, however, further news regarding IBM’s quantum catalyst hasn’t seemed to excite investors all that much. On Aug. 26, IBM and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD 1.91%) announced that they would collaborate on quantum computing, with AMD providing the chips needed to power IBM’s quantum supercomputer.

However, while the stock has moved higher since this announcement, the gains have been modest at best. Admittedly, this makes some sense, given other events that have transpired over the past few months.

Software uncertainty limited a post-earnings recovery

A month prior to this latest major quantum computing announcement, the market reacted negatively to IBM’s latest quarterly earnings release. Overall, the company beat on both revenue and earnings for the quarter ended June 30. Strong demand for AI-specialized mainframes resulted in better-than-expected revenue for IBM’s infrastructure segment, with revenue of $4.14 billion beating forecasts calling for $3.81 billion in revenue.

Yet while robust demand for AI infrastructure led to an earnings beat, the market placed greater focus on a negative aspect of the earnings release: weaker-than-expected software sales. Software makes up the majority of the company’s overall sales, with this segment representing around 43.5% overall revenue during Q2 2025.

The software sales miss was relatively minor, $7.39 billion compared to $7.41 billion expected, and was mainly due to flat transaction processing software sales. However, the concern remains that, as macro uncertainty persists, companies continue to invest in AI infrastructure, but are reducing expenditures in areas like enterprise software.

Hence, uncertainty about whether this trend will continue in Q3 and beyond is the likely culprit behind IBM’s modest post-earnings rebound. Still, with shares trending higher, albeit slowly, perhaps the market is starting to appreciate the company’s AI and quantum computing catalysts, as well as other promising areas like IBM’s consulting and hybrid cloud businesses.

Quantum computing, other growth catalysts, could drive a further rebound

As noted by CEO Arvind Krishna in prepared remarks released alongside Q2 2025 earnings, AI is driving growth across multiple IBM segments, including within the software segment, as well as in segments like consulting.

As a result, IBM’s total “AI book of business,” consisting of both sales and bookings, continues to grow at a rapid clip. Last quarter, this “book of business” totaled $7.5 billion, up $1.5 billion, or 25%, versus the previous quarter. Also, don’t forget that AI is not the only near-term growth driver for the company.

Earlier, I briefly mentioned IBM’s hybrid cloud business, made up primarily by the company’s Red Hat software unit. During the second quarter, Red Hat sales grew 16% year over year, up from 12% during Q1 2025. This could be the prelude to further growth acceleration in the coming quarters.

As for the “quantum catalyst”? The big payoff may be years in the making, but another major update could be just around the corner. Later this year, IBM and AMD plan to hold a public demonstration of how IBM supercomputers, powered by AMD chips, could deliver hybrid quantum-classical workflows.

Progress in these areas could lead to higher prices for the stock, as the market once again appreciates how IBM is shedding its past “tech dinosaur” image. IBM’s operating margins increased from 13.7% to 14.5% last quarter, and could be en route to rehit levels above 20%, a level of profitability not seen for more than a decade.

While IBM’s stock has surged in value over the past two years thanks to this long-term transformation, further upside may be on the table. Currently trading for around 21.5 times forward earnings, shares remain undervalued compared to other tech giants investing heavily in AI, like Meta Platforms and Microsoft, which trade for between 25 and 35 times forward earnings, respectively.

With all of this in mind, I would consider IBM worth buying at this stage of the rebound.

Sept. 5 (UPI) — A man from Albuquerque has pleaded guilty to making threats of violence against President Donald Trump, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Mexico confirmed this week.

Tyler Leveque now faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to making the threats on social media, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Leveque admitted to making the threats during interviews with agents from the FBI and U.S. Secret Service.

The 37-year-old argued the multiple videos and statements constituted free speech.

The threats were made between January 2 and 4, just over two weeks before Trump took office for his second term.

“You and your rich friends are dead no threat a promise,” one of the threats states, according to the U.S. Attorney’s statement.

Leveque specifically mentions a rally planned for January 19, the day before Trump’s inauguration.

Authorities said Leveque had also recently purchased a firearm but had not yet received it when he was detained.

A judge will decide Leveque’s exact sentence.

He also faces up to three years supervision one any prison term

ACTRESS Emily Atack says she has been sexually assaulted while making TV shows and movies throughout her career. 

The former Inbetweeners star, 35, believes the use of “intimacy co-ordinators” on the set of her latest show Rivals has heralded a welcome shift in behaviour. 

4

4

4

The mother of one revealed she has previously been the target of sexual abuse at work and wants to explore the issue in a documentary. 

Of intimacy co-ordinators, she said: “I’ve seen people roll their eyes about them and say, ‘I don’t need one.’

“There’s a defensiveness about it, because they feel like they’re being accused of something they haven’t even done yet. 

“Intimacy coordinators are there for support if you feel uncomfortable, whether you’re a man or a woman.

“I’ve been sexually assaulted at work throughout my career, whether it’s on the actual set, or at a wrap party. 

“And since the #MeToo movement, it shows that people are listening and that there has to be a shift in behaviour on sets.” 

She recently revealed her joy at working on Disney+ show Rivals, which includes many sex scenes but also has a team on standby to ensure everyone is comfortable. 

Emily, who plays Sarah Stratton, told the Radio Times: “I’m really proud of the Rivals gang because, throughout my life, I haven’t felt safe all the time, and we’re all so respectful of each other.  

“We have to do a lot of sexual scenes and we’re very looked after — it’s a really positive thing.” 

Emily, who is now engaged to materials scientist Dr Alistair Garner, launched her acting career 18 years ago with small parts in dramas including ITV’s Heartbeat. 

She then made her breakthrough as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners, which ran from 2008 to 2010 on Channel 4 and is one of Britain’s best-loved comedies. 

She also appeared in Only Fools And Horses prequel comedy Rock & Chips on BBC One in 2010, the 2013 gangster film Get Lucky and the 2016 movie remake of Dad’s Army.

She finished second on I’m A Celebrity in 2018. 

The Sun revealed she is to host ITV game show Nobody’s Fool, with Rivals co-star Danny Dyer. 

4

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. What’s a high school football season without scandal and success. It’s just happening in the opening week.

Bishop Montgomery woes

Bishop Montgomery announced the firing of its football coach after weeks of turmoil that saw the program lose five transfer students to ineligibility, saw numerous players suspended for leaving the team bench during a loss in Hawaii and finally was forced to forfeit to Mater Dei because it did not have enough players to compete.

Here’s the report on the firing.

Here’s a look at who’s responsible for this latest scandal involving a Catholic school in the Archiocese of Los Angeles.

Valencia quarterback Brady Bretthauer has his team at 2-0.

(Craig Weston)

Valencia has come out with a 2-0 start behind its dynamic duo of quarterback Brady Bretthauer and running back Brian Bonner. Here’s a report from its victory over Chaminade.

Santa Margarita went to overtime to beat Corona Centennial and deliver a first victory for coach Carson Palmer. Here’s the report.

Loyola, despite losing more than a dozen players in the off season to transfers, upset Long Beach Millikan behind Stanford commit Max Meier, who had 10 tackles and two sacks.

Yorba Linda rallied for a win over Edison in a battle of top 25 teams. Here’s the report.

Gardena Serra and Sierra Canyon are showing off great defenses. Here’s the report from Serra’s 47-0 win over Hamilton.

Sierra Canyon defeated Oaks Christian 63-0 and has two shutouts in two games.

St. Frances from Maryland is coming to town to face 2-0 St. John Bosco on Friday.

It took six overtimes before Orange defeated Laguna Hills 46-43.

Here’s a list of top individual performances from Week 1.

Here’s the score list from Thursday. Here’s the score list from Friday.

Here’s this week’s top 25 rankings by The Times.

Here’s the Week 2 schedule.

Hamilton freshman quarterback Thaddeus Breaux.

(Craig Weston)

It was a rough opening game for Hamilton freshman quarterback Thaddeus Breaux. The Yankees lost to Gardena Serra 47-0. But Breaux showed off a strong arm and looked resilient, good qualities for the future. Hamilton plays Crenshaw on Friday. Here’s the report from the Serra loss.

Crenshaw is 2-0 but longtime coach Robert Garrett has not been on the sideline. Here’s a report.

San Pedro and Carson rebounded from losses in their opening games to rout City Section opponents Kennedy and Dorsey.

University coach Bryan Robinson (left) and brother Jason Robinson, an assistant, with their father, 80-year-old EC Robinson, a former Locke and Uni coach.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

The sons of former Locke and University coach EC Robinson have University at 2-0. Here’s the report.

Marquez is 2-0 and has moved into this week’s top 10 City Section rankings by The Times.

Orange Lutheran (12-0) and JSerra (8-0) continue look like the top two teams in flag football and they will be meeting twice in league play with games on Sept. 30 and Oct. 9.

Redondo Union defeated San Pedro in the championship game to win the LA City Girls Flag Football Classic.

Agoura won the Malibu tournament championship. Kiyomi Kohno was named MVP.

Flag football scores from Monday and Tuesday.

Flag football scores from Wednesday and Thursday.

Girls volleyball

It’s go tiime for Redondo Union in girls volleyball facing two huge tests this week. First up is a home match against 9-0 Marymount on Tuesday, followed by a road match against 7-1 Mater Dei.

Redondo Union is 13-1 and led by four-year starter Abby Zimmerman.

Prep talk

Quarterback Diego Montes of Granada Hills Kennedy passed for 2,508 yards and ran for 1,400 yards as a junior.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Your daily look at positive happenings in high school sports:

Two quarterbacks injured last season return to lead their teams to victory.

Kennedy All-City quarterback Diego Montes says, “Do not sleep on the City Section.”

Crespi continues its improvement in football behind sophomore quarterback Chase Curren.

El Camino Real football player Lincoln Elder almost got a perfect score on the SAT, loves math and want to enter the sports data business one day.

Running back Moyo Odebunmi of Cleveland went off for five touchdowns.

Golfer Andrew Rodriguez of La Serna is rising and has a big tournament this month.

Notes . . .

Brandon McCoy gets fired up after a basket for St. John Bosco. He had 28 points in overtime win over Richmond Salesian.

(Nick Koza)

After rumors all summer that he would be transferring from St. John Bosco to Sierra Canyon, standout guard Brandon McCoy made it official, enrolling at the Chatsworth school last week. He didn’t attend St. John Bosco’s opening day of school last month, so it was only a question of the news becoming official. His arrival coincides with the arrival of JSerra transfer Brannon Martinsen at Sierra Canyon. The best player might be Maximo Adams, who’s being recruited by Duke and Kansas. It will make for a quite a Mission League season with Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Harvard-Westlake and Crespi all having top players.

And don’t feel sorry for St. John Bosco, which picked up sophomore point guard Cam Anderson from Eastvale Roosevelt. . . .

Pauley Pavilion will be the site on Nov. 22 for a Mission League vs. Trinity League basketball challenge that features an 8:30 p.m. matchup of St. John Bosco vs. Harvard-Westlake. Santa Margarita will play Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at 7 p.m. and Sierra Canyon will face JSerra at 5:30 p.m as the featured matchups that begin at 9:30 a.m.. . . .

Cole Knupfer of St. John Bosco has committed to St. Mary’s for baseball. . . .

Sophomore 6-6 forward Evan Willis has transferred from Mater Dei to Crossroads. . . .

Tom Kelly is the new swim coach at Edison. He was at Crean Lutheran. . . .

Westlake pitcher Caden Atkinson has committed to UC San Diego. . . .

From the archives: Tahj Owens

Loyola running back Tahj Owens on his way to scoring five touchdowns against Culver City in 2021.

(Brody Hannon)

Entering his senior season at Princeton, Tahj Owens is a former Loyola running back who’s become a key player at defensive back for Princeton. He started every game last season.

He was Angelus League MVP at Loyola.

Here’s a story from 2021 telling the story how he had to drive from Chino Hills to attend Loyola in downtown Los Angeles.

Recommendations

From the Los Angeles Times, an opinion piece on if tackle football isn’t safe for girls, why is it safe for boys.

From Runnersworld, a story on a 16-year-old turning pro by signing with Nike.

From the Press Enterprise, a story on Southern Section commissioner Mike West.

Tweets you might have missed

Until next time….

Have a question, comment or something you’d like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at [email protected], and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer.

Did you get this newsletter forwarded to you? To sign up and get it in your inbox, click here.

A beloved bakery on a picturesque seaside town in Scotland is currently seeking new staff members – no prior experience is needed and accommodation will be provided

A dream job opportunity working on a stunning Scottish island making biscuits has become available. Housing will be supplied to the successful candidates.

Currently, The Island Bakery in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is hunting for new team members. The coastal town is renowned as the setting of the cherished children’s television programme Balamory.

Two permanent roles at The Island Bakery are presently being promoted on job website HiJOBS with a wage of £12.60 an hour, which is the Real Living Wage. There will also be the chance for salary increases as the workers develop skills and responsibilities. The housing supplied with the roles is a two-bed flat. This makes the opportunity perfectly suited to a couple or two friends.

READ MORE: Job going on UK’s most remote inhabited island with £41k salary offeredREAD MORE: Remote Scottish island with beachside B&B that’s the ‘friendliest’ in the country

The full-time roles will be permanent, with work distributed across four days between Monday and Thursday. Shifts will commence at 2pm and finish at 12am, with occasional overtime available.

Presently, The Island Bakery consists of a team of 12 people. The successful candidates will help with various elements of production, including weighing ingredients and packing.

Applicants should be able to work collaboratively and effectively in a small team. They must also be “reasonably fit”, as staff will be required to work on their feet.

No prior experience is needed to apply for the positions, though it would be beneficial. Additionally, one of the positions will involve warehouse work, so forklift experience would be advantageous.

The HiJOBS advert reads: “We’re a friendly small family business where everyone is valued, in a small island community. Opportunities to move here to a full-time permanent and year-round position with affordable accommodation included are rare. If you want to make the move we’d love to hear from you.”

During time off, there’s plenty to explore around Tobermory over the three-day weekend, reports the Daily Record. The principal town on Mull is best known for its vibrant harbour-front properties that famously featured in Balamory.

One of the area’s premier attractions is the Tobermory Distillery, which was established back in 1798. The distillery, which crafts celebrated single malt whiskies, also offers guided tours and an extensive range of tasting sessions.

Another must-see destination in Tobermory is The Mull Museum, dedicated to the island’s captivating heritage. The compact museum houses an extensive collection of records and diverse artefacts chronicling Mull’s rich history.

Candidates for positions at The Island Bakery must participate in a virtual interview. According to HiJOBS, the bakery seeks new staff members to start at the earliest opportunity. Further details regarding the vacancy can be accessed via the HiJOBS website.

Plus-sized passengers make have to fork out hundreds extra if trying to fly thanks to a popular airlines new policy that sees plane seat restrictions tighten in the coming months

A popular airline has made huge changes for plus sized passengers – and people aren’t happy. Southwest Airlines has announced a new role for larger passengers, which could see their ticket prices more expensive.

Southwest is a major airline in the United States, and for those who can’t find within the armrests of their seat will need to soon book an additional seat before they fly.

It comes as a rollout of new changes coming into effect on January 27 2026, including pre-assigned seats. At the moment, plus-sized travellers who may need extra room can purchase an additional seat upfront and apply for a refund after flying, or request a complimentary seat at the airport.

READ MORE: You need laser-sharp vision to find 5 hidden microphones in baffling brainteaserREAD MORE: You are ‘highly attentive’ if you can spot sewing machine in colourful scene

One of the biggest changes to this will mean refunds may still be possible, but not always guaranteed which could result in passengers facing higher upfront costs without the certainty of getting their money back.

In a statement released by the airline, they said: “To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.” It goes against what the airline was previously known for as being traveller-friendly and operating a ‘customer-first approach’ according to Metro.

These perks, which also included open seating at boarding and a generous free baggage allowance are slowly disappearing as the free baggage was stopped in May, and the rules around seats getting stricter.

The refunds for plus-sized passengers will only be granted if at least one seat on the flight was empty at departure and if both tickets were purchased in the same booking class. In other words, passengers can no longer assume that an extra seat will automatically qualify for a refund.

In order to get their money back, passengers will need to request a refund within 90 days of their flight. In a bid to still protect the promise for flexibility for passengers, it may still hike up costs for people being asked to pay hundreds upfront without the certainty of getting it reimbursed – and if it’s a fully booked flight, they will be turned away and booked onto the next available flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, told AP: “I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody.”

Tigress Osborn, chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance told the New York Times: “Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying. And now that beacon has gone out.”

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

AN EASYJET cabin manager has lost an appeal after being sacked for calling female co-workers “lovely ladies”.

Ross Barr was fired for gross misconduct after crew members and passengers logged multiple complaints about his inappropriate behaviour.

3

3

3

He had worked for the airline for eight years, and defended his actions as “flirty banter”.

Mr Barr also claimed he was discriminated against or his sexual orientation, alleging it would have been accepted if “a gay colleague” have made the same remarks.

The former cabin manager appealed the decision to let him go at an employment tribunal, but lost.

Mr Barr began working at easyJet in 2014 and became a cabin manager in 2017.

He was hauled into a disciplinary hearing in 2022 and issued a final warning after a sexual harassment complaint.

More allegations of a similar nature were recorded against him in both 2023 and last year.

Customers also claimed he would refer to his team as “lovely ladies” over the PA system.

Passengers further reported he used the tannoy as an opportunity to perform his own comedy routines rather that conduct proper safety briefings.

Mr Barr had confessed to telling a stewardess “oh I have just brushed past your boobs” as he moved past her.

He was also overheard telling another cabin crew member on a separate flight: “I’m not doing anything.. I’m just staring at your ass.”

The comment was made in front of flyers, including young children, according to witnesses.

In another complaint, one woman said: “The entire shift pretty much he was talking about sex or making jokes about it.

“He explained that he had been suspended before due to a speak up speak out that someone previously put in against him because ‘all I said was that her tits would get bigger if she got pregnant, and guess what they did’.

“She also said that he had referred to her and another crew member as his ‘much more attractive colleague’.”

A different complaint was logged after he told a staff member “having a problem trying to stuff it in? Bet you’ve never had that problem”, while she was packing a bag.

Mr Barr argued he did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable and dubbed his comments “banter”.

He was sacked in September 2024 after the hearing but appealed the decision.

The former easyJet worker argued his case had been tainted by previous hearings.

But employment Judge Muriel Robison ruled: “As the cabin manager you are in a position of trust and I feel there has been a breakdown in trust in relation to these situations, you should conduct yourself in a manner that ensures your crew feel safe onboard the aircraft.

“This is not the first time you have been in this situation with regard to your conduct and comments made to female crew members.

“You raised that you were treated differently compared to others under similar circumstances due to your protected characteristics.

“My investigation did not uncover any evidence to substantiate this claim.

“It’s my belief the process followed was consistent and fair, and you were not treated any differently to your colleagues.

“On 19 March, 2024, you successfully completed training that included a thorough focus on diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace.

“Despite this, your continued behaviour demonstrated a failure to uphold the values and principles outlined in this training.”

This comes after we reported how a mum was left furious after a British Airways flight attendant allegedly lifted her nursing blanket while she was breastfeeding her seven-month-old daughter.

Passenger Shayanne Wright made a sexual harassment complaint against the male host and said the incident left her feeling “violated.”

A British Airways spokesperson confirmed the allegations were being investigated and said the airline “have been in contact with our customer directly to resolve the matter”.

Wright said the airline did not apologise to her, however offered a $250 gift card, later increased to $1000.

The coastal resort has welcomed back its water park and a new market, visitors say the seafront has ‘improved 100 per cent’ – and that’s just the beginning

The Welsh seaside resort of Rhyl was once a magnet for generations of holidaymakers. But in recent years, the tourist crowds have ebbed away as cheap foreign holidays have drawn them abroad.

The North Wales town has struggled with its reputation and the cost of living has also hit hard. But after a recent makeover, this once rundown resort is on the up – and last week it featured in a new ranking of the UK’s best seaside towns. Meanwhile, another UK seaside town named the cheapest place to live is in revolt over plans to flatten a historic area.

North Wales Live reporter David Powell paid a visit to Rhyl on a sunny afternoon to find out what visitors had to think about the improvements, and the consensus was clear.

The promenade has been raised and widened and sea defence work has also taken place as part of a £69m programme of work.

A number of new and returning amenities are hoping to lure visitors back, including street food hall the Queen’s Market, which opened last month with a host of stalls and bars.

The town’s SC2 waterpark also recently reopened, having shut 18 months ago due to storm damage, while the former Vue cinema complex is being brought back to life by new operators Merlin Cinemas.

The site of the SeaQuarium aquarium, which closed in 2023, has also been cleared, ridding the seafront of a derelict eyesore.

Sitting on a bench on the promenade, Kenneth and Janet Hensall, from Denton, Manchester, spoke positively about the improvements.

Kenneth said: “Whoever’s bright idea it was to do this work deserves a pat on the back. I’ve been coming here for 70 years. The front has improved 100 per cent.”

Janet added: “It’s just a pity about the back.”

Further along, towards the lifeboat station, a family-of-four from Stoke-on-Trent were also enjoying their visit to Rhyl.

Andy Walsh, who was visiting with wife Kathy and their children Charlie, nine, and Hattie, six, said of the prom: “It looks a lot better. It’s just a shame there’s not many people here and there’s so much litter.”

Litter was a problem also noticed by 68-year-old Kevin, from Wrexham.

“It’s a shame it’s not as busy as it once was many years ago,” he added.

“The only thing that bothers me is having to pay to park down a side street.”

On the beach, Steve, in his 40s and from Stockport, was enjoying a family break. He said his children were too young to enjoy the new facilities just yet and the beach remained the main attraction for them.

“I have always thought Rhyl was a quite a nice place,” he said. “We come here quite often.

“We’ve only really come for the sand. I like this beach because even at high tide there’s still some sand. It’s not a five-mile walk to have a paddle!”

Denbighshire County Council described the work to Rhyl’s seafront as a “dynamic revival” that will deliver “a major impact for residents, businesses, and visitors”.

Craig Sparrow, Chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, added: “It’s fantastic to see so much positive change happening across the promenade.

“This progress is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about pride, aspiration and unlocking Rhyl’s potential as a great place to live, work and visit. These projects are a direct result of community input and collaborative leadership.”

The transformation isn’t over yet. At the cleared SeaQuarium site, a new public area has been opened up and plans are being developed for future use of the space.

Work is also progressing on a brand-new Drift Park on West Parade, which will replace the former children’s play area with more modern and inclusive facilities.

Sandra Sharp, newly appointed Programme Manager for Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl, added: “This is just the beginning. We’re seeing real energy and momentum building in Rhyl, and we’re working to ensure local people are central to the journey.”

One Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea is famed for its gorgeous weather – even in September.

This stunning little Greek island could be your ideal paradise if you’re seeking a September escape.

As temperatures start to drop across the UK, many Britons will longingly begin contemplating warmer destinations.

Greece remains a beloved holiday retreat for British travellers – and one petite island enjoys glorious weather with September temperatures averaging a pleasant 25C and peak daytime highs reaching 27C.

However, what the charming island of Skiathos in the northwest Aegean Sea is truly renowned for is serving as the backdrop to the enormously successful film Mamma Mia!, reports the Express.

Skiathos features an incredible 60 beaches with sparkling azure waters alongside dense pine woodlands. There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene offering a wealth of culinary hotspots, pubs and nightclubs.

Thanks to its proximity to the airport, beach visitors on the island can also watch commercial aircrafts soaring mere metres overhead.

Greek tourism platform Visit Greece described the island as “paradise on earth” and stated: “Skiathos [is] the most cosmopolitan island in the Northern Sporades.”

The tourism website also noted: “The island is picturesque, unspoilt and blessed with more than 60 beautifully crystal clear waters and beaches.

“The most famous is Koukounaries, which is considered as the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. When you add in its bustling nightlife, it is only natural that the island attracts thousands of young visitors every year!”

Travel bloggers are equally smitten with the destination, with one delighted visitor describing the island as “postcard perfect”.

Lynsey from travel blog lynseysnotebook.co.uk said: “For my first introduction to Greece, Skiathos could not have been more perfect.

“I took ages to decide where I wanted to visit for my first trip to Greece – Rhodes and Zante both looked beautiful – but Skiathos has an authentic charm that I couldn’t resist.”

She added: “While Mamma Mia certainly put Skiathos on the map, it still retains its authenticity and simplicity.”

Meanwhile, travellers have flocked to review website Tripadvisor to rave about this breathtaking destination. One declared that Koukounaries beach has “got to be the best beach in Greece”.

Donald Trump ran on a promise to use the powers of the government for revenge against those he claims have wronged him. He now appears to be fulfilling that campaign promise while threatening to expand his powers well beyond Washington.

On Friday, the FBI searched the home of John Bolton, Trump’s first-term national security advisor turned critic, who in an interview this month called the administration “the retribution presidency.”

Trump’s team has opened investigations of Democrat Letitia James, the New York attorney general who sued Trump’s company alleging fraud for falsifying records; and Sen. Adam Schiff of California, another Democrat who as a congressman led Trump’s first impeachment.

The Republican administration has charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) over her actions at an immigration protest in Newark, N.J., after arresting Mayor Ras Baraka, also a Democrat. Under investigation, too, is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a longtime Democrat now running an independent campaign for New York City mayor.

Trump has directed prosecutors to investigate two other members of his first administration: Miles Taylor, who wrote a book warning of what he said were Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, and Chris Krebs, who earned the president’s wrath for assuring voters that the 2020 election, which Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden, was secure.

The actions look like the payback Trump said he would pursue after being hit with four separate sets of criminal charges during his four years out of office. Those included an indictment for his effort to overturn the 2020 election that was gutted by the U.S. Supreme Court, which said presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for official acts while in office. The remaining case was dismissed after Trump was elected in November, a consequence of Justice Department policy not to bring charges against sitting presidents.

The Trump team has countered by accusing the president’s foes of politicizing the legal process against him.

“Joe Biden weaponized his administration to target political opponents — most famously, President Trump,” Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, said Saturday. Trump, she said, “is restoring law and order.”

In addition to making good on his promises of retribution, Trump has deployed the military into American cities, which he says is needed to fight crime and help with immigration arrests. He has sent thousands of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers to patrol the streets in the nation’s capital, after activating the guard and Marines in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Taken together, the actions have alarmed Democrats and others who fear Trump is wielding the authority of his office to intimidate his political opponents and consolidate power in a way that is unprecedented in U.S. history.

“You combine the threat of prosecution with armed troops in the streets,” said Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist at Dartmouth College. “The picture is pretty clear for anyone who’s read a history book what kind of administration we’re dealing with.”

Past election investigations are a Trump focus

Trump began his second term as the only felon to ever occupy the White House, after his conviction last year on fraud charges related to hush money payments to a porn star during his 2016 presidential campaign.

He promptly pardoned more than 1,500 people who were convicted of crimes during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot and insurrection at the U.S. Capitol — including people found guilty of sedition and of assaulting police officers.

His Justice Department, meanwhile, has fired some federal prosecutors who had pursued those cases. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi ordered a grand jury to look into the origins of the investigation of his 2016 campaign’s ties with Russia, and Trump has called on her department to investigate former Democratic President Obama.

The government’s watchdog agency has opened an investigation into Jack Smith, the special counsel who investigated Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the classified documents stashed at his Florida estate. Those cases were among several that dogged Trump in the years between his presidential terms, including the New York fraud case and charges for election interference in Georgia brought by the Democratic prosecutor in Fulton County.

All those investigations led him to claim that Democrats had weaponized the government against him.

“It is amazing to me the number of people the Trump administration has gone after, all of whom are identified by the fact that they investigated or criticized Trump in one way or another,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a former Justice Department official who is a George Washington University law professor.

On Friday, Trump used governmental powers in other ways to further his goals. He announced that Chicago could be the next city subject to military deployments.

And after his housing director alleged that one of the governors of the independent Federal Reserve had committed mortgage fraud, Trump demanded she resign or be fired. He took to his social platform on Saturday to highlight the claims, as he tries to wrest control of the central bank.

‘I’m actually the chief law enforcement officer’

Vice President JD Vance denied in a television interview that Bolton was being targeted because of his criticism of Trump.

“If there’s no crime here, we’re not going to prosecute it,” Vance said Friday in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Trump said he told his staff not to inform him about the Bolton search ahead of time, but he emphasized that he has authority over all prosecutions.

“I could know about it. I could be the one starting it,” the president told reporters. “I’m actually the chief law enforcement officer.”

Bolton occupies a special place in the ranks of Trump critics. The longtime GOP foreign policy hawk wrote a book published in 2020, after Trump had fired him the year before. The first Trump administration sued to block the book’s release and opened a grand jury investigation, both of which were halted by the Biden administration.

Bolton landed on a list of 60 former officials drawn up by now-FBI Director Kash Patel that he portrayed as a tally of the “Executive Branch Deep State.” Critics warned it was an “enemies list.” When Trump returned to office in January, his administration revoked the security detail that had been assigned to Bolton, who has faced Iranian assassination threats.

The FBI is now investigating Bolton for potentially mishandling classified information, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly. In contrast, Trump condemned the FBI’s search of his own Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022, which prosecutors say turned up a trove of classified documents, including nuclear data and other top-secret papers.

Retribution is wide-ranging, from judges to the military

Trump has also targeted institutions that have defied him.

The president issued orders barring several law firms that were involved in litigation against him or his allies, or had hired his opponents, from doing business with the federal government. Trump cut deals with several other firms to do free legal work rather than face penalties. He has targeted universities for funding cuts if they do not follow his administration’s directives.

His administration filed a judicial misconduct complaint against a judge who ruled that Trump officials probably committed criminal contempt by ignoring his directive to turn around planes carrying people being sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

The actions are among steps that seem to be intensifying. Trump’s defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has fired several military leaders perceived to be critics of the president or not sufficiently loyal, and last week the administration revoked the security clearances of about three dozen current and former national security officials.

“It’s what he promised,” said Justin Levitt, a former Justice Department official and Biden White House staffer who is a law professor at Loyola Marymount University. “It’s what bullies do when no one tells them ‘no.’ ”

Riccardi writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.

SACRAMENTO — Not long ago, California’s pharmacists came to town and hosted a get-acquainted reception for legislators. The fete was held at Frank Fat’s restaurant, a venerable haunt of choice for the capital’s power elite.

Like other freshmen legislators, Assemblyman Tom Bordonaro was eager to attend. There was just one problem: He could not get into the party. Literally.

Bordonaro, 36, is a quadriplegic who uses a wheelchair. Frank Fat’s banquet room is up a flight of stairs; hence, Bordonaro was out of luck.

What is most intriguing about this story is Bordonaro’s reaction. Instead of pitching a fit, the assemblyman adopted a no-big-deal approach: “It’s unfortunate,” he mused recently, “but eventually they’ll get the message and change their ways.”

Elected in November, Bordonaro is the first quadriplegic to serve in the California Legislature–and only the second member in a wheelchair. As a result, he now commands a powerful pulpit from which to trumpet–and perhaps remedy–the troubles of California’s 2.4 million disabled residents. That, however, is not his style.

Indeed, Bordonaro opposed the Americans With Disabilities Act–the landmark federal law banning discrimination against the disabled–and he considers many regulations protecting the disabled too burdensome for business. Progress, he believes, can best be won through public awareness and persuasion–with a carrot, not a stick.

“To the dismay of many folks, I’m just not a huge disabled advocate,” said Bordonaro, a conservative Republican from San Luis Obispo County. “Sure I’ll help on some things, but I was elected to serve my district. That’s my priority and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Given his lukewarm interest in their cause, some disabled activists lament Bordonaro’s election.

Others, however, are more upbeat. “He may not see himself as an advocate, but he is–just by being here,” said Kathleen Barrett, who works for the California Assn. of Persons With Handicaps.

A garrulous man with a self-deprecating wit, Bordonaro has spent half his life in a wheelchair after a car accident when he was 18.

Until last year, Bordonaro was content to help manage his family’s alfalfa and cattle ranching business in Paso Robles.

But when the assemblywoman in his district announced that she was leaving, friends persuaded Bordonaro to run. The political rookie beat six opponents in the GOP primary, then drubbed his Democratic rival.

His disability never came up in the campaign, but he suspects that it may have been an asset: “I think my opponents were afraid to attack me. Who’s gonna beat up on the poor guy in the wheelchair?”

It is unlikely that that will hold true in the Assembly. So far, Bordonaro has kept a low profile. But one of his bills–rescinding conjugal visits for certain state prisoners–is likely to stir a fuss. And another–requiring public disclosure of the names of juveniles arrested for certain crimes–drew fire this week.

Although Bordonaro may hesitate to introduce legislation on behalf of the disabled, he has made a phone call or two.

This year, the DMV issued disabled people new license plates bearing a large, glow-in-the-dark wheelchair logo. Many disabled drivers worried that the highly visible logo told criminals they were vulnerable. The assemblyman intervened, ensuring that those who prefer a less obtrusive plate may get one.

Bordonaro has made a mark in another way as well. Before his arrival in Sacramento, numerous changes were made to the Capitol, leaving it far more accessible to those with disabilities–as mandated by federal law.

The period drama is available to stream for free

Netflix fans can stream a “moving” period drama that is making fans “sob”.

All The Light We Cannot See is a limited series that was released back in 2023. It follows the story of a blind teenager, Marie-Laure, and her father, Daniel LeBlanc, who flee German-occupied Paris with a legendary diamond.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr, fans see Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure and Avengers star Mark Ruffalo as Daniel LeBlanc. Viewers may also recognise Hugh Laurie as Uncle Etienne, Louis Hofmann as Werner, Lars Eidinger as Von Rumpel, and Marion Bailey as Madame Manec.

Netflix teases: “Relentlessly pursued by a cruel Gestapo officer who seeks to possess the stone for his own selfish means, Marie-Laure and Daniel soon find refuge in St. Malo, where they take up residence with a reclusive uncle who transmits clandestine radio broadcasts as part of the resistance.

“Yet here in this once-idyllic seaside city, Marie-Laure’s path also collides inexorably with the unlikeliest of kindred spirits: Werner, a brilliant teenager enlisted by Hitler’s regime to track down illegal broadcasts, who instead shares a secret connection to Marie-Laure as well as her faith in humanity and the possibility of hope.”

Aria Mia Loberti herself is legally blind and has previously opened up on the importance of her role. Since its release in 2023, the four part series is available to stream on Netflix as fans have commented on its high emotion.

Over on Rotten Tomatoes, one fan said: “Even after all the war she’s been through she’s still standing . . this made me sob like a child deep inside my soul, just wow it’s perfection.”

Another wrote: “One of the most amazing war related TV shows out there. I wish more people knew of it. It has a beautiful, moving storyline, wonderful actors portraying strong and thoughtful characters.

“The atmosphere of war, the dressing, the music set the right mood for the viewer to enjoy. And it’s got deep messages, love, care, light in it. I highly recommend.”

A fourth replied: “Moving storylines, underlying statements about class, intelligence, and education. Excellent sets. A series with all the emotions.”

Another said: “We loved this series. There have been a million WW2 movies and series but they came from a perspective I have never seen before. Only thing I didn’t like was it was only 4 episodes.”

All The Light We Cannot See is available to stream on Netflix.

Chargers quarterback Trey Lance passes during the second half Sunday.

(Eric Thayer / Associated Press)

With a strong showing in the preseason opener — earning both the trust and praise of the coaching staff — Trey Lance has seemingly closed the gap in what was once considered a foregone decision for the backup quarterback spot.

The growing confidence in his game showed Sunday — trusting his legs to extend plays — as he extended his second series with 13- and 17-yard scrambles in the second quarter. He capped the drive with a designed quarterback draw near the goal line for a five-yard touchdown run.

“It allows you to move the chains,” Harbaugh said of Lance’s running ability. “You make the right decisions, that’s what it really comes down to. … Not everybody can do that.”

Harbaugh added, “I’m glad he’s getting that game-time experience. We thought he would be good.”

Most of Lance’s production came on the ground, rushing seven times for 48 yards. He also completed seven of 14 passes for 55 yards.

“[I’m] just trying to have great practices and stack those on top of each other, and then great games and continue to stack those,” Lance said. “Like I said last week, I thought it was a good starting point. And this week, another one.”

Taylor Heinicke, who sat out the preseason opener, looked rusty in his first action, starting the game but finishing one for five for eight yards with one sack.

During his lone quarter of work, he overshot several receivers — Tyler Conklin downfield and Kimani Vidal near the sideline. Several drives stalled with Heinicke under center, as the Chargers started deep in their territory and pressure collapsed the pocket.

A MAJOR bank with millions of customers is make a huge change to dozens of bank accounts starting within days.

The Co-operative Bank is cutting interest rates on 36 savings accounts, delivering a fresh blow to savers.

It comes just days after the Bank of England lowered the base rate from 4.25% to 4%, marking the fifth interest rate cut since 2020.

The decision means lower mortgage payments for homeowners but often leads to smaller returns for savers.

That’s because the base rate impacts the interest rates banks offer on savings accounts and loans, including mortgages.

The Co-operative Bank has wasted no time, announcing that interest rates on dozens of accounts will be reduced starting on August 14 and October 22.

On August 14, the Base Rate Tracker accounts will see reductions, with interest rates dropping from 4% to 3.75% and from 3.75% to 3.5%.

For example, if you had £1,000 deposited for 12 months, the interest earned at 4% would have been £40.

After the rate drops to 3.75%, you would earn £37.50 – a difference of £2.50.

Similarly, with the rate falling from 3.75% to 3.5%, the interest earned would decrease from £37.50 to £35, meaning £2.50 less over the year.

From October 22, various other accounts will experience cuts, including the Future Fund, which will see its rate fall from 1.53% to 1.46%, and the Online Saver, dropping from 2.12% to 2.06%.

Other affected accounts include the Smart Saver, Select Access Saver 5, and Privilege Premier Savings, with reductions ranging from 4.15% to 3.9% and 3.53% to 3.4%. 

Cash ISA holders will also be impacted, with Cash ISA 2 rates falling from 3.25% to 3%.

Fortunately, several savings providers still offer returns of up to 5%.

With the average bank customer holding around £10,000 in savings, according to Raisin, switching could be a smart move.

To help you get the best returns, we’ve listed the top savings rates for each account type below.

What’s on offer?

If you’re looking for a savings account without withdrawal limitations, then you’ll want to opt for an easy-access saver.

These do what they say on the tin and usually allow for unlimited cash withdrawals.

The best easy access savings account available is from Cahoot, which pays 5% – and you only need to pay a minimum of £1 to set it up.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £50 a year in interest.

Meanwhile, West Brom Building Society’s easy access account offers customers 4.55% back on savings worth £1 or more.

If you’re okay with being less flexible about withdrawals, a top notice account could be a great option.

These accounts offer better rates than easy-access accounts but still let you access your money more flexibly than a a fixed-bond.

RCI Bank UK’s 95 day notice account offers savers 4.7% back with a minimum £1,000 deposit, for example.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £47 a year in interest.

Meanwhile, GB Bank’s 120-day notice account offers 4.58%, requiring a minimum deposit of £1,000.

If you want to lock your money away and keep the same savings rate for a set time, a fixed bond is a good choice.

The best fixed rate currently offered is Vanquis Bank’s one-year fixed bond, which pays 4.44%, requiring a minimum deposit of £1,000.

Meanwhile, Atom Bank’s one-year fixed bond offers 4.42% back on a deposit of £50 or more.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £44.20 a year in interest.

If you want to build a habit of saving a set amount of money each month, a regular savings account could pay you dividends.

Principality Building Society’s Six Month Regular Saver offers 7.5% interest on savings.

It allows customers to save between £1 and £200 a month.

Save in the maximum, and you’ll earn £25.81 in interest.

While regular savings accounts look attractive due to the high interest rates on offer, they are not right for all savers. 

You can’t use a regular savings account to earn interest on a lump sum.

The amount you can save into the account each month will be limited, typically to somewhere between £200 and £500.

Therefore, if you have more to save, it would be wise to consider one of the other accounts mentioned above.

Catherine Tyldesley is set to reprise her role as blonde bombshell Eva Price on Coronation Street, and has gone back to her character’s signature colour in time for filming

Catherine Tyldesley has dyed her hair in time for her return to Coronation Street. The actress, 41, is set to be make a major comeback onto the ITV soap as she returns to her signature role of Eva Price, seven years on from her initial exit.

During her initial stint on the cobbles, Eva sported platinum blonde locks but after she quit the soap, Catherine quickly went back to her natural brunette colour as she competed on Strictly Come Dancing. She kept the darker look as she took on roles in shows such as Scarborough and Viewpoint but an Instagram post on Tuesday revealed that she is a blonde once again.

The actress shared two snaps of herself posing with friends as she headed out for dinner, in Manchester and The Sun reports that the outing comes just days before she is supposed to making a return to the set at MediaCityUK to begin filming. Catherine, who was a brunette when she took on her first big role in the BBC drama Lilies prior to joining Coronation Street, previously explained that bosses just felt that it was right that barmaid Eva would have blonde hair. It comes after reports of all the celebrities rumoured to be joining BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025.

READ MORE: Helen Flanagan reveals secrets behind ‘confidence’ after cosmetic surgeryREAD MORE: Corrie’s Jack P. Shepherd’s ex Lauren Shippey ‘left scratching her head’ over grand wedding

In 2019, she explained during an interview on Lorraine: “When I first started Corrie I’d done a sketch show and was blonde. They felt Eva was blonde and so did I. I keep walking past windows and mirror and think ‘Oh!’ and forget I’ve done it. A lady came up to me and said I think you should be blonde.”

Reports surrounding the return of Leanne Battersby’s sister emerged earlier this year, but then nothing was announced. Fresh reports just last week claimed the planned plot was now approaching.

It’s thought that the move has come about after EastEnders bosses revealed that Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) will be taking the reins of the Queen Victoria pub. Aaron McCusker, who starred as Freddie Mercury’s boyfriend in the film Bohemian Rhapsody, is reportedly set to arrive alongside her as her new husband.

A source told The Sun: “Corrie bosses were never going to take EastEnders shrewd decision to reinstate Kat and Alfie at the Vic lying down. So they took their time looking for the perfect actor to play her husband to Eva as she makes her return to Corrie as the new boss of the Rovers.”

The insider added that Corrie bosses knew they had found the ‘perfect’ actor as soon as the Irish-born star walked into the room. They added of his character: “Aaron’s character is also someone not to be messed with, and the locals are going to be in for a shock if they think they can take advantage of his good nature and that cheeky Irish charm.

“It’s the start of an exciting new chapter in the pub’s history.” Aaron is also known for his role as Jamie Maguire in Shameless, whilst Catherine has starred in The Good Ship Murder and earlier this year appeared opposite Siobhan Finneran in an episode of the ITV drama Protection.

She was also set to star in a cancelled touring production of Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical last year and went viral over a social media scandal known as Cakegate in late 2023. The actress first appeared on Coronation Street in 2011 as the daughter of Stella Price (Michelle Collins), who had arrived to take over the pub herself and also reveal herself as the long-lost mother of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).

Over the course of seven years, Catherine saw her alter-ego through numerous relationships with the likes of Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas), Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) and Nick Tilsey (Ben Price). Her most notable relationship was with Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward), but that started to go awry when he began an affair with Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon).

Instead of confronting Aidan head-on about his infidelity, she took revenge by putting a bright pink Range Rover on his credit card and then decided to fake a pregnancy. Maria discovered Eva’s lies and exposed them all at the wedding but Eva later discovered that she was in fact pregnant with Aidan’s baby.

In order to go through with the birth in secret, she went off to a remote cottage and had planned to give baby Susie away to Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor). However, Aidan later took his own life and Eva began to grow close to her daughter, eventually opting to leave in the back of a taxi with her for good.

If Eva does return and take over the Rovers, she will be following in the footsteps of former characters such as Annie Walker (Doris Speed), Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) and Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard), all of whom have helmed the nation’s most famous pub over the course of the show’s history. One such landlady is Jenny Connor, who is confirmed to be leaving the ITV soap.

Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group

As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you’ll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone.

Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group.

We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV and ITVX. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.