Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Evan Ferguson included despite struggling with an ankle problem.
The forward – on loan at Roma from Brighton, who scored in the 1-0 win against Armenia in October, picked up the injury against Parma on 29 October. However, he is included in the 25-man squad for the final two group games that begin at home to Portugal on Thursday, 13 November (19:45 GMT) before a trip to Hungary on Sunday, 16 November (14:00 GMT).
Hallgrimsson’s side go into the final round of matches in Group F sitting in third, one point behind Hungary who travel to Armenia in the first of their games, knowing qualification for the 2026 World Cup could be out of their grasp with a game to spare should they lose to runaway leaders Portugal.
Missing for that game will be Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning through suspension, but both are included in the squad.
There is a return for Mark Sykes despite his club Bristol City revealing he would miss their next two games after sustaining a gash on his leg in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat by Blackburn Rovers.
With Callum O’Dowda out, Jimmy Dunne retains his place in the squad after coming in as a late replacement for the October internationals, while American-born 26-year-old Kevin O’Toole receives a call-up with the left-sided New York City player eligible through his grandfather.
However, there is no call for Celtic’s Johnny Kenny – despite scoring three goals in his last two games, including the opener in the League Cup semi-final win over Rangers at the weekend – even though Hallgrimsson is without the injured Sammie Szmodics.
The EU’s enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, commended Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova for their advancements towards EU membership, describing expansion as a “realistic possibility within the coming years” during a session at the European Parliament.
While Montenegro is noted as the most advanced candidate, the commissioner criticized Serbia for slowing reforms and indicated that Georgia is merely a candidate “in name only.” Kos emphasized the need for the EU to prepare for enlargement.
She highlighted Albania’s “unprecedented progress” and Moldova’s rapid advancements despite challenges. Ukraine’s commitment to its EU path and essential anti-corruption reforms was also recognized, particularly against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion and Hungary’s obstacles.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy echoed this sentiment, urging the EU to take decisive action to eliminate barriers to a unified Europe.
Announcement draws criticism from Anglican churches that oppose female bishops.
Published On 3 Oct 20253 Oct 2025
Share
The Church of England has named Sarah Mullally as the next archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to be appointed to the Church’s most senior office.
Mullally, 63, will become the spiritual head of 85 million Anglicans globally, and like her predecessors will face a Communion divided over several issues, including the role of women in the Church and the acceptance of same-sex couples.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
Mullally replaces Justin Welby, who resigned due to a child abuse cover-up scandal last year.
The new archbishop addressed congregants for the first time at Canterbury Cathedral on Friday and spoke of the hope she saw in the world despite uncertain times.
Mullally said her first calling is to follow Christ and spread his message, but she also used her speech to address issues in the United Kingdom, including migration and the deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, which killed two people.
“We are witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities,” Mullally said.
“I know that the God who is with us draws near to those who suffer. We then, as a Church, have a responsibility to be a people who stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism in all its forms. Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart,” she added.
The UK’s new archbishop of Canterbury-designate, Sarah Mullally, speaks following the announcement of her posting, at Canterbury Cathedral in south east England [AFP]
Mullally’s appointment drew criticism from conservative Anglican churches in Africa on account of her gender.
The Global Anglican Future Conference, which includes bishops from Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda, said the appointment of Mullally would further split the Church because she “promoted unbiblical and revisionist teachings regarding marriage and sexual morality.”
“Though there are some who will welcome the decision to appoint Bishop Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy,” the Reverend Laurent Mbanda said in a statement for the group.
The Church of England’s evangelical wing called for a stop to what it referred to as a drift away from scripture.
Mullally, who has been bishop of London since 2018, has previously championed blessings for same-sex couples.
The Vatican congratulated Mullally and wished her well. King Charles III approved Mullally’s nomination and offered his congratulations.
She will officially become the archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral in January 2026.
Longtime FilmLA executive Denise Gutches has been named the nonprofit’s new chief executive.
Gutches, who has served as FilmLA’s chief financial and operating officer since 2011, will assume her new role on Jan. 1. FilmLA President Paul Audley will retire at the end of December after a 17-year tenure with the organization, which announced the change Wednesday morning.
“We have a lot to do in this creative economy,” Gutches said in an interview. “I am definitely up for this challenge.”
The leadership transition comes as Hollywood tries to lure back film and television production that has relocated to other states and countries in search of lower costs and more generous tax incentives. Earlier this year, California increased the annual amount allocated to its own film and TV tax credit program and expanded the eligibility criteria in hopes of jump-starting production in the Golden State.
In the most recent application period, 22 TV series were awarded tax credits amid heightened interest in the program. Eighteen of those series will film largely in the Los Angeles area.
Gutches said she is hopeful the sweetened incentives will provide a boost to the Greater L.A. area, which has seen a sharp decline in production since the pandemic, dual writers’ and actors strikes and a pullback in spending from the studios.
FilmLA — which handles film permits for the city of Los Angeles and unincorporated areas of the county — is also working with government partners to smooth the process of filming in L.A., she said.
“We think that that’s highly critical to ensure that we can make the Los Angeles region more attractive with the new film and television tax credit,” she said. “Our mission is to keep filming here and streamlining it, and that’s really what we’re going to focus on.”
The transition to Gutches’ leadership began months ago when Audley asked the nonprofit’s board not to renew his contract.
His decision came after the group’s staff was cut to 74 employees from 117, reflecting industry changes and a slowdown in local production activity.
“It’s really about right-sizing the executive level staff of an organization of this size,” Audley said. “It just makes good business sense.”
Travel operator First Choice has named ‘shoulder season’ travel one of their top cheat codes for budget-conscious travellers. These are the best destinations to visit in September and October.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
With temperatures in the 30s, Turkey is a great destination for September travel(Image: Getty Images)
Summer may be over, but this might be the best time of the year to plan your next holiday. The start of ‘shoulder season’ means off-peak pricing for accommodation and flights, making it a great time to explore a new destination.
According to the travel operator, First Choice, you could save up to £240 per booking in September compared to August. While September is still a popular month for late-summer trips, many UK travellers don’t realise the holiday potential of October.
First Choice says October and the beginning of November are ideal for a city break, and they’ve shared some of the best – often overlooked – destinations to find some sun.
What are the shoulder seasons?
Shoulder seasons are the off-peak periods between busy travel seasons like summer and Christmas. Travel in months like September and October can often be slower, as destinations cool down but don’t yet offer the festive fun that Brits are eagerly awaiting. Spring is also a shoulder season, particularly the months of March or April.
What are the best destinations for shoulder-season travel?
If you’re keen for sun close to home, the Mediterranean is your best bet. Specifically, Turkey, Cyprus, Spain and Greece in Europe. The Canary Islands, Morocco or Tunisia in North Africa are also strong options.
If you’re willing to travel a bit further, Dubai is another great option. Additionally, summer hotspots like Seville, Rome and Marrakech present a different side for travellers to discover in the autumn months.
Turkey in September is a top destination for shoulder season holidays, as temperatures hang around 30C. Travellers can enjoy the beachy atmosphere of Antalya and Dalaman with fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
First Choice, says Tenerife is also “a classic all year round” pick. Temperatures cool down to the mid-20s in September, which is still conducive to beach days and hiking trips to Mount Teide. The often crowded summer destination will be significantly quieter during autumn, especially in popular areas like Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje.
With temperatures of 28C in September – cooling to around 24C in October – don’t discount Majorca in the fall. Palma is packed with impressive features like the Moorish Palace and Arab baths that can be explored and appreciated year-round.
Finally, in Cyprus summer rolls into September, making it a great shoulder season destination. Travellers will have their pick of pristine beaches and can enjoy the island’s historic landmarks without the pushy crowds.
French President Emmanuel Macron has named his defence minister and close ally, Sebastien Lecornu, as the new prime minister after Prime Minister Francois Bayrou resigned after losing a confidence vote.
Lecornu, 39, the fifth prime minister in less than two years, has major challenges ahead, including resolving a deepening political crisis as protests loom in the coming days.
“The President of the Republic has entrusted me with the task of building a government with a clear direction: the defence of our independence and power, the service of the French people, and political and institutional stability for the unity of the country,” the incoming prime minister said.
The French parliament – the National Assembly – on Monday voted to remove Bayrou over his proposed $51bn in budget cuts to address the country’s debt crisis. The formal handover of power between Bayrou and Lecornu is due to take place on Wednesday.
Macron’s decision to choose Lecornu, analysts say, is an indication that he intends to continue on with a minority government that supports his pro-business economic reform agenda. In the 577-member National Assembly, the left bloc, which has opposed Macron’s pro-business policy, has most seats but not enough to form a government.
The appointment of Lecornu, a one-time conservative, risks alienating France’s centre-left Socialist Party, which leaves Macron’s government depending on Marine Le Pen and the far-right National Rally for support in parliament.
“Regardless of Sebastien Lecornu’s personal qualities, his nomination is a slap in the face of parliament,” Philippe Brun, the Socialist lawmaker who has been in charge of budget negotiations, told Reuters.
However, Jordan Bardella, seen as Le Pen’s protege, seemed willing to give Lecornu a chance.
“We will judge, without illusion, the new prime minister on his merits,” he said, adding that the party still kept strict “red lines”.
[Al Jazeera]
Bayrou’s downfall and France’s instability
France, the European Union’s second-biggest economy, seems on the brink of yet another period of instability.
The French budget deficit is now nearly 169 billion euros ($198bn), or 5.8 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), well above the 3 percent limit set by the European Union for countries using the euro. Investors worry that France’s persistent deficits will cause ever-higher debt ratios and undermine its credit score.
Before Monday’s vote, Bayrou warned lawmakers: “You have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality. Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly.”
The prime minister’s proposals came on top of Macron’s unpopular 2023 move to raise France’s retirement age by two years to 64. At the time, the president argued that excessive pension payments were a drag on the country’s finances.
Protests expected around France
As Macron grapples with the collapse of his fourth government in less than two years, French citizens are planning to take to the streets this week in “Block Everything” protests.
The movement, which lacks centralised leadership and planning, is threatening widespread disruption this week.
“The public authorities and the government have betrayed us so much that I’m not sure they can really meet the expectations of the people,” Louise Nechin, a left-wing activist in Paris, told Reuters.
The protests have drawn comparisons with 2018’s “yellow vest” demonstrations, with protesters at the time setting fire to makeshift barricades and vehicles.
The November 2018 protests, which began over planned hikes in diesel taxes, widened into an uprising against Macron’s policies and became the biggest challenge to his presidency at the time.
Paramount has named Kenneth R. Weinstein, former head of a conservative-leaning Washington think tank, to be ombudsman for CBS News, fulfilling a condition of winning the Trump administration’s approval for an $8-billion merger.
The company announced Monday “that complaints from consumers, employees and others” about CBS News stories will go to Weinstein, who will help determine if remedial action is necessary.
Weinstein, who served as president and chief executive of the Hudson Institute, will report to Jeff Shell, who is president of Paramount under new owner and CEO David Ellison.
Weinstein will address complaints about news coverage in consultation with Shell, CBS President and CEO George Cheeks and CBS News Executive Editor Tom Cibrowski.
Paramount buyer Skydance Media agreed to appoint an ombudsman in order to get regulatory clearance for its acquisition of the media company, which closed in August.
The Federal Communications Commission said Skydance agreed to commit to “viewpoint diversity, nondiscrimination and enhanced localism” in its news coverage when the agency announced its approval of the deal.
“Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly. It is time for a change,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement at the time of the approval. “That is why I welcome Skydance’s commitment to make significant changes at the once storied CBS broadcast network.”
Under Skydance’s ownership, CBS News has already shown a willingness to respond to Trump White House beefs with its coverage. On Friday the division announced a new policy for its Washington public affairs program “Face the Nation,” which will no longer edit taped interviews.
The policy shift came after U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem complained that her Aug. 31 “Face the Nation” interview, which was trimmed for time, deleted harsh allegations against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man wrongly deported to his native El Salvador. He was returned to the U.S., where he faces deportation efforts.
In addition to his work at the Hudson Institute, where he still holds a chair, Weinstein served on multiple advisory boards including the United States Agency for Global Media when it was known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The agency, currently headed on an interim basis by Kari Lake, oversees the funding for government-run media outlets such as Voice of America.
Weinstein also holds a doctorate in government from Harvard University and has taught political theory at Georgetown University and Claremont McKenna College.
“I’ve known [Weinstein] for many years and have respect for his integrity, sound judgment and thoughtful approach to complex issues,” Shell said in a statement. “Ken brings not only a wealth of experience in media and beyond but also a calm measured perspective that makes him exceptionally well-suited to serve as our Ombudsman.”
A COUPLE has been slammed after sharing their children’s unique names online.
Aubree and Josh Jones, from the US, shared a clip of their family on social media, revealing which of them picked their kids’ names.
2
Aubree and Josh Jones pose with their six childrenCredit: Instagram
2
Trolls said the parents should refrain from naming anyone elseCredit: Instagram
The couple currently has six children and Aubree is pregnant with their seventh child.
In a recent Instagram clip, the couple revealed which of them picked their kids’ names, writing: “Who named each of the kids?”
“If you heard his picks, you would understand..” Aubree added.
But it seemed viewers weren’t convinced once they revealed each moniker, saying neither of them should be able to name any more children.
They started with their oldest daughter, named Trendy Chanelle, Aubree said she picked the first name while Josh picked her middle name.
Next was Zaylee Ruth, whose names were picked out by her mum.
Their third child was named Sunny Love, with Aubree picking the first name and Josh picking the middle.
Next up was their daughter, Truly Eclair, again, mum picked the first name while dad got dibs on the middle name.
Journey Rey came next, named by her mum and lastly, there was Rocky Joshua, named by his mum and dad.
The clip was shared on her Instagram account @whataboutaub which went viral with over 1.4 million views and 10k likes.
The three names I’d never pick for my children as a kids therapist & Rory is a hard no for starters
While the parents loved their choice of unique names, people in the comments section were clearly not impressed.
One person wrote: “These are great names for a Labubu.”
Another commented: “You realise you’re naming humans right?”
“Neither of you should be allowed to name children actually,” penned a third.
Banned Names in the UK
The UK has no law restricting names, but names that contain obscenities, numerals, misleading titles, or are impossible to pronounce are likely to be rejected when registering a child.
Hitler
Monkey
Cyanide
Martian
Akuma
Chow Tow
Rogue
Meanwhile a fourth said: “What are you naming… dogs?”
“Kids are going to have a rough time in school,” claimed a fifth.
One ancient town dubbed ‘the Pearl of the Black Sea’ has beautiful cobblestone streets, and affordable food and drinks
An ancient Bulgarian town has been crowned the cheapest beach destination for Brits (Image: Kennedy News/Svetlana Zlbrova)
An ancient Bulgarian town has been crowned the cheapest beach destination for Brits – boasting white sandy beaches, UNESCO listing and pints costing less than £2.
Nessebar, on a small peninsula in Bulgaria, has been named the best-value beach in the new easyJet ‘Cheap Beach Index’ thanks to its dependable ‘shoulder-season’ deals on flights and hotels and affordable hospitality.
Dubbed the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Nessebar blends together rich history, culture and seaside charm. It delights visitors each year with its charming cobblestone streets in its UNESCO-listed old town and a famous seafood scene.
Nipping at its heels is the Budva Riviera in Montenegro, which boasts a range of idyllic beaches along a 35 kilometre stretch of the Adriatic coast in western Montenegro.
Nessebar blends together rich history, culture and seaside charm(Image: Kennedy News/Goran Safarek)
Cruising into third place is the Costa de Almería in Spain that’s known for Europe’s only desert Tabernas Desert and its golden beaches.
Further down the table, value keeps rolling in destinations like Zadar and Nin in Croatia, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol in Spain and Halkidiki in Greece.
These sun-soaked destinations pair clear seas with competitive apartment and hotel prices, meaning a seven-night stay rarely breaks the bank.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “With summer behind us, there’s plenty of opportunities to still find great weather in early autumn across Europe.
“With thousands of flights across hundreds of routes from the UK throughout September, it means great value beach breaks are still available across Europe.
“Our unrivalled network of flights across the continent provides direct links from many UK airports to a whole host of great value, sun-friendly beach breaks on a budget.
“Our Cheap Beach Index offers a great variety of value choices for passengers looking for one last dose of summer sun and fun.”
The top 20 table was compiled by analysing areas within easy reach of airports that offer affordable direct routes to the UK. Each destination is priced on the basis of a typical holiday ‘basket’ that includes criteria such as the price of beer, an ice cream and a family meal out.
The index comes ahead of the start of ‘shoulder season’, from mid-September through to October. With many European destinations still offering warm conditions and airline schedules still operating at near-peak summer levels, the ‘shoulder’ is proving a popular option for many who aren’t ready to see the summer go.
Georgia Fowkes is a travel advisor who spends a lot of time in the UK and says there is one beach that is so special it gives her ‘goosebumps every single time’
Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director and Shania King-Soyza
15:38, 02 Sep 2025
The pristine sand on the beach at Bamburgh(Image: Getty)
A travel adviser has revealed the one UK beach that gives her goosebumps every time she visits. Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for Altezza Travel, which boasts a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor with over 2,000 reviews, is an American based in Pittsburgh who frequently travels the globe and spends ample time with family in the UK.
She has declared Bamburgh beach in Northumberland as her personal favourite. “Bamburgh is the raw North in its purest form: endless sand with a castle rising straight out of the dunes”, she says. “You walk the shoreline and the dark fortress walls reflect in the wet sand, the sea stretching out like the castle’s extension.
“For me, Bamburgh is the best beach in Britain because it ties the vastness of the ocean to the weight of history. This isn’t just a holiday sea – it roars the same way it did centuries ago, when the castle walls faced the same waves I’m watching now. Standing there gives me goosebumps every single time.”
‘Standing on this beach gives me goosebumps every single time’(Image: Getty)
While Bamburgh Beach isn’t the only UK beach where a castle majestically overlooks the sea below, with other examples including Llansteffan and Harlech in Wales, as well as Tintagel in Cornwall, it still stands out as a unique feature of the UK coastline, boasting pristine sand, drifting sand dunes, and a magnificent view of the castle from almost every angle, reports the Express.
Bamburgh has been crowned the UK’s top seaside spot for five consecutive years, earning five-star reviews for its beach, seafront, scenery, and tranquil atmosphere.
One visitor to Bamburgh shared their love for the place with Which?, saying: “It’s a gem. The beaches are sandy, clean, and stretch for miles. There are walks galore, the food on offer is top-notch, the feel is of a time gone by, and there’s enough history to delve into to last several holidays.”
Bamburgh Castle looms over the beach below(Image: Getty)
The castle, which boasts a history spanning 3,000 years, is now in the hands of Francis and Claire Watson-Armstrong.
“There is nowhere like Bamburgh. You can see dolphins, the sunsets, the sunrises. You just stand there and breathe in – the smell of the sea. It is unique. As it has been over the centuries, there is something about the soul of the place,” she expressed.
Despite the unpredictable British weather on the harsh North Sea coast, Bamburgh is increasingly becoming a worldwide attraction, drawing tourists from across the globe. It offers several dining and drinking options, including a seafood shack named Creel and Reel, the Victoria Hotel pub, and the Potted Lobster restaurant.
Holkham beach is cinematic in scale, says Georgia(Image: Getty)
Georgia also mentioned Holkham beach in Norfolk as another favourite spot. She described: “Holkham is cinematic in scale. Dunes and a flat sweep of sand run to the horizon, so far you lose all sense of boundaries.
“It’s no surprise filmmakers chose it for Pride and Prejudice and Shakespeare in Love – standing here, you see why: the landscape itself looks like a film still. I’d call it England’s best beach because it turns a simple walk into a moment you want to hold on to. Empty yet majestic, it’s where sea, sky, and infinite sand shrink you down – but make you feel lucky to be part of the vast picture.”
More than two and a half years after she took office, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has fulfilled a nagging campaign promise to film industry advocates.
She is appointing Board of Public Works president Steve Kang to serve as a liaison between city bureaucracy and the film industry, she said Wednesday. The mayor made the announcement while speaking to a private Zoom meeting of her entertainment industry council Wednesday afternoon, according to three attendees.
Kang will be the chief film liaison, assisted by Dan Halden — who serves as acting director of external relations at the city’s Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) — and producer Amy Goldberg.
The city’s film liaison role was established under former Mayor Eric Garcetti.
In the past, the liaison has served as the point person for film and TV productions looking to shoot in L.A., helping filmmakers navigate the city’s vast bureaucracy.
“I have full confidence that President Steve Kang will deliver in his role as City Film Liaison by finding solutions that protect our signature industry and ensure that local filming of TV shows, movies and commercials can successfully continue and expand,” Bass said in a statement. “With the successful expansion of the California Film & TV Tax Credit and our ongoing efforts to improve local processes, our work continues to keep production jobs here and support small businesses who rely on the industry.”
Bass’ decision not to prioritize the appointment of a film liaison had long frustrated industry advocates. Those concerns were sharpened at a moment when L.A.’s future as a film capital is in peril.
Amid a broader slump in overall film and TV production, the city has long been bleeding production jobs to states and countries that offer generous tax incentives, cheaper labor and more filming-friendly bureaucracies.
Most of those issues are outside the mayor’s control. But some industry advocates felt that naming a film liaison would be an easy move that could make shooting in L.A. a little less of a headache.
Since Bass took office in December 2022, those advocates have pressed the mayor’s office on the issue, with no clear answers about the delay.
“There’s been a clear sense of need, and frustration that it hasn’t happened,” said one industry advocate, who had been present during the mayor’s office’s regular meetings with representatives from film studios, labor groups and other industry interests.
Garcetti had several film liaisons during his administration.
Members of the industry often point to City Hall veteran Kevin James — who held the role for several years beginning in 2015 — as an ideal model, since he had deep City Hall experience, as well as ties to the industry. James served as film liaison while president of the Board of Public Works. The board governs the city’s Department of Public Works, which is responsible for StreetsLA, as well as the street lighting, sanitation and engineering departments.
The mayor’s office has had to navigate a historically difficult 2025, beginning with a catastrophic firestorm, followed by immigration raids and an unprecedented military presence in the city — all of which have necessitated 24/7 crisis responses from her office. But the frustrations over the lack of a named point person far predate the recent crises.
While signing an executive directive to support local film and TV production in May, Bass was asked about the position and said she planned to appoint someone within the next few days.
NPR’s “All Things Considered” is getting a new weekday voice.
Scott Detrow will become a full-time weekday host of NPR’s afternoon radio show starting Sept. 29, while maintaining his role at “Consider This,” the outlet’s daily news podcast, the public radio firm said.
“I can’t wait to bring listeners the news five days a week now. And at this moment where we are all focusing on strengthening the entire public media network and working together more closely than ever before,” Detrow said in a statement.
This news comes a week after journalist Ari Shapiro announced his departure from the news magazine show. Shapiro had been hosting the show for nearly a decade.
For the last two years, Detrow could be heard on weekend episodes of “All Things Considered.” He steered coverage of breaking news events, including the attempted assassination of President Trump in Pennsylvania, earning him the Edward R. Murrow Award for breaking news.
He initially joined NPR in 2015. From getting his start as a Fordham student at WFUV in New York to working as a statehouse reporter at WITF in Pennsylvania and at KQED in the Bay Area, he has spent his entire career in public radio.
Since becoming a part of the national nonprofit, he has helped launch segments such as “Reporter’s Notebook,” in which listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at how journalism is produced, and most recently, he anchored live coverage surrounding Pope Leo’s election. He has also co-hosted the “NPR Politics Podcast” for seven years, focusing on the White House, Congress and two presidential campaigns.
“All Things Considered” is one of NPR’s longest-running shows, first airing in 1971. The flagship program presents a mix of news, commentary, interviews and analysis on a daily basis.
In a full-circle moment, Detrow’s first job out of college was working on the local version of “All Things Considered” in central Pennsylvania.
“I’m proud that I started out as an ATC host at a NPR Member station, and now will be doing that job nationally,” he said.
Upcoming spin-off Y: Marshals has added three stars from the original drama to the cast
Yellowstone’s forthcoming spin-off, focusing on Kayce Dutton (played by Luke Grimes), is set to feature at least three more big names from the original series.
Y: Marshals will follow the son of ranch owner John Dutton (Kevin Costner) in the aftermath of his father’s death as he leaves the ranch to combat crime across Montana.
Deadline has now revealed that Yellowstone veterans Gil Birmingham, Brecken Merrill and Mo Brings Plenty will be reprising their roles from the main show.
Birmingham played Chief Thomas Rainwater, who had a feud with the Duttons over disputed land, while Brings Plenty played Rainwater’s driver and right-hand man, Mo.
Meanwhile, Merrill played Kayce’s son Tate alongside Kelsey Asbille as wife and mother Monica Dutton.
Thomas Rainwater and his right-hand man Mo will both return(Image: PARAMOUNT)
It’s not yet known if Asbille will be returning, though Deadline suggests her absence may be explained within the series.
In addition to these three Yellowstone favourites, Y: Marshals has confirmed four more cast members joining Grimes and the previously announced Logan Marshall-Green.
Arielle Kebbel (Rescue: HI-Surf), Ash Santos (Pulse) and Tatanka Means (Reservation Dogs) are on board as series regulars.
They’ll be playing members of the US Marshals Belle, Andrea and Miles, respectively. Finally, The West Wing and Lost star Brett Cullen will take on a recurring role as Montana’s head of US Marshals, Harry Gifford, reports the Express.
The exact storyline for the upcoming Yellowstone spin-off is being kept under wraps, but a series synopsis has given fans a taste of what’s to come.
Brecken Merrill is back as Tate – but Kelsey Asbille’s Monica may not return(Image: PARAMOUNT)
Paramount+ half price sale
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Paramount+ is offering 50% off its Standard and Premium subscriptions until July 10.
According to Deadline, it states: “In Y: Marshals, with the Yellowstone Ranch behind him, Kayce Dutton (Grimes) joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana, where he and his teammates must balance family, duty and the high psychological cost that comes with serving as the last line of defense in the region’s war on violence.”
In other news, Oscar-nominated actress Annette Bening has been confirmed to join another Yellowstone spin-off.
She’ll be taking on the role of Beulah Jackson, the boss of a competing ranch, in the tentatively named The Dutton Ranch, which will carry on the tale of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser).
Y: Marshals will premiere in late 2025 – early 2026 on CBS. Yellowstone is available to stream on Paramount+.
Transfeero’s residents travel expert, Andrea Platania, shares her top five tips for ensuring a smooth airport pick-up at even the most chaotic and crowded arrival zones
Pre-booking your pick-up car in advance is the best way to avoid long queues and an uncomfortable journey [stock image](Image: Getty Images)
Reliable airport transfers are more valuable to Brits than ever, with many passengers scrambling for taxis and struggling to find designated pick-up points at major transport hubs. Luckily, an expert has shared five practical, traveller-first tips for ensuring a seamless airport pick-up.
A 2024 IATA Passenger Survey found that 68% of travellers rank “smooth airport-to-hotel transit” as a top factor in overall travel satisfaction, while UK travel forums frequently cite long taxi queues at peak arrival times, sometimes exceeding 45 minutes at major hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick.
According to Transfeero, preparation is the key to turning a potentially frustrating arrival into a seamless, stress-free transition from airport to destination. The company’s resident travel expert, Andrea Platania, has shared five ways to up your chances of a smooth pick-up.
Sharing your flight details with your driver will help them plan their own arrival accordingly(Image: Getty Images)
1) Pre-book your ride
Booking your airport transfer ahead of time means you are less reliant on chance, which is especially low during busy travel periods like summer holidays or bank holiday weekends.
Once you’ve secured your booking though, it’s important to confirm all pickup instructions with your provider. This should include exact meeting points inside the terminal (e.g., arrivals hall signage, specific exit doors).
2) Share your flight details for tracking
Even the most meticulously planned trips can be derailed by delayed departures, rerouted flights, or early arrivals. Supplying your pick-up contact with your flight number allows them to monitor real-time flight data and adjust their own arrival accordingly.
3) Match the car to your needs
Plan ahead to ensure you have room for oversized items like ski gear, pushchairs, and musical instruments(Image: Getty Images)
Choosing the right vehicle is more than just a comfort preference, it’s also a practical necessity. An undersized car can mean cramped seating or unsafe stacking of luggage — not ideal for particularly long journeys. Consider the number of passengers, total bags, and any oversized items such as ski gear or pushchairs when booking your pick-up car.
4) Get your driver contact details
Arrival zones are notoriously crowded, and it’s easy to miss your driver even if you know what vehicle to look out for. Thus, having their mobile number or an in-app chat function ready means you can quickly connect and coordinate.
5) Plan for special requirements in advance
Special needs like child safety seats, wheelchair accessibility, or extra luggage capacity require advance notice to ensure your vehicle is equipped and ready. Advising your driver or travel company of these needs early helps them prepare an appropriate car and any additional equipment.
According to Andrea: “The difference between a stressful arrival and a seamless one often comes down to two things: preparation and communication. By pre-booking and sharing your flight details, you’re giving your transfer provider the information they need to meet you at exactly the right time and place. Start your trip with confidence.
“In our experience, the best results come when travellers think ahead about their unique needs, whether that’s extra luggage space, child safety seats, or accessibility requirements.”
United States President Donald Trump has unveiled his slate of picks for the Kennedy Center Honors, an annual awards show designed to honour actors, musicians, designers and creative professionals who have dedicated their lives to the performing arts.
On Wednesday, Trump appeared on stage at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, one of the premier stages in Washington, DC, in a show of power over the national cultural institution.
“We’ll make it better than it ever was, frankly,” he said of the awards show. “ It’ll be something that people are going to be very proud of.”
This year’s five honourees include disco singer Gloria Gaynor, country music performer George Strait, the rock band Kiss, British comedian Michael Crawford and actor Sylvester Stallone, star of the classic films Rocky and Rambo.
Trump, a former reality TV star, also revealed that he would host the award show himself. In his opening remarks, he suggested his allies strong-armed him into taking the hosting gig.
“I’ve been asked to host. I said, ‘I’m the president of the United States. Are you fools asking me to do that?’” Trump said. “ So I have agreed to host. Do you believe what I have to do?”
Wednesday’s announcement was Trump’s latest foray into the arts, as he seeks to reshape the US’s cultural institutions to reflect his agenda.
Presenters unveiled the nomination for country music artist George Strait at the Kennedy Center on August 13 [Alex Brandon/AP Photo]
Exerting power over the Kennedy Center
During Trump’s first term, from 2017 to 2021, the Republican leader never attended the Kennedy Center Honors, breaking with a longtime presidential tradition.
Since the ceremony’s beginnings in 1978, presidents have been regular attendees, except in rare cases, including Cold War-era negotiations and the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.
But since returning to the White House for a second term in January, Trump has not only sought to make his presence known at the Kennedy Center, but he has also sought to wield power over its programming.
On February 7, Trump announced he would purge the Kennedy Center’s governing board and declared his intention to lead the institution as its chair.
“I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture,” Trump wrote at the time. “We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
By February 12, the new Kennedy Center board had made good on its promise to elect Trump as chair.
Since then, Trump has expanded his reach into the country’s arts and culture spheres. On Tuesday, for instance, his administration revealed it would undertake an “internal review” of several Smithsonian museums, to “ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism”.
Trump also teased his new vision for the Kennedy Center Honors — and appeared to troll critics who expressed outrage over Republican proposals to rename the performing arts centre after the Republican leader.
“GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS,” Trump wrote on social media in the lead-up to Wednesday’s announcement.
He pledged the revamped award show would reflect “the absolute TOP LEVEL of luxury, glamour, and entertainment”.
Presenters unveil a portrait of the rock group KISS at the Kennedy Center on August 13 [Alex Brandon/AP Photo]
A crackdown on crime in the capital
The Kennedy Center Honors is expected to air on the TV channel CBS in December, and it broadcasts from its eponymous theatre.
In Wednesday’s speech, Trump tied the upcoming ceremony to his broader campaign to crack down on crime in Washington, DC.
“ In the coming months, we’ll fully renovate the dated and, really, the entire infrastructure of the building and make the Kennedy Center a crown jewel of American arts and culture once again,” he said.
“ We have the right location, and soon we will be a crime-free area.”
Earlier this week, Trump invoked the capital’s Home Rule Act to take control of the local police force, and he deployed members of the National Guard to patrol the city’s streets, despite the fact that violent crime in the city was at a 30-year low.
Trump, however, has denied the legitimacy of those statistics, a claim he made again at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday.
“ You’re gonna see a big change in Washington crime stats very soon — not the stats that they gave because they turned out to be a total fraud. The real stats,” he said.
Trump also faces legal limitations to his efforts: The capital’s police can only be federalised for a period of 30 days, barring congressional action.
When asked about that limit at Wednesday’s news conference, Trump indicated he would seek to retain control of Washington’s police for the long term.
“ If it’s a national emergency, we can do it without Congress,” Trump said, though he added that he would introduce a crime bill that would allow him to extend his control over the local police.
“ We’re going to do this very quickly, but we’re going to want extensions. I don’t want to call a national emergency. If I have to, I will, but I think the Republicans in Congress will approve this pretty much unanimously.”
Donald Trump stands in front of a portrait of Sylvester Stallone, a 2025 Kennedy Center honouree [Alex Brandon/AP Photo]
Trump ‘very involved’ in honouree selection
The Republican leader also hinted at a potential political bent to the reimagined Kennedy Center Honors.
He has previously denounced the Kennedy Center’s programming, pledging to nix artistic productions like drag shows and book classic Broadway hits instead.
In response, over the past year, the touring production of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton cancelled its scheduled stop at the Kennedy Center, as did comedian Issa Rae and the opera Fellow Travelers.
Performers in a touring production of Les Miserables also boycotted performances at the Kennedy Center to protest Trump’s changes.
Still, Trump doubled down on the programming changes, saying his ratings success on the reality TV show The Apprentice testified to his arts-industry smarts.
“I shouldn’t make this political because they made the Academy Awards political and they went down the tubes,” Trump said on Wednesday.
“They’ll say, ‘Trump made it political,’ but I think, if we make it our kind of political, we’ll go up, OK? Let’s see if I’m right about that.”
He also confirmed that he had played a large role in selecting this year’s Kennedy Center honourees.
“I would say I was about 98-percent involved. No, they all went through me,” Trump explained, adding that he turned down “plenty” of candidates, including “a couple of wokesters”.
Looking ahead, Trump said the Kennedy Center would feature heavily in his plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding in 2026.
“I’m going to be president for the Olympics. I’ll be president for the World Cup. And the 250th is going to be maybe more exciting than both,” Trump said. “It’s a great celebration of our country. We’re going to be using this building for a lot of the celebration.”
US president’s nomination comes after firing of agency head raised concerns about integrity of US government statistics.
United States President Donald Trump has tapped an economist from a conservative think tank to lead a key statistics agency after firing its previous head over her role in the release of weak employment figures.
Trump said on Monday that he had nominated EJ Antoni, the chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
“Our Economy is booming, and E.J. will ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE. I know E.J. Antoni will do an incredible job in this new role. Congratulations E.J.!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s nomination of Antoni, who requires confirmation by the US Senate, comes after his firing of Erika McEntarfer earlier this month raised concerns about US government statistics remaining credible and free of political influence.
Trump justified McEntarfer’s dismissal by claiming, without evidence, that the latest jobs report, which showed sharply slower jobs growth for May and June than previously estimated, had been “rigged” to make him look bad.
At the Heritage Foundation, Antoni, who had called for McEntarfer’s removal shortly before she was fired, has consistently showered Trump with praise.
After Trump’s announcement of a trade deal with Japan last month, Antoni described the agreement as “darn close” to perfect and the US president and his Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, as “artistic masters”.
Last week, Antoni said in a social media post that there were “better ways to collect, process, and disseminate” economic data, and that the next head of the BLS would need to deliver “accurate data in a timely manner” to rebuild trust in the agency.
Antoni and the Heritage Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Antoni’s nomination swiftly drew criticism from economists, who raised concerns about his qualifications and partisan leanings.
Jason Furman, an economist at Harvard Kennedy School who served as an adviser to former US President Barack Obama, called Antoni “completely unqualified”.
“He is an extreme partisan and does not have any relevant expertise. He would be a break from decades of nonpartisan technocrats,” Furman said in a post on X.
Erica Groshen, who led the BLS under Obama, voiced similar concerns.
“So far, what worries me is that the nominee and his work are not well known in the business, academic or public service communities,” Groshen told Al Jazeera.
Richard Madeley is among names remaining in roles on ITV programmes, like Good Morning Britain, despite a huge cull this summer – a bloodbath which will see more than 200 off-screen roles cut
03:13, 12 Aug 2025Updated 03:22, 12 Aug 2025
Susanna Reid’s job on Good Morning Britain is thought to be safe(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Backroom staff at ITV are reportedly “furious” to see “the little people get the boot” in favour of “the big names” amid the broadcaster’s bloodbath.
And the daytime cuts primarily affect tireless production staff, who work off screen. The consultation period, which will determine who will be the victims of these brutal financial cuts, has been underway for some months and employees are said to be angry with the situation.
Lorraine Kelly may quit next year, it is believed(Image: ITV)
One insider told Mail Online: “All the big names are staying while the little people get the boot. It is horrendous. You’d think if you wanted to save a big lump of cash you could get rid of some of the presenters. There are loads of them. But no, instead they’ve all been told they are safe.”
For now, everyone on Good Morning Britain and ITV News will continue their separate shows. This Morning’s presenters will also stay in situ. In response to this, he insider added: “The cuts will fall to those who earn pennies in comparison. When this was all announced, we thought some of the stars would go – and rightfully so. Some of them are rubbish. Rather than there being three or four backstage workers doing a certain job, there will be one – but there will still be loads of presenters.” The source did not identify names when using the word “rubbish”.
ITV has always said it has to slash costs. Some onscreen journalists are also facing the axe in a bid to balance the books, but it is thought none of the mainstay hosts are affected.
One presenter told Mail Online: “It’s awful to see, awful. These people work so hard and they’ve still lost their jobs. And where are they going to go?… The industry is getting smaller and smaller for production staff.”
Loose Women and Lorraine have also been decimated by the cuts, with presenters on the former facing the prospect of only being aired for 30 weeks a year. Lorraine, too, is going from 52 weeks a year to 30, as well as being cut back from an hour to just half an hour in transmission time.
Haiti has appointed businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr as the head of its transitional presidential council as the country continues to battle rampant gang violence, corruption and economic insecurity.
Saint-Cyr’s inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday at the Villa d’Accueil, a colonial-style mansion in a suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
“We must restore state authority,” Saint-Cyr said at the ceremony. “The challenges we face are certainly linked to insecurity, but they also are the result of our lack of courage, a lack of vision and our irresponsibility.”
But even the location of Saint-Cyr’s inauguration was a sign of the instability Haiti faced. The federal government has been largely displaced from downtown Port-au-Prince, where gangs control nearly 90 percent of the city.
On Thursday morning, one prominent gang leader, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, even pledged to disrupt Saint-Cyr’s inauguration.
“We have decided to march on the premier’s office and the Villa d’Accueil to end it all,” Cherizier said in a video posted online.
He called on Port-au-Prince’s residents to assist him and his fighters in their approach of the mansion: “People of Haiti, take care of yourselves and help us.”
But Cherizier was ultimately not successful. A security mission backed by the United Nations and led by Kenya issued a statement explaining that police officers had increased their patrols in the area.
“Armed gangs had plotted to disrupt national stability and render the country ungovernable,” the statement said, asserting that law enforcement had successfully deterred those efforts.
Supporters celebrate the appointment of Laurent Saint-Cyr to the transitional presidential council in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on August 7 [Odelyn Joseph/AP Photo]
Saint-Cyr’s appointment, however, has drawn scrutiny for what it symbolises in the conflict-torn country.
Both Saint-Cyr and Haiti’s prime minister, Alix-Didier Fils-Aime, are light-skinned, mixed-race businessmen who made their fortunes in the private sector. Saint-Cyr worked in the insurance industry, while Fils-Aime led an internet company.
The majority of Haitians, however, are Black, with only 5 percent of the population identifying as mixed race. The country itself is the poorest in Latin America.
Some critics fear the leadership of figures like Saint-Cyr could herald a slide backwards for Haiti’s government, where power has long been concentrated among the rich and lighter-skinned.
The country has not held a presidential election since 2016, and turmoil in the country increased following the 2021 assassination of Jovenel Moise.
Criminal networks have exploited the power vacuum to expand their own influence, while denouncing the remaining government leadership as inefficient and corrupt.
Though the presidential council was only formed in April 2024, by the end of that year, three of its members had been accused of corruption, though they denied wrongdoing.
The transitional presidential council is considered to be widely unpopular, and its nine members have been rotating into the leadership position.
Saint-Cyr is meant to be the final head of the council before it completes its task of holding a presidential election on February 7, 2026. At that point, Saint-Cyr and the council are expected to hand off power to the election’s victor.
Elections for roles in the federal government are expected to unfold in three stages, starting in November and ending with February’s presidential race. But critics warn gang violence could thwart those plans.
The United Nations estimates that 4,864 people in Haiti were killed from October 2024 to June of this year.
Threats of violence have forced essential services to shut down, including hospitals and roadways, and nearly 1.3 million people have been displaced from their homes.
The humanitarian situation in Haiti is considered among the most dire in the world, and Saint-Cyr called on the international community to respond with further resources.
“I invite all international partners to increase their support, send more soldiers, provide more training,” Saint-Cyr said at Thursday’s ceremony. “I am asking the security forces to intensify their operations.”
Ambassadors from several foreign countries were in attendance. He directed some of his remarks at them.
“Our country is going through one of the greatest crises in all its history,” Saint-Cyr said. “It’s not the time for beautiful speeches. It’s time to act.”
WASHINGTON — In past Olympic Games held on American soil, sitting presidents have served in passive, ceremonial roles. President Trump may have other plans.
An executive order signed by Trump on Tuesday names him chair of a White House task force on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, viewed by the president as “a premier opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism,” according to a White House statement. Trump, the administration said, “is taking every opportunity to showcase American greatness on the world stage.”
At the White House, speaking in front of banners adding the presidential seal to the logo for LA28, Trump said he would send the military back to Los Angeles if he so chose in order to protect the Games. In June, Trump sent the National Guard and U.S. Marines to the city amid widespread immigration enforcement actions, despite widespread condemnation from Mayor Karen Bass and other local officials.
“We’ll do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe, including using our National Guard or military, OK?” he said. “I will use the National Guard or the military. This is going to be so safe. If we have to.”
Trump’s executive order establishes a task force led by him and Vice President JD Vance to steer federal coordination for the Games. The task force will work with federal, state and local partners on security and transportation, according to the White House.
Those roles have been fairly standard for the federal government in past U.S.-hosted Olympic Games. But Trump’s news conference could present questions about whether a president with a penchant for showmanship might assume an unusually active role in planning the Olympics, set to take place in the twilight of his final term.
There is ample precedent for military and National Guard forces providing security support during U.S.-hosted Olympic Games. But coming on the heels of the recent military deployment to Los Angeles, Trump’s comments may prove contentious.
French president Emmanuel Macron was a key figure in preparations for last year’s Paris Games, including expressing his vocal support for the ambitious Olympic opening ceremony plan to parade athletes down the Seine River on boats. Many officials were concerned about potential threats along the 3.7-mile stretch, but authorities responded by increasing security measures that included up to 45,000 police officers and 10,000 soldiers.
The task force, to be housed within the Department of Homeland Security, will “assist in the planning and implementation of visa processing and credentialing programs for foreign athletes, coaches, officials, and media personnel,” the executive order said. City officials have expressed concern that the president’s border policies could deter international visitors and complicate visa processing for Olympic teams.
Tensions with L.A.
More concentrated involvement from Trump could spell further strain with Los Angeles city officials, who sought to make nice in the wake of devastating January fires, but have fiercely bucked Trump’s recent immigration offensive. Trump swiped at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during his remarks on Tuesday, calling her “not very competent” and criticizing the pace of city permitting for fire rebuilding. (Bass did not immediately respond to a request for comment.)
Known for her coalition-building skills, Bass is not, by nature, a public brawler. In the aftermath of the Palisades fire, she appeared determined to preserve her fragile relationship with the president — and the billions of dollars of federal aid her city was depending on — responding diplomatically even as he publicly attacked her.
But that determined cordiality crumbled when masked immigration agents and military personnel descended on the city. With troops stationed in the city and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal authorities arresting undocumented immigrants at courthouses, car washes and Home Depot parking lots, Bass took on Trump forcefully.
At news conferences and in interviews, she accused the president of waging “an all-out assault on Los Angeles, inciting chaos and fear and using the city as “a test case for an extremist agenda.”
Casey Wasserman, chairman of LA28, attended the White House event, thanking Trump for “leaning in” to planning for an Olympics that was awarded to Los Angeles during his first term.
“You’ve been supportive and helpful every step of the way,” Wasserman said, noting that the Games would amount to hosting seven Super Bowls a day for 30 days. “With the creation of this task force, we’ve unlocked the opportunity to level up our planning and deliver the largest, and yes, greatest Games for our nation, ever.”
Wasserman will also have a delicate political balancing act, managing a Games in a deep-blue city with a famously mercurial Republican president in office.
President Trump holds a full set of medals from the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles during Tuesday’s event at which he announced an executive order regarding federal involvement in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
(Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Associated Press)
A Hollywood scion and sports and entertainment mogul, Wasserman has long been a prominent Democratic donor known for his close relationship with the Clintons.
But in recent months he has diversified his giving, with hefty donations to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership fund. Wasserman has publicly praised Trump’s commitment to the Games and traveled to Mar-a-Lago in January to meet with the incoming president.
Presidents have long played a role in the Games. In 1984, Ronald Reagan formally opened the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first American president to do so. Reagan attended several Olympic events, but repeatedly emphasized the federal government’s role was focused on security, according to the White House Historical Assn.
The Olympic Charter requires the host country’s head of state to officially open the Games, but before Reagan, the duty had been fulfilled by local political leaders or vice presidents representing the president.
Ever-tightening security
The federal government has historically provided significant funding when the Games are hosted on U.S. soil, with financial support going toward both security and infrastructure.
Leading up to the 1996 Games in Atlanta, the federal government spent $227 million on security and transportation, playing “very much a junior partner” to the Olympic Committee, then-Vice President Al Gore said at the time. Still, a bombing at the Centennial Olympic Park during the games that summer shook the security establishment.
The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City were the first Games to be classified as a “National Special Security Event,” the government’s highest security rating for any event that designates the U.S. Secret Service as the lead agency for implementing security. That standard has remained in place for U.S.-held Olympic Games ever since. The Secret Service will also lead security coordination for the 2028 Games.
The federal government was particularly involved in the Salt Lake City games, which were held just months after the 9/11 attacks.
Los Angeles leaders are actively involved in the security planning, and are currently in negotiations with LA28 for the use of the city’s police, traffic officers, and other employees during the Olympics and Paralympics.
Security, trash removal, traffic control, paramedics and more will be needed during the 17-day Olympics and the two-week Paralympics the following month.
Under the2021 Games agreement between LA28 and the city, LA28 must reimburse Los Angeles for any services that go beyond what the city would provide on a normal day. The two parties must agree by Oct. 1, 2025, on “enhanced services” — additional city services needed for the Games, beyond that normal level — and determine rates, repayment timelines, audit rights and other processes.
Overtime for Los Angeles police officers, and any other major expenses, would be acutely felt by a city government that recentlyclosed a nearly $1-billion budget deficit, in part by slowing police hiring.
Wilner reported from Washington, Wick and Nguyen from Los Angeles. Times staff writer Dakota Smith contributed to this report.
ADRIAN LEWIS loves how the fearless Luke Littler behaves on the oche – and has no issue if his records are wiped out.
Littler, 18, heads Down Under this week to take part in World Series of Darts events in Australia and New Zealand.
3
Luke Littler completed the Triple Crown at the World MatchplayCredit: Getty
3
Adrian Lewis could make a darts comebackCredit: Getty
His last appearance on the oche saw him lift the Betfred World Matchplay – beating James Wade 18-13 in the final in Blackpool to complete the sport’s Triple Crown.
In the semi-finals, The Nuke hit a stunning nine-darter against Josh Rock and instead of going wild at the feat, he simply shrugged his shoulders.
Almost like Lewis, 40, used to do after perfect legs, as if to say: ‘Well, what else do you expect from someone as talented as me?’
When the tournament was over, Littler had hit 64 180s across five games, eight more maximums than the previous record of 56 set by Jackpot in 2013.
Far from feeling angry or jealous, Lewis approves of the audacity of Littler’s antics, saying: “I love it. Anything like that, I think it’s great for the game, you need characters.
“I have said it for years, I do believe that, and Luke is certainly one of them.
“First of all, him reaching the world final on his first appearance at Ally Pally was unbelievable.
“To do what he has done since, becoming world champion and still maintaining his form, he’s a credit to himself, his family and the sport.
“The sport is in good hands. The two Lukes, and Josh Rock, they are all very professional, they do their jobs.
“That is what darts needs. It is becoming more and more professional as time goes on.
Luke Littler takes part in annual fishing competition
“The Matchplay was definitely up there. The standard of it throughout was brilliant.
“Luke Littler hitting a nine-darter always helped. The semis-finals and final made it a great, great tournament.”
Later this month, Lewis will mark his return to televised darts – after a near two-and-half year absence.
The two-time world champion last threw competitive darts in front of the cameras at the PDC’s UK Open in 2023 at Butlin’s Minehead.
After that tournament, he decided to walk away from the sport for family reasons and having fallen out of love with the game.
His wife Sarah has “an incurable kidney disease” and his son “has autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)”, which has meant his full-time concentration and care.
His comeback will be the MODUS Super Series in Portsmouth at 10pm on Thursday August 28 – and should it all go well, he may attend PDC Q School in January.
If he regains his professional Tour Card, he will be reunited with old sparring partner Wade, who turned back the clock to reach the Matchplay final last month against expectation
Stoke-born Lewis said: “I don’t think James dropped below a 100 average all the way through the tournament, which takes some doing itself.
“To still do that after he has been playing for 20-odd years, he’s a credit to the sport as well. I think he is very underlooked a lot of the time.
“Certainly, to me he has been the best finisher in the world over the last 20 years.
“He deserves more respect, definitely. That might put him in the Premier League next year, which he thoroughly deserves as well.
“He will just go from strength to strength and get more and more confidence.
“Obviously he reached another final and I think he can do big things again.”
3
Littler hit a nine-darter in the semi-final before seeing off James Wade to clinch the Matchplay titleCredit: Getty
