If you’re thinking of visiting a European Christmas market, this one isn’t well-known, but is packed with festive activities. Thanks to a special themed train, even the journey there is fun
Arezzo’s Christmas market will have a cosy traditional vibe(Image: Arezzo Intour Foundation)
While there are loads of incredible Christmas markets in the UK, visiting one in Europe is a whole other experience. Many European Christmas markets are bigger, and they often have unique features that make for a memorable festive outing.
One market that’s bound to appeal to Christmas-enthusiasts is in Arezzo, Italy, a historic city that’s surrounded by Tuscan hills and can be found just over an hour’s train ride from Rome.
While this train ride is already a picturesque journey, in the run up to Christmas the train company La Ferroviaria Italiana (LFI) will run their Espresso Assisi service with trains decked out in festive decorations. There will also be Christmas music playing, and a “small gift” for each passenger, getting you into the spirit of the season.
Once you arrive, you can browse a vast Christmas market in the heart of this charming medieval city. Arezzo’s Piazza Grande will host the Tyrolean Village market from November 15 to December 28, which is based on the traditional markets of the northern region of Tyrol, as well as having German and Austrian influences. Browse the small wooden huts and find hand-crafted items from handblown baubles to nativity figurines.
Visit between November 15 and January 6 and there’s also an additional Art Market, which will be full of artisanal crafts, as well as offering local speciality food stalls. The market opens until 9pm on some dates, which means you can see the streets lit-up after dark.
Arezzo will also have an ice rink, again with late opening hours, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere at night. After sunset, visit La Luna di Natale (Christmas moon), a giant model of the moon that lights up. You can also take a stroll through Il Bosco delle Emozioni (the forest of emotions), a Christmas light trail surrounded by pine trees with free entry. Or hop on the Ferris wheel for amazing views of the city.
The Arezzo Christmas Bus Tour is also a good way to explore the city. This small electric bus takes you through the narrow streets and squares, with the tour taking 40-minutes and costing 12 euros (approx. £10.57).
If you’re planning to stay in the picturesque spot for a little longer, you can also visit Arezzo Cathedral, which sits on a hilltop and has spectacular frescoes and stained glass. There’s also the Basilica di San Francesco, which is home of the famous Legends of the True Cross frescoes, which date back to early Renaissance times.
Casa Vasari is also a great place to see Renaissance artworks, sculptures, and more. Set in a historic home that once belonged to artist Giorgio Vasari, this collection includes his own works from the 16th-century, as well as artists he collaborated with.
Ryanair offer flights to Rome from London Stansted from just £18 one way, with flight times of two hours 45 minutes. You can also fly with airlines including Jet2, whose Manchester to Rome flights clock in at three hours and start at £35 each way.
The three other options tabled by the WRU include two proposals suggesting a reduction in one side by keeping three teams. These choices are now seriously being considered by the WRU board.
Cardiff are owned by the WRU after the side temporarily went into administration in April.
With WRU chief executive Abi Tierney having already said she cannot see a situation where professional rugby would not be played in the Welsh capital, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets will be nervously watching what happens.
Reddin says he hopes a consensus could be reached if regions needed to be cut, with mergers an option.
Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley says he can not imagine any possible merger with west Wales rivals Scarlets – that prospect having previously come close in 2019.
“I credit myself as a rather imaginative person but even I can’t imagine that,” Bradley told BBC Radio Wales Sport.
“I can’t see how it could work. It was proposed a few years ago but there would be so many barriers to it now, that I find it very hard to imagine.”
Bradley says he hopes to have some clarity by the end of October.
“We have been working closely with the WRU but at the end of the day it will be them who has to make the decision,” said Bradley.
“We have had a lot of conversations and they have been constructive.
“We felt that in a meeting we had with Dave Reddin that he genuinely listened to what we said and we hope that will be taken on board.”
Many of the treks to reach the San Gabriel Mountains’ highest peaks are arduous slogs up steep hillsides, all-day affairs that, while rewarding, are not simple day hikes.
But then there’s Throop Peak (pronounced “troop”).
Reachable via a four-mile, round-trip hike over moderate terrain, this 9,138-foot summit offers panoramic views of Los Angeles County and beyond, with some hikers reportedly seeing not only the Pacific Ocean but also Death Valley from this mountaintop.
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A few reminders before we dive in:
Always check the weather before leaving, especially right now when L.A.’s weather patterns are flip-flopping between autumnal 🍂 and summer. 🥵
Pack more water than you think you need; there is none on this trail (although Little Jimmy and Lamel Springs — seasonal water options — are nearby).
Print this form, place it on your vehicle’s dash and remember to share a digital copy with a loved one before you leave.
A view of Mount Lewis and the Antelope Valley from the trail near Throop Peak.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
You’ll start your trek to Throop Peak at Dawson Saddle, a mountain pass that’s about an hour-and-a-half northeast of downtown L.A. There are no toilets at the trailhead, so make sure to stop beforehand if needed, perhaps at the nearby Jarvi Vista Overlook, which you’ll pass if you’re taking Angeles Crest Highway to reach the trail.
A view of the Antelope Valley, including Three Sisters and Black Butte, from the Dawson Saddle trail.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
You’ll find the trailhead across the highway from a large maintenance shed. Please take good care as you head up the first third of a mile of the trail, which is narrow and slippery. Hiking poles would be helpful here.
Need to catch your breath as you get acclimated? Turn and appreciate the immediate views of the Antelope Valley to the north!
Soon, you’ll reach a ridgeline that you’ll take south past fallen logs, green pine trees and thick manzanita. From here, about half a mile in, you can look to the southeast and see where you’re headed. Throop Peak will be already visible! The trail is fairly moderate from here.
The trail to Throop Peak includes a lush segment through pine forest.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
About 1.25 miles in, you will notice on your map that you can take one of two paths to reach the summit.
Mostly out of curiosity, I took the more direct route: a third of a mile up steep terrain where I crushed over sandy, rocky soil that at times was unstable. I wished I had trekking poles, but in what seems to be my curse, I forgot them at home (again!).
Just before reaching the summit, I followed the path through a thick stand of manzanita. I crossed through, although doing so always gives me the willies because snakes love shady shrubs.
The other path to the summit is twice as long, but only two-thirds of a mile, so still a short jaunt. With either path, you will gain just over 460 feet in elevation, and either path will reward you with increasingly stunning views.
I was blown away when I reached the summit, quickly noticing nearby Mt. Baden Powell, which I’ve hiked many times. Farther out, I observed layers of mountains seemingly stacked against each other, like views a painter using aerial or atmospheric perspective employs to show depth.
Layers of peaks visible from the Throop Peak summit.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
I read the plaque at the summit that identifies its namesake, Amos G. Throop, founder of “Throop University in 1891,” which eventually became CalTech. (For transparency, Throop founded a Universalist group in Pasadena that exists now as the church I attend; hence I knew how to pronounce the peak’s name.)
The official and unofficial signs that mark the summit of Throop Peak.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
One of the nice parts of this hike is that it isn’t terribly crowded. I encountered only five people and three dogs on my late afternoon hike last week. I had the summit to myself, which meant I could sit and really appreciate not only the surrounding vistas but also its native plants, including thick patches of yellow rabbitbrush, some lupine and maybe a bit of San Bernardino beardtongue, if my plant identification app is correct.
If you’d like to continue hiking, you have the option — as long as you have a good map — to keep hiking, hitting Mt. Baden Powell, Mt. Hawkins or any number of other surrounding peaks.
On my way down, I listened to two Clark’s nutcrackers calling back and forth to each other, and then later, the echoing squawks of ravens communicating as they foraged together.
The view from Throop Peak, a less popular hike in Angeles National Forest.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
Given its short distance, moderate difficulty level and high payoff, this is one of my new favorite hikes. I’d like to return soon with friends to watch the moon rise from the summit, as the clear views to the east offer excellent opportunity for that. With every new adventure comes inspiration for the next one. May you find the same!
Throop Peak via Dawson Saddle Distance: 4 miles Elevation gained: About 1,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed? Yes Accessible alternative: For desert vibes, the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve; for views, Mount Wilson Observatory
3 things to do
Beachgoers enjoying the sun at Bluebird beach.
(Jacqueline Pinedo / Los Angeles Times)
1. Hunt for “trashure” along L.A’s coastline The California Coastal Commission’s annual coastal cleanup day will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, with cleanup events across the coastline. Several volunteer events are scheduled in L.A. County from Malibu to Long Beach. This year, volunteers can participate in what the commission has dubbed the “world’s largest scavenger hunt.” Various “trashure,” which can be redeemed for prizes including hotel stays, sporting event tickets and gift cards, will be hidden at cleanup sites. Learn more and sign up at coastal.ca.gov.
2. Begin your birding journey in Huntington Beach Bolsa Chica Conservancy in Huntington Beach will host a beginner birder workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at its interpretative center (3842 Warner Ave.). Participants will learn how to use binoculars and how to spot and identify local birds. The class is $20 per person. Space is limited. Sign up at bolsachica.org.
3. Hike near herons in Harbor City Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks will host a nature hike from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday through Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park in Harbor City. Ryan Kinzel, the park department’s junior urban ecologist, will guide participants on this free trek near Machado Lake, home to more than 300 species of migratory birds, including multiple species of herons. Register at eventbrite.com, although walkups are welcome.
The must-read
A coyote at Ayala Cove located on Angel Island, a state park in the San Francisco Bay Area, on Aug. 29.
(California State Parks)
At first, the dog-like creature swimming through the San Francisco Bay looked to be a seal or sea lion. Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth reported that onlookers, including seasoned wildlife scientists, were amazed to discover that it was instead a coyote, swimming a quarter mile off the coast of Angel Island. Coyotes have lived at Angel Island State Park since 2017, when scientists observed the first one to arrive. That ’yote may have howled enough pleas for companionship across the bay to entice more to join it. Brett Furnas, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, pointed out that the coyote recently spotted was swimming away from the island. “That’s consistent with dispersal,” he said. “I think some of those coyotes are now saying, ‘Hey, we want our own territory,’ and they’re trying to swim back to Marin.”
Happy adventuring,
P.S.
Our local parks are for everyone. That’s why it’s so important that as many residents as possible weigh in on the city of Los Angeles Park Needs Assessment. Is your community in dire need of green spaces? Does your local park need better lighting? What’s missing? What’s your dream for your neighborhood park? You can submit your comments at needs.parks.lacity.gov to help shape the future of our green spaces and more. On the website, you can also learn about when the next community meeting is scheduled near you.
For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.
This ultra-secluded British beach features red sand, cliffs and breath-taking coastal views. The one catch? It can only be entered through a centuries-old tunnel
Visitors can enter Ness Cove through the Smuggler’s Tunnel(Image: Visit South Devon)
If you’re looking to enter this stunning British beach you’ll have to go through a secret tunnel first.
Ness Cove in Shaldon, near Exeter looks like it was dreamt up in a storybook: a secluded beach, tall red cliffs and a secreted entrance. As one of Devon’s best kept secrets, many don’t even notice it’s there until they stumble through the dark, hidden tunnel and are greeted by the stunning view.
Known as the Smugglers Tunnel, it was thought to have been used by smugglers transporting their goods from the boats to the village in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, little else is known about its origins. It appears as a small entrance built into the rocky wall and, once inside, the passage is dark and winding, lit only by a string of lights on the ceiling.
Regardless, this special feature only adds to the beach’s draw. While England’s southwest is normally filled with day-trippers and tourists, particularly in the warmer months, Ness Cove offers a rare feeling of privacy.
The beach is further protected by the fact that it takes a bit of a walk to get there. There are 86 steps, with the tunnel taking around five minutes, and at the end you’re met by a steep drop (which means a tough trek back up).
However, the reward is an untouched, quiet beach, featuring soft red sand. The surrounding cliffs also keep it well-sheltered, meaning it’s often warmer than other spots around the coast.
This secret beach can only be entered through a tunnel(Image: Visit South Devon)
Since the beach is so concealed, you’re also protected from the noise of traffic, leaving you to enjoy the view in relative peace. Although, it is important to note that if you want to use the toilet, you will have to head back through the tunnel.
One TripAdvisor reviewer described the cove as “a hidden gem”. They wrote: “The access to the cove is through a tunnel. I was a bit apprehensive to go there but it was well lit and easy enough although we were a bit out of breath climbing up about 86 steps.
“Once you come out of the tunnel you are greeted with a most beautiful secluded cove with fresh water streams running down from the cliff and gentle waves of the sea in front. Not windy as it is protected by the cliffs on three sides.”
Another reviewer remarked on how quiet it was. They said: “The five-minute walk through the tunnel itself is it’s very own experience, but absolutely worth it for the views at the end.
“The beach is hidden away between two cliffs, but a great place to visit and a lot quieter than the surrounding tourist beaches.”
Investors have ridden an incredible recovery from the April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff surprises. Since the April 8 low, the Nasdaq Composite(^IXIC 1.88%) has appreciated an incredible 40%. And of course, that recovery has taken place amid a decade-long bull market in technology growth stocks.
It’s easy to understand why. Society is becoming more digital and automated. The last 10 years have seen the emergence of cloud computing, streaming video, digital advertising, the pandemic-era boom in electronic devices and work-from-home, all topped off by the introduction of generative artificial intelligence (AI) marked by the unveiling of ChatGPT in late 2022.
However, after a long tech bull market, technology growth stocks have reached a worrying valuation level relative to other stocks, and today’s relative overvaluation mirrors an infamous period in stock market history.
Echoes of the dot-com era?
In several ways, technology stock performance and valuations are currently mirroring the extremes of the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. Unfortunately, we all know how that period ended, with a terrible “bust” that sent the Nasdaq tumbling three years in a row, eventually culminating in a 78% drawdown from the March 10, 2000, peak.
Technology innovation can be very exciting; however, that excitement often finds itself in the form of high valuations. According to data published on Charlie Bilello’s State of the Markets blog, the technology sector’s recent outperformance has now exceeded that of the height of the dot-com bubble:
The relative outperformance isn’t the only mirror to the dot-com era. Back then, tech stocks also became very large, leading to an outperformance of large stocks relative to small stocks. Similarly, tech stocks are often growth stocks with high multiples, reflecting enthusiasm over their future prospects. This is in contrast to value stocks, which trade at low multiples, usually due to their more modest growth prospects.
As you can see below, the outperformance of large stocks to small stocks, as well as growth stocks to value stocks, is at highs last seen during the dot-com boom.
Given that higher-valued tech stocks now make up a larger portion of the index, the Schiller price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which adjusts for cyclicality in earnings over 10 years, while not quite at the levels of 1999, has crept up to the highest level since 1999, roughly matching the level from 2021:
As we all know, 2022 was also a terrible year for tech stocks. While it didn’t see a multiyear crash akin to the dot-com bust, 2022 saw the Nasdaq decline 33.1% on the year. Of course, at the end of 2022, ChatGPT came out, somewhat saving the tech sector as the AI revolution kicked off.
Counterpoints to the bubble thesis
Thus, when compared to history, tech stocks are at worrying levels. Given the similarities to the 1999 dot-com bubble and the 2021 pandemic bubble, some may think it’s time to panic and sell; however, there are also a few counter-narratives to consider.
The first is that, unlike in 1999, today’s technology giants are mostly truly diversified, cash-rich behemoths that account for a greater and greater percentage of today’s gross domestic product (GDP). While the late 1990s certainly had its leaders — including Microsoft(MSFT 0.56%), the only market leader that is in the same position today as then — they weren’t really anything like today’s tech giants, with robust cloud businesses, global scale, diversified income streams, and tremendous amounts of cash.
While market concentration in the top three weightings tends to occur before market downturns, index weighting concentration appears to be somewhat of a long-term trend now, increasing beyond prior highs in 1999 and 2008 since 2019.
Image source: Charlie Bilello State of the Markets blog.
Thus, it seems a higher weighting of the “Magnificent Seven” stocks could be a feature of today’s economy, rather than an aberration.
While it’s true that some of today’s large companies are overvalued, given their underlying strength and resilience, it’s perhaps not abnormal for them to garner higher-than-normal valuation multiples.
What investors should do now
It’s important to know that while taking note of market levels is important, it is extremely difficult to time market downturns. Famed investor Peter Lynch once said, “Far more money has been lost by investors preparing for corrections, or trying to anticipate corrections, than has been lost in corrections themselves.”
So, one shouldn’t abandon one’s long-term investing plan just because overall market levels may be frothy. That being said, if you need a certain amount of cash in the next one to two years, it may be a good idea to keep that money in cash or Treasury bills until then, rather than the stock market.
Furthermore, if you have a regular, methodical investing plan, stick to it. But if you are consistently adding to your portfolio every month or quarter, you may want to look at small caps, non-tech sectors, and value stocks today, rather than adding to large technology companies.
Hamas accepts latest ceasefire proposal; Israel escalates military action.
Israeli attacks around Gaza City are escalating – while diplomatic efforts intensify.
Hamas has accepted the latest proposal from Egypt and Qatar. But Israel has yet to respond.
So, as international pressure mounts, can a ceasefire be reached?
Presenter: Adrian Finighan
Guests:
Daniel Levy – President of the US/Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator
Omar Rahman – Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs in Washington, DC
Muhammad Shehada – Visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, where he investigates human rights violations in his native Gaza and the occupied West Bank
New York City, the US: Swinging around a tree mimicking the signature open-arm lean of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, Zohran Mamdani asks, “Hey! Have you ever voted before?” An enthusiastic group of Hindi/Urdu-speaking New Yorkers respond: “Yes!”
In the June 4 video posted on X, the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist member of the New York State Assembly then explains ranked choice voting using mango lassi, a yoghurt-based drink from the Punjab region of India, amid clips from popular Bollywood films and scores.
This is just one example of the kinds of videos populating Mamdani’s social media leading up to his 56 percent win in the New York City mayoral Democratic primary on July 1.
Mamdani was relatively unknown before the primary election, polling as low as one percent in an Emerson College survey in February 2025. But his grassroots campaign mobilised a multicultural coalition of voters, in part, by speaking directly to them — in their native tongue.
The government of New York state estimates that New Yorkers speak more than 800 languages, and as many as 2.5 million struggle with communicating in English. Experts, however, say Mamdani successfully used his skills in multiple languages to appeal to voters who often are not targeted by mainstream election campaigns, highlighting policy proposals targeting voters’ biggest concerns, like affordability.
Moments after ranked-choice voting totals were finalised, Mamdani’s team posted a campaign message garnering more than 5.7 million views on X alone, explaining a five-point breakdown of “What We Won on Election Day”: Trump voters, Adams voters, new voters, coalitions and turnout.
“Most campaigns focus on ‘triple primes’ – New Yorkers who voted in the last three primaries,” said Mamdani. “But this strategy ignored most of our city. We knew we could turn them out if they saw themselves in our policies.”
Speaking between clips of himself using Hindi, Urdu and Spanish, Mamdani explained, “We ran a campaign that tried to talk to every New Yorker, whether I could speak their language or simply tried. And the coalition that came out on Tuesday reflected the mosaic of these five boroughs.”
Among the areas Mamdani won by large margins were South Asian neighbourhoods such as City Line, Ozone Park and Jamaica Hills; Latino neighbourhoods including Corona, Washington Heights, Pelham Bay and Woodhaven; and Chinese communities in Flushing, Chinatown and Bensonhurst.
A Ugandan-born South Asian Muslim immigrant himself, Mamdani speaks both Hindi and Urdu – a fluency that allowed him to extend his reach to voters through social media videos.
Soniya Munshi, associate professor in urban studies and adviser to Asian-American community studies at Queens College, told Al Jazeera that these types of videos worked as conversation starters through Bollywood references that span the decades – from the 1970s onwards – recognisable to many South Asian diasporas of different ages and with different pathways to the US.
“I saw his Hindi/Urdu video move from Instagram to text chats among second-generation South Asians to WhatsApp family threads to discussions about Zohran’s platform for an affordable NYC,” said Munshi, who herself is a second-generation South Asian New Yorker. “These videos opened up a bigger conversation with friends, families and communities about our experiences, our conditions, our own hopes for the city we call home, and they also moved voters to come out for Mamdani.”
Cultural references and direct messaging
More than half of New York City’s South Asian population is of Indian descent, but Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities have seen the most growth over the past two decades. South Asians now make up 22.5 percent of the city’s Asian population, most of them immigrants. Mamdani’s campaign materials – in Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Bengali and other languages – spoke directly to immigrant New Yorkers about the material issues affecting their lives.
“It’s critical to note the significance of Mamdani’s videos in Hindi/Urdu and Bangla,” said Munshi. “These two communities are among those with the highest levels of limited English proficiency households, essential workers, and poverty rates of all immigrant groups in NYC … Ultimately, what made these South Asian language videos so powerful was the culturally relevant references combined with the direct message of his vision and platform.”
Chowdury Md Moshin, 68, a native of Bangladesh who now lives in Jackson Heights, sat in Travers Park on a warm late June day reading a newspaper, his stark white hair and shirt contrasting with the bright green of the swaying trees around him.
A speaker of Bengali or Bangla himself, Moshin appreciated hearing from a mayoral candidate speaking a language he understands.
“I think he will be a good mayor and will make New York City cleaner,” said Moshin. “I love him.”
In one of the videos posted during the final push before the Democratic primary election, Mamdani demonstrated ranked-choice voting with Council Member Shahana Hanif’s 39th New York City Council District, using a plate of mishti doi, a sweet yoghurt dessert from the Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent.
“His Bangla-language video with Shahana Hanif, the first Bangladeshi Muslim woman to serve as city councilperson in NYC, was also significant,” said Munshi. “Bangla is not a South Asian language Mamdani is fluent in, and we see him making a good effort to speak with Hanif about the election.”
The digital agency behind this content, as well as Mamdani’s first viral video with over 3.5 million views on X, is called Melted Solids. The Brooklyn-based collective, founded in 2019 by Anthony DiMieri and Debbie Saslaw, has worked with Mamdani on various campaigns since as early as 2021.
In an interview with Adweek, Saslaw spoke to the 2025 primary, saying, “I’m [a] marketer and storyteller, and what I thought was necessary and needed in the political space was the ability to speak to regular New Yorkers, like using advertising … as a vessel to hear their concerns.”
Mara Einstein, digital marketing critic and author of Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults, told Al Jazeera that, “They [Melted Solids] know him, which is why they could produce content that conveyed his specific voice.”
“They are also not a traditional agency,” added Einstein. “What Melted Solids did that was different is get rid of the red, white, and blue colour scheme that has dominated political campaigns. Purple and yellow/gold [colours used by Mamdani’s campaign for flyers, signs and branding] is striking and unexpected. The typography harkens back to grocery store signs, giving it a neighbourhood-y, everyman feel.”
Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s digital marketing agency used purple and gold to brand his campaign, breaking away from traditional red and blue colours [File: Richard Drew/AP]
‘I like how he talks’
For a campaign run on affordability and reaching every New Yorker, this analysis bodes well. But ultimately, experts say that Mamdani’s social media engagement performed well because his vision and platform were at the core of all of his content.
“The social media content was delightful to watch, well-produced, and engaging, but what was most important was that it had substance,” said Munshi. “It gave us something to talk about that was bigger than Mamdani as an individual or even his campaign. It activated something at a collective level.”
Outside the polls in Woodside on election day, Munshi asked an older Spanish-speaking Latina woman whom she planned to vote for. The woman reached into her purse, pulled out a worn Working Families Party flyer, and pointed to Mamdani’s face. “Him,” she said. “I like how he talks.”
“To me, this indicated that Mamdani’s communication wasn’t just about the language he is speaking in,” said Munshi. “But how he used language – clear, simple, focused, relatable to New Yorkers who are concerned with their everyday needs in this city.”
With five months until the general election, Mamdani and Melted Solids still have work to do as they face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is backed by US President Donald Trump.
But if former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s failed 2025 mayoral bid – backed by $25m raised by the super PAC Fix the City – is any indication, Einstein said, “No marketing, no matter how good it is, can sell a bad product. Cuomo is evidence of that.”
“We’re very, very unhappy with them,” Trump said. “And we’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days.”
Trump shared this during a meeting and press conference in the Oval Office Monday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in which he also explained how American weapons will now head to Ukraine.
“We’ve made a deal today where we are going to be sending them weapons and they’re going to be paying for them,” Trump said, reiterating what he had said Sunday to the press at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on the same subject.
“The United States will not be having any payment made,” Trump added. “We’re not buying it but we will manufacture it and they’re going to be paying for it.”
Trump also explained some weaponry, including Patriot missile systems, will be in Ukraine “very soon, within days,” and that the arms would first arrive in NATO countries before being transferred to Ukraine.
Rutte added that the process will run through NATO’s system, and that Ukraine will receive what it requires. “It will mean that Ukraine can get its hands on really massive numbers of military equipment,” he explained. “For air defense, missiles, ammunition, etc.”
“So if I were Vladimir Putin today,” Rutte continued, “I would reconsider if I should take negotiations with Ukraine more seriously.”
Travel influencer Chloe Lawford shared a video of the picture-perfect beach she visited in the UK that’s only accessible via a network of historic tunnels
This hidden gem is perfect for a sunny day this summer(Image: Getty)
Finding postcard-worthy beaches in the UK might seem like a tough task. Nevertheless, wanderlust spirit Chloe Lawford, a travel blogger, has discovered a stunning, secluded coastal gem that’s just perfect for those warm summer days. Situated behind a historical network of tunnels, this hideaway boasts crystal-clear waters and an atmosphere of tranquillity.
This year, the avid adventurer made her way to this enchanting spot for a relaxed seaside picnic and a refreshing dip, resulting in a truly breathtaking excursion. Documenting her experience on TikTok (@chloelawfordtravels), she disclosed: “After paying a small fee to enter, you access the beach through these long tunnels.
“The first set of tunnels leads you out to the Gentleman’s Beach, which is on the left and there is a wedding venue here. But you can continue going through more tunnels to get to the Ladies Beach on the right.
“This was the more popular beach and it’s where the swimming pool normally is when the tide is out. But we opted to head back up to the Gentleman’s Beach as it was much quieter and it was like our own private little beach.”
Chloe enthusiastically recommends Tunnels Beaches, hidden away on the Ilfracombe coastline in Devon, reports the Express. Conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Exeter, this idyllic destination is also close to other noteworthy locations such as Woolacombe and Wildersmouth Beach.
Niche Museums sheds light on the history of Tunnels Beaches, dating back to the 1820s when droves of Welsh miners took two years to hew six tunnels into the Ilfracombe hillside.
Tunnels Beaches is hidden on the other side of a mesmerising tunnel network built in the 1820s(Image: Getty)
This massive undertaking was part of North Devon’s initiative to cement its reputation as an ideal holiday locale, creating pathways for tourists to tread or coach their way to the seaside.
Currently, adult admission to Tunnels Beaches is modestly priced at £3.75 for those aged 16 and up, whilst tiny tots under three enjoy free entry. Prices for children aged three to 15 are set at an affordable £3.
Budget-conscious visitors can take advantage of the discounts on offer for students and seniors, not forgetting the family deals available to sweeten the deal – though do note, they only accept card payments on-site.
“It was such a lovely day and the water was super clear,” enthused Chloe, sharing her experience. “[…]We had a little picnic and then went for a swim, although there were lots of jellyfish in the water, so we didn’t brave too long of a swim and we sort of had a quick dip.
“However, it was still super refreshing. If you find yourself in Devon, don’t miss out on popping by this beach when the sun’s beaming down.”
Chloe’s glowing recommendation swiftly turned heads on TikTok, with numerous others on the platform echoing praise for the site’s splendour.
A resident nearby commented: “This is down the bottom of my road, I have a season ticket and spend every day I can there! Bliss.”
Meanwhile, a second person shared their own memories, exclaiming: “Omg I’ve been there it was so cool but more rocky then sandy.”
United States President Donald Trump says that Iran and Israel have agreed to a “complete and total” ceasefire that will come into effect in the coming hours.
Trump’s announcement on Monday came shortly after an Iranian missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base hosting US troops in Qatar.
“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR,’” Trump said in a social media post.
“This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”
Neither Israel nor Iran has confirmed the agreement.
On June 8, United States President Donald Trump praised the California National Guard for its response to Los Angeles immigration enforcement protests.
“Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest,” he wrote on Truth Social at 02:41 EDT, Eastern Daylight Time, (06:41 GMT) on Tuesday. He ended the post, “Thank you to the National Guard for a job well done!”
But the National Guard had not yet arrived in Los Angeles, according to news reports and a spokesperson for the California governor.
The protests in downtown Los Angeles began on June 6 in response to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared the protests an “unlawful assembly” the same evening and began using tear gas, rubber bullets and other deterrents.
Protests continued throughout the weekend, with reports of vandalism, burning cars and looting. Trump announced on June 7 that he was deploying 2,000 California National Guard members, an action that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, both Democrats, criticised as an unnecessary escalation.
Less than an hour after Trump’s Truth Social post, Bass said the National Guard was not on scene. “Just to be clear, the National Guard has not been deployed in the City of Los Angeles,” she wrote on X.
Later that morning, Newsom criticised Trump’s post praising the National Guard by pointing out the timeline discrepancy.
“For those keeping track, Donald Trump’s National Guard had not been deployed on the ground when he posted this,” Newsom wrote on X.
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a Newsom spokesperson, told PolitiFact the National Guard deployed on June 8 between 02:00 PDT, Pacific Daylight Time, and 04:00 PDT, which is 05:00 EDT to 07:00 EDT (09:00 GMT to 11:00 GMT).
The first media reports of California National Guard troops on the ground in Los Angeles were on June 8 at about 06:00 PDT, or about 09:00 EDT (13:00 GMT). Here’s what we know about the timeline of California National Guard troop activation and arrival.
June 8 timeline
00:51 EDT (04:51 GMT): United States Northern Command, a Department of Defense sector that assists with National Guard oversight, said on X that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “directed US Northern Command to assume command of 2,000 California National Guard forces to protect federal personnel and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area”. The post said active-duty US Marines might also be called to respond.
02:41 EDT (06:41 GMT): Trump praised the National Guard for a “great job”, criticised Newsom and Bass, and described the protests as violent unrest.
03:22 EDT (07:22 GMT): Bass posted on X that the National Guard was not yet present.
04:32 EDT (08:32 GMT): CNN reported it had “seen no evidence that Guard units are on the ground”.
Between 05:00 EDT and 07:00 EDT (09:00 GMT-11:00 GMT): The National Guard deployed during this timeframe, according to Crofts-Pelayo.
About 09:00 EDT (13:00 GMT): The Washington Post reported that the earliest photos and videos of National Guard members arriving in Los Angeles were captured around this time, which was 06:00 PDT, or 09:00 EDT (13:00 GMT).
11:03 EDT (15:03 GMT): US Northern Command reported that members of the California National Guard had arrived in Los Angeles: “Can confirm that elements of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the California National Guard have begun deploying to the Los Angeles area, with some already on the ground.”
12:07 EDT (16:07 GMT): US Northern Command announced that 300 members of the California National Guard were deployed to three locations in the Los Angeles area.
12:08 EDT (16:08 GMT): The California National Guard members gathered near the Metropolitan Detention Centre in downtown LA, the Los Angeles Times reported.
12:17 EDT (16:17 GMT): The LAPD announced that the National Guard had been deployed to federal facilities.
About 13:30 EDT (17:30 GMT): The New York Times reported that at 10:30 PDT, “nearly 300 members of the California Guard took positions at three different sites around the city”.
KABC-TV, a local news channel, reported that National Guard members had appeared in downtown Los Angeles and posted video of troops driving through the city of Paramount.
12:29 EDT (18:29 GMT): US Northern Command posted photos of California National Guard members in LA, working with the Department of Homeland Security.
17:06 EDT (21:06 GMT): Trump said he directed federal agencies to coordinate their response to the Los Angeles protests.
18:27 EDT (22:27 GMT): Newsom posted that he “formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles County and return them to [his] command”.
20:03 EDT (00:03 GMT): US Northern Command shared a press release on X announcing that approximately 2,000 members of the California National Guard had been “placed under federal command” to be ready to assist in efforts against LA protests. It reiterated that 300 members of the California Army National Guard were deployed at three locations.
22:23 EDT (02:23 GMT): Newsom said in an MSNBC interview that he would file a lawsuit against Trump for taking over the California National Guard.
PolitiFact researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has reached an agreement with City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to find the money to reverse the cuts to police hiring made last month by the council.
On Friday, Bass signed the 2025-26 budget approved by the council, which reworked much of her plan for closing a $1-billion shortfall. Among the council’s changes to the mayor’s spending plan was a reduction in the number of police officers hired in the coming fiscal year, which would drop from 480 to 240.
The following day, as part of her signing announcement, the mayor highlighted the separate deal with Harris-Dawson to ensure that “council leadership will identify funds for an additional 240 recruits within 90 days.” The budget year begins July 1.
The money for the additional officers would be allocated within the 90-day deadline, said Bass spokesperson Zach Seidl.
“No one got everything they wanted,” Harris-Dawson said in a statement. “There is still more work ahead, especially our commitment to work with the Mayor to identify the funds for an additional 240 recruits within 90 days.”
Restoring the 240 police recruits would require the council to free up an additional $13.3 million for the coming year. In 2026-27, the cost of those officers — who would be working their first full year — would grow to about $60 million, according to a city estimate.
Bass proposed a budget in April that called for laying off about 1,600 civilian city workers, one-fourth of them at the LAPD. The council voted last month to reduce the layoff number to around 700, in part by scaling back the mayor’s hiring plans at the LAPD and the Los Angeles Fire Department.
During their deliberations, council members said a slowdown in the hiring of police officers would protect the jobs of other workers at the LAPD, including civilian specialists who handle DNA rape kits, fingerprint analysis and other investigative tasks.
Bass, in her statement, thanked the council for “coming together on this deal as we work together to make Los Angeles safer for all.” She said the budget invests in emergency response, homeless services, street repairs, parks, libraries and other programs.
“This budget has been delivered under extremely difficult conditions — uncertainty from Washington, the explosion of liability payments, unexpected rising costs and lower than expected revenues,” she said.
During the budget deliberations, Bass voiced dismay about slowing down recruitment at the LAPD. In recent days, she had weighed whether to veto all or a portion of the budget, which could have led to a messy showdown with the council.
The council voted 12 to 3 to approve the reworked budget proposal last month. Because only 10 votes are needed to override a veto, Bass would have had to secure at least three additional votes in support of her position on police hiring.
Whether Harris-Dawson has the support of his colleagues to find the money — and then spend it on police hiring — is unclear. Unless the city’s labor unions make financial concessions, the council would likely need to either tap the city’s reserve fund or pull money from other spending obligations, such as legal payouts or existing city programs.
The budget provides funding for six classes with up to 40 recruits each at the Police Academy over the coming fiscal year. Bass had originally sought double that number, providing the department with 480 recruits.
Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who chairs the council’s budget committee, said she shares the mayor’s goal of restoring LAPD recruit classes — and looks forward to “working with her to make it happen.”
“The question has always been how to do it in a way that is fiscally responsible and sustainable,” Yaroslavsky said.
To increase police hiring and eliminate the remaining 700 layoffs, the council will need to turn to the city’s labor unions for additional savings, Yaroslavsky said.
The council’s budget provided enough funding to ensure the LAPD has 8,399 officers by June 30, 2026, the end of the next fiscal year. The $13.3 million sought by Bass would bring the number of officers to more than 8,600.
The LAPD had 8,746 officers in mid-May, down from about 10,000 in 2020, according to department figures.
