Details of a plan submitted by Board of Peace Director General Nickolay Mladenov for the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza have been seen by Al Jazeera.
The plan would see disarmament – one of the components of the October ceasefire to end Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza – implemented gradually over an eight-month, multiphase process.
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The process would see disarmament in exchange for Israel fulfilling its own obligations, including allowing reconstruction materials into Gaza to begin the work of rebuilding the enclave after Israel’s devastation of the territory since October 2023. Israel would also allow an increase in humanitarian aid entering Gaza, and the plan envisions the transfer of the administration of the Palestinian territory to a national committee.
Mladenov referred to the plan in general terms in a speech to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday. There he said the plan had been “presented to relevant armed groups” that were urged to accept the framework “without delay”.
“Decommissioning [arms] proceeds in parallel with staged withdrawal,” Mladenov said.
The disarmament of groups in Gaza has been a controversial topic, particularly as Israel has continued to attack the enclave during the ceasefire, killing hundreds of Palestinians. Israel has also not stopped restricting aid into Gaza, driving up prices, even as many in the territory remain displaced and unable to afford basic items.
Hamas has repeatedly refused to give up its arms as long as Israel’s occupation of Gaza continues. Israeli forces maintain a presence in Gaza in areas beyond a “yellow line”, giving it a de facto buffer zone that Palestinians cannot approach without risking being shot. Hamas has also said disarmament is an internal Palestinian matter that should be discussed between factions rather than imposed from the outside.
Hamas and Israel have so far not officially reacted to the details of the Mladenov plan. But Palestinian experts have previously told Al Jazeera that the plan in effect means the “political surrender” of Hamas.
The Board of Peace, created by United States President Donald Trump in the wake of the ceasefire his government brokered, has assumed oversight of Gaza’s administration.
Step-by-step process
The Mladenov plan operates on a step-by-step formula, with transitions between phases only taking place once both sides have fulfilled their obligations.
The first phase, spanning the first two weeks of the deal, would see a complete cessation of military operations by Israel and Hamas as well as the implementation of humanitarian protocols that Israel committed to under the ceasefire. Representatives of the Palestinian national committee – a technocratic body established after the ceasefire with the aim of administering Gaza – would also be allowed into Gaza during this phase to assume all security and administrative responsibilities.
The second phase of the proposal, which would take place between day 16 and day 60, represents the central element of the plan with the beginning of the disarmament process. Hamas and other Palestinian factions would cooperate to remove heavy weapons initially from areas controlled by Israel and then, before 90 days, from areas still controlled by Hamas.
Hamas would also destroy its tunnel network before day 90 of the plan.
For its part, Israel would be required to allow temporary prefabricated residential units to be constructed in locations approved by the Palestinian national committee.
Once all sides have met their obligations in the first three months of the plan, they would move on to the next phase, in which Israeli forces would gradually withdraw to the perimeters of Gaza after a monitoring committee determines that Palestinian factions in Gaza have been disarmed.
Security forces answerable to the Palestinian national committee would be tasked with gathering weapons. That task should be completed by day 251, and if it is, then Israel would withdraw from Gaza with the exception of an undefined security perimeter “until Gaza is secured … from the potential for a return of any terrorist threat”.
Full reconstruction would also be permitted at this stage as well as the lifting of restrictions on the entry of “dual-use materials”, such as concrete, steel, fertilisers and fuel, which Israel has severely restricted, arguing that they can be used for military purposes even as humanitarian groups emphasise their importance to civilian life.
Scepticism
The plan, if implemented, would mark a final end to the war and to Hamas’s almost two-decade-long rule of Gaza.
But stumbling blocks remain, including whether Israel is truly prepared to withdraw from Gaza, fulfil its commitments and not attempt to spoil any deal, as it has in the past.
Hamas and other Palestinian factions are deeply sceptical of Israel’s adherence to any deal and to the idea of giving up their weapons, seeing them as a vital part of Palestinian national resistance.
Hamas would also give up all control of Gaza as part of what the plan envisions as “one authority, one law, and one weapon” in the territory under the Palestinian national committee.
Mladenov referenced that principle at the UN, adding that “the people of Gaza want reconstruction, and reconstruction requires the decommissioning of weapons.”
SCREEN star Sydney Sweeney is rolling in dollar frills — after her new lingerie line helped to quadruple her fortune.
The American actress is now worth $40million, up from $10million just two years ago.
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Sydney Sweeney’s fortune has soared to $40million after her lingerie line helped quadruple her wealthCredit: Instagram/SyrnSydney models underwear from her Syrn brandSydney’s Seductress line launches next week after her original designs sold out in the US
The news came as Sydney, 28, showed off a range of sexy pink and white underwear from her Syrn brand.
The Seductress line launches next week after her original designs sold out in the US.
Sydney launched the business on the back of becoming one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars.
She was worth some $10million in 2024 thanks to roles in black comedyThe White Lotus, teen drama Euphoria and the rom-com movie Anyone But You.
Lucrative deals with Armani Beauty, Ford and Samsung followed — while controversial adverts for clothing brand American Eagle saw sales shoot up, along with Sydney’s profile and potential earnings.
Last year she raked in $7.5millon for her role in hit psychological thriller The Housemaid.
Sydney launched Syrn in January in a bid to take on fellow celebs Rihanna and Kim Kardashian — who have become billionaires through their clothing brands Savage x Fenty and Skims.
The star’s racy photo shoots have seen her criticised for not being a “girl’s girl”. But hitting back, Sydney said: “People will say, ‘Oh, she’s doing this for guys’.
“I’m like, ‘What’s more ‘girl’s girl’ than owning your body and doing it for yourself?’.”
The star in her controversial advert for clothing brand American EagleCredit: American EagleLast year, Sydney raked in $7.5millon for her role in hit psychological thriller The Housemaid
THE world’s best airlines for this year have officially been revealed, and a British airline has made the list.
The World’s Best Airlines for 2026 by Airline Ratings have been announced with the no.1 spot going to Qatar Airways.
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Qatar Airways has been named the best airline in the worldCredit: Getty
AirlineRatings.com’s awards focus on the inflight product and passenger experience, and airlines are awarded based on the experience onboard, as opposed to public opinion or votes.
Airline Ratings stated: “Qatar Airways has again taken the top spot, driven by a consistently strong onboard offering.
“Generous meals, extensive entertainment and, most importantly, clear value for money set it apart.”
And a major British airline has also featured on the list: Virgin Atlantic featured in 13th position.
The British airline currently flies to 32 locations across five continents, including Cape Town in South Africa and Los Angeles in America.
The airline is also launching two new routes this year from London Heathrow to Seoul in South Korea, with daily flights starting on March 29.
There will also be a new seasonal service to Phuket in Thailand, beginning on October 18.
Which? named Virgin Atlantic as one of the best airlines in the world earlier this year as well, placing them third best.
The airline achieved a 79 per cent overall score for customer satisfaction.
Which? commented: “Virgin Atlantic is your best choice for a transatlantic trip – with five stars for customer service.
“Like Emirates, it won’t automatically cancel your return flight if you miss your outbound flight.
“This makes it one of only two Which? Recommended Providers for long-haul economy airlines.”
British airline Virgin Atlantic was also named in the rankings, placing 13thCredit: Getty
Airline Ratings also ranked the best low-cost carriers in the world, with easyJet ranking 8th, Wizz Air ranking 9th, Ryanair ranking 11th, Jet2 ranking 12th, TUI ranking 13th, and Vueling ranking 19th.
Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com, said: “It was a tight competition at the top, but Qatar’s value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class, secured that top position once again.
“One of the standout movers this year is Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines.
“With strong cabin service, high-quality catering, and modern interiors, it is rapidly establishing itself as a premium competitor, particularly as it prepares to expand into Europe later this year.”
Full list of world’s best airlines
THESE are the world’s best airlines according to Airline Ratings:
A CLIP of a ‘baby’ Louis Tomlinson on Waterloo Road, long before he was a global superstar, has tickled fans.
The BBC soap dug through the archives to unearth a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo from former One Direction star Louis.
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Louis Tomlinson has re-appeared in an old clip from soap Waterloo RoadCredit: BBCOne Direction star Louis can be seen in the resurfaced footageCredit: BBC
The clip shows a baby-faced Louis playing an extra during the show’s very first series in 2006.
In the footage, a concerned-looking Louis can be seen in the background of the school playground as fan-favourites Janeece Bryant (Chelsee Healey) and Donte Charles (Adam Thomas) get into a heated row.
To help fans catch the four-second appearance, the clip has been given the slow-motion treatment, asking: “Can you spot One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson in Waterloo Road?”
The Sun were the first to reveal at the start of the year that Zara and Louis had begun dating each other just weeks after she split from long-term partner, reality star Sam Thompson.
Singer-songwriter Louis is embarking on a world tourCredit: Getty
Eighteen days into the war in Iran, and the scorecard for global equity markets makes for uncomfortable reading.
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European benchmark indices have shed around 7% since hostilities began — the Euro STOXX 50 down 6.5%, Germany’s DAX off 7%, France’s CAC 40 down 7.2%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB lower by 6.4% — dwarfing the more modest 2.5% decline in the US S&P 500, which benefits from America’s status as the world’s largest oil producer and its relative insulation from the energy shock.
Yet the headline numbers tell only half the story.
Beneath the surface, an extraordinary divide has opened up — between European companies that thrive on expensive energy, and those being crushed by it.
The energy shock reshaping the continent
The conflict’s most immediate economic consequence has been a seismic repricing of energy.
Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which 20% of the world’s petroleum flows — caused Brent crude to surge from around $70 to nearly $120 per barrel within days.
As of Tuesday, Brent sits at approximately $105, a 42% rally from pre-war levels.
In an attempt to cap the oil price surge, the International Energy Agency coordinated a historic intervention.
More than 30 nations in Europe, North America, and northeast Asia agreed to release a combined 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves — the largest such action in the IEA’s 50-year history.
Yet the oil market has sent a clear signal that even this enormous release is nowhere near enough to address the unprecedented supply disruption, with crude prices surging more than 17% since the announcement.
Natural gas has been hit even harder. The Dutch TTF benchmark — Europe’s most important gas price reference — has surged 60% to €52 per megawatt-hour.
In a note this week, Goldman Sachs energy analyst Samantha Dart warned this week that approximately 80 million tonnes per annum of LNG supply — 19% of the global total — is currently offline following the Strait’s disruption and the shutdown of Qatar’s LNG production facilities.
Her team maintains a TTF forecast of €63/MWh for the second quarter of 2026, warning that tightening European physical balances could push prices into the gas-to-oil switching range before the conflict resolves.
The winners: Energy, renewables and fertilizer
The clearest beneficiaries have been European oil and gas producers, whose revenues move in lockstep with the commodity the war has repriced so dramatically.
Norwegian energy giant Equinor has surged 23.7% since the start of the month, as investors pile into one of the continent’s largest oil and gas producers with substantial assets well outside the conflict zone.
Fellow Norwegian producer Vår Energi is up 19.9%, while Aker BP has gained 17.1%. Italy’s Eni is up 14.7%, and Portugal’s Galp Energia has added 13.6%.
The most striking gains, however, have come from an unexpected corner: biofuels.
German renewable fuels producer Verbio SE has shot up 30.4%, and Finland’s Neste Oyj — the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel — has gained 28.1%.
As conventional fossil fuels become more expensive and supply chains more precarious, energy alternatives become dramatically more attractive to both buyers and investors.
German gas utility Uniper SE, which has spent recent years diversifying away from Russian supply, has rallied 19.1%.
The fertiliser sector has also attracted significant gains, with K+S rising 15.3% and Yara International rising 15.0%.
The moves reflect a commodity supply crisis hiding in plain sight: around one third of global seaborne fertiliser trade — roughly 16 million tonnes — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, including 43% of seaborne urea exports, 44% of sulphur, and over a quarter of traded ammonia.
The losers: Steel, airlines and construction
On the other side of the ledger, the losses have been equally dramatic. Energy-intensive industries and businesses exposed to higher costs with little pricing power have been savaged.
Airlines have taken some of the heaviest punishment. Wizz Air — the Budapest-based low-cost carrier with heavy exposure to Central and Eastern European routes — has collapsed 31.2%.
Air France-KLM has lost 22.1% and easyJet has dropped 21.8%. All three face the same brutal arithmetic: jet fuel costs have surged, hedging programmes offer only partial and temporary protection, and there is limited ability to pass costs on to passengers quickly enough to protect earnings.
Steel producers have been hit with similar force. Salzgitter has fallen 27.9%, thyssenkrupp is down 27.3%, and ArcelorMittal has shed 19.1%, joined by stainless steel specialist Aperam, which has dropped 24.5%.
Steel production ranks among the most energy-intensive industrial processes on earth, and mills operating on thin margins face an immediate profitability crisis when gas prices surge 60% in such a short period.
Spanish engineering contractor Técnicas Reunidas has dropped 23.7%, a casualty of its deep exposure to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure projects now thrown into uncertainty by the conflict.
Construction group Webuild has fallen 26.6%, reflecting broader fears that an energy-driven slowdown will freeze infrastructure investment across Europe’s most exposed economies.
Mining company Hochschild rounds out the list, down 21%, rising energy costs compress margins and risk appetite for smaller extractive names evaporates.
Europe enters this crisis in a structurally vulnerable position.
Despite having dramatically reduced its dependence on Russian pipeline gas since the invasion of Ukraine, the continent remains acutely sensitive to energy supply disruptions — and gas storage levels heading into 2026 offer less of a buffer than in prior years.
Universal Orlando Volcano Bay in Orlando in Florida, Area 47 in Austria and Thermas dos Laranjais in Brazil made the rankings, but so did two UK excellent UK waterparks
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Sandcastle is the largest indoor waterpark in the UK
Two of the best waterparks in the world are in the UK.
With most waterparks set to reopen for the year this month, AttractionTickets.com has compiled a ranking of the best across Europe and the Americas.
Leading the global ranking with a 23/30 score is Universal Orlando Volcano Bay in Orlando, Florida, earning top marks for its high adrenaline rides, and the variety of its attractions. Close behind in second place is Thermas dos Laranjais in Brazil, with a score of 21/30, home to some of the world’s most daring and record-breaking slides. Rounding out the top three is Area 47 in Austria, which is known for its unique blend of high-thrill slides and relaxation.
Alongside these world-renowned waterparks are some locally-loved spots. The pick of the UK bunch is Sandcastle Waterpark. The Blackpool aquazone is indoors, with 18 water slides, including real eye-catchers such as the world’s longest indoor roller coaster water slide, the Master Blaster, and the first vertical indoor drop slide, the Sidewinder.
The future looks intriguing for the UK’s largest waterpark. It is getting a £500,000 makeover, to be unveiled just in time for the Easter break. The waterpark celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and this long-running attraction is popular with guests year-round since it’s consistently heated at 28C. So, even if you’re not heading off somewhere sunny this Easter, you can still enjoy a tropical atmosphere.
Sandcastle Waterpark is set on the seaside town’s iconic promenade, close to the Pleasure Beach and South Pier. It boasts 18 slides, including both white-knuckle rides and gentler options for the kids. One of its main attractions is the Master Blaster, famous for being the UK’s longest indoor water rollercoaster.
The waterpark’s improvement plans include refurbishing its changing village and adding lockers with digital PIN codes for enhanced security. The rides will be repainted, and a new audio system is being installed.
Sandcastle has a whole host of great reviews online. One happy customer recently wrote on Tripadvisor: “Visited for the first time at the weekend for my son’s 8th birthday. I initially thought it was expensive for a water park, however, it was well worth the money! It was rather busy but I didn’t queue for more than 10 minutes for some slides. The place was clean and lots of staff around.”
Another added: “What an amazing day. My grandson has additional needs, and Sandcastles went above and beyond to accommodate us. It really made our day, it was a second visit and both times they have been so considerate and I can’t rate them highly enough. 100 out 10 sandcastles! Thank you.”
Coming in just behind Sandcastle on the AttractionTickets rankings is Alton Towers Waterpark. Previously known as Cariba Creek, it has a tropical lagoon theme. The park has multiple slides to ride, with Master Blaster propelling riders at high speed.
Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets.com, said: “With waterparks reopening and excitement building amongst aqua fanatics, we set out to compile a list of the best waterparks for all members of the family. By combining our expert insight with online review sentiment, we identified the top waterpark destinations around the world that deliver family-friendly fun and heart-dropping thrills.
The results show that the most successful waterparks are those that put innovation and the guest experience at the forefront. That’s why parks like Beach Park, Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay and Area 47 remain at the very top of the list.”
They revealed they were starstruck when Ginger Spice popped into their rehearsal at a West London studio last month, accompanied by her husband Christian Horner’s daughter.
Asked about their celebrity fans, Danny said: “The legend that is Geri Halliwell and her step-daughter came to the rehearsal studio to watch our set. They had wanted to come to our London show, but were due to be away when it was on, so we invited them to our rehearsals.
“Geri was like a pocket rocket. Petite and loads of personality.
Last month, they attended their first Brit Awards, in Manchester, and have told how they brushed shoulders with singers Lola Young and Sam Fender, as well as Happy Mondays maracas player Bez.
Cruz said: “I was partying with Bez in the DJ booth — he is funny. He and I have got to go to Ibiza one day.”
To celebrate Mother’s Day, the boys have been treating their mums after receiving their first big pay cheque.
Hendrik said: “I have been saving money to try and finish my mum and dad’s house. They have been wanting to finish it for years.”
Despite the global stardom that awaits, it sounds like the boys are keeping their feet on the ground.
SIMON ‘PROUD’ OF LADS
DECEMBER 10 have revealed how their mentor Simon Cowell was proud of them after their sold-out London show.
The music mogul and his fiancee Lauren Silverman attended their gig at the O2 Academy Islington, in North London, last month.
December 10 have revealed how their mentor Simon Cowell was proud of them after their sold-out London showCredit: Getty
Band member Nicolas said: “He really enjoyed that we incorporated instruments into the live show, and when he spoke to us, that was one of the main things that made him really happy and proud.”
John added: “He has also always said that he just wants great songs. Over the past few months that we have been recording music, we have been working towards that.”
And the boys reckon it still feels surreal seeing thousands of teenagers queuing to hear them play.
Nicolas said: “I wouldn’t say it’s overwhelming, it’s more of a strange feeling, because the first show was a bit of a shock.
“It is a feeling for me, personally, that I don’t think I will get used to.”
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HE HAZ TO SEE MATES
HE is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, but Harry Styles says he had to change his mindset so he did not become a recluse.
He explained: “When you shut out a lot of the things that are assumed can be negative, you also just unconsciously shut out a ton of positive things.
Harry Styles says he had to change his mindset so he did not become a recluseCredit: Getty
“It can be hard to go to a bar and hang out with friends because there’s maybe people who would act [in a certain] way.
“There’s also incredible people that you can meet in that bar – that you also shut yourself off from.”
He added on SiriusXM: “I was having some experiences where I was meeting some really great people that were kind of really planting the seed of, like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to shut myself off from this world’.”
It comes as his record Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally has topped the albums chart, while his track American Girls is No1 in the singles rundown.
DENISE VAN OUTEN and Johnny Vaughan are creating a new Big Breakfast-style TV show 25 years after the original was axed.
I can reveal the pair, who presented the Channel 4 show in the Nineties, are working on a new format set to shake up TV schedules.
Denise said: “In my new touring show [An Evening With Denise], of all the things I’ve done, The Big Breakfast section gets the biggest reaction. I think people are still craving that chaos and the fun – we’ve lost it.”
She added: “I’m working on something with Johnny, it’s going to have that feel to it. It’s all come from the show and speaking to people. I was like, ‘Oh, people are missing this, they want this’.”
I cannot wait.
YOU’RE SO ROUGE, CHRISTINA
CHRISTINA AGUILERA was red hot on stage in this basque and matching gloves.
The US hitmaker teamed them with thigh-skimming black boots in Austin, Texas, as she headlined the Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival.
Christina Aguilera was red hot on stage in this basque and matching glovesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Highlights included a performance of her 2001 hit Lady Marmalade, from film Moulin Rouge!, as fireworks lit up the sky.
MAYA’S VILLA TO VILLAIN
MAYA JAMA has revealed what her dream movie role would be – and it’s not what you might expect.
The Love Island host, who is set to star in the second series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix crime-comedy The Gentlemen, said: “I’ve always said I don’t want to be what people expect me to be on camera.
Maya Jama has revealed what her dream movie role would be – and it’s not what you might expectCredit: Getty
“I’d want to be the complete opposite to that . . . so a monster or a mean, evil person. A villain maybe would be nice.”
The pair, who married in 2018, have both appointed legal teams and have quietly started proceedings.
Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor have filed for divorceCredit: Getty
Reality star turned author Millie, who has two daughters with entrepreneur Hugo, has been through the process before, having split from rapper Professor Green, who she was married to from 2013 to 2016.
A pal said: “Fans will be sad to hear that their relationship is really over, but the pair just want a clean break.
“Millie and Hugo are committed to co-parenting their two young children and keeping everything stable. They are still very amicable with each other and have a lot of respect for one another.
“They want the divorce to go through as painlessly as possible and are focusing on work in the meantime.”
Professor Green has a son with model and actress Karima McAdams, who he dated for five years after splitting with Millie.
Now, he is back in touch with Millie and said: “There’s no resentment in me. She is gorgeous. We were not good for each other at that time.
“We spoke about our mutual diagnosis (ADHD) and our kids.”
The couple are eyeing up Son Marroig, a stunning, 17th century, clifftop temple on the Spanish island for their summer nuptials.
Molly Smith and Tom Clare are set to tie the knot in Majorca – home of the original dating show’s villaCredit: Supplied
The venue is popular among celebrities, with Pixie Geldof, weatherman Alex Beresford and Man City defender Nathan Ake all having held their ceremonies there.
A source said: “Majorca is a stunning destination for a wedding and there is plenty of privacy on the island. Many of the buildings are difficult to access by road and it has a secluded feel.
“There is guaranteed sun and it offers a beautiful backdrop with the most stunning sunsets.”
Tom and Molly do a weekly podcast called NearlyWeds and post regular vlogs about their planning.
Congrats guys . . .
EX-PM SNAPS GEM OF A SHOT
GEMMA COLLINS posed with an unlikely fan at the Cheltenham races this week – as I am told that former PM David Cameron asked for a photo.
And reality favourite Gemma was only too happy to oblige David and wife Samantha in the Royal Box.
Gemma Collins with David and Samantha Cameron at the Cheltenham racesCredit: Gemma Collins/Instagram
A source said: “Gemma was honoured that David asked her for a picture. They chatted about politics and her fondness of current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.”
Chuffed Gemma quickly shared the snap with her 2.2million Instagram followers.
She wrote: “It was lovely to be in the Royal Box and have a good chat with David Cameron and his lovely wife. We spoke politics and . . . what we were going to bet on next.”
Gemma, who is a face of bookmaker Paddy Power, won a mighty impressive £20,000 at Cheltenham – and £5,000 off just one bet.
The GC was spotted shouting, “I’m loaded” as she basked in her glory alongside stars including Danny Dyer and Peter Crouch.
STRANGER Things sensation Millie Bobby Brown is one of the top ten highest-paid Hollywood screen stars — aged just 22.
The Brit actress earned a whopping £19.6million last year, Forbes magazine has revealed.
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Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, 22, raked in £19.6million last year, making her one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actorsCredit: GettyMillie came to worldwide fame at just 11 years old, playing telekinetic child Eleven in hit Netflix sci-fi drama Stranger ThingsCredit: NetflixMillie in her screen debut as Alice in 2013 TV series Once Upon A Time In Wonderland
Her bumper pay makes her the youngest star to grace the business bible’s annual highest-paid actors list.
Tom Cruise, 63, came in second with a £34.7million payday off the back of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.
Topping Forbes’ 2025 list is US actor Adam Sandler, 59, known for his comedy roles.Credit: GettyTom Cruise, 63, came in second with a £34.7million payday off the back of Mission: Impossible — The Final ReckoningCredit: Splash
Scarlett Johansson, 41, was fourth and the best-paid woman in the industry, raking in some £32.4million.
While Hollywood pay is still huge, the combined earnings of the top 20 actors actually fell from 2024’s £551million — down to £445million.
ACTOR Warwick Davis’s mystery lover is a woman named Yvette who he has been dating for a year.
The star, whose wife Samantha died in 2024, affectionately referred to his new partner as “Sponge” in a speech last year.
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Warwick Davis’s mystery lover is a woman named Yvette who he has been dating for a yearCredit: GettyWarwick’s wide Samantha Davis died aged 53 at University College Hospital in London in 2024Credit: PA
“She has no interest in being a public figure and — although she has accompanied Warwick to events — Yvette does not court the limelight.
“Yvette is so proud of Warwick and loves to be by his side at events, but she will stand back and allow him to be in the spotlight.
“Yvette is close with his children and they have a lovely life together.
“All anyone wanted was to see Warwick happy and he has that with Yvette.”
Warwick revealed he had started dating again at the Bafta Film Awards in February last year.
After accepting the Bafta Fellowship on stage, he said: “Above all I’d like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy, who died almost a year ago.
“Since then life has been pretty tough for me, but thanks to the support of our wonderful children Annabelle and Harrison, I’ve been able to continue working and engaging in life.
“A special mention too should go to Sponge, you know who you are.
“Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and helping me to laugh and to love again.”
This week at his investiture, Yvette was spotted in the background with his children while her partner spoke to William.
Warwick, who was born with a rare form of dwarfism called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, was named in King Charles’ New Year Honours list.
He was praised for his work supporting people with dwarfism, co-founding the charity Little People UK in 2012 with Samantha.
THE world’s greatest places of 2026 have been named and there are two on the list from the UK.
TIME’s annual World’s Greatest Places list looks at everything from hotels and cruises to attractions and experiences.
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TIME’s World’s Greatest Places has included everything from hotels to attractionsCredit: APThe ew V&A East Storehouse in London was includedCredit: AlamyAn afternoon tea experience in Somerset was also namedCredit: Instagram/thenewtinsomerset
This year, this included Disney cruises, new museums and beautiful coastal regions, mainly looking at anything “new, exciting, and relevant”.
The museum’s collection is broken down into three ‘themes’ – items that have a story, items inspired by the V&A and items that show a working museum.
Having opened last years, TIME explained: “At a time when many museums’ permanent collections have so far outgrown their galleries that only a fraction of their holdings can ever be exhibited at once, the new V&A East Storehouse is taking a radically different approach.
“The real game-changer is theOrder an Object system, which lets guests search a digital catalog of more than half a million items and select up to five pieces to be pulled from the shelves and presented one-on-one by a museum staffer for up-close inspection during a future visit.
She said: “An element I loved was the lack of walls where you can see everything while standing in one spot.
“It almost reminded me of an IKEA warehouse with the simple plywood and metal structures and open concept.
“But the variation of items (of which there are 250,000) means there is something for everyone.”
It’s free to visit, with free lockers and an on-site cafe.
Also making the TIME top 100 list is The Maid of Somerset, a very fancy afternoon tea experience.
Guests enter the Creamery at Castle Cary Station, with the afternoon tea taking place in a “British Pullman style” saloon car.
TIME said: “Unlike the stereotypical snooty high tea, the Maid’s service is steeped in the good humor – and obsession with quality – that typifies Roos’ and Bekker’s projects.
“The friendly attendants prepare 11 loose-leaf teas – a mix of house blends and Prince & Sons selections – and serve finger sandwiches like cucumber and Waterlip, a tangy feta-style cheese made on site at the Creamery.
“A three-tiered sweets tower follows, featuring cardamom-scented orange cakes and scones paired with the Newt’s strawberry-rose preserves.”
The experience costs £35, or £45 with alcohol.
The experience takes place on a luxury trainCredit: Instagram/thenewtinsomersetThe Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza was also mentionedCredit: Alamy
THE list of the richest celebs in the world has been revealed — and it’s good news for Taylor Swift.
The US superstar’s net worth has soared since she was named a billionaire in 2023, and she is now worth twice that.
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Taylor Swift has DOUBLED her net worth and is now worth $2billionCredit: GettyFellow star Rihanna is also a billionaireCredit: Savage X Fenty
She has risen from No9 last year to No7 in Forbes magazine’s annual rundown, which revealed there are now 22 celebrity billionaires — up from 18 last year.
Fellow singer Beyonce, tennis ace Roger Federer, rapper Dr Dre and filmmaker James Cameron are the new additions who have crossed the $1billion threshold.
Taylor, 36, boosted her earnings massively with profits from her record-breaking Eras Tour and the value of her music catalogue, all of which she now owns, having bought back the rights to her first six albums last year.
She is said to have amassed $1billion from royalties and touring, while her catalogue of hits has been valued at $900million.
The Eras 149 gigs across 21 countries from March 2023 to December 2024, made it the highest-grossing tour of all time at $2.077billion, with 10MILLION attendees.
Thanks to the money-spinning shows, she was able to buy the rights to her first six albums.
In 2019 Taylor’s former label, Big Machine, had sold the masters to talent manager Scooter Braun, prompting Taylor to vow to re-record them.
Braun sold them on to LA investment fund Shamrock Holdings in 2020.
But last May she announced she finally controls all her music.
Taylor said last year: “That’s how I spent that Eras Tour money. My fans are why I was able to get my music back.”
The rights to the records had been sold for more than $300million, although it is not known how much she spent to reclaim them.
But she is believed to have made an eight-figure sum in profits from the “Taylor’s Version” remakes of Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989 — which all topped the charts.
She also owns $100million of real estate, including pads in New York, Beverly Hills, Rhode Island and Nashville.
The news coincides with new figures from the British Phonographic Industry, which reveal CD sales in the UK returned to growth in 2025, up 3.1 per cent, largely thanks to 226,000 copies of Taylor’s latest album The Life Of A Showgirl being sold here.
She also contributed to the 19.9 per cent year-on-year rise in vinyl purchases, thanks to 147,000 sales of the record on the format.
It meant The Life Of A Showgirl sold the most vinyl of any new album in a calendar year this century. Her 2023 collection Lover (Live From Paris), which was reissued last year, was also the fourth biggest vinyl of 2025.
Taylor has now scored six No1 singles and 14 No1 albums, beating Madonna’s record of 12 chart toppers for a female artist.
Taylor’s huge net worth dwarfs that of her American football star fiancé Travis Kelce, 36, whose riches total $90million.
The two are expected to marry this summer in a glittering, star-studded ceremony in the US.
Yesterday Travis hinted Taylor has started working on new music for a potential 13th studio album.
He said: “It’s amazing to see her keep going to the table, keep finding new things to write about, keep finding new melodies and things like that.
“On top of that, still seeing her have that love and joy in what she does.
“Of course that’s motivating. That’s motivating for anybody to see, let alone in my fiancée, and knowing that I’m going through something as I try to figure out what the future holds for me.
“Something like that motivates me.”
1. Steven Spielberg
$7.1bn
79-year-old Spielberg earns an estimated $100million annuallyCredit: Getty
THE highest-grossing director of all time, 79-year-old Spielberg earns an estimated $100million annually from gross ticket sales thanks to a 1987 deal.
2. George Lucas
$5.2bn
Star Wars creator George LucasCredit: Getty
THE Star Wars creator, 81, kept the merchandising rights and ownership of the hit sci-fi franchise and in 2012 sold his firm LucasFilm to Disney for $2.2billion plus shares.
3. Michael Jordan
$4.3bn
Basketball legend Jordan made $2billion from corporate dealsCredit: Getty
BASLETBALL legend, 63, made $2billion from corporate deals.
In 2023 he sold majority stake in NBA team Charlotte Hornets, valued at $3bn.
4. Vincent McMahon
$3.6bn
Businessman Vincent McMahon is worth $3.6bnCredit: Getty
BUSINESSMAN, 80, made sports promotion firm World Wrestling Entertainment – WWE – a global brand before a $21billion wrestling mega-merger in 2023.
5. Oprah Winfrey
$3.2bn
Oprah, 72, has also earned millions partnering with Weight Watchers and through real estateCredit: Getty
TALK show host made TV and films through her production firm Harpo.
Oprah, 72, has also earned millions partnering with Weight Watchers and through real estate.
6. Jay-Z
$2.8bn
Jay-Z has made over $1billion from his alcohol brandsCredit: Getty
Rapper, 56, made over $1billion from his alcohol brands D’Usse cognac and Armand de Brignac.
In 2008 he founded the lucrative entertainment firm Roc Nation.
7. Taylor Swift
$2bn
8. Kim Kardashian
$1.9bn
Kim K owns a third of her $5billion shapewear brand SkimsCredit: Rex
Reality star owns a third of her $5billion shapewear brand Skims.
Kim, 45, also earns through her skincare firm, endorsements, real estate, acting and TV shows.
9. Peter Jackson
$1.9bn
Director Jackson is worth $1.9bnCredit: Getty
MOVIE director, 64, made Lord Of The Rings films and sold the tech division of his visual effects company Weta Digital for $1.63billion in 2021.
10. Magic Johnson
$1.6bn
Magic Johnson has a majority stake in a life insurance companyCredit: Getty
FORMER basketball player, 66, has a majority stake in a life insurance company as well as part-ownership of four US professional sports teams.
11. Tiger Woods
$1.5bn
Golf icon Tiger Woods is estimated to have earned $121million in prize moneyCredit: Getty
GOLFING legend made $1.9billion during his sporting career and through endorsements.
Woods, 50, is estimated to have earned $121million in prize money.
12. Dick Wolf
$1.5bn
Producer Wolf signed a five-year, $1billion deal with NBCUniversal in 2020Credit: Getty
THE producer behind hit US TV dramas Law & Order, Chicago and FBI, 79-year-old Wolf signed a five-year, $1billion deal with NBCUniversal in 2020.
13. Tyler Perry
$1.4bn
Tyler Perry, 56, now owns the largest film production studio in the USCredit: Getty
THE actor and filmmaker has 100 per cent ownership of his 22 films and over 1,200 TV episodes.
Perry, 56, now owns the largest film production studio in the US.
14. LeBron James
$1.4bn
LeBron James has a lifetime $1billion endorsement deal with NikeCredit: Getty
SPORTS contracts have earned $500million for the 41-year-old basketball player – and he has a lifetime $1billion endorsement deal with Nike.
15. Bruce Springsteen
$1.2bn
Springsteen received $500million when he sold his entire music catalogue to Sony in 2021Credit: Getty
ROCKER, 76, has toured for five decades, released 21 studio albums and received $500million when he sold his entire music catalogue to Sony in 2021.
16. Arnold Schwarzenegger
$1.2bn
Schwarzenegger has earned $500million from filmsCredit: Getty
HAVING earned $500million from films, the 78-year-old actor has also made savvy investments, including in an investment firm which manages $1 trillion in assets.
17. Jerry Seinfeld
$1.1bn
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has earned almost $500million from syndicating his self-titled sitcomCredit: Getty
THE comedian has earned almost $500million from syndicating his self-titled sitcom.
Seinfeld, 71, still does stand-up and has a Porsche collection valued at $100million.
18. Roger Federer
$1.1bn
Tennis pro Federer has numerous lucrative dealsCredit: AFP
Retired tennis player, 44, won 20 Grand Slams but also had lucrative deals with Rolex and Mercedes.
He also has a stake in athletic
19. James Cameron
$1.1bn
James Cameron is worth $1.1bnCredit: Getty
FILMMAKER behind three of the four highest-grossing films of all time.
Cameron, 71, directed Titanic, Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, which made over $7.5bn.
20. Rihanna
$1bn
THE Umbrella singer, 38, has a $200million music catalogue but made her main fortune through cosmetics firm Fenty Beauty and lingerie brand Savage X Fenty.
21. Beyonce
$1bn
Beyonce has a $300million music catalogueCredit: Instagram
AS well as grossing more than $1billion in back-to-back tours, the singer, 44, has a $300million music catalogue and a haircare line, Cecred, valued at $100million.
22. Dr Dre
$1bn
Dr Dre co-founded Beats Electronics and Beats MusicCredit: Getty
RAPPER, 61, co-founded Beats Electronics and Beats Music, and launched the careers of Kendrick Lamar and Eminem through his label Death Row Records.
La Mangais a 13 mile long strip of sand which is known for its shallow, popular swimming waters and its salt water lagoon.
Visitors have compared it to looking like Florida‘s West Palm Beach and even Miami.
Rooms at the AluaSun Doblemar hotel on La Manga cost as little as £46 per night.
It’s the biggest resort and sits on the beachfront – it daily activities to keep guests entertained, outdoor pools, all-inclusive dining, and a kids’ club.
Another spot holidaymakers might want to consider is Cartagena.
It’s the second largest city in the Region of Murcia and is well-known for its 2,000-year-old Roman theater.
It also has a busy port, seafood restaurants, and Calle Mayor is the busy shopping street with independent shops and boutiques.
There are plenty of beaches too like Playa de Calblanque tucked away in a National Park south of La Manga and the Blue Flag Playa de Calnegre.
La Manga is on the Costa Calida coastline and has been compared to looking like FloridaCredit: Alamy
She said: “There are also places around it like Cartagena which, when I started on the show, wasn’t a desirable place, but now it comes up more and more.
“In the Murcia region and Almería, you could get a two-bedroom apartment with a pool in a complex for £100-£120k, and that’s good in this day and age.
“We still have people that can make £80k stretch in the south of Spain, so Murcia is a place to buy in before it gets too expensive.”
To get to the Costa Calida is simple too because Brits can fly into Murcia Airport and head south.
One-way flights from Bournemouth to Murcia start from just £15 with Ryanair in April.
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Spain remains one of the most reliable destinations for British holidaymakers seeking value, and with budgets still under pressure, it pays to be a little flexible about where you go.
“Costa Calida in particular stands out – it consistently delivers on beaches, weather and facilities, but tends to fly under the radar compared to the likes of Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, and that’s reflected in the price.”
SHARON Osbourne has revealed that Ozzy’s iconic Ozzfest gigs will continue following his tragic passing.
The festival featured an array of artists and was created by Ozzy and Sharon as a music festival tour specialising in rock and metal music.
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Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic Ozzfest gigs will be revived next yearCredit: GettySharon confirmed she will be bringing the concerts back following his passingCredit: Getty
It was an annual event which ran between 1996 and 2018 and was well known for featuring performances from Ozzy and his band, Black Sabbath.
Now, less than a year on from his sad passing, Sharon has revealed there are plans to revive the music festival tour in his legacy – beginning with a new run of shows in 2027.
Having held discussions with entertainment giant and touring company Live Nation, Sharon confirmed on her son Jack Osbourne‘s podcast that deals had been struck for brand new shows.
1 of 2 | Iranians carry national flags and portraits of Iran’s Late Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as they participate in a rally to condemn the U.S.-Israeli military campaign after Friday prayer ceremonies outside Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Hossein Esmaeil/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) — Members of the Iranian body charged with selecting the country’s new supreme leader said a candidate has been chosen, but no name has been revealed.
Mohsen Heydari, a member of the selection body, told Iran’s state-run ISNA news agency that a decision has been made on the successor to supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint U.S.-Israeli air strikes Feb. 28.
“The most suitable candidate, approved by the majority of the Assembly of Experts, has been determined,” Heydari said.
Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, another member of the assembly, confirmed Heydari’s statement to the state-run Fars news agency.
Israeli forces have pledged to target Khamenei’s successor, as well as anyone involved in appointing a new supreme leader.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed Sunday that Abu-al-Qasem Baba’iyan, who was appointed last week as the new head of the supreme leader’s military bureau, has been killed.
An Iranian missile strike injured five people Sunday in central Israel. One person was reported killed in an Iranian strike in Dubai on Saturday. Sunday morning strikes were also reported in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The strikes came just one day after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a pre-recorded statement apologizing to neighboring countries targeted in Iranian strikes, and pledged to suspend such attacks, unless attacks on Iran originated from those locations.
Meanwhile, two Israeli soldiers were killed Sunday morning in Lebanon, marking the country’s first fatalities in its campaign against Iran-aligned Hezbollah.
Lebanese health minister Rakan Nasreddine said at least 394 people have been killed in the country since Israeli strikes began last week.
The saga of “A Court of Thorns and Roses” will continue.
Author Sarah J. Maas announced on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast Wednesday that two new books will be released in the hugely popular romantasy series, ending a five-year drought since the fifth installment, “A Court of Silver Flames.” The sixth book will be published on Oct. 27, 2026, and the seventh on Jan. 12, 2027.
“It took me a while to find the right story and to be in the right headspace. And then, like what poured out of me was this and it poured out very quickly,” the author told Cooper. “The story that was finally ready to come out of me was big. Really, really big.”
Maas first teased the sixth book on Instagram in July, with the caption “First drafts DONE” on a video that drew nearly a million likes.
Maas did not share details about the book titles, cover art or whose point of view the stories will follow, but did mention that the character’s perspective was “one of the surprising things” for her while writing.
On Instagram, Maas thanked her fans for their patience, passion and “never letting the world fade.”
“I know how long you’ve waited. I know how much these characters mean to you. And I also know these stories deserve more than speed and deadlines. They deserve my best self. They deserve the right moment,” Maas wrote. “I’m so honored by the way you guys have always embraced Prythian as your own. I truly hope it feels like coming home for you like it did for me.”
The first installment of the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series was released in 2015, but the franchise gained popularity on BookTok — a TikTok subcommunity dedicated to literature — during the COVID-19 pandemic. The books follow Feyre Archeron in the faerie lands of Prythian and her love story with the High Lord of the Night Court, Rhysand.
Maas has sold more than 70 million English copies between her interconnected “Throne of Glass,” “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Crescent City” series, according to her website. Maas is a major player in the romantasy — a portmanteau of romance and fantasy — genre, which has soared in popularity on TikTok.
“This is going to sound silly, and you probably won’t believe me, but just talking about things like legacy is beyond for me,” Maas told Cooper. “I’m still very much that girl in middle school or high school sneaking off to watch anime or drool over Legolas and getting to go play in these worlds in my head and do the thing that makes me come alive every day, that’s incredible.”
AMY Childs has made a plea to fans about her secret family tragedy.
The Towie icon, 35, is asking her followers to share or donate to her cousin’s fundraising page after her five-month-old daughter Lila was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.
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Amy Childs has opened up about her secret family tragedyCredit: InstagramShe made a plea for fans to donate to her cousin’s JustGiving pageCredit: Instagram / amychildsBaby Lila is Amy’s cousin’s daughterCredit: Just Giving
Amy’s cousin has shared how they are now “out of options” following Lila undergoing 9-hour brain surgery and the tumour since returning.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Amy shared a screengrab of the JustGiving page and wrote about her family’s ongoing tragedy.
“Please, if you can, help support my cousin’s beautiful daughter Lila,” Amy touchingly penned.
She continued: “She’s fighting so hard and every donation makes a difference.
“Even sharing this means a lot. Thank you all so much.”
On the JustGiving page, Amy’s cousin Hannah opened up about the ordeal in depth.
“Our beautiful little Lila is only 5 months old and been through more in her little life than any adult we know. Our brave girl, our little lion cub,” she began.
“Lila was diagnosed at 3 weeks old with ATRT – a rare and aggressive brain tumour.
“She underwent 9 hour brain surgery at just 3 weeks old, and started chemotherapy at just 5 weeks old. And that is really just the surface.
“What one tiny baby has endured in her 5 months of life has taught us some serious life lessons.”
ATRT is also known as atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor.
It isa rare, fast-growing, and highly aggressive cancerous tumour that develops in the brain and spinal cord of children aged 3 and younger.
Brain Tumour Research states: “ATRTs are classified as embryonal tumours, meaning that they develop from stem cells that helped the embryo to form in the womb, but have unfortunately remained active in the brain after birth.
“When these stem cells fail to stop dividing and developing after the child is born, they can form a cancerous tumour.”
On Amy’s cousin’s fundraising page, Lila’s mum Hannah went on to add: “Lila is the strongest baby girl, already defied all the odds, she has done everything that has been asked of her.. but unfortunately after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, an MRI showed the tumour has returned.
“We were told that treatment would not continue and we were out of options.”
Hannah then revealed that she and her partner “lived in hospital for four months” and were separated from their three other children during this time.
She explained how they have now been living in a children’s hospice for two weeks.
“Our lives have been turned upside down and we are devastated,” she added.
She then explained how they have reached out to an oncologist in Toronto, who is leading on research in ATRT, for a second opinion on Lila.
“We have no idea if there are any options for us, what they could be and how much it might cost us.
“The target is therefore completely random – but if by some miracle, they come through with something for us to try and it comes down to finances, we need to be prepared. Time is not on our side,” she went on.
Concluding her moving plea, Hannah went on to add: “Be assured your donations will not go to waste.
“If our efforts don’t pay off, your donations will be given generously to the lovely charities who have supported us during this time.”
At the time of publication, Amy’s cousin had raised £24,350 of her £25,000 goal.
Amy’s cousin has now raised over £24,000Credit: Instagram
AMERICA’S first bullet train which will slash travel time between Los Angeles and San Francisco has been revealed.
The highly anticipated rail project will make the trip just two hours and 40 minutes – compared to nearly six hours by car.
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California High Speed Rail Authority has released renderings of its new high-speed bullet trainCredit: California High Speed Rail AuthorityA rendering of the interior of one of the stations along the routeCredit: California High Speed Rail AuthorityCalifornia High Speed Rail Authority has released a rendering of the proposed new Fresno stationCredit: California High Speed Rail Authority
Once completed, the bullet train scheme will provide speedy trips between the Bay Area and the Los Angeles region.
It will also connect the communities in between — Gilroy, Merced, Fresno, Bakersfield, Palmdale, and others — to the state’s largest job centers and innovation hub, said the California High Speed Rail Authority on February 28.
Many have been awaiting the project to be completed, as the past decade of construction has been focused on an initial segment in Central Valley.
There are five planned stations in the Central Valley: Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Madera and Kings/Tulare.
Newly-released renderings show the stations will feature plenty of modern twists, with spacious canopies and open concourses.
The stations’ architectural designs are set to incorporate natural materials like stone and wood.
If plans go according to schedule, the area could open as soon as 2032.
The Central Valley’s initial operating segment is expected to transition from civil construction to laying out tracks and installing systems later this year.
California’s ambitious but long delayed high-speed rail line is on track, say bossesCredit: California High Speed Rail AuthorityIf work proceeds as scheduled, the first phase could be operating in the Central Valley by 2032Credit: California High Speed Rail AuthorityThe project is designed to eventually shuttle riders across nearly 500 miles between San Francisco and Los AngelesCredit: California High Speed Rail Authority
But there has yet to be a confirmed project opened date for the route between San Francisco and Los Angeles due to delays in planning and funding.
The overall projected cost for Phase 1 delivery, between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim, dropped by $1.7 billion.
The High-Speed Rail Authority has just released its Draft 2026 Business Plan for public review and comment.
“The authority has entered a new era of construction: laying track across the Central Valley and electrifying the corridor,” the plan said.
“With the southern railhead in Kern County ready ahead of schedule, deliveries of steel, concrete ties, and ballast material can begin, and work can commence.
“The authority has set construction milestones for the 119-mile Central Valley segment and developed a procurement schedule to keep the project on pace for completion of the Merced – Bakersfield early operating segment in 2032.”
The project has created thousands of jobs, with rail bosses partnering with California colleges and universities to build a skilled local workforce, it added.
There is 119 miles of construction underway in the Central ValleyCredit: California High Speed Rail AuthorityThe California high-speed rail will deliver fast, reliable, zero-emission train service connecting the state’s major economic regions and the Central ValleyCredit: California High Speed Rail Authority
President Donald Trump has previously slammed the project as a “train to nowhere.”
“The Railroad we were promised still does not exist, and never will,” Trump warned on Truth Social last July.
“This project was Severely Overpriced, Overregulated, and NEVER DELIVERED.”
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom wants lawmakers to reauthorize the state’s cap-and-trade program through 2045.
He also wants to ensure that high-speed rail receives $1 billion a year from it.
Last December, California dropped a lawsuit officials filed against the Trump administration over the federal government’s withdrawing of $4 billion for the project.
The U.S. Transportation Department slashed funds for the bullet train.
Gov. Newsom slammed the federal government’s decision as “a political stunt to punish California.”
A cause of death has been determined for Martin Short’s daughter Katherine, who took her own life in February.
She died Feb. 23 from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s database, which listed her case under her legal name, Katherine Hartley.
Her death was confirmed by her family in a statement to The Times two days later.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the family said. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
The 42-year-old was the eldest of three children adopted by the “Only Murders in the Building” star and his wife, actor Nancy Dolman. Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010, 30 years after marrying her husband. Martin Short’s sons are Oliver and Henry.
Hartley, whose body was found at her Hollywood Hills home by L.A. County Fire Department paramedics, legally applied for a name change in 2012 because of her famous father’s public persona.
“My father is a public figure. I am a social worker. I am concerned about potential harassment from future patients resulting from my association with my father,” she wrote in her name-change application, which was filed in October 2012 and approved Jan. 25, 2013.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from NYU in 2006, she followed up with a master’s in social work from USC in 2010, People reported. In addition to having a private practice, she worked part time at Amae Health, a Los Angeles clinic providing mental health and psychiatric care, the outlet said. Suicide attempts and ideation are among the conditions the clinic says it specializes in treating.
The death certificate for Katherine Elizabeth Hartley, which was obtained by TMZ, includes a field denoting how the injury occurred. It reads, “shot herself.” According to the outlet, a note was found at the scene.
Times staff writer Malia Mendez contributed to this report.
Suicide prevention and crisis counseling resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional and call 9-8-8. The United States’ first nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline 988 will connect callers with trained mental health counselors. Text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line.
IT was in this very column that Delta Goodrem first revealed it was her dream to represent Australia at Eurovision.
Now, nine months later, she has been officially unveiled as the contest’s Aussie entry, with the Lost Without You singer firmly crediting Bizarre with making it happen.
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It was in this very column that Delta Goodrem first revealed it was her dream to represent Australia at EurovisionDelta has been officially unveiled as the contest’s Aussie entry, with the Lost Without You singer firmly crediting Bizarre with making it happenCredit: Supplied
Speaking to our Jack, Delta said: “This is, literally verbatim, all your fault. It is all on you — you and Bizarre started this.
“Your article went back to the Aussies who were like, ‘Do you want to do this?’ So thank you. I have a big job to do.”
Delta will head to Vienna this May to compete with her song Eclipse and it ticks every box, with an infectiously camp chorus and a complex piano bridge.
A beaming Delta explained: “From your article, people started reaching out.
“Then one of the songwriters, Jonas Myrin, who I wrote the song with, took a screengrab of the article and sent it to me saying, ‘Delta, if you ever go to Eurovision, I want to write the song with you’.
“He’s in Sweden. Sure enough he flew to Australia when I said I was doing it. Even the first question I got asked when doing my first Australian interview was, ‘We heard it all started from an article from the UK,’ and yes, it did.”
It’s been three years since Australia last qualified for the live final, which adds to the pressure on Delta, who has sold eight million records worldwide.
“Of course I am nervous, but it’s so joyous and I am so excited to be a part of it,” she said.
“I can’t control what will happen. All I know is that I am honoured to represent Aus.
“I will fly the flag and give my heart and soul.
“Two of my greatest idols, who are part of the reason I am in music, Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion, did Eurovision.
“I am grateful to be able to step into that.
“What an honour it is to be able to perform anywhere, let alone on the biggest stage in the world. I am excited.”
We Brits can’t vote for our own act, Look Mum No Computer (aka Sam Battle), whose entry Eins Zwei Drei is out on Friday, so Delta is hoping the British jury will give her our 12 points.
Explaining how it all fell into place, she said: “I had always said, ‘Oh, you know, when the time is right’. I always have an open heart to new things and being a coach on The Voice I celebrate all types of music. Then it all came into focus.”
Sam Battle, whose entry Eins Zwei Drei is out on FridayCredit: BBC/PADelta said: ‘Two of my greatest idols, who are part of the reason I am in music, Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion, did Eurovision’Credit: Getty
Speaking about what people should expect when she competes at the second semi-final on May 14, Delta explained: “The staging is important, but you will have to wait and see.
“There is a high bar out there but I am enjoying the creativity of it. I love the out-of-the-box moments, but I also love past winners Loreen, Alexander Rybak and Mans Zelmerlow.”
This year’s competition has already been rocked by controversy with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all pulling out due to Israel being allowed to take part in the contest, amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
But Delta is keen to use the platform to help bring people together and celebrate our common ground.
She said: “I am in music for unity and the healing spirit,” adding that she loves the sense of “togetherness” generated by music and song.
Delta added: “Eurovision has been going for 70 years and there is a reason everyone comes back, united in song.
“I am really looking forward to being united together. At my shows, that is what you want, too.
“My song is about one love and connection.”
You’ve got our votes, Delta.
DECEMBER 10 are playing a free O2 Presents . . . gig at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on April 8.
There will be 767 pairs of tickets available to O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers via a ballot, which will be open from March 9- 23 on the Priority app.
COMPASS TO GO THE COLE MILE
I TIPPED big things for Belfast pair Broken Compass after they released their debut single Storm in October.
Now the duo, Ben Dadidson and Allen Gordon have landed roles in Anything Goes at Belfast’s Grand Opera House.
Belfast pair Broken Compass Ben Dadidson and Allen GordonCredit: Supplied
Running from April 14-18, the show features songs from Cole Porter including I Get A Kick Out Of You.
While Allen has graced the stage at the venue before, it will be the first time for Ben, who previously toured with Westlife in boyband Most Wanted.
Ben told Bizarre: “This has been such a whirlwind, moving to Belfast and joining St Agnes Choral Society.
“Opening myself up to theatre as well as pop has been a dream come true.”
OASIS will feature on the new Help(2) War Child album with a standalone 7in single of Acquiesce, recorded live at Wembley last September, being included in the vinyl edition.
It will be a hidden track on the double CD version, and on streaming, when the charity record is out on Friday.
Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, Damon Albarn and Pulp will also feature.
RAYE SETS LIFE BOAT AFLOAT
RAYE will return to dance music on her upcoming album with a belting electro track called Life Boat.
The singer debuted the song at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday night and it features emotional lyrics against a euphoric chorus.
Raye will return to dance music on her upcoming album with a belting electro track called Life BoatCredit: Getty
In the verse, she sang: “Cry yourself an ocean, trying not to drown in it. Lord send me a lifeboat, something I can cling to.”
Then in the chorus she repeated: “I’m not giving up yet.”
Earlier in her career Raye had a string of dance hits including Bed, Prada, You Don’t Know Me and Secrets, so she knows a thing or two about releasing a banger.
And with her album, This Music May Contain Hope, out on March 27, there isn’t long to wait.
OH BUCKET! AL’S FOR HIGH JUMP
IF you thought it was funny watching Alan Carr take part in the challenges on Celebrity Traitors, his next show will see him jumping out of a plane.
He is shooting a travelogue called The F**k It List for Prime Video, which will see him and other comics taking on bucket list experiences, but it sounds like he’s drawn the short straw.
Alan Carr is shooting a travelogue called The F**k It List for Prime VideoCredit: Getty
Alan said: “I was sold this show about a bucket list. I thought I would be on the Orient Express and swimming with dolphins.”
Instead, he admitted on his Bottoms Up podcast: “I’m skydiving, bungee jumping and stroking a tarantula. I hate spiders.”
Thera’s so much promise
SHE’S the vocal powerhouse from Prague who, aged just 18, is already turning heads across Europe.
And as rising star Thera wraps up supporting Jason Derulo on his The Last Dance world tour, she opened up backstage about juggling school with breaking into the industry.
Thera opened up backstage about juggling school with breaking into the industry
The Czech singer, who first toured with Loreen, said: “I’ve gone through a lot that made me mature faster, which is why people are shocked I’m 18. “It doesn’t feel strange to me. Those experiences shaped who I am today and how I handle things and what I do.
“School has really helped me, even though it’s very stressful and chaotic at times.
“It’s almost forced me to be organised and have a system, which I feel has helped me in the music world.”
On tour it was the Les Twins, who also went on the road with Jason, who acted as her “big brothers”.
She added: “They’re role models, but also feel like family.”
Her biggest night yet was Prague’s O2 Arena on Sunday, where her whole family watched alongside 20,000 fans.