LOOKING for life support for your devices? Amazon is offering an absolute gem of a deal on a portable charger.
Right now, you can pick up a fast-charging power bank for just £15.19, a massive 89% discount from its original price of £139.99.
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This super-fast portable charger is now almost 90% cheaper on Amazon – perfect for dying devices
OHOVIV Portable Charger, £15.19 (was £139.99)
If you’re planning a summer getaway or just spending more time out and about in the months to come, this power bank could well come in handy.
Nobody wants to be stuck with a dead device, whether it’s on a plane, beach or out in the park.
Amazon often offers great tech deals on device from lesser-known brands, and this one seems to have impressed shoppers, boasting over 150 glowing reviews.
The Sun Shopping team hasn’t tested this cheap-as-chips gadget, but the specs are seriously impressive-looking.
The OHOVIV charger comes armed with a 12000mAh battery, one that a customer claims meant their “iPhone 16 reached 50% in under 30 minutes”.
What’s especially cool is that it can charge up to three devices at the same time, thanks to its dual USB ports and Type-C port.
It even has a sleek LED display that shows the remaining battery level and charging status, so you’re never caught out with a dead charger.
Safety is another big plus with this device.
The OHOVIV power bank has been rigorously tested for durability, and it also has built-in protections against overheating, short circuits and overvoltage.
The same person write: “The compact and lightweight design slips easily into my pocket or backpack, making it ideal for travel, commuting, or outdoor adventures.
“The screen is a handy touch, clearly showing the remaining battery level so I’m never caught off-guard.”
Another happy customer added: “It feels sturdy, looks sleek, and I love that it’s allowed on planes.
“Plus, it has safety protection built in, so I don’t have to worry about it overheating. For the price, it’s a total bargain.”
A third person wrote, “It’s compact yet powerful, making it a great choice for daily use or travel.
“The 12000mAh capacity provides multiple charges for my phone, and the charging speed is impressive – quick and reliable.”
If you’re looking for an affordable way to stay powered up this summer, this deal might be worth a closer look.
At least three Palestinians have been killed in Gaza after the Israeli military opened fire on crowds of people who rushed to an aid distribution point set up by a controversial organisation backed by Israel and the United States.
The deadly incident in the southern city of Rafah on Tuesday left 46 others wounded and seven missing, according to authorities in Gaza.
The aid group behind the initiative, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) denied the report, while the Israeli military said its troops had fired warning shots in the area outside the distribution site and that control was re-established.
The incident has prompted criticism from the United Nations and aid groups, but Israel and the US have defended it.
Here’s a round-up of the reaction:
United Nations
A spokesman for the UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, said the images and videos from the aid points set up by GHF were “heartbreaking, to say the least”.
“We and our partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound plan supported by member states to get aid to a desperate population,” Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
“Humanitarian aid needs to be distributed in a way that is safe under principles of independence [and] impartiality – in the way we’ve always done it… We saw the plan that they’ve [Gaza Humanitarian Foundation] published and that they presented to us, and it is not done with the parameters that we feel match our principles, which we apply across the board, from Gaza to Sudan to Myanmar, to anywhere you want to talk about.”
Palestine
The Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the Israeli military’s actions in Rafah.
“The occupation forces, positioned in or around those areas, opened live fire on starving civilians who were lured to these locations under the pretense of receiving aid,” the office said in a statement.
“What happened today in Rafah is a deliberate massacre and a full-fledged war crime, committed in cold blood against civilians weakened by over 90 days of siege-induced starvation.”
The office added: “This incident provides undeniable evidence of the Israeli occupation’s total failure in managing the humanitarian catastrophe it has deliberately created.”
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the chaos at the GHF site, but said the disruption was brief.
“We worked out a plan with our American friends to have controlled distribution sites where an American company would distribute the food to Palestinian families,” he said. “There was some loss of control momentarily. Happily, we brought it back under control.”
He also claimed that there was no proof of malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, saying, “You don’t see one, not one emaciated [person] from the beginning of the war to the present.”
United States
The US State Department also downplayed the rush at the GHF site and dismissed criticism of the aid programme as “complaints about style”.
“Hamas has been opposed to this [aid] dynamic. They have attempted to stop the aid movement through Gaza to these distribution centres, but they have failed,” said Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson for the State Department.
“In that kind of environment, it’s not surprising that there might be a few issues involved. But the good news is that those seeking to get aid to the people of Gaza, which is not Hamas, have succeeded.”
She added: “The real story is that aid and food is moving into Gaza in a massive scale. We’re looking at 8,000 boxes… This is a complicated environment, and the story is the fact that it’s working.”
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
“The needs on the ground are great. At one moment in the late afternoon, the volume of people at the [distribution site] was such that the GHF team fell back to allow a small number of Gazans to take aid safely and dissipate,” the group said in a statement.
Operations have now returned to normal, the group claimed, adding that it has distributed approximately 8,000 food boxes, which it says will feed 5.5 people for 3.5 days, and adds up to about 462,000 meals.
Refugees International
Hardin Lang, the group’s vice president for policy and programmes, said the US-Israel-backed aid initiative is run by military, rather than humanitarian, logic.
“This is not the way in which you try to feed a population, much less a population that is on the verge of famine,” he told Al Jazeera, speaking from Washington, DC.
“The kind of operation that is required to prevent famine, or stop it if it’s already ongoing, is a tremendously large and complex logistical operation. And it’s not just food. You have to have access to medical facilities, access to acute malnutrition centres … which have not been factored into this plan.”
He added: “This is not set up to meet the needs of people. It very much feels like it’s been designed to locate people into the south of Gaza – into an area that’s been designated by the Israelis as ‘a humanitarian zone’, as opposed to trying to meet the needs of a very desperate population.”
Norwegian Refugee Council
Ahmed Bayram, spokesperson for the NRC, called on Israel and the US to cancel their initiative and let humanitarian organisations do their job.
“What we’re seeing is indeed a summary of the tragedy that the people of Gaza are living,” he said.
“This is not how aid is done; this is not how aid should be distributed, not least obviously an occupier doing that – a country that has destroyed and flattened Rafah, asking people to come back to Rafah, that has displaced people out of Rafah, and now tells them to come back and receive whatever they can get hold of.”
Chaos erupted in Rafah as thousands of desperate Palestinians swarmed a new aid distribution site, set up by the controversial US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Live ammunition was fired to disperse the large crowds.
MATALAN shoppers can snap up a ‘luxury’-looking bedding set for just 50p in a limited-time deal.
The White Butterfly Duvet Cover, normally priced at £21, is available for less than £1 when new customers sign up to Top Cashback.
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Offers are also available on the single and king sizesCredit: Matalan
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The single size, usually £16, is completely free after cashback for new members, or £11.33 for existing onesCredit: Matalan
The deal is available online across the UK and applies to the double size set, which includes the duvet cover and matching pillowcases, both featuring a delicate embossed butterfly pattern.
New Top Cashback members can get the set for just 50p after claiming a £2 cashback bonus, while existing members can still enjoy a hefty saving, picking it up for £15.50 with the same bonus.
Offers are also available on the single and king sizes.
The single size, usually £16, is completely free after cashback for new members, or £11.33 for existing ones.
One happy customer wrote: “Outstanding in quality and style. Even more stunning than l was expecting.
So reasonably priced in fact l will be purchasing a second set.
I would 100 per cent recommend this product.”
Over at Dunelm, shoppers can find up to 50 per cent off selected duvet sets in a seasonal sale.
One popular waffle set now ranges from £25.60 to £41.60, down from £32 to £52, and comes in a choice of colours including sage green, black, grey, blue and white.
Meanwhile, Dusk is offering up to 25 per cent off bedding, including the 200 thread count Portofino Waffle Duvet Cover, reduced to between £27.50 and £49.50.
Matching pillowcases, usually £22, are now £11 for a pair.
Back at Matalan, more glowing reviews have poured in for the White Butterfly set.
One buyer said: “Beautiful butterfly design, excellent quality and great value. Looks like luxury item.”
Another added: “Looks good, feels good, just adds a bit of luxury.” A third commented: “Just gorgeous. Embossed butterflies on it.
“Feels nice too, very comfy feeling…..love it.”
A fifth review simply read: “Excellent value for money.”
However, potential buyers should note a couple of small drawbacks.
The set is machine washable, but there’s no mention of whether it’s suitable for tumble drying—something to consider for busy households.
And with the fabric’s raised design, pet owners may need to be cautious as claws could potentially snag the material.
For those looking to refresh their home on a budget, Dunelm is also offering significant discounts on various homeware items.
Shoppers can find up to 75 per cent off in their clearance sale, including items like curtains, bedding, and rugs .
Additionally, Dunelm’s outlet stores across the UK offer up to 75 per cent off stylish home items, including boucle chairs, sofas, cabinets, and lighting.
In the kitchenware department, Dunelm has launched a promotional offer, cutting the price of a 12-piece dinner set from £25 to just £12.50.
This floral-designed set includes four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls, and is both dishwasher and microwave safe.
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Over at Dunelm, shoppers can find up to 50% off selected duvet sets in a seasonal saleCredit: Getty
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And with the fabric’s raised design, pet owners may need to be cautious as claws could potentially snag the materialCredit: Getty
Springwatch returned to the BBC on Monday night for a special 20th anniversary series with Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams all back as presenters
BBC’s beloved wildlife programme Springwatch has kicked off its 20th anniversary series, with Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan returning as hosts.
Broadcasting from a new location in the picturesque Peak District, the duo introduced the first episode on May 26 with a nostalgic montage of clips featuring familiar faces, including Kate Humble and Bill Oddie, from the show’s debut in 2005.
In his signature style, Chris Packham donned a bucket hat and peppered his opening segment with Oasis puns, teasing viewers that they were in for a treat: “You’ll want to be here now as we’re about to bring you the Champagne supernova of wildlife TV, starting tonight.”
To celebrate two decades on air, the show has introduced a new feature, Springwatch Street, which delves into the secret lives of urban wildlife, showcasing the thriving populations of foxes and swifts in city environments.
Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan hosting Springwatch(Image: BBC)
Within minutes of the episode airing, fans took to social media platform X to share their delight at the show’s return. One enthusiastic viewer exclaimed: “Springwatch at 20! Absolutely love this show! Great recap of the start and all of the amazing presenters that the show has had!” reports Gloucestershire Live.
Another loyal fan commented: “Springwatch is 20 – and I think I’ve watched every series.”
A third viewer praised the show’s hosts, saying: “Wonderful #springwatch is back – @ChrisPackham4 and @michaelastracha are national treasures.”
Others welcomed the show’s return, posting: “Lovely to have #Springwatch back on our screens. And from the #PeakDistrict too!” and “Ssshhhh it’s finally #springwatch time! Welcome back.”
Chris had fans buzzing with his not-so-secret Oasis theme, with one viewer tweeting: “@ChrisGPackham clearly on an Oasis kick tonight.”
Others chimed in: “Oasis songs then Chris?” and noted: “Sneaky Oasis references in the first 10 minutes.”
Some even teased: “Some might say that Chris is naming Oasis songs.”
Iolo Williams with his new look(Image: BBC)
Meanwhile, Welsh presenter Iolo Williams drew attention with a new look as he checked in from a damp Belfast, saying: “My beard and I, we’re going to take you on a Northern Ireland road trip,” before outlining the wildlife features ahead, including foxes and seals.
“So Chris and Michaela we have got three wildlife-packed weeks coming up for you,” Iolo declared, prompting a handover back to the Peak District. There, Michaela shared her approval of his new look: “I know, more rain, more hair – I like it. I almost think you look quite handsome actually Iolo.”
Chris offered his humorous take: “I think he looks like a Norwegain resistance fighter in the Second World war personally.”
Fans didn’t hesitate to weigh in on Iolo’s beard, with comments such as: “Liking the beard!” and “Loving @IoloWilliams2’s beard.”
Another added: “Silver fox sighting on #Springwatch already, Iolo definitely needs to keep the beard.”
Previously limited to fastballs and splitters, Shohei Ohtani threw a handful of sliders and curveballs in his mid-week bullpen session, but that doesn’t mean he will be a two-way player again before the All-Star break.
Ohtani is lined up to potentially face hitters in a simulated game Saturday in New York, but that doesn’t mean he will pitch in the upcoming four-week stretch that could determine the course of the Dodgers’ season.
As encouraged as the team is with his progress and as desperate as the Dodgers are for one of their sidelined frontline starters to return, they will continue to slow play Ohtani’s return to the mound, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking but not authorized to speak publicly.
The Dodgers could use Ohtani’s arm, but they absolutely need his bat, and they don’t plan on jeopardizing his offense by exposing him to any unnecessary risks on the mound.
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NBA PLAYOFFS RESULTS
All Times Pacific
Conference finals
Western Conference
No. 1 Oklahoma City vs. No. 6 Minnesota at Oklahoma City 114, Minnesota 88 (box score) at Oklahoma City 118, Minnesota 103 (box score) Saturday at Minnesota, 5:30 p.m., ABC Monday at Minnesota, 5:30 p.m., ESPN Wednesday at Oklahoma City, 5:30 p.m., ESPN* Friday, May 30 at Minnesota, 5:30 p.m., ESPN* Sunday, June 1 at Oklahoma City, 5 p.m., ESPN*
Eastern Conference
No. 3 New York vs. No. 4 Indiana Indiana 138, at New York 135 (OT) (box score) Friday at New York, 5 p.m., TNT Sunday at Indiana, 5 p.m., TNT Tuesday at Indiana, 5 p.m., TNT Thursday, May 29 at New York, 5 p.m., TNT* Saturday, May 31 at Indiana, 5 p.m., TNT* Monday, June 2 at New York, 5 p.m., TNT*
*if necessary
ANGELS
Taylor Ward hit a go-ahead grand slam, Logan O’Hoppe also homered in a five-run seventh inning and the Angels rallied past the skidding Athletics 10-5 on Thursday for their seventh consecutive victory.
Ward and O’Hoppe both connected off reliever Grant Holman (4-1), sending the A’s to their ninth loss in a row. O’Hoppe had four homers in the series.
It was the second go-ahead slam in 10 days for Ward, who finished with three hits and five RBIs. He has an extra-base hit in eight straight games — one shy of the club record set by Darin Erstad in 1998.
Ward has 17 RBIs in his last 10 games. He and O’Hoppe each have 14 homers this season. Zach Neto also had three of the Angels’ 13 hits.
From Ben Bolch: The Bruin Bombers. The Bash Brothers. The Splash Brothers.
Jordan Woolery and Megan Grant are open to any nicknames that reflect their standing as college softball’s most formidable hitting duo.
“Whatever anyone wants to call us,” Woolery said, “we don’t even care.”
Any credible nickname must recognize their staggering power. Bonus points are available for a reference to their native Bay Area. What’s not negotiable is the conveying of their connection, both as the best of friends and their proximity in UCLA’s batting order.
Woolery hits third, followed by Grant in the cleanup spot. It has been that way in every lineup card this season except for the three games in which Grant was either limited to pinch-hitting duties or sidelined because of a minor hamstring injury.
The payoff of pairing them together has been historic, a combination as proven as peanut butter and jelly or Simon and Garfunkel.
From Ryan Kartje: The first thing that catches your eye as you enter new Dedeaux Field — once you’ve navigated the ground floor of the parking structure, past the temporary batting cages in the construction zone beyond center field, down the path strewn with electric scooters, around “CONSTRUCTION ACCESS GATE #3” and onto the warning track of USC’s soon-to-be baseball home — is the actual field itself.
A new playing surface wasn’t something Trojans baseball players were clamoring for. They loved old Dedeaux Field and its charms. But plans for a football practice facility necessitated speeding up the timeline for upgrades on the half-century-old venue, and USC’s baseball program, with twice as many titles as any other school in NCAA history during that time, was told to make the best of it.
Of course, no one within the program was complaining about the prospect of a shiny new ballpark — least of all Andy Stankiewicz, the Trojans’ coach. But with a blank canvas on which to build a new version of Dedeaux Field, there was some upside. One is that every square inch of the park, down to the dirt, could now be given careful, meticulous consideration — with no expense spared.
“Every detail, every material was hand-picked,” says Scott Lupold, USC’s director of turf. He believes there will be no equal in the ranks of college baseball fields when his work is finished. The grade of the infield, he says, is perfectly flat. The gleaming green grass — Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass — is the finest on the market, the same you find in Dodger Stadium. And the dirt? You might catch yourself wondering if it’s dirt at all. “We were literally able to design every aspect of the surface how we wanted it,” Lupold says. As sports turf goes, this is his Sistine Chapel.
The College Football Playoff will go to a more straightforward way of filling the bracket next season, placing teams strictly on where they are ranked instead of moving pieces around to reward conference champions.
Ten conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director came to the unanimous agreement they needed Thursday to shift the model that drew complaints last season.
The new format was widely expected after last season’s jumbled bracket gave byes to Big 12 champion Arizona State and Mountain West champion Boise State, even though those teams were ranked ninth and 12th by the playoff selection committee.
NHL PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE, RESULTS
All times Pacific
Conference finals
Western Conference
Central 2 Dallas vs. Pacific 3 Edmonton at Dallas 6, Edmonton 3 (summary) Friday at Dallas, 5 p.m., ESPN Sunday at Edmonton, noon, ABC Tuesday at Edmonton, 5 p.m., ESPN Thursday, May 29 at Dallas, 5 p.m., ESPN* Saturday, May 31 at Edmonton, 5 p.m., ABC* Monday, June 2 at Dallas, 5 p.m., ESPN*
Eastern Conference
Metro 2 Carolina vs. Atlantic 3 Florida Florida 5, at Carolina 2 (summary) Florida 5, at Carolina 0 (summary) Saturday at Florida, 5 p.m., TNT Monday at Florida, 5 p.m., TNT Wednesday at Carolina, 5 p.m., TNT* Friday, May 30 at Florida, 5 p.m., TNT* Sunday, June 1 at Carolina, 5 p.m., TNT*
* If necessary
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1884 — Knight of Ellersie, ridden by S. Fischer, wins the two-horse Preakness Stakes by two lengths over Welcher.
1922 — Future world heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney suffers his only professional defeat in 15-round unanimous points decision against Harry Greb at Madison Square Garden, N.Y.
1936 — Rushaway, ridden by John Longden, wins his second derby in as many days, taking the 1 1/4-mile Latonia Derby at Latonia in Covington, Ky. Rushaway had won the 1 1/8-mile Illinois Derby, run at Aurora, Ill., the previous day.
1941 — In his 20th world heavyweight boxing title defense Joe Louis knocks out Buddy Baer in round 1 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
1953 — Native Dancer, ridden by Eric Guerin, avenges the loss in the Kentucky Derby by edging Jamie K. by a neck to win the Preakness Stakes.
1964 — Dale Greig runs female marathon world record (3:27:45).
1968 — AC Milan of Italy win 8th European Cup Winner’s Cup against Hamburger SV of West Germany 2-0 in Rotterdam.
1976 — Boston center Dave Cowens dominates the opener of the NBA Finals against Phoenix with a 25-point, 21-rebound performance and the Celtics defeat the Suns, 98-87.
1981 — Puerto Rican boxer Wilfred Benítez (22) becomes the youngest 3-division world champion in history by knocking out WBC World Super Welterweight champion Maurice Hope in 12 rounds in Las Vegas.
1991 — Paul Dougherty scores two goals and adds two assists to help the San Diego Sockers win their fourth consecutive Major Indoor Soccer League championship with an 8-6 victory over the Cleveland Crunch.
1997 — In the first all-freshman singles final in NCAA history, Stanford’s Lilia Osterloh beats Florida’s M.C. White 6-1, 6-1 to win the women’s singles tennis championship.
2001 — 9th UEFA Champions League Final: Bayern Munich beats Valencia (1-1, 5-4 on penalties) at Milan.
2005 — Anastasia Myskina is the first defending champion at the French Open to be eliminated in the opening round, losing to Spain’s Maria Sanchez Lorenzo 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
2007 — UEFA Champions League Final, Athens: Filippo Inzaghi scores twice as AC Milan beats Liverpool, 2-1 for 7th title.
2009 — Alabama sophomore Kelsi Dunne becomes the first player to throw back-to-back no-hitters in NCAA postseason play. Dunne holds Jacksonville State hitless for the second straight day in a 9-0 softball victory. The two no-hitters tie the NCAA postseason record. It’s Dunne’s fourth of the season and a school-record six for her career.
2013 — Patrick Roy is named head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, his former team where he won two Stanley Cups.
2018 — NFL owners approve new NFL national anthem policy whereby players required to stand if they choose to be on the field for pre-game presentations.
2021 — Phil Mickelson wins the 2021 PGA Championship by two strokes to become the oldest major winner (50) in PGA history.
THIS DAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1901 — The Cleveland Blues, later known as the Indians, scored nine runs with two outs in the ninth inning to beat the Washington Senators 14-13.
1910 — In the top of the ninth inning in a game against Boston, Cincinnati’s Dode Paskert stole second base, third base and home plate. The theft gave the Reds a 6-5 win.
1924 — Washington’s Walter Johnson struck out 14 in a 4-0 one-hitter over the Chicago White Sox for his 103rd shutout.
1925 — Cincinnati pitcher Pete Donohue had five hits — four singles and a homer — in beating the Philadelphia Phillies 11-2.
1935 — The first major league night game, scheduled for Cincinnati, was postponed because of rain.
1948 — Joe DiMaggio hit three consecutive home runs, the first two off Bob Feller, to lead the New York Yankees to 6-5 win over Cleveland.
1962 — New York’s Joe Pepitone hit two homers in the nine-run eighth inning of the Yankees’ 13-7 triumph over Kansas City.
1970 — The San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants battled for 15 innings, with the Padres winning 17-16. Nate Colbert led San Diego with five hits and four RBIs.
1984 — The Detroit Tigers won their 16th consecutive road game, 4-2 at California, tying an AL record.
1991 — Tommy Greene, making the 15th start of his major league career, pitched a no-hitter and the Philadelphia Phillies beat Montreal 2-0.
2000 — The Orioles defeat the Mariners‚ 4-2. Seattle’s Rickey Henderson draws his 2‚000th career walk in the 9th inning‚ making him the third player to reach that level‚ after Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
2002 — Dodgers slugger Shawn Green became the 14th man in major league history to homer four times in a game and set a big league record with 19 total bases. He went 6-for-6, scoring six times with seven RBIs in a 16-3 win at Milwaukee.
2003 — Jeremi Gonzalez earned his first major league victory in nearly five years as Tampa Bay beat the Angels 3-1. Gonzalez won for the first time since June 28, 1998, while with the Chicago Cubs. He had elbow surgery in 1998 and ’99 before the Cubs released him in 2001.
2005 — Left-hander Mark Mulder of the St. Louis Cardinals becomes just the 12th National League pitcher since 1976 to throw a complete game shutout of 10 innings or more when he blanks the Houston Astros, 1-0, in 10 innings. Greg Maddux posted the last extra-inning shutout in the National League in 1988.
2009 — Jason Giambi hit his 400th homer in the Oakland Athletics’ 8-7 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming the 44th player to reach the milestone.
2011 — Corey Hart hit his first three home runs this season and drove in seven to tie both club records, lifting Milwaukee to an 11-3 win over Washington.
2018 — The Seattle Mariners sign a new 25-year lease to continue playing at Safeco Field. The lease will take effect at the expiration of the current 20-year lease at the end of the season, a lease which was signed when the ballpark opened in 1999.
2023 — Gerrit Cole records the 2,000th strikeout of his career when he fans Jorge Mateo of the Orioles in the 2nd inning, becoming the third-fastest pitcher to the mark in terms of both games pitched (278) and innings pitched (1,714 2/3).
Compiled by the Associated Press
Until next time…
That concludes today’s newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you’d like to see, email me at [email protected]. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.
Previously limited to fastballs and splitters, Shohei Ohtani threw a handful of sliders and curveballs in his mid-week bullpen session, but that doesn’t mean he will be a two-way player again before the All-Star break.
Ohtani is lined up to potentially face hitters in a simulated game on Saturday in New York, but that doesn’t mean he will pitch in the upcoming four-week stretch that could determine the course of the Dodgers’ season.
As encouraged as the team is with his progress and as desperate as the Dodgers are for one of their sidelined frontline starters to return, they will continue to slow play Ohtani’s return to the mound, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking but not authorized to speak publicly.
The Dodgers could use Ohtani’s arm, but they absolutely need his bat, and they don’t plan on jeopardizing his offense by exposing him to any unnecessary risks on the mound.
Which is a major gamble in itself.
Every one of their next 26 games will be against teams with winning records. Of them, 23 will be against teams that would have qualified for the playoffs if the regular season ended on Wednesday, the exception being the St. Louis Cardinals, who have won 13 of their last 17 games.
Starting on Friday at Citi Field with the opening game of a three-game series against the New York Mets, the stretch of games will include seven meetings with the San Diego Padres and three with the San Francisco Giants.
The Padres were 2 ½ games behind the Dodgers in the National League West entering Thursday. The Giants were just two back.
Considering the state of their pitching staff, the Dodgers could very easily emerge from this stretch of games in second, third, or maybe even fourth place in their division.
Roki Sasaki is targeting a return in late June from what the team described as a shoulder impingement, but the rookie never looked entirely comfortable before he went down, so who knows what he will offer them when he comes back.
Roki Sasaki is one of several Dodgers starting pitchers on the injured list.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
“Not sure I’ve ever seen their pitching so decimated,” an executive from a rival team said.
The loss of frontline starters is nothing new for the Dodgers, whose injury problems last year practically forced them to acquire Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline. What’s new is their lack of depth.
The returns of Tony Gonsolin and Clayton Kershaw have mitigated the problem but only so much. Along with the inconsistent Dustin May and the consistently mediocre Landon Knack, Gonsolin and Kershaw represent the rotation’s final line of defense.
In previous seasons, the Dodgers always seemed to have 10 pitchers in their organization who could beat a mid- or low-level opponent on any given day. However, the inability to keep their young pitchers healthy has cost them much of that depth. Emmet Sheehan, River Ryan and Gavin Stone underwent major surgeries last year. Michael Grove had a shoulder operation this year. Injuries have turned Bobby Miller into a pedestrian minor leaguer, but if another starter is injured, the Dodgers could be forced to call him up again.
Dave Roberts expertly managed a depleted rotation and exhausted bullpen in the playoffs last year, and he’ll have to do it again less than two months into the regular season. He could have to punt on certain games. When his team is behind, he could have to ask his starter to pitch an extra inning or two so that he could save his high-leverage relievers for games in which they are ahead.
This isn’t to say Ohtani’s pitching comeback should be expedited. Whomever they have pitching, the Dodgers will have to score runs to win another World Series, and that starts with Othani. Before they unleash Ohtani the pitcher, they have to protect Ohtani the hitter.
Because of that, they have gambled on May pitching more games like the one he pitched on Wednesday night in a 3-1 victory over Diamondbacks. They have gambled on Kershaw figuring out how to pitch as a 37-year-old returning from multiple operations. And they have gambled on Roberts managing an injury-ravaged pitching staff.
The wagers will decide what kind of season this will be, whether this is a year in which the Dodgers will run away with the NL West or one in which they will have to fight until the final days of the regular season to determine which team is granted a first-round bye in the playoffs.
This Amazon deal is a smart choice for anyone flying with budget airlines like Ryanair and Jet2, where luggage rules are notoriously tight.
In recent years, these companies have tightened their baggage policies, allowing passengers to bring only a small underseat bag on board for free.
Any larger bag – even those stored in the overhead compartment – now incur additional fees that can quickly add up.
This means that even if you’re flying on a budget ticket, you could end up spending extra just to bring a standard-sized carry-on.
With this backpack, however, you can dodge those needless extra costs entirely.
Measuring 40x20x25cm, it’s fully compliant with Ryanair’s underseat baggage dimensions, allowing you to pack everything you need for a short trip.
On top of that, this backpack is cleverly designed to maximise its 20-litre capacity while remaining compact.
It even features compression straps to help you fit it neatly into the baggage checker without any worries.
Designed to open 180 degrees, much like a suitcase, it’s not only practical for packing but also makes accessing your belongings mid-journey a breeze.
Beyond its perfect size, the travel bag is packed with features, including toiletry compartments that make airport security checks swift and hassle-free.
The hidden back pocket offers a secure spot for valuables like passports and wallets, while the built-in USB charging port allows you to keep your devices powered on the go.
The bag has earned glowing reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers love its practicality and quality.
‘Couldn’t believe the quality of this bag for such a small price,’ one shopper noted.
‘[I] took it to Italy for a long weekend and it was absolutely perfect in every way.”
Another wrote: ‘I flew through 5 countries in 14 days with Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air and Norwegian and had ZERO issues with my bag fitting into those little bag-checking boxes’
Customers are impressed by how much the bag can hold while staying ‘compact but spacious’, also calling it ‘perfectly designed’.
‘We packed 5.5kg in one and 6kg in the other,’ one buyer writes. ‘Very impressed when you think most 10kg bags weigh over 1kg empty.’
At this price, it’s no wonder Amazon shoppers are pouncing on this cabin bag. If you’re keen, just make sure you snap it up at deal price.
‘Cuchillo’ (Knife) accused of organised crime, aggravated kidnapping and homicide over murder of 13 miners.
Police have arrested the main suspect in the kidnapping and murder in early May of 13 gold miners in Peru.
Miguel Antonio Rodriguez Diaz, also known by the alias “Cuchillo” (Knife), was detained in the Colombian city of Medellin on Thursday, the Ministry of the Interior in Lima said.
The murders in early May put the spotlight on increasing violence provoked by a gold rush in Peru’s northern Pataz district. The burned bodies of 13 missing gold miners were recovered after being reported as kidnapped by illegal miners allied with criminal armed groups.
Diaz was detained in a joint operation by the Peruvian National Police, Interpol and the Colombian National Police, the Peruvian ministry stated. He is accused of “organised crime, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated homicide” and due to be extradited back to Peru.
Colombia’s police chief, Carlos Triana, wrote on X that the capture of Diaz was with the support of the United States Homeland Security Investigations agency, which is responsible for investigating transnational criminal gangs.
The suspect’s lawyer, Kevin Diaz, told local radio station RPP that his client had been in Venezuela for “a few days” before returning to Colombia, where he was arrested.
Wave of violence
The wave of violence sparked by the gold rush in Pataz has led the government to establish a military facility in the area.
Mining company La Poderosa, which owns the mine where the murders took place, claimed earlier this month that nearly 40 people, including contractors and miners, have been recently killed in the district by criminal gangs.
The threat is of national importance. As one of Latin America’s biggest gold producers, mining is a key economic avenue in Peru.
However, with the financial success of the market, illegal mining has taken off. The practice involves more money than drug trafficking, amounting to $3bn-4bn per year, according to the government.
That has helped bring an unprecedented wave of gang violence, with several areas of the country under a state of emergency.
BARGAIN-hunting Brits are rushing to a major supermarket to grab a limited-edition ‘mystery’ flavour of Pringles for just 98p.
The curious crisps have been spotted at Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, where eagle-eyed shoppers have clocked the Super Mario-themed “Mystery Flavour” 165g cans being cleared from shelves in a flash.
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A photo of the discounted snack was shared on FacebookCredit: Facebook
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Sparking a flurry of comments from snack fans desperate to uncover the flavourCredit: Facebook
A photo of the discounted snack was shared on Facebook, sparking a flurry of comments from snack fans desperate to uncover the flavour.
One user wrote: “I would love to know the flavour please, thanks.”
Speculation has run wild online, with people offering their best guesses.
“My partner had them, said they tasted like salt and vinegar,” one person commented.
Another added: “Bit spicy – should’ve read the ingredients on the box.
“Nothing to go wild about.”
Others reckoned the crisps were meant to mimic classic Italian flavours, with one writing: “They’re supposed to be like a pepperoni pizza flavour but they weren’t nice,” while another suggested: “I think they are spicy meatball flavour.”
One fan said: “They mostly taste pickled onion flavour,” and another chimed in: “I believe they’re random flavours – hence the mystery.”
The Mario-themed cans are part of a special Pringles line featuring multiple mystery flavours – and Pringles isn’t spilling the beans just yet.
Fans have been left to rely on their own taste buds, with theories ranging from ketchup and spaghetti to “Magic Mushroom” flavour, a cheeky nod to the iconic Nintendo game.
The mystery surrounding these crisps has sparked plenty of debate online, with many fans expressing their excitement over the flavour hunt.
One Facebook user even joked: “I can’t wait to open one and see if it tastes like the power-ups Mario collects!”
It’s not the first time Pringles has teased taste buds with a mystery range.
Previous surprise flavours have included carbonara, Southern Fried Chicken, and Pickle – each of which garnered mixed reactions from shoppers.
This latest release seems to have struck a chord with fans, though, who are eager to get their hands on the elusive taste.
For those intrigued by the Mario connection, it’s clear that the theme has added an extra layer of excitement to this mystery.
With Super Mario’s popularity ever-growing, it’s no wonder that fans are flocking to the supermarket to get their hands on the latest Pringles craze.
In the midst of this snack craze, Pringles continues to dominate the crisp world with their bold experiments and limited-edition offerings.
Whether it’s a mysterious flavour or a nod to a beloved gaming character, the brand knows how to keep fans guessing.
And with Doritos also hinting at a major shake-up – possibly ditching their iconic triangle shape for a square – it seems the crisp aisle is full of surprises this month.
How to save money on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
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The Mario-themed cans are part of a special Pringles line featuring multiple mystery flavours – and Pringles isn’t spilling the beans just yetCredit: Reuters
SHOPPERS are hot footing it down to B&M to buy pretty and on-trend garden plants scanning for just £10 at the checkout.
The bargain shop is selling the social media garden must-have just in time forsummer.
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B&M is selling Salix Flamingo plants for only £10
People couldn’t believe their eyes after a fellow Flamingo Tree fan let everyone know in a Facebook group, Bargain Lovers, they were being sold for the cheapest price yet.
Delighted users started commenting and tagging their friends in.
One person wrote: “That’s a great price they are lovely shrubs so pretty.”
Meanwhile, another added: “Love these, £10, right bargain.”
Another let her friend know about the deal and simply said “quick”.
The pink Salix Flamingo Trees, known for their brightly-coloured foliage, are just £10.
They are also selling small hedge plants which were being sold for £4 last year.
They’re the cheapest on the market right now, with B&Q selling its 17cm trees for a pricier £24.99.
If you can’t find the Flamingo Tree in B&M, The Range is also selling them for £15.
Wilko‘s deal on the plant, like B&Q, is also more expensive than The Range, charging £17 for a 40cm tree.
5 ways to save money in B&M
On eBay you would have to pay £9.95 for a mini plant – an amount which could almost get you three when shopping at B&M.
It comes as a reminder to always compare prices before buying a product, which you can do through websites like Trolley.
The flamingo plants are currently unavailable to view online – meaning you’ll have to visit your local store to see if they stock it.
It’s important to bear in mind that prices may vary between locations.
If you want to find your nearest B&M store, you can use the Store Finder tool on its website.
They have 280 outdoor plants and trees to browse online, such as a rose bush for £23.99.
Another quick way to cut costs is by visiting at the right time.
One ex-manager told The Sun this is around 10am on a Wednesday, when staff slash the price of items to as little as 10p to clear excess stock and make way for new products.
Deals expert Tom Church said to keep an eye out for red sticker products as well.
It’s worth signing up to Facebook pages dedicated to hunting for bargains from B&M and other discounters too.
