WASHINGTON — The White House said it was not feasible to save the East Wing because of structural and other concerns as officials shared details of President Trump’s planned ballroom at Thursday’s meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission.
Josh Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, ticked off issues including an unstable colonnade, water leakage and mold contamination in explaining why it was more economical to tear down the East Wing to make room for the $400-million ballroom than to renovate it.
“Because of this and other factors, the cost analysis proved that demolition and reconstruction provided the lowest total cost ownership and most effective long-term strategy,” Fisher said.
Will Scharf, a top White House aide whom Trump tapped to head the commission, opened the meeting by noting “passionate comments on both sides” of the ballroom project but adding that public comment wouldn’t be part of Thursday’s session.
“I view today’s presentation really as the start of a process as the ballroom moves through the overall NCPC process,” Scharf said, adding that his objective is for the commission to play a “productive role” as ballroom construction moves ahead.
In December, the White House submitted its ballroom plans to the commission, which is one of two federal panels that review construction on federal land — usually before ground is broken. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction, accusing the Trump administration of violating federal laws by proceeding before submitting the project for the independent reviews, congressional approval and public comment.
The first step in the review process for the East Wing Modernization Project was Thursday’s information presentation, during which commissioners could ask questions and offer general feedback. A more formal review is expected in the spring — including public testimony and votes.
A summary on the commission’s website said the purpose of the project is to “establish a permanent, secure event space within the White House grounds” that provides increased capacity for official state functions, eliminates reliance on temporary tents and support facilities, and “protects the historic integrity and cultural landscape of the White House and its grounds.”
A comprehensive design plan for the White House prepared in 2000 identified the “need for expanded event space to address growing visitor demand and provide a venue suitable for significant events,” the summary said. It added that successive administrations had “recognized this need as an ongoing priority.”
The 12-member National Capital Planning Commission is led by Scharf. He said at the commission’s December meeting that the review process would be treated seriously and be conducted at a “normal and deliberative pace.”
Carol Quillen, president of the trust, told the Associated Press in a recent interview that she takes Scharf “at his word” that the commission will do its job.
Trump, a Republican serving his second term, has been talking about building a White House ballroom for years. In July, the White House announced a 90,000-square-foot space would be built on the east side of the complex to accommodate 650 seated guests at a then-estimated cost of $200 million. Trump has said it will be paid for with private donations, including from him.
He later upped the ballroom’s capacity to 999 people and, by October, had demolished the two-story East Wing. In December, he updated the price tag to $400 million.
The White House has announced few other details about the project but has said it would be completed before Trump’s term ends in January 2029. Trump has said the ballroom will be big enough for future presidential inaugurations to be held there. He also said it will have bulletproof glass and a drone-free roof.
While in Florida last week, the president bought marble and onyx for the ballroom “at his own expense,” the White House said. The cost was not disclosed.
William Eklund scored 3:08 into overtime, Macklin Celebrini had the tying goal and two assists to extend his point streak to 12 games, and the San Jose Sharks defeated the Kings 4-3 on Wednesday night.
Celebrini evened the score at 3 with 1:07 remaining in regulation. He deked his way past Warren Foegele and sent a wrist shot through traffic that beat goalie Darcy Kuemper through the legs for his 24th goal this season. The 19-year-old center has nine goals and 15 assists during his point streak.
Celebrini is tied for the third-longest point streak by a teenager in NHL history — joining Joe Sakic in 1988-89, Jimmy Carson in 1987-88 and Wayne Gretzky in 1979-80 — and the third-longest point streak in Sharks history.
Tyler Toffoli and Adam Gaudette each had a goal, Yaroslav Askarov made 23 saves and the Sharks won for the fifth time in six games.
Alex Turcotte and Kevin Fiala each had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who still haven’t won three straight games since winning four in a row in mid-November. Alex Laferriere also scored and Kuemper made 24 saves.
Laferriere put the Kings ahead with 2:10 left in the third period, but they couldn’t prevent another sensational play by the electric Celebrini.
The Kings were without four forwards, including stalwart center and team captain Anze Kopitar, who is day-to-day after sustaining a lower-body injury in a win over Minnesota on Monday. Those absences led the Kings to play with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Sharks center Ty Dellandrea is week-to-week after sustaining a lower-body injury against Columbus on Tuesday.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Reliever Kirby Yates finalized a $5-million, one-year deal with the Angels on Tuesday.
A 38-year-old right-hander, Yates flopped last season with the Dodgers. He did not pitch after Sept. 20 after straining his right hamstring, an injury that also sidelined him between May 17 and June 8.
Yates is technically making a return the Angels, who employed him for one major league appearance in 2017 after claiming him off waivers from the Yankees. Yates subsequently joined the San Diego Padres and enjoyed the longest sustained success of his career before bouncing to Atlanta, Texas and the Dodgers over the past three seasons.
The veteran is rejoining Mike Maddux, the pitching coach who oversaw Yates’ All-Star performance in 2024 while both were with the Rangers. Yates went 7-2 with a 1.17 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP and 85 strikeouts in 61 innings for Texas.
Yates still earned a World Series ring last season after agreeing to a $13-million, one-year deal with the Dodgers, but he spent three stints on the injured list and had a 5.23 ERA before failing to get on the postseason roster as part of the Dodgers’ struggling bullpen.
Yates is 30-24 with a 3.36 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and 98 saves in 472 relief appearances over 11 major league seasons with Tampa Bay (2014-15), the Yankees (2016), the Angels, San Diego (2017-20), Atlanta (2022-23), Texas (2024) and the Dodgers. He led the major leagues with 41 saves in 2019.
He had Tommy John surgery twice, in 2006 while in college and after getting hurt during spring training in 2021 with Toronto.
He is the latest addition to the Angels’ overhauled pitching staff, joining new relievers Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz. The Angels also took low-cost fliers on Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah, two once-promising starters whose careers were derailed in recent years.
Jetting off on a winter getaway is a desire many people have and travellers have been urged to give specific packing methods a try to help them potentially save hundreds of pounds
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
11:45, 06 Jan 2026Updated 11:45, 06 Jan 2026
Packing for the airport is a tedious task that can prove expensive if you’re not careful (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
People jetting off abroad this January have been urged to be careful when it comes to packing, or risk having to pay a costly baggage charge at the airport. Frigid temperatures, icy weather, and persistent snowfall in some parts of the country have got many people fantasising about a winter getaway.
Those lucky enough to be going on holiday this winter have to be careful when it comes to their clothing, though – especially items used to ward off the January chill. According to a spokesperson from Ski Vertigo, bulky winter items are one of the biggest causes of unexpected baggage fees during January travel.
They say this is because travellers often pack heavy coats and footwear without realising how quickly weight limits are exceeded. Airlines charge for bags that go over set size and weight limits – and fees can add up fast.
Baggage charges vary depending on the airline, flight route and more. Typically, there’ll be higher fees for checked bags, with overweight bags typically incurring charges of between £12 and £25, or sometimes more, per extra kilogram beyond the designated allowance.
It’s best to always check your specific airline’s policy before flying to avoid any unwanted surprises at the airport.
A spokesperson from Ski Vertigo said: “Excess baggage charges can reach well over £100 per flight, with some airlines charging per kilo once limits are passed. For families or return journeys, costs can quickly reach £200 or more.”
In a bid to avoid this, experts recommend wearing the bulkiest items during your outbound journey. Thick or long coats, chunky jumpers and heavy boots take up a lot of space in suitcases and can quickly weigh it down. Ski Vertigo advises wearing these items through the airport in order to free up room in your luggage and avoid weight issues at check-in.
Once you’re through security, you’ll be able to remove those outer layers to make the journey more manageable while still taking advantage of the extra space in your bag. The pros also recommend stuffing accessories like gloves, socks, and scarves inside packed shoes, as empty boots and trainers can take up excessive space and, when empty, that space is often wasted.
This can be useful on winter trips, where these items are necessary, yet may be forgotten until the last minute. Adding them to shoes in checked bags ensures they’re readily available – and they can provide an added layer of protection for your shoes.
Ski Vertigo said limiting coats to one versatile option is also “key”. Many people pack multiple coats “just in case”, only to wear one throughout the trip. A single insulated, waterproof coat works for airports, city breaks, and winter destinations, reducing both bulk and weight.
The spokesperson added that January travellers often underestimate how strict baggage checks can be. Despite winter travel requiring heavier clothing, airline limits remain the same all year round. Many passengers are stuck having to pay excess fees at the airport after packing bulky items like ski jackets and boots into their bags.
One person took to Reddit and asked: “So let’s assume you are only allowed 23 kg per suitcase, but you have more. How much tolerance leeway do you have and what does it depend on? What are your experiences with excess baggage and goodwill/room for manoeuvre?”
In response, one person simply said: “It depends on the agent so my advice is… I wouldn’t risk it but you can if you want to invite hassle and annoy people around you.”
Another added: “Most airports I have been to they will charge you for being over the limit at all. It’s a limit for a reason. Plan on being slightly under the limit unless you want to plan to argue with the staff. Seems rude though.”
MICKEY Rourke is begging for cash on GoFundMe as he turns to fans to save him from being evicted from his Hollywood home.
The controversial actor, 73, could lose his Los Angeles house after falling behind in his rent by thousands and thousand of dollars.
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Mickey Rourke is facing eviction from his Hollywood homeCredit: GettyThe actor could be forced to leave his home after owing thousand of dollarsCredit: GettyMickey has set up a GoFundMe page to help clear his huge debtCredit: GoFundMe
The actor’s fundraiser was kicked off yesterday morning citing the actor had given his “full permission”.
The page, called Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home reads: “Today, Mickey is facing a very real and urgent situation: the threat of eviction from his home.
“This fundraiser is being created with Mickey’s full permission to help cover immediate housing-related expenses and prevent that from happening.
“Mickey Rourke is an icon—but his trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one.
“It is the story of someone who gave everything to his work, took real risks, and paid real costs. Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability.
“What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing.”
The statement added: “The goal is simple: to give Mickey stability and peace of mind during an extremely stressful time—so he can stay in his home and have the space to get back on his feet.”
The page is being run by his friend Liya-Joelle Jones who told the Hollywood reporter: “Mickey is going through a very difficult time right now, and it’s been incredibly touching to see how many people care about him and want to help.”
The actor — born Philip Rourke Jr. — began renting the three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home on March 30 under a lease of $5,200 per month.
The lawsuit involving his possible eviction states the rent was raised to $7,000 per month starting in his second month of occupancy.
Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail and filed in LA’s Superior Court showed the actor was served a three-day notice on December 18.
Mickey was ordered to pay overdue rent or vacate the property.
Mickey is best known for films such as Angel HeartCredit: Getty
According to the complaint filed by landlord Eric T. Goldie, Mikey owed $59,100 at the time.
When a process server attempted to deliver the notice, the actor was not home, so the document was posted outside the residence.
The property carries historic significance in Los Angeles.
Built in 1926, the house was occupied in the 1940s by legendary crime novelist Raymond Chandler, according to the Los Angeles Times.
It sits in the Beverly Grove neighborhood, just south of West Hollywood and a few blocks from The Grove shopping center and the adjacent Farmers Market.
REMOVED FROM CELEB BIG BROTHER
The lawsuit marks another blow for the star, who has had a tumultuous twelve months.
At the time ITV issued a statement and said: “Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother house this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour.”
Last year, Mickey had a controversial appearance on Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: ITV
Quinton Byfield had a goal and an assist, Samuel Helenius scored his first goal of the season, and the Kings beat the Minnesota Wild 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday night.
Adrian Kempe and Corey Perry also scored, Darcy Kuemper made 24 saves, and the Kings were able to respond after wilting late in similar circumstances in a 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday.
Matt Boldy scored late to salvage a point for the Wild. Jake Middleton, Joel Eriksson Ek and Brock Faber each had a goal, and Minnesota is 3-0-3 in its past six games. Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves.
Kempe and Brandt Clarke scored in the four-round shootout, and Kuemper saved attempts by Kirill Kaprizov and Vladimir Tarasenko.
The Kings took the lead four times, only for the Wild to tie it up each time, with Boldy making it 4-4 with 2:57 remaining by getting to the right post where Faber’s shot went in off his upper body.
The Kings went back in front 3-2 early in the third period when Byfield sent the puck caroming off the boards back into the crease, Wallstedt lost it in his skates off his line, and it was eventually knocked in by an errant Minnesota stick.
Faber tied it 3-3 at 7:33 with an easy tap in from Danila Yurov off the rush.
Helenius scored on a wrist shot from the left circle at 12:09 of the third to put the Kings back up 4-3, with the fourth-line center coming free after entering the zone late off a line chance and putting in Kevin Fiala’s pass.
Up next for the Kings: vs. the Wild again on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
AN expert has revealed how you can plan a Cotswolds staycation without breaking the bank.
More than 23million tourists visit the Cotswolds every year, so its no surprise that includes a few celebrities along the way.
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Arlington Row is popular in BiburyCredit: AlamySezincote House is a grand country house in the CotswoldsCredit: Alamy
Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian and even Kamala Harris have all been spotted in recent months, while the Beckhams are known for having a house there.
But despite this, there is still a way to do it on a budget as well as away from the crowds.
Local Amanda Stecker, who founded Unique Cotswold Cottages, explained: “There’s a perception that the Cotswolds is reserved for the wealthy.
“But you can stay in charming self-catering cottages or friendly B&Bs for a fraction of the cost of high-end hotels, and still enjoy the villages, countryside, and experiences that make the area so special.
“Even smaller towns and lesser-known attractions have a charm all of their own, and often a story you’ll remember far longer than the postcard-perfect spots.”
Here are some of her top tips.
Stay in less well-known villages
She explained that while Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water are the popular spots, there are nearby villages that are just as beautiful but far more affordable.
Amanda said: “Look at towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Chipping Campden.
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“These locations still offer charm and convenience but at much lower rates.”
Not only did she say this could save as much as £300 for a three-night stay, but cottages mean you can head to the nearby deli for some groceries and cook yourself, saving you even more.
Visit during shoulder season
If you try and visit the Cotswolds during the summer holidays, expect huge crowds.
The same is during school half terms as well, especially in the spring and autumn.
But the villages are just as beautiful off season, usually November, January and February.
Not only is accommodation cheaper but you won’t be stuck in queues at the car park or the cafe.
Make the most of the free attractions
Just walking through many of the villages and towns feel like they are from a postcard, which is a great free activity.
Not only that, but heritage trails and even attractions like Broadway Tower are free to visit.
The Oxford Museum, Witney Museum and Swinford Museum are just some that are free too.
Amanda advises checking some of the local stately homes which can be affordable especially with a National Trust or English Heritage membership.
Otherwise there are often farmers markets or fairs which you can explore without spending a penny.
According to Amanda, this could save as much as £50 per person during a long weekend.
Check the local transport
Many of the small villages have train stations so you can hop between many of them.
For example, try the Cotswolds Line, which runs from Oxford to Kingham, with stops in Hanborough, Finstock, Charlbury and Shipton along the way.
Otherwise bus routes connect many of them as well, saving you on expensive car parking.
Amanda suggests this could save as much a £30 a day.
Fergus McCann and Ann Budge played a major role in turning round the financial fortunes of their respective Scottish Premiership clubs, Celtic and Hearts
Former Celtic chief executive Fergus McCann and ex-Hearts chair Ann Budge have been named in the New Year Honours.
Lisbon Lion Jim Craig, New Seekers singer Eve Graham, leading forensic scientist Prof Lorna Dawson and former UK defence minister Adam Ingram are also among those who have been recognised.
They have been joined by others including the chief executive of the Royal Edinburgh Botanic Garden, the chief constable of Police Scotland, a heritage kiltmaker and the founders of an island college.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander congratulated the recipients and said the annual list was “packed with local heroes”.
Fergus McCann, who has been made an CBE for services to the economy and to charity, had a controlling stake in Celtic for five years from 1994.
The Parkhead team were hours from bankruptcy when the Stirling-born Canadian businessman paid off its debts.
He later oversaw the rebuilding of Celtic Park, funded in part by a share issue, and stabilised the Glasgow club’s finances.
In 2016 he told BBC Scotland: “I had a responsibility to the supporters to make sure their money wasn’t wasted.”
SNS
Jim Craig was a member of the Celtic team which became the first British side to lift the European Cup
Budge, who becomes an OBE, performed a similar rescue act at Hearts.
But working alongside the Foundation of Hearts she put up £2.5m of her own money and has since made it the largest fan-owned club in the UK.
The businesswoman, who also delivered a new main stand and introduced a living wage for staff, stood down as chair earlier this month with Hearts top of the Scottish Premiership.
Jim Craig, who becomes an OBE, is best known as a member of the legendary 1967 Celtic team which became the first British side to lift the European Cup.
The defender – who later enjoyed a career as a dentist – also won seven league titles, four Scottish Cups and three league cups.
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Eve Graham (left) with fellow members of The New Seekers in August 1971 (left to right) Lyn Paul, Marty Kristian, Peter Doyle and Paul Layton
Eve Graham – who has also been awarded an OBE – and the New Seekers enjoyed international success with tracks like I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing.
The band also represented Britain at the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest.
At the height of the band’s success, the Perth and Kinross-based singer toured Europe and the US.
She even performed at President Richard Nixon’s inauguration ball in 1973.
PA
During the course of her career, Prof Lorna Dawson has advised on more than 150 cases and written more than 100 expert witness reports, both in the UK and abroad
Prof Lorna Dawson, head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, said she was “delighted and humbled” to be given a damehood.
The expert has spent more than three decades researching soil and plant interactions with a particular interest in how this can be used in the criminal justice system.
Prof Dawson has given evidence in some of Scotland’s highest-profile murder cases.
The mother-of-three said: “This honour recognises the power of scientific innovation, partnership, and how forensic soil science can support justice on a national and global scale.
“I thank in particular my family for supporting me, and the many people in organisations I have worked with to help establish forensic soil science as an accepted and invaluable discipline across the world.”
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh /PA Wire
Simon Milne is the second regius keeper to be awarded a knighthood in the 355-year history of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Meanwhile, the Royal Edinburgh Botanic Garden’s chief executive said it was an “immense honour” to have been awarded a knighthood as he prepares to retire.
Simon Milne, whose formal title is regius keeper, has been recognised for his services to botany, conservation and horticulture.
In January the former Royal Marine Commando told BBC Scotland he was “devastated” after Storm Éowyn felled the tallest tree in Edinburgh – 166 years after it was planted during a visit by Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Albert.
Sir Simon said his interest in plants dates to the 1970s when his uncle brought back seeds from the Far East and he volunteered on a local nature reserve.
He said: “On reflection, these early experiences inspired my lifelong curiosity in nature and commitment to conservation.
“Receiving this award as I prepare to retire from such an extraordinary community is deeply meaningful.”
The only other regius keeper to have received a knighthood since the garden’s inception in 1670 was Sir Isaac Bayley Balfour.
He was named in the 1920 civilian war honours list for “services in connection with the war”.
This included persuading the War Office of the benefits of using sphagnum moss for wound dressings.
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Former UK government minister Adam Ingram was a Labour MP from 1987 to 2010
Elsewhere, Adam Ingram, former Labour MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, received a knighthood for parliamentary and political service.
Sir Adam served as Northern Ireland security minister from 1997-2001 and as armed forces minister from 2001-2007.
When he stood down from that post in 2007, he had been the longest-serving defence minister in the history of the Ministry of Defence.
Labour MP for Oxford East, Dr Anneliese Dodds, has also been recognised.
The Aberdeen-born politician has been made a dame.
Other Scots honoured in the list include Lady Rae, a senior judge and lawyer, who has been made a CBE for services to the law, charity and education in Scotland.
Prof Sue Rigby, principal of Edinburgh Napier University, becomes a CBE for services to higher education.
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Jo Farrell has led Police Scotland – which replaced the country’s old eight-force model – since October 2023
Scotland’s top police officer said she was “honoured and grateful” to receive the King’s Police Medal (KPM).
Chief Constable Jo Farrell, a former head of Durham Constabulary, has led Police Scotland since 2023.
The force’s Chief Supt Stevie Dolan and retired Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn will also receive the KPM.
Farrell said: “These honours are recognition of the skill and hard work of officers and staff who deliver for communities and keep Scotland safe.”
Marion Foster, founder of the College of Master Kilt Tailors, has been made an MBE for services to Scottish craftsmanship.
She said: “When I received the letter, I was stunned, it brought tears to my eyes, and I kept re-reading it.
“It was confidential so I have had to keep the news to myself.”
Macaulay College
Roland Engebretsen and Rebecca Lindsay have been awarded MBEs
Roland Engebretsen and Rebecca Lindsay, the co-founders of Macaulay College, near Stornoway in Lewis, have both been awarded MBEs for services to education, social inclusion and to people with additional support needs.
The artists and educators set up their college on Mr Engebretsen’s grandfather’s farm in 2010.
Adults with additional support needs are offered the chance to work on the farm and look after animals including goats, sheep, ponies and chickens.
Engebretsen said he was initially suspicious of the letter informing him of his honour when it dropped through the letterbox.
“It was a very official looking letter. I assumed I was in trouble,” he said.
“I’m glad it wasn’t. It was a lovely surprise.”
Rebecca Lindsay she was “totally overwhelmed” to find out.
DENVER — Nathan MacKinnon scored the 399th goal of his career, Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist, and the surging Colorado Avalanche won their eighth in a row, 5-2 over the Kings on Monday night.
MacKinnon added an assist to go with his NHL-leading 32nd goal this season. Jack Drury, Cale Makar and Martin Necas also scored for the Avalanche, who have won 14 in a row at home.
Colorado has points in 28 of their last 29 games and are 10-0-1 in their last 11 to continue their historic start to the season. Colorado reached 65 points in 38 games, second all-time to the 1929-30 Boston Bruins.
Corey Perry scored and Joel Armia added a short-handed goal for the Kings, who have lost seven of nine.
Drury opened the scoring midway through the first period and Perry tied it with a power-play goal 5:15 into the second period.
Necas put Colorado back in front later in the second when he tapped in a puck that was sitting on the goal line. Nelson’s snap shot beat Anton Forsberg over his left shoulder with 2:30 left in the second.
Forsberg finished with 21 saves for the Kings.
Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 23 shots, including a save on Adrian Kempe’s short-handed breakaway late in the second period.
He couldn’t stop Armia, who skated the length of the ice and scored through the pads during a Colorado power play.
It was the NHL-leading seventh short-handed goal of the season for the Kings.
Forsberg came off for an extra skater with 2:26 remaining and MacKinnon scored an empty-netter with 1:37 remaining. Makar added another goal with 45 seconds to go to seal it.
Up next for the Kings: vs. Tampa Bay at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.
AFTER the expense of Christmas, planning a summer holiday might be the last thing on your mind. But did you know booking now could actually knock HUNDREDS off the price?
From choosing when to travel to how you pack, our expert suggestions will make your trip substantially more affordable. Don’t lose out by waiting until the last minute – do these 15 things NOW to bag the best summer bargain.
Simply ticking an extra box before you search for flights could save you more than you thoughtCredit: Getty
1. Set up price alerts for flights
If you haven’t got set dates that you need to travel, you can set up price alerts on flights to find the best deals.
To do this, click the “price alerts” button on your results page on comparison sites like Skyscanner, Kayak or Google Flights.
You then need to enter your email address to be alerted if prices drop.
It’s important to remember that, while comparison sites are great for checking prices across many different airlines, it’s usually cheaper to book directly with the airline, especially after adding on checked bags and seat selection.
2. Book flights at least two months in advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to book your flight – it rarely pays off.
According to research by Skyscanner, the cheapest time to book international flights is normally two to six months before you travel – meaning that you should be booking as early as January or February if you plan to fly in July or August.
Setting up price alerts is a simple way to save more on your next holidayCredit: AlamyYou can set up price alerts on Skyscanner by clicking the bell button to the left of your searchCredit: Skyscanner
Member benefits include discounts on bookings, earning points for free nights or upgrades, and redeeming points or vouchers for flights, hotels or other travel expenses.
In fact, research by Which? suggests that loyalty schemes are the cheapest way to book hotels – outstripping even popular platforms like Booking.com and Hotels.com.
Most chain hotels have loyalty schemes, which are free to join and promise instant access to discounted room rates.
Free membership with the likes of Hilton and Accor can save you up to £40 a night – that’s around £300 for a week in Dubai via the Hilton Honors loyalty scheme.
Tesco Clubcard points can be converted into Virgin points, which can be put towards flightsCredit: Alamy
5. Collect air miles and loyalty points
Your weekly shop could help pay for your summer holiday, as long as you sign up to the right loyalty scheme.
Tesco Clubcard points can be converted into Virgin points: £1.50 of Clubcard vouchers will get you 300 Virgin Points, which can be used for flights and upgrades.
Meanwhile, Nectar points can be changed into Avios points, with one Avios per 1.6 Nectar points.
You can use this as currency towards flights with airlines including British Airways, Qatar Airways and Iberia.
But you’ll need to get spending in Nectar retailers for that flight – with around 18,500 Avios needed for a short-haul economy return flight.
The Algarve in Portugal was recently rated the cheapest holiday destination to visitCredit: Getty
6. Pick a budget-friendly holiday destination
The Algarve, in Portugal, is Europe’s best value-for-money destination, according to a report by the Post Office.
For the ninth year running, it emerged as the cheapest holiday destination in 2025, thanks to low-cost meals and drinks.
A three-course meal for two with wine will set you back just £40.33 in this sun-drenched region.
Resorts in Cape Town, Bulgaria and Spain’s Costa del Sol, where a beer costs around £2.07, £2.47 and £2.46 respectively, also ranked well for affordability.
Before homing in on your destination, it’s worth checking roughly how much you may spend while you’re away via the report and other cost of living databases like numbeo.com.
7. Research where to get cheap eats
It’s always a good idea to research your destination before you travel – especially if you’re looking to cut costs when you arrive.
Eating out can burn a serious hole in your pocket, so swot up on best bargain restaurants, food trucks and markets ahead of time.
Google Maps allows you to filter by price, while review sites like Tripadvisor or OpenTable have value-focused lists.
When you arrive at your destination, make lunch your main meal – this is when many restaurants offer good value set menus – and avoid eating near the main tourist hotspots.
Sites like TheFork, Time Out and Groupon offer discounts on dining in cities around the world.
If you’re planning a family holiday, it’s worth searching for packages with free children’s placesCredit: Getty
8. Snap up free kids’ places… by January
When researching your summer holiday, look out for free children’s places on package holidays.
These allow one child (aged up to 16) to travel for free with two full-paying adults on a holiday package.
Many holiday operators, such as Tui and Jet2Holidays, also include transfers, food and drink and entertainment like kids’ clubs.
But you’ll need to be quick – free child places are in high demand and can be limited, so book early to bag the bargain.
If you’re travelling in peak summer, it’s a good idea to book in early January to get the holiday you’re after.
9. Weigh up a package holiday against a DIY break
Depending on where and when you travel, a package holiday might be the cheapest option, particularly if you’re staying on an all-inclusive basis.
This means you won’t have to splash out on meals, snacks and drinks locally.
However, it’s always worth comparing the cost with a DIY break.
According to MoneySavingExpert, booking late (no more than 10 weeks before departure) is normally the cheapest way to get a package.
But doing this means you run the risk of losing out on other discounts, such as free kids’ places, which you usually need to book well in advance – so weigh up all your options.
Starting a savings pot is an easy way to set aside for future holidaysCredit: Getty
10. Start a savings pot
Parents fork out over £1,000 extra per week during the school holidays, according to research from life insurance broker Reassured.
This is before they add on an extra £481 per person for a holiday abroad.
So it’s a good idea to start putting money aside for next year’s summer holiday now.
Decide how much you want to spend next summer, factoring in the cost of food and experiences while you’re away, and start saving gradually.
Divide the total into however many pay days you have left until your holiday, and set aside part of the budget in a savings account, repeating the process every payday.
This should help reduce the financial stress of the holiday when it rolls around.
Arranging your airport parking earlier rather than later can save you some serious cashCredit: Getty
11. Book airport parking early
The cost of booking airport parking can creep up if left until the last minute.
The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find the best price.
For instance, if you turn up at Manchester Airport’s multi-storey car park to park for a week, you’ll fork out £406 – quadruple the price of a booking made four months in advance (£95).
Heathrow’s short-stay car parks cost £616 per week at the turn-up price – £393 more than if you book a month in advance (£223).
Even booking just a couple of hours ahead can be far cheaper than the price if you pay on arrival.
Other tips to cut the cost of airport parking include using trusted off-site providers, such as APH, I Love Meet and Greet and Sentinel Car Park, which are usually cheaper than the official airport car parks.
If you have an early flight or live far from the airport, seek out airport parking hotel deals, which often offer a better rate for parking.
12. Dodge tourist trap destinations
Popular hotspots tend to cost more – so look to lesser-known alternatives for cheaper rates.
For instance, if you’re heading to France, consider Lille instead of Paris for a more affordable French experience.
In Lille, the average daily cost per person (including accommodation, food, transport and entertainment) is about £128 (€146).
Meanwhile, the same will cost you £230 (€265) in the French capital, according to budgetyourtrip.com.
Lesser-known spots help you stretch your budget by offering lower accommodation and dining costs.
It’s important to be aware of how much your luggage weighs and its dimensions before travelCredit: Getty
13. Keep baggage costs under control
Make sure you know your luggage allowance – and stick to them – to avoid unnecessary baggage fees.
Each airline has its own restrictions, so check yours well in advance to avoid hefty fees of going over the limit.
For instance, easyJet charges around £10 per extra kilo at the desk, while Ryanair charges an extra £10.50 per kilo that you go over.
The cheapest way is to travel light and take hand luggage only.
Create a packing list in advance, and only pack what you will realistically use.
Roll, instead of fold, your clothes to maximize space and take travel-sized toiletries instead of bulky bottles.
If you can’t be this ruthless with your packing then add your checked bag at the time you book your flight – it will cost less than adding it on later.
14. Book hotels on your smartphone for a cheaper rate
This simple trick could save you hundreds of pounds when booking a hotel stay – make the booking on your mobile phone instead of your laptop or computer.
Which? Travel discovered that this can give you a much better price.
Platforms such as Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com offer mobile-only discounts on selected hotels with up to 40 per cent off stays – but only if your booking is made on a smartphone.
The research found you could slash £270 off the cost of an apartment in Amsterdam on Booking.com, and save £60 on a weekend in Edinburgh with Expedia thanks to these mobile-exclusive prices.
So to make sure you’ve found the best deal, it’s always worth double checking a mobile and laptop price.
It’s worth booking using your phone to make use of mobile-exclusive pricesCredit: Alamy
15. Book at the end of the summer season
As demand increases, so does the price.
Being flexible about when you travel can lead to huge savings.
If you want to get the best deals on flights and accommodation, consider a holiday later in the summer season.
Many Brits escape in the early summer months, leading to price peaks in June and July.
Prices become less steep in late August and early September, as it is less popular.
In 2023, average ticket prices dropped by £94 from their peak in early July to August, according to Expedia.
Some airlines and hotels will tempt you with discounts to encourage booking in the less popular months.
So, to save on your sunshine, scheduling your trip for the end of August could be the way to go.
Booking your holiday for the late summer season can save you some extra cashCredit: Alamy
Match of the day Pundit Joe Hart breaks down how David Raya was able to execute an ‘absolutely brilliant’ save for Arsenal in their 2-1 victory over Brighton.
Sydney Sweeney plays housemaid Millie Calloway in The Housemaid
Sydney Sweeney wants to make films that will “impact and hopefully save people’s lives”, she has told the BBC.
The 28-year-old US actor has this year appeared in psychological thriller The Housemaid and boxing biopic Christy, which both address issues around domestic violence.
Sweeney calls the topic “prevalent” and says she takes a “lot of care” when playing these types of roles.
“Being able to have a film that’s on a more commercial level talk about a very difficult topic is important,” she adds.
Lionsgate
Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried were cast in The Housemaid due to their physical similarities
Sweeney is currently starring as Millie Calloway in The Housemaid, which is based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Freida McFadden.
The novel is an international bestseller and has generated a large following, especially among the reading community on TikTok.
Sweeney says she is “a huge fan of the book” and that she “loved all the characters”.
“I love complex, juicy, crazy, twisted stories. This is a dream project,” she adds.
The film also features Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, as Nina and Andrew Winchester, who employ Sweeney’s character in their home.
Seyfried and Sweeney were chosen to play the two female leads in The Housemaid because of their physical resemblances, but Seyfried says the similarities do not end there.
“There’s a similarity between us that is uncanny, and it’s really fun to work with people [who] are doing life in a similar way, have similar ideals about the job and life,” she tells the BBC.
Sweeney also says the pair have developed a “dynamic” where they “can enjoy being around” each other – and their relationship means they can “go to these crazy places and discover so much more within your character”.
Lionsgate
Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, a housewife who appears to have complex mental health issues
‘Getting the tone right’
Seyfried’s character Nina grapples with complex mental health issues throughout the film, which at times make it a difficult watch.
“You have to play it as realistic as possible because it needs to reflect real life,” she says.
The Housemaid has been compared to domestic thrillers of the 1990s, like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct. But it has a markedly modern twist with the physical and mental abuse plot lines in the film.
Seyfried, who is known for her roles in Mamma Mia! and Mean Girls, believes the cast “nailed getting the tone right” and hopes that despite the movie being entertainment, that people “come out with a better understanding of domestic violence” and “broaden their horizons”.
She adds that this is “especially” true for “people who haven’t thankfully had to deal with it”.
This is echoed by director Paul Feig, who admits he was “nervous” about handling the subject sensitively.
“I made sure there wasn’t any physical abuse, that it was more psychological abuse,” he says.
Domestic abuse in film has become a hot topic for Hollywood, sparked by the promotional tour for 2024 film It Ends With Us, which was criticised by some for packaging it as a romantic story rather than one of abuse.
Sklenar, who appears in both The Housemaid and It Ends With Us, says it is “challenging” to take on the role of an abuser.
He describes his characters – Andrew Winchester in The Housemaid and Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us – as “polar opposites”.
“When it comes to acting, you can try all you want, but ultimately sometimes it just affects you,” he says.
“It’s intense and it’s ultimately going to affect you in certain ways.”
Lionsgate
Brandon Sklenar also appeared in It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel of the same name
The film has received mostly positive reviews, including four stars from the Guardian, which said Feig and his cast “deliver with terrific gusto; this is an innocent holiday treat”.
The reception will be welcome for Sweeney after being at the centre of much drama and discussion in 2025.
And her career was under scrutiny after a string of box office flops – but The Housemaid opened with a healthy $19m (£14m) in North America last weekend.
That’s no surprise given that the original novel was a huge hit, selling more than 1.6 million copies worldwide.
Two sequels have also been published, meaning further film adaptations could be on the cards.
Feig, whose previous films include Bridesmaids and The Heat, believes novels will become an even more fertile source of material for Hollywood because “studios always want something that is a known quality” to “justify their ability to put a lot of money” into the project.
But he says he tries not to let books with a huge audience and fanbase dictate what projects he makes, because “there are plenty of books that are really popular that just don’t work as movies”.
Feig adds that it has been “fun” to work with Rebecca Sonnenshine’s adapted screenplay for The Housemaid, but that he has “restored” some parts of the book that “readers really would miss if they weren’t in there”.
There is also an “extra ending that’s not in the book”, he says, “so readers can get something new that they didn’t expect”.
This article contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of Apple TV’s “Pluribus.”
Fellow misanthropes, Season 1 of “Pluribus” is done. Now what do we do, other than lean into our usual harsh judgment and mistrust of others?
Our spirit series left us wondering who or what will put the final nail in humanity’s collective coffin: an alien virus or a malcontent with an atomic bomb. As for saving everyone? Cranky protagonist Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) struggled to find ways to preserve the human race for much of the series, but by the finale, she was fairly convinced that the planet would be better off without us.
For those of you who haven’t kept up with the best show on television this year, Carol’s among 13 people left on Earth who are immune to an alien virus that’s otherwise fused all of humanity’s consciousness together into one blissful hive mind. Now everyone thinks alike and has the same knowledge base, which means TGI Fridays waiters can pilot passenger planes and children can perform surgeries. No one is an individual anymore. They simply occupy the body formerly known as Tom or Sally or whomever. “Us” is their chosen pronoun.
This army of smiling, empty vessels just wants to please Carol — until they can turn her into one of them. Joining them will make her happy, she’s told. It’s a beautiful thing, having your mind wiped. But the terminally dissatisfied Carol would rather stew in her own low-grade depression and angst that forfeit her free will. Plus, her ire and rage is kryptonite against those who’ve been “joined.” When confronted with her anger, they physically seize up and stop functioning. Their paralyzing fear of Carol’s ire is empowering, pathetic and hilarious. The world literally comes to a standstill when she snaps. No wonder she’s my hero.
“Pluribus” comes from Vince Gilligan, the same brilliant mind behind “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” The Apple TV series is nothing like his previous successes except that it’s set in Albuquerque, stars Seehorn and is singularly brilliant. And like those other seminal dramas, it plumbs deeper questions about how we see ourselves, who we really are and who we strive to be.
To be fair, Carol was irritated by the human race long before the alien virus converted them into worker bees. She was convinced most people were sheep — including those who loved the flowery writing and cheesy romance plots of her novels. But the the total loss of a free-thinking community isn’t all that satisfying, either.
In the finale, she connects with Manousos Oviedo (Carlos-Manuel Vesga), a fellow survivor who’s also immune to the virus. He wants nothing to do with the afflicted, no matter how peace-loving they appear. In the before times, it appears he was a self-sufficient loner. Postapocalypse, he travels all the way from Paraguay to meet Carol after he receives a video message from her. He drives most of the way before arriving at the treacherous Darién Gap, where he’s sidelined after falling into a thorny tree — but “they” save him, much to his chagrin. He eventually continues the journey, via ambulance.
Now saving the human race is up to two people who never had much love for it in the first place. They converse through a language translation app, which makes their arduous task all the more complicated — and hilarious.
Multiple theories have sprung up around what “Pluribus” is really about. One prevailing thought is that “the joining” is a metaphor for AI creating a world where all individual thought and creativity are synthesized into a single, amenable voice. Surrender your critical thinking for easy answers, or in the case of “Pluribus,” an easy life where you’ll never have to make a decision on your own again. Most humans would rather be a doormat than a battering ram, regardless of the urgency or circumstance.
Optimists might say, “Why pick one extreme or the other? There’s surely a place in the middle, where we can all live in harmony while holding onto our opinions and sense of self.” That’s sweet. Carol and I heartily disagree given the arc of history and all.
Just how my favorite new antihero will deal with her disdain for the Others is yet to be seen. Save the world or destroy it? We’ll all have to wait until next season to find out. Until then, “Pluribus” just needs some space.
PHOENIX — Austin Reaves returned from a left calf strain that sidelined him for three games, but the Lakers’ second-leading scorer did nothing to fix the team’s most glaring weakness.
The Lakers’ defense collapsed in a 132-108 loss to the Suns on Tuesday at Mortgage Matchup Center, giving up a season-high field goal percentage (59%) and tying their mark for most points allowed in a loss this season. Led by a combined 17-for-29 shooting from star guard Devin Booker (21 points) and Dillon Brooks (25 points), the Suns easily eclipsed the 56.5% they shot against the Lakers on Dec. 1.
“The theme with our team again is like these young teams that move, we just can’t move,” said coach JJ Redick, whose team is 1-2 against the Suns (16-13). “So it’s like we’re stuck in mud.”
The Lakers (19-9) remain in the top half of the competitive Western Conference, but with blowout losses to Atlanta, Oklahoma City and San Antonio, L.A. is clinging to a plus-1.1 in point differential. They lost consecutive games for the first time Tuesday and limped into a marquee Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets with a multitude of injuries.
All things Lakers, all the time.
Playing without Luka Doncic, who is day to day with a left leg contusion he sustained Saturday against the Clippers, LeBron James led the Lakers with 23 points on seven-for-14 shooting. Deandre Ayton had a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double while Reaves came off the bench for the first time in two seasons and scored 17 points with two assists and three turnovers.
Redick said Reaves was not on an official minutes restriction after his weeklong absence, but that the team would monitor his workload “in real time.”
“It’s hard for me to start, at the rotation that Bron has, for me to stay around that 20-25 minute mark,” said Reaves, who played 21 minutes and 46 seconds. “So [coming off the bench] got brought up in my shooting time. I said I was open to whatever. Definitely felt weird coming off the bench, but it’s basketball at the end of the day.”
Calf injuries, even the most minor, have been major concerns for the NBA since three stars suffered Achilles tendon tears during last season’s playoffs. Reaves, who carried the team during the early part of a season that has featured injury absences from James and Doncic, led the team in minutes per game. His 775 minutes entering Tuesday were second-most on the team behind Rui Hachimura. The Japanese forward missed his second consecutive game with right groin soreness.
Lakers star Lebron James puts up a shot against the Suns on Tuesday night. James finished with 23 points.
(Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)
When asked whether Reaves needed a physical reset after carrying such a large load, Redick acknowledged a break may have been necessary.
Reaves looked out of sorts when he entered with 5:23 remaining in the first quarter. He fumbled the handoff on his first touch coming off a screen. When he tried to thread bounce passes through tiny windows, the ball was kicked away or deflected. He got attacked on defense and gave up consecutive driving layups to Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea.
Bouyea had 14 points off the bench, including a layup over Marcus Smart, who failed to draw a charge call, in the third quarter. While Smart laid in the key appealing to officials, Bouyea didn’t hesitate to leap over the Lakers’ guard and score. The Lakers fell behind by as many as 29 in the third quarter, and Redick quietly waved the white flag with 5:22 remaining in the third when he put reserve forward Maxi Kleber and rookie Adou Thiero onto the floor.
The Phoenix crowd started to file out in bunches with seven minutes remaining when the lead reached 30.
Even courtside seats were empty in the final minutes. Brooks took advantage, sitting in a courtside seat on the baseline as Thiero stepped to the free throw line with 1:16 remaining. Brooks waved his arms as a distraction. Thiero split his two shots.
Etc.
Center Jaxson Hayes left the game with left ankle soreness in the second quarter and didn’t return.. Redick said it was an aggravation of a previous injury suffered last week.
Columbus was without defenseman Zach Werenski, who is day to day with a lower body injury sustained blocking a shot against the Ducks on Saturday. Werenski leads the Blue Jackets in goals, assists and points, and his 14 goals are tied with Washington’s Jakob Chychrun for most in the NHL by a defenseman.
However, newcomer Marchment made up for it, scoring twice in the first period, giving him three goals in two games since being acquired from Seattle on Friday. He opened the scoring 4:07 into the game with a wrist shot off Forsberg’s blocker, before making it 2-0 with 23.5 seconds remaining in the first period when Boone Jenner’s shot took a double deflection and went in off Marchment’s shoulder.
Kuzmenko got the Kings on the scoreboard with 1:19 remaining in the second, but Marchenko added a third power-play tally for the Blue Jackets with 5:46 remaining in the third. The three goals with the man-advantage were a season high, and it was the third time the Blue Jackets had multiple power-play goals.
The Kings were playing for the first time since trading third-line center Phillip Danault to Montreal on Friday, but newly promoted bottom six centers Alex Turcotte and Samuel Helenius struggled to make a consistent impact with frequent penalties creating a choppy game flow.
Up next for the Kings: vs. Seattle at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
Jordan Eberle scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period and added an empty-netter in the final minute, and the Seattle Kraken beat the Ducks 3-1 on Monday night.
Frederick Gaudreau also scored and Kaapo Kakko had two assists for the Kraken. Philipp Grubauer stopped 39 shots.
Matty Beniers set up the go-ahead goal when he slid the puck past defender Radko Gudas and onto the stick of a wide-open Eberle, who snapped a shot from the left circle into the upper-right corner of the net for a 2-1 Kraken lead with 9:56 left.
Eberle then sealed the win with an empty-netter with 36 seconds remaining.
Grubauer had 16 saves in the second period and 15 in the third.
Seattle took a 1-0 lead 4:49 into the second when Gaudreau gathered the rebound of Shane Wright’s shot and flipped the puck into a near-open net for a power-play goal.
The Ducks tied it with 4:20 left in the second when Granlund battled Vince Dunn for position in the slot and redirected Jacob Trouba’s shot from above the right circle past Grubauer for his fourth goal in four games.
Granlund, who has missed 18 games because of injuries, has seven goals and four assists in his last 13 games.
The Ducks played without leading scorer Leo Carlsson, who missed his first game of the season because of a lower-body injury. Seattle played without top defenseman Brandon Montour, who underwent hand surgery Monday and will be out for four weeks. Montour was injured in last week’s fight against Colorado.
Linesman Ryan Gibbons departed with 53 seconds left in the first after tripping in front of the Seattle bench and hitting the back of his head on the ice. He did not return.
Up next for the Ducks: vs. Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
Nothing but dirt and dry, brown chaparral rolled beneath skis and snowboards dangling from a chairlift at Big Bear Mountain Resort on Friday, as forlorn adventure seekers joked they should rename the place “Big Bare.”
Unseasonably high temperatures even left the impressive array of high-tech artificial-snow makers below mostly useless, their fans spinning idly in the warm breeze.
“The word I’ve been using is “abysmal,” said Cameron Miniutti, 29, who was riding the lift in a light cotton shirt, with the hot sun glinting off his ski goggles. “This is, for sure, the toughest start [to a season] I’ve seen.”
Similarly bleak panoramas can be found at ski areas across the American West so far this year, but especially in California, where a wet November gave way to one of the driest Decembers in recent memory.
People visit Big Bear Village on Sunday, with no snow in sight.
As of Friday, the state had only 12% of the snow that’s normal for this time of year, and only 3% of what water managers hope for in an average year, according to the California Department of Water Resources.
Which is why water managers — and skiers — are hoping for a Christmas miracle as an enormous atmospheric river takes aim at California this week. The soaking rains may threaten coastal cities with flash floods and nightmarish traffic, but they promise sweet relief for snow-starved thrill seekers from Lake Tahoe to the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California.
Mammoth Mountain, the tallest commercial ski resort in California, could get up to 7 feet of snow this week, according to On the Snow, a website that tracks conditions at ski areas.
Resorts on the north end of Lake Tahoe could see up to 5 feet, and even Big Bear could get 3 feet, assuming the temperature stays below freezing, according to the website.
That’s important to everyone, even nonskiers, because roughly a third of the water California relies on each year for drinking, farming and fighting wildfires accumulates as snow in the mountains during the winter and then gradually melts through the spring and summer, when the state can otherwise be bone dry.
Many California ski areas were forced to delay opening this year, and even those that got the lifts spinning have had to confine skiers to only a handful of runs, often on man-made snow.
That has been this case at Big Bear, where a thin strip of artificial snow snakes from the 8,440 top of the Bear Mountain Express chairlift to the base at just over 7,000 feet. While crews worked diligently to rake the fake snow over exposed rocks and patches of bare dirt on Friday, skiers and boarders scraped by like traffic on the 405 Freeway.
“It’s crazy,” Miniutti said, “I mean, I can’t even imagine what this is like on a weekend.”
And the range of abilities of people crammed onto the same run creates its own, unique kind of “obstacle course,” Miniutti said.
You have to concentrate on not crashing into people in front of you — many of whom are absolute beginners, tumbling to the snow for no apparent reason — while praying the very good skiers and snowboarders you can hear racing up behind you will somehow avoid mowing you down.
People ski and snowboard at Big Bear Mountain Resort on man-made snow on Sunday.
“There’s, like, the best snowboarders in the world and people on their first day right next to each other,” Miniutti said.
But under the circumstances, Miniutti had nothing but admiration for the mountain staff for keeping the run open despite the seemingly impossible weather.
“I’m still having a blast,” he said, “it’s absolutely worth coming up.”
Devon James, 24, from Pasadena, felt the same way. He was warm in long sleeves, which he took to wearing after wiping out in short sleeves a week ago and “getting cut up.”
One day lift tickets at Big Bear cost more than $150 this season. At fancier resorts, like Mammoth Mountain, they can easily climb to more than $200 per day. So most serious skiers buy season passes for just under $1,000 that are good at many mountains across the country and around the world.
But that means they feel compelled to get their days in, no matter the conditions.
“I mean, that’s kind of the whole game, right,” James laughed. “I’ve got to get at least eight or nine days to get back to even.”
Skiers and snowboarders navigate bare areas at Big Bear Mountain Resort.
Miniutti, who is originally from Massachusetts, and learned to snowboard on the freezing, icy hills of New England, still prefers the alpine experience on the West Coast.
Even when there are legitimate winter conditions at Big Bear, he loves hopping in his car at the end of the day and driving home to Los Angeles, where it’s seemingly always 70 degrees and sunny.
“I can’t really beat that,” he said, “I’m not complaining.”
Mikael Granlund threaded a pass from the right circle to set up Mintyukov, and also scored. Jacob Trouba and Mason McTavish added goals to help the Ducks move back into first place in the Pacific Division.
Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal made 23 saves. He was pulled Friday night in an 8-3 loss to Dallas after he gave up four goals on seven shots in the first 14½ minutes.
Dmitri Voronkov, Mason Marchment and Zach Werenski scored for Columbus. Merzlikins made 24 saves.
Werenski tied it 3-3 with 7:16 left, taking a pass from Denton Mateychuk and snapping a shot from the left circle over Dostal’s right blocker. He has five goals in three games and 14 overall.
Werenski was injured when he blocked a shot with 2:11 left and struggled to get to the bench, the Blue Jackets taking a penalty for too many men on the ice that stifled any comeback hopes.
Columbus tied it 2-2 when Marchment, acquired from the Seattle Kraken on Friday, redirected a waist-high, blue-line shot from Damon Severson past Dostal 3:39 into the second.
The Ducks took a 3-2 lead when fourth-line winger Ross Johnston slipped a pass from behind the Columbus net to McTavish, who snapped a shot from the slot over Merzlikins’ right shoulder with 6:24 left in the second.
Up next for the Ducks: vs. Seattle at Honda Center on Monday night.
In a healthcare system devastated by Israel’s genocidal war where medical supplies are few, doctors are turning to 3D printers powered by solar energy to treat some injuries in Gaza. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary took a closer look.
