It’s hard to assume that ‘anything positive’ for Lebanon can come from its talks with Israel, argues analyst Imad Harb.
Despite brokering a ceasefire on paper, the United States is not standing in the way of Israel’s war on Lebanon, argues Imad Harb, senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC.
Harb tells host Steve Clemons that Hezbollah is an excuse for Israel to conduct a land grab in Lebanon, similar to what it’s doing in Gaza, the West Bank and Syria.
Pushing the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah “means civil war in Lebanon”, especially if Israel is allowed to occupy large swaths of Lebanese territory, says Harb.
A surveillance camera caught a brutal assault by an Israeli soldier and settlers on two young Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Video shows them slamming the victims onto the ground and repeatedly beating them, including with a plank of wood, leaving them motionless on the ground.
Amy Childs has shown off her weight loss as she posed in a black swimsuitCredit: InstagramThe TV star is currently in Albania filming for the upcoming season of TowieCredit: Instagram
Filming herself in a new Instagram Story, Amy donned a cut-out black swimsuit which showed off her slender figure while posing in the mirror.
Tagging Albania as her location, Amy joked she “couldn’t miss out” on jetting off with her castmates to film for Towie.
It comes after she has sat out previous overseas trips on the show due to having family commitments back home.
She opened up about the weight loss earlier this year, admitting she lost more than planned due to stressCredit: InstagramMum-of-four Amy (pictured in 2023) said she went on a fitness journey to lose excess baby weightCredit: GettyHowever, it left fans concerned as they worried Amy had gone too far while shedding the poundsCredit: InstagramAmy says she is currently on a fitness journey to get back to a healthy weightCredit: Instagram/amychilds1990
She appears to be making the most of the welcomed break now the cast have arrived in Albania for the show’s upcoming season.
However, showing it’s not easy being away, she also shared a snap of the twins and admitted: “I miss you babies”.
It comes after Amy revealed in February that she was working to get to a healthy weight after going on a fitness journey and shedding more than planned.
Explaining she is now working with a trainer to put some more weight on, she said at the time: “So I decided to lose weight, during that process, I battled with stress and lost a little more than I wanted, and now I am working with Jon to start phase 2!! Which I am so excited about.”
With Amy often sharing her shrinking fame online, some fans have been left concerned for the star and have expressed worry underneath her social snaps.
Tina O’Brian has shown off her stunning figure in new snaps from her holiday to ItalyCredit: InstagramThe actress is currently soaking up the sun a solo holidayCredit: Instagram
Taking to Instagram, Tina shared a slew of pictures from her solo trip to Italy this week as she soaked up the sun.
She donned a patterned pink bikini in one with a matching cover-up, showing off her slim physique while posing in the mirror.
Other snaps showed Tina sipping cocktails by the pool, enjoying lavish meals and exploring the area.
She captioned the post: “I had the most incredible solo travel experience exploring Ischia and Capri 🇮🇹 🛵 ❤️ Can’t wait to plan the next one 💫
It comes months after Tina’s split from Adam FableCredit: instagramThe actress described her trip as the ‘most incredible solo travel experience’Credit: InstagramShe sipped cocktails by the pool during the tripCredit: InstagramShe showed off her tan in the slew of snapsCredit: Instagram
‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’ – Mary Oliver”.
Tina’s co-stars such as Lucy Fallon, Samia Longchambon and Sally Carman all took to the comment section of the post to send their love to Tina.
The solo trip comes months after Tina split from her boyfriend Adam in November after four months together.
The Coronation Street star, 42, went official with the millionaire businessman in the summer last year and they both made their first public outing at her co-star Jack P. Shepherd’s wedding in July.
Insiders said that the Sarah Platt actress called time on the relationship after she felt it “wasn’t going anywhere” and she didn’t think it was “going to last”.
Tina’s outcome is said to have shocked Adam, 38, who believed they had a real future.
The image of the “fighter” often brings to mind a man, but women have always been present on and around the battlefield – in rebellion, defence and offence alike. Their contributions have shaped wars in ways history rarely records, and are often simplified or fetishised in popular narratives.
Around the world, women make up a far greater share of rebellions than of national armies. So what are the motivations, struggles and circumstances that drive women to take up arms and how significant is their impact on how battles are fought?
Join Ali Rae in Episode Four of All Hail the Military – a five-part series that reveals the systems, power and hidden complicities that sustain global militarism – and the profound impact it has on us all.
Venezuela Fury has shown off her post-honeymoon glowCredit: TikTok/@parisvenezuelaThe teenager has been branded ‘a model in the making’ by her fansCredit: TikTok/@parisvenezuela
In a new TikTok video uploaded to her page, Venezuela can be seen posing in a strapless pink corset and matching miniskirt.
She was standing by a white wall, which really made her tan pop and stand out.
In the video, Venezuela mimed along to a song and posed for the camera while showing off her figure.
She wore her long hair down and cascading over her shoulder, with bright red lipstick on her lips and barely any eye makeup.
Venezuela and husband Noah headed to Marbella for their incredible honeymoon last monthCredit: TikTok/@parisvenezuelaThey jetted off to Spain after saying ‘I do’ at their stunning weddingCredit: Splash
A source previously revealed to us: “Tyson and Paris gave Venezuela and Noah a wedding present of £5million to kick-start their life, obviously, they were over the moon.
so there were some mixed feelings – but it’s up to Tyson and Paris.
“Tyson also paid for the honeymoon and got them a traditional gypsy wagon as a sentimental gift. Tyson’s got one in his front yard.”
We were also previously told: “Venezuela wants to start her married life in the traditional style of a traveller, just like her parents did.
“She has lived in luxury since she was born, but is willing to swap her home comforts to go and live in a static caravan.”
The ATLAS prototype robot by Boston Dynamics walks on stage during a press conference at the 2026 International CES, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, January 5, 2026. File. Photo by James Atoa/UPI | License Photo
May 29 (Asia Today) — Hyundai Motor Group released a new campaign linking advanced robotics and soccer, highlighting its physical artificial intelligence technology ahead of the World Cup.
Hyundai Motor Group said Friday it released its “School of Football” campaign video, which shows Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, learning and improving through soccer movements.
The campaign is part of Hyundai Motor’s World Cup campaign, “Next Starts Now,” which is rooted in the company’s vision of “Progress for Humanity.”
The video series consists of five parts, including a launch film featuring Atlas and training scenes showing the robot practicing various soccer movements.
The launch film follows Atlas as it becomes interested in soccer after observing the emotions, energy and dynamic movements of players.
The training videos show Atlas gradually learning basic soccer skills such as footwork, passing and shooting, as well as more advanced techniques including crossed-leg shots and crosses.
Hyundai Motor said it plans to release a making-of film June 4 featuring interviews with Boston Dynamics officials who led Atlas’ training during preparations for the campaign.
“The campaign is meaningful because it presents the future of robotics through soccer in an engaging and human-centered way as part of Hyundai Motor’s World Cup campaign,” said Jee Sung-won, executive vice president and head of Hyundai Motor’s brand marketing division. “We plan to continue creating diverse brand experiences using mobility and robotics.”
OLIVIA Attwood undergoes treatment whilst showing off risqué bum snap as she prepares for bikini season.
The stunning TV star, 35, is topping up her curves with a bum enhancing regimen amid her high-profile romance with Pete Wicks.
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Olivia Attwood undergoes treatment whilst showing off risqué bum snap as she prepares for bikini seasonCredit: InstagramThe stunning TV star is topping up her curves with a bum enhancing regimenCredit: InstagramTaking to her Instagram stories Olivia shared a body pic of herself hooked up to a machine at a clinicCredit: Instagram
Taking to her Instagram Stories Olivia shared a body pic of herself hooked up to a machine at a clinic.
The reality beauty was snapped face down as the daring bum pic revealed her covered in wires undergoing a treatment known as Truflex.
The non-invasive procedure acts as a muscle stimulant which aims to strengthen, tone, and firm the glutes.
Olivia added the caption: “We are not f****** around this season.”
In additional text alongside the risque snap, she penned: “Truflex at @sadaf_jaffari I have had better results with this than emsculpt personally depends on your goal x”
In another one of her recent social media posts Olivia had appeared to have undergone an eye treatment with a mirror selfie showing noticeable swelling around her eyes.
Looking downcast in one photo, Olivia pouted and didn’t look very impressed.
The images that followed were of her dogs, with a snap being of her taking a selfie in an elevator.
It also included a pic of Olivia beaming whilst getting her hair and makeup done.
Olivia is preparing for bikini season amid her high profile relationship with Pete WicksCredit: Instagram/Olivia_attwoodIn another one of her recent social media posts Olivia had appeared to have undergone an eye treatmentCredit: Instagram
The photos had left people alarmed by the lack of Pete appearing in the post, despite the pair dating for a while now.
But it seemed all was to be good in paradise as eagle-eyed fans spotted a sign that all might be well between the pair.
One person seemed to spot Pete’s dog in one of the snaps.
“Yay to Rodney. Was hoping to spot some subtle Pete hints and also wondered if the dogs are mates with eachother! (So invested),” one person penned.
While another added: “Yes Rodney!!!!!!!”
And a third penned: “Hard launching Rodney!”
“Stitch, Lola & Rodney,” penned another, spelling out how Olivia’s pups Stitch and Lola, were now pally with Pete’s dog Rodney.
NEW YORK — The proportion of Americans without health insurance held steady at around 8% of the population in 2025, according to new findings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The national survey results, released Thursday, show the all-ages uninsured rate has stayed significantly down from where it was several years ago, but the ranks of the uninsured could soon expand as the Trump administration’s sweeping changes to the health landscape begin to take hold.
Massive changes to Medicaid, the government’s safety-net health program for low-income Americans, passed into law last year could result in 10 million more uninsured individuals over a decade, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates.
And the expiration this year of certain Affordable Care Act subsidies — which had offset premium costs — is also contributing to reduced participation in marketplace health programs. Around 5 million fewer people are expected to enroll in those plans in 2026 compared with 2025, according to the healthcare research nonprofit KFF.
The government has multiple programs for tracking Americans’ insurance status, which can give different numbers depending on factors like timing and question wording. Many researchers consider the U.S. Census Bureau to be “the official scorekeeper,” said David Howard, an Emory University health policy and management professor.
But the CDC survey results tracks closely with that, and they offer the first complete data for all of 2025 — the first year of President Trump’s second term in office.
The Trump administration has sought to expand access to low-premium catastrophic health insurance plans and lower drug prices for Americans who don’t have health insurance. It has also suggested that projected insurance enrollment declines indicate a drop-off of fraudulent and ineligible enrollees, rather than eligible Americans.
Although the share of insured and uninsured stayed roughly the same in 2025 as the year before, the number of uninsured grew by about 800,000 — 300,000 of them children. The growth of the overall U.S. population helps explain that.
The survey results also suggest a possible increased insured rate among Hispanic Americans. But that may in part reflect the effects of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, if uninsured members of that group left the country, Howard said.
Most Americans 65 and older have health insurance through the federal Medicare program. It’s different for younger Americans, many of whom are covered through a patchwork of public and private insurance programs.
The percentage of Americans under 65 who were uninsured rose in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s — from 12% in 1980 to more than 18% in 2010. It fell following passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, which expanded Medicaid programs and enacted measures to make affordable health insurance available to more people.
By 2016 it dropped nearly to 10%, before rising to 11 to 12% during Trump’s first administration, according to historical survey data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw the rate of uninsured fall again, as a result of government policies put in place to preserve coverage as people faced disruptions related to the pandemic. The rate hit an all-time low in 2023, falling below 9%.
It’s not clear yet how big the increase in uninsured Americans will be this year, but experts agree it will likely rise in the coming years as a result of changes to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
“The decisions being made now — in Congress, state legislatures and state Medicaid agencies — will determine what happens next,” Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, said in a statement Thursday.
“Policymakers should act immediately to protect and expand access to affordable coverage, strengthen Medicaid and maintain pathways that make coverage and care accessible,” she said. “Without deliberate action, including reversing dramatic cuts to coverage, uninsured rates will continue to rise, putting quality health care further out of reach.”
Stobbe and Swenson write for the Associated Press.
Karen Bass, Nithya Raman and Spencer Pratt are locked in a tight battle for Los Angeles mayor, according to a poll released Thursday, with incumbent Bass holding what pollsters called a statistically insignificant lead ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
Bass had 26% support from likely voters, followed by City Councilmember Raman with 25% support, according to the poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, which was co-sponsored by The Times.
Pratt, the former reality TV personality making his first bid for elected office, had support from 22% of the likely voters surveyed.
Up until this latest poll, Bass had enjoyed a substantial lead over her challengers, with analysts predicting she would garner enough votes to make a Nov. 3 runoff with either Raman or Pratt. The latest survey suggests any of the three could advance.
“You’ve got three very different candidates, each with very different constituencies, all within the margin of error. It’s going to boil down to turnout,” said Mark DiCamillo, the director of Berkeley IGS polls.
The poll also showed that in a head-to-head runoff between Bass and Raman, the councilmember would lead, 32% to 28%, among the city’s registered voters, but in this scenario, a quarter of likely voters say they would choose neither or would not vote, and 15% were undecided.
The survey of 1,913 registered voters — 1,351 of whom are considered likely voters — is the largest sample of any public poll released in advance of the election. It was conducted between May 19 and 24. The poll has a margin of error of around 3% in either direction.
Just 10% of voters were still undecided, the poll found, down from 26% when the last survey by Berkeley IGS was conducted March 9-15.
Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt at a campaign block party in South Los Angeles last week.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Since then, Pratt and Raman have made steady gains while support for Bass has nearly flatlined.
The March poll had Bass with support from 25% of likely voters, followed by Raman with 17% and Pratt with 14%. Since then, Bass has gained just 1 percentage point, while support for Raman and Pratt jumped by 8 percentage points each.
There are 14 candidates running for mayor in Tuesday’s primary and all were listed in the Berkeley IGS poll, but Bass, Raman and Pratt have consistently led in polling. They’ve also raised the most money in campaign contributions. The latest campaign finance reports, filed last week, showed Pratt with $3.26 million in contributions through May 16, followed by Bass with $3.13 million.
Raman reported a total of more than $931,000 through the May 16 filing period, of which $60,000 came in the form of a loan from Raman to her own campaign. She also received the maximum amount of matching funds available in the race, $1.25 million.
Leftist candidate Rae Huang was favored by 9% of the likely voters surveyed, up 1 percentage point from March, while tech entrepreneur Adam Miller dropped from 6% to 5%, despite infusing his campaign with $4 million of his own money after the first poll.
The major issues in the race have included the city’s approach to homelessness, housing affordability and public safety.
Pratt, whose home burned in the Palisades fire, has blamed Bass for failing to prepare for the conflagration and for her postfire response. Raman has criticized Bass’ Inside Safe program for the unhoused, saying its high cost isn’t sustainable.
Bass has deemed Raman an ineffective City Council member who struggles to build alliances on the legislative body, and has said Pratt does not have a clue about how to run a city like Los Angeles.
Although Pratt now appears to have a chance at making the runoff, the poll showed he would face a steeper climb in potential November runoff scenarios with Bass or Raman. Pratt, a Republican who has been labeled “Trumpian” by Raman, is competing in a city where GOP registration is less than 15%.
“Pratt is an unusual candidate and is generating a lot of enthusiasm in the primary, but he trails by double digits to Raman and Bass in a runoff,” DiCamillo said.
In a showdown between Bass and Pratt, the incumbent mayor was ahead, 47% to 29%, among the city’s registered voters, with 12% undecided and 12% choosing neither or saying they would not vote.
Raman also led Pratt in a potential runoff, 45% to 28%, with 16% undecided and 11% choosing neither or saying they would not vote.
Pratt has repeatedly pointed out that the mayor’s race is nonpartisan. Even so, President Trump said last week that he hopes Pratt does well and that he heard Pratt was “a big MAGA person.”
Trump’s unpopularity in Los Angeles could lessen Pratt’s appeal to Democrats, according to a poll by Cygnal, a national polling group that has worked for Republican candidates.
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman walks down Olvera Street alongside Olvera Street business owners on May 19 in Los Angeles.
(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
There’s been just one debate featuring all three of the leading candidates, during which Raman asserted that Bass and Pratt were working to ensure that she would be knocked out in the primary, which Bass and Pratt disputed.
Raman’s strong showing in Thursday’s poll shows she is very much in the race despite assertions by Bass’ campaign and Pratt’s campaign that she is faltering after a lackluster debate performance.
The poll shows Bass and Pratt with high unfavorability ratings. Bass was considered unfavorably by 57% of likely voters, up 1 percentage point from the March survey. Pratt’s unfavorable rating in the current poll was also 57% — up dramatically from the 28% unfavorable rating in the previous poll, although in that poll, 55% of likely voters had no opinion of him.
In the May poll, Pratt was rated favorably by 25% of likely voters, and Bass by 35%.
The poll found that 40% of likely voters rated Raman favorably, with 35% viewing her unfavorably.
Zara Holland, who shot to fame on the second series of Love Island, has announced that she and husband Elliott Love are expecting a baby together, due in September
20:49, 25 May 2026Updated 20:58, 25 May 2026
Love Island star Zara Holland is pregnant (Image: Instagram)
Zara Holland is pregnant. The reality star, 30, shot to fame when she took part in the second series of Love Island in 2016 but opted to leave just over three weeks in.
She wrote on Instagram: “Baby Love On The Way Due September [white heart emoji] We are so excited & we love you so much already!” The star was then inundated with comments from fans, all sending her congratulatory messages.
One wrote: “Aww congrats you look fabulous Zara!” whilst another said: “Aww gorgeous!” A third wrote: “Ohhh cute !!! Congratulations.” Zara shared the news of herself standing outdoors in the sunshine as she proudly cradled her growing baby bump.
In 2023, Zara married Elliott in an idyllic Greek wedding after he popped the question in Dubai, but her big day came seven years after she endured quite the controversial time amid her rise to fame. Prior to her stint on the ITV2 show, Zara had been crowned Miss Great Britain, but was stripped of her title after she had sex during her time in the villa.
At the time, beauty pageant organisers claimed they had “no problem with sex” but didn’t condone her relationship with Alex Bowen, who is now married and has children with fellow Islander Olivia Bowen (nee Buckland).
However, no explicit scenes were ever shown and late presenter Caroline Flack criticised the decision, saying that Zara was a “very sweet girl” and quizzed the relevance of the Miss GB contest.
Two years later, Zara announced that she had quit fame and said that having sex on TV had “destroyed her life”. She went on to call for the show to be banned, claiming that she sought professional help with her own struggles after her mother encouraged her to – and claims show producers failed to offer after care.
Over recent years, ITV have put in place rigorous aftercare procedures following guidance from former Islanders’ feedback.
“You think you’re on a summer holiday and you might find love, but you are in a posh prison where you don’t know what time it is and a voice in a wall tells you what to do,” Zara previously told the Daily Mail as she detailed her experience on the show. “That show screwed me up. I blame it for everything. What it does to the contestants is terrible,” she continued – saying she felt she had been “brainwashed” during her own time on the show.
CHRISTINE McGuinness looked stunning as she soaked up the Bank Holiday sun in a tiny black bikini.
The model, 38, had fun and cooled down in a paddling pool filled with plastic balls.
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Christine McGuinness looked sensational splashing around in a paddling poolCredit: mrscmcguinness/InstagramThe star posted a video of herself enjoying the beautiful weatherCredit: mrscmcguinness/Instagram
In a video posted to Instagram, the media personality took to the water in a skimpy black bikini with thong bottoms.
She grinned widely as her daughter jumped into the pool making a big splash.
The star wrote over the reel that she felt her problems were melting away as she spent time with her kids, with the clip first starting at “99 problems” and then ending with “0 problems” at the end of the clip.
Christine finished the look off with a pair of chunky sunglasses and kept her hair loosely falling down over her shoulders.
Captioning the post, Christine wrote: “My mummy magic medicine, always. Life is just better with them.
Christine has been making the most of the Bank Holiday weekendCredit: InstagramThe post come after Christine and Olympic boxer Nicola Adams sparked romance rumoursCredit: instagramChristine has also recently been linked to DJ RoxxxanCredit: InstagramThe duo were caught kissing in Christine’s carCredit: Instagram/rotriplex
“Wishing you all a Gawjus bank holiday, half term, heatwave!”
The star added in brackets: Stay hydrated and wear protection always! sorry to be that mum!”
Fans of Christine thought she looked stunning and dropped compliments in the post’s comment’s section.
One user said: “Stunning as always Christine, hope you’re having a lovely bank holiday x”
A second shared: “Beautiful mummy.”
A third added: “If I had your body I would wear that to Tesco. Just saying.”
The sexy video comes just weeks after Christine was spotted locking lips with DJ Roxxxan in her Land Rover Defender.
She added: “Not like a legalised marriage, but like a blessing, a celebration of love.”
Christine has also been growing close to Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, who has confessed that she’s “crazy” about the blonde bombshell.
While neither of the two women have directly addressed the speculation, Nicola took to social media to confess she’s head over heels right now.
She shared a clip of herself dancing with her eyes closed with the caption: “Them – you’re not that crazy about that woman”
Nicola added: “Who me? [laughing emoji].”
Christine and Nicola attended The DIVA Awards 2026 recently, which is an event which celebrates the achievements of LGBTQIA women and non-binary people.
And an onlooker told theDaily Mail: “They were inseparable and looked like they were a couple.”
Muslims from around the world are gathering in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Timelapse video shows pilgrims performing Tawaf, the ritual of circling the Kaaba inside Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
Summer is just around the corner. Get into the spirit of long, lazy days — first, let’s pretend those exist in ample supply beyond our dreams — by spending your Memorial Day weekend taking cues from our watch guide. There are plenty of options to suit your tastes, including a new take on one of cinema’s most iconic monster brides and a retrospective of Martin Short’s high-flying career in comedy, the final season of “Hacks” and another television series that expands the “Star Wars” franchise. No sunscreen is required.
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Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley in a scene from “The Bride.”
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
“The Bride” (HBO Max)
Heavy buzz preceded the arrival of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s feminist reboot of the horror classic “The Bride of Frankenstein” earlier this year. The casting of Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley as Frankenstein’s monster and his companion, respectively, along with Gyllenhaal’s obvious passion for the project, seemed to promise cinematic fireworks. However, it divided critics: Some brutally panned the film, calling it overbearing and ludicrous; others applauded the movie as an ambitious big swing that should not be ignored. And while most agreed that Buckley gave a committed performance as the ferocious Bride, her lead actress Oscar win for “Hamnet” did not save the film from bombing and vanishing quickly from theaters. Viewers can now decide whether it was truly a disaster or just misunderstood when “The Bride” hits HBO Max this weekend. — Greg Braxton
Steve Carell and Charly Clive play a father and daughter navigating their complicated relationship in the HBO comedy “Rooster.”
(Katrina Marcinowski / HBO)
“Rooster” (HBO Max)
If you’re looking for some easy laughs this weekend, and you’re a fan of series from Bill Lawrence like “Shrinking” or “Ted Lasso,” this HBO comedy may be right up your alley. The show follows Greg Russo (Steve Carell), a divorced author of “beach reads” who is offered a position at a university where his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), teaches. Katie, as much as she loves her dad, also wants some space as she navigates the messy relationship with her husband Archie (Phil Dunster), who has left her for a graduate student named Sunny (Lauren Tsai). (Katie does not take it well.) The show is filled with mishaps and misunderstandings that will make you belly laugh. But what also makes this show special is the supporting cast that absolutely kills it when they’re onscreen, including Danielle Deadwyler as Dylan, an English professor; John C. McGinley as Walter, the school’s president; and Robby Hoffman as Mo, Sunny’s friend and roommate. The series just wrapped its first season — I’m willing to bet you’ll binge this one. — Maira Garcia
Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara in “Marty, Life Is Short.”
(From Netflix)
“Marty, Life Is Short” (Netflix)
This delightful and moving documentary brings into focus Martin Short’s life and decades-long career in comedy. Don’t be fooled by its straightforward overview of Short’s rise to showbiz mainstay through his eccentric, vaudevillian brand of comedy. Directed by his longtime friend Lawrence Kasdan, who first collaborated with the comedian on the 1987 comedy “Cross My Heart,” the film goes beyond the bullet points, offering intimate insights about the lows of building a career and a touching look at him as a friend and family man. In addition to hearing directly from Short, the film features soundbites from people who know him well, including Andrea Martin, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Steve Martin, Eugene Levy and the late Catherine O’Hara. But the true standout moments come from the home footage provided by Short. It’ll leave you longing for a whole docu-series of his star-studded gatherings with some of the names mentioned above. What do you mean we get to see Short and Hanks, both shirtless on a boat, re-enact a scene from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” — in this scenario, Hanks’ Forrest Gump is the Sundance Kid and Short’s famous sketch-comedy character Ed Grimley is Butch — as they hurl themselves into the sea? That beats any reality TV moment or DIML vlog on TikTok I’ve seen this year. — Yvonne Villarreal
A scene from Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time,” featuring Finn the Human, voiced by Jeremy Shada, and Jake the Dog, voiced by John DiMaggio.
(Cartoon Network)
“Adventure Time” (Hulu, Disney+)
With the new “Adventure Time: Side Trips” due on Hulu and Disney+ on June 29, I am watching Pendleton Ward’s original series from the beginning, the better to appreciate its deep world-building and pick up whatever I might have missed the first time. Set in a lush, lively post-apocalyptic world where human boy Finn and shape-shifting dog Jake fight villains and party with friends, it’s gorgeously strange, beautifully designed and full of feeling. Characters include a pie-baking little elephant; Lady Rainicorn, half-unicorn, half-rainbow; a sort of sentient Game Boy; a vampire queen; and the Ice King, looking for a princess (Bubblegum, Flame, Lumpy Space, Hot Dog) to love him. A nexus of creative young animators, it’s the trunk of a tree whose branches include “Summer Camp Island,” “Steven Universe,” “Over the Garden Wall,” and “OK K.O.: Let’s Be Heroes,” which is to say, it’s possibly the most important cartoon show of the 21st century. At 283 episodes, there’s more than one can consume over even a holiday weekend, obviously, but you have to start somewhere. — Robert Lloyd
Clarke Peters, Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, Denis O’Hare and Geena Davis in “The Boroughs.”
(Netflix)
“The Boroughs” (Netflix)
In an isolated but fairly posh desert retirement community, freaky things are afoot. Strangely, no one seems to notice until cranky, grieving widower Sam (Alfred Molina) moves in. He hates the Boroughs at first sight and is only there because his now-dead wife signed them up in an apparently unbreakable contract. So of course he’s going to complain about every problem, from a broken door knob to, you know, a mysteriously dead neighbor. And before you can say, “The Thursday Murder Club” meets “Stranger Things” by way of “Scooby-Doo,” he’s reluctantly assembled a group of equally curious residents played by equally high-wattage actors including Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters and Denis O’Hare — all of whom make the Boroughs, and “The Boroughs,” well worth the price of admission, be it during nocturnal visits by monsters or an occasionally creaking plot.
Though still a criminally underrepresented demographic, aging boomers are having something of a moment on TV (see also “Only Murders in the Building,” “A Man on the Inside” and “Hacks”) and “The Boroughs,” (produced by the Duffer Brothers, who gave us “Stranger Things”) is a perfect example of why. The message of every unlikely-hero story is inevitably one of empowerment — kids/hobbits/retirees are just as capable of saving the day as muscle-bound men in their prime — and actors as strong and experienced as these can glide over plot holes and shoulder three times their weight in disbelief suspension without breaking a sweat. Getting the opportunity to watch such a group do it together is just as much fun as figuring out exactly what is going on at the Boroughs and who’s going to stop it. — Mary McNamara
A scene from Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord.”
(Lucasfilm Ltd.)
“Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord” (Disney+)
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is the shiny new “Star Wars” movie in theaters this weekend — the franchise’s first since 2019 — but let’s not forget that some of the galaxy far, far away’s best storytelling in recent years has been on TV. “Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord” follows the dark side warrior in the early days of the Empire’s reign as he works to rebuild his criminal syndicate while getting some revenge on gangsters that have betrayed him. Introduced and presumed dead after being cut in half in a lightsaber duel in “Episode I,” Maul’s resilience and dark ambitions were further explored in “The Clone Wars.” Maul is a formidable, manipulative, intelligent and vicious villain that’s ultimately doomed to fail, but there’s something about his relentless refusal to accept his fate that I find a bit admirable — even if he’s evil. A noir crime thriller, “Maul — Shadow Lord” is set in a gritty, metropolitan planet outside of the rule of the Empire, meaning, yes, the former Sith lord will cross paths with some Jedi on the run. There’s no better way to close out May than getting immersed in “Star Wars.” — Tracy Brown
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in the fifth and final season of “Hacks.”
(HBO)
“Hacks” (HBO Max)
With the series finale of “Hacks” approaching on May 28, it’s the perfect time to catch up on Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah’s (Jean Smart) latest schemes. Season 5 follows Deborah clawing her way back into public favor after her short stint as a late-night host. Going out with a bang, the show’s final season has been chock-full of guest stars, from Trisha Paytas and Tony Kushner to Jesse McCartney and “Property Brothers” duo Drew and Jonathan Scott. The dynamic between Deborah’s managers, Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and Kayla (Megan Stalter), is still ridiculously entertaining, even if Kayla still can’t get Jimmy’s coffee order right. Across the characters, the chemistry is palpable as “Hacks” builds to the pièce de résistance of Deborah’s career: a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. — Katie Simons
Animated characters from the Crunchyroll series “Classroom of the Elite.”
“Classroom of the Elite” (Crunchyroll)
The anime series revolves around Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a stoic high schooler with a hidden brilliant mind who enrolls in an isolated boarding school. In this cutthroat school, designed as a meritocracy to identify Japan’s future leaders, students are pushed through unconventional tests — such as a survival challenge on a deserted island — and they risk expulsion if they fail. Bribery and backdoor deals run rampant. School officials turn a blind eye to violence — and there is plenty of it.
The show follows Ayanokoji and his classmates as they scheme to climb from the lowest tier, D-Class, to the coveted A-Class. Along the way, it invites the question of whether an archetypal meritocracy can truly exist in a system ridden with loopholes. The calculating Ayanokoji can be a hard protagonist to root for, as he brazenly uses his peers as pawns. By the end of the third season, we see Ayanokoji begin to occasionally open up to a select few classmates, though we’re constantly left to wonder if those moments are genuine or engineered. Season 4, which premiered in early April with weekly releases, picks up with Ayanokoji in his second year and brings a new slate of characters with murky motivations. — Iris Kwok
As petrol prices rise, new survey suggests economic confidence in the US is at -45, the worst since 2022.
Published On 22 May 202622 May 2026
Only 16 percent of Americans view the economy in the United States as “good” or “excellent”, a new Gallup poll suggests, as inflation continues to rise amid the war on Iran.
The survey, released on Friday, deepens US President Donald Trump’s political woes ahead of the midterm elections in November, which will determine whether his Republican Party can retain control of Congress.
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The survey, dubbed Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index, showed confidence in the economy has dropped to -45.
Forty-nine percent of respondents said economic conditions are poor and 34 percent rated them as fair. At the same time, 76 percent said they think the economy getting worse, while 20 percent said it is getting better.
The index averages the results on economic conditions, currently at -33 and economic outlook, currently at -56.
It was the worst set of findings on the economy that the index recorded since 2022 when the cost of living rose after the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Petrol costs in the US have skyrocketed since the start of the conflict with Iran late in February. The average price of one gallon (3.8 litres) of gasoline has risen to $4.55 from less than $3 before the US and Israel launched the war.
According to official government reports, consumer prices overall rose in March and April due to the energy crisis.
Iran has responded to the US and Israeli strikes – which killed several top officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as hundreds of civilians – by closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, sending oil and gas prices soaring.
The US has also imposed a naval siege on Iranian ports, deepening the strain on energy supplies across the world.
Despite the ceasefire that began in April, the blockades have persisted in the absence of a permanent end to the war, and Iran is now claiming sovereignty over Hormuz, which operated as a free international passageway before the war.
Parts of the strait run through Iranian and Omani territorial waters.
Although the US is one of the world’s largest oil producers, energy prices are set globally, so the disruption has spiked costs for American consumers.
As a candidate, Trump promised to be a president of “peace”, saying he would pursue “America first” policies that would prioritise domestic issues over foreign interventions.
But the US president joined Israel in attacking Iran without direct provocation. His administration argues that the military campaign is necessary to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. And Trump’s own intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has said that Tehran is not building a nuclear bomb.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the cost of the war is worth it, stressing that petrol prices will drop rapidly once the conflict is over.
Last month, the US State Department released a legal justification of the war, saying that Washington joined the conflict “at the request of and in the collective self-defence of its Israeli ally, as well as in the exercise of the United States’ own inherent right of self-defence”.
The Gallup survey on Friday is the latest in a series of negative polls for the Trump administration.
A New York Times/Sienna poll released earlier this week suggested that only 31 percent of voters approve of Trump’s handling of the war with Iran.
Earlier this month, the US president suggested the economic fallout from the war and its effect on people in the US do not play a role in his approach to Iran.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody,” he said. “I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all. That’s the only thing that motivates me.”
Love Island’s Ty Isherwood has revealed he has had a hair transplantCredit: Instagram / tyishi98The reality star revealed that his hairline had bee receding for several years, admitting he masked it with his fringe but often felt insecure over the lossCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Filming himself the day after undergoing the procedure, Ty admitted that despite covering it well, hair loss is something that has impacted his confidence for years.
Dressed in a grey hoodie and bandaged up, Ty told the camera: “For me, this has been something that has played in the back of my mind for a long time now.
“I’ve managed to keep it under wraps pretty well, I’ve always had a fringe since I was younger and It has always hidden it.
“I noticed it started slowly receding when I was about 19/20 and it has slowly gone back ever since.”
Detailing the procedure, Ty said it was painless, but is left with some swellingCredit: Instagram / tyishi98His girlfriend, Angel, was on hand to provide moral support as she drove him to the clinic for the transplantThe couple have been going strong since meeting on the show last yearCredit: InstagramAngel said she was ‘so proud’ of Ty for opening up about his confidence struggles due to his hairCredit: tyishi98/Instagram
But in search of a long term solution, he opted to undergo the transplant for his hairline.
Admitting it all went fairly smooth, Ty continued: “The transplant itself took about 6 and a half hours, it was completely pain free.
“The only thing I didn’t like was the local anesthetic in the donor at the back. I’m not gonna sugarcoat that, it wasn’t very nice. But, once you’re over that, the rest of it was fine.
“For men, I think that losing your hair is a tough pill to swallow. For me, it was, I think it has affected my confidence for a couple of years. I’ve not been able to go about my day without actually thinking what my hair looks like.”
Urging his male followers to take the plunge if they are considering a transplant, Ty then said: “I wish I’d had it done sooner, I think it’d have put my mind at ease. I just feel so much more relieved now it’s done.”
Posting the clip to his 159K followers, Ty thanked Manchester-based clinic KSL for carrying out the transplant on him.
His girlfriend and Love Island co-star Angel took to the comment section to show her support as she wrote: “Proud of you my handsome boy”.
Other show alumni such as Wil Anderson, Giorgio Russo and Harry Cooksley also supported Ty in the comments.
Angel went along with Ty for the procedure, with the reality star revealing the couple were up at 6AM to drive to the clinic together.
WASHINGTON — Shouting over the banging and clanging sounds from heavy construction equipment, President Trump on Tuesday gave a group of reporters a closer look at the construction for the White House ballroom he’s building on the site of the former East Wing to mount a defense for the project that has hit a speed bump in Congress.
The administration has asked for $1 billion from taxpayers for security additions on the White House campus, including for the ballroom. But the Senate parliamentarian ruled the proposal could not be included in a bill to fund immigrant enforcement agencies for three years, and several Republican lawmakers have balked at the price tag in an election year where voters are grappling with gasoline, grocery and other prices spurred to new heights by the Iran war and the disruption in oil supplies.
So Trump, ever the pitchman, surprised White House reporters by bringing them to a platform overlooking the construction site on a hot and breezy morning as workers in hard hats and fluorescent yellow vests milled about below.
Easels were set up to display renderings of the ballroom building and at least one of them blew off in the wind. “Give that to me, I’ll hold it,” Trump told an assistant.
“There will never be another building like this built, that I can tell you,” Trump told reporters.
He highlighted the security aspects of the building, notably its “dead flat” roof made of “very strong steel” and said it is “drone-proof” because “if a drone hits it, it bounces off, it won’t have any impact — but it’s also meant as a drone port, so it protects all of Washington, the roof of the building.”
He said the military will “stay on it” to keep watch over the city.
There’s no air conditioning or other equipment on the roof for safety reasons, Trump said, explaining that all duct work and equipment like it was hidden within the walls of the complex, which will serve as a “shield” for a military hospital, research facilities, offices for the first lady and her staff, and a full-service kitchen — in addition to a ballroom big enough for 1,000 people.
He said the ballroom building goes down six stories underground and is really “complex” because “everything is intertwined.”
“The roof goes with the ground floor, the ground floor goes with the roof. The roof also goes down into the basement,” the president said. “This is one well-knit building. One thing doesn’t work without the other.”
Trump says the ballroom is a ‘gift’ to the country
He reiterated that the $400-million ballroom cost will be covered by donors, including him, and that the work is being done “in strict coordination” with the military and U.S. Secret Service.
“This is not going to be paid for by the taxpayer,” Trump said. “This is a gift to the United States of America.”
But it’s somewhat of an unwanted present as polling shows most Americans oppose the ballroom, which is embroiled in litigation in federal court. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted in April found that a majority, 56%, of U.S. adults oppose Trump’s decision to tear down the East Wing to make way for the ballroom, while only 28% are in support.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to halt construction until Congress approves plans for the building.
Trump insisted he will have “very little” time to use the ballroom. He recently announced that it will be ready in September 2028, less than six months before his term ends.
“This is really for other presidents,” he said.
Trump sidestepped a question about whether he’ll kick in any more of his own money if Congress rejects the $1-billion funding request.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said Trump’s tour was not in response to the difficulties brewing in Congress. “President Trump is the most transparent president of all time and was excited to showcase to the press and American people the amazing gift he is giving to the White House and generations of future presidents to come,” Ingle said.
Trump also touched on some of the other beautification projects he’s undertaking across the city, such as restarting dormant park fountains. He claimed to be spending much less to clean up the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool than did his immediate predecessors — both Democrats.
“I’m doing a job on the Reflecting Lake for a fraction of what they paid,” Trump said. He’s having the surface coated in a shade of blue and wants to reopen it by July 4. A separate nonprofit group, the Cultural Landscape Foundation, has sued to halt this project.
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
17:42, 18 May 2026Updated 17:58, 18 May 2026
Married At First Sight promo photo(Image: Channel 4 )
Channel 4 has removed all previous seasons of Married at First Sight UK from its streaming platforms.
It comes after the BBC reported that two women said they were raped during filming of the dating show, while a third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act.
Channel 4 said that all previous seasons of MAFS UK have been removed from its streaming and linear services, and it announced that in April it commissioned an external review into contributor welfare.
Priya Dogra, chief executive of Channel 4 said: “I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married At First Sight UK. The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance.
“It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors.
“Those allegations – which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused – are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on.
“We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved.
“On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre.”
Channel 4 statement in full
Channel 4 today announced that in April it commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on Married at First Sight UK (MAFS UK).
MAFS UK is a reality television series which sees single people – matched by experts – ‘marry’ strangers who they meet for the first time on their wedding day. It is produced for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL.
MAFS UK is produced under some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry. These include the most thorough background checks available, a Code of Conduct which clearly sets out behavioural standards, daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team and access to additional support before, during and after filming.
The physical and psychological wellbeing of all contributors is of paramount importance throughout the process. All duty of care processes are regularly reviewed and, where appropriate, strengthened.
In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied. The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations.
Related to those allegations, Channel 4 was asked to respond to claims of failures in welfare protocols. Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time. Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary.
Notwithstanding the actions taken at the time, Channel 4’s recently appointed CEO, Priya Dogra instructed an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK last month.
This review is now underway and has two elements. The first, conducted by law firm Clyde & Co, is examining the welfare protocols in place on this programme at the time claims were raised, as well as the handling by Channel 4 and CPL of those claims.
Alongside the lawyer-led review, Channel 4 has commissioned an external industry expert to examine if any changes should be made to current protocols for MAFS UK to further strengthen contributor welfare. This work is being led by former BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey, who is a highly experienced media executive with deep understanding of programme making, as well as being a vocal advocate for rigorous welfare protocols in TV production.
Channel 4 expects the review to report in the coming months and will share a summary of findings and recommendations at the appropriate time.
While the review is ongoing and until we receive any conclusions and recommendations – and considering Channel 4’s ongoing duty of care to all contributors, the seriousness of the allegations levelled against a small number of past contributors, and out of an abundance of caution to avoid fuelling speculation or jigsaw identification – all previous seasons of MAFS UK have been removed from Channel 4 streaming and linear services at this time, alongside Channel 4’s MAFS UK social channels.
Priya Dogra, Chief Executive of Channel 4 said; “I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married at First Sight UK. The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance.
“It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors. Those allegations – which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused – are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on. We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved.
“On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre.
“Nevertheless, because we aspire to the highest standards of contributor welfare, I felt strongly as Channel 4’s new CEO that it was right that we look again at how we handled issues raised at the time and ask whether changes should be made to further strengthen contributor welfare.
“That’s why last month I commissioned an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK. That review will report to me in the coming months. We take these issues very seriously and are committed to ensuring that we continue to lead the industry in our duty of care for contributors.”
An investigation into the incident has been launched
A Croatia Airlines 9A-CTH Airbus A319-112 (stock image)
A plane reportedly containing more than 130 people veered off the runway during take-off before skidding across grass and crashing through airport signs. Shocking footage shows the Croatia Airlines Airbus A220-300 swerving to the left before eventually grinding to a halt.
The drama unfolded at Split Airport in Croatia on Saturday, May 16 at 1.35pm local time. An investigation has been launched, with no injuries reported among the 130 passengers and five crew members.
Passengers and crew were evacuated from the plane, which reportedly sustained damage to the front landing gear and left-hand engine.
Darko Petrin, chief investigator at Croatia’s Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency, said the investigation is still in its early stages.
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“It is known that the aircraft, for reasons still undetermined, drifted to the left during takeoff, left the asphalt part of the runway and ended up on the grassy surface next to the runway,” Mr Petrin said.
It is understood that the black boxes on the plane have been taken for analysis. It is thought the investigation into events could take months. The plane – which was flying to Frankfurt – was thought to be travelling at around 130knots (150mph) when pilots aborted the take-off for reasons which are still not yet clear.
The jet itself was delivered less than a year ago to Croatia Airlines. Split Airport was closed for a number of hours after the incident.
War can have a hidden legacy that no one talks about.
For hundreds of thousands of people, today’s wars and genocides will never truly end.
The violence that civilians endure leaves deep, lasting scars – physical, psychological and life-altering. Long after the fighting stops, those wounds continue to shape daily life and entire communities for decades to come.
Join Ali Rae for episode three of All Hail the Military, a five-part series that reveals the systems, power and hidden complicities that sustain global militarism – and the profound impact it has on us all.
Right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro faces new scrutiny over a film funding scandal, which could affect his race against incumbent Lula.
A new poll has reaffirmed the tight race for Brazil’s presidency this year, with both the left-wing incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his right-wing challenger, Flavio Bolsonaro, tied in a head-to-head contest.
On Saturday, Datafolha, the polling firm for the Grupo Folha media conglomerate, released its latest numbers, tracking the candidates’ progress in the run-up to October’s generation election.
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Nearly 2,004 responded to the latest survey, which asked them to identify whom they would vote for if Lula and Bolsonaro progressed to a run-off.
Lula, now 80 years old, is angling for a fourth nonconsecutive term.
Brazil’s presidents are limited to two four-year terms at a time, and Lula first served as president from 2003 to 2011, championing social programmes to reduce hunger and increase federal assistance to the poor.
Bolsonaro, on the other hand, is hoping to continue his father’s far-right political legacy. The eldest son of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio — a senator representing Rio de Janeiro — has pledged to seek his father’s release should he be elected.
Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to plot a coup and subvert the election results in 2022, which saw an end to his term and the beginning to Lula’s latest.
Saturday’s poll results put Lula and the younger Bolsonaro in a dead heat.
Both candidates received 45 percent of the polled voter support, with an additional 9 percent indicating they would cast “null” ballots. The remaining 1 percent was undecided.
But the poll, conducted on May 12 and 13, was conducted before the latest scandal involving the younger Bolsonaro’s campaign gained public traction.
Controversy over film deal
On May 13, The Intercept Brasil, a news publication, printed a report containing leaked WhatsApp messages between Bolsonaro and a banker arrested for an alleged fraud scheme, Daniel Vorcaro.
Bolsonaro had reportedly approached Vorcaro to finance a film about his father’s life, called Dark Horse.
The Bolsonaro family has long maintained that Jair Bolsonaro is a victim of political persecution, and it had tapped US actor Jim Caviezel to play the ex-president.
According to The Intercept’s reporting, Flavio Bolsonaro and his brother Eduardo Bolsonaro had soliciting funding from Vorcaro, who ultimately pledged $24m, or 134 million Brazilian reals, to the film project.
In a statement, Flavio Bolsonaro acknowledged that he had reached out for financing, but he denied the exchange had anything to do with Vorcaro’s alleged fraud scheme.
“It is necessary to separate the innocent from the criminals,” the statement said. “In our case, what happened was a son seeking PRIVATE sponsorship for a PRIVATE film about his own father’s life.”
Left-wing lawmakers, however, have called for an investigation into the incident.
The controversy over the Dark Horse film is not the only scandal to have rocked Flavio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign in recent months.
But shortly afterwards, he faced criticism for statements appearing to suggest he might withdraw from the race in exchange for his father’s freedom. He later clarified that his candidacy was “irreversible”.
In April, Brazil’s Supreme Court also gave the go-ahead for federal police to investigate whether Flavio Bolsonaro had made defamatory statements about Lula.
While Lula was the frontrunner by a wide margin in late 2025, Bolsonaro has since narrowed the gap, leading to the two candidates racing neck and neck before October’s election.
After Connor Cooper, 33, appeared on ITV’s Deal or No Deal, he said feeling like a ‘TV star’ lead him to become addicted to cocaine, with the contestant spending up to £600 a week on the substance
18:09, 16 May 2026Updated 18:09, 16 May 2026
Stephen Mulhern hosts the game show(Image: ITV)
A former Deal or No Deal contestant has blamed becoming a “TV star” for him developing a £600-a-week cocaine habit. Connor Cooper, 33, claims to have come across a “huge pile” of the drug while partying near to the hotel he and the rest of the contestants of the ITV game show were staying in.
Connor explained that one night, he had been out drinking with the rest of the contestants, and after drinking shots and cocktails all night, decided to give the drug a go. But after taking it, he couldn’t sleep – having got back to his hotel room at 7am, he was picked up at 8am to film the show.
He and some of the other contestants were exhausted, with Connor admitting he was “completely wired” during filming. But it didn’t put the dad-of-one off, with Connor saying he went on to become hooked, saying he was “living in the moment” and had a taste of “the showbiz life”.
Speaking to the Sun, Connor explained: “I was dreading that show going out. I was still completely wired when we filmed and we recorded three games that day.”
Contestants on Deal or No Deal can be living with each other for up to a month, as they return in their bid to win big on the game show. Connor said that this lead to him and the others drinking together, with the “party culture” sucking him in.
He said he would order it secretly to keep himself going, but then he wouldn’t sleep again and have to return to the studios to film the day after. Then they would drink again that evening and he would “do it all over again”, with each contestant allowed two free drinks per day.
But then when he started drinking he would continue out of his own money, adding: “I just thought I was a TV star and dived in with both feet. It was really stupid.”
Connor went on to win £13,500 on Deal or No Deal, and returned to Portsmouth where he worked as a tarmac layer. A month after returning, when Connor was still buying and using cocaine, he found out his long-term partner was pregnant with twins, something he describes as a “wake-up call”
He told her everything and with her support he managed to seek professional help to kick his dangerous and expensive habit. Connor said he didn’t seek help with ITV’s mental health services. The Mirror has contacted Banijay for comment.
In response to the paper, a Deal Or No Deal spokesperson said: “We have a zero-tolerance policy on drug use on all our productions. Contestants stay at the hotel for short periods of time whilst filming and are closely monitored by a specialist welfare team throughout. Having reviewed logs of activity and welfare assessments, we can find no record of any behaviour that would cause concern.”