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TikTok star Becki Jones praised by fans as she shows off her excess loose skin after huge weight loss

TIKTOK star Becki Jones has been praised by fans as she showed off her excess loose skin after her huge weight loss.

The social media sensation, 33 took to the platform and shared a video of her dancing up and down to Queen’s hit song, Don’t Stop Me Now.

TikTok star Becki Jones has been praised by fans for showing off her excess loose skin Credit: TikTok/@beckijones4
She’s undergone a body transformation after losing a huge amount of weight Credit: TikTok/@beckijones4

In the clip, Becki was seen wearing a gym top and shorts and a black cap as she lipsynced to the words.

She wrote over it: “No I’m not embarrassed of my loose skin, I’ve got it it everywhere but it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come.”

Becki captioned the video: “I’m not bothered (as much) by it so you shouldn’t be either.”

Her loyal fans flocked to the comments section to praise her as one person said: “Loose skin is a way to know how far you have come!! You look incredible.”

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Another TikTok user penned: “You’ve done amazing and I hope you never feel any pressure to explain any of your weight loss journey as so many negative comments.

“You are 100% able to naturally lose weight like you have in the time you’ve taken.”

Somebody else commented: “That loose skin is a mark of a warrior. Wear it proudly! You’ve earned it!”

Yet another gushed: “You look amazing Becki, your journey is motivating me to be healthier, thank you hun.”

She’s been at the centre of speculation about just how she lost her weight Credit: Instagram
Becki opened up about her journey with food on the Not My Bagg podcast Credit: YouTube/@notmybagg

While a fifth added: “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come!! Seeing you happier is so nice.”

Becki has been at the centre of plenty of speculation about just how she lost her weight, with many people thinking she used fat loss jabs or opted for weight loss surgery.

Whilst Becki has stopped short of saying exactly how she managed to lose the pounds, she has previously alluded to withholding some information regarding her weight journey from public view.

Speaking recently on the Not My Bagg podcast, Becki admitted she would not be divulging any further information but revealed she was still going through something in regards to her weight.

She expressed: “I’ve been through, this is quite upsetting but I’ve been through quite a bad time with food, and I’ve fell out of love with food.

“I’m going through something, still to this day now, that I’m not comfortable talking about anywhere.

“I think people are getting that confused with me, they think I’ve had something done.

“Anything that I’m gatekeeping, as they call it, it’s nothing that would benefit people, it’s nothing that’s a quick fix for them.

“It’s nothing that would bring anything to their life.

“It’s one of the worst things I’ve ever been through.”

Becki gained popularity online thanks to her candid food diaries and lifestyle content.

She went viral in 2020 after posting a video of herself making a slow-cooker hot chocolate, which quickly amassed over 900,000 views.

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Contributor: Xavier Becerra shows that his loyalty lies with fossil fuels

In June 2017, with President Trump newly installed in office for the first time, one of the biggest battles with the administration was about oil. He’d just named the chief executive of Exxon Mobil, Rex Tillerson, as his secretary of State, even though great reporting — in this newspaper among others — had recently shown that the company knew all about, and lied all about, climate change as far back as the 1980s.

Back east, the attorneys general of New York and Massachusetts were trying to take the oil giant on, initiating investigations of the company to try to hold it accountable. Environmental advocates and consumer groups were pressing hard for California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris to join in, and she seemed to be considering it. Then she left the office to assume her new U.S. Senate seat, and the decision fell to her replacement, Xavier Becerra — now a leading candidate for California governor.

As I wrote in these pages at the time, it was a great test for him, and a great curiosity that he was staying silent, “since the rest of Sacramento is hard at work dealing with climate change.” I was not the only one who noticed. Seventy thousand Californians signed petitions demanding action. Eight California representatives in Congress — including Jared Huffman and Ted Lieu — sent him a letter demanding a “vigorous” inquiry and pointing out that it was particularly important because the newly elected Trump administration was clearly favoring the oil industry. “California has led the world in responding to the dangers of climate change, and we know that it will continue to do so,” they wrote. “You now have a leading role in that effort.” But ultimately Becerra did not have a leading role, or indeed any role at all: He punted, as this editorial page pointed out. What Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is now trying to do by statuteimmunize the big oil companies from prosecution for climate liability — Becerra accomplished by sheer silence.

In the years since, of course, California has paid a huge price for our inaction on climate. Just looking at wildfire, there were of course the great blazes that Los Angeles County will never forget in 2025, but also the 2020 August Complex fire in Humboldt and Mendocino counties, the 2021 Dixie fire up north, the 2017 conflagration across Napa and Sonoma counties, the 2017 Thomas fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, the 2018 Camp fire that devastated Paradise — the list goes sadly on and on and on.

Meanwhile, Big Oil and its friends at Big Utility have racked up huge profits, and Californians have faced ever higher bills. An unhobbled oil industry played a huge role in reelecting Trump in 2024 and in taking us to war with Iran.

And through it all, during his years as attorney general, Becerra did little or nothing to help. As I said all those years ago, it’s a mystery why, though I fear the mystery gets clearer with each campaign funding filing over his long career. As California’s top prosecutor, he took big donations from oil industry giants such as Chevron, and also from energy companies Sempra and Southern California Edison. As a member of Congress, he took larger checks from Pacific Gas and Electric and Edison International.

This time around, as he seeks the governor’s office, Chevron has maxed out its contributions to his campaign, the first time they’ve found a gubernatorial candidate to back in a decade. Meanwhile, across the country, leading progressives have signed a pledge refusing fossil fuel donations. Another gubernatorial contender, Katie Porter, is among them. Needless to say, Becerra is not.

The California chapters of Third Act — a group of Americans over 60 that I helped found — canvassed their members last month and issued an endorsement of Tom Steyer, on the grounds that he had worked hard over the years to address energy and climate issues. Instead of taking money from Big Oil, he’s given money, time and counsel to those of us volunteering in the fight against the industry. In fact, I think that whether one is most concerned about lowering utility bills with clean energy or protecting California’s forests, beaches and insurance rates from the global warming threat, he’d be the most climate-conscious elected official in America.

But Third Act was also founded to help protect our democracy. And that means disconnecting public policy from campaign donations. We need leaders who will do the right thing for us, not for their donors. Steyer has called on Becerra to return his donations from Big Oil. That would be a start, but it doesn’t really make up for the wasted decade we’ll never get back.

Bill McKibben is the founder of Third Act and the author, most recently, of “Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate, a Fresh Chance for Our Civilization.”

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Olivia Attwood shows off £26k designer bag after wild birthday celebrations as she jets off to US again

OLIVIA Attwood is certainly embracing the luxury lifestyle after forking out for a handbag worth close to what many Brits take home in a year.

The bag, equivalent to around eight months’ pay for the average worker, was bought by Olivia a few months before turning 35.

Olivia forked out £26k on a Hermes Birkin bag Credit: Instagram
Olivia is taking her flash new bag on ‘an adventure’ to the US Credit: Instagram

Sharing snaps online, Olivia wrote: “I got this baby in Paris in Jan and today is her first day out,” before adding: “Taking her on an adventure.”

The former Love Island star is continuing her celebrations by jetting off to the US – taking her new handbag with her.

The £26k Hermès Birkin Olivia was travelling with appears to be a Birkin 30 in Rouge H leather with palladium hardware – one of the fashion house’s most sought-after styles.

Birkin bags are famously difficult to buy, with shoppers often facing years-long waiting lists and needing a strong purchase history with Hermès before being offered one.

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Olivia’s bag is currently listed for sale at a whopping £26k Credit: Love Luxury
Olivia’s birthday celebrations included a bizarre Barbie cake Credit: Instagram

The stunning star celebrated her birthday over the weekend as she hosted what she called “Olivia’s Birthday Bender” with pals.

The TV favourite was all smiles in green as she was presented with a birthday cake featuring the message “Another year around the pole” alongside a naked Barbie doll.

There was no sign of rumoured boyfriend Pete Wicks in the official snaps shared by Olivia.

However, eagle-eyed fans spotted him in Olivia’s vlog from the night where he was seen smiling in the reflection of a mirror.

Eagle eyed fans spotted Pete’s reflection in Olivia’s vlog Credit: Instagram / olivia_attwood
Pete and Olivia were snapped snogging earlier this year Credit: Alamy

Longtime friends and radio co-hosts Olivia and Pete were caught snogging in a popular bar in Soho earlier this year before jetting off to France on a secret holiday last month.

A source close to the pair previously told us they were “dating and enjoying their time together.”

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Netflix fans ‘screaming’ over first trailer for ‘excellent’ murder mystery show’s return

A smash-hit crime drama returning to Netflix and BBC later this month has just dropped an electrifying new trailer

Netflix and BBC viewers are ecstatic after getting their first look at one of the most highly anticipated returning shows of 2026.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, based on the series of books by Holly Jackson, first premiered on iPlayer and BBC Three in July 2024 and was later released to Netflix.

Now, fans of the series, which was once again filmed in Bristol and Somerset, will be able to stream the thrilling second season on either service from Wednesday, 27th May.

Ahead of the long-awaited premiere, a new trailer has been released teasing another gripping mystery for amateur sleuth Pip Fitz-Amobi (played by Emma Myers) to unravel.

Season two picks up with Pip and Ravi (Zain Iqbal) after cracking the case of missing student Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies) as Max Hastings (Henry Ashton) prepares for his trial.

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However, while Pip is desperate to go back to her quiet life in Little Kilton, Connor’s (Jude Morgan-Collie) older brother, Jamie (Eden H Davies), a key witness in Max’s case, suddenly goes missing.

A synopsis for the six-part follow-up teases: “With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, Pip and the group are thrust into a desperate, heart-pounding race to find him before it’s too late.

“As the search intensifies, Pip is pushed to her absolute limit, forced to face a terrifying reality, will she be able to save Jamie in time?”

Author Jackson is helming the adaptation this time along with showrunner Poppy Cogan, taking inspiration from the second novel in the bestselling series, Good Girl, Bad Blood.

This time around, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will include newcomers such as Davies as Jamie, along with Misia Butler (KAOS) and Jack Rowan (Noughts + Crosses).

Fans were thrilled to get a more extensive look at the second series, which previews another high-stakes missing person investigation along with more drama between Pip and her friends and a reckoning for her vile nemesis, Max.

Audiences have described the series as “excellent”, a “fantastic adaptation”, and so “incredible” they “binged it in a day” in rave reviews on IMDb.

The new trailer for season two is also getting an enthusiastic response from fans on social media. One YouTube user exclaimed, “IM SOOO EXCITED!!!” and another commented, “WE’RE SO BACK”.

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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows.

This includes the brand new UK drama Unchosen, starring Asa Butterfield and Christopher Eccleston.

Reactions continued on X, where one fan said: “When I tell you I screamed I screamed oh my god pip is back.”

“May 27 is already circled on my calendar. Pip is back and I am so ready,” someone else said.

And a final viewer declared: “PIP IS BACK ON SCREEN I JUST SAT UP AND CHEERED OMG.” Make sure you clear your calendar for the return of this addictive mystery drama coming in just a few weeks’ time.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 premieres Wednesday, 27th May on BBC iPlayer, BBC Three and Netflix.

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Iran’s football team shows World Cup readiness with social media posts | World Cup 2026 News

Videos from a tournament kit reveal photo shoot and images from training sessions highlighting Team Melli’s preparations.

Iran’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup appear to be on track, as social media posts from the team’s official account hint at an upcoming tournament kit reveal and show the squad training at an undisclosed location.

Videos posted by Team Melli’s Instagram account on Monday showed players taking part in a photo shoot for what appears to be Iran’s home kit for the World Cup.

Iran are in Group G of the World Cup and will play all their games in the United States, which is cohosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.

Several members of Iran’s squad, including first-choice goalkeeper Alireza Safar Beiranvand and winger Milad Mohammadi, were shown wearing a new kit in a series of social media posts.

The Team Melli account also posted photos from training sessions, which have been held in Iran before the squad travels to Turkiye for three friendly matches before the World Cup.

The Asian giants’ participation in the tournament became uncertain after the US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, with Iranian officials questioning the US’s role as host and President Donald Trump suggesting Team Melli’s players may not be safe if they travel to his country for the championship.

However, recent statements by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Iranian football officials have reaffirmed the country’s participation in the World Cup.

Infantino confirmed that Iran will play its games in the US in his opening remarks at the FIFA ⁠⁠Congress in Canada on Thursday.

“Let me start at the outset. Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA ⁠⁠World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said.

Trump later said he was “OK” with Iran playing in the country.

“If Gianni said it, I’m OK,” Trump told reporters ‌‌at the White House. “You know what? Let ‌‌them ‌‌play.”

Football officials in Iran have outlined the team’s training and preparations for the tournament, which include camps at home and in neighbouring Turkiye before travelling to the US.

“The first phase of the preparation period will end with an intra-team game on Wednesday,” assistant coach Saeed Alhoei told Iranian sport news outlet Varzesh3.

The game will be held at a stadium, and the players will wear official match kits, with an international referee and video assistant referee technology (VAR) to simulate tournament-like conditions.

Alhoei said the squad will depart for Turkiye on Monday for their final leg of preparations before travelling to the US in June.

Team Melli will kick off their ‌‌campaign ‌‌against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before taking on Belgium at the same stadium on June 21.

“We will have three friendly matches, two of which will probably be against [local] club teams and behind closed doors, and the third against an African team,” Alhoei said. “It is a quality team that can be a good simulation for playing against African teams.”

Iran will face Egypt in their final group match in Seattle on June 26.

On Monday, Iran suffered a significant ⁠⁠blow after it was confirmed that winger Ali Gholizadeh had suffered a season-ending knee injury while playing for his club Lech Poznan in Poland.

Gholizadeh, who would have started on the right ⁠⁠wing at the World Cup, was stretchered off the pitch against Motor Lublin last Saturday, and tests later confirmed he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“Gholizadeh will face surgery ⁠⁠in the coming days, followed by several months of rehabilitation,” the club said in a statement.

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I watched Netflix’s Unchosen — these 4 shows about cults are far more gripping

Netflix’s Unchosen has topped the streaming charts, but if you found this cult fantasy series underwhelming, there are four gripping alternatives

Unchosen landed on Netflix just over a week ago, with hordes of telly enthusiasts placing it at the top of their lists. Yet, I can’t claim I was particularly impressed by this dull, average cult fantasy.

I hoped to feel unsettled, I hoped to be mystified, but truthfully, this cult drama disappointed. This isn’t a criticism of Asa Butterfield, Molly Windsor and Fra Fre’s acting abilities, but when the script isn’t there to support you, there’s a limit to what can be achieved.

And all of this supposedly unfolding on my doorstep? Blimey, it wouldn’t shock me. I’ll need to keep my eyes peeled next time I head back to Surrey.

Like numerous Netflix smash hits, I’ve noticed the trailer contains more intrigue than the actual programme. Not that Unchosen was dreadful, it simply didn’t quite keep me gripped throughout, reports the Express.

To repeat the text displayed during Unchosen’s opening sequence: “Over 2,000 cults exist in the United Kingdom. Some are closed communities. But many, like this fictional one, live in plain sight.”

While these recommendations may not all centre on genuine cults, they definitely possess a cult-like atmosphere. They’re all wrapped in secrecy, seclusion, and propelled by a mission we ordinary folk won’t entirely grasp.

Here are some of the finest TV programmes, movies and documentaries centred on cults that might capture your attention… and lead you down a deep dive.

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022)

This four-part documentary series delves into the harsh realities of growing up, living and escaping the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, an offshoot of mainstream Mormonism. Multiple members – and survivors – of the FLDS recount their experiences under the leadership of president Rulon Jeffs, who created the phrase that would become the series’ title, and his son Warren Jeffs.

At present, the younger Jeffs succeeded his father as the church’s leader. However, if this gives any indication about the practices exposed in the series, Jeffs is currently serving a life sentence for child sex offences.

Ex-members reveal the realities of existing under the church’s extreme regulations, and how the Jeffs’ wielded their authority over their congregation. We witness siblings, nieces and nephews forced into marriages with family members, with male church members having numerous wives and children.

Yet that’s not the most disturbing aspect of this documentary. It’s the forced marriage of actual teenagers and children to grown men. A medieval custom that belongs firmly in the past, not in contemporary society.

The series almost appears too far-fetched to be true, but then you recall it’s a documentary. The accusations and examination of child sex offences, human trafficking, child marriage, welfare fraud, and mistreatment of members and ex-members has shaped the outside world‘s perception of the church in recent times.

In a world riddled with double standards, this documentary exposes the shocking levels of moral corruption in people masquerading as followers of God’s teachings.

The Village (2004)

Haunted by mysterious, nameless beings, a tiny, isolated settlement in 19th century Pennsylvania exists in perpetual terror. Following a young resident’s death from sickness, Joaquin Phoenix’s Lucius Hunt seeks the elders’ approval to journey through the nearby forest for medical provisions.

When his plea is rejected, the reasoning given is to prevent further catastrophes. Romance develops between Lucius and the visually-impaired daughter of one of the village’s elders (Ivy, Bryce Dallas Howard), before Lucius sustains severe injuries.

I can’t delve too deeply into the storyline without revealing the conclusion, but Ivy sets out seeking assistance. Yet, appearances prove deceiving.

After all, M. Night Shyamalan is directing. There’s a revelation… there’s always a twist.

This thriller feeds on manipulation and falsehoods, essential tools for strengthening members’ conviction in their version of events. And bear in mind, it’s their version of reality, not ours.

The Wicker Man (1973 & 2006)

While the reimagining of The Wicker Man might not represent Nicolas Cage’s greatest performance, its initial commercial failure transformed into a devoted following over subsequent years. The narrative focuses on a police officer’s journey to a fictional remote island while investigating a disappeared girl.

The island’s residents have turned their backs on Christianity and now follow a type of Celtic paganism, but something far more sinister – naturally – is at play.

Louis Theroux’s My Scientology Movie (2015)

Scientology is one of those movements that’s lurked in the shadows of Hollywood for decades. One of your favourite actors or musicians has probably been linked with the organisation.

There’s nobody better equipped to attempt confronting the Church of Scientology than Louis Theroux, particularly after the church declines to participate in the documentary. In typical Louis Theroux fashion, nothing follows the usual script.

Rather, the documentary seeks to recreate testimonies from ex-members regarding incidents involving the church’s top brass, with assistance from former church official Mark Rathbun. Arguably one of the most striking moments from the documentary occurs when Louis and his team find themselves under surveillance and challenged outside the church’s mysterious Gold Base compound in California.

Intimidation seems to be a recurring pattern that extends beyond the documentary itself. Ex-members of the organisation have, over the years, described their encounters with being confronted while carrying out their daily routines – and voicing criticism of Scientology.

It makes for a deeply strange and maddening viewing experience, as we never truly grasp the extent to which the church is allegedly pulling strings behind the scenes. This film brought Scientology to widespread public attention, and even in an age where information is readily available, there remains so much mystery surrounding L. Ron Hubbard’s doctrines and David Miscavige’s tenure as the church’s second leader.

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A new photo exhibition shows the people behind the L.A. Metro D Line

In 1995, when the L.A. Metro system was in its most nascent stage, Ken Karagozian — then an amateur photographer in an Owens Valley, Calif., workshop — found his way underground to document the subterranean marriage between downtown L.A. and Westlake through Metro’s Red Line, now called the B Line.

From that came a feature in Life magazine, but more importantly, a driving principle: Karagozian believed that the construction workers, engineers and electricians who were subject to the whims of a city indecisive on the subway project were deserving of intimate documentation. The invisible many who built the pyramids and New York’s skyline never got that chance, he said, but the people who contributed to the historically controversial Metro D Line from Koreatown to Westwood would, if he had a say.

“When I did take photography workshops, they always said, ‘Do a project close to your home,’” Karagozian said on a call from his Agoura Hills residence. “I wrote a letter to [L.A. Metro], which said, ‘How can I get permission to photograph?’”

Days before the fires ravaged L.A. in 2025, Altadena-based historian and author India Mandelkern had a phone call with Karagozian, who was interested in collaborating on a project about the D Line. After publishing a book on the art and politics of street lighting in Los Angeles, Mandelkern worked on the L.A. Metro blog, soliciting interviews from Angelenos who seemed desperate for a line to the Westside.

A group of workers during the Section 2 breakthrough.

A Karagozian photo shows a group of workers during the Section 2 breakthrough during the underground construction of the Metro D Line.

(Ken Karagozian)

A photo by Karagozian shows sunlight filtering underground into the Wilshire/Fairfax site during construction.

A photo by Karagozian shows sunlight filtering underground into the Wilshire/Fairfax site during construction.

(Ken Karagozian)

After Mandelkern connected with Karagozian, their project had solid form: a photo book, titled “Wilshire Subway: The Making of the D Line Subway Extension,” about the history, conflict and people behind the scenes and underground ahead of the May 8 opening of the subway expansion along Wilshire Boulevard. (New stations will be added at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega. In the future, stations in Beverly Hills, Century City and Westwood will open.)

A related photo exhibition, “Wilshire Subway: Photographed by Ken Karagozian,” is on view through May 14 at the 1301PE art gallery on Wilshire Boulevard.

This week, we chatted more with Karagozian and Mandelkern about their project.

After writing a book about the social history of street lighting, what brought you underground?

Mandelkern: Well, a couple different reasons. First, I was very interested in Metro just because I had worked there as the blog editor, and in that role, I got to explore so many different stories. I thought Wilshire Boulevard was one of the most interesting places, the stories of this rail-building ambition that persisted for so many different years, and what that says about Angelenos. Second, I think that we talk about L.A. as a horizontal city, and that’s certainly true. If you go somewhere like Tokyo, you instantly see that this is what a vertical city is, but I wanted to bring a little bit of that to L.A. There is so much history buried beneath the ground that we seem to forget, and once you start tunneling, you realize that it’s always been there and it hasn’t disappeared. It’s just pushed beneath us.

India Mendelkern, left, and Ken Karagozian at the L.A. Times Festival of Books.

In support of their new project, writer India Mendelkern, left, and photographer Ken Karagozian appear at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in April.

(Ken Karagozian)

Of all the people you spoke to for this book, which one most influenced the way you understood what the D Line could provide for the city?

Karagozian: This was a joint venture between three contractors, and they each had their specialty. It was Skanska, Traylor [Bros.] and Shea. With Traylor, they were brothers and they were doing the tunneling. Richard McLane [chief mechanical engineer of Traylor Bros.] was very helpful in telling me a little bit about the history of Wilshire Boulevard and facts of tunneling. … All these different contractors impacted the project in some way.

Mandelkern: I always say Ken is one of the best construction photographers out there, but his specialty is really people. When I interviewed some of these individual workers, a whole different story came to light, and I realized that many of these workers came to L.A., started at the bottom of the totem pole, and through working on the subway have risen through the ranks, gotten promotions, become leaders, and their kids now work in construction. … It’s just so amazing that so many of these individuals are doing all this work behind the scenes that creates infrastructure that connects all of us.

1

Carpenter Jenna Dorough poses for a portrait by Karagozian during the underground construction of the Metro D Line.

2

A concrete supervisor photographed by Karagozian at the La Cienega Boulevard station.

1. Carpenter Jenna Dorough poses for a portrait by Karagozian during the underground construction of the Metro D Line. 2. A concrete supervisor photographed by Karagozian at the La Cienega Boulevard station. (Ken Karagozian)

There are many portraits in the book of the builders who created the D Line. India referred to the short lifespans of the workers compared to the marvelous structures they craft: Was it intentional that you documented most of the D Line’s visual history through the people who built it?

Karagozian: When I go down underground and after the stations are completed, to me, it’s the people that built it that should tell the story. I didn’t just want to get a shot of them from behind. I really like to photograph their faces. … When I photographed the workers from the Red Line, some of these workers from the middle ’90s are still working on the Purple Line. I’ve known them for years, and now their children are working in construction; it becomes a family issue. … Going down and photographing the tunnels with that lighting in that perspective, it’s always been so interesting.

Mandelkern: That just reminded me of one of the quotes in the book from John Yen, who is the VP of operations at Skanska. He said, “In construction, we work ourselves out of a job.” I always found it really interesting that, as we build, the whole point is to kind of disappear. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes in the essay, when James [Rojas] writes [that] when the stations are open, they’ll be shiny and new, but that will kind of erase all the memories and all the work of the people who’ve been doing this for all this time. This book really became a way to sort of remember all of these different people that have been working on these projects for decades and decades, even if they’re not really remembered in the official record.

As the D Line prepares to open, does it somehow feel like the end of a journey?

Mandelkern: This just [started] so many other things for me. Afterwards, I decided I really want to learn about the geology of L.A., and I found an interest in paleontology, too. I hope with any book that it just gets people curious, and it gets them to start asking questions. I think that “Wilshire Subway” does accomplish that. L.A. is just this bowl with all these different salad layers, and as we penetrate down, we learn more and more about our history.

Karagozian: It does a little bit. With May 8 being the grand opening, and as the stations are complete and they’re testing the trains underground, it almost feels like it’s graduation time. Time to celebrate the journey of going through high school, college, whatever. I am still continuing to photograph the [Purple Line extension], which is Rodeo or Beverly [Hills] station … Now it’s just the accomplishment of celebrating all the work that I’ve put into this project and going down almost once a week and photographing the process for so many years.

Art exhibition

‘Wilshire Subway’ exhibition

“Wilshire Subway: Photographed by Ken Karagozian” is a new exhibition based on a new photo book by Karagozian and writer India Mandelkern.

Where: 1301PE art gallery, 6150 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

When: Through May 14.

Hours: The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. (There’s an opening reception and book signing from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday.)

Admission: Free



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Zayn Malik breaks silence and issues emotional statement as he’s forced to cancel 22 shows after being hospitalised

ZAYN Malik shared a heartfelt statement with fans after cancelling 22 gigs following his shock hospitalisation.

The former One Direction star revealed he is now back at home and recovering from his mystery illness – but his world tour dates have taken a hit.

Zayn Malik was hospitalised with a mystery illness recently, but has since revealed he is back at home Credit: Getty
His illness was severe enough to force him to cancel a mass of tour dates Credit: Getty

The singer has been forced to cancel the entire US leg of his KONNAKOL tour, as well as some UK performances.

In an Instagram story today, he wrote: “To my fans : Thank you so much for all the support and love you’ve shown me on the album release and more importantly, your love, prayers and well wishes for my health.

“I’ve felt it, and it’s meant the world. I’ve been at home recovering and I’m doing well and will be better and stronger than before.

“I’ve had to take another look at my schedule for the months ahead and reduce the number of shows on the KONNAKOL Tour.

STEPPING BACK

Zayn Malik cancels two UK gigs after hospitalisation and Louis punch-up


TAKING SIDES

Niall Horan throws support behind Louis after it’s revealed Zayn punched him

Zayn previously shared a photo of himself in hospital Credit: Instagram/Zayn
Zayn and Louis Tomlinson reportedly had a falling out on the set of their Netflix documentary Credit: Instagram

“I want to make sure I still get out and see as many of you as I possibly can. I’m really looking forward to playing these shows for you, and I hope to see the rest of you around the world very soon.”

The cause of Zayn’s hospitalisation is not yet known, but in a previous statement, he thanked his cardiologist, which suggests it could be to do with his heart and or blood vessels.

Alongside a photo of him in a hospital bed, he wrote: “To my fans – thank you to all of you for your love and support now and always.

“[It’s] been a long week and am still unexpectedly recovering. Heartbroken that I can’t see you all this week, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today without you guys and am so thankful for your understanding.

“Thank you to the incredible hospital staff or Drs, nurses, cardiologists, management, admin, and everyone who has helped along the way and continue to. You are all legends! Big big love xxx z.”

The health scare came amid the revelation from The Sun that Zayn had punched his close pal and former band member Louis Tomlinson as they found themselves in a vicious row whilst filming for their new Netflix documentary.

Louis and Zayn were joining forces to film a three-part road trip docuseries for the streaming service, which has since been axed.

Sources told The Sun their astonishing on-set row was triggered by a remark from Zayn about Louis’ mum Johannah Deakin, who died of leukaemia in 2016.

The Sun understands Louis and Zayn have not spoken since the incident six months ago.

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Age-defying Heidi Klum, 52, shows off curves as she kneels beside pool in designer bikini for sexy shoot

IT’S one-kneel to supermodel Heidi Klum as she scores a bikini shoot for brand Calzedonia.

The mum of four, 52, still loves posing and said: “I’ve been photographed nude or in lingerie since 1992, way before Instagram.”

Heidi Klum poses in a bikini shoot for brand Calzedonia Credit: Calzedonia
Stunning Heidi says she still loves posing Credit: Calzedonia

Heidi is married to musician Tom Kaulitz, 36.

Kaulitz is a German musician who has been dating Heidi since March 2018.

The pair were first spotted together on 14 March leaving Delilah in West Hollywood.

The Sun recently told how Heidi and fellow model Stella Maxwell took a pet dog for walkies on the catwalk.

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The pair were both glammed up in silver while strutting with Stella’s pet Trip, a chihuahua terrier mix.

They were on set filming for Germany’s Next Topmodel series in LA.

Age-defying Heidi, 52, shows off her curves Credit: Calzedonia
Heidi wore a series of designer bikinis for the sexy shoot Credit: Calzedonia

Heidi wore a plunging gown with a see-through skirt, while Stella, 35, was in a slashed minidress.

Stella calls Trip her “most treasured possession”.

A week previously, Heidi changed tack and joined forces with Robbie Williams at the World Cup 2026 draw in Washington DC.

She donned two different dresses, switching up from a red sparkling number to a black blouse and diamante skirt.

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Israeli soldier shows Gaza’s Beit Hanoon completely flattened | Gaza

NewsFeed

A video filmed by an Israeli soldier shows widespread destruction in northern Gaza. Before Israel’s genocidal war, the town of Beit Hanoon was home to 50,000 people. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli forces have bulldozed what was left of hundreds of homes.

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Will the Iran war push millions back into poverty? | TV Shows

US-Israel war on Iran drives up fuel and food costs, putting 32.5 million people at risk of poverty worldwide.

Fuel costs more. Food is harder to get or afford. Jobs are disappearing. Remittances are drying up.

These are the consequences of the United States-Israel war on Iran – felt not only in the Middle East but also in the fields and homes of Africa and Asia.

Countries in the Global South are particularly vulnerable to the economic fallout because of their dependence on imports from the Gulf.

The United Nations warned that the conflict could push as many as 32.5 million people globally back into poverty.

The war is weakening economies that were already fragile. Governments are scrambling, and international aid is becoming scarce.

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The only bridge in the world that shows 4 countries at once

For those who love to travel and want to tick off as many destinations as possible, there is one remarkable spot that serves as the ultimate shortcut

This extraordinary location lets you set eyes on four countries simultaneously – without moving a single step. The Kazungula Quadripoint sits along the Zambezi River, a rare geographical marvel where four nations lie within just a few hundred metres of one another.

Those four countries are Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. While it may not be a perfectly precise four-corners crossing, the nations are close enough that visitors can stand in one country and stride into another, while gazing across the river at two more.

At the heart of this unique experience is the Kazungula Bridge, a 923-metre structure connecting Zambia and Botswana across the Zambezi River.

The bridge was meticulously designed to honour complex border boundaries, meaning it directly links only two countries – yet crucially, it sits within touching distance of both Namibia and Zimbabwe, reports the Express.

The remarkable result is that you can stand on the bridge joining the two nations.

Zimbabwe is just metres away on one side and Namibia clearly visible across the river – a truly breathtaking experience.

Prior to the bridge’s construction, travellers crossing between Zambia and Botswana were reliant on a ferry service notorious for its delays, which severely restricted movement between the neighbouring countries.

Nearer to home, there is another spectacular chance to take in multiple countries from a single vantage point – though you won’t be quite as close as the Kazungula Bridge allows.

Nestled in the Swiss Alps lies a mountain known as Hoher Kasten, which on a clear day boasts breathtaking panoramic views across the alps of Germany, Austria, Italy and France.

The best part is that you don’t even need to trek to the summit to soak up this stunning vista. Instead, a cable car whisks you up from the town of Brülisau, scaling the mountainside in just eight minutes.

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‘Coronation Street has got it right with Swarla – other shows should take note’

As Coronation Street’s power couple Swarla tie the knot, British LGBT Awards founder Sarah Garrett says the soap highlights huge progression in the representation of same-sex couples on TV

Lisa Swain and Carla Connor have finally said ‘I do’ on Coronation Street, leaving Swarla fans rejoicing.

The couple got together in 2024, growing closer before realising their feelings for one another. After almost two decades on Corrie, this is Carla’s first same-sex relationship, while it’s certainly not her first wedding.

That said, Carla has finally found her soulmate in Lisa, something agreed on by cast members Alison King and Vicky Myers who play the pair. But it’s not just about the characters and what it means to them.

There’s been a huge shift with how women-loving-women (WLW) romances are presented, and perceived, onscreen in recent decades. When you think back to the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on UK TV, that aired on former soap Brookside in 1994, it sparked both backlash and praise, while it was historic in that it was something that had never been aired before 9PM until then.

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Fast-forward 30 years and we now have Lisa and Carla’s wedding, and the soap’s first WLW wedding that sees both characters actually make it down the aisle. Viewers have backed the couple from the very start, with many fans inspired by their love story.

With the wedding airing during Lesbian Visibility Week, a deliberate choice by the soap, it has to be noted that many viewers feel represented by the characters and their union.

Yes, Swarla have had many obstacles in their time together, and more than most. They’ve had evil wives returning from the dead, killer brothers and a few hiccups along the way, not forgetting the disastrous proposals.

But they’ve made it, and Swarla are here to stay. It’s clear from the love the viewers have for Lisa and Carla that not only are they offering a powerful representation onscreen of a lesbian relationship, but it also shows how far television has come where the visibility of same-sex romance is concerned.

Addressing this progression and what Coronation Street has got right with Carla and Lisa, Sarah Garrett, Founder of the British LGBT Awards, shared her thoughts with The Mirror. She shared how much of an impact Swarla have had, and why it matters.

Sarah also shared what it was about Swarla, and what Corrie have done with the characters, that is so important – and why other TV shows and screenwriters should take note. Sarah told us: “In the 32 years since Brookside first aired a pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, same-sex relationships have been portrayed in many ways – the good, the bad and the ugly.

“What makes the portrayal of Carla and Lisa’s relationship so compelling is that it has never been framed as a coming-out story; instead, it is simply a story about falling in love. Their journey centres on two women who know exactly who they are, finding each other and building a relationship marked by compassion, conflict and vulnerability.

“It’s a powerful example of authentic storytelling and one from which screenwriters around the world could take note when depicting healthy, nuanced same-sex relationships.

“Going forward, the industry has the opportunity to build on this by continuing to normalise diverse relationships without sensationalism, investing in layered character development and allowing LGBTQ+ stories the same depth, longevity and ordinariness as any other on screen.”

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .



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Sun Valley Poly High’s Fabian Bravo shows flashes of Koufax dominance

Watching junior right-hander Fabian Bravo of Sun Valley Poly High pitch for the first time, there was something strangely familiar about his windup.

When he turned his back to reveal he was wearing No. 32, everything made sense.

He had to be a fan of Sandy Koufax, the 1960s Hall of Fame left-hander for the Dodgers.

Two friends sitting next to me refused to believe it.

“No way,” one said.

“Kids today have never heard of Sandy Koufax,” another piped in.

Only after Bravo threw a three-hit shutout to beat North Hollywood 3-0 was my belief vindicated.

“I come into the back with my arms and it’s a little bit like a Sandy Koufax kind of thing,” he said. “I wear 32 too. He was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers and was good in the World Series.”

Koufax was perfect-game good on Sept. 9, 1965, against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium, striking out 14.

Bravo started learning about No. 32 when his parents would bring him to Dodger Stadium as a young boy.

“I always saw No. 32 retired on the wall,” he said. “Once I got to know him, I was able to see who he really was. I felt I could really copy him and get myself deeper into history.”

Bravo is no Koufax in terms of being a power pitcher. He’s 5 feet 10 and 140 pounds. Since last season, when he changed his windup to briefly emulate Koufax’s arms going above his head, he has a 12-3 record. This season he’s 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA.

“I saw his windup and he looked like he was calm and composed and I tried it. I felt more of a rhythm. I was able to calm down and pitch better,” he said.

After Bravo’s arms go up over his head in his windup, he also does a brief hesitation breathing in and out before throwing the ball toward home plate.

“My dad always taught me to breathe in, breathe out before I do anything,” he said.

Nowadays, teenagers seemingly don’t pay much attention to greats of the past, from old ballplayers to Hall of Fame coaches. Ask someone if they know John Wooden, kids today probably don’t. He did win 10 NCAA basketball titles coaching for UCLA. And who was Don Drysdale? Only a Dodger Hall of Fame pitcher alongside Koufax from Van Nuys High.

Bravo is fortunate he’s seen Dodger broadcasts mentioning Koufax at the stadium and on TV, motivating him to learn more, which led to seeing his windup on YouTube.

His older brother also wore No. 32, so no one was getting that uniform number other than a Bravo brother at Poly.

There is another Bravo set to arrive in the fall. Julian Bravo will be a freshman left-handed pitcher and wants No. 32.

“While I’m there he’s going to have to find a new number,” Fabian Bravo said.

Julian might also want to help his big brother gain a few pounds at the dinner table.

“My brother takes food from me,” he said.

As for recognizing Bravo’s Koufax connection, it was No. 32 that provided the clue. How many pitchers in the 1970s were choosing No. 32? A lot. And it’s great to see a 17-year-old in 2026 paying tribute to one of the greatest pitchers ever.

Emulating Koufax is hard, but forgetting him is unforgivable.



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Maroon 5’s Adam Levine shows off fresh-faced new look on red carpet ahead of Hyde Park BST gig this summer

MAROON 5’s Adam Levine has shown off a fresh faced new look on the red carpet ahead of the band’s gig at BST Hyde Park this Summer.

The singer, 47, attended the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica, California, over the weekend with his wife Behati Prinsloo.

Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine has shown off a new clean-shaven look Credit: AP
Adam looked fresher-faced in comparison to his appearance at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars bash Credit: Getty
He attended the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica, California with his wife Behati Prinsloo over the weekend Credit: Getty
Adam planted a kiss on his wife’s cheek Credit: Getty

But the musician looked completely unrecognisable as he showed off a clean shaven look, which is a stark difference compared to his signature stubble he’s been rocking for years.

Adam wore a black suit twinned with a blue shirt and smart shoes, while Behati, 37, looked stunning in a ruffled grey gown.

The pair looked like the ultimate couple goals as Adam planted a kiss on his wife’s cheek in one picture.

Fans of the She Will Be Loved singer couldn’t get over his new look as they flocked to social media to share their thoughts, with many thinking him shaving off his beard isn’t the only change he’s made.

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One person commented on Reddit: “If I saw him walking I would have never guessed it was him.”

Another social media user commented: “Whatever he did makes him look awful and waaay older than he did before.”

Somebody else said: “Oh my gosh what happened to him? He looks so naked without his beard.”

Yet another fan expressed: “Something looks off but I can’t tell what exactly.”

While a fifth added: “Did he get something done? His face looks different.”

Adam began dating the Namibian beauty in May 2012 and they went on to marry on July 19, 2014.

Together, they share daughters Dusty Rose, 9, and Gio Grace, 8 and a three-year-old son.

He’s gearing up to return to the UK with Maroon 5 for BST Hyde Park this July.

They won’t be the only ones appearing at the festival, as One Republic, Jess Glynne and Ella Eyre will also be taking to the stage for their own performances.

It was also recently announced that he’s set to return for the new season of The Voice USA.

Maroon 5 will be returning to the UK to perform at BST Hyde Park this Summer Credit: Getty

He joined the singing competition show in season 1 alongside fellow judges Blake Shelton, CeeLo Green, and Christina Aguilera.

After departing The Voice in 2019 with 16 seasons as a coach under is belt, the Maroon 5 frontman has returned sporadically to the show.

He just clinched a win with Alexia Jayy on season 29, his fourth victory on the show.

“I’m having so much fun doing it. Since I came back a few seasons ago it’s just been a blast and I’m super happy to keep it going as long as they’ll have me,” Adam told People.

NBC execs are eyeing four iconic coaches to make a return for season 30: Adam, Kelly, Blake and Gwen Stefani, a production source told The U.S. Sun.

“For season 30, they want to go big since it will be a milestone year. Though the lineup isn’t finalized yet since filming for 30 won’t start until late Spring/early Summer 2026,” the source said.

“There’s still time for changes and still all of season 29 to get through.

“But the producers are trying to lock in a deal to get Blake and Adam back together, they’ve wanted that for years and think 30 is an opportune time to make it happen,” the insider explained.

He’s also reportedly set to return to The Voice USA Credit: Getty

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Outrage after photo shows Israeli soldier smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon | Israel attacks Lebanon News

Social media users condemn Western silence on attacks on religious symbols and sites by Israeli soldiers and settlers.

A viral photograph showing an Israeli soldier hitting a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon with a sledgehammer has sparked outrage.

In a statement on Monday, the Israeli military confirmed the authenticity of the image that was widely shared online, garnering more than 5 million views on X.

It said that following an initial review, it was determined that the photograph showed an Israeli soldier “operating in southern Lebanon”, where Israel last month launched a ground invasion in conjunction with aerial bombardment amid its joint war with the United States on Iran.

The military added that an investigation had been opened and that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings”.

Commenting on social media, Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament, wrote pointedly: “We’ll wait to hear the police spokesperson claim that ‘the soldier felt threatened by Jesus’.”

Ahmad Tibi, another Palestinian member of the Knesset, wrote on Facebook that those who blow up mosques and churches in Gaza and spit on Christian clergy in Jerusalem without punishment are not afraid to destroy a statue of Jesus Christ and publish it.

“Perhaps these racists have also learned from Donald Trump to insult Jesus Christ and insult Pope Leo?” he asked, referring to the US president’s recent controversies, including his now-deleted AI-generated image that portrayed him as a Jesus-like figure and his feud with the head of the Roman Catholic Church, who has criticised the war on Iran.

Several activists, academics and writers also criticised the desecration of the statue, which was located on the outskirts of the village of Debl in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel.

Social media users also condemned the international silence following attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers against religious sites and symbols.

“When the Western world remains silent, racists go further,” said Tibi.

Israeli forces repeatedly attacked religious sites, including mosques and churches, during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, meanwhile, settlers vandalised or attacked 45 mosques last year, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Separately, the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC) documented at least 201 incidents of violence against Christians, primarily committed by Orthodox Jews targeting international clergy or individuals displaying Christian symbols, between January 2024 and September 2025.

The majority of these incidents, which included multiple forms of harassment, including spitting, verbal abuse, vandalism and assaults, took place in Jerusalem’s Old City, located in occupied East Jerusalem.

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Amanda Bynes shows off 30lb Ozempic weight loss and ditches the bleach blonde hair after surprise music drop

AMANDA Bynes was spotted dashing around the streets of Los Angeles on Friday, looking in incredible shape while debuting a new hair colour.

The appearance comes just five days after the singer, 40, surprised her fans by spontaneously dropping a new single called Girlfriend.

Amanda Bynes was spotted out and about in LA Credit: BackGrid
Her legs looked incredibly slender after her recent weight loss Credit: BackGrid

Sporting a casual outfit, Amanda opted for a grey zip up hoodie and navy shorts to complete her errands in the city.

To keep her energised and hydrated, Amanda had an iced coffee in her hand as well as an unopened straw.

She finished the outfit off with a pair of comfortable Uggs, a black designer bag and jet black hair.

It’s a major change from the star’s signature platinum blonde tresses, giving her an edgier look.

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In December Amanda revealed that she had lost over 28lbs with the assistance of Ozympic.

Posting on social media to celebrate the achievement, Amanda penned to her followers that she was “down 152lbs” to date.

Amanda first announced that she was going to begin her Ozympic journey last June when the craze of weight loss injections swept the entertainment industry by storm.

At the time she described feeling “so excited” to shed some pounds and that she’ll “look better in paparazzi pictures”.

Amanda had previously opened up about battling depression and cited it as one of the reasons behind her weight gain.

She was a child star on Nickelodeon back in the 2000s Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

It led to her becoming increasingly insecure, hoping to someday return to her teenage weight of 110lbs.

As she grew up, Amanda underwent some different procedures to alter her appearance.

Last August Amanda confirmed that she had gotten excess skin surgically removed from her eyelids.

She described the procedure, known as a blepharoplasty as “one of the best things [she] could have ever done for [her] self-confidence.”

Amanda has also had various tattoos done over the years, including a Roman numeral on her finger and a heart on her face.

Amanda is a former child actress who was known for playing various roles on Nickelodeon.

Some of the popular TV shows that she featured in include All That and The Amanda Show.

She won several Kids’ Choice Awards for both programmes, and later went on to star in sit coms and teen comedy films including What I Like About You, Hairspray, and Living Proof.

After the end of her conservatorship, Amanda pivoted to try out other creative pursuits including releasing music.

She released her first singles, Diamonds and Fairfax, back in 2022.

She’s ditched her signature blonde hair for a bold new look Credit: TikTok / @amanda.bynes1986

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Jennifer Aniston shows support for ex Justin Theroux as he welcomes baby with younger wife

JENNIFER Aniston has shown support for her ex Justin Theroux after he welcomed a baby with his younger wife.

The actor, 54, and his other half Nicole Brydon Bloom, 32, became parents for the first time on Saturday with the arrival of their baby boy.

Justin Theroux and his wife Nicole Brydon Bloom welcomed their first child Credit: Getty
He was supported by his ex Jennifer Aniston Credit: Getty
Justin shared an adorable snap on Instagram Credit: Instagram/n.brydonbloom

The couple took to Instagram to share a black and white photo of the tot lying on his dad’s chest.

They captioned it: “He’s here. We are so in love.”

As hundreds of their fans flocked to like and comment on the post, one of the well-wishers was his ex-Jennifer, 57, who showed her subtle support by pressing like on it.

The Hollywood star didn’t comment but her like shows she’s happy for her ex as he celebrates this milestone moment in his life.

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It was confirmed back in December that Justin and Nicole were expecting their first child.

The pair got married in a secret ceremony on a beach in Tulum, Mexico in March last year.

Pictures published by TMZ, showed Justin in a cream jacket and black bow tie kissing Nicole, who looked great in a backless white wedding dress.

The bride went barefoot on the sand and at one point was twirled around by smitten Justin.

The couple began dating in early 2023 but didn’t go official until December of that year.

They got engaged in Summer 2024 in Italy, while Justin was on the promo trail for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at the Venice Film Festival.

The pair posed for pictures at the glitzy event and a huge diamond ring could be seen glistening on Nicole’s finger.

The actress is the daughter of late journalist David Bloom who died from a blood clot in 2003 while covering the Iraq war.

Justin and Jennifer first met in 2007, before beginning their relationship in 2011.

They married in 2015, announcing their split two years later and their subsequent divorce.

The couple got married last year Credit: Getty

“This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year,” the two shared in a statement.

“We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship.”

Justin eventually opened up to the New York Times about the divorce, saying, “The good news is that was probably the most — I’m choosing my words really carefully — it was kind of the most gentle separation, in that there was no animosity.

“Again, neither one of us is dead, neither one of us is looking to throw hatchets at each other…. It’s more like, it’s amicable.

“It’s boring, but, you know, we respected each other enough that it was as painless as it could be.”

He added: “It was heartbreaking, only in the sense that the friendship would not be the same, as far as just the day to day.

“But the friendship is shifting and changing, you know, so that part is something that we’re both very proud of.”

Jennifer and Justin got divorced in 2017 Credit: Getty

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Trump promised tax relief, but polling shows most Americans still think they’re overpaying

Most Americans still think their taxes are too high, according to recent polls, even after last year’s tax law fulfilled several of President Trump’s tax-related campaign promises.

In fact, a new Fox News poll indicates people are more upset about taxes than they were last year. The findings from the survey, which was conducted in late March, are another sign that Americans are on edge about their personal finances as the U.S. experiences a spike in inflation and sluggish economic growth. Other polling finds that frustration goes beyond personal tax obligations, with many believing that wealthy people and corporations are not paying their fair share, while others worry about government waste.

The surveys come after Trump and Republicans passed a massive tax and spending cut bill last year. The legislation enacted a range of tax breaks, including a boosted child tax credit and new tax deductions for tips and overtime. Tax refunds are up this season, and many households are expected to see more income from the Republicans’ tax legislation, but the Congressional Budget Office estimated it will ultimately give the largest benefits to the richest Americans.

Republicans have touted the law as evidence that they are making life more affordable for working families. But polling shows that many Americans may not be feeling the benefits, especially as their tax refunds get eaten up by higher prices.

Most say taxes are too high

About 7 in 10 registered voters say the taxes they pay are “too high,” according to the Fox News poll. That’s up from about 6 in 10 last year. The poll shows heightened concern among very liberal voters and Democratic men, but there has also been a sizable increase among groups that Republicans want to court ahead of the midterm elections, such as moderates, rural voters and white voters without a college degree.

Discontent about taxes has been rising for the past few years. Recent polling from Gallup, conducted in March, found about 6 in 10 U.S. adults say the amount of federal income tax they have to pay is “too high,” a finding that’s been largely consistent in the annual poll since 2023. That’s approaching the level of unhappiness found in Gallup’s polling from the 1980s through the 1990s, before President George W. Bush’s 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.

Now, about half of Democrats and about 6 in 10 Republicans say their federal income taxes are too high. Republicans tend to view their tax bill more negatively than Democrats, but Gallup’s polling shows that this gap often shrinks when a Republican is president.

Many believe the rich aren’t paying enough in taxes

Most Americans are troubled by the belief that some wealthy people and corporations don’t pay their fair share of taxes, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in January. About 6 in 10 Americans said each of those notions bothers them “a lot,” a measure that is largely unchanged in recent years.

By contrast, only about 4 in 10 U.S. adults in that poll said the amount they personally pay in taxes bothers them a lot.

About 8 in 10 Democrats are bothered “a lot” by the feeling that some corporations and rich people aren’t paying their fair share, the Pew survey found, compared to about 4 in 10 Republicans. Government spending is a bigger issue for Republicans, according to the Fox News poll, which found that 75% of registered voters — and a similar share of Republican voters — say “almost all” or “a great deal” of government funding is wasteful and inefficient.

That points to a perception problem for many Americans. Even if their own tax bill is manageable, the idea that the wealthy are underpaying — or that the government is wasting their dollars — bothers many. About half of Americans, 49%, in the Gallup poll say the income tax they will pay this year is “not fair,” which is in line with the record high from 2023.

Broad unhappiness with Trump’s tax approach

Americans’ tax frustration was rising before Trump re-entered the White House, but it’s still a problem for the president’s party — especially if Americans are not feeling the relief that he promised.

The Fox News poll found that about 6 in 10 registered voters, 64%, say they disapprove of how Trump is handling taxes, up from 53% last April. Disapproval has risen most sharply among independents, but also among Democrats and Republicans.

This aligns with a broader feeling that Trump isn’t doing enough to address inflation. Most Americans said Trump had hurt the cost of living “a lot” or “a little” in his second term, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in January. Roughly 9 in 10 Democrats and about 6 in 10 independents said Trump has had a negative impact on the cost of living.

Less than half of Republicans, 43%, said Trump had helped the cost of living, while 33% said he hadn’t made a difference and only 23% said he’d helped.

Sanders writes for the Associated Press. The Fox News poll was conducted among 1,001 registered voters from March 20-23. The Gallup poll was conducted among 1,000 U.S. adults from March 2-18. The Pew Research Center poll was conducted among 8,512 U.S. adults from Jan. 20-26. The AP-NORC Poll was conducted among 1,203 U.S. adults from Jan 8-11.

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Oasis’s Knebworth return rumours ramp up as VIP tickets ‘go on sale’ for 2027 shows

OASIS fans’ dream of a Knebworth return looks set to come true in 2027 with VIP tickets set to “go on sale”.

The rumour mill has been swirling for months that the Gallagher brothers will revisit the site of their iconic 90s shows after healing their 16 year feud and completing a mammoth stadium tour last year.

Oasis are being heavily tipped to play at Knebworth next yearCredit: Getty
The band played two huge shows there in 1996Credit: Getty

Now, premium ticket site Premier Events — which sold exclusive tickets for the band’s tour last year — has listed a Knebworth show on its site, writing: “OASIS LIVE ’27 COMING SOON…”

Scroll down and the site answers a series of questions, pre-empting what fans will no doubt be asking.

One of which is whether the band will tour again next year.

It says: “Yes. Although not official, according to our sources, THIS IS HAPPENING!”

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The site adds that Knebworth and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium are under consideration. Both would make sense, given Liam and Noel are diehard City fans and played the club’s former home Maine Road the same year as Knebworth.

A rep for the band declined to comment.

Last year, prior to Oasis’ reunion shows, Liam toured in support of the band’s debut album Definitely Maybe’s 30th anniversary.

A return to Knebworth this year would have been a natural follow on to mark the gigs’ 30th year milestone.

Some 250,000 fans watched the band play two raucous sets over a weekend in August in 1996.

Noel declared from the stage: “This is history, this is history, right here, right now. This is history.”

He certainly didn’t let the scale of the moment overwhelm him.

Reflecting on the mood in camp prior to taking the stage, he said: “Before starting one of the greatest concerts of all time, we didn’t gather together.

“I was smoking a cigarette, Liam was drinking a beer. Someone came up and said: ‘Come on, it’s now.’ We went on stage, we played, and we left. There was no ‘let’s form a circle, let’s pray.’”

The band were joined by a stellar supporting cast on both dates.

On the Saturday, The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, Ocean Colour Scene, Manic Street Preachers and The Bootleg Beatles performed.

While the following day, The Charlatans, The Manics, Kula Shaker, Cast and Dreadzone appeared.

Knebworth remains a popular gig destination. This year heavy metal stalwarts Iron Maiden are hosting their own bumper festival to celebrate 50 years of the band.

Last year Oasis officially returned to the stage for the first time in 16 years as Liam and Noel buried the hatchet after a bitter falling out in 2009 at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

The sold-out stadium run was the tour of the year and the brothers put a united front on for the duration, defying the naysayers.

Liam seemingly confirmed Oasis would be back for more during one of their Wembley Stadium gigs in October. 

Before Champagne Supernova closed the band’s set, Liam praised fans for making the comeback happen and told them there was more to come.

He said: “I wanna thank you lot for keeping the faith and putting this band back on the f**king map. Champagne Supernova. See you next year!”

Liam teased the band would return to the stage this yearCredit: Getty

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