shut

US airlines are experiencing severe delays and cancellations after the Trump administration ordered flight reductions at major airports across the country.

The order was made due to a shortage of air traffic controllers during the longest government shutdown in history.

As a result, there are expected to be thousands of flight delays and cancellations at short notice.

Airlines have estimated that around 3.2million travellers will be impacted due to the government shutdown.

What has happened?

On Wednesday, the US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered 10 per cent of flights to be cut, starting today, at 40 major US airports including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised this plan and said that airlines must cut four per cent of domestic flights starting at 6am today through to Monday.

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This will then rise to a 10 per cent cut by November 14.

It comes after the US government shut down on October 1 after the Republicans and Democrats could not agree to pass a bill on funding government services.

Air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA, which is part of the US government and as a result is one of the services impacted, with controllers expected to work without pay.

For American Airlines, this means 220 flights cancelled each day from today through to Monday.

Delta Air Lines announced that it would be cancelling 170 US flights due to fly today.

United Airlines then confirmed that it would have less than 200 daily flight cancellations.

During the government shutdown, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners have been forced to work without pay.

Before the shutdown, the FAA was already approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers short.

So what does this mean for British travellers?

The delays and cancellations aren’t impacting international flights, meaning for Brits travelling from the UK to America or vice-versa, they will not be impacted.

However there will be issues for Brits catching flights within America, including connecting flights.

For example, you could be on holiday in New York and decide to go to Boston – well, in this case your flight might be delayed or cancelled.

In addition, due to internal flights being delayed or cancelled, there may be reduced or congested service when flights land in America.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned: “There could be travel disruptions, including flight delays and longer queue times at some airports, due to the current US federal government shutdown.

“Check for messaging from your travel provider or airline and follow their guidance.

“There may also be restrictions on access to some federally-managed tourist attractions.

“Please check the relevant websites in advance.”

What should you do if you are in America and due to get an internal flight?

The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot said: “Scenes of travel chaos as the US government shutdown enters its 38th day are always going to be a concern to travellers.

“While most flights to the United States with our traditional carriers are running ok at the moment, British passengers who have connecting flights in the States are right to worry they could be impacted.

“If the longest shutdown in US history continues, Brits should brace themselves for delays and longer queue times at airports across the country.

“But your passenger rights are very different depending on where you are flying to or from – and on which airline.

“If a flight from the UK to the US is delayed or cancelled, passengers should be flown to their destination as quickly as possible.

“If the delays are significant, your airline has a duty of care and should be providing you with food and drink and if necessary, overnight accommodation.

“If you are flying back to the UK on a British or European airline, the same rights apply.

“But, take a note of exactly WHO you are flying with.

“Some tickets bought from the likes of British Airways may be code-sharing flights with their partner American Airlines, the same applies for those who have bought Virgin Atlantic flights if the plane they are travelling on is owned by Delta, their code-share partner.

“If you are flying on an American or Delta plane and there are significant delays or cancellations, the same passenger rights do NOT apply.

“The best advice is to check exactly who you are flying with and make sure you check with your airline regularly in the run up to your flight.”

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Adrian Kempe scored his 200th NHL career goal and Drew Doughty broke the Kings record for goals by a defenseman as they beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 on Tuesday night.

Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves and Kevin Fiala added a late power-play goal to help the Kings get their first home win of the season in six games.

Connor Hellebuyck made 23 saves for the Jets, who dropped their first road game in five tries.

Kempe scored late in the first period to put the Kings in front, getting his sixth goal of the season by attacking the crease to put in Joel Armia’s centering pass from the trapezoid. Kempe is the ninth member of the 2014 draft class to reach 200 goals, getting there in 644 games.

Doughty passed franchise stalwart Rob Blake with his 162nd goal in 1,221 games with an empty-netter with 54 seconds remaining.

The Kings made changes by moving Armia to the top line and reuniting Mikey Anderson with longtime partner Doughty on the first defensive pair, and there were immediate returns as Armia and Anderson had the assists on Kempe’s goal.

Kings forward Corey Perry played in his 1,400th career game, becoming the 44th player in NHL history to do so and joining Brent Burns (1,511), Alex Ovechkin (1,503) and Anze Kopitar (1,464) among active players who have appeared in that many games.

Jets captain Adam Lowry made his season debut after undergoing hip surgery in late May, centering the third line. Lowry had a career-high 18 goals last season.

Transport for London (TfL) has announced a number of closures and service changes across the network in November, including the London Underground, London Overground and Elizabeth line

There’s set to be a month of travel chaos as Transport for London (TfL) announces a series of closures across its network for maintenance work. The disruptions will mostly take place over the weekends, with some starting from today (1 November), while others will affect late-night weekday commuters.

The Elizabeth line will face 11 disruptions throughout November, while services on the Mildmay line in East and North London will be altered. The DLR timetable will also be changed, with trains halted at various locations almost every weekend, reports My London.

Passengers are being urged to plan their journeys in advance and use the TfL journey planner to avoid confusion. Here’s the full list of planned track closures, including those set to cause disruption this weekend.

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London Underground closures

Bakerloo line

• Sunday, 9 November: No service from Stonebridge Park to Harrow & Wealdstone until 7.45am.
• Saturday, 29 November: Sunday, November 30: No service from Queen’s Park to Harrow & Wealdstone.

Metropolitan line

• Saturday, 15 November:Sunday, November 16: No service from Harrow-on-the-Hill to Uxbridge.

Northern line

• Saturday, 8 November – Sunday, 9 November: Trains will not stop at Angel station.
• Friday, 28 November – Saturday, 29 November: No service from Hampstead to Edgware during Friday Night Tube.
• Saturday, 29 November – Sunday, 30 November: No service from Golders Green to Edgware, including during Saturday Night Tube.

Piccadilly line

• Saturday, 1 November – Sunday, 2 November: No service from Acton Town to Heathrow, including during Saturday Night Tube.
• Saturday, 1 November – Sunday, 2 November: No service from Rayners Lane to Uxbridge.
• Saturday, 15 November – Sunday, 16 November: No service from Acton Town to Uxbridge.

London Overground closures

Liberty line

• Sunday, 23 November: No service from Romford to Upminster

Lioness line

• Sunday, 9 November: No service from Willesden Junction to Watford Junction until 7.45am.
• Saturday, 29 November – Sunday, 30 November: No service from Euston to Watford Junction.

Mildmay line

• Sunday, 2 November: No service from Willesden Junction to Richmond all day.
• Sunday, 2 November: No service from Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction until 9.30pm.
• Sunday, 9 November: No service Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction.
• Saturday, 15 November – Sunday, 16 November: No service from Gospel Oak to Richmond and Shepherd’s Bush.
• Sunday, 16 November: No service from Camden Road to Stratford after 10.15pm.
• Saturday, 22 November – Sunday, 23 November: No service from Gospel Oak to Richmond and Shepherd’s Bush.
• Monday, 24 November – Thursday, 27 November: No service from Stratford to Camden Road westbound after 11.45pm.
• Wednesday, 26 November – Thursday, 27 November: No service from Willesden Junction to Stratford eastbound after 11pm.

Weaver line

• Sunday, 9 November: No service from Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt and Chingford until 10.15am.
• Monday, 10 November – Thursday, 13 November: No service from Hackney Downs to Enfield Town and Cheshunt after 10.45pm.

Windrush line

• Monday, 3 November – Thursday, 6 November: No service from Highbury & Islington to New Cross, New Cross Gate and Clapham Junction after 9.15pm.
• Sunday, 16 November: No service from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction.
• Sunday, 16 November: No service from Highbury & Islington to Dalston Junction after 10.15pm.
• Monday, 24 November – Thursday, 27 November: No service from New Cross Gate to Crystal Palace and West Croydon after 11.30pm.
• Sunday, 30 November: No service from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction.

Elizabeth line closures

• Monday, 3 November – Wednesday, 5 November: Reduced service between Paddington and Maidenhead and at Heathrow Terminal 4 after 10pm.
• Monday, 3 November – Wednesday, 5 November: Trains will not stop at Acton Main Line, Hanwell and West Ealing after 10.30pm.
• Sunday, 9 November: Reduced service between Paddington and Maidenhead and at Heathrow Terminal 4.
• Saturday, 15 November – Sunday, 16 November: No service from Paddington to Abbey Wood and Stratford.
• Saturday, 15 November – Sunday, 16 November: No service from Hayes & Harlington to Heathrow.
• Saturday, 15 November – Sunday, 16 November: Reduced service between Paddington and Maidenhead.
• Sunday, 23 November: No service from Liverpool Street (National Rail platforms) and Whitechapel to Shenfield
• Sunday, 23 November: No service from Paddington to Ealing Broadway until 7.45am.
• Sunday, 30 November: No service from Paddington to Ealing Broadway until 7.45am.
• Sunday, 30 November: Trains will not stop at Woolwich until 10am.
• Sunday, 30 November: Reduced service between Paddington and Maidenhead and at Heathrow Terminal 4.

DLR closures

• Saturday, 1 November – Sunday, 2 November: No service from Tower Gateway to Shadwell
• Saturday, 1 November – Sunday, 2 November: No service from Canning Town to Beckton
• Saturday, 15 November – Sunday, 16 November: No service from Canning Town to Stratford International.
• Saturday, 22 November: No service from Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal.
• Saturday, 22 November: No service from Poplar to Beckton.
• Saturday, 22 November – Sunday, 23 November: No service from Tower Gateway to Shadwell.
• Saturday, 29 November – Sunday, 30 November: No service from Bank/Tower Gateway to Canning Town/Lewisham
• Saturday, 29 November – Sunday, 30 November: No service from Canary Wharf to Stratford.

Tram closures

• Saturday, 1 November – Sunday, 2 November No service from Wimbledon to Therapia Lane

WASHINGTON — President Trump isn’t curtailing travel. He’s not avoiding golf or making do with a skeleton staff in the West Wing. Even hamburgers served at the White House aren’t from McDonalds, this time.

In shutdowns past — including during Trump’s first term — presidents normally scaled back their schedules. With staffers deemed “non-essential” sent home, the White House often sought to appear sympathetic to Americans affected by disruptions to healthcare, veterans benefits and other key services.

The current one has left around 750,000 federal employees furloughed and others working without pay. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is lapsing after Friday.

Nonetheless, it’s been mostly business as usual for Trump over the last 29 days.

“It’s like that country song: ‘Sometimes falling feels like flying for a little while,’” said Paul Begala, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to President Clinton, who presided over two shutdowns between 1995 and 1996. “They seem to be like, ‘So far, so good, man.’ ”

Ballroom, golf and trips

Trump was on a six-day swing through Asia, after a recent, whirlwind Middle East visit. He hosted a White House fundraiser for major donors to his $300-million ballroom that has seen construction crews tear down the East Wing, and held another fundraiser at his Florida estate.

Members of the Cabinet have similarly hit the road. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Israel, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went to Oregon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth toured Topgun, the U.S. Navy’s elite fighter weapons school in Nevada.

Only 32% of staff in the Executive Office of the President were set to be furloughed during the current shutdown, according to a White House budget office contingency report. That’s down from 61% during the last shutdown in 2018-19, in Trump’s first term. About half of the Executive Mansion’s team that includes housekeepers, ushers, valets and butlers are currently working. Last time, more than 70% were furloughed.

It’s often been hard to tell a shutdown is happening with so many staffers remaining at their desks.

“I don’t even know if they’re supposed to be working, but they wouldn’t miss a day,” Trump said during an event last week.

It’s a departure from Trump’s first term, when he cut out golf and canceled a planned trip to Florida for Christmas during the 2018 shutdown, which stretched into the new year. He made a surprise visit to troops in Iraq then, but nixed plans to go to the Swiss Alps for the World Economic Forum.

When hosting Clemson University football players celebrating their NCAA football championship, Trump brought in burgers and fries from McDonald’s and Domino’s pizza because of White House staff furloughs.

This time, the president had Republican senators over for a lunch that featured burgers, too. But staff made them. “They do great food at the White House,” Trump said.

‘A smarter approach’

Some say barreling ahead like there’s no shutdown has some political advantages for Trump, allowing him to look presidential while avoiding congressional bickering.

“It’s a much smarter approach,” said Marc Short, chief of staff to former Vice President Mike Pence.

In Trump’s first-term shutdown, he rejected a congressional compromise to force the government to close — an attempt to win funding to wall off the U.S.-Mexico border. Then, he named Pence as lead negotiator to end the shutdown while involving his son-in-law Jared Kushner — creating the visual of them having to go to Capitol Hill.

“The first go-around, he was pretty clear with cameras rolling: He said he wanted the shutdown. He claimed ownership,” Short said. This time? “The White House has been clear about not owning it.”

Back in 1995, Begala recalled talking strategy with Clinton during a sweaty summer run at Fort McNair in Washington, and telling the president that Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his party “think they can roll you,” forcing cuts to Medicare by threatening a shutdown.

Clinton responded: “‘My favorite movie’s ‘High Noon,’ ” Begala recalled, meaning the western in which a marshal stands up to outlaws. ”They do that — then I just have a Gary Cooper, ‘High Noon’ moment. That’s easy.”

When Gingrich later came to the White House to negotiate, Begala said Clinton wouldn’t budge, even though some advisors urged him to cut a deal. Voters ultimately blamed congressional Republicans more than the White House for the government closing, and Clinton was easily reelected in 1996.

“That could have really gone badly for Clinton,” Begala said. “But he did understand that standing strong, and having a Gary Cooper moment, would be really good for him.”

Trump could probably find a way to end the current shutdown if he wanted to prioritize it, said Leon Panetta, who worked to end past government closures as Clinton’s chief of staff. But Trump’s “attention is focused on everything but sitting down and getting both parties together to resolve this issue,” Panetta said.

‘Continuing to work night and day’

During the 16-day government shutdown of 2013, President Obama scrapped a four-country Asia trip and skipped the Congressional Hispanic Caucus gala. His schedule featured events meant to show the shutdown’s effects, including visiting a Maryland construction firm that benefited from the kind of federal loans jeopardized with the government shuttered.

In 2019, as that shutdown dragged on, Trump’s White House officials acknowledged feeling pressure to end it. This time, the administration’s approach has been to blame the Democrats, while signaling that it’s prepared to wait — even warning of coming travel delays during the Thanksgiving holidays.

“President Trump is continuing to work night and day on behalf of American people,” said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson. “The entire administration, including the president, will continue highlighting the workers and families who are suffering because of the Democrats’ decision to shut down the government.”

Bill Daley, a White House chief of staff to Obama before the 2013 shutdown, said Trump isn’t acting like he’s feeling political heat to reopen the government, even before next Tuesday’s gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey — both home to sizable federal workforces.

“My guess is, he thinks it helps him,” Daley said, “until — and I don’t know if it will — the bottom falls out.”

Democrats are demanding an extension of expiring tax credits that have helped millions of people afford health insurance, while Republicans say they won’t negotiate until the government is reopened.

Trump has said the shutdown must end, but also used it to cut federal positions and target programs Democrats favor, while redirecting funds to his own priorities — like covering military paychecks. The president has even said of closed museums, “We should probably just open them.”

Americans, meanwhile, are divided on who’s to blame.

Roughly 6 in 10 say Trump and congressional Republicans have “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of responsibility for the shutdown, while 54% say the same about Democrats in Congress, according to a recent poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Mike McCurry, a White House press secretary under Clinton, said Democrats have yet to settle on a clear shutdown message that has resonated. Trump has the presidency to deliver his take, but McCurry noted he has been “mercurial.”

“It is not likely we’re going to have clear winners or losers after this,” McCurry said. “It’s going to be a bit of a muddle.”

Weissert writes for the Associated Press.

Oct. 27 (UPI) — A fraternity at Rutgers University in New Jersey is under investigation and has been permanently shut down after a student was critically injured in an alleged hazing incident.

The university issued a cease-and-desist on the Alpha Sigma Phi chapter, hours after the 19-year-old was found unresponsive last week in the basement of the fraternity’s off-campus house.

Rutgers officials said the fraternity admitted the student was shocked with electricity and then came into contact with water. Authorities discovered the injured student after responding to a disconnected 911 call.

“Based on our investigation, hazing did occur and as a result, the fraternity made the decision to close the chapter,” Gordy Heminger, a spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., said in a statement.

“At some point, water became involved,” Heminger added. “This was not students just listening to music in the dark, as was claimed by an anonymous parent. This was hazing. We are still trying to determine who and how many people were involved, but we believe it will be double digits when all the facts come out.”

After being shut down, the fraternity house in New Brunswick was also condemned following a history of building code violations. An inspection earlier this year found numerous electrical hazards on the property.

The student, who was injured, is no longer in critical condition and is recovering.

Heminger promised that “all members directly or indirectly involved will be permanently expelled” from the fraternity.

“We hope Rutgers will do the same,” he added. “New Jersey has very strong anti-hazing laws and I hope the prosecutor seeks the maximum penalties allowed for those involved.”

Alpha Sigma Phi chapter at Rutgers University where an investigation continues into an alleged hazing incident. Photo from Google Maps.

Lithuania says balloons disrupting air traffic are sent by smugglers transporting contraband cigarettes from Belarus into the EU.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has said Lithuania will start to shoot down smuggler balloons crossing from Belarus and also shut its border crossings with the neighbouring country following repeated interruptions to its air traffic.

“Today we have decided to take the strictest measures, there is no other way,” Ruginiene told a news conference on Monday, saying the crossings will be closed except for travel by diplomats and by European Union citizens leaving Belarus.

NATO and European Union member Lithuania closed Vilnius Airport four times last week after balloons entered its airspace. Each time, it temporarily shut its Belarus border crossings in response to the incidents.

Calling the incidents “hybrid attacks”, Ruginiene said her cabinet will meet on Wednesday to decide whether to prolong the closure of the Belarus border crossings, the BNS news agency reported.

She also said it may also discuss Lithuania invoking NATO Article 4, which states any member country can request a consultation with others whenever it believes its “territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened”.

European aviation has repeatedly been thrown into chaos in recent weeks by drone sightings and other air incursions, including at airports in Copenhagen, Munich and the Baltic region.

Lithuania has said balloons are sent by smugglers transporting contraband cigarettes from Belarus into the EU, but the country also blames Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, for not stopping the practice.

There was no immediate comment from Belarus.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who lives in exile in Lithuania, said in written comments to The Associated Press news agency that the balloon incidents were “yet another sign that the regime is using cigarette smuggling as a tool of hybrid aggression against Europe”.

On Thursday, Lithuania said two Russian military aircraft entered its airspace for about 18 seconds, prompting a formal protest and a reaction from NATO forces, while Russia denied the incident.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said recent airspace violations should not be regarded as isolated incidents.

“These are calculated provocations designed to destabilize, distract (and) test NATO’s resolve,” Budrys wrote on X.

TOURISTS and holidaymakers have been warned to stay away from the world’s most famous Bonfire Night this year amid safety fears.

The advice has been issued by a multi-agency group, including police, ahead of the popular annual celebration.

The group behind the Lewes Bonfire have called for the public not to attend unless they live locally, with trains axed and roads shut.

Dubbed the bonfire capital of the world, the town of Lewes holds the world-famous event each year.

As part of the torch-lit procession, the societies also push a giant effigy of a controversial figure through the town’s streets.

Last year, a depiction of Nigel Farage, holding a pint and a cigarette, was paraded through the streets.

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The procession attracts thousands of visitors with transport, accommodation and even drinks difficult to come by on the big night. 

The event begins with a torch-led procession, before bonfires are held across the town.

Firework displays are also conducted towards the end of the evening.

Ahead of the event on November 5, a multi-agency group has issued a series of advice for the public.

Transport restrictions

Transport restrictions are also being put in place to prevent visitors from attending the event.

In a statement, the group, which includes Sussex Police and the British Transport Police, said: “We ask that you do not attend Lewes Bonfire unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.

“The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety, by limiting the number of people attending.

“It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.

“It is recognised this will impact motorists and train passengers who are not planning to attend the event.”

Locals have been reacting to the news on Facebook.

One said: “Lewes is in lockdown for the bonfire, so you can’t get there.”

Another posted: “The more you tell someone not to do it the more they do.”

For the last several hundred years, Lewes Bonfire has taken place in the small Sussex town.

The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.

There are thought to be more than 3,000 bonfire society members who take part in the procession each year, while up to 80,000 people have been known to watch the town’s parade.

The population of Lewes town is just more than 17,000.

A series of road closures will also be in place from 4.45pm on November 5, with residents advised to get any vehicles to their homes before 4pm to avoid disruption.

From 5pm that day, no trains will stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease. 

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The last trains back from London Victoria to these stations will leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm.

These station closures will remain in place until the start of service on November 6.

James Martin was back on our screens today with a new episode of his ITV show

James Martin found himself in a bit of a pickle with a guest on his ITV programme, James Martin’s Saturday Morning today (October 18), following a change in the show’s time slot and his recent candid admission, reports the Express.

The incident occurred while James was assisting fellow chef and old friend Galton Blackinston in preparing a scallop dish.

As he chopped some tarragon for Galton, James asked: “Chief, do you want these sauced or not?”

“Yeah, yeah. Yes, I do,” Galton responded, opening one of the scallop shells while the other two remained closed.

James stirred the tarragon into the butter sauce as Galton spooned some onto one of the scallops.

“Not too much,” Galton advised the viewers at home, while James quickly removed the shells from the other scallops.

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“I was just matching the tops. Do you know what I mean?” Galton attempted to clarify, to which James retorted: “Well, it’s going well so far.”

“Shut up. Let me concentrate,” Galton told him, continuing to spoon out the mixture.

Both James and Galton chuckled at their banter as they completed the dish, featuring golden pastry, succulent scallops, butter sauce and crispy lardons.

After finishing the dish, Galton confessed: “I’m delighted, that’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Their friendly ribbing continued throughout the programme, with Galton later quipping: “I was going to say you lost a bit of weight and then you turned to the side.”

James responded with a cheeky quip: “This is the last time we’re seeing Galton, but anyway.”

He proceeded to wrap up the programme, telling audiences: “That’s all we’ve got time for today before I go to the gym.” He added: “I can breathe out now.”

The programme welcomed guests including seasoned broadcaster Mariella Frostrup and culinary experts Jonathan Phang and Galton.

Mariella discussed her illustrious broadcasting journey, which included reporting on Live Aid, and reminisced about first hearing the iconic 1984 charity anthem Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Speaking about the tune, she revealed: “There was something about that record. Hearing Bono’s voice. It still gives me goosebumps. It just felt like an incredible song.”

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Mariella elaborated on how the track represented “something much bigger than ourselves” and noted: “We were sure we were going to change everything.”

She acknowledged it stood in sharp contrast to today’s climate where people feel helpless to create meaningful change amid current political circumstances.

The broadcaster has expanded into the food industry alongside Mary Berry’s chef daughter Belles Berry, with the duo co-writing the cookbook Menolicious which explores nutrition during the menopause.

Meanwhile, Jonathan revealed details about his former role representing top models during the 1980s, including legendary figures like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks.

When questioned about whether he longed for the glamorous fashion industry, Jonathan candidly informed James: “No. I’m glad it’s over.”

He has since established himself as an accomplished food author and chef, demonstrating his comforting chicken broth recipe.

James Martin’s Saturday Morning is broadcast on ITV, every Saturday at 9.30am

SACRAMENTO  — Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office is weighing whether to close parts of Interstate 5 beginning Friday amid concerns over what it says is a White House-directed plan to use live ordnance during a military anniversary celebration off Camp Pendleton’s coast in San Diego County — where Navy ships are expected to fire over the freeway onto the base.

Newsom’s office has received, but not confirmed, reports that live ordnance will be fired from offshore vessels during the event commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. The event is titled “Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength” and will feature Vice President JD Vance.

Newsom’s office said it has received little information about the event or safety plans. The military show of force coincides with No Kings rallies and marches across the state on Saturday that are expected to draw large crowds, demonstrations challenging Trump and what critics say is government overreach.

“Donald Trump and JD Vance think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military,” Newsom posted on the social media site X Wednesday.

A military media advisory said the celebration will include a live amphibious assault demonstration. The Times could not confirm whether live ordnance will be fired over the freeway. The White House and Marine Corps did not respond to questions from The Times.

“California always honors our Marines — but this isn’t the right way to go about it,” said a Newsom spokesperson. “The White House should focus on paying their military, lowering grocery prices and honoring these soldiers for their service instead of pompous displays of power. The lack of coordination and communication from the federal government on this event — and the overall impact to our society and economy — is evident of the larger disarray that is the Trump Administration.”

Freeway closures are being considered for a section of I-5 between Orange County to San Diego County from Friday to Saturday, which would cut off a major traffic artery that moves upward of 80,000 travelers a day. A closure with little notice would likely result in massive gridlock from Dana Point in the north to well past Del Mar in the south.

Vance, the first Marine veteran to serve as vice president, is expected to attend the event Saturday along with 15,000 Marines, Sailors, veterans and their families, according to event’s media release. Along with Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to deliver remarks.

Camp Pendleton advised nearby residents that there will be live-fire training with high explosive munitions through Sunday, which will result in some roads on base being closed.

The Trump administration previously had plans for a major celebration next month for the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines, which would have included an air and sea show — with the Blue Angels and parading warships — attended by President Trump, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Plans to host that show in San Diego have been called off, the paper reported.

Camp Pendleton is a 125,000-acre base in northwestern San Diego County that has been critical in preparing soldiers for amphibious missions since World War II thanks to its miles of beach and coastal hills. The U.S. Department of Defense is considering making a portion of the base available for development or lease.

Oct. 1 (UPI) — Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, was closed Wednesday after a bomb threat and an explosion in a residential building that also damaged nearby cars.

At least one man is dead.

Special forces were sent to Lerchenau, a northern area of Munich, where residents reported shots and explosions. Oktoberfest is on the west side of the city.

There had been a bomb threat from the suspected attacker early Wednesday, city officials said. Munich police said the explosion was part of a domestic dispute and the building had been “deliberately set on fire.”

Munich police said on X that the Oktoberfest grounds, Theresienwiese, have been fully searched, and there was no danger found. It said Oktoberfest would reopen at 5:30 p.m. CEST.

A man was found severely injured near Lerchenau Lake, and he later died, police said. Another person was missing. It wasn’t clear if the person who died was the suspected attacker.

“I woke up around 5:00 because there were a few bangs. I got up, looked, and then there was a fire,” The Independent reported a resident said.

A middle school near the scene was closed, and police diverted traffic from the area.

Munich mayor Dieter Reiter said the closure of the festival followed “a perpetrator threatening the Oktoberfest.”

Oktoberfest, known as “the Wiesn” by locals, runs from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5. It’s the world’s largest beer and folk festival.

Sept. 23 (UPI) — The U.S. Secret Service announced it has disrupted a telecommunications network in New York that it said could have shut down telecom services in the tri-state area, as well as posed a threat to the United Nations General Assembly meetings this week.

The Secret Service dismantled a network of electronic devices in the area that were used to conduct multiple threats at senior U.S. government officials, which created a threat to the agency’s protective operations, a press release said.

The investigation led to the discovery of more than 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards across multiple sites. This could enable encrypted, anonymous communication and was capable of sending 30 million text messages per minute. Officials said the servers were so powerful they could have disabled cell phone towers and launched distributed denial of services attacks with the ability to block emergency communications like EMS and police dispatch. They found the devices in five locations within 35 miles of New York.

“The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran in a statement. “The U.S. Secret Service’s protective mission is all about prevention, and this investigation makes it clear to potential bad actors that imminent threats to our protectees will be immediately investigated, tracked down and dismantled.”

McCool said the investigation is ongoing, and agents are working to learn if the target was the U.N.

He said the Secret Service discovered the network while investigating a large number of threats to officials the service was protecting that grew earlier this year.

“Following multiple telecommunications-related imminent threats directed towards senior U.S. government officials this spring, the U.S. Secret Service began a protective intelligence investigation to determine the extent and impact these threats could have on protective operations,” he said.

Officials declined to name the officials who were threatened.

“Each SIM basically has the equivalent data of a cell phone. So we’re working through every call, every text, every search made on those SIM cards,” an official told CBS News. “Early analysis indicates that this network was used for communication between foreign governments and individuals that are known to federal law enforcement here in the U.S.”

At least 15 flights have been diverted as the airport remains closed until the situation is resolved, officials in Denmark say.

Authorities in Denmark have closed Copenhagen airport after unidentified drones were sighted nearby, causing about 15 flights to be diverted, police and airport officials told the AFP news agency.

“The airspace over Copenhagen airport has been closed since 8:30pm (18:30 GMT) due to two to three unidentified drones. No aircraft can take off or land,” airport spokeswoman Lise Agerley Kurstein said.

She said about 15 flights had been diverted to other airports.

Copenhagen police, meanwhile, said that “three or four big drones” had been observed flying over the airport.

“They are still flying back and forth, coming and going,” duty officer Anette Ostenfeldt told the AFP at 10:45pm (20:45 GMT), adding that police were at the airport investigating.

She could not say if the drones were military or civilian.

“But they are bigger than what you as a private individual can buy,” Ostenfeldt said.

Airport officials said the airport would remain closed until the situation was resolved. “We currently have no timeline for reopening,” Kurstein, the airport spokeswoman, said.

The incident comes as several European countries have reported violations of their airspace by Russia. Estonia said on Friday that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets had entered Estonian airspace without permission.

During a Russian air strike on Ukraine the week before, Poland said about 19 drones flew into its airspace. The Polish Air Force and NATO allies shot down some of the unmanned vehicles, marking the first time Russian drones were downed over NATO territory since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Romania also registered a Russian drone in its airspace.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened on Monday to address the issue of airspace violations.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, denied the allegations that Moscow’s fighter jets had violated the airspace of neighbouring Estonia, saying that last Friday’s flight of three of its MiG-31 aircraft was done “strictly in accordance with international airspace regulations”.

The Russian Ministry of Defence echoed his remarks, saying that “objective monitoring” confirmed that the MiGs did not breach Estonian borders.

NATO allies at the UNSC meeting condemned Russia for violating the alliance’s airspace.

“Your reckless actions risk direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia. Our alliance is defensive, but be under no illusion we stand ready to defend NATO’s skies and NATO’s territory,” the United Kingdom foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, said.

NATO’s North Atlantic Council will meet to discuss the issue on Tuesday.

Dave Roberts started out of the dugout with a walk.

Once Blake Snell caught his gaze, it turned into a trot.

With two out in the seventh inning, and Snell trying to put the finishing touches on his best performance in a Dodgers uniform, Roberts appeared to be coming to the mound after a pair of walks to turn to his shaky bullpen with a three-run lead.

As he usually does when removing a pitcher, his gait was slow — at least, initially.

Once Snell saw him coming, however, Roberts picked up his pace — as he will sometimes do when electing to leave a pitcher in the game.

This time, it was the latter.

After a brief discussion between manager and starting pitcher, Snell stayed in.

Five throws later, the $180-million offseason signee rewarded the decision, striking out Otto Kemp with a 95-mph fastball to put an emphatic ending on his scoreless seven-inning start, one that lifted the Dodgers to a 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Entering Wednesday, all the discussion around the Dodgers had centered on the bullpen. The slumping unit was coming off two of its worst performances of the season. The majority of Roberts’ pregame address with reporters was spent dissecting how to fix it.

“Before the results, has to be confidence,” Roberts said, comparing the relief corps’ struggles to the second-half scuffles that the offense only recently emerged from. “It’s just kind of trying to reset a mentality, a mindset and expect that things happen. … You can’t chase a zero in an inning until you execute the first pitch, and then keep going like that. And I think that right now you can see that they’re kind of trying a little too hard.”

On Wednesday night, however, Snell made their job easy.

Efficient from the start with the kind of aggressive, attacking game plan he had acknowledged was missing in his last three outings, Snell went to work quickly against the Phillies, retiring the side on eight pitches (and two strikeouts) in the first inning, en route to setting down the first eight batters he faced.

Brief trouble arose in the third, when Bryson Stott and Harrison Bader had back-to-back singles.

But then Snell froze Kyle Schwarber with a curveball, one of the seven punchouts he recorded with the pitch. He had a season-high 12 strikeouts on the night.

And after that, the Phillies didn’t put another runner aboard until the seventh, with Snell breezing through the next 12 batters.

In the meantime, the Dodgers built a lead. Freddie Freeman homered to lead off the second. Ben Rortvedt (starting his third straight game behind the plate, even with Dalton Rushing back from a leg injury) added an RBI single later in the inning, following an Andy Pages hit-and-run single that put runners on the corners.

Another run came around in the fourth, after Pages worked a two-out walk, stole second, took third on a wild pickoff throw and scored on an RBI single from Kiké Hernández (who played third base in place of Max Muncy, who still felt “fuzzy” on Tuesday from a hit-by-pitch he took to the head over the weekend).

And from there, the Dodgers watched Snell cruise, with the $182-million offseason acquisition attacking the corners of the strike zone while also inducing misses on 24 of 54 swings.

The night culminated in the seventh, after walks to Nick Castellanos and Max Kepler drew Roberts out of the dugout. In the bullpen, left-hander Alex Vesia was getting warm. For a brief moment, it appeared the game would be in the hands of the relievers.

Snell had other ideas, signaling Roberts to hurry to the mound in the middle of his walk before seemingly pleading his case to stay in.

Whatever he said, Roberts listened.

Snell stayed on the rubber. A crowd of 50,859 roared in approval.

Against his final batter, Kemp, Snell fell behind, missing low with a changeup before pulling a fastball wide. Undeterred, he went back on the attack, getting one foul ball with a heater on the inner half, then another with a curveball that leaked over the plate. The count was 2-and-2. Chavez Ravine rose to its feet.

The next pitch — Snell’s 112th of the night — was another fastball, this time on the upper, outside corner at 95.3 mph. Kemp swung through it. Snell screamed and pumped his fist. In the dugout, Roberts raised an arm in the air, then began clapping as Snell walked off to a raucous ovation.

The next two innings were refreshingly simple. Alex Vesia retired the side in the top of the eighth. The Dodgers made it a five-run lead by scoring twice in the bottom half of the frame, including on Shohei Ohtani’s 51st home run of the season. Embattled closer Tanner Scott spun a stress-free ninth, pitching three consecutive scoreless outings for the first time since early July.

Come October, that’s the kind of blueprint the Dodgers (who maintained a two-game lead in the National League West over the San Diego Padres) will have to try and replicate.

Their bullpen still needs fixing. Their relief issues aren’t solved. But more gems like Snell’s would certainly help.

BANK branches across the UK continue to close at pace as Lloyds and NatWest confirm more branches are to shut for good in the coming weeks.

Hundreds have already shut so far this year with a staggering 163 more closures in the pipeline for the coming months.

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Banks are set to close a slew of their stores over the coming weeks and months.

In September alone, a total of 26 NatWest branches and 13 Halifax branches will pull down the shutters for good.

The closures are set to extend into October and November as banks grapple with the customer turn toward online and mobile banking.

And banks including NatWest and Lloyds have confirmed even more closures too with some now earmarked for 2026.

Banks and building societies have closed a whopping 6,443 branches since January 2015 equating to 53 closures every month, according to to consumer champion Which?

Sam Richardson, Which?’s deputy editor, said that the closures represent a “seismic shift” in how Brits bank.

NatWest

NatWest is just one of the major banks to be closing a swathe of its sites throughout the UK.

According to the Metro, a NatWest spokesperson said that more than 80% of its current account holders use digital services, and over 97% of retail accounts are opened online.

A total of 54 branches will be pulling the shutters down this year and since 2015, the NatWest Group — which also includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank — has shut 1,409 branches.

Full list of NatWest closures

NatWest are closing a huge number of bank branches in the coming weeks and months.

• Abingdon, September 24
• Birmingham (Acocks Green), September 16
• Birmingham (Edgbaston), September 11
• Birmingham (Shirley), October 1
• Birmingham (Smethwick), September 25
• Bicester, September 30
• Bridgwater, October 27
• Bridport, October 29
• Bristol (Fishponds), September 4
• Cardiff (Canton), September 16
• Cardiff (Llanishen), September 11
• Chippenham, October 15
• Cirencester, September 17
• Cwmbran, September 1
• Dorchester, October 22
• Ely, September 10
• Halesowen, September 3
• Hinckley, September 17
• Honiton, October 21
• Luton (Leagrave), September 15
• Leicester (Melton Road), September 2
• Leicester (Oadby), September 10
• Leighton Buzzard, October 28
• Llangefni, September 4
• Lowestoft, October 15
• Melton Mowbray, September 29
• Midsomer Norton, October 8
• Mold, October 21
• Neath, October 13
• Newmarket (Suffolk), September 24
• Northampton (Weston Favell Shopping Centre), September 15
• Paignton, October 2
• Rayleigh, September 2
• Redditch, October 14
• Ringwood, October 1
• Romsey, October 13
• Leamington Spa, October 1
• Stevenage, October 7
• Stratford-upon-Avon, October 8
• Sudbury, September 30
• Trowbridge, October 16
• Wellingborough, October 7
• Wickford, September 18
• Willerby, September 22
• Wisbech, September 1
• Yate, September 25

Expected to be confirmed later:

• Ashby-de-la-Zouch
• Cromer
• Evesham
• Launceston
• Portishead
• Torquay

Lloyds

Lloyds will close a number of its branches for good in the coming weeks with more closures announced for March 2026.

While four branches will shut in September, a further 23 will close for the final time in October and November while 13 more are due to wind down in March next year.

The bank says they assess “impact on customers” when it comes to shutting its branches.

Full list of Lloyds closures

Lloyds are set to close a number of branches before the year is out with 13 also confirmed for 2026.

• Biggleswade, November 5
• Blandford Forum, November 10
• Bristol Bishopsworth (Church Road), November 6
• Bury, October 21
• Chard, November 11
• Coventry (Foleshill), November 4
• Debden, November 12
• Dunstable, November 4
• East Grinstead, November 12
• Feltham, November 4
• Ferndown, November 17
• Hexham, November 5
• Hornchurch, September 11
• Kidderminster, October 16
• Leeds (Armley), September 22
• Loughton, November 12
• London (Tooting), October 8
• London (Walthamstow), October 22
• Manchester (Newton Heath), November 5
• Monmouth, September 12
• Plymstock, November 4
• Pontardawe, November 20
• Sheffield (Woodhouse), November 11
• Shipston-on-Stour, November 11
• Southall, October 15
• Stoke-on-Trent (Trent), October 10
• Thetford, September 12

Those due to close in March 2026 are:

• Briggs, March 3, 2026
• Catheram, March 5, 2026
• Falmouth, March 5, 2026
• Glossop, March 9, 2026
• Houghton-le-Spring, March 10, 2026
• Hucknall, March 4, 2026
• Leominster, March 3, 2026
• Peterlee Yoden Way, March 3, 2026
• Seaton, March 11, 2026
• Sleaford, March 12, 2026
• Thornbury Avon, February 26, 2026
• Tunstall, March 9, 2026
• Wymondham, March 12, 2026

Halifax

Halifax is another bank that have now announced closures for next year.

Lytham Road is due to close in February 2026 while four more will shut the following month.

The bank has previously reported a 48 per cent drop in face-to-face transaction at their branches in the last five years.

Because customers are using branches less, the brand has closed an enormous number in an effort to cut costs.

Full list of Halifax closures

Halifax will close a number of its branches from now through to November and have also earmarked several for closure next year.

• Barrow-in-Furness, September 10
• Bexleyheath, October 23
• Blackpool (Lytham Road), October 29
• Bolton, November 25
• Brentwood, September 10
• Bristol (Kingswood), October 8
• Carmarthen, October 6
• Castleford, September 8
• Cirencester, September 25
• Crewe, October 14
• Derby, October 23
• Eltham, October 29
• Epsom, September 15
• Erdington, September 24
• Folkestone, October 9
• Hayes (Hillingdon), October 6
• Hexham, November 11
• Hove, October 20
• London (Clapham Junction), September 23
• London (Woolwich), October 1
• Long Eaton, September 18
• Mold, October 16
• Monmouth, September 30
• Morecambe, September 29
• Northwich, September 3
• Rhyl, September 23
• Richmond (Surrey), September 16
• Sittingbourne, October 15
• Skegness, September 3
• Southport, October 7
• Stevenage, October 23
• Stretford, October 15
• Telford, October 22
• Thetford, October 1
• Walkden, September 25
• Wallasey, September 4
• Wickford, November 10

Those due to close in 2026 are:

• Birmingham (Beardwood), March 2, 2026
• Lytham Road, February 24, 2026
• Nelson, March 4, 2026
• Peterlee, March 3, 2026
• Sleaford, March 12, 2026

Santander

Santander will be closing a fifth of its branches in a major cost-cutting mission. 

The brand have confirmed 19 branch closures after 14 shut up shop for good in August.

Surrey Quays branch will shut on November 10 while the remaining branches are yet to have a confirmed closure date.

Santander has confirmed previously that 93% of the UK population will still be within 10 miles of a branch

Full list of Santander closures

Santander will close 19 branches but only one has a confirmed date for closure.

• Surrey Quays, November 10
• Bexhill, TBC
• Billericay, TBC
• Dover, TBC
• Droitwich, TBC
• Dunstable, TBC
• East Grinstead, TBC
• Holyhead, TBC
• Ilkley, TBC
• Larne, TBC
• Lytham St Annes, TBC
• Maldon, TBC
• Morley, TBC
• North Walsham, TBC
• Redcar, TBC
• Saffron Walden, TBC
• Turriff, TBC
• Uckfield, TBC
• Urmston, TBC

Bank of Scotland

Bank of Scotland is closing five of its branches in the remaining months of 2025.

As with Lloyds and Halifax, closures have now been confirmed for next year too.

Wider trends

As of last December, 64% of the branches that were open at the start of 2015 are now closed.

Branch closures peaked in 2017, when 867 sites closed across the UK, more than 70 each month, followed closely by 792 closures in 2018.

But community groups and campaigners point out that the closures are a concern for older people who are less comfortable with digital technology.

Research shows 39 per cent of people aged over 65 do not use online banking, putting them at high risk of financial exclusion.

SAMANTHA Cameron’s luxury fashion brand Cefinn is set to shut its doors after eight years.

The wife of former PM Lord Cameron said the decision was “very hard”, but admitted industry pressures had made it impossible for the label to stay afloat.

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Cefinn’s next winter collection, launching later this month, will be its final offering.

The brand will continue to trade through its London stores and its website in the coming months, allowing customers to snap up the remaining pieces.

Lady Cameron, who worked in fashion before her move to No10, has had her label celebrated for its stylish yet practical designs for modern women.

It has been worn by both Princess Kate and Queen Camilla.

But retail firms have been hit hard by the Labour Government’s hikes to the minimum wage and employers’ National Insurance contributions in April, as well as the impact of rising business rates.

It comes as plus-size fashion brand Live Unlimited has filed a note of intent to appoint administrators this week.

Public filings reveal that the firm has enlisted advisers from Irwin Mitchell to manage the process.

A note of intent typically gives a retailer ten days before it officially goes bust, although this can be cut shorter if needed.

The label was launched in 2012 and has been stocked online and in-store by both Next and John Lewis.

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SPOONS SPICE

WETHERSPOONS is adding Irish takeaway dish The Spice Bag to its menus in England, Scotland and Wales later this month.

From September 17, punters can enjoy the salt and chilli chicken strips dish, including red onion, chillies and coriander, for £8.99 with a soft drink — or £10.52 with a pint.

Sarah Shaw of the pub chain said: “It has already proven extremely popular with customers in our Republic of Ireland pubs.”

The once-thriving seaside town of Ramsgate in Kent has been described as ‘depressing’ by locals, with a recent report revealing that a staggering 65 shop units are empty

When you picture British seaside destinations, you imagine golden sands, the aroma of fish and chips wafting through the air, throngs of holidaymakers seeking the perfect sunny spot, and naturally, ice cream. Most coastal towns across the UK deliver this experience and much more, but I’m uncertain whether the same applies to the Kent seaside town of Ramsgate.

Being a resident of the area, I’ve made countless trips to Ramsgate over the years. During my initial visit, I was captivated by the golden beach and dramatic white cliffs.

On my second journey, I relished exploring the UK’s biggest Wetherspoon, housed in the Grade II-listed former concert hall, the Royal Victoria Pavilion, positioned directly on the waterfront.

Yet, with each subsequent visit to Ramsgate throughout the years, I’ve increasingly observed how deserted it has grown.

The town previously thrived with vibrant independent retailers, distinctive dining establishments and a constant flow of tourists.

Nevertheless, a recent Kent Online study, published in December, disclosed that an alarming 65 retail units—nearly one in four—stand vacant. Over half of these premises aren’t even marketed for sale or lease.

This became apparent during my latest journey to the town when I encountered numerous shuttered businesses and vacant shop windows plastered with dated advertisements. Local residents appear to have recognised this transformation as well.

A Facebook post titled ‘The many empty shops of Ramsgate’ in the public Kent Views group, featuring images of all the vacant premises in Ramsgate, prompted some locals to brand the town as “depressing” and “sad.”

One person said: “It’s so sad, Ramsgate is one of my favourite places but the high street lets it down. On the plus side there are some lovely little cafes.”

Another wrote: “Very sad. Sign of the times.”

Meanwhile, another resident asked: “Strange because Broadstairs and Margate are doing okay. Why isn’t Ramsgate?”.

The surrounding towns of Deal, Margate, Broadstairs and Whitstable have recently flourished, with capital dwellers flocking in their masses to enjoy seaside weekends whilst browsing trendy vintage boutiques or dining at fashionable eateries.

Last year, Deal gained recognition from celebrated food critic Grace Dent following her visit to the Japanese-influenced eatery The Blue Pelican, Express reports.

Meanwhile, Broadstairs, which earned a spot amongst the UK’s ‘coolest’ residential areas in 2023, has transformed into something of a visitor magnet after featuring in Sam Mendes’ production Empire of the Sun, starring Olivia Colman.

The charming coastal resort of Whitstable has long carried the nickname ‘Chelsea-on-sea’, whilst Ramsgate’s trendy neighbouring town Margate remains a bustling hub of entertainment thanks to its golden sands, retro funfair Dreamland, and lively drinking establishments.

What does Ramsgate have to offer?

It’s likely Ramsgate simply hasn’t captured the fashionable “atmosphere” that its surrounding areas have succeeded in creating over recent years. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking an authentic, budget-friendly seaside break or day out, there remains much to explore and enjoy.

Ramsgate Tunnels once sheltered 60,000 people during World War Two air raids and is one of the town’s main attractions. The tunnels are the UK’s largest network of civilian wartime tunnels and are open for tours.

For something a bit different, visitors can explore smugglers’ caves that are built into the cliffs at Pegwell Bay.

Alternatively, if you’re keen to get your hair tousled by those coastal winds, then a boat trip around Ramsgate harbour is the way to go. There are a number of local skippers who offer boat trips, with some taking you on tours of the beautiful coastline while others offer a closer look at some of Kent’s wildlife.

As previously mentioned, Ramsgate is home to the UK’s largest Wetherspoon. The former concert hall and assembly rooms were designed by architect Stanley Davenport Adshead and were one one of the most at-risk Victorian/Edwardian buildings in the area.

The pub is located on the seafront and includes a mezzanine level and a beachfront terrace. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cheap pint and some chips while looking out to sea.

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, you can’t go wrong with The Pub. The Pub offers a fantastic selection of cask ales, craft beers, and ciders, as well as classic bar snacks.

For a unique and less-trodden experience, make your way to Eats ‘n’ Beats. Nestled on King Street, this trendy bar and kitchen offers an array of exquisite wines, cocktails and beers, complemented by mouth-watering tapas dishes.

Eats ‘n’ Beats opens its doors from Thursday to Sunday, boasting a delightful brunch menu available on Sundays from 10.30am to 4pm.

Despite the vacant shops in Ramsgate, there’s a treasure trove of antique, vintage and retro shops waiting to be discovered. Petticoat Lane Emporium, Kent’s largest indoor marketplace, offers everything from fashion and art to vintage curiosities.

This family-run venture accommodates 200 independently rented stalls within a sprawling 10,000 sq ft warehouse. Visitors can also indulge in a coffee or perhaps an alcoholic beverage at the on-site Baker Street Bistro and Bar.

Arch 16 Antique, Vintage, and Retro Junk is an ideal spot for a weekend adventure. Brimming with trinkets, furniture, retro toys, and more, it’s easy to lose yourself and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Ramsgate might not have the glamour of Whitstable or the trendiness of Deal, but despite the empty shops, there’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In 2023, the Ramsgate Empty Shops Action Group was established with the aim of assisting businesses, councils, community groups and entrepreneurs to collaborate and breathe new life into the town.

I’m convinced that it’s only a matter of time before Ramsgate becomes the next must-visit destination on everyone’s list.

A flight attendant immediately took action when she heard the rude passenger, and confronted the woman before kicking her off the flight, which was travelling to Dallas

A passenger has learnt the hard way what happens when you tell a flight attendant to “shut up”.

A traveller on American Airlines got into an argument with a flight attendant during a safety demonstration. In a video shared to social media, a woman could be heard telling the flight attendant “she should shut up” during the flight from Costa Rica to Dallas, Texas.

The flight attendant can be approaching the passenger and bluntly asking: “Do you want to get off the plane?” while directing her peers to turn off the address system. She continued: “Because I don’t feel comfortable with you if you’re not going to follow instructions.”

In response, the passenger tries to claim, “I can’t hear” – but the flight attendant shut her down by saying: “You’re not on my list as someone who can’t hear. So I’m going to ask the pilot to remove you because you’re not complying. You know what you did, right?”

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The footage, uploaded to Instagram with the caption “ever wonder what happens if you tell a flight attendant to shut up?”, also showed the passenger being called out for not switching her phone off. The clip then cuts out when the passenger agrees to comply with orders, but resumes to show the woman claiming she is being harassed by the airline employee.

The woman was escorted from the plane, according to the footage and her seatmate, who filmed and posted the video with the caption: “empty middle seat is a win for me”.

Jay Crenshaw, who had been sitting next to the woman and saw the ordeal unfold, told The New York Post: “She was having a bad morning and was obviously disturbed or irritated about something she was on the phone talking about.

READ MORE: ‘Drunk’ Brit woman forces Jet2 flight to Cyprus to land early after ‘attacking crew’

“The flight attendant might have caught a stray. I think the passenger knows she was wrong. She mentioned that she also lost her phone and had to borrow one.

He continued: “I’m definitely not excusing her behavior [but] we’ve all had bad days and have said bad things because of it, but we weren’t filmed. I hope people can remember this and give her a bit of grace.”

The Mirror has contacted American Airlines for comment.

It comes after a man revealed how a family attempted to lie to a flight attendant so that they could take his plane seat from him – until he scuppered their plans.

In a post on Reddit , the man explained he decided to book business class on a recent flight because he could bag himself a window seat while guaranteeing that the middle seat remained vacant, meaning he’d have a bit more room.

READ MORE: Pilot explains what uncomfortable ‘sinking’ feeling really means during take-off

After boarding his flight, he took his seat across from an older man sitting in the aisle seat on the other side of him. Moments later, however, the other man’s wife and son came in and asked if he would switch seats with them to allow the family to sit together.

But there was one problem – the wife and child were in economy class, so swapping seats would have meant a downgrade.

The man refused this unfavourable offer, and the family made a counteroffer in which the son would sit in the free middle seat with his dad while the mum went back to economy. It turned out they lied to flight attendants on board the plane to make this deal happen.

In his Reddit post, he wrote: “His wife and son came in, asking me to switch (business for economy) so they could all sit there. Then, [they] told me that if I didn’t switch with the wife, the son would sit in the middle at least. [The dad] reasoned that I didn’t need an empty seat next to me and claimed the stewardess allowed it.

“Turned out, [the flight attendant] said it was possible if the other passenger agreed, to which they replied that I was family, so I would 100% agree.”

The man refused to move and told the flight attendants the truth, and the family were eventually made to go back to the seats they had been assigned.

He added: “I didn’t budge. The son and wife had to stay in the economy, and his father spent almost four hours muttering passive-aggressive comments. Whenever I took off my headphones, he was still going…”

A MAJOR motorway has shut down with drivers being urged to seek out a different route.

Police raced to the stretch of road on the M6 to attend a “welfare incident” this afternoon.

The closure has been put in place between junction one and junction two near Rugby, Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Police have confirmed that officers are currently at the scene.

The closure has been put in place on both sides of the road on the M6.

Police have advised motorists to take an alternative route while they work to resolve the “welfare incident.”

A spokesperson said: “Officers are currently in attendance on the M6 near Rugby following a concern for welfare incident.

“A closure is in place between junctions 1 and 2 on both sides – motorists are advised to please take an alternative route.”

Sept. 4 (UPI) — A federal appeals court Thursday overturned a judge’s order to shut down Florida’s immigration detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by Department of Homeland Security officials.

The opinion issued by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to wind down operations at the South Florida Detention Facility at Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee.

Environmental groups led by Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe sued over the construction of the facility in May, saying the government didn’t perform a required environmental review first. They cited a federal law called the National Environmental Policy Act, which says the government must conduct such reviews before construction.

In a 2-1 opinion, the Atlanta-based appellate court said the construction of the facility can’t be challenged under NEPA because the state of Florida runs the prison, not the federal government.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appealed the lower court’s August order based on these grounds. He praised the decision in a post on X accusing Williams of being a “leftist judge.”

“The mission continues at Alligator Alcatraz,” he wrote.

The Department of Homeland Security called it a “huge victory.”

“Today’s order is a win for the American people, the rule of law and common sense,” the department posted on X.

Friends of the Everglades issued a statement on Facebook saying environmental groups intend to continue “fighting” the case.

“While disappointing, we never expected ultimate success to be easy,” said Eve Samples, executive director of the group. “We’re hopeful the preliminary injunction will be affirmed when it’s reviewed on its merits during the appeal.”

The South Florida Detention Facility was the first of multiple prisons opened by the Trump administration in recent months as part of the president’s pledge to mass deport immigrants. Since “Alligator Alcatraz’s” opening in July, the DHS has opened or announced a number of other facilities with alliterative nicknames, including the “Speedway Slammer” at the Miami Correctional Center in Indiana; the “Cornhusker Clink” at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Neb.;, the “Deportation Depot” at the Baker Correctional Institution in north Florida; and the “Louisiana Lockup” at Angola Prison.

Immigrants’ rights groups have taken issue with the federal-state partnerships to open large-scale detention facilities and the “political spectacle” associated with the nicknames.

“The new agreements mark a new chapter in the level and scale of cooperation” between federal and state governments on immigration enforcement, the Marshall Project said in a statement in August.

The organization accused the DHS of preventing detainees from meeting confidentially with lawyers at the South Florida Detention Facility. The Marshall Project also alleged the conditions were filthy at the facility and detainees were treated inhumanely, both of which the Trump administration denied.

The DHS said Thursday that the legal challenge to the construction of the facility was about immigration policy, not the environment.

“This lawsuit was never about the environmental impacts of turning a developed airport into a detention facility. It has and will always be about open-borders activists and judges trying to keep law enforcement from removing dangerous criminal aliens from our communities, full stop.”

The world’s largest sports pirating site, Streameast, is no more.

The illegal streaming giant was terminated in Egypt after a sting operation, according to the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, one of the country’s largest antipiracy coalitions. Egyptian law enforcement and ACE shut down the service Aug. 24 following a yearlong investigation.

Streameast had 80 associated domains and amassed more than 1.6 billion visits during the past year. It offered access to sports’ biggest events, including Europe’s football championships, the NFL, NBA, MLB, pay-per-view boxing and F1 races. It garnered an average of 136 million monthly visitors, primarily based in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Philippines and Germany.

“With this landmark action, we have put more points on the board for sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans worldwide — and our global alliance will stay on the field as long as it takes to identify and target the biggest piracy rings across the globe,” said Charles Rivkin, chairman of ACE and head of the Motion Picture Assn., in a press release.

Two men were arrested about 20 miles outside of Cairo under suspicion of copyright infringement. Authorities confiscated devices, including laptops and smartphones thought to be operating the site, cash and several credit cards. Investigators also identified a shell company possibly used to launder the advertising revenue, which totaled to around $6.2 million, and an investment of $200,000 in cryptocurrency. Several properties in Egypt were also allegedly purchased with these funds.

In addition to working with local Egyptian authorities, ACE’s investigation was aided by Europol, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre, according to the Athletic’s reporting.

All sites previously associated with Streameast will be redirected to ACE’s “watch legally” page, which provides links to authorized streaming video providers. This announcement comes a day before the NFL’s regular season kicks off.