signs

FANS declared “never fails to deliver” after adidas unveiled next season’s Champions League ball with a zodiac sign-twist.

The German manufacturer is taking charge of the ball for next term’s elite competition once again.

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This term’s design features various colours printed over an all-white ball to produce an almost rainbow-like effect.

But adidas’ new version instead takes a leaf from astrology.

According to Footy Headlines, this time the Champions League ball will be white with blue stars patterned all around.

Each star is trimmed with gold, while the middle will bear the image of each of the 12 zodiac signs.

There is a ram for Aries, a cow for Taurus, twins for Gemini and a crab for Cancer.

Continuing on, there is a lion for Leo, a maiden for Virgo, scales for Libra and a scorpion for Scorpio.

Finally, there is a centaur for Sagittarius, a goal for Capricorn, a water-bearer for Aquarius, and two fish for Pisces.

The eye-catching design is sure to look even more impressive when being knocked around at speed on the pitch.

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And fans were certainly loving it as they reacted to the new ball on social media.

One said: “UCL balls never fail to deliver.”

Another declared: “Beautiful.”

One noted: “Nice.”

Another added: “Winning the UCL with this ball will be great.”

Global football giants Barcelona have announced a new six-year deal with 17-year-old Spanish international Lamine Yamal.

Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has signed a new six-year deal with Barcelona, the Catalan football club have announced.

The 17-year-old was an integral part of Barcelona’s domestic treble-winning season and helped to guide Spain to the Euro 2024 title.

Barca won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey this season, which dethroned Real Madrid in the league, while also defeating their fierce rivals in the finals of both the cup competitions.

Yamal, who came through the ranks of the club’s famed La Masia academy, has quickly become renowned for his dribbling, playmaking and goalscoring.

The Barca-born forward scored the decisive goal to clinch his side’s 28th Spanish league title in a 2-0 victory at crosstown rival Espanyol in mid-May.

In 2031, Lamine Yamal is only gonna be 23. 😳 pic.twitter.com/TPNgRloGaH

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 27, 2025

Barca, who are managed by former German national team coach Hansi Flick, also reached the semifinals of the Champions League, where they were eliminated after extra time by Inter Milan.

Yamal scored 18 goals in the past season, and his tally of 13 assists was a league best in the Spanish top flight.

The winger, who can play on either flank, played a significant role in Spain’s 2-1 win against England in the final of the European Championship last summer. He also scored in the 2-1 semifinal victory against France.

Barcelona handed Yamal, who turns 18 in July, his debut in April 2023, and he has already made 106 appearances for the team.

“In 2031, Lamine Yamal is only gonna be 23,” the club said in a post on social media platform X, in a statement regarding how far the player, who joined his hometown club at the age of seven, has come.

Former Dodgers utilityman Chris Taylor signed a one-year, major league minimum contract with the Angels on Monday.

Taylor will start in center field against the New York Yankees on Monday and bat eighth.

Angels prospect Kyren Paris, who was struggling at the plate in recent weeks — hitting just .190 — was optioned to triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Taylor on the roster.

“He’s been through the wars,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Taylor, adding that the Angels plan to use him in the outfield and the infield. “He’s a good piece for those young guys to talk to about how to handle a grind. He’s been in a grind over there with L.A., every day, winning, and we want that.”

Released by the Dodgers in the final year of his four-year, $60-million contract last week, Taylor was hitting .200 with seven hits in 35 at-bats before entering free agency.

A career .250 hitter and a one-time All-Star, the 34-year-old Taylor has experience playing in the infield and all three outfield positions, adding versatility and depth to an Angels team waiting for outfielder Mike Trout’s return from the injured list (knee). Angels closer Kenley Jansen, who played alongside Taylor on the Dodgers from 2016 to 2021, learned of Taylor’s signing while on his way to Angel Stadium.

“It’s nice to have him back,” said Jansen, who said he spoke to Angels general manager Perry Minasian about Taylor on Sunday. “I think once he gets more playing time here, I think, you know, it’s going to be great for the organization and help us win ball games.”

When asked about Taylor’s release Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said his former longest-tenured position player was looking for an opportunity to play more often rather than accepting a demotion to triple-A.

“He wanted an opportunity, if it wasn’t going to be here to play more, to play somewhere else,” Roberts said. “So that’s kind of the thought behind how it played out, and I respect him for betting on himself and hopefully get an opportunity to play more somewhere else.”

Travel expert reveals five types of accommodation that should set off alarm bells for savvy travellers – and the list might surprise you

A travel expert has unearthed five kinds of lodgings that shrewd tourists should dodge. At the pinnacle of his list sits the notoriously overpriced airport hotel, trapping many who favour convenience without considering the toll on both their wallets and overall holiday joy.

Travellers looking for the perfect getaway may want to think twice before clicking “book now”, according to an expert who pointed out five red flags. Javier Sobrino, the mastermind behind Descubriendo Viajes – a bespoke Spanish travel platform – has spoken out, asking travellers to do their research before booking.

He waves a cautionary flag at deceivingly cheap all-inclusive resorts, particularly those plagued by dismal reviews. The expert also had some advice about booking airport hotel accommodation.

Javier said: “Unless you’ve got a flight departing before 8am, you’re wasting your final night in a sterile room when you could enjoy a meal with local flavour and charm.”

While some all-inclusive packages promise savings and some of course are well worth the ease in booking, some guests often report ‘let-downs’ such as dilute beverages, dodgy buffet sanitation, and an underwhelming vibe.

“Budget all-inclusives often serve mediocre food in buffets where items sit out for hours,” Sobrino cautions. Poorly rated all-inclusive packages are more likely to disappoint, according to reviewers.

Mr Sobrino suggests keeping a “vigilant” eye on food-related critiques and steering clear of resorts that have left holidaymakers less than unimpressed reports the Express.

Guests are advised to pay close attention to food-related reviews and avoid any resort where the majority of comments are lukewarm at best.

Should less than a quarter of feedback gleam with “excellent” badges, chances are high for an unsatisfactory stay.

Mr Sobrino also points out that seemingly inexpensive roadside hotels in remote locations can harbour unseen drawbacks that have the potential to derail an adventure, especially for travellers not well-acquainted with the territory.

Hotels situated along highways often fall short due to subpar soundproofing, limited dining options, and a general feeling of seclusion.

Sobrino recounted a personal experience where he booked a roadside hotel near Valencia that appeared decent in photos, only to discover it was adjacent to a noisy truck stop, resulting in sleepless nights and missed local experiences.

Although the prices may be enticing, the lack of convenience and ambiance makes these hotels a poor choice for most travellers. Being too far from city centres or attractions can easily turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare.

Sobrino also warns against hotels undergoing renovations, as they often mislead guests by downplaying disruptions. “They’ll offer slight discounts while claiming renovations are ‘minimal’, but arrive to find half the amenities closed and construction noise starting at 7am,” he said.

The expert advises travellers to contact hotels directly before booking to inquire about any ongoing work and to be wary of vague or evasive answers.

Lastly, hotels offering extremely low prices in prime locations should be approached with caution, as they often conceal poor conditions behind slick marketing. “They either have hidden fees that double the price, terrible service, or rooms that haven’t been updated since the 1980s,” he warned.

According to Sobrino, “A truly great stay isn’t about luxury, it’s about honest value delivered with genuine hospitality.”

‘Responsible course of action’

PA Media

‘In the best of hands’

HOLLYOAKS legend Jamie Lomas has signed up for BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef after quitting the Channel 4 soap.

Jamie, 50, is best known for his long-running role as bad boy Warren Fox – but now he’s trading street brawls for saucepans in the hit cooking competition.

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Filming has already wrapped, and insiders say viewers will get to see a very different side to the actor.

A source told The Sun: “Jamie was looking to do something where fans could meet the real him – not just Hollyoaks hardman Warren Fox!

“He’s actually quite good in the kitchen and he’s really competitive too. It’s already been filmed but he’s not telling anyone how far he got.”

Grace Dent will be judging alongside John Torode, replacing Gregg Wallace after he was accused of “lewd and inappropriate behaviour” on the MasterChef set.

Jamie will join the likes of Love Island star Chris Hughes, Blue singer Antony Costa, Corrie actress Katie McGlynn and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Ginger Johnson when the hit show returns later this year. 

The BBC has been contacted for comment.

Jamie has also made headlines for his offbeat acting choices, including a divisive role in Jafaican, the Peter Andre-fronted film that raised eyebrows among critics and fans alike.

While the soap star hasn’t come under fire, Peter wears a dreadlock wig and puts on a Jamaican accent in toe-curling scenes.

Jamie is set to appear in a film alongside Katie Price too, where he plays Jack The Ripper.

And he’s going to make a shock return to Hollyoaks, as excitement for its 30th anniversary ramps up.

Jamie quit the soap last year after a stint spanning almost two decades.

Viewers watched his character Warren flee abroad after leaving Mercedes McQueen behind with her children, unwilling to force them all to live on the run.

Jamie briefly returned last month for a flashback episode, which we were first to reveal

But will return for ANOTHER short stint on the show, which will no doubt delight fans.

A source told us: “Jamie’s returning for a limited stint later this month. 

“He loves the show and could fit it in so jumped at the chance. It will see

“Warren return to the village in the present day but who will he come face to face with and what will happen? 

“It’s definitely going to be a treat for fans.”

Celebrity Masterchef Previous Winners

The previous Celebrity Masterchef winners so far in the show

2023 – Singer Wynne Evans

2022 – Radio Presenter Lisa Snowdon

2021 – Gold-medal-winning Paralympian Kadeena Cox

2020 – YouTube star Riyadh Khalaf

2019 – Olympian Greg Rutherford

2018 – Actor John Partridge 

2017 – Television presenter Angellica Bell 

2016 – Real Hustle star Alexis Conran 

2015 – Pussycat doll Kimberly Wyatt 

2014 – Actress Sophie Thompson 

2013 – Comedian and actor Ade Edmondson

2012 – Actress Emma Kennedy 

2011 – Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery

2010 – Actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner 

2009 – Presenter Jayne Middlemiss

2008 – Singer and actress Liz McClarnon

2007 – Actress and presenter Nadia Sawalha 

2006 – Rugby star Matt Dawson

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WASHINGTON — President Trump signed executive orders Friday intended to quadruple domestic production of nuclear power within the next 25 years, a goal experts say the United States is highly unlikely to reach.

To speed up the development of nuclear power, the orders grant the U.S. Energy secretary authority to approve advanced reactor designs and projects, taking authority away from the independent safety agency that has regulated the U.S. nuclear industry for five decades.

The order comes as demand for electricity surges amid a boom in energy-hungry data centers and artificial intelligence. Tech companies, venture capitalists, states and others are competing for electricity and straining the nation’s electric grid.

“We’ve got enough electricity to win the AI arms race with China,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. “What we do in the next five years related to electricity is going to determine the next 50” years in the industry.

Still, it’s unlikely the U.S. could quadruple its nuclear production in the time frame the White House specified. The United States lacks any next-generation reactors operating commercially and only two large reactors have been built from scratch in nearly 50 years. Those two reactors, at a nuclear plant in Georgia, were completed years late and at least $17 billion over budget.

Trump is enthusiastic

At the Oval Office signing, Trump, surrounded by industry executives, called nuclear a “hot industry,” adding, “It’s time for nuclear, and we’re going to do it very big.”

Burgum and other speakers said the industry has stagnated and has been choked by overregulation.

“Mark this day on your calendar. This is going to turn the clock back on over 50 years of overregulation of an industry,’’ said Burgum, who chairs Trump’s newly formed Energy Dominance Council.

The orders would reorganize the independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure quicker reviews of nuclear projects, including an 18-month deadline for the NRC to act on industry applications. The measures also create a pilot program intended to place three new experimental reactors online by July 4, 2026 — 13 months from now — and invoke the Defense Production Act to allow emergency measures to ensure the U.S. has the reactor fuel needed for a modernized nuclear energy sector.

The NRC is assessing the executive orders and will comply with White House directives, spokesperson Scott Burnell said Friday.

Jacob DeWitte, chief executive of the nuclear energy company Oklo, brought a golf ball to the Oval Office. He told Trump that’s the amount of uranium that can power someone’s needs for their entire life.

“It doesn’t get any better than that,” he said, holding up the ball.

“Very exciting indeed,” Trump said.

Trump has signed a spate of executive orders promoting oil, gas and coal that warm the planet when burned to produce electricity. Nuclear reactors generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Trump said reactors are safe and clean but did not mention climate benefits. Safety advocates warn that nuclear technology still comes with significant risks that other low-carbon energy sources don’t, including the danger of accidents or targeted attacks, and the unresolved question of how to store tens of thousands of tons of hazardous nuclear waste.

The order to reorganize the NRC will include significant staff reductions but is not intended to fire NRC commissioners who lead the agency. David Wright, a former South Carolina elected official and utility commissioner, chairs the five-member panel. His term ends June 30, and it is unclear whether he will be reappointed.

Critics have trepidations

Critics say the White House moves could compromise safety and violate legal frameworks such as the Atomic Energy Act. Compromising the independence of the NRC or encouraging it to be circumvented entirely could weaken the agency and make regulation less effective, said Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“Simply put, the U.S. nuclear industry will fail if safety is not made a priority,” he said.

Gregory Jaczko, who led the NRC under President Obama, said Trump’s executive orders look like someone asked an AI chatbot, “How do we make the nuclear industry worse in this country?”

He called the orders a “guillotine to the nation’s nuclear safety system” that will make the country less safe, the industry less reliable and the climate crisis more severe.

A number of countries are speeding up efforts to license and build a new generation of smaller nuclear reactors to meet a surging demand for electricity and supply it carbon-free. Last year, Congress passed legislation that President Biden signed to modernize the licensing of new reactor technologies so they can be built faster.

This month, the power company in Ontario, Canada, began building the first of four small nuclear reactors.

Valar Atomics is a nuclear reactor developer in California. Founder and CEO Isaiah Taylor said nuclear development and innovation in the United States has been slowed by too much red tape, while Russia and China are speeding ahead. He said he’s most excited about the mandate for the Energy Department to speed up the pace of innovation.

The NRC is currently reviewing applications from companies and a utility that want to build small nuclear reactors to begin providing power in the early 2030s. Currently, the NRC expects its reviews to take three years or less.

Tori Shivanandan, chief operating officer of Radiant Nuclear, a California-based startup, said the executive orders mark a “watershed moment” for nuclear power in the U.S., adding that Trump’s support for the advanced nuclear industry will help ensure its success.

Daly and McDermott write for the Associated Press.

WASHINGTON — President Trump, alongside his wife, Melania, on Monday signed the Take It Down Act, a measure the first lady helped usher through Congress to set stricter penalties for the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery online, or “revenge porn.”

In March, Melania Trump used her first public appearance since resuming the role of first lady to travel to Capitol Hill to lobby House members to pass the bill following its approval by the Senate.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters earlier Monday that the first lady was “instrumental in getting this important legislation passed.”

The bill makes it a federal crime to “knowingly publish” or threaten to publish intimate images without a person’s consent, including AI-created “deepfakes.” Websites and social media companies will be required to remove such material within 48 hours after a victim requests it. The platforms must also take steps to delete duplicate content.

Many states have already banned the dissemination of sexually explicit deepfakes or revenge porn, but the Take It Down Act is a rare example of federal regulators imposing on internet companies.

The bill, sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), received overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress, passing the House in April by a 409-2 vote and clearing the Senate by unanimous consent.

But the measure isn’t without critics. Free speech advocates and digital rights groups say the bill is too broad and could lead to censorship of legitimate images, including legal pornography and LGBTQ+ content. Others say it could allow the government to monitor private communications and undermine due process.

The first lady appeared at a Capitol Hill roundtable with lawmakers and young women who had explicit images of them put online, saying it was “heartbreaking” to see what teenagers and especially girls go through after this happens to them. She also included a victim among her guests for the president’s address to a joint session of Congress the day after that meeting.

After the House passed the bill, Melania Trump called the bipartisan vote a “powerful statement that we stand united in protecting the dignity, privacy and safety of our children.”

Her advocacy for the bill is a continuation of the Be Best campaign she started in the president’s first term, focusing on children’s well-being, social media use and opioid abuse.

In his speech to Congress in March, the president said the publication of such imagery online is “just terrible” and that he looked forward to signing the bill into law.

“And I’m going to use that bill for myself, too, if you don’t mind,” he said. There’s nobody who “gets treated worse than I do online. Nobody.”

Superville writes for the Associated Press.

VICK Hope has kept her pregnancy under wraps for months now – but dropped some major hints that left fans speculating.

The Radio 1 presenter and husband Calvin Harris, who tied the knot on their Ibiza farm in 2023, will become parents later this year.

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Vick shared the news live on Radio 1 today, telling Jamie Laing: “I should probably also say this is my final week before I go on maternity leave.”

Jamie told her: “You’re an amazing friend, an amazing person, and you’re just going to be an amazing mum,.”

She replied: “Oh, thank you.”

But many fans had already guessed that the DJ was pregnant months ago.

Here we take a look at some of the clues that Vick subtly dropped to hint at her pregnancy.

BABY SHOWER

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Vick appeared to celebrate her baby shower a couple of weeks ago as she shared a picture playing a baby shower game – during a meal with friends.

Vick and Calvin certainly have solid foundations to give a baby the best possible early life.

Calvin and Vick have a stunning 138-acre organic farm in Ibiza, known as Terra Masia.

The Spanish estate produces fruit, vegetables, eggs, and wine, and represents Harris’s shift from jet-set lifestyle to a more rural affair.

A source told The Sun in 2022: “Calvin employs an expert team, including farmers and chefs, but he’s also hands-on, regularly getting involved in planting and other farm activities. He’s truly passionate about the project.”

They also have a 10-acre estate in the Cotswolds, which Calvin purchased for £3.6m in 2019.

Over the last few years a bespoke new mansion has been built on the Oxfordshire site which will become the family’s primary residence.

Architect Ben Pentreath, a favourite of the royals, designed the property which will be completed this year.

A source told the Mail: ” There’s no expense spared and it’s going to be amazing.”

VICK’S BRITS LOOK

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The popular radio star looked incredible when she walked the BRITs red carpet in March wearing a plunging dress halterneck satin gown.

The stunning frock also featured cut out details along the stomach, which appeared to show a growing bump.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant was joined on the red carpet by her superstar DJ husband Calvin Harris.

The couple put their arms around each other and posed for pictures, with Vick beaming at the cameras.

UNDER WRAPS

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Over the past few months, Vick has been attending various events, including Radio 1’s Big Weekender Launch party in March.

She attended the star-studded event in London wearing an oversized plaid coat.

Underneath she opted for a brown mini dress but her winter jacket was pulled tightly together to conceal her stomach.

Earlier this month, Vick shared a post of her recent work highlights.

One snap showed her smiling with Radio 1 co-star Jamie Laing while wearing a baggy grey jumper.

She also posed for a team photo with her new Countryfile family.

Vick wrapped up in a big black puffer coat, cream jumper and grey beanie hat.

In other recent snaps, the radio star is seen sitting behind a desk or wearing oversized baggy t-shirts.

And just a few weeks ago, Vick hosted with Greg James at the London Marathon as they cheered on their co-presenter Jamie.

Vick was seen wearing an oversized white teddy bear coat which kept her bump under cover.

UNOFFICIAL ANNOUCEMENT

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Just two weeks ago, Vick shared a photo of her blossoming bump.

Although the star had not officially announced her pregnancy, Vick was inundated with messages of congratulations from celeb pals.

Lisa Snowden wrote: “Congratulations darling. So happy for you both.”

Kate Thornton posted: “Congratulations on your beautiful news.”

Ashley James shared her excitement, commenting: “Omg Vick,” with a string of red heart emojis.

Vick was also seen cradling her bump during an interview with Florence Pugh two weeks ago.

Vick and Calvin’s love story was a longtime coming, with its origins going back to 2007, when Calvin was in his ‘Acceptable in the ‘80s’ era.

He had a crush on BBC star Vick, but when he worked up the courage to ask her out, she rejected him.

She told You Magazine: “It’s something that we laughed about on our first proper date… 

“We still laugh about it now.” 

Vick later confessed on Capital Radio: “I went off with either Scouting for Girls or The Wombats. I don’t know which. 

“I thought they were going to be bigger, but no, it turns out Calvin Harris was going to turn into an Adonis.”

Despite Calvin’s failed attempt at a date in the mid 2000s, he did eventually get the girl. 

The couple made their first official outing at The Chelsea Flower Show in May 2022. 

People couldn’t help but notice a sparkling diamond sitting on Vick’s ring finger – just five months after they got together.

They married in September 2023 at Hulne Priory, Alnwick, Northumberland. 

During the ceremony, the pair shared their personal vows and listened to poems. 

Nile Rodgers and Chic kicked off the reception with Luther Vandross’ 1981 hit Never Too Much, which was followed by songs by Madonna, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams and David Bowie.

May 15 (UPI) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday banning fluoride in public water, making it the second state to do so.

DeSantis signed SB 700, known as the Farm Bill, during a press conference. The law, which is to go into effect July 1, prohibits local governments from adding fluoride and other “water quality” additives from the water supply.

DeSantis equated the use of fluoride in water — which is heralded as a trusted and tested public health preventative medicine strategy — as “basically forced medication on people.”

“People want to use it on their teeth, great. But it’s readily available now,” he said.

“We have the ability to deliver fluoride through toothpaste and … all these others things. You don’t got to force it and take way people’s choices.”

DeSantis framed the issue as one of “informed consent,” stating “forcing this in the water supply is trying to take that away from people who may want a different decision rather than to have this in water.”

The bill reached DeSantis after having been overwhelming approved by the state’s House in a 88 to 27 vote late last month and the state’s Senate on April 16 in a 27 to 9 vote.

Florida’s ban comes after Utah in late March became the first state to prohibit fluoride in its public water and as the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Health and Human Services review potential health risks associated with the long-held medical practices.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed that fluoride is associated with an assortment of diseases, including cancer, and he called it “an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer IQ loss, neurodevelopment disorders and thyroid disease.”

On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced its intention to remove fluoride supplements from the market staring October.

U.S. cities have fluoridated their drinking water for decades in a effort to fight tooth decay, with Grand Rapids, Mich., becoming the first to do so in 1945.

The American Dental Association has been a vocal supported of fluoridated tap water amid the controversy and on Thursday published slides to its Facebook account showing that the practice reduces cavities by 25% in both adults and children, and is safe.

Its president, Brett Kessler, said in a statement issued following Utah’s ban that children will be the ones to suffer.

“Community water fluoridation programs save states money, save the federal government money and save people money,” he said. “I urge every dentist and community member to make their voices heard if there are proposals in your area that threaten the oral health of our communities.”