stunning

Credit to Lincoln Riley. USC’s embattled football coach stood and stared directly at what could have been the death knell for his Trojans tenure and said: Not today.

Actually, he said more than that after his unranked Trojans upset No. 2 Ohio State, 30-18 on Saturday.

He had a whole statement prepared to read at the end of his postgame news conference.

“I got one other thing I want to say here,” said Riley, whose victory kept alive the Trojans’ hopes of making the College Football Playoff for the first time on his watch. “I want to make sure to articulate my thoughts.

“This program’s not built on internal joy — excuse me, is built on internal joy — not external applause. This win’s for all the staff members, the players, the leaders, admin, all the people within the walls.

“I said before this game, that I’m the right person for this job, and as long as all those people know that, that’s all I care about.

“I appreciate being a part of this university and all it does. I appreciate our kids and our staff, and I’m going to continue to fight on because that’s what being a Trojan’s all about. Fight On.”

Then he stood and punctuated his address: “Adios.”

The way USC dismantled a Buckeyes team that was considered one of the leading national championship contenders this zany college football season, Riley deserved to crow.

The way his team refused to let go of the rope — even with their head coach on the ropes, Riley deserved a victory lap.

It’s just that before sharing his statement, he didn’t seem all that interested in taking it.

He began his news conference looking, appropriately, to lend perspective to the victory — his first in his USC tenure against a top-10 team — in which the Trojans exploded on a Buckeyes team that hadn’t given up more than 24 points in a game since losing to Oregon 32-31 on Oct. 12, 2024.

“Every win’s important,” said Riley, whose overall record at USC in his fifth season is now 42-20. “When you get a chance, like tonight, to play a really good football team — one of the best programs in America over a long, long period of time — those are great opportunities.”

He gave deserved kudos to his team for staying together and responding after last week’s disappointing 24-7 loss at Wisconsin. And reiterated his usual message, win or lose: “I know what’s building within those walls. Like, I know it. All my years of experience and all that I’ve kind of seen and got to experience in this game tells me that. I believe that with every fiber in my being.”

USC coach Lincoln Riley watches his players warm up before facing Ohio State at the Coliseum on Saturday.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Saturday’s victory won’t necessarily be good news for dissatisfied fans rooting for Riley’s ouster. But it was big for anyone partial to a good comeback story — and for those tenuous CFP prospects.

“I keep saying, look at all the craziness across the country,” Riley said. “The teams that just hang in there, keep going, get better, stay together, are going to be the ones that are there in the end.”

The Trojans could be one of those teams. They should be, in fact.

They have the talent, as we saw Saturday when previously injured freshmen Trent Mosley and Mark Bowman gashed a Buckeyes defense that hadn’t allowed a play longer than 36 yards all season with plays of 69 and 70 yards.

And they have the fortitude, as we witnessed when USC’s defense forced Ohio State to settle for a field goal after they had first and goal at the one-yard line late in the second quarter: “Grit play, a toughness deal. A mindset thing,” defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren said.

What made the Trojans’ previous losses so galling was the gauntlet ahead of them, starting with Ohio State.

Before, we wondered: If they couldn’t beat Oregon and its backup quarterback at home, how the heck were they going to beat Ohio State (and its understudy QB, Mission Viejo’s Luke Fahey)?

Earlier, we asked: If Wisconsin was going to force them into the worst offensive showing in the Riley era, what was defending national champion Indiana going to do to them?

And, of course: If they were just sneaking by struggling teams like Rutgers, Penn State and Washington, what chance was there that they could surprise still-undefeated UCLA?

But now, after Saturday’s sensational showing, we’ll spend next week’s bye and then the week ahead of their game in Bloomington against the Hoosiers — who escaped Saturday with a 23-16 overtime win over Minnesota — doing the math and wondering why can’t USC knock off another top-five team?

USC linebackers Ta’mere Robinson, left, and Jadyn Walker leap in celebration following a 30-18 win over Ohio State on Saturday.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

And if the Trojans can beat Indiana, why can’t they beat the 8-0 Bruins, who have been taking care of business against opponents who have no business beating them, like Nevada on Saturday, 27-0?

Because the Trojans haven’t folded. In fact, things went so well on this rainy Halloween evening — which ended with pirates and princesses and people in all varieties of costume celebrating on the field with the players — you might have started to wonder whether they had been bluffing.

Just like we assume Riley is bluffing whenever he talks about being able to block out “the noise.”

He might not want to worry himself with the “external applause,” but if he wants to fight on at USC, he’s going to need to continue earning it.

European champions PSG registered their sixth league victory, and sit two points clear at top of the Ligue 1 standings.

Flying ‌fullback Achraf Hakimi grabbed a hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain went on a rampage to thrash ⁠bottom-placed Le Havre 5-1 and extend their Ligue 1 lead on Friday.

The European champions, who have several regulars out injured, could afford to leave ⁠more of their key players on the bench and still come away with an impressive victory as they moved to 20 points from their opening nine league fixtures.

They ⁠are two points ahead of Lille and four above third-placed Rennes, who have 16 points.

Lille moved above Rennes into second, thanks to a late goal from veteran Olivier Giroud, who came off the bench to score an 86th-minute winner for a 1-0 derby ‌victory at home over RC Lens.

Rennes were handed a 5-2 drubbing at Nice, who continued their improving form with a fourth win in five outings.

Elye Wahi netted a hat-trick for Nice, who moved up to seventh after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

An all-round display from Hakimi

On top of his three goals at Stade Oceane, Hakimi had two assists for the goals scored by Mika Godts and Senny Mayulu after Josh Maja had given the ⁠hosts the lead.

It was PSG’s ninth consecutive victory in all ⁠competitions.

Le Havre suffered a fifth consecutive defeat and sit bottom with two points, but they briefly dared to believe as Maja handed them an early lead.

Hakimi set up Godts for the equaliser before putting his side ⁠ahead in the 28th minute with a shot in at the near post.

The Morocco international then netted from a free kick ⁠into the bottom corner in the 55th minute before ⁠being at the centre of a counterattack that saw Mayulu make it 4-1 in the 62nd minute.

Hakimi completed his hat-trick with a deflected effort in the 69th minute.

“I am happy because some players had very ‌little playing time. If we want to win trophies, we need everyone,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique.

This charming coastal suburb is just an approximately 15-minute bus ride from a major city centre and should be the next addition to your autumn travel plans

A coastal suburb located just a 15-minute journey from a major UK city deserves a place on your autumn travel list. Even with the cooler temperatures, a seaside trip is still a brilliant way to unwind and clear your head, and nothing quite compares to the breathtaking views across the water.

Last October, I spent a day exploring Portobello near Edinburgh on a bright but cold day, and I’m annoyed with myself for not making the trip earlier. With a thriving high street packed with independent shops, mouth-watering food options, and superb public transport links, it’s a perfect destination if you fancy exploring somewhere a little different.

A quick 15-minute bus journey from the city centre brought us straight into the town’s centre, and it was instantly clear that this location had something special about it.

Naturally, our first stop was a bracing stroll along the seafront. The weather was lovely and bright, though cold, but it felt quite refreshing following the hour-long train journey from Glasgow.

Portobello’s beach extends for two miles, featuring a Victorian-style promenade and vistas across the Firth of Forth. Being a sunny Sunday morning, it was fairly busy, with plenty of families enjoying walks and dogs happily racing across the sand.

The first aspect that caught my attention about the beach was how spotless it looked. It’s obvious that the residents of Portobello, or ‘Porty’ as it’s affectionately known, take huge pride in their surroundings.

I can’t help but wish I’d visited during the summer, as it’s easy to picture Portobello as a brilliant spot for sunbathing and maybe even a refreshing dip in the sea.

In 2024, Portobello was named the UK’s second-best coastal town by JoJo Maman Bebe, and its beach bagged a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, which really proves its charm.

Having worked up quite an appetite after our stroll along the shoreline, we turned our attention to the selection of eateries and pubs lining the seafront, ranging from massive pizza slices at Civerino’s to brunch and coffee at The Beach House.

Many of these venues offer outdoor seating, meaning you can dine pretty much on the beach itself — a truly lovely touch.

We went for Shrimp Wreck, a seafood spot boasting a small but enticing menu. This street food stall shot to fame after appearing on BBC’s My Million Pound Menu and is well known for its fish finger sandwiches — it even reached the finals of the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017.

Naturally, I went for the dish everyone’s been talking about. The battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and quite possibly the best chips I’ve ever eaten, all tucked into a soft roll, was without doubt the messiest meal I could have chosen — but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Next up was a proper wander along the high street where we’d been dropped off by the bus. Tucked just behind the promenade, it was quieter than the beach itself, yet there were still plenty of folk about — and, importantly, plenty of shops open for business.

One of the standouts for me was discovering The Portobello Bookshop, a charming independent bookshop packed to the brim with novels, cookbooks and a whole lot more. The shop itself was bright, welcoming and cosy — exactly the sort of place where you could lose yourself for hours.

They also put on events, including Q&As with authors, so it’s well worth checking what’s coming up if you’re planning a trip.

Cove is another spot not to be missed if you’re a lover of a good gift shop. It was absolutely bursting with all kinds of trinkets, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, alongside gorgeous cards and irresistible chocolate bars.

Portobello’s high street may not be the biggest you’ll ever walk down, but it’s definitely one of the most charming. There’s a solid selection of food and drink spots, pubs and even an Aldi, so you’re unlikely to be stuck for choice.

One place we didn’t quite get round to, and which I’m already keen to revisit, is the swim centre. Tucked away in Portobello, you’ll find a genuine Victorian Turkish bath — one of only 11 remaining in the UK — alongside a gym and fitness studio, making it a firm fixture on my list for next time.

If you’ve yet to explore Portobello, it really is a brilliant spot for a weekend escape, even as the temperatures begin to drop. Its closeness to the bustling city of Edinburgh makes it an ideal spot for anyone craving a breather from city life, with plenty of food, drink and relaxation on offer.

RHIAN Sugden looked utterly sensational in her latest Instagram snaps, combining sexiness and sequins.

The former glamour model, 40, stripped down to a barely-there set of purple lingerie and posed up a storm for the camera.

Rhian looked over her shoulder in the set, which featured hot pink straps and a thong-style panty.

Her brunette hair fell beautifully down her back in soft waves, with her face framing pieces drawing attention to her pink pout.

The star finished the look off with a sparkly silver sequin bolero shrugged off down to her elbows.

Fans of Rhian’s gushed all about her beauty in the post’s comments section.

‘IT’S HARD’

Rhian Sugden admits marriage is under strain and she sleeps apart from husband

RED HOT

Rhian Sugden looks hotter than hell in sexy red lingerie after celebrating her 40th

One user said in utter awe: “Just wow”.

A second shared: “Absolutely gorgeous.”

Meanwhile a third added: “What a stunner.”

The post comes shortly after Rhian opened up about her marriage being under strain, admitting that she sleeps in a separate bed to her husband.

Speaking on the Private Parts podcast, Rhian explained: “The thing that’s changed our marriage is having [a] child.

“Like, we’re like strangers at the minute. It’s hard. Even when we go on holiday, we’re not really getting much time alone.

“George just didn’t sleep as a baby, and I was like, I can’t do this. Just get him in bed.

“So we’ve just bought him a double bed and now I’m in George’s bedroom.”

Rhian and Oliver began dating in 2013 and tied the knot in Turkey in 2018.

They welcomed their son George together back in 2024 after a five-year long journey with IVF.

GARETH Gates has shared a rare photo of his stunning teenage daughter Missy as he proudly revealed she has passed her driving test.

The Pop Idol star, 41, took to Instagram to celebrate the milestone, sharing a picture of his 17-year-old daughter holding up her practical driving test pass certificate.

Alongside the snap, Gareth wrote: “My beautiful (not so little) princess passed her driving test today. Well done @missygates_x Daddy is super proud of you”

The singer, who usually keeps his daughter out of the spotlight, added: “How do I have a daughter that’s 17 and can drive?!”

He also shared a second picture of the pair posing together beside a swimming pool at sunset, with Gareth wearing a white shirt and shorts while Missy opted for a grey top and flowing white skirt.

Fans were quick to congratulate the teenager, with one commenting: “Well done missy”

BROTHER’S GOT TALENT

Brit comedian’s brother in surprise BGT audition – and stuns judges

BACK WITH A BANG

BGT bosses in talks to bring back two HUGE stars for 20th anniversary

Another follower recalled meeting Missy as a baby, writing: “I remember the day she was born- I was at your Joseph and the amazing technicolour dream coat show! Congratulated you backstage”

The latest milestone comes just six months after Gareth shared another rare photo of Missy to celebrate her 17th birthday in April.

At the time, he joked: “I must, however, warn the good British public that Missy moo now has wheels so watch out!”

Gareth shares his only daughter with ex-wife Suzanne Mole and has previously spoken about her hopes of following in his footsteps with a career in music.

He revealed that Missy is a talented singer and dancer, explaining: “She’s got a great voice. She’s a great dancer. The more that she gets to be in and around that music world, the more that she learns.”

The singer shot to fame in 2002 when he finished runner-up to Will Young on the first series of Pop Idol, before going on to enjoy a successful music and theatre career.

He is now in a relationship with West End performer Allana Taylor and has been touring the UK with his Boyband in the Buff show.

This picturesque town attracts thousands of visitors every autumn for its stunning foliage — but residents are fighting back against a surge of influencers with calls to restore peace and safety to their quiet community

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year, as trees turn from green to a stunning red, brown, orange, and gold. Getting out to see the seasonal colours is one of the most enjoyable things to do at this time of year – as long as you wrap up warm – and you can get some incredible pictures and video for social media while you’re at it.

But people living in one town which has become world-famous for its spectacular autumn displays have become so fed up of people flocking to their quiet community that they’re putting measures in place to ban influencers entirely. Pomfret in Vermont, in the north-eastern United States, is a peaceful, tranquil community, home of only slightly more than 900 people.

But in recent years it has become a hive of activity every autumn as crowds of people attracted by beautiful pictures of the autumn colours – known to some as ‘leaf-peepers’ – come by to see for themselves. And this has become a real problem for some residents.

‘Rude’ social media influencers

Some have said they have experienced visitors being rude, disrespectful, or downright selfish in their pursuit of the perfect snap or video, with little regard for those around them. According to news.com.au, local farmer Cathy Emmons said she and her husband Bill had witnessed one visitor wander onto private property and set up a portable changing booth, before emerging in different outfits for her selfies.

She has also witnessed tourists brazenly wandering onto her farm and stealing her tomatoes, while another resident described a drone hovering just a few feet above his head as he dined outdoors with his family. In a separate incident, a visitor parked unlawfully in a local’s driveway and used her garden shed as a toilet.

Problems on the roads

The picturesque Sleepy Hollow Farm on Cloudland Road is one of the most popular locations. But the road is not equipped to deal with the amount of traffic it is experiencing, and concerns have been expressed about visitors blocking lanes as they pull over to take photos.

Various measures have been introduced in an attempt to tackle the problem – but with limited success. In 2023, local officials shut the road to non-residents during the peak foliage season, from the middle of September to the middle of October, reports the Express.

The measure has been repeated in subsequent years, and will once again be enforced from Saturday, September 26, to Tuesday, October 13 this year. In a notice confirming the plans, issued in August, the Town of Pomfret Selectboard acknowledged the measures “cannot fully address the significant issues created by fall foliage traffic”.

It went on to say: “We also appreciate these steps may inconvenience area residents, their guests and others. Nonetheless, we believe these actions will significantly improve safety and quality of life for residents most severely affected by increased foliage season traffic, as they did the last several years.”

Fundraiser for road closure

Last year locals established a fundraising page called ‘Save Cloudland Road’, designed to raise sufficient funds to cover road closures and traffic enforcement to tackle the flood of visitors. A message on the page reads: “Over the past several years, Cloudland Road (and the small roads leading to Cloudland Road) have experienced an unprecedented surge in Instagram and TikTok-fueled tourist ‘influencers’.

“During fall foliage season, crowds commonly surge to hundreds of people at one time, and tour bus companies have even joined the fracas. Cloudland and surrounding roads can become impassable during the fall, and poorly behaved tourists have damaged roads, had accidents, required towing out of ditches, trampled gardens, parked in driveways, and verbally assaulted residents.”

The page pleads with people in the community to band together to raise enough money – estimated to be more than $12,000, or around £9,000 – to pay for signs and sheriff deputies to man temporary closures. It says the measures are needed “to bring peace, safety, and civility back to the families who live here”.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

The spot is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs, charming villages and coastal walks – making it the perfect autumn getaway for families and couples

With its untouched landscapes, fascinating heritage and tranquil way of life, one UK destination has become a haven for ramblers, nature lovers and tourists looking for a serene seaside retreat. West Wight, located on the western edge of the Isle of Wight, is famous for its dramatic chalk cliffs, delightful villages and endless attractions.

Getting to the Isle of Wight is remarkably easy. Red Funnel operates services between Southampton and the Island via both car ferry and rapid foot-passenger routes, meaning you can bring your vehicle or rely entirely on public transport.

October makes an ideal time for a visit now the summer holiday crowds have dispersed.

Ensure our latest DWP headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

The Needles and Alum Bay

Amongst the Isle of Wight’s most iconic sights, The Needles comprise a series of impressive chalk formations rising majestically from the ocean off the island’s western shore.

Close by, Alum Bay is renowned for its rainbow-hued sand cliffs, sweeping coastal panoramas and classic seaside diversions, establishing it as a must-visit destination for those discovering the region. When visibility is good, the surrounding shoreline provides magnificent views stretching across the English Channel.

Freshwater and Freshwater Bay

Freshwater ranks among West Wight’s main settlements, providing gateway access to some of the island’s most beautiful coastal landscapes. Just south of the village, Freshwater Bay boasts a stunning shingle beach framed by dramatic chalk cliffs.

The spot is perfect for coastal walks, photography and soaking up the seaside atmosphere, with swimming on offer when conditions allow.

Tennyson Down and the coastal paths

Perched above Freshwater Bay, Tennyson Down is a vast expanse of open grassland that provides some of the Isle of Wight’s most spectacular walking routes.

The area is named after Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who resided close by at Farringford. Visitors can take in sweeping sea views, rolling countryside and the chance to spot local wildlife, making it a firm favourite amongst walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Yarmouth

Nestled on the island’s north-west coast, Yarmouth is a historic harbour town renowned for its charming streets, independent shops, traditional pubs and cafés.

The town is also home to Yarmouth Castle, a historic coastal fortification, and acts as a key ferry hub linking the Isle of Wight with Lymington in Hampshire.

With its rich maritime heritage and laid-back atmosphere, Yarmouth provides a delightful contrast to the island’s larger, more bustling resorts.

Weather in October

October in West Wight typically brings mild yet unpredictable weather, making it an attractive time for coastal walks, countryside adventures and discovering quieter seaside villages. Visitors should come prepared for the odd shower and breezy spells.

Daytime temperatures typically sit between 13°C and 16°C, while night-time lows usually hover around 8°C to 11°C. Periods of sunshine can feel comfortably mild, though temperatures dip considerably once the sun goes down.

How to get to West Wight

By car

One of the easiest ways to reach West Wight is via the Wightlink car ferry from Lymington, located in the New Forest, to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, providing a simple route for drivers heading to the western side of the island. Upon arrival in Yarmouth, travellers can quickly access nearby spots such as Freshwater Bay, Totland and The Needles.

Without a car

Those travelling without a vehicle can catch a train to Portsmouth Harbour before hopping on the Wightlink FastCat passenger ferry to Ryde Pier Head on the Isle of Wight.

The crossing takes roughly 22 minutes, making it an efficient choice for those on foot. From Ryde, connecting bus services through Newport link passengers to West Wight, including Freshwater and the nearby coastal communities.

MYLEENE Klass looked utterly gorgeous dolled up tonight for the Sky Arts Awards.

It comes shortly after the stunning star turned down joining her Hear’Say bandmates on their reunion tour alongside Liberty X due to being “too busy”.

Myleene slipped into a baby blue strapless gown that fell all the way to the floor.

The dress featured a blue slip underneath and then all-over tassel details draping down the fabric.

The star paired the beautiful dress with simple accessories including a gold watch and a small golden clutch bag.

For an added pop of colour Myleene opted to wear large red earrings, visible underneath her chic bob.

NOT SO SIMPLE

Myleene Klass breaks silence on why she isn’t joining Hear’Say reunion

THAT’S KLASS

Myleene Klass shows off long legs in hotpants after snubbing Hear’Say reunion

Hear’Say announced earlier this month that they would be reuniting to commemorate their 25th anniversary.

However, a source revealed that Myleene wouldn’t be joining the line up.

They shared: “The group have been asked multiple times over the years about a reunion but it was never the right time.

“The 25th anniversary feels like a special moment to celebrate the success of the band and give something back to their fans. Myleene was invited but their diaries did not align.”

The group formed on ITV reality television show Popstars and debuted in 2001.

Band members Kym Marsh, Myleene, Suzanne Shaw, Noel Sullivan and Danny Foster split two years later after a couple of No1 singles and a chart-topping album.

Myleene previously ruled out reuniting, saying: “If I go backwards, I won’t know who I am.

“I hope it works. I will be cheering the loudest.”

A PICTURESQUE UK island is on the verge of being evacuated as water supply drops to “lowest-ever” levels.

Residents may be forced to leave the area if supplies continue to decrease.

Lundy, located off the north Devon coast, is on the verge of being closed – with all residents evacuated – as a result of a severe water shortage.

The self-sufficient English island relies on a combination of rainwater and groundwater to maintain regular water levels.

However, following the dry conditions of this summer, reservoir levels dropped to their lowest-ever levels, at 13 per cent.

This has led to emergency shipments now being put in place to bring water from the mainland to the island in order to sustain its 28 residents.

WHALE OF A TIME

The UK island named a ‘hidden gem’ with dolphins, whales & a pub but no TV

PLANT IT

Closed Victorian attraction finally reopens after five years & £23million upgrade

Water restrictions have also been placed on tourists – including the removal of plugs to prevent visitors from taking baths.

Pumping water from ponds used by wildlife to a treatment works is being used as a “last resort”, according to Lundy managing director Derek Green.

He told the BBC: “Bringing in pond water is something we’ve never had to do before.

“If we didn’t do this, we would be facing the reality of closing Lundy…it would be devastating for us.

“We’ve got a working farm here and the animals need water every day… so to evacuate those animals, those people and to cancel all those holidays is something that has never happened in the history of Lundy before.”

Green added that there had been “no significant rainfall” on the island since April, contributing to the severe water shortage.

The area is known for its abundant puffin and seal colonies, as well as whale and dolphin spotting.

The 3.1 mile long isle can be reached from Devon’s mainland in less than two hours by ferry, and remains popular among holidaymakers for its picturesque beaches and adventurous hikes.