Warrington Wolves rediscovered their early-season form to dominate reigning Super League champions Hull KR and move within two points of second place.
Three defeats in their previous four games had cast doubts over Wire’s play-off credentials but they made light of those fears as tries from Lachlan Webster, James Harrison, Matty Ashton and Danny Walker put them virtually out of sight by the break.
Joe Philbin celebrated his return to action with another in the second half and, after Oliver Gildart had hit back, Ashton took his Warrington try tally to two on the night and 101 in total with a late second score.
Defeat left the Robins, who have now lost three of the last four, in danger of falling out of the top six, with rivals Leigh Leopards kicking off later.
Both sides badly needed a win to reinvigorate their respective flagging bids for the play-offs, with Robins boss Willie Peters conceding before the game that defeat would probably end their defence of the League Leaders’ Shield which they won in such style last summer.
There was little sign of that panache at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as they began well but misfired at crucial moments, and 19-year-old Wolves full-back Webster punished them with his first Super League try.
Harrison cut through an out-of-sorts defence to extend the lead and, after Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis had been brilliantly held up in-goal by Albert Hopoate, Ashton bagged his 100th try for the club.
Walker was soon in support to score another after Toafofoa Sipley had raced through a gaping hole in the visitors’ defence.
The Robins tried to raise their game at the start of the second half but Wire again soaked it up and hit back as Philbin, back after being out injured for five games, took the lead to 28-0.
Gildart made use of a brilliant Jack Broadbent pass to finally get the away side on the scoreboard, but Lewis’ mounting frustration finally boiled over as he was sin-binned for a late challenge on Ewan Irwin, who kicked the resulting penalty.
Ashton added his second try of the afternoon before James Batchelor notched a late consolation for the visitors.
Catalans Dragons head coach John Cartwright told Sky Sports:
“Intent-wise and physicality, it was a massive improvement on last week. To compete with them, we had to do that.
“Up until 16-0 down we were still in the game. We were unlucky because we should have scored a try and had to take our chances against a side like that, and we didn’t.
“There were a lot of things we had to get right to be in the game against them, and we didn’t quite do it. But physically, I just loved the way they had each other’s back in that second half.”
Leeds coach Brad Arthur told Sky Sports:
“We were pretty professional and thought we were quite tough as well. We wanted to dominate possession, and I thought we did that really well.
“Obviously there were some tactics after they came out after half-time, trying to rattle us, and we go back to round five and it worked for them. It was good that we learned our lesson.
“There are a couple of things we got wrong, but we were able to compose ourselves and just get back to our job.”
Tries: Cartwright, Kerr, Eckersley, McDermott, Daniel Goals: Keighran 5
Warrington (12) 18
Tries: Hopoate, Irwin, Ashton Goals: Irwin 3
Wigan Warriors’ young stand-ins held off the challenge of Warrington Wolves to move to within two points of Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos.
Josh Cartwright, Taylor Kerr, Kian McDermott and Austin Daniel all repaid the faith of head coach Matt Peet by scoring their first senior tries after filling gaps left by the Warriors’ injury troubles.
Wigan lost star full-back Jai Field on the morning of the match with a back injury and they were soon 12-0 down as Warrington’s Albert Hopoate and their own 18-year-old prodigy Ewan Irwin both scored tries.
The game see-sawed and was still level with half an hour to go until McDermott and Daniel showed the quality of the young players coming through the Wigan academy with vital finishes.
IF you think a getaway to a gorgeous Greek island means forking out for an expensive holiday, think again.
We’ve scoured the internet for some of the cheapest Greek island holiday deals, and we’ve found absolute steals to spots like Santorini and Rhodes.
We found a bargain getaway to Rhodes for £299pp – plus even cheaper Greek island dealsCredit: Getty
Whether you want to party til dawn on Zante’s legendary strip, zip down waterslides with the kids in Crete, or live a luxury lifestyle for less in Santorini, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our top picks for Greek island getaways, with week-long package holidays starting from £185pp.
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Zante – £210pp
Situated a stone’s throw from the beach with a shimmering outdoor pool and a quirky cocktail bar, the Canadian Hotel in Zante’s Laganas is an ideal stay in Zante.
The hotel has everything you’ll need for a sunny holiday.
This includes a sizeable swimming pool, plus extras like a library where you can grab a book and bike rentals.
Here you’re only a 15-minute stroll from Zante’s near mile-long strip, where you can relax with a cheap cocktail in beachfront bars.
Make sure to tick off a trip to Navagio Viewpoint to spot a fascinating shipwreck and watch the sun set at a clifftop restaurant at Porto Limnionas.
Book a seven-night room-only stay at the Canadian Hotel with return flights from London Stansted for £210pp.
Kavos, Corfu – £185pp
The adults only Trabukos Beach Complex is the perfect hotel for those who love to partyCredit: onthebeach
This adults-only hotel in Kavos is perfect for those who love to be in the heart of the action, as it sits smack-bang on the main strip.
Nightlife here is top-tier, with plenty of karaoke bars and Irish pubs along the strip to kick off your big night out.
Plus there’s mega nightclubs such as Future Club for unbeatable House and Techno nights, plus the buzz of Kavos Beach is only a five-minute stroll away.
For something more relaxing, head down to Agios Petros Beach – a quiet bay with luminously-blue waters.
Plus the Trabukos Beach Complex hotel has an outdoor pool lined with loungers, parasols and even beachy egg chairs – perfect for chilling in the sun.
Book a seven-night room-only stay at the Trabukos Beach Complex – Adults Only, including return flights from London Luton, for £185pp.
Kos – £329pp
Jet off to the island of Kos to visit volcanic hot springs, Roman attractions and gorgeous beachesCredit: Alamy
Kos is the ideal pick for an affordable, sun-drenched island holiday, with miles of golden sand beaches and turquoise waters begging for a dip.
Here you’ll find fascinating Roman and medieval attractions like the Roman Odeon and the Asclepieion – an ancient temple where Hippocrates taught.
For some lesser-known things to do, check out the bubbling volcanic hot springs at Embros Thermae.
Or stroll the flower-lined streets of the mountaintop village of Zia.
Stay at the Kipriotis Village Resort, a hotel themed to look like a traditional Aegan village, where Roman ruins overlook a large swimming pool.
Book a five-night all inclusive stay, with return flights from London Stansted, for £329pp.
Rhodes – £299pp
Book a package holiday to Rhodes for £299pp with a stay at the Rose HotelCredit: Getty
With 300+ days of sunshine a year, picturesque whitewashed villages and plenty of waterparks and family attractions, Rhodes is a popular pick for a reason.
Some of the island’s best beaches include Anthony Quinn Bay, where thick pine trees shelter a quiet, sparkling cove, and Tsambika Beach.
It’s a top choice for families thanks to its shallow waters and watersports available.
Rhodes is also home to a spectacularly-preserved medieval Old Town and buzzing resorts like Faliraki, making the island a true all-rounder.
The Rose Hotel in Faliraki is a peaceful pick with an outdoor pool surrounded by vibrant green gardens – a family-run hotel with a friendly feel.
Book a five-night self-catering stay, with return flights from Edinburgh, for £299pp.
Crete – £439pp
While areas like Elounda have super expensive hotels, villages close to Heraklion offer cheaper holsCredit: Getty
Greece’s largest island, Crete, is a surprisingly affordable option given just how stunning its scenery is.
While the Elounda area is known for its glam, ultra-luxury resorts, you can head further west along the coast for those same sparkling seas and beaches for a fraction of the cost.
Here you’ll find gorgeous Greek fishing villages like Milatos, which has plenty of traditional tavernas, a tranquil beach and unique attractions like Milatos Cave, which has a small church built inside.
Head into nearby Heraklion for affordable boat trips and a to visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the best of the island’s ancient history.
The Minos Imperial Luxury Beach Resort Milatos is a five-star beachfront resort with seven pools, a spa and amazing food and drink including a barbecue restaurant on the beach.
Book a four-night stay with breakfast, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £439pp.
More cheap Greek island holidays
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Here’s three more cheap Greek island getaways.
Crete – £249pp
Loveholidays offer a seven-night stay with breakfast, including return flights from London Luton, for £249pp.
Almyrida Village and Waterpark Hotel is the perfect pick for families, with multiple waterslides to slip down and tennis courts for friendly tournaments.
With a palm-lined pool, well-stocked buffet restaurant and spacious, modern rooms with air-con and balconies, this hotel ticks off all the sunny holiday essentials.
On the Beach offer a seven-night self-catering stay, including return flights from London Stansted, for £224pp.
This friendly, family-run hotel in the coastal village of Lourdas has a seriously stunning backdrop, framed by the dramatic pine forests of Mount Ainos.
There’s only six individually-designed rooms here, and the hotel restaurant even serves up local dishes with vegetables from the on-site garden and olive oil from the family groves.
Loveholidays offer a ten-night room-only stay, including return flights from London Stansted, for £269pp
Stay for an unbelievable TEN nights Santorini for under £300pp at the Hotel Dilnio.
Although Santorini is often seen as a high-end celeb hotspot, you can bag a holiday for cheap and explore the island’s top attractions, like the blue dome buildings of Oia and the island’s striking Red Beach.
The trader-turned-campaigner argues that drastic steps need to be taken to close the UK’s huge wealth gap
Gary Stevenson has come up with a way of solving the country’s poverty crisis – but not everyone likes it(Image: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4)
Millionaire trader-turned-inequality campaigner Gary Stevenson is proposing a 2% annual tax on all those who have wealth above £10million in the UK.
The TV presenter will set out his argument in a Channel 4 programme in which he explores the growing concentration of wealth in Britain. He says that the UK’s poorest billionaire, with a wealth of just £1billion, makes £50 million a year in passive income at a rate of just 5%. That is nearly £1million every week, without getting out of bed.
And Gary, 40, argues that if nothing changes, the concentration of wealth at the top will only accelerate. “If this continues, it is inevitable that the billionaires and the super-rich will own a larger and larger share of the real wealth of this country, meaning other groups in society, the working class, the middle class, and the government will progressively own less and less.
“If we do not do anything about this system then very, very quickly the billionaires will own everything, and you will own nothing.”
In the UK, the richest 56 people have equal wealth to 27million people. In 2025 alone, the average billionaire grew their wealth by £231million. Meanwhile wages, in real terms, are lower than they were almost 20 years ago and the average student debt in England has soared from £3,200 in 2000 to £53,000 today.
Taxing wealth rather than income is not a new idea – Norway, Switzerland and Spain already have wealth taxes. Under his proposal, a person worth £11 million would pay £20,000 in tax a year, while some one worth one billion would pay £20 million.
Some estimates suggest that this system could raise £24billion annually, enough to fund the NHS, build affordable housing or cut taxes for workers who are on lower incomes.
A poll of 4,142 British adults found that 75% of the public support a wealth tax along with many experts. Gabriel Zucman, Professor of Economics, tells Gary: “There is a problem in our tax systems which is that the very rich have lower effective tax rates than the rest of the population.”
But there are plenty of billionaires, aristocrats, tax experts and finance influencers who argue against it. In the programme Reform party donor and billionaire entrepreneur Bassim Haidar – whose wealth is growing at around 12% a year, says that if it happened, he’d sell his businesses and quit Britain. “I would exit completely. Yeah, even if I sell them at a loss, I don’t care, cause it becomes a matter of principle. Wealth is mobile, so I’ll walk away. And listen, I’ll take a hit for one year, that’s fine. But then I’ll go, and I’ll never come back.”
Gary, who grew up in Ilford, east London, the son of a postman, thinks Haidar is scaremongering. “Rich people generate the majority of their income from owning assets. Your house, your supermarket, the farms that grow your food, the power plants that create your energy,” he argues. “Many wealthy people own assets which are fundamentally fixed to this country.”
He also discovers wealthy people who are quite happy to give a bit more. Julia Davies, who made her fortune building an accessories business and is a member of a group called Patriotic Millionaires, is one of them: “We’ve got to stop normalising this idea that it is normal to try and avoid contributing to public services and infrastructure, if you can massively afford to do that. I’m a millionaire, I’m not going anywhere. Why would I uproot myself and my family just to avoid contributing a bit more?”
– How to Get Filthy Rich with Gary Stevenson, Wednesday 8 July, 9pm, Channel 4
Residents in the region have been moving to emergency shelters and making last-minute preparations before the arrival of the super typhoon.
In the Northern Mariana Islands, Rota – the southernmost inhabited island, about 50km north-east of Guam – is taking a direct hit, according to the NWS.
The mayor’s office has published an advisory urging residents to prepare for “destructive winds”, adding that “conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, making it unsafe to be outdoors”.
The NWS also warned that winds are not forecast to fall below typhoon force until early afternoon on Monday, and below tropical storm force until after midnight.
Guam, usually a sun-soaked tourist destination with a population of about 170,000, has opened five evacuation centres in its schools. These sites have a maximum capacity of around 1,700 and are primarily intended for vulnerable people.
The island’s civil defence office said at 13:00 local time on Sunday that one of the evacuation sites had already reached maximum capacity and that people were being redirected to another site.
Wakefield Trinity ran in nine tries as they thrashed Castleford Tigers to boost their Super League top-four hopes at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Daryl Powell’s side climbed to third on 24 points after recording six wins in their past seven games.
Castleford were a mess and Wakefield took full advantage as Cameron Scott, Tom Johnstone and Caleb Hamlin-Uele each scored twice.
Lachlan Walmsley, Tyson Smoothy and Josh Rourke also went over, before Jason Qareqare replied a minute before time to avoid total humiliation for Castleford.
Scotland international Walmsley marked his spectacular one-handed finish in the corner by pulling out an Uno +4 card from his sock, with £180 being donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association by sponsors for every try celebration during Magic Weekend.
As majestic as Wakefield were, Castleford gave them a massive helping hand and Walmsley caught Jake Trueman’s kick and laid the ball off for Scott to go over in the right corner for their first score in the third minute.
It was one-way traffic and Trinity had two tries ruled out before winger Johnstone crossed in the left corner in the 16th minute.
Hamlin-Uele came off the bench to score their third try when he powered through two tackles to go over near the posts.
They were almost scoring at will as Castleford made mistake after mistake while missing 44 tackles.
Wakefield extended their lead to 20-0 when Scott collected Jack Sinfield’s pass and broke inside to go over for his second score.
They were enjoying themselves as Walmsley showed following his acrobatic try in the right corner after 47 minutes to make it 24-0.
Not to be left out, Trinity’s forwards got in on the act and Smoothy smashed through the Castleford defence to score by the posts on 51 minutes.
Hamlin-Uele scored his second try – and he will hardly record an easier one all season – as he walked through two Castleford tackles to go over.
Johnstone bagged his second try on 65 minutes when Wakefield passed the ball along their backline from a scrum, before Rourke caught Sinfield’s kick to crash over for their ninth try.
Qareqare, though, continued his hot streak with a 10th try in seven games, but it provided little consolation for ninth-placed Castleford.
On the back of eight straight losses things could hardly have got off to a worse start for the Giants when Johnstone got in at the corner and prop McMeeken then dotted down, after Rourke flicked Jake Trueman’s kick back.
However, they did not go under and two solo efforts in four minutes from Gagai and Geyer saw them turn the match on its head for the first time.
Sinfield’s first Super League try since joining from Leeds in the off-season gave Wakefield a 16-12 lead at the break, but Russell kicked a 40/20 in the first play of the second half and O’Donnell crashed over.
Huddersfield, who were looking for a first wince since 4 April, could not hold on to their narrow lead as Jowitt kicked a penalty after a high shot on McMeeken to level and Rourke held off the attentions of three players to get in at the corner.
The visitors fought back once more when Swift cut in off the left edge and grounded the ball to make it 22-22.
Sinfield’s drop-goal nudged Wakefield back into the lead before Russell’s long ranger levelled the scores yet again.
But the former Trinity man was left desolate when his pass was grabbed by Rourke who managed to get away from the chasers and win it.
Huddersfield will raise the curtain on Magic Weekend when they play York Knights at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday, with Daryl Powell’s men playing his former side Castleford in Sunday’s first match.
St Helens strongly came through an attritional contest with Bradford Bulls to move back up to fourth in Super League.
They were quickly 10-2 behind after a Phoenix Steinwede try, but from there the visitors fought back to take control.
Jacob Douglas and Curtis Sironen tries had them in front by half-time, but they dominated after the restart with 28 unanswered points and further scores from Jack Welsby (2), Joe Shorrocks and Jackson Hastings, who had a 20-point haul with eight kicks too.
The victory took Saints up two places in the table, level again with Wigan Warriors but with an inferior points difference.
Having faded after a good start, this was a third straight defeat for Bradford, who stay 11th in their first year back at this level.
This was Saints’ first visit to Odsal since 2014 and the home side responded to the sight of one of the great names of rugby league being back at this famous old ground.
It made for a very physical start following a hard-fought game at the Brewdog Stadium in March.
Hastings kicked an early goal for Saints, before Shane Wright was yellow-carded for a late hit on Chris Atkin.
With the Australian forward off for 10 minutes, Bradford scored 10 unanswered points, highlighted by Steinwede’s hard run into the line and a smart sidestep taking him over the line.
But that was the high point for the Bulls as the visitors turned the scoreline around with two tries in the space of seven minutes.
Winger Douglas finished well in the left corner to mark his debut with a try, coming in with injuries leaving a big hole in the backline.
Then second-rower Sironen, on his 100th St Helens appearance, proved unstoppable from close range as Paul Rowley’s side went in ahead at the break.
That advantage was extended within a few minutes of the restart as Welsby got his hand down to Hastings’ grubber kick before the ball went dead.
Shorrocks took advantage when his own little kick bounced up kindly to dive over. Hastings then grabbed a try of his own after Harry Robertson had parried down the Australian’s chipped kick to move the lead out to 20 points and effectively seal the success.
Welsby got his second and St Helens’ sixth try, but the match ended on a worrying note after a very serious-looking injury for Bradford forward Will Gardiner, who needed treatment on the field from both sets of medical teams before he was carried off on a stretcher.
Not only is the suitcase a great price, but its wheels can be removed to help it meet the requirements. Ryanair is one of the most popular airlines in the UK, offering cheap flights to a number of destinations. Its bag rules state: “All fares include one small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) that must fit under the seat.”
Talking about the free bag, it adds that the small personal bag “such as a handbag or laptop bag” must adhere to its measurements and “fit under the seat in front of you. If you need additional baggage allowance, there are various options available to you.”
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It adds: “Additional options include Priority boarding with a second 10kg cabin bag, checked bags of 10kg, 20kg (up to 3), or 23kg (1 allowed). Infants have no cabin allowance but may bring a 5kg baby bag and two baby equipment items free.”
Focusing on the small personal bag size, and creating five TikTok videos on the bag alone, Chelsea Dickenson, who has appeared on shows like This Morning to share her tips, said she loves the suitcase and is “genuinely impressed with the quality for something that’s fairly affordable.”
Trying to fit the case into the bag size checker, she showed that it didn’t fit. That was until she took off the wheels.
It also remained below the red line, suggesting it met the airline’s standards, and thankfully, she got through security with no issues. Not only does it meet pre-boarding size requirements, but she also demonstrates that it fits neatly under the seat, describing it as “super slim.”
And if you’re wondering where you pop the wheels, she reveals: “It comes with a cloth bag that you can pop the wheels into. These are best put in your pocket – so remember to wear something with pockets big enough! Otherwise, you could pop it back in the suitcase.”
But be careful. In one of her videos on the £25 bag, she says she ended up losing a wheel and advises others to ensure the wheels click securely back into place when reattaching them.
What happens at the boarding gate if my cabin bags are bigger than my allowance?
Ryanair state: “You must adhere strictly to the baggage allowance on your booking. If your small bag or 10kg cabin bag does not fit in the baggage sizers, it will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee at the level set out in our Regulations.
“You will be required to leave your bags at the aircraft steps, in the gate bag trolley, or as directed by Ryanair agents, for stowage in the hold.”
The Leeds winger’s 25 tries put him nine clear of the next best, Leigh’s Josh Charnley on 16.
In addition to leaving his mark on the game he left plenty on Warrington’s bruised defence, including Josh Thewlis who felt the full force of Sivo as the winger powered past him to score his second.
When Warrington took two points early in the piece, Ewan Irwin kicking the goal, it was presumably in the belief this could have been a tight affair.
But two tries in two minutes from Sivo and Brodie Croft, who has signed a three-year deal with Warrington starting next season, blew that plan out of the water and a third eight minutes later, Harry Newman gathering a high kick as Thewlis hesitated, really put the visitors in command.
Warrington were perhaps a touch unlucky that the Newman try stood with the Leeds centre looking a shade in front of the kicker when the ball went up but had that gone in their favour it would not have made much difference to the result.
Jake Connor kicked two of the conversions to give Leeds a 16-2 half-time lead and the direction of the game was set.
Miller, returning to the side after a three-match suspension was excellent, pulling the strings at full-back.
It was the Australian whose pass put in Chris Hankinson just three minutes after the restart and he then engineered a penalty when blocked by James Bentley two minutes later which Connor converted.
After Sivo secured his hat-trick shortly before the hour, Warrington staged a belated comeback in the final 20 minutes.
Matty Ashton finished off a nice move to give the home side their only try six minutes from time but it was too little too late and proved just a momentary pause in the Leeds celebrations.
The lord of the rings works behind a nondescript door in a Beverly Hills office building, not far from the UCLA campus where he once sold hair clips and trinkets from a folding table. Jason Arasheben was $28,000 in debt back then, running low on options. Now, eight of the past 11 NBA champions have worn his jewelry on their fingers.
Super Bowl winners have his rings, too — the Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks, whose players opened their ornate jewelry boxes at a private team party Thursday night to find the prize every NFL player covets.
The Seahawks ring, large as a child’s fist, is encrusted with 20 carats of white diamonds and blue sapphires. It’s a miniature Lumen Field, featuring the hawk-head logo and two Lombardi Trophies. The top lifts off and converts into a pendant. Inside is a cowhide segment of a game-used football. Twelve flags on the sides nod to the “12th Man” fan base; one is a secret button — push it and the arches pop out to reveal the words “World Champions.”
A look at the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl ring celebrating their 2025 season championship.
(ONROPE studios; Jason Arasheben)
Even the box performs. Three tiny spotlights shine on the ring as it rotates on a mechanical platform. Each weighs about a third of a pound.
“It’s a memento to a certain period of time,” said Arasheben, who concedes the rings are closer to trophies than wearable jewelry. He competes for ring contracts with Tiffany & Co. and Jostens, both much larger operations. “It celebrates this time that these players and these fans will remember forever.”
His rings appraise for $50,000 to $250,000, though the market can push them higher. In 2024, Kobe Bryant’s 2000 Lakers ring sold at auction for $927,000, the highest price ever paid for an NBA title ring, topping Bill Russell’s 1957 ring at $705,000.
Beverly Hills jewler Jason Arasheben is
(Ric Tapia / For The Times)
NFL franchises typically order two or three times what NBA, NHL or MLB teams request — as many as 3,000 rings in four quality tiers. Lower-level employees might get cubic zirconia instead of diamonds. A limited number of fan versions are available at smaller scale and lower price. Arasheben always builds two extra into his contract so each of his sons can have one.
A career in luxury jewelry was never the plan. He grew up in Granada Hills and Calabasas; his Iranian father and Norwegian mother envisioned a doctor, lawyer or engineer. At UCLA, he found himself more interested in bars than books.
“I was $28,000 in debt because I enjoyed going out far too much, like every other college student,” he said.
One day he tagged along with a friend to the wholesale district downtown and had a flash of inspiration. She was buying plastic hair clips and silver trinkets by the dozen. He figured he could sell them to girls on campus.
He pitched the idea of a folding table to the university, which agreed when he offered to split the profits. He bought $400 worth of tchotchkes. One table became two, then six locations across Southern California campuses.
Then came the motherlode. He built acrylic display cases holding 30 to 40 pieces and drove from Agoura Hills to San Diego, stopping at every nail salon he could find, splitting the profits with owners who let him put a case on the counter. By his senior year, he had agreements with roughly 350 salons and was clearing $25,000 to $30,000 a month.
After college, as a regular on the L.A. nightclub scene, Arasheben built relationships with professional athletes and celebrities. He would go home and sketch chain designs for players he’d met, knowing nothing about the jewelry industry.
“Finally, an NBA player said, ‘Why don’t you come to my hotel room tomorrow before we play the Lakers and bring all the jewelry you have? I’m going to buy something from you,’” said Arasheben, describing an encounter with the late Anthony Mason.
Problem was, he had no jewelry. He spent the night cutting pictures from magazines and downloading images to create a makeshift catalog, then promised Mason a custom $40,000 necklace. Mason put down $20,000.
Arasheben went downtown, knocked on doors and found somebody to make it for $37,000. A new business was born, growing by word of mouth. Eventually he had four employees and a small office downtown, outsourcing most of his work.
Through his friendship with Jim Buss, son of owner Jerry Buss, Arasheben landed the contract to make the Lakers’ 2009 championship ring. It was a mad scramble. He and his employees slept in sleeping bags on the factory floor the final two weeks of production.
“We delivered the very last player ring 20 minutes before the ceremony began,” he said. “The ring ceremony was on national television, and can you imagine if they had to announce the rings weren’t ready? My career would have been over before it started.”
He made the Lakers ring in 2010, too, and five years later — through relationships with several Golden State players — produced four championship rings for the Warriors.
Tom Brady saw LeBron James’ ring during the 2020 offseason and convinced the Buccaneers to go with Arasheben.
A lot of Arasheben’s rings have James Bond elements such as secret compartments or special elements. The top comes off the miniature SoFi Stadium on the Rams ring, for instance, and the field below is made of a melted-down patch of the actual artificial turf. The World Series ring of the Texas Rangers features a tiny circle of leather from a game-used baseball.
He first incorporated a special feature in the 2018 Warriors ring, when a star player objected to a blue face and wanted white, only weeks from delivery. Arasheben devised a mechanism allowing the face to switch colors.
Jason Arasheben poses with some of the sports championship rings he has crafted over the years.
(Ric Tapia / For The Times)
“We started getting a lot of championship ring contracts after that,” he said. “Because we took it to a new level and showed some ingenuity. We wanted to be innovative.”
Push a button on the Eagles’ ring and wings pop out on the sides. Arasheben came up with that idea while shopping for a Buzz Lightyear toy for his nephew.
Buzz, too, has wings that pop out.
“I thought, ‘I can do that for the Eagles, but with amazing gold and diamonds,’” he said.
“We lost out on the L.A. Dodgers,” Arasheben said. “They went with a company based in Canada instead of the hometown team, which broke my heart. But you know, that’s part of the business. You take your lumps.
Or try the locals’ fave, Lukács Thermal Bath, which has two outdoor pools, thermal pools and a sauna.
Entry costs £16.60, but upgrade to its beer spa, £62, and you can even sink into thermal water with therapeutic hops, while drinking unlimited beer from the taps beside (Lukacsfurdo.hu).
Feast on Ischler
Mezze around at TürkizCredit: Turkiz Budapest/Instagram
Step back in time at Bambi Cafe – opened in 1961, it still has red vinyl chairs and doily-like tablecloths from its Communist days.
Prices seem frozen too, with traditional Ischler cake of shortbread, jam and chocolate just £1.90, and a cappuccino £2.15 (Facebook.com/bambieszpresszo).
Find delicious sharing mezze, £13, at Türkiz (Turkizrestaurant.com), while in the Jewish quarter, a cocktail at Balagan is a must.
“Balagan” means chaos in Hebrew – this place is anything but – and the Runway Mango, mixed with Kendall Jenner’s tequila, £13, is like sipping an alcoholic Solero (Balagan.hu).
Spy crown jewels
Tour the Hungarian Parliament BuildingCredit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The city’s Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Buda Castle grounds are free to explore.
For the best views, climb the turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion or the 172 steps of Maria Magdalena Tower, £4.10 (Budacastlebudapest.com).
Admire the country’s crown jewels and more than 100 stained-glass windows at the Hungarian Parliament Building, where 50-minute guided tours cost £34 (Parlament.hu).
Later, check out the work of Budapest-born Robert Capa at the Contemporary Photography Centre, with 130 iconic images, from the D-Day landings to portraits of Picasso and Ingrid Bergman. Entry costs £11.80 (Capacenter.hu).
Meanwhile, the garden of sculptures at Koller Gallery is an unexpected and crowd-free delight, and entry is free (Kollergaleria.hu).
Hit the market
Fall for handmade stationery at Bomo Art – pretty designs include old city maps, fruit and foliage (Bomoart.hu).
You’ll find jewellery and ceramics by Hungarian designers tucked away in a courtyard at Paloma Artspace (Palomaartspace.hu), where Coque’ette has the softest leather purses, from £23 (Cqbrand.hu).
Fény Utca market on Sunday mornings has it all, from knitted animals to Harlequin’s mouth-watering rose-pistachio chocolates – and owner Krisztina happily offers samples (Fenyutcaipiac.hu).
Kip in a mansion
Bed down at Kimpton BemCredit: SuppliedHit the cute spa complete with steam room, hot tub and saunaCredit: SUPPLIED
Formerly a 19th-century mansion, the Kimpton Bem hotel has 127 boldly designed rooms inspired by Hungarian culture and folklore.
Expect Nespresso machines, power showers with Balmain toiletries and yoga mats.
Hit the cute spa complete with steam room, hot tub and sauna, then grab a stool to perch on at Bar Huso from 5-6pm for free fizz.
Feast on divine green-pea gnocchi, £15, at Agos restaurant, before heading up to Fennen Skybar for moreish Thirsty Madonnas – vodka, ginger and prosecco, £14 – as you watch the lights twinkle on the Danube.
I’m not sure I’ll be working as a bartender in Lima any time soon.
Thankfully the city has more than enough of them, with the Peruvian capital often named a top food and drink destination.
The place may be nicknamed Lima La Gris (from the large grey clouds that frequent the sky) but the city is certainly colourful when it comes to both gastronomy and architecture.
One of its brightest districts is the vibrant and noisy Barranco.
Often referred to as among the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, the bohemian area is popular with surfers heading to the beach and art lovers adding to the hundreds of muralled walls.
Walking down the street is a feast for the eyes with men playing guitars outside multi-coloured houses, while cyclists zoom past with wetsuits on.
With more than 200 pieces of artwork across the neighbourhood, it feels more like an open-air art gallery.
And the city is fast making a name for itself when it comes to food, with many award-winning restaurants also found here.
One of those is Mayta, a World’s 50 Best Restaurants winner in Miraflores, made up of structured wood and concrete blocks.
While the seven-course tasting menu was tempting, I didn’t have four hours to kill, so opted for the à la carte.
I started with the fresh and zingy limey ceviche before I filled up on their take on paella with a crispy rice parcel surrounding shrimp.
For something a little more wallet-friendly, in the Miraflores neighbourhood, I found Parque Kennedy, known for its huge number of street vendors selling cheap snacks.
For around a fiver, my hands were quickly filled with herbal “emoliente” drinks that stave off hangovers, picarones (sweet doughnuts made of squash) with honey and chicharron pork sandwiches.
Peruvians love massive portions, I soon found out. And I was told that the best way to work off all the food would be to hit the waves, of course.
But with my surf skills lacking, I instead opted for a bike tour of the city, taking in the spectacular coastline, as well as the famous Love Park.
Inspired by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, sculptor Víctor Delfín built a wall of tiles, surrounding the famous El Beso sculpture of couples embracing.
Peru’s huge exports of coffee and chocolate mean you can barely walk five minutes without spotting a chocolataria.
As a self-professed choc expert, I was extremely smug after one cocoa class, naming all of the regions I tasted correctly.
A few hours away, Peru’s tiny second city of Arequipa, in the shade of the Misti volcano, is even more overlooked than Lima, yet the food is just as incredible.
My favourite way to spend the morning was jogging in the main central square, watching the sunrise over the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa.
That running was preparing my body for yet more fantastic restaurants.
There was the vibey 13 Monjas (13monjas.com), with huge portions of Peruvian inspired pasta and Chica (chicha.com.pe) with yet more huge portions of fish tacos.
The Misti volcano in the AndesCredit: PROMPERÚThe Sun’s Kara Godfrey in a selfie with animalsCredit: Kara Godfrey
Yet there was one thing missing from my trip to Peru so far — and that was a cuddle with a llama.
Leaving the cosmopolitan cities, I went in search of the fluffy animals through the Colca Canyon region.
We sped through arid deserts, barely seeing a soul, bar a few locals by an abandoned train track.
Ears popped as we climbed the mountains across Lord Of The Rings-esque epic landscapes.
I was warned to expect some altitude sickness and I was certainly unsteady on my feet as we hit 4,900 metres.
It’s a few hours into my journey that I gasp as I finally see them — a traffic jam of wild llamas and alpacas.
Lazily grazing on the side of the road like oversized sheep, they seemed non-plussed as they sauntered over the road in front of us.
But just seeing them wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to get up close and personal.
Our abode for the night was in the village of Sibayo with a local family who had lived in the area for generations.
It was here that we were joined by a farmer, who excitingly told us we would be going on a llama walk.
It was only as we got up close that I realised quite how tall they were, some towering over my mere 5ft 5in height.
But my excitement never dwindled.
We walked across the beautiful river as they followed me like I was their leader.
I couldn’t resist a ruffle of their heads, with their ears cutely flipping up whenever we stopped.
Returning to our lodges, the evening was spent learning how to knit and dance.
The warm hospitality was evident throughout the stay, with free bracelets and shots of alcohol while listening to music and even a hot breakfast bag before leaving.
By the end of our stay, there were hugs all around, with our guide telling us how he always feels sad saying goodbye to tourists.
A feeling that is mutual it seems from the full guestbook of goodbyes.
I wasn’t ready to return to cold England that’s for sure – but a bag full of local coffee and alpaca socks certainly helped.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Dean Carpentier popped up with the biggest swing of his life, and the Trojans won their biggest game in more than two decades.
USC baseball stormed back to defeat No. 5 overall seed North Carolina 9-5 in Game 1 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional, a loud start to the program’s first appearance on this stage since 2005.
Carpentier smoked a go-ahead grand slam off North Carolina (48-12-1) reliever Walker McDuffie in the sixth inning, turning a 5-2 deficit into a 6-5 lead and shutting down a previously charged-up Boshamer Stadium. The swing was Carpentier’s first career grand slam and just his 10th home run in his 132-game collegiate career, the defining moment of the day as USC (48-16) tied its largest comeback victory of the season.
“I was sitting on a slider,” Carpentier said. “He’s a slider guy. I got a good pitch to hit, put a good swing on it and it found a way out of here.”
Ace Mason Edwards struggled through his shortest outing of the season, yielding three earned runs in just three innings with four walks. But the Trojan bullpen picked him up, and kept the game close enough for the offense to rally. Chase Herrell, Ben Cushnie and Andrew Johnson gave up just one run over six innings, with Johnson retiring the first eight batters he faced.
USC’s Adrian Lopez (5) celebrates during Game 1 of an NCAA super regional against North Carolina on Friday in Chapel Hill, N.C.
(Laura Wolff/For The Times)
“He’s done that now a couple of times with the bases loaded where he strikes out the side and gets out of it,” USC coach Andy Stankiewicz said of Edwards’ first inning. “It’s in there. That was huge. It was a big momentum swing to get out of that. Unfortunately it’s taxing though; it made him jump up in his pitch count a little bit.”
His successful but ultimately draining first inning led to UNC scoring four in the next two innings, knocking the Trojans into a huge hole and forcing its bullpen to stem the tide. But eventual winning pitcher Herrell picked up two innings with just one earned run given up. Cushnie retired the only batter he faced and the offense went to work from there.
“The job that Chase Herrell did, the job he did in College Station, it’s two back-to-back outings where he has been tremendous for us,” Stankiewicz said. “It’s always Mason and Grant [Govel] — which is great, they deserve all the recognition — but there’s more guys down there that are doing it.”
With the lead and all of the momentum after Carpentier’s grand slam, Stankiewicz pushed his chips to the middle of the table knowing the importance of winning the opener of a best-of-three series. He brought usual Game 3 starter Johnson in out of the bullpen, and he delivered a sensational performance.
Johnson retired the first eight batters he faced and ended up getting the final 11 outs of the game with just two singles allowed, slamming the door shut for his first save of the season.
“You saw the job that he did over in College Station,” Stankiewicz said of Johnson. “It was a big moment, and we needed that again today. He throws strikes, he’s unafraid, he attacks the strike zone and we felt like he was going to make the pitches.”
Johnson’s dominance meant the go-ahead grand slam would have been enough, but USC added three more runs in the seventh. Isaac Cadena drove one in with an RBI groundout, Jack Basseer plated one on on a fielder’s choice and Andrew Lamb — who started the scoring for USC with a solo home run off Ryan Lynch back in the third inning — tacked on one more with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt.
The Trojans have outscored opponents 64-19 during their five-game NCAA tournament winning streak. And are one win away from advancing to the College World Series for the first time since 2001. Game 2 is set for 11 a.m. PDT Saturday on ESPN.
If you’re dreaming of sitting on a Spanish terrace with a beer in your hand, then you might want to check the weather, as new laws could see outdoor terraces closed to holidaymakers
11:21, 05 Jun 2026Updated 11:23, 05 Jun 2026
The new laws could mean Brits need to take their drinks inside(Image: JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)
For many British holidaymakers jetting off to sunnier destinations like Spain, few pleasures compare to dining outdoors for lunch or dinner, basking in the sunshine while enjoying a chilled beer and tapas.
But for Brits heading off to Spain in the next couple of months, new restrictions could put a dampener on plans for al fresco dining, and mean you have to enjoy your paella indoors.
A weather phenomenon known as El Niño, which delivers prolonged warm temperatures across the Pacific Ocean every two to seven years, is predicted to drive up temperatures and could lead to red weather warnings throughout Spain. Currently, forecasts are still being reviewed, but the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated it could be a ‘strong event’ this year, meaning particularly scorching temperatures in the next couple of months.
This weather news comes shortly after an amendment was made to the National Labour Agreement for the Hospitality Sector (ALEH), which safeguards workers including waiting staff, meaning that during periods of extreme weather bars and restaurants will be required to shut their terrace areas on health and safety grounds.
According to Majorca Daily News, when Spain issues orange or red weather warnings due to soaring temperatures, establishments with outdoor terraces will be compelled to either scale back or stop outdoor service altogether. They can, however, continue serving customers indoors. Businesses must also ensure adequate cooling systems are installed inside, or adjust staff shifts to lessen the impact of the heat.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new regulations – for instance by compelling waiting staff to work outdoors during a red alert – could face fines exceeding €50,000 (around £43,000) imposed by the country’s Labour and Social Security Inspectorate.
Parts of Northern Spain are currently under an orange weather alert after a 40C heatwave was followed by rain and thunderstorms. Earlier this week, a yellow warning was issued in parts of Andalucía as afternoon temperatures hit the 40s, and the weather is likely to become more intense as the busy summer season reaches its peak, which could force diners indoors.
A reduction in al fresco dining isn’t the only change Brits will encounter this summer. Holidaymakers touching down at Spanish and other EU airports will now be required to use the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which has reportedly triggered lengthy queues at some of the busiest airports.
More Spanish cities, including the port of Vigo, are also introducing tourist taxes in an effort to manage the effects of overtourism, while Barcelona is redirecting cruise ships to a port further from the city centre to tackle overcrowding.
Spain also has a number of existing rules that Brits must abide by, including a crackdown on vaping and smoking in public spaces, restrictions on the type of footwear permitted while driving, and even a ban on going shirtless in certain well-known beach resorts.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As USC baseball coach Andy Stankiewicz noted the next additions that will be made to USC’s refurbished baseball stadium, he paused Monday night as a train rumbled loudly behind Blue Bell Park.
Stankiewicz, 61, smirked at the fitting metaphor after the Trojans clinched their first NCAA super regional berth in 21 years. He, after all, has rebuilt the USC program over his four seasons as head coach.
“Now we have a beautiful stadium,” he said of Dedeaux Field. “We’re going to have a beautiful clubhouse next year, batting cages and all that.”
As Stankiewicz attempted to utter another sentence, the train’s ear-piercing horn sounded.
USC baseball coach Andy Stankiewicz has guided the Trojans to the NCAA super regionals for the first time in 21 years.
(USC Athletics)
“That’s appropriate because we tell people the train’s moving,” Stankiewicz said. “Now we have a train honking its whistle. The train’s moving. We’re certainly excited to see where we’re going.”
The Trojans are definitely going places these days thanks to many players who believed in Stankiewicz’s vision despite knowing their on-campus stadium would be under construction for at least two seasons.
The Trojans had six players on the College Station Regional’s All-Tournament Team. Three of them — Abbrie Covarrubias, Kevin Takeuchi and Andrew Lamb — are upperclassmen who could have been tempted to transfer after they learned that they would be without a home field for two years. Junior shortstop Dean Carpentier is another upperclassman who believed in Stankiewicz.
“You talk about just kind of cornerstones,” Stankiewicz said. “Abbrie and Takeuchi … and Dean Carpentier and Andrew Lamb, these guys, they could have left. … They got here when we had a field, and they chose to stay.
“That’s something that I’m grateful for. It just tells you the quality of young men that they are. They’re here. They got two feet in and said, ‘I’m not going anywhere. I want to help build this program. Then to see the success that, not just Abbrie, but all of them have had, they’re great leaders. They lead by example.”
While Dedeaux Field was under construction, the Trojans played most of their home games in 2024 and 2025 at Irvine’s Great Park, 47 miles and another county away. They practiced at East L.A. College.
Yet, they still reached a regional final in 2025. They have gone a step further this year by climbing out of the losers’ bracket in the regional to eliminate Texas A&M and reach a super regional for the first time since 2005.
The Trojans didn’t just climb out of the losers’ bracket. They rumbled through like a runaway train, dominating with 55 runs over four losers’-bracket wins. They scored 21 of those runs over two victories against SEC power Texas A&M in the regional final.
The Trojans made themselves at home while playing in one of the SEC’s most hostile environments. It was as though the Trojans have grown accustomed to making themselves at home on the road in recent years.
Although parts of Dedeaux Field are still under construction, the Trojans were 32-1 there for the best home record in school history. USC (47-17) eclipsed the 40-win mark for the first time since 2005.
“Obviously being able to play at home this year has been a blessing,” designated hitter Augie Lopez said after he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College Station Regional. “But the last couple of years we’ve just kinda showed up every day — whether that was in Irvine or East L.A. Community College for practice — just with the same mentality of we’re going to show up and put our work in and dominate no matter where we are.
“Just showing up every day and punching that time card and going to work and just putting your head down and knowing that no matter where you are (or) what home field you have or you don’t have a home field, we’re going to get it done and play quality baseball.”
USC pitcher Grant Govel throws to home against Texas State during an NCAA regional on May 29.
(Sam Craft / Ap Photo/sam Craft)
The 12-time national champions will face North Carolina at the Chapel Hill Super Regional in hopes of reaching their first College World Series since 2001. No player on the current roster was alive when the Trojans won their last national title in 1998.
Only a few were even born when USC made its last super regional appearance in 2005 at Oregon State.
“With the history that this program has, it’s been an honor to wear the Trojan brand on the front of my chest,” Lopez said. “Honestly just knowing that this team is the team to bring USC back to the super regional it’s incredible.
“Honestly, it hasn’t hit me until right now, but we’re just feeling absolutely grateful. I’m super blessed.”
You don’t need to hear the horn to realize USC’s train is moving in the right direction in Stankiewicz’s fourth season at the helm.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As Augie Lopez trotted around the bases late Monday night, the small contingent of USC fans could finally be heard at Blue Bell Park. With one towering blast to right field, the Trojans’ designated hitter silenced Texas A&M’s rowdy 12th Man.
Lopez’s three-run home run helped push the Trojans over Texas A&M 7-1 to reach the NCAA super regional for the first time in 21 years.
Lopez silenced most of the sellout crowd of 7,042, making it easy to hear USC fans serenading him during the College Station Regional Final.
“Augie! Augie! Augie!” USC fans chanted after Lopez returned to the dugout. After the win, he was named the regional’s most outstanding player.
It took a while, but the offense showed up to propel USC (47-16) to the Chapel Hill Super Regional against North Carolina.
Until Lopez’s blast, Texas A&M right-hander Clayton Freshcorn had slowed down a USC offense that had scored 48 runs combined while winning three consecutive games out of the losers’ bracket, including 14 on Sunday night against Texas A&M (41-16), to force the winner-take-all final.
USC right-hander Grant Govel, who had thrown 89 pitches over 5⅔ innings on Friday, retired the first seven Aggies before Bear Harrison hit a solo home run to left-center field in the third.
The Aggies ran out a threat in the fourth. Chris Hacopian drew a leadoff walk. Ben Royo kept the inning alive with a two-out single to left. Jorian Wilson followed with a single to shallow right-center field. Second baseman Abbrie Covarrubias was positioned perfectly to field the ball in the outfield, but his throw to first wasn’t in time.
Fortunately for the Trojans, Adrian Lopez alertly threw home to easily nail Hacopian by several feet to end the inning.
Covarrubias tied the score 1-1 with an RBI single to left-center in the fifth. One out later, Covarrubias stole second. Augie Lopez broke the tie with a single to right-center.
Two innings later, Lopez crushed his three-run blast.
The Rams’ celebrated young defense needed only to smother immobile Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold deep in his territory in the final five minutes to regain possession and have a real shot at winning last season’s NFC championship.
They couldn’t touch him.
For more than four minutes Darnold drove downfield, connecting on three of four passes, baffling the pass rushers, bleeding the clock, and by the time the Seahawks finally gave the ball back, the Rams had only 25 seconds to live.
The Rams needed somebody to chase Darnold into submission the way Aaron Donald once famously chased down Joe Burrow in the final seconds of Super Bowl LVI.
Are you kidding me? They got him? He now plays for them?
The Rams needed an edge rusher and they acquired an edge destroyer? The Rams needed a veteran defensive lineman and they acquired a one-man defensive line?
The Rams needed a closer and here comes Mariano Rivera?
It’s all true. It’s hella crazy. It’s so Rams.
Myles Garrett points before a game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 28.
(Jason Miller / Getty Images)
In their first blockbuster deal since the last one won them a Super Bowl — remember Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford? — the Rams pulled off another heist Monday in acquiring two-time defensive player of the year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns for younger defensive star Jared Verse and multiple draft picks.
The Rams will miss the inspirational Verse, and one of those draft picks is a 2027 first rounder, and they’re once again dangerously mortgaging the future but … c’mon.
It’s Myles Garrett, people.
He treats quarterbacks the way Rams general manager Les Snead treats draft picks.
Crumple, discard, next.
He took what Deacon Jones invented and has done it better than anyone in history.
He’s a Fearsome Onesome.
Considering where he ranks in NFL history, the Browns just gave him away. Thank you, Cleveland. While you’re at it, can you take back LeBron?
Last season Garrett, who is still only 30, set the NFL’s single-season record for sacks with 23. He also owns the NFL record with six straight seasons of at least 12 sacks.
His career is filled with monster moments. In one game he had five sacks. In another game he had nine tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal. In one season he had an NFL record 33 tackles for loss.
He’s also been the subject of a monster suspension, when the NFL kicked him out for the six remaining games of the season in 2019 after he pulled the helmet off Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and swung it at him, hitting him in the head.
Garrett later apologized while accusing Rudolph of precipitating the fight with a racial slur. Garrett’s claims were never proven, and he quietly rejoined the Browns for the 2020 season.
He’s not known for violence except if you’re holding a football. He’s not known for taking any plays off, even though he was so unhappy he requested a trade out of Cleveland. He’s largely stayed off the gossip pages, an absence which is about to end as he is dating Los Angeles local and Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim.
In all, Garrett is the one sweetheart of a player the Rams needed to complete their preparation for next Valentine’s Day 2027 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium.
Matthew Stafford coming back? Check. He signed a contract extension.
Nearly every other important player returning from a team that was arguably football’s best until that nail-biting loss to the eventual champion Seahawks? Check.
To all this, adding arguably the greatest edge rusher in history? Checkmate.
The Rams will miss Verse. The fans loved him, his teammates loved him more, and he was such a force after only two seasons he was considered the heir apparent to the retired Donald.
Two seasons ago he was the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year and last season he was widely lauded for his 7½ sacks.
But, um, Garrett had more than three times that many.
This sort of deal is what the Rams do when they think they are close to a championship. This is why they have become one of Los Angeles’ two most admired sports franchises.
They go for it. They push all their chips to the middle and they go for it. They realize this town won’t settle for anything less than championship effort so they go for it.
Rams general manager Les Snead walks on the field before a game between the Rams and New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium in November.
(Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)
Some football executives are wary of criticism for trading draft picks. Snead wears T-shirts cursing those picks. Some football executives plan for the distant future. With the support of owner Stan Kroenke, Snead never looks past the next Sunday.
Way back when, some folks wondered about the wisdom of trading young and popular Goff and three prime draft picks for aging Stafford in March 2021. But the Rams knew Stafford was the closer they needed to win a Super Bowl.
And, yeah silly, they won the next Super Bowl.
In that way, this is much of the same deal. The Browns realize they’re not winning anything immediately and want to build for the future. The Rams were all too happy to give them that future for the Browns’ present.
And what a present Garrett will be, the gift that keeps on crushing, the crown jewel of a revamped defense that should make the Rams the preseason favorites to unseat the defending Super Bowl champions.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The U.S. Navy appears to be preparing to replace its remaining F-5E/F Tiger II adversary jets with F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, continuing the modernization and rationalization of these critical training assets. The Navy’s apparent acknowledgment that even upgraded F-5s are no longer sufficient for top-tier adversary training reflects a broader Pentagon shift toward higher-end platforms in this role.
The House Armed Services Committee released its first draft of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization bill yesterday. Among the many provisions in the defense policy bill is a call for a report “on the status of efforts to transfer F/A-18E/F aircraft to the Navy Reserve to replace the F-5 aircraft.”
Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren, acting Chief of Navy Reserve, right, speaks with Capt. Borya I. Celentano, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, left, and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Matt Simmons, commanding officer of VFC-12, after a flight at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, earlier this year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David C. Warren
The report is to be delivered to the congressional defense committees by March 2027 at the latest.
This seems to be the first confirmation that further Navy adversary units will adopt the F/A-18E/F, the production of which is now ending, with the final deliveries expected next year.
As expected, the report will highlight any potential risk to mission execution, fleet readiness, and pilot and maintainer qualification during the period in which the older F-5s are being transferred and replaced by Super Hornets.
A U.S. Air Force F-16, assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, lands near U.S. Navy F-5Ns after a training flight at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kregg York
The Secretary of the Navy is also required to inform Congress of how long the transition process will take. This includes acquiring the required support equipment and spares, training for pilots and maintainers, and contracts related to the changeover.
Currently, the Navy has four Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) squadrons responsible for adversary work.
An F-16C belonging to VFC-13, flying over Carson Valley, Nevada. U.S. Navy/Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base
This leaves two F-5F/N units.
VFC-111 “Sundowners” flies out of NAS Key West, Florida.
Finally, VFC-204 “River Rattlers” is at NAS/Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in Louisiana. VFC-204 converted from the Legacy Hornet to the F-5 relatively recently.
An F-5 pilot assigned to VFC-111 taxis across the flightline in an F-5N at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kregg YorkAn F-5N assigned to VFC-204 at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Omar N. Rubi
The Navy has made efforts in recent years to enhance its F-5 fleet, under an effort formally known as the Avionics Reconfiguration and Tactical/Modernization for Inventory Standardization program, or ARTEMIS.
The lead contractor for ARTEMIS is the private U.S. ‘red air’ adversary support company, Tactical Air Support, Inc., or TacAir. The ARTEMIS upgrade package is based on the F-5 Advanced Tiger, or F-5AT, configuration developed by TacAir. This includes Nemesis radar, mission computer, threat weapons engagement zone (WEZ) replication software suite, Argus radar warning receiver (RWR), Mason hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, Garmin wide area display, Scorpion helmet mounted display, open architecture mission system, and datalink, among other enhancements.
Transport of Swiss AF F-5 in a Navy C-130T
A trio of TacAir F-5ATs. TacAir
The Navy’s 28 single-seat F-5Ns and its pair of two-seat F-5Fs are being brought up to the ARTEMIS standard, as are a batch of 22 ex-Swiss Air Force F-5E/Fs that are being converted into adversary jets. The former Swiss airframes are being divided between the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps and are known as F-5N+/F-5F+s once the work on them is completed.
But even with these enhancements, the F-5s are dated aircraft and are increasingly unsuitable for meeting the Navy’s demand for more advanced red air capabilities.
“At its core, the F-5 is a dated, non-stealthy Cold War-era design, but it still can replicate a wide variety of threats, including some capability aspects of fourth-generation fighters and cruise missiles. F-5s do lack the performance to truly mimic a fourth-generation fighter. At the same time, they offer a valuable dissimilar threat for Navy and Marine aviators to train against, thanks to their relatively small size and agility.”
Where the F-5 does come into its own is in economically helping to generate a greater volume of aerial threats to better represent higher-end large-scale conflict scenarios during exercises, something that is especially important as the U.S. military prepares for a potential major fight in the Pacific against China. The degree to which the F/A-18E/F will be able to meet this requirement will depend on how many airframes are made available for adversary work. This is something that will also have to be weighed up against frontline fleet demands, at a time when there is already a shortage of tactical aircraft. It’s also worth noting that the Blue Angels fly some of the oldest Super Hornets in a special display configuration.
You can read what it’s like to fly Navy F-5 adversary jets in this past feature.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet lands on the flight deck of the carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), April 27, 2026, during combat operations in the Middle East. U.S. Navy photo
Meanwhile, to help meet the surging demand for adversary support, the Navy and other services have turned more heavily to contractors to help fill in for red air requirements. These include TacAir, with its own F-5ATs.
However, there is no escaping the fact that the Navy, and the U.S. military at large, increasingly requires more advanced adversary capacity, especially as it gears up to fight advanced fourth-generation combat jets, let alone stealthy fifth-generation threats. The U.S. Air Force has responded to this requirement by operating its F-35A stealth fighters as a dedicated red air adversary during high-end training, as you can read about here. That service has since stood up an F-35 adversary squadron, while reducing its reliance on contractor red air services flying dated, third generation types, like the F-5.
The Super Hornet, with its AN/APG-79 — arguably the most mature active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar available — as well as its ATFLIR targeting pods and a radar warning receiver, makes a very capable adversary in training scenarios and a good match for replicating advanced Chinese fourth-generation threats, like the J-16 Flanker. Navy Super Hornets can also carry an advanced infrared search and track (IRST) system, like the Flanker.
A J-16 multi-role strike fighter at the Changchun Air Show in China. Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images
When flown in a relatively clean configuration, the F/A-18E/F becomes a more effective adversary, eliminating the drag issues caused by the canted underwing pylons. Even when fitted with wingtip stores and a centerline fuel tank, it offers good aerodynamic and energy-maneuverability performance, allowing it to more closely emulate agile adversary aircraft during dissimilar air combat training. In particular, its well-known slow-speed handling performance makes it a good surrogate for the Flanker family of threats. Clean Super Hornets also have the ability to ‘run down’ fleeing targets much better than an F-5 — one negative about the small third generation fighter going up against fourth- and fifth-generation jets.
Looking further ahead, as the program matures, it is likely that a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or an adversary variant will be used for more basic Navy red air tasks and for generating combat mass alongside the F/A-18E/Fs and F-16s. With that in mind, it is worth noting that Anduril’s CCA offering for the Air Force has its roots in an adversary drone, as you can read about here. Still, the Navy is moving a bit slower than the other services when it comes to CCA, but they could use the adversary role to reduce risk, increase trust, and as a gateway for fielding loyal wingman drones with its carrier air wings.
A rendering of what was originally called the REDmedium aggressor drone. This design directly fed into Anduril’s YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone, also known as Fury. Blue Force Technologies
As of 2022, the Navy’s stated plan was to continue flying F-5s in the adversary role at least until 2035. It is unclear if this schedule might now change, but we have approached the service for more details.
There is also the question of what will happen with the Marine F-5s, flown by a pair of Marine Fighter Training Squadrons (VMFT). These are VMFT-401 “Snipers” at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, and VMFT-402 “Grim Reapers” at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. These jets are being upgraded with the Red Net system, providing them with a tactical and situational awareness datalink, achieved via a commercially available tablet-kneeboard display.
A VMFT-401 F-5F at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jade Venegas
Ultimately, the Marine F-5s are to be replaced under a program named Adversary Next.
After the latest Marine Aviation Plan (AVPLAN) was released in February, the service told TWZ:
“Planning for Adversary Next is underway and will be detailed in future AVPLANs. Adversary Next is anticipated to be a family of systems that will provide world-class adversary replication to USMC and joint units to prepare for the next fight.”
The latest AVPLAN puts F-5 retirement at 2040-plus.
Until then, the Marines will continue to use their upgraded F-5s, valued above all for their low-cost and highly reliable adversary support. Potentially, they could also bolster their fleet with former Navy examples if the service jettisons them far before the USMC does. Otherwise, Navy F-5s could also find their way to contractor red air providers, once the service retires them.
As for the Navy F-5, it appears that officials are now drawing up plans to finally call time on the iconic jet’s career in the service, one that goes far back in the Navy’s adversary program and the successful operation of Top Gun.
