The Spanish airport authority AENA has instructed staff to assist the most vulnerable passengers including families with young children and people with disabilities.
According to reports in the Spanish press, they will allow anyone in these groups to go straight through to passport control if the wait for the new biometric machines is more than 25 minutes.
Brits have been reporting waits for hours because the queues are so long with hundreds of frustrated passengers in them.
Many have missed their flights because they could not check in on time, with suitcases unloaded and planes taking off without them.
Greece says it isn’t prepared to put up with the situation caused by the new European Union rules and has temporarily suspended biometric checks.
The airports of Palma in Majorca, Málaga, Alicante, Madrid and Barcelona have all confirmed their technology is working properly.
However, they also admit that the volume of passengers at busy times outweighed the capacity, often happening when a number of UK flights land at the same time.
Airport staff have been told to divert families and passengers with reduced mobility to the traditional passport stamping queues if they have to wait 25 minutes at biometrics.
They can also stagger flight arrivals in consultation with AENA’s flight arrival team.
The measures are being described as an adjustment not a suspension.
In the aftermath of a recent data breach that saw hackers make off with a vast trove of confidential police records, Los Angeles leaders have sought an explanation from the city’s top lawyer, whose office was targeted.
What they have gotten so far, according to Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, are answers that only leave more questions.
In an interview, Jurado said she had expected City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto to appear before the Government Operations committee this week, but instead had received an internal report offering a “high level view” of the breach that left many key details unaddressed.
“When did the city attorney’s office become aware, what actions were taken, and why were city officials not notified promptly?” Jurado said. “Right now, we’re still left to question and trying to assemble the information.”
The Times reported the existence of the hack last week, prompting further scrutiny by public officials — some of whom, like Jurado, said they hadn’t previously been informed. Since then, The Times has reviewed an inventory of 337,000 files that were compromised.
The documents amount to millions of pages, and appear to mostly come from civil lawsuits against the city that have been resolved in court. They range in nature from trip-and-fall cases to police excessive force.
During a brief discussion at the council committee Tuesday morning, Jurado said she had received information that an internal link used by the city attorney’s office to access the files had been clicked at least 5,000 times on the first day of the breach, which is thought to have occurred sometime in March.
The files were not secured by a password, according to sources who spoke previously with The Times and requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation. A senior police official last week assured the department’s civilian bosses, the Police Commission, that none of the department’s own systems had been compromised.
Jurado said she wanted answers for why and how the city had managed to leave exposed sensitive records, such as medical reports, autopsy photos and witness names.
“It’s just horrific to think that that was out there,” Jurado said.
The city attorney’s office responded to questions from The Times by referring to a public report issued April 17, which said a preliminary investigation indicated that “the incident was contained to that third-party environment, and that no other City applications, systems, or department records were accessed or affected.”
The report noted that the hackers teased “small samples” of the data on its dark web site over a week starting March 20, before publishing the whole thing on March 27. The data were taken down after about eight hours, and then reappeared again twice in early April, the report said.
In a separate letter to the police union, the office said it would begin notifying people whose information was compromised “without unreasonable delay.”
The inventory reviewed by The Times shows personnel files for LAPD officers who were accused of using excessive force against a Black military veteran during a traffic stop in 2021. Another file included the identities of witnesses who saw a man die after LAPD officers knelt on him during an arrest, the records reviewed by The Times showed.
Thousands of hours of uncut body camera footage were released. There were also medical records from thousands of cases in which police and other city employees were accused of misconduct. At least 1,060 of the files are labeled as confidential, the inventory says.
The city attorney’s office has said that it alerted senior LAPD officials and the city’s IT department as soon as they discovered the leak, and has in the weeks since been in regular contact with other city departments to assess the scope of the leak. The FBI has begun investigating the matter.
The situation has already cost Feldstein Soto, who is up for reelection, the endorsement of the powerful union for the LAPD’s rank-and-file officers, which withdrew its support after accusing the city attorney of failing to disclose the full extent of the breach.
The leak follows Feldstein Soto’s efforts to weaken the state’s public records law after the release of many police officer photos and other materials, which she demanded be returned.
Several attorneys whose cases were included in the list of compromised files told The Times they have not yet heard from city officials. Some said they could foresee the records leaked being used as justification to reopen old cases — or initiate new ones.
“I’m curious to know what exactly it is that the city attorney’s office had that they may not have disclosed to us in discovery,” Arnoldo Casillas, an attorney for the family of Eric Rivera, a 20-year-old man whose family sued after he was killed by police in Wilmington in 2017 and whose files are among those included in the leak, according to the inventory reviewed by The Times.
The case was later dismissed, but the family has filed an appeal.
Other attorneys whose lawsuits against the city and LAPD were listed among the hacked materials said they wanted to know exactly what was included in the files.
“You’d think that they would notify [the affected parties] and tell them that they’re working to get their information back,” he said.
Experts said similar cyberattacks on government offices across the country have shown it can take months or years for the dust to fully settle and the full scope of the damage to emerge.
James E. Lee, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that provides advice and assistance related to identity theft, said last year alone the center documented an all-time high of 3,322 hacks.
That’s almost certainly an undercount, given the number of cases that go undetected or unreported, Lee said. Of the recorded incidents, roughly 165 targeted government agencies — up from 47 in 2020, he said.
In the past, according to Lee, many attacks of government entities were carried out by state-sponsored actors, but the emergence of AI-powered hacking tools have allowed everyday people to carry off such incursions.
“They want data that they can repurpose: anything that’s going to have financial information, anything that’s going to have driver’s license information is going to be very valuable to them,” he said.
Matthew McNicholas, a lawyer who has represented many officers in their lawsuits against the city, said he has fielded numerous calls from clients worried their personnel and medical records were exposed.
The leaked records, the inventory shows, include a case in which McNicholas sued the city on behalf of a victim who said they’d been sexually molested as a minor by an employee at a city-run recreational center.
McNicholas said he is worried that the leak will expose the private information of police whistleblowers who came forward to reveal discrimination and other misconduct.
“It is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues.”
ACI Europe backed this up, saying: “If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality.”
Mr Jorgensen added that even if the Strait of Hormuz opened tomorrow, the “price crisis will still last for quite some time”.
It could even be years, he warned, to get down to price levels seen before the crisis.
UK airlines are yet to be affected by the fuel crisis, as many have ‘hedged’ fuel, meaning paying a set fee.
But Airlines UK, which represents a number of carriers, including BA, Virgin, easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair, are now calling on the government for support to protect flights and holidays.
This would include temporary use of fuel type Jet A (not currently allowed in the UK) as well as relaxing the strict airport slot rules that would see airlines lose them if they don’t operate flights.
Easing night flight bans and “relieving the burden of Air Passenger Duty” have also been put forward.
A huge number of airlines have already cancelled flights in response to fears of jet fuel running out.
This includes:
Lufthansa – 20,000 cancelled up to September
United – around 250 a month cancelled
Air New Zealand – around 1,000 cancelled
Scandinavian Airlines – around 1,000 cancelled
KLM – 160 cancelled
Cathay Pacific – two per cent of flights up to June 30
Which airlines have already increased the cost of flights?
Rather than axing routes – other airlines have added surcharges or baggage fees…
Air France and KLM have have increased their round-trip fares by €100 (£87) on most of their long-haul flights– with an additional charge of €10 (£8.69) for a round trip in economy.
Virgin Atlantic confirmed it would do the same earlier this week – passengers in economy will pay an extra £50, in premium economy passengers will pay an extra £180 and anyone in business class will see flights cost an extra £360.
JetBlue has increased baggage fees by $4 (£3) for off peak, economy travellers. This will now be $39 (£30) – the cost peak economy travellers will be $49 (£37).
The low-cost Spanish Airline Volotea is adding maximum surcharge of €14 (£12.20) per person to flight bookings.
For anyone worrying about their holiday, families are better to book package holidays rather than separate flight and hotels, as most packages offer ATOL protection (meaning you will get your money back if your trip is cancelled).
It is also worth checking your travel insurance, although most policies do not cover anything related to war.
Airlines are already cancelling flights and hiking pricesCredit: Alamy
Destinations loved by Brits are actually paying people to move there. If you fancy a life in the sun, you could make some extra cash while topping up your tan in Spain or Italy
07:16, 19 Apr 2026Updated 09:55, 19 Apr 2026
Spain and Italy will pay people to move abroad (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Many people may dream of moving abroad, but you might not realise that some countries will actually pay you to do so. If you fancy living in the glorious sunshine, and making some money in the process, you could actually embark on the travel adventure of a lifetime by packing your bags for good.
Countries like Spain, Italy and Greece will actually pay Brits “thousands” to relocate and start a new life abroad. If you’re fed up of the weather, fancy starting a fresh chapter or simply want to move to somewhere totally different, it may be something worth considering to liven things up.
Italy is one country that pays people to relocate. If you fancy tucking into pasta, enjoying gorgeous wine and immersing yourself in history a little more, you can actually be paid to move here. It explained: “Regions like Calabria, Molise and Sardinia are suffering from massive depopulation.
“To revive these ghost towns, the local governments are offering between €10,000 (£8,705.50) to €30,000 (£26,116.50) to people under 40 who are willing to settle there.”
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It turns out Italian regions such as Calabria, Molise and Sardinia offer financial incentives to boost declining populations in rural areas. There are reported to be schemes that offer up to €30,000 to people willing to move to towns with fewer than 2,000 to 3,000 residents.
Usually, to benefit from the scheme, applicants need to be under 40, start a business or renovate a home. There are some guidelines people need to follow to be able to benefit.
Spain
Again, towns in rural areas are looking for people to move there, such as Ponga in Asturias. The video detailed: “As part of the empty Spain initiative, the town of Ponga is offering €3,100 per person just to move there.”
According to reports, this figure is actually claimed to be between €2,971 and €3,000 per person (often reported as roughly £2,600) to new residents. However, there are additional incentives for couples and families to boost its dwindling population.
If you fancy taking the leap, the scheme requires a five-year commitment to live in the area. In other words, you need to be sure before you apply to move.
Greece
You can also move to the tiny island of Antikythera in Greece. It’s said people can be paid up to €500 per month for the first three years.
The relocation package aims to repopulate the area, providing new residents with a house, a plot of land and the monthly payments. The initiative primarily targets families and skilled professionals such as bakers, builders and farmers to support the local community.
Other options
The video also highlights that people can be paid to move to Japan. The amounts people can be paid differ, as every scheme has its own set of guidelines, and may not be as much as detailed in the video.
While people can’t be paid for simply moving to Ireland, grants are available for people who move to renovate properties on its remote offshore islands. There are all sorts of schemes people can benefit from, but it’s not as easy as packing your bags.
There are rules people need to follow to benefit, and they vary depending on where you want to apply to move. Do your research to find out more.
IN A time where most stars are terrified they’re one post away from getting ‘cancelled’, influencer Brittany Miller has somehow managed to maintain her legion of 3.5M fans despite a very controversial past.
TikTok star Brittany’s fame comes despite being at the centre of a massive scam which saw her admit to faking cancer – something which has been career-breaking for several others.
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Brittany Miller may have a controversial past, but she’s somehow managed to maintain her top-tier influencer statusCredit: instagram/@brittanyhmillerrrThe social media star was previously convicted for her fraudulent behaviourCredit: instagram/@brittanyhmillerrrShe now boasts 3.5 million followers on TikTokCredit: instagram/@brittanyhmillerrr
Brittany pretended to have been diagnosed with the cancer and even had a JustGiving page to raise money for the alleged illness.
Rather than keep a low profile following the scandal, Brittany grew her profile even further via videos on TikTok.
Posting videos which saw her dishing up her dinner and documenting her pregnancy – many fans assumed she was nothing but a sweet young mum as her follower count catapulted.
In her groveling apology, Brittany claimed that she wasn’t the one who set up the JustGiving page to raise money for her “illness”.
But a friend told The Sun that she wasn’t being truthful in the videos, claiming Brittany did try to raise money for herself via the fake illness.
“Brittany lied to us all – not just her friends but also her followers online.
“Now people are following her and they have no idea what she is really like,” they said last year.
They added: “Yes it happened years ago but lying about cancer is really wrong.
“Lots of her followers will have family members living with cancer but little do they know that every time they watch one of her videos, they are giving money to a fraud.”
Since then, Brittany has returned to posting her usual content on the app, such as cooking videos and clips detailing family life with her kids and partner Ash.
It’s a stark contrast to other stars who have been “cancelled” for similar crimes, with the likes of Belle Gibson – who famously lied about having brain cancer – losing their entire careers.
So, how has Brittany managed to continue business as usual despite the scandal?
According to PR and Influencer expert Chloe Franses, taking accountability for the scandal is what kept Brittany in the spotlight.
Whilst others, such as Belle Gibson, have opted for the “deny, deny, deny” strategy, Brittany’s teary apology video struck a chord with fans.
“I think that the main reason for her avoiding total cancellation was because she publicly lent into her vulnerability and her issues with mental health,” said Chloe, who owns PR agency HelloFranses.
She added: “This, especially nowadays, is something people are open to empathising with.”
TikTok also uses features where creators can block certain words, or profiles, from their comment section and page, something which could have helped water down the chatter of the scandal on Brittany’s page, says Chloe.
“There have been reports suggesting that she has retained this large following by using filters on her comments to block words related to the scandal and actively deleted negative remarks.
“As with a lot of things in the world of influencers, the past can be glossed over, with a shiny, scroll stopping, new focus.
“Admitting you were weak and you have done something wrong, saying sorry to your fans (and deleting anyone who isn’t) and committing to being better… This is the reinvention playbook that she is, well, walking into…”
In fact, the shocking scandal could have even worked in her favour, as Brittany could be raking in up to £20,000 per post through her blooming social media career, says PR guru Nick Ede.
He told The Sun: “With her following, she could be earning £5,000–£20,000 per post and potentially hundreds of thousands a year across TikTok and YouTube.
“She will have lost deals but brands know that she has a good conversion rate and no one is calling her or them out – so its business as usual”.
Brittany’s teary apology video may be what actually saved her careerCredit: TikTok/brittanyhmillerBrittany could even be making up to £20K per post, due to her legion of fansCredit: tiktok/@brittanyhmiller
People are being urged to check theirs as soon as possible before peak season
13:20, 12 Apr 2026Updated 13:31, 12 Apr 2026
More than 1.2 million are due to expire in 2026 (stock image)(Image: Getty)
An alert has been issued by money specialists, as an important document is expected to expire for millions of people in the UK this year. It is raising concerns that large numbers of British travellers could be caught out just as the holiday season reaches its peak.
More than 1.2 million UK Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) are due to expire in 2026. Nearly 800,000 are expected to run out during the peak summer holiday months of July to September, according to new Freedom of Information data accessed by PayingTooMuch, a travel insurance comparison site.
The NHS says a GHIC lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and in some other countries on the same basis as a resident of those countries. This may be free, or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
On the NHS website, it states: “A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to five years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply. The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.”
The FOI sent to NHS Business Services Authority also highlights a significant rise in expiring cards this summer. The data shows that more than 290,000 GHICs are due to run out in August alone, coinciding with the busiest period for overseas travel.
In response, a money specialist warns that thousands of travellers could unknowingly head abroad with expired GHICs this summer. While this is a small detail often missed amid holiday planning, it’s one that could lead to serious consequences.
Hannah Mayfield (DipFA), founder of What Is Wealth, says the sheer volume of 2026 expiries could leave many people caught out. She said: “If you fall ill or face a medical emergency, discovering too late that your GHIC is no longer valid only adds stress at the worst possible moment.
“With such a high number of GHICs expiring this year, particularly during the busy summer holiday period, it’s vital that travellers check their card well in advance. It is an easy detail to overlook, but one that could leave you seriously exposed once you are already overseas.”
Mayfield warns that the risks do not stop at travelling with an expired card. The FOI data also shows how expensive medical treatment abroad can become, even when state support is accessible. The highest GHIC/EHIC claim last year exceeded £340,000, while the second highest topped £226,000.
“That is the part many travellers may not fully realise,” explains Mayfield. “While a GHIC can help to access basic state-provided healthcare, it is not designed to cover the full range of issues travellers commonly encounter – from private treatment costs if needed to flight cancellations, lost bags or emergency repatriation to bring you home.”
A GHIC is accepted in most EU countries, plus a few additional countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements. It can reduce your medical costs abroad if you need treatment, but it doesn’t make treatment completely free or cover everything.
You might still have to pay for your treatment upfront and buy prescriptions, which you can then claim back through your travel insurance. If you use your GHIC to pay medical fees abroad and make a medical claim through your travel insurance, some providers waive the policy excess on the medical claim, ultimately saving you money.
Mayfield reminds holidaymakers that travel insurance is an essential part of holiday planning, as a good policy provides protection in areas that the GHIC does not. When choosing a policy, she advises checking that cancellation cover matches the full cost of your holiday and ensuring it is tailored to your health needs, destination, and excursions. Comparing travel insurance is a good way to find cover that suits you and the type of trip you are taking, especially if you have with pre-existing health conditions.”
With so many GHICs expiring this year, experts recommend travellers check their card and travel insurance at the same time they book the trip. Renewing early is particularly important if your card expires within six months of your trip, as leaving it too late can lead to complications if treatment is needed overseas.
“You can apply for a free GHIC directly from the official UK government website. All family members should have one in their name. You’ll need your UK address and some basic personal details and usually it will arrive within 7-10 working days.
“Be wary of bogus sites asking you to pay for a GHIC as you don’t need to, they are free,” she adds. Mayfield urges travellers to “check their GHIC now, don’t wait until the airport to discover it has expired.”
Around 3,000 worshippers entered Al-Aqsa for the morning prayer on Thursday, after Israel lifted restrictions.
Published On 9 Apr 20269 Apr 2026
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem has reopened to Palestinian worshippers after a 40-day closure by Israel.
Video verified by Al Jazeera showed Palestinians streaming through its gates early on Thursday morning. Around 3,000 worshippers attended morning prayers.
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Access had been completely prohibited, or restricted to a few dozen faithful at Christian, Jewish and Muslim sites following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. Israel often imposes restrictions, especially on Palestinian worshippers.
The Islamic Waqf Department in occupied Jerusalem confirmed that the doors of Al-Aqsa would be reopened to all worshippers from dawn. The Jordanian-affiliated religious authority responsible for managing the mosque did not provide further details.
Video from earlier showed volunteers and caretakers in courtyards and prayer areas preparing to receive worshippers and holding religious rites.
Israeli authorities announced the opening of the mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday evening.
Israeli police attributed the opening of holy sites to what it called “updated instructions from the Israeli Home Front Command”.
The statement noted intensive security reinforcements, including hundreds of police officers and border guards in the alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem and roads leading to the holy sites, aimed at “securing visitors”.
Jerusalem and its holy sites have been subjected to strict security measures and frequent closures during the regional war of the past six weeks.
The restrictions subdued Lent, Passover and Ramadan celebrations for many in some of the holiest sites for Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Authorities also prevented Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al-Aqsa this year – the first such restriction since Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
But the bans have been lifted just in time for Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Easter on Sunday, a week after Catholic and Protestants.
No let up in raids in occupied West Bank
Israeli raids have continued across the occupied West Bank.
Israeli forces detained a woman and assaulted a man during an early Thursday raid in Nablus, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
The Ramallah-based Palestinian health ministry separately said Israeli forces fatally shot a Palestinian man near the village of Tayasir in the northern West Bank on Wednesday night.
The ministry said 28-year-old Alaa Khaled Mohammed Sbeih “was shot and killed” by Israeli forces, while the Israeli military said an off-duty soldier fired at a stone-thrower.
Wafa said six young men were detained in a raid on the village of Tayasir, while in Ya’bad, south of Jenin, Israeli troops stormed several homes at dawn, destroying the contents of three houses. Forces also raided the villages of Qusra and Awarta, but no arrests were reported there.
Attacks by Israeli forces across Gaza and the occupied West Bank have continued, along with Israel’s wars on Iran and Lebanon.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank since 2023, with at least 10,000 forcibly displaced.
Wemyss Bay where you can wander the gorgeous Inverkip coastal pathCredit: Getty
Most of these routes tick off multiple destinations and you can save buckets on soaring air fares going by foot, car or train and sea.
Sophie Swietochowski has ideas to inspire you . . .
GOOD FOR: FOODIES
ROUTE: Sail Poole to Guernsey then on to Saint-Malo, Normandy before returning to Portsmouth or Dover.
Saint Malo beach in FranceCredit: GettyLe Nautique restaurant is renowned for its seafood, especially the oysters — you can pick up half a dozen for £12.50Credit: Getty
IT takes just three hours to reach Guernsey via ferry — a big win if you’re travelling with youngsters.
Seafood and dairy are the food heroes here and there are plenty of seafront spots to sample them.
Le Nautique restaurant is renowned for its seafood, especially the oysters — you can pick up half a dozen for £12.50.
Expect even more plates of wonderfully fresh fish in Saint-Malo.
From this port city you can then make your way to some of Normandy’s top foodie hotspots, all within a couple of hours’ drive.
Bayeux, which is most famous for housing the historic Bayeux Tapestry, is crammed full of gorgeous apple orchards, hence why cider is a popular drink in these parts.
Ferme Lecornu is right in the city centre and offers a “Royal tasting” experience.
GOOD FOR: COASTAL VIEWS
ROUTE: Sail Holyhead to Dublin, return from Belfast (Larne) to Liverpool.
The idyllic bay at Cushendun, County Antrim, Northern IrelandCredit: Getty
THE rail routes of Ireland are among the most beautiful in the world, offering simply stuinning views of the blustery ocean as you trundle along the cliffside tracks.
This ferry and train-hopping route requires no car — so make sure to celebrate your sustainability efforts with a Guinness or two.
You won’t be hard pushed to find a decent pour in Dublin, although Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street repor-tedly serves the best — and it’s even attracted a few famous faces in its time, including John F Kennedy and Judy Garland.
Head from one Irish capital to another, catching the train to Belfast.
If you do just one thing here, make sure it’s a Black Taxi Tour that unearths the fascinating history of Belfast’s troubled past.
Then catch the train to Larne, where the scenery gets pretty spectacular — about six miles from the centre you’ll find The Gobbins Cliff Path, overlooking the often ferocious sea.
GOOD FOR: WILDLIFE
ROUTE: Sail Penzance to the Scilly isles – St Mary’s, then Bryher and Tresco, returning back via St Mary’s to Penzance.
Tresco is the second-biggest island of the Isles of ScillyCredit: Getty
KEEP your eyes peeled because your chances of spotting dolphins are always high in both Cornwall’s Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
Once you’ve caught the ferry over to St Mary’s island, head to Peninnis Head which offers panoramic views of the ocean.
From this high perch you can watch bottlenose dolphins hunting in the choppy waters below.
Hop on the small ferry over to Bryher where even more magnificent coastal creatures await.
We’re talking grey seals, hermit crabs and even puffins.
Your best chance of spotting them is from now until July, so if you’re heading out there, it’s a good idea to pack a decent camera.
From here, make your way over to Tresco and catch some well-deserved downtime on the glorious beaches.
Pentle Bay has previously been named one of the best beaches in the UK thanks to its white sands and peaceful turquoise waters.
GOOD FOR: WHISKY CRAWLS
ROUTE: Sail from Ardrossan to Arran then to Kintyre, on to Cowal then to Wemyss Bay via Bute. If short of time, consider a single-destination option – Oban to the Isle of Mull is just 45 minutes each way.
Head to the Isle of Mull, and sample picturesque Tobermory, home to a very fine single maltCredit: Getty
SCOTLAND blends breathtaking scenery with world-famous whisky — what could be better?
Make your way from the mainland to the Isle of Arran, which has all the unspoilt beauty of the Highlands, but comes with ocean views.
The coastal road wraps all the way around the island in 55 miles and is well worth exploring — with the famous distilleries of Lochranza and Lagg.
Or save those tipples for your next stop in Kintyre peninsula and specifically Campbeltown, otherwise known as the Whisky Capital of the World, because it was once home to over 30 distilleries.
Stay sober enough to take in the views at Cowal and then Bute (sometimes known as the Madeira of Scotland), before finishing your adventure in Wemyss Bay where you can wander the gorgeous Inverkip coastal path.
For a different tasting experience, ferry over from Oban to the Isle of Mull, and sample picturesque Tobermory, home to a very fine single malt.
HOW TO BOOK: Direct Ferries has some excellent tools for planning routes.
The travel site has designed an interactive map that identifies the most convenient port for any journey, with links out to each individual ferry operator to book.
Prices vary per journey, but all ferry journeys mentioned above cost from under £100 per car.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada Sadr’s supporters rallied across Baghdad and other cities on Saturday, protesting against the US-Israel war on Iran.
Iraq has been unwillingly drawn into the regional tension, suffering attacks targeting both US interests and pro-Iranian factions within its territory.
In Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, enormous crowds, including some women, filled the streets, brandishing Iraqi flags and shouting: “No, no to Israel” and “No, no to America”.
“What America and Israel are doing in their aggression against the countries of the region is not a war of a military nature, but a senseless war,” said Dhirgham Samir, a demonstrator in his 40s.
“Today’s demonstration is an expression of rejection of aggression, arrogance, and injustice throughout the world, not just in Iraq,” he told the AFP news agency, adding that “this is a senseless war, targeting civilians”.
The ongoing war has resulted in thousands of casualties throughout the region since it began.
Sadr had issued calls for peaceful demonstrations “to condemn the Zionist-American aggression and to establish peace in the region”.
Beneath Baghdad’s Freedom Monument, which honours Iraq’s independence declaration, protesters denounced what they characterised as US and Israeli meddling in regional matters.
“They violate the rights of all the peoples of the region first, and then the world,” Muslim leader Ali al-Fartousi told AFP. “Humanity must speak out against these people and stop them. The time has come for the entire world to stand united against global Zionist-American arrogance.”
Sadr commands a loyal following of millions within Iraq’s Shia majority and has consistently demonstrated his ability to mobilise large crowds. Though he has opposed various governments over the years, his influence extends into Iraqi ministries and official institutions through his representatives.
HOLS from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.
There are two ways to unlock the bargain breaks at Hols from £9.50.
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Golden Coast Holiday Park in Devon is one of the top-booked parks with Hols from £9.50Credit: Golden Coast holiday park
The first is by collecting codes from The Sun newspapers to enter online, with the final code printed in the paper on Wednesday, April 1.
The other way is to sign up to Sun Club for just £1.99 a month, where members gain automatic access onto the website one day earlier than everyone else on Tuesday, March 31.
This means members can have a better chance at bagging the holiday parks that sell out the fastest.
Plus there’s been thousands of new dates added ready for spring and summer this year.
So why not make the most of the sunshine and bag that last-minute family holiday for cheap?
Some of the most popular UK holiday parks listed on the Hols from £9.50 website include Seal Bay in West Sussex, Hendra in Cornwall and Golden Coast in Devon.
Plus there’s also parks in Scotland and Wales like Silversands in Lossiemouth and Lido Beach in Prestatyn.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers huband find the Hols From £9.50 page.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
Alternatively, you can collect the codes from physical Sun newspapers, and enter them online at club950.co.uk from Wednesday, April 1.
And if you choose to sign up to Sun Club, there’s plenty of other benefits that come with your membership.
Sun Club members get exclusive perks such as discounted tickets to top UK attractions and the chance to win free tickets to sports events.
In fact, one Sun Club member saved £974 on family holidays and days out in just one year by signing up to Sun Club.
Parkdean Camber Sands in East Sussex is a popular choice as it sits on the East Sussex beachCredit: Parkdean Camber Sands
All the ways to book a holiday from £9.50
There are five routes to book our Hols From £9.50
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
You could book a stay at Sand le Mere holiday park at club950.co.ukCredit: park holidays uk
Some people prefer a laid back comedy, while others look for a psychological thriller that keeps them on the edge of their seats – but these 10 shows are tried and tested
Abigail Nicholson Content Editor
10:59, 27 Mar 2026
The Good Place(Image: Daily Mirror)
When it comes to watching TV, everyone has different opinions on what they like to watch. Some people prefer a laid back comedy, while others look for a psychological thriller that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
But there are some cult classics that hundreds of thousands of people watch, and rewatch, that bring joy, excitement and nostalgia. One Reddit user posed in the R/AskReddit community to ask members what their favourite TV show of all time was.
The post said: “What’s a TV series you’ll never get tired of recommending to someone?” Hundereds of people were quick to hail their 10 favourite TV shows, with some being aired for the first time in 2002.
1. The Wire, 2002
The Wire was aired on HBO between 2002 and 2008 and looks at the narcotics scene in Baltimore through the eyes of police, as well as the drug dealers and users.
The show was created by former police reporter David Simon, who also wrote many of the episodes, and has a huge 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One person commented: “I was advocating for someone I know to watch it about four hours ago. I had to share, to someone who works in a bureaucracy, the line ‘There you go Jimmy…Givin’ a f***, when it ain’t your turn to give a f***’. Masterpiece of a show.”
A second said: “So I just watched this cause everyone raves about it. And I liked it, but it felt really forced in season 5.”
The Wire can be watched on HBO Max.
2. The Good Place, 2016
The Good Place was first aired on NBC in 2016 and follows four people who enter the afterlife after dying on earth. Eleanor Shellstrop [Kristen Bell] is both relieved and surprised that she’s made it into the Good Place.
But it doesn’t take long for her to realize she’s there by mistake, and is forced to hide in plain sight. The show has a huge 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is a firm favourite by TV fans.
One person said: “One of the most perfect shows ever made, imo. From start to finish.”
A second said: “I recommend this show to my mom and I regret it LOL. she watches it everyday. AND I mean everyday. She will just keep watching it and not get tired of it.”
Dark was first aired on Netflix in 2017 and follows two families searching for answers when their children go missing in a small German town. A sinful past is exposed along with the double lives and fractured relationships that exist among four families as they search for the kids.
The mystery-drama series introduces an intricate puzzle filled with twists that includes a web of curious characters, all of whom have a connection to the town’s troubled history.
The series has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and can be watched in Netflix.
One person said: “Dark was incredibly fine-tuned. I had found a chart online to help with family connections and time jumps.”
A second said: “Truly a 10/10 show. Still sad 1899 didn’t get the full run it deserved.”
4. Arrested Development, 2003
Arrested Development was first aired on Fox in 2003, and follows the Bluth family. Michael Bluth finds himself forced to stay in Orange County and run the family real estate business after his father, George Bluth Sr, is sent to prison for committing white-collar crime.
He tries to juggle the wants and needs of his spoiled and eccentric family while being a good role model for his teenage son, George Michael.
The series, which has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 75%, is known for having a reboot after season three, which did not go down as well as the first three seasons of the programme.
One person said: “Arrested Development (Seasons 1-3 too afraid to watch reboot so never did).”
A second person said: “Arrested Development is mine for sure. I don’t think there has ever been a funnier show on television.”
You can watch Arrested Development on Netflix and Disney+.
5. The Expanse, 2015
The Expanse was first aired on Syfy channel in 2015, and takes viewers hundreds of years into the future. Things are much different than what humanity is used to after humans have colonized the solar system and Mars has become an independent military power.
She show follows rising tensions between Earth and Mars that have put them on the brink of war. The show has a massive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many people singing its praises.
One person said: “Such a great show. One of the only good things Bezos has done in his life is paying to finish that show.”
A second said: “Excellent show! You gotta check out.”
The Expanse can be watched on Prime Video.
6. Parks and Recreation, 2009
The comedy was first aired on NBC in 2009 and follows the Indiana Parks and Recreation Department as they deal with oafish bureaucrats, selfish neighbours, governmental red tape and a myriad of other challenges.
The show is known as an easy to watch cult classic, and has a massive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One person said: “The first show my wife and I binged when we first started dating. We ended up finishing our wedding vowels with “I love you and I like you” and engraving it on our wedding rings.”
A second said: “Way better than the office in my opinion.”
Parks and Recreation on Sky.
7. Psych, 2006
The Comedy, Crime and Mystery & Thriller was first aired on USA network in 2006, and follows Shawn Spencer as he happens to possess some uncanny powers of observation thanks to his father, Henry, a former police officer who taught his son to remember even the smallest details of his surroundings.
When Shawn is accused of committing a crime that he actually solved, he convinces the cops that he’s a psychic. The show has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and ran for 8 seasons.
One person said: “Psych was an incredible mix of humor, intrigue, creative writing and stupidity. I loved every second of it.”
A second said: “Episodic shows have so much rewatchability. Need to sit for 40 minutes? Watch an episode. Doesn’t matter which, they’re all self contained. Serial shows you can’t watch a random episode because you may not remember what’s going on.”
Psych can be bought on Prime and Apple TV.
8. Ted Lasso, 2020
Ted Lasso was first released on Apple TV in 2020 and follows an American football coach who is hired to manage a British soccer team.
What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination and biscuits. This comedy/drama is an easy watch, and features some big stars such as Hannah Waddingham, Jason Sudeikis and Nick Mohammed.
The show has a 90% rating on Rotton Tomatoes, and you don’t need to enjoy football to watch the show.
One person said: “I’m not even a fan of Soccer or most sports, but this show may be the most Wholesome, Down to Earth show I’ve ever seen. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, Soccer & sports is only about 5% of the show. The other 95% is behind the scenes, character development, comedy, and straight up genuine wholesomeness.”
A second said: “Idk if I’d even say it’s 5%, the soccer thing is all just backdrop really for some incredible character development.”
Ted Lasso can be watched on Apple TV.
9. Fleabag, 2016
Fleabag was first aired on BBC Tree in 2016 and follows a dry-witted woman, known only as Fleabag, as she navigates life and love in London while trying to cope with tragedy. The angry, grief-riddled woman tries to heal while rejecting anyone who tries to help her.
The show has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is known for its depth and dark comedy.
One person said: “Kind of dark to be fair. More raunchy than dark to me really. But it’s amazing, so I agree on the brilliance. Olivia Coleman may be my favourite British actresses of all time, even if she has been around the station a few times.”
A second said: “Season 2 is as close to perfection as any show will ever get.”
Fleabag can be watched on Prime Video, Sky and BBC iPlayer.
10. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 2013
Brooklyn Nine-Nine was first aired on Fox in 2013 before moving to NBC for the final three seasons. The show follows the team of detectives at Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct – made up a loveable and offbeat squad that must get its act together when the office gets a new captain.
The show has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many describing the show as “hilarious”.
One person said: “My wife made me watch it and I was hooked from the first episode.”
A second said: “I have to admit, this was recommended many times and when I saw bits and pieces I really hated it. Then I gave it a chance, now I’m at season 5, so many hilarious bits.”
Ryanair chiefs have explained (Image: tupungato via Getty Images)
Thousands of Ryanair flights have been cancelled, with the budget carrier continuing its campaign to “keep EU skies open”.
Ryanair has set up a a petition, aimed at the European Commission, to reduce the impact of French Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes on EU flights. The campaign has now garnered support from more than two million people, with thousands of flights scrapped – and more disrupted – in 2025 alone. In October of last year, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: “It is inexcusable that Europe’s worst performing ATCs in France, Spain, Germany and the UK continue to inflict avoidable delays and cancellations on millions of EU citizens every month.
“Despite warnings, Europe’s ATC performance is not improving, as national providers fail to properly staff and manage their operations. EU ATC needs reform and its passengers who are paying the price.
“ATC delays have already disrupted 33m citizens so far this year, with France, Spain, Germany and the UK consistently failing to staff and manage their services properly.”
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported last month that Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delays in Europe have “grown sharply” in recent years, with this “far outpacing traffic growth”. ATFM delays, it said, “have cost airlines and passengers an estimated EUR 17.5 billion since 2015 (in 2025 prices), of which over 70% is linked to capacity shortages and staffing issues”.
The Council of the European Union said last year that “the air traffic control system is increasingly struggling to manage this growing demand”, noting that while “close coordination has been underway for many months between the European Commission and EUROCONTROL as well as ongoing planning between the EUROCONTROL Network Manager, airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and the military … resolving the issue also requires political will at the national level as each country is responsible for providing adequate air traffic services and making the necessary investments to support these services.”
More than 200,000 p protested on Saturday in the in Prague, Czech Republic, to defend democratic values and civic engagement while pushing back against media pressure, defense cuts and the erosion of state institutions there. Photo by Martin Divisek/EPA
March 21 (UPI) — More than 200,000 people protested the Czech government on Saturday over their government’s alliances and policies amid concerns about democratic backsliding.
Organizers of Saturday’s rally in Prague said they were protesting Prime Minister Andrej Babis’ government as it has aligned itself with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico as it looks to erode press freedom and charge down an illiberal path of governing, Bloomberg and Newsweek reported.
The protest is the second since February against the government run by Babis and President Petr Pavel since they took office because of what some activists there have said are Russian-style policies that will restrict the country, Deutsche Welle reported.
“The erosion of democracy in the Czech Republic is advancing faster than we thought,” A Million Moments for Democracy, the group that organized Saturday’s protest, said in a press release.
“We will not stand by silently while oligarchs and extremists threaten the future of our country,” the organization said.
In addition to changes to public funding for media organizations, a proposal for a “foreign agent” law in the Czech Republic has raised concerns that diminish international cooperation with organizations there and give the government the ability to gain a greater level of control over humanitarian, development and human rights programs.
The media funding proposal would eliminate monthly license fees and move toward direct government funding that has raised concerns about influence from politicians.
President Donald Trump presents the Commander in Chief’s Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football team during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Friday. The award is presented annually to the winner of the football competition between the Navy, Air Force and Army. Navy has won the trophy back to back years and 13 times over the last 23 years. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
PASSENGERS face fresh travel misery as a major UK train station is set to partially close again this weekend.
Rail passengers can expect travel disruptions as the bustling hub undergoes a “once-in-a-lifetime overhaul”.
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Trains have been slashed and major disruption is expected over the weekendCredit: Willie Vass
Trains have been slashed and major disruption is expected over the weekend at Manchester Piccadilly station.
Only a handful of services will run on Sunday, with no trains operating from the south and east until 1pm.
The busy city centre hub — one of the UK’s biggest — will have just Platforms 13 and 14 open until the afternoon, and even those will be running on a reduced timetable.
During last month’s shutdown, engineers carried out major upgrades — replacing 11 sets of points, laying 9km of signalling and telecoms cables, installing 4,000 sleepers and pouring 5,500 tonnes of new track foundation.
Bosses hailed the works as a “once-in-a-generation” improvement of the tracks.
This weekend’s services still running include routes to Liverpool Lime Street via Eccles and Earlestown, Blackpool North via Bolton, and Chester via Earlestown — but passengers are warned there is a reduced timetable.
Meanwhile, Metrolink services will continue running through Piccadilly this weekend as normal.
Separate tram works mean no services will run between Victoria and Rochdale on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We would like to say a big thank you to passengers for their patience while this once-in-a-generation upgrade has taken place over the last nine days.
“Manchester Piccadilly is one of the country’s busiest stations and it’s a key hub for people travelling to the North West.
“Upgrading the track over six lines in what’s known as the Piccadilly corridor will make journeys more reliable and the points and signalling systems less prone to faults – meaning fewer delays for passengers.
“It’s all part of our long-term commitment to invest millions of pounds to make the North West’s railway fit for the future.”
Thousands in Paris protest military operations in the Middle East. One of more than 85 coordinated protests across France. The rally opposed US and Israeli military operations in Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine.
Thousands rallied in central Madrid calling for an end to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with protesters warning the conflict could escalate into a global war.
Tens of thousands of people have gathered around the world for al-Quds Day, an annual event on the final Friday of Ramadan demonstrating solidarity with Palestine and opposition to Israeli occupation.
Rallies took place across numerous countries, including Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kashmir and Yemen. In Tehran, thousands marched, chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America” as the United States-Israeli military campaign entered its 14th day of conflict.
The event has long been associated with Iran, and was established by the country’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1979.
This year’s observance coincided with the US-Israel attack on Iran that has killed at least 1,444 people, including the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Crowds turned out in Tehran and other cities, despite ongoing US and Israeli strikes in the region during the commemoration, state media reported.
Demonstrators worldwide expressed solidarity with both Palestinians and Iranians. In Kashmir, protesters burned mock coffins bearing images of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while shouting slogans against the United States and Israel.
For the first time in 40 years, the United Kingdom banned London’s al-Quds Day march, citing risks of public disorder related to the “volatile situation in the Middle East” and potential confrontations between opposing groups. This marks the first protest ban since 2012, when authorities prohibited marches by the far-right English Defence League.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, another 18,551 people have been injured in US-Israeli attacks on Iran since February 28.
Protesters in Athens have marched to the US Embassy to condemn the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, joining protests held worldwide over the escalating conflict.
