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IF YOU are thinking about where to visit on your next UK staycation, 17 UK cities have just been named among the best in Europe.
A report revealing Europe‘s best cities for 2026 has been released and 17 UK cities feature including the ‘Athens of the North’, one of the best cities in Europe for weather and the UK’s ‘newest second city’.
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London has been named the best city in EuropeCredit: Alamy
Cities across Europe were ranked across several categories using data from numerous sites such as social media and core statistics.
The categories include Livability, which looks at things such as biking options, public transport, air quality and green spaces; Lovability which looks at Instagram posts, theatres, museums and reviews and Prosperity, which looks at airports, business systems and universities – here are all of the UK entries.
London – 1st
Coming out on top of all 100 cities, is the UK’s capital – London.
Dubbed the ‘Capital of Capitals’, London secured the top position in three of the 34 subcategories, which was the most out of any city, including Prosperity and Lovability.
The index states: “London’s magnetic appeal continues to draw a global audience, from students and entrepreneurs to tourists and corporate titans.”
The report notes how London & Partners’ Tourism Vision has set ambitious goals of making London the most visited, sustainable and diverse global city destination by 2030.
Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners said: “2026 is another year to watch for London, as the capital city undergoes major growth and transformation including the opening of two major museums (London Museum and V&A East), new theatres and world-first events like Pro Climbing League.
“London is truly Europe’s global city: with a trillion-dollar economy, more green space than any city on the continent and unrivalled connections to the rest of the world.”
Edinburgh – 23rd
The capital of Scotland is the second location in the UK to feature on the list, with the index noting how it is “rich with history” and “ambitiously planning for the future“.
Dubbing it the “Athens of the North”, the index commended Edinburgh for its work to become net-zero by 2030.
In in particular, it highlighted how it is the second-most visited city in the UK after London thanks to its “cinematic views, among the freshest air in Europe (fourth for Air Quality), an array of sights (including its famed castle), and a happening citizenry that puts on the world’s premier Fringe Festival each year”.
The city is also planning 17 more hotels by 2028 as it prepares to host the start of the Tour de France in 2027.
Edinburgh came in 23rd place on the tableCredit: Alamy
Manchester – 27th
Naming Manchester “England‘s worker bee city”, the report highlights how the city boasts both industrial history and literary history as a UNESCO City of Literature.
The city’s opening of the 23,500-seat Co-op Live arena in 2024 – the largest indoor arena in the UK – has helped Manchester attract one million fans in less than a year.
In addition, the city was noted for its regeneration projects such as Old Trafford and its expansion of its airport, ranking it in the top five for connectivity in Europe.
Other top things to do in the city include heading to The Lowry which houses L.S. Lowry’s paintings and exploring Gothic architecture such as the John Rylands Library.
Glasgow – 51st
Described as “Scotland’s artful, urban heart”, Glasgow placed 51st.
The vibrant city that is the home of Scottish Opera, Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland is a former European Capital of Culture.
It is also a top city for music and its tourism is on the rise, with around five million overnight visitors staying in the city in 2024, a 20 per cent increase from 2023.
If visiting the city, make sure to head to its free museums like the Burrell Collection and do a bit of shopping on Buchanan Street.
Glasgow placed 51st being noted at “Scotland’s urban, artful heart”Credit: Alamy
Bristol – 56th
Highlighting its creative industry, the report named Bristol in 56th place.
Stand out features of the city include the opening of the YTL Arena at Brabazon Hangars in 2028, which will be on the city’s former Filton Airfield which was once home to Concorde.
The venue will include a festival hall, community hub, food hall, work spaces and leisure facilities.
If heading to the city, make sure to explore the street art and try and look out for pieces by Banksy…
Bristol – which has a great street art scene – placed 56thCredit: Alamy
According to the report, few cities entertain like Birmingham does, “where classic pubs and underground clubs power a happening nightlife scene, ranked 23rd in Europe”.
And the city has a number of new projects in the works include the Powerhouse Stadium, which will be a 62,000-seat arena and the future home of Birmingham CityFootball Club.
If you love chocolate, make sure to visit Cadbury World.
Liverpool – 66th
The city of Liverpool placed 66th on the table with its cultural quarters and regeneration works noted.
Projects in the city include the regeneration of the North Docks and the revitalisation of the city’s International Slavery Museum.
The city’s nightlife is also great, with a range of pubs and bars scoring it 16th best for nightlife in Europe.
If you are a fan of The Beatles, you can head to The Beatles Story, which is the world’s largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the band.
Oxford – 68th
The historic university city of Oxford came in at 68th.
Under an hour from London on the train, Oxford is home to Europe’s best university.
In addition the report noted how the city is “an understated green space gem” with several connections to famous literary figures such as CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.
Many of the historic buildings in the city and on the university campus offer tours such as the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera.
The historic city of Oxford is just under an hour from LondonCredit: Alamy
Leeds – 71st
In 71st place is Leeds – described as being “ripe for fun and investment”.
Currently, the city is undergoing a massive terminal expansion at its airport to accommodate visitor demand.
And the city has a number of other visitor-focused projects, with Premier Inn opened a 143-room hotel atop Leeds City Market.
When in the city, visit the Victorian Corn Exchange to discover independent boutiques.
Leeds is “ripe for fun and investment”Credit: Alamy
Sheffield – 82nd
The city that George Orwell once called “the ugliest town in the Old World” is now “Yorkshire’s brainy, prosperous hub” according to the report.
Placing 82nd, the report celebrates Sheffield for its “glassy university centres, myriad green spaces, and some of the cleanest air in Europe (32nd)”.
Close to the city, you can also head to the Peak District National Park for walks and amazing views of the countryside.
Nottingham – 83rd
One place behind Sheffield is Nottingham in 83rd place.
The city is currently undergoing a number of ambitious projects including the development of the €1.61billion Island Quarter, which will feature restaurants, an events hall and homes.
As the “Home of English Sport”, the city also has a plethora of great pubs to explore.
Make sure to check out the City of Caves when in Nottingham – it boasts over 800 caves hand-carved into the sandstone.
Nottingham is home to 800 hand-carved cavesCredit: Alamy
This year, the seaside city will see the reopening of Hilsea Lido as well as a number of other coastal projects that will create more green spaces and public areas.
Also this year, Portsmouth 100 will kick off to celebrate the century of the destination being a city.
It will be a year-long celebration with a number of exhibitions and events.
Coventry – 98th
Securing 98th place is Coventry, with “the third-best weather in Europe”, according to the report.
The city is currently working on a City Centre project as well, which should create a new district in the heart of the city.
One top spot to explore in the city are the ruins of the Cathedral.
Coventry has “the third-best weather in Europe”Credit: Alamy
Cardiff – 99th
Coming in at 99th is Cardiff, which according to the report could be the UK’s new second city.
Being the closest European capital to London via train (under two hours), the city has a lot to offer including mountains, beaches and castles.
And the city’s station will start a massive rebuild this year set to cost €162million.
The city is also home to a number of recent projects including the regeneration of Cardiff Bay and The Bay Wetlands.
Another new project is Atlantic Wharf which will feature new homes, hotels and an indoor arena set to open in 2028m along with a 120-room floating hotel.
Newcastle – 100th
Last but not least and securing the final spot on the table, is Newcastle.
Just two-and-a-half hours from London by train, Newcastle features a number of new attractions.
For example, you can head to Freight Island, with street-food and events.
EasyJet has also launched a new base at Newcastle Airport, adding 11 flight routes.
Top 10 cities in Europe
ACCORDING to the report on the Best Cities in Europe for 2026, here are the top 10 spots:
Adrian Dunbar, who has played Superintendent Ted Hastings in Line of Duty for years, has starred in the lead role of Alex Ridley in the ITV detective series since 2022
Adrian Dunbar has played Superintendent Ted Hastings in Line of Duty for years(Image: PA)
Popular crime drama Ridley — which stars Adrian Dunbar — has been scrapped despite top ratings, it is reported.
The ITV series sees Dunbar play the title role, a retired Detective Inspector turned police consultant and regular jazz club singer, and has drawn in viewers since 2022. Bronagh Waugh and Georgie Glen have also had regular roles across the two seasons.
But there will be no more, according to reports today. ITV has reportedly decided to shelve the programme, filmed across Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales.
An ITV spokesman said: “There are currently no plans to return to Ridley. We’d like to extend our thanks to creator and writer Paul Matthew Thompson, executive producer Jonathan Fisher and the team at West Road Pictures for producing two successful series.”
It is a fresh blow for Dunbar, 67, following years of uncertainty around the future of Line of Duty. The actor, born in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, had hinted he hoped Ridley would return. Speaking in an interview in August last year, Dunbar said: “The programme did very good numbers when it was shown in America and I know that PBS [the US’s Public Broadcasting Service], who part-financed Ridley, would like us to film another series.
“There’s definitely more to be said about Alex Ridley, his troubled life and the team of detectives with whom he works, and I would love to film more.”
But The Sun says this unlikely. The publication reports the programme had received top reviews and, since the last series ended in the autumn of last year, there had been hints it would come back.
Dunbar’s uncertainty around Line of Duty finally vanished late last year though when it was confirmed the popular police drama would return for a seventh season. In November last year, a source said: “Although this has been discussed at length since the unsatisfactory ending of series six in 2021, it’s still going to create huge excitement when the Beeb makes the announcement.
“It’s one they’ve been preparing to make for weeks, but they’ve been trying to pick the right moment, since The Celebrity Traitors has been hogging quite a lot of limelight recently.” They added: “And the BBC very much view Line Of Duty as one of the jewels in its crown that they want to deliver with some fanfare.”
Martin Compston played DS Steve Arnott in the show, which came to an end when his character and his team discovered the identity of “H”. He last year also shared details on whether viewers can expect more from the series.
For the handful of skiers gliding across a sun-drenched ridge high in the San Gabriel Mountains, the wide expanse of the Inland Empire stretched to the Pacific Ocean nearly two vertical miles below.
Across sparkling water, the rugged spine of Catalina Island graced the horizon.
The view rivaled anything at the posh, world-renowned ski resorts of Lake Tahoe, but this was humble Mt. Baldy — the familiar local mountain that, for a few precious weeks each year, becomes a downhill skiing destination that holds its own with anything in the American West.
A sign inside Top of the Notch restaurant at Mt. Baldy.
Last week — after the 10,000-foot summit that looms above Los Angeles emerged from storm clouds blanketed in white — was one for the ages.
But in a rapidly warming world, and in an industry dominated by two huge and growing conglomerates that are crushing the competition, every run feels fleeting.
These days, managing a small ski business is like trying to keep a mom-and-pop general store afloat after Walmart comes to town.
By noon last Wednesday on Mt. Baldy — a little more than an hour’s drive from downtown L.A. — it was getting pretty hot, and the snow was melting fast.
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For a skier racing between towering Jeffrey pines and plummeting through soft, slushy piles of forgiving snow, the hardest part was dodging exposed rocks and random tree limbs that appeared underfoot with alarming frequency.
The hardest part for the business is the fact that one of the conglomerates, Alterra Mountain Co., essentially surrounds Mt. Baldy.
Zac Chambers and his daughter Whitney, 6, of Upland, snowboard together at Mt. Baldy.
It owns Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit in nearby San Bernardino County, and Mammoth Mountain, the closest big resort in California’s High Sierra.
Although a season pass at Mt. Baldy is a relative bargain at about $300, it’s good only when there’s snow.
For about $800, you can get an “Ikon Pass” from Alterra, which offers access to all of its resorts in California and dozens more across the country and around the globe, including South America, Europe and Asia.
All of which makes keeping the lights on and the chairlifts spinning at beloved, but beleaguered, local resorts an exhausting labor of love.
Last week, Robby Ellingson, president and general manager of Mt. Baldy Resort, drove two hours to a rival resort in Big Bear Lake to pick up spare parts for an old chairlift that had broken down. He thanked them with a few cases of beer.
He planned to grab some tools and install the parts himself, with the help of an electrician.
Michael Phelps, left, and Seven Foster, of Riverside, take the chairlift up to Mt. Baldy Resort.
“I climb the lift towers, I drive snowcats, I do pretty much everything,” he said, chuckling at all of the hard, physical labor despite his executive title. “There’s a lot of things I do that none of the other dudes who hold my position would dream of — out of necessity.”
Another Mt. Baldy executive, Ellingson’s brother Tommy, turned up for an interview on the mountain in a camouflage hoodie, clutching an electric hand drill.
“Everybody’s like a Swiss army knife up here,” he quipped. “It’s awesome, it’s organic!”
It’s also very old-school.
While resorts like Mammoth invest millions in state-of-the-art chairlifts that whisk six people at a time up the mountain with astonishing speed, Mt. Baldy relies on slow, creaking two- and three-person lifts reminiscent of the 1980s.
A lot of the ski gear, ski fashion and the skiers themselves seemed proudly rooted in a bygone era too.
A skier carves down the mountain at Mt. Baldy.
Chris Caron, a 65-year-old retiree who lives 20 minutes down the road, stood at the top of the experts chairlift with a beard as white as snow, a black plastic sun shield across his nose and a cold craft beer in hand.
“There’s big conglomerates trying to buy everybody up, and I don’t want that,” he said, shading himself beneath the bill of his Pliny the Elder ball cap. “That’s what I love about here. It’s not so commercialized.”
Caron said he snowboards at Baldy every chance he gets — 20 to 30 days in a good year.
“I grew up here. We used to ride our bicycles and hike these mountains,” he said. “It’s like home.”
Driving back from visiting family in Missouri recently, Caron stopped at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a bucket list destination for people who don’t shy from pricey vacations. He couldn’t help himself, he said — they’d just had a big dump of fresh powder and it wasn’t too far out of his way. But it didn’t feel right.
“It’s pretty posh,” he said with a resigned shrug. “That’s just not me.”
Also enjoying the uncrowded slopes and gloriously short lift lines on Wednesday was Tommaso Ghio, 28, an aspiring filmmaker from Italy who spent much of the afternoon snowboarding shirtless and looking like an extra from a Visit California commercial.
Old skis adorn a light fixture at the Top of the Notch restaurant at Mt. Baldy.
He and his friends drove up through the desert where it was, “like 80 or 90 degrees, and then we just ended up on top of a mountain,” covered in snow, he said, grinning as if he had won the lottery. “You can’t get this anywhere else.”
But the balmy weather that made the afternoon feel so decadent, and otherworldly, also poses a serious threat to Baldy’s on-again, off-again ski season.
It started with a surprise early storm in November — one that had locals dreaming of a record-breaking year — followed by a bone-dry December.
Then at Christmas, an atmospheric river that dumped several feet of snow on Northern California resorts arrived at Mt. Baldy, which tops out at 8,600 feet, as “catastrophic” rain, Ellingson said.
Rain washes away existing snow and destroys the quality of anything left behind.
And since Christmas week crowds generate about 30% of annual revenue at many U.S. ski resorts, the storm soaked Mt. Baldy in more ways than one.
Things stayed grim until last week’s storm, which dropped more than 2 feet of snow at the base of the resort and up to 3 feet at the top.
With limited snow at lower elevations, people make the up-and-down trip from the chairlift at Mt. Baldy.
It took some time to recover from damage done by the howling wind and make sure none of the enormous piles of snow on the upper reaches became life-threatening avalanches. When the resort finally opened, the skiing was as good as any in recent memory.
“I’ve lived in Mt. Baldy almost my entire life,” said Ellingson, who is 50, “and last Friday was one of my top five days ever.”
He’s hoping the storm delivered enough snow to stay open for at least a month, but the heat is not helping.
Ellingson’s family bought the Mt. Baldy Lodge, a restaurant in the village far below, in the late 1970s. They started running the ski hill, which they own a substantial share of, in 2013.
Increasingly fickle winters have forced the resort to branch out in an attempt to boost summer earnings and attract non-skiing customers: hosting moonlight hikes with live music in the restaurant at the base of the lifts, renting “glamping” tents on wooden platforms — with beds and locking doors — to tempt uneasy campers to sleep beneath the stars.
And in what Ellingson called a “swing for the fences” move, the resort recently bought a microbrewery in Upland. After serving beers at the restaurant for decades, it seemed like a natural next step.
Anything to avoid getting trapped in a “desk job,” Ellingson said, like his friends working as middle managers at the big, corporate resorts.
“I hate to throw shade,” he said, but do those guys ever go skiing?
Independence is priceless to Ellingson because, when you’re the boss and the snow is good, nobody can order you to stop throwing tricks in the terrain park and flying off jumps.
“I grew up during the X Games boom. That’s my identity,” he said. “I still get rad every single day.”
Kinshasa welcomed the sanctions while Kigali said the US move ‘unjustly’ targets Rwanda.
Published On 3 Mar 20263 Mar 2026
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The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s military and four of its top officials for “direct operational support” of the M23 rebel group that has seized large swaths of territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Rwanda has long rejected allegations from DRC, the United Nations and Western powers that it backs M23 and its affiliated Congo River Alliance (AFC), which captured key cities in the mineral-rich east, including the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces last year.
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The US Department of the Treasury said on Monday that the rebels’ gains would not have been possible without Rwandan backing.
The US State Department separately added that M23 continued to capture territory even late last year “in clear violation” of a US-mediated agreement.
US President Donald Trump in December brought together the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC to sign a peace deal, predicting a “great miracle”.
But just days afterwards, the State Department noted, the M23 captured the key Congolese city of Uvira.
The Treasury Department said those included in Monday’s sanctions are Vincent Nyakarundi, the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) army chief of staff; Ruki Karusisi, a major-general; Mubarakh Muganga, chief of defence staff; and Stanislas Gashugi, special operations force commander.
The US said they were critical to M23’s gains.
“M23, a US- and UN-sanctioned entity, is responsible for horrific human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians, including women and children,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
“The continued backing from the RDF and its senior leadership has enabled M23 to capture DRC sovereign territory and continue these grave abuses,” he added.
‘A strong signal’
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said in a statement that the sanctions “unjustly” target Rwanda and “misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict” in eastern DRC.
She accused DRC of violating the peace agreement by allegedly conducting “indiscriminate” drone attacks and ground offensives.
Rwanda’s government also told the Reuters news agency that Kigali was “fully committed to disengagement of its forces in tandem with the DRC implementing their obligations” under US-led mediation, but accused DRC of failing to keep promises such as ending support for militias.
The Congolese government, however, said it welcomed the sanctions, describing them as “a strong signal in support of respect” for its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the department “will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that the parties to the Washington Accords uphold their obligations”.
“We expect the immediate withdrawal of Rwanda Defence Force troops, weapons and equipment,” Bessent said.
Fighting continues in eastern DRC on several fronts, despite the accord signed between Kigali and Kinshasa in Washington, and a separate peace deal signed between M23 and the Congolese government in Qatar last year.
Though M23 later pulled out of Uvira under US pressure, the rebels still hold other key Congolese cities, including Goma and Bukavu. The US Treasury Department said on Monday that M23’s continued presence near Burundi’s border “carries the risk of escalating the conflict into a broader regional war”.
M23 is the most prominent of about 100 armed factions vying for control in eastern DRC, near the border with Rwanda. The conflict has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with more than seven million people displaced, according to the UN agency for refugees.
Sixth-year senior guard Chad Baker-Mazara, who spent most of this season as the Trojans top scorer, is no longer with USC’s men’s basketball program, the school announced Sunday.
A person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly said that it wasn’t any one incident, but an accumulation of issues that led to Baker-Mazara’s departure.
Baker-Mazara left Saturday’s loss to Nebraska a few minutes into the second half after he chased down a lay-in and fell hard on the court. USC coach Eric Musselman said after the game that Baker-Mazara told coaches he was unable to return to the game.
After lead guard Rodney Rice was lost for the season in November, Baker-Mazara stepped into the void as the Trojans’ top scorer, averaging 26 points per game over the remaining seven games of USC’s non-conference slate.
Baker-Mazara became less reliable through Big Ten play. Five times during USC’s conference schedule, he has played fewer than 20 minutes in a game, for one reason or another. At times, his health was what held Baker-Mazara back. Other times, it was less clear.
His exit on the doorstep of March is just another ominous sign for the Trojans, who have lost five in a row. USC has two games still remaining in its regular season slate, with a trip to Washington on tap Wednesday and a home tilt with UCLA next weekend.
Arsenal won their set-piece battle with 10-man Chelsea as Jurrien Timber sealed the Premier League leaders’ crucial 2-1 victory over their London rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s side struck twice from corners and also conceded from the same route in a match on Sunday that underlined the increasing importance of set-pieces in the Premier League.
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William Saliba’s first goal since December 2024 put Arsenal ahead in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
Piero Hincapie’s own goal drew Chelsea level from one of Reece James’ deadly corners just before the break.
But Timber won a priceless three points for Arsenal with his second-half header before Chelsea winger Pedro Neto was sent off for a second booking.
The Gunners’ second successive league win reestablished their five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand and had closed the gap with a 1-0 victory at Leeds on Saturday.
After enduring scathing criticism of their mentality during a recent wobble that breathed new life into the title race, Arsenal have got back on track just in time as they followed last weekend’s 4-1 rout of Tottenham with a far more tense triumph.
Arsenal travel to Brighton on Wednesday with nine games left in their bid to win a first English title since 2004.
The Gunners, through to the League Cup final, the Champions League last 16 and the FA Cup fifth round, have just one top-flight match left against sides currently in the top six – a potentially decisive trip to Manchester City on April 18.
Chelsea’s third consecutive game without a win was a blow to their bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
They dropped to sixth place after losing to Arsenal for the third time in Liam Rosenior’s brief reign.
Robert Sanchez nearly gifted Arsenal an early goal when the Chelsea goalkeeper stumbled under pressure from Viktor Gyokeres, but he managed a last-ditch clearance to avert the danger.
When Sanchez gave the ball away with another nervous clearance, Rosenior held his head in frustration.
Arteta preyed on Chelsea’s weakness at the back to take the lead with one of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s trademark routines in the 21st minute.
Gabriel Magalhaes towered above Reece James and Joao Pedro to nod Bukayo Saka’s corner into the six-yard box, where Saliba’s goal-bound header deflected in off Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr.
Chelsea have conceded eight goals from set-pieces in Rosenior’s first 13 matches and four of those have been against Arsenal.
But the Blues got their revenge on the stroke of half-time.
Arsenal were given a warning when James’ corner hit Declan Rice’s shoulder, forcing David Raya to make a superb save.
But they did not learn the lesson and from the resulting corner, James’ in-swinger was headed into his own net by Hincapie.
Arsenal remained vulnerable from James’ corners and Joao Pedro should have done better than head straight at Raya before nodding wide from another of the Chelsea captain’s teasing set-pieces.
Those misses proved costly for Chelsea as Arsenal once again showed their own set-piece prowess in the 66th minute.
Timber made a perfectly timed run to head home from Rice’s corner, with Chelsea’s furious appeals for a foul on Sanchez failing to get the goal overturned.
It was the 16th league goal scored from a corner by the Gunners this season and their jubilant fans celebrated by chanting “set-piece again, ole, ole”.
Neto, booked for protesting in the aftermath of Timber’s goal, rashly took out his frustration on Gabriel Martinelli, chopping down the Arsenal winger to earn his marching orders in the 70th minute.
Arsenal still needed a brilliant stoppage-time save from Raya to deny Alejandro Garnacho before they could celebrate.
Timber said it Arsenal should “enjoy” the thrilling title race.
“We have to enjoy it. It is a privilege to be standing here with my teammates fighting for this title. It is a beautiful place,” he said.
“There are nine games to go, but we have to go game by game. Hopefully, there will be something beautiful at the end of it.”
James, meanwhile, admitted that Chelsea are receiving too many red cards due to ill discipline.
“We have spoken. It has come up a number of times. Every time, it is someone different. We need to review it internally,” the Chelsea captain said.
“Of course, it is a problem. We are playing in the toughest league in the world. 11 vs 11 [players] is tough. 10 vs 11 is even harder, no matter who you’re playing.”
Earlier on Sunday, Manchester United climbed up to third place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Benjamin Sesko’s seventh goal in eight games sealed the win at Old Trafford that moved United above Aston Villa on goal difference.
“It feels like a big result,” said United captain Bruno Fernandes, who scored from the penalty spot.
At the other end of the table, Tottenham’s winless run extended to 10 games after a 2-1 loss at Fulham – leaving them mired in a fight to avoid relegation.
Nottingham Forest also failed to pull further away from the drop zone after a 2-1 loss at Brighton.
Who are the top teams to watch in City Section high school baseball and likely contenders to reach Dodger Stadium?
1. BIRMINGHAM: The Patriots have two quality starting pitchers, led by sophomore Carlos Acuna, plus an experienced closer, so if they play defense and get a little hitting, reaching Dodger Stadium will be no surprise.
2. EL CAMINO REAL: The defending City champions lost key players from the pitching staff to graduation but members from an outstanding junior varsity team are already showing signs they can handle the pressure of varsity ball.
3. NARBONNE: The Gauchos have an early-season win over Bell that will help them come playoff time.
4. BELL: Two years ago, Bell won it all, and several players from that team are off to good starts, led by Jayden Rojas. A 1-0 win over Palos Verdes was impressive behind pitcher Rigoberto Baltazar.
5. SYLMAR: Pitcher Alex Martinez and power-hitting outfielder Rickee Luevano are capable of having big seasons.
6. CARSON: The Colts have plenty of experience back to contend in Marine League.
7. SUN VALLEY POLY: Wins over Agoura and Quartz Hill show the Parrots are favorites to win East Valley League.
8. CLEVELAND: Just trust All-City player Joshua Pearlstein to make the Cavaliers strong in West Valley League.
9. VENICE: The Gondoliers went 29-4 last season and will need strong play from returnee Xander Lippman.
10. SAN FERNANDO: Tigers can be Sylmar’s strongest opponent in the Valley Mission League.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
A popular sun-drenched and culturally rich country has topped the poll as the place to book for Brits heading on holiday this year – but have you been?
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As Brits look towards booking some summer sunshine, the UK’s top trending destination has been revealed – and it’s a sun-drenched country steeped in history just a four-hour plane ride away.
Tour operator Riviera Travel has compared bookings for January and February 2026 to last year’s and discovered the fastest-growing destination has had a 310% increase in demand.
The figures show travellers are increasingly looking beyond typical European destinations and spreading their net to the Middle East and even as far as Southeast Asia. The location with the biggest surge in demand for 2026 is Egypt.
In addition to Egypt’s mostly dry weather that sports lots of sunshine and very little rain, as one of the world’s oldest civilisations, the country has a wealth of unparalleled history.
The Ancient Egyptian civilisation – with a history spanning close to 3,000 years – left a compelling legacy in the many monuments that have stood the test of time. From the mighty pyramids to the impressive temples, sacred chambers, and treasure-filled tombs, there is an abundance of world-famous attractions for travellers to visit.
Many people take the opportunity to cruise down the world-famous Nile while holidaying in Egypt and Will Sarson, travel expert at Riviera Travel, explained why that was proving so popular for holiday makers in 2026.
He said: “Egypt’s 310% surge in interest reflects the timeless draw of the Nile, where travelling by river offers a uniquely immersive way to experience one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Ancient temples, riverside villages and fertile banks unfold gradually, creating a powerful sense of continuity between past and present.
“Time along the Nile allows for deep exploration of monumental sites such as Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, balanced with quieter moments watching daily life along the water. The experience feels both awe-inspiring and surprisingly intimate, with history never far from view.”
The best time to visit the country is between October and April when the daytime temperatures are comfortable, and the nighttime temperatures are cool. The coolest month is January and the hottest are from June to August.
For those wanting to experience some sand and sea as well as some culture, Egypt’s beaches offer something for every kind of traveller. From the snorkel-friendly water in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh to the wildlife-rich bays of Marsa Alam, Egypt’s Red Sea coast lines up some of the country’s best beaches.
Those deciding to visit and stay in one place often travel to the tourist-friendly region of Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, which offer a wide array of child-friendly attractions and hotels.
The Mirror’s Jess Phillips was recently blown away by a visit to Egypt. “I genuinely feel as though I discovered one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets after jetting off from London Gatwick on a direct TUI flight to Marsa Alam International – the country’s first privately owned and operated international airport, which opened in 2003,” she wrote.
“Marsa Alam is a burgeoning coastal resort catering to tourists from around the world. The area is still actively developing – though that definitely doesn’t mean it’s lacking in things to do – and offers the best of both worlds: incredible beaches, perfect blue water, and the more traditional Egyptian desert experiences.”
Most businesses believe that sales and customer service reside in separate departments.
Every small interaction sends a message. The way you answer a question, explain a detail, or handle uncertainty all influence how comfortable someone feels pulling out their card. Spending money is personal. People need to feel looked after before they commit.
They want straight answers. They want things explained properly. And they want to sense that the person helping them actually knows what they’re doing.
To boost sales, follow these five customer service strategies below:
Avoid Scripts
A lot of training initiatives teach people what to say, not how to think – and customers feel that immediately.
The moment someone sounds like they’re reciting lines, trust slips. Real confidence comes from understanding, not memorisation. When your team knows the product inside out, they stop performing and start having proper conversations.
They can adapt, explain things in their own words, and, most importantly, respond without that awkward pause where they search for the “right” answer.
Empower Staff To Solve Problems
Empowering your team means your staff can actually help, without having to “check with someone” every five minutes – that just irritates your customers and your staff lose confidence.
Trust your team to make the right call and let them approve replacements and offer sensible credits so they can fix the small stuff immediately.
Demonstrate the kind of leadership that makes your team better.
When someone buys from you, browses certain products, or asks specific questions, they’re giving you clues about what they actually want.
They keep track of preferences, past orders, and birthdays – the small details that are easy to forget but powerful when remembered. The plan isn’t to inundate them with generic promotions or info they never wanted.
It’s to be there at the right place at the right time. For example, send out a reminder when they’re likely running low or make a suggestion that genuinely complements what they already bought.
Following up shouldn’t feel weird. It’s just care in action.
Most customers don’t need a big song and dance. They just want to know you’re still there after the payment goes through. A simple message, a few days later, is powerfully reassuring.
Not to push, and not to upsell, but rather just to make sure they’re in the loop.
Reward Loyalty and Referrals
Rewarding loyalty shouldn’t feel like a corporate points program with fine print nobody reads.
It should feel like appreciation.
Let your regulars feel like insiders. Give them a first look at new ranges before anyone else sees them. Move their order up the queue when you can.
When someone chooses your business again and again, that’s trust. They’re choosing you. They’re betting on your quality, your service, and your word.
Final Thoughts
When service feels thoughtful and reliable, hesitation and doubt drop. Questions get answered on time. That sense of being looked after doesn’t just close one sale – it builds loyalty.
A POPULAR attraction found across America is finally making its way to the UK.
Slick City Nottingham will have the world’s first UV AirGlider – a gravity-powered aerial coaster that makes you feel like you are flying.
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Slick City in Nottingham will open on March 12Credit: Google maps
Slick City already has 95 sites across America and the Nottingham site will mark the company’s first amusement park in Europe when it comes next month.
Inside the new attraction, there will be a mix of dry slides with different drops and twists.
For example, you could head on Fast Lane – a four-lane slide that has been built for friendly competitions with high-speed sliding.
Then there’s Royal Flush – a slide that features a sheer drop and then you spin around in a massive bowl, that will feel like you’re in a flushing toilet.
There’s even one slide – Avalanche – that is meant to make you feel as if you are skiing downhill, just without the snow.
Alternatively, you could head on Big Wave, which first has a steep drop and then builds speed as you slide back and forth along a blue half-pipe.
Then on the UV AirGlider, visitors will be strapped in and gravity will propel them along a track – with a ultra-violet theme – hanging in the air to make them feel as if they are soaring through the sky.
There’s a freestyle air court and sport air court as well, which are specifically designed with a cushioned and bouncy base making them the ideal spots for parkour tricks.
The attraction – which will span over 4,600sqm – will be designed for children aged four-years-old or over, with children under 12 needing an adult with them.
But there will be a soft play area for little ones aged three-years-old or younger.
And parents can sit back in the onsite cafe with a coffee as well.
The Nottingham site will be the company’s first standalone indoor slide park in Europe.
Slick City launched back in 2021 and has grown rapidly, with Keely Buchanan, park manager at Slick City Nottingham saying “it’s pure adrenaline for every age”.
Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement for the opening, with one person even asking whether there will be adult-only sessions, which is something the company does at its American sites.
It will feature 16 slides and a glider coasterCredit: Google maps
There are a number of different ticket types available including 90 minute and 120 minute sessions.
For a 90 minute session, admission costs £19.95 per person.
If you want 120 minutes of fun, then it will set you back £24.95 per person.
You can also add on the AirGlider, which costs £4 for one ride or £10 for three rides – though the three rides must be used by the same person.
It is worth noting you will also need to grab a pair of CitySocks, which cost £3 a pair – but you can keep and re-use them.
“People saw it and didn’t think much of it — but now it all makes sense.”
A second source in the F1 world added: “Three days before the race, Kim was spotted coming out of a garage where Lewis’s car was.
“She headed to his trailer. That was one of the few times Kim was seen.
“Something was definitely happening between them then. Why else would she have been there?”
Kim and Lewis at the Super Bowl togetherCredit: X
Why, indeed?
I revealed Kim and Lewis enjoyed a night at posh Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds on January 31, before heading to London for a second date and Paris for a third.
Lewis thenflew back to Los Angeleswith Kim on her £100million private jet, and days later they made their first public appearance together at the Super Bowl on February 8.
Since then, the A-list couple have been apart, with him flying to Bahrain, where he spent time last week doing pre-season testing in his Ferrari F1 car.
Lewis said he had a new-found vigour ahead of the season, adding: “I’m reset and refreshed.”
I’m sure that Kim has helped boost his drive . . .
ESTEEM DREAM
SELF ESTEEM will be in Manchester this Saturday for the Brit Awards – and she may have a very special man by her side.
I’ve learned the singer-songwriter, who is nominated for Artist of the Year at the ceremony, is dating actor Wilf Scolding.
Self Esteem is dating actor Wilf Scolding.Credit: Getty
And I’m told they have been seeing each other since 2023, when they were cast in West End show Cabaret together.
The singer, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, hinted they are an item when Wilf appeared in the video for her song The Curse in August.
A source said: “Rebecca and Wilf have been together for a while – they live together and even have a dog.
“But they aren’t showy with their personal lives so haven’t flaunted the relationship in the public eye.
“She’s had bad dating experiences in the past but Wilf is a good guy. He has the seal of approval from her mates.”
Wilf, who starred in Game Of Thrones and BBC One drama The Passing Bells, is a sea-change from the singer’s last boyfriend, who she has never publicly named but said was “a real nasty bastard”.
Self Esteem referenced her “current male lover” in an interview back in November.
When asked how often she has sex, she said: “Oh, often. That is one thing I don’t compromise on.”
Good on them both.
JUSTIN TIME FOR UK GIGS
JUSTIN BIEBER is set to embark on his biggest tour in more than a decade.
I’m told the Baby hitmaker will announce a string of global dates after playing two headline slots at US festival Coachella in April, as well as plans for a new pop album.
Justin Bieber is set to embark on his biggest tour in more than a decadeCredit: AP
A source said: “This year is set to be a huge one for Justin.
“He kicked things off with his Grammy performance earlier this month and bosses hope his Coachella sets will remind the world why he became one of the most successful singers on the planet.”
As part of his upcoming world tour, Justin is expected to announce a show at BST Hyde Park in London.
He previously played BST in 2017 – but hasn’t done a full concert on UK soil since then.
ANTI’S EURO VISION
LOVE Island fans might spot a familiar face at the Eurovision Song Contest in the spring.
While the UK will be represented by YouTuber Look Mum No Computer, Cyprus’s act is Antigoni, who starred in the ITV2 series in 2022.
Cyprus’s Eurovision act Antigoni starred in Love Island in 2022Credit: Mikaela Smila
She wore this striking red dress in the video for her entry song, Jalla – and eagle-eyed viewers might recognise someone else in the promo.
Antigoni, who was born and raised in London but is of Greek-Cypriot descent, managed to get Stavros Flatley star Demetri Demetriou to make a cameo.
Currently, Antigoni is tenth favourite to win, while Look Mum No Computer is 14th.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for them both.
KEEP an eye out for LA-based singer Amelia Moore, who has just completed a UK tour supporting Ashnikko.
She has been getting rave reviews off the back of her latest EP He’s Still Just Not That Into You! and I’m expecting big things in the coming months.
FOO FIGHT FOR GIGS
FOO FIGHTERS have announced a set of surprise shows this week – leading to thousands of fans queuing in the streets for a ticket
Tonight they will play The Academy in Dublin, before a show on Wednesday at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire and the O2 Ritz in Manchester on Friday.
Foo Fighters have announced a set of surprise shows this weekCredit: Getty
Tickets were released yesterday but fans had to queue at the venues’ box offices in a bid to stop online touts ripping people off.
The gigs come ahead of the release of their 12th album Your Favourite Toy on April 24.
I’ll be in Manchester to see the band – I can’t wait.
THE SEX PISTOLS BACK ON ROAD
THE SEX PISTOLS ft. Frank Carter have announced a brand new tour celebrating 50 years of punk.
Anarchy In The UK will see them play five shows at the end of the year, kicking off in Ireland at Dublin’s 3 Arena on December 7.
The Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter have announced a brand new tour celebrating 50 years of punkCredit: PA
They will then play Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange on December 9, before hitting Glasgow’s O2 Academy the following evening.
Frank and Co will then head to London to play the Brixton Academy on December 18 and the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith two days later.
MARGOT IS SHEER DELIGHT
MARGOT ROBBIE skipped the Baftas and headed Down Under for Tropfest 2026 in Sydney.
The film festival, which celebrates the best short films and new rising stars of the industry, enlisted Margot as the president of this year’s jury.
Margot Robbie at Tropfest 2026 in SydneyCredit: Getty
Next year, I know Margot will be front and centre at the Baftas in London – with her new film Wuthering Heights expected to pick up a raft of nods, including Best Actress for her star turn.
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel has caused a storm among cinema lovers, with Margot’s co-star Jacob Elordi expected to be shortlisted for Best Actor.
Foreign tourists crowd a market street in Tokyo’s Ueno district. Photo by Asia Today
Feb. 20 (Asia Today) — South Korea was the largest source of foreign visitors to Japan in January, filling a gap left by a sharp drop in Chinese tourism, according to official data released this week.
The Japan National Tourism Organization said 3,597,500 foreign travelers visited Japan in January, down 4.9% from a year earlier and marking the first year-over-year decline in four years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Korea accounted for 1,176,000 visitors, up 21.6% from a year earlier and representing 32.7% of all arrivals. It was the highest monthly total on record for a single country or region in January.
In contrast, Chinese visitors fell 60.7% to 385,300 from 980,250 a year earlier. The decline followed calls by the Chinese government urging restraint in travel to Japan. The drop extended a steep fall in December.
Visitors from Hong Kong also declined 17.9% to about 200,000, reducing the combined share of mainland China and Hong Kong to roughly 11% of total arrivals, compared with 20% to 30% in previous periods.
Other markets showed solid growth. Taiwan sent 694,500 visitors, up 17%, while the United States recorded 207,800 arrivals, up 13.8%. Australia contributed 160,700 visitors, up 14.6%. South Korea, Taiwan and Australia each posted record January figures.
Despite the slump in Chinese travel, 17 countries and regions set record January totals, helping to limit the overall decline. The tourism agency cited demand for winter sports and an increase in long-stay travelers as supporting factors.
Industry officials said group tours from China have been more heavily affected than individual travelers. The downturn followed remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi related to Taiwan, after which Beijing encouraged citizens to reconsider trips to Japan.
Tourism operators are seeking to reduce reliance on Chinese demand. A sake brewery in Niigata said Chinese visitors account for about 10% of its 7,000 annual foreign guests. On a recent tour, no Chinese participants were present.
Tourism Agency Commissioner Shigeki Murata said bookings from non-Chinese markets are maintaining levels seen during last year’s Lunar New Year holiday. Yusuke Miura, an economist at Nissei Research Institute, warned that prolonged travel restraint from China could pose risks and called for both businesses and the government to diversify by market.
China’s Spring Festival, which began Feb. 15, typically overlaps with Japan’s off-season for domestic travel, making Chinese tourists a key source of winter demand. Analysts are watching closely how the shortfall will affect hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
President Donald Trump has said he will raise global tariffs on imported goods to 15 percent after the United States Supreme Court struck down his previous trade measures.
The president announced his decision on Saturday, revising an earlier decision to impose a new 10 percent worldwide tariff after the Supreme Court ruling, which triggered immediate concern and responses from governments and markets.
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The US top court’s ruling and Trump’s new tariffs have left countries grappling with the legal and economic fallout, raising questions about ongoing agreements, tariff reductions, and the legality of past duties.
Governments are now evaluating how the new levy will affect key industries, investment plans, and trade negotiations, while analysts warn that uncertainty could persist until legal and trade frameworks are clarified.
South Korea
In South Korea, one of the US’s closest allies, the presidential office, Blue House, has released a statement, saying the government will review the trade deal and make decisions in the national interest, casting a question mark over the agreement signed in November last year, which lowered tariffs from 25 to 15 percent in exchange for $350bn in cash and investments from South Korea in the US.
“For major South Korean companies in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, the Supreme Court ruling has been positive: Even if Trump introduces the new 10 percent tariffs under Section 122, they would still pay a lower rate,” said Jack Barton, an Al Jazeera correspondent in Seoul.
“However, exporters of automobiles, more than half of which go to the US, remain subject to the 25 percent tariff, and steel exports are still hit with 50 percent duties under Section 232, which was not affected by the ruling.”
The South Korean government is expected to move cautiously. Exports account for 85 percent of South Korea’s gross domestic product, with the US as the second-largest market.
“Officials have indicated that rapid changes could jeopardise major agreements, including a recent multibillion-dollar shipbuilding deal with the US and other investments,” said Barton.
“While no definitive policy statement has been made yet, the Blue House has said that the trade deal will be under careful review and changes are likely.”
India
India has faced some of the highest US tariffs under Trump’s previous use of emergency trade powers. The president first imposed a 25 percent levy on Indian imports and later added another 25 percent on the country’s purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total to 50 percent.
Earlier this month, the US and India reached a framework trade deal. Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil and that US tariffs would be lowered to 18 percent for India’s top exports to the US, including clothing, pharmaceuticals, precious stones, and textiles. Meanwhile, India said it will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a range of agricultural products.
According to political economist MK Venu, founding editor of Indian publication, The Wire, “Critics have argued New Delhi should have waited for the US Supreme Court decision before finalising the interim trade deal and even trade analysts previously connected with the government have maintained it would have been wiser to wait for the court verdict.”
Venu added that Trump was eager to finalise the trade deal, which includes a commitment to buy $500bn worth of new imports in defence, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI) from the US over the next five years.
While India, he said, welcomed the reduction of tariffs to 18 percent and the removal of penal duties on Russian imports, uncertainty remains over negotiations, as the Supreme Court ruling affects the legal basis of past tariffs.
“The Indian trade delegation is likely to wait for the final outcome of the Supreme Court verdict before proceeding with further negotiations, and countries around the world are expected to follow the court’s ruling rather than rush into trade agreements under legislation deemed unconstitutional,” he said.
China
China has reacted in a muted way to the Supreme Court ruling, with much of the country still on the Lunar New Year break.
Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Beijing, said, “The Chinese embassy in Washington has issued a blanket statement, noting that trade wars benefit nobody, and that the decision is likely to be broadly welcomed in China, which has long been a primary target of Trump’s tariff policies.”
Since last April, he said, China has faced multiple layers of tariffs, including 10 percent on chemicals used in fentanyl production exported to the US and 100 percent on electric vehicles.
Analysts have estimated that the overall tariff level, about 36 percent, could now fall to about 21 percent, providing some relief to an economy already under strain from the COVID-19 pandemic, a prolonged property market crisis, and declining exports.
Shipments from China to the US have reportedly fallen by roughly a fifth over the past year.
“Beijing has sought to offset losses in the US market by strengthening trade ties with Southeast Asian nations and pursuing agreements with the European Union,” McBride said.
“The Supreme Court ruling may also create a more favourable atmosphere ahead of a planned state visit by Trump in early April, when he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping, potentially opening space for a reset in relations between the world’s two largest economies.”
Canada
Canada has welcomed the US Supreme Court’s decision but has pointed out that there are still some challenges ahead.
Regional leaders across the country, including those of British Columbia and Ontario, have signalled that the ruling is a positive step, according to Al Jazeera’s Ian Wood, reporting from Toronto.
However, Minister for Canada-US trade Dominic LeBlanc has said that significant work remains, as Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium, softwood lumber, and automobiles have remained in place.
Meanwhile, Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has added that while optimism has grown, tension has persisted over what Donald Trump will do next, Wood said.
Mexico
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said her government would be carefully reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision to assess its scope and the extent to which Mexico might be affected.
“The reality is that despite all we’ve heard over the last year about tariffs or the threat of tariffs, Mexico has actually ended up in quite a privileged, even competitive position, especially when compared to other countries,” said Al Jazeera’s Julia Gliano, reporting from Mexico City.
“We have to remember Mexico is the US’s largest trading partner, and the two countries, along with Canada, share a vast trading agreement that shields most products from the so-called reciprocal tariffs that President Trump announced.
“There were also punitive tariffs related to fentanyl and illegal immigration along the US border, which Mexico had managed to suspend while negotiations continued on those matters. Now the tariffs that Mexico has been subjected to on steel, aluminium, and car parts are not affected by today’s decision.”
So, the government here in Mexico, she said, is now standing by to see what the Trump administration comes up with next as it reels from today’s decision by the Supreme Court.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed “the existence of checks and balances in democracies” after the Supreme Court’s decision, telling reporters at an event in the capital that his country wanted to continue exporting “under the fairest rules possible and not be subject to unilateral decisions”.
The country’s finance minister, Nicolas Forissier, told UK newspaper The Financial Times that the EU has the tools to hit back at the US over its tariff policy, suggesting a more combative approach.
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he expected the tariff burden on his country’s economy to be lower after the US Supreme Court ruling, raising the prospect of German companies recouping billions in refunds.
Flagging an upcoming visit to Washington, Merz told Germany’s ARD broadcaster that he would present a “coordinated European position” on the matter, pointing out that tariff policy is determined by the European Union rather than individual member states.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said Europe was strengthening its independence and sovereignty, building new trade relationships worldwide and concluding free trade agreements.
Limits of Trump’s tariff powers
A senior legal scholar told Al Jazeera that the US Supreme Court ruling marks a key moment in the legal battle over Trump’s tariffs, focusing on constitutional limits rather than economics.
Frank Bowman, professor emeritus at the University of Missouri School of Law, told Al Jazeera that the court has for the first time confronted what he called Trump’s broader challenge to the rule of law.
“This is a ruling that is important in several respects. The first, more broadly, is that this is the first time in the last year that the Supreme Court has stepped in and attempted to do something about Donald Trump’s generalised attack on the rule of law in the United States.
“And make no mistake, although tariffs certainly are about economics, what Trump has done over the last year is essentially to defy the law. And the Supreme Court happily decided that they had had enough and that they would say no. So, they’re not ruling on economic policy. They made a decision that the president simply exceeded his constitutional authority.”
ATLANTA — He is weighing military action against Iran, leading an aggressive immigration crackdown, and teasing a federal takeover of state elections.
But on Thursday, President Trump’s team insists he will focus on the economy when he visits battleground Georgia in a trip designed to help boost Republicans’ political standing heading into the high-stakes midterm elections.
“Georgia is obviously a very important state to the president and to the Republican Party,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on the eve of his visit. Trump’s remarks in Georgia, she said, will highlight “his efforts to make life affordable for working people.”
Trump’s destination in Georgia suggests he has something else on his mind too. He’s heading to a congressional district previously represented by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former supporter who resigned in January after feuding with Trump. There’s a special election to replace her on March 10.
The White House has long said Trump would focus more on the economy, and he frequently complains that he doesn’t get enough credit for it. But recent months have been dominated by other issues, including deadly clashes during deportation efforts in Minneapolis.
As a reminder of his divided attention, Trump is scheduled to begin Thursday with one of his passion projects. He’s gathering representatives from some of the more than two dozen countries that have joined his Board of Peace, a diplomatic initiative to supplant the United Nations.
False claims of voter fraud
The Georgia visit comes less than a month after federal agents seized voting records and ballots from Fulton County, home to the state’s largest collection of Democrats.
Trump has long seen Georgia as central to his false claim that the 2020 election was stolen by Democrats and President Biden, a fabrication that he reiterated Wednesday during a White House reception on Black History Month.
“We won by millions of votes but they cheated,” Trump said.
Audits, state officials, courts and Trump’s own former attorney general have all rejected the idea of widespread problems that could have altered the election.
Some Republicans are now pushing for Georgia’s State Election Board, which has a Trump-aligned majority, to take control of elections in Fulton County, a step enabled by a controversial state law passed in 2021. But it’s unclear if or when the board will act.
Leavitt, in the White House, said Wednesday that Trump was “exploring his options” when it comes to a potential executive order he teased on social media over the weekend designed to address voter fraud.
Trump described Democrats as “horrible, disingenuous CHEATERS” in the post, which is pinned to the top of his social media account. He also said that Republicans should feature such claims “at the top of every speech.”
Leavitt, meanwhile, insisted Trump would be focusing on affordability and the economy.
Greene has not gone quiet
Trump may be distracted by fresh attacks from Greene, once among the president’s most vocal allies in Congress and now one of his loudest conservative critics.
In a social media post ahead of Trump’s visit, Greene noted that the White House and Republican leaders met earlier in the week to develop an effective midterm message. She suggested they were “on the struggle bus” and blamed them for health insurance costs that ballooned this year.
“Approximately 75,000 households in my former district had their health insurance double or more on January 1st of this year because the ACA tax credits expired and Republicans have absolutely failed to fix our health insurance system that was destroyed by Obamacare,” she said. “And you can call me all the petty names you want, I don’t worship a man. I’m not in a cult.”
Early voting has already begun in the special election to replace Greene, and the leading Republican candidates have fully embraced Trump.
Trump recently endorsed Clay Fuller, a district attorney who prosecutes crimes in four counties. Fuller described Trump’s endorsement as “rocket fuel” for his candidacy in a weekend interview and vowed to maintain an America First agenda even if he remains in Congress after Trump is no longer president.
Other candidates include Republican former state Sen. Colton Moore, who made a name for himself with a vociferous attack on Trump’s prosecution in Georgia. Moore, the favorite of many far-right activists, said he’s been in communication with Trump even after Trump endorsed Fuller, calling the choice “unfortunate.”
“I think he’s the greatest president of our lifetimes,” Moore said.
The top Democrat in the race is Shawn Harris, who unsuccessfully ran against Greene in 2024. Democrats voice hope for an upset, but the district is rated as the most Republican district in Georgia by the Cook Political Report.
Zimbabwe finished top of Group B at the T20 World Cup after stunning England’s next opponents Sri Lanka in a six-wicket victory in Colombo.
Both sides were already guaranteed their place in the Super 8s but Zimbabwe, who did not qualify for the last T20 World Cup in 2024, progress unbeaten after completing a fine chase of 179 with three balls to spare.
Opener Brian Bennett, who is yet to be dismissed in the tournament, followed his score of 64 not out in the famous win over Australia last week with an unbeaten 63 to steer home the chase.
He shared an opening stand of 69 with Tadiwanashe Marumani and, after Marumani fell for 34 and Ryan Burl 23, played the anchor role as captain Sikander Raza struck 45 from just 26 balls.
Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa fell in the penultimate over but, with eight runs needed from the last, Tony Munyonga emerged and hit a six before Bennett drove the winning runs through the covers.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka, who play England in both sides’ Super 8s opener in Pallekele on Sunday, dropped catches and leaked boundaries with misfields.
They were without injured bowler Matheesha Pathirana and fellow seamer Dushmantha Chameera, who was resting.
Pathum Nissanka, who also scored a fine century in Sri Lanka’s win over Australia, continued his form with 62 from 44 balls in his side’s 178-7.
Zimbabwe progress into a Super 8s group with co-hosts India, South Africa and West Indies.
Their first match is on Monday in Mumbai against the Windies, who beat Italy earlier on Thursday to continue their unbeaten record.
My music industry mole said: “Taylor is hiding out in London at the moment and is scheduled to visit Manchester, which seems like she could be lined up for a surprise appearance at the Brit Awards.
“Taylor was handed the Global Icon Award at the ceremony back in 2021 and has a huge amount of respect for the Brits. She loves it.
“Brits bosses are trying to keep everything under lock and key, but it feels too much like a coincidence that Taylor is secretly in the UK at the exact time of the Brits.
“The fact her team are all heading home the Monday after the ceremony is fishy. Manchester is an amazing city, but Taylor wouldn’t just be coming to look at the cathedral and the Etihad, would she?”
As lovely as those landmarks are, I doubt it.
If Tay is at the city’s Co-op Live arena on February 28, I think it could be the greatest coup for the Brits. She always delivers a show, on and off the stage.
Superstar Taylor secretly landed in the UK this weekCredit: Getty
In 2015, when I was working for Heat magazine, I exclusively revealed that Taylor had hooked up with Calvin Harris at an after-party, with the pair dating for a year.
And in 2021, when she received the Global Icon Award while we were mired in Covid restrictions, she had a very safe knees-up with pals including Haim and Olivia Rodrigo.
This time around, I know Manchester is ready for one massive party and having Taylor front and centre would be phenomenal.
And given her ex Harry Styles is also on the bill, I think it could be a very exciting night.
…AND SHE’S No1 AGAIN
TAYLOR has been named the biggest-selling artist globally of 2025 – the fourth year in a row that she’s topped the list.
The singer, who also took the title in 2014, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024, triumphed thanks to the release of her 12th album, The Life Of A Showgirl, in October.
She is just ahead of K-pop group Stray Kids, who have become megastars around the world, despite not having chart success in the UK.
The list has been compiled by the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry, which compiles streaming, downloads and physical formats in every country for its global artist chart.
The biggest gainer was Super Bowl headliner Bad Bunny, who hopped up from No20 in 2024 to No5, while country star Morgan Wallen rose from No13 to No7.
She has re-entered the list at No10 for the first time since 2020, following the release of her album Mayhem.
10 BIGGEST GLOBAL STARS
Taylor Swift
Stray Kids
Drake
The Weeknd
Bad Bunny
Kendrick Lamar
Morgan Wallen
Sabrina Carpenter
Billie Eilish
Lady Gaga
JADE HAS A LITTLE HELPER IN GROOT
Jade Thirlwall has admitted she used to walk around with a teddy version of GrootCredit: GettyGroot is the tree-like character from Guardians Of The GalaxyCredit: Marvel Studios – Disney +
JADE THIRLWALL got comfort from a surprising source after stepping away from her musical roots when Little Mix went on hiatus in 2021.
She admitted walking around with a teddy version of Groot – the tree-like character from Guardians Of The Galaxy – on her shoulder as she pined for her girlband pals.
On new podcast By The Way . . . With Harriet Rose, out today, Jade said: “Little Mix, that was my life. I’m very career driven and poured everything into Little Mix.
“So when that kind of stopped, that was a massive shock to the system. I had a little bit of a mini menty-b [mental breakdown].
“I had a little teddy of Groot and started wearing it on my shoulder all the time. It was really weird.
“After Little Mix, I went on holiday with my friends and they were like, ‘Why do you keep wearing Groot on your shoulder?’. I think I was replacing the girls with Groot.
“My friends were like, ‘I think it’s time to stop wearing Groot’.”
RAYE’S REMORSE
RAYE has offered complimentary tickets and signed vinyls to fans after they were blocked from entering her show in Paris on Sunday.
She was horrified to discover 65 people were turned away due to a Ticketmaster system error, which she said “is completely unacceptable.”
Raye added: “I know this doesn’t remotely make up for this mess, but it’s all I can think of in this moment to soften the blow.”
MILEY CYRUS will take part in a special for Disney+ to mark the 20th anniversary of her breakout show Hannah Montana.
Miley Cyrus is set to take part in a Hannah Montana Disney+ anniversary specialCredit: Getty
In the one-off, which is to be screened on March 24, she will be interviewed by podcaster Alex Cooper in front of a live studio audience to look back at the series.
Miley said: “This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”
YELL OF A LOOK, PRIYANKA
Priyanka Chopra stuns in a bright yellow outfit ahead of the premiere for her new movie The BluffCredit: Shutterstock EditorialActress Priyanka was supported on the red carpet by her husband Nick JonasCredit: Reuters
PRIYANKA CHOPRA spread some joy in this bright yellow outfit ahead of the premiere for her new movie The Bluff.
She wore the thigh-high dress at a photocall before changing into a leather look for the Los Angeles launch of the action thriller on Tuesday night.
The actress was supported on the red carpet by her husband Nick Jonas, who she grabbed by the cheeks while leaning in for a kiss, inset.
Nick released his fifth solo album Sunday Best earlier this month, but it failed to crack the charts.
Here’s hoping her movie fares better.
SHAUN BLASTS TRUMP
Shaun Ryder is no exception to being woud up by the US PresidentCredit: GettyHe has branded Donald Trump ‘orange, fat and bloated’Credit: Reuters
The Happy Mondays frontman has channelled that into music and written his angriest ever song about Donald, who he branded “orange, fat and bloated”.
In an exclusive chat about their new album, Shaun told me: “Trump keeps popping up.
“There’s plenty on that f***ing orange, motherf***ing waste of space.
“Although I’ve not been mentioning his name, some songs are definitely influenced by that w***er. I f***ing hate him.
“He’s just a p**ck. You might as well have me and Bez up there saying s**t. We have probably got more of a clue than he has.
“I just can’t stand the f***ing man. You can see how it’s affecting me lyrically. I wrote one song that goes, ‘You orange, fat, bloated ****! You f***ing lying, f***ing delusional t**t!’ How’s that for a chorus?”
Brilliant, Shaun.
He also takes a pop at Nigel Farage on the record and said: “Reform, f*** me.
“Every time it gets a bit tough and people haven’t got jobs, it’s ‘blame f***ing immigrants, blame this’,’ it never changes. “That’s the f***ing world, the world is on a loop.
“We never seem to learn f*** all about wars or anything.”
RITA’S TIPS TO BRUSH OFF TROLLS
Rita Ora has revealed she recites mantras to get into a good headspaceCredit: Getty
RITA ORA has advice for ignoring online trolls who target her and other celebs.
The Anywhere singer recites mantras to get into a good headspace.
Rita has teamed up with tech company Meta for a video series on Instagram in a bid to help others.
She said: “You can’t be afraid of something you can’t control.
“You can’t control it, stop thinking about it. These are the mantras I say to myself every day in the mirror.”
Rita added: “Comments can cut. Every tiny thing gets magnified and everyone can see through the walls.
“Someone in the public eye may have more people looking at them but the walls are just as fragile. The doubts are really what helps me make great songs though.”
Personally, I just like to laugh at the trolls, who are always sad, decrepit nobodies, who should get off the internet and find a job.
ACTOR Daniel Radcliffe does not want the cast of the new Harry PotterHBO TV show to be compared to those in the original movies.
He was boy wizard Harry on film, but that role is now Dominic McLaughlin’s.
Daniel said: “Just let them get on with it, it’s going to be a new, different thing.
“I’m sure Dominic is going to be better than me.”
UPDATED IDOLS HAS NEW BLUD
YUNGBLUD will release six previously unheard songs on an updated version of his No1 album Idols.
Idols, Part 2 comes out tomorrow and also features his version of Zombie with The Smashing Pumpkins.
Yungblud said: “Part one was a journey that helped me reclaim my identity from the darkest position I’ve ever been in my life.
“Part two is about realising that I am alive, that I am real, that this journey I’ve been on didn’t kill me.”
Yungblud picked up his first Grammy earlier this month , and I have no doubt there will be plenty more awards to come when he finishes work on his upcoming fifth album.
ROB HITS WIG TIME
Robert Pattinson revealed he doesn’t feel welcome in HollywoodCredit: UnknownZendaya and Robert on the cover of Interview magazineCredit: Nadia Lee Cohen
ROBERT PATTINSON is unrecognisable in this blond wig as he sits on the floor holding a ciggie.
Even she was puzzled about the snaps, saying: “The theme was, I don’t know.”
Rob revealed he doesn’t feel welcome in Hollywood, admitting: “I’m never really allowed in. I’m always knocking at the door, like, ‘Hey, guys. Where the party at?’
A TRIP to Devon isn’t complete without visiting a pub and luckily, the county has plenty.
Whether you prefer a pub garden or being by a cosy fireplace or have a dog with you, Devon is full of great pubs.
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Devon is home to some lovely pubs, including the Church House Inn in Marldon which has a pretty garden (pictured)Credit: TripadvisorAt The Old Rydon Inn you can see plants crawling up the building in the summertimeCredit: Facebook/Old Rydon Inn
Though, it can be overwhelming to choose a spot, so here are some of the best pubs in the county from someone who has tried and tested them as a local…
Church House Inn, Marldon
The Church House Inn in the village of Marldon, South Devon is a gem not many stumble across.
The pub is out of the way from the main tourist spots in the area, but if you have a car it is well-worth the drive too.
Inside you will find traditional beams and exposed stone walls, as well as a large open roaring fire.
In the summer, the garden is a tranquil spot to enjoy a spritz, with nothing but the hum of birds nearby and the church watching over the garden.
The Drum Inn, Cockington
Nestled in the unique village of Cockington, you will find The Drum Inn.
I have been caught in here on both scorching hot days and snowy winter storms, making it the ideal pub for all seasons.
It is a large pub but still has a cosy vibe and it is the perfect retreat after exploring the thatched cottages and fields of Cockington.
The Old Rydon Inn, Kingsteignton
Run by a couple of 20 years, The Old Rydon Inn in Kingsteignton is a very pretty pub.
It’s a Grade-II listed farmhouse, which used to be part of Lord Clifford’s Manor way back during the reign of Henry II.
The pub even still has the original elm screens dating to the early 16th century.
In the sunny weather, try and sit outside – plants crawl all over the building and it is very peaceful.
Court Inn Farm was built in the 16th century and features traditional beams insideCredit: Facebook/Court Farm
Court Farm Inn, Abbotskerswell
The Court Farm Inn used to be a farmhouse and was built in the 16th century.
Today, beams still feature inside and so do exposed stone walls.
The ciders served here are always cold and crisp and don’t forget to try desert if eating, they are unfussy but the ultimate comfort.
Steam Packet Inn, Kingswear
Just before you get the ferry across to Dartmouth town, make sure to stop off in the Steam Packet Inn.
Inside, this spot has a more modern feel with chic striped benches and blue tones throughout.
Perhaps though, the best thing about this pub is that it overlooks Darthaven Marina and the railway, where you will often see the steam train chugging past.
Steam Packet Inn in Kingswear is the perfect stop before exploring Dartmouth across the riverCredit: Steam Packet Inn KingswearMasons Arms is located in the pretty village of BranscombeCredit: Alamy
Masons Arms, Branscombe
The Masons Arms in Branscombe dates back to the 14th century and sits in a picturesque village.
The pub itself has a thatched roof, and then on the inside the decor includes pine cladding, low ceiling beams and of course, a roaring log fireplace.
During the day, this spot is ideal for coffee but of course, the ales are great too.
The St Austell Burger for £18 is a delicious feat, with Mena Dhu stout onion marmalade, Monterey Jack cheese, beef tomato, gherkin, pickled red slaw, and skin-on fries.
The Thatch, Croyde
There’s a reason why The Thatch has over 2,000 four and five-star reviews…
Though the food isn’t cheap, it is super flavoursome and a lot of the dishes put a sophisticated twist on pub classics.
Croyde Bay is right on the pub’s doorstep as well, making it the ideal spot post beach walks or surfing sessions.
After a day surfing, head to The Thatch in CroydeCredit: The ThatchIf you want amazing sea views, make sure to sit outside at Fairway BuoyCredit: Facebook/Fairway Buoy
Fairway Buoy, Bideford
Sat on the promenade in Bideford, Fairway Buoy overlooks the sprawling, golden sands beach.
It’s pet friendly and has a large outdoor seating area which is the ideal spot for watching the sunset.
The food is more modern too, with pizzas often on the menu.
Definitely try their hot chocolate as well on cold beach days – it was bigger than my head.
Samuel Jones, Exeter
Sat on the edge of Exeter Quay, you will find the stylish pub Samuel Jones.
Inside, the decor features a more industrial style fitting in with the rest of the Quay.
In addition to serving their award-winning ales, the venue also broadcasts live sports.
Samuel Jones in Exeter sits at the edge of the Quay and often shows live sportsCredit: Instagram/samueljonesexeterThe Victoria Inn in Salcombe is a good option for lunch with sharing boardsCredit: Victoria Inn Salcombe
Victoria Inn, Salcombe
Salcombe is loved for many reasons, drawing in hoards of tourists each year, but the Victoria Inn is another reason to love it.
Just a short walk from the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, the Victoria Inn is full of cosy corners and a log fire.
On Sundays the pub hosts bingo, which is always a laugh.
And when it comes to the menu, sharing boards are a great option for a lunchtime sit down after exploring the town.
The Waterman’s Arms, Totnes
The Waterman’s Arms in Totnes feels like being in a fairytale storybook.
The pub sits right at the riverside, by Bow Bridge.
In the evenings, the 17th century watering hole often hosts candlelit dinners but if you are there in the day and it happens to be sunny, do not miss the garden terrace.
Kids also eat free during half-term!
The Waterman’s Arms in Totnes sits at the riverside and has a sprawling garden terraceCredit: Facebook/The Watermans ArmsThe Old Fire House in Exeter used to be a 19th century fire stationCredit: Old Fire House Exeter
Old Fire House, Exeter
The Old Fire House in Exeter is a super popular spot and with good reason.
The boozer is inside an old 19th century firehouse with a vaulted wooden-beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls.
This spot is especially loved for its late-night events with a good atmosphere and oversized 14-inch square pizzas.
You dog is allowed to come too…
Tinpickle And Rhum, Dartmoor
Tinpickle and Rhum is a gastropub located at the The Moorland Hotel by Haytor, on Dartmoor.
Inside the interiors feel a little luxury with rustic wooden cladding on the walls which match the tables and giant modern chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Don’t miss their All Three Roasts for £23.95 with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cheddar cauliflower cheese, season’s best vegetables and red wine gravy.
Head to the pub after a walk up to Haytor Rock, which is one of the most popular spots on the Moors for its breathtaking views and unique rock formations.
The Tinpickle and Rhum has a roast where you get three roasts in oneCredit: Facebook/Tinpickle and RhumThe Highwayman Inn, Sourton is often dubbed the most unusual pub in BritainCredit: TripAdvisor
The Highwayman Inn, Sourton
Despite not having visited yet, I couldn’t miss out the quirky Highwayman Inn near Sourton.
Often dubbed Britain’s most unusual pub, The Highwayman Inn features its own minotaur and has a layout that is more like a maze.
The boozer dates back to the 13th century and inside it is full of unusual objects to feast your eyes on.
The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island
Dating back to the 14th century, The Pilchard Inn offers amazing views of the sea and crashing waves.
It is actually one of England‘s oldest pubs, according to its website.
And to get to the pub you can either walk across at low tide, taking around 10 minutes or at high tide, hop on the sea tractor costing between £2 and £3 a way.
