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MEGAN Thee Stallion has stripped down to a tiny black thong and bra top while announcing she’s performing at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

The racy rapper, 31, will soon show her recent ex-boyfriend Klay Thompson, 36, what he’s missing when she performs at the very sexy fashion show.

“Hotties, my dream has finally come true,” Megan told fans Tuesday when announcing the news on social media.

She added: “I’m in thee Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

“Tune in October 18 to see me get my wings.”

Fans can tune into the live fashion show on October 18 via YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

MEG-A SEXY

Megan Thee Stallion suffers wardrobe malfunction in completely see-through dress

In the video accompanying her announcement, Megan could be seen rocking black thong panties and white bra top as she danced around.

Reacting to Megan’s news of her VS Fashion Show performance, one person said: “REAL LIFE ANGEL IS GETTING HER WINGS.”

Another added: “Sexy & sensual moment.”

While a third wrote: “GO MEG.”

And a fourth said: “ITS BEEN OVER DUE QUEEN!!!! You’ve been on a run! Cultural ICON.”

Megan previously said she was keen to become a Victoria’s Secret angel.

Back in 2011, the rapper took to X, formerly Twitter, and penned: “I swear ima b a victoria secret model when I grow up.”

Megan is keen to show ex-boyfriend Klay what he is missing, following their recent break-up, which was plagued by cheating rumours on his part.

In June, the star took to Instagram and appeared to call out her unfaithful ex.

Megan wrote: “Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house… got ‘cold feet’.

“Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamos’ ????

“B**** I need a real break after this one.. bye yall.”

Maiara Niehues scored in the 88th minute for visiting Angel City in a 1-0 win Saturday that sent the Washington Spirit a third straight loss.

Carina Lageyre found Niehues at the top of the penalty area with two minutes remaining in regulation.

Both Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver and Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson made just two saves.

Angel City improved to 12-8-6.

The Spirit fell to 14-8-4.

A NEW Minecraft rollercoaster and hotel is coming to the UK next year as part of a huge new theme park expansion.

Chessington World of Adventures announced the new £50million Minecraft World earlier this year, which will be the first of its kind.

And new details about what will be in the land have been revealed.

The main ride will be Escape the Nether, the first Minecraft rollercoaster in the world.

Passengers will be taken through ‘dark mines’ on the indoor ride, before travelling through a Nether Portal to an Overworld themed area.

Little else is known about it, although it says it will be a ‘high-speed indoor adventure’.

PAWSOME

I was transported into the world of Paw Patrol at Chessington’s new land

DREAMY

Stay at Alton Towers or Legoland & get free entry to top UK theme parks for a YEAR

The park has also revealed what to expect from the new Minecraft World Hotel.

Inside will be 69 rooms spread across four floors, ranging from standard to premium.

Guests can expect the famous Minecraft blocks and items within the rooms, while the ‘Nether Portal’ themed lifts and mine tunnel corridors will add more to the immersive experience.

Also inside will be a Woodland Mansion themed ‘potion’ bar as well as an underwater-themed restaurant.

This is alongside other retail and dining attractions in the land as well.

An official opening date for the new land is yet to be confirmed with it being sometime in 2027.

Daisy Mercedes, Creative Producer at Merlin Entertainments, said: “We promised something truly special when we announced Minecraft World earlier this year, and with Minecraft World Hotel we are offering even more.

“Not only will fans be able to experience the game imagined for real life, but they’ll be also able to sleep inside it, ensuring fans respawn exactly where they want to be.

“Seeing the Minecraft World Hotel take shape alongside the attractions we are building at Chessington World of Adventures theme park is a Minecraft fans biggest dream.

“Every room, corridor and detail has been crafted with immense love for this game, the stories made within it and its community.

Trains from London to Chessington take around 35 minutes. Tickets start from £34 each.

In the mean time, you can visit the UK’s first dedicated Paw Patrol-themed land, which opened at Chessington earlier this year.

QUIET beaches, cosy hot chocolates in the caravan, loads of rainy day activities for the kids: October half term is the perfect time for a family getaway.

Especially when you can head off on holiday for as little as £2.75pp a night.

Rather than just offering a cheap bed for the week, these holiday parks are running action-packed Halloween activity schedules, with everything from monster talent shows to good-old pumpkin carving.

Plus we’ve purposely picked out spots with plenty more to do off-site, such as a scare fest takeovers at a seaside theme park and a Halloween steam train ride where kids go free.

Better yet, all of these affordable deals are for holidays within the October half term. Many of them begin from Friday night, meaning you collect the kids straight from school and head straight into half term fun.

From the misty Moray coast in Scotland to seaside Halloween fun in Skegness, here’s our favourite UK holiday parks to visit this October half term – from as little as £2.75pp per night.

Butlin’s October Half Term stays

If you visit to Butlin’s this October half term, expect to find everything fully decked out for Halloween.

The fairground will become the ‘Scareground‘, where monsters lurk in thick fog and you can experience the rides at night in glowing neon green.

The classic ‘Night at Reds’ show held by the Butlin’s redcoats has been given a monster makeover, with Halloween-themed games, sing-a-longs and an ‘Eerily Silent Disco’.

Throw in a mega Halloween Welcome Party, character photo shoots, themed pottery painting and pumpkin-carving sessions, and you’ve got yourself a thoroughly spooky break.

Plus, new for 2026, you’ll find the Skyline Gang Monster Mash – a talent show starring the classic characters with a different winner each night.

We found a four night break at Butlin’s Minehead in a standard family room sleeping four for £44, which works out to £2.75pp per night.

Parkdean Heacham Beach, Norfolk

Head to West Norfolk’s Heacham Beach holiday park for an autumn seaside break packed with plenty of spookiness.

Free themed activities include nighttime guided ghost walks around the park, and ‘Professor Slime’, where kids step into the slime lab to create their own concoctions.

In the evenings, settle down for the Quiz Nation Halloween Special where you can put your knowledge to the test against other holiday parks across the UK.

Or, if you come alive with energy at nighttime, stomp your way over to the Zombie Rave, where you can dance the night away.

If you fancy getting out and about, Church Farm Pumpkins sits on the edge of the village and is the perfect pumpkin patch for pictures and picking your own.

We found a three night stay from October 23 in a Bronze caravan sleeping six for £229, working out to £12.72pp per night.

Parkdean are running Halloween activities across 59 holiday parks between October 2 – November 1, with a more extensive activity program during the half term break.

If you’re looking to stay at another Parkdean resort, the following holiday parks won’t have the Halloween activities: Church Point, Fallbarrow, Gatebeck, Limefitt, and Todber Valley.

Haven Skegness

Whether you want to visit a seaside theme park for a creepy scare fest, or go ghost-hunting along the coast, Haven Skegness is ideal for a family Halloween break.

Haven are running loads of Halloween activities this year across their parks, including crafty activities like Halloween Make a Bear and build your own Halloween basket.

Even the food and drink will receive a Halloween twist, as grown-ups can grab a Ghoula Colada or Cursed Lagoon cocktail.

Make sure to step off-site to visit Fear Island, theme park Fantasy Island‘s scare fest where you can dip in and out of immersive zones like creepy cabins inhabited by clowns.

Fear Island takes place on the following dates: 17-18, 21-25 and 28 Oct October, as well as November 1. If you book ahead online you can save 10%.

We found a deal for a three night stay at Haven Skegness from October 23 in a Saver caravan sleeping four for £205, working out to £12.81pp per night.

Parkdean Node’s Point, Isle of Wight

This Isle of Wight holiday park isn’t just for visiting in the summer, it makes for a fantastic October break, too.

At Havenstreet Station, you can board the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for its magical ‘Witches, Wands and Whistles‘ event (17 – 31 October) where kids go free on a themed train ride (adults £26).

Or for a free afternoon out, go on a ghost hunt around the ancient stone walls of Carisbrooke Castle.

On-site, Milkshake Mornings will take a Halloween twist, with a spooky story time as well as themed arts and crafts.

Older kids can make Halloween tie-dye t-shirts, or take part in The Wizard Academy show.

We found a three night break in a Gold caravan sleeping eight for £259, working out to £10.79pp per night.

Haven Quay West, South Wales

Take a trip to Haunted Haven in pretty South Wales this October with a stay at Haven Quay West.

The holiday park is putting on an ‘Eerie Entertainment’ series, with a fancy dress parade featuring giant pumpkins, spiders and ghosts, as well as a Halloween edition of the Seaside Squad show.

During the day kids can get creative with sand art, pumpkin carving and even a Halloween nature trail, where you’ll get up close to creepy crawlies.

This park is also in an ideal setting for breezy autumn walks, with a woodland trail that leads you directly down to the beach, where you may even spot wild dolphins.

If you time your trip for Halloween night, you can stroll down to the harbour for a huge, free fireworks display which lights up the sky over the waters of Cardigan Bay.

We found a four night break in a Saver caravan sleeping four for £265, working out to £16.56pp per night.

Park Holidays Silver Sands, Scotland

Take an autumn break to the misty Moray Firth coast in Scotland with a stay at Park Holidays’ Silver Sands resort.

If you don’t want to brave a brisk beach walk out in stunning Lossiemouth or Cairngorms National Park, you can stay on-site to make use of the indoor heated swimming pool.

During the October half term, there’ll be everything from ghost storytelling to costume contests and classic pumpkin carving.

During the day, kids activities start from 10am and include bead art classes, Segways and wax workshops.

In the evening, settle down to kids shows from the Krazy Krew or stay late for karaoke, cabaret and bingo.

We found a four night break in a Gold caravan sleeping six for £161, working out to £6.71pp per night.

Sept. 25, 2026 9:43 PM PT

A look at how the top 25 high school football teams in the Southland fared this week:

Rk. School (record) result; Next game

1. SANTA MARGARITA (5-0) did not play; vs. Mater Dei, Friday

2. ST. JOHN BOSCO (4-1) did not play; vs. JSerra, Friday

3. SIERRA CANYON (5-0) def. Oxnard Pacifica, 42-10; vs. Loyola, Friday

4. CORONA CENTENNIAL (2-2) vs. De La Salle at Cal, Saturday; at Vista Murrieta, Thursday

5. MATER DEI (4-1) did not play; vs. Santa Margarita, Friday

6. MISSION VIEJO (3-1) did not play; vs. Huntington Beach Edison, Friday

7. ORANGE LUTHERAN (3-2) did not play; vs. Servite, Friday

8. SAN CLEMENTE (5-0) def. Murrieta Valley, 42-13; vs. Yorba Linda, Friday

9 . CHAMINADE (5-0) did not play; vs. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Friday

10. PALOS VERDES (5-0) did not play; vs. Long Beach Millikan, Friday

11. JSERRA (4-1) did not play; vs. St. John Bosco, Friday

12. SERVITE (3-2) def. Damien, 28-9; at Orange Lutheran, Friday

13. CORONA DEL MAR (5-0) did not play; at Villa Park, Friday

14. BISHOP AMAT (4-1) did not play; at Gardena Serra, Friday

15. LA SERNA (4-1) did not play; at Warren, Friday

16. CREAN LUTHERAN (3-2) did not play; at Tustin, Friday

17. CARSON (4-1) did not play; vs. Gardena, Friday

18. OXNARD PACIFICA (4-1) lost to Sierra Canyon, 42-10; vs. Oaks Chrisitian, Friday

19. GARDENA SERRA (3-2 ) did not play; vs. Bishop Amat, Friday

20. TUSTIN (4-1) did not play; vs. Crean Lutheran, Friday

21. LA HABRA (5-0) did not play; at Capistrano Valley, Friday

22. HUNTINGTON BEACH (5-0) did not play; vs. El Modena, Friday

23. YORBA LINDA (4-1) did not play; at San Clemente, Friday

24. SAN JACINTO (5-0) def. Aquinas, 20-10; at Temescal Canyon, Thursday

25. ORANGE (5-0) did not play; at El Dorado, Friday

Voting rights groups have warned system may falsely identify voters as non-citizens, leading to disenfranchisement.

The United States Supreme Court has allowed the administration of US President Donald Trump to use a controversial voter verification system just weeks away from the midterm election in November.

The court’s emergency order on Friday allows the Department of Homeland Security to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, programme in its efforts to verify the eligibility of voters on state voter rolls.

Voting rights groups have argued the use of the system, which was revamped under the Trump administration in 2025, risks falsely identifying individuals as non-voters, potentially leading to individuals being wrongfully purged from voter rolls.

Those challenging the administration’s use of the database have charged that information on citizenship can be out of date. They pointed to a Travis County, Texas election official who found that up to 25 percent of the “non-citizens” identified by the system in the jurisdiction were in fact US citizens.

US states oversee election administration under the country’s constitution and are not required to use the SAVE system, but several Republican-led state governments have voluntarily opted to use the database.

Still, it was not immediately clear if Friday’s decision would have any meaningful impact on the midterm elections on November 3, in which voters will determine which parties control the US House of Representatives and the Senate.

Existing law blocks most states from systematically purging voters from their rolls within 90 days of an election. The emergency order is not also the final say on the matter, only granting the administration the ability to use the system until the court makes a final ruling.

The three liberal justices on the panel, which has a 6-3 conservative supermajority, issued a dissenting opinion, saying the majority disregarded “the harms that the modified SAVE system has caused, and will likely continue to cause, to lawful voters”.

The Citizens for Ethics watchdog group charged that the decision “puts millions of Americans at risk of being unlawfully targeted by the admin’s unreliable voter purge system weeks before the midterms”.

Trump has focused heavily on election administration in the run-up to the midterm vote, which could serve as a major check on his authority in the final two years of his term.

He has for years claimed, without evidence, that US elections are marred by widespread fraud and has repeatedly falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden, was “stolen”.

Evidence has suggested that fraud of any kind, including instances of non-citizens voting in the US, has been glancingly rare in the country.

In September, the Supreme Court rejected a bid from Trump to restrict mail ballot procedures before the midterm election.

St Cuthbert’s Way now ranks alongside the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and France’s scenic Route Napoleon as the ‘Best in Travel’ for Lonely Planet guide.

A 62-mile walking route to England’s Holy Island has been named as one of the world’s top experiences in the ‘travel bible’ Lonely Planet.

St Cuthbert’s Way now ranks alongside the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and France’s scenic Route Napoleon as the ‘Best in Travel’.

The list also highlights lesser-known destinations like Quebec and Veneto, and cities such as Dessau in Germany, Šibenik in Croatia, León in Spain and Rabat in Morocco.

St Cuthbert’s Way covers 100km from Melrose in the Scottish Borders through some of the most peaceful countryside in the UK to Lindisfarne in Northumberland.

The BBC featured “The Road to Holy Island’ in a series earlier this year, including sections of St Cuthbert’s Way. It featured celebrities Patsy Kensit, Ashley Banjo, Hermione Norris and Jayne Middlemiss.

Lonely Planet recommends its “moorlands” and “ghostly hillforts” and village pubs. The walk officially opened in the summer of 1996. It begins in Melrose where St Cuthbert started his religious life in 650 AD and makes its way through the Eildon hills, past Jedburgh to Morebattle and Town Yetholm.

From there it crosses the border into England passing through Wooler before ending up on Holy Island off the Northumberland coast where St Cuthbert was first laid to rest.

Most people walk it from west to east as that follows the chronology of the saint’s life and also benefits from having the prevailing wind at your back.

It is described as enjoying an “ever-changing variety of scenery and spectacular views” and can be “easily completed” in four to six days.

The walk offers dramatic views of the countryside of southern Scotland and northern England, and an area identified as the most peaceful in the UK.

It ends with a ‘bit of a bang’ at Lindisfarne, famous for its causeway, castle and beautiful views. St Cuthbert is recognised as one of the world’s earliest wildlife conservationists. He was born in 635 AD and, after a “divine vision,” the young shepherd entered the monastery in Melrose.

A decade later, the town was struck by the plague and afterwards, he helped victims throughout the countryside and was reported to have performed many miracles.

He transferred to Lindisfarne in 664 but, described as a “hermit by nature,” retired to Inner Farne in 676. His efforts to protect birds led to his recognition as one of the earliest wildlife conservationists.

Andrew Fox, Chair of Visit Northumberland, said: “We are thrilled to see Northumberland featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027.

This recognition shines a global spotlight not only on St Cuthbert’s Way, but on the wider range of world-class experiences that make Northumberland such a distinctive destination.

“St Cuthbert’s Way perfectly captures the growing demand for more meaningful travel experiences.

Whether visitors come to walk, reflect, explore our coast and countryside, discover our historic sites or simply slow down and reconnect with nature, Northumberland offers an unforgettable journey and a genuine sense of place.”

The Lonely Planets top places and experiences in Europe are:

Places

1. Veneto, Italy
2. Dessau, Germany
3. Swedish Riviera (Skanör-Falsterbo), Sweden
4. Šibenik, Croatia
5. León, Spain

Experiences

1. Road-trip through history on the Route Napoléon, France
2. Sail the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
3. Walk St Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne, United Kingdom
4. Dive into an unexpected underwater world, Greece
5. Be wowed by wonderful Killary Fjord, Co Galway, Ireland

The Premier League has joined three of its top European counterparts in calling for “fundamental” reform of the way that Fifa is run, claiming its president Gianni Infantino has “actively promoted exploitative ideas”.

In a joint statement with Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga, and Italy’s Serie A, the English top flight says it is speaking out “because we understand how Fifa’s relentless expansionism affects everyone”.

The four leagues say the shake-up is needed to make world football’s governing body “transparent, objective, proportionate and inclusive” and claim that “our sport cannot grow globally if its foundations are undermined”.

It comes days after Infantino proposed an external review of how Fifa operates amid the ongoing crisis over his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, which sparked a global outcry.

Referencing “one of the biggest abuses of power in Fifa’s history”, the four leagues say that “while football’s stakeholders ultimately forced the withdrawal of the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, the conditions that led to FFE remain”.

The statement added: “The Fifa president has now acknowledged the need for reform, but it is not enough for surface-level, process changes to be explored in the aftermath of FFE – fundamental governance reform is essential to restore clear constitutional boundaries within Fifa, including confidence that individual disciplinary matters remain demonstrably insulated from political interference.”

That is known to be a reference to the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup after US President Donald Trump called Infantino asking for the striker’s ban to be reviewed.

“Fifa’s governance problem goes far beyond the role of one individual,” the leagues added.

“The wider question is whether Fifa’s president should simultaneously wield such regulatory, commercial and political power without effective checks and balances, including the agreement of affected stakeholders… governance that concentrates unchecked regulatory, commercial and political power in a single office, while relegating affected stakeholders to mere advisory status, is not fit for purpose.”

Fifa has been approached for comment.

DR Congo beat Equatorial Guinea, while Ivory Coast cruise by Ghana and Cameroon beat Comoros as AFCON qualifiers begin.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo followed up their World Cup exploits ⁠with a 2-0 ⁠home win over Equatorial Guinea on the opening day of the group qualifiers for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Captain Chancel ⁠Mbemba headed home the opening goal in the fourth minute, and Yoane Wissa added a second 18 minutes from time in Kinshasa on Thursday, although ⁠the scoreline might have been more emphatic after they twice struck the woodwork and also had two efforts ruled offside.

It was the first game for the Congolese after advancing through the first phase of the World Cup for the first time ‌and running England close in their last-32 tie in Atlanta in July.

However, there was no opportunity for home supporters to celebrate their achievement as the size of the crowd at the Stade des Martyrs was restricted to 20,000 after sanctions for fan violence that followed defeat by Senegal in World Cup qualification one year ago.

Mauritania and Namibia were also winners ⁠in Thursday’s early games, while Libya netted a last-gasp penalty ⁠to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Botswana behind closed doors in Tripoli, where the stadium was also banned because of previous supporter violence.

Botswana striker Tumisang Orebonye scored a double ⁠in the first half to put his side on course for a rare away win before Maruwan Alhibeeshi thrashed ⁠home from the edge of the area to ⁠pull one back in the 87th minute.

Botswana substitute Mothusi Cooper gave away a stoppage-time penalty with a clumsy challenge, allowing Ezoo El Mariamy to rescue a draw.

Mauritania won 3-1 over the Central ‌African Republic in Casablanca, Morocco, which included a superb chipped effort over the goalkeeper from Dawda Camara, while Bethuel Muzeu scored the only goal as Namibia ‌edged ‌Congo.

Ivory Coast beat Ghana 2-0 in a derby in Bouake in a Group C encounter.

A stunning strike from Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring from outside the box in the first half, although the Ghana keeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, will feel he should have done better at his near post.

Franck Kessie gave the Black Stars stopper no chance as he sent his opponent the wrong way with a side-footed second-half penalty.

Ghana, who failed to qualify for the 2025 edition of AFCON, are left to reflect on a match where they failed to register a shot on target until the 75th minute. They also conceded 61 percent of possession to their hosts.

Cameroon beat Comoros 3-1, while Tunisia were held to a 1-1 draw by Uganda in the pick of the other ties.

Shohei Ohtani’s swing was a little out in front of a slider delivered by Padres left-hander Robbie Ray. But Ohtani held back his hands long enough to extend them to the pitch and shoot it through the right side of the infield.

It wasn’t flashy. But considering it was his first at-bat in more than two weeks, in a tough matchup no less, it was a promising sign.

“It’s been a while since he’s played in a game, but it just felt like he wasn’t sped up at all,” manager Dave Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 5-1 loss to the Padres. “And I think he came out of it pretty well.”

The good news quickly dried up for the Dodgers after that, as they missed a chance to clinch a first-round bye with a win. But Ohtani’s return was still significant, and the success of his end-of-season tune-up will have playoff implications.

Ohtani did not address reporters Wednesday and has only done so once in the last five weeks, despite multiple requests.

The Dodgers activated Ohtani, who went one-for-four Wednesday, from the 15-day IL before the game and optioned rookie Josue De Paula to Triple A. De Paula is still under consideration for the National League Division Series roster as a bat off the bench.

“This was the original thought, that once Shohei gets back, we’re going to send him out,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We had a runway to give him, which we gave him and he performed more than admirably. This also, as far as the timing, just gives us an opportunity to potentially have him back for the postseason. He’s a part of the conversation, and he’s earned that, and that’s what I told him last night.”

De Paula joined triple-A Oklahoma City for Game 2 of the PCL Championship on Wednesday. And Ohtani slid into the Dodgers lineup, hitting second in the batting order for the first time this season, with Mookie Betts leading off against the Padres southpaw.

“I know Shohei, Mookie, they’re always on board with whatever I decide to do,” Roberts said. “I think it just makes it tougher to navigate versus left. There’s a Mookie tax [to get to Ohtani]. If you want to get to Freddie [Freeman], there’s a Will Smith tax. I like that. And versus a right-hander, I like kind of flipping those two for the same reasons.”

Ohtani, welcomed back in his first at-bat by a partial standing ovation, walked in his second plate appearance. And with two out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth inning, he appeared to have walked again.

Then Padres catcher Ethan Salas tapped the top of his head to challenge the ball call. And an ABS review showed the fastball had clipped the top of the strike zone. Ohtani fouled off the next two pitches before whiffing on a sinker to end the inning.

That missed opportunity rolled right into a sloppy fifth inning for the Dodgers defense.

Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto had given up a two-run homer to Manny Machado the previous inning but had otherwise avoided damage.

To open the fifth, he induced Salas to hit the ball on the ground, but it got away from second baseman Tommy Edman as he dove up the middle, for a single.

Yamamoto then got a soft grounder out of Fernando Tatís Jr. But it was too soft, giving Tatís time to reach first before third baseman Max Muncy could get off a throw.

With runners on first and second, Yamamoto had a chance to contribute on defense, fielding Dustin Harris’ comebacker bunt. But Yamamoto’s throw to third sailed wide, allowing a run to score. Machado then made it a 4-1 game with a sacrifice fly.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto reacts after a throwing error to third base in the fifth inning.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

Ohtani came up to the plate again in the seventh inning and put Dodgers fans on the edge of their seats by sending a long fly ball to straightaway center field. But the cheers died down as it fell shy of the fence.

“I think if you look back at the last couple weeks when he was active, he wasn’t really getting to that pitch,” Roberts said of the high fastball. “I think there might have been one pitch late that he squared up to left field that was at the top of the zone. But outside of that it was hard for him to catch up. I think tonight showed that he’s in a good spot physically.”

The top of the Dodgers order got one last chance to start a rally in the ninth inning, against star closer Mason Miller. Only Will Smith reached base, on a walk, and advanced to third on defensive indifference. Ohtani struck out on a slider.

“[Ohtani] certainly feels way better with the rest,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said before the game. “The biggest thing with five games to go is get him as many at-bats as we can, some rhythm and timing.”

Ohtani could get a day off in that span, Friedman said, but the Dodgers will make those decisions based on how he’s feeling.

“Just getting as many at-bats as he can and that rhythm and timing back before we head into October is going to be really helpful,” Friedman said.

Ohtani was not in rhythm before he landed on the IL. In the last three weeks before the Dodgers finally shelved him, he had a .130 batting average. And he only had two hits in his last seven games (26 at-bats) before the move.

“You end up making subconscious adjustments where you’re protecting yourself,” Friedman said, “and there’s just slight degradation as that’s happening that compounds over time.”

Though the Dodgers downplayed the correlation before Ohtani landed on the IL, they now hope that Ohtani’s improved health will go hand-in-hand with better performance.

“Shohei says he feels back to where he was earlier in the year, which is great, which is a good start,” Friedman said. “As they are coming back, it’s important for them to feel that way … now the question is, as you start to load on real games and that intensity and that workload, it’s making sure that what we’ve done keeps guys in position to be at their best.”

The road to the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 begins on Thursday, with 54 teams in action in the league phase.

Portugal, the record two-time champions, will look to successfully retain the title they won in 2025.

But with reigning World Cup winners Spain, and former champions France and heavyweights England also in the mix, the title defence will be far from easy.

What is the UEFA Nations League?

The UEFA Nations League was founded in 2018 to reduce the number of meaningless friendlies and give nations competitive matches against equally-ranked teams.

In this competition, countries from across Europe participate in a league structure, which features promotion and relegation.

How many teams are in the Nations League?

A total of 54 teams will participate in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.

They are divided into the following leagues and groups, following the draw in Brussels, Belgium in February:

League A

Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Turkiye
Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece
Group A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czechia
Group A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales

League B

Group B1: Scotland, Switzerland, Slovenia, North Macedonia
Group B2: Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Northern Ireland
Group B3: Israel, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kosovo
Group B4: Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Sweden

League C

Group C1: Albania, Finland, Belarus, San Marino
Group C2: Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, Latvia
Group C3: Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Group C4: Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg

League D

Group D1: Gibraltar, Malta, Andorra
Group D2: Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein

What is the schedule for the UEFA Nations League?

UEFA has earmarked the following dates for the Nations League 2026-27:

League phase

Matchday 1: September 24-26
Matchday 2: September 27-29
Matchday 3: October 1-3
Matchday 4: October 4-6
Matchday 5: November 12-14
Matchday 6: November 15-17

Quarterfinals, League A/B and League B/C promotion/relegation playoffs 

March 25-30, 2027

League C/D playoffs 

March 23-28, 2028

Final tournament 

June 9-13, 2027

How does the UEFA Nations League work?

The teams compete across four different divisions, facing every other team in their group twice: once at home and once away. The league phase ends in November.

In the top-most league, League A, the top two teams from each group go through to the quarterfinals, which take place in March 2027.

The finals will again be contested between four teams. The host and the dates of the finals have not been confirmed yet.

As for each of the group winners in Leagues B, C and D, they will be promoted to the league above. The teams finishing bottom of their groups in Leagues A, B and C will be relegated one league below.

Here’s the full breakdown of the promotion and relegation scenarios:

League A

• The group winners and runners-up advance to the quarterfinals.
• The two highest-ranked third-placed teams remain in League A.
• The two lowest-ranked third-placed teams and two highest-ranked fourth-placed teams contest the League A/B play-offs against the four runners-up from League B.
• The two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams are relegated to League B.

League B

• The group winners are promoted to League A.
• The runners-up contest the League A/B play-offs against the two lowest-ranked third-placed teams and two highest-ranked fourth-placed teams from League A.
• The third-placed teams remain in League B.
• The fourth-placed teams contest the League B/C play-offs against the four runners-up from League C.

League C

• The group winners are promoted to League B.
• The runners-up contest the League B/C play-offs against the fourth-placed teams from League B.
• The third- and fourth-placed teams remain in League C.

 League D

• All teams are promoted to League C.

Is the Nations League linked to major tournaments?

According to European football’s governing body, UEFA, the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League is expected to be linked to qualification for UEFA EURO 2028 in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Based on their UEFA Nations League results, some teams will be given a second chance to enter the playoffs for the final tournament.

Will Ronaldo play in the Nations League?

Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the upcoming Nations League after being called up for their upcoming four fixtures. Last weekend, he was included in new coach Jorge Jesus’s first 25-man squad.

However, in August, the 41-year-old fuelled speculation about his retirement plans after saying the coming year would probably be the last of his playing career.

The Portugal captain has won major trophies at the club level with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr since ⁠making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002.

But he has not quite tasted similar success with his national team.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to win a FIFA World Cup, football’s biggest prize, after Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual champions Spain.

Has Ronaldo won the UEFA Nations League?

Yes. Ronaldo led Portugal to UEFA Nations League victories in the inaugural edition in 2019 and the latest one in 2025.

In the 2019 edition, Portugal were crowned winners on home soil in Porto, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final.

In the last edition, they were crowned champions for a second time, beating Spain 5-3 on penalties after the match was tied 2-2 in extra time, with Ronaldo among Portugal’s goalscorers in Munich.

Which other top players will play in the Nations League?

The UEFA Nations League 2026-27 is filled with stars across all divisions.

In Group A, world champions Spain have talent all around with Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Ferran Torres among the standout names, while England skipper Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham also add glamour to the division.

Norway’s talismanic forward Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard headline their team, Brian Bobbey has the spotlight on him in the Netherlands squad, and veteran Luka Modric continues his journey with Croatia.

In Group B, fans should watch out for Sweden’s Victor Gyokeres, the top scorer in the 2024-25 Nations League, Georgia’s winger and PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Which players will miss the opening UEFA Nations League games?

Several players have been sidelined with injuries, including England’s Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford.

Pedro Porro has been ruled out of the Spain squad.

Is the Nations League held every two years?

Yes. The UEFA Nations League has been held every two years since 2019.

Here is the list of results of the finals:

• 2019: Portugal 1-0 Netherlands (Porto)
• 2021: France 2-1 Spain (Milan)
• 2023: Croatia 0-0 Spain (aet, Spain win 5-4 on pens, Rotterdam)
• 2025: Portugal 2-2 Spain (aet, Portugal win 5-3 on pens, Munich)

Finding cheap holidays during the school holidays may feel like an impossible task for parents but according to one travel pro there are some easy tricks that could help

When it comes to cheap holidays, most parents have already resigned themselves to the fact that prices surge during school holiday dates – but according to one travel expert, there are some minor tweaks that could actually help families save money on their next getway.

Mum-of-two and avid traveller Jen Carr has built up a following of over 349,000 on Instagram where she shares her top tips for finding cheap family travel deals.

While the peak holiday season comes with inevitably higher prices, according to Jen just changing the dates of travel by a few days could mean you save hundreds of pounds, without having to take the kids out of school during term time.

“Booking at the end of summer,” she told the Mirror exclusively. “It’s so much cheaper to go the last week of August compared to the first week of August. I guess that’s just because demand’s probably a lot less. Nobody really wants to get back off holiday the day before the kids go back to school, but if you’re willing to do that, it is a lot cheaper.”

It’s not a hack that’s specific to summer holidays either, as Jen recommended considering dates for the upcoming October half term. She added: “If, for example, in the October half term you fly three days before half term starts, you’re going to save literally hundreds of pounds. So I mean, it’s just how much you want/appreciate that attendance!”

Of course it’s worth noting that parents who do consider taking their kids out of a school for a few extra days may need to check their school’s policy on absences of this nature, or they could risk being fined per child. Currently the fine for school absences around the UK are £80 if paid within 21 days, but this can go up to £160 if paid within 28 days. This is for unauthorised absences; if you can get permission from the school for the absence, then you won’t be fined.

As for the best destinations where families can get more bang for their buck? Jen suggested that while the major hotspots are popular for a reason, there are some alternatives that deliver the same levels of experience but without the hefty price tags.

She explained: “There are destinations that are a lot cheaper than others and it seems to kind of go on a bit of a cycle with what’s popular. But places like Menorca and Majorca and Ibiza are always going to be a lot more expensive than somewhere like Agadir in Morocco, but you’re still getting the beach, the pool, holiday vibes and the sunshine. Go where the destinations are cheaper, and that does seem to change year-on-year. I’m sure next year Agadir will be really expensive, but this year it’s been really good value, all-inclusive.”

Speaking about further alternatives, Jen urged parents not to discount the likes of a city break; in fact, she herself enjoyed a family trip to Paris earlier this year, and said that both the kids and grown-ups had a brilliant time. She added: “I think it’s about knowing where to look. It’s, a like-for-like holiday is going to be more expensive in the school holidays. I guess it’s just being a bit more flexible and thinking, ‘Okay, well, it’s the August summer holidays. Do we need to go to Menorca for a week all-inclusive or could we maybe go for a road trip around Austria?’ Because it’s going to be a lot cheaper to do something a bit more off-piste.”

• Jen Carr, family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, shares the best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week. Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available now.

The qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begin on Thursday, with 48 countries competing to earn spots in Africa’s biggest football tournament.

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will cohost AFCON 2027, as the competition returns to East Africa for the first time in 51 years.

Divided into 12 groups, the teams will be involved in a six-round qualifying process that runs to March next year.

Here’s everything to know about AFCON 2027:

Which teams are in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers?

The draw for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers took place in Cairo, Egypt, in May.

The 48 teams competing in the qualifiers are as follows:

• Group A: Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho
• Group B: Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan
• Group C: Ivory Coast, Ghana, The Gambia, Somalia
• Group D: South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Eritrea
• Group E: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe
• Group F: Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania, Central African Republic
• Group G: Cameroon, Comoros, Namibia, Congo
• Group H: Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, Botswana
• Group I: Algeria, Zambia, Togo, Burundi
• Group J: Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia
• Group K: Mali, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Liberia
• Group L: Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau

What are the top AFCON 2027 qualifying matches?

From the first two rounds:

• Ivory Coast vs Ghana – Thursday, September 24 at 19:00 GMT
• Nigeria vs Madagascar – Friday, September 25 at 16:00 GMT
• Morocco vs Gabon – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• Egypt vs Angola – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• Algeria vs Zambia – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• Senegal vs Mozambique – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• South Africa vs Guinea – Saturday, September 26 at 16:00 GMT

What is the schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers?

The six rounds of AFCON 2027 qualifying will be held across these FIFA international windows:

• Rounds 1 and 2: September 21-October 6, 2026
• Rounds 3 and 4: November 9-17, 2026
• Rounds 5 and 6: March 22-30, 2027

How many teams can qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations?

In total, 24 teams qualify for AFCON 2027.

The general rule is that the top two teams in each group will advance to the finals.

However, in groups containing Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania – who have automatically qualified as cohosts – only the highest-ranked team outside the respective host country will go through.

The qualifiers will be played in a home and away format, with each team playing six matches.

When and where is AFCON 2027?

The 36th edition of AFCON will be held in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, bringing the tournament back to East Africa after five decades.

The tournament will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, at 10 venues across the countries.

The stadiums are in the Tanzanian cities of Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, the Kenyan capital Nairobi, and Hoima, Kampala and Lira in Uganda.

Who won the last AFCON?

Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the latest AFCON final on January 18, as Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal in a chaotic contest guided them to their second continental title.

But in March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the extraordinary move to strip Senegal of their crown and award it to Morocco.

The controversial decision came after a review of an incident at the end of normal time in the final, which saw most of the Senegalese team temporarily leave the field to protest an added-time penalty awarded to Morocco, which was missed after a lengthy delay.

Senegal have appealed against CAF’s decision, and the appeal will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8.

Salah, Diaz and Lookman: The top players in AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Two-time African Footballer of the Year Mohamed Salah, who now plays club football for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig, stars in record seven-time African champions Egypt’s squad.

Fans should also watch out for Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz and teen midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi in the Morocco squad, led by new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, as well as Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze in the Nigerian side.

Elsewhere, Ghana are strengthened by the return of their attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who missed the FIFA World Cup 2026 during a seven-month injury absence, while Senegal’s midfield features several talents such as Ibrahim Mbaye and Iliman Ndiaye.

Will Mane and Hakimi play in the AFCON qualifiers?

Morocco will be without their key player and captain Achraf Hakimi for the opening two matches as he serves a two-match suspension, alongside Ismael Saibari, who is banned for three games, for unsporting behaviour during the shambolic AFCON final in January.

Senegal will be without Sadio Mane, two-time African Footballer of the Year, as the Al-Nassr player sits out the match against Mozambique with what newly-appointed coach Patrick Vieira described as a “physical issue”.

Which other key players will miss the AFCON qualifiers?

Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen will miss the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues his recovery from a muscle problem. One of Africa’s finest forwards, Osimhen picked up the injury while playing for his Turkish club Galatasaray.

Naby Keita is among the several established names excluded from the Guinea squad, while Tunisia’s Hannibal Mejbri and Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo are both out with injuries.

Gabon will be without former captain and all-time top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who quit international duty, saying he felt “humiliated” by his exclusion and subsequent reinstatement after the AFCON in Morocco in January.

Many other players also called time on their international careers this year. This includes Riyad Mahrez, who guided Algeria to the AFCON 2019 title; Edouard Mendy, Senegal’s first-choice goalkeeper during their AFCON 2021 triumph; and Ghana’s Spanish-born forward Inaki Williams.

How to watch and follow AFCON 2027 qualifying matches?

Fans can catch all the action from the AFCON 2027 qualifiers on the following broadcasters or streaming platforms:

• North Africa and Middle East: beIN SPORTS
• Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
• East Africa: Azam TV, TBC Tanzania, KBC Kenya
• South Africa: SABC Sport
• Francophone Africa: Canal+

The complete list of global broadcasters is here.

Al Jazeera Sport will also bring you live coverage of select matches.

I CRASHED Kim Kardashian’s ultra-exclusive VIP launch of her London Skims store in a £35.99 knock-off jumpsuit – and ended up sipping dirty martinis with the A-list.

Arriving at the top-secret Regent Street bash in the pouring rain after a long day at work, I was armed with nothing but a mission and the confidence to somehow convince everyone I was wearing Kim’s Skims brand.

Amazingly, it worked.

In fact, I’d bought my entire outfit, a £35.99 Bershka gym jumpsuit, on the way there — and everyone believed it was one of Kim’s £116 creations.

And, after a humbling 30 minutes in the rain, I blagged my way inside at 7.40pm on Friday.

A couple of months ago I trekked down to an MPS Body and Paint car garage in Kent to recreate Kim’s Met Gala outfit.

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Now I’d gone one step further and found myself inside her crazy world — with the crowds parting like the Red Sea as the 5ft 2in brunette bombshell stepped inside.

Security assumed I had been there from the start and began backing everyone else up behind me.

Before I knew it, I was apparently first in line for a selfie with Kim — and I certainly wasn’t about to correct them.

Kim, 45, looked incredible in a custom leather Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown and, despite my unconvincing Skims impersonation, told me: “It’s lovely to meet you, you look amazing.”

Sadly, I later heard her parrot that to every other person she met in the plush new shop, so alas the compliment wasn’t just rolled out for me.

Famed for her selfie taking, and as one of the most photographed women in the world, it came as little surprise that Kim takes this very seriously.

And as I stepped forward for my snap, I was almost blinded as one of her assistants suddenly held up a huge dazzling torch over our faces.

But after a day at work and a trek through the rain, I have never been more grateful for good lighting.

Kim had three outfit changes throughout the night and I’d already experienced one of them from the front row.

Earlier, I found myself at the front of a queue for the loo when Kim was suddenly escorted ahead of everyone.

In what felt like the longest wardrobe change in history, at least ten people were left waiting cross-legged before she eventually emerged in the same dress.

Kim later fully committed to the change and slipped into a brown leather corset and a floor-length skirt.

Her third and final look of the night was a tight-fitting, nude two-piece which drew gasps of appreciation from the seven people glued to her side at all times.

As well as two burly security guards — and her lighting flunky of course — she spent the evening with Ludovic, the man who had designed her gown, Tracy Romulus Nguyen — chief communications officer of Skims — and two other assistants who were on hand to bat away anyone trying to get more than Kim’s pre-planned compliment out of her mouth.

Three immaculate bars were dotted around the store, serving gorgeous cocktails in translucent and nude shades to match Kim’s three looks.

Staff floated around with the prettiest — and tiniest — canapes I’d ever seen, from tuna tartare to miniature potatoes smothered in caviar.

I feared I’d be starving by the end of the night, but thankfully the microscopic morsels of food were eventually replaced with much more substantial burgers and fries.

I also made good use of the bar, sipping dirty martinis with celebs including Emma Grede, Rochelle Humes, Love Island’s Lorenzo Alessi and rapper Central Cee.

Kim’s famous hairdresser and current Strictly contestant Chris Appleton was also never far from her side, checking up on her hair throughout the evening and constantly patting down stray flyaways.

Just under two hours later, Kim was whisked away to an afterparty, held in lavish private members. club Maison Estelle. She used a secret lift to escape the 200 fans who had gathered outside.

My exit was a little more down to earth and, naturally, I got my hands on two Skims goody bags before jumping on the Northern Line home.

Inside one of them was an unreleased branded tracksuit worth £220, which some cheeky party-goers have since put on eBay for almost double the price.

Given how much of an upgrade it was from my Bershka number, I’ll be holding onto mine.

The Times’ top 10 high school flag football rankings:

1. JSerra (17-0)

Kate Meier completed 50 passes for 591 yards and eight touchdowns in victories over Mater Dei and Corona del Mar.

Next: Tuesday vs. Orange Lutheran.

2. Orange Lutheran (15-1)

Lancers are motivated to avenge their defeat to JSerra in the semifinals of the Chargers Invitational on Aug. 15.

Next: Tuesday at JSerra.

3. Huntington Beach (13-3)

Five wins in six days, including an 18-6 victory at Newport Harbor to move into first place in the Sunset League.

Next: Monday at Los Alamitos.

4. Newport Harbor (15-3)

Scarlett Guyser threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third in a 25-0 league shutout of Corona del Mar.

Next: Wednesday at Edison.

5. Dos Pueblos (14-2)

Brooklyn Hedricks had 14 receptions for 193 yards and four touchdowns in victories over Oxnard and San Marcos.

Next: Thursday vs. Rio Mesa.

6. Westlake (11-3)

Annabelle O’Keefe has passed for 2,921 yards and 47 touchdowns and has seven interceptions on defense.

Next: Tuesday vs. Newbury Park.

7. Edison (12-5)

Freshman Lyric Lesui has 55 catches for 647 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Chargers, who have posted nine shutouts.

Next: Monday at Marina.

8. Oxnard (10-5)

Ryanna Harris threw for three scores and ran for three versus Rio Mesa, upping her season total to 32 touchdowns.

Next: Tuesday at Ventura.

9. Mater Dei (10-4)

The Monarchs have won seven of their last eight, their only defeat coming at the hands of Trinity League rival JSerra.

Next: Tuesday at Santa Margarita.

10. Sierra Canyon (12-4)

Makenna Cook threw for 312 yards and six touchdowns against Palos Verdes amid the Trailblazers’ four-game streak.

Next: Tuesday at Alemany.

A look at the top 25 high school football teams in the Southland after Week 4:

Rk. School (record) result; Next game; last week’s ranking

1. SANTA MARGARITA (5-0) def. Norco, 34-0; vs. Mater Dei, Oct. 2; 1

2. ST. JOHN BOSCO (4-1) def. Honolulu Saint Louis, 63-21 ; vs. JSerra, Oct. 2; 2

3. SIERRA CANYON (4-0) def. Orange Lutheran, 28-10; vs. Oxnard Pacifica, Friday; 3

4. CORONA CENTENNIAL (2-2) def. Rancho Cucamonga, 41-7; vs. De La Salle at Cal, Saturday; 6

5. MATER DEI (4-1) lost to Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 25-8; vs. Santa Margarita, Oct. 2; 5

6. MISSION VIEJO (3-1) def. Pittsburg, 42-35; vs. Huntington Beach Edison, Oct. 2; 7

7. ORANGE LUTHERAN (3-2) lost to Sierra Canyon, 28-10; vs. Servite, Oct. 2; 4

8. SAN CLEMENTE (4-0) did not play; at Murrieta Valley, Friday; 8

9 . CHAMINADE (5-0) def. St. Bonaventure, 27-24; vs. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Oct. 2; 9

10. PALOS VERDES (5-0) def. Wilmington Banning, 34-0; vs. Long Beach Millikan, Oct. 2; 10

11. JSERRA (4-1) def. Bishop Amat, 37-28; vs. St. John Bosco, Oct. 2; 11

12. SERVITE (2-2) did not play; at Damien, Friday; 13

13. CORONA DEL MAR (5-0) def. La Serna, 30-24; at Villa Park, Oct. 2; 14

14. BISHOP AMAT (4-1) lost to JSerra, 37-28; at Gardena Serra, Oct. 2; 15

15. LA SERNA (4-1) lost to Corona del Mar, 30-24; at Warren, Oct. 2; 21

16. CREAN LUTHERAN (3-2) def. Oakdale, 38-21; at Tustin, Oct. 2; 16

17. CARSON (4-1) def. North Torrance, 50-28; vs. Gardena, Oct. 2; 18

18. OXNARD PACIFICA (4-0) did not play; at Sierra Canyon, Friday; 19

19. GARDENA SERRA (3-2) def. Oaks Christian, 41-0; vs. Bishop Amat, Oct. 2; 20

20. TUSTIN (4-1) def. Westlake, 28-21; vs. Crean Lutheran, Oct. 2; 24

21. LA HABRA (5-0) def. Orange Vista, 36-7; at Capistrano Valley, Oct. 2; 25

22. HUNTINGTON BEACH (5-0) def. Yorba Linda, 29-25; vs. El Modena, Oct. 2; NR

23. YORBA LINDA (4-1) lost to Huntington Beach, 29-25; at San Clemente, Oct. 2; 12

24. SAN JACINTO (4-0) def. Great Oak 40-28; at Aquinas, Friday; NR

25. ORANGE (5-0) def. Etiwanda, 35-28; at El Dorado, Oct. 2; NR

A look at the top performers from high school football games across the Southland this week.

RUSHING

• Jaxsen Stokes, Sierra Canyon: Rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns in win over Orange Lutheran.

• Justin Clinton, Bishop Amat: Rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns in loss to JSerra.

• Gatsbee Gumban, Nogales: Rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns in win over Covina.

• Isaiah Trujillo, Yorba Linda: Rushed for 153 yards and four touchdowns in loss to Huntington Beach.

• AJ McBean, Gardena Serra: Rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns in win over Oaks Christian.

• Ceasar Reyes, Garfield: Rushed for 199 yards in win over Huntington Park.

• Matthew Fine, Loyola: Rushed for 161 yards in loss to Cathedral.

• Trevor Vaivao, Ocean View: Rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns in win over Gahr.

• Adrian Petero, Santa Margarita: Rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns in win over Norco.

PASSING

• Thaddeus Breaux, L.A. Hamilton: Completed 40 of 52 passes for 503 yards and six touchdowns in win over Washington Prep.

• Grady Long, La Serna: Passed for 347 yards and two touchdowns in loss to Corona del Mar.

• JD Annett, Corona del Mar: Passed for 289 yards and two touchdowns, ran for two touchdowns in win over La Serna.

• Hayes Cloutier, JSerra: Passed for 182 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 135 yards and three touchdowns in win over Bishop Amat.

• Vito Schiada, St. Francis: Passed for 267 yards and four touchdowns in win over La Cañada.

• Mason Mays, Troy: Passed for a school-record five touchdowns in win over Segerstrom.

• Nicholas Hoang, Culver City: Passed for 441 yards and six touchdowns, ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns in OT win over Warren.

• Jordan Malikin, Warren: Passed for 467 yards and seven touchdowns in OT loss to Culver City.

• Star Thomas, Orange: Passed for 273 yards and three touchdowns, ran for 107 yards and two touchdowns in win over Etiwanda.

• Chase Curren, Crespi: Was 10-of-10 passing for 237 yards and three touchdowns in win over Oak Park.

• Luis Becerra, Chatsworth: Completed eight of 10 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in win over Sylmar.

• Chaz Rodriguez, Granada Hills Kennedy: Completed 14 of 14 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns, ran for two touchdowns in win over Van Nuys.

• Eiler King, San Juan Hills: Passed for 345 yards and five touchdowns in win over Mira Costa.

• Jordan Spigarelli, Newport Harbor: Passed for 448 yards and four touchdowns in win over Colony.

RECEIVING

• Landon Armenta, La Serna: Caught nine passes for 221 yards and one touchdown in loss to Corona del Mar.

• Nolan Scott, Corona del Mar: Caught seven passes for 129 yards and one touchdown in win over La Serna.

• Jason Ramos, El Modena: Caught six passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in win over El Dorado.

• Andrew Green, Troy: Caught six passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns in win over Segerstrom.

• Skylar Robinson, Huntington Beach: Caught seven passes for 125 yards and one touchdown, returned a kickoff for a score in win over Yorba Linda.

• Jack Norman, Dana Hills: Caught four passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns in win over Mayfair.

• Keondre Smith, Bellflower: Caught nine passes for 189 yards and one touchdown in win over Dominguez.

• Julian Padin, Warren: Caught 11 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns vs. Culver City.

• Paul Turner, Birmingham: Made five catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns in win over Burbank.

DEFENSE

• Mark Cadena, King: Had two sacks and caught two touchdown passes in win over Citrus Valley.

• DyShaun Smock, South Hills: Returned interception 56 yards for touchdown in win over Santa Fe.

• Dion Edwards and Rashad Thornton, Gardena Serra: Both returned interceptions for touchdowns in win over Oaks Christian.

• Kingston Sula, Carson: Recorded two sacks and recovered two fumbles in win over North Torrance.

• Eduardo Castellano, Dana Hills: Had 13 tackles in win over Mayfair.

• Javier Vargas, Garfield: Had 13 solo tackles vs. Huntington Park.

• Noah Sanchez, Crespi: Had 16 tackles, plus interception return for touchdown, vs. Oak Park.

• Josiah Rand, Chaminade: Had 11 tackles, including one sack, in win over St. Bonaventure.

• Jacob Parra, L.A. Marshall: Made interception in end zone on two-point conversion attempt to save one-point win over Marquez.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Evan Leddy, JSerra: Made 39-yard field goal to clinch win over Bishop Amat.

• Antonio Robles, Palos Verdes: Returned punt 60 yards for a touchdown in win over Wilmington Banning.

• Ethan Paillet, Peninsula: Made 42-yard field goal in loss to West Torrance.

• Cade Epstein, Capistrano Valley: Returned punt for a touchdown in win over Venice.

• Aydan Steen, Santa Margarita: Contributed a blocked punt and sack in win over Norco.

• Enzo Carpino, Dana Hills: Kicked a school-record 10 PATs in win over Mayfair.

Arsenal in shock 3-0 loss at Brighton to lose top spot in the Premier League on goal difference to Manchester City.

Arsenal slumped to a first loss in their Premier League title defence – and it was a heavy one at Brighton.

After four straight wins for the champions, the 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium on Saturday came out of nowhere. Conceding the third goal from a corner — typically an area of strength for Arsenal – summed up an unusually sloppy performance from Mikel Arteta’s team.

Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas scored in the first half with shots from outside the penalty area, before Chema Andres completed the win with a header at the back post from Gross’s corner.

The victory will have been especially sweet for Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who said “only one team tried to play football” after his team’s narrow home loss to Arsenal last season.

Arsenal have often struggled against Brighton, which was the last team to inflict such a heavy defeat on the Gunners in any competition — winning 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in May 2023.

It completed a brilliant week for Brighton, after beating Coventry 5-0 in the league last weekend and coming from two goals down in midweek to beat Manchester United 3-2 away in the English League Cup.

Manchester City — the other team to win their first four games — can now move three points clear in the standings by beating Sunderland on Sunday.

Asia’s biggest sport stars will descend on Japan this week to battle it out for continental glory as the Asian Games get under way.

Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will see several athletes eyeing first-time podium finishes while others look to defend their crown.

This year’s edition will see six sports make their debut, while in some sports, a gold medal will double as automatic qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.

From Olympic champions to teen sensations to breakout stars, Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at some of the top athletes to watch:

Alex Eala, Philippines — tennis

Tennis’s newest sweetheart will be the favourite for gold in women’s singles. The 21-year-old Filipino star is coming off a career-high season that saw her first WTA 1000 title last month and a third-round finish at the US Open.

Eala will compete at the Singapore Open just before the games, but will skip the concurrent Beijing Open – regardless of whether the WTA decide to punish her – since a gold medal at the Asian Games serves as automatic qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.

Defending champion Zheng Qinwen and former world number one Naomi Osaka will not be competing in Japan, leaving it wide open for Eala to claim gold and upgrade from the bronze she won in 2022.

Rumesh Pathirage, Sri Lanka — javelin

The javelin phenom has been collecting gold medals like Pokemon cards this year, and another one at the Asian Games will add to his Diamond League, Commonwealth, and Ultimate Champion crowns.

But gold is not the biggest prize for the 23-year-old, although it is almost guaranteed after his nearest contender, India’s Neeraj Chopra, withdrew with injury. Pathirage is eyeing the Asian record of 92.97m set by Arshad Nadeem at the Paris 2024 Olympics, which he is poised to break after becoming the only thrower this season to breach 92m twice.

Pakistan’s Nadeem, on the other hand, is far from fit and will be lucky to end his season with a medal after a string of subpar throws.

Haruka Kitaguchi, Japan — javelin

Home favourite Kitaguchi is eyeing gold in the women’s javelin after being crowned Ultimate Champion in Budapest last week. Her 68.92m throw landed her a new national record and is tied for 10th-best in the world and second-best this season.

Surprisingly, the 28-year-old is making her Asian Games debut and will look to add continental gold in front of the home crowd after floundering at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Yan Ziyi, China — javelin

Another javelin powerhouse to watch is world number one Yan Ziyi. She became only the sixth woman in history to surpass the 70m mark with her 71.74m throw in May that became a new Asian and World Under-20 record.

The Chinese teen sensation was unbeaten throughout the five Diamond League competitions she contested, but finished second to Kitaguchi at the Ultimate Championship after withdrawing with injury after one throw.

Should she recover in time, the 18-year-old can snatch back the crown from the Japanese veteran thrower to end the season on a high note.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, India — cricket

As India look to defend their men’s cricket crown, all eyes are on 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to produce another phenomenal result on the pitch.

The left-handed top-order batter has already made headlines for being a generational talent, having broken records as the highest scorer in this year’s Indian Premier League and become India’s youngest men’s player.

Pan Zhanle, China — swimming

The Olympic champion returns to the stomping grounds where he first went sub-47 seconds in the men’s 100m freestyle – and became the first Asian male to do so – to break his own Asian record.

It was also on home soil at the Hangzhou 2022 games that he bagged a silver in the 200m and 400m freestyle, a bronze in the 50m, and a gold in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay.

Yu Zidi, China — swimming

The Chinese prodigy was only 12 when she made waves as the youngest-ever medallist at the 2025 World Swimming Championships. She narrowly missed a podium finish in her individual events but found redemption at the Chinese National Swimming Championships later that year with two golds, one silver, and an Asian record in the 200m Individual Medley.

Now 13, she is looking to dominate at her first, hopefully of many, Asian Games where she’s entered in the 200m IM, 400m IM and 200m butterfly events, alongside relays.

While training with the China team in Beijing, she told local media this month she was “excited” for her Asian Games debut.

“Train well, don’t slack off. Demonstrate the level of your training and work hard to break past yourself,” she said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

VISITING one of Portugal’s top golfing regions without an ounce of experience of the game was certainly a nerve-racking move.  

But I needn’t have worried. 

The Algarve is so much more than a golfer’s paradise — but it’s also the perfect place to learn.  

With a nature park that’s home to a 37-mile lagoon and salt marshes frequented by flamingos, otters and Mediterranean chameleons — plus breathtaking island beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean — this beauty spot is a haven for anyone seeking R&R. 

I was staying at the 4H Magnolia Hotel in Quinta do Lago, a lavish complex tucked away within the Ria Formosa Nature Park that features four hotels and a private villa estate spread across 2,000 acres. 

While the complex may be luxury, the price tag needn’t be. The Magnolia, one of the entry-level hotels, is affordable yet stylish and oozes retro glamour with its Palm Springs theme.  

AND RELAX

I stayed at the countryside spa hotel loved by WAGs with £50pp rooms

TURN THE PAGE

Is this village the most autumnal English destination EVER?

A bright pink, neon ‘Welcome’ sign sits above the entrance, which is flanked by two cactus plants. Outside you’ll find a pool around which palm trees and stripey yellow sun loungers are dotted. Inside, the rooms are light, airy and unfussy.  

Staying here means you’ll also get access to the same shared facilities as the fancier hotels within Quinta do Lago, like the 5H Conrad.

This includes a gigantic lake with an inflatable obstacle course and watersports galore, plus a beach boardwalk that leads you straight down to the turquoise sea.

While golf is far from the only activity available to guests, the three championship courses are undoubtedly a big selling point to many.  

The legendary South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and each of the pristine fairways is backed by wildflowers and umbrella pines — pretty hard to resist. 

So it wasn’t long until I found myself at the driving range, picking up a club for the first time.  

Confronted with pyramids of perfectly-stacked golf balls, I wondered how many I would get through before I made a decent shot.  

But a beginner’s lesson from coach Callum had me swinging like a pro in no time, with simple drills and explanations that I could take away with me.  

If golf isn’t your sport, though, you can also try your hand at tennis, cycling, padel and Pilates. 

Many of these activities are at The Campus, which looks more like a glam beach club.  

It has a flawless football pitch on one side, and a patchwork of blue and orange sports courts on another.  

These grounds have been run on by elite athletes, including Chelsea and Everton footballers, during warm weather training camps, so you can be sure that the facilities here are top-notch. 

But despite its championship status and the reel of famous faces that have visited, I soon came to understand that Quinta do Lago is a place to relax and try new things, not one where you’re expected to step up to the plate and perform. 

If your aching muscles need soothing, then head to the wellness centre, which offers a sauna, steam room and plunge pool.  

There’s also Dano’s Sports Bar, a chillout spot where you can order wings and beers then sink back into a beanbag to catch a game on the big screen. 

I fuelled up on Caesar salad and bites of pizza before trying my hand at padel, which is basically tennis’s cooler, younger sibling. It’s a lot less strenuous and makes for easy rallies — ideal for beginners. 

My days at Quinta soon fell into a relaxed routine: wake up, spend the morning and afternoon trying new sports, go for a dip, then relax with dinner and cocktails. 

To fuel the body for all that sport, guests can pick from 14 dining spots spread across the resort and available to all guests. 

For an unbeatable breakfast, Pure backs on to the eighth hole of the North Golf Course and serves up freshly-squeezed juice and protein pancakes on a sun terrace shaded by pines.  

For lunch by the lake, stroll over to The Shack, where you can grab bites such as burgers and crispy fish tacos.  

And for a classy evening meal, I recommend Casa do Lago or Bovino — the former offers delicious fish from local markets, while the latter serves up juicy steaks and bold Portuguese red wines to match. 

Looking for the perfect way to end your night? Follow the boardwalk to its end to find Gigi’s, a cocktail bar that will happily shake up anything you like, and enjoy views of birds dipping down into the marshland. 

I left Quinta do Lago with not just a golden tan, but some muscle definition that I hadn’t seen in a while (a pleasant change from the usual extra holiday pounds) and a newfound love for golf — if you can’t beat them, join them. 

Holidays here feel like a health retreat that is actually fun and the exercise feels easy. There’s zero pressure to be perfect.  

Whether you want to spend your days down at the driving range, sipping cocktails by the beach or trying to master the splits in Pilates, this Portuguese playground is the place to do so.  

Who knew breaking a sweat could feel so incredibly glamorous?  

CARROT Top has been hospitalised in Las Vegas after an emergency.

His Friday night show at the Luxor was scrapped as a result.

A source told TMZ Carrot Top, 61, had been rushed to hospital after a suicide attempt.

His rep said the comedian was recovering in hospital with “the care and support he needs”.

The performer’s real name is Scott Thompson.

He got his nickname from a high school swimming coach.

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Known for his high-energy shows, Carrot Top had a long-running residency at the Luxor, Las Vegas.

The fast-paced performance has been running since 2005 at the ritzy hotel.

It regularly includes dozens of props and witty one-liners, with the star closing the show with a lip-synced musical montage.

Carrot Top booked his first stand-up comedy gig as a freshman at Florida Atlantic University.

The comedian from Rocklegde, Florida, got his big break in 1991 on Comic Strip live.

From 1995 to 1999, Carrot Top worked as a continuity announcer for Cartoon Network.

In the early 2000s, he landed TV roles in Larry the Cable Guy’s Christmas Spectacular, George Lopez, and Scrubs.

The comedian also snagged roles on the big screen, including in Chairman of the Board, Dennis the Menace Strikes Again and Tugger: The 4×4 Jeep Who Wanted to Fly.

He has appeared on many talk shows, including a 2010 episode of The Jay Leno Show, when he had pies chucked at him by Leno and guest Emma Roberts.

His agent Jami Schlicher said: “Mr. Thompson is recovering in the hospital and is receiving the care and support he needs.

“His family and those closest to him are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers and respectfully ask for privacy.”

The Sun contacted Scott Thompson’s agent for comment.

MYLEENE Klass looked incredible as she showed off her glamorous Los Angele photo shoot.

The Classic FM host, 48, flaunted her rock hard abs in a sexy red bikini in a behind he scenes look at the campaign shoot for her brand partnership with sneaker brand Skechers.

Myleene posed poolside in the red bikini and unbuttoned denim shorts as she rocked a baseball cap with large headphones over the top.

Other photos in her Instagram post included posing outside Skechers’ head office in black shorts and matching hoodie, pretending to play a large outdoor guitar statue, and hanging out with the Skechers photoshoot crew.

Myleene also showed off her business class seat on the flight as she wore a glass effect skin mask.

The I’m A Celeb star looked chic in a skintight black mini-dress which she wore to pose by a different pool while wearing a Skechers branded baseball cap.

THAT’S KLASS

Myleene Klass stuns in figure-hugging mini dress as she steps out in London

THAT’S KLASS

Myleene Klass stuns in sheer dress with lookalike daughters Hero and Ava

Myleene’s fans loved the glimpse into what it takes to create a campaign shoot and shared their thoughts in the comments.

“Vibes you look absolutely incredible love your style have a positive weekend ahead,” wrote one person.

Another added: “Stunning.”

And a third wrote: “Gorgeous Myleene.”

Last month, Myleene looked incredible at  The Dog Stars premiere alongside her two lookalike daughters. 

They cuddled up to their famous mum on the carpet and were seen smiling for the cameras.

Myleene shares the girls with her ex-husband Graham Quinn, whom she split from back in 2012.

The 48-year-old later went on to have son Apollo, three, with her now fiancée Simon Motson.