Top

A federal judge Tuesday ruled that Acting U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli is not lawfully serving in that role, but declined to dismiss criminal indictments that were challenged by defense attorneys.

Senior Judge J. Michael Seabright from the District of Hawaii was brought in to oversee the case after federal judges in Los Angeles recused themselves. In his ruling, Seabright said Essayli “unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney” but can remain in charge under a different title.

Seabright said Essayli “remains the First Assistant United States Attorney” and can “perform the functions and duties of that office.”

Essayli, a former Riverside County assemblyman, was appointed as the region’s interim top federal prosecutor by U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi in April.

The top prosecutors in charge of U.S. Attorney’s offices are supposed to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate or a panel of federal judges, but the Trump administration has circumvented the normal process in order to allow Essayli and others to remain on the job without facing a vote.

Essayli’s temporary appointment was set to expire in late July, but the White House never moved to nominate him to a permanent role, instead opting to use an unprecedented legal maneuver to shift his title to “acting,” extending his term for an additional nine months.

Challenges to Essayli’s appointment have been brought in at least three criminal cases, with defense lawyers arguing that charges brought under his watch are invalid. The federal public defender’s office in Los Angeles asked the judge to disqualify Essayli from participating in and supervising criminal prosecutions in the district.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Seabright’s ruling comes amid similar challenges across the country to the Trump administration’s tactics for installing loyalists who wield the power to bring criminal charges and sue on the government’s behalf.

A federal judge in August determined Alina Habba has been illegally occupying the U.S. attorney post in New Jersey, although that order was put on hold pending appeal. Last month a federal judge disqualified Nevada’s top federal prosecutor, Sigal Chattah, from several cases, concluding she “is not validly serving as acting U.S. attorney.” Chattah’s disqualification also is paused while the Department of Justice appeals the decision.

James Comey, the former FBI director charged with lying to Congress, cited the Nevada and New Jersey cases in a recent filing and is now challenging the legality of Trump’s appointment of Lindsey Halligan as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan was appointed after his predecessor, also a Trump appointee, refused to seek charges against Comey.

Since taking office, Essayli has doggedly pursued President Trump’s agenda, championing hard-line immigration enforcement in Southern California, often using the president’s language at news conferences. Essayli’s tenure has sparked discord in the office, with dozens of career DOJ prosecutors quitting.

The judge’s ruling Tuesday conceded arguments from the Justice Department that Essayli would continue leading the U.S. Attorney’s office in L.A. regardless of how the judged decided on the challenge to his status.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Alexander P. Robbins said that because Essayli also has been designated as first assistant U.S. attorney, he would retain his authority even if stripped of the “acting” title.

Bondi in July also appointed him as a “special attorney.” Robbins told the judge that “there’s no developed challenge to Mr. Essayli’s appointment as a special attorney or his designation as a first assistant.”

The prosecutor told the judge the government believes Essayli’s term will end Feb. 24 and that afterward the role of acting U.S. attorney will remain vacant.

Robbins argued in a court filing that the court shouldn’t order Essayli “to remove the prosecutorial and supervisory hats that many others in this Office wear, sowing chaos and confusion into the internal workings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the largest district in the country.”

When asked by a Times reporter last month about the motion to disqualify him, Essayli said “the president won the election.”

“The American people provided him a mandate to run the executive branch, including the U.S. attorney’s office, and I look forward to serving at the pleasure of the president,” he said during a news conference.

HOWARD Stern’s top staffers are asking around for new jobs at SiriusXM, as they believe the show will be canceled in December.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal the private conversations being had at the streaming radio provider, as Stern‘s $100 million contract – which has yet to be renewed – inches closer to an end. 

An eyewitness at SiriusXM’s offices this week claimed they overheard Stern show radio personality Fred Norris pitching himself for a new gig. 

“Fred was walking with another guy at Sirius and said to him, ‘Let me know, because I don’t know what’s going to happen come January, I might be looking for a job,’” the eyewitness claimed. 

Meanwhile, the source was also told that staff members are expecting the show to officially end at the end of the year.  

“After conversations with [Stern show producer] Gary Dell’Abate and others, it sounds like they aren’t expecting to re-sign with Sirius,” the insider said. 

The U.S. Sun reached out to the Howard Stern show for comment.

INSIDE STERN & SIRIUS’ NEGOTIATIONS

Stern has notably been broadcasting from his sprawling Hamptons home since the pandemic, with some occasional exceptions.

As The U.S. Sun was the first to exclusively report, the 71-year-old shock jock and his superiors at SiriusXM were not expected to find common ground when his $100 million-a-year contract concludes this year. 

In August, sources informed The U.S. Sun that Stern’s SiriusXM program seemed to be facing cancellation. 

The satellite broadcaster was unlikely to meet Stern’s financial demands when his current five-year contract expires.

An insider revealed, “Stern’s contract is up in the fall, and while Sirius is planning to make him an offer, they don’t intend for him to take it.

“Sirius and Stern are never going to agree on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.”

The source also noted at the time that SiriusXM was expected to pursue a separate agreement to maintain control of Stern’s extensive show archive.

“But as far as him coming back to doing the show, there’s no way they can keep paying his salary,” they clarified.

Referencing the difficulties within the media sector, the insider remarked, “After you saw what happened with Stephen Colbert, it’s like they just can’t afford to keep him going.”

STERN FINALLY RESPONDS

In September, Stern addressed The U.S. Sun’s report about 45 minutes into his show.

The shock jock had been on an extended summer break, after he blamed a cold for missing the prior week’s show, despite SiriusXM heavily promoting his return and that he would address the speculation that his show was done for. 

Far into his return to the air, Stern addressed The U.S. Sun’s report that his show was headed for cancellation this year.

“Here’s the truth. Sirius XM and my team have been talking about how we go forward in the future,” he stated. 

“They’ve approached me, they’ve sat down with me, like they normally do, and they’re fantastic.”

Stern recounted that SiriusXM executives asked him, “Howard, would you stay? Under what conditions do you want to stay? How often do you want to do a show?”

“And you know, we’ve been talking. We’ve been talking,” he added, confirming that a contract for him to continue had not yet been signed.

The radio icon then read directly from The U.S. Sun’s initial report, appearing to validate its accuracy.

He quoted, “Stern’s contract is up in the fall and while Sirius is planning to make him an offer, they don’t intend for him to take it,” before adding, “Which is weird. Well, fine, whatever. I might not have, but now I have to take it.”

Howard Stern’s Career

Howard Stern has had a prolific radio career, but he’s also had success in film, books and TV.

Stern’s love affair with radio began when he was a student at Boston University, where he worked at the school’s radio station before graduating in 1976.

After college, he had a series of on-air jobs in Hartford, Connecticut, Detroit, Michigan and then Washington D.C., where he met his eventual sidekick Robin Quivers.

It was in D.C. where Stern began honing his shock jock schtick.

They were fired and the pair landed at WNBC in New York City in 1982.

In a few short years at WNBC, Stern butted heads with management and was ultimately axed.

The duo joined WXRK-FM in New York in 1985 and they were there until 2004 when they joined SiriusXM.

Howard has been at SiriusXM since, with his contracts estimated to be between $80 million and a $100 million a year over the last two decades.

He also starred in and was the executive producer of his autobiography and blockbuster movie Private Parts, which debuted in 1997.

He’s also authored several books and was a judge on America’s Got Talent for three seasons.

-By Jessica Finn, Exclusives and Investigations 

SIRIUSXM EXECS WEIGH IN

A week before Stern’s belated return, SiriusXM’s Chief Content Officer, Scott Greenstein, commented at a conference. 

He said that while they would “love for Stern to stay,” nothing was confirmed at that point.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

“It certainly has to make sense, but we feel pretty good that we’ve done this before,” he said, concluding, “We’ll see where it goes.”

Meanwhile, SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz also verified they had not finalized a deal with Stern yet, but added she was “confident [they would] get to the right place” with the radio icon.

FOR quiet medinas, pretty beaches and winter highs of 20C, this African capital is set to be a popular spot next year.

National Geographic named the destination one of its best place to visit in 2026 – and luckily for Brits, it’s just three hours away from the UK.

The publication added the capital of Morocco to its must-visit spots for next year, calling it the country’s “relaxed Atlantic-coast capital”.

The city is much lesser-known than the likes of Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir and Essaouira.

But it still has all the charm of the other spots, just much quieter, so you can stroll around the traditional medina souks without it being so busy.

When it comes to the top things to do, one is visiting Kasbah des Oudaias – a fortress looking over the Atlantic Ocean and Bouregreg River.

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

When you visit, you’ll find winding blue-and-white painted streets, the historic Kasbah Mosque, and the Oudaias Museum, which is inside a former royal pavilion.

There’s also the Hassan Tower, which dates back to the 12th century and is a symbol of the city.

It’s not all history, there’s modern architecture too, like the Mohammed VI Tower, which is a 250-meter-tall skyscraper in Salé, Morocco, near Rabat, and opened in 2023.

It is the tallest building in Morocco and the third tallest in Africa.

As for affordability, you’ll be happy in Rabat, overnight stays can start from as little as £17 per person.

Food and drink is affordable too, with an inexpensive meal costing £3.26 and dinners at a mid-range restaurant starting from around £16 per person.

Draft beers cost roughly £3.25, with soft drinks like orange juice coming in at 80p.

One writer visited Rabat who said: “Walking through the monumental kasbah gate, called Bab Oudaia, is like stepping back in time.

“Rather than maze-like alleyways, there is a tranquil labyrinth of wide lanes, with white houses and blue, grated windows that are lit up by pretty vines of purple and pink flowers.”

She added: “Pick up a strong black coffee — Turkish style, I’m told — and an almond pastry at the cooling Udayas botanical gardens is the perfect fuel before a venture into the National Finery Museum.

“Extravagant bejewelled crowns, breast chains, rings and belts once worn by young women, perhaps on their wedding day, sit on faceless models.”

In fact if you want to visit Rabat this month, you can get flights for as little as £17 with Ryanair who fly directly.

From the UK, you can be in the city in three hours and 20 minutes.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot visited another destination in Morocco…

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, filled us in on her recent trip to Marrakesh. She said: “I’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

She added: “It pays to do your research and book restaurants and tours in advance though as even in February and the start of Ramadan, the souks were teeming and lots of places were fully booked.

“We did a three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide and while stuffing ourselves on some fantastic street food I probably would never have had the courage to try on my own, our guide revealed the secrets of the city and its fascinating past.”

For more holidays, check out these five lesser-visited coastal resorts that are crowd-free alternatives for 2026… with VERY cheap hotels and flights.

Plus, the peaceful African city right by the sea that feels ‘more like Europe’ – but tourists always miss it.

North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui praised the ‘spiritual closeness’ between the two states.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has met North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in the latest high-level engagement between the two countries, which have strengthened ties during the Ukraine war.

Footage released by Russian state news agencies showed Putin greeting Choe in the Kremlin on Monday. Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov also appeared at the meeting.

Putin said the countries’ “relations and development prospects” are progressing “according to plan”, and extended regards to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to Russia’s Sputnik news agency. Choe, in turn, passed on “warm wishes” from Kim, having earlier praised the “spiritual closeness” of the two nations’ relationship in talks with Lavrov.

Russia and North Korea, both under extensive Western sanctions, have significantly bolstered ties in recent years, including signing a 2024 defence pact committing each country to provide military support to the other in the event of “aggression”.

Since then, North Korea has sent around 10,000 troops to join Russia’s war against Ukraine, at least 600 of whom have died in combat, according to estimates from Seoul and Kyiv.

Pyongyang first acknowledged its soldiers’ involvement in the war in April, saying they helped Russia retake its strategic Kursk region after a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Several days ago, Kim held a ceremony marking the opening of a museum in Pyongyang to honour the North Korean troops killed in the conflict. He said their deployment “marked the beginning of a new history of militant solidarity” with Russia, with which there is an “invincible” alliance.

Putin last met Kim in person on September 3 in Beijing, where the leaders held official talks after attending a military parade hosted by China’s President  Xi Jinping. At the time, Putin praised North Korean soldiers for fighting “courageously and heroically” in the Ukraine war.

“I would like to note that we will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces and the families of your servicemen have suffered,” Putin said.

The deepening Russia-North Korea relationship has drawn concern from the United States, which says there is evidence that Russia is increasing technology support for North Korea, including in space and satellite programmes. After Putin and Kim’s September meeting, US President Donald Trump claimed they were conspiring against the US – a statement dismissed by the Kremlin.

IT’S time to get cozy, with autumn bringing colder weather across the UK.

And one of the best places to escape it is heading straight to the pub for a roast dinner and roaring fire.

We’ve rounded up some of the best across Kent, one of the most popular counties in the UK for a staycation.

From quant historic inns to seafront pubs – here are 17 of the favourites, according to locals.

Rose in June, Margate

Living in Margate for nearly two years, this was where you would find me most Saturday nights.

I rarely left the pub without making new friends, and it was always more locals than tourists, being nearer the quieter end of Margate and the popular Cliftonville area.

CHEERS TO THAT!

Pubs to open ALL NIGHT with more gigs & street food in bid to boost growth

CHEERS!

Heineken giving drinkers up to four free pints at 1,000 pubs from tomorrow

They usually have a rolling change of food being served by a pop up, currently having the delicious Hays Burgers.

Visit in winter and they usually have a delicious mulled cider too.

Old Neptune, Whitstable

Whitstable’s Old Neptune attracts most of the crowds, due to it’s beer garden being on the beach.

But when the weather turns, it still makes for one of the most dramatic views.

Just be ready to squeeze in, as it isn’t the biggest.

Or you can brave the cold and perch on the bench with your pint.

Tiger Inn, Stowting

The Tiger Inn isn’t one you would easily stumble upon, being down some very windy country roads.

And make sure to book ahead – the crammed in tables are cosy but often full and you might not want to brave the pub garden when its cold.

The pub has some of the friendliest staff, as well as a cracking roast dinner.

The Ship Inn, Sandgate

Sandgate is a much quieter option than Folkestone, and one of the best pubs is The Ship Inn.

It looks out over the beach if you manage to grab a table at the back, as well as having an extended area at the top.

Make sure to get the crab roll at lunch although it has a full menu and some delicious local wines on tap.

Or visit on a Thursday for their very fun pub quiz!

The Harbour Inn, Folkestone

If you’re looking for some fresh fish, you can’t get much fresher than The Harbour Inn at Folkestone.

Lots of the dishes are made from anything pulled in by the local trawlers.

It is also connected to the boutique London & Paris hotel, if you need somewhere to stay after one too many.

George & Heart, Margate

The Margate pub has some great history – it’s in a Grade II listed former coaching inn in the Old Town dating back to the 1700s.

The menu is always changing, as they use local produce so it is whatever they have that is fresh.

Along with great pints, it now has a boutique hotel on the top floor.

There is even the ‘Zen Den’ treatment room for some extra wellness.

The Old Buoy, Folkestone

You’ll have to battle for a seat at The Old Buoy, with a just a few tables inside.

But its where you will spot all the locals in the evening, along with extremely friendly bar staff (make sure to try the pizza while there too).

King’s Head, Deal

The Sunday Roast is one of the most unique with a Caribbean twist, complete with jerk-roasted chicken and spicy mash.

You might find you are joined by the local rugby or football club after their match but that just adds to the atmosphere.

You can also stay at the pub as well – there are 14 en-suite rooms just above.

Tickled Trout, Wye

While the Tickled Trout is best visited in the summer due to its riverfront location, it also makes a great spot in Autumn.

The food menu has enough to keep everyone from your dad to the kids happy as well.

New Flying Horse, Wye

Bundle the kids up if they are getting rowdy and send them to the outdoor garden, with food gardens and play house to explore.

It might look retro inside, but the very friendly staff make up for it.

Woolpack Inn, Warehourne

I stumbled upon this pub during a wine tour of Kent, with Warehorne known for its red and white wines.

Not only is the pub cosy and dog-friendly but you can take the kids to see all the grazing sheep outside.

It even has rooms above the pub in case you need somewhere to crash afterwards.

Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate

You’ be remiss to head to Ramsgate and not visit the Victoria Pavilion, called the world’s largest Wetherspoons.

It has some of the best views in the house, overlooking the beach, and you know you’ll always find a table.

And with Wetherspoons offering some of cheapest pints in the country, it won’t break the bank either.

Fordwich Arms, Canterbury

The Fordwich Arms is one of the fanciest pubs on the list, being Michelin-starred.

But its worth it as a special occasion pub, with five-course tasting menu some of the best food I’ve ever eaten (even down to the fresh bread and whipped butter).

Captain Digby, Broadstairs

You’d be forgiven for not knowing about the Captain Digby, as it’s slightly off the beaten track.

The pub overlooks Kingsgate Bay – a quiet beach loved by locals and away from the crowds, thanks to having no nearby train station.

But when the weather gets too much, walk up the very steep steps for a nice glass of wine at the pub.

Tudor Rose, Sittingbourne

Forget Toby’s – the Tudor Rose pub in Sittingbourne is home to my absolute favourite carveries.

Less than £20 for two courses is a steal – and the roast potatoes are mighty good too.

Three Daws, Gravesend

Old, rickety and quaint are how I’d describe the Three Daws, a cosy spot for a quiet pint in Gravesend which dates back to the 1400s.

It’s right along the River Thames where I’ve spent many an afternoon watching the world pass by along the river.

All while while tucking into one of the best value pub roasts I’ve found in the region.

The Greedy Banker, Rainham

If you’re looking for a decent beer, burger and screens of sport look no further than The Greedy Banker which runs special events throughout the year.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

There’s over a hundred choices of beer and cider to choose from, as well as spirits and wines.

Here are our 35 top pubs in London as well.

For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member has formally invoked Article 4 of the alliance’s founding treaty after a major airspace breach. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna tells Talk to Al Jazeera why repeated Russian provocations are more than isolated incidents – they’re a test of NATO’s credibility. As United States President Donald Trump questions the value of collective defence, Tsahkna warns that Europe’s security consensus is fraying and hesitation could invite danger.

TODAY is the day, the clocks have changed and while Brits get an extra hour of sleep, it’s going to get darker in the UK.

The clocks in the UK have gone back by one hour marking the end of British Summer Time – but to ditch the winter blues, head to these destinations in the UK which are some of the sunniest in the country.

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight gets around 42 per cent more sunshine in winter than the rest of the country – and even on the shortest day of the year still gets seven hours and 50 minutes of sun.

So if you want to lap up as much sun as possible, head down to England‘s largest island that one writer said is like ‘going back in time’.

The Sun’s Veronica Lorraine recently visited the island with her family, she said: “From the moment we stepped off that Wightlink ferry, I was taken back to my Eighties family holidays — where the island was a magical place for a nine-year-old obsessed with sandcastles and crabbing off the pier.

“We visited Shanklin village which has a shop selling rock, foodie spots dishing out doughnuts and slushies and loads of pubs, all perched above miles of beautiful sandy beach.

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

“When you’re feeling peckish, head to one of my favourite pubs on the island, the Spy Glass Inn. Right on sheltered, sandy Ventnor beach, it’s crammed full of pirates’ nicknacks and often has live music.”

Folkestone, Kent

The town of Folkestone in Kent is another one of the UK’s sunniest spots thanks to its position on the southeast coast.

And it happens to be the seaside town that Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey hails from, so when you head over there, check out her favourite spots.

She said: “Folkestone is having a moment, taking its time but growing in the form of new hotels and cool bars.

“Discover Mermaid Bay, the beach just out of town and named due to the rock formation mimicking a mermaid’s tail.

“The bay is found within the main beach of Folkestone, which ends at the Harbour Arm.

“This is where you will find the huge stretch of bars and cafes, as well as kids playground and crazy golf. Obviously the beaches are the main attractions but the multicoloured Creative Quarter can’t be missed.”

Kara continued: “You won’t see any chain stores here – the cobble-stone hill is lined with quaint cafes, curated vintage shops and locally run stores selling vinyls, kids toys and souvenirs.”

For more attractions, indoor activities and where to enjoy some great food, read more on Kara’s top recommendations here.

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Bognor Regis is another sunny spot with an average of around 1,900 to 1,920 hours of sunshine per year.

Its location is sheltered from northerly winds by the South Downs and from westerly winds by the Isle of Wight and Selsey Bill makes it milder in temperature too.

Catherine Lofthouse has been visiting Bognor Regis since she was a child and loves it.

She said: “There’s a reason why Bognor has been a family favourite for generations and why British holiday institution Butlin’s has had a presence in the town for almost a century, despite closing lots of other locations around the country.

“Maybe the shingle shoreline isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but paddling on pebbles does mean you’re not finding sand in all your nooks and crannies for weeks after your trip to the coast. 

“We usually stay at Butlin’s and it’s just a short walk along the prom to get to the town, passing the pier and the greenery of Waterloo Square before heading further on to Marine Park Gardens.

“Or you can catch the little land train that ferries visitors along the shoreline, costing £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. We like to stroll along, admiring the seaside architecture glinting white in the sunlight as we go.”

Weymouth, Dorset

The seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset is a great place to be not only for its sandy beaches and independent shops, but it’s sunnier than most places in the UK too.

When it’s not beach weather, visitors can visit historic sites like Nothe Fort, see the Abbotsbury Swannery or head into the Sea Life Adventure Park.

But when it’s crisp and dry, head around the corner to the Isle of Portland where you’ll find Chesil Beach, the longest in the UK that has one of the country’s best pubs.

Warm up in the The Cove House Inn is an 18th-century pub which is on the Isle of Portland in Dorset and sits right on the esplanade.

The pub is highly-rated on Tripadvisor and is number one out of the 32 restaurants on the Isle of Portland.

One visitor commented: “And the VIEWS! Amazing – right on Chesil beach with views out to sea. What a gem of a place” – it would be a great spot to watch the sun go down.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex

This other sunny destination in the UK is the only place in the list not in the south of England, instead it’s in Essex.

Southend-on-Sea is generally sunnier in the winter compared to many other parts of the UK thanks to its micro-climate on the estuary that can lead to more sunshine.

In recent years, the Essex town has seen a surge in popularity, thanks to its colourful beach huts, award-winning hotels and stunning coastline.

You can take a walk along some of the pretty beaches like Three Shells, but when you head away from the water, there’s still plenty to do – especially when it comes to eating.

Southend-on-Sea has a thriving food scene, the ‘Food in Southend’ restaurant was on the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2024.

Southend also has an award-winning ice cream parlour called Rossi.

Steeped in history, having started making ice cream in Essex since 1932, the Westcliff parlour has recently undergone a makeover.

Rossi is styled to look like an American diner with white washed walls and a striped awning where they serve what people call the “best ice cream in the world”.

Not only that you can get winter warmers like soup, toasties and it has an all day breakfast.

And if you want a luxe weekend break, the Roslin Beach Hotel on Thorpe Bay is a popular spot for celebrities like Michelle Keegan who was seen there earlier this year.

The Times even described the hotel as “a slice of Miami on the seafront of Thorpe Bay.”

FREEBIE FINDER

Last minute October half-term ideas – everything you can do for FREE

SPICING UP

How ‘diva’ Geri’s ‘embarrassing’ saga with Christian reignited Spice Girls rift

For more places to visit in the South East where it’s sunniest, check out our travel team’s favourite day trips.

Plus, discover the unique English park to feature in new Harry Potter series – and it’s even better to visit in autumn than summer.

A look at the top performers from high school football across the Southland during Week 9.

RUSHING

• Dean Gibson, Corona Centennial: Rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns in win over Norco.

• Eli Robinson, Tustin: Rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns in win over Western.

• Gaven Zamora, North Hollywood: Rushed for 119 yards in nine carries and scored two touchdowns in win over Chavez.

• Radley Geiss, Dana Hills: Rushed for 237 yards and five touchdowns in loss to Laguna Beach.

• Ethan Mundt, Troy: Gained 184 yards and scored three touchdowns in win over Irvine.

• Journee Tonga, Leuzinger: Rushed for 195 yards and one touchdown, passed for 73 yards and two touchdowns in win over Mira Costa.

• Jeremiah Watson, Murrieta Valley: Rushed for 199 yards in loss to Vista Murrieta.

PASSING

• Dominick Catalano, Corona Centennial: Passed for 331 yards and three touchdowns in win over Norco.

• Julian Medina, Norco: Passed for 384 yards and six touchdowns in loss to Corona Centennial.

• Jack Hurst, Laguna Beach: Passed for 387 yards and five touchdowns in win over Dana Hills.

• Luke Fahey, Mission Viejo: Passed for 361 yards and two touchdowns, ran for one touchdown in win over Edison.

• Taylor Lee, Oxnard Pacifica: Passed for 375 yards and two touchdowns in win over Simi Valley.

• Seth Solorio, San Pedro: Passed for four touchdowns, ran for one touchdown in win over Gardena.

• Chris Fields, Carson: Had six touchdown passes in win over Narbonne.

• Michael Gonzalez, South Gate: Passed for 305 yards and five touchdowns in win over Huntington Park.

• Jack Thomas, Palisades: Passed for 421 yards and seven touchdowns in win over Hamilton.

• Koa Malau’ulu, St. John Bosco: Passed for 219 yards and three touchdowns in win over Servite.

• Thaddeus Breaux, Hamilton: Passed for 382 yards and three touchdowns in loss to Palisades.

RECEIVING

• Blake Wong, Norco: Caught 14 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns in win over Corona Centennial.

• Kristian Leslie, Hamilton: Made 10 catches in loss to Palisades, giving him 98 receptions, breaking the City Section record for most catches in a regular season.

• Elyjah Staples, Marquez: Made four touchdown catches, ran for a touchdown and had two sacks and two fumble recoveries in win over Manual Arts.

• Thomas Jones, Long Beach Wilson: Caught four passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in win over Long Beach Jordan.

• Jaxson Rex, San Clemente: Caught nine passes for 112 yards and three touchdowns in win over Los Alamitos.

• Jack Junker, Mission Viejo: Caught 10 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns in win over Edison.

• Anthony Jacobs Jr., Oxnard Pacifica: Had five catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns in win over Simi Valley.

• Demare Dezeurn, Palisades: Caught nine passes for 172 yards and four touchdowns in win over Hamilton.

DEFENSE

• Jaden Walk-Green, Corona Centennial: Scored his fifth touchdown of the season on defense by returning a fumble in win over Norco.

• Joshua Kerst, San Clemente: Had three sacks in win over Los Alamitos.

• Jack Norman, Dana Hills: Had interception and recovered a fumble on onside kick in loss to Laguna Beach.

• Brennan Martinez, Vista Murrieta: Had two touchdowns on interception returns in win over Murrieta Valley.

• Nick Yakubik, Palos Verdes: Had two interceptions in win over Inglewood.

• Duvay Williams, Gardena Serra: Returned interception for touchdown in win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• DJ Parker, Hamilton: Returned a kickoff 81 yards for touchdown vs. Palisades.

• Jack Strosnider, Mira Costa: Blocked a punt and scored touchdown in loss to Leuzinger.

• Carter Sobel, Sierra Canyon: Made field goals from 25 and 43 yards in win over Bishop Amat.

Our writer Abby Wells soaks up the culture on a wonderful weekend in the Italian capital, featuring incredible history, authentic cuisine and top tourist attractions

Having never been to Italy before, I was very excited to see what its capital city had to offer – and it certainly didn’t disappoint. After leaving rainy England and landing in Rome’s significantly sunnier weather just over two hours later, I was immediately smitten with the architecture, the people, the food and the history.

Where to stay in Rome

I arrived at the Grand Hotel Palace Rome in the centre of the city in the heat of the afternoon sun as I was visiting back in the summer. Walking into the cool reception, with its calm and inviting decor, was a refreshing welcome.

Restored in 2010, this boutique hotel now blends timeless Italian design with 21st-century modernity – think marble floors, huge chandeliers and stunning frescoes. Despite having 74 bedrooms and 12 luxurious suites, it has an intimate feel.

My superior room was spacious and decorated in pastel hues. It had impressive city views and was a real haven away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds outside.

READ MORE: ‘I found a stylish island retreat under 4 hours away that’s still hot in October’

READ MORE: Charming European destination is foodie hotspot and October is cheapest time to visit

What to do in Rome

This city is best explored on foot, so comfy shoes are a suitcase essential. The grand architecture is guaranteed to impress as you wander around with your gelato.

Our hotel was a stone’s throw from the gorgeous Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest park, which has landscaped gardens, sculptures and fountains, a zoo and even a replica of London’s Globe Theatre. I recommend heading to the Pincio terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city, including the famous domed roof of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

The Spanish Steps are a 10-minute walk from the hotel and although it was very busy here with tourists, I managed to find the perfect spot to sit and people watch – Babington’s tea rooms, which dates back to 1893 and is a must for tea lovers.

You can’t go to Rome and not visit Trevi Fountain. Tradition says that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to the city. Already keen to visit again, I joined in.

What really struck me was how big it was. Measuring 26 metres high, it’s the biggest fountain in Rome, and undoubtedly the most magnificent. You need to join the queuing system to get close to the fountain, but this did move very quickly when I went at 9am.

Visiting the Colosseum is another must and I highly recommend booking a guided tour. My guide, Max, was extremely knowledgeable but also managed to add some humour. It was amazing seeing the huge arena where gladiators used to fight in front of thousands of people. Be sure to pre-book and get there in plenty of time, as getting through security takes a while.

After a long day of sightseeing, you can treat your tired feet to a pamper at Grand Hotel Palace’s Fusion Spa, an Asian-inspired oasis with a sauna, indoor heated saltwater pool and relaxation areas, plus a choice of indulgent treatments.

Where to eat in Rome

You’re spoilt for choice for places to eat in Rome. On every street there are lovely little tabernas strewn with fairy lights, pizzerias or shops serving gelato in every flavour imaginable.

On my first night I enjoyed the tasting menu at Grand Hotel Palace’s Ristorante Cadorin. I feasted on four courses, but the best was saved for last – the tiramisu was heavenly. I went to bed very happy with a full stomach. The hotel breakfast was buffet-style, with optional extras available to order.

If you’re looking for a traditional Italian restaurant, I recommend Checco Er Carettiere in an area called Trastevere. Tucked away down a side street, it’s family-run, serves authentic Roman dishes and has a pretty courtyard out the back. My pasta dish was just as you’d expect: utterly delicious.

If you’re a fan of fish, Il San Lorenzo is worth a visit. This sleek restaurant is reputed to offer the best seafood restaurant in Rome. If you do find yourself eating your body weight in pizza and pasta, don’t worry, as you’ll soon walk it off exploring this amazing ancient city.

How much does it cost?

Rooms at Grand Hotel Palace Rome start from £330 per night.

For alternative hotel options in Rome, browse on holiday booking sites such as Booking.com and Expedia.

Last year, Reliance Industries Ltd signed a deal with Russian major Rosneft to import nearly 500,000 barrels per day.

India’s top importer of Russian oil, the conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd, says it will abide by Western sanctions, ending several days of speculation about how the company will manage new measures targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies.

Reliance “will be adapting the refinery operations to meet the compliance requirements”, a company spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, while maintaining its relationships with suppliers.

“Whenever there is any guidance from the Indian Government in this respect, as always, we will be complying fully,” the statement added.

On Wednesday, the United States Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Russian majors Rosneft and Lukoil for the first time as President Donald Trump becomes increasingly frustrated with Russia’s unremitting war on Ukraine.

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said the move was the result of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “refusal to end this senseless war” and encouraged allies to adhere to the new sanctions.

The following day, the European Union adopted its 19th package of measures against Russia, which includes a full transaction ban on Rosneft. The EU has previously said that, starting January 21, it will not receive fuel imports from refineries that received or processed Russian oil 60 days prior to shipping.

Reliance, chaired by billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani, operates the world’s biggest refining complex in western Gujarat. The company has purchased roughly half of the 1.7-1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of discounted Russian crude shipped to India, the news agency Press Trust of India reported this week.

In 2024, Reliance signed a 10-year deal with Rosneft to buy nearly 500,000 bpd, Reuters reported at the time. It also buys Russian oil from intermediaries.

Reliance did not offer details on how, exactly, it planned to navigate the sanctions – nor the fate of the 2024 Rosneft agreement – but emphasised it would comply with European import requirements.

“Reliance is confident its time-tested, diversified crude sourcing strategy will continue to ensure stability and reliability in its refinery operations for meeting the domestic and export requirements, including to Europe,” the company spokesperson said.

The sanctions also arrive as India navigates the fallout from Trump’s tariffs on Indian exports, which rose to 50 percent starting in August as a penalty for importing Russian oil. China and India are the world’s largest importers of Russian crude.

Trump has claimed multiple times over the past month that India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil as part of a broader trade deal, an assertion the Indian government has not confirmed.

Neither India’s Ministry of External Affairs nor oil ministries have responded since the sanctions were announced on Wednesday.

EACH Christmas, one major activity fires up the magic spirit for families – festive train fun.

With November just one week away, family members are most likely going to begin nudging you for things to do together over the festive period – and what is a more perfect way to spend time with the family than a Christmas train experience!

From trains wrapped in lights to journeys to see Santa, the UK isn’t short of Christmas rail experiences.

Here are some of the top Christmas train experiences across the UK.

The Polar Express

Perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas train experiences is The Polar Express, which runs in a number of locations across the country including Birmingham, London and south Devon.

Inspired by the iconic film, passengers get to head on board with a Golden Ticket to meet Santa, whilst enjoying entertainment, music and even dancing chefs.

Read more in travel inspo

TAKE THE FALL

50 half term days out and Halloween specials which are FREE or under £5

HAPPY DEAL

Disney free food deal that ‘saves THOUSANDS’ – our experts see if it’s worth it

Trips depart from across the country and tickets prices vary depending on date and location, but can usually be found as low as £27 per person.

Santa Steam Express

The Santa Steam Express heads off from London Victoria Station and features an interactive storytelling theatre experience whilst on the journey.

Passengers will also get to meet Santa and his elves.

The experience runs on December 20 and December 22, with four departures each day.

The experience then lasts around 90 minutes, taking passengers through London’s suburbs.

All children get to meet Santa, who will deliver them a traditional gift and they will also receive a snack and drink.

Parents aren’t left out though, as they will be able to have tea or coffee and a mince pie.

There are a range of different classes on board the train that vary in price.

For example, Coach Class costs from £55 per person, Club Class from £75 per person and Private Compartments available from £600 each, for up to six guests.

Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman

On board the North Yorkshire Pullman, passengers get to journey through the North York Moors National Park.

Each guest will enjoy a three-course meal, with tea and coffee, as well as a mince pie.

Trips take place from November 25 to January 4, departing and returning to Grosmont Station.

Seats cost from £99 per person.

Christmas Afternoon Tea on the Great Western Saloon

For an afternoon treat, opt for the Great Western Saloon, which departs from Grosmont in North Yorkshire.

The train travels along the heritage line and as it does, passengers get to enjoy a range of sandwiches, other savoury nibbles and sweet treats.

The experience will be running on November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18.

Tickets cost £85 per person and the experience is for those aged 16 and over.

All Aboard for Festive Dining

Down in Devon, the South Devon Railway is running the ‘All Aboard for Festive Dining’ experience.

Dubbed to be “one of Britain’s most nostalgic rail journeys”, passengers will be able to see the stunning Dart Valley scenery as well as hear the chugs of the steam engine.

Passengers can choose from four different experiences.

In the 1950s Restaurant Car, guests can enjoy a Festive Ploughman’s Lunch with local cheeses, chutneys and bread, or opt for Festive Afternoon Tea instead.

Alternatively, head to the 1925 Pullman Car ‘Lydia’ for a spot of luxury dining in Winston Churchill‘s former dining carriage.

In this carriage, guests can have a Pullman Festive Afternoon Tea or the Pullman Christmas Lunch.

The festive dining experiences run throughout December, costing from £69.95 per person.

Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) Santa Specials

The Kent & East Sussex Railway will feature Santa Specials this festive period.

The experience lasts 75 minutes, and passengers get to have gifts hand delivered by Santa.

On board, there are also a number of family photo opportunities and complimentary hot drinks (which includes mulled wine for adults).

You also get entry to the Winter Wonderland marquee and unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers at Tenterden Town Station.

With the Bronze package, passengers get a complimentary refreshment pack, containing a mince pie for each adult and a chocolate bar for each child.

Passengers in Silver and Gold class carriages then get to meet Jingle and Sparkle, Santa’s Head Elves.

There are Silver first class and Gold premium class packages as well.

The 2025 Santa Specials run every weekend from November 29 until December 21, plus December 23 and Christmas Eve.

Tickets cost from £30 per person (based on booking a table of four for £120).

Elf Express

The Strathspey Railway travels through the Cairngorms National Park on a heritage steam train, and for the festive season there will be elves onboard with the passengers.

Kids even get the chance to meet Santa.

A trolley will also operate on board with seasonal treats, like the Festive Steam Tea with sandwiches and cakes, hot chocolate and prosecco.

The train is running on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 6.

A table for four on board the train costs from £95.

Steam Illuminations

Along the Watercress Line in Hampshire you could hop on board the Steam Illuminations train – a train wrapped in LED lights.

Travelling from Alresford or Alton, the heritage steam train dates back to between the 20s and the 30s.

The journey lasts one hour and 45 minutes, and passengers will see illuminations along the way.

There are even ‘singing’ Christmas trees at Alresford.

The train is operating on various dates from November 28 to January 4 and it costs from £34 for adults and children.

Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials

Families heading on the Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials start their journey before they reach the station.

As they can hop on a vintage London bus at Epping Underground station or in Ongar, to get to North Weald Station – and you’ll spot different festive characters will be walking around.

Then once on board, the train will head off on a return journey via Epping Forest.

The Santa Specials trains will be running on November 29 and 30 and on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Tickets start at £65 per two people.

Bluebell Railway SteamLights

The Bluebell Railway SteamLights train heads off through the Sussex countryside, with passengers able to spot festive-themed scenes along the way.

Then the train arrives at Horsted Keynes Station, with passengers able to get off and take pictures of the train which is entirely covered in lights for 30 minutes.

The train then heads back to Sheffield Park, with the experience lasting around two hours in total.

The experience is running from November 22 to December 28 and tickets start from £35 per person.

Christmas Train of Lights

Located along Dartmouth Steam Railway in Devon is the Christmas Train of Lights – supposedly the UK’s first ever steam train of lights, according to the operator’s website.

Both a spectacle from the inside and the outside, passengers will get to experience lineside displays and a number of festive surprises throughout the journey.

They will run from November 28 to December 30.

Tickets cost £29.95 per adult and £21.95 per child.

East Somerset Railway Santa Paws

One for families with a much-loved pooch is the East Somerset Railway Santa Paws experience.

Four-legged friends aren’t left out of the fun on this one as you can bring them along to meet Santa.

There are lots of photo opportunities and your pooch even gets a special gift.

The experience will run on December 6 and 7.

Tickets cost £15 per adult and £10 per child.

STRICTLY NEWBIES

All the stars in line to replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly

TUM HELP

The 30g diet hack that ‘PREVENTS deadly bowel cancer’… as cases surge in under-50s

For more Christmas inspiration, here are the prettiest Christmas markets in Britain – with hotel stays from £37.

Plus, the one-of-a-kind tropical Christmas market in England with 35C temps – and it doesn’t matter if it rains.

Broadway has been dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ thanks to its charming architecture and uncrowded streets. Here’s everything you need to know

The ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds ‘, a village in Worcestershire, has been lauded for its “beautiful” and “unspoilt” charm.

Broadway, particularly popular during the summer, is being promoted as an ideal spot to visit during the colder months, offering a unique winter allure. In fact, BBC’s Countryfile named it one of the top winter holiday destinations in the UK.

Situated beneath Fish Hill and just a two-hour drive from central London, Broadway invites visitors to leisurely stroll along its high street, taking in the local pubs, shops and cafes before venturing into the Cotswold hills.

Tourists can appreciate the historic buildings lining the high street before exploring some of the village’s attractions. The Design Museum, housed in Gordon Russell’s original grade-listed workshop, showcases the work of the renowned furniture designer.

According to the village’s official website, other notable creatives linked to the area include William Morris, John Singer Sargent, and Mary Anderson, reports Gloucestershire Live.

A key attraction is the Broadway Tower, nestled within a 50-acre parkland estate. It provides stunning views over the landscape, and on a clear day, visitors can see across 16 counties.

Additionally, the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, situated in a charming 17th-century building, offers guests the opportunity to delve into the village’s intriguing history.

Animal enthusiasts will find the Cotswold Farm Park just a 20-minute drive away from Broadway.

Visitors can get up close with over 50 rare breeds, cuddle chicks or pet rabbits, providing an excellent family outing.

Holiday-makers have showered the village with glowing reviews, praising its picturesque architecture and range of attractions.

One guest shared on TripAdvisor: “Just beautiful, lots of shops and places to eat and drink. Best visited out of season so you can appreciate the buildings and old world charm.”

Another said: “The Broadway High Street just oozes Cotswold charm. It has a village green and is lined with historic buildings and honey-coloured houses with thatched roofs. Many of the houses were built in the 17th century, and some of the buildings, like the Abbot’s Grange and the Prior’s Manse, date back to medieval times.”

A third described Broadway as a “beautiful village”, noting: “Other Villages around aren’t a patch on this place. Plenty of shops to visit, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms.”

Meanwhile, another said: “Amazing Village in the Cotswolds. Been coming here for years when nearby. There is something for everyone and a very dog friendly place. Lovely food places and never struggled with parking.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the importance of the fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem Thursday.

A look at this week’s top high school football games in the Southland:

FRIDAY

Garfield (6-2, 4-0) vs. Roosevelt (4-4, 3-1) at East Los Angeles College, 7:30 p.m.

Throw out the records. Close the blinds. It’s East L.A. Classic week. Garfield should be a heavy favorite with running back Ceasar Reyes coming off a school-record 420 yards rushing performance. Roosevelt, though, has won three straight Eastern League games. Jason Moreno is Roosevelt’s version of Reyes. The pick: Garfield.

King/Drew (7-1, 3-0) at Crenshaw (7-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.

King/Drew has never won the Coliseum League title. This is the Eagels’ best chance behind top athlete Jayden Mitchell. Crenshaw has continued to improve behind receiver/defensive back Deance’ Lewis and quarterback Danniel Flowers. The pick: Crenshaw.

What is it about the musical biopic that has inspired so much Oscar love? Is it the genre’s front-row seat on the turbulent, provocative, culture-shifting lives of artists we’ve worshiped from afar? Is it the transformational, go-for-broke acting showcase it affords, and the painstaking period recreation so essential to the journey back in time? Or is it simply the enduring power of popular music and the icons who’ve created and performed it?

With the release of writer-director Scott Cooper’s biographical drama “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” starring kudos magnet Jeremy Allen White in an immersive portrayal of The Boss circa 1982, it feels like the perfect time to flash back on some of the most honored pop-music biopics in Oscars history.

‘A Complete Unknown’ (8 nominations)

Monica Barbaro and Timothée Chalamet in “A Complete Unknown.”

(Searchlight Pictures)

This nostalgic snapshot of the early career of legendary folk singer Bob Dylan racked up eight Oscar nominations, including for picture, director (James Mangold), adapted screenplay (Mangold and Jay Cocks), and actors Timothée Chalamet (Dylan), Edward Norton (Pete Seeger) and Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez). Though it exited the awards ceremony empty-handed (it also earned nods for sound and costume design), the film enjoyed solid awards-season grosses, largely positive reviews and further burnished Chalamet’s cred as a versatile and chameleonic leading man.

‘Elvis’ (8 nominations)

Austin Butler in “Elvis.”

(Warner Bros. Pictures)

Tracking the meteoric rise and fall of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, this electric, eclectic, midcentury biopic impressed critics, shook up the box office and made a star out of Presley proxy Austin Butler. (Go ahead, say it: “Thank you, thank you very much!”) Though “Elvis” left the building on Oscar night with zero wins from eight nods — including picture, lead actor, cinematography and film editing — the movie brought the hip-swiveling singer back into the zeitgeist and gave director Baz Luhrmann yet another feather in his movie-musical cap.

‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ (8 nominations)

James Cagney stars as George M. Cohan in the 1942 biographical musical drama “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

(Turner Entertainment)

An oldie but a goodie, this popular — and patriotic — musical drama, starring James Cagney as prolific composer-singer-showman George M. Cohan, was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including for picture, director (Michael Curtiz), lead actor and supporting actor (Walter Huston). Cagney won his only Oscar for the exuberant role. (He also received nominations for 1938’s “Angels With Dirty Faces” and 1955’s “Love Me or Leave Me,” another musical biopic.) “Yankee” took home additional statuettes for sound and, as the category was then called, best scoring of a musical picture.

‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ (7 nominations)

Levon Helm and Sissy Spacek in “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

(Universal Pictures)

Country star Loretta Lynn may have been born a coal miner’s daughter, but Sissy Spacek was born to play her, as evidenced by the Oscar she won for her striking portrayal. The film, which spanned Lynn’s humble Kentucky youth and marriage at 15 through her extraordinary rise to chart-topping fame — and the nervous breakdown that nearly derailed her career — scored seven nominations, including for picture and adapted screenplay (by Thomas Rickman). Spacek, the film’s sole Oscar winner, would go on to earn four more lead actress nominations.

‘Bound for Glory’ (6 nominations)

David Carradine, who played folk singer Woody Guthrie in “Bound for Glory,” strums a guitar at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival.

(Keystone / Hulton Archive via Getty Images)

Seminal American folk singer Woody Guthrie, who was a pivotal supporting character in last year’s “A Complete Unknown,” had a biopic all to himself in this lyrical drama directed by the great Hal Ashby. Based on Guthrie’s 1943 autobiography and starring David Carradine as the itinerant, socially conscious musician, the movie was nominated for six Oscars, including picture, adapted screenplay and film editing. It won for Haskell Wexler’s evocative cinematography and Leonard Rosenman’s sweeping score — but remained more of a critical than commercial success.

‘Ray’ (6 nominations)

Jamie Foxx in “Ray.”

(Nicola Goode)

Jamie Foxx took home the Oscar, among many other prizes, for his vibrant embodiment of pioneering singer-songwriter-pianist Ray Charles. The ambitious box-office hit, which followed the influential crossover artist from his childhood in 1930s Georgia (when he went blind) through the late 1970s — and all the successes, detours and struggles in between — garnered six nominations, including best picture and director (Taylor Hackford). Along with the lead actor award, “Ray” won for sound mixing. Foxx also earned a supporting actor nod that same year for his fine dramatic work in Michael Mann’s “Collateral.”

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (5 nominations)

Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

(Alex Bailey / Twentieth Century Fox)

Audiences and Academy voters were kinder than many critics to this often dazzling, mega-grossing ($910 million worldwide) portrait of groundbreaking Queen frontman and co-founder Freddie Mercury, who died of complications from AIDS in 1991. Although called out for sanitizing the queer, vocally gifted musician’s private — and not-so-private — life, the movie was nominated for five Oscars, including best picture. With wins for film editing, sound editing, sound mixing and, most notably, lead actor (for Rami Malek’s captivating turn as Mercury), the picture amassed the most statuettes in that year’s race.

‘Lady Sings the Blues’ (5 nominations)

Diana Ross in “Lady Sings the Blues.”

(Paramount Pictures)

Diana Ross made an auspicious feature acting debut in this sprawling biopic about the hardships and triumphs of celebrated jazz singer Billie Holiday. An iconic music star herself — she’d recently left the hit-making Supremes to go solo — Ross earned her first (and only) Oscar nod for her galvanizing recreation. The film received four additional nominations, including for original screenplay and costume design, but won none. Ross, who lost that year to Liza Minnelli in “Cabaret,” would go on to star in just a handful of other films. (“Mahogany,” anyone?)

‘Walk the Line’ (5 nominations)

Joaquin Phoenix in “Walk the Line.”

(Suzanne Tenner / 20th Century Fox)

The life of country-folk-rockabilly star Johnny Cash received a polished, emotionally rich big-screen treatment thanks to fine direction by James Mangold (who co-wrote with Gill Dennis) and powerful star turns by Joaquin Phoenix as the complicated Man in Black and Reese Witherspoon as his resilient wife, singer June Carter Cash. The popular, well-reviewed drama collected five Oscar nominations: lead actor and actress, costume design, film editing and sound mixing. Witherspoon captured Oscar gold — along with a raft of other awards — for her memorable performance.

With autumn well under way, we’ve put together a list of some of the top pumpkin patches in the UK for a seasonal, Halloween-inspired day out for all the family

With autumn well under way and Halloween fast-approaching, many of us will be looking for some spooky fun. Pumpkin patches are a great way to enjoy autumnal vibes while also getting out in the fresh air – and you get to take your own pumpkin home with you to carve, turn into a delicious meal, or simply decorate your home with.

Pumpkin patches have become more and more popular in recent years, and many now offer a full day out including activities and photo opportunities. We’ve put together a list of the top patches in the UK for you to enjoy this October …

Tulleys Pumpkin Farm, West Sussex

Tulleys Pumpkin Farm is one of the best known in the UK. Located in the West Sussex countryside, the farm will this year be offering more than 1 million pumpkins and gourds for visitors to pick. The site offers a range of photo opportunities with vibrant backdrops and set-ups, and there are even characters from the “Pumpkin Village” wandering around the site.

There is also food and drink on offer including smash burgers, loaded hot dogs, loaded fries, hot donuts, toffee apples, and pumpkin spice lattes. Other attractions include roaming musicians, an observation wheel, the Pumpkin Bar and the Boozy Cauldron Bar.

The farm will be running the pumpkin picking experiences from 9.30am to 5.30pm and visitors can get tickets online here .

Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire

Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire is offering 30 different varieties of pumpkins, squashes and gourds for visitors to pick from. To get to the patch, guests can follow the spooky walk through the Kitchen Garden and they are encouraged to wear Halloween fancy dress.

The patch is open until October 31st and visitors can come from 10am to 4pm daily, while stocks last. The entry is free, and you will simply need to pay for what you pick. Some of the pumpkins in the patch will have golden bottoms – and guests who find one will win the pumpkin, a family ticket to Christmas in the Hall, and a Doddington homegrown Christmas tree. No tickets are required.

Millets Farm Centre, Oxfordshire

Millets Farm Centre promises a pumpkin-picking experience with “loads of Halloween themed props and photo opportunities”. Visitors will pay for an entry ticket, and then for the pumpkin or squash they pick when they leave the field.

A SEND session will be held on October 27 which offers exclusive early access to the patch, reduced noise levels, with lower capacity. On October 31, a dog day will take place, which allows guests to bring along their furry friends.

You can buy tickets here . Additionals can be bought too, like goodie bags and a pumpkin carving experience – and guests can also enjoy hot chocolates and marshmallow toasting.

Farmer Copleys, West Yorkshire

Farmer Copleys has promised a “bigger and better than ever” pumpkin festival. Visitors can wander through more than 300,000 homegrown pumpkins in more than 40 varieties and snap photographs along the way.

Alongside pumpkin picking, guests can enjoy tractor fields, live shows and entertainment, archery and vintage fairground rides, fancy dress contests, and a dog parade. There will also be the chance to enjoy some street food and drinks from the festival bars. You can get tickets here .

Bell’s Pumpkin Patch, Lincolnshire

Bell’s Pumpkin Patch is one of the largest in the country and offers visitors the chance to pick pumpkins and enjoy the range of entertainment and attractions on offer. Guests can visit the pumpkin carving tent, take a look at the Pumpkin Cannon which can fire a pumpkin over a quarter of a mile, and have a go on the funfair rides.

There are bounce and climb areas for kids to enjoy, a tiny tots play area, face painting, and ride-on pedal tractors. Other attractions include tractor rides, a Maize Maze, a makers’ market, garden games, an assault course, singing pumpkins, and food and drink. You can get tickets here .

Lathcoats Farm, Essex

Lathcoats Farm in Essex will be offering “lots of sizes and varieties” to choose from, as well as an undercover pumpkin patch, outdoor games, and “plenty of photo opportunities”.

Visitors can also book onto the Halloween Hunt which will include access to the trail, an activity sheet, and a delicious prize. Guests are encouraged to visit the orchards at the farm and pick their own apples too. Tickets to the event must be booked in advance, and you can get them here .

Vale Pick Your Own, Vale of Glamorgan

The Pick Your Own farm in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan offers fruit picking all year round – including strawberry and raspberry picking over the summer. In October, the farm’s pumpkin patch will be back for more “spooky season fun”.

Visitors can also get tickets for the Twilight Pumpkin Picking experience, which will include live band entertainment and a fully licensed bar. There will be a fire pit to roast marshmallows and a face painter during the day and night sessions. You can get tickets here.

THE Eurostar is getting a major upgrade with up to 50 new double-decker trains.

Eurostar has revealed a €2billion (£1.7billion) investment in double-decker trains that would become the first ever to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK network.

So far, the operator has confirmed it will have 30 double-decker trains, but could add a further 20 in the future.

The new fleet, built by the Alstom Group, will be called Eurostar Celestia.

The trains will each measure 200 metres long, and will be used across the five countries Eurostar currently operates in – the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

They are also set to be used for new destinations such as Geneva in Switzerland and Frankfurt in Germany.

Read more on travel inspo

TAKE THE FALL

50 half term days out and Halloween specials which are FREE or under £5

HAPPY DEAL

Disney free food deal that ‘saves THOUSANDS’ – our experts see if it’s worth it

On board each train, there will be around 540 seats – a 20 per cent increase compared to the number of seats on the Eurostar’s current trains.

Though if running in a 400 metre formation, as trains do currently through the Channel Tunnel, then there will be around 1,080 seats per service.

According to the operator, Eurostar Celestia will also have a “bespoke design to capture the unique, premium experience Eurostar customers expect”.

The name of the new fleet was decided by Eurostar staff and is derived from the Latin word ‘caelestis’, which means ‘heavenly’.

“It evokes the stars and the essence of travel, perfectly capturing the spirit of a company that links a constellation of cities across Europe,” Eurostar added.

The decision follows Eurostar’s aim of handling 30million passengers each year in the future.

The first trains are expected to join Eurostar’s fleet in January 2031, with services launching in May 2031.

The operator plans to launch six trains initially, which will run alongside Eurostar’s current fleet of 17 e320s.

In total, the fleet will grow to 67 trains – 30 per cent more than runs today.

The entire fleet would also be maintained at the Temple Mills depot in London, which would undergo an €80million (£69.6million) redevelopment to create space for the new trains.

In addition, 350 new jobs would be created at the depot.

The trains will be an all-electric fleet too, making them more sustainable.

Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO, Eurostar said: “We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time.

“Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to be revealed.

“This is a golden age for international sustainable travel – and Eurostar is leading the race.”

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, said: “This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”

The announcement comes as the Office of Rail and Road is set to meet on October 31 to make a decision on whether space should be created for a competitor operator at Temple Mills, such as Virgin or Gemini.

PRICEY SECRETS

Katie Price reveals she snogged EMINEM and two more A-list Hollywood stars

HORROR STORY

I nearly died after the Yorkshire Ripper attacked me with a screwdriver

Recently, Virgin also announced that if it were to get approval to run cross-channel services, it would launch routes from two huge cities in the north.

And in other train news, the UK capital is set to welcome new £700million train line linking west and north of the city.

ONE European spot with 17C winter temperatures has been named among the top 25 places to visit in 2026.

The ancient port city of Cadiz, in Spain, is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is full of history dating back to the 16th century when the city was used as a base for exploration and trade.

Today visitors can still see more than 100 watchtowers across the city, which were used for spotting ships.

Naming the city one of the top 25 places to visit across the globe in 2026, Lonely Planet revealed that Cadiz is best for Carnaval, fine food and flamenco.

It stated: “Cádiz’s Carnaval is Spain’s biggest annual party, bringing extravagantly costumed revelers to its streets for 10 days of parades, fireworks, singing and dancing in February or March, to the accompaniment of more than 300 local murgas (bands).

“Pack a costume and book your accommodations months in advance or commute from nearby El Puerto de Santa María.”

Read more on travel inspo

SHOW BOAT 

I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

As for the city’s food scene, visitors will often find fresh seafood dishes and many restaurants serving traditional Andalusian tapas.

Typical dishes include tortillitas de camarones – crispy fritters made with tiny local shrimp.

One top restaurant in the city is Fogón De Mariana, which serves dishes that “tell stories of their orchards, fields, and pastures, bringing you slow-cooked moments”.

Alternatively, head to Mercado Central de Abastos which is Spain‘s oldest covered market.

Inside, you can grab some fresh produce or something to eat in the gourmet food court – Rincón Gastronómico.

As for things to do in the city, there is something for everyone.

If you venture to the waterfront, you will find the domed, 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral.

The cathedral is known for its mix of baroque and neoclassical architecture and it took more than a century to build.

Inside, you can explore a crypt, museum and climb the clock tower to see panoramic views of the city.

For another amazing viewpoint, head to Torre Tavira – one of the city’s watchtowers.

Inside is also a cámara oscura (dark room) which projects live images of some of the city’s top spots.

Then in El Pópulo – Cádiz’s oldest quarter – you will find a maze of narrow alleys and archways, dating back to the medieval period.

Many of the winding alleys boast cosy tapas bars and shops as well.

It is this area that led to the city earning the nickname of ‘Cuba of Europe‘, as the narrow streets look like Little Havana and much of the architecture resembles buildings in the Cuban capital.

The city has many places to stay including Hotel Playa Victoria Cádiz – a beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool and beach sun terrace.

It costs from around £80 per night.

Of course, the city is also home to golden beaches.

La Caleta is one top spot, with a number of bars nearby that come alive at night.

One recent visitor said: “It’s a great spot to grab some food and wine and watch the fisherman’s boats on the water.”

Or you could opt to bathe on Playa de Santa Maria del Mar, which is accessible from the centre of Cadiz.

The beach features two stone piers that give it a shell-like appearance and it also has great views of the city’s old quarter.

It is the ideal spot to enjoy a bottle of wine, costing as little as €1.45 (£1.26) for a bottle from a local supermarket.

Or you could head to one of the local bars, where a glass of wine will set you back around £2.18.

Temperatures during the winter reach highs of 17C and lows of 10C.

Some airlines offer seasonal routes to Jerez Airport, which is just under 27 miles from Cadiz.

Alternatively, there are year-round flights to Seville Airport.

In November, return flights to Seville from London cost £32, from Birmingham they cost £43 and from Edinburgh they cost £46.

Once in Seville, Cadiz is about an hour and 20-minute drive away.

Alternatively, you could jump on a train that takes about an hour and 25 minutes, costing from £15 each way.

NOT KIDDING

Tutoring job with £180k salary for 1-year-old labelled a ‘nightmare’ by parents

HEATING UP

The swirling rumours about James Martin and his stunning PT girlfriend, 39

For another Spanish destination, you could head to a quaint Spanish town 30 minutes from Benidorm – it’s still warm in October and has £14 flights in half term.

Plus, Jet2 has launched new holidays to one of Spain’s cheapest cities known as the ‘Garden of Europe’.

MYLEENE Klass stunned in a daring low cut top as she stepped out for a star-studded event.

The TV personality, 47, cut a glamorous figure in the all-black ensemble as she attended Global’s Audio & Entertainment Upfronts party on Tuesday evening in London.

The Calm Classics radio host was joined by a flurry of her Global colleagues, including Sian Welby, Jordan North, Emily Maitlis and Chris Stark for the starry event.

Myleene showed a hint of cleavage in the braless number, which she simply paired with black heels and a gold-detailed watch.

Her honey blonde wavy locks were styled with a simple middle parting as she beamed a smile for cameras.

It comes as the star put her stalker hell behind her after a crazed fan sent her an “accumulation” of concerning items.

Read more on Myleene Klass

GOLDEN GIRL

Myleene Klass stuns in sexy gold dress as she bounces back from stalker hell

KLASSY WHEELS

Myleene Klass shows off new £100k baby blue G Wagon as she shops in London

Peter Windsor, 61, was convicted of stalking Myleene and her Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick after bombarding them with creepy letters and gifts.

The 61-year-old allegedly sent Myleene items with “sexual overtones” – including a Catwoman outfit and set of handcuffs.

He also called her a “naughty vixen” and sent a police uniform to the Classic FM studio, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

Giving evidence, Myleene said she was informed in an email in August last year that an “accumulation” of items had been sent to her.

She became upset when she was asked about being told how Royal Mail had “intercepted” an air pistol addressed to her.

She said “it just felt extreme on every front” after she was shown a list of items and photographs of letters Windsor allegedly sent.

The ITV star added: “It was very clear very quickly that it was a highly volatile selection of items.

“It was a huge shock, especially the extent to which it had escalated.

“It was pretty overwhelming when you have the accumulation of a bundle of this information. It’s pretty terrifying.”

It also emerged that Windsor was arrested but not prosecuted after sending a letter in October 2020 to Ms Sturgeon when she was Scottish First Minister.

Following his conviction earlier this month, Myleene said: “After a horrific year, my family and I finally have peace.”

Posting to her 500,000 fans on social media, she added: “Thank you for your love and support.”