unique

NESTLED in the Scottish Highlands is one of the quirkiest holiday homes in the country.

Eagle Brae is a Scottish hidden gem made up of beautiful log cabins that sit on a remote hillside.

It’s consistently rated as ‘the most unique luxury log cabin resort in Scotland‘ and made an appearance on Tripadvisor’s 2026 Best of the Best Awards this year.

It is part of the worldwide one of a kind category – and came in third on the list overall.

To make the cut, the hotel or holiday home has to be in the top one per cent of over eight million listings on Tripadvisor – so it’s a very impressive feat.

On Tripadvisor, Eagle Brae has 696 five-star reviews – one guest called it the “best place in Scotland” with others calling their stay “magical”, “faultless” and “heaven on Earth”.

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The unique stay was described by Tripadvisor as “Hobbit-level cottagecore” thanks to its Middle-earth look.

Eagle Brae is made up of ten wooden log cabins with open-air decks and grass on the roof.

Inside all the cabins it’s very cosy with log burners, comfy sofas, plaid patterned curtains and cushions, with deer antlers hanging on the walls.

The larger cabins can sleep up to six people to suit family stays, smaller ones sleep up to two people – and dogs are welcome too.

The log cabins are self-catered, so each is kitted out with a fully-equipped kitchen.

There’s even a concierge service for anyone who wants a fully stocked pantry before arrival.

Eagle Brae is near Glen Affric National Nature Reserve and the River Farrar so there’s plenty of opportunity to do outdoor activities.

They offer guided canoe trips, black grouse safaris, pony trekking, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting and even pony trekking.

At Eagle Brae and while exploring the area, you’re likely to spot wildlife like red deer and squirrels, pine martens and perhaps even a golden eagle.

Back at the log cabins, on a clear night, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights.

Rates for larger cabins like Aquila that sleeps six offer short breaks from £1,064.

Rates for Parus, which sleeps two, has short breaks from £833.

Here are the top 10 ‘one of a kind’ hotels in the WORLD…

According to Tripadvisor these are the most unique stays…

1. Crane Hotel Faralda, Amsterdam
2. Valley Views Camping, New Zealand
3. Eagle Brae, Scotland
4. Taj Lake Palace, India
5. Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
6. Treehouse Lodge, Peru
7. La Tour D’eole, Morocco
8. Nayara Bocas Del Toro, Panama
9. Fingal Hotel, Edinburgh
10. Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru

A WIZZ AIR pilot-in-training has revealed all about what it is like to work for the airline including the flying tips and tricks you need to know.

Having joined Wizz Air back in 2024 as cabin crew, Sebastien Harrison is now training to be a pilot through Wizz Air’s Cabin Crew to Captain programme.

And from spending years in the air, he has loads of tips for travellers.

When it comes to flying itself, the 20-year-old had many tips including where the best place to sit on Wizz Air planes.

He said: “The best seats in the plane for turbulence are on or about row 15; this is because if the plane is pitching up or dowduringne turbulence in the middle of the plane there is least movement.”

And for nervous fliers, Sebastien says: “If you are a first-time or nervous flyer, let the crew know as soon as you board.

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“They are excellent at providing reassurance and will check in on you throughout the flight.”

And when it comes to managing tiredness when you reach your destination, Sebastien recommends not napping before your bedtime so you get solid sleep and avoid “pushing back the tiredness”.

He added: “Go to the gym at maybe 5pm because it’s going to make you tired and then you can go to sleep a bit earlier.”

And of course, there are a number of destinations Seb is excited to see and recommends visiting.

He revealed: “I’m very excited for the Greek destinations like Santorini, because obviously it’s an island with very beautiful weather and beautiful scenery.”

And if you want to head to a really unique destination then Seb recommends Tromso in Northern Norway.

He shared: “It’s in the Arctic Circle and it’s very beautiful, set in a valley surrounded by mountains.

“It is some of the best scenery I’ve seen in the world.

“You can see the Northern Lights, head skiing, spot whales and see reindeer – it’s just a very interesting place with loads to do.”

He added that the destination is also super unique because in the summer you get midnight sun, and in the winter you get polar night, where the sun remains below the horizon between late November and mid-January.

For a more beachy destination, Sebastien suggests heading to Catania in Sicily – which is Italy‘s sunniest destination.

He said: “There’s a volcano which you can see from the airport and the beaches are really cool.”

Having grown up only 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport in Scotland, Seb knew he wanted to one day become a pilot.

He said: “As a child I was always excited to literally leave the earth – you’re defying gravity.

“I think being able to literally fly planes is very rewarding.”

Then in 2024, his dream of working on planes came true as he got a job as Wizz Air cabin crew.

He said: “Being cabin crew has been a very useful experience.”

“Obviously I went into cabin crew knowing that I wanted to become a pilot and I just thought as cabin crew I would have the opportunity to speak to pilots a lot and really gain a lot of insight about the job.

“I knew that if I was cabin crew, I’d kind of see the job firsthand – it’s a very sociable job being cabin crew too.

“When I’m a pilot, it’s probably going to make me a better pilot as well because I’m going to understand what the cabin crew do as well, but some pilots they don’t 100 per cent appreciate it.”

“At the moment we’re only doing classroom theory training and we’re in the classroom for about four hours a day on average.

“There’s quite a lot of testing maybe about two or three tests a week just to make sure that you’re progressing – there’s 13 theory exams that you have to pass in total across around two years.”

A TikTok video has showcased the stunning lake, with the bubblegum pink hue leaving viewers desperate to visit the spot

When you picture Spain, you imagine stunning beaches, delicious cuisine and breathtaking scenery. And this specific corner of Spain has now got tourists buzzing about its natural beauty.

The must-visit bubblegum pink lake sits just an hour’s drive from popular British hotspot Benidorm. Holiday provider Travel Republic has shared everything you need to know about the must-see travel spot, including its health benefits and the reason behind its striking pink hue.

One TikTokker, who goes by the username @carielizabethh, has posted a video of “one of the coolest” experiences you can have just outside of Alicante, Spain.

The video has amassed over 6.5 million views and it’s easy to see why. She goes on to explain that while visiting her boyfriend’s parents, who live nearby, they took the couple to experience the spectacular Laguna Salada de Torrevieja.

The captivating lake is described as “one of the most unique experiences” thanks to its salt content which allows you to float with zero effort.

What’s more, legend has it that covering yourself from head to toe in mud before swimming offers numerous therapeutic benefits.

Users of the platform are intrigued and keen to visit, taking to the comments to say: “It’s giving rose quartz lake vibes”, “omg so cool” and “We have to go “.

The video does caution, however, that visitors should be “super respectful” and not “swim outside of the designated area which is protected by wooden planks”.

So what exactly gives it that striking colour?

The lake’s distinctive strawberry hue is down to the activity of various microorganisms living within the water.

The two key ingredients are salt bacteria and micro-algae. Both flourish in highly saline conditions and produce natural pigments responsible for the water’s stunning pink appearance.

What are the ‘therapeutic’ benefits of the Laguna Salada de Torrevieja?

This remarkable salt lake and its mud are said to offer a wealth of health benefits. Immersing yourself in this natural spa has been credited with helping to prevent skin and lung conditions, while also deeply exfoliating and nourishing the skin.

It’s reportedly beneficial for those suffering from eczema and may also assist with reducing inflammation and easing pain. Those with sensitive skin are advised to take care, however, as the high salt content can cause irritation or a mild stinging sensation.

The water’s elevated salt levels also provide the ideal habitat for brine shrimp, making it a prime feeding ground for flamingos. It is, in fact, these very shrimp that are responsible for giving flamingos their iconic pink plumage.

THE upcoming Eden Project Morecambe has unveiled its biggest attraction yet – a £4.5million immersive experience.

Called ‘The Elder Tree’ it will guide visitors through a unique journey when it opens in 2028.

The £100million garden attraction set to be built on Morecambe Bay has revealed its centrepiece called ‘The Elder Tree’.

It has been described as “one of the most significant elements” of the attraction.

It’s being built at the cost of £4.5million, which was donated from a charity lottery.

The 65 foot tree will guide visitors on a journey from its roots to the trunk hollows in a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

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It is set to show people how to “reconnect” with and “restore nature”.

The Eden Project in Morecambe will be the newest of its kind in 25 years with the only other attraction being in Cornwall.

Inside the new attraction will be two very different experiences called The Realm of the Sun and The Realm of the Moon.

The Realm of the Sun has been described as “a bright, lush landscape of the near future — a place where humanity has rediscovered how to repair and re-engage with the broken rhythms of the natural world”.

The Realm of the Moon is as an immersive but “darker” space with a hyper-real rockpool which will have sped-up cycles of tides.

Also inside the domes will be 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens, which will open earlier than the other exhibits in 2027.

Other details that have been previously mentioned include hanging plants, mini gardens, a multi-sensory area, a waterfall and a ‘Town Square’.

Between the two realms, there is expected to be an area called Metronome, where visitors will buy their entry tickets.

There will be a 750-capacity Tidal Theatre, a 300-capacity restaurant and a shop at the attraction as well.

Once open, Eden Project Morecambe is expected to bring in around £80million to the local area. 

Andy Jasper, Eden Project CEO, said: “The funding has specifically secured The Elder Tree – which will sit at the heart of the experience for visitors.

“More than a striking landmark, it will help tell the story of our changing relationship with the natural world and inspire people to imagine what an incredibly positive future could look like.”

Perched just above the Strand in downtown Manhattan Beach, this cozy studio has sliding doors that open up to a full, unobstructed view of the pier, beach and ocean only a few hundred yards away. The sound of sea waves infuses the room with nature’s original white noise, adding a sense of marine tranquility to every class.

“Because of our proximity to the ocean, we’re very connected to nature,” says owner Justin Randolph. “To be able to hear the waves and connect to that rhythm, especially during corpse pose — it’s a little slice of calm.”

In fact, calm is something of a specialty at this studio, which focuses less on high-intensity aerobic classes than on restorative, therapeutic methods. Soothing Yin classes are offered nearly every day, and Chair Yoga sessions are tailored for students who are nursing injuries — or just prefer a slower, deeper practice.

To keep your visit stress-free, it’s best to plan in advance for the challenges of beachfront parking. If you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a nearby metered space or a spot in one of the lower pier lots. Otherwise, your safest bet is the large parking structure at Metlox Plaza, about five minutes away by foot.

Single class: $30
New student offer: $59 for 21 days of unlimited in-studio, outdoor and livestream classes
Unlimited monthly membership: $149

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A new type of submarine that appears to lack a traditional sail has emerged in China. The same shipyard launched a smaller ‘sailless’ submarine — a technology demonstrator — eight years ago. More recently, a top Chinese shipbuilding conglomerate put forward a concept for an uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) with a broadly comparable hullform. Designs of this kind can offer benefits in terms of speed, maneuverability, and reduced acoustic signature, but also have major drawbacks.

TWZ has obtained imagery of the submarine in question at JN (Jiangnan) Shipyard in Shanghai on June 1, as seen at the top of this story and below, from Vantor (previously Maxar Technologies). The boat, the name and/or designation of which are currently unknown, first appeared there sometime at the end of May, according to Naval News. That outlet was first to report on this development.

From the imagery, the submarine does not have a traditional sail. However, the exact shaping of what is present is also not entirely clear from the view that is currently available. As noted, JN Shipyard is known to have built at least one other ‘sailless’ submarine in the past, which we will come back to later on.

Writing for Naval News, undersea warfare analyst H.I. Sutton has assessed the design to be roughly 394 feet (120 meters) long and to be between 33 and 36 feet (10 and 11 meters) wide. What its intended missions might be are unknown, but this is certainly larger than common diesel-electric submarines (SSK) and even longer than most nuclear fast attack submarines. For comparison, variants of China’s Type 093 nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), some of the most modern submarines in People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) service today, are approximately 356 to 360 feet (108 to 110 meters long) and 36 feet wide. The official stated length and width of the U.S. Navy’s Virginia class SSNs, across all existing subvariants, are 377 feet (114.8 meters) and 34 feet (10.36 meters), respectively.

We can also see that the submarine at JN Shipyard has an X-form rudder configuration, something that first appeared on a submarine in China in 2024. This offers advantages over cruciform stern arrangements with horizontal and vertical rudders when it comes to maneuverability, efficiency, and safety.

An X-shaped stern is a feature now further associated with a next-generation Chinese attack submarine design commonly, but still unofficially, referred to as the Type 095. Naval News also reported today on the recent launch of what may be another Type 095, which has a traditional sail, at the Bohai Shipyard in Huludao, hundreds of miles to the north of Shanghai. This appears to have caused some confusion online, with some mistaking the boat at Bohai for the ‘sailless’ type.

The newly emerged submarine at JN Shipyard may also have a shrouded propulsor, which could be a pumpjet type. Pumpjets offer further benefits for quieter operation, especially at higher submerged speeds.

The absence of a traditional sail is still the most notable aspect of the new submarine at JN Shipyard. Omitting a large structure sticking out of the top of the hull helps significantly with streamlining the overall design. Eliminating that drag can allow greater optimization for speed and maneuverability while submerged. It can also help make the submarine quieter and, by extension, harder to detect, even while transiting through an area at higher speeds. This can be especially useful when racing out to threats, even those far away.

Not having a traditional sail could impose certain design constraints. Traditionally, naval submarines have used their sails to mount periscopes and other sensor masts, as well as extendable communication antennas and snorkels to help cycle air without fully resurfacing. That is space that can be used for other purposes, including launchers for countermeasures and general storage.

Above all else, while running on the surface, the sail is key for general navigation and situational awareness. It can also provide an elevated position for local force protection or supporting vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations. If sufficiently hardened, it can even break through feet of ice during operations in and around the polar regions.

The lack of a sail might reflect a focus on seabed operations far from the surface where mast deployment and other considerations might be less pressing. At the same time, the design’s features could just as easily be centered on improving performance, including the ability to make transits as quickly as possible during blue water operations. It could also offer benefits for shallow-water operations, though we have noted that, overall, it is very large compared to SSKs.

As mentioned, a smaller ‘sailless’ submarine had already emerged at JN Shipyard in 2018. H.I. Sutton previously estimated that design to be around 150 feet (45 meters) long and 15 feet (four to four-and-a-half meters) wide. That submarine also had a non-X-shaped rudder arrangement and what appeared to be an unshrouded propeller. The exact reasons for building that boat and how it has been utilized over the years remain unknown, but it would have at least provided a testbed and technology demonstration platform to explore this design concept, and potentially other capabilities. Whether it was designed for crewed or uncrewed operation, or to be optionally crewed, is not clear, either. The same is true of this new submarine, though it seems unlikely it is uncrewed.

At the Zhuhai Airshow in 2024, the state-run China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) did show a model of an unprecedentedly large, diesel-electric UUV. Its overall design was highly reminiscent, at least in broad strokes, of JN Shipyard’s original ‘sailless’ submarine, as TWZ noted at the time. JN Shipyard is one of many subsidiaries of CSSC.

CSSC said at the time that the drone submarine could be configured to perform a wide array of missions, including launching attacks on enemy vessels, laying mines, supporting special operations forces, and serving as a mothership for smaller uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUV). You can read more about all of this here.

Other shipyards and navies around the world have explored low-profile submarine designs in the past, but designs have generally been consigned to the world of paper concepts and limited experimentation. The U.S. Navy, for instance, previously tested a Large Scale Vehicle Range (LSVR) subscale demonstrator submarine with a novel sail structure. The Navy’s Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD) conducted that work in a lake in Bayview, Idaho.

In 2021, the Navy also notably put out a contracting notice calling for concepts for inflatable sail structures, which could combine the benefits of traditional sails and low-profile designs. What degree of work the service may have conducted since then on this Inflatable Deployable Sail System (IDSS) is unclear, but it underscores how important a sail is for general operations on the surface.

The PLAN’s submarine force otherwise continues to grow in terms of capability and capacity, with an increasing number of more modern types. U.S. officials have openly said in the past that the quality of newer Chinese submarines has been getting closer in parity to American designs. All of this is further underscored by the recent appearance of the other new submarine at Bohai. In addition to new nuclear-power designs, China is also understood to be developing at least one design with a hybrid nuclear/conventional propulsion system, referred to as the Type 041 or Zhou class. The first known example of the Type 041 came to light after it looked to have sunk in a shipyard in 2024.

Greater use of nuclear propulsion promises to extend the reach of Chinese submarines in the Pacific and beyond, and is clearly part of the PLAN’s larger vision for naval power projection going forward.

“The PLA Navy is executing a significant strategic shift from diesel-electric to all-nuclear construction, representing a fundamental departure from historical construction patterns,” U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mike Brookes, head of the Office of Naval Intelligence, wrote in prepared remarks ahead of a hearing before members of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in March.

Brookes also highlighted how the hybrid Type 041, specifically, could offer “greater endurance, potentially filling regional patrol and presence missions more economically than full-size SSNs [attack submarines] and SSGN [guided missile submarines.”

China has significant demands for naval presence, in general, especially to assert its extensive and widely disputed maritime territorial claims in the South China Sea and elsewhere. The PLAN continues to expand the scale and scope of its combat fleets, overall, at a pace that far exceeds that of other navies globally. This includes the U.S. Navy, where the disparity has become increasingly concerning, as TWZ routinely highlights.

More remains to be learned about the newly emerged submarine at JN Shipyard, but it could point to new low-profile designs without traditional sails, possibly to act as the PLAN’s underwater high-speed interceptor, being part of China’s larger future submarine future.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com

A HUGE British TikTok star has given birth to her third child, and shared the unique name they’ve chosen. 

Imogen Horton, a 32-year-old YouTuber and TikTok star, shares two daughters with her husband Spencer, and they’ve now welcomed a baby boy into the mix. 

The star, who boasts a whopping 600,000 followers on TikTok, could be seen cradling her son in her arms. 

She wrote over the top of the clip: “He’s here,” while sharing another sweet photo of the tot and telling fans she and husband Spencer are “absolutely besotted.” 

Imogen also posted a clip of her two daughters, Renaelia and Oriavella holding him, and wrote: “His name is…Hero Boy Horton.”

Explaining the meaning behind his name, Imogen told her fans how they’d thought their first child would be a boy. 

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They then ended up having two girls, so they always had one special boy name in mind for if they ever had a baby boy. 

“This was the ONLY name we ever loved,” Imogen shared. 

But it was the meaning behind the middle name ‘boy’ that has left people in tears. 

Imogen wrote: “When my dad was born he unfortunately had a very difficult childhood and was eventually given up for foster care.

“His parents never actually named him on his birth certificate so he was given the default name of Boy.”

She continued: “Giving our son the middle name Boy is our way of honouring my dad and the love that he gave us after so much hardship. 

“We wanted to give meaning to a name that didn’t have any meaning to start with, and it’s a reminder that even the hardest beginnings can lead to something deeply beautiful.”

Imogen has been flooded with messages of congratulations from her fans, as one wrote: “Now we’re crying,” while a second penned: “The thought that has gone into picking names for your children is absolutely beautiful.” 

And a third wrote: “The story behind the middle name is one of the most thoughtful things I’ve ever heard. 

“To see your dad be a fantastic parent and only now know what a horrendous start in life he had fills me with so much admiration. I honestly have never heard a more perfect name for a perfect reason.” 

Imogen is able to give her family a “privileged life” after years of going viral for opening up online – from filming her births to revealing health struggles and failed friendships. 

The Brighton mum recently opened up to friend and fellow parent content creator, Caroline Parker on her podcast Don’t Touch It, about managing her busy life. 

The podcast host and mum-of-three Caroline said to her: “Spencer is a stay-at-home dad, and I love that.”

Imogen, who boats over 300,000 Instagram followers, said: “I’m glad you said that, because you know what’s really funny, just quickly, I don’t get it anymore I don’t think, but for a long time I got ‘poor Spencer’.”

“Lucky Spencer,” insisted Caroline.

Imogen added: “Yes, I’m also thinking in my head he’s not forced here.

“He’s not held against his own will.

“He will live a very privileged life – we know how fortunate we are, but also they [trolls] wouldn’t say that if I was doing the cleaning and the cooking.”

“They wouldn’t say ‘poor Imogen’,” she pointed out. 

Addressing reporters on a recent flight to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV invoked the Gospel, called himself a peacemaker and pledged to keep speaking out on behalf of the downtrodden.

“Too many people are suffering in the world today,” he said. “Too many innocent people are being killed, and I think someone has to stand up.”

Pontiffs have a tradition of weighing in on global strife, and Leo’s words were in keeping with long-standing church teaching. Appearing in front of reporters in this fashion was also not new: Pope John Paul II began taking questions from journalists on the papal plane in the 1970s.

But the first American pope was in fact wading into an unprecedented political tempest — responding to a series of broadsides from President Trump that drew Leo into debates over the war with Iran, immigration policies and more, all while Catholics in the U.S. and around the world looked on.

Missionaries from Austin, Texas, gather for prayer in St. Peter’s Square on May 11, 2025.

(Marco Di Lauro / Getty Images)

With no permanent peace deal in sight to end the war, two of Trump’s top lieutenants — Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both Catholics and potential 2028 presidential candidates — have also been pulled into the fray. On Thursday, Rubio met Pope Leo at the Vatican in what he said was a long-planned diplomatic visit. Next month, Vance will release a memoir, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” detailing his 2019 conversion to Catholicism.

Trump’s invective has not abated, even in the week his chief diplomat met the pontiff. Ahead of Rubio’s visit, Trump repeated his claim that Leo was “just fine” with Iran developing a nuclear weapon. In response, Leo said that his critics should go after him “truthfully,” noting that the Catholic Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons.

Against the backdrop of this sparring, Rubio sought to downplay the drama after his official visit to the Holy See, which lasted about two hours. On X, he said the meeting with Leo focused on their “shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.”

The episode has revealed the unique power Leo holds on the U.S. stage, with his inherent understanding of the country’s politics and an ability to deliver his message in an accent that at times reveals his Chicago roots.

“He’s speaking in English and he’s American,” said Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and author, most recently of the memoir “Work in Progress.” “People can’t dismiss him as not understanding the United States.”

For weeks, Leo has been asked to respond to a cascade of insults from Trump, including accusations that he is “weak on crime,” that he was chosen as pope because of Trump, and that the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics should “get his act together.”

In measured tones, Leo has repeatedly said he does not want to fight with the president. He counters that he is merely preaching the Gospel. On that flight in April, the pope told journalists: “I do not look at my role as being political, a politician. I don’t want to get into a debate with him.”

He added: “I will continue to speak out loudly, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships.”

He may not be a politician, but Leo’s preaching, ranging from Iran to immigration and global warming, has touched a nerve with Trump. In the U.S., Catholics often serve as a powerful swing vote and hold a wide range of views on those issues. But even in a time of deep division and political malaise, enthusiasm for the pontiff, born and raised in the Chicago area, is hard to dismiss.

Leo’s ascendancy comes as engagement with the Catholic Church appears to be growing in the United States. Though comprehensive data are hard to come by, parishes are reporting renewed interest.

Mark Gray, a senior research associate at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, said there was evidence of an increase in baptisms, a trend that appeared to predate Leo’s election as pope last May.

Some of the new American converts lean more conservative, experts said, part of a broader rise in traditionalism. Amid tensions over whether the church should focus more on traditional issues of morality, such as abortion and marriage, or global concerns like war and migration, Leo has stressed that all are welcome and that he wants the church to function as a big tent.

Making history

U.S. presidents have long sought to court the pope, mindful of the country’s sizable Catholic population and its potential as a swing vote in elections. Woodrow Wilson was the first president to meet with the pope, in 1919, during talks after the end of World War I. Since Dwight Eisenhower made a trip to Rome in 1959, every president has traveled to meet the pope, some more than once.

That includes Trump, who traveled to see Pope Francis in 2017, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump. He also attended Francis’ funeral in 2025.

Asked if there was any precedent for Trump’s clash with the pope, Steven Millies, a professor of public theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, invoked an English king who changed the course of church history: “Henry VIII invites a comparison,” he said. Henry rejected Catholicism in the 1500s and founded a new church in order to ratify a divorce rejected by the pope.

Though Trump — who is not Catholic — has not suggested any such schism, he certainly appears to have discarded most niceties. The president has not apologized for any of his comments, though he did, after widespread backlash, take down a social media post that appeared to depict him as Christ.

Trump is constitutionally blocked from seeking another term, so picking a fight with Pope Leo may not have lasting political implications for him. But it’s a different story for Vance and Rubio, both of whom may need to appeal to the country’s Catholic voters to further their ambitions.

In the 2024 election, the Catholic vote tilted more decisively to the right, with 55% supporting Trump compared with 43% for Kamala Harris, according to the Pew Research Center. Four years earlier, Catholics were evenly divided, with 50% supporting Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic, and 49% backing Trump.

Rubio noted as he headed to Rome that “obviously we had some stuff that happened” between the White House and the Vatican. Vance, who has frequently expressed his support for the pope but is also known for his often-punchy defense of the president’s positions, drew some derision in April when he was asked at a conference about Trump’s comments and suggested that Leo should “be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”

Pope Leo XIV exchanges gifts with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the pope’s private library at the Vatican on Thursday.

(Vatican Media via Associated Press)

He later modified his tone, posting on X: “Pope Leo preaches the gospel, as he should, and that will inevitably mean he offers his opinions on the moral issues of the day. The President — and the entire administration — work to apply those moral principles in a messy world. He will be in our prayers, and I hope that we’ll be in his.”

Still, the rift could cloud the upcoming release of Vance’s memoir, overshadowing a book meant to burnish a potential 2028 bid with questions about Trump’s antagonism toward the pontiff.

Two Catholics have served as president — Biden and John F. Kennedy. During an era of stronger anti-Catholic sentiment, Kennedy famously gave a speech as a candidate emphasizing the separation of church and state. Biden was more openly devout, attending Mass every weekend and quoting Catholic hymns in his speeches. Vance is the second Catholic vice president, following Biden’s two terms as President Obama’s deputy.

In a statement, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said Trump’s social policies were a boon for U.S. Catholics and alluded to electoral politics without mentioning the pope. “President Trump has great respect for the more than one billion Catholics around the world, especially the Catholic Americans who helped power his landslide election victory in 2024,” she said.

The Midwestern pontiff

It’s been a year since the man born Robert Prevost in 1955 stepped out onto the Vatican balcony as pope, a role that predates the United States by nearly 2,000 years. The first American pope’s compatriots quickly seized on his Midwestern upbringing (he’s a White Sox fan) and relatable family dynamics (one of his two brothers supports Trump). In a nod to his Chicago roots, an Iowa-based clothing store, Raygun, began selling a T-shirt bearing the slogan “Da Pope.”

Leo also served for years as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, building a global profile that helped propel him to the papacy. It hasn’t stopped Chicagoans from claiming him as one of their own — even showing up at the Vatican with Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Known as “Bob” before becoming Pope Leo, the new pontiff chose a name that clearly signaled his intentions as a leader, invoking memories of Leo XIII, an intellectual considered a pioneer of modern Catholic social teaching and an advocate for workers. Millies said the choice signaled that Leo wants to refocus on justice and care for others as well as the rising threats around the globe. Leo has cited artificial intelligence as one of those challenges.

With a more low-key presence than his predecessor, Pope Francis, some observers have labeled Leo as quiet. But as his tug of war with Trump shows, his messages are frequently not subtle. In fact, his reserved style may be a reflection of his Midwestern roots.

Pope Leo XIV presides over the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St. Peter’s Basilica, on April 11.

(Antonio Masiello / Getty Images)

This mild manner comes across in public statements that nonetheless make a lasting impact.

Last fall, Leo questioned Trump’s decision to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. “Let us hope it is just a way of speaking,” he said. More recently, he took aim at the president’s preferred method of communication, his social media site Truth Social. Asked about Trump’s vitriol on the platform, Leo said: “It’s ironic — the name of the site itself. Say no more.”

Perhaps no message has been clearer than the pope’s decision on how to spend the Fourth of July this year. For the nation’s 250th birthday, as Trump hosts a giant celebration, the pope will be an ocean away. His plans? Visiting Lampedusa, an Italian island that serves as a stop for migrants traveling to Europe.

Lucey writes for Bloomberg.

A POPULAR English lido is re-opening just in time for summer – and it’s had a total makeover.

The outdoor splash park featuring fun elephant slides and a lazy river will welcome back families later this month, following a refresh.

An opening date for The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham has been confirmed.

The refurbished Kent lido, which has the UK’s only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool, will begin bringing the summer fun from Saturday May 23.

It will first be open for weekends, before offering its facilities seven days a week in the school summer holidays.

Two pool sessions are set to run every day the lido is open. The first from 10.30am to 1.30pm and the second from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

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Entry to sessions must be booked online. While children under three go free, adult tickets are £8.15, with junior and senior tickets priced at £5.35.

The spruced up lido was revived last year, funded by contributions from housing developments to Medway Council.

The Strand, which first opened in 1896, now features a new splash pad for children aged three to 11.

There’s also a beach-themed play area with 30 sensor-activated water jets alongside the large outdoor pool, elephant-shaped water slides and a 300 metre lazy river.

Those who love a long swim can make use of the open-air pool’s six 25 metre lanes.

After a day of water play, families can relax with a refreshment at the Victorian lido’s cafe, enjoy a hit on the refurbished tennis courts or take on a round of mini golf.

There’s even a miniature train for little ones to ride.

There’s only one place in the world where you can see four countries at once, thanks to a bridge that has been carefully created to connect two countries while avoiding two others

There are some rather impressive, architecturally brilliant bridges dotted across the world. But there’s one that might be the most striking of all, as it allows visitors to see four countries at once.

The Kazungula Bridge might not be the most beautifully designed structure in the world, but its elaborate positioning over the Zambezi River is situated in one of the most bizarre locations in the world. The 3,028ft (923m) long and 60.7ft (18.5m) wide bridge serves as a major route through Africa, connecting Zambia and Botswana.

It consists of a two-car lane, a single railway track, and pedestrian walkways on either side, and was opened in May 2021. But what’s fascinating about this bridge is that while it connects Zambia and Botswana, there are two other countries on either side, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

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It was designed to accommodate complex border crossings between two countries, while being a stone’s throw from two others. This means that those using the bridge, which spans across the world’s second-shortest border, can see Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe simultaneously.

However, there’s more to this unusual geographical mastermind.

Maps show that this area is the world’s only quadripoint, meaning it’s the only place where four countries meet. This is known as the Kazungula Quadripoint, with Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all meeting in the middle of the Zambezi River.

Many countries border two or three nations, but it’s incredibly unusual to have four countries connected. Instead, there is a North American quadripoint in the USA where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, as well as a sub-national quadripoint in Canada where the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut meet.

While the Kazungula Bridge that passes the four connected countries has been widely known as the world’s only quadripoint, some believe this isn’t the case at all. Big Think reported that if the map of where the four countries connect is examined closely, the “point disappears”, and instead, the “quadripoint turns into two tripoints”.

The western point is claimed to be where Botswana and Zambia meet Namibia, while the eastern point is where the three countries meet Zimbabwe. Yet its confusion is valid, and remains relatively unconfirmed, with claims that the points are separated by more than a mere 443 feet (135m).

Regardless of its argued status as the world’s only quadripoint, it remains starkly impressive that visitors can see four countries at once. And it still remains as the only place in the entire world where you can witness such a marvel.

One traveller who got the chance to use the remarkable structure wrote on TripAdvisor: “This is a bridge that connects Botswana and Zambia via the mighty Rivers, Chobe River and Zambezi River, and this is the point where four countries meet at one point, right in the middle of the Bridge. A very breathtaking view and good sunsets on the bridge, it’s a good place to be and take pictures.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

BELOVED actor Beau Starr, best known for his roles in the Halloween franchise and Goodfellas, has died at the age of 81.

The star reportedly died on Friday, April 24, of natural causes.

His brother, Mike Starr, confirmed the news to TMZ, saying the actor passed away peacefully in Vancouver, Canada.

Mike revealed his heartbreak as he paid tribute to his late brother, saying Beau was “loved by many” – and calling him “very unique and special.”

He shared how Beau played a huge role in shaping his life, explaining that he and their other brothers helped raise him alongside their parents.

Tributes quickly poured in for the veteran actor, with co-star Christopher Serrone leading the announcements.

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“It is with a heavy heart Im here to inform everyone of the very sad passing of Beau Starr. [Mike Starr] asked me to make the announcement,” wrote Christopher Serrone, who starred alongside Starr in the 1990 mob film. 

“Beau enjoyed a rich a meaningful life. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, actor and NFL/CFL player. Please take a moment to help me remember a great guy. RIP.”

Fans were also left devastated, flooding social media with memories of his most iconic roles.

“He was a great actor, your scene with him in Goodfellas is still a scene I will never forget, he was also good in Halloween 4-5, May he rest in peace,” one fan wrote.

“He was a great actor & good man in person. Very sad to read this news. I am sorry for his family loss,” another wrote.

Before finding fame on screen, Beau Starr lived a very different life – starting out as a professional football player.

After several years on the New York Jets practice squad in the late 1960s and two seasons in the Canadian Football League, Beau got his break in entertainment on Bizarre – a half-hour sketch comedy show starring Bob Einstein and featuring comedians like Howie Mandel.

He landed his first film role in 1982’s Hanky Panky, starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner, before going on to play Sheriff Ben Meeker in Halloween IV and Halloween V.

Fans of director Martin Scorsese will remember Starr for his role as Henry Hill’s father in Goodfellas, with co-star Christopher Serrone.

Starr also became a familiar face on TV, starring in 66 episodes of Due South between 1994 and 1999.

His long list of credits includes films such as Born on the Fourth of July, Speed, Angels in the Infield, The Cactus Kid and Cinderella Man, as well as TV shows including Wings, T.J. Hooker and Doc.

His former manager, Timothy Beal, said Starr always appreciated his fans, especially those of the Halloween franchise.

Beal said he only ever had positive experiences with the late star and wished they had worked together more.