weekend

There’s nothing like taking a cool dip after a hot day, especially in L.A. summer weather. As peak swimming season kicks off, the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center pool in Lake View Terrace reopened Memorial Day on weekends after being closed for the season. It will be open daily for swim and play starting Saturday.

The popular San Fernando Valley aquatic center spans 40 acres that include a massive 1.5-acre pool lined with sand like a beach. There’s also a nine-acre lake used for fishing and nonmotorized boat activities.

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1. Jaylia Martinez, 5, left, is splashed with water by Elijah Santillana, 6. 2. The height chart for the water slide at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center. 3. Visitors enjoy the pool at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center. (Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

“As one of the largest pools in the U.S., capacity [being] 3,500, we get so many people from all over the city, all over the county, people coming from out of state to this place,” Edwin Realegeno, aquatic facility manager of the center, said.

The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center pool was constructed in 1999 in a $15-million project to replace a previous pool in the area that was filled with silt.

Along the pool’s sandy shores, individuals can use the volleyball courts and teqball table. There are also different levels of shallow water for young swimmers and toddlers.

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Paty Santillana, a Van Nuys resident, has visited the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center for the last 15 years. “It’s perfect for little kids. I have a 5-year-old and also a 21-year-old, who we used to come here with,” Santillana said. She adds that her grandchildren are ecstatic every time she mentions a visit to the pool.

Idalia Fraga, a 12-year-old swimmer who has been to the pool twice since its reopening on Memorial Day weekend, said she enjoys the pool for its affordability.

“Prices are very cheap … it really helps those families who struggle,” Fraga said.

After some renovations to its large water slide that will be reopening Saturday, the pool is open to swimmers for an admission fee of $4 for adults and children 17 and under for $1. The center takes cash only.

The recreational lake is open year-round and is restocked with fish from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Christopher Lopez relaxes by regularly fishing at the Hansen Dam Recreation Lake on the weekends.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

Along the lake, people enjoy walking the surrounding grassy pathway and fishing. Christopher Lopez, a Pacoima resident, who also goes by the nickname Squid, goes to the lake for the latter.

Lopez started fishing nearly two months ago with his longtime friend from elementary school. “[It’s about] getting out of the house and having something to do on the weekends and being able to enjoy the day,” he said. “Spending our time out here I think is just a great addition.”

For Lopez, catching bass or trout and enjoying the occasional breeze is a perfect day to absorb the beauty of nature.

Lifeguards Israel Orozco, left, and Ian Zabel, right, watch the pool as visitors cool off at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

The recreational center is hosting fundraising 1K and 5K runs on Sunday followed by a party with free access to the pool. Realegeno said the fundraiser is to help fund public pool centers across L.A. County and to promote swimming safety lessons.

Visit the recreation center’s website or Instagram page for more information as well as updates on pool or slide closures. Hours vary.

MOLLY-MAE Hague and Tommy Fury will reveal the name of their baby son this weekend, The Sun can exclusively reveal.

Boxer Tommy’s shorts will be adorned with the newborn’s name when he fights man mountain Eddie Hall in a pay-per-view event on Saturday.

A source said: “The little man’s name will be on Tommy’s shorts at his fight along with Bambi’s.

“That’s how they are going to announce it to the world.

“The shorts will be two-toned colour.

“It was Tommy’s idea and Molly was very open to it.”

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The insider continued: “Now the little fella is here it’s a no-brainer — what better way to announce his name than on his dad’s boxing shorts.

“Molly is now obsessed with it — she’s hoping to be there.

“They’re working out the walk outs at the minute because that’s when it will be revealed, with music and blue fireworks — it will be cool.

“It should be a really nice moment for them.”

Earlier today, Molly-Mae gave fans a glimpse inside her gender reveal party by sharing unseen footage.

The 26-year-old welcomed her baby son last week but chose to keep the gender private for the entirety of her pregnancy.

Molly-Mae gave birth at celeb-loved private spot The Portland Hospital, the same place Bambi was welcomed back in 2023 and the hospital which has seen A-listers such as Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham give birth.

The new mum, Tommy and their daughter Bambi, three, found out the gender of the little one by popping a balloon, which exploded with blue confetti.

The couple met on Love Island in 2019 and are the show’s most famous couple.

They weathered a temporary split in 2024 as Tommy battled alcohol issues, but they are now stronger than ever.

With the Wayans brothers firmly back in the driver’s seat, horror parody “Scary Movie” muscled its way past He-Man for the top spot at the box office this weekend.

The reboot of the 2000s-era franchise — or “rebootiquel,” as the movie calls itself — brought in $55 million in the U.S. and Canada for a worldwide total of $105.5 million, according to studio estimates. The movie, which had a production budget of $30 million, beat studio expectations and marks the return of the Wayans brothers to “Scary Movie.”

The franchise was developed by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans. But after 2001’s “Scary Movie 2,” the Wayans got in a pay dispute with former Miramax executives Bob and Harvey Weinstein. The Wayans have said the Weinsteins did not tell them that 2003’s “Scary Movie 3” would be made without them. The franchise then continued with fourth and fifth installments.

After former MGM film executive Jonathan Glickman was named chief executive of Miramax in 2024, he reached out to Marlon Wayans to see if he’d be interested in reviving “Scary Movie.”

“Always dreamt of having this moment again,” Wayans said, while thanking Glickman and executive producer Marc Weinstock during a short speech at the movie’s premiere. “I thank you guys for having the vision to go, there’s only one way to do the next ‘Scary Movie,’ and that’s to bring the Wayans family back.”

Miramax led the production and financing of the film, while Paramount Pictures was the distributor.

Amazon MGM Studios’ “Masters of the Universe” came in second at the domestic box office with $29.3 million, in Mattel Studios’ first film in theaters since the 2023 smash hit “Barbie.” Globally, the movie made $54 million.

The action adventure movie had a production budget of about $170 million and aimed to reintroduce the ‘80s-era action hero “He-Man” to a new audience, while also driving the nostalgia of adults who played with the franchise toys or watched the original film and series. The movie is part of Mattel Inc.’s strategy to continue extending its toy brands into the entertainment arena.

Mattel Chief Executive Ynon Kreiz said last week that “Masters of the Universe” didn’t need to match the success of “Barbie” “to have a meaningful economic impact on the company.”

A24’s runaway hit “Backrooms” came in third at the box office this weekend, continuing its strong performance with a haul of $25.9 million. Focus Features’ “Obsession” ($25.6 million) and another YouTube-native property, “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act,” ($12.7 million) rounded out the top five at the box office, according to Comscore data.

Netflix have updated their viewing figures and it makes for a compelling list of what you should binge next

If you’re looking for the next binge watch to see you through the weekend, Netflix already has you covered.

The streamer has updated its latest viewing figures and it pretty much reads as the new list of recommendations you need. So rather than scrolling through for hours on end, you can make your way through at least one of these titles and it will most likely only take you one sitting.

Not only that but there is something for everyone, including a sci-fi hit, a tense crime thriller and also a heart warming laugh out loud comedy.

The Boroughs

Website Collider call the series a ‘sci-fi masterpiece’ and compare it to a Steven Spielberg movie. They also report that the title managed to accumulate 15 million views in its first 10 days of being available.

It is the most watched Netflix series globally over the last couple of weeks and remains in the UK top 10 at the time of writing. It is set in the sun-drenched expanse of the New Mexico desert and a picturesque retirement community which promises its residents the time of their lives.

But for new arrival Sam Cooper, paradise feels more like a prison. Everything changes when a terrifying night time encounter reveals that something monstrous is stalking the manicured cul-de-sacs.

One review said it is “Stranger Things Meets Thursday Murder Club”. Meanwhile many viewers say they watch it in one sitting. A fan added it “has everything that your next binge-watch needs.”

Nemesis

Coming from the creator of Power, the eight-part series follows two rivals from opposite sides of the law who are at each other’s throats when a daring heist in Los Angeles opens up old wounds. What follows is an exhilarating game of cat-and-mouse as an LAPD cop desperately tries to hunt down a criminal mastermind behind a string of robberies.

One viewer claimed: “Kept me engaged and not sure whose side I was on. Binge watched twice. I need season 2.” Another said: ““Binged in one sitting- very authentic catchy story line. I hope there is a season two.”

While someone else contributed: “This was a masterpiece! The rollercoaster, amount of cliffhangers, and overall writing was top notch!” It has spent three weeks in the global top 10 charts also claiming more than 15 million views on the streamer.

The Four Seasons

One of the more recent additions, the series has just returned for its second season. Co-created by 30 Rock’s Tina Fey and based on the 1980s movie of the same name.

A group of married couples who regularly vacation together throughout the year reunite once again after one of the most difficult times in their relationships. They have new members of the group to contend with as well as some old problems.

It has immediately become the third most watched series across the world among Netflix users. Many fans admit to becoming ‘obsessed’ with it.

One person simply shared on social media: “The Four Seasons” is a must-watch series on Netflix.” Someone else added: “I binged it the day it came out with my man. We’re obsessed!” Another admitted: “I literally started it last night and I’m already on season two. I love it.”

The Witness

This is Netflix’s latest true crime thriller. While the platform have yet to release the official viewing figures, it has immediately surged to the number one spot among UK subscribers.

As a result, it’s expected to compete with the numbers of all the titles already mentioned. Consisting of only three episodes and based on a gripping but horrifying true story, it is bound to keep viewers captivated and watching all the way through in one go.

It follows the experiences of Alex and André Hanscombe as they deal with the devastating impact of a brutal act of violence. When Rachel Nickell was killed on Wimbledon Common in 1992, André became a single parent overnight. Putting his own grief to one side, he made his son Alex – the only eyewitness to the attack – the centre of his world.

This is the story of how a father and son moved through the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy, from darkness into light. Fans sharing their thoughts on the series include one who posted: “15 mins into The Witness on Netflix and I’m already broken.” Someone else said: “The Witness on Netflix will give you the chills.”

After spending less than a year living in Southern California, quarterback Ford Green of Westlake High retains his distinct South Carolina accent, still answers questions with “yes sir” and “no sir,” and greets adults with a handshake that can be described as nothing less than crushing.

The first impression he makes is off the charts, which piques the curiosity of strangers wanting to learn more. It only gets better., with As on his report card, an arm that throws frozen ropes and a sports history that includes baseball and boxing, which means defensive linemen better think long and hard if they want to do something stupid.

As a freshman last season, Green guided Westlake to an 11-1 record with 2,195 yards passing and 31 touchdowns. It was his first time playing quarterback with the idea of “going all in.” During the spring, Ohio State was among the schools offering a scholarship despite his lack of football experience. The Buckeyes might be on to something.

The 2026 season could be the year the 6-foot-2 Green rises to a whole different level because of his expected improvement from workouts, practices and devoting total attention to where he wants to go.

Before last season, he said he played football for fun in South Carolina. He was a baseball player, with his focus on pitching. Then, in 2025, everything changed. He said he went “all in” on playing quarterback.

“I fell in love,” he said. “When I wake up, I think about football. When I’m eating, I think about football. When I’m at school, I think about football. I’m infatuated by the game. Not a second goes by where I don’t think something about football. It’s my life.”

Green is someone to pay close attention to this summer during passing tournaments and showcases. Call it the bandwagon effect that happens when one person after another comes to the same conclusion and recognition that someone is going to be very successful.

Twice a week, he goes on Zoom to receive training from a Canadian Football League quarterback. Other times, he works with a private quarterback coach. He already understands the intricacies of the position.

“There’s so many more factors in playing quarterback than just arm,” he said. “It all starts between the ears.”

As scrutiny heightens, attention grows and expectations increase, Green said he’ll follow a big lesson already learned.

“Take it day by day,” he said. “It’s never as good as it seems, it’s never as bad as it seems. Stay neutral and get better every day. I feel if I get better every day, I’ll be able to reach my goals and dreams.”

He said he was too busy with football this year to go out for Westlake’s baseball team, but in the spring of 2027, prepare for his high school pitching debut.

Green was part of an outstanding group of class of 2029 quarterbacks last fall, all of whom should be continuing their rise to prominence.

Seven-on-seven tournaments will be happening almost every weekend in June. Then, next month, prepare for one of the best on July 11 at Huntington Beach Edison, which brings out St. John Bosco, Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo, among others. The “offseason” has been shortened, with zero week scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 21-22. Programs are required to take a mandatory two-week summer break. Some take it in June, others in July. And then there’s the inevitable movement of players through transfers to change teams.

For Green, the 2026-27 school year is shaping up as his most pivotal season to show where he’s headed and what kind of talents he has in the classroom, on the football field and on the pitching mound.

Monitor the journey closely. Something tells me he won’t disappoint.

Peabo Bryson, a Grammy-winning R&B singer known for his duets from Disney classics “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast,” has died. He was 75.

His family confirmed to The Times that he died Tuesday in Marietta, Ga. The cause was complications from a stroke he suffered over the weekend.

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared. “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”

Bryson was a fixture on the R&B scene for decades, scoring with such hits as “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” and “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.”

Peabo Bryson, pictured performing in Washington, D.C., in 2016, won Grammy Awards in back-to-back years in 1993 and 1994.

(Teresa Kroeger / Getty Images)

In a career peak in 1992, the singer was featured on recordings that topped four separate charts: “A Whole New World,” a duet with Regina Belle from the Disney animated movie “Aladdin,” topped the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts; “The King and I” album, featuring Bryson, was No. 1 on the Classical Crossover charts, and Kenny G’s “Breathless” album, featuring Bryson on “By the Time the Night Is Over,” topped the Contemporary Jazz charts.

He nabbed two Grammy Awards back to back in 1993 and 1994 for his performance of “Beauty and the Beast” with Céline Dion, and his performance of “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.

“I don’t think there’s anything I can’t do,” Bryson told The Times. “I see myself as a true Renaissance man. I don’t like one-dimensional concepts of myself.”

Robert Peapo Bryson was born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, S.C. He grew up attending concerts his mother would bring the family to, and by the time he was in high school, he knew he wanted a career in music.

In 1978, he told David Nathan, an editor for Blues & Soul magazine, that his mother wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of him chasing his dreams in the rhythm-and-blues biz and worried he’d get into trouble.

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been into music,” Bryson said. “It’s all I ever wanted to really deal with. … I had to make that decision, when I was around 14, as to what I was going to get into, career-wise. Well, I’d thought about being a doctor or something like that, but I really felt that music was my thing.”

He cut his teeth as a backing vocalist in various groups, but none of his bandmates could properly pronounce “Peapo,” his French West Indian name, so he changed up the spelling to make it simpler. The stage name Peabo was born. In the late 1960s, he linked up with “My Elusive Dreams” hitmaker Moses Dillard. “I started out just singing, although I progressed into percussion, guitar and, much later, playing piano — that was basically when I started getting into songwriting,” he told Nathan.

In 1967, he signed his first record deal, with Bang Records, and in 1976, he made his solo debut with the single “Underground Music” and his eponymous album, “Peabo.” The next year, he hit it big time and signed with Capitol Records, where he put out back-to-back gold-selling albums: “Reaching for the Sky” in 1977 and “Crosswinds” in 1978.

Peabo Bryson performs at the Centennial Olympic Park’s Fourth of July Celebration in Atlanta.

(Robb D. Cohen / Invision / Associated Press)

By the ’90s, Bryson was at a career high, collected Grammy nominations and became the definitive voice of Disney duets. But the music scene was changing, and Bryson wasn’t keen on the new direction. He told The Times in 1994 that MTV had stopped considering talent as the criteria to be played on the music channel and that he thought mainstream music had taken a hostile and negative turn.

“I guess I [tick] people off because I don’t go away,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m like a tenacious forest fire — you snuff me out over here, and I’m still burning down the back 40 just when you think it’s over. I have a great faith in God, and because of my great faith in God, I have faith in the self.”

Fortunately for legions of fans of the soulful balladeer, Bryson was right and he wasn’t going anywhere for another couple of decades. The Grammy winner continued to grace stages with his flashy blazers and smooth baritone, and recently performed a concert with Jeffrey Osborne at Trilith Live in Fayetteville, Ga.

The event in early May was a standalone performance, apart from the crooner’s Golden Touch tour, which he announced last year, amid his celebration of 50 years in the music industry.

In recent years, Bryson said he had been hitting the gym and prioritizing his health after a scare seven years ago when the artist suffered a heart attack at his Georgia home. He told the Soul Train Cruise 2020 that he flat-lined for nearly 30 minutes, “long enough to make friends on the other side.”

“It turns out that dying is not that hard,” Bryson said. “Didn’t hurt that much. It’s the living afterwards that’s the really difficult part. I mean, why are you still here? You have to ask yourself those hard questions: Are you a good father? Are you a good husband? Are you a good friend? Are you a good brother? Are you a good human being?”

Bryson said he was able to answer yes.

“Then you have to ask yourself the question that makes the answer null and void — can you be better?”

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson; son Robert Bryson (who goes by Kit); daughter Linda Bryson; and three grandchildren.

Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.

A STUNNING 25-acre lavender field is opening to the public for summer.

From this weekend, visitors will be able to visit a sprawling purple paradise for the ultimate picturesque walk.

Mayfield Lavender Farm offers expansive floral fields, perfect for frolicking, and welcomes visitors during the warmer months every year.

With the lavender plants blooming once again, the Surrey farm is open for days out from Saturday, June 6.

Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm every day, with last entries at 5:15pm.

With 25-acres of sensationally scented land to explore, the area is located in Banstead, just 15 miles from central London.

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It also provides the perfect backdrop for some striking photography or a serene summer stroll.

With the farm’s gates set to remain open until August 23, flower fans can expect the plants to offer the best blooms in mid July.

There’s even a contrasting red phone box nestled amongst the violet buds that provides a rather aesthetically pleasing Instagram photo opportunity.

Entry to Mayfield is affordable with ticket prices for adults and children over 11 starting from £7.40. Tickets for little ones aged between four and 11 start at £2.50, while under fours get in for free.

General admission tickets allow entry to the fields with access to the on-site cafe and shop.

There’s also the option to pay a little more for the likes of a tractor ride around the fields, the opportunity to adopt a lavender plant and get access to the farm’s potting station.

Tickets can be purchased upon arrival, but it’s recommended to grab them online before you go during busier periods like weekends and school holidays.

There is free parking on site, too, although it is limited.

Visitors can also make their way to the lavender farm via train from London Bridge Station to Woodmansterne, with services taking as little as 40 minutes.

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. I’m Eric Sondheimer. It was championship weekend for Southern Section baseball and softball. And there were some crazy moments and performances.

Greatness on display

It’s tough enough to win one Southern Section Division 1 baseball title going through the gauntlet of top teams. St. John Bosco did it back to back in a 2-0 win over Norco.

Julian Garcia turned in one of the best pitching performances in championship game history. He gave up a first-inning double to Codey Brown and that was the last hit by a good-hitting Norco team. He struck out 14 and walked none. Here’s the report from Cal State Fullerton.

Here’s a look where Garcia’s individual performance ranks in some past championship games.

Things got bizarre leading up to the Division 2 final when Ganesha was prepared to only send backups to the game because its head coach and players were committed to traveling to Mississippi for a camp.

The superintendent intervened and asked them to stay because Ganesha would have faced severe sanctions from the Southern Section. All the players showed up Saturday and the team beat Loyola 6-3. Here’s the report.

Mira Costa, which lost its top two pitchers to injuries before the season and early in league, rallied from a 6-1 deficit to beat Agoura 9-7 to win the Division 3 title. Quite an achievement for coach Andy Diver and his players.

Despite lots of teams opting out, the Southern California regional championships begin this week. St. John Bosco is playing to defend its regional title and was seeded No. 1 in Division I.

Here are the pairings.

Softball

JSerra High ace Liliana Escobar strides forward as she windmills a pitch against La Mirada in the Southern Section Division 1 championship game on Friday night.

(Nick Koza)

JSerra won its first Southern Section Division 1 championship in softball behind pitcher Liliana Escobar, who was the best all season. The Lions defeated La Mirada 3-2. She struck out 12. Here’s the report.

Whittier Christian went into rally mode to defeat Mater Dei 5-3 in the Division 2 final, getting two-run home runs in the seventh and eighth innings from Mia Camacho and Bella Perez.

Carson came away as City Section Open Division champions with a 12-1 win over defending champion Granada Hills. The Colts and Highlanders have met the last four years in the final, with Carson prevailing three times. Home runs by Anaiyah Popoalii and Ashannalee Titialii keyed the win.

Here are the regional playoff pairings that begin Tuesday.

Track

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame senior JJ Harel won his second consecutive state high jump championship.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

The state track and field championships in Clovis were very good for Southern California athletes.

Servite won the boys championships as its sprinters, led by 100 meters champion Benjamin Harris, put on a show.

JJ Harel of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame cleared 7-2 in the high jump to defend his state title.

Jaslene Massey of Aliso Niguel set a state record in the girls discus.

Here’s the report from Clovis.

Determined to succeed

Jonah Jeovany Vasquez of Cathedral has made it to the state track championships in the 1,600 in his first year running track.

(Vasquez family)

Things didn’t go as well as Cathedral’s Jonah Vasquez had hoped at the CIF track and field championships. He just missed qualifying for the finals in the 1,600.

But his story is just beginning in his first season running track.

Here’s a look at his story and where he intends to go.

Volleyball

Mateo Fuerbringer, center, celebrates with his Mira Costa teammates following a five-set win over Loyola on March 20, 2026.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

It was a season to remember for Mira Costa’s volleyball team, which won the state championship Saturday in Fresno.

The Southern Section Division 1 champions faced top teams all season and prevailed, with junior Mateo Fuerbringer stamping himself as the top player for his class in the nation.

End of an era

Tom Meusborn announced his retirement as head baseball coach at Chatsworth.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Tom Meusborn and Spud O’Neil, two high school baseball coaching giants, have retired from head coaching duties.

Meusborn coached for nearly 35 years at Chatsworth and Sierra Canyon. His eight City Section championships remains the most by any coach in City Section history.

“It’s time,” he said after four seasons at Sierra Canyon.

O’Neil, the head coach at Lakewood since 1984, lost in the Southern Section Division 6 playoffs and retires with 985 career victories.

Notes . . .

Former St. John Bosco and UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen has received his MBA from the Wharton School of Business….

Damien has begun a search for a new baseball coach. AJ LaMonda was head coach for five years….

Devin Davis is the new baseball coach at Castaic….

Ernest Baskerville is the new basketball coach at Pasadena….

Western quarterback Chance Thomas is transferring to Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, which opens the season hosting St. John Bosco in August….

Tight end Luke Karby of Mission Viejo has committed to Duke….

Kevin McCaffrey has been dismissed as baseball coach at Corona del Mar after eight seasons….

Kevin Nichols is the new football coach at Garden Grove…

Katey Thompson has stepped down as boys volleyball coach at Corona del Mar….

Standout junior pitcher Justin Kirchner (11-0) of Harvard-Westlake has committed to Vanderbilt. He was previously committed to Yale….

Brad Willis is the new boys basketball coach at Villa Park. He had been coaching girls basketball at the school….

Standout quarterback Dane Weber of Chaparral has committed to Cal….

Tight end Luke Gazzaniga of Santa Margarita has committed to Kansas….

Defensive end Elyjah Staples from Marquez has committed to Cal….

Matteo Huarte of Mater Dei won the Southern Section individual title. He’s the grandson of Heisman Trophy winner and Mater Dei grad John Huarte….

Makena Cook, the top flag football quarterback for Orange Lutheran, is transferring to Sierra Canyon, which is starting a flag football program this fall….

Cole Kim of Sunny Hills won the Southern California Regional golf tournament last week and will be the player to beat at the state championships Wednesday at San Gabriel Country Club….

Pitcher Jake Brande of Rancho Christian has committed to Cal Poly….

Laura Browder has resigned as boys and girls volleyball coach at La Canada.

From the archives: Kaniya Bragg

UCLA shortstop Kaniya Bragg was a star at Garden Grove Pacifica.

(Nick Koza)

Kaniya Bragg, who was The Times’ softball player of the year in 2024, is living up to expectations and more for UCLA this season.

She entered this week as a key player for the Bruins in the College World Series with a .387 batting average and 18 home runs.

Here’s a story from 2024 outlining why she was the best high school player.

Recommendations

From Texas, a school district continues bureaucratic hurdles for media trying to cover high school sports.

From the Los Angeles Times, a story on former Palisades pitcher Mason Edwards becoming an ace for USC.

From the Los Angeles Times, a story on Zoe Thompson, an eighth-grader at Harvard-Westlake who might be the best soccer player in a famous family of soccer players.

Tweets you might have missed

Until next time….

Have a question, comment or something you’d like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com, and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer.

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Internet culture is showing up in a big way in theaters, as low-budget horror films “Backrooms” and “Obsession” led this weekend’s box office and beat out big franchise films like “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

A24’s “Backrooms” topped the charts with $81.5 million in the U.S. and Canada in its opening weekend, according to studio estimates. The film is directed by 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, who based it on his internet series of the same name.

“Backrooms,” which reportedly had a production budget of about $10 million, stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as a furniture store owner who finds a mysterious portal in his basement. The film made a total of $118 million worldwide.

In second place was Focus Features’ “Obsession,” which hauled in $26.4 million in its third weekend in theaters, up 10% from the previous weekend’s total. The film, which had a production budget of less than $1 million, has now grossed $104.7 million domestically for a global total of $148 million.

“Obsession” director Curry Barker is also known for his YouTube sketch comedy channel.

The success of two YouTube-native filmmakers at the box office indicates the growing power of the platform — and online culture as a whole — in attracting audiences to cinemas.

Walt Disney Co. and Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” fell to third place this weekend with a domestic gross of $25 million. Lionsgate’s musical biopic “Michael” ($11.7 million) and Sony Pictures’ family comedy “The Breadwinner” ($7.5 million) rounded out the top five at the box office, according to Comscore data.

There are plenty of compelling storylines involving Southland teams and athletes heading into the CIF state track and field championships this weekend in Clovis, perhaps none more enticing than Long Beach Wilson’s bid for the national record in the girls’ 4×400 relay.

Having just smashed Long Beach Poly’s 22-year-old California standard of 3:35.49 with their 3:33.83 clocking at the Southern Section Masters Meet in Moorpark last Saturday, the foursome of Brooke Blue, Brooklyn Fowler, Saniah Varnado and Clara Adams will try to go even lower.

Adams also established herself as the favorite to win the 400 meters at Buchanan High in Clovis — prelims are Friday and finals Saturday — after a blistering 51.98-second effort at the Masters Meet that broke the Southern Section record. The Bruins are vying for a fourth consecutive team title.

Servite won the boys’ team title last year and is well positioned to defend it if the Friars pile up points as expected in the relays and sprints, paced by junior Benjamin Harris, who anchored their nation-leading 39.70 clocking at the Arcadia Invitational, which broke the Friars’ own 4×100 state record. Harris remains the front-runner in the 100. His wind-aided 10.17-second timing in the 100 last weekend equaled the fourth-fastest time in state history.

Harris is the clear favorite since the last two state champions — Brandon Arrington of Spring Valley Mount Miguel (who reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 recruiting cycle) and Concord De La Salle’s Jaden Jefferson (who graduated early) — are not in the field. Harris’ wind-aided 20.51 in the 200 two weeks ago also sets him up for a duel with Nicolas Obimga of Torrance (the wind-legal state leader at 20.66) and Elk Grove’s Cy Lugo (20.67), the Sac-Joaquin Section record holder.

In the 400, Servite’s Jaelen Hunter (whose 46.32 last spring was a state freshman record) will try to avenge his loss to Loyola’s Ejam Yohannes by 11-hundredths of a second at the Masters Meet.

Defending state 300 hurdles champion Jayden Rendon of Carson faces stiff competition in that event from state leader Brady Tse of San Jose Harker, Palm Desert’s Kingston Penny and Etiwanda’s Brandon Andrade.

Venice senior Lawrence Kensinger threw himself into the front-runner role with a personal-best and City Section record mark of 65-11 on May 21 and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame’s JJ Harel will try to repeat as high jump champion after clearing a state-leading 7-01 in the section finals two weeks ago.

Braelyn Combe beat Santa Rosa Montgomery’s Hanne Thomsen by five-hundredths of a second in a personal-best 4:35.64 in last year’s state 1,600 final and the Corona Santiago senior is favored to win that event again while attempting to become the first girl in state history to pull off a 1,600, 800 and 4×800 relay trifecta.

Irvine’s Summer Wilson, who broke the Woodward Park course record at the state cross-country finals in the fall and breezed to victory in the 3,200 meters at last week’s Masters Meet in a personal-best 10:14.25, is the co-favorite to win the eight-lapper Saturday along with La Jolla’s Chiara Dailey, the San Diego Section 800, 1,600 and 3,200 champion.

A UK train line will be closed for three days this weekend as the station undergoes major works.

Travellers are advised to plan their journeys in advance as there will be no trains running on the busy West Midlands line.

Between May 29 and May 31, there will be no trains running between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley Station.

Network Rail has announced that the closures will be in place to allow for the installation of a new viaduct.

The planned work will take place over the weekend and services are expected to return to normal on Monday, June 1.

For those travelling southbound on the Cross City line, services will be continuing as normal between Birmingham New Street and Redditch/Bromsgrove.

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The “complex” installation work will also affect services between Birmingham New Street and Tame Bridge Parkway, to ensure all works are carried out safely.

Passengers affected by the disruption will be able to travel on rail replacement buses, running from Birmingham New Street to both Lichfield Trent Valley and Tame Bridge Parkway

For those travelling to Rugeley Trent Valley, the services will be diverted and journeys are expected to take longer than usual, so passengers are advised to allow extra time for possible delays.

The major works comprise of the installation of a 150-metre-long viaduct, located near the new Curzon Street Station, that will transport HS2 trains over an existing Victorian viaduct between Duddeston and New Street.

Director for On Network Works at Network Rail and HS2, Patrick Crawley, said: “We’re reminding passengers to plan ahead for a three-day closure on the Cross City line between Birmingham and Lichfield to enable the safe installation of a new HS2 viaduct over the existing railway.

“This is a significant milestone in the delivery of HS2 at Curzon Street, and while there will be some disruption, we’ve worked closely with partners to keep people moving and minimise the impact as much as possible.”

Customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, Jonny Wiseman, added: “We want to thank passengers for their patience while this major piece of engineering work is carried out and the northern section of the Cross City Line is closed.

“Rail replacement buses will be running during the closure, and passengers are encouraged to check their travel before setting out.”

Sharyn Alfonsi, the longtime “60 Minutes” correspondent who clashed with CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss over a story on Trump White House immigration policies, said Wednesday her contract is not being renewed.

“Over the weekend, my contract with CBS News expired, drawing to a close nearly twenty years with the network, including more than a decade at ’60 Minutes,’” Alfonsi, 54, said in a statement to The Times.

“Following an intense editorial dispute over our CECOT story, repeated attempts by my representation to establish a path forward were met with absolute silence from network executives,” she added. “The message could not be clearer: my time at 60 Minutes is apparently over.”

CBS News declined to comment on Alfonsi’s remarks. Her contract expired this past weekend but she remains employed at the division on an “at will” basis, which means she can be terminated at any time, according to people familiar with the discussions. Producers who worked with Alfonsi have been assigned to other correspondents.

Alfonsi made her comments as the “60 Minutes” staff anticipates significant changes in the coming days, which could include shifting the lineup of correspondents. Anderson Cooper has already announced his departure from the program after 20 seasons.

A scene from the “60 Minutes” report “Inside CECOT.”

(CBS News)

The segment at the center of Alfonsi’s likely exit, “Inside CECOT,” detailed the Trump administration’s treatment of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants who were deported to an El Salvador prison known for its harsh conditions.

“Inside CECOT” was scheduled to run Dec. 22 but was pulled the day before air by Weiss, who believed it needed more reporting, including a direct on-camera response from the administration, which did not participate.

Alfonsi protested the decision to hold the story, calling it politically motivated in an email she sent to colleagues that was shared publicly.

Alfonsi said at the time the story was ready for air after being vetted by the network’s attorneys and the standards and practices department.

“It is factually correct,” Alfonsi wrote. “In my view, pulling it now — after every rigorous internal check has been met is not an editorial decision, it is a political one.”

“Inside CECOT” eventually ran on Jan. 18 without any substantial changes to its tone or reporting. Weiss acknowledged internally that pulling the segment after it had already been promoted was a mistake.

The move created the first public relations fiasco under Weiss’ watch and tarnished the strong journalistic reputation of “60 Minutes.” The matter also added to the narrative that Weiss was installed at CBS News to placate the Trump administration as parent company Skydance Media sought government regulatory approval to buy Paramount and its current deal to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery.

The program has been in turmoil since October 2024 when President Trump filed a $20-billion lawsuit against CBS over an interview conducted with then-Vice President Kamala Harris that was settled to help clear the regulatory path for Skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount last year.

Weiss joined CBS News in October with a mandate from Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison to pull the division to the political center. The founder of the conservative-friendly digital news site the Free Press, Weiss has wanted to make changes to “60 Minutes” but put them off until after the 2025-26 TV season ended this past weekend.

In her statement, Alfonsi predicted CBS News would try to make her exit an administrative decision not related to her work.

“In the coming days, network leadership may attempt to hide behind corporate euphemisms like ‘modernization’ and ‘restructuring’ to explain away my departure,” Alfonsi said. “Don’t be misled. This was not a routine corporate transition; it was a deliberate choice to penalize a journalist for refusing to sanitize factually accurate reporting, and it sends a chilling message to the entire newsroom.”

Insiders at CBS News are uncertain about the extent of the planned overhaul. Weiss has been advised to limit any disruption to “60 Minutes,” which is coming off a strong season of ratings performance.

Nielsen data showed the program averaged 9.1 million viewers in its Sunday time period, up 9% from the previous year. The program’s views across digital and social media platforms were also up substantially.

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the most popular holiday destinations – as well as some unsung areas.

This week, we’re taking a look at Venice, made up of a group of islands famous for its winding maze of beautiful canals.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding raved about visiting off-season.

She said: “I visited Venice after the peak season had finished in October – the weather was mild but more enjoyable and all the crowds had disappeared.

“Having read a lot about the city before I visited, I knew to not get a gondola as it would cost me a small fortune.

“But still wanting to see Venice from its waterway, I grabbed a €25 (£21.59) water bus day pass where I hopped on and off boats around the city and got to see many of the amazing views that you see on a gondola (just minus the narrow waterways).

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“Eating out in the city can be expensive, but there are plenty of supermarkets around, which are super affordable.

“My family and I managed to pick up a bottle of wine, some meats and cheeses for around €40 (£34.55) total and heading to a pontoon to eat – a much prettier spot than most restaurants.

“The city is also full of quirky Airbnbs which I would recommend over hotels as they often boast original Venetian architectural features.

“And definitely don’t miss out visiting Murano and Burano – two islands in the Venetian Lagoon with the former known for its historic glass-blowing factories and the latter known for picturesque multicoloured houses.”

MUST-SEE/DO

Ride a gondola along the waterways. A 30-minute trip costs from €80 (£69.10) – you can pay more to be serenaded by a singer.

Or try this money-saving tip that won’t sink your budget: to get the experience for just €2 (£1.73) per person, hop on board a traghetto, a smaller taxi gondola that will take you from one side of the Grand Canal to the other.

HIDDEN GEM

Venice is made up of around 118 islands, and the main city in the lagoon is really all about tourism.

Many of the locals live and work on the surrounding islands, including Giudecca, just south of the city.

It’s one stop away by vaporetto (water taxi), which has a calmer vibe, but will still give you a fascinating insight into the traditional Venetian way of life.

Here, you’ll find craftsmen making souvenirs in workshops, people creating traditional Venetian masks and glass, or jewellery from paper and growing vegetables in their gardens – everything you’ll buy in the main city.

BEST VIEW

The most obvious is the 98.6metre-tall St Mark’s Campanile (bell tower) in the famous St Mark’s Square.

The tallest structure in Venice, it was originally a watchtower to look out for ships. It costs €15 (£12.96) to enter and you’ll be pleased to know there’s a lift, which takes just 30 seconds to reach the top.

RATED RESTAURANT

The Hotel Bauer has a rooftop restaurant, De Pisis, with views over the Grand Canal, while the traditional Ristorante Do Forni (where Charles and Diana dined in 1985) is famous for its seafood dishes and dining room modelled on the Orient Express.

At Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, lagoon-fresh seafood and homemade pasta is made quite literally from scratch – so if you want the lasagne, be prepared to wait two hours.

BEST BAR

In 1948, founder Giuseppe Cipriani Senior invented the Bellini cocktail (white-peach puree and Prosecco) in Harry’s Bar, by the Grand Canal. One drink will set you back €22 (£19) – if you can get in

The Cantina do Mori is the oldest wine bar in Venice, founded in the 15th century, and probably one of the smallest.

It’s like stepping back in time as you enjoy local wines and cicchetti – small Venetian tapas.

Costing just a few Euros for wine and food, it’s a charming bargain. They’re open from 8am, but don’t expect coffee – it’s just wine.

HOTEL PICK

Escape the inflated prices by staying further down the coast in the quiet town of Jesolo, at the five-star Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa – ideal for families and couples with fantastic food, pools and playgrounds.

Its sea-view balconies look out on to nine miles of sand, so you can have a beach holiday, too. See falkensteiner.com/en/hotel-spa-jesolo.

After a nearly seven-year absence from theaters, Star Wars proved it still has the Force, as the latest installment, “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” is on track to earn an estimated $102 million in the U.S. and Canada for the Memorial Day weekend.

The movie, which is a continuation of “The Mandalorian” streaming show that debuted on Disney+ in 2019, met studio expectations for its opening weekend results.

Globally, the film was on track to pull in $165 million for the four-day holiday weekend.

Director Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” now ranks as the year’s third-highest grossing domestic opening, based on its Friday-Sunday ticket sales of $82 million, according to ticket tracker Comscore.

The results are likely a relief to Walt Disney Co.-owned Lucasfilm, which had not released a theatrical Star Wars film since 2019’s “Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker.”

Since then, the San Francisco-based studio has largely focused on its Star Wars streaming shows, which have included both live-action and animated series. Some of those shows received mixed reviews, though “The Mandalorian” and “Rogue One” spin-off “Andor” were breakout hits, praised by critics and largely revered by fans.

The movie — starring Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White — benefited from positive reviews from moviegoers, but it stopped short of shattering expectations. Its initial financial performance was on par with the disappointing 2018 opening weekend for “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” That film notched $103 million in its opening weekend.

Still, as cinemas struggle to recover from pandemic-era shutdowns, a film that generates more than $100 million in its the opening weekend is typically seen as a success.

Box office revenue for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which played in 4,300 theaters, will be just one indicator of the movie’s success.

The Burbank entertainment giant is counting on the film to boost other parts of its business, including views of Star Wars shows on the Disney+ streaming service, its gaming collaboration with Fortnite and its all-important theme parks sector. The main characters are present in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge-themed land, and the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride has been overlaid with a new “Mandalorian and Grogu” storyline at Disney parks in Anaheim and Orlando.

The weekend ticket sales underscore the enduring appeal of Star Wars, which remains among Disney’s top five franchises, producing more than $1 billion in annual retail sales.

Reception for the film was seen as critical to keeping the franchise fresh in moviegoers’ minds, particularly as Disney prepares for the upcoming 50th anniversary of Star Wars and a new movie starring Ryan Gosling set for next year.

Locally, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is the first Star Wars movie to be made entirely in Los Angeles.

The film received a state tax credit to film in the Golden State, Favreau said at the premiere last week.

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” faced little new competition at the box office this Memorial Day weekend. Rival studios largely stayed on the sidelines, with no other potential blockbuster debuting at the same time.

Focus Films’ horror hit “Obsession” came in second at the box office with $22.4 million for its three-day total, according to Comscore.

Lionsgate’s blockbuster Michael Jackson documentary, “Michael,” snared $20 million, bringing its total to $314 million. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” came in fourth with $12.6 million, bringing its purse to $196 million since it opened earlier this month.

Amazon’s MGM studio’s “The Sheep Detectives” rounded out the top five with nearly $9 million.

Pack up the car and get ready for temperatures in the upper 80s this coming weekend in Clovis and Fresno, where CIF state championships will be held in track and field and boys’ volleyball.

Buchanan High School is the site Friday and Saturday for the track championships, where City Section record-holder Lawrence Kensinger will try to win a state title in the shotput after his astonishing mark of 65-11 at the City finals broke a record established in 1973. Running events begin at 5 p.m. Friday to qualify for Saturday’s finals.

Servite sprinters will try to put on a show in the 4×100 relay, the 100, 200 and 400 races. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame high jumper JJ Harel will try to defend his state title. At the Southern Section finals, he cleared a career-best 7-1.

Fresno City College is the site for the volleyball championships on Saturday.

Tickets are available only through gofan.co.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

ZARA McDermott looked proud as punch as she watched boyfriend Louis Tomlinson perform from the side of the stage.

The reality star stood in pride of place throughout his set at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland.

Zara, 28, kept it casual for the festival outing in a black cropped T-shirt teamed with low-rise green trousers.

The former Love Island star accessorised with a beige Miu Miu baseball cap while wearing her brunette hair loose over her shoulders.

Holding a can of Diet Coke, Zara appeared animated as she chatted and clapped from the VIP viewing area while watching Louis, 33, perform.

Their relationship was recently rocked by rumours Zara was more than just good friends with Joey Essex.

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The pair formed a tight-knit bond after meeting while starring together on ITV’s Cooking With The Stars.

In pictures taken after filming wrapped on the reality show, Zara and Joey were seen together, with him leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.

Zara was met with furious trolling despite multiple reports insisting the snaps were completely innocent.

Zara and Louis were first linked in March 2025 after fans noticed they had followed each other on Instagram, with many believing the pair were introduced through the singer’s sisters.

The couple have proved an unlikely match given the singer’s past views on Love Island, the ITV2 dating show that made her famous in 2018.

When Zara’s series came to an end, Louis publicly celebrated online, tweeting: “Can I just say, thank f**k Love Island is over!”

He later doubled down on his criticism of the programme, claiming the hit reality series was “not a good message for the younger people watching”.

Temperatures will continue to soar across the bank holiday weekend following the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday.

Temperatures reached 30.5C at Frittenden in Kent, beating the previous day’s maximum temperature of 28.4C in London.

The Met Office said it was very rare for the UK to record temperatures above 30C in May, with the last time being on 25 May 2012.

The heat is forecast to intensify throughout the long weekend, reaching heatwave criteria in a number of locations.

Daytime highs are forecast to reach the upper 20s Celsius in many areas, with the low 30s Celsius likely in the week ahead.

Amber heat health alerts remain in effect for the Midlands, eastern and south-east England.

Amber alerts mean there is a risk of a significant impact across health and social care services, with children and those aged over 65 at risk of negative health implications.

The remainder of England is under yellow heat health alerts, meaning adverse weather is “likely to affect vulnerable groups”.

The UK is a haven for seaside escapes and days out at the beach, but there’s one beautiful town, offering golden sand beaches and turquoise waters, that has been hailed as a ‘must-visit’

The UK is set for a scorcher, so what better time to make the most of the British sunshine than a trip to a coastal town offering unspoilt beaches and a traditional seaside charm?

Some regions across the UK are set for a balmy 30C on Saturday, 23 May and 32C on Sunday – just in time for the May bank holiday. The blistering temperatures are even set to surpass Ibiza’s Mediterranean climate, which will peak at 23C and 24C over the weekend, undoubtedly encouraging Brits to embrace the glorious British weather.

And what better way than a trip to the beach? One particular UK gem that has been hailed as a “must-visit” and an ideal “car-free staycation” is the beautiful town of Lyme Regis.

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Dubbed the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is famed for its dramatic golden cliffs along the Jurassic Coast, sprawling beaches, its picturesque harbour and a colourful town brimming with independent businesses. There are plenty of attractions for the kids to enjoy by the sea, including a range of water activities, alongside fossil-hunting beaches, coastal walks, and inviting waters for a refreshing dip!

Ice cream shops are a given in this town, with parlours dotted down the promenade, along with various eateries offering the classic British dish of fish & chips to enjoy by the sea, or a refreshing drink from one of their cafés with seaside vistas. And what’s more, it’s very walkable, so once you’re there, you can really make the most of the British sunshine.

Sharing a local insight into the unsuspecting walkable town of Lyme Regis, owner of Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, Gemma Matthews, said: “Lyme Regis is a perfect example of a traditional seaside town, which has the benefit of being walkable, yet it’s often overlooked in favour of bigger destinations like Brighton or Bath, and that’s exactly what makes it special.”

“In Lyme, we’re spoilt by our picturesque beaches, fascinating museums, such as the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, and local tourist attractions like The Town Mill, all located within a five-minute walk of each other. You can easily spend a day exploring on foot, whilst stopping to browse the independent boutiques or grabbing a bite to eat on Broad Street, one of the town’s central roads.”

Offering further recommendations for a day or weekend escape to the charming town, Gemma said: “If you’re happy to stroll a little further, the Marine Parade links the bottom of the town to The Cobb, a harbour wall which is a great spot for taking in the seaside views, especially at sunset.

“But one of Lyme Regis’ must-see attractions can only be accessed on foot – and only at certain times of day. The Ammonite pavement is a one-of-a-kind collection of fossils embedded in a limestone rock ledge, which can only be visited during low tide when you can walk towards it from Monmouth beach. It’s experiences like this that make walkable destinations so special, which you’d completely miss if you were driving.”

For those looking to book an escape along the picture-postcard seaside shores, Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages offers a variety of accommodation options, where you’ll feel right at home. There are also the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk, which offer a range of stays in the region.

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

A UK city has been revealed as more expensive than London and Dublin for a two-night weekend escape – and it’s almost £150 more than what you’d spend in the capital

The UK’s most expensive destination for a weekend break has been named, and it’s not where you might think.

London can be notoriously expensive for an escape, from the extortionate cost of a hotel, booked entertainment, meals, and the price of a pint at a pub. It can quickly add up, and research from Post Office Travel Money found that, on average, it can set a couple back £527.50 for a two-night stay in the capital over the weekend.

In a bid to help Brits get the best bang for their buck, the Post Office revealed the 50 cheapest European cities in their ‘City Costs Barometer 2026‘, after comparing the price of various items required for a holiday. Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, led the way with the most affordable two-night stay for two, followed by Bucharest, in Romania, and Tirana, in Albania.

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Destinations in the UK failed to make the top 20, with Cardiff in Wales ranked at 21 following a total of £377.64, and London holding a spot at 34. But interestingly, the list also revealed the UK’s most expensive city for a two-night weekend stay for two, and it was almost double the price of a trip to Cardiff, and nearly £150 more than a stay in London.

With its iconic castle that towers 260 feet above the city, set against the dramatic volcanic landscapes, historic landmarks, and picturesque cobbled streets, Edinburgh in Scotland is a popular destination for holidaymakers. Yet with that comes a hefty price tag, and the Post Office named it as the most expensive UK city for that desirable two-night escape.

Ranked at 48 on the list, the Post Office experts found that the average cost of a two-night trip to Edinburgh for two people would be a total of £668.10. They discovered that a cup of coffee would set someone back £3.50, a bottle of beer £6, a glass of wine £5.60, a three-course evening meal £118, and a sightseeing bus tour £18.

But it was the accommodation that really pushed up the price, with travellers forced to pay an average of £462 for a two-night stay for two at a three-star establishment in the city. So if you’re looking to save some extra cash but still want to book a staycation, you might want to consider Cardiff, after all, it was revealed as the cheapest UK destination for a weekend getaway.

Most expensive European cities

1. Oslo £733.99
2. Copenhagen £670.65
3. Edinburgh £668.10
4. Geneva £644.22
5. Barcelona £641.03
6. Dublin £610.79
7. Amsterdam £609.18
8. Cork £602.38
9. Venice £579.92
10. Madrid £579.92

Cheapest European cities

1. Sarajevo £248.27
2. Bucharest £258.07
3. Tirana £262.85
4. Belgrade £265.13
5. Trenĉin £271.64
6. Riga £278.19
7. Lille £289.33
8. Vilnius £289.39
9. Strasbourg
10. Podgorica £332.45

Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, commented: “Despite concerns about rising prices abroad, there are many European cities offering great value for money. Sterling has remained fairly strong, but in these challenging times, it will pay holidaymakers to do their homework before booking to see where their pounds are likely to stretch furthest, even for short breaks.”

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

Welcome to Bunker Talk, Memorial Day Weekend Edition. For all our American readers/commenters, I hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend. And, of course, I want to give a huge thanks to all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

We owe you everything.

This week’s caption reads:

4th July 1944: An American soldier takes a drink of captured German Cognac, while clearing out a German gun emplacement at Cherbourg. (Photo by Fred Ramage/Keystone/Getty Images)

Directives: 

• If you want to talk politics, do so respectfully and know that there’s always somebody that isn’t going to agree with you. 
• If you have political differences, hash it out respectfully, stick to the facts, and no childish name-calling or personal attacks of any kind. If you can’t handle yourself in that manner, then please, discuss virtually anything else.
• No drive-by garbage political memes. No conspiracy theory rants. Links to crackpot sites will be axed, too. Trolling and shitposting will not be tolerated. No obsessive behavior about other users. Just don’t interact with folks you don’t like. 
• Do not be a sucker and feed trolls! That’s as much on you as on them. Use the mute button if you don’t like what you see.  
• So unless you have something of quality to say, know how to treat people with respect, understand that everyone isn’t going to subscribe to your exact same worldview, and have come to terms with the reality that there is no perfect solution when it comes to moderation of a community like this, it’s probably best to just move on. 
• Finally, as always, report offenders, please. This doesn’t mean reporting people who don’t share your political views, but we really need your help in this regard.

Summer is just around the corner. Get into the spirit of long, lazy days — first, let’s pretend those exist in ample supply beyond our dreams — by spending your Memorial Day weekend taking cues from our watch guide. There are plenty of options to suit your tastes, including a new take on one of cinema’s most iconic monster brides and a retrospective of Martin Short’s high-flying career in comedy, the final season of “Hacks” and another television series that expands the “Star Wars” franchise. No sunscreen is required.

Turn on

Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times

Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley in a scene from “The Bride.”

(Warner Bros. Pictures)

“The Bride” (HBO Max)

Heavy buzz preceded the arrival of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s feminist reboot of the horror classic “The Bride of Frankenstein” earlier this year. The casting of Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley as Frankenstein’s monster and his companion, respectively, along with Gyllenhaal’s obvious passion for the project, seemed to promise cinematic fireworks. However, it divided critics: Some brutally panned the film, calling it overbearing and ludicrous; others applauded the movie as an ambitious big swing that should not be ignored. And while most agreed that Buckley gave a committed performance as the ferocious Bride, her lead actress Oscar win for “Hamnet” did not save the film from bombing and vanishing quickly from theaters. Viewers can now decide whether it was truly a disaster or just misunderstood when “The Bride” hits HBO Max this weekend. — Greg Braxton

Steve Carell and Charly Clive play a father and daughter navigating their complicated relationship in the HBO comedy “Rooster.”

(Katrina Marcinowski / HBO)

“Rooster” (HBO Max)

If you’re looking for some easy laughs this weekend, and you’re a fan of series from Bill Lawrence like “Shrinking” or “Ted Lasso,” this HBO comedy may be right up your alley. The show follows Greg Russo (Steve Carell), a divorced author of “beach reads” who is offered a position at a university where his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), teaches. Katie, as much as she loves her dad, also wants some space as she navigates the messy relationship with her husband Archie (Phil Dunster), who has left her for a graduate student named Sunny (Lauren Tsai). (Katie does not take it well.) The show is filled with mishaps and misunderstandings that will make you belly laugh. But what also makes this show special is the supporting cast that absolutely kills it when they’re onscreen, including Danielle Deadwyler as Dylan, an English professor; John C. McGinley as Walter, the school’s president; and Robby Hoffman as Mo, Sunny’s friend and roommate. The series just wrapped its first season — I’m willing to bet you’ll binge this one. — Maira Garcia

Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara in “Marty, Life Is Short.”

(From Netflix)

“Marty, Life Is Short” (Netflix)

This delightful and moving documentary brings into focus Martin Short’s life and decades-long career in comedy. Don’t be fooled by its straightforward overview of Short’s rise to showbiz mainstay through his eccentric, vaudevillian brand of comedy. Directed by his longtime friend Lawrence Kasdan, who first collaborated with the comedian on the 1987 comedy “Cross My Heart,” the film goes beyond the bullet points, offering intimate insights about the lows of building a career and a touching look at him as a friend and family man. In addition to hearing directly from Short, the film features soundbites from people who know him well, including Andrea Martin, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Steve Martin, Eugene Levy and the late Catherine O’Hara. But the true standout moments come from the home footage provided by Short. It’ll leave you longing for a whole docu-series of his star-studded gatherings with some of the names mentioned above. What do you mean we get to see Short and Hanks, both shirtless on a boat, re-enact a scene from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” — in this scenario, Hanks’ Forrest Gump is the Sundance Kid and Short’s famous sketch-comedy character Ed Grimley is Butch — as they hurl themselves into the sea? That beats any reality TV moment or DIML vlog on TikTok I’ve seen this year. — Yvonne Villarreal

A scene from Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time,” featuring Finn the Human, voiced by Jeremy Shada, and Jake the Dog, voiced by John DiMaggio.

(Cartoon Network)

“Adventure Time” (Hulu, Disney+)

With the new “Adventure Time: Side Trips” due on Hulu and Disney+ on June 29, I am watching Pendleton Ward’s original series from the beginning, the better to appreciate its deep world-building and pick up whatever I might have missed the first time. Set in a lush, lively post-apocalyptic world where human boy Finn and shape-shifting dog Jake fight villains and party with friends, it’s gorgeously strange, beautifully designed and full of feeling. Characters include a pie-baking little elephant; Lady Rainicorn, half-unicorn, half-rainbow; a sort of sentient Game Boy; a vampire queen; and the Ice King, looking for a princess (Bubblegum, Flame, Lumpy Space, Hot Dog) to love him. A nexus of creative young animators, it’s the trunk of a tree whose branches include “Summer Camp Island,” “Steven Universe,” “Over the Garden Wall,” and “OK K.O.: Let’s Be Heroes,” which is to say, it’s possibly the most important cartoon show of the 21st century. At 283 episodes, there’s more than one can consume over even a holiday weekend, obviously, but you have to start somewhere. — Robert Lloyd

Clarke Peters, Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, Denis O’Hare and Geena Davis in “The Boroughs.”

(Netflix)

“The Boroughs” (Netflix)

In an isolated but fairly posh desert retirement community, freaky things are afoot. Strangely, no one seems to notice until cranky, grieving widower Sam (Alfred Molina) moves in. He hates the Boroughs at first sight and is only there because his now-dead wife signed them up in an apparently unbreakable contract. So of course he’s going to complain about every problem, from a broken door knob to, you know, a mysteriously dead neighbor. And before you can say, “The Thursday Murder Club” meets “Stranger Things” by way of “Scooby-Doo,” he’s reluctantly assembled a group of equally curious residents played by equally high-wattage actors including Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters and Denis O’Hare — all of whom make the Boroughs, and “The Boroughs,” well worth the price of admission, be it during nocturnal visits by monsters or an occasionally creaking plot.

Though still a criminally underrepresented demographic, aging boomers are having something of a moment on TV (see also “Only Murders in the Building,” “A Man on the Inside” and “Hacks”) and “The Boroughs,” (produced by the Duffer Brothers, who gave us “Stranger Things”) is a perfect example of why. The message of every unlikely-hero story is inevitably one of empowerment — kids/hobbits/retirees are just as capable of saving the day as muscle-bound men in their prime — and actors as strong and experienced as these can glide over plot holes and shoulder three times their weight in disbelief suspension without breaking a sweat. Getting the opportunity to watch such a group do it together is just as much fun as figuring out exactly what is going on at the Boroughs and who’s going to stop it. — Mary McNamara

A scene from Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord.”

(Lucasfilm Ltd.)

“Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord” (Disney+)

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is the shiny new “Star Wars” movie in theaters this weekend — the franchise’s first since 2019 — but let’s not forget that some of the galaxy far, far away’s best storytelling in recent years has been on TV. “Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord” follows the dark side warrior in the early days of the Empire’s reign as he works to rebuild his criminal syndicate while getting some revenge on gangsters that have betrayed him. Introduced and presumed dead after being cut in half in a lightsaber duel in “Episode I,” Maul’s resilience and dark ambitions were further explored in “The Clone Wars.” Maul is a formidable, manipulative, intelligent and vicious villain that’s ultimately doomed to fail, but there’s something about his relentless refusal to accept his fate that I find a bit admirable — even if he’s evil. A noir crime thriller, “Maul — Shadow Lord” is set in a gritty, metropolitan planet outside of the rule of the Empire, meaning, yes, the former Sith lord will cross paths with some Jedi on the run. There’s no better way to close out May than getting immersed in “Star Wars.” — Tracy Brown

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in the fifth and final season of “Hacks.”

(HBO)

“Hacks” (HBO Max)

With the series finale of “Hacks” approaching on May 28, it’s the perfect time to catch up on Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah’s (Jean Smart) latest schemes. Season 5 follows Deborah clawing her way back into public favor after her short stint as a late-night host. Going out with a bang, the show’s final season has been chock-full of guest stars, from Trisha Paytas and Tony Kushner to Jesse McCartney and “Property Brothers” duo Drew and Jonathan Scott. The dynamic between Deborah’s managers, Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and Kayla (Megan Stalter), is still ridiculously entertaining, even if Kayla still can’t get Jimmy’s coffee order right. Across the characters, the chemistry is palpable as “Hacks” builds to the pièce de résistance of Deborah’s career: a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. — Katie Simons

Animated characters from the Crunchyroll series “Classroom of the Elite.”

“Classroom of the Elite” (Crunchyroll)

The anime series revolves around Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a stoic high schooler with a hidden brilliant mind who enrolls in an isolated boarding school. In this cutthroat school, designed as a meritocracy to identify Japan’s future leaders, students are pushed through unconventional tests — such as a survival challenge on a deserted island — and they risk expulsion if they fail. Bribery and backdoor deals run rampant. School officials turn a blind eye to violence — and there is plenty of it.

The show follows Ayanokoji and his classmates as they scheme to climb from the lowest tier, D-Class, to the coveted A-Class. Along the way, it invites the question of whether an archetypal meritocracy can truly exist in a system ridden with loopholes. The calculating Ayanokoji can be a hard protagonist to root for, as he brazenly uses his peers as pawns. By the end of the third season, we see Ayanokoji begin to occasionally open up to a select few classmates, though we’re constantly left to wonder if those moments are genuine or engineered. Season 4, which premiered in early April with weekly releases, picks up with Ayanokoji in his second year and brings a new slate of characters with murky motivations. — Iris Kwok

ICYMI

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THE UK is basking in temperatures of up to 30C this bank holiday, it’s even going to be hotter than Greece, or as Sun Travel like to call it – perfect beach bar weather.

If you’re hoping to sip on a cool beer or salty margarita by the coast, check out our favourite spots in Kent, Devon, all the way to the Isle of Wight (and don’t forget your sun cream).

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

Little Swift, Kent

“Sipping frozen margaritas on the beachfront as the sun sets behind you… there’s hardly a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in the UK.

“And Little Swift in Margate, Kent, is one of my favourite places to do it.
The tiny natural wine & cocktail bar has a number of tables on the pavement out front, overlooking Margate’s Main Sands beach.

“They specialise in frozen cocktails from £9, with flavours ranging from pina colada and margarita to Aperol sours.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

GRUBS UP

Best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex – by Sun readers & locals

“Grab a drink, people watch, then make your way to Beach Buoys for some of the best fish and chips of your life.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)

Bo’s Beach Cafe, Devon

“The atmosphere may be a little more mellow than some of the other spots mentioned in this list, but the views will surely trump them all.

“The decking from Bo’s Beach Cafe juts out over North Sands beach, a dog-friendly shore in Devon.

“Wooden picnic tables look out towards the bluest of oceans where you can watch the sea tractor roll in and out daily, collecting local passengers from the water and delivering them to dry land.

“Expect to mingle with a mix of laidback locals as well as tourists who prefer to escape the crowds of the nearby Salcombe.

“The pizzas are legendary and can be washed back with an ice cold beer.” – Sophie Swietochowski – Assistant Travel Editor

The Hut, Isle of Wight

“For a spectacular sunset cocktail or a chilled glass of rose, there’s no better place to be than The Hut at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight.

“This chic, laid-back beachfront restaurant and bar combines the casual charm of a traditional British seaside pavilion with the vibrant, sun-drenched energy of a Mediterranean beach club.

“There’s panoramic views across the Solent from its open-air deck where you can enjoy the freshest seafood while the DJ spins mellow tunes and as night falls, the party really starts.

“The joint is popular with sailors too – and has its own dedicated tender service to bring people from their boats, yachts and dinghies.” – Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel

The Venus Cafe, Devon

“We all know Devon beaches have a lot to boast about, but at the red sand, Broadsands Beach near Paignton, you’ll find the fantastic Venus Cafe.

“With views of the bay, the Venus Cafe has a huge decking area with over 100 seats to soak up the sunshine.

“If you are here in the morning then they breakfasts are a must, but the cafe also serves locally caught fish such as mackerel and sardines at the weekend.

“From the beach bar you can also spot the two Brunel steam railway viaducts, where you will see steam trains chugging along.

“The cocktails are a must here – costing just £9.50, flavours include a tropical pineapple daiquiri with coconut and Salcombe’s Island Street rum.

“Prefer something with more of hit? Pick the Espresso Martini, which is made with local Tors Vodka and a pinch of sea salt (game changer!).” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Rockwater, Hove

“Last summer during the July heatwave, I was sunning myself in Hove and stopped by Rockwater Beach Club on the promenade.

“The venue is rustic-looking on the outside and blends in with its surroundings with wooden- slatted exterior and huge glass windows.

“The inside is spectacular with plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere with both locals and tourists chattering away.

“I felt like I was in another country as I sipped on an Aperol Spritz whilst the sun shone through open windows looking over Hove Beach.

“When I go back next, I’m desperate to sit upstairs on the roof terrace which soaks up the sunshine and has sweeping views across the seaside.

“The drinks list is as long as your arm with everything from classic cocktails to refreshing summer coolers.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Surf Side, Cornwall

“I can think of nowhere I’d rather be on a gloriously hot day than Surf Side on the Cornish shores of Polzeath.

“This lively rum bar is spread across two floors and spills out onto the sands with party goers stomping their feet late into the evening.

“I once heard someone refer to this spot as an “apres-sea” bar and it feels completely fitting with hordes of surfers stumbling in after hitting the waves.

“The food is decent, as well as the cocktails  – sample the local oysters, gorge on a steak sandwich or tuck into moules marnieres (mussels in a white wine sauce).

“Outside on the sands – and part of the bar – you’ll find a little old beach boat that’s been converted into a food van of sorts and sells outdoor BBQ bites and beach fries.” – Sophie Swietochowski – Assistant Travel Editor

Blackpool Sands, Devon

“At Blackpool Sands – which is already very picturesque – you’ll find Blackpool Sands Café, Lounge and Restaurant.

“The tropical-looking lounge has an interior and vibe that transports you to the Mediterranean, with straw umbrellas, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a heap of natural light.

“And its so close to the beach that the sand even gets inside.

“Dishes on the menu all use locally sourced ingredients, so what you eating feels as good as what you see.

“But – as you are in Devon – make sure to get their cream tea.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter