Month: June 2025

TAHOE CITY — Today I offer boating tips for Lake Tahoe — actually, for any body of water.

That’s not one of my usual column topics. Normally I write about California government and politics.

But this time I’m writing about boating because I’ve been wincing after reading and watching news reports of the horrific accident on Tahoe that killed eight people June 21.

Moreover, the Fourth of July means we’re in the heart of boating season. There are 4 million recreational boaters in California, according to the state Division of Boating and Waterways. There’s an average of 514 boating accidents a year. And July is the worst month.

I’ve been boating at Tahoe for 55 years, and on some water since I was a teen.

These are my basic rules for safety and enjoyment, at least in a vessel up to about 30 feet. My Tahoe boats mostly have been 22 to 24 feet.

For starters, if Lake Tahoe winds are already blowing at 10 mph and it’s not even noon, be smart. Don’t venture out in a recreational powerboat. The water’s likely to get much choppier in the afternoon.

If you’re out there and see white caps forming, head for shore.

If lots of sailboats show up, you don’t belong on the water with them. Get off.

And another thing: Don’t pay much attention to the manufacturer’s claim of how many people a boat will hold. Boat makers tend to exaggerate. If it says 10 people will fit, figure on maybe eight tops.

Sure, 10 may be able to squeeze aboard, but the extra weight causes the boat to ride deeper in the water and become more vulnerable to taking on water in heavy swells. That can lead to capsizing. And all those passengers squirming around makes driving more difficult because of the constantly changing weight balance.

But most important: Monitor the weather forecasts before you even get near the water.

Lake Tahoe is big and beautiful — 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, at 6,224 feet in the Sierra mountains. It holds enough water to cover all of California by 14 inches. Two-thirds of the lake is in California, one-third in Nevada.

Weather patterns vary. Scary winds and thunderstorms can be at one end of the lake, and calmer water and blue skies at the other.

Even on calm mornings, Lake Tahoe’s weather and boating conditions can turn hazardous quickly.

(Max Whittaker / For The Times)

My wincing at reports of the multi-fatality accident and many other boating mishaps that Saturday afternoon off the south and west shores stem from repeated references to all of it being caused by a sudden, unexpected storm.

The intensity of the storm may have been unexpected — north winds up to 45 mph, producing eight-foot waves. But winds had been forecast by the National Weather Service in the high teens and into the 20s. And that should have been enough warning for boaters: Stay off the water.

The person who made the most sense after the tragedy was Mary Laub, a retired financial analyst who lives in Minden, Nev., over the steep hill from South Lake Tahoe. She and her husband keep a 26-foot Regal cabin cruiser in Tahoe Keys on the south shore. And she habitually watches weather forecasts.

She had planned to go for a cruise that Saturday but dropped the idea after seeing the forecast.

“The afternoon winds pick up at Tahoe. If they’re approaching 10 [mph] before noon, I don’t go out,” she told me. “I saw that forecast and said, ‘No way.’

“If there’s any whisper of wind, I don’t go out. We’ve been caught out there before. I don’t take a chance.”

The people who died were in a practically new 27-foot Chris-Craft Launch, a high-end, gorgeous open-bow boat. It was the vessel’s third time on the water. Ten people were aboard, mostly in their 60s and 70s. They were relatives and lifelong friends, celebrating a woman’s 71st birthday. She was among the fatalities.

They were trying to return from popular Emerald Bay to their west side home in midafternoon when eight-foot swells swamped the boat, deadening the engine and capsizing the vessel off rocky Rubicon Point near D.L. Bliss State Park. They were tossed into the abnormally cold water and presumably drowned, perhaps paralyzed by hypothermia.

A mother and daughter in the party, both wearing life jackets, were rescued by a Washoe County sheriff’s team. Whether the others were wearing life jackets hadn’t been revealed as of this writing.

Meanwhile, boats all along the southwest shore were being swamped or ripped from their moorings and piling up on rocks or beaches, often crashing into other vessels.

One four-person crew in a 24-foot open-bow MasterCraft grabbed their life jackets, wisely abandoned the boat and swam to shore. They scampered up rocky cliffs in their bare feet to safety. The boat was practically totaled.

I called meteorologist Dawn Johnson at the National Weather Service in Reno.

She said the forecast for that Saturday afternoon had been for winds up to 20 mph and gusts to “25 or so.”

There also was up to a 25% chance of thunderstorms. “If you have thunderstorms on the lake, make sure you get off the water,” Johnson said. “You have a higher risk of being struck by lightning on open water.”

There were strong winds Friday night, she recalled, but by 11 a.m. Saturday they had dropped to 5 to 10 mph. Then they picked up as forecast.

“We see winds gust at that magnitude multiple times a month, most likely in the afternoon,” she said. “Sustained winds reach 25 to 30 mph.”

But normally they produce waves of only 2 to 4 feet, she added. “We’re trying to figure out exactly what happened.”

Four-foot waves are a hurricane in my book.

And Mother Nature doesn’t care about a boater’s weekend plans.

The temperature at Wimbledon on Monday is expected to reach 33C, and possibly 34C.

That will make it easily the hottest opening day to the Championships – exceeding the previous record of 29.3C set in 2001.

The hot weather will stick around on Tuesday, with temperatures once again getting into the low 30s.

While 33C or 34C is the maximum air temperature, if you add in the humidity, the players and spectators will experience a heat index – or ‘feels-like temperature’ – closer to 37C.

It may even feel hotter on court, where there is more restricted airflow.

However, we’re not expecting to reach the highest recorded temperature during the Wimbledon fortnight of 35.7C, which was on 1 July 2015.

Cooler weather will move in for the rest of the week with some rain expected on Wednesday and maybe the weekend.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.

SEOUL. June 30 (UPI) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with visiting Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties, the North’s state-run media reported Monday.

The meeting took place on Sunday at the headquarters of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Committee and was also attended by Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexandr Matsegora, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

Lyubimova led a ministry delegation to mark the first anniversary of the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, under which North Korea has sent troops and weapons to Moscow to aid in its war against Ukraine.

Kim said that “extensive and profound exchanges and cooperation in all fields are further expanding and developing day by day” in the wake of the partnership, according to KCNA.

“It is important for the cultural sector to guide the relations between the two countries,” he said. “It is necessary to further expand the exchange and cooperation in the field of culture and art to know well about each other’s excellent cultural traditions and learn more.”

Lyubimova said her visit came at a time when the “solidity and invincibility of the DPRK-Russia friendship and solidarity are being more clearly proved,” KCNA reported.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

“Cooperation between the two countries in the cultural field has reached the highest level in history,” she added.

The two discussed future plans for cultural exchanges and attended a concert by North Korean musicians and a visiting troupe of Russian performers, the KCNA report said.

Photos released by KCNA showed images of North Korean troops deployed to Russia used as a stage backdrop.

North Korea has sent some 14,000 troops to help Russia recapture lost territory in Kursk Province from Ukrainian forces, according to a recent report from the 11-country Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team. Pyongyang acknowledged sending the troops for the first time in April.

The cultural meeting came on the heels of a pair of visits by Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu this month.

On June 18, Shoigu announced that North Korea would send 6,000 military workers and combat engineers to help rebuild the Kursk region.

North Korea is likely to send additional troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine in July or August, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers in a closed-door meeting on Thursday.

The One Show has been dropped from BBC schedules after it was announced that Alex Jones and Roman Kemp are taking a long break from the hit BBC programme

The One Show is set for a hiatus from BBC schedules due to a significant TV revamp – and it won’t be back for a while.

Presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp are stepping away from their usual weekday slot at 7pm on BBC One as Wimbledon takes centre stage.

From Monday, June 30, the prestigious tennis event will dominate the main BBC channels, running daily for a fortnight.

Wimbledon coverage will alternate between BBC One and BBC Two, with evening broadcasts on the primary channel at 7pm, usurping The One Show’s regular timeslot.

Alex concluded last Friday’s episode by announcing: “We are taking a bit of a break for the next four weeks and we’ll be back on Monday, 28th July but there’s plenty to enjoy like Wimbledon and the Euros,” reports Wales Online.

In other changes, EastEnders will temporarily move to BBC Two on June 30 and July 1, featuring consecutive episodes at 7pm and 7.30pm.

Daytime TV is also affected, with Escape To The Country being ousted from its familiar 3pm weekday spot on BBC One to make room for tennis.

On Wednesday, July 2, Wimbledon’s evening matches will air on BBC Two, while BBC One airs Match of the Day for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Group A match between Switzerland and Norway.

This programming overhaul follows closely behind another announcement made on The One Show.

During the June 25 broadcast, Alex Jones, alongside Clara Amfo, welcomed Matt Allwright and Nikki Fox to commemorate Watchdog’s 40th anniversary.

In honour of the significant milestone, Matt and Nikki dedicated the show to the programme, reflecting on some of their recent triumphs, which ranged from undercover investigations to major business policy changes and substantial refunds.

As the show concluded, Matt expressed: “Happy birthday Watchdog and everybody who has worked on the show, amazing people. Thank you to everyone who has contacted us over the last 40 years because without you it would not mean a thing.”

Nikki chimed in: “We can not do it without your stories.”

The television presenter then revealed that the show will be taking a ‘break’, announcing: “Watch Dog is going to be taking a break over summer and we are back in September so please keep them coming.”

The One Show is now available on BBC iPlayer

All-Star voting resumes Monday at 9 a.m. PDT for 48 hours with the Dodgers entertaining the possibility of fielding an unprecedented eight position players.

The top two vote-getters at each position through Phase 1 of voting are finalists and moved on to Phase 2, which ends Wednesday at 9 a.m. PDT. The defending World Series champion Dodgers boast a finalist at each infield position and two among six outfielders.

Even though only three Dodgers led National League Phase 1 voting at their position, all eight have an equal chance of starting because votes don’t carry over to Phase 2. The player at each position to accumulate the most votes in the two-day window will start the July 15 game at Truist Park in Atlanta.

“Very proud. It’s great,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Obviously we’re playing well. As it stands now, we’re the best team in the National League, so we should have the most All-Star voting for the team.”

Shohei Ohtani locked in an automatic spot as starting designated hitter because he led all National League players with 3,967,668 votes in Phase 1. Catcher Will Smith and first baseman Freddie Freeman are the other Dodgers to lead voting, while second baseman Tommy Edman, shortstop Mookie Betts and third baseman Max Muncy finished second. Among outfielders, Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages finished second and fifth, respectively.

In American League voting, the Angels’ Mike Trout is one of four finalists to secure one of two openings in the outfield. Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees already earned a starting spot by leading all players with 4,012,983 votes in Phase 1.

Trout, who has 13 home runs in 56 games, is competing against Riley Green and Javier Báez of the Detroit Tigers and Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians.

Voting can be done online at MLB.com/vote, all 30 team websites, the MLB app and the MLB ballpark app. The winners will be announced on ESPN at 1 p.m.

The most position players voted to start an All-Star Game from a single team is five — accomplished by the 1976 Cincinnati Reds ,the 1956 and 1957 Cincinnati Redlegs and the 1939 New York Yankees.

“I hope we get five, six, seven Dodgers,” Roberts said. “That’d be great.”

MLB All-Star finalists

AL guaranteed spot: Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees — 4,012,983 votes
NL guaranteed spot: Shohei Ohtani, DH, Dodgers — 3,967,668 votes

National League finalists
Catcher: Will Smith (Dodgers), Carson Kelly (Cubs)
First base: Freddie Freeman (Dodgers), Pete Alonso (Mets)
Second base: Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks), Tommy Edman (Dodgers)
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor (Mets), Mookie Betts (Dodgers)
Third base: Manny Machado (Padres), Max Muncy (Dodgers)
Outfield: Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Teoscar Hernández (Dodgers), Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves), Kyle Tucker (Cubs), Andy Pages (Dodgers), Juan Soto (Mets)

American League finalists
Catcher: Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays)
First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays), Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees)
Second base: Gleyber Torres (Tigers), Jackson Holliday (Orioles)
Shortstop: Jacob Wilson (Athletics), Bobby Witt Jr., (Royals)
Third base: José Ramírez (Guardians), Alex Bregman (Red Sox)
Outfield: Riley Greene (Tigers), Javier Báez (Tigers), Mike Trout (Angels), Steven Kwan (Guardians)

At least 50 world leaders gather in Seville to address global concerns, including hunger, climate change and healthcare.

The United Nations Conference on Financing Development has opened in the southern Spanish city of Seville, as member states are expected to discuss global inequality amid a significant financial loss following the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding cut.

The once-in-a-decade event will be held from Monday to Thursday, aiming to address pressing global concerns, including hunger, poverty, climate change, healthcare, and peace.

At least 50 world leaders gathered in Seville, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Kenyan President William Ruto.

More than 4,000 representatives from businesses, civil society and financial institutions are also participating in the fourth edition of the event.

But the group’s most significant player, the US, is snubbing the talks following President Donald Trump’s decision to slash funding shortly after taking office in January.

In March, US State Secretary Marco Rubio said the Trump administration had cancelled more than 80 percent of all the USAID programmes.

Moreover, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are also making cuts to offset the increased spending on defence, being imposed by Trump on NATO members.

But the series of cuts to developmental aid is concerning, with global advocacy group Oxfam International saying the cuts to development aid were the largest since 1960.

The UN also puts the growing gap in annual development finance at $4 trillion.

‘Seville Commitment’

The conference organisers have said the key focus of the talks is restructuring finance for the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the last meeting in 2015 and expected to be met by 2030.

But with shrinking development aid, the goals of reaching the SDGs in five years, which include eliminating poverty and hunger, seem unlikely.

Earlier in June, talks in New York produced a common declaration, which will be signed in Seville, committing to the UN’s development goals of promoting gender equality and reforming international financial institutions.

Zambia’s permanent representative to the UN, Chola Milambo, said the document shows that the world can tackle the financial challenges in the way of achieving the development goals, “and that multilateralism can still work”.

However, Oxfam has condemned the document for lacking ambition and said “the interests of a very wealthy are put over those of everyone else”.

UK players love slot games, and Eye of Horus is up there with the best. It’s a standout classic.

Originally, it was released by Merkur Gaming but was later adopted by Blueprint. Eye of Horus has gained a loyal following. Players love its simplicity and expanding symbol feature.

In this Eye of Horus slot review, we cover the key mechanics, payout potential and where to play in the UK.

Book of Dead slot quick overview

Eye of Horus slot features overview

4

Eye of Horus keeps things simple but does it well. The standout mechanic here is the expanding wild. This covers the full reel and substitutes for all symbols except scatter. During free spins, the wild also upgrades high-paying symbols. You get better win potential!

The bonus round requires three scatters. You can also retrigger it up to five times. No complicated multipliers here, or mini games. The appeal is the streamlined action and symbol upgrades.

This game is great if you’re a casual player. Or someone who prefers a medium volatility slot with frequent bonus triggers and classic mechanics.

👍 Pros

• Expanding wilds. Great visual impact and potential win boosts.
• Free spins can be retriggered multiple times.
• Symbol upgrade mechanic keeps it engaging.
• Simple layout suits mobile play.
• Clear win structure. Not overly complicated.

👎 Cons:

• No multipliers or bonus mini games.
• Visuals may feel dated compared to newer slots.
• Max win lower than other high-volatility games.

Eye of Horus slot graphics, sound & gameplay mechanics

4

Eye of Horus uses a classic ancient Egypt theme. The visuals are simple but bold. The symbols are clear and the reel setup is uncluttered. The background features stone pillars and hieroglyphs. It sets the tone without distracting the player.

The sound design is minimal. Reels spin with retro arcade-style clicks. Bonus triggers bring in a short Egyptian-style jingle. It’s functional rather than immersive.

Gameplay is smooth on both desktop and mobile. Touchscreen controls are responsive. All features are accessible across devices. The stripped-back style suits mobile play, especially for players who like a no-frills experience.

How to play Eye of Horus slot

Interested in trying it out? Here’s how:

1. Open the game at a licensed UK casino, such as Casimba, or take your pick among the best online casinos, as most of them have the classic Eye of Horus slot.
2. Set your stake using the control panel.
3. Press the spin button.
4. Look out for winning combinations.
5. Land three scatter symbols to trigger free spins.
6. Keep track of your balance and play responsibly.

Eye of Horus slot symbols

Eye of Horus uses a classic pay structure. Low-paying symbols are traditional card values from 10 to Ace. Higher-paying symbols are based on the theme. These are scarabs, ankhs and falcons, as well as others.

The Horus symbol acts as a wild. It can expand to cover the reel and substitute for all standard symbols. Three Temple Door symbols trigger the free spins round – the scatters, as it were.

4

During free spins, each wild upgrade increases the value of mid-tier symbols. This adds extra win potential and variety.

Eye of Horus slot RTP, payout and volatility

Eye of Horus has an RTP of 96.31%. This means that for every £100 wagered, around £96.31 is expected to be paid back over time. It’s a theoretical value, not a guarantee – and not per player.

The game runs on medium volatility. Wins can occur at a steady pace but they tend to be moderate. This suits players looking for balanced risk and reward.

The maximum win is 10,000x your stake. There is no jackpot feature. However, the bonus round upgrades can help increase overall payout potential, particularly during longer sessions.

Eye of Horus bonus features and free spins

4

The main feature in Eye of Horus is its free spins round. It’s triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. These are represented by the temple doorway. They can be anywhere on the reels. This awards 12 free spins.

During the bonus round, you want wild symbols (the Horus icon). Each time one appears, one of the higher-value symbols is upgraded to the next level. You win potential increases. The wild also expands to cover the full reel. It means your chances of landing winning combinations are better. 

Additional free spins can be retriggered. Two wilds during the round award three extra spins. Three wilds grant five more. This can continue until the maximum number of free spins is reached.

No multipliers or jackpots are featured. However, the upgrade mechanic provides good bonus potential, especially with frequent wilds.

Where to play Eye of Horus slot in the UK

Eye of Horus can be played at several trusted, UK-licensed casinos. All the best online slot site platforms like MrQ and Casimba have it. It’s offered alongside secure payment options and full access to responsible gambling tools, of course.

All recommended operators hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. That means player protection, fair gameplay and support. Mobile compatibility is also strong across both platforms.

Key takeaway

Eye of Horus is simple. It’s a retro-style slot with timeless appeal. The bonus round offers decent win potential, particularly for players who like symbol upgrade mechanics. The gameplay may feel repetitive to some but its classic structure makes it ideal for fans of traditional slots.

Eye of Horus Slot is a great pick for UK players who enjoy straightforward gameplay with nostalgic charm. Try it out at a trusted, UK-licensed online casino.

About the author

James Anderson

James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.

Find James on LinkedIn

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

George McKay, a professor at the University of East Anglia, notes that Glastonbury has a long tradition of political expression and asks whether Kneecap’s overt support for Palestine could mark a turning point in their career — or will they fade away?

The latest strategy consists of inventing names of “secret” coves that do not actually exist, so that tourists flock to urban areas that have nothing to do with the coast

Fed-up locals in a Spanish holiday resort are trying to fool holidaymakers into going to fake beaches.

The protesters are waging a “dirty tricks” campaign to try and fool holidaymakers in the midst of the row over tourism congestion. They are inventing fake beaches on the Balearic island of Majorca, which has been targeted by a string of protests and demonstrations since last summer.

The latest strategy consists of inventing names of “secret” coves that do not actually exist, so that tourists flock to urban areas that have nothing to do with the coast. These false names are usually the same as those in popular areas in the capital of Palma.

In a video explaining the ploy, a young local woman said: “These are not beaches, they are dangerous places that you should avoid. If you want to avoid getting scammed, look up the location online before you go. If you find a lot of information, it’s a real beach. If not, avoid going.”

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The practice, which some justify as a way to protect the island’s natural areas, is fuelling an intense debate about the impact of tourism. Some of the beaches being promoted but which don’t exist include Son Gotleu, Son Roca and Son Banya Korea.

The scam is the latest in a series of tricks organised by mass tourism protesters who have previously resorted to putting up fake signs saying a particular beach or access road has been closed or is for locals only.

Last week, the platform “Majorca Platja Tour” announced the first “symbolic occupation” of a beach this summer amid calls for residents-only beaches. “Prepare your towels, umbrellas and banners because we will be making a new symbolic occupation on a beach in Mallorca,” the campaigners announced in a statement.

The protests will echo those of last summer carried out at Platja de Palma, one of the best beaches in the capital, and Caló des Moro, a stunning beach located in the south-east of Mallorca featuring 40 metres of fine-grained sand surrounded by cliffs.

The protestors say beaches in Mallorca are so packed with tourists that locals avoid going in the summer. They want holidaymakers either banned from certain beaches or for areas to be designated for local residents only and not tourists.

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“What used to be a corner of peace becomes a theme park,” they claim. They say the beach at Platja de Palma is a prime example: “There is no area that better represents the overcrowded Mallorca than this one.”

For this reason, they are demanding that parts of the beach are kept just for residents, or that residents are given preferential access to them.

The group highlighted the Municipality of Ameglia in North East Italy, where 60% of the beaches are kept for local residents.

Road routes to many beaches in Majorca are frequently clogged with traffic during the high season, with hundreds of cars parked on sandbanks.

Monday, 7 July

Men’s and women’s singles fourth round, men’s and women’s doubles third round, mixed doubles quarter-finals

11:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

11:00-21:30 – Live coverage of outside courts – BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two

Tuesday, 8 July

Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals, men’s and women’s doubles quarter-finals, mixed doubles semi-finals, wheelchair singles first round

11:00-16:30 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

11:00-21:30 – Live coverage of outside courts – BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website

14:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-20:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

20:00-21:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Wednesday, 9 July

Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals, men’s and women’s doubles quarter-finals, quad wheelchair singles quarter-finals, wheelchair doubles quarter-finals

11:00-21:30 – Live coverage of outside courts – BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:15-13:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website

13:00-15:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-16:15 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

15:00-20:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

20:00-21:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Thursday, 10 July

Women’s singles semi-finals, men’s doubles semi-finals, mixed doubles final, men’s and women’s wheelchair singles quarter-finals, quad wheelchair doubles semi-finals, wheelchair doubles quarter-finals

11:00-21:30 – Live coverage of outside courts – BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:30-20:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

20:00-21:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two

Friday, 11 July

Men’s singles semi-finals, women’s doubles semi-finals, men’s, women’s and quad wheelchair singles semi-finals

11:00-21:30 – Live coverage of outside courts – BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:30-20:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

20:00-21:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two

Saturday, 12 July

Women’s singles final, men’s doubles final, women’s wheelchair singles final, men’s wheelchair doubles final, quad wheelchair doubles final

11:00-21:00 – Live coverage of outside courts – BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

11:00-13:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:00-20:00 – Live coverage – BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website

12:15-19:15 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

20:00-21:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two

Sunday, 13 July

Men’s singles final, women’s doubles final, men’s wheelchair singles final, quad wheelchair singles final, women’s wheelchair doubles final

11:00-21:00 – Live coverage of outside courts – BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

11:00-12:55 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:00-20:00 – Live coverage – BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website

13:00-21:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

22:00-23:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two

June 30 (UPI) — Ottawa announced late Sunday that it was rescinding a tax on technology firms generating revenue from Canadians just hours before it was to take effect, in an effort to move forward trade negotiations with the United States.

Ottawa’s Department of Finance announced in a statement that because they were scrapping the Digital Services Tax, Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to resume trade negotiations with the goal of signing a deal by July 21.

“Rescinding the digital services tax will allow the negotiations of a new economic and security relationship with the United States to make vital progress and reinforce our work to create jobs and build prosperity for all Canadians,” Minister of Finance and National Revenue Francois-Philippe Champagne said.

Announced in 2020, the Digital Services Tax sought to ensure domestic and foreign companies profiting off Canadians online were paying taxes on that revenue. According to Ottawa, it levied a 3% tax on revenue earned from certain digital services that rely on the engagement data and content of Canadian users as well as certain sales of Canadian user data.

Companies to be affected were online market place and advertising services as well as social media companies, including Google, Apple, Amazon and Meta.

The tax was to take effect Monday, amid ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the United States.

However, Trump on Friday unilaterally called the talks off after being informed American technology companies would be hit with the 3% tax, which he described as “a direct and blatant attack on our Country.”

“Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform, while stating he will inform Ottawa within seven days of “the Tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America.”

Trump has yet to comment on the latest announcement.

To rescind the tax, it will require legislative approval, so in the meantime Ottawa said it will halt collection.

Relations between the United States and Canada have deteriorated under the second Trump administration due to Trump’s trade war.

Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports not subjected to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, as well as a 10% tariff on energy products, a 25% tariff on all cars and trucks built north of the border and a 50% tariff on aluminum and steel imports.

Canada has responded with a slew of tariffs of its own, including a 25% levy on certain goods from the United States.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose Liberal Party won a minority government in Parliament in late April, campaigned on standing up against Trump, while referring to the Ottawa-Washington relationship as having been changed and the U.S. tariffs as a “betrayal.”

Amid the tariff fight, Carney has sought to strengthen other relationships while lessening Canada’s trade and security dependence on the United States.

Earlier this month, Canada and the European Union agreed to deepen their security and defense relationship as they launch negotiations across multiple areas, from digital policy to climate.

Ben Birchall/PA Media

Ben Birchall/PA Media

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Reuters

At the scene – Tamsin Curnow, BBC Points West

Andy Bennett/BBC

Ben Birchall/PA Media

Ben Birchall/PA Media

Health and wildfire warnings have been issued by holiday hotspots across the Continent and also in the UK, as a ferocious weather front moves up from Africa and threatens life

Brits braving the Continent in the coming weeks should brace themselves for absolutely roasting temperatures.

Temperatures were tipped to reach a ferocious 42°C in Spain and Portugal this weekend, and are likely to edge even higher today. Road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy, while Greece has been plagued by wildfires sweeping across the holiday islands in recent days.

The heat dome hanging over Europe is no laughing matter, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca. The roasting-hot front has blown up from Africa and looks poised to push thermometers even higher.

It’s unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon, thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot.

While a little sun, sea and sand might sound tempting, such high temperatures can be very dangerous.

Have you been impacted by the extreme heat? Email [email protected]

READ MORE: Ryanair reveals eye-watering amount it really makes from bag and seat fees

The region around Seville in southern Spain was forecast to reach 42°C through the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast pushed 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. Highs in London could hit 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day on record in the country.

In Spain, today is expected to be the hottest day of a heat wave that began on Saturday and set a record for June in the country, with 46 degrees in El Granado in the south of the country. The arrival of a warm, dry mass of Saharan origin is exacerbating the rise in temperatures to “abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people,” the State Meteorological Agency warned.

UK health authorities have issued an amber heat alert for Tuesday covering London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that scorching temperatures could pose a risk to children, older people, and those with medical vulnerabilities.

It warns of “a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups.”

The heat also increases the likelihood of intense storms. France and Germany have been hammered by ferocious rain, hailstorms and flooding, leaving three people dead. Among them was a child who was crushed to death by a falling tree.

Amber heat warnings have been issued for many parts of Spain, with similar warnings in place for four departments in the south of France. In Spain, weather expert Nacho Espinos has urged people to remain indoors and avoid strenuous exercise.

A double alert has been issued in the Canary Islands due to extreme temperatures, with warnings affecting four of the islands. Weather experts say thermometers could reach 37C. On Gran Canaria, warnings have been issued for the rising risk of forest fires and the health dangers of high heat.

In part due to the high heat there, Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas.

A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion, home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors.

In France, firefighters were mobilised to tackle early summer fires as 84 of the country’s 101 administrative areas were put on a heatwave alert from today until midweek.

Extreme heat can be deadly. In 2023, 61,000 people died because of Europe’s record-breaking heatwave. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: “Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change.

“Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.”

Temperatures have started rising rapidly, just as a new early warning system has come into force. Forecaster.health is the first pan-European, publicly available platform that predicts the actual mortality risks of temperatures for different demographics. Those planning a holiday who are concerned about the heat can use it to check how much of a risk to their health they are taking.

If you are heading on holiday in the coming weeks, make sure you know the forecasted weather so you can prepare suitably.

Nerys Middleton says people often assume she’s in her thirties, but claims it’s not just down to looks but how she acts that keeps her young

Nerys Middleton has surprised many as a fashion influencer, often being mistaken for someone in her 30s despite being 52. She told What’s the Jam: “It annoys me when people say, ‘You don’t look 52’ and I think, no, I shouldn’t – I work hard to look the way I do. You have to.”

The mum-of-one attributes her youthful appearance not just to physical looks but also to keeping youthful habits. Which make her seem younger than her contemporaries.

Nerys claims that having younger friends and sticking to what they act like is a major factor: “People tell me they think I’m in my 30s because of the way I am. I hang around with people in their 30s, so they talk about what 30‑year‑olds talk about, like Love Island.”

Religiously adhering to her beauty routine, including daily SPF 50 and avoiding sun exposure, Nerys spends roughly £400 monthly on vitamins, skincare, and various beauty procedures, such as CO2 laser treatments. With Botox treatments since the age of 29.

Nerys also has a disciplined lifestyle by avoiding alcohol, smoking, and junk food. But above all, she believes her young mindset is what’s preserving her youth. She added: “If you think old, you become old.

“Most of my friends I met through work are younger than me and we get on because I have a young mindset. I spend a lot of time with young friends. We go on holidays, we go clubbing in Budapest. I wouldn’t go away with people my own age; they don’t like going out and partying.

“I think it’s not just about looks, it’s how you act. Because I’ve got younger friends, we talk about younger things and I spend a lot of time with them.”

When it comes to fashion, Nerys is mindful to steer clear of the “old-fashioned” trends she observed her mum adopting as she aged, such as short haircuts and floral prints. However, she’s also cautious about adhering too closely to what 20 year olds are wearing.

She added: “Try and keep make-up to a minimum and see what trends are out there; see what other women are wearing. But don’t follow like a sheep, try and think of trends yourself.

“Stay away from ripped jeans and ethnic shorts because they make you look like you’re trying too hard. It’s the balance in between. You can either look frumpy or look trashy.

“I’m trying to tell people about this balance that’s in the middle that can make you look classy, sophisticated and young.”

Izmir’s airport suspends flights, and authorities evacuate residents as strong winds fan blaze in the western province.

Turkiye has evacuated four villages and two neighbourhoods in its western province of Izmir as firefighters battle wildfires for the second day, according to local authorities.

Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on Monday that the blaze was fanned overnight by winds reaching 40-50kmph (25-30mph) in Kuyucak and Doganbey areas of Izmir.

Helicopters, fire-extinguishing aircraft and other vehicles, and more than 1,000 people were trying to extinguish the fires, Yumakli told reporters in Izmir.

Operations at Izmir Adnan Menderes airport were suspended due to the fire, Turkish media reported.

Media footage showed teams using tractors with water trailers and helicopters carrying water, as smoke billowed over hills marked with charred trees.

Earlier, strong winds grounded the helicopters, leaving two water-bombing aircraft and a large ground crew struggling to battle the flames.

The first fire broke out on Sunday between the districts of Seferihisar and Menderes in Izmir, spreading swiftly due to winds of up to 117kmph (75mph), according to Governor Suleyman Elban.

Five neighbourhoods in Seferihisar have been evacuated as the fire approaches residential areas, the governor added.

Residents in the village of Urkmez were forced to cut trees to create firebreaks and protect their homes, a witness told the AFP news agency over the phone.

A separate blaze ignited at a landfill in Gaziemir, 13km (8 miles) from central Izmir, spreading to nearby woodland and threatening the Otokent industrial zone, home to several car dealerships.

One dealership was seen ablaze in footage broadcast by Turkish channel NTV.

Turkiye’s coastal regions have in recent years been ravaged by wildfires, as summers have become hotter and drier, which scientists relate to climate change. Last year, the same area in Izmir was also hit by a massive wildfire.

Elsewhere

Across Southern Europe, firefighters were also mobilised as people sought shelter from the punishing temperatures of a heatwave that is set to intensify in the coming days.

In France, wildfires broke out in the Corbieres area of Aude in the southwest, where temperatures topped 40C (104F), forcing the evacuation of a campsite and abbey as a precaution.

Last week, Greek firefighters had to battle a forest blaze on the coast south of Athens that forced some evacuations.

Several areas in the southern half of Portugal, including Lisbon, were also under a red warning until Monday night, said the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere.

When Candace Parker was on the court, the Sparks were dominant. On the afternoon her jersey was retired, they had a chance to channel that energy — but the Sparks were anything but overpowering.

In a matchup between the two franchises Parker led to WNBA titles — the Sparks and Chicago Sky — her hometown team played spoiler, earning a 92-85 victory at Crypto.com Arena.

Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed queen of “Mebounds,” proved too much for L.A. to handle — for the second time in five days.

Reese finished with 16 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. Her impact extended beyond the boards, with Reese adding 24 points and seven assists.

Entering the game, Sparks coach Lynne Roberts praised Reese as “elite,” underscoring her high motor and physicality, adding that the Sparks would need to be the aggressors to slow her down.

But they were out-hustled and out-muscled down the final stretch of the game.

“We just got to be tougher,” Roberts said. “Sustain runs, handle adversity, performance issues, bad calls — whatever.”

For the Sparks, it was a must-win game — not only to build on their recent 85–75 win over the Indiana Fever, but also to avoid spoiling Parker’s retirement celebration.

“We would have loved [to have won],” Roberts added. “I think we all wanted that win for her, so it’s disappointing — it’s kind of extra disappointing.”

Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) draws a foul while driving in front of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese Sunday at Crytpo.com Arena.

(Jessie Alcheh / Associated Press)

While the Sparks (5-12) struggled against Reese for most of the game, forward Emma Cannon gave L.A. a surge off the bench. Undersized Cannon made life difficult for Reese during key stretches, drawing a technical foul during a tense third-quarter exchange in the post.

Cannon’s second-half performance briefly turned the tide. With the Sparks trailing by 12 — their largest deficit of the game — Cannon helped fuel a 24–5 run that put L.A. ahead 60–53. She finished with a season-high 15 points in four minutes.

But the Sky didn’t go away. By the end of the third, the Sparks led just 62–61 — and in the fourth, Chicago closed strong. Behind Reese, the Sky ballooned the lead back to double digits — 82–72 — too much for the Sparks to overcome.

“We have to learn how to finish games, and it’s not necessarily what the other team does,” Cannon said. “It’s just about us actually digging in and buying in and finishing it.”

A rally in the final minutes, led by Kelsey Plum, Azurá Stevens and Dearica Hamby, fell short.

Plum (22 points), Stevens (17 points) and Hamby (20 points) accounted for the bulk of the Sparks’ offense, combining for 59 of the team’s 85 points.

“It’s a choice when you’re hit with adversity or you lose, when you don’t perform the way you want to,” Roberts said on learning lessons from losses. “It’s a choice as to how you approach it, and there is no magic formula.”

Parker honored

The game was a tribute to Parker. At the arena entrance, fans were greeted by a purple and gold floral arrangement shaped like the No. 3. Video messages from Lakers legends, including Magic Johnson and Michael Cooper, played throughout the festivities.

Before Parker received a thunderous ovation as her No. 3 jersey was revealed in the rafters, she addressed the fans.

“They say athletes have two deaths — one being when your career ends — but I look at it as two lives,” Parker said during her halftime speech. “It’s never easy to put the ball down and move from your first love. That’s something I learned throughout my career here through basketball, and I’m going to carry it into the next phase of life.”

Former Sparks star Candace Parker waves while standing beside her family during her jersey retirement ceremony Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.

(Jessie Alcheh / Associated Press)

Before the game, she also reflected on the full-circle moment — standing in the same arena where she won her first WNBA championship, fittingly against her hometown team, the Chicago Sky. She won a title with the Sky in 2021 and will see her jersey retired by the franchise this August.

“Seeing the No. 3 in the rafters where I first picked up the ball, and where is home now, is incredible,” Parker said. “It’s about dreams and opportunity. … So I hope that that inspires those little girls out there.”

Her jersey is just the third retired in Sparks history, joining former teammate Leslie’s No. 9 and longtime general manager Penny Toler’s No. 11.

“When it was time for me to say goodbye, I knew when I handed the keys to Candace Parker,” said Leslie, who introduced Parker during the halftime jersey retirement ceremony. “She not only took the key to the building — but she ran with it.”