Denver Nuggets defeat LA Clippers in the deciding game to set up a second-round matchup with top seed Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Denver Nuggets dominated the Los Angeles Clippers 120-101 in their do-or-die Game 7 of their NBA playoff series to set up a second-round clash with Western Conference top-seed Oklahoma City.

Aaron Gordon scored 22 points, Christian Braun added 21 and NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nikola Jokic had 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Nuggets, whose balanced attack and stout defence were too much for the Clippers on Saturday.

The Clippers, who roared into the playoffs winning 18 of their last 21 regular-season games, had fended off elimination with a convincing Game 6 victory on Thursday.

But any momentum they had evaporated amid another dismal performance from James Harden.

Harden scored just seven points, connecting on two of his eight shot attempts.

Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points to lead the Clippers, who emerged from a tight first quarter with a 26-21 lead.

It briefly looked like it would be another close game between teams that finished the regular season with identical 50-32 records.

But the Nuggets put up 37 points in the second quarter to seize control and continued to pile it on in the third, when a 17-0 Nuggets run pushed the lead to 75-50.

The Nuggets led 93 – 66 going into the fourth quarter, and even with Jokic sitting down after he was whistled for his third, fourth, and fifth fouls late in the third period, the Clippers could make no meaningful inroads.

The Nuggets led by as many as 35 points. They out-scored the Clippers 54-42 in the paint and, with a 46-36 advantage in rebounds, grabbed 22 second-chance points to the Clippers’ 10.

“Everybody came to play,” said Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who scored 16 points. “Everybody was ready, the home crowd was into it, and we were able to get the job done.”

Russell Westbrook rubbed it in against his former team, coming off the bench to score 16 points with five rebounds, five assists and five steals.

He underscored his message midway through the fourth quarter, coming up with a steal, racing for a dunk, and then hanging on the rim to purposely draw a technical foul and using the moment to rile up the crowd even more.

The Nuggets advanced despite a tumultuous finish to their regular season, with David Adelman taking over as interim head coach when Michael Malone was sacked with just three games left.

Denver will play Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Thunder, who won a league-best 68 games, on Monday.

The series will pit MVP finalists Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against each other.

When she appeared for the first time on “Saturday Night Live” a year ago, “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson gave one of last year’s best hosting performances, bringing great comic timing and characters to the show.

It was no fluke. Returning to the show for her second outing, Brunson proved just as adept at bringing her comedic sensibilities to an episode that featured an overall strong lineup of new sketches. There was only one retread and even that one, a reprise of the standout “Traffic Altercation,” was worth revisiting.

It’s interesting to compare Brunson’s just-as-excellent second shot to two other comics who hosted in Season 49 and Season 50: Nate Bargatze and Shane Gillis. While Bartgatze’s return was good, it didn’t quite reach the peaks of the first appearance. And Gillis, inexplicably called back into service after a not-great debut as host, was much worse the second time around.

But Brunson didn’t lose a step since last year; she was funny playing a time-traveling Harriet Tubman who, along with Kenan Thompson as Frederick Douglass, didn’t want to go back to the past in a “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” parody; went daffy as one of several bad employees at a leadership summit; played a model in an ad for Forever 31’s sad, oversized clothing; and one of “Two B— vs. a Gorilla” (the other was Ego Nwodim), about trash-talking women facing off with a gorilla at the zoo.

If that wasn’t enough, she played a joke-spouting old-time boxer, Jerry “Jackrabbit” Tulane, who stops being so funny after getting beaten up multiple times in the ring, and one half of a feisty and unexpectedly sexy “OnlySeniors” couple in an insurance ad.

Bruson scored again and again and even sang in the monologue; she should have an open invitation to return next season.

Musical guest Benson Boone backflipped before performing, “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else” and did not do a backflip before performing “Mystical Magical.” He briefly appeared on Weekend Update as an Applebee’s waiter, referencing his hit song “Beautiful Things,” which Boone didn’t perform.

Just as President Trump has dominated news cycle after news cycle this year, so has he commandeered the “SNL” cold open: once again, James Austin Johnson played the hard-charging POTUS, delivering a string of executive orders with creepy lord of darkness Stephen Miller (an increasingly vampiric Mikey Day). Trump signed orders to deport “Sesame Street” along with Elmo (“Brought to you by the letter L for El Salvador”), pardon J.K. Rowling for transphobic comments and bring back Columbus Day for Italian-Americans such as Tony Soprano, Benny Blanco (who is Jewish) and Childish Gambino (the stage name of Donald Glover, who is Black). Marco Rubio (Marcello Hernández) appeared for an order to keep Hispanic babies from getting their ears pierced, and Trump also made moves to make the New York Times Connections game easier, turn the word “Recession” into “Recess” and outlaw ghosts. “Every Christmas Eve, I get visited by three ghosts. I don’t know what the hell they’re talking about,” Trump said.

Brunson began her monologue with jokes about the time she worked for a phone sex line (“By the end of my first week, I had only made $1.38.”) before landing on the topic of her song and dance number: her height. The 4-foot-11 actress said, “They tried to cast me as a kid on ‘Abbott Elementary’ and I wrote that!” Eschewing a microphone that was too high, she sang about the great things about being small, such as being a cheap date with wine. She was soon joined by another diminutive star: pop singer Sabrina Carpenter, who compared notes with her, asking, “When you read short stories, do they feel like novels?” Former NBA star Dwyane Wade towered over the ladies, but insisted he’s still short compared to other basketball players at 6-foot-4. “I just really want to be in the song,” he said.

Best sketch of the night: Don’t ask your parents too many questions about ‘OnlySeniors’

Brunson and Thompson play elderly parents whose kids (Nwodim and Devon Walker) find out they’ve got life insurance through a service that requires them to have sex and spend a lot of time naked for online fans. “We set up our camera and do stuff to each other. And watch the money just start pouring in,” they’re told. When they’re not interacting with their “Filthy little chat babies,” they’re spending time with their also-naked neighbors and (checks notes) sitting on cakes? In these uncertain economic times, it’s a business model that seems very viable.

Also good: Now you now the traffic-altercation sign language for Iraq

Mikey Day and Brunson faced off again in separate cars (but didn’t seem to recognize each other from last time) to battle with a series of hand gestures and facial expressions over bad parking on a ferry. Day’s character can’t forgive the other driver for parking too close, saying he needs more than half an inch, which invites a devastating response from the woman in the other car. Day’s daughter Quinn (Chloe Fineman) participates with over-the-line sexual gestures, prompting Brunson’s character to make gestures for a gardening tool as she tells him who he raised. Sure, it’s a repeat, but again it’s executed perfectly on both ends, with the only disappointing note being an appearance by Colin Jost, who’s trying to sell the real-life ferry he bought with Pete Davidson. It’s not that Jost is bad, it’s just that it couldn’t possibly live up to Mellssa McCarthy’s appearance when they did a version of this sketch with Martin Short.

‘Weekend Update’ winner: And now a word from Michael Longfellow

Sarah Sherman and Bowen Yang played horny barflys at Applebee’s who are sad about chain restaurants closing down. But it was Michael Longfellow’s declaration of not getting a Real ID that won “Update” this week. Longfellow said, “You already gave me an ID. If it’s fake, you fix it. The Pope is dead, let me mourn.” It didn’t quite follow, but Longfellow went on to joke about his light work schedule of 12 hours a week at “SNL” (“I’m just not in that much stuff this season.”) before making up rules for air travel including, “If the TSA touches your crotch, they have to keep going until you climax.” It’s true, Longfellow has been a light presence this season, but in segments like this, it’s clear he’s got a great command of his delivery. It will be nice if he’s back for Season 51 and gets more screen time to show off his talents.

A BRIT mum who was brutally murdered in a French village had begun a new relationship and was planning to divorce her husband, a friend claimed.

Karen Carter, 69, died from severe blood loss after being stabbed multiple times outside her home in Trémolat on Tuesday.

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Karen’s body was discovered by her friend Jean-Francois Guerrier – who she is believed to have been in a relationship with.

The pair had spent the evening at a popular café-bar in the village, around 10 minutes drive from Karen’s home.

Jean-Francois had only left her for “10 minutes” before she was killed in the savage attack, according to Begerac prosecutor Sylvie Martin-Guedes.

A British expat pal of Karen’s confirmed her relationship with Jean-Francois and added that she was planning to divorce her husband Alan Carter.

The friend said: “I heard that she was trying to divorce her husband in South Africa but he wasn’t keen on that.

“Karen had apparently been in a relationship with Jean-Francois Guerrier for a few weeks, it was really early days.

“They worked together closely at the Cafe Village. Jean-Francois was up until a month ago the chairman of the village committee that was based at the cafe.”

She added: “By all accounts she was very happy in that new relationship but she kept it quiet and was quite modest about it.”

One of Karen’s neighbours also hinted at the new relationship.

He told how he had been watching Arsenal take on PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday night when he saw cops turn up. 

Christophe – who did not give his surname – said: “I heard no screams and no shouting.

“The first I knew something had happened was when all the blue lights from the police flashed past some time before 10:30pm on the Tuesday night.

“I’d seen her walking up the road last Friday afternoon around 5pm.

“She was walking towards her house with Jean-Francois.

“They weren’t holding hands but they looked like they were together as a couple.”

Karen was married to Alan, 65, but the couple were said to be estranged and he was away in South Africa at the time of the killing, according to investigators.

Alan, who remains at the couple’s home in East London, South Africa, expressed shock and surprise at revelations that his wife may have started a new relationship.

He insisted that the pair were simply friends and said: “There was no relationship. He was just a friend of hers.”

Karen and Alan had owned their holiday home in Trémolat for 15 years, splitting time between France and South Africa.

Speaking from their home in East London, South Africa, Alan said he learned of his wife’s death via a Facebook post read by a cousin who also lives in Trémolat.

“She phoned me… to say she’s sorry to tell me and that she thinks Karen has died. That was the first I heard about it,” he said.

“No one had got in touch with me at all to let me know what had happened. I found out through my cousin who happened to see it on a Facebook page.”

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The former London Stock Exchange worker paid tribute to his late wife, describing her as “such a decent, lovely person”.

He said his wife of 30 years was an outgoing, friendly person who “wouldn’t hurt a fly”, and said her death has been “traumatic” for his family.

Mr Carter told the BBC: “I’m an introvert, and she’s the exact opposite. She’s an extrovert, she loves people, she loves to have fun. People love her, she has a good heart.

“She’s the one who would bring home the lost dog, or cat, or whatever. She’s that sort of person. Everyone liked her. That’s why I married her. She’s just lovely.”

A number of unanswered questions still surround Karen’s mysterious death, as the cops continue their investigations.

Forensics officers returned to the crime scene on Friday morning for further examinations, arriving in a police van and an unmarked SUV.

And the cottage remains cordoned off – with a police notice taped to the front door of the property.

A team of around ten police officers were also spotted searching the nearby woodland for fresh clues on Friday afternoon.

It is thought they were looking for the murder weapon.

The team also cordoned off the road outside her home and a helicopter was seen circling the village as they reportedly reconstructed the murder scene.

The lead prosecutor on the case said the investigation continues to focus on “people who were likely have a grudge against the victim, or the couple she formed with her friend”.

Prosecutors previously investigated other possible motives – including robbery. 

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Anthony Joshua says he will undergo elbow surgery this month before making a return to the ring.

The two-time world heavyweight champion has been out of action since suffering a devastating fifth-round knockout against Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September.

Joshua, 35, said he was “trying to get my body right” before making a comeback.

“I’ve got to have a little surgery on my elbow, a small surgery, sometime in May,” Joshua told broadcaster Dazn.

He added: “That will see me out of the gym for maybe six to eight weeks and then, as soon as I’m healed, I’ll be back.”

Joshua, who has won 28 of his 32 fights, was at ringside in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday to watch Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez defeat William Scull on points.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said in April that he remains confident a fight between Joshua and fellow two-time heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury could still happen.

Hearn said all it would take is a direct message on social media between the fighters – despite Fury announcing in January that he had retired from boxing.

Joshua won Olympic super heavyweight gold at London 2012 before winning his first world title in 2016.

The Briton unified the WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles in 2018 and reclaimed them from Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, before being dethroned by Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.

May 4 (UPI) — On this date in history:

In 1494, on his second expedition to the New World, Columbus explored the Caribbean island of Jamaica.

In 1886, four police officers were killed when a bomb was thrown during a meeting of anarchists in Chicago’s Haymarket Square protesting labor unrest. Four leaders of the demonstration, which became known as the Haymarket Square Riot, were convicted and hanged.

In 1904, construction began on the Panama Canal. Panama celebrated the 100th anniversary of the canal’s completion in 2014.

In 1926, the Trade Union Congress called a general strike in response to government plans to change the working conditions for coal miners. More than 2 million workers across Britain went on strike.

In 1942, the Battle of the Coral Sea began. It was a turning point for the Allies in World War II.

In 1945, French author Marcel Conversy wrote of the 15 months he spent as a prisoner at Buchenwald concentration camp, describing it as a “living hell.”

In 1953, The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

In 1959, the first Grammy Awards were presented. “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)” by Domenico Modugno won the awards for Record and Song of the Year.

In 1970, National Guardsmen killed four students at Kent State University in Ohio during a demonstration against the Vietnam War. The shootings set off a nationwide student strike that forced hundreds of schools to temporarily close.

File Photo courtesy of Kent State University Archives

In 1982, an Argentine jet fighter sank the British destroyer HMS Sheffield during the Falkland Islands war.

In 1990, a faulty electric chair shot flames around convicted killer Jesse Tafero’s head as he was executed in Florida, prompting several states to abandon the method of execution and switch to lethal injection.

In 2000, the ILOVEYOU or Love Bug virus crashed computers around the world.

In 2002, more than 100 people died when an EAS Airlines jet crashed in the northern Nigerian city of Kano.

In 2006, confessed terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The 37-year-old Moroccan implicated himself in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

In 2011, rival Palestinian political factions Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation accord, citing as common causes opposition to the Israeli occupation and disillusionment with U.S. peace efforts.

File Photo by Mohammed Hosam/UPI

In 2020, the U.S. Coast Guard named Rear Adm. Melissa Bert as its first female judge advocate and chief counsel, its top legal position.

In 2024, pop legend Madonna set a record for having the largest concert audience — 1.6 million people — by a solo artist in history. She performed for free before the crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to close out her Celebration world tour.

File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The country’s Constitutional Court annulled the November election won by NATO critic Calin Georgescu.

Romanians are casting ballots in the presidential election months after a previous vote held in November was annulled over allegations of Russian interference.

Polls opened at 7am local time (04:00 GMT) and will close at 9pm (18:00 GMT), with exit polls expected shortly afterwards. Far-right politician George Simion is expected to win the first round, according to opinion polls.

The Constitutional Court cancelled the last vote won by NATO critic Calin Georgescu, who has been barred from the rerun.

Georgescu was excluded from the rerun following a huge TikTok campaign and claims of Russian interference, sparking sometimes violent protests. He has effectively been replaced by Simion, one of 11 presidential hopefuls vying for the largely ceremonial but influential foreign policy post in Sunday’s first round.

Simion opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine, is critical of European Union leadership and says he is aligned with the United States President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.

He is currently polling at about 30 percent, a comfortable lead but well short of the 50 percent he needs to avoid a run-off on May 18.

Simion’s main rivals are two centrists, former Senator Crin Antonescu, 65, backed by the three parties in the current pro-Western government, and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, 55, running as an independent on an anticorruption platform.

Both are pro-EU, pro-NATO and back Ukraine. Victor Ponta, a former leftist prime minister who has turned conservative nationalist, is ranked fourth but could prove a dark horse.

“George Simion equals Calin Georgescu, he gets my vote,” Aurelia, 66, a pensioner who declined to give her last name, told the Reuters news agency and said she felt “humiliated” by the cancellation of November’s first round.

“Everything is lacking here. My children are not here: Did they leave to work abroad because things were so good here?”

Pensioner Eugenia Niculescu, 65, who lives in Bucharest and has struggled to pay for her medication and other bills amid soaring inflation, told the AFP news agency: “We want a capable person who knows how to speak up for the Romanian people in the EU.”

Romania’s president is limited to two five-year terms, and has a semi-executive role that includes commanding the armed forces and chairing the security council that decides on military aid.

The president represents Romania at EU and NATO summits, can veto important EU votes and appoints the prime minister, chief judges, prosecutors and secret service heads.

Fiona Bruce is a household name thanks to her role as an Antiques Roadshow presenter

Fiona Bruce, a household name in the world of television, owes her fame to her extensive broadcasting career. The 60-year-old presenter has been a fixture on our screens for decades, starting her journey with the BBC as a journalist in the 1990s before moving up the ranks to present the BBC News at Six and BBC News at Ten.

While Fiona Bruce is a familiar face on the BBC thanks to Antiques Roadshow and Question Time, what do we know about her life away from the camera?

Fiona’s home life with her husband of 30 years and children

Fiona is married to businessman Nigel Sharrocks, who serves as the non-executive chairman at advertising firm Digital Cinema Media, which supplies cinema advertisements to Cineworld, Odeon, and Vue cinema chains.

He previously held the position of Managing Director of Warner Bros Pictures UK in the 2000s. The couple exchanged vows in July 1994, reportedly first meeting when they both worked at an advertising agency.

The couple share two children, Sam, 27, and Mia, 23. Discussing the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, Fiona once admitted to Good Housekeeping: “Did I spend enough time with my children? I think scratch the surface of any working woman and she will always think, ‘Probably not.’

“I don’t think there’s such a thing as quality time with your children,” she added. “I think it’s quantity. But there’s never been any question that they take precedence over everything in my life, and always have done.”

In another chat, Fiona disclosed that she became a “light drinker” after having children. “I’ve turned up for work with a hangover before, but not since the kids came along,” she admitted to Woman & Home in 2024 ahead of celebrating her 60th birthday party.

“I’m a very light drinker these days. If I’m out, I don’t particularly want to go to bed early, and if I have more than a couple of glasses of wine, I get really sleepy, and I don’t want to be sleepy because I want to enjoy the night!”

Fiona’s ‘life-changing’ passion

Having taken the helm of Antiques Roadshow in 2008, Fiona’s fascination with all things vintage has grown into a ‘life-changing’ hobby.

During a sincere conversation with The Sunday Post in 2019, Fiona shared insights into how the series has influenced her personal life. “I know more than when I started, that’s for sure, and I’m a hugely enthusiastic antiques buyer, auction bidder and junk shop devotee,” she disclosed.

“It sounds a bit dramatic, but it has changed my life. I’m not interested in shopping for modern things. It started as an interest on the programme and now it’s a passion,” she added.

Fiona’s hobby away from TV

When the cameras stop rolling, Fiona digs into her gardening, where her affection for plants and veggies comes to life.

In a warm-hearted segment on The One Show in 2022, former host Jermaine Jenas probed her about this off-screen pastime, prompting Fiona to playfully admit: “Not a very talented one though!”

You can catch up on Antiques Roadshow on BBC iPlayer

The UK Foreign Office has advised travellers to be prepared for travel to this EU country – as well as others – ahead of the implementation of a new security system

Britons travelling to Portugal will soon be subject to a new security measure. Later this year, the European Commission will begin a phased rollout of a new Entry/Exit System (EES) which will replace traditional passport checks with biometric data registration.

The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel alert for UK tourists as Portugal joins twenty other European countries in introducing the new EES in October 2025. Since Brexit, UK travellers have been considered ‘third-party nationals’ in the EU so they will be required to submit fingerprints and a facial scan upon arrival at borders in Portugal and other Schengen Area countries.

The system was originally meant to be implemented across EU borders in November 2024. However, the launch was postponed after Germany and France both raised concerns about preparedness.

READ MORE: UK Foreign Office confirms everything Spanish airports demand from British tourists

The EES is being implemented to enhance border security and increase the efficiency of entry procedures. Another goal of the new system is to better identify travellers who have exceeded their permitted stay and better prevent irregular immigration and terrorist offences.

While the EES aims to improve safety and reduce illegal migration, travellers are likely to encounter longer queues as the system rolls out, especially at high-traffic crossings in Lisbon, Faro, and Porto. The Foreign Office has advised UK travellers to be prepared for these changes.

The European Commission advises that the process can be made quicker if you register some of your data in advance. You can do so at a dedicated self-service system (if available at your border crossing point).

You will not need to register your data every time you cross the border. After the initial biometric data recording, a digital file will be created with your information which passport control officers can use to verify (as opposed to collect) your fingerprints and photo. The EES will store these individual data files for 3 years and 1 day from the date of your last exit (or refusal of entry) into the EU.

EU travellers who already hold a short-stay visa won’t have to have their biometric data stored again on the EES, as their fingerprints are registered in the Visa Information System (VIS). Sadly, for passport stamp collectors, the new system means that passports will no longer be stamped by hand at border crossings.

Instead, each visitor’s arrival and departure will be logged digitally through a secure central database. This digital record will help border officials determine how long a person has stayed and whether they’ve exceeded the 90-day limit permitted for short-term visits.

The EES will record and store the following in each digital file:

• data listed in your travel document(s) (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)
• date and place of each entry and exit
• facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)
• whether you were refused entry.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

BASEBALL

City Section

Banning 12, North Hollywood 0

Fairfax 5, Bravo 3

Kennedy 6, Marshall 1

Maywood CES 2, Arleta 0

Rancho Dominguez 5, Environmental Charter 1

San Pedro 5, Venice 2

Sylmar 5, Palisades 2

Vaughn 17, Reseda 0

Verdugo Hills 8, Bell 7

Wilson 8, Roosevelt 0

Southern Section

Anaheim 5, Artesia 3

Anaheim Canyon 9, Brea Olinda 7

Arroyo Valley 12, Rim of the World 10

Aquinas 9, Ontario Christian 5

Bishop Amat 6, La Salle 4

Bishop Montgomery 17, Animo Leadership 0

Bonita 5, Ayala 3

Buena Park 7, Woodcrest Christian 6

Cantwell-Sacred Heart 9, Brentwood 8

Capistrano Valley Christian 13, Webb 0

Castaic 6, Lancaster 4

Corona del Mar 11, La Quinta 0

Dana Hills 5, San Clemente 4

Edison 2, Long Beach Poly 1

El Rancho 3, Long Beach Cabrillo 0

Esperanza 12, South East 3

Gahr 4, El Segundo 2

Heritage 7, Moreno Valley 4

Kaiser 11, San Gorgonio 2

La Palma Kennedy 20, University 11

Long Beach Wilson 8, Roosevelt 0

Maranatha 9, Valencia 7

Mayfair 3, Lakewood 0

Monrovia 5, Flintridge Prep 0

Ojai Valley 11, Sequoyah 1

Oxnard 1, Fillmore 0

Palmdale 5, Vasquez 4

Palm Desert 3, Beaumont 0

Paraclete 20, Adelanto 4

San Jacinto Valley Academy 4, West Valley 3

Savanna 4, South Pasadena 3

St. Anthony 7, Bellflower 4

St. Bonaventure 5, Grace Brethren 1

Sultana 9, Quartz Hill 1

Summit 5, Bloomington 1

Thousand Oaks 4, Foothill Tech 0

Torrance 10, El Rancho 2

Ventura 11, Newbury Park 4

Wiseburn Da Vinci 22, Environmental Charter 0

Intersectional

Esperanza 12, South East 3

Rolling Hills Prep 6, University 5

South Gate 5, Sonora 4

SOFTBALL

City Section

Eagle Rock 3, Verdugo Hills 0

Venice 14, Eagle Rock 3

Southern Section

Arcadia 6, Burbank 0

Big Bear 9, Southlands Christian 5

Castaic 14, Bishop Diego 4

Chino Hills 13, Chino 2

Hart 11, Highland 7

Lakeside 6, Temecula Valley 4

Long Beach Poly 5, Palos Verdes 5

Muir 10, Glendale 0

Temecula Valley 14, Lakeside 8

Intersectional

Carson 6, Long Beach Poly 5

Palos Verdes 5, Carson 2

Venice 4, Westlake 3

Westlake 10, Verdugo Hills 0

BREAKINGBREAKING,

The army says an airbase, cargo warehouse and some civilian facilities were targeted in Port Sudan in the first attack in the eastern city by the RSF.

Sudan’s army says the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have carried out a drone attack on a military airbase and other facilities in the vicinity of Port Sudan Airport.

The army says an airbase, cargo warehouse and some civilian facilities were targeted in Port Sudan in the first attack in the eastern city by the RSF.

There are reports of some damage after drones hit an ammunition depot.

More soon.

Alvarez sets up a bout with ex-welterweight champ Terrence Crawford after beating Scull by unanimous decision.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has re-unified the IBF super middleweight championship with his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO belts with a unanimous decision victory over William Scull, setting up a bout with former welterweight champion Terence Crawford in September.

Cuba’s Scull, who had an advantage in height and reach over Alvarez, was unable to find an answer to the Mexican’s methodical stalking and effective body blows as he suffered the first loss of his professional boxing career on Sunday.

“For me, it’s a boring fight. [Scull was] not trying to win, just trying to survive. I hate these kinds of fights,” Alvarez said in his post-fight interview after all three judges awarded him the victory (115-113, 116-112, 119-109).

Alvarez, who was stripped of the IBF strap last year after choosing to fight Edgar Berlanga over the sanctioning body’s number-one contender Scull, has now become the undisputed 168-pound champion for the second time.

Scull’s quick movements were not enough to evade Alvarez’s steady onslaught early on as the Mexican landed strong body blows in the second and fourth rounds, leaving Scull momentarily off balance.

Alvarez, fighting outside the United States and Mexico for the first time, continued stalking the Cuban in the fifth round, but Scull fought back, breaking Alvarez’s guard with a right uppercut and pushing him back before catching him with a counter.

“Don’t let this guy get bigger and more confident,” Alvarez’s corner warned him at the end of the sixth round after Scull caught him with another right hand before Alvarez responded with body shots.

Alvarez landed combinations to the body in the seventh round, and caught Scull with a lead left hook near the ropes in the eighth.

Measured attacks to the body continued from Alvarez, as he landed 40 body blows in the bout while Scull managed only six, claiming the 63rd win of his professional career.

Alvarez, 34, improved to 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts after doing enough on his Saudi debut which continued his tradition of fighting during the Mexican festival weekend of Cinco de Mayo.

The Mexican said he was looking forward to returning to the ring against undefeated Crawford in Las Vegas.

“Crawford is one of the best out there, I like to share the ring with that kind of a fighter. It’s my pleasure,” he said.

American Crawford, who became the undisputed welterweight champion with a knockout win over Errol Spence Jr in 2023, said he was ready to take on Alvarez as they faced off in the ring.

“In September, I’ll show the world what greatness looks like,” Crawford said.

Alvarez signed a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Seasons promotion in February.

In recent years, the kingdom has been pouring money into boxing events as part of Saudi Arabia’s oil-funded thrust into the sporting world, which has drawn accusations of “sportswashing” its dire human rights record.

Along with Formula One, the LIV Golf tour and attracting several ageing football stars to its domestic league, Saudi Arabia was named last year as the host of the 2034 football World Cup.

Widely known as a budget-friendly airline, Ryanair breaks down its “dynamic” booking prices and what factors affect your final bill, some of which are in your control

Taxes, fees, optional services, and even the currency of the country of your departure airport all play a factor in the final price of your flight booking.

If you are a frequent flyer, you probably tend to scour flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to ensure the best deal, and have probably seen how much the same flights can fluctuate in price.

Known as a budget airline, Ryanair is popular with flyers planning cost-friendly flights. However, it acknowledges that the prices may change, quite instantly, depending on a few factors including the route and when you’re travelling.

The airline states in its terms and conditions that: “Our prices are dynamic and adjusted according to demand and they may vary according to the route and travel date selected. Due to the high volume of bookings being made in real time, fares and prices for optional services such as baggage and reserved seats may change between the time you start searching for your ticket and the time you decide to make a purchase.”

READ MORE: Every new Ryanair route coming to UK airports this summer

Under the taxes, fees & charges section of its policies, Ryanair also says that passengers must pay any government taxes (including but not limited to air passenger duty) and that it may be included in your ticket price.

The airlines states: “Our higher ticket prices generally include government taxes, while our lower ticket prices do not. If your ticket price includes government taxes, they will be displayed in the price break-down at the time you make your booking.”

Ryanair also explains what impact booking on a third-party site may have on your booking cost. “Our ticket prices do not include any other third party fees and charges for costs we incur to provide our services (such as airport and security charges, maintenance fees etc.). We bear the costs for these services,” confirms the airline.

Another factor that affects your final booking price is the currency in which you complete your transaction. According to Ryanair’s policies: “You must pay fares, taxes, fees and charges in the currency of the country of your airport of departure, unless we specify another currency when (or before) you make your payment (for example, because the local currency cannot be converted). We may agree to accept payment in another currency.”

The airline does confirm that, at the time of booking, it guarantees the currency exchange rate. “We guarantee the currency exchange rate for your payment at the time you book your ticket. This exchange rate will not change,” it added.

The airline continues: “If you do not accept our currency exchange rate you may be affected by any increase in exchange rates between the time you make your booking and the time your card provider converts the currency. This is because the currency is usually converted a number of days after the date the booking is made.”

If you are interested in saving money on your travel, then there are a few hacks to secure a cheaper price for your flight. Flight prices tend to vary based on time and day, but there are certain times during the week when prices are likely to be at their lowest.

Paul Stringer, director of Norton Finance, suggests booking your flight on a Sunday, as this could save travellers up to 13 percent on their holiday. Contrastingly, Friday is typically the most expensive day to book a flight, reports the Express. Setting up price alerts on a flight comparison website can also help you save on your booking.

SHOPPERS are racing to pick up a £35 beauty box designed for holidaygoers — and it’s worth over £131.

The limited-edition Beauty Bay set comes with 13 skin, body and haircare products that are ideal for travelling.

Beauty Bay Jet Set Essentials, £35 (was £131.35)

The deal means shoppers are bagging a 73% discount compared to if the products were purchased separately.

Inside the new Jet Set edit, beauty fans will find favourites from Sol de Janeiro, Mario Badescu an d Phillip Kingsley.

It comes with everything you’d need for a weekend away, including shampoo, cleanser, shower gel and SPF, all wrapped up in a handy travel bag.

Sol de Janeiro’s viral Bum Bum Cream is included in the set, which has been a cult favourite for several years now.

The trending body moisturiser has racked up thousands of five-star ratings online.

One reviewer wrote: “Miracle cream! My skin is so soft and silky and smells beyond amazing.”

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Another added: “Fabulous body cream, it goes on like silk and absorbs into the skin so easily.

The smell is gorgeous too. It leaves your skin with a beautiful healthy glow.”

Mario Badescu’s popular facial spray is also inside the beauty box, which works to hydrate and sooth the skin.

The refreshing feeling on the skin is also great for travelling to warmer climates, or for during the UK heatwave.

Every product in the Jet Set Essentials set is under 100ml, so it can all be carried in hand luggage.

Full list of contents:

• By BEAUTY BAY Big Night Out Beauty Bag
• By BEAUTY BAY SPF 50 Face Lotion (50ml)
• Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream (25ml)
• Holika Holika Aloe 92% Shower Gel (55ml)
• Philip Kingsley Frizz Fighting Gloss (20ml)
• Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Glow Sculpt Priming Serum (5ml)
• The Nue Co Barrier Culture Cleanser (15ml)
• Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea (59ml)
• HAIRtamin Gorgeous Growth Scalp Serum (15ml)
• Brushworks Skinny Satin Scrunchies (6 pack)
• Beekman 1802 Mini Bloom Cream (15ml)
• Nudestix Box Mini Magnetic Matte Eye Colour in Fig (2.5g)
• Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Serum (14.4ml)

Beauty boxes are a great way to try out new products or stock up on favourites for a discounted price.

Lookfantastic also recently released a travel beauty box, with £105 worth of products for £30.

The Travel Edit also includes a product from Sol de Janeiro, this time a deluxe-size version of the perfume mist.

Products from Boissance, Phillip Kingsley and La Roche-Posay are also inside.

“We punched them in the face.”

Alex Mitchell’s reference to an act of violence after 80 minutes of compelling European rugby at Aviva Stadium may have delivered an element of surprise.

It was, however, an emotive reflection which suitably matched a Northampton Saints performance that left Leinster with more than a bloodied nose in their Investec Champions Cup semi-final.

Fuelled with vengeance for last year’s defeat at the same stage and a quiet confidence amid a backdrop of external doubt, the reigning Premiership champions produced the knockout blow to end Leinster’s pursuit of a fifth star on the jersey – a stunning 37-34 win.

“A couple of pundits were saying they’re going to win by 20-30 points and that Saints won’t score a point,” Saints and England scrum-half Mitchell told RTE.

“We showed up today and were a bit more fearless this time around. Last year, we were waiting to see what Leinster were going to do.

“We showed up today and the first 20 minutes, we punched them in the face. They weren’t really expecting that. Credit to the boys, we got the result.”

Confidence in Leinster reaching a fourth consecutive final from fans and pundits alike was well-founded.

The Irish province pitched up at their vociferous Dublin home without having conceded a point in thumping knockout victories over Harlequins and United Rugby Championship title-holders Glasgow Warriors.

Saints, though, had not read the script.

England wing Tommy Freeman scored a first-half hat-trick to extend his tally to seven tries in his past three Champions Cup appearances and further strengthen his claim for British and Irish Lions selection, while Henry Pollock’s star continues to rise after his searing try.

The hosts responded after half-time, but, somewhat uncharacteristically, lacked the clinical edge to regain the lead, while Saints were able to negate Leinster’s blitz defence once more as James Ramm scored their fifth try.

Ireland wing James Lowe dragged his side to within three points to set up a thrilling finale but, after referee Pierre Brousset awarded Leinster a late penalty instead of a try, Northampton salvaged possession with a last-gasp turnover camped on their own line before kicking the ball dead.

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson was a member of the playing squad the last time the club overcame Leinster in 2013, but the former back row’s masterminding of their latest victory is perhaps the greatest of his coaching career.

“Lots of people wrote us off and we understood we were underdogs but the belief within the group was outstanding,” Dowson told BBC Radio Northampton.

“I would hate to think what my blood pressure was doing at the end but the last defensive set spoke volumes about our group, about the lads coming on and their impact. We got the turnover, killed the clock and cue the wild scenes in the coaching box.

“We have had experience before of playing into a press defence. We had practised playing through it and we revisited those principles. There were more opportunities we could’ve taken but we took enough to get on the scoresheet.”

May 3 (UPI) — South Korea’s defense industry is gaining global interest, as demonstrated by high-profile visits from U.S. figures like Donald Trump Jr., who met with business leaders in Seoul Tuesday. Reportedly, among them was Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.

Vice Chairman Kim also hosted US Navy Secretary John Phelan Wednesday at Hanwha’s shipyard in Geoje, roughly 200miles southeast of Seoul.

“Working with leading shipyards like Hanwha Ocean Shipbuilding and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is essential to ensuring deployed U.S. ships and systems remain fully operational in the Indo-Pacific,” Secretary Phelan said.

“Leveraging the expertise of these highly capable shipyards enables timely maintenance and repairs for our vessels to operate at peak performance. This level of large-scale repair and maintenance capability strengthens our combat readiness, sustains forward deployed operational presence, and reinforces regional stability,” he stated

Observers point out that such visits reflect growing global recognition of South Korea’s defense capabilities.

Hanwha Group operates such subsidiaries as Hanwha Aerospace, known for the K9 self-propelled howitzers, and Hanwha Ocean, a manufacturer of warships and submarines.

As the eldest son of Chairman Kim Seung-youn, Vice Chairman Kim is regarded as the heir apparent of South Korea’s seventh-largest conglomerate.

“For the United States, South Korea is indispensable to reviving its shipbuilding industry, as President Donald Trump has stressed,” Seoul-based consultancy Leaders Index CEO Park Ju-gun told UPI.

“Washington is likely to seek South Korea’s capital and technology as the country is a global leader in naval vessel construction. Hanwha Ocean is well-positioned, having already invested in the U.S. last year,” he said.

In June 2024, Hanwha Ocean and its sister company channeled $100 million to acquire Philly Shipyard, which has delivered about half of the large U.S. Jones Act commercial ships since 2000.

Hanwha Ocean was soon awarded a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contract for the U.S. Navy’s dry cargo and ammunition ship Wally Schirra.

The task was completedin Geoje and Hanwha Ocean is now working on another MRO deal for USNS Yukon, a replenishment oiler assigned to the Navy’s 7th Fleet.

Beyond the U.S., the traditional weapons of South Korea gained popularity after the war between Russia and Ukraine started in early 2022.

According to South Korea’s defense ministry, arms exports more than doubled from $7.73 billion in 2021 to $17.3 billion in 2022. The figure dropped to $13 billion in 2023 and $9.5 billion last year, but is projected to rebound to $24 billion this year in consideration of ongoing negotiations with multiple countries.

In addition to Hanwha, several other South Korean defense corporations have proactively entered the global market, including Hyundai Rotem, Korea Aerospace Industries, LIG Nex1, and HD Hyundai.

“South Korean firms are favored by global buyers for their quick delivery and cost-effectiveness, the advantages shaped by the country’s continued weapons production amid North Korean threats,” Jeonbuk National University professor Jang Won-joon said in a phone interview.

“Their international rivals are also trying to expand facilities to better meet demand. Against this backdrop, South Korean players will need to innovate to maintain their edge in the long run,” he commented.

However, some critics take issue with the Seoul administration’s lack of transparency in arms exports.

“The Korean government vows to become one of the world’s top four arms exporters. Yet, it does not disclose related information transparently,” attorney Lim Jae-sung noted in a local newspaper column.

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The picturesque village of Polruan is located across the river from Fowey and offers some of the best views of the historic harbour town – it’s a must-visit for a day trip

Across the harbour from Fowey in south Cornwall, Polruan is an ancient mariner and shipbuilding village. Clinging to the hillside and surrounded on three sides by water, the village is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and flights of steps winding between the quaint cottages. Much loved by locals, it’s also a haven for yachts and a peaceful retreat for visitors.

Polruan has maintained its unspoilt charm, with just a couple of pubs, a café, and a local shop. However, it’s only a short passenger ferry ride to Fowey, where more shops and eateries await. From the top of the village, you can access the South West Coastal Footpath and embark on the challenging yet spectacular walk to Polperro, passing some of the region’s most remote and stunning beaches along the way.

READ MORE: Tiny island 28-miles from England is named secret paradise just like Caribbean

From here, you can take in magnificent vistas over the river, with highlights including Polruan Castle, the picturesque harbour, and a number of wonderful hiking trails. Surrounded by water on three sides — the English Channel, the River Fowey, and Pont Creek — Polruan is a beautifully scenic spot, offering splendid views at every turn.

For those traveling from the east, arriving by car is possible via narrow, sometimes busy country lanes. This route passes through Polperro and leads to the stunning Lantic Bay and Lansallos Bay, each with a car park for easy access to the beaches. However, parking can be tricky due to the village’s steep, narrow streets.

The easiest way to reach Polruan is likely by ferry from Fowey. The ferry runs daily, with services finishing at 11pm in the summer and 7pm in the winter and offering fantastic views of both towns and the boats moored in the harbour. At just £5 for two people, the 10-minute ride is a scenic and relaxing journey.

One of the main attractions is Polruan Castle, which, although in ruins, still carries fascinating history. Built in the 15th century to defend the harbour, the castle once had a chain across the river that was raised to prevent ships from entering during times of threat. Its origins trace back to the post-100 Years’ War era, when fears of French attacks were high. The castle also played a significant role during the English Civil War.

Today, the castle’s ruins don’t feature a roof or the chain, but the remains of gun holes provide spectacular views of the sea. The bottom entrance leads to an outcrop offering fantastic sights of the port and the surrounding coastline.

The Polruan seafront and harbour are lovely spots to sit back and watch the world go by. As the departure point for the ferry to Fowey, the harbour is a focal point for visitors.

It’s also home to shipyards where boats are repaired and fishing vessels come and go. Leisure boats are popular here, with many private boats moored along the jetties. For those who enjoy watersports, Polruan is a popular choice, and it’s a delight to watch the activity from the benches lining the harbour wall.

READ MORE: Liz Earle shoppers ‘blown away with results’ of £36 moisturiser ‘reduces wrinkles’

B&M is selling a stunning £4 gadget to turn your patio into a haven, and it’s less than half the price of a similar product at Asda.

With temperatures soaring this week and a bank holiday on the horizon, many of us are likely hoping to spend as much time as possible in the garden.

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And if you’re planning on hosting any BBQs or garden parties, you want to make sure your garden is in tip top shape.

Although you may think that jazzing up your patio will be a costly affair, B&M’s Solar Powered Butterfly Ground Lights prove you don’t have to break the bank.

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The bargain buy, which comes in a pack of four multi-colour LEDs, is priced at just £4, down from £6.

The lights are solar powered, meaning that they charge up using the sun’s rays, and automatically turn on when it gets dark.

And since they don’t require electricity, there’s no wires or plugs you need to faff about with.

Simply place the lights on your garden or patio and watch as, at dusk, they transform your outdoor space into a magical haven.

A product description reads: “Bring some magic to your garden with these Solar Powered Butterfly Ground Lights.

“With a stunning multi-colour solar glow, these garden lights are the perfect decorative light to brighten up your outdoor space.”

Asda also has solar powered butterfly lights on offer, but these are priced at £9, more than double the price of the B&M version.

The Asda lights come in a pack of 10, and can last up to eight hours when fully charged.

A description reads: “These beautiful butterfly lights from George Home will brighten up your garden in a flutter.

“They light up automatically as soon as it gets dark to create a relaxed atmosphere in your space.”

B&M is also selling a range of solar lamps, with prices as low as £1.50.

The retail giant told customers on social media: “Your garden’s glow-up starts here!

“Light up your garden with our HUGE range of Solar Lamps now in store!

“The perfect way to light up your outdoor seating space.”

Shoppers are are scrambling to get their hands on the range, which includes a Solar Powered Milan Floor Lamp 137cm for £25, a Solar Powered Table Lamps 2pk (£8) and the Crystal Effect Solar Lantern (£4).

Other penny-pinching products include the Crystal Effect Solar Table Lamp (£3.50) and the Modern Solar Table Lamp which was £2.50 and is now reduced to £1.50.

Excited fans on social media commented: “Need!”

A second added: “Wow.”

A third swooned: “This is a good one!”

SAN FRANCISCO  — Apple Inc. suffered a major blow this week when a federal judge ruled that the iPhone maker violated a court order to stop charging commission fees for purchases made outside of its own marketplace.

In a scathing rebuke, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers upped the stakes for Apple by referring the case to prosecutors for a possible criminal probe.

The judge sided with “Fortnite” maker Epic Games, which alleged that the Cupertino, Calif., tech giant ran afoul of an order she issued in 2021 after finding the company engaged in anticompetitive behavior.

The ruling could ultimately mean lower costs to Apple developers and consumers because app makers would have a way to circumvent Apple’s up to 30% fee for in-app purchases by directing consumers to their goods and services with links to outside sites.

“That [Apple] thought this court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation,” the judge wrote in her Wednesday ruling. “As always, the cover-up made it worse. For this court, there is no second bite at the apple.”

What’s the case about?

Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple in 2020, accusing the company of engaging in anticompetitive practices.

The company’s “Fortnite” makes money by letting players buy digital goods within the popular online multiplayer game. Epic wants to let users buy stuff outside the Apple system and avoid the company’s fee, which developers call an “Apple tax.”

But Epic alleged that Apple blocked it from doing so.

One of the wins Epic achieved was the court ordered Apple to let app developers put links in its apps so customers could make outside purchases and bypass the company’s commission fee.

Apple, however, defied the order, the court said.

After the ruling, Apple limited the ways that developers could communicate with its customers about out-of-app purchases and used wording that discouraged users from clicking on those links, the ruling said.

Apple would charge a commission fee for any goods or services purchased within seven days of a consumer clicking on a link that took them out of the app, the ruling said.

Judge Gonzalez wrote that Apple made efforts to conceal documents that discussed these practices by abusing attorney-client privilege and using code names like “Project Michigan” in reference to the injunction or related topics, and that an Apple vice president of finance lied under oath.

The court sanctioned Apple for the full cost of Epic’s attorney’s fees and referred it to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California for possible criminal contempt proceedings.

Apple said it strongly disagreed with the decision and would comply with the court’s order.

“We’re going to appeal,” Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said on a call with investors on Thursday.

How big of a deal is this for Apple?

The court’s ruling could have a significant impact on Apple’s business.

Not taking commissions from outside app purchases could reduce Apple’s revenue by hundreds of millions or billions, the company estimated, according to the 80-page ruling.

“It’s very material to them, and so they’re unwilling to give that up,” said Rob Enderle, principal analyst with advisory services firm Enderle Group. “Tim Cook has been focused like a laser on margins and bottom-line performance for the company, and given the tariffs, Apple is going to be struggling pretty hard to maintain margins and momentum.”

Apple is facing other headwinds, including an antitrust lawsuit and Trump’s trade war with countries including China, where Apple makes the majority of its iPhones. The Trump administration said that tariffs on products such as smartphones could come soon.

Cook told investors that the tariffs could add $900 million to Apple’s costs in the current quarter.

Will the ruling save consumers and developers money?

Several companies that develop apps cheered the judge’s ruling, saying it will save money and make life easier for consumers.

Spotify, for example, said allowing outside purchases will simplify the process of buying audiobooks, which is an important new line of business for the Swedish audio streamer.

Andy Yen, CEO of Proton, which offers encrypted email and VPN services, said his company will lower its prices as a result of the decision.

“No Apple tax means we will lower prices for users by up to 30%,” Yen wrote on X, later calling the ruling “one of the most effective way[s] to cut inflation in the US.”

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney on Wednesday wrote on X that “Fortnite” will return to the U.S. App Store next week and possibly worldwide if Apple extends “the court’s friction free, Apple tax-free framework” globally.

“It’s good for [developers] because it has the potential to allow them to pay less in terms of what they need to do,” said Carl Tobias, a law professor at University of Richmond. “It frees it up and makes it cheaper.”

What will Apple do now?

Apple said it will appeal the ruling.

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California will be left to determine whether to bring a possible criminal contempt proceeding. The attorney’s office did not return a request for comment.

Analysts said that Apple’s relationship with President Trump could play a role in whether Apple will face a criminal probe.

Tech companies and their leaders have tried to build closer relationships with the Trump administration by making inaugural contributions or pledging to bring more manufacturing to the U.S.

Apple’s behavior so far in the matter “would suggest that this is going to be a long fought battle with appeals and the hope that President Trump will come to their defense and relieve them of this burden,” Enderle said.

Bloomberg contributed to this report.