Voters queue to cast their ballots at a polling station in Singapore on Saturday during an election overwhelmingly won by the ruling People’s Action Party. Photo by Simon Lim/EPA-EFE
May 3 (UPI) — Inflation, the cost of living and economic stability concerns propelled Singapore’s conservative People’s Action Party to a landslide election win on Saturday.
The PAP and its leader, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, secured 65.6% of the vote and a large majority of 97 seats in the Singaporean Parliament, the BBC reported.
The election results “put Singapore in a better position to face this turbulent world,” Wong said in a post-election address to the city-state.
“It’s a clear sign of trust, stability and confidence in your government,” Wong told the TV audience. “Singaporeans, too, can draw strength from this and look ahead to the future.”
Wong became Singapore’s prime minister last year, and the election partly served as a gauge of voter support for his policies and those supported by the PAP.
“Singapore feels particularly vulnerable given its economy’s size and exposure to international forces,” Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, told the BBC.
Chong said Singapore’s voters are “risk-averse,” which enabled the PAP to maintain its control of Singapore’s government.
The PAP has been the majority party within Singapore’s government since 1959. The center-left Workers’ Party is its primary opposition and held onto its 10 seats in the Singaporean Parliament.
Older voters are especially prone to voting for the PAP after living under its governance for more than six decades.
The WP hoped to gain seats in Saturday’s election due to the PAP receiving its lowest support in years during the prior three elections, while the WP gained support.
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic led to the PAP’s erosion of voter support during the 2020 election, but Saturday’s election reversed the trend.
Current regional and global issues, including a trade war between China and the United States and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, have raised concerns of a potential recession in Singapore.
Wong campaigned on a platform offering stability and good governance, which voters embraced.
Police forensic officers at the scene of the shooting this week
Ahead of Sweden’s Walpurgis festival to mark the start of spring, young people were busy selecting outfits or getting their hair done. Not all of them made it there alive.
At a hair salon in Uppsala, a city north of Stockholm, three young men who police say were aged between 15 and 20 were shot dead on Tuesday before the celebrations started.
The horror left many shaken in the build-up to the festival, known as Valborg in Swedish, which is typically a convivial affair each 30 April on the eve of the Christian feast day of Saint Walpurga. Celebrated nationwide, Uppsala hosts the country’s largest and most high-profile Walpurgis events, popular with students.
The partying did go ahead in full swing, but a subtle heaviness hung over the Swedish blue and yellow flags which fluttered around the city.
The attack happened the day before the Walpurgis festival in Uppsala
‘I knew something had happened’
“It’s really sad,” says 20-year-old student Yamen Alchoum, who is in the area to eat at a nearby food truck. He says he was at another barber shop on the night of the shootings, but previously had his hair cut at this salon multiple times. “I think if I was there [on Tuesday]…I would be, like, involved in the shooting. And it’s a bit scary.”
According to witnesses speaking to Swedish media TV4 and Aftonbladet, two of the young victims were dressed in barber capes and sat in parlour chairs when they were shot in the head just after 5pm on Tuesday.
Yamen Alchoum
The city centre was busy at the time as commuters made their way to the nearby train station and students from the city’s prestigious university cycled back to their flats.
Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs which many mistook for fireworks. Minutes later several police cars and an ambulance arrived, blocking the street and forcing a bus to turn around. Helicopters and drones were dispatched to try and track down the suspect. Local media reported that he had worn a mask and used an electric scooter to get away from the scene.
“I heard the helicopters, so then I knew that something had happened,” says Sara, a 32-year-old who lives on the street. She says her phone quickly lit up with news notifications and texts from friends asking if she was okay.
Around two hours after the shootings, police arrested a 16-year-old boy. In Sweden, suspects can be held based on different levels of suspicion, and the teenager was initially held at the second-highest level, indicating strong suspicion.
However, by Friday, prosecutors said the case against him had weakened and he was released.
Getty Images
Police rapidly arrived at the crime scene
On Saturday, Swedish police confirmed that six people have now been arrested in connection with the case. The suspects range in age from under 18 to 45, according to the state prosecutor’s office, and one is suspected of carrying out the killings.
People intending to visit Uppsala for the Walpurgis festival were advised not to change their plans, as police promised extra resources on the cathedral city’s streets and suggested the shooting was likely an “isolated incident”.
While many were shaken, tens of thousands of Swedes still heeded their advice, packing the banks of Uppsala’s Fyris river to watch the annual student raft race, drinking in the city’s pubs and parks or heading to a huge public bonfire in the evening. Others joined the annual spring ceremony outside the university where current and former students gathered to wave white caps.
“I don’t really feel so scared,” says Alvin Rose, 19, a social studies student, having a snack in Vaksala Square, just around the corner from where the shootings happened. “It feels like there’s more security, more cops about.”
Alvin Rose says he’s noticed more security since the attack
His friend Kassandra Fritz, an 18-year-old natural sciences student, says she has driven to Uppsala from her home in Gävle, two hours north, to “have fun and meet new people”.
She reflects that she no longer has a “strong” reaction to news about shootings in Sweden since they are frequently in the headlines. “There’s been so many shootings lately, not only here in Uppsala but like, everywhere in Sweden.”
A hotspot for gun violence
Over the past decade, Sweden has emerged as a European hotspot for gun crime, often linked to criminal networks. Research for Sweden’s National Council for Crime Prevention released last year concluded that the profile of perpetrators is “increasingly younger”, with growing numbers of teenagers both carrying out or dying from gun violence.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was on a work trip to Valencia when the Uppsala shooting took place, but has since described it as “an extremely violent act”.
“This underlines that the wave of violence is not over – it continues,” he said in an interview with Swedish news agency TT on Wednesday.
At a news conference the day after, officers said they were investigating the possibility that the deaths were linked to gang crime, but said it was too soon to confirm this.
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Police have been investigating whether the deaths are linked to gang crime
Police in various Swedish cities have previously said it is becoming more common for gangs to contract vulnerable children to carry out crimes, because those who are 15 or younger are below the age of criminal responsibility in Sweden.
Sweden’s government recently proposed controversial new legislation that would allow police to wiretap children, in an attempt to prevent them from being recruited to teenage gangs.
Ministers have also said they want to tighten the country’s gun laws.
In February, 10 people were killed in the country’s worst mass shooting at an adult education centre in the Swedish town of Orebro. In this case, police suspect a 35-year-old was behind the killings. He legally owned a weapon, and was found dead inside the building.
Tributes and tears
Young people have been leaving flowers on the street corner near the salon
Outside the hair salon in Uppsala, 20-year-old Yamen says he has never been involved in gang crime but knows plenty of others who have.
“Many times in my school, there was gang violence, and in the streets – dealers,” he says. “But my personality was to work, study, and now I am in college.”
As he leaves to meet friends, a steady stream of young people continue to stop at the street corner next to the hairdressers, some bringing bouquets of flowers. Several appear visibly shaken and have tears in their eyes.
“I knew him very well,” says Elias, a 16-year-old who says he was friends with one of the victims, and has asked the BBC not to share his surname. “It feels unreal, you know. It doesn’t feel like I’ve truly accepted the situation.”
Sitting midway between Bucharest and Budapest, this university town features some of the country’s best cultural institutions as well as an affordable and buzzing nightlife scene
Cluj’s architectural landscape is reflective of its Middle Age history and modern university culture(Image: Getty Images)
The Balkans have been gaining a stronger reputation among British travellers for their stunning beaches and improving safety.
Countries like Croatia and Romania have been making plays to draw in more tourists, but their high ranking when it comes to safety are doing the best. As reported by GlobeAware, Romania is the safest destination to travel to in Europe. But nestled in the country’s northeast corner, one university town in particular is drawing tourists for its enriching, safe and affordable city experience.
Cluj-Napoca – Cluj for short – sits between Bucharest and Budapest, and has largely been a stopping off point for travellers from Hungary. But the city is more than just a rest stop, as one of the country’s biggest cities there is plenty to do and, being a university hub, the dining and nightlife is both buzzy and affordable.
Cluj is also a great place to begin understanding the country’s storied history. First settled by the Romans and then resettled during the Middle Ages, Cluj dates back centuries and that history is reflected in the architecture and local atmosphere.
St. Michael’s Church is considered the most important Gothic building in Transylvania (Image: Getty Images)
There are plenty of historical churches, museums, and ruins where travellers can dive deeper into the city’s backstory. One of the most monumental is St. Michael’s Church – a 15th-century church that sits in the heart of the city’s Piata Unirii – Union Square.
St. Michael’s Church is considered the finest example of Gothic architecture in the country and most of the building’s current features are original. One of the best parts for travellers, the church is completely free to enter.
Another historic gem in the city centre is the Pharmaceutical Museum – often referred to as Hintz House. The museum that stands today was home to Romania’s fourth apothecary, opened in 1573. It offers a fascinating – albeit unsettling – look into medicine during the Renaissance period.
If this type of morbid tourism is of interest, then the Museum of Zoology is another must-visit. The building is stocked with hundreds of jarred and dried animal specimens. But beyond the unusual, the museum exhibits exotic fauna and scientific collections.
For travellers looking to explore the cultural side of the Cluj, the local art museum may be a better fit. There is also the National Theatre Lucian Blaga is considered a cultural institution of Cluj and one of the most well-known theatrical institutions in Romania. Here, travellers can stop in for a play, musical or opera without having to travel all the way to Budapest.
Union Square is where travellers will find museums, galleries, churches, and the local produce market(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
For the party-inclied, Cluj’s nightlife is top-tier if you don’t mind a more youthful atmosphere. Tastemaking DJs keep local university students on their toes night after night and drinks flow at budget-friendly prices.
Another great way to immerse yourself in local life is to visit the local market. The central market is where you can sample the freshest and cheapest produce in the city. If you’re worried about not speaking the language, you can also join a free walking tour in English – you’ll just need to make reservations in advance.
Finally, for the nature lovers there is plenty to occupy your time in Cluj, though the first stop should certainly be Cetatuia Hill. An impressive observation point, it only take about 15 minutes to hike up the hill and is also home to an impressive park space and abandoned 18th-century citadel.
The Alexandru Borza Botanic Gardens is also another picturesque destination to spend an afternoon, home to a Japanese garden and observation tower. The Hoia Forest and Turda salt mines are also impressive fixtures of the nearby landscape if you have time to explore beyond Cluj.
SOME of the world’s best throwers head to Germany for the return of the European Darts Open!
It was an unforgettable moment last year for Gary Anderson as the Scotsman secured his first European tour title since 2014 by defeating Rob Cross 8-6 in the final.
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Gary Anderson is the reigning European Darts Grand Prix championCredit: Getty
And the defending champion is back for more, hoping to defend his crown in front of a loud Glaspalast crowd.
However, Anderson will certainly have his work cut out as several household names are set to feature.
This includes reigning world number one, Luke Humphries, but Luke Littler will not compete at this tournament.
Remarkably, there have been as many as nine different winners in ten editions, so there is every chance someone new could be on the throne by the end of the tournament.
Read more on Luke Littler
When is the European Darts Grand Prix 2025?
The European Darts Grand Prix 2025 will get underway on Friday, May 2.
It will then sadly conclude on Sunday, May 4.
Afternoon sessions are set to start at 12pm BST while the evening sessions begin at 6pm BST.
The Glaspalast in Sindelfingen, Germany will host the 11th edition of the tournament.
How to watch the European Darts Grand Prix 2025
The European Darts Grand Prix will be available to watch on PDCTV.
A monthly PDCTV subscription costs fans in the UK £4.99.
An Annual subscription is also available for purchase at £49.99.
Nearly 25 years after he moved to Nashville to make it as a country musician, Eric Church can count among his achievements 11 No. 1 country radio hits, five platinum-or-better albums, four CMA Awards and one six-story bar on Nashville’s crowded Broadway called Chief’s. (You’ll remember the bar’s opening weekend last year, when Church’s pal Morgan Wallen was arrested for hurling a chair off the roof.)
Chief’s is just one of several business pursuits Church has undertaken lately, along with a line of whiskeys, co-ownership with Wallen of the Field & Stream brand and a minority stake in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Yet this week the singer and songwriter, who will turn 48 on Saturday, returns to music with “Evangeline vs. the Machine,” his first album since 2021.
Produced by his longtime collaborator Jay Joyce, “Evangeline” moves away from the hard-rocking sound of earlier tunes like “Springsteen,” “Give Me Back My Hometown” and the weed enthusiast’s “Smoke a Little Smoke” toward a lusher, more orchestral vibe complete with strings, horns and a choir. “Johnny” is a kind of response song to the Charlie Daniels Band’s 1979 “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” while “Darkest Hour” offers help to someone in need — an idea Church actualized last year when he said he’d donate royalties from the song to victims of Hurricane Helene in his native North Carolina.
The LP, which closes with a spooky rendition of Tom Waits’ “Clap Hands,” follows Church’s controversial headlining performance at 2024’s Stagecoach festival in Indio, where he and more than a dozen gospel singers blended the singer’s originals with spirituals like “Amazing Grace” and “I’ll Fly Away” and far-flung covers including Al Green’s “Take Me to the River” and Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice.” (“This is Friday night, not Sunday morning!” I recall one guy near me shouting in frustration after half an hour or so.) Church, who’s married with two sons — and who will take “Evangeline” on tour this fall, including a Nov. 15 stop at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome — called from Nashville to talk about the Stagecoach set, the new album and his hobnobbing with billionaires.
You opened Chief’s a little over a year ago. What are the headaches you’ve run into as a business owner? S—, there’s been a bunch of those. I think just managing the messaging of why we’re different than other places. Listen, it’s been a roaring success — maybe the best bar down there. But we’re leaning into songwriter shows and shows by upcoming artists versus being somewhere to hear “Friends in Low Places” and get blackout drunk. The biggest challenge is just trying to make sure that people know what it is when they walk in the room.
Take me back to the Morgan Wallen of it all. Morgan called me from the street after it happened. I was watching college basketball, and he said, “Hey, this just happened.” I said, “Uh-oh.” I knew it was gonna be noisy, and it was — it was damn noisy. The next day on Fox News, the No. 1 story was Morgan throwing a chair, and No. 2 was Israel and Gaza. But you just kind of roll with it.
It was actually a good thing for Mo. I think that was a line for him, and he’s done really well since then — it was a thing he’s reacted positively to as a person. I used the old Billy Joe Shaver line on him: “I’m just an old chunk of coal, but I’ll be a diamond one day.” He went down [to Chief’s] and apologized to the staff, shook everybody’s hand. I was proud of him.
What motivated you to get involved with these extramusical endeavors? For me, it was COVID. All of a sudden, you can’t play shows, and I just remember thinking, I need to do a better job of widening out what I do.
Any entrepreneurial models in your mind? Jay-Z’s done a great job. When I did the national anthem at the Super Bowl with Jazmine Sullivan [in 2021], I remember I was like, “How does all this work?” And they said, “Jay-Z runs it.” I went, “What do you mean?” They said, “Jay-Z runs the entertainment at the Super Bowl.” OK, well, that’s f— cool.
I’m in the Hornets with J. Cole — he’s another guy that’s done a really good job. Artists who get to a high level, they have these opportunities because they have the Rolodex. They meet people at shows, they meet people backstage. For me, I play golf with ’em. You’ve got Fortune 500 guys and billionaires and CEOs, so what do you actually do with that opportunity?
Ten years ago, would you have seen yourself hanging out with rappers and billionaires? Negative [laughs].
Couple of questions about Stagecoach last year before we get into the new album. I was there that night — So you were the one.
It was a polarizing gig. F— that — it was great. PBS did a documentary, and there’s a moment midway through the show where you can actually see me start to grin. I’m like, this is going interesting. But as soon as it was over, I went back and listened to “Springsteen” a cappella in 30-mile-an-hour winds that night, and I knew it was good. If it wasn’t good, I would’ve had a problem.
I kind of knew going in: This is probably not the place for this show. I’d played Stagecoach five or six times — you know there’s gonna be 30,000 TikTokers out there on people’s shoulders trying to take pictures of themselves. But I did it because it was the biggest megaphone and it would get the biggest reaction.
Maybe it’s because it happened right after Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” came out, but I got the impression that one of your goals with the performance was to draw attention to the Black roots of country music. Sure. I was trying to show an arc musically — that this goes way back. I was trying to show where it all began. And I mean, maybe it was a little bit of a “f— you.” I know we ran people off. But it wasn’t for the people that left — it was for the ones that stayed.
I got a text from Lukas Nelson the following day. He was there with his surf buddies. He said, “We came in from Maui, and I just want to tell you that reminded me so much of my dad.” He said, “I put my arms around my buddies, and we all sang along.” I thought, well, he probably had plenty of room.
What would you say not to a hater but to an Eric Church fan — someone who did stay for the show but just didn’t get it? What I hope fans understand is that it would have been easy for me to do what a lot of artists do and take too much money to come play the hits, then get back on the plane and go home. But I actually thought, I respect this festival enough that I’m gonna work my ass off for a month. I didn’t just the day before go, “Let’s do this.” I know the effort that went into it. And what we gave you, good or bad, was a show you’re never gonna see again.
People talk about Dylan going electric at Newport, but in the moment that didn’t go well for Dylan. He was booed — people threw s—. But now that’s a paradigm shift, right? You and I are going, “F—, I wish I was there.” Ten years from now, people are gonna go, “I was at that Stagecoach show, and I stayed till the end.”
Would you do it again? Oh, hell yeah. Tomorrow.
I hear “Evangeline vs. the Machine” as being on a continuum with Stagecoach. Yeah, but I’ll tell you where it started. Trombone Shorty came and played a show with me in New Orleans on the Gather Again tour [in 2022], and we ended up in the dressing room after and got in this incredible conversation about brass instruments and string instruments and the history of music. Later he invited me to come play this show he does during Jazz Fest. There were probably two white people onstage that night: me and Steve Miller.
So we do my song “Cold One” and [the Beatles’] “Come Together.” I’ve done “Cold One” a thousand times, but I had never done “Cold One” like that. It was a Black New Orleans band with horns and background singers and a violin player — not Juilliard violin but like a janky New Orleans violin. The dude had the damn thing on his shoulder, not under his chin. Everything was wrong for what that song is. I’m not convinced anyone even knew the song [laughs]. But we found our spot in the middle of it, and it was killer. I flew home thinking: I want to do a record this way.
Your falsetto in “Darkest Hour” — it’s almost uncomfortably vulnerable. The song actually started three or four keys lower. But I was listening to Jim Ford and Sly & the Family Stone — honestly, I was thinking about Andy Gibb — and I just kept moving it up. I was incredibly insecure the first time in the studio, but I think that insecurity is what led to the authenticity of the emotion.
You’ve said you wrote “Johnny” after the Covenant School shooting in Nashville in 2023. Do you envision the song reassuring a listener or making them angry? Maybe both? The hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life is dropping my boys off at school the day after the shooting. I sat in the parking lot for I don’t even know how long because I didn’t know what to do. Do I stay here just in case? Not like I could do anything. But just to be close. And for whatever reason, Charlie Daniels came on. What hit me was that the devil was not in Georgia — he was here in Nashville.
Eric Church at his Chief’s bar in Nashville.
(Hunter Hart / For The Times)
Why finish the record with a Tom Waits cover? I had four years off [between albums], and I wrote a ton of songs. And a bunch of them are hit songs. I don’t mean that arrogantly — I just know after this amount of time that they’re hit songs. But some of them didn’t work with the room and with the instrumentation. We were going in [the studio] at 10 o’clock the next morning, and I was watching some show on Netflix, and “Clap Hands” came on. All of a sudden, I was like, “Oh, s—…” I paused it, grabbed my guitar, laid down just me with the riff and sent it to Jay. I said, “What about this?” He goes, “See you at 10,” and we cut it the next morning.
What’s your relationship with weed these days? Mainly edibles. I don’t really smoke anymore. And edibles are interesting — you have to learn that environment because you never know how it’s gonna work out.
Gimme a circumstance where you’d be like, “All right — I’ll do this again.” When a certain person passes you a joint, I’m gonna smoke it. I was on Willie [Nelson]’s bus one night. Toby Keith came up — this was when he was alive. Robert Earl Keen was up there. Lance Armstrong was up there. It was a whole vibe. I think I was high for a month.
You played tribute concerts in L.A. last year honoring Jimmy Buffett and Robbie Robertson. I’ve done a bunch of those tribute shows — too many of them — but those guys meant the world to me. Jimmy and I were campmates at a club out there in California, so I spent a lot of time with him.
At some of these tributes you’ll be like the one country guy on the bill. What’s funny is that backstage everybody’s the same. I’ll tell you this story: At the Jimmy show, I was standing side-stage watching the Eagles with my wife. Paul McCartney was about to come out, and a guy comes up and says, “Hey, when Paul comes out, just kind of hug the wall, because Paul likes to have a clear lane.” No big deal — it’s Paul McCartney. So I hug the wall and Paul comes out. He’s watching the Eagles, and I look back and we kind of lock eyes. I’m uncomfortable [laughs]. Then he walks up to me and he goes, “Eric.” I said, “Yeah?” He goes, “Jimmy and I played tennis together, and he thought the world of you. You wanna come sing ‘Hey Jude’ with me?”
I’d thought he was gonna say, “Could you please move further to the left and get the f— out of my way?” And instead he’s asking if I want to sing with him. I was like, “Yes, Sir Paul, I would love to come sing ‘Hey Jude’ with you.” So me and Brandi Carlile and a few others, we went out and sang with Paul McCartney. That’s one of those moments where you go, “What the f— am I doing here?”
In McLaren’s view, Red Bull have not been painting the most accurate picture of the competitive picture between the two teams.
“Red Bull, they are very good at making fast cars,” Stella said. “They are very exceptionally good, I would say, at driving fast cars, and they are extremely good also in creating the narrative to their advantage.
“They exploit every possible opportunity to stay in the competition, and some of these opportunities sometimes is to create the narrative, like, ‘oh, we are making miracles here, the others should win every single practice session and qualifying and race.’
“This is the narrative created by some of our competitors, which we read occasionally and then we change the page and we focus on ourselves.”
The grid sets up an intriguing race. The title contenders are in reverse order, with an interloper between Norris and Piastri in the form of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.
And Norris scents an opportunity to nail his first victory since the opening race of the season in Australia back in March.
In qualifying, he made errors at the last corner on both his laps, each time costing about 0.2secs, so he knows the pace is in the car.
“Max has always been good in qualifying and as a team we have struggled a little more in qualifying, whether that’s set-up or what, I’m not too sure,” Norris said.
“We know the Red Bulls are running high downforce, which allows them especially with the DRS (in qualifying) to be a lot more competitive. But it’s a long race and we know we have good pace in both conditions.
“I don’t just expect competition from Max. Kimi’s been quick all weekend and Oscar has been as well. So yeah, I just expect a tough race from all accounts.”
May 3 (UPI) — Skype debuted in 2003 and was an early disruptor in online communications, but Microsoft says it’s time to close Skype and focus on its Teams video conferencing platform.
“With teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging and file sharing,” Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft’s Collaborative Apps and Platforms division, said in a Feb. 28 announcement.
Teper announced Microsoft would end Skype in May, which will happen on Monday.
Microsoft Teams offers features Skype did not, such as hosting meetings, calendars and creating and joining communities.
Teams is free, which helps make it one of the most popular virtual conferencing and communications platforms.
Hundreds of millions of people use Teams, Teper said, and the total number of minutes people spent using it has quadrupled over the past two years.
Microsoft Teams launched on March 14, 2017, and Skype’s user base eroded for years.
Skype initially was a viable competitor to smartphones and utilized voice over internet protocol and peer-to-peer network technology, which enabled users to save money on international phone calls.
Its user base topped 400 million in 2008 and was one of the most in-demand apps around the globe.
Luxembourg-based Skype Technologies created Skype and sold its majority ownership to eBay in 2005 for $2.5 billion.
Private investors bought out eBay’s majority holding in 2009 and two years later sold the entire business to Microsoft for $8.5 billion.
Many other apps now include those features that initially made Skype an industry leader in VOIP and P2P communications.
Subsequent and frequent changes to Skype eroded its ease of use and popularity as more competitors offered similar communications apps.
When the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns occurred, Skype did not see a large jump in users.
Instead, Zoom became a popular app due to its relative simplicity as Skype continued its slide into obsolescence.
Meanwhile, Microsoft continued developing its Teams app, which has led to Skype going dark on Monday.
Counter-terrorism police have arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism offences, the Metropolitan Police said.
Four Iranian nationals – two aged 29, one aged 40 and one aged 46 – were arrested in various locations around England on Saturday as part of a “pre-planned operation”, the force said.
The nationality and age of the fifth man is still being established, it added.
The investigation relates to a “suspected plot to target a specific premises”, the Met said, adding for operational reasons it cannot provide further information at this time.
Officers have made the affected site aware and provided advice and support, police said.
The Met said a 29-year-old was arrested in the Swindon area, another man aged 29 was arrested in the Stockport area, a 46-year-old was arrested in west London, and a 40-year-old was arrested in the Rochdale area.
They were detained under the Terrorism Act.
A fifth man was arrested in the Manchester area under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Pace).
All five were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. They remain in police custody.
As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas.
The investigation is being led by the Met’s counter-terrorism command, supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police, as well as counter-terrorism officers from across the country.
“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter,” said Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter-terrorism command.
“We understand the public may be concerned and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.”
St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly may be just 28 miles off the southwestern tip of England, but it offers an idyllic escape that feels worlds away from mainland Britain
St. Martins Beach, Isles of Scilly.(Image: Getty Images)
Just 28 miles off the southwestern tip of Cornwall lies an island that feels worlds away from mainland Britain. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches that rival the Caribbean, St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly offers a surprising and idyllic escape – all without leaving the UK.
This 2.5-square-mile island may be small, but it promises an unforgettable experience. The adventure begins with the journey itself. Most visitors arrive on the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance, a scenic two-hour and 45-minute voyage that serves as a perfect transition from the hustle of daily life to the relaxed pace of island time.
For those looking for a quicker and more thrilling option, a 15-minute helicopter ride from Penzance provides spectacular aerial views that rival even some of those found in the Caribbean.
St. Mary’s Harbour, Isles of Scilly(Image: Getty Images)
Once you arrive, a visit to The Garrison, a star-shaped fortification dating back to the 16th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s strategic military past. Walking along its ramparts, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the entire archipelago, making it a prime spot for photography that rivals observation decks in major European cities.
St Mary’s is home to several pristine beaches that feel as though they’ve been transplanted from far more exotic destinations. Porthcressa and Porthmellon beaches feature soft, powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters that shimmer in the sunlight. Thanks to the island’s unique microclimate, which is warmer than mainland Britain, the conditions are ideal for swimming, particularly during the summer months.
It also serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby islands. Small inter-island boats regularly depart from the quay, making it easy to take day trips to Tresco, home to the famous Abbey Gardens, or to St. Martin’s, known for its award-winning vineyard. As you glide across the crystal-clear waters, you might even spot seals playfully swimming beneath the surface.
The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, and kayaking along the coast often brings you up close to the curious seals, who pop their heads above the water to investigate. Birdwatchers flock to the islands for a chance to see rare species attracted by the islands’ unique position.
The Scilly Isles lie off the southwestern tip of Cornwall (Image: Getty Images)
What makes St Mary’s even more special is its surprisingly mild climate, which feels more akin to the coastal towns of Spain than the typical British weather. While it may not boast sunshine every day of the year, the island enjoys far more bright days than the mainland, making outdoor exploration a delight no matter the season.
The island offers over 30 miles of walking trails, many of which follow the dramatic coastline. These paths wind through landscapes that range from windswept headlands to sheltered coves, each offering stunning vistas perfect for nature photography that could grace the covers of magazines.
St Mary’s captivates with its beaches reminiscent of tropical paradises, intriguing history, and remarkable natural beauty. This tiny island, just off England’s tip, offers an experience that feels both foreign and familiar, leaving you to wonder why more travellers haven’t yet discovered this gem, hidden in plain sight.
Your Epic adventure awaits – Universal’s new £7billion theme park in Orlando, Florida, is a real scream says Adam Maidment, who got to check out the theme park ahead of its May 22 opening
For Ajagba, this is a chance to finally validate his potential.
After being heralded as a future titleholder early in his career, the Nigerian puncher suffered a setback in 2021, losing a clear decision to the slick Frank Sanchez.
Since then, Ajagba has put together five straight wins, most recently edging Guido Vianello by split decision.
Still, questions remain.
Has Ajagba evolved since the Sanchez loss, or has he simply been matched wisely?
Bakole, even in his recent defeat, may prove to be the acid test.
Credit: Getty
Bakole looking to bounce back
The Congolese contender was stopped brutally in round two by Joseph Parker in February—a fight he took on just 48 hours’ notice.
Despite the setback, Bakole retains his promoter’s confidence.
He knew what defeat to Parker would mean to his career but he is hoping with an impressive victory tonight, he can wipe that fight from the boxing world’s memory.
Welcome to Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba
This one is being hyped as the ‘Battle for Africa’.
These two heavyweights should provide a heavy-hitting show of pure power and pain.
Though it no longer serves as an IBF final eliminator due to Bakole’s recent loss, this fight remains a pivotal clash between two top-15 contenders whose future relevance in the heavyweight elite depends on the outcome.
A victory for either man won’t guarantee a title shot, but it will open the door to fights against the likes of Kubrat Pulev, Michael Hunter, or another top 10 contender.
For Bakole, this is less about opportunity and more about survival.
Casualty fans were left feeling incredibly emotional after tuning in to tonight’s instalment of the popular BBC medical drama.
BBC Casualty viewers heaped praise on the beloved medical drama for the gripping yet “heartbreaking scenes” that aired tonight.
Casualty made a dramatic return on Saturday, May 3, with Stevie (portrayed by Elinor Lawless) grappling with her Stage 2 ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Though she stands a good chance of recovery, her pal and single mother Cara (Laura Pitt-Pulford) isn’t as fortunate as just as she’s set to leave the hospital, she collapses.
Cara breaks the news to her daughter Olive that she won’t be coming home, leading to the devastated child branding her a “liar” and storming off. Tragically, before any reconciliation can happen, Cara dies.
Stevie and Olive share a touching moment, and as they say goodbye, the young girl expresses her gratitude to the doctor for “being our friend”.
BBC Casualty saw Rida about to report that she was abused but stops herself at the last minute.(Image: (Image: BBC))
There’s also a poignant scene between Stevie and Siobhan (Melanie Hill), who apologises that Stevie couldn’t bid farewell to Rich (Michael Keogh), with whom she had an affair.
Meanwhile, Rida (Sarah Segarri) is battling with the aftermath of being sexually abused by Russell (Robert Bathurst).
Encouraged, she approaches Flynn (Olly Rix) to report the abuse but hesitates when he reveals that Russell is his father-in-law, causing her to keep quiet.
Additionally, Ngozi (Adesuwa Oni) faces a crisis when her son ends up in the hospital after instigating a fight in response to another boy’s advance.
He then declared himself as “normal”, making a homophobic dig at Ngozi who is in a same-sex relationship, a revelation which left her visibly upset.
Emotions were high among viewers too, as Indie’s character (played by Naomi Wakszlak) admitted she’d been living rough under a bridge for months, prompting an outpouring from fans moved by the latest episode of ‘Casualty’.
BBC Casualty fans left ‘weeping’ as they praise ‘devastatingly sad’ episode(Image: (Image: BBC))
Fans took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts. One viewer exclaimed: “Oh my word #Casualty this evening…”, dotted with a heartbreak emoji.
Another joined in the sentiment, posting: “OMG #Casualty is devastatingly sad tonight. My face is gonna be a puffy mess tomorrow.”
Voicing their support, someone else shared their wish to “give Stevie Nash a hug” while another praised Stevie and Siobhan’s scene, commenting: “Tremendously executed by @MelanieJHil and @Elinor_Lawless. This scene was emotionally perfect.”
A fellow fan remarked: “Turned it on tonight and really impressed with the storylines and acting. It’s amazing!” while yet another person simply stated through their tears: “I’m in tears .”
And encapsulating the mood of many, one viewer succinctly said: “So many heartbreaking scenes tonight.”
Casualty continues every Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bill Mott is in the Hall of Fame. He won the Kentucky Derby in 2019, but it was by disqualification. The trainer never got to see his horse cross the finish line first. Until now.
In an exciting stretch run Sovereignty and Journalism battled until the final strides when Sovereignty pulled ahead to win the 151st Kentucky Derby by 1½ lengths Saturday.
Sovereignty came to this spot by finishing second in the Florida Derby. But this time he had to navigate the 19-horse field to win on a cold and drizzly day before 147,406 at Churchill Downs.
Journalism, the 7-2 favorite, got crowded and shuffled back at the start of the race but going around the far turn, jockey Umberto Rispoli got him to start picking off horses. Sovereignty was following right behind him. When the horses hit the top of the stretch, it was clear it was down to the two horses.
The start of the race was very crowded on the inside. Citizen Bull, the 2-year-old Eclipse champion, went into the lead and moved toward the center of the track. The first half mile of the 1 ¼-mile race was run in a fast but not brutal 46.23 seconds. By the end, all that was left were the closers as most of the early speed faded out.
Baeza, who entered the race on Thursday after Rodriguez scratched out, finished a strong third. The rest of the field, in order was Final Gambit, Owen Almighty, Burnham Square, Sandman, East Avenue, Chunk of Gold, Tiztastic, Coal Battle, Luxor Café, Neoequos, Publisher, Citizen Bull, American Promise, Render Judgment, Flying Mohawk and Admire Daytona.
Sovereignty paid $17.96 to win.
“He made up a lot of ground in a hurry,” Mott said. “This one got here the right way. I mean, he’s done well, he’s a great horse. He comes to us from a great organization (Godolphin) and I can’t say enough about the horse and the organization that started him out and did everything to make this happen.”
The winning rider was Junior Alvarado. It was his first Kentucky Derby win.
Sovereignty, ridden by Junior Alvarado, crosses the finish line to win the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
(Jeff Roberson / Associated Press)
This marked the return of Bob Baffert to Churchill Downs after the track banned him from racing for three years. The move was made after Medina Spirit tested positive for a legal medication, but not legal on race day. It led to a series of court fights in which Churchill Downs prevailed.
Baffert brought two horses to run in the Derby, Citizen Bull and Rodriguez. However, Rodriguez was scratched Thursday when he had sensitivity in one of his hooves. The injury was not considered serious and he is now pointed to run in the Preakness Stakes in two weeks.
Rodriguez won the Wood Memorial a month ago at Aqueduct. Second in that race was Grande, who scratched Friday morning. The horse had been battling a slightly cracked heel but the X-rays were clean. It prompted an angry response from owner Mike Repole.
“With all the diagnostics we have taken, the great vets we use, and the experience of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, we are baffled and confused by what criteria vets are using to determine who scratches, who doesn’t and when … especially when every diagnostic tells us the horse is safe and sound,” Repole posted on X.
Through the years, Repole has had three horses scratch from the Derby.
Sovereignty, ridden by Junior Alvarado, center, crosses the finish line to win the Kentucky Derby.
(Abbie Parr / Associated Press)
The scratch of Rodriguez allowed Baeza, second in the Santa Anita Derby to Journalism, in the field. The horse came to Churchill Downs without a guaranteed spot in the race. Because the scratch came after the draw, Baeza had to start in the farthest outside post.
This year’s Derby did not have the buzz of last year’s, the 150th running of the race. And the wet weather also dampened the enthusiasm of some fans, many of whom moved to covered areas. Plastic ponchos were the favored attire on the day.
Derby Day has the best undercard of any day exclusive of the Breeders’ Cup. Among the highlights:
Mindframe ($9.08 to win) won the $1 million Churchill Downs Stakes, a seven furlong race. It marked the return of Nysos, who hadn’t raced in 15 months. He was Baffert’s “A” horse for last year’s Derby until he was injured. He hasn’t raced list the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. Nysos and Banishing finished in a dead heat for second. There were four horses across the finish line within a length of each other.
Macho Music ($29.86) pulled an upset in winning the $600,000 Pat Day Mile. Normally when a 13-1 goes to the lead early, they back up at the end. But not Macho Music. Baffert finished second and third with Madaket Road and Gaming. “I thought the winner was going to come back a little bit but he never did,” said Irad Ortiz Jr., Madaket Road’s jockey. Madaket Road had enough points to qualify for the Derby but Baffert thought the distance of the Derby might have been too much.
Trainer Richard Mandella doesn‘t ship often to Churchill Downs, but when he does he means business. He proved it again when Kopion ($7.48) won the $1 million Derby City Distaff. Kopion is a daughter of Omaha Beach, who Mandella brought to the Derby as the favorite in 2019. The horse had to scratch. Baffert’s Hope Road finished second making it a Southern California exacta.
Ryan Garcia returns from a doping suspension to beat Rolly Romero with a unanimous points decision in New York.
United States boxer Ryan Garcia was knocked down once on the way to a unanimous decision defeat to Rolly Romero in his return from a doping suspension in a welterweight bout held in New York’s iconic Times Square.
The defeat on Friday threw Garcia’s planned rematch with Devin Haney in doubt, although Haney did his part with a unanimous decision victory over Jose Ramirez in the outdoor ring erected for the event.
Romero sent Garcia to the canvas in the second round with a pair of left hooks and dominated the rest of the fight. Two judges gave it to Romero 115-112 and the third scored it 118-109.
In April of last year, Ryan knocked down Haney three times on the way to a decision victory, but that result was wiped out and the bout declared a no-contest after it was revealed Garcia failed a pre-fight drug test.
In June, Garcia was arrested for reportedly causing some $15,000 worth of damage at a hotel in Beverly Hills and a month later he was suspended from World Boxing Council events for making racist comments on social media.
He had planned a New Year’s exhibition against kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo, but that fell through when Garcia suffered a wrist injury in training.
Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero face-off during a fight for the WBA Welterweight title in Times Square [Cris Esqueda/Getty Images]
Romero handed Garcia his second professional defeat against 24 victories – 20 by way of knockout.
“I just think that whole year (off) took a lot off my body physically, mentally,” Garcia said.
“I’m just happy I made it to the ring and went 12 rounds. Hats off to Rolly … just got to go to the drawing board with my team. We’ll talk it over and see what we do next.”
Haney, meanwhile, improved to 32-0 with a dominant victory, two judges scoring it 119-109 for Haney and the third seeing it 118-110.
The former general, who led a coup that ended Bongo family’s 55-year rule, swept elections last month after heading a transition government.
Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup in Gabon ending decades of Bongo family rule and swept the election last month with nearly 95 percent of the vote, has been sworn in as the country’s president.
The general and former military government leader, who toppled Ali Bongo in August 2023, officially took the presidential reins on Saturday after leading a 19-month transition government.
The inauguration at Angondje Stadium in the north of capital Libreville drew some 40,000 supporters and was attended by more than 20 African heads of state, including The Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, the AFP news agency reported. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi also attended.
Libreville’s streets were gridlocked as thousands converged on the venue, with artistic performances and a military parade planned along the Libreville waterfront in the evening, state media reported.
“All citizens of Greater Libreville are asked to extend a warm welcome to these distinguished guests,” the Ministry of Interior and Security said in a statement.
Oligui, 50, rose to power after deposing Ali Bongo, whose family had ruled Gabon for 55 years. The Bongo era was characterised by a tightly controlled patronage system that enriched elites while leaving most citizens excluded from Gabon’s oil-fuelled prosperity.
Oligui faces serious challenges in leading the oil-rich country, which needs to revamp crucial infrastructure and diversify its economy, but is heavily indebted.
A former head of the elite Republican Guard, Oligui has promised a departure from the dynastic politics of the past.
In his first international news interview since the election, Oligui told Al Jazeera he was determined to “restore dignity to the Gabonese people”.
“I will give back to the people what they have given me today. And everything that has been stolen from the people, I want to return to them,” he said.
Despite vast reserves of oil, gold, and manganese, and its role as a key part of the Congo Basin rainforest, the country struggles with widespread poverty.
According to the World Bank’s 2024 data (PDF), about 40 percent of young people are unemployed and roughly a third of the overall population lives below the poverty line.
During the transitional period, Oligui sought to portray himself as a reformer and “builder,” launching high-profile construction projects while pledging to tackle endemic corruption. His campaign slogan, “We Build Together”, was prominently displayed during rallies in the run-up to the election.
However, Oligui’s own record has drawn scrutiny. A 2020 investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project revealed that he allegedly owned properties in the United States worth more than $1m and had previously helped expand the Bongos’ overseas business ventures.
When questioned about these ties, Oligui said they were a “private affair”.
But early signs from the World Bank’s latest report indicate that Gabon’s economy grew by 2.9 percent in 2024, driven by increased output of oil, timber and manganese, as well as public infrastructure spending.
As Oligui begins his official term, investors and international observers are watching closely to see whether Gabon and its population of 2.2 million people can turn the page on decades of dynastic rule.
Heathrow is among the world’s busiest, let alone the UK’s most bustling airport, but travellers go about their journeys without ever realising there’s an abandoned terminal sitting among the chaos
(Image: MDM)
The UK’s busiest airport has an abandoned-looking terminal that almost nobody is permitted to enter. While it has been a decade since any passengers departed from there, the terminal is still used for a number of pivotal purposes.
Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 1 opened its doors in 1969 and was formally inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II. At the time it was the largest airport terminal in Western Europe, and for decades served as the primary gateway for short-haul UK and European flights. It underwent significant expansion in the 1990s and a major redesign in 2005, doubling the size of its departure lounge with additional retail and seating areas.
With the opening of Terminal 5 in 2008 and the transformation of Terminal 2 into the Queen’s Terminal in 2014, Terminal 1’s facilities became outdated. With passenger numbers soaring and expectations rising, the decision was made to close Terminal 1, consolidating operations into the newer, more efficient terminals. The last flight took off from there to Frankfurt, Germany, at 9.30pm on June 29, 2015.
Since its closure, Terminal 1 has not welcomed a single passenger. Its departure boards are blank and its formerly bustling concourses silent, but the building is actually far from abandoned — it has found a second life behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in Heathrow’s daily operations.
What is Heathrow Terminal 1 used for now?
The primary use of Terminal 1 today is as the baggage handling centre for Terminal 2. All luggage checked in at Terminal 2 is processed through the systems and teams based in the old Terminal 1 building.
Disrupted or misdirected bags are routed to the former international reclaim hall — now called the “purge area” — where they are stored until they can be cleared and returned to passengers. This arrangement keeps Terminal 2’s public spaces uncluttered and ensures efficient baggage flow.
(Image: MDM)
As the airport’s website explains: “The main functionality of Terminal 1, however, is to house the baggage system for Terminal 2. All of the baggage teams stayed in Terminal 1 as their main base, and all of the bags that are checked into Terminal 2 are processed in the Terminal 1 building.
“Any disrupted bags that get processed are bought to the ‘purge area’, which is the old international reclaim hall in Terminal 1, and stored there until they are cleared.
“This is to ensure they don’t clog up any space in Terminal 2 and get in the way of airport staff or passengers. Once they have been cleared and ready to go, they are put back on the belts, processed, and repatriated back to passengers.”
(Image: MDM)
Terminal 1’s vast, empty spaces have also become a vital training ground for London‘s Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police, who regularly use the building for large-scale exercises, simulating a variety of scenarios from fires to security incidents.
Sometimes, up to 200 personnel may be involved in these immersive drills, taking advantage of the authentic airport environment to hone their skills.
The future
Despite its ongoing utility, Terminal 1’s future remains uncertain. There are no current plans to reopen it for commercial use, but the site is earmarked for possible redevelopment as part of Heathrow’s long-term expansion plans.
As Heathrow’s website elaborates: “Even though Terminal 1 hasn’t been a public-facing, operational Terminal for nearly a decade, it is a functioning building that houses several key services for the benefit and smooth running of the airport in its day to day running.
“There may be future plans to one day get rid of the building in its entirety to make space for the further expansion of Terminal 2, but for now, it is still very much a part of the Heathrow campus and stands firmly in its place.”
Downham, often hailed as the most beautiful village in Lancashire, lies at the foot of Pendle Hill, close to the thriving market town of Clitheroe and boasts unrivalled views
Downham is often hailed as Lancashire’s most beautiful village(Image: MEN)
As you enter the picturesque village of Downham in Lancashire, the first thing that captures your attention is the breath-taking, unspoiled views of the surrounding countryside.
Then, as your eyes wander along the winding lanes, you’ll notice something unusual — the charming stone cottages lack modern features like TV aerials, power lines, or satellite dishes. There are no road signs or markings here, and the village itself seems almost frozen in time, as if it’s been untouched for centuries.
This timeless quality is no accident. Downham is one of the few villages in the UK to have remained under the ownership of the same ancestral family for over 500 years.
Often hailed as Lancashire’s most beautiful village, Downham regularly attracts visitors who enjoy wandering through its picturesque lanes alongside a babbling brook, stopping at the local ice cream shop, or enjoying a tipple at the village pub.
The Assheton family has owned the village for half a millennium, including the ancestral Downham Hall and the stunning 3,000 acres of rolling countryside that surround it.
They’ve worked tirelessly to preserve the village, ensuring it remains as true to its roots as possible. They own all the properties in Downham, allowing them to keep modern developments out of sight and maintain the area’s old-world charm.
While the cottages do have electricity, power lines are cleverly hidden beneath the unmarked roads to preserve the historical aesthetic. The ancestral Downham Estate is currently managed by the Hon Ralph Assheton, with the family’s residence, Downham Hall, standing as one of the village’s most stunning properties.
The Asshetons also have a policy of renting out local cottages to people who want to become part of the community, preventing second-home owners from leaving properties vacant for most of the year.
The Assheton family owns the village(Image: MEN)
Thanks to their commitment to preservation and the village’s breathtaking location overlooking Pendle Hill, Downham has become a sought-after filming location for period dramas. The 1961 hit movie Whistle Down the Wind is one of the most notable productions filmed here.
Michelle Brown, who runs the local ice cream shop and lives in the village with her family, shares her love for the area.
“It’s so unspoilt here, there aren’t many villages like this,” she said. If you took all the cars away, you’d half expect to see a horse and trap on the streets. It’s just a lovely little village, and we get lots of visitors who say it’s beautiful, yet you’ve got a bustling town like Clitheroe less than 10 minutes away.”
Visitors can also enjoy a drink at The Assheton Arms, which was a key filming location for BBC’s The Secret of Crickley Hall. This 18th-century gastropub boasts stunning views from its terrace, serves as a popular wedding venue, and offers six bedrooms for those wishing to stay.
The village has a very quaint ice cream shop (Image: MEN)
Despite attracting many tourists, locals still regard Downham as somewhat of a hidden treasure, especially since there are no road signs indicating you’ve arrived in the village.
For the Assheton family, preserving the village’s charm is important, but it’s not their only focus. They’re also dedicated to moving Downham forward while keeping its unique character intact.
A spokeswoman for the family told the Manchester Evening News: “Downham may look preserved in aspic, but it is a vibrant and thriving community supporting a range of businesses.”
One example is the transformation of Brookside Barn into office space, alongside the nearby eco-friendly Bowland Bioenergy, which supplies sustainable wood fuel products for biomass heating.
The Estate is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint, with the current challenge being to upgrade very old and listed properties without damaging their historical features.
The Estate is actively involved in the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership project, which includes initiatives such as creating a new bridleway connecting Downham to the nearby village of Chatburn, peat restoration efforts, and extensive tree planting projects.
HAVE you been inspired to get your running shoes on after watching the London and Manchester marathons last weekend? I know I have.
And already, nearly 1.2MILLION people from around the world have applied for next year’s run in the capital – which is a record-breaking figure.
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We’ve looked at ways to help you achieve your running goal
If running 26.2miles is your goal, today I’ve looked at ways to help you.
RUN CLUBS
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Members and newcomers can train together at PureGym’s Run Club
PUREGYM has launched its Run Club, where both members and newcomers can train together.
As well as expert guidance, it’s a great way to meet others who may also have gone mad for marathons.
The clubs are available at PureGym locations that have a qualified personal trainer who can lead a group, offering supportive, community-led running sessions suitable for all fitness levels.
Timetables vary, so check schedules directly with your local PureGym or via the app.
The Strive Fly vest is light, weighing just 113g, breathable and very comfortable
I ALWAYS thought a running vest was a bit bulky and pointless. But after trying this one from Silva, I get why so many people use them.
The Strive Fly vest is light, weighing just 113g, breathable and so comfortable that you forget you’ve got it on. It is really useful. It has several pockets (one with a zip) and adjustable straps.
Great if you like to take your keys and phone with you. But then, if you start taking it all a bit more seriously, you can carry water bottles and gels, too.
There are even straps for keeping drinking straws in place and a whistle in case of emergencies!
Team GB legend Paula Radcliffe gives her top tips ahead of running a marathon
It comes in black, green and rose – and I can see this becoming a key part of my regular running kit when I want to go the extra mile.
Healthspan has an Elite range designed for those focused on performance
VITAMIN company Healthspan has an Elite range designed for those focused on performance.
There are supplements, protein and nutrition products and vitamins specifically aimed at those who are active.
I love Activ Hydrate, which is an electrolyte sports drink. When we sweat during exercise, we lose vital fluid, together with tiny electronically charged particles – collectively called electrolytes.
These tablets, that you dilute in water, contain electrolytes – 300mg sodium, 100mg potassium, 40mg calcium and 20mg magnesium – that play a vital role in hydration.
I tried the refreshing Citrus Twist flavour. You wouldn’t know it was a “health drink”.
Thousands of Israelis have gathered outside the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv, urging the government to prioritise the release of captives still held in Gaza instead of escalating military operations in the Palestinian territory.
The demonstration on Saturday was held as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government authorised the mobilisation of up to 60,000 reserve troops, signalling plans to intensify its assault on the besieged Palestinian enclave.
One protester held aloft a placard castigating Netanyahu that read, “our tyrant is a liar, because of him the state is on fire”.
Government officials claim an expanded military offensive on Gaza will pressure Hamas into releasing the 59 remaining captives, but critics argue it further endangers their lives. Ending the fleeting ceasefire, which saw Palestinian prisoners exchanged for Israeli captives earlier this year, has not led to any more releases.
A video circulated by Hamas on Saturday purported to show one of the Israeli captives, whom local media identified as Maxim Herkin. In the four-minute video posted online, Herkin is seen being rescued by Hamas members after an Israeli attack struck a tunnel, burying and injuring the Israeli captive.
Families of the captives released a statement saying they spent the Sabbath gripped by “excruciating anxiety” after news of the government’s planned escalation and the effect it could have on those still held in Gaza.
The Bring Them Home Campaign, a group representing the relatives, condemned the move as reckless.
“Israel is on its way to sinking into the Gaza mud in the name of the illusion that it is possible to achieve any victory without returning our brothers and sisters from captivity,” the group said in a post on X. “Expanding the fighting will endanger the kidnapped, the living and the dead alike.”
They urged Netanyahu to abandon the offensive and instead reach an agreement that would secure the captives’ return. “Stop this mistake,” the group said.
‘Protests not enough to influence Netanyahu’
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Israeli journalist Gideon Levy said the protest movement remains consistent, but lacks the momentum to challenge Netanyahu’s coalition. “It’s the same old protest, very courageous and devoted, but not big enough to influence Netanyahu,” Levy said.
He noted that a large segment of Israeli society continues to support the war effort, even amid rising frustration from the captives’ families, and that “when [Israelis] are called to war, they will obey.”
Netanyahu, speaking Thursday at a public event in Jerusalem, seemed to suggest that defeating Hamas remains Israel’s top priority instead of the release of captives. “We want to bring all our hostages home,” he said. “The war has a supreme goal, and the supreme goal is victory over our enemies, and this we will achieve.”
Captives’ families have accused Netanyahu of undermining previous attempts to reach a truce and swap deal. Some believe his refusal to compromise reflects political motives, aimed at ensuring the survival of his far-right coalition government, rather than genuine concern for the captives.
