Commonwealth

NEW YORK — Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City on Tuesday, capping a stunning ascent for the 34-year-old state lawmaker, who was set to become the city’s most liberal mayor in generations.

In a victory for the Democratic party’s progressive wing, Mamdani defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani must now navigate the unending demands of America’s biggest city and deliver on ambitious — skeptics say unrealistic — campaign promises.

With the victory, the democratic socialist will etch his place in history as the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage and the first born in Africa. He will also become the city’s youngest mayor in more than a century when he takes office Jan. 1.

Mamdani’s unlikely rise gives credence to Democrats who have urged the party to embrace more progressive, left-wing candidates instead of rallying behind centrists in hopes of winning back swing voters who have abandoned the party.

It was one of three victories by Democrats in high-profile races for elective office that were being viewed as a gauge of public sentiment toward President Trump in his second term. In California, voters were expected to approve Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 50, a redistricting measure aimed at boosting Democrats’ chances in the midterm elections.

In New Jersey, Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill was elected New Jersey governor over Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who was endorsed by Trump.

New Jersey Democratic Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill speaks during an election night party in East Brunswick, N.J., on Tuesday.

(Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

Sherrill, a 53-year-old Navy veteran who represented a northern New Jersey district in the U.S. House for four terms, will be the state’s second female governor.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to give Democrats a key victory heading into the 2026 midterm elections and make history as the first woman to lead the commonwealth.

Spanberger, 46, is a center-left Democrat and former CIA case officer who helped her party win a House majority during Trump’s first presidency.

Economic worries were the dominant concern as voters cast ballots for Tuesday’s elections, according to preliminary findings from the AP Voter Poll.

The results of the expansive survey of more than 17,000 voters in New Jersey, Virginia, California and New York City suggested the public was troubled by an economy that seems trapped by higher prices and fewer job opportunities.

Supporters celebrate during the election night watch party for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger as she is projected to win the race at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

(Alex Wong / Getty Images)

Mamdani has already faced scrutiny from national Republicans, including Trump, who have eagerly cast him as a threat and the face of what they say is a more radical Democratic Party.

The contest drove the biggest turnout in a mayoral race in more than 50 years, with more than 2 million New Yorkers casting ballots, according to the city’s Board of Elections.

Mamdani’s grassroots campaign centered on affordability, and his charisma spoiled Cuomo’s attempted political comeback. The former governor, who resigned four years ago following allegations of sexual harassment that he continues to deny, was dogged by his past throughout the race and was criticized for running a negative campaign.

There’s also the question of how he will deal with Trump, who threatened to take over the city and to arrest and deport Mamdani if he won. Mamdani was born in Uganda, where he spent his early childhood, but was raised in New York City and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.

New Yorkers celebrate as NY1 projects Zohran Mamdani the winner in the mayoral election at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden on Tuesday.

(Jeremy Weine / Getty Images)

Mamdani, who was criticized throughout the campaign for his thin resume, will now have to begin staffing his incoming administration before taking office next year and game out how he plans to accomplish the ambitious but polarizing agenda that drove him to victory.

Among the campaign’s promises are free child care, free city bus service, city-run grocery stores and a new Department of Community Safety that would send mental health care workers to handle certain emergency calls rather than police officers. It is unclear how Mamdani will pay for such initiatives, given Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s steadfast opposition to his calls to raise taxes on wealthy people.

His decisions around the leadership of the New York Police Department will also be closely watched. Mamdani was a fierce critic of the department in 2020, calling for “this rogue agency” to be defunded and slamming it as “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety.” He has since apologized for those comments and has said he will ask the current NYPD commissioner to stay on the job.

Mamdani’s campaign was driven by his optimistic view of the city and his promises to improve the quality of life for its middle and lower classes.

But Cuomo, Sliwa and other critics assailed him over his vehement criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Mamdani, a longtime advocate of Palestinian rights, has accused Israel of committing genocide and said he would honor an arrest warrant the International Criminal Court issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

New York Independent mayoral candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo votes at the High School of Art and Design on Tuesday in New York City.

(Alexi J. Rosenfeld / Getty Images)

Going into the Democratic primary, Cuomo was the presumed favorite, with near-universal name recognition and deep political connections. Cuomo’s chances were buoyed further when incumbent Mayor Eric Adams bowed out of the primary while dealing with the fallout of his now-dismissed federal corruption case.

But as the race progressed, Mamdani’s natural charm, catchy social media videos and populist economic platform energized voters in the notoriously expensive city. He also began drawing outside attention as his name ID grew.

In New Jersey, Sherrill built her campaign around pushing back against Trump. She recently seized on the administration’s decision to abruptly freeze funding for a multibillion-dollar project to replace the aging rail tunnels that connect New Jersey to New York City beneath the Hudson River.

Spanberger’s victory in Virginia will flip partisan control of the governor’s office when she succeeds outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“We sent a message to every corner of the commonwealth, a message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country,” Spanberger told cheering supporters in Richmond. “We sent a message to the whole word that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our commonwealth over chaos.”

Izaguirre and Colvin write for the Associated Press. AP writers Mike Catalini, Adriana Gomez Licon, Olivia Diaz and Bill Barrow contributed to this report.

India is set to host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030 – the second time in 20 years that the event will have been held in the world’s most populous nation.

The city of Ahmedabad in the west of the country has been chosen ahead of Abuja in Nigeria by an evaluation commission from governing body Commonwealth Sport.

And the decision to hold the Games there in five years time is now expected to be ratified at the organisation’s general assembly in Glasgow on 26 November.

Ahmedabad can boast the Narendra Modi Stadium – the largest in the world, with a capacity of 132,000 – which hosted the Cricket World Cup final in 2023.

The city has a population in excess of five million people, and has even been suggested as a potential bidder to host a future Olympic Games.

“We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. P T Usha, president of Commonwealth Games Association India.

The Games first visited India in 2010 when Delhi hosted.

It is the second time Abuja has missed out on staging the Commonwealths, having been overlooked for the 2014 edition in favour of Glasgow.

And it also means Africa’s wait to hold the event for a first time will continue.

The news looks set to end fears that Glasgow 2026 might be the last-ever Games, with Scotland’s largest city having stepped in after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew for financial reasons.

That came after Birmingham took on the 2022 event after the South African city of Durban pulled out.

However, a reimagined format – with fewer sports, athletes and venues – has lessened the cost and enticed India, Nigeria and a handful of other countries to make their pitch to welcome the 74 Commonwealth Sport nations and territories.

A Commonwealth Sport statement said they “assessed candidate cities against a wide range of criteria including technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values”.

It added: “The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has agreed to develop a strategy for supporting and accelerating Nigeria’s hosting ambitions for future Games, including consideration for 2034.”

The 2030 Games will mark the centenary of the inaugural event held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

It’s the seaside village that is home to the oldest population in Britain, with the mean age of residents being 65

Many of us fantasise about retiring to the sun-soaked beaches of Europe or Asia, basking in pristine sands, palm trees and breathtaking sunsets. But you don’t need to look too far afield for somewhere you can enjoy a tranquil retirement, with serene towns boasting gentle waves and walkable cliffs for a slower, more peaceful life.

This is particularly true in the south of England, where Barton-on-Sea, a charming seaside village, holds the record for the highest average age population in Britain. The average age of residents in this Hampshire village is 65, a fact that became immediately evident upon my arrival to chat with locals about why the area attracts such an elderly demographic.

The pace of life is unhurried, with many using mobility scooters for transportation. One gentleman accidentally sped up and collided with a bicycle while trying to park.

Overlooking the sea towards the Isle of Wight are blocks of flats, including Westminster Court and Crescent Court. Residents can often be seen tending to flower beds outside their apartments, reports the Express.

A line of pensioners boarded a bus, presenting their freedom passes to the driver. The nearby streets are lined with rather impressive looking homes.

Indeed, according to Rightmove, the average house price in Barton-On-Sea over the past year was £554,156. Most of the properties sold in the village last year were detached houses, fetching an average price of £678,287. Flats were sold for an average price of £325,523.

Having a bit of wealth tucked away would certainly come in handy if you’re looking to buy property in this area.

One local described Barton as “affluent”, noting that the village isn’t teeming with young families. However, they pointed out that there are plenty of young families in nearby areas like New Milton and Milford-on-Sea, and that people often relocate to Barton from other parts of the UK, including London.

In the heart of Barton, there’s a war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who served in the First World War, which I found particularly interesting given my university studies on how Commonwealth troops were perceived post-war. The village centre also boasts a few cafes, a convenience store (where I had to explain why I was buying several newspapers – I always make a point of picking up a local paper wherever I go), a restaurant, another eatery down the road, a takeaway pizza joint, and a bathroom shop.

Standing in the middle of it all, it felt very much like being in a large retirement complex where everyone is taking their time and all immediate needs are catered for by the local businesses. As one resident put it, people have clearly chosen to settle in Barton for “a slower form of life in an area of great beauty”.

There aren’t any major employers offering jobs in the immediate vicinity, making it an ideal spot for those who’ve hung up their work boots. During the summer months, Barton is quite the charming place.

During my visit, locals and tourists alike savoured ice creams, enjoyed a spot of lunch, and took leisurely strolls along the cliffs, soaking up the calm and sunny conditions before the onset of the colder, windier winter months. It’s undeniably an idyllic location to spend your retirement years.

Such places are becoming increasingly sought-after as more Brits are fortunate enough to enjoy longer lifespans. However, as a relatively energetic 27-year-old, I suspect I might find village life a touch monotonous.

The lesser-known Caribbean island of Grenada is a true gem, with stunning white sand beaches, lush rainforests and some incredible natural wonders for a dreamy holiday

An undiscovered Caribbean paradise offers holidaymakers white sandy shores, lush forests and untouched natural beauty. Tucked away northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the dreamy destination of Grenada personifies classic Caribbean appeal.

Come May and June, Grenada presents superb weather with daytime temperatures averaging a comfortable 29C to 31C, cooling down to a pleasant 23C to 25C at night – a perfect respite from the unpredictable English climate.

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Yet, despite its charming climate, Grenada is still a hidden gem compared to its busier neighbours, welcoming just 366,000 visitors annually – far fewer than the likes of Antigua (680,000) and St Lucia (783,000).

Famous for its aromatic nutmeg and mace, the island is fittingly dubbed the “Island of Spice” and has a storied past that includes early Arawak and Carib inhabitants, a period under French control in the 17th century, and its subsequent transformation into a British colony, as per a report by the Express.

Grenada became independent from the UK in 1974 and now thrives as part of the Commonwealth. The nation prides itself on a rich cultural tapestry, with influences from African, European and indigenous Caribbean roots clearly visible in their rhythmic music, expressive dance, delectable food, and lively festivals, including the exuberant Carnival celebrations.

Grenada isn’t just rich in history, it’s also an adrenaline junkie’s dream destination where water sports abound.

Thanks to the island’s exceptional conditions, enthusiasts can try their hand at sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding with plenty of resorts and aquatic centres on hand to offer both equipment hire and lessons.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, a venture into Grenada’s lush heartland to Annandale Falls is a must-do activity. This picturesque cascade invites visitors to either dive into its refreshing pool or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

The secluded spot has earned glowing reviews on TripAdvisor from those lucky enough to stumble upon it. One impressed visitor shared: “First visit, only there for a day from a cruise ship, but just love this beautiful country. The people are extraordinarily polite and friendly.

“Taken around the island on a one hour taxi ride that lasted much longer and showed Grand Anse beach (absolutely gorgeous and where the locals play) and the famous University. Any Uni with its beach must be a winner! A beautiful, calm place to study with lots of happy-looking students milling around.

“Flowers and trees are in full bloom and taxi driver Ronald is incredibly knowledgeable about the political history of the island. The waterfront is beautiful and so many fish to see. Some serious hills to climb to the fort etc, so wear comfy shoes.”

Another holidaymaker chimed in: “A must, Grenada is my favourite West Indian Island with the locals being very helpful and friendly, and the local shops being interesting and cheap.

“Our favourite trip was on the Rhum Runner, a twin-hulled boat with a large flat deck and upper deck above. We boarded it for our second time just before Christmas with a steel band playing.

“A trip around the main harbour followed by the crew feeding the local large fish. During this time the Rum Punch flowed in abundance, along with soft drinks, fresh local fruit, and cheese.

“The next stop was a very beautiful beach which we landed on by literally walking down a gangplank. The rum still flowed whilst enjoying the scenery, even trays of drink appeared to float along on their own with crew members under the water.”