Donald Trump drew fierce condemnation on Friday after he went on a social media-sharing rampage on his Truth Social platform that included a clip parroting his 2020 election conspiracy theories — but which also depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as primates.
The 62-second clip cut briefly at the 59-second point to show footage of the Obamas’ faces superimposed on the animals’ bodies.
Trump, for years, boosted the baseless and racist birther theory that Barack Obama was not born in the United States and was therefore an illegitimate president.
Critics said his posting of the video showed “there’s no bottom.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s (Democrat) press office slammed it as “disgusting behaviour by the President” and called on “every single Republican” to denounce it. Others agreed:
Heart Radio presenter and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden made the admission, while also expressing hopes of welcoming a new addition to her and her husband’s family
Samantha Masters Content Editor
17:30, 06 Feb 2026
Amanda Holden has amusingly opened up about the numerous innocent activities she has done behind her husband’s back. The 54-year-old’s admission came earlier this week after her colleague Jamie Theakston informed listeners about his wife’s choice to rescue two additional cats, while he was away.
Having encountered the same scenario before, Jamie quipped that he can no longer take holidays for fear his house will become a “cattery”.
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“She smuggled two in when I was away last time,” he told listeners on the Heart Radio Breakfast Show. “What she does is uses the cover of me going away so that I can’t stop her.”
After Amanda suggested that his wife Sophie must meticulously plan her actions while he is out at work, Jamie agreed.
“Yeah, she’s got a whole double life that she leads,” he joked.
“And then if I’m on a golf weekend or away with my mates, she feels, ‘Well if he’s doing that, I’m going to get more kittens’.
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“So now, I can’t now go away or she’s going to have a cattery.”
Amanda then confessed that she had a comparable approach, acknowledging the frequent times she has performed a task while her husband, Chris Hughes, is away.
“I love that she does that, it makes me feel better because when Chris goes away, I decorate a room or clear out his awful t-shirts, burn the crocs,” she shared.
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“I do so many things behind his back like that, innocent things, but things where he’d get cross if he was at home or he’d say, ‘We don’t need to do that’.
“I really do want to rescue another puppy you see, but Chris is putting his foot down at the moment,” she added, before joking: “When is he going away?”
Later on in the show, she added: “I think he thinks he’s alone and that I’m just this wife that does all this stuff behind his back and he’s not alone Jamie, you’re there with him.
“There must be loads of people whose husbands and wives that do this sort of thing,” she added.
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Looking back on previous choices, which have included her rescuing their latest furry addition from Greece, she continued: “Chris always says, ‘I don’t know why you’re asking me because you’re going to do it anyway’.”
Last month, Amanda informed listeners she was eager to welcome another puppy into the household.
The couple already have a bustling home with their two daughters, Hollie and Lexie, rescue dog Rudie, and cats Muffy and Bolt.
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And while her husband has made it clear he doesn’t want any additional pets, Amanda isn’t giving up.
In a light-hearted on-air appeal during a recent episode, she said: “[We’ve got] lots of furry babies, I’m going to have to talk to Chris because I really want to rescue another puppy and if he’s listening and it goes out on air, it’ll be very difficult for him to turn me down.”
Trying to persuade him further, Amanda added: “Darling, I love you.”
Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.
The vehicle failed to stop when directed by police which then led to a pursuit at speed
Three arrests were made in the early hours of this morning, (Friday) following a vehicle pursuit in Ballynahinch. PSNI said the pursuit started shortly after midnight when a red Audi failed to stop when signalled to do so by officers.
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The vehicle took off from Main Street in the direction of Dromara at speed, before it was brought to a stop by colleagues from the Roads Policing United. They managed to stop the car in the vicinity of the Rathfriland Road, in Dromara.
A man, aged 27 was arrested on suspicion of a number of motoring offences including dangerous driving and taking a motor vehicle without authority. Police confirmed that he remains in custody at this time.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including criminal damage. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries. A 25-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of suspected Class B and C controlled drugs. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart, of the Metropolitan Police, said in a statement: “I can confirm that officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team are in the process of carrying out search warrants at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area.
LONDON (AP) — British police on Friday searched two properties linked to ex-ambassador Peter Mandelson as part of a probe into potential misconduct stemming from his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart said that “officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team are in the process of carrying out search warrants at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area.
“The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offenses, involving a 72-year-old man.”
Mandelson, 72, has homes in Wiltshire in western England and the Camden area of London.
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The former Cabinet minister, ambassador and elder statesman of the governing Labour Party is being investigated for potential misconduct in public office over documents, part of a trove of Epstein files released in the United States, suggesting he passed sensitive government information to Epstein a decade and a half ago.
Mandelson has not been arrested or charged.
Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who fired Mandelson from his ambassadorial job over earlier revelations about his Epstein ties, is facing a political storm over his decision in 2024 to appoint him to Britain’s most important diplomatic post.
From sightseeing to sunbathing and avoiding seasickness, there is plenty to consider when packing for a cruise.
You need to prepare for different temperatures at a variety of cruise port stops and there may even be dress codes on board.
Storage space can vary on cruise lines depending on the type of cabin so it is important to pack efficiently.
Cruise lines tend to have similar weight limits to airlines for luggage but unlike going on a aeroplane, you can have as many suitcases that will fit in your cabin.
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This is especially helpful if you are UK-based and sailing from a port such as Southampton as you just need to fit your cases into a car and transfer them onto the ship.
You can take as many suitcases as you like on board but there are weight limits (Marc Shoffman)
There is no need to overpack, though.
While there are, of course, the holiday essentials you’d expect to ack – such as a toothbrush, suncream and spending money, as well as the obvious items including swimming costumes and comfortable shoes for exploring – it’s worth noting that many essentials may be available to buy on the ship or even provided for free.
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We asked cruise experts what items passengers really do and don’t need in their suitcase for a sailing.
Themed and formal nights
If you like getting dressed up, don’t forget to pack your tuxedo or cocktail dress.
Most cruises will have a formal or cocktail night where guests are encouraged to wear smart attire.
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These aren’t compulsory but can be a fun way to have a more elegant evening and get some smart pictures while on holiday.
There may also be themed party nights such as a 1980s disco so you may want to pack your leg warmers or come equipped with fun accessories.
Marc and Danielle Shoffman went back to the 1980s with Ambassador Cruise Line on a themed cruise (Marc Shoffman)
You can often find out what the themes will be by checking Facebook groups for previous sailings or reading through your booking information and itinerary before you board.
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“Staterooms have plenty of storage, so guests have more space than they think,” said Janet Parton, vice president of business development for the UK, Europe and Australia at Celestyal.
“We favour relaxed style cruising, and our cruises include casual days and a few slightly smarter evenings, so a small selection of versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched is ideal.
“It’s also worth considering dining. Breakfast and lunch are generally casual, while dinner is usually smart casual, with more formal wear for gala nights. On Celestyal, we also host sail away parties and celebration evenings such as our blue-and-white themed Greek night and a white night, which are always popular and give guests the chance to dress up if they wish.”
Most cruise lines such a MSC Cruises will supply towels so you don’t need to pack your own (Marc Shoffman)
You will want to bring your own toiletries such as a toothbrush and makeup, but there are some items you can leave at home.
Parton added: “Before setting sail, always check what’s already included on board. Items such as hairdryers, pool towels and toiletries are provided, which saves luggage space for gifts and unique souvenirs from destinations.”
There are lots of items you may need to carry around a cruise ship such as you phone or cruise card, and you may need your passport and money when exploring ashore.
Ambassador Cruise Line’s chief experience officer Bob McGowan said: “Having a compact bag whilst at dinner, enjoying a show or popping to the bar can be handy – helping to avoid that moment of panic when you realise you’ve left your phone in the restaurant – whilst a rucksack is great for a big day of exploring once in port.”
Parton added:”Keep a small day bag handy for shore excursions, with essentials such as a swimming attire for a cooling dip in the sea or pool onboard when you return, sunscreen and a hat, a reusable water bottle and local currency. Any necessary medication should go in your carry-on so it’s accessible straight away.
“With a little planning, guests can pack lighter, stay organised, and enjoy every moment on and off the ship.”
It is also worth having a backpack ready with swimwear and any other essentials you may want on embarkation day while you are waiting for your suitcase to be delivered to your cabin.
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Prepare for seasickness
Seasickness can strike any sailors (Marc Shoffman)
Even seasoned sailors can get seasick so whether you are a first-time cruiser or an experienced passenger, it is always worth packing motion-sickness tablets.
Some passengers also use sea bands or put special patches behind their ears, which are designed to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness.
“Having a few seasickness tablets stowed away in your suitcase can provide peace of mind, even if you don’t end up using them,” McGowan added.
“Alternatively, many cruise brands including Ambassador have seasickness tablets freely available to offer to travellers when on board.”
Holiday reading
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You may not need to pack many books if there is a library on the ship (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A book is a must-have item on any type of holiday but McGowan says passengers shouldn’t worry about bringing too many on a cruise.
He explained: “Most cruise ships have their own library or at the very least a book swap arrangement so you can find a whole selection of literature to choose from during your sailing.”
Most cruise cabins will have a cupboard and drawers, but you can create extra storage. One top tip is using metal hooks that you can purchase off Amazon for around £5. These cling to the walls of a cabin to provide another area for your items.
Lindsay Haslehurst, head of product and commercial at Cruise118.com, said: “Almost all cabin walls are metal, so metal hooks are a game-changer for hanging hats, lanyards, or even wet swimwear.”
Cruise ducks and decor
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Amelie and Isabelle Shoffman with their cruise duck collection aboard Discovery Princess (Marc Shoffman)
Many cruise passengers take part in an onboard scavenger hunt tradition where guests hide ducks around a ship for other travellers to find. You can either keep your stash or hide it for someone else.
This can be a great way to keep the kids occupied while on long sea days so it is worth packing your own to take part.
Some guests even bring magnets or items from home to decorate their cabin door, which can make it easier to spot your stateroom.
Students from Sedgefield Community College visited Hardwick East Park yesterday (February 5), ahead of the 2026 English National Cross Country Championships.
They took part in a series of mini races on part of the course that thousands of runners from across the country will tackle later this month.
The championships will be held on Saturday, February 21, marking the first time the event has returned to County Durham in 25 years.
National Cross Country Championships heads to Sedgefield later this month (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Students from Sedgefield Community College (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Organised by the English Cross Country Association alongside Sedgefield Harriers, the championships will feature 10 separate junior and senior races, starting at 11am.
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During their visit, students from four year groups competed in a series of ‘Queen and King of the Hill’ races on part of the course, with prizes awarded to the fastest runners.
With financial support from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, Sedgefield Harriers is investing additional resources into promoting the championships and encouraging more people to take up the sport.
The project aligns with the mayor’s ambition for the North East to become the UK’s first ‘Region of Sport’.
Students from Sedgefield Community College at the launch event (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Sue Dobson, chair of Sedgefield Harriers, said: “There’s a real buzz around the club and Sedgefield in general as we prepare to host the national championships of our sport. Loads of Harriers have signed up to take part, including some of our junior runners.
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“A lot of them are students at Sedgefield Community College and we hope that their energy and enthusiasm will inspire more young people in the area to take up athletics.”
Students from Sedgefield Community College (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Lesley Strickland, events and sports lead at the North East Combined Authority, added: “Hosting the Nationals is a fantastic chance to showcase County Durham and inspire people of all ages to get into running.
“Grassroots sport is where healthy habits start, and events like this can spark that first step.”
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Student Lewis Amer said keeping active has helped him develop socially.
He said: “I enjoy being active and healthy. I particularly enjoy the social aspects of sport. These are really important to me. I have made lots of friends through having an active lifestyle and also develop many personal qualities like teamwork and communication.”
Students from Sedgefield Community College (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Steven Hepples, leader of sport and promotion of active lifestyles at Sedgefield Community College, said: “Events like this are fantastic for everybody in the local community. This includes the young and the old.
“Providing opportunities to spectate at, or even be a part of, such an event will hopefully inspire more people to lead healthy, active lifestyles.
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“Whether trying something for the first time or achieving personal performance goals, we all need to find our own motivation to lead a health active lifestyle. Events like this in our community will support this.
From all of us at Sedgefield Community College, we would like to wish all competitors and organisers every success.
A British man has died after falling from the sixth-floor balcony of a hotel in Spain.
The country’s National Police are investigating the circumstances behind the death of the 37-year-old in the Costa del Sol town of Torremolinos in the early hours of Wednesday, according to local newspaper Diario Sur.
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Parts of the East Coast Mainline are closed this afternoon – affecting train travel between York and Doncaster.
The incident was reported at 2.20pm today (February 6) with the entire mainline set to be impacted by the travel delays.
RECOMMENDED READING:
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Major disruption is expected until the end of the day and trains may be severely delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised
“A failure of the electricity supply between Doncaster and York means that the line towards York is blocked. As a result, trains running between these stations may be severely delayed or revised,” said a spokesperson for National Rail at time.
Network Rail engineers are on site and are investigating the issue.
Your ticket can be used at no extra cost on the following services and routes:
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CrossCountry between Doncaster, Leeds, York and Newcastle / Edinburgh
Grand Central between London Kings Cross and Doncaster / Bradford Interchange / York
Lumo between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh
Northern between Doncaster, Leeds, York and Newcastle
TransPennine Express between Manchester, Leeds and York / Newcastle
LNER between Doncaster and Leeds
Northern between Doncaster and Leeds
TransPennine Express between Leeds and York
LNER and CrossCountry between York and Newcastle
TransPennine Express between Newcastle and Edinburgh
ScotRail between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street from 16:30
You do not need to amend your ticket to use it on these services.
Police received a report of a serious assault in the early hours of Monday (February 2) and were called to an address in the Eston area just before 3am.
It was reported that a man had entered the property, violently attacked the woman and fled with two mobile phones.
The woman was taken to James Cook University Hospital for treatment for her injuries.
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A 34‑year‑old man was arrested on Thursday (February 5).
He remains in custody and now faces questioning on suspicion of aggravated burglary, theft, stalking and assault.
A spokesperson from Cleveland Police said: “Safeguarding measures have been put in place for the woman and enquiries by Redcar & Cleveland CID are ongoing.”
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