Hearts’ comeback win over Rangers has put them in pole position to end 40 years of Old Firm dominance in the Scottish Premiership title race, but Celtic boss Martin O’Neill knows it’s no longer in his hands

Martin O’Neill has admitted that Rangers are virtually out of the title race – and recognises that even his own side’s destiny is no longer in their control.

Hearts’ dramatic comeback win at Tynecastle yesterday moved the Jambos three points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Premiership, and has essentially extinguished Rangers’ championship ambitions.

The Ibrox outfit now trail by seven points with just three matches remaining and face a trip to Parkhead next weekend where they could potentially hand Hearts a massive favour.

Hearts are aware that two victories from their remaining two fixtures will be sufficient to break 40 years of Old Firm supremacy if the Hoops slip up in either of their next two outings.

O’Neill observed events from Gorgie and wasn’t cheering Lawrence Shankland’s match-winner – as a stalemate would have been the optimal outcome for his side, reports the Daily Record.

However, he acknowledges it’s an even bigger blow for Rangers, whose aspirations now hang by the thinnest of margins.

Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Neill said: “Rangers are number of points behind Hearts, and there are only three games left, so that would be difficult to overcome at this stage.

“It’s not impossible. It can happen. You can still win your games. And there are very difficult matches still for all of us to come through.

“From our own position, we have to try and win the three games.

“But even then, strangely, that might not mathematically be enough, with Hearts having a better goal difference than us. I still think there’s a couple of twists still left.

“I suppose probably deep down I was looking for a draw (between Hearts and Rangers). A draw is very, very difficult to cheer on, but that would then have put it in our own hands. As it turns out, mathematically speaking, it’s not actually in our own hands.”

O’Neill was gracious in his view of Hearts, acknowledging they would be deserving champions if they manage to finish the job.

However, he’s far from throwing in the towel.

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Celtic can push the title race to the final day with back-to-back wins, starting with Rangers next weekend followed by Motherwell on 13 April. That would set up a huge clash in the capital – where goal difference could ultimately prove decisive.

“It’s actually a great credit to Hearts this season for investing and going strongly at it, getting their noses in front and being able to stay there,” O’Neill went on.

“From our own viewpoint, it’s been a tough old season. The players have had a number of managers. I don’t know how many times I’ve come in myself. It feels like about six or seven in the one year!

“But credit to the team, we’re still fighting. We still have a chance. There’s no question about it. We still have to try and win our games. But it’s been a long time since a split game between Celtic and Rangers doesn’t constitute the winning of the title.”

O’Neill was subsequently questioned about whether he’d rediscovered his passion for management, with presenter Jim White probing him on the possibility of remaining at the club past the summer. However, a coy O’Neill remarked: “I’ve said it umpteen times, I’ve never enjoyed management! I’ve been out a long time. But of course, there is an enjoyment when you win.

“It’s still exciting, seriously exciting, and it is good. I feel a sense of renaissance, coming back and working with young people, it’s really, really terrific.

“We’ll have to see see how we stand at the end of the season, and that’s nearly upon us now. “

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As he was hit with penalty points and the fine, he also told a court he has ‘no confidence’ in the Department of Infrastructure who are ‘not fit for purpose’

Lord Dunleath was handed three penalty points and a £100 fine today after the peer was convicted of speeding at the international airport.

Despite claims by the 75-year-old that signage at Belfast International Airport was “pathetic” and that he has “no confidence” in the Department of Infrastructure who are “not fit for purpose,” District Judge Nigel Broderick said he was satisfied Lord Dunleath was guilty.

During a half-hour contest at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, Lord Dunleath represented himself to contest the allegation that he was driving at excess speed on 31 May last year.

The court heard that just before 10.30am, a laser detection camera captured an Audi Q7 travelling at 38mph in the 30 zone.

An officer from the Fixed Penalty Office gave evidence that in correspondence with Lord Dunleath over several months, it was confirmed that “the writer was the driver.”

Despite the offer of penalty points and a fine, the offers were not taken up and eventually, Lord Dunleath was notified of an intention for prosecution.

Giving evidence on his own behalf, the 75-year-old told the court he had been returning home to Ballywalter after “dropping two lovely French students at the airport to catch a flight to Paris” when the alleged offence occurred.

He claimed that leaving the airport, drivers are confronted “with a plethora of signs” advising of the route to Belfast and Dublin and remaining drivers “in about six different languages,” to drive on the left hand side.

Declaring that the Road Safety Partnership “have scored an own goal,” Lord Dunleath claimed that signs warning drivers they are in a 30mph zone “are pathetic…and possibly illegal.”

Under cross-examination, he conceded there are speed limit signs on the way to the airport but when asked how long he had been in dropping off the students, Lord Dunleath told the prosecutor “I do not see how that is relevant.”

Handing in two copies of his local paper, the Ards Chronicle, the pensioner said articles within them covered two accidents which had occurred near his home.

He claimed that he has recently had a meeting with MP Jim Shannon about the road near his home and that both he and Mr Shannon have written to the Dept of Infrastructure highlighting the dangers and the lack of signs.

Lord Dunleth lamented however that “I do not have any confidence in the Dept of infrastructure whatsoever…they are not fit for purpose.”

Judge Broderick said while it was clear the defendant “has firmly held views” about the lack of signage and the capabilities of the department, “they’re not really relevant.”

What is relevant, the judge added, was that “I am satisfied that there is sufficient signage to alert drivers” that they are in a 30 mph zone.

Accordingly, Lord Dunleath was convicted of driving with excess speed. While the pensioner claimed he had no previous convictions, Judge Broderick heard that he was fined £240 and given three points for speeding in December 2021.

In relation to his most recent offending, Lord Dunleath told Judge Broerick: “I strongly believe in British justice and if British justice decides that I am guilty, I will just have to accept it really.”

Having been handed a £100 fine and his licence to be endorsed with three penalty points, he said he would go and pay his fine “right now.”

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The appeal comes after a review found several failings of the PSNI during their investigation into the murder of 21-year-old showjumper Katie

Police have urged others who may have been harmed by the man arrested in the Katie Simpson case to come forward, as a review identified more than 30 other potential victims.

The PSNI apologised to Ms Simpson’s family, accepting its “failings are clear” and the force “fell short”.

Ms Simpson, 21, from Tynan, Co Armagh, died in Altnagelvin Area Hospital almost a week after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney.

READ MORE: Mum of murdered Katie Simpson: ‘People who think they’re above the law, you’re not above God’s law’READ MORE: Katie Simpson report finds she had been groomed by Creswell from the age of 10

Police originally thought she had taken her own life, and it was not until the following year that Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Ms Simpson’s sister, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The trial of Creswell, 36, for the murder of Ms Simpson ended in April 2024 after he took his own life following the first day of proceedings.

An independent review led by Dr Jan Melia, commissioned by the Department of Justice, found that “not one officer thought seriously about abuse/control” in the police investigation in 2020.

It also found officers failed to identify inconsistencies in Creswell’s account, neglected to preserve vital evidence, demonstrated a striking lack of professional curiosity, and failed to employ an investigative mindset or consider the possibility of abuse/control, in spite of clear warning signs.

PSNI assistant chief constable Davy Beck said “work has already commenced” in the force to deal with the failings identified in Ms Simpson’s investigation.

He told reporters in Belfast: “Since this case, we have strengthened training on coercive control, we have also increased emphasis on professional curiosity and an investigative mind set.”

He added: “We have reviewed and refreshed our investigative training and death investigation instructions while enhancing supervisory standards in this regard. Safeguarding referrals in domestic abuse cases are already subject to enhanced supervisory review.

“Oversight structures have been reinforced to ensure clearer escalation when concerns are raised.

“We recognise that more must be done and, as part of our recovery plan, I am committed to increasing resourcing in our Publication Protection Branch.

“We are committed to rebuilding trust through action, accountability, and reform.”

The report also found that 37 people, both female and male, have come forward to say they were abused by Creswell.

Mr Beck appealed to “anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Jonathan Creswell or anyone else”.

“I would urge victims to speak to us, we are here to listen, to help and to keep you safe,” he said.

The senior officer apologised to Ms Simpson’s family and said the force remains “committed to learning from this case”.

“From the PSNI perspective we accept and welcome this review and accept the findings in full. We will of course take some time to review the findings in detail and we are committed to working with the author, the Department of Justice and other partners to implement the recommendations in full,” Mr Beck said.

“The review makes clear that we missed opportunities.

“Warning signs were not fully recognised early enough and we did not listen to some of those who raised early concerns.

“Let me be clear, they got it right and we were too slow to respond to their concerns; that was wrong.

“Patterns of coercive control were not sufficiently understood or challenged, investigative decisions did not always reflect the level of professional curiosity and rigor that should have been applied.

“The failings are clear, we fell short and for that, I am truly sorry.”

Chair of the policing board Brendan Mullan said the review “sets out in stark detail a series of missed opportunities which makes for deeply troubling reading” and highlights the need for “both systems and attitudinal change within policing and the Criminal Justice System”.

He said: “The Board will be questioning the Chief Constable at its meeting this week on how the listed areas for action are now fully embedded and integrated into everyday policing practice and mindset, particularly in light of the findings from the recently published Langdale Review.

“It is welcome that the Justice Minister, in her statement to the Assembly, acknowledged the co-operation and candour on this review.

“It is only through such openness that the changes necessary can be effected so that no other victim will be failed in the way that Katie was.”

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Archie Donald died following a heart attack in November 2019 two weeks after blood tests showed indications of a potential infection.

The death of a three-year-old boy at a Glasgow hospital could have been avoided if an abnormal blood rest result had been acted on sooner, a sheriff has ruled.

Archie Donald died on November 20, 2019 at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow after suffering from an infection.

Born on July 22, 2016, Archie suffered from congenital nephritic syndrome (CNS), a chronic kidney condition that required ongoing medical treatment – and, in 2017, the removal of his left kidney.

During a routine outpatient appointment on November 5, 2019, a blood test found Archie’s C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 98mg/l (milligrams per litre) – well above the “normal range” of 0-10mg/l.

CRP, which measures inflammation levels in the body, is an indicator of infection.

Despite the elevated level, Archie was not assessed for infection and his blood cultures were not taken, and he was allowed to return home.

During his next outpatient appointment on the morning of November 19 medical staff noticed he was “very pale” and that he had developed a heart murmur.

Blood tests were done and he was admitted for a blood transfusion to address low haemoglobin levels, and for investigations into his heart murmur.

After being admitted to a ward that evening Archie was checked regularly and given further tests, and nurses administered antibiotics.

However in the early hours of November 20 his condition was found to have deteriorated, and at 3.36am his mother Caitlin Donald pressed the emergency buzzer as Archie had stopped breathing.

Efforts were made to save his life, but he was pronounced dead at 4.36am having suffered a heart attack.

Samples from his intravenous line earlier that evening later tested positive for a bacteria called Enterococcus faecalis.

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into Archie’s death was held before Sheriff Thomas Millar at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

In his determination, the sheriff said Archie’s death could “realistically” have been avoided if his elevated CRP level on November 5 had been acted upon.

He said had blood cultures been ordered, they would “on balance” have tested positive for Enterococcus faecalis, and “prompted further investigations particularly for appropriate antibiotic treatment to treat or slow progression of the infection”.

The sheriff also noted a failure to follow the “appropriate guidelines and anticipatory care plan in place for Archie”, which he said meant an infection specialist should have been consulted and/or blood cultures ordered where there was a “possibility of infection”.

He said Archie was regularly found to have elevated CRP levels between October 8 and November 5.

Sheriff Millar also noted Archie’s raised CRP level on November 5 was not noted on his discharge letter, and that it would have been raised at a subsequent post-clinic multi-disciplinary team meeting, but that this meeting got rescheduled.

The 39-page judgment added that while the source of the infection is unknown, “for the avoidance of doubt, the source was not connected to Archie’s attendances at the RHC”.

Sheriff Millar ended his determination with an expression of sympathy for Archie’s family.

“I would wish to express my condolences to Archie’s family. Many family members sat through every day of the inquiry, which must have been difficult for them,” the determination read.

“His family had nursed Archie from birth through many hospital visits and cared for him very well.

“Archie was about to embark on another stage of his life with a kidney transplant planned in the near future, with a donation of a kidney from his father.

“The death of any child is a tragedy, but Archie’s even more so.”

Following publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “The death of Archie Donald occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary FAI was instructed.

“The sheriff’s determination is detailed and notes a reasonable precaution that could have been taken to avoid Archie Donald’s death.

“The FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Procurator Fiscal who ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Archie’s death were presented in evidence.

“Archie’s family have been provided with a copy of the sheriff’s determination and our thoughts are with them at this time.”

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Merseyside Police arrested an Everton fan during his side’s match against Manchester City for alleged racist abuse towards Antoine Semenyo.

The supporter was apprehended at the Premier League fixture between the sides at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, which finished 3-3.

Police said a 71-year-old man from Nottinghamshire was arrested “on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence” after “supporters and stewards reported that racist abuse was shouted by a fan”.

“An investigation into the incident during the match remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with Everton FC,” said a police statement.

“He has now been bailed with conditions, which includes not to go within one mile of any designated sports stadium in a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during the match and up to four hours after the game has ended.”

Everton said in a statement that “behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated”.

“Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society,” the club said.

“The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with its zero-tolerance approach.”

It is the second time Ghana international Semenyo, 26, has been the target of racist abuse this season.

While playing for former club Bournemouth in the opening Premier League match of this season, Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool.

Semenyo subsequently said more should be done to tackle racism in football, including possible prison sentences for those convicted of abuse.

Manchester City praised the “swift action” of Everton and Merseyside Police.

The club said England defender Marc Guehi, 25, also suffered online racist abuse following the match.

“We are incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guehi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night,” said a City statement.

“We will continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game.”

Matthew Jones, 30, got out of his car and launched an unprovoked attack on the terrified worker

An intoxicated thug launched an unprovoked attack on a car wash worker, a court has heard. Matthew Jones directed abuse at the victim, which was racially motivated, as the employee was taking a break.

A court was told the 30-year-old made threats to knock out the employee and shouted that he was fed up with “foreigners coming here.” Jones, of South Street, Cottingham, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and causing racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence on July 20 last year.

Claire Holmes, prosecuting, informed Grimsby Crown Court that the car wash employee was sitting in his vehicle because of rainfall and the absence of customers at the car wash near Hull. Jones pulled up in his car, parking extremely close behind him, exited his vehicle, started yelling and hammered on the car wash employee’s window, reports Hull Live.

The man stepped out of his car and Jones approached him directly, shouting, swearing and making gestures. He could detect alcohol on Jones’s breath, who launched into a barrage of racial abuse, seized hold of the employee’s clothing and pulled him forward. A scuffle ensued.

The man attempted to distance himself from the confrontation but Jones pursued him. “He tried to protect himself by grabbing a set of small metal steps, which he threw towards the defendant,” Miss Holmes said. Other car wash employees attempted to intervene, but Jones persisted in his shouting and swearing. He yelled: “I’ve had enough of you f****** foreigners coming here. F*** you. Come over here. I will knock you out. Come and hit me, you little s***.”

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The entire incident was recorded on CCTV. As the victim began dialling the police, Jones climbed into his vehicle and drove away. However, he returned shortly afterwards on foot and resumed his verbal assault on the worker.

The victim rang 999 and officers arrived to detain Jones. Miss Holmes noted that, during his police interview, Jones denied that his outburst was racist.

“It was an observation,” he told police officers. Jones was subsequently convicted at a magistrates’ court in July last year of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. He had convictions for five previous offences.

Oliver Shipley, mitigating, said that Jones was lightly convicted. He admitted the offences at an early stage.

Judge Gurdial Singh told Jones: “You behaved disgracefully. He was doing nothing wrong and you launched into him.” He described it as a “deliberate attempt to demean, insult and abuse him” on that occasion.

“You meant it as a term of abuse,” said Judge Singh. “I am going to give you one chance and one chance only.”

Jones received 250 hours’ unpaid work, an alcohol treatment course and 10 days’ rehabilitation.

The hygiene of cruise lines may be under scrutiny after a suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a polar expedition vessel – but passengers should be reassured that cases are rare.

At least three people have died aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ MV Hondius, which began a remote voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde on 1 April, carrying 147 passengers.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said a total of seven hantavirus cases – two confirmed and five suspected – had been identified on the cruise ship so far.

Three individuals will be medically evacuated in Cape Verde, but most passengers are required to remain on board until the ship reaches the Canary Islands: a voyage that is expected to take three days.

Oceanwide Expeditions said there is no “definitive disembarkation point” for the remaining guests but sailing on to Las Palmas or Tenerife is being considered, where further medical screening and handling could take place.

A statement from industry group, the Expedition Cruise Network, said ships undergo strict biosecurity measures.

It said: “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and families affected.

“As a member of the Expedition Cruise Network, Oceanwide Expeditions has our full support as they manage this situation.”

Can you catch hantavirus on a cruise ship?

Despite the high-profile coverage, cases of hantavirus are rare. In fact, there are no other known cases of hantavirus being present on a cruise.

Hantavirus is mainly spread by contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings, particularly when the material is disturbed and becomes airborne, posing a risk of inhalation.

The WHO says that while uncommon, hantaviruses may spread between people.

It is still unclear whether the outbreak began on board or via an excursion. Passengers have visited remote locations including Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension Island during the cruise.

Dr Maria van Kerkhove, director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention at WHO,told BBC Breakfast: “We have a working hypothesis that there’s probably a mixture of different types of transmission.

“This is also a boat that went to many different islands. They were looking at wildlife, they were looking at birds, and on some of these islands, there’s rodents as well.

“So there could be a mixture of exposure to rodents in different places, but because some of the cases are close contacts, sharing cabins together, our assumption is that there’s a bit of a mix.”

Aside from this case, there is no public data on hantavirus outbreaks on other cruise ships.

A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said: “We are aware of reports regarding cases of hantavirus associated with a recent voyage on a non-member cruise line.

“Our thoughts are with those affected. CLIA-member cruise lines are required to adhere to comprehensive health, safety and medical policies designed to detect, prevent and mitigate illness. Available public health data indicates that rates of illness on cruise ships are lower than in comparable land-based settings.”

How common is norovirus on cruise ships?

While there are no known cases of hantavirus on other cruise lines, stomach bugs and norovirus are more common concerns.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and stomach pain.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 23 norovirus cases on cruise ships in 2025.

These figures only cover ships that visit an American port, so the actual numbers are likely much higher.

But with 30 million yearly passengers worldwide, the risk of becoming unwell is minimal.

In fact, data from the CDC suggests passengers are more likely to fall ill on land. Occurrences of gastrointestinal issues are one in 5,500 at sea, which accounts for around one per cent of all cases.

Will you get ill on a cruise?

With thousands of people congregating in a confined space, it is no surprise that people can get ill on a cruise.

This perception was compounded during the pandemic, when coronavirus cases escalated among hundreds of passengers on Diamond Princess and the ship ended up quarantined in Japan for two weeks.

There have also been negative media portrayals in programmes such as HBO’s The Last Cruise documentary.

Despite the media coverage, CDC data suggests the most common settings for gastrointestinal illnesses are actually healthcare facilities followed by restaurants or catered events, schools and day care centres.

Nicky Kelvin, editor at large of travel tips website The Points Guy, said: “Passengers are not highly likely to become sick from hygiene-related causes on a cruise due to high standards of cleanliness, as well as rigorous inspections which have been implemented since 1970.

“Concerns about norovirus on cruises are a result of ships being required to report all cases of norovirus to authorities, compared with schools or nursing homes where norovirus is rampant but do not require reports.”

How clean are cruise ships?

Cruise lines follow the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organisation and the CDC’s Vessel Sanitisation Program (VSP). Among the requirements is the need for passengers to complete health questionnaires before boarding.

The regulations require cruise ships to provide health declarations detailing illnesses of individuals on board to port authorities prior to docking.

Every cruise ship receives multiple inspections each year – announced and unannounced – to support implementation of strict environmental and safety regulations.

Under the VSP, ships must get 86 out of 100 points to pass, covering cleanliness of areas such as cabins, galleys and dining rooms, swimming pools and kids’ clubs.

To comply with this, cruise ships are routinely cleaned, with crew regularly sanitising surfaces such as tables, handrails, door handles and taps. Cruise passengers are reminded to wash their hands when entering the buffet and restaurants, while hand sanitisers are readily available in public locations.

Members of industry trade body the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also follow guidelines specifying that ships must have at least one qualified medical professional permanently available for medical bay visits or cabin “house calls”.

CLIA managing director Andy Harmer said: “The cruise industry’s first priority is the health and safety of passengers, crew and the communities that we visit.

“Thanks to robust and rigorous protocols that cruise lines have put in place, cruise is one of the safest forms of travel. From cleaning practices that are often unparalleled in other settings to passenger screenings, cruise lines take extensive measures to keep their guests healthy.”

What happens when there is an outbreak on a cruise?

If a passenger contracts norovirus or other contagious illnesses, they are usually quarantined in their cabin to prevent further spread of the illness.

Jenni Fielding, who runs the Cruise Mummy blog, added that the situation can change quickly if there is an outbreak.

She said: “I’ve experienced this on about 10 per cent of my cruises. When it happens, things like salt and pepper shakers disappear, replaced by individual sachets.

“You won’t be allowed to serve your own drinks in the buffet; crew members will do it for you. You’ll also see crew with buckets of disinfectant, scrubbing every surface between guests. If you do get sick, you’ll be ordered to stay in your cabin until you’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours – and don’t worry, room service is free.”

To prevent illness, she advises avoiding touching handrails unless absolutely necessary and pressing elevator buttons with your knuckles.

She said: “Little things like this help reduce the risk of catching anything.

“Since the pandemic, new cruise ships have been designed with extra hygiene measures in mind. Every restaurant now has handwashing sinks at the entrance, and some even have automatic hand-washing machines. Many cruise lines are also moving away from self-service buffets, with crew members plating up food instead.

“When Covid first hit, the idea of people being stuck on ships made for dramatic headlines. But that doesn’t mean you’re more likely to catch illnesses on a cruise ship. I’ve never stayed in a hotel or eaten in a restaurant where someone ensures every single person has clean hands before entering. On a cruise ship, that’s just standard practice.”

Read more: How to avoid getting seasick on a cruise

Subway closed 729 stores across the U.S. in 2025, marking its 10th straight year of decline, according to a report.

The sandwich chain peaked in 2015 with over 27,000 stores — a number that dropped to 18,733 as of the end of last year, according to QSR.

Despite the closures, more of which are expected in 2026, Subway remains the largest chain in the U.S. in terms of store count. The chain hopes to draw back customers with a new value platform, featuring 15 menu items that each cost less than $5.

The closures are part of a “rightsizing” strategy, a business buzzword that means reducing a workforce to the optimal size, according to the report.

“In the U.S., Subway is focused on ensuring restaurants are in the right locations with the real estate, visibility and operations that set franchisees up to succeed long-term,” a Subway spokesperson told QSR. “That work is paying off. Operational improvements are showing up across the system, with restaurant evaluation scores and Google review scores both climbing to their highest levels in two years.”

Subway expects to open 100 U.S. franchised locations in 2026, according to Franchise Disclosure Documents. All of the chain’s locations are franchises.

The documents do not say how many locations are expected to close this year, though the brand has consistently closed several hundred locations each year over the past decade, according to the report.

The Independent has contacted Subway for comment.

The brand recently rolled out a value menu with 15 items priced under $5, shifting away from limited-time deals as it takes on value-focused rivals like McDonald’s and KFC.

While Subway works to lure back American customers, the chain has been thriving overseas. Subway opened more than 1,000 locations worldwide in 2025 and has agreements in place for more than 12,000 more units.

Last year, the number of Subway locations across the U.S. dropped below 20,000 for the first time in 20 years.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death has been revealed following his sad death at the age of 54

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death has been revealed.

The sad news of Nicholas’ death was announced by his family in a statement shared on social media earlier this year. Nicholas was best known for playing Xander Harris on the hit show between 1997 and 2003, where he starred as Buffy’s best friend.

His family announced last month that he had died of natural causes. It had been confirmed he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect after suffering a heart attack back in 2023.

He also suffered from cauda equina syndrome, which causes severe back pain, and had undergone surgery in the hope of treating the cauda equina. TMZ reports that Brendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

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A report from the Putnam County Coroner said that the actor had a 90 per cent blockage on his right coronary artery, with acute pneumonia and a previous heart attack as contributing factors in his sad death.

A friend had been living with Brendon in the days before his death to help him with his health. The friend told the coroner that Brendon had chest pains but didn’t want to visit the hospital, and was “apprehensive” about doing so.

CCTV from his home showed Brendon was struggling with a cough and had a “raspy” voice in the lead up to his death.

In a statement at the time, Brendon’s family said: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art.

“Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.

“While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing. Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”

Nicholas was married twice, first to Tressa DiFiglia from 2001 until 2007 and then to Moonda Tee from 2014 until 2015. Nicholas and Moonda were married for five months before their split. The actor proposed a week before they married in Las Vegas in October 2014.

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Marcus Rashford may not be competing at Manchester United right now, but the Reds academy graduate made it clear his former side isn’t far away from his thoughts

Marcus Rashford has tweeted “congratulations” to Manchester United after his former club secured their place in next season’s Champions League. Michael Carrick’s side overcame Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday to ensure the Reds will be in Europe’s elite competition next season.

United have not kicked a ball in the Champions League since Erik ten Hag’s second season and they also haven’t featured within it’s new controversial restructure. However, United’s triumph over the Merseysiders ensured they will finish in the top five.

Meanwhile, Rashford is closing in on his first league title as a player at Barcelona. Nevertheless, he made it clear his childhood club are still within his thoughts.

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After a member of United’s social media team uploaded a social media video commemorating the club’s return to the Champions League next season, Rashford retweeted it and wrote “Congratulations” alongside a red love heart emoji.

It demonstrated how the England international is still keeping tabs on his former club and team-mates. When it comes to his future at United, there is a lot of uncertainty.

It’s understood Rashford’s desire is to remain at the Camp Nou, but several reports have also claimed Barcelona are reluctant to fork out for the £26 million clause required to sign him permanently. United will not accept a lower fee for Rashford, while Sky Germany have also claimed the Catalans would like to loan him for another season.

Rashford has enjoyed a strong season in Catalunya. In all competitions, he has contributed 13 goals and 14 assists in 46 appearances; an impressive return since many of his appearances have come from the bench.

In April, Flick outlined his satisfaction with Rashford’s performances, saying: “I’m very happy with Marcus. He has shown his quality and he scored an important goal. I can’t say anything about his future, we have to focus on the matches until the end of the season.”

However, in the same month, Carrick appeared to prop the door open for Rashford, if he ever decided to return to the club. The ex-United midfielder said: “There’s decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.

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“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. It will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”

At Barcelona, Rashford and his team-mates are one win away from wrapping up the La Liga title. With four matches left to play, they are 11 points in front of fierce rivals Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, United are one victory away from ensuring they will finish in third place at the end of the season. This would represent their highest league finish since Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign in the 2021-22 campaign.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.