James Charles is walking back his explosive tirade against a former Spirit Airlines worker who asked him for help after losing her job.

The beauty influencer, 26, sparked backlash after he posted an expletive-filled rant about a woman who sent him a GoFundMe link in a message asking for support after she said she was laid off in Spirit’s sudden shutdown last weekend, which cost over 17,000 people their jobs.

In the original video, which has since been deleted, Charles said: “I just got a DM on here from a girl that said, ‘Good morning, James. I know you’ll probably never see this, but if you could just take one minute to read it would really mean a lot to me. I’m really struggling right now because Spirit Airlines just filed for bankruptcy and I have lost my job. Here’s a GoFundMe link. Any donations help.’”

While laughing, he responded: “I’m sure they do, sweetheart. I’m sure they do. You know what else would help you? Getting another job. Yeah, try that.”

He continued: “Because in the time that it took you to copy and paste the same f*** ass message to myself — who you don’t follow, by the way — and probably a hundred other influencers and celebrities, you could’ve applied for a hundred other jobs. But you didn’t, ’cause you’re a lazy piece of s***, and you’re entitled, and you think that influencers and celebrities should fund your life for you. Why would I ever help you?”

The video quickly raised eyebrows online, with social media users criticizing Charles as “entitled,” as one wrote on X: “‘Welcome to the real world’ yet he doesn’t even exist in that world as an influencer. He is so beyond out of touch and is acting like he understands the struggle.”

Charles deleted the clip and went on to issue a shirtless apology Saturday on TikTok, where he called his video “stupid” and “unnecessary.”

“It was rude, it was obnoxious, it was privileged, and most importantly, it was completely f***ing unnecessary,” Charles said. He went on to acknowledge that he could have ignored the message, but instead made a mistake in bashing the jobless woman.

“It was obnoxious, and I shamed her for asking for help in a situation where she was clearly struggling, and this could have been her absolute last resort,” Charles said. “I feel awful because that wasn’t my intention. And I really hurt a lot of people.”

He added: “I’m super sorry, especially to the woman from Spirit Airlines.”

Millwall welcome Hull City to The Den with the prize of a trip to Wembley and a chance to continue their quest of achieving Premier League football next season

A place in the Championship play-off final is on the line on Monday as Millwall host Hull City in the semi-final second leg at The Den.

The bookies have priced the hosts as the odds-on favourite in this tie at 4/6 with BetGoodwin while Sky Bet have Hull at 10/3 and Betfair 13/5 for a draw. You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.

The tie is finely balanced after Friday’s first leg ended 0-0, with Millwall denied a late winner when Ryan Leonard’s effort was ruled out for a foul. The Lions finished third in the regular season – their best second-tier placing since 1993-94 – after missing out on second spot by a single point, and they remain on course to chase a first-ever Premier League campaign.

Alex Neil’s side return to a ground where they have been tough to beat, winning four of their last six home matches without conceding. Millwall kept 11 clean sheets in 23 home league games this season — the best record in the division — although they have not beaten Hull at The Den in their last four attempts since April 2022.

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Hull, by contrast, only sealed sixth place on the final day after edging Norwich 2-1, and will hope their previous play-off pedigree counts for something, having gone up via this route in 2007-08 and 2015-16. But they travel to London short on momentum, with just three wins in their last 13 matches and five draws in their last eight.

The Tigers are also winless in their last five away games and have not won on the road since beating Wrexham on March 10. Even so, they have won their last two away meetings with Millwall, including December’s 3-1 victory, and will be aiming to rediscover that cutting edge after a flat attacking display in the first leg.

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Millwall vs Hull City Team News

Millwall will again be without Lukas Jensen, Caleb Taylor, Daniel Kelly and Massimo Luongo due to injury.

Alex Neil is expected to name a similar side, although Barry Bannan has given him something to think about after a lively cameo at the MKM Stadium. Josh Coburn will also hope to keep his place ahead of Mihailo Ivanovic after overcoming a hip issue to play 86 minutes in the first leg.

Hull, meanwhile, are still missing Eliot Matazo, Amir Hadziahmetovic and Cody Drameh, though Drameh could return in time for the final if the Tigers make Wembley. Sergej Jakirovic may stick with an unchanged XI if there are no fresh problems, with Oli McBurnie set to lead the line after ending the regular season as the division’s joint-second top scorer with 17 goals in 38 games.

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“I think that is quite an exciting journey in terms of where we pivot to next,” she told reporters

A “seismic political shift” following last week’s elections has been hailed as exciting by Northern Ireland’s First Minister.

Michelle O’Neill was speaking after the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru topped the polls in Scotland and Wales.

She said that she and Sinn Féin president Mary-Lou McDonald have spoken with Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth, who is set to become First Minister of Wales.

She said they spoke of “the potential that we have to find the common ground to work together to build towards a brighter, better future for our respective people”.

“We have had a seismic political shift in terms of the outcome of the election,” she told reporters in Parliament Buildings in Belfast on Monday.

“I think it’s quite an exciting juncture, the very first time we have nationalist first ministers in Scotland, Wales and here with myself.

“I think that is quite an exciting journey in terms of where we pivot to next.

“We want better for our people, we want a better arrangement for our people, and we have committed to work together on that common ground, to work out how we can bring about positive change for our people, and at the core of that change is about independence for our people, free from the limitations of Westminster, free from the disregard from Westminster and towards a bright, more positive future.”

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SDLP leader Claire Hanna said the UK is “changing substantially”, adding her party is determined that Northern Ireland “won’t just be a passenger in that”.

“The symbolism of the first ministers is significant, but we’ve got to use the power that we have here, and we’ve got to do the work of persuasion,” she said.

However, she also pointed out that “symbolism doesn’t put bread on anyone’s table”, and emphasised the need to “use power responsibly and change people’s lives”, adding her party in Opposition is “working every day” to press ministers in terms of their responsibilities.

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However, DUP leader Gavin Robinson dismissed the view, describing a vote against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and not for the dismantling of the United Kingdom.

He also described “two and a half” nationalist first ministers, referring to the joint office at Stormont shared by his colleague Emma Little-Pengelly.

“The First Minister of Northern Ireland is in a joint office with this unionist,” he said, motioning towards Ms Little-Pengelly standing beside him.

“Nothing has changed, Scotland had a First Minister that believed in Scottish independence last week, and the week before, votes for nationalism in Northern Ireland have not increased by one iota in percentage terms since 1998.

“More importantly, right throughout the United Kingdom, unionist parties got more votes than anywhere else, and anybody else in the elections last week.”

He added: “People in Scotland were voting against Keir Starmer, not the union, people in Wales were voting against Keir Starmer, not against the union, and when we get our chance, people in Northern Ireland have their say next year, I guarantee that unionism will win that election, and if unionists can bring themselves to co-operate they will win in a way that cannot be ignored.”

Meanwhile Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said it is “clear that people are fed up with politics”, across the world.

She called for reform of political systems, and particularly criticised the first-past-the-post election system as “biased towards extreme views”, adding it “doesn’t give the narrative of the majority”.

“We need to reset the dial.

“People are not wrong to be frustrated at politics, though I may not agree at how they express their frustration. If we as politicians don’t step up and make the difference that is required, the public are going to make a difference, whether that’s a difference that will lead to better outcomes for them, I think, is highly questionable,” she said.

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The Saffrons had a remarkable 6-17 to 2-26 win over Carlow in round one while the Erne County defeated Longford. Down begin their Tailteann Cup campaign this Saturday against Leitrim

Antrim and Fermanagh have been rewarded for their round one wins at the weekend with home draws in round two of the Tailteann Cup.

The Saffrons had a remarkable 6-17 to 2-26 win over Carlow in Netwatch Cullen Park after extra-time on Sunday with Cargin’s Benan Kelly scoring the winning goal.

Mark Doran’s men will now face Tipperary in round 2A with the winners progressing to the quarter-finals.

Fermanagh are also just win more win away from a place in the quarter-finals following a hard-fought 1-24 to 2-17 win over Longford in Brewster Park on Sunday.

The Erne County will now face Wexford, who were promoted from Division Three, next weekend.

Should Down see off Leitrim this Saturday evening, they would be on the road to Offaly in Round 2A. If they lose, they will have home advantage for a Round 2B clash with Carlow, with the losers of that game being eliminated.

London take on Laois in the other 2A clash while one of Wicklow and Limerick will be gone from the Tailteann Cup after they drawn against each other.

Clare and Longford is another eye-catching knockout pairing while Sligo will seek to bounce back from their home loss to Tipp when they travel to Waterford.

All games are set to take place on the weekend of May 23/24 with times and venues to be confirmed by the CCC later in the week.

Tailteann Cup Draw Round Two draw

Round 2A

Antrim v Tipperary

Fermanagh v Wexford

Offaly v Winner Down/Leitrim

London v Laois

Round 2B

Wicklow v Limerick

Clare v Longford

Waterford v Sligo

Loser Down/Leitrim v Carlow

** First named team at home

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Burton Constable Hall will host its first-ever 1940s weekend on September 26 and 27, following the success of last year’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations.

Alasdair Hutson, chief executive of the Burton Constable Foundation, said: “The response to our VE Day celebrations last year was fantastic and showed there’s a real appetite for events that bring history to life.

Burton Constable Hall near Beverley is planning to build on last year’s VE Day celebration (Image: Supplied)

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“We’re excited to build on that with our first dedicated 1940s Weekend, creating an immersive experience that we hope visitors of all ages will enjoy.”

Expanding from a one-day event to a full weekend, organisers promised a lively and authentic journey into wartime Britain.

From uniforms and music to poignant stories of service and sacrifice, the weekend promises to be a meaningful step back in time.

Images from a 2025 VE Day celebration at Burton Constable Hall (Image: Supplied)

The event will feature living history, military displays, firepower demonstrations and period entertainment, alongside re-enactments, vintage vehicles and themed traders.

A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast is also planned, pending confirmation.

A Hall spokesperson said visitors will be able to explore the East Riding Yeomanry exhibition inside the hall, which has been on display since opening during the VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations last year and highlights the region’s wartime contributions and heritage.

Evening events will extend the experience into the night, with live music and dancing planned for both Friday and Saturday.

Images from a 2025 VE Day celebration at Burton Constable Hall (Image: Supplied)

The Leeds City Stompers will headline Friday night, while The 309s will perform on Saturday.

Burton Constable Hall said it hoped the weekend will attract both local residents and visitors from further afield, offering an opportunity to learn, remember and celebrate together.

Tickets are now on sale, with options including day tickets, parkland access and weekend passes.

Evening dance tickets must be purchased separately.

For more information visit https://www.burtonconstable.com/DB/events/1940s-weekend

Skye lost her hearing for six years

A mum left virtually deaf for six years after using cotton buds to clean her ears can finally hear properly again after undergoing wax removal treatment. Skye van Rensburg first damaged her hearing after accidentally perforating her left eardrum while cleaning her ears with a cotton bud.

Years later, she suffered another ear mishap after using a cotton bud in her right ear – leaving her with almost no hearing at all. The mum, 21, said she had become so used to the silence that she did not realise how bad her hearing had become until she underwent microsuction treatment six days ago.

A video she shared of the wax removal procedure has since racked up 583,000 views and more than 54,000 likes on social media. Skye, from Winsford, Cheshire, said: “It first happened at my home and I realised I had hearing loss pretty much instantly. I was cleaning my ears in the shower with a cotton bud and went too far.

“The pain came within two minutes and was severe. I pushed the cotton bud in too far and perforated my ear drum.”

Skye added: “Symptoms were extreme earache and tinnitus that sounded like metal gates crashing. The pain travelled down the side of my face and neck resulting in four phone calls to 111.”

After seeking medical help the following day, she was told she had perforated her ear drum and needed excess wax removing by a specialist. But Skye was too frightened to go through with the procedure. She said: “I didn’t go because I thought it would really hurt after the perforation.

“At the time I didn’t know perforations healed themselves. I was terrified I had completely lost hearing in my left ear.”

Over time, she adapted to the hearing loss – but it soon began affecting daily life. Skye said: “I have a toddler and I was struggling to hear her cry at night from the other room.

“So I bought a camera. I also struggled hearing knocks at my door and my balance was really off. I would constantly hear the crashing metal gates sound from the tinnitus. I felt really vulnerable.”

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She later damaged her right ear while using another cotton bud. Skye said: “Luckily, this time I didn’t perforate it. I just pushed wax up against my ear drum resulting in muffled hearing. So I had no hearing at all in my left ear and minimal hearing in my right ear.”

The mum eventually visited an audiologist who carried out microsuction treatment to remove the built-up wax. Skye said: “He told me my perforation had completely healed. And once the procedure was finished 100% of my hearing came back.

“I was mind blown. I didn’t realise how deaf I was. Now I can hear absolutely everything like I should.”

She is now warning others not to use cotton buds in their ears. Skye said: “Everybody uses cotton buds in their ears and don’t realise the damage they’re doing. You think you’re cleaning your ears but you’re just pushing the wax in and compacting the ear canal.

“Just throw the cotton buds away – it’s not worth it. I didn’t realise how loud the world was until I had my ears cleaned and I can function properly now.”

Viewers shared similar experiences online. One person said: “I did that with a Q-Tip last year, I got lucky my hearing came back. Never used one again.”

Another added: “Now I’m scared to use cotton ear buds.”

Someone else said: “I got a double ear infection in both ears because of cotton buds. I warn everyone about them. Don’t put ANYTHING in your ears.”

Kai Flynn, 25, from Westhoughton, will set off from Breightmet Health Centre on Wednesday, May 20, embarking on a non-stop journey expected to last around 24 hours.

Starting from the base of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, Kai will walk a route linking dementia support sites across the region before finishing at the Winnifred Kettle Centre in Westhoughton.

Kai Flynn, 25 (Image: Public)

Unlike a typical endurance event, Kai’s challenge will be completed in a single continuous push, with only short five to ten minute breaks and no sleep throughout.

Kai said: “I am really looking forward to this challenge and it will be unlike any of the rest of crazy adventures I have been on.

“Hitting 60/65 miles in one go will be mentally tough and more pressure on my joints.”

Kai is taking on the challenge in memory of his grandmother, who passed away on May 6 after living with dementia.

Kai is no stranger to extreme challenges, having previously walked from Manchester to Milan and, more recently, crossed from the west to east coast wearing only socks.

Kai Flynn will attempt a 65-mile non-stop walk for Dementia UK (Image: Public)

He has been training in the lead-up to the event, focusing on building endurance and preparing his body for the strain of walking such a long distance without stopping.

He said: “It feels good to be able to turn a negative event/experience into a positive and to make some sort impact.

“It is about just doing the right thing as I am in a position to do so.

“I know dementia effects a lot of families world wide and the support for this reflects that with all these people commenting about their own experiences with the disease

The challenge will raise money for Dementia UK, a charity that provides specialist Admiral Nurses to support families affected by dementia.

To support Kai’s fundraiser, visit here. https://www.justgiving.com/page/kai-flynn-1

Kai is also inviting people to get involved by joining him along sections of the route.

“It would be great to have people come along and walk different legs with me,” he said.

“It should be a really positive atmosphere despite how tough it’s going to be.”

But I’m also very aware that the route I took into this industry isn’t obvious to everyone – and for many young people, it can feel completely out of reach.

That’s why I’m donating my time to Inspiring the Future of Local Media, a new North West scheme designed to open young people’s eyes to the real range of careers in journalism and news publishing.

Local media plays a vital role in communities. We hold power to account, tell people what’s happening on their doorstep, and give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.

But too often, the people producing that journalism don’t reflect the communities they serve. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn’t always follow.

This scheme is about changing that. It connects journalists, editors and digital specialists with schoolchildren, particularly in areas where media careers may never have been discussed at home or in the classroom.

Sometimes all it takes is meeting someone who says: “This is what I do – and here’s how I got here.”

I know from experience how powerful those conversations can be. I didn’t grow up with a clear plan to become a regional editor.

I learned by asking questions, making mistakes, and being helped by people who were generous with their time and advice. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that support – and I feel a responsibility to pay it forward.

Giving a small amount of my time could help a young person realise journalism isn’t just something that happens in London, or for “other people”. It’s a career rooted in curiosity, fairness, and common sense – values young people already have in abundance.

If even one student comes away thinking, “Maybe I could do this,” then it’s worth it. Our industry and our communities will be stronger for it.

To find out more about the scheme and to register as a volunteer, visit www.inspiringthefuture.org/campaigns/inspiring-the-future-of-local-media.

Christopher Thompson was arrested after the National Crime Agency (NCA) and NHS England held a joint investigation into the online sale of vaccination passports which reportedly made more than £200,000.

The 36-year-old, along with his three co-accused, were arrested by its officers in 2022 and 2023 as a result of the investigation.

Thompson, of Thorpe Crescent, Horden, County Durham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation by creating false Covid-19 vaccination records in the National Immunisation and Vaccination System and unauthorised computer access with intent by accessing the National Immunisation and Vaccination System to create false Covid-19 vaccination records.

The charges relate to unvaccinated individuals being able to buy vaccine passport records allowing them to travel when others were subject to restrictions.

Judge Jonathan Carroll adjourned sentencing until after the three other co-accused are dealt with.

He said: “You have pleaded guilty to these two counts but I cannot give you a sentence date yet because I don’t know what is going to happen with the others.

“You must return to court when all the defendants are present together and we will identify whether there is going to be a trial or not.”

Thompson was released on conditional bail.

Ian Taylor, 42, of Haringay Crescent, Darlington, 34-year-old Shahid Hussain, of Westbourne Grove, Middlesbrough, and Abbey Coates, 25, of The Sidings, Darlington, all face the same charges.

They will appear at court on June 1 for a pre-trial preparation hearing.

A cold front is moving south across Northern Ireland today, bringing heavy rain and below-average temperatures as Met Office forecasters warn of possible overnight frosts

A blast of Arctic air is poised to sweep across Northern Ireland, bringing below-average temperatures and heavy downpours.

Chillier air sweeping down from the north is expected to grip the UK over the coming days, with mercury readings sitting 2C or 3C below the typical May maximums, according to the Met Office.

Overnight frosts may also develop across parts of the country, before temperatures begin to recover closer to seasonal norms by the weekend.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The current weather pattern is allowing for a movement of colder air from further north to sweep down across the UK over the next few days.

“This is not unusual in spring and it should not present any particular challenges. The most noticeable feature for many is that temperatures will appear below average, possibly feeling even colder in the brisk northerly breeze.

“Overnight some locations may experience relatively late in the season overnight frosts, while there is a chance that the Scottish mountains could experience wintry showers.

“But generally these conditions won’t be impactful and there is no current need to issue weather warnings.”

A cold front is tracking southwards across Northern Ireland and the Midlands on Monday, bringing rainfall – some of which could potentially be heavy – with peak temperatures of 15C or 16C in the south, Mr Madge confirmed.

By evening, some sunny spells will emerge, before Tuesday brings clearer intervals and scattered showers, with highs of around 16C or 17C anticipated. On Wednesday, squally downpours will likely be extensive, with substantial rainfall predicted across northern Britain, alongside possible coastal gales, Mr Madge noted.

Certain locations could experience 20-30mm of precipitation, hail and occasional thunder, while peak temperatures of 14C are anticipated, Mr Madge stated.

The Met Office continues to monitor Thursday which remains subject to change, though a showery day appears probable at present. Both Thursday and Friday are set to bring variable conditions.

Thursday’s temperatures are anticipated to mirror Wednesday’s figures, before Friday potentially rises by a degree, Mr Madge explained.

Joe Whitehead, chairman of the Professional Gardeners’ Guild, described May as the most challenging month and acknowledged it can prove “so difficult” for those tending gardens.

He suggested his recommendation is to “look at the weather every day so you’ve got an idea of what’s coming up”.

He continued: “Anything tender, bring them in to the garage, to the porch, or cover them with something. In your allotment, think about your potatoes coming through the ground.”

Mr Whitehead, who is based in East England, expressed he’s eager for rainfall, so feels relatively satisfied with the forecast indicating showers, though he cautioned gardeners against excessive watering of plants.

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