President Donald Trump compared the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to major U.S. skyscrapers in yet another Truth Social post bragging about his renovations to the Washington, D.C., landmark.

Trump shared a graphic comparing the reflecting pool’s 2,030-foot length to the height of iconic skyscrapers, including New York City’s Empire State Building (1,454 feet) and One World Trade Center (1,776 feet), along with Chicago’s Willis Tower (1,451 feet).

“The Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, approximately 2,030 feet, versus the tallest buildings in the U.S.A,” the president wrote on Truth Social Saturday.

As part of Trump’s renovations, the reflecting pool’s basin will be coated in “American flag blue.” The president said the project will use “industrial strength materials,” giving the reflecting pool “a longer life, and a better look.”

The “goal” is to complete the project before July 4, America’s 250th anniversary, Trump added.

Virginia-based company Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded a no-bid contract for the project, The New York Times first reported last week. Trump has since claimed he’s never used the company, and that the Interior Department handled the contract.

“I didn’t give out the contract, ‘Interior’ did, to a contractor I did not know, and have never used before,” he wrote on Truth Social Tuesday.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has also defended the contract but told lawmakers he wasn’t familiar with the company that was awarded the lucrative deal. “I’m positive we followed all the required bidding rules,” he told the House Committee on Natural Resources this week.

The pool, which sits between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, has deteriorated in recent decades and leaks an estimated 16 million gallons every year. It underwent a $34 million renovation during former President Barack Obama’s administration but has continued to experience filtration problems and algae blooms.

In another post on Saturday, the president said he made the project a “much larger job than originally contemplated for purposes of Beauty, and a much longer life.”

“Also, went to a higher quality sealer with more reflectivity,” he wrote. “Check it out before the Opening — It’s a very exciting project!”

Federal records indicate Trump’s renovations are expected to cost more than $13 million.

The Cultural Landscape Foundation filed a lawsuit Monday against the Interior Department and National Park Service, alleging that the “current application of blue paint to the basin of Reflecting Pool on the National Mall is being done in violation of federal law.”

“The Reflecting Pool’s profound reflective quality — achieved through deliberate design choices, including the dark color of its basin creates the sweeping mirror image of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument that millions of visitors experience every year,” according to the complaint.

“The dark grey, achromatic basin was not incidental to the design,” plaintiffs allege. “It was the design.”

When asked about the lawsuit earlier this week, an Interior Department spokesperson told The Independent: “The choice of American Flag Blue will enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.”

The spokesperson said the agency is also investing in a “state-of-the-art ozone nanobubbler filtration system and will now have a dedicated crew who will maintain the grounds from wildlife.”

After overseeing Manchester City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Pep Guardiola faced an awkward question from TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods

Pep Guardiola refused to answer when questioned by TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods about his Manchester City future – a moment pundit Steven Gerrard described as “brave.”

Guardiola secured his 20th piece of silverware as City boss after Antoine Semenyo’s clever second-half strike earned a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The cup may prove to be the final honour for long-serving stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who are both expected to leave this summer.

It could also mark the last trophy Guardiola claims with City. The 55-year-old manager has been heavily linked with an exit from the Premier League after a decade in Manchester.

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Following City’s triumph, Woods attempted to question Guardiola about his plans as she asked: “Pep, there are so many rumours aren’t there, about you leaving. You’re not are you?”

Guardiola acted puzzled and responded: “What rumours?” Woods then repeated: “Rumours!” But Guardiola cut the conversation short by saying: “Have a lovely evening!” The exchange sparked laughter among the panel, where Woods was joined by Gerrard, Joe Cole and former City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

While the group laughed, Guardiola set his microphone on the desk before shaking hands with all four pundits as Woods remarked: “You’re certainly leaving the interview. Congratulations Pep, what an incredible season they’ve had.”

Once Guardiola had left, Gerrard grinned and told his colleague: “Fair play Laura, that was brave. That was brave.” Hart added: “Laura you nailed him!” Woods then replied: “I have to ask! I think I’d get fired if I didn’t ask the question.”

Speaking about City’s success earlier in the interview, Guardiola reflected after collecting his third FA Cup triumph: “Five finals in the last 10 years, we won three, lost two, that’s quite decent I would say. I think we had chances [to score more] but against Colwill, James and Caicedo… they are so, so good.

“Fernandez and Cole were dangerous. Second half we were better. First half we had the chance with Antoine but they were better. We found the goal. I had the feeling that last season, against Crystal Palace and the previous season against Manchester United, we were better than today but in football, sometimes this happens. I’m really pleased for the guys.”

He also joked with Arsenal supporter Woods by saying: “We’re still alive in the Premier League, I’m sorry Laura! But with two titles, it’s nice.”

Discussing Semenyo’s goal, Guardiola said: “Normally Antoine has to cross and Erling makes the finish. The impact Marc and Antoine have had since the winter transfers has been incredible. The only regret is that the amount of players who deserve to play but didn’t play.

“I left six players out in the stands and don’t let them play. Even now after many, many years it’s difficult to swallow. Not just John [Stones], all of them. But at the end it’s a business and you have to do what you believe.”

Guardiola went on: “Listen, Chelsea, I knew it, we talked these two days. We came [played] three days ago. They had seven days. The trip yesterday was a mess to come here, it took six hours because of a delay to the trains. They are so good, the quality they have is there. They were not consistent there but one game, finals, anything can happen.”

City will now resume Premier League duties on Tuesday evening against Bournemouth, while Arsenal face Burnley 24 hours earlier. Should the Gunners secure victory, City will know that nothing less than three points will keep the title race alive heading into the final day.

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.

The Greater Manchester Mayor has been allowed this week, by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to contest the by-election after the current MP, Josh Simons, announced on Thursday he would quit Parliament to make way for Burnham.

If successful, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership.

Channel 4 News spoke with Burnham in the Makerfield constituency.

He said: “I wouldn’t have just gone anywhere like a carpet bagger, any old constituency.

“It matters to me that I have a connection. I live literally on the edge of this constituency.

“My kids went to school a few hundred yards down the road. I know people here, I know how they think, how they feel”

Burnham addressed the background to Josh Simons’ decision to step down and clear a path for his candidacy, he said: “I was very deliberate in speaking to Josh and both of us have got the same diagnosis.”

Pushed for his views on the path forward for his party and the policy challenges facing the country, Burnham said he wanted Labour to become “a party that they can believe in again, a party solidly on the side of working class people.”

He called the events of the week “an important, big moment in British politics,” arguing that communities like Makerfield have been failed by decades of deindustrialisation, deregulation and privatisation post “Margaret Thatcher”.

“Life here has become unaffordable for people in places like this,” he said, calling for “a different path completely” and “re-industrialisation”, including stronger public control of energy, housing, water and transport.

He pointed to Greater Manchester’s bus franchising model and £2 fares as proof public control can work for ordinary people rather than “private shareholders.”

He said his campaign would focus on listening: “On doorsteps, I’m not going to spend my time point scoring”, adding: “I don’t blame anyone who’s left our party and voted for other parties. Our party needs to do better and it’s kind of where I’m coming from in this campaign.”

Asked about leadership ambitions, Burnham said the immediate priority was “winning a by-election with what I’m saying” and delivering real change for communities like Makerfield.

People tuning into the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest thought their televisions had broken during Czechia’s performance

Eurovision viewers were left demanding that an act be allowed to perform again after thinking their televisions had broken during their performance.

The grand final of the world’s biggest music competition was taking place at the Wien Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, on Saturday (May 16) night, following JJ’s victory in the 2025 edition of the song contest.

As the evening got underway, Sam Battle, known as Look Mum No Computer, was seen attempting to land the UK their first Eurovision win since 1997 with his song, Eins, Zwei, Drei. The YouTube star wore a pink boiler suit as performers in fluffy headwear danced in a mock workshop, while he played a synthesizer, and ended up in a cardboard box.

Elsewhere, all eyes were on Australian pop star Delta Goodrem also performed her song Eclipse, with which she is representing her home country, at the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The 41-year-old was accompanied by a harpist, before eventually miming playing a gold sparkly piano herself. As the former Neighbours star’s performance climaxed she was elevated into the air from the top of the piano, as fireworks went off around her.

But it was Czechia who sparked calls for a re-do after Daniel Žižka, a 23-year-old singer and songwriter from Prague, faced some technical difficulties during his performance, with viewers watching at home seeing lines running across the screen. A cameraman could then be seen in vision, even taking a slight stumble while filming the performance.

Following the performance, BBC commentator Graham Norton said: “A great performance vocally but quite a few technical problems there that did not happen in any of the rehearsals. The distorted picture and I think the cameraman inside the mirrors fell. I’m not quite sure. But Czechia won’t be happy about that.”

It led to calls for Daniel to be able to perform again, which wasn’t granted by the EBU. @vodimtenigranku said: “The way I thought my TV was broke #Eurovision.” @HaterOfAll5 demanded: “LET CZECHIA REPERFORM ITS A CRIME #Eurovision.” @cameronclark_98 cried: “‘Here is your final song’ so czechia aren’t performing again? #eurovision.”

@eurovibez asked: “It’s only me or something wrong with the camera during Czechia performance? #Eurovision.” @pukyymax posted: “JUSTICE FOR CZECHIA WTF WAS THATTTT????? #Eurovision.” @Wesz___ shared: “NOOO WHY DID THE CAMERA BROKE IN CZECHIA #EUROVISION.” @GAGAXBTS added: “I feel so bad for Czechia. The cameras failed during the performance. #Eurovision.”

According to staycation odds published by OLBG, York has a 33.3 per cent chance of being the most popular UK holiday spot in 2026, putting it level with Bath and just behind the Isle of Wight, which leads with a 40 per cent chance.

Jake Ashton, a current affairs expert at OLBG, said: “The Isle of Wight at 6/4 is a strong favourite and a fair price as it has everything the 2026 staycationer is looking for: accessible, beautiful, characterful and completely insulated from the chaos engulfing European aviation.”

York’s medieval architecture, historic streets and iconic attractions have helped it remain a favourite city-break destination.

It also boasts other visitor hotspots such as the Shambles, York Minster and its well-known chocolate heritage.

Other contenders include the Peak District, Lake District, Norfolk and Anglesey.

York is praised not only for its culture and history but also for its connectivity and hospitality.

York is said to be perfectly positioned for the 2026 staycationer as it is “accessible by train, rich in culture and offers the kind of high-quality independent hospitality that makes domestic travel feel genuinely special rather than merely convenient”.

Pop star and Neighbours actress Delta Goodrem is representing the country in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will feature 25 acts competing for this year’s title, with the competition returning to Austria for the first time since 2015. The 2026 edition of the European singing competition is taking place at the Wiener Stadthalle and has been transmitted live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm in the UK.

Just 25 countries qualified for the Grand Final, this includes 20 which progressed from semi-finals and the ‘Big Four’ countries – the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy – which would typically be the ‘Big Five’ but Spain is boycotting this year’s contest.

Australia was one of the countries which qualified in the semi-finals, but why are they competing when it’s not part of Europe? For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter

Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service, widely referred to as SBS, holds associate membership of the European Broadcasting Union. The broadcaster started showing the Eurovision Song Contest in 1983 and has televised it every year since.

From 2010 to 2014, the Special Broadcasting Service allowed Australian viewers to participate in televoting during the Eurovision Song Contest final.

Nevertheless, these votes were non-binding and consequently had no bearing on the contest’s ultimate results.

However, Australia was invited to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, initially as a one-off appearance to mark the competition’s 60th anniversary.

Following a seemingly successful debut, SVT (Sveriges Television) announced in November 2015 that Australia would return in 2016. They have continued competing annually since, though they must now earn their place by taking part in the semi-finals.

During Thursday’s (May 14) second semi-final of Eurovision 2026, attention turned to Australian pop star Delta Goodrem as she represented her nation. The singer and actress performed her song Eclipse alongside a harpist, before taking her place at a gold sparkly piano.

The former Neighbours star’s performance reached its peak as she was lifted into the air while atop the piano.

Following her qualification for the final, Delta has propelled Australia to second favourite status in the competition, rapidly gaining ground on Finland, who remain the long-standing favourites to claim the prestigious trophy.

Should Australia triumph at the Eurovision Song Contest, the event wouldn’t relocate to the southern hemisphere the following year.

Instead, they would be required to select a European co-host nation to stage the competition on their behalf.

In fact, whilst speaking on the Wanging On podcast with Maria McErlane, Graham Norton explained what happens.

He said in the video posted on Instagram on :”This is so interesting, because last night I was doing an interview on Australian Radio with Joel Creasey, and he used to be the Australian commentator, but he doesn’t do it anymore. But he was saying apparently every year Australia make a deal with someone.

“So in case they win, what country will host for them? They make a deal.”

His co-host asked: “Well, who will it be? Do they know?”

Graham replied: “He didn’t know. He feels maybe they do deals with multiple countries. But don’t tell anyone”

Maria added: “I feel we should be told all of this.”

The Irish presenter continued: “Well, I’ll be investigating this the minute I get to Vienna. I’ll have a magnifying glass out, and a deerstalker.”

Australia came close to Eurovision victory in 2016 in Stockholm, Sweden, with Dami Im’s Sound of Silence securing second place. The performance accumulated 511 points, finishing just 23 points behind winners Ukraine.

The country received 15 maximum scores of 12 points combined from both jury panels and public voting.

Michael Carrick wants to harness the power of player ego rather than remove it as Manchester United look to return to the top.

The 44-year-old made 464 appearances during his medal-laden time playing for the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League crown among other silverware.

Carrick’s experience with United as player and then coach was key to the club turning to him midway through a topsy-turvy 2025-26 season, which will end with Champions League qualification and seemingly third spot.

The former midfielder has overseen an impressive turnaround since being brought in for the remainder of the campaign, with confirmation that he is staying on as Ruben Amorim’s successor a matter of when, rather than if.

Similarly sized Real Madrid made a comparable move by turning to Alvaro Arbeloa the day before Carrick’s appointment, but while United have thrived the Spanish giants’ season has unravelled amid fighting and mudslinging.

Asked if United’s settled dressing room is due to removing ego from it, the head coach said: “The ego is a funny one, actually, because I think to perform at the top, top level, you’ve got to have some sort of ego.

“You need and that could be used in all sorts of different ways, so I think how you use it, really, is the key thing.

“And I think the part of me, of learning and being here and seeing others, better players than me, dealing with that and sacrificing themselves for the team.

“I think putting the ego from yourself into the team is important and you’ve got to have something to fight for and be attached to, really.

“I hope I’m making sense when I say that. It doesn’t have to be an ego where it’s an individual thing or it’s a negative in any way.

“I think it’s essentially a pride in yourself and what you’re kind of working towards. I think all our egos, which we’ve got in different ways.

“I think it’s clear to see the spirit, connection and camaraderie that everyone’s pulling in one direction, to put their ego into the football club can be quite powerful and we’ve got to use that.”

United will look to put such traits to good use on Sunday, when they host Nottingham Forest in the final home game of what has been their shortest season in 111 years.

Casemiro will get the chance to bid an emotional farewell to the Old Trafford faithful before this summer’s departure as one of the men eyed as replacement starts for the opposition.

Elliot Anderson is among the most sought-after midfielders in world football and United have a longstanding interest in the England international, even if Manchester City’s interest and Forest’s price tag may rule out a move.

“He’s done well,” former midfielder Carrick said of his fellow Wallsend Boys Club graduate. “I think he’s a big part of their team.

“I think he offers so much and they’ve got a really talented and dangerous team, so they’ve had a good season to get to the (Europa League) semi-finals and just fall short.

“But, yeah, you can see obviously he’s an important part of their team.”

Alonso, a World Cup winner in 2010, took up his first coaching role with Real Madrid’s under-14s side in 2018.

After impressing in three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team, his first managerial role in first-team football came when he took over at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.

He lifted the club from second from bottom to a sixth-place finish in the 2022-23 Bundesliga, before securing the club’s first German title the following season and becoming the first side to win the competition with an unbeaten record.

A Europa League final defeat by Atalanta represented their only loss in 53 games in all competitions, before they completed a domestic double in the German Cup.

Alonso, a double European Championship winner with Spain, was linked with Real, Liverpool, where he won the Champions League in 2005, and Bayern last year, but said in March 2024 that he wanted to stay at Leverkusen following talks with the club’s hierarchy.

Despite losing just three times in the Bundesliga in the 2024-25 season, Leverkusen were unable to defend their title.

Alonso’s side were knocked out of this season’s Champions league in the last 16 by Bayern Munich, while they suffered a shock loss to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the German Cup semi-finals.

Having joined Real initially on a three-year deal, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, he won 24 of his 34 games in charge.

He departed after a loss to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and also suffered a heavy defeat by city rivals Atletico in September as well as losses to both Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League.

BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague said that there was “a clash between a coach with a clear methodology and players who want to rely on instinct”.

Chaotic end to Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Hearts saw pitch invasion before final whistle – while Jambos were left devastated after missing out on title.

Celtic fans clashed with riot police last night following their side’s victory over Hearts in one of the most dramatic title deciders in living memory.

The season finale showdown saw the Hoops beat the Jambos 3-1 in the dying minutes of the match, ending the Edinburgh side’s dream of a first league win in 66 years. The game ended in chaos after Celtic fans invaded the Parkhead pitch before the final whistle and confronted players from both teams.

It came after Callum Osmand’s injury-time goal sealed the title. Jambos captain Lawrence Shankland appeared to be targeted aggressively by rival fans, with other Hearts players and manager Derek McInnes escorted down the tunnel by police and security, in scenes likely to be probed by cops.

Police later said they were taking “decisive action” to disperse crowds in Glasgow city centre after being pelted with bottles and other missiles while assisting a medical emergency. A spokesman said officers faced “significant levels of hostility” in the Trongate area and advised people to leave the area.

After the match the Hearts team, many in tears and still wearing their matchday kits, arrived back at Tynecastle to greet fans following a heroic campaign that had seen them lead the league since September.

Meanwhile, Hoops fans celebrated as Celtic secured their fifth consecutive league crown – and 14th title in 15 years – defying pleas from the club and council not to gather in the city centre.

After the final whistle, thousands poured on to the streets of Glasgow, amassing in the Merchant City and Trongate to party. Out in celebration were mother and daughter Angie and Debbie-Jo Mullen, from the Gorbals, who had been at odds during the nail-biting match.

Angie said: “I was saying to her all day, ‘We’re gonnae win, we’re gonnae win.’ She didn’t believe me.”

Debbie-Jo said: “I didn’t think we were going to do it. Nothing compares to this win, it’s the best. Better than the treble treble, the quadruple treble.”

Jason Kearney, also from Glasgow, said: “This is the sweetest win. We’ve had a terrible season so to go down to the wire, and to see it delivered on the last day against a team that’s been top since Sep-tember, we’re on cloud nine.”

Chanting crowds kept gathering into the evening at Trongate amid a boozy party atmosphere, with pyrotechnics set off, fans ­clamb- ering up lampposts and traffic lights and police keeping a watchful eye. PJ Brown, from Uddingston, Lanarkshire, said: “I’m feeling fantastic. Two months ago, I did not see this coming.”

Hoops diehard Stan Frontczak told how he’d travelled up from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, to be in Glasgow for the match. He said: “I swear one day they’re going to give me a heart attack. You’ve just got to hang in there. Anything’s possible.” Families with young kids could also be found soaking up the atmosphere.

Mum Megan, who was there with young son Jack and his dad Gerry, said: “We’re ecstatic, buzzing. It’s amazing to make memories like this. We’ll never forget it.”

There was a heavy police presence in Glasgow for the match and ahead of kick-off as officers erected a cordon in the Gallowgate to protect the Mercat building.

As a precaution, glass was removed from bus stop shelters, while the club urged supporters to avoid mass ­gatherings that could have a “high impact” on the city.

Celtic had faced criticism from Police Scotland over the lack of an organised event and concerns about possible disorder.

For Hearts, either a draw or a win would have delivered the Jambos their first league title since 1960 and brought it back to Edinburgh. No team from outside Glasgow has lifted the trophy since Aberdeen 41 years ago.

The final-day showdown was confirmed last Wednesday after Celtic defeated Motherwell in a match that included a controversial VAR-awarded penalty in the 99th minute. Yesterday afternoon, Hearts fans headed home to Edinburgh devastated despite their exceptional season.

Pubs near Hearts’ Tynecastle stadium were also full long before kick-off as fans poured in filled with hope, with queues out the doors. The Haymarket Bar was filled to capacity with maroon shirts, with some fans watching through the windows.

Removal men Connor Orphant and Ciaran Foulsner watched nervously only to be left gutted – but still proud – at the final whistle. Connor, from Prestonpans, East Lothian, said: “Hearts made us believe. It wasn’t to be but I’m convinced this is only the start for this team. I’m actually the proudest I’ve ever been. It’s onwards and upwards for Hearts.”

Fellow Jambo Chris Thomson, from Kinross, said: “I’m speechless after watching that. We deserved a lot more after the season we’ve had.”

Fraser Donaldson, who lives in Glasgow, travelled to Edinburgh and brought his Rangers-supporting son to the pub in the hope of converting him. Fraser said: “Before this season, I never thought I’d see Hearts win the league. We got so close. It was VAR again. C’est la vie.”

Plant machinery dealer Richard Rose said: “We’ll drown our sorrows today then come back stronger next year. We’ve been phenomenal.”

Twins Alan and Iain Gray, both ­lifelong Hearts fans and season ticket holders, celebrated their 77th birthday together watching the match in Iain’s home in Edinburgh.

Hearts later branded scenes at Parkhead “shameful, menacing and threatening”. A statement added: “Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing.”

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