The degree of Honorary Doctorate of Sport was presented during the university’s summer graduation ceremonies in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the city, both on and off the pitch.

Mr O’Nien said: “I don’t think I can find the words to express what it means.

“I came here to play football and get the club back to the Premier League, and every time people thank me, I’m like – no, thank YOU.

“You guys took me on and gave me the opportunity.

“You gave me time and space to learn and grow as a player and as a dad.

“You guys have given me the life that I’ve always wanted, on and off the pitch.

“I’ve turned up and given my everything but without the community here, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.

“I am unbelievably grateful and I will make sure that I will do my best to keep contributing to the Sunderland community the best I can.”

Luke O’Nien with Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland (right) and Pro-Chancellor Jeff Brown (Image: University Of Sunderland)

Mr O’Nien joined Sunderland in 2018 and has become a fan favourite, earning the nickname “Mr Sunderland” and surpassing 300 appearances for the club.

His influence extends beyond football, as he regularly speaks about leadership, positivity and mental resilience.

He said: “One of the most important things in life is human connection and hearing people’s stories of where they’ve come from and where they’re going.

“I think everybody is carrying something that nobody else can see.

“We all have challenges, we all have setbacks and we all have moments when life feels heavy.

“Sometimes the best thing you can do is take the time to listen – not to judge, not to solve the problem, just to understand.

“When people feel seen, heard and supported, incredible things can happen.”

The university’s summer graduations are taking place throughout the week, running from Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10.

This is the first time they have been held during the summer at The Fire Station in the city centre.

The ceremonies celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 and are expected to provide a significant economic boost to hotels, bars, restaurants and hospitality venues across Sunderland.

The US has started “additional strikes” after Iran’s “recent unjustified aggression” on civilian crews in the Strait of Hormuz

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Donald Trump has directed the US military to launch fresh assaults on Iranian targets, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The United States has commenced “additional strikes” in response to Iran’s “recent unjustified aggression” towards civilian crews, according to the Express.

A statement from Central Command read: “At the direction of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway.”

On 7 July, the US Command confirmed that numerous targets had been struck following “a series of powerful strikes”, triggered by alleged Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Command subsequently confirmed that “over 80 targets” had been hit.

According to UN International Maritime Organisation figures, three civilian vessels were struck in the strait earlier on Tuesday. Iran, however, did not claim any of the attacks.

President Trump appeared to issue a stark ultimatum to Iran earlier this week, declaring “we’re either going to have a deal or we’re going to have a war”. Speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey yesterday and today (7 July and 8 July), the president stated: “If we make a deal with Iran, I’m not sure that will stick because I found them to be very dishonourable. We hit them very hard last night, very, very hard,” before adding that the US will “probably hit them hard again tonight”.

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His remarks regarding the precarious ceasefire triggered a further surge in oil prices. Brent crude climbed approximately 6.5% to $79 a barrel on Wednesday morning following Mr Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire had collapsed.

Sitting alongside the alliance’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, Trump said he was “very upset” with NATO, threatening to cut off all trade with Spain in a row over defence spending. Since, the U.S. has fired strikes at more than 80 Iranian targets around the strait of Hormuz.

Delays are building on the approach to the crash

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A busy Cambridgeshire road has closed due to a crash, causing delays in the area.

The A14 in Cambridgeshire eastbound within junction 35 near Stow cum Quy is shut due to the collision.

Cambridgeshire Police are at the scene of the incident that occurred just after 11.30pm on Wednesday, July 8.

Drivers have been advised to avoid the area where possible due to the crash.

There are currently delays on the approach to the closure according to National Highways.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “Please allow extra time if you’re travelling in the area. We’ll keep you posted.”

Today, Venus moves into Virgo for four weeks, bringing a practical and organisational quality to the following days. Plan, plan and plan.

Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, you will gain clarity and boldness when it comes to relationships. Whether getting closer or stepping away, you’ll know what to do.

Being thoughtful will come naturally throughout the Venus-Virgo tie, and revelations are on the cards. Don’t hold back.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Thursday July 9, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Venus is not just about earthly sensuality. This planet helps us value ourselves and manage our finances. Today, she moves into the practical Virgo for a four-week stay. This is the sign of virtue, so a great chance to carefully marshal your resources or take pride in any personal hobbies that require concentration and precision. Thoughtful gestures will be appreciated.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

As Venus, your ruler, sashays into the practical Virgo, a fellow Earth sign, the next four weeks can help you bring order to both your social and creative worlds. Small refinements may make a surprising difference. Whether it’s updating your look, pursuing a hobby, or reconnecting with people who appreciate your talents, attention to detail can prove rewarding.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

An earthier dimension shapes up, with the Moon in Taurus and Venus, which influences taste and style, moving into gentle Virgo. Such has been the high-octane blend of recent days, particularly in your sign, with Mars and Uranus creating an electric buzz of excitement, you can appreciate the chance to chill out at home, decorate, or spend time in your outdoor space.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Remember that old saying, “It’s not what we say, but the way that we say it?” Well, that can really ring true in the next few weeks, when your ideas, messages, and the way you express them resonate with the people you encounter. Whilst many of us chat by text now, you can still find that people are more responsive to what you say. Mutual rapport can be boosted.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Your finances can take a turn for the better now, but the trick will be to use any good fortune carefully. That more flamboyant side of your nature could be tempted to splash out, but one sound way of avoiding a powerful case of buyer’s remorse is to ask yourself this question: “Will any item I buy have a practical benefit?” If the answer is no, don’t rush any purchases.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

The weeks ahead can be the perfect time to give yourself a makeover. If you are a dedicated follower of fashion, you may feel you are already on trend, but a few more individual, tasteful touches can give you a lovely personal boost. A creative hobby that has been calling out to you could also come into play. Blending your eye for detail with flair, the perfect mix.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Whether you’re involved or single, as your ruler, Venus, moves into the most reflective zone of your chart, it can give you plenty of cosmic food for thought around close involvements. You may find yourself nostalgic for someone from your past or deciding whether a current tie meets your expectations. After an incredibly busy time of late, you may also enjoy some “you time”.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

As Venus glides into the practical Virgo, though not her most glamorous place, this gives you a chance to celebrate the things you have in common, rather than the things that make you different. Venus here can be very discriminating, so try not to be too precise in who or what would meet your ideal. Socially, a busier time is in store, especially around group activities.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

With Uranus, the planet of rebellion, now in your sector of relationships, this can bring to the fore that more outspoken and feistier part of your nature. A counterpoint to this is the planet of relating, Venus, moving into the most visible part of your chart. In the weeks ahead, her diplomacy and steadiness can be great qualities, especially in work or worldly interactions.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Enjoy nature, walking, rambles, or visiting places of historical interest? The month ahead can be very enjoyable. If you prefer home-based activities, researching or watching natural history programs can be gratifying. However, if a relationship has been uncertain, you may become firmer in your need to know where you stand, as the truth must come out.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

You have a reputation for cool detachment in all things romantic. Is that always the case, Aquarius? No, of course not, and the next few weeks can see things get altogether spicier – as long as you feel really comfortable with the person you’re with. In business, your ability to see value beyond what is obvious can also be amplified from now on, bringing rewards.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

As Venus enters your opposite sign, relationships come sharply into focus. The coming weeks can reward cooperation, give-and-take, and showing affection through practical gestures. Sometimes love is best expressed not through grand declarations but through consistency, reliability, and genuine consideration. Your listening skills will be appreciated, too, now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of July here.

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MORE: Neptune Retrograde reveals what you’ve refused to see until now — your star sign’s tarot horoscope forecast

MORE: Daily horoscope July 8, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Daily horoscope July 7, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

The match between England and Mexico in the round of 16 has become the most-watched World Cup game not involving the U.S. broadcast in English in the country’s history, according to Fox.

The network said Wednesday an average of more than 21.7 million tuned in to watch England’s 3-2 victory in Mexico City on Sunday night. That tops the previous record of the final between Argentina and France in 2022, which was seen by 16.7 million.

Fox said the audience peaked at more than 25.7 million from 10:15-10:30 p.m. Eastern time. The U.S.-Belgium game the following night is the most-watched at 30 million.

___

See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

The Crab and Lobster in Asenby, an award-winning restaurant with “five star” rooms in an 18th-century Georgian manor house, is up for sale.

Described as a “rare opportunity” by agent Savills, the “highly distinctive” site has become a sought-after leisure destination off the A168, close to the A1(M).

The property is home to 20 individually designed bedrooms each inspired by destinations across the globe from the Burj Al Arab in Dubai to the Shangri-La in Beijing and Bora Bora. 

There are also rooms set within the landscaped grounds, including thatched lodges, log cabins, garden rooms, and luxury suites. 

Many rooms benefit from luxury features such as private hot tubs, saunas, roll-top baths and underfloor heating.

Meanwhile, the 2 AA Rosettes restaurant boasts 40 covers in its main space as well as a 42-cover conservatory, 60 external covers and private dining facilities for up to 16 guests with its own terrace.

Savills said: “Guests can enjoy the hotel’s extensive landscaped gardens, before dining at the award winning restaurant. 

“The property is known for offering a quirky, travel-inspired experience, making it ideal for special occasions.

“Its countryside location offers a tranquil backdrop, while still allowing guests to enjoy the culture, heritage, shopping, and dining through some of North Yorkshire’s most desirable towns. 

“Blending convenience with scenic surroundings, the Crab and Lobster Hotel provides an ideal base for leisure breaks and celebrations – perfectly positioned for discovering everything that the region has to offer.”

The site also benefits from planning permission to demolish and replace the manor conservatory with a larger footprint, offering a separate wedding and event space. 

Savills has been instructed to sell the long leasehold interest of the site, meaning the buyer will have exclusive possession of the land for a fixed term but will not be the outright owner.

The property currently has a long leasehold for 250 years with effect from February 20, 2020, with a passing rent of £133,150 from March 2026.

The Echo has contacted the restaurant for comment.

President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner was “in a bind” but added that the seriousness of the situation hinged on whether “you believe the woman” after Platner faced an accusation of sexual assault.

The president made the comments Wednesday evening as he gaggled with reporters on Air Force One as he returned to the U.S. from Ankara, Turkey, where he attended the Nato summit this week.

Trump was asked by reporters if Platner should be made to withdraw from the race after a woman he previously dated came forward with her experience of Platner coming into her home uninvited and forcing himself upon her. Her account was corroborated by contemporary remarks to friends, as well as a therapist. Platner, in a video message, denied the woman’s claims, calling them “troubling and false.”

The president also said that Maine Democrats were facing a tough situation, but appeared to suggest that there was room for people to believe Platner’s denials over the woman’s account.

“It’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman,” Trump told reporters. “A lot of people say big falsehoods. It’s– he’s in a bind.”

“Should they be able to [force him out]? Well, I guess he’s going to lose,” added the president. “It’s very interesting, when a Republican woman came out with the same charge, nobody believed her. When this woman came out, everybody believed her.”

This is a breaking news report. More to follow.

Death in Paradise fans were quick to recognise Neville Parker’s sister Izzy in a BBC repeat of series 11

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A Widow’s Bay star previously featured prominently in Death in Paradise.

Presently, the BBC is broadcasting repeat instalments of Death in Paradise, with Wednesday evening showing series 11, episode five. In the 2022 series, Ralf Little portrayed the lead character DI Neville Parker prior to his departure in 2024.

The repeat instalment featured a young pop star discovered deceased at a rehabilitation facility, where it initially appeared to be a tragic accident. Nevertheless, Neville remained convinced that her death concealed more than first appeared…

In the instalment, viewers witnessed the appearance of Neville’s sister, Izzy. Yet, Neville wasn’t particularly delighted to encounter his sister, especially as she’d kept her visit a surprise and promptly began meddling in his affairs.

The role of Izzy is portrayed by actress Kate O’Flynn, who featured as the character across three instalments. Naturally, audiences will immediately recognise Kate, 40, for her memorable performance as Patricia Moyer in the recent popular series Widow’s Bay, reports the Mirror.

Additional credits include Fiona Lewis in Everyone Else Burns, Princess Mary in My Lady Jane and Alice in Bridget Jones’s Baby – amongst numerous others.

When the instalment originally aired, audiences were swift to immediately identify Kate portraying Izzy. One viewer remarked: “I recognise Izzy from somewhere!”.

While another viewer posted: “Where have I seen Izzy before! ? @deathinparadise she looks very familiar #DeathInParadise!”

However, it appears that Izzy’s return to Death in Paradise is unlikely, given the departure of her on-screen brother Neville. In 2024, Neville made the decision to leave Saint Marie permanently after four years, choosing instead to travel the world.

Don Gilet has since stepped into the lead role as DI Mervin Wilson. Reflecting on his arrival to the show in 2024, Don said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.

“This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.

“Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!”.

Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

A Foreign Affairs Committee investigation found it it was ‘difficult to understand’ how the disgraced peer was handed the plum Washington role, citing concerns about national security

The Peter Mandelson appointment as US ambassador was an “unmitigated disaster” that damaged Britain in the “eyes of the world ”, a damning report has found.

A Foreign Affairs Committee investigation found it was “difficult to understand” how the disgraced peer was handed the plum Washington role, citing concerns about national security.

Keir Starmer sacked him in September 2025 after fresh revelations over his friendship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but the scandal refused to go away and deeply damaged the soon-to-be former PM.

The influential Westminster committee found the process was not followed, and are now calling for no public appointments to be announced or made without the appropriate security clearance first being granted.

They argue when a Prime Minister wishes to make a specific appointment, they should always consult the Head of Diplomatic Service and the Foreign Secretary. The report also called for a new process of appointments, and for the diligence report to always be shared with the hiring department.

OPINION

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry MP, said: “Despite my Committee’s extensive scrutiny and evidence gathering, and the thousands of pages published via the Humble Address, there are still unanswered questions as to how someone so clearly unfit was appointed British Ambassador to the United States.

“Mandelson’s appointment was an unmitigated disaster for the country. It should never have been allowed to happen, and it cannot ever be repeated. To prevent anything similar from happening again, no public appointments should be made without security vetting having already taken place.

“With the appointment announced, Mandelson on the payroll, and constant pressure from No. 10, it is no wonder that some civil servants in the Foreign Office felt the appointment was a forgone conclusion. But when our nation’s security is at stake, there can be no exceptions made, regardless of the individual’s public profile or sense of pressure.

“Peter Mandelson’s appointment has been highly damaging for the Government, painful and offensive to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and it has diminished our country in the eyes of the world.”

Sir Olly Robbins, who was sacked by the PM, previously claimed the Government was ‘dismissive’ of vetting Lord Mandelson – and claimed he was ordered to find a job for a key Starmer aide.

Earlier this year a vast trove of private WhatsApps and emails revealed Mr Mandelson’s influence across Government, where he offered advice to ministers and lobbied for his own interests while savaging Mr Starmer behind his back.

It had all the elements of a modern-day tragedy: the grieving widow quietly dabbing away tears with a white tissue, the president’s son making a surprise appearance with his glamorous new wife, and a diminutive accused killer at the center of it all.

But the second day of the preliminary hearing over Charlie Kirk‘s 2025 murder also had elements of a farce: an afternoon of testimony so utterly boring, four women who had camped out overnight to get courtroom seats quietly slipped away after just an hour.

The day had begun with a phalanx of cameras mobbed around the entrance waiting to capture the main players: Donald Trump Jr with his recent bride Bettina Anderson, Kirk’s widow Erika and his devastated parents, as well as Robinson’s own mom and dad who scurried into the Provo District Courthouse dodging the lenses as much as they could.

Inside, security was heavy: the fourth floor had been turned into a fortress with the floor to ceiling plate glass windows blacked out with fabric to prevent any clear shot at those entering the courtroom.

Snipers were stationed on the roof while squads of heavily armed cops had packed into the lobby and into the courtroom itself.

Erika herself was flanked by a posse of three heavies, looking small and fragile at their sides.

Reporters covering the hearing were swept into the courtroom first, where, from their perch in the jury box, they were positioned directly next to the defense team and the accused killer Tyler Robinson himself.

Not that the seating arrangements appeared to bother the 23-year-old, who maintained a mask of stony indifference throughout the day as he sat, hunched over the defense desk, in a crumpled gray suit.

Robinson, 23 (pictured in December), faces the possibility of the death penalty if he is convicted of murdering Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025

The conservative influencer interacted with the crowd during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University moments before he was shot dead

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Yet there were the odd signs of emotion: rolling his pen through his fingers as a picture purporting to show him positioning himself to strike, his left thumb tracing circles on his thigh as his trans former lover’s name got its first mention, and a quick scratch of his left eye.

As reporters filed out at the end of the day, he offered a brief smirk – the most visible and discernible facial expression he managed in eight hours of testimony.

The real emotion was to be found further back where Erika, dressed in a black satin blouse and matching wide-leg pants, sat in the third row next to Kirk’s visibly distraught parents.

Occasionally dabbing her eyes as she watched frame by frame footage of Robinson’s movements on the day her husband died, it proved all too much at times – with both Erika and his parents fleeing the court room twice in the morning.

Sitting just in front of them, just a few seats away, were Robinson’s parents Matthew and Amber who, like their son, didn’t give much away – stoically facing Judge Tony Graf while chewing gum throughout.

Behind them and to their right was Don Jr, solemn in a navy suit, and new wife Bettina who added a shot of glamour to proceedings in a cream pinstriped suit and black t-shirt.

Although the newlyweds spent the whole of Monday in court, neither made it back after Tuesday’s lunch break – for which both should breathe a sigh of relief.

Although Robinson’s sharp-tongued lead attorney Kathy Nester – last seen mounting an unsuccessful defense of grief author Kouri Richins – took center stage in the morning, the afternoon saw the floor handed to Michael Burt.

Kirk was supported in court by her late husband’s close friend, Donald Trump Jr, and his new wife Bettina Anderson (pictured at the Freedom 250 UFC fight at the White House in June)

Charlie Kirk’s parents Robert and Kathryn Kirk appeared grief stricken as they arrived for the second day of preliminary court appearances in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday

Tyler Robinson’s parents Matt and Amber also seen arriving at the courthouse on Tuesday

Burt, no stranger to a famous case himself having represented parent killer Lyle Menendez during his first trial, took the later hours of the day from high drama to crashing bore.

For more than three painstaking hours, Burt attempted to prove flaws in the DNA testing that identified Robinson, subjecting FBI scientist Amanda Bakker to a tedious barrage of questions and waving best practice manuals written in 1996 at the witness box.

The courtroom, already mostly marked by a hushed silence, descended into a stupor before dapper prosecutor Ryan McBride rapidly wrapped proceedings up with a few quick questions of his own.

Tuesday marked the second day of a week-long preliminary hearing in the murder case.

Robinson faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted, with his defense attorney Nester, 59, attempting to prevent key evidence from being admitted at his pre-trial hearings this week.

Nester is a veteran trial attorney with a number of infamous defendants on her resume, including former polygamous religious leader Lyle Jeffs, synagogue shooter John Earnest and Michael Kirk Moore, who was accused of issuing false Covid vaccine certificates and destroying $28,000 worth of COVID-19 vaccines. The charges against Moore were eventually dropped.

Much of the focus on Tuesday morning was on the testimony of Utah State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull who said that hours before Kirk was killed, Robinson visited the amphitheater where the influencer was preparing to speak.

Hull claimed that Robinson made contact with several members of the conservative activist’s organization Turning Point USA.

Defense attorney Kathryn Nester during a preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, on Tuesday

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A never-before-seen image allegedly showing Robinson on the UVU campus before the shooting

Prosecutors say Robinson drove a grey Dodge Challenger for four hours to the UVU campus, and on Tuesday they presented never-before-seen footage allegedly showing the vehicle stalking the area before Kirk’s assassination

The agent did not testify as to what Robinson said to the organization’s members, but Hull added that Robinson also bought food from Chick-fil-A roughly two hours before Kirk was killed.

Hull also noted that a police officer interacted with the suspect on campus the day after the shooting, amid an intense manhunt for Kirk’s killer.

He said Robinson returned to the UVU campus during the manhunt, but during his conversation with the police officer he set off alarm bells.

Hull said the officer had ‘cop intuition’ about Robinson and wrote down his license plate, which later helped investigators prove that the 23-year-old was on campus that day, he testified.

The bombshell testimony came after prosecutors shared never-before-seen footage allegedly showing Robinson prowling the UVU campus on the day of the shooting.

However, prosecutors hit a hurdle on the first day of the evidence hearings on Monday as Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf rejected surveillance footage put forward by the state, as he said he was ‘concerned’ it had been edited.

The footage had been altered with circles around items of interest and zooms at key moments, which prosecutors said were ‘only added to make it easier to view.’

People gather outside a courthouse, on the day of a preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson

The early ruling came as the first cop at the scene, Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley, also admitted in his testimony that he did not have bodycam footage from the day of Kirk’s assassination to back up his testimony, because his camera ‘ran out of batteries.’

Despite the early challenges in the evidence on Monday, prosecutors only need to convince Judge Graf of probable cause in taking Robinson to trial, a lower bar than the ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ standard needed to ultimately convict him.

Robinson has remained in custody in Utah ever since his arrest 33 hours after Kirk was killed.

Prosecutors say they have compiled a slew of evidence in that time, including DNA linking Robinson to the murder weapon, witness statements and further surveillance tying him to the scene.

They are also expected to cite messages Robinson allegedly sent his transgender partner Lance Twiggs on the day of the shooting, which said he ‘had enough of (Kirk’s) hatred’ and that ‘some hatred can’t be negotiated out.’

Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case.