Outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where Iran will face New Zealand on 15 June, those tensions are on full display.

Opponents of the government in Tehran have gathered waving the Lion and Sun flag. It was Iran’s flag from before the 1979 Islamic revolution, and for many here, a symbol of resistance to the current regime.

From a distance, they look like Iranian flags.

But a closer look reveals the symbol at the heart of the dispute.

For protesters here, the Lion and Sun represents Iran.

“It is a stance against the Islamic Republic. This is the real flag of Iran,” says Arezo Rashidian, one of the protest organisers.

The emblem on the national team’s jerseys, they argue, represents a government they want gone. That post-revolution flag has the same green, white and red stripes but also features the Islamic emblem of four crescents and a sword in red. The Arabic inscription ‘Allahu Akbar’ which translates to ‘Allah is the greatest’ and Muslims recite during prayer, is also featured on the flag.

Many of those gathered outside SoFi Stadium accuse the Islamic Republic of using sport to project legitimacy abroad while repressing dissent at home.

“Regime change is the goal. We’re here to show solidarity with the people of Iran,” says Ms Rashidian.

She says they are against “the mass killings of individuals protesting freely,” referring to the anti-government protests in January and February and the widespread crackdown by the regime forces which resulted in thousands of deaths.

At the time, state officials acknowledged several thousand casualties, while activist groups and medical sources documented mass shootings, overwhelmed hospitals, and leaked mortuary records indicating the true scale of the violence.

The TUI flight was due to land at Manchester Airport but was diverted to Gander, Canada after a passenger’s behaviour became ‘aggressive and alarming’ on board, according to fellow travellers

A father has described his family’s “horrible” experience after they were left stranded in a remote Canadian town when their flight was abruptly grounded due to a disruptive passenger.

The father, named Mr Stockford, was returning home from an all-inclusive break with his wife and four daughters in Cancun when a man’s conduct became “aggressive and alarming” on board their TUI flight to Manchester Airport. Mr Stockford said the man was seated directly behind his daughters and made multiple attempts to leave the aircraft mid-flight. He then made ‘disturbing’ remarks about a “man with a knife” that scared other passengers, many of whom were children.

Mr Stockford claims that crew members managed to restrain the man with assistance from a doctor. However, as the aircraft neared the Pacific Ocean, he was considered too great a flight risk and the pilot opted to divert the plane to Canada where he could be taken off by police. According to Mr Stockford, the disruptive passenger’s wife later blamed his conduct on diazepam he purchased from a taxi driver in Mexico.

The Boeing 787-9 touched down in Gander in the early hours of Friday morning – a small town in the north-eastern region of the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Describing the mayhem on board the aircraft, he said: “The plane landed quite firm, he tried to get up, TUI staff shouted ‘sit back down, now!’ and kids behind us were crying, thinking they were gonna’ die,

“They were saying, ‘why do I feel like I’m dying, mummy? It was horrible.”

He went on to say that as he and nearly 400 fellow passengers disembarked, the pilot assured them they would be “looked after”, reports the Manchester Evening News. Yet once off the plane, passengers claim they were met with a string of problems and very little information from TUI.

“We entered a country at 3C having been in a 32C country. We had shorts on, t-shirts, babies weren’t wrapped up because of that,” he recalled.

Among the reported problems were lengthy delays in transport to TUI-arranged hotels, and upon arrival, the family claim they were informed their room would only be available for under four hours. The MEN understood that accommodation across the town had been snapped up due to a major local event.

“On the plane the captain they were gonna’ look after us and said they were going to provide us with transport to a hotel, a free hotel, food and drink.” he said. “At that point we were thinking, ‘we’re not going to go home today, but at least we’ve got a hotel to rest in’.

“We queued up for this transfer, the transfer was a 12-seater crooked old school bus. As you can imagine, 360 passengers, it was going to take time. The hotels were three or four across Gander. We tried to ring a taxi because we had young children. There was only three taxi companies in Gander, it’s a population of 12,000. The taxi came, and they couldn’t take us because they had no car seat and it was illegal to drive a baby without a car seat.

“We eventually got on the bus. We got to the hotel three hours later, everyone was tired, and the hotel staff told us we’ve only got the hotel for four hours.”

Upon returning to the airport on Friday, the family were informed there would be a further 14-hour wait before they could depart for home. As a result, the majority of passengers were forced to sleep on the airport floor at Gander, with very little food, drink or clothing available, as most of their luggage had remained on the plane.

The father-of-four, from Manchester, said news of their diversion had reached the local community, who rallied round to help the stranded Brits get around town to pick up essential supplies. This is not the first time Gander has found itself in such a situation. The town has become known for supporting stranded travellers over the years — including on 9/11, a moment which became the focus of hit musical Come From Away.

He said: “Loads of locals flooded in and helped everyone get back to the airport. We’ve got a lift back to the airport for free, which was lovely. Then we had to spend 14 hours with the rest of the 360 passengers on the floors of the airport. Children sleeping on the floors, families on the floors because there was not enough seats.”

The flight was due to land at Manchester Airport at around 7:15am on Friday (June 5). However, the family didn’t make it home until Saturday (June 6).

“14 hours on the airport floor, cold floors, hard floor, babies, young kids, families. Just not taken into consideration,” he said. “We got given some vouchers, but I got a photo of the airport fridges, there was hardly anything left.”

Business owner Mr Stockford says the ordeal has left his children traumatised and cost both him and his wife lost earnings.

“My daughters are nervous now to fly again because of the situation,” he said. “TUI from the start of being diverted to the end, just completely failed us.”

TUI has been contacted for comment.

The summer window is fast approaching as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all looking to get some transfer business complete before the World Cup begins this week. Arsenal have renewed their interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, but he could set them back £100m. They are also chasing Leicester’s teenage starlet Jeremy Monga, while they are also in talks to sign PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba. The Gunners are also thought to be looking at the likes of Julian Alvarez, Junior Kroupi, Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service remains in attendance at a large office-based fire at Ty Menter, Navigation Park, Abercynon.

Multiple crews, appliances and specialist rescue equipment, including aerial ladder platforms, high-volume pumps and water bowsers, were called to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Crews remain at the scene on Tuesday as investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

The State Pension has increased in line with the Triple Lock this year

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Millions of pensioners throughout Great Britain are now in receipt of increased State Pension payments following the annual uprating. The 2026 payment rates for both the New and Basic State Pension will stay in effect until April 2027.

Individuals retiring this year will be entitled to the New State Pension, valued at up to £241.30 per week. Meanwhile, those who retired prior to April 2016 receive the Basic State Pension, worth up to £184.90 weekly.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) distributes the payments on a weekly, fortnightly or four-weekly basis – the frequency is determined by the payment schedule agreed when an individual claims the contributory benefit.

Under the Triple Lock mechanism, the New and Basic State Pensions rise annually in accordance with whichever is highest among average annual earnings growth from May to July, the CPI inflation rate in the year to September, or 2.5 per cent.

Additional State Pension components and deferred State Pensions increase annually with the September CPI figure, reports the Daily Record.

The full New State Pension has risen by approximately £574 to £12,547 during the 2026/27 financial year. Nevertheless, this leaves merely £36 before the Personal Allowance income threshold of £12,570 is breached, which could result in more pensioners with any supplementary income paying tax during retirement.

The UK Government recently confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will introduce new measures this year to ensure pensioners, whose sole income is the State Pension, will not be required to complete a Simple Self Assessment tax return if their payment exceeds the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570. This follows the decision to keep the Personal Allowance frozen at £12,570 until April 2031.

It is worth noting that the amount of State Pension an individual receives is determined by their National Insurance contributions. Approximately 35 years’ worth of contributions are needed to qualify for the full New State Pension, though this may vary for those who were ‘contracted out’.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed what they describe as a fundamentally new type of vaccine using artificial intelligence (AI). The vaccine’s key component was designed entirely by AI and has now been tested in people for the first time.

The goal is ambitious: a single vaccine that works not just against all known human coronavirus variants, but against related bat viruses that could jump from animals to humans and cause future pandemics.

Traditional vaccines train our immune system to recognise one specific virus. The problem is that viruses mutate. When they change enough, the vaccine stops working, which is why we need a new flu shot every year and why COVID vaccines have been updated repeatedly since 2021.

AI offers a way around this. By analysing genetic data from thousands of related viruses, it can identify the parts that stay the same across different strains and that are unlikely to change over time. Target those stable features, and you have a vaccine that should work against the whole family, not just the strain you started with.

This is exactly what the Cambridge team did. They used AI to scan viruses from the sarbecovirus family, which includes the viruses that cause both SARS and COVID, as well as a range of animal coronaviruses – looking for shared features that evolution has left largely untouched. Those features became the basis of the vaccine.

DNA vaccines

While many people are familiar with the mRNA shots used during the pandemic, this new vaccine uses DNA. DNA vaccines are generally more stable than mRNA vaccines, making them easier to store and transport. A significant advantage in lower-income countries where “cold-chain” infrastructure is limited.

They can also be administered without needles. A high-pressure stream of liquid delivers the vaccine through the skin, making administration less painful and easier to scale up during an outbreak.

Could it protect against future pandemics?

These practical advantages matter most if the vaccine itself can do something no existing jab can: protect against viruses we haven’t encountered yet.

Broad-spectrum vaccines could change the way the world responds to emerging infectious diseases. By offering much wider protection than traditional vaccines, they could provide rapid immunity against new and emerging viral threats. This would equip public health officials with tools to stop future outbreaks in their tracks before they have a chance to turn into global pandemics.

They could also transform our approach to more familiar diseases. Influenza is a prime target because it exists in many different strains and evolves so rapidly. Scientists have to predict which strains will dominate each flu season, and they guess wrong, vaccine effectiveness can suffer. A universal flu vaccine that targets features shared across multiple strains could eventually end the annual race to keep up with the virus.

And the Ebola virus shows why this matters right now. The recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, which bypasses existing vaccines. While researchers rush to create a new vaccine specifically for this strain, local communities remain at high risk. A broad-spectrum vaccine designed to cover an entire virus family could transform that picture.

What the trial found

This is the first human trial of an AI-designed vaccine. The results showed that this DNA vaccine was able to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can recognise different types of sarbecoviruses. The technology was found to be safe and well tolerated.

This is an exciting advance because it demonstrates how AI has the potential to design variant-proof vaccines against future pandemic threats. The needle-free delivery system could also make the vaccine easier to administer and distribute worldwide.

However, there is more work to do. Although the results in this study are encouraging, the immune responses following vaccination were modest. It was also uncertain how long the protection lasts and whether further boosters will be required. Larger trials are also needed to determine whether the vaccine can prevent or reduce virus infections in the real world.

A universal vaccine remains a few years away. And any new vaccine must still pass larger trials to prove it is safe, effective and provides lasting protection. But this study shows the goal is getting closer – and AI may help us get there faster.

Manchester United appear to be back in the transfer race for Elliot Anderson with Manchester City after a Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to meet Elliot Anderson’s wage demands as Manchester United reportedly remain in the race against Manchester City for his signature. Nottingham Forest’s hefty £100million asking price and City’s firm interest saw Old Trafford chiefs initially concede defeat and look elsewhere for midfield additions.

Ederson of Atalanta swiftly became their focus and a £38m deal for the Brazil international, who is set to be a late World Cup call-up, has since been wrapped up. A second midfield signing is now being looked at with West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba all linked.

However, The Guardian are reporting that United remain intent on signing Anderson with it claimed that executives at the club are confident they can beat City to the deal. Despite the significant funds needed, it has been claimed that Sir Jim would be prepared to meet Anderson’s wage demands.

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The 23-year-old is on a weekly salary of £100,000 at the City Ground and regardless of which Manchester club he joins, a 50 per cent increase is expected. City have already lodged a bid that was rejected and are now planning a second offer in excess of £80m, but that is still firmly below Forest’s asking price.

A strong World Cup showing for Anderson with England could even see them demand more. He is expected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield for the Three Lions’ group-stage opener against Croatia.

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United star Kobbie Mainoo is likely the first back-up option to both while Marcus Rashford is in a battle with Anthony Gordon to start at left wing.

The former remains intent on joining Barcelona permanently which has seen him turn down potential moves to Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham and most recently German champions Bayern Munich.

Though he has not played for United in 18 months, potential replacements in the squad for Rashford are being looked at.

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a target over the last few weeks while Yan Diomande was also of interest, though he appears set for a move to either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool if he leaves RB Leipzig.

Similarly to Anderson, Diomande impressing at the World Cup could impact his future with Ivory Coast to face Ecuador, Germany and Curacao.

United looked set to avoid such a delay with the signing of Ederson, but he has been chosen by Carlo Ancelotti as the replacement for the injured Wesley.

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Calum Frame, prosecuting, said the women had known each other for almost all of their lives.

A woman has been jailed for 15 months after battering her partner on the head with a wooden shelf.

Danielle Wilson and her partner’s relationship had been “toxic”, Hamilton Sheriff Court was told.

Wilson, 33, of Smyllum Road, Lanark, admitted assaulting the victim to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

The attack happened at a house in Telford Road, East Kilbride, in the early hours of December 10, 2024.

The Crown accepted that Wilson acted under provocation, having been hit by her partner first.

Calum Frame, prosecuting, said the women had known each other for almost all of their lives.

They had been in a relationship for around four months at the time of the assault. They both have children with previous partners.

Mr Frame told the court that the victim had taken alcohol and valium before falling asleep.

Her recollection of events was “hazy” but she remembered Wilson waking her and being struck on the head.

Mr Frame said: “Police were contacted by a neighbour. Officers came upon [the victim] in the street around 1.30am.

“She had a laceration to the top of her head that required four stitches and has left a scar.”

Wilson also admitted breaching bail conditions by having contact with the woman at a later date and failing to comply with a curfew.

Defence lawyer Laura Kiernan said Wilson had been annoyed after she was woken by one of the victim’s friends who had turned up at the door late at night.

Ms Kiernan stated: “My client then woke [the victim] who struck her first with a shelf. My client hit her back with this item but she accepts it was not self-defence.

“Both of these women have difficulties with their mental health and substance abuse.

“Danielle Wilson suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and at the time of this incident was really struggling with addictions.

“Both were using crack cocaine and it’s no surprise the relationship became toxic.

“My client has attended Cocaine Anonymous. She has a support worker and is seeking rehabilitation.”

Sheriff Liam Murphy said it was a serious assault committed while Wilson was on bail for other matters.

The sheriff told her: “I take account of the provocation and all that has been said on your behalf, but there is no alternative to custody.”

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The thief also urinated in the police van on the way to custody

A pyjama thief threatened shop staff with a crutch and later exposed himself to a police officer. Nicholas Masson, 32, was caught stealing pyjamas at Sainsbury’s supermarket, in Chequers Shopping Centre in Huntingdon, at about 10.40am on December 10, 2024.

He absconded but was followed outside by staff. The 32-year-old threatened them with a crutch before throwing the pyjamas at them.

Officers arrived and arrested Masson who urinated in the police van on the way to custody. After being released on bail, a drunken Masson exposed himself to a police officer in Regent Street, Cambridge, on December 19, 2024 and was arrested again.

Further investigations found Masson had been shouting, swearing, and following a woman at the Co-op, in Hills Road, earlier that day.

Masson, of no fixed address, was jailed for 13 months on Friday, June 5, at Peterborough Crown Court. He had pleaded guilty to two counts of using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress, exposure, theft, criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon, and common assault of an emergency worker.

Sergeant James Woore, who investigated, said: “Masson was incredibly aggressive and abusive to staff, officers and people who were just going about their everyday business in Huntingdon that day.

“And rather than use his arrest as a ‘wake-up’ call, he exposed himself to one of my colleagues while intoxicated in Cambridge.”

The 4.8-star rated Dunelm Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug is currently half price, with sizes starting from just £24.50

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Updating your interior décor offers an enjoyable opportunity to breathe new life into your home, and one of the easiest methods to inject vibrant colour into your living area is by adding a fashionable new rug.

A sought-after choice from Dunelm is the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug, currently available at half price. This shaggy rug comes in grey and natural shades, versatile colours that complement most interior schemes. Available in six different dimensions, the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug is priced between £24.50 and £329.

Size options include – 80cm x 150cm, slashed from £49 to £24.50, 120cm x 170cm, cut from £69 to £34.50, and the 160cm x 230cm variant now priced at £79.50, down from £159, reports Wales Online.

Dunelm’s website describes the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug as: “Scrumptiously soft, the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug is a real treat for your feet! Made from a supersoft high pile, this rug will add a touch of cosiness to any living space.

“The hints of mottled colours throughout add style and depth to this semi-plain rug, making it an easy to style winner for any future home décor changes.”

Meanwhile, another popular choice is the OHS Tufted Arches Rug Soft Floor Carpet Non Slip Area Mat, which has been reduced at Debenhams from £79.99 to £31.99.

For those seeking an alternative shaggy option, the Habitat Noodle Plain Shaggy Rug is offered in four colour choices, with prices spanning from £35 to £95.

The Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug has received an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from 91 customers. One delighted buyer commented: “Superior quality, excellent value, feels so luxurious and warm, can’t recommend enough.”

A second reviewer noted: “It has a nice thick pile and looks really good quality. I like the different shades of light, medium and dark grey in it which make it look different depending on which way the pile is lying. I’m very pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend to others.”

A third customer remarked: “It was a long search and we covered a lot of ground but in the end our Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug from Dunelm ticked all the boxes for size, colour and quality.”

However, one purchaser observed: “Cosy. Nice feel on the feet, warm texture. One drawback is the finish at the ends. One end of each rug is not well finished. Could result in fraying later.”

Shoppers have given the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug glowing feedback, with another stating: “Lovely rug, nice colour to it, makes the house feel more of a home.”