The Florida Governor bid a fond farewell to Scotland fans who made the US their home these past few weeks.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has hailed the Tartan Army as “great guests” who have left a “lasting impression” on Miami.

The end may be nigh but Scotland fans leaving the city have created memories to last a lifetime, and should be proud despite a 3-0 defeat to Brazil on Wednesday, leaving our World Cup hopes hanging in the balance.

Supporters waited 28 years to see the nation at the global tournament again and for everyone who travelled out to the US, it’s been an unforgettable trip – not least, too, for the Americans who were witness to our antics.

And now, Ron DeSantis – the Republican politician who ran against Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024 – has added his name to the list of people showing appreciation for the Scots as they begin their exodus.

Taking to X, the Governor paid emotional tribute to the Tartan Army. He said: “We had thousands of Scots descend on Miami, take to the streets, and engage in revelry. And yet this was cheerful, energetic, and orderly.

“What great guests! Maybe we’ll send some Floridians to St. Andrews to return the favour.”

DeSantis’ tweet was in response to a post by Miami International Airport, who also gave foot soldiers a fond farewell and shouted out their spirit, humour, and warmth when they partied stateside for weeks on the bounce.

Saying goodbye to the outgoing patriots, an airport spokesperson tweeted: “As the Tartan Army begins their journey home, we want to look back on the absolute joy, passion, and energy you brought with you.

“From the bagpipes echoing through the terminals to the sea of kilts and smiles, you truly showed us how to celebrate the beautiful game. Safe travels home, Scotland! You left a lasting impression on the Magic City.”

Tonnes of social media users from both sides of the pond made their feelings known underneath the posts.

One wrote: “They were the best! They and their country are beautiful. It’s one of my favourite places!”

A second penned: “We love the Scots!!! Can’t wait to plan our Spring Break in Scotland! Scotland here we come!”

A third enthused: “It was very refreshing to see such wonderful happy people!”

A fourth scribed: “As someone lucky enough to work in St Andrews, we’d love to welcome some more Floridians!”

And a fifth added: “Scotland represented itself with class. Friendly people, great energy, and respect for their hosts.

“You’re welcome back in Florida anytime!”

We now face an anxious wait to see whether other results can offer a lifeline – but if this is where the journey ends, the Tartan Army can hold their heads high. Their reputation as the best supporters in the world remains intact.

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.

The event is expected to be “bigger and more exciting than ever before”, according to organisers

Bottisham Airfield Museum is set to transport back to wartime in a 1940s weekend and organisers have promised history fanatics that it will be “bigger, better and unforgettable”. The event, ‘Bottisham at War’, on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, will offer a packed schedule of aerial displays, re-enactment battles, vintage vehicles and live entertainment.

Bottisham Airfield Museum is one of Cambridgeshire’s most well-known and important airfield bases. During World War Two, the base was used by The Royal Air Force and American Air Force and housed a variety of aircraft including Lysanders, Tomahawks, Tiger Moths, Austers and Allison-engineered Mustangs.

Visitors can expect to enjoy 1940s music performances throughout and a market selling vintage clothing and military memorabilia. The event will also see a ‘showstopper battle re-enactment’ where 1940s enthusiasts can expect “dramatic special effects, intense explosions, and the roar of gunfire ” as they witness an immersive World War Two battle.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the history by speaking with reenactors and looking at a collection showcasing classic war vehicles including tanks and jeeps.

This year’s show is expected to be “bigger and more exciting than ever before”. It will run from 10am until 4pm on both days.

The museum’s Flying Tractor Cafe will also be open throughout the weekend and there is free on-site parking available. Admission for the event includes access to the museum and The Flying Tractor Café, where you can soak in the atmosphere and get some food.

Haaland and Odegaard, Norway’s top goalscorer and captain, respectively, were among ten men dropped between Norway’s penultimate group stage match against Senegal and this one, and Solbakken said it did not take much consideration for him to rest his two stars, with sights already trained on Les Elephants.

A section inside Rawtenstall Bus Station remains closed, although the rest of the station is operating as normal.

Nearby, Rawtenstall Market has also been temporarily closed while emergency services continue their response.

PCSOs at the scene this evening (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Rossendale Borough Council said: “Due to an incident near Rawtenstall Market, the market has been closed while emergency services respond.

“Lancashire Police are dealing with the incident and we kindly ask people to avoid the area until further notice.

“The market should reopen tomorrow at the usual time.”

A police van remained outside the bus station (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The council has advised members of the public to avoid the area while the emergency services response continues.

Lancashire Police has not released any official details about the nature of the incident.

Earlier in the evening, emergency vehicles, including police and ambulance crews, and an air ambulance were seen in the area.

Lancashire Police has been contacted for comment.

Police have advised members of the public to avoid the area

Police have advised members of the public to avoid a Co Down park due to the “discovery of suspected munition.”

Officers have been in attendance near the pitches at Ward Park in Bangor since around 6pm on Friday, June 26. A PSNI spokesperson said it’s expected they will be dealing with the matter for a number of hours.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Members of the public are asked to avoid the Ward Park area of Bangor due to the discovery of suspected historic munition.

“Police are working to assess the object at this time. We appreciate this may cause some disruption, however keeping people safe is paramount and we will not take any risks.

“We thank those who may be affected for their patience, as we continue to work to keep people safe.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The US military has carried out airstrikes on Iranian drone and missile storage facilities and coastal radar positions

The US has launched retaliatory strikes against Iran following a drone attack on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

US forces carried out airstrikes targeting Iranian drone and missile storage facilities, as well as coastal radar installations on Friday, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM described the strikes as a “powerful response” to Thursday’s attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz – which Donald Trump had earlier called a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that a cargo ship was struck 7.5 nautical miles south-east of Oman’s port of Dahit by “an unknown projectile” on Thursday. No casualties were reported.

CENTCOM confirmed that Iranian forces targeted the Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged vessel, using a one-way attack drone, reports the Mirror.

“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire,” CENTCOM said.

“Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behavior undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned its response to the US strikes would be “swift and decisive, at the time and place we choose”, according to Iranian state television.

The IRGC also claimed to have repelled a US assault on Sirik Island, situated along the shores of the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes followed shortly after Trump told reporters at the White House: “You’ll find out,” when questioned about whether the US would respond to the drone attack.

“I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn’t be doing that,” he added.

In an earlier post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump accused Iran of launching at least four drones at passing ships, with one striking the vessel.

“Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,” he wrote.

The Ever Lovely’s owner, Evergreen, confirmed the vessel had been travelling along the UKMTO’s recommended route through the strait at the time it was struck.

“All crew members remain safe as does the vessel itself and all cargo,” it added.

It’s very easy to get caught up during sales periods like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, buying things you probably don’t need or really want just because there is a discount. Sometimes these discounts aren’t genuine, either. Many retailers advertise discounts based on savings off the RRP, but many products are rarely sold at their RRP.

At Telegraph Recommended, not only do we give honest reviews on a range of products, but for a deal to be highlighted by us, it has to be at least 10 per cent cheaper than the average price it has been sold at for the last six months. There are some exceptions, like Apple products which are rarely discounted and often only drop by 5-7 per cent, but even for those, each deal is verified by our team of experts to ensure it is a true saving.

So, who are the team of experts? Let us introduce ourselves. For starters, there’s me (Rebecca), commissioning editor across travel, health and beauty. I’ve been a consumer journalist for five years and I’ve reviewed hundreds of products in that time. For the past week, I’ve been bringing you the best deals on everything from electric toothbrushes to hair dryers. 

Then there’s Hannah, who is our commissioning editor across home, garden and sleep. She has been bringing you the best offers on everything from coffee machines to dehumidifiers and vacuums. Before joining The Telegraph, she worked at the Good Housekeeping Institute, so she’s been seeking out genuine discounts for years. 

Helping Hannah is Emilia, our home and garden reviews writer. She’s been looking for the best pillows and mattress deals., while Nathan is your go-to expert for tech deals. With over a decade of experience in consumer technology journalism, he’s been covering sales events since the first Black Friday in the UK made a mark on these shores. 

Finally, reviews editor Simon has been writing reviews for Recommended since 2021 and has been at The Telegraph since 2015. He’s the master curator of all things deals – nothing passes him by. 

Meet the Recommended deals experts

Nicholas Kemp photographed the unusual formations above his street, with the distinctive bubble-like pouches of cloud clearly visible beneath a heavy, brooding sky as the intense heat finally gave way to thundery conditions.

“I’ve never seen them before, but I knew about them,” the 65-year-old former caretaker said.

“It was quite amazing to witness a rare natural phenomenon, especially over Darlington.

“My dad was an amature meteorologist.

“He taught everything about the weather. He never in his 85 years of watching the skies, saw these clouds. They are amazing.”

What are mammatus clouds?

Mammatus clouds, whose name comes from the Latin word mamma, meaning ‘udder’, are one of the most distinctive and unusual cloud formations visible in the UK.

Rather than the typical puffy forms associated with storm clouds, mammatus appear as rounded, pouch-like lobes hanging downwards from the underside of a cloud, most commonly a cumulonimbus thunderstorm cloud.

They form when cool air sinks downwards, creating the characteristic drooping pockets that contrast sharply with the rising columns of warm air driving the storm above. Individual lobes typically measure between one and three kilometres across and can last around ten minutes, though a whole cluster can persist for several hours.

Sightings in the UK are uncommon.

The Met Office describes them as forming under the most unstable cumulonimbus clouds, making them a strong visual signal that heavy rain, hail or a significant thunderstorm is imminent.

They are also of concern to pilots, who are advised to avoid any cumulonimbus cloud displaying mammatus formations due to the severe turbulence they indicate.

End of a record-breaking heatwave

The clouds appeared on Friday, June 26, as high pressure that had driven one of the most intense heatwaves in recent British history began to break down and give way to showers and thunderstorms.

The heatwave had pushed temperatures to potentially record-breaking levels earlier in the week, with the Met Office issuing a red extreme heat warning for parts of southern England and Wales as forecasters predicted highs of up to 39°C — figures that threatened to surpass the UK’s all-time June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1976.

The North East, while cooler than southern England, was not spared the oppressive heat and humidity.

Nor was it spared the storm, as video from The Northern Echo office show.

By Friday, the Met Office had forecast that a westerly change would bring cloud, rain and thunderstorms sweeping in from the west, with conditions becoming more unsettled across much of the country through the weekend.

It was precisely these volatile, stormy conditions — warm, unstable air colliding with the incoming cooler westerly flow — that created the perfect conditions for mammatus clouds to develop over Darlington’s skies.

Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of July Fourth celebrations as the United States’ largest wildfire mushroomed in size. The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning as dry, windy conditions provided fuel for more fires across the western U.S.

The Cottonwood Fire in a sparsely populated area of southern Utah started Monday. It reached more than 112 square miles (290 square kilometers) Friday and was uncontained, forestry officials said. One of six large wildfires burning in Utah, it severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort in Beaver County, forcing mandatory evacuations.

Smoke from the fire has been pushing to the east and northeast, meaning the air quality at popular vacation spots like Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks — located far south of the flames — hasn’t been significantly affected beyond some haze in the Bryce area. Still, visitors to Bryce have posted videos on social media showing the giant plume in the distance.

The smoke could further be seen for hundreds of miles, all the way to Colorado, as authorities put roughly 1,300 residents in the towns of Marysvale, Junction and Circleville on notice that they should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen and the fire pushes further.

“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory,” state forester Jamie Barnes said in a statement Thursday. “We’re seeing fires spread farther and faster under conditions that defy historical expectations. Some of the fires we’ve responded to this year are behaving in ways veteran firefighters simply haven’t seen before.”

Bruce Brown, 76, accompanied the sheriff on Thursday to find that his cabin and others in the area were gone.

“It looks a lot like the moon,” Brown said. “Just burned out. Power poles tipped over all up the canyon.”

Alyssa Olsen, 27, said her family’s cabin also burned, including memorabilia from her grandfather’s time in the ski patrol. It was the last place they gathered for family photos with her grandmother before she died of cancer. Her brother was to get married there in two months.

“That stuff you can’t just build back,” Olsen said.

Fireworks will be limited in Utah through July 5

Gov. Spencer Cox set the temporary fireworks restrictions through July 5 as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, saying “this year is different.”

The weather service in Salt Lake City, for the first time in the office’s history, issued a “ Particularly Dangerous Situation ” warning for five Utah counties, including the area of the Cottonwood Fire. The rare alert was first used to warn of tornado conditions. A red flag warning also was issued for most of the state.

A similar “dangerous situation” warning had been issued for the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. A federal judge declared a mistrial Friday in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of sparking that fire. The jury said it couldn’t agree on a verdict.

While the Cottonwood Fire’s cause was unknown, Cox’s order noted that humans have been the cause of most fires in the state so far this year.

The governor’s order gives Barnes power to restrict or prohibit fireworks displays in Utah’s cities and towns, instead of leaving those decisions to the communities.

With extreme fire conditions persisting, Rocky Mountain Power issued a public safety power shut-off watch/warning for areas of central, southern and eastern Utah through the weekend.

Crews also were battling the Iron Fire southwest of Salt Lake City. The flames on Thursday forced the temporary evacuation of Eureka, population 1,000.

Wildfire danger prompts concern throughout the West

Red flag warnings, which mean conditions such as low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds can create an extreme wildfire risk, were in effect Friday and stretched from Idaho to southern Arizona and New Mexico.

The warnings extended into Saturday, with forecasters predicting winds of 25 to 35 miles an hour (40 km/h to 56 km/h) and very low humidity levels. The worst conditions were expected from northern Arizona into central and southern Utah.

Much of Utah already is experiencing severe to extreme drought, while parts of Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico are experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Tim Brown, a research professor and director of the Western Regional Climate Center, said the potential for extreme fire behavior will remain as long as it’s hot, dry and windy.

“I would not be surprised to see a lot of restrictions come out as we get closer to the July Fourth weekend,” he said. “People really need to be aware of their surroundings if they’re going to be out in the forested campground areas and grassland areas.”

Even in Florida, where there have been multiple brush fires, authorities are urging people to skip the personal fireworks and instead leave the pyrotechnics to professionals putting on carefully planned shows.

In Utah, federal land managers have closed public lands near the Cottonwood Fire as a precaution, and in New Mexico, forest officials closed campgrounds and trails near a wildfire burning in the Jemez Mountains.

Nationally, nearly 3 million acres have burned since the start of the year, pushing the U.S. ahead of the 10-year average. The National Interagency Fire Center said firefighters are making progress on containing fires from Alaska to Florida.

___

Associated Press reporter Sudhin Thanawala contributed to this story.

___

This story has been corrected; the state forester’s first name is spelled Jamie, not Jaime.

Mark Craig is now behind bars as a result of a complex police operation by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Earlier this year, Craig believed he was talking online to a man who had access to young girls, including a baby.

He persisted in sending him explicit and descriptive messages about sexually abusing the children as well as explicit images and videos of himself.

‘Dangerous paedophile’ Mark Craig jailed for 90 months for online references about sexually abusing children (Image: Northumbria Police)

The defendant even encouraged the rape of an eight-year-old child and a baby aged less than one. 

But what he didn’t realise was that he was actually speaking to a decoy police officer who was carrying out an investigation.

It led to Craig’s arrest, in March, and he was subsequently charged with arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, making an indecent image of a child and distributing an indecent image of a child.

He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and pleaded guilty to all charges.

The 56-year-old defendant, of Westerhope, Newcastle, appeared back at the court today (Friday June 26) when he received a prison sentence of seven years and six months (90 months).

He was also made subject of both registration as a sex offender and the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, in each case to run “indefinitely”.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Inspector Hull, said “Thankfully, this investigation has resulted in the sentencing of a dangerous paedophile who was a serious threat to children.

“This was down to the hard work of officers who do an incredibly difficult job trying to identify these predators and bring them to justice. 

“Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tacking serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children.”

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

Anyone with concerns about child abuse or seeking to report a crime can contact their local police force via its website, or by calling 101.

The advice is to always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, callers can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111