Nigel Pocklington, chief executive of Good Energy Group, said: “Over the past five years, we have witnessed a series of energy shocks due to conflict abroad, proving that our current system is neither fit for purpose nor structured in a fair way for households to pay for their energy.

Andy Burnham will give a major policy speech later, his first since launching a bid to become prime minister, in which he will announce plans for a “No 10 North”.

Speaking in Manchester, Burnham is expected to say the body will be tasked with driving growth “across every nation and region of the UK” as he vows to put devolution at the heart of his programme for government.

He will set out a commitment for a “10-year mission” to raise living standards, as well as proposals on youth employment, in order to “lift Britain back up to where it should be”.

In the event no other Labour MP puts themselves forward to be leader, Burnham is expected to become prime minister on 20 July.

He has faced calls from opposition parties to set out his plans, confirm who he intends to appoint to his cabinet and explain whether or not he will deviate from Labour’s 2024 manifesto.

In Monday’s speech Burnham is expected to say the government must “give Britain the circuit-breaker it needs”, as well as address his view of why there is low public trust in politics.

He will say decision-making needs to be “pushed to regions and local communities”, and will promise “good growth in every postcode”.

Burnham has signalled he will stick to the fiscal rules set out by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who he is expected to replace if he becomes prime minister.

Those rules stipulate that day-to-day government costs will be paid for by tax income, rather than borrowing, and a commitment to see debt falling as a share of national income by the end of this parliament in 2029-30.

Pressures on the government’s budget and high borrowing costs mean Burnham or any prospective prime minister have little financial room to pursue policy objectives.

Speaking at a conference in London on 25 June, Reeves urged Burnham to stick to her economic approach, saying it was “beginning to bear fruit”, as well as backing his approach to “fiscal devolution”.

But some Labour MPs on the left of the party have called for him to relax Reeves’s self-imposed rules to allow for more spending.

He is reported to be considering Ed Miliband, David Miliband, Wes Streeting or Shabana Mahmood as possible replacements for Reeves.

Burnham has also come under pressure to commit to increased defence spending.

The government is due to publish its defence investment plan (DIP) before a new prime minister succeeds Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, which will set out a multi-billion funding increase.

On Sunday, the former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin called on Burnham to commit to increasing defence investment to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 if he becomes prime minister.

Asked what his advice to Burnham would be, he told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: “It is [to] keep our country safe, acknowledge that you have this extraordinary responsibility – so you’re almost like a wartime prime minister at the moment.

“And that means you need to invest in what really keeps us safe.”

Responding to the upcoming speech, Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said Burnham’s “big idea is to shuffle power between politicians” rather than make welfare reforms, cut taxes or “fund the defence our country desperately needs”.

He continued: “Just more devolution, more committees, more process. It’s the politics of distraction from a Labour Party that is deliberately avoiding the questions that actually matter.”

A Reform UK spokesman said previews of the speech amounted to “a lot of words for no actual concrete changes”, adding: “It’s clear that Burnham has taken a leaf out of Starmer’s book – all talk, no action.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey warned that Burnham had only a “very short window to turn this government around” as the country is “impatient for change”.

“People have heard this sort of talk before only to be badly let down because nothing changes – Burnham mustn’t repeat that mistake,” he said.

Bathgate Academy’s Arnault Kasa has been honoured at a national awards event recognising those who challenge discrimination.

A West Lothian teacher has been recognised for his anti-racism work.

Bathgate Academy’s Arnault Kasa has been honoured at a national awards event recognising those who challenge discrimination.

The French and Spanish teacher received a Highly Commended award at the Herald Saroj Lal Awards 2026, which celebrates the work of teachers who promote and facilitate a culture and ethos of equality and diversity

The awards are named in honour of Saroj Lal, a trailblazing teacher, race relations campaigner and community activist who worked at the forefront of multicultural and anti-racist education in its early years, laying the foundations for many others to build on.

Originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Arnault also lived in Prague, Czech Republic, where he experienced racism first-hand. Those experiences shaped his determination to challenge discrimination and help make anti-racist education the norm across Scottish education.

He moved to Scotland in 2019 and joined West Lothian Council in 2021, where he led and supported a range of equality and diversity initiatives at both Peel Primary in Livingston and Calderwood Primary in East Calder before joining Bathgate Academy.

Throughout his teaching career, Mr Kasa has been driven by a commitment to ensuring every learner feels represented, respected and valued.

His work helped embed anti-racist practice into everyday school life and encouraged meaningful conversations around identity, inclusion and representation.

The father of one is also a semi-professional footballer with Gala Fairydean Rovers in the Lowland League, and is actively involved with Afroscots United FC, a community organisation that provides young people from ethnic minority and all backgrounds with opportunities to stay active, improve their wellbeing and build friendships through sport.

Arnault Kasa said: “I am truly delighted to have received this commendation in recognition of the equality and diversity work I have been doing both in education and within the wider community.

“It motivates me even more to continue building communities that are race-aware, inclusive and reflective of the lived experiences of people of colour.

“This commendation reassures me that the work being carried out is making a meaningful impact, and for that I am incredibly grateful.”

Vineet Lal, son of Saroj Lal and award panellist, said: “It was a delight to meet Arnault, and the judging panel were incredibly impressed by his journey and the path he continues to forge.

“He embodies all of the core values and principles that the award seeks to recognise, and is a deserving recipient of the Highly Commended certificate.

“In an increasingly challenging world and political climate, and especially in the light of recent events in Scotland, Arnault is a beacon of hope, and his work is more important than ever.”

Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter

The likelihood of encountering rats and mice around your home increases significantly in the warmer weather.

As the warmer months approach, the likelihood of encountering rats and mice near your home rises considerably. Spring was the start of a crucial breeding period for these rodents, leaving them hungry, seeking refuge and reproducing at an alarming rate — making our homes ideal nesting spots.

Not preparing for this and overlooking the early indicators can quickly result in a full-scale rodent infestation across your property. Apart from the potentially significant expense of pest control, there’s also the genuine threat of contracting diseases.

Thankfully, there may be a straightforward and affordable solution to ward them off, reports the Express.

Glen Peskett, DIY specialist from Saxton Blades, proposes that one everyday kitchen ingredient can repel rats from your property all year round: garlic.

He said: “Garlic is a favourite all around the world, it smells amazing, has health benefits and transforms any dish you put it in. But for rats? That strong, pungent smell is their absolute nightmare.

“Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and find food. Garlic, with its strong sulfur compounds, overwhelms their sense of smell and makes them feel disoriented.

“These compounds are also something rats associate with toxic substances, naturally deterring them from entering your home.”

The solution is remarkably budget-friendly, with a four-pack available for just 87p at Asda, working out at roughly 22p per bulb.

How to use garlic to keep rats and mice away

Place garlic cloves at entry points throughout your property where rodents are most likely to enter.

These creatures are typically drawn to locations such as basements, garages, kitchens and lofts, so make sure you position them close to any gaps and doorways around the exterior of your home.

Garlic oil, cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar can likewise be extremely effective in deterring unwanted pests from entering your property.

Having said that, repellents on their own aren’t the complete answer. Tackling other problems, such as decluttering, can remove potential hiding places that rats might use to build their nests.

Food waste is another significant draw for rats, so ensure your bins are tightly closed, dispose of rubbish regularly, and clean up any spills immediately.

Lastly, inspect your property carefully for any openings, especially beneath doors or around vents, and seal them up – even the tiniest of holes can provide rats and mice with enough space to get through.

It’s fair to say, whether you’re navigating Shambles’ cobbles or unwinding in Museum Gardens, a cone is never far away.

We’ve picked five standout hotspots, from trusted favourites to top‑rated picks, all earning their place in the sun for serving the coolest treats in the city.

Other vendors are, of course, available – we’d love to hear who gets your vote for the best scoop in town!

1. Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato

Roberto’s is widely regarded as serving some of the best gelato in York, with consistently high Tripadvisor scores and praise for its authentic Italian flavours.

Best ice cream spots in York – our top picks to try include ice cream parlour Roberto Gelateria, in Goodramgate.

This friendly, family-run spot feels more like a true Italian gelateria than a tourist scoop shop and we love the quality of both the ice cream and coffee. Proof is in the pudding – and Roberto’s celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, testimony to its popularity.

Owner Roberto Culivicchi toasted the occasion by launching the ‘gelato burger’ – a first for Yorkshire, if not the UK – with ice cream in a brioche bun complete with a choice of syrups and toppings, and briefly cooked in a special machine. With inventive ideas like this, what’s not to love?

Address: 3 Goodramgate, York.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.8 out of 5

2. Luxury Ice Cream Co (LICC)

LICC (Luxury Ice Cream Co) is hard to ignore with its warm welcome and creative offerings. This long‑established parlour is known for its homemade gelato made from local milk and cream and a large rotating selection of flavours.

LICC’s owners Victoria and Chris Rothwell (Image: Supplied)

Husband and wife duo, Victoria and Chris Rothwell, took over the business earlier this year with some of the flavours inspired by Chris’s Californian roots. For that reason alone, show your support for this much-loved independent.

On Tripadvisor LICC holds a strong rating with hundreds of reviews, with visitors regularly picking out its unusual scoops and central ‘old town’ location as reasons to return.

Address: 20 Back Swinegate, York

Tripadvisor rating: 4.7 out of 5

Recommended reads:

North Yorkshire cottage with ‘best views in town’ drops price £100k ahead of auction

‘More impact than expected’: York private school reacts to VAT on fees

‘My mum tried so hard to have me’ – York artist rebuilds her future after heartbreak

3. The Full Moo Ice Cream Boat

Quaint and quirky, the sight of this seasonal ice cream boat on the Ouse is enough to put a smile on your face with its cheery presence heralding the start of sunny days, riverside strolls and summer vibes.

What better way to enjoy a stroll beside the river than with an ice cream?

The solar-cooled boat is definitely up there as York’s most fun, must-try ice cream stops, offering local artisan ice cream and sorbets from the riverside, as well as dairy-free vegan varieties to tempt passers-by.

Address (moorings): Riverside by Lendal Bridge, York

Tripadvisor rating: 4.4 out of 5

4. Cervone’s Ice Cream

Yet another dedicated York vendor punching above its weight on the city’s ice cream scene, with a reputation for delicious ice cream (and coffee if the mood takes you) and friendly service. Its popular offerings have been known to include flavours such as a Bounty‑inspired coconut‑and‑chocolate scoop.

If you’re quick enough, you can enjoy your treat on the bench in Dean’s Park, alongside the Instagrammable Paddington.

Comedian John Bishop famously visited Cervone’s Ice Cream back in 2021 and shared a photo on his social media pages, with his mint choc chip beside Constantine Statue. What’s good enough for The Bishop …

Location: An ice‑cream outlet next to York Minster in/around Dean’s Park.

Tripadvisor rating: 5 out of 5

5. Yorvale

Our list wouldn’t be complete without Yorvale which has been manufacturing top-notch ice cream from its herd of Friesian cows near York since 1989.

Lesley and Ian, of Yorvale, pictured when they won over supermarket bosses in Channel 4 show, Aldi’s Christmas Secrets with their quirky Pigs in Blankets Ice Cream.

The business has scooped countless awards for its ice creams and sorbets which include standout flavours, from classics such as Vanilla Pod to the more curious Blueberry Waffle, Mince Pie and Pina Colada. Their quirky, more seasonal, Pigs in Blankets Ice Cream, won over supermarket bosses in Channel 4’s Aldi’s Christmas Secrets .

Yorvale can be found in countless restaurants, cafes, theatres and attractions across the city, and the UK no less, and is well worth seeking out on the menu. You never know what creative combination you’ll get.

Address: Based in Fossfield Farm, Acaster Malbis

The 60-year-old has been starring on the popular BBC programme for 25 years, having initially made his debut back in 2001.

He has now offered an update on his long-term plans for his Cotswold Farm Park, after previously suggesting that leaving the attraction would mark the “end of an era”.

Mr Henson took on the farm from his father Joe, who started running it in 1971 and helped to establish it as a much-loved visitor destination.

READ MORE: TV star Adam Henson talks retirement, Jeremy Clarkson and Cotswolds

In a recent interview with Cotswold Life, he confirmed he still has at least 10 years left on his farm tenancy, signalling he has no intention of walking away in the near future.

He told the magazine: “We’re still a family-run rural business and a large local employer, with 180 people on the books, all of whom are central to the success of the business.

“My mantra has always been to surround myself with people who can do the job better than I can.”

Looking ahead, Mr Henson said he remains enthusiastic about his broadcasting work and the variety it brings alongside his farming responsibilities.

Regarding his future, he added: “I still enjoy being part of Countryfile, doing the farming slot most weeks.

READ MORE: Celebrities rally around Jeremy Clarkson after cancer bombshell

“I go all over the country behind the scenes on some fascinating farms and talk to really interesting people, picking up ideas I can bring back and share – and I still work as a farmer, which means I can speak to other farmers in a knowledgeable way.

“We don’t want a heatwave like last year nor a wet year like 2024. We need enough rain to make the grass grow, but plenty of sunshine for our visitors.”

This comes after Mr Henson took a trip to Burford in the west of the county earlier this month to give a talk at Cotswold Gate Care Home on Forest Grove.

It was here that Adam spoke with the Oxford Mail about a variety of subjects, starting with the retirement home itself.

READ MORE: TV legend’s daughter to move closer to mum amid marriage breakdown

After having earlier remarked how he loved the place and joked to the audience that he needed to put his deposit down to join, he added: “It’s an absolute joy.

“I’ve driven up to the one in Derbyshire in the past as well as the one in Cheltenham, and then this is my second visit here.

“This one is just 20 minutes from home, and coming through Burford is gorgeous.

“The home is beautifully capped and decorated, and I was sitting in this room that has amazing wallpaper, thinking ‘I’d quite like this in my house’.

READ MORE: Katy Perry selling $8.5m mansion days before Oxfordshire festival gig

“The interior design of these places is so lovely, and I’m getting to an age when I’m starting to think about my end-of-life, and where I’ll go and what I’ll do and what it’s going to be like.

“I’m hoping my children will be rich enough to pay for me to go into a very nice home like this!

“It’s a gorgeous place, and to be welcomed at the door was lovely, and everybody’s been so helpful, getting me cups of tea and all the tech work [with the talk’s presentation].

“So, you know I’m not just saying it, but it’s pretty faultless really.”

The Monday letters page asks who’s making the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake, as a reader feels the death of physical gaming has already happened.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Catch it later
Can I ask why everyone is so excited for GTA 6? I like the series, I’ve played them all from the original through the PSP versions, and all the modern games, but I don’t think I’ll lose any sleep if it don’t get it as soon as it comes out.

All the stories are derived from old crime films and the on-foot controls are awful.

Hopefully they redo the controls for walking and the helicopters. And shooting.

I’m not anti-GTA 6. I will be playing it at some stage and thanks to no social media I can avoid spoilers. I still haven’t seen a minute of Resident Evil Requiem as it’s on my list to buy and it’s been out for months. I do hope the game lives up to everyone’s expectations but we have been burned before, so my cynical side has dominance at this time.

As mentioned above, no social media maybe means I’m missing out on some of the hype, but I’ll wait and see.
Bobwallett

GC: So far, they’ve shown very little of the game, and no raw gameplay at all.

Good timing
Well, who would’ve guessed that increasing your prices to ludicrous levels would mean sales start to plummet? I know it’s not their fault, that they have to raise prices, but what’s the endgame here? Normal people aren’t going to want to pay these sort of prices for a games console, so I really don’t know what happens from here on out.

Sony and Microsoft must be thanking their lucky stars GTA 6 is out this year, so more people are going to be interested in buying a console than normal, but even so this is the most disruptive thing that’s happened to gaming in as long as I can remember. And it’d all thanks to the utterly useless technology that is AI… which Microsoft has played a big part in encouraging.
Doshin

Beyond inflation
Wow, the news of Xbox raising console prices again is staggering. The Xbox Series S used to be like an impulse buy, often available at £199, and now it’s going to cost just shy of £400!

I would have thought Microsoft would have a fire sale just to clear all the consoles they have in stock, not price themselves completely out of hope of a resurgence in sales. I didn’t even know there was a digital-only Xbox Series X until I read your news – shows how well it was advertised.
Mark Matthews

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Very bad management
Is it unfair of me to think that Sony announced the job layoffs at Bungie at the same time as GTA 6 pre-orders opened, purposefully to bury the news? You can’t prove it, but it definitely turned out to be a useful coincidence for them.

I think it’s obvious that Bungie as we know them no longer exist. They haven’t got the staff to make Destiny 3 now, even if they wanted to, and whatever they are supposedly working on next must be pretty small scale, if it even exists.

It’s a sad end for the creators of Halo and what were for a while one of the most famous developers in the world. I don’t really understand why they weren’t allowed to make Destiny 3 but maybe it would’ve happened if they hadn’t done Marathon instead. That seemed a mad idea from the start but then apparently all this is due to bad management, so I guess that theory check out.
Kimba

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Slice of the pie
Maybe I’m missing something but I don’t get how Tyler Moon’s Reader’s Feature can be right, maybe I’m slow at this but he said the reason GTA 6 is digital-only is so they can make more money compared to the disc version. But I don’t see how PlayStation and Xbox take as much as 30% of the sale, which on a £100 game could be as much as £30, so how can Rockstar be making more money?

Surely the reason it’s digital-only is because there’s a really tight time frame and there just isn’t enough time to finish the game and send it to be printed and sent to shops. I’ve pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition and as long as it’s worth the £90 I’m not fussed if it’s digital, disc or powered by a mouse on a wheel.
David

GC: There is no indication that GTA 6 is on a tight time frame. All games have to pay a licensing fee to the console manufacturer (and to Steam) but on top of that, if it’s a physical copy, they have to give a cut to the retailer, plus manufacturing and distribution costs. So the digital version is always going to be more profitable.

Empty box
For anybody who collects games on physical and they end up buying a box with a GTA 6 download code inside, there is no way that is going to satisfy the collecting gene. A box with a GTA 6 disc inside would scratch the itch, even if the disc only contains the unlock code for the digital game.

Makes no difference if the box art and other contents within it are the same. A box with a code inside and no disc will sit on their shelf, next to all the other stuff, and it’ll never feel quite right. There will always be that nagging feeling that something is just a little bit off with their collection.

I used to collect PS1 games; had about 300, including all the rare stuff (Castlevania, Suikoden, etc.). All in excellent condition. Decided to trade some of it in. Sold all the rest. All my Xbox 360 games? Got rid of the boxes and put them in cake stand CD holders. Any regrets? None, whatsoever.
Paul C.
PS: Massive saving at the moment on the Xbox and PlayStation stores for the finest shooter/stealth game ever made, in my opinion. Sniper Elite 4: Digital Deluxe Edition. It’s perfection, almost.

All good things
Physical games not existing in a decade seems kinda obvious to me at this point. They barely exist for some formats and genres already and even the Switch is at least 50% digital now, I believe. How long has the PC been digital-only? At least 20 years at this point and it’s never been more popular as a format.

I miss collecting actual boxes and owning stuff but as another reader pointed the boxes don’t have manuals or any cool stuff anymore anyway, so it’s not the same as it used to be even if you try and pretend it is. Things have just moved on, not necessarily for the better, but they have moved on.
Gantz

Perfect remake
So I finally took the plunge over the weekend and bought a Switch 2.

Star Fox is one of my favourite games and the draw was a bit too much for me, that and the fact Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is on its way.

I asked for Star Fox from the lady behind the counter before I even asked for a Switch 2.

If I could have envisioned a remake of that game that is exactly how I would have wanted it to be.

I heard you say the other day that Nintendo left the remaster of Star Fox in the hands of a third party and what a job they have done with it. It is pretty much a straight conversion of a nearly 30-year-old game (that makes me feel old).

Anyway, my question to you guys is, with Ocarina of Time getting a remaster do we know if it’s been passed to a third party or are Nintendo handling it themselves?

As I think if it’s passed to a third party, and this is only my opinion. I suspect it will just be a straight conversion of the N64 classic. Not that I have any problem with that.
freeway 77

GC: Velan Studios is third party, but Nintendo has worked with them before, on Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. We wouldn’t be surprised if Ocarina Of Time was also third party but equally, we’d expect it to be someone Nintendo has a fairly close relationship with. Officially nothing has been said though and in the last few years Nintendo has been very slow at revealing the developers of its games, so we may not know for a while.

Inbox also-rans
Gears Of War: E-Day is going to be such a flop and yet it apparently has a budget of $400 million?! The Xbox console isn’t available to buy new in some countries and the Steam wishlist numbers (which are public!) are awful, so how does this make sense?
Ratso

Wanna know my favourite part of the Star Fox remake? They didn’t try and shoehorn Krystal into it. I hate that character, Katt is much better.
Binz

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: Is GTA 6 worth the price tag?

MORE: Games Inbox: Will you boycott GTA 6 for being digital-only?

MORE: Games Inbox: Is Sonic the Hedgehog cooler than Super Mario?

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said emergency services were called to the park at around 4.49pm on Saturday (June 27).

Today, the search continued with a specialist underwater unit looking for the boy in the River Irwell.

Throughout the day, concerned members of the public stopped by the police cordon to ask officers for any updates.

One man told The Bolton News: “It’s so sad. People don’t realise how dangerous the water down there is.”

Officers will remain at Clifton Country Park overnight (Image: Phil Taylor)

We remained at the scene until 5.30pm, when the specialist underwater search unit stood down for the evening.

An officer said: “The search unit has left for the evening and will recommence in the morning.

“Officers will remain at the scene overnight.”

The search is expected to resume at around 7am tomorrow.

The specialist underwater unit will return in the morning (Image: Phil Taylor)

The incident comes after another water tragedy elsewhere in Greater Manchester.

The body of a 15-year-old boy was recovered from Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge after he got into difficulty in the water.

Police were called to the reservoir at around 6.30pm on Saturday (June 27) following reports of a teenager struggling in the water.

Emergency services at Clifton Country Park (Image: Phil Taylor)

Emergency services, including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), attended the scene before specialist teams recovered the boy’s body from the water.

This week six people have died after getting into difficulty while swimming in open water.

Chief Inspector Helen Baxter said: “We remind the public to please avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.

“We all want to enjoy the warm weather. Please make sure you do so in a safe way.”

The theme park has three high-speed roller coasters a 40-foot go-kart track, a bungee-jumping tower and several rides for families and younger kids

A US theme park is enjoying its final few weeks in business as it prepares to shut down after almost four decades.

The park, Fun Spot America in Atlanta, Georgia, originally opened as Dixieland Fun Park in 1990. It was acquired by the Orlando-based Fun Spot America Theme Parks group in 2017 and will close its gates for the final time on August 2.

The theme park boasts 14 major rides, including three high-speed roller coasters and a 40-foot go-kart track. It is also home to Georgia’s only legal bungee-jumping tower and several milder rides for families and younger kids.

The reason for the shutdown has not been made known by the owners.

In the absence of significant new financial resources, theme parks with aging attractions often end up too unprofitable to maintain or refurbish, The Street reports.

The theme park’s owners have said they will independently reach out to any customers who booked school or group trips past that date. Any gift cards or season passes that visitors purchased earlier will need to be used before then.

The two other locations under the Fun Spot portfolio – in Orlando and Kissimmee – will continue to operate.

It is not publicly known whether something else will be built on the lot currently home to the theme park, or how the rides will be disassembled.

It joins the list of theme parks closing down.

“This was an extremely difficult decision,” CEO John Arie Jr. said in a press statement.

“Our Atlanta team has poured their hearts into serving our guests and creating a place where families could have fun together.

“We are deeply grateful for their dedication and for the support we have received from the Fayetteville community.”

“Come see us, make one more memory, and take one last ride,” Fun Spot America wrote on its Instagram page on June 25.

A man in San Diego County has admitted to not only feeding his young children hallucinogenic mushrooms but also roping them into a scheme to distribute the illicit fungi.

Randal Vance, 43, said he, his wife, and a friend grew and distributed psilocybin mushrooms from two locations in San Diego County. He made the admission as part of a plea deal, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in the Southern District of California.

“Vance, the ringleader of the conspiracy, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to use a minor to produce and distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of distributing a controlled substance to minors, and conspiracy to obstruct justice,” according to the U.S. attorney’s office. “Two co-defendants – his wife Rebecca Vance and friend Keir Ceballos-Rivera – previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.”

He also admitted to feeding his 9 and 11-year-old sons the hallucinogenic mushrooms via capsules every other day. Vance said he began giving his children the hallucinogens around October 2023 and by 2024 began giving the boys the capsules every day.

“Psilocybin mushrooms are a controlled substance,” the attorney’s office said in a statement, “that act as hallucinogenic drugs, inducing altered states of consciousness and vivid sensory experiences.”

Vance’s defense attorney, Peter Blair, said the government was misrepresenting his client.

“Mr. Vance made statements that he micro-dosed his children and he takes full responsibility, but many of his statements were either exaggerated or wholly dishonest in an attempt to ease the anxieties of friends and relatives seeking to replace their pharmaceutical prescriptions with mushrooms for medicinal purposes,” Blair said in a statement to Courthouse News.

He said Vance’s microdosing claims had to be “dishonest” because the boys would have experienced some ill effect from the volume of hallucinogenic mushrooms they would have consumed if his claim were true.

“Some of the doses my client said he gave the children, 0.2 grams every other day, for example, would have caused significant long-term effects, and the children have always denied that they felt any mind-altering effects from any of the supplements or mushrooms they were given by their father,” he said.

Blair said Vance’s children were doing fine.

“Mr. Vance regretfully put his family in a horrible situation,” Blair continued. “Despite that, the children are thriving, getting straight A’s in school, and are extremely well-adjusted, showing no signs of harm from any resonant exposure to illicit substances.”

He said that Vance initially became interested in the mushrooms as a possible treatment for Lyme disease and for his wife’s mental health struggles.

In October 2024, police executed a search warrant at one of Vance’s operating locations in Fallbrook, where they found 257 pounds of mushrooms and 18 pounds of growing material. Law enforcement officials found 25 pounds of mushrooms and five pounds of psilocybin capsules, as well as six firearms, at another location in Bonsall.

The firearms seized in the search include a Glock 34 pistol, a Walther P22 pistol, a Henry Survival AR7 rifle, a Smith and Wesson revolver, an H&R Model 900 revolver, and a Browning 30-06 rifle

Vance reportedly used a pair of websites to market the mushrooms and provided both his wife and his eldest son — 12-years-old at the time — to sell the drugs to their friends.

The plea agreement says that Vance and his co-conspirators destroyed evidence by deleting messages from their phone and shuttering the websites used to market the drugs,

Vance is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18.