Rebecca Lucy Taylor really believes in her material, which appears ripped from within her. Her candid accounts of what it feels like to be a modern woman, powerful but exhausted, desiring and often despairing, have a rare ability to turn individual experience into something universal. We saw that power in full force on Friday, which was thankfully a little cooler than the evening before.
Yet something seemed to be the matter when Taylor first walked on. Dressed in the same devotional costume she wears on her latest album, 2025’s A Complicated Woman, she had been crying and was still holding back sobs as the eight-strong choir began I Do And I Don’t Care.
Crowds at York Museum Gardens. (Image: Paul Rhodes)
We will never know, but Taylor talked a few times of this being a crazy day. She is clearly someone who feels deeply, and her audience responds to that. In a short time, there was a reassuring hand from one of her troupe, who then returned to singing beautifully and dancing with sometimes alarming intensity.
Taylor’s latest songs were driven more by message than melody. The voices, choreography and stark group formations made it theatrical, but they also operated like a musical family, and we were drawn in. It really worked, despite the sometimes dim lighting. But at least we had screens this year, positioned sensitively to the sides.
Redemption had already arrived – at least for the few – thanks to opener Joshua Idehen, a British-Nigerian poet and electronic artist whose work combines poetry, house music and messages of hope, resilience and renewal. He turned out to have a masterful command of the crowd. Believing in second chances, he gave us a better chance to engage our shoulders and get off on the right foot.
Like Self Esteem, his words mattered deeply too, and he brought many of the newcomers to tears. The groove was also important as the extra element to lift half-spoken, half-rapped words. There was something of Gil Scott-Heron in the combination of social observation, humour, poetry and rhythm, but Idehen is very much a man of his own time. His signature song, Mum Does The Washing, has grabbed a wider audience online, and while that number was surprisingly absent, we were also caught up in his world.
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Above all, this was a night about connection. Female friends, mums and daughters, young families gathering around music while spending time close to those we loved. It made for a lovely, all-age atmosphere under a cloudless sky.
It was harder to get close to Moonchild Sanelly, the South African singer and self-styled “future ghetto punk” artist known for mixing electronic pop, dance music and South African rhythms with sexually candid, fiercely independent lyrics. She brought a more confrontational energy. With vivid green hair and a bold stage presence, she was defiant, spiky, frequently taking aim at former partners foolish enough to reject her, as on Demon.
There was plenty of indie-energy in third support act The Big Moon, a Mercury-nominated London indie-rock four-piece whose melodic guitar pop has expanded to take on motherhood, relationships, body change and, on their newest material, hearing loss. This was the only traditional band performance of the night and a clever shift in tone.
Their Museum Gardens set was a fascinating mixture. The songs had strong melodic foundations and choruses, underpinned by particularly impressive bass playing. There was even a singalong to Fatboy Slim’s Praise You.
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Headliner Self Esteem was not polished. She said later that costume changes had been missed and her hair had not been done. The audience loved her more for this, not less.
She didn’t forget to make the evening fun and tuneful. Her numbers from Prioritise Pleasure were more danceable and got the crowd moving. Once the opening emotional storm had passed, the performance became looser and more playful.
Towards the end of her 90 minutes, Taylor spoke emotionally, not to seek praise, but to say thank you. She was met by a huge wave of applause and support. Like Adele, her troubles were our troubles.
After the nostalgic full house for Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark the night before, Self Esteem was a bolder programming choice by event promoters Futuresound: a younger, messier and more varied bill. The artists selected worked well together – for my money, more fun than, say, three and a half hours of Guns N’Roses.
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This was music for people still working things out, performed by artists willing to open themselves up for us, on a striking, memorable Friday night spent with people we care about. It turns out it’s OK to just be together, the deep blue OK or not.
Spaghetti bolognese is a beloved weeknight staple, prepared in countless different ways. It’s an incredibly versatile dish, and you can incorporate a wide range of vegetables into a bolognese, from mushrooms and carrots to celery.
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I regularly prepare slow-cooker spaghetti bolognese, following and adapting Poppy Cooks’ recipe.
It’s a fairly straightforward recipe that yields a delicious bolognese, but the addition of just one ingredient — a Parmesan rind — makes it notably richer and more flavourful. The rind gradually releases flavour throughout the cooking process, adding greater depth to the sauce.
The rind also contains collagen-like proteins that melt slowly, lending the sauce a silkier, more rounded texture.
This helps counterbalance the acidity of the tomatoes and wine without imparting an overpowering cheesy or dairy flavour.
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You needn’t use a slow cooker to reap the benefits of the Parmesan rind either.
It works equally well when preparing the dish on the hob or in the oven.
Slow cooker bolognese recipe
Ingredients:
500g pork mince
500g beef mince
One large onion, finely diced
Two celery sticks, finely diced
Three tablespoons of tomato puree
400g can of chopped tomatoes
200ml red wine
200ml beef stock
Half a teaspoon of sugar
Two bay leaves
One Parmesan rind
Splash of olive oil
100ml whole milk
300g spaghetti
One tablespoon of cornflour, slackened with water
Method:
Begin by placing the pork, beef, onions, carrots, celery, tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, red wine, stock, sugar, bay leaves, Parmesan rind, one teaspoon of salt, plenty of pepper and a dash of olive oil into the bowl of your slow cooker.
Cook on the low setting for eight to 10 hours, stirring once or twice during that time.
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When one hour remains, stir in the milk.
Then, with 30 minutes to go, add the spaghetti and increase the heat to high.
On occasion, I’ll cook the spaghetti separately, but once the meat is thoroughly cooked, stir in the cornflour slurry and add a generous amount of olive oil.
The bolognese will turn out glossy and utterly delicious, and you’ll be glad you took the time to add the Parmesan rind.
Travis Kelce accused of cashing in on his lavish Taylor Swift wedding as he cheekily references nuptials in new ad: ‘Nothing says happily ever after like a paid sponsorship’
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding grift accusations have intensified as the NFL player appears to be cashing in on his lavish nuptials.
The 36-year-old Grammy winner and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, also 36, said ‘I do’ in front of 1,000 guests inside Madison Square Garden earlier this month amid intense public interest.
Just days after the ceremony, Kelce appeared in an ad for Accelerator Active Energy, which made cheeky reference to his wedding,
The sports star is notably a co-owner as well as an ambassador for the brand which offers zero-sugar energy drinks.
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In one photo, Kelce could be seen holding a can of the drink while glancing over his shoulder with a small smile.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding grift accusations have intensified as the NFL player appears to monetize his lavish nuptials; seen in March in L.A.
Kelce appeared in an ad for Accelerator Active Energy which was posted after his wedding
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Above him, the words ‘Happily. Ever. After’ were written at the top.
The next slide showed a vintage red truck that had ‘Just Married’ printed on the back while energy drink cans were hooked to the back bumper.
The image portrayed a busy street in NYC, seemingly a reference to the location of Swift and Kelce’s wedding.
The caption of the post read: ‘The love story continues. CONGRATS @killatrav!!!’
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Social media users jumped over to Reddit to share their thoughts on the ad, with some calling it ’embarrassing.’
One penned, ‘They’re 1000% monetizing their eventual kids at this rate. It’ll make the kids from family YouTube channels look normal by comparison.’
Another wrote, ‘Tacky. Everything about them is just tacky,’ and a Reddit user typed, ‘Nothing says Happily Ever After like a paid sponsorship.’
‘Yikes,’ one simply added, while another shared, ‘How much money is enough money?’
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The next slide showed a vintage red truck that had ‘Just Married’ printed on the back while energy drink cans were hooked to the back bumper
The caption of the post read: ‘The love story continues. CONGRATS @killatrav!!!’
Social media users jumped over to Reddit to share their thoughts on the ad, with some calling it ’embarrassing’
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One also said, ‘This is for real??? How embarrassing.’
Another commented, ‘This whole thing feels so dystopian and bizarre. They’re taking it so much farther than I think people expected? I keep waiting for it be a PR stunt or satire, it’s just so yuck.’
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One called out the images for seemingly being made by AI by penning, ‘lmao the street signs are an obvious giveaway that this is AI.
‘A One Way sign with arrows in both directions? The garbled nonsense text on the green sign below that one? And the reflection on the bumper is *not* reflecting Manhattan, it looks like Kansas.’
However, others supported the Kelce and Swift with a fan writing in the comment section of the Instagram post, ‘LOVE THIS.’
‘Ah this is so cute congratulations t and t,’ one said, and another typed, ‘Congratulations! Such a beautiful day of celebration for all who love Travis and Taylor!’
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Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Kelce and Swift for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Ahead of the MSG wedding, Swift and Kelce seized the moment to promote podcasts and even made new content for their armies of fans.
Some of their close friends used the wedding spectacle to peddle their own brands and grab eyeballs on the shut-down streets of midtown Manhattan.
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Ahead of the MSG wedding, Swift and Kelce seized the moment to promote podcasts and even made new content for their armies of fans; seen in June in NYC
The groom took to social media to promote his New Heights podcast, teasing that a ‘very special guest’ would be in the studio ‘TOMORROW’.
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Swift’s close friend Selena Gomez, sporting a black feathered ballgown, made sure to tout her Rare Beauty brand as she applied lipstick in the car while en route to the gathering.
David Beckham cheers on Spain in the World Cup semi-final after his four-year spell in Madrid as he’s joined by his wife Victoria and their family after THAT instant meme reaction
David Beckham cheered on Spain in the World Cup semi-final as he was joined by wife Victoria and their family.
The former footballer, 51, and Spice Girls star, 52, were among the thousands who watched France‘s close World Cup semi-final against Spain on Tuesday.
David has had stints both in Real Madrid from 2003 to 2007 and a five-month stint with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.
But his loyalty was with Spain as he cheered on the team, who scored two goals in the first half of the nail-biting match.
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The Beckhams, along with their three youngest children, had prime seats to watch the game and were seen looking tense as they watched Spain ultimately secure a spot in the World Cup final.
Their daughter Harper, 15, was seen donning a Spain football jacket, while standing next to her brothers, Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21.
David Beckham cheered on Spain in the World Cup semi-final as he’s joined by wife Victoria and their family
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The Beckhams, along with their three youngest children, had prime seats to watch the game and were seen looking tense as they watched the game play out to see which team would secure a spot in the World Cup final
Cruz’s girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, 30, was also spotted with the family.
It comes after David insisted his wife Victoria was ‘celebrating on the inside’ after her subdued reaction to England’s nail-biting World Cup quarter-final clash went viral.
The Beckham family were among the stars watching the Three Lions match against Norway in Miami on Saturday night.
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Whilst former England captain David and his kids went suitably wild when Jude Bellingham scored an epic goal in the first-half stoppage time, a pouting Victoria, 52, remained seated.
Photos of a cheering David leaping up from his seat whilst his wife, who famously rarely smiles, stayed seated have turned the Spice Girl into an instant meme, prompting David to jokingly defend his wife.
The football legend commented on stand-up comedian Jenny Johnson’s summary of the match, after she wrote: ‘There’s nothing like cheering your heart out for England from home, then they cut to Victoria and we see that classic Posh Spice smile! It’s so infectious!’
‘I used to think I got animated while watching sports, but Victoria blows my enthusiasm out of the water! Each time I see her I shout, “SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!!!!” because her energy is electric!!!’
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Cruz and his girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, 30, was also spotted with the family
Their daughter Harper, 15, was seen donning a Spain football jacket, while standing next to her brothers, Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21
David’s loyalty was with Spain after having a four season stint with Real Madrid in the early noughties
It comes after David insisted his wife Victoria was ‘celebrating on the inside’ after her subdued reaction to England’s nail-biting World Cup quarter-final clash went viral
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The football legend commented on stand-up comedian Jenny Johnson’s summary of the match, who had sarcastically wrote that ‘Victoria blows [her] enthusiasm out of the water’
Commenting with a string of crying laughing emojis, David wrote: ‘She was celebrating inside I promise her reactions were slightly slower than mine.’
Victoria did warm up to the infectious energy inside Miami Stadium as she was later seen getting into the spirit by clapping along as England won the match 2-1.
The fashion designer and singer has famously said that she wasn’t a fan of football when she met David at a Manchester United match in 1997.
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Ever the doting wife, Victoria ensured she attended every game she could, but confessed she didn’t enjoy the sport because she didn’t feel ‘wanted’ when she was pitch side.
However, in recent years Victoria has had a change of heart after David retired and set up his own club Inter Miami.
Victoria told the Financial Times in 2024: ‘I never enjoyed watching football. I never felt necessarily wanted [at the matches]. I’m not saying this as in, poor me, but it was never the fun that it is now.
‘Now, when we’re in Miami, I feel wanted. I’m friends with the families of the players.’
President Trump said he would continue bombing Iran and was saving a devastating attack on their power plants for his final move unless Tehran comes to the negotiating table.
Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that US forces would ‘hit them very hard tonight, very hard tomorrow night’ in a brutal campaign that began on Sunday.
‘I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets,’ Trump warned.
‘We’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants.’
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Trump also said the US would target bridges next week unless Iran was willing to negotiate a peace deal that included giving up their nuclear ambitions.
The latest US bombing campaign comes after Trump notified Congress that the war would resume after Iran breached the memorandum of understanding by targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump did not rule out using US ground forces to ensure that his key objectives are met, especially when it comes to removing Iran’s enriched uranium.
US forces had been careful not to harm Iran’s civilian population with strikes, but Trump warned Iran that everything was on the table.
Donald Trump compared Iran to a boxer that they’ll stop hitting when ‘I say its enough’ as the US continued a week full of strikes on Tehran
In an interview with Fox News Channel, the president said the US plans to launch at least two more days of strikes against Iran and that such attacks will continue ‘until I say it’s enough’
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The President also likened Iran to ‘a great boxer’ that needed to be put to the mat.
‘You think you have them beat, then they’ll come back and give you a shot,’ Trump said.
Trump suggested later in the interview with Fox News that he wasn’t interested in continuing negotiations immediately with Iran because ‘they lie.’
But he also said the last contact he had with negotiators was an hour ago.
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The President praised his Cabinet for its work on the Iran issue, including Pete Hegseth, as he said ‘oil is flowing like never before.’
He also announced he was replacing the 20 percent fee the US was charging on the Strait of Hormuz to various Gulf States.
‘Those Investments will be MASSIVE but, at the same time, extraordinarily good for them, and their future,’ he wrote on Truth Social.
There are at least 19 warships in the northern Arabian Sea, including two aircraft carriers, and an amphibious assault ship with more than 1,000 Marines aboard, to enforce the blockade.
A still image from handout video released July 14, 2026 said to show a drone being launched by Iran from an unknown location to attack U.S. positions at Azraq base in Jordan
Members of the public attend a memorial ceremony service for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla of Tehran
US Central Command also said that there are ‘hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East,’ in a social media post Tuesday.
The blockade goes into effect at 4pm eastern time and, according to U.S. Central Command, the strikes began at 3pm.
Iranian state media, meanwhile, reported the sound of explosions in the southwestern city of Ahvaz and the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The reports did not immediately provide further details.
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It comes as nearly a dozen civilians have been killed, injured or are missing following Iranian attacks on seven commercial ships over the last week, the US military said Tuesday, as fighting escalated between the US and Iran.
Adm. Brad Cooper, who leads US Central Command, said in a statement that Iran also launched dozens of missiles and drones at neighboring Gulf countries.
‘US forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives,’ Cooper said.
The US has reimposed its blockade of Iranian ports in response to Iran’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor in the Middle East, as an interim ceasefire deal unravels and concerns grow about a return to all-out war.
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The US had carried out another wave of strikes ahead of reimposing the blockade, the US military’s Central Command said.
The truce between the two nations collapsed last week when Iran struck three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the US retaliated with two rounds of strikes.
Trump pronounced the deal dead from the NATO summit in Ankara: ‘There’s something wrong with them. They’re cuckoo. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.’
The Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf chokepoint carrying about a fifth of the world’s oil, has been a central flashpoint since the war began in February, sending markets spiraling with every escalation.
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Brent crude vaulted above $86 a barrel after Tuesday’s strikes, piling onto Monday’s 8 percent leap as traders braced for a chokehold on the world’s most vital oil artery.
Over the last week, Iran has targeted various Middle Eastern countries that host US military bases, claiming responsibility for strikes in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
Some of the targets attacked by US forces included missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, and communication networks.
Several people were rescued from the waters near Alcatraz Island after a boat fire broke out, as one person was killed and two more remain missing.
A boat fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near the island in San Francisco, as multiple people were pulled out of the waters, the San Francisco Fire Department told NBC News.
Officials told KTVU that at least two people remain missing, while 16 have been rescued and another was killed as well as a dog in the incident.
Crews with the SFFD and the US Coast Guard were deployed into the water at around 3.30pm, assisting those injured after the fire broke out around 600 yards from the island.
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Upon arrival, emergency responders found the boat had capsized with fuel leaking from the vessel.
The coast guard told the outlet that those rescued from the water were taken to Gashouse Cove Marina near Marina Safeway.
At least 19 people were on the boat when a ‘vessel fire’ broke out, the coast guard said in a statement.
Around 13 were on the shore and safe, with three others transported to hospital, SF Fire Chief Dean Crispen told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
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A boat fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near the island in San Francisco, as multiple people were pulled out of the waters
Crews with the SFFD and the US Coast Guard were deployed into the water at around 3.30pm, assisting those injured in the incident round 600 yards from the island
Around 13 people were on the shore and safe, with three others transported to hospital, SF Fire Chief Dean Crispen told reporters on Tuesday afternoon
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Crispen confirmed that the person who died in the incident received life-saving measures, including CPR, after being brought to shore ‘severely injured.’
‘Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and a triage area has been established ashore,’ USCG Southwest wrote.
‘This is an all hands on deck search and hopefully rescue,’ Mayor Daniel Lurie said at a press conference.
‘We’re gonna keep at it and I just want to say thank you to all of the agencies who have come together at this time.’
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According to the SFFD, some people remain in the waters.
Water temperatures reached between around 60 and 65 degrees on Tuesday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
SF Fire Lieutenant Mariano Elias described the vessel as a three-deck ‘ponton pleasure boat.’
Crispen told reporters that most injuries have been reported as ‘impact injuries’ as they fell into the water, with no current reports of burns or other injuries.
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Crispen told reporters that most injuries have been reported as ‘impact injuries’ as they fell into the water, with no current reports of burns or other injuries
It remains unclear how severe any injuries were. According to the SFFD, some people remain in the waters
The fire chief added that the boat is believed to have launched from near the Saint Francis Yacht Club. He noted that police did not witness any fire on the boat, despite the initial report of a vessel on fire.
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An investigation is set to be launched, Crispen added.
The identities of the missing persons and the person who died in the incident remain unclear.
The Daily Mail reached out to the US Coast Guard and the SFFD for comment.
Created in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, the collectable coins draw inspiration from the epic battle between opposing forces at the heart of the series.
The special edition collection is themed around the elemental duality that defines Game Of Thrones – ice and fire – capturing the enduring legacy of one of television’s most successful fantasy franchises.
A selection of 50p coins will feature colour, bringing both designs to life.
Game of Thrones first aired in 2011 and the show has inspired a passionate global fanbase.
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Fans can order both coins from 9am on Wednesday from The Royal Mint, with delivery expected in autumn 2026.
One of two commemorative 50p coin celebrating 15 years of Game of Thrones. The collection is built around the elemental duality that defines Game of Thrones – ice and fire. Fans can order both coins from 9am on Wednesday from The Royal Mint, with delivery expected in autumn 2026. (Image: The Royal Mint/PA Wire)
Rebecca Morgan, director at The Royal Mint, said: “Game of Thrones captured the imagination of millions around the world, and 15 years on, that passion is still as fierce as dragon fire.”
She added: “Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the Seven Kingdoms for the first time, these coins are a stunning tribute to one of the greatest stories ever told.”
Prices for the coins start from £15 for a brilliant uncirculated coin and £27.50 for a brilliant uncirculated colour coin, with a silver coin priced at £92.50 and a gold coin available for £2,420.
Watch: Trump threatens airstrikes against bridges and suggests ground invasion
Trump threatens airstrikes against bridges and suggests ‘other people’ will launch ground campaign for him
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar15 July 2026 04:35
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Iran targets US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this morning that it had targeted what it described as command-and-control, logistics, fuel and military equipment facilities belonging to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
This was in response to what it said were US actions in the Indian Ocean and efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz and restrict shipping routes.
The Guard warned that if Washington sought to block the region’s oil and gas exports by controlling maritime routes, other export routes serving US and allied interests could also be closed, saying regional energy exports would be “for everyone or for no one”.
Bahrain’s home ministry this morning said air raid sirens were sounded and urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter.
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Alisha Rahaman Sarkar15 July 2026 04:25
Oil rises sharply after US-Iran hostilities flare again
Oil rose this morning as US president Donald Trump reimposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and Iran launched retaliatory strikes on US infrastructure in the region.
For the second straight session, Brent closed at its highest since 12 June and West Texas Intermediate at its highest since 15 June and rose further on early trade.
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Brent rose $1.46, or 1.72 per cent, to $86.19 a barrel while WTI was up $1.11, or 1.4 per cent, to $80.40 a barrel.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar15 July 2026 04:15
Trump attacks Obama for Iran Nuclear Deal when asked if Tehran is serious about negotiating
Donald Trump has attacked former US President Barack Obama for his Iran Nuclear Deal when asked if Tehran was serious about negotiating peace.
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“Do you believe the Iranians are serious about making a deal?” Fox News’ Trey Yingst asked Trump during an interview Tuesday evening, Washington time.
When the US president said Iran has “no choice” but to, Yingst asked, “Why haven’t they yet?”
“They never made a deal with Obama. What they did sign was a worthless piece of paper”, Trump said.
He said the Iran Nuclear Deal was a “road to a nuclear weapon, and what I have is a wall — there will be no nuclear weapon”.
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The Iran Nuclear Deal, which Iran signed in 2015 and Trump withdrew from in 2018, restricted Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions.
Rachel Dobkin15 July 2026 04:05
Trump suggests most of war goals ‘have been completed’
Donald Trump has suggested that most of his administration’s goals for the Iran war “have been completed”.
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“Your objectives are to ensure that Iran never has a nuclear weapon, to keep the Strait [of Hormuz] open, and to degrade the Iranian military.
“Can those objectives be completed in an air campaign alone, or does this require a ground component?” Fox News’ Trey Yingst asked Trump during an interview Tuesday evening, Washington time.
“I think they are completed now, honestly”, Trump said. “If we left right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild what they have”.
Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has remained diminished as the US and Iran trade strikes.
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Rachel Dobkin15 July 2026 03:55
US treasury announces sanctions on ‘major force behind Iran’s oil exports’
The US Treasury Department has announced sanctions on Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani’s shipping network, which the agency said is a ”major force behind Iran’s oil exports”.
“This action is part of Treasury’s ongoing efforts to ramp up economic pressure on the Iranian regime after it resumed destabilizing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz”, the Treasury Department said in a Tuesday press release.
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Rachel Dobkin15 July 2026 03:45
Trump rival says ‘we won’t look away’ after Senate Democrats blocked defense spending bill
Chuck Schumer, a political rival of US President Donald Trump, has said “we won’t look away” after he and other Senate Democrats blocked a defense spending bill.
“Donald Trump is dragging America deeper into a war in Iran with no authorization, no plan, and no exit strategy.
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“Democrats will not go along. Trump is expecting Congress to look the other way and ignore his illegal war, just days after he tore up his own ceasefire deal and dramatically escalated the fighting. We won’t look away”, the Senate minority leader wrote on X.
Earlier Tuesday, a motion to advance the $1.15 trillion annual defense authorization bill failed 50 to 46. It needed 60 votes to advance to the Senate floor.
Rachel Dobkin15 July 2026 03:31
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Iran retaliates over US strikes by attacking Bahrain and Kuwait: report
Iran has launched attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait, the Associated Press reported.
The Gulf nations were attacked in retaliation for fresh US strikes and American forces reinstating a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rachel Dobkin15 July 2026 02:53
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Iranian official accuses US of war crimes after he says environmental ranger post was targeted
Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign affairs ministry, has accused the US of war crimes after he said an environmental ranger post was targeted.
“In the early hours of Tuesday, the terrorist U.S. military attacked an environmental ranger post in the village of Seyed Jowzar, Hajjiabad County, in northern Hormozgan, and martyred 3 members of Mr. Javad Hasanzadeh’s family, the hardworking ranger.
“This is merely the latest example of America’s heinous war crimes over the past four and a half months,” Baqaei wrote on X.
Rachel Dobkin15 July 2026 02:38
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Watch: US military says it used drone boats on Iranian targets in first-of-its-kind attack
US military says it used drone boats on Iranian targets in first-of-its-kind attack
“After so many decades, I feel truly blessed to still be working in an industry I adore”
Lauren Del Fabbro, Press Association Entertainment Reporter
22:38, 14 Jul 2026
Rip Off Britain presenter Gloria Hunniford has said she has “no intention of stopping” after decades of broadcasting.
The Northern Irish TV and radio personality, 86, launched her broadcasting career in the 70s and became the first woman to have her own daily radio show on BBC Radio 2.
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The Portadown-born broadcaster presented it continuously for 13 years, before going on to become one of the first female broadcasters to host her own TV chat show, Sunday, Sunday.
Over the years she has become known for fronting the hit BBC One consumer show Rip Off as well as appearing on ITV ’s Loose Women, with her decades-long career in broadcasting marked by BBC Four with an upcoming special night of programmes.
The TV tribute will feature a number of BBC archives over the course of Hunniford’s career and air on Saturday August 8 at 8pm.
She said: “After so many decades, I feel truly blessed to still be working in an industry I adore – and I can’t wait to roll back the years and watch some of the highlights again.
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“It’s a privilege at 86 to still be fronting TV shows and connecting with so many viewers – I love every minute and have no intention of stopping.”
Hunniford had her first taste of showbiz as a four-year-old magician’s assistant in her father’s variety shows before going on to tour Ireland as a singer when she was seven.
She launched her career in television as a production assistant in the 70s before going on to front a number of series including Pebble Mill at One.
She has also been a news reviewer for ITV’s This Morning, hosted The One Show and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and The Masked Singer.
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Hunniford was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to cancer charities through breast screening services and cancer support in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2017.
The programming comes months after she received the Freedom of the City of London, recognising her contribution to entertainment and campaigning work as a breast cancer charity ambassador.
BBC Four’s tribute night is scheduled for Saturday August 8 2026 at 8pm.
Celtic supporters have been going mad over the fact more strips have been launched this summer than new signings secured.
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However, the one fresh face who has arrived immediately demonstrated his quality in the Hoops.
Colombian forward Camilo Duran netted on his debut just 10 minutes after entering as a substitute to make an instant impression.
The £6m man’s contribution provided a rare bright spot in a 4-1 defeat against Sporting in the Algarve.
Celtic have devoted the summer to commemorating the 60th anniversary of the club’s finest hour, with a collection of Lisbon Lions-inspired kits being sold, reports the Daily Record.
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Yet it’s another date looming larger – with the vital Champions League qualifier just five weeks away and the league opener in slightly over a fortnight.
The Bhoys remain without several crucial players and were given something of a run-around by the Portuguese giants before capitulating late on following numerous substitutions.
They were lucky only to trail by one before Duran’s equaliser, with Sporting accelerating late on to win comfortably.
The striker has proved a welcome recruit but the fanbase desire more – and there were even some ‘sack the board’ chants from a section of holidaymakers in attendance.
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It was somewhat light-hearted but the discontent will intensify if fresh arrivals aren’t secured to sport the stylish jerseys in the weeks ahead.
Celtic’s international contingent will return to action next week but it’s evident reinforcements are required – particularly with several important players virtually on their way out. Sporting CP were also without several key players, yet still fielded a formidable lineup—and Celtic were fortunate not to fall behind early on, with Ricardo Mangas and Geny squandering clear-cut chances.
The latter caused considerable problems for makeshift left-back Liam Scales throughout and eventually broke the deadlock, converting Gabriel Silva’s cutback on 24 minutes.
The Bhoys found it difficult to contain Sporting’s attacking tempo and were forced onto the back foot on multiple occasions.
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However, they ought to have drawn level around the hour mark when Callum Osmand set up Luke McCowan, only for goalkeeper Joao Virginia to thwart the midfielder’s effort.
Duran wasn’t to be stopped though, as he pressured defender Eduardo Quaresma into an error before slotting home an equaliser.
Sporting responded immediately following defensive confusion between substitute goalkeeper Ross Doohan and Dane Murray, allowing Daniel Branganca to restore their advantage.
Branganca nearly added a fourth after Ricardo Manga had struck from close quarters during a chaotic eight-minute spell that saw three goals fly in, leaving Celtic reeling.
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Here are five talking points….
Hungry like a wolf
While the evening didn’t go to plan for Celtic, Duran’s instant impact offered reason for optimism.
The 24-year-old overcame an upset stomach to emerge from the bench and swiftly claim a debut goal.
The £6m acquisition from Qarabag is capable of operating wide or centrally, but it’s the latter position he’ll be expected to fill until additional striking options are secured. His goal was quintessentially Daizen Maeda-esque, with the forward relentlessly pursuing a defender before slotting home.
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While it’s still early, Duran appears to be the ideal replacement for the Japanese pressing dynamo.
Selling the jerseys
Celtic donned their Stadio National-inspired third strip here, just hours after unveiling their new away kit.
However, fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with more new jerseys than signings this summer.
A quick glance at social media reactions to each launch reveals many want the club to invest in players before they fork out for additional merchandise.
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Duran has arrived for a substantial fee but presently the squad is weaker than the one that secured an incredible Double last season.
With several current stars also linked with departures – including skipper Callum McGregor – the chequebook will need to come out soon.
Midfield crossroads
Paulo Bernardo dropped so far down the pecking order last season he became virtually invisible.
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The midfielder demonstrated considerable promise in his initial seasons with Celtic and the £3.5m deal to convert his loan spell from Benfica into a permanent transfer was a no-brainer.
However, the former Portugal under-21 skipper appears set for an exit, though conversely he might spot a chance to fight his way back with Arne Engels and Reo Hatate expected to depart. Bernardo featured for 45 minutes in the match and, while he saw an attempt cleared off the line and demonstrated some tidy play when afforded space, opportunities were limited and there wasn’t much to catch the eye.
He requires match practice, but having failed to impress O’Neill last term, don’t bet on it happening.
Help on the way
Supporters are eager for fresh arrivals, but the imminent return of several established players will undoubtedly alter the landscape over the coming days.
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World Cup stars including Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Benjamin Nygren, Yang Hyun-jun, Sebastian Tounekti and Daizen Maeda are all set to rejoin the squad shortly.
Celtic may need to resist approaches for players such as Johnston and Nygren, while Maeda is anticipated to depart.
However, the majority of that group will undoubtedly prove crucial to the team’s fortunes in the forthcoming weeks.
Style council
It remains pre-season and there’s no cause for alarm just yet. However, it will be intriguing to observe Celtic’s approach in their remaining warm-up fixtures ahead of the Premiership curtain-raiser.
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O’Neill has indicated his desire to introduce his own philosophy this term, but with numerous absentees, evidence of that has been scarce thus far.
That ought to shift with key personnel returning – and potentially even fresh additions – though the Hoops have only Middlesbrough this weekend and AC Milan seven days later to trial any tactical innovations.
Plenty of uncertainties surround Celtic at present.
Gary Cook’s amazing travel career has included working in resorts across four continents, and now he’s returned to the UK there’s one destination he recommends over and over that’s not far from the UK
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Travel agent Gary Cook has had a career that many people would envy. Over 35 years, he’s worked overseas in plenty of bucket list destinations, including resorts in Thailand and the Caribbean.
Nowadays, the TUI retail agent sits behind the desk at the tour operator’s slightly less glamorous Colchester store, but his work overseas across four continents has given him the ideal experience to recommend destinations to customers who come through the door.
For those needing a dose of travel inspiration, Gary says his ‘ultimate’ destination isn’t long haul but just a four-hour flight from the UK, yet offers temperatures often exceeding 35C in the summer, incredible beaches, and great value for money.
Gary revealed: “I’ve worked everywhere, but I keep coming back to Turkey – particularly the Antalya region and Marmaris on the Turquoise Coast.” He worked in Marmaris over 30 years ago, and since then has returned to the country as a tourist 17 times, putting it top of his list of recommendations.
He added: “It’s got everything you might want – stunning beaches, such as the Turunc Beach, incredible history, amazing food, and with an amazing selection of all-inclusive resorts, you can enjoy the views, sip on a cocktail and not have to worry about paying extra while you’re there”
Turkey also has a relatively long summer season, with many visitors flocking to the country between April and October and finding excellent deals during the shoulder seasons. “Even the winters are mild, which gives you so much flexibility for when to travel. Whether you want to go in the school holidays or off-season, you are sure to get your fix of sun.”
If you’re trying to choose an area to visit, Gary says: “Compared to the finest golden sand beaches of the Antalya area, Marmaris offers a completely different vibe – a large beach dotted with bars and restaurants, a promenade stretching down to the old town with its markets and bazaars, plus a cosmopolitan harbour. The bay is absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise.”
And in addition to the beaches, Gary recommends booking some excursions to enjoy the country away from the coast. “There are beautiful day trips that you should try in Turkey to experience the culture heart of the Aegean icons”. TUI offers guided tours of Ephesus, including a pottery demonstration, with prices starting at £90 per person, where you can experience one of Turkey’s most impressive open-air archaeological sites.
Gary also recommends a day trip to Pamukkale, literally translated as the “cotton castle” which he describes as “a gem of Southwest Turkey that is home to unique landscapes and hidden terraces”.
Turkey can be a more affordable option than other holiday hotspots, claims Gary: “With the Turkish lira, British holidaymakers find their money spreads much further.
“Marmaris especially has something for all budgets – from self-catering apartments to five-star hotels. You’ve got hundreds of great restaurants and bars, and eating out can be fantastic value. Turkey offers much better value than most European destinations. For your hard-earned summer holiday, Turkey sure won’t disappoint.”
Gary revealed some of his recommendations for hotels for people planning a visit, saying: “The [TUI Blue] Grand Azur is my absolute favourite hotel in Turkey. Run by an amazing General Manager, Sharon, and her staff who offer some of the best customer service I’ve experienced anywhere in the world. Looking out from the private beach to the famous Marmaris beach boulevard, enjoy the beach bar serving delicious cocktails and ice-cold beers and the picturesque views.”
For families, he recommends Hotel Trendy Lara, which he says has: “Modern accommodation with a great selection of restaurants, pools and activities for all ages. Lara Beach itself is right on your doorstep.”, while for beach lovers he suggests the Liberty Lara, a: “Beautiful hotel, very central, with the most amazing service and food. It’s situated right on the famous sandy Lara beach – you can’t beat waking up to that view.”
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