BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Mourners gathered Friday to bury a 6-month-old girl who died from Ebola earlier this week, the third child to die at an orphanage in eastern Congo as authorities have struggled to contain the latest outbreak.
Carrying a cross, people stood at a distance as the small coffin was lowered into the ground by masked and gloved health workers, and a Catholic priest prayed over her body.
“It’s a feeling of sadness because we have lost one of our own, a daughter of the church,” said Father Innocent Ndogo.
“As we have always said, the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.”
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Ituri, the region at the center of the current outbreak, has reported more than 90% of the cases. The response has been complicated by residents clashing with healthcare professionals over disrupted burials and the response to the outbreak, which has been militarized at times.
The impersonal nature of safe burial practices and the severity of the epidemic were evident on Friday as only healthcare workers in protective gear were allowed to handle the coffin and the burial.
Bundibugyo, the type of Ebola in this outbreak, has no approved treatment or vaccine, and even some health workers have said they don’t have the masks, gloves and other gear to protect themselves.
During a visit to Bunia on Friday, Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba said that there were now 933 confirmed cases and 245 deaths from the current outbreak. Kamba also stated that all health centers will be free in Ituri and that healthcare workers bonuses will be doubled.
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There are 35,000 suspected potential contacts, Africa’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday.
With no approved vaccines or treatments, the Bundibugyo strain was not tested for in the early days. This lack of testing is one of the reasons the outbreak has spread to such an extent. The more common Zaire virus, for which there is a vaccine, was responsible for most of Congo’s past 16 outbreaks of the disease.
Alex Lock, a communications officer at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, asked people to resist feeling indifferent.
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“She was a baby. She had her whole life ahead of her. Unfortunately, she was taken by the disease, a disease that, as you know, is transmitted from one person to another,” Lock said.
Although the outbreak is concentrated in Ituri, cases have also been recorded in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and have spread across the border to Uganda, where 19 confirmed cases have been reported and two people have died.
The World Cup 2026 is into the second round of group stage fixtures, with sides including England, Germany and France well-placed to put a foot in the round of 32 over the coming days.
Despite the fact that their opponents could finish with a better goal difference, Mexico have secured top spot in Group A thanks to a subtle change in group stage rules that is new for this World Cup.
For the first time ever, the tournament is using head-to-head records – rather than goal difference – as a tiebreaker for teams who are level on points in the groups.
This new rule is sure to influence the eventual round of 32 fixtures, so here’s more information on how it could affect the final group stage games.
What is Fifa’s new head-to-head rule?
Essentially, the new rule means that a team’s head-to-head record against another team is the first thing to separate teams who are level on points. This is the same as the system used in Uefa competitions.
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Goal difference is then used as the next differentiator, with the total number of goals scored in all group matches then considered before the highest “team conduct” score, which takes into account the total record of yellow and red cards.
Interestingly, if two teams still can’t be separated after all these criteria, then the team that is ranked higher “according to the most recent published edition of the Fifa/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking” will go through.
In terms of tie-breaking criteria for the group stages, Fifa’s official website reads that the following criteria – in the same order as below – will be used to determine group rankings:
The greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned (in other words, head-to-head record)
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned
How does the head-to-head rule apply to Mexico?
For a team to secure top spot in a group after just two games, a group either needs to have two draws or for the team in first place to have beaten any team(s) on three points.
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Mexico have won both of their opening games, and they now sit three points clear of second-placed South Korea. However, they cannot be overtaken as they beat South Korea 1-0 in the game between the two nations.
The new rule means that England will top Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia (Reuters)
How can the rule affect other teams?
The fact that some teams can secure top spot after just two games comes with both advantages and disadvantages for the other teams in the group depending on how they’ve performed so far.
In Mexico’s example, El Tri could opt to rest their entire starting XI, so the Czech Republic – who currently sit in third, two points behind South Korea – could benefit, leaving South Korea needing to beat South Africa to be certain of second place.
Who else could win their group on matchday two?
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As mentioned, the US have secured top spot thanks to Turkey losing to Paraguay, while Germany could win their group if they beat the Ivory Coast and Ecuador don’t beat Curacao.
Sweden can qualify as group winners if they beat the Netherlands and Japan don’t win against Tunisia, while Lionel Messi and Argentina can top their group if they beat Austria and Algeria fail to beat Jordan.
Finally, Thomas Tuchel’s England can ensure they qualify top of Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia.
Karen gives first aid at packed public events (Picture: Roo Pitt | Pitt Stop Marketing)
Not all heroes wear capes… our Unsung Heroes series celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary work.
Today it’s Karen, 47, from west London, who administers first aid at public events.
What do you do?
I’m a cycle responder volunteer, so I bike through busy events to provide fast first aid assistance. I’ve done it for 11 years. Last year, our team helped at 220 events. I volunteer 500 hours in total per year.
What sort of events?
Trooping the Colour, London Marathon, football parades. Royal events are my favourite. I love the aeroplane fly-bys.
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Any brushes with royalty?
At the King’s Coronation I watched his carriage pass by – that was exciting!
Karen says that the volunteering is her ‘relaxation’ (Picture: Supplied)
Why are cycle responders so useful?
We quickly reach a person who needs help with a surprising amount of equipment.
What kit do you use?
A pocket defibrillator, oxygen, airway management kit, blood pressure monitors, medication, dressings, burn packs and more.
Any common call-outs?
On The Mall there’s a particular tree that triggers allergic reactions in many people.
Any strange situations?
A lady fainted at one Trooping the Colour parade, then her husband fainted. They were very confused to wake up next to each other on the floor. Both were fine.
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What medical emergencies can you treat on the spot?
Diabetes, asthma, allergies, fractures, serious cuts. For a cardiac arrest, I can open airways to help with breathing and try to restart the heart with my defibrillator.
When an ambulance can’t make the journey, cycle volunteers are there to help (Picture: Getty Images)
Footage shows the moment a motorhome thief crashed into a railing before somersaulting off a footbridge.
Dashcam footage shared by Essex Police shows Ricky Halford, 43, leading police on a chase through the streets of Avelely after failing to stop.
After attempting to drive up a pedestrian walkway, he hit a railing and became stuck. Halford then somersaulted from the vehicle into the underpass below. He was soon arrested after a footchase.
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Halford, 43, of Homefield Rise, Orpington, Kent, has admitted to the theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen, and driving without insurance at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court.
Becky Hill performance during TRNSMT festival was booed by the crowd (Picture: Martin Grimes/Getty Images)
Becky Hill has sparked a fierce debate among festivalgoers after being booed by some audience members during a surprise set at TRNSMT.
A TikTok video from the weekend appears to show sections of the crowd leaving while others boo after the singer revealed she would be performing an entire set of unreleased music.
The clip, which has attracted thousands of views, was captioned: ‘Not Becky Hill getting booed and everyone leaving.’
The reaction has divided fans online, with some arguing that the chart-topping singer badly misjudged her audience by turning a festival slot into what was effectively an album preview.
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‘Sorry but a festival slot is not the time to do a set full of new songs only,’ one viewer wrote.
Another added: ‘Worst idea ever at a festival.’
A third commented: ‘I love Becky Hill but I would of been fuming, no Disconnect or Afterglow.’
Others questioned whether audiences should really be expected to stand through half an hour of songs they’ve never heard before.
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‘No one goes to a gig to hear songs they don’t know,’ one person argued. ‘They want to sing along with the hits. Even Bowie did a tour that was just the hits.’
The moment occurred during Hill’s appearance as TRNSMT’s secret act on the King Tut’s stage.
Although organisers had initially kept her involvement under wraps, her appearance was revealed earlier this month.
The singer warned the crowd she’d be singing all new songs (Picture: Martin Grimes/Getty Images)
When she took to the stage, however, Hill had another surprise for fans. ‘The reason why it’s a secret set is because it’s all new music,’ she explained.
‘Sometimes as an artist you have to ditch the tunes they know you for and play something new.’
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The singer is currently gearing up to release her third studio album, Rebecca, in September, and used the set to give fans an early taste of material that has yet to be released.
Predictably, not everyone was thrilled by the prospect.
Some audience members reportedly drifted away as the set continued, while videos circulating online appear to capture pockets of dissatisfaction among the crowd. However, plenty of fans rushed to Hill’s defence.
‘Everyone is overreacting to this, to be honest,’ one person wrote.
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‘She was doing a secret set, announced months after the rest of the lineup, on a smaller stage, in a slot normally reserved for newer artists. Festivals are all about discovering new music, this is fine.’
Hill is known for songs like Disconnect (Picture: Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images)
And those who stuck around were ultimately rewarded.
According to reports from the festival, Hill closed her set by treating loyal fans to two of her biggest hits, Afterglow and Disconnect, prompting cheers from the remaining crowd.
The singer’s gamble raises an interesting question about what festivals are actually for.
For some fans, they are a place to hear the songs they already know and love. For others, they remain one of the few spaces where artists can still take risks and introduce audiences to something new.
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Unfortunately for Becky Hill, a sizeable portion of the TRNSMT crowd appears to have voted for the former.
Chronic illness is a concern for many, especially those who struggle with arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus or gout.
Help can be found from the medical specialty of rheumatology, which works to reduce inflammation, chronic pain and joint or organ damage.
Many rheumatologists take a holistic approach that includes medical and lifestyle solutions, so they have clear ideas about the role diet can play in their patients’ health.
While eating anti-inflammatory foods can help with some symptoms, experts we spoke with noted that there’s no single “magic” food to cure these diseases.
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“One thing I really want people to hear is that in 99.9% of cases, nothing you ate or didn’t eat caused your autoimmune disease,” said Dr. Amanda Moyer, who practices adult and paediatric rheumatology at OU Health at the University of Oklahoma. “Likewise, there is no one special food that will cure it.”
“Diet is powerful, but it is not a magic on-off switch for autoimmunity,” Moyer said. “That doesn’t mean food doesn’t matter, because it impacts how you feel day-to-day, how your medications work, your weight, your heart health and long‑term risks of complications. But I don’t want patients carrying unnecessary guilt or being blamed for a disease process they did not create with their lunch.”
Here are some of the top foods these experts frequently recommend to patients.
HakanEliacik / 500px via Getty Images
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Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that can lower inflammatory markers.
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen
Dr. Kam Shojania is head of the rheumatology division at Vancouver General Hospital in Canada. He tells his patients to think of extra-virgin olive oil as a practical anti‑inflammatory staple to drizzle on food.
“People are shocked to learn olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that data has suggested can lower inflammatory markers and protect blood vessels,” he said.
“Oleocanthal has anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. There’s also emerging research on its immune effects, including in inflammatory arthritis and lupus.”
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Fatty fish has proven results for autoimmune disease
“The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have the strongest evidence of any single food intervention in rheumatology,” said Dr. Devon Charlton, a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and director of rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Regional Orthopedics.
“I recommend eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies two times per week.”
He cited a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of nearly 26,000 participants that concluded those who consumed 1 gram per day of EPA and DHA showed a 15% to 18% reduction in confirmed and probable autoimmune disease.
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“It was an effect that grew stronger with longer duration of supplementation and persisted for two years after participants stopped taking it,” he said.
Fibremaxxing can help fight inflammation
Dr. Micah Yu is quadruple board-certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine. He encourages his patients to increase their fibre intake whenever possible.
“Fibre helps lower inflammation, and can help reduce joint inflammation,” he said. “In addition, those who eat more fibre have been shown to have a lower weight, which can help with disease symptoms.”
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Yu encourages his patients to seek out fibre from natural sources like beans, fruits, vegetables and other whole foods, not supplements.
Fermented foods support gut-based immune strength
If you check in Dr. Yoon Qiu’s refrigerator, you’d probably find a bag of cabbage and a few jars of fermented foods. The rheumatologist and assistant professor of medicine at Emory Healthcare is a big fan of cabbage, since this member of the brassica family contains sulforaphane, which is anti-inflammatory. Even better, Qiu said, “It lasts a long time in the fridge”.
Even longer lasting, and possibly even more beneficial, can be fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut, which are both made with cabbage. “I recommend eating fermented foods to support the gut biome,” Qiu said.
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Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images
Cabbage contains sulforaphane, which is anti-inflammatory.
Since as much as 80% of your immune system lives in and around your gut, the gut microbiome is key for regulating immune responses.
Research has shown that a diet high in fermented foods increased microbiome diversity and decreased markers of inflammation, including several directly involved in autoimmune flares. Fermented diets outperformed high-fibre diets for inflammation reduction.
Nuts can calm inflammation
“If I had to pick one thing to put on every rheumatology patient’s grocery list, it would be a big bag of lightly seasoned nuts, like almonds,” Moyer said.
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“They’re easy to snack on, provide protein, fibre and healthy fats, and they fit beautifully into the kind of eating pattern that helps calm inflammation,” she said.
“On a practical level, I like sustainable, not punitive, changes. I snack on nuts myself, especially almonds, and I’ll often grab a new flavour when I go to the store, as long as they aren’t sodium bombs.”
What you eat is just one part of your health story
Charlton often reminds his patients that food is an adjunctive, not primary, therapy. “If you’re on methotrexate, warfarin or other medications, discuss any significant dietary additions with your rheumatologist,” he said.
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“Patients who stop disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic medications in favor of dietary interventions risk irreversible joint damage, organ involvement or even death.”
“No one should be trading methotrexate (a drug that treats severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis) for olive oil shots,” Shojania agreed.
“The sweet spot is evidence‑based medication plus a Mediterranean‑leaning eating pattern, ideally designed with a registered dietitian so it fits your culture, budget and real life.”
Finally, Moyer said it’s important to keep the big picture in mind: “My parting advice is to relax, focus on whole foods, mostly plants, with lean proteins and healthy fats, and to be cautious about expensive supplements. And when you do have that scoop of ice cream or piece of birthday cake, enjoy it. Then go back to your overall pattern, which is what really counts.”
King Charles has said he is “greatly saddened” by the incident and is being kept regularly updated on developments.
He said “his thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident”, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson added.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and East Midlands Railway (EMR) are investigating the crash, after one train collided into the back of another on the same line shortly after 5pm.
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Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the RMT union, said the driver and former union rep was killed, but as of Saturday morning, the driver has not been named.
A total of 33 people were taken to hospital while 56 sustained minor injuries.
Passenger Pete Knapp, 40, recalled: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.”
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as “hugely concerning” and said he is “grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident”.
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Locals provide snacks for dozens stuck on trains behind crash
Locals brought snacks for dozens of people stuck on a train behind the two trains that crashed on Friday.
Footage shows the passengers walking up the closed rail line after leaving the stationary train.
“Thoughts are with everyone involved in the Bedford train collision today. I was on the train behind and stranded for hours,” wrote on passenger on X.
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“Huge thanks to my partner and neighbours, who brought water and snacks for passengers when we stopped outside my house. Humanity at its best.”
Alex Croft20 June 2026 12:59
‘We were picked up and shaken like dice’: Witness recalls horrific moment trains collided near Bedford
A witness described how people were “picked up and shaken like dice” following a train crash that killed a driver and injured more than 80 people near Bedford on Friday.
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Eyewitness, Dr Pete Knapp, 40, described the moment he was “flung” into a chair as the two trains collided. He said: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.
“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”
He added: “My first thought was I needed to get out of the train just in case it was a terrorist explosion, I thought it was safer to get off the train.”
Dr Knapp said he had not felt the train slow down before the crash, but other passengers told him they had.
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He said he he saw people with “life-threatening, major injuries, minor injuries” as well as “people with bandages, people who couldn’t see straight”, while others like him were still able to walk.
Dr Knapp added: “I’ve got blood all over my trousers and my back hurts like hell but I’m alright.”
Alex Croft20 June 2026 12:36
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How have MPs responded to Bedford crash?
Ministers and local politicians have said the crash is “very concerning” as they shared their condolences with those affected.
In a statement on X, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Hugely concerning reports of a collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of the person who has sadly lost their life, and with those who have been seriously injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident.”
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Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” by reports of a collision between two passenger trains in Bedfordshire.
In a post on X, the transport secretary said: “I’m deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving 2 East Midlands Railway passenger trains.
“I’m grateful to emergency services who are on the scene, attending to those affected.
“We’re working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers.”
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Early on Friday evening Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin told The Telegraph: “I am very concerned by the early reports of an incident this evening just outside Bedford and Kempston, involving two Midland Mainline trains travelling towards London.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved, their families, and all those who may be affected.
“I want to thank the emergency services and railway staff who are responding to the incident.”
Alex Croft20 June 2026 12:14
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Network Rail ‘deeply saddened’ after death of train driver
Network Rail has said it is “deeply saddened” after a train driver “tragically died” in a statement released on Saturday morning.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues, and with everyone affected,” it said.
“Our teams are on site working closely with the emergency services and industry partners. We want to thank the emergency services and the wider railway family for their professionalism and swift response.
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“In the meantime, we ask passengers to please check before they travel.”
Alex Croft20 June 2026 11:52
Bedford train crash passenger ‘angry’ after horror collision
Brett Byatt, a teacher who lives in Bedford and was unharmed in the crash, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday: “Yesterday I was pretty shocked. This morning it feels surreal, and I think I’ve moved into the stage of anger now.
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“I don’t know at whom, who specifically, but it’s more about we’ve got one of the oldest railway networks and signal failures happen a lot, and now I’m just wondering… why wasn’t that signalled to my train and why did that train driver lose his life over this?”
A train driver died and more than 80 people were injured after the collision. Investigations are set to begin into the cause of the crash, after one train collided into the back of a stationary train on the same line shortly after 5pm.
Alex Croft20 June 2026 11:29
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Driver who died was on 16:40 Corby train to St Pancras – Aslef
The driver who died in the train collision on Friday was on the 16:40 Corby train to St Pancras, Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said on Saturday morning.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the railway family will be “feeling the sadness and sorrow” of the loss of their life.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is looking into what lessons can be learned, he added.
Mr Calfe said: “The most important thing for us is that we learn the outcomes from incidents like this and prevent them from happening in the future.”
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Alex Croft20 June 2026 11:05
King Charles ‘deeply saddened’ by Bedford rail crash
The King is “greatly saddened” by the rail crash near Bedford on Friday evening, Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said.
King Charles is being kept regularly updated on developments and “his thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident”, they added.
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Alex Croft20 June 2026 10:52
Trains crashed ‘because of problem with automatic warning system’, says Simon Calder
Travel expert and former Independent correspondent Simon Calder has said the trains crashed as a result of a technical fault on the rail lines.
The train in front, which was running late on its way south to London, had come to a halt “because of a problem with the automatic warning system which warns train drivers if there is a red signal ahead”, he told Cathy Newman on Sky News.
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The Rail Accident Investigation Branch says it is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
While the driver was travelling to sort this out, the 16:40pm from Corby was on the same southbound line and collided with the stationary train.
“The pictures we are seeing are just shocking for the train to have struck with such force that we had a derailment is really worrying.
“Of course, railways are in general extremely safe… but if you are involved in an accident where you were previously travelling quickly and suddenly come to a halt then that is, I’m so sorry to say, going to involve some serious injuries.”
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Alex Croft20 June 2026 10:27
Witness says most people in his carriage could not stand or move their neck after crash
A passenger on one of the trains that collided said he thought 90 per cent of people on his carriage had serious injuries, could not stand or move their neck.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Brett Byatt said: “The people in first class ended up with stomach and rib injuries, because they went into the tables they have in first class, and EMR (East Midlands Railway) trains, the way that they’re structured with seats, was probably the worst way it could have been structured for a train crash, in the sense that there’s nothing… because they’re, they face each other in the three by three and the two by three, and the seat… when people flew into one another, the seats that they were on, like, broke backwards into the people behind them.”
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The teacher, who lives in Bedford and was unharmed in the crash, added: “I’ve said before that I’d probably say 90 per cent of the people on my carriage had injuries, I’d probably say from three to four of us were uninjured in a full carriage.
“Everyone else had either a serious wound that was bleeding profusely, or a situation where they couldn’t stand, or couldn’t move their neck, or I saw a woman’s snapped leg.”
89 people were injured in the crash (Reuters)
Alex Croft20 June 2026 10:13
Watch: Emergency workers on scene after two trains collide in Bedford area
Emergency Workers On Scene After Two Trains Collide In The Bedford Area
The 30-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious head injury, where he later passed away surrounded by his family.
12:18, 20 Jun 2026Updated 12:20, 20 Jun 2026
Funeral details have been announced for a man who died following an assault outside a bar in West Belfast on Friday.
Carl Holland, who was 30-years-old and from the local area, was assaulted outside a licensed premises on the Suffolk Road on Friday night, June 12.
It is understood that a verbal altercation occurred at the venue earlier that evening. Later, the male suspect arrived by taxi, punched the victim, and then left in the same taxi.
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The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious head injury, where he later passed away surrounded by his family.
A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent was subsequently released on bail to allow for further enquiries.
A 46-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm were also released on bail to allow for further enquiries.
Late of Rinnalea Walk, a funeral notice described Mr Holland as the dearly beloved son of the late Janice and Paddy; cherished grandson of Anne and her partner Ricky; much loved nephew of John, Thomas, Charlie, Annie, Marion, Bridie, Sally and Margaret and loved godson of Joe.
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He will be reposing in the Chapel of Rest (98 Stewartstown Road) from Sunday for those wishing to pay their respects before returning home to his grandmother’s house on Thursday evening. House strictly private.
His remains will leave his grandmother’s home on Friday at 12:15pm to arrive at St. Oliver Plunkett Church for 1pm Requiem Mass. Committal to follow at Roselawn Crematorium.
Family flowers only. Donations in Lieu of flowers if desired to Cancer Focus NI c/o O’Neill’s Funeral Directors 98 Stewartstown Road Belfast BT11 9JP (Tel:028 90620099) or online to www.oneillsfuneraldirectors.co.uk.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Carl was the victim of an assault, which happened outside licensed premises in the Suffolk Road area of the city on the night of Friday, 12th June.
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“The male suspect arrived by taxi, he punched the victim, and then left in the taxi. This was at approximately 9pm.
“Carl was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious head injury, where he remained in a critical condition until his untimely death.”
Police have also reiterated an appeal to anyone with information to come forward: “From enquiries, we know that a verbal altercation had taken place, inside the premises, earlier that same evening.
“I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch. I’m particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault, or the earlier altercation, and who may have captured footage, whether CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam.
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“You can contact officers on 101 or report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport quoting reference number 1174 13/06/26.”
Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, with total anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Forged by the Foyle: It’s in Our DNA’
The Foyle Maritime Festival returns to Derry’s iconic riverfront later this month for four unforgettable days of maritime magic.
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Northern Ireland’s premier maritime celebration transforms the River Foyle into a spectacular showcase where majestic tall ships from across Europe dock alongside world-class entertainment, featuring circus performances, street art, live music stages, on-the-water activities, family friendly workshops, continental markets and culinary adventures with award-winning local produce.
In anticipation of the 2027 opening of a £15 Million investment, Derry North Atlantic Museum, DNA Museum, the theme of this year’s festival is ‘Forged by the Foyle: It’s in Our DNA’.
The riverfront will come alive daily from 12 noon to 11pm between Thursday, June 25, and Sunday, June 28.
This year will bring back crowd pleasing classics as well as Northern Irish debuts.
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Here are some of the things you won’t want to miss.
1. Galeón Andalucía
This year, festival organisers are delighted to welcome the magnificent Galeón Andalucía with its Northern Ireland debut.
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Built in southern Spain, this 55-metre, six-deck replica of a Spanish galleon offers a glimpse into the age of exploration. It is also the only sailing vessel of its kind in the world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to come aboard and experience history firsthand.
2. Tall Ships
The Phoenix is owned by a French company who are touring Europe to showcase the magic and splendour of this magnificent Tall Ship. The ship wowed spectators with her cannon salutes and majestic sails in 2024 and organisers are honoured to have her take a break from an intense film schedule to drop anchor at the festival once again.
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Making its debut at the festival this year, a “sea snail” tall ship typically refers to the beloved classic 56-foot Danish schooner Sea Snail or the formidable “iron snail” sailing vessels. These rugged, historic tall ships are heavily known for hands-on, traditional sailing experiences, blue-water adventures, and enduring intense storms when modern fiberglass boats fail. This particular vessel was Sea built in Denmark in 1932 as a North Sea wet fish boat – she had a hold that was filled with sea water to keep the fish alive! Converted from fishing to charter/sail training in 1980, she currently resides in Co Down.
The festival is honoured to welcome the French Ecole Navale and their sail training vessel, Mutin which is part of the Marine Nationale. This ship played an undercover role as a spy-boat during the second world. Taking cover in Plymouth when the Germans bombed her port town of Brest, she was requisitioned to the British Secret Services for the remainder of the war carrying out special missions for British agents as far as the Adriatic coasts before returning to the French Navy in 1945.
Built in Crosshaven, Cork in 1956 as a naval tender, Eabora was converted to sail by renowned Scottish novelist Alistair MacLean, famous for bestselling novels and films including Where Eagles Dare and When Eight Bells Toll.
MacLean purchased the boat as part of his research for When Eight Bells Toll, immersing himself in life at sea to bring authenticity to his writing. The vessel remains closely linked to the adventurous spirit and maritime legacy that inspired many of his celebrated works.
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Built in Denmark in 1936 for fishing in the North Sea, Klevia has been restored and traditionally rigged as a Gaff Ketch and is registered as a sailing vessel in the UK. Another stunning vessel, we can’t wait to welcome back this beautiful boat into Foyle Port.
3. Sails of Solace Light Show, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Saturday 27th June 10pm-3am each night
Step back in time and enjoy a breathtaking illuminated riverscape, with masts and beams stretching into the night sky reminiscent of days when the Derry Docks were home to a fleet of working ships.
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For 2026 Visual Spectrum will transform our visiting Tall Ships into a unified artwork of light and reflection, presenting them in a new light that celebrates their grandeur and majesty while the timing of the display invites visitors to revel in a private viewing as the city and ships sleep.
Some special installations from Wonderlights will enable a family of seals and the ghost of Dopey Dick to appear under the cover of darkness, look to the horizon and see golden sails stretching towards the night sky.
This curated experience invites visitors to come at their leisure outside the trading hours of the festival and enjoy the space and time to take in the festival riverscape with the masts of visiting ships and their illuminated reflections creating a temporary but beautiful experience that disappears with dawn each day.
4. Water Activities
No maritime festival would be complete without a full programme of activities on the river.
First port of call is the Water Registration Tent, managed by the Loughs Agency who have curated a packed itinerary that caters for all ages and abilities and will delight participants and spectators alike.
The tent is located beside the South Pontoon entrance, where all taster sessions and tours depart. A changing tent is also available in the family festival hub for anyone taking the plunge and needing to dry off.
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Experienced providers will offer inclusive, bespoke experiences for all abilities. Some sessions require booking, while others are available for walk-ups where possible.
Crowds at the Foyle Maritime Festival 2026 are also set for another adrenaline-filled spectacle as The Edge Wakeboarding Team returns to the River Foyle with a daily programme of high-energy wakeboard performances.
Their performances have been a standout attraction at previous editions of the festival, drawing large crowds to the riverfront and creating unforgettable moments on the water.
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5. Rockshore Sounds
No trip to the festival would be complete without taking time to enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of the Festival Village and listening to a fantastic array of acclaimed local and national musicians and performers.
Perched perfectly between two watering holes, the Rockshore Stage is where the party’s at.
A packed programme of music includes performances from Altan, George Houston, We Love Sax, John Deery & The Heads, and Reevah.
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6. Derry – Londonderry North Atlantic (DNA) Museum Activities
Through hands‑on activities and lively encounters with characters from the past, discover how our city and district has been shaped by the landscape and the people who have called it home.
Using our collections and archives, maps, and stories, learn about surprising connections as we bring history to life, showing how places, journeys and relationships have shaped who we are today. Additionally, discover too what life was like for the many women who worked in our shirt factories.
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7. Vintage Funfair with the Amelia Earhart Wheel
Step back to the charm of old seaside promenades with a vintage funfair experience along the banks of the River Foyle. Enjoy classic attractions, grab an ice cream, and soak up the atmosphere of a perfect traditional seaside escape.
Take a spin on the Amelia Earhart Wheel and enjoy stunning views across the river and festival grounds.
The festival will come to a spectacular close with a synchronised fireworks display on the river around 11pm on Sunday night. An enchanting Dusk Chorus will be delivered by NI Rock Choir who will sing a moving and uplifting ensemble of songs inspired by the occasion. The performance will begin at approximately 10.25pm in The Dock, alongside Tall Ship, The Phoenix and Spanish replica vessel The Galleon Andalucia, setting the scene that will close four days of maritime magic.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) — An Israeli strike early Saturday killed at least two children in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials said.
Despite an October ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas, the enclave has seen near-daily Israeli attacks that have killed over 1,007 Palestinians, the Gaza Health Ministry said.
Saturday’s strike hit an apartment in Gaza City around 2 a.m local time, according to the ministry, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue teams work on recovering more bodies. There was no immediate information on the number of the wounded.
At the site of the attack, an Associated Press reporter saw scattered rubble and chunks of concrete stained with blood.
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The bodies of the two sisters, 4-year-old Zina and 14-year-old Lana, were sent to Shifa Hospital’s morgue, where they lay shrouded in white hospital bags, surrounded by family members.
“I was sitting at home. The rocket fell on us without a warning,” said their cousin, Mohammad Safadi, who had a forehead wound.
He said both he and his wife were wounded in the attack.
“This ceasefire the occupation and the negotiation team speak of … is this really a ceasefire? We are civilians. I never held a weapon,” Safadi added.
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The Israeli military didn’t immediately issue a statement, but said it was looking into the incident. Israel says it is targeting Hamas and other militants who pose a threat.
Five Israeli soldiers have been killed since the truce.
The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel’s retaliatory military offensive in the Gaza Strip has since killed 73,018 Palestinians, including those slain since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Saturday.
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The health ministry, part of the Hamas-led government, is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records that are generally considered reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make up around half of all fatalities.
You sit down to start a task you care about. Nothing happens. You open your phone instead. Minutes turn into hours. You feel restless, flat, or oddly exhausted, even though you haven’t done much at all.
For many neurodivergent people, this cycle is painfully familiar. It’s often described as a motivation problem or a focus issue. But for those who are ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or autistic and ADHD (AuDHD), these experiences are closely linked to how dopamine – a vital brain chemical involved in motivation and reward – is regulated.
Due to this experience, some neurodivergent people have started to turn to a simple tool: the “dopamine menu”. Popularised in 2020 by Jessica McCabe, a YouTuber and ADHD advocate, a dopamine menu is a personalised list of activities that can help provide small, regular boosts of motivation and pleasure throughout the day.
For people who find themselves stuck or overwhelmed, it offers a structured way to access activities that feel rewarding or regulating. But to understand why this approach can be helpful, it is important to understand what dopamine is and how it works.
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Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, but this is an oversimplification. While it does play a role in pleasure, dopamine is also closely linked to motivation, anticipation and the ability to initiate and sustain tasks.
Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter (Getty Images)
It is produced in three areas of the brain: the hypothalamus, substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area. Outside the brain, it is also released from the adrenal glands, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
Dopamine is involved in multiple cognitive processes including learning, attention, mood regulation, focus, memory and reward. It also plays a role in pain perception, sleep and movement.
Dopamine is released in response to certain activities such as spending money, eating, drinking and sex. This dopamine “burst” reinforces that we like this activity and motivates us to do it again. Not all dopamine increases are equal. Some activities provide short, intense bursts, while others lead to more gradual and sustained changes.
Why this matters for neurodivergent people
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Some neurodivergent people have a different relationship to dopamine than neurotypical people. The most discussed neurotype when it comes to dopamine is ADHD.
Research suggests that people with ADHD typically have a lower baseline level of dopamine, and may process it differently. This can lead to a greater drive to seek stimulation.
People with ADHD are also more likely to develop addictions, such as to substances, video games, gambling or the internet, and are at higher risk of relapse. This demonstrates the importance of appropriate, tailored support, rather than framing such behaviour as purely a matter of choice.
Regardless of neurotype, many people find themselves turning to quick, easily accessible sources of dopamine, such as scrolling on a phone. While these can provide short-term relief, they are often not satisfying in the longer term and may leave people feeling more depleted.
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Designing your own sources of reward
About the author
Rebecca Ellis is an Assistant Researcher in Public Health at Swansea University. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article
This is where dopamine menus can be helpful. Rather than relying on a narrow set of high-intensity activities, a dopamine menu provides a wider range of options that can support more consistent regulation throughout the day.
In her 2020 video, Jessica McCabe describes dopamine menus in sections, although they can be adapted to suit individual needs.
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“Appetisers” are small, quick activities such as watering plants or making a coffee. “Meals” are more substantial activities that take longer, such as going for a walk, cooking or playing a board game. “Sides” are additions that make less enjoyable tasks more appealing, such as adding music or a podcast. “Desserts” are enjoyable activities best used in moderation, such as scrolling on social media or watching television. While “specials” are less frequent, more novel experiences, such as attending an event, eating out or going on a trip.
The process of creating a dopamine menu starts with identifying activities you enjoy and considering how they might fit into your daily routine. Making these activities more accessible – for example, leaving a yoga mat out or preparing materials in advance – can reduce the effort required to get started. It can also be helpful to add small barriers to activities you are trying to reduce.
What’s important is that dopamine menus are not to-do lists. They are optional, flexible and designed to reduce pressure rather than create it. By enabling us to decide in advance what feels supportive or enjoyable, they can reduce the cognitive load of choosing what to do in moments of low motivation.
So, rather than fixing a lack of motivation, dopamine menus offer a way of working with the brain’s natural rhythms, and creating space for small moments of energy, interest and ease throughout the day.
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