Cardiff City, Wrexham and Swansea City are in the hat for the Carabao Cup first round with the draw to be made on Thursday.

The Reds will be in the Northern Section of the draw, while the Bluebirds and Swans will be in the Southern side of the bracket.

Kevin Nolan will be joined by Luke Chambers for the draw, hosted by Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, with 70 clubs from the English Football League to be drawn regionally. Ties are to be played over the weekend of August 7.

The first round provides a chance for Championship, League One and Two sides to pit their wits against each other before the Premier League big guns enter in the second and third round, respectively.

Where the competition ranks in terms of importance to the three Welsh sides remains to be seen as the FA Cup proves to be more profitable financially.

For all three sides, their league aspirations will hinge on how serious they take the competition with Wrexham and Swansea eyeing promotion to the Premier League, Cardiff, meanwhile, are back in the Championship after earning promotion from League One at the first time of asking.

Carabao Cup ball numbers (selected):

Wrexham – 33 (Northern Section)

Cardiff – 8 (Southern Section)

Swansea City – 30 (Southern Section)

The draw will take place at 4.30pm today (Thursday) and Wales Online will bring you all the latest from the Carabao Cup draw…

Jamie Oliver’s ice cream can be prepared in just five minutes

Many of us in the UK are enduring the scorching heatwave which has seen temperatures hit naerly 37C in parts of the country.

With this in mind, lots of us may be in search of some much-needed ways to cool off from the heat. This may leave us turning to our freezers for some chilled snacks, with ice cream being a firm go-to for warmer weather.

Luckily, if you are in desperate need of some frozen food, Jamie Oliver has an easy to make ‘no-churn’ ice cream recipe, which only requires three ingredients – all of which are commonly found in our cupboards. On his website, Jamie writes: “You’ll only need three ingredients, minimal equipment and five minutes of prep time.”

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To make the ice cream you will need double cream, condensed milk and some chocolate. Jamie recommends using Mint Aero bars “for a mint-choc-chip vibe” or a bag of Maltesers. However, he says you can swap in any chocolate bar you like to “make it your own”.

How to make Jamie Oliver’s ‘No-Churn’ Ice Cream

Ingredients

• One 397g tin of condensed milk

• Two 90g Mint Aero bars or one 175g bag of Maltesers, plus extra to serve

Method

Start by placing the cream in a large bowl and whisk until until soft peaks form. The condensed milk can then be folded in, before also adding in the pieces of chocolate.

Jamie writes: “Bash up the chocolate into different sizes – small bits, big bits and dusty bits, for variety – and fold most of it into the ice-cream mixture, keeping a small handful to one side for later.”

A freeze-proof container, or a small loaf tin, can then be lined with a sheet of baking paper. The mixture can then be poured in, and some of the remaining chocolate from earlier can be sprinkled over the top.

He then recommends freezing the mixture for at least four hours – or until it is set. Jamie writes: “Once you’re ready to serve, move from the freezer to the fridge (around 1 hour before you want to eat it), and gently thaw.”

The ice cream can then be turned out onto a board. You should remove the baking paper before slicing the ice cream into serving portions. Jamie also adds: “Bash up and sprinkle over a little extra chocolate to decorate, if you like.”

The recipe is designed to serve 12, however Jamie says it can easily be halved or doubled, depending on your needs. He writes: “Just find yourself an appropriately sized freezer container and you’re good to go.”

The chef also advises that any leftover ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to eight weeks.

Eddie Hearn has signed Ian Machado Garry to the Matchroom Talent Agency, as a second UFC fighter joins the boxing promoter’s new venture.

Earlier this year, the mixed-martial-arts world was gripped by news that Hearn had signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, and in Machado Garry, Matchroom has acquired the UFC’s No 1 welterweight contender.

Machado Garry, 28, also joins England rugby-union player Henry Pollock in signing with Hearn, who is not signing these athletes to the Matchroom boxing promotion, of course, but rather a new talent agency.

Still, Aspinall’s signing proved controversial given Hearn’s bitter feud with UFC president and CEO Dana White, who kickstarted Zuffa Boxing earlier this year and even acquired Conor Benn, whom Hearn had supported through his entire boxing career – including a two-year saga in which the British fighter failed two drug tests.

Aspinall has had his own frustrations with the UFC in recent months, too, taking exception to comments made by White after Aspinall fought Ciryl Gane to a no-contest in October; the Manchester heavyweight could not continue after suffering several eye pokes, but White suggested that Aspinall had chosen not to keep fighting, although the injuries eventually led to double eye surgery.

Machado Garry’s signing is the second major piece of news involving the Irishman this week, after it was announced that he will challenge pound-for-pound No 1 Islam Makhachev in August. The Russian will defend the UFC welterweight title against Machado Garry in Philadelphia, in the main event of UFC 330.

“I have a lot respect for Matchroom,” Machado Garry said. “Signing with their talent agency isn’t just a step outside of the Octagon, it’s an extension of the same mission: be undeniable everywhere. This is about building a legacy, and this is just the beginning.

“Matchroom was built by a family that turned a vision into an empire, and that’s exactly the kind of legacy I love. My team is my family too; it’s how I operate, it’s how I win. Together we can continue to be disruptive and change the game.”

Hearn added: “Ian Machado Garry is on the cusp of greatness, and I truly believe he is the one of the next big superstars in combat sport.

“Since signing UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, we have been inundated with MMA athletes asking us to represent them. But we handpicked Ian because he was someone who we really wanted to work with – and someone we truly believe in.

“He is a phenomenal talent. He is one of the most charismatic and skilful fighters in the sport today. And on August 15 he will win the UFC welterweight championship.

“Beating Islam Makhachev will give Ian that superstar status he deserves and will make him one of the key figures in MMA.”

Hearn, 46, has been critical of UFC fighter pay in recent months, particularly since beginning to work with Aspinall, 33. The promoter even labelled Aspinall’s contract a “disgrace” in one interview.

The hospital is one of those that was built using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

Redevelopment ambitions that will see Hinchingbrooke Hospital replaced with a brand-new hospital are continuing to move at pace.

The existing hospital site, which has played an important role in the lives of people across Peterborough since it opened in 1983, will be redeveloped to accommodate a new, state-of-the-art facility.

Deborah Lee, Senior Responsible Officer for the Hinchingbrooke Hospital Redevelopment Programme, said: “Hinchingbrooke Hospital has been at the heart of local life for more than 40 years, and this is a once-in-a-generation chance to build a hospital fit for the decades ahead.”

Hinchingbrooke is one of seven hospitals across England set to be rebuilt due to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The scheme forms part of the national New Hospital Programme, with the new hospital expected to open by the end of 2032.

The redevelopment will create a modern, digitally enabled hospital built to the latest NHS standards, including single rooms for every inpatient. Key services, including a full Emergency Department and maternity care, will remain on site.

While core elements of the programme are confirmed, local people and hospital users are being asked to share their views via a public engagement campaign on how the new hospital should look, feel and operate.

“Some things are settled…” Ms Lee said, “but a great deal is still genuinely open, and that is where local people come in.”

The public engagement is open from now until August 16, 2026, with multiple ways to take part, such as online surveys, in-person sessions, focus groups and community pop-up events. The online survey can be found here.

The three pups are part of plans to maintain the species, with only 1000 to 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

A trio of endangered lemurs have perched up at Blair Drummond Safari Park as the local attraction helps ensure the animals stay safe for years to come.

The adorable black-and-white ruffed lemur pups have been named Domino, Zero and Ebony in a nod to their striking black-and-white markings, and were born to experienced parents Cali and Páraic.

Cali has now given birth to 11 pups during her time at the Stirling park, with the latest arrivals part of conservation efforts to protect the species, with only 1000 to 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

The pups are staying close to their mum for now, with visitors able to see them climbing around in their indoor habitat.

As their confidence grows, they will join the other occupants of the park’s Lemur Land section and then move on to other conservation-led collections to continue the global breeding programme designed to protect the species long-term.

Native to Madagascar, black-and-white ruffed lemurs are among the world’s most threatened primates.

Famous for their striking markings and powerful voices – the second loudest of any primate after howler monkeys – their calls can travel long distances through the forest canopy.

But the lemurs have faced threats, particularly from the illegal pet trade and also the impact of widespread habitat loss caused by deforestation for agriculture, logging and mining.

As a result, the species has been pushed to the brink in securing its long-term future.

Blair Drummond now plays an active role as part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP) for this species, helping to build a healthy ‘insurance population’ in zoos across Europe.

The new arrivals are the fourth litter born at the park, with several of their older siblings now living in other leading zoological collections across the UK.

Lemur Land team leader, Lesley Grant, said: “It’s always incredibly special to welcome new arrivals but knowing just how vulnerable this species is, makes these births even more meaningful.

“Cali is a brilliant mum, and it’s fantastic to see the pups doing so well.

“Every birth is an important step in helping to secure the future of these amazing animals.”

The contest will play out on July 30

George Galloway has announced he will stand as a candidate in the election to replace Andy Burnham as the mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Galloway has served as an MP for five different constituencies during his parliamentary career spanning across five decades – the latest being Rochdale.

The leader of the Workers Party of Britain became the town’s MP after a victory at the Rochdale by-election held at the end of February, 2024.

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He came up short, however, against Labour’s Paul Waugh at the July General Election – cutting his latest parliamentary tenure to just four months.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, Mr Galloway confirmed he was the Workers Party of Britain’s candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral election, which will be held on July 30.

He said in the post: “Labour under Starmer are apparently running so scared of losing the position they are planning the election for July 30, the dog days of summer in the middle of the summer holidays.

“I have today asked my lawyers to seek from the Starmer government the assurance that I will be allowed by them to fight the election and not held, again, by armed police officers under the Terrorism Act at the airport.

“What else can I do, fight a British election from China?”

The Manchester Evening News has previously reported Mr Galloway spent more than £150,000 in expenses during his brief stint as Rochdale’s MP.

The majority of the cash – some £106,098.30 – was spent on staffing. In a statement, the party said the Electoral Commission and Parliament ‘have been completely satisfied with all accounts and returns’.

Mr Galloway, a former Celebrity Big Brother contestant, is currently living in Russia in self-imposed exile. The former Labour Party politician was detained at Gatwick Airport by counter-terrorism police in September.

He represented Glasgow Hillhead and Glasgow Kelvin for Labour in parliament from 1987 until 2003 when he was expelled and became an independent. He went on to lead the Respect Party, representing Bethnal Green and Bow between 2005 and 2010 before taking the Bradford West in a by-election in 2012 – where he served for three years.

There are long delays on the M6 this afternoon (June 25) following a multi-vehicle collision on the carriageway near Warrington, National Highways has said.

The transport body said on X that emergency services are at the scene between junction 20 (Lymm) and 21 (Woolston) of the northbound carriageway following the collision.

All traffic is being held with current delays of 70 minutes through the area and around six miles of congestion on approach.

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This is a developing incident – updates to follow below.

The supermarket chain will offer late-night deliveries from more than 50 stores across the UK until midnight, or in some cases, 24 hours a day, for the duration of the tournament.

The decision comes after a 17 per cent rise in orders was recorded during recent England and Scotland matches, with a 1,700 per cent surge in searches for Waitrose’s No.1 pizza and a 1,400 per cent rise in searches for ‘World Cup crisps.’

Laura Burbedge, director of online at Waitrose, said: “Whether you are glued to the screen for a midnight thriller, need a snack to sustain you through a penalty shoot-out or up with the lark for a pre-dawn kick-off, footy fans will have everything they need at hand.

“We are making sure that whether you need a half-time pizza or a full breakfast spread to celebrate the final whistle, our delivery partners are on hand to keep your fridge stocked throughout the whole tournament.”

Delivery slots will be available through partners including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat.

Waitrose has clarified that supermarket opening hours will not be extended and alcohol will not be available for delivery during the late-night slots.

If the service proves popular, the supermarket says it may roll it out to more locations.

UK supermarket fruit recall

Fruit sold at Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Morrisons has been recalled due to a salmonella risk.

Prepworld is recalling several fruit packets from a number of major UK supermarkets after testing identified salmonella in apples and kiwi fruits used in the products.

Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

Tuesday 23 June 2026 – Prepworld recalls fruit products because of possible contamination with Salmonella: https://t.co/BfvJZChOcQ

Products are prepped fruit sold at ASDA, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.#FoodAlert pic.twitter.com/FGZhPDlgO5

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— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) June 23, 2026

These are the products affected by the recall, where they are sold, and their use-by date.

• ASDA Pink Lady Apple, Mango, Strawberry & Blueberry – June 23 and 24
• Morrisons Kiwi, Melon & Strawberries – June 24
• Tesco Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry – June 24
• Tesco Kiwi Fruit Pot – June 24
• Waitrose Pink Lady Apple and Grapes – June 23
• M&S Café Pink Lady Apple – June 24
• M&S (FTG) Pink Lady Apple – June 24
• M&S Pink Lady Apple Slices – June 24
• Sainsbury’s Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry – June 23
• Sainsbury’s Orange & Kiwi – June 23
• Sainsbury’s Pink Lady Apple & Grape – June 23
• Tesco Fruit Kebabs – June 23
• Tesco Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry – June 23 and 24

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency warned: “The possible presence of Salmonella in the products listed above. Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

“If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.

“Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products.

“These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

“If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.”

Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, M&S and Morrisons all apologised to shoppers for any inconvenience caused but added no other products sold at the supermarkets were affected by the recall.

The health board was put under a Level 3 intervention in October last year after a failure to improve on a poor record of replying to Freedom of Information requests.

A probe into NHS Forth Valley’s handling of Freedom of Information requests has been closed after the watchdog in charge praised the health board’s “significant improvement” on the issue.

The health board was put into a Level 3 intervention by the Scottish Information Commissioner, David Hamilton, after initial complaints made in November 2023 where it was found not to have replied to 51 per cent of requests within the timeframe of 20 days.

The intervention was escalated in October last year after those performance issues weren’t improved and a meeting was then arranged in March where the lack of progress was raised – and extra time given to make improvements.

Any further lack of progress on the issue would have prompted a possible action being launched at the Court of Session. But the turnaround was confirmed by Mr Hamilton’s office in a statement on Thursday morning, which said the Level 3 intervention had now been removed.

Mr Hamilton said: “My intervention with NHS Forth Valley was escalated to Level 3 following a prolonged period of poor performance.

“NHS Forth Valley was responding to fewer than 30 per cent of all FOI requests and less than 20 per cent of all FOI reviews within the 20 working day statutory timeframe.

“Through a combination of positive collaboration with my office, investment in resource, heightened prominence of FOI throughout the organisation alongside the hard work and dedication of the NHS Forth Valley’s Information Governance Team, the latest monthly figures show NHS Forth Valley responding to 94 per cent of all requests – and 100 per cent of FOI reviews – on time.

“This significant improvement not only demonstrates a commitment to statutory compliance, but also a sustainable cultural shift towards a more transparent organisation.”

The move was met with delight by NHS Forth Valley chief executive Ross McGuffie, who said: “We welcome the closure of this intervention, and it reflects the hard work and commitment of staff across the organisation over the last few months to improve our FOI performance.”

At least 1,000 schools and nurseries will either be closed or partially closed in England and Wales over the next two days.

Some have brought in early finishing times or relaxed uniform rules, while transport services have been disrupted and people are being urged to stay inside, close windows and curtains and stay hydrated to beat the heat.

Night time temperatures have also been unusually high, staying above 20C in many places, with Brize Norton in Oxfordshire not dipping below 22.3C and Heathrow, west London, not dipping below 22.1C, the Met Office said.

These “tropical nights” make it hard to sleep and for people to recover from the heat of the day, experts warned.

More than 100 schools will be at least partly closed in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire. In Somerset, more than 200 schools will be shut or operating on more limited opening hours.

Children at some schools have been told they can wear PE kit rather than full school uniform, which can involve long trousers and blazers.