Death in Paradise fans have called for another spin-off series, this time centring on Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, played by Don Warrington
Devotees of Death in Paradise are calling for another spin-off series, this time centred on DI Selwyn. The cherished BBC crime drama has been broadcast since 2011, with Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ralf Little and now Don Gilet having taken the principal role.
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In the wake of its popularity, Beyond Paradise launched in 2023, with Kris reprising his character as DI Humphrey Goodman. A second spin-off, Return to Paradise, featured a female detective in the lead for the first time, premiering in 2024. Viewers are now clamouring for a series focused on Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, portrayed by Don Warrington.
On Reddit, one user posted: “I wonder what the communities thoughts are and whether there would ever be enough interest for the BBC to commission a show portraying Selwyn’s days as the DI.”
One respondent commented: “I’d be happy to see one tbh! Modern Selwyn narrating his memoirs of his more interesting cases.”
Another speculated: “He’s been commissioner for 50 years, each season can be set in that particular decade,” reports the Express.
Another wrote: “I’ve seen this idea mentioned a few times, and I really do think it has legs! It would require a good amount of historic research to be period-accurate, though. I also don’t think Selwyn would be the typical DiP “Aha, I’ve solved the case from this trivial detail!” type of detective, so the style would need to be a bit of a departure from DiP and other in-universe shows in order for it to feel believable. BUT it could be incredible if done well!”
Another called the suggestion a “great watch”, while someone else said: “Young Selwyn series. I’d definitely watch it. Or even just a Xmas special,” as another fan echoed: “I would love this! Seems like an open goal to me.”
Don had appeared to depart Death in Paradise last year, with an emotional season 14 finale appearing to be Selwyn’s farewell, only to make an unexpected return, leaving fans delighted.
He later urged viewers to “assume nothing” about his character’s future on the show, telling the i Newspaper: “That was just the storyline, nothing more.”
He continued: “The producers thought it would be interesting to have Selwyn reach some kind of crisis and then, after dealing with it, return.
“There was no Machiavellian intent. But it was certainly very nice to know my character had penetrated people’s consciousness to that extent, and that they liked him.”
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The demand for another spin-off comes after the BBC confirmed Death in Paradise has been recommissioned for another two series.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Tim Key, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures commented: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do.
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“The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”
Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon’s arrival in Sagittarius brings a buzzy energy to the weekend before you. Connections are brimming with possibility.
Aquarius, Pisces and Sagittarius, your social circle blossoms completely naturally today. There is no need to work hard at networking.
All that is meant to be yours will be, as the comsos gives you reassurance and loving guidance. Life is abundant, so relish in it.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Saturday May 30, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
We have a celestial switch of emphasis today, as the Moon moves from intensity to a freer vibe. This is going to be a weekend of plentiful conversation, movement, and travel as the Blue Moon approaches tomorrow. However, whatever you are discussing or doing, Mars, your action-loving ruler, wants to experience what feels really valuable.
Go-getter Mars in Taurus is not his most dynamic location, but it can still be significant for you. He gives you the platform to focus more on your individual strengths or the things that inspire you, and push forward in your steady, consistent way. Someone may challenge your approach this weekend, but if so, stay cool and be resolute around your goals.
The Moon has moved into a sector of balance and harmony for you. She can help you think about how those around you are, but here’s the thing, Gemini: this is a rare time for your sign, one that really urges you to keep your focus on what’s important to you personally. However, with feisty Mars stirring things in the background, don’t take anyone for granted.
With the two planets of fortune, Venus and Jupiter coasting along in your sign, Cancer, they have likely kindled your natural creativity and flair. However, this weekend may be a call to action to circle back and refocus on more practical matters. Also, your energy is not infinite, so you may need to prioritise what’s essential, even if it is more mundane tasks.
The Sagittarius Moon energy this weekend can draw you to pleasurable pursuits and social meet-ups. And it can prove to be fun. Indeed, with Mars’s assertive energies influential, you could be the one leading the way and helping bring people together. However, if you are not minded to join in, it’s cool, look to enjoy watching your latest box set or series or pottering at home.
With all the energy fizzing away around your job or life responsibilities, some personal downtime can call to you this weekend. Mars in your sector of freedom can push you to assert your need for space, but there may still be some work/life balancing issues to contend with. Heading off into nature at some point can be just the antidote to this, Virgo.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
As an air sign, you are a natural communicator and also a thinker, Libra. This part of your nature can be amplified this weekend. Expect some lively exchanges. However, powerful Mars is in a deep, passionate part of its journey, and what starts as friendly banter could become more intense. Anticipate the possibility of this, and what not to get caught up in.
When you feel strongly about something, Scorpio, it can consume you. This is not a flaw; rather, it shows a deep, passionate understanding of what you consider right or wrong. Something can unfold now around this. It will likely be rooted in your values, and it may be something or someone you want to protect. Soon enough, people will know how you feel.
The Moon’s arrival in your sign can be the perfect spark to begin your weekend. With three glittering planets in your relationship sector, you can be in the mood and mode to connect and enjoy yourself. Yet her fleeting opposition to the electric Uranus may mean plans can be fluid and changeable, but they are unlikely to be dull. Buckle up, Sagittarius!
Venus and Saturn are still tentatively engaging with one another. The Moon dives deep, into an area of quiet reflection. This may see you gently draw in and let the events of the week percolate down within you. This could be an intermittent theme over the next two years, but it will give you the chance to keep checking on your emotional bases.
Expect to be in demand, Aquarius, as lovely celestial energies burst into life. In fact, things can be so buzzy that you find yourself turning down some situations. The trick will be to do so graciously, but your ready wit and charm suggest you can. Your creative juices can also bubble up, so you can find yourself showcasing your flair and industry.
The Moon phase this weekend can emphasise how supportive and caring you are of people close to you, especially family members. Mind, there may be a bit of juggling to do this. To make this work, set out what you are prepared to do, but freedom-loving Uranus is making you more aware of your need for personal space. So, do look to get some.
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All the Take That songs that made the setlist as The Circus Live returns for its 2026 reboot – and it’s got it all
Take That brought The Circus back to life in spectacular fashion as the new 2026 version of their iconic tour kicked off at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium on Friday night.
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Fans have been eagerly awaiting the shows ever since the band’s current lineup of Howard Donald, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen announced the big news last year that they were taking their most extravagant ever show back on the road this summer.
The trio had announced that they would be bringing back all of the spectacular elements of the show – like the acrobats, clown outfits and of course the huge animatronic elephant.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
But they had teased that there would also be new additions to the reboot. So how closely did the new show follow the original setlist?
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Well, we’ve got the setlist in full here and as you’ll see it stays pretty faithful to the original – with plenty of new bits too.
The band emerged under sunny skies in Southampton on Friday night at 8.30pm to the thrilling strains of Greatest Day – and they delivered just that for the thousands of fans packing in to the stadium.
The main thrust of the show was unchanged from the original with the big moments, like the elephant’s arrival, soundtracked by anthem The Garden, as Gary, Mark and Howard rode the beast out into the ecstatic crowds.
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The big changes recognised the fact that former bandmate Jason Orange has not returned for this tour.
His solo number, Wooden Boat, from the 2009 Circus tour, does not make it into the show. Nor does How Did it Come To This, the Circus album track on which Jason took lead vocals and which featured in the original tour.
New songs to be added to the song list on opening night was the trio’s new track, You’re a Superstar which fans had been hoping would make the cut. There was also the surprise addition of Babe giving Oldham’s Mark Owen the chance to serenade the crowds.
The finale remains the fire-festooned Relight My Fire but with an even bigger staging than before.
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They bounded back out for the encore with fan favourite Hold Up A Light under starlit skies, with the show coming to a triumphant close at 10.30pm. Here’s the setlist in full.
Setlist St Mary’s Southampton May 29, 2026:
Greatest Day
Hello
Could it Be Magic
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Pray
A Million Love Songs
Back For Good
The Garden
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Shine
Up All Night
Babe
You’re a Superstar
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Love ain’t Here Anymore
Nobody Else
The Circus
What is Love
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Do What U Like/Promises/It Only Takes a Minute/Take That and Party
Unclear if Iran actually put mines in Strait of Hormuz: report
(Reuters)
The threat of Iranian mines is among the many factors snarling traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
But the US military has not confirmed whether Tehran has actually set mines in the vital oil shipping lane, US officials told NBC News.
With or without mines, traffic through the strait continues to move at just small fraction of its pre-war levels, adding to the economic pain that’s resulted from the war.
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Josh Marcus30 May 2026 00:31
White House remains vague on state of Iran deal decision
The Trump administration is keeping its cards close to its chest about the fate of Iran war negotiations.
Despite a much-watched announcement from the president that he was considering a “final determination” on recent proposals on Friday, much of the day has come and gone without any announcement of a deal.
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When asked about whether a deal had been made, the administration remained vague.
“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines,” the White House told CBS News. “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.”
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 23:34
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Kazakhstan offers to hold Iranian nuclear stockpile: report
The US and Iran have not announced a final deal yet, but any lasting agreement will likely include some provision regarding Tehran’s nuclear stockpile.
President Trump has said the US wants to seize and secure the stockpile to keep it from being turned into a nuclear weapon.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, has offered to take the stockpile if both sides reach an agreement, according the UN.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with the International Atomic Energy Agency this week and signaled his “openness” to take on the near-weapons grade uranium, the Financial Times reports.
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Josh Marcus29 May 2026 23:15
US has seized $1 billion in Iranian crypto so far, Bessent says
The US has seized $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency so far as part of its efforts to financially hammer Tehran.
“Just outright grabbed the wallets,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday during an event at the Reagan National Economic Forum. “Some of them may be typing in right now and might not realize their wallet had been grabbed.”
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The fate of Iranian assets, which have faced a mix of seizures and sanctions, reportedly remains one of the key issues still being debated by negotiators on both sides.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 22:50
‘A cartoon villain’: Hegseth shredded for ‘cringe’ pep talk to Navy soldiers about Iran war
Hegseth was in Singapore on Friday, where he did drills with the crew of the USS Boxer and then spoke to a group of assembled sailors about the ongoing conflict.
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In his remarks, Hegseth pointed to a recent comment from President Trump, which threatened further US strikes if Iran doesn’t agree to a deal to end the war.
“He said, ‘Well, Iran can either do it the right way, with a deal across the table, or they can deal with my guy on the left,’” Hegseth said. “That happened to be me. But it’s not me. It’s you guys!”
Online commentators quickly mocked the speech and the audience of service members, who appeared to be mostly unmoved by Hegseth’s call to arms.
Read more about the backlash in our full story.
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Josh Marcus29 May 2026 22:25
The American public still isn’t sold on the Iran war
The Trump administration has now had three months to make its case for the Iran war, but Americans are still broadly against the campaign, according to a new poll.
About 38 percent of Americans support the strikes, a POLITICO poll found, while 41 percent of respondents said they don’t believe the president has a plan for ending the conflict.
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Even among Trump supporters, there is little positive sentiment about the war.
Forty-five percent of them told POLITICO the president hasn’t accomplished his goals.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 22:03
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UAE carried out ‘dozens’ of strikes against Iran: report
(AFP/Getty)
The United Arab Emirates reportedly carried out dozens of strikes against Iran as part of the conflict, contrasting with the approach of some of its more cautious Gulf neighbors.
The strikes, reported by The Wall Street Journal, were coordinated with the US and Israel and continued through the day after the April ceasefire. They represent a larger involvement in the conflict from the UAE than was previously known.
Some of the reported attacks hit Iranian energy infrastructure as payback for Tehran targeting similar facilities in the UAE, per the paper.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 21:33
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Joint Chiefs chairman seen leaving White House despite no deal announcement
(Getty)
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, the highest-ranking US military officer, was seen on Friday leaving the White House, suggesting the president’s Situation Room meeting may have ended without any major progress on an Iran war deal.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 21:14
Trump’s unpredictability is undermining negotiations, Iranians say
(AFP/Getty)
President Donald Trump once published a book called The Art of the Deal, but the Republican’s erratic style may be undermining Iran talks, according to officials.
Iranian officials told The Washington Postthat Tehran has a deep distrust of the Trump administration, especially after the US and Israel attacked the country twice in the middle of past negotiations in recent months.
The threat of another such strike has made it hard to clinch this round of negotiations, where both sides want upfront guarantees.
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Josh Marcus29 May 2026 21:00
Stocks trading higher on hopes of Iran deal update
All three major US stock indices were in the green Friday afternoon, as Wall Street eagerly awaited possible progress on an Iran deal.
President Trump’s announcement earlier in the day that the US blockade on Iranian ports was over may free up further oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, but the economic uncertainty of the war will not truly be resolved until a lasting peace deal is achieved.
Has gaming hardware just got too expensive? (Metro)
Alarmed at the price increase for Steam Deck, a reader fears gaming hardware is becoming unaffordable for ordinary people and that companies are preparing to replace it.
You probably saw the news during the week, that the price of the Steam Deck has increased by 40% worldwide, meaning a price hike of £200/$300. I have never, ever heard of anything like that and while it’s obvious why it is, with the memory crisis and the whole world in chaos, at the end of the day it’s still a huge amount of money for a bit of hardware that was already not cheap.
I was never going to get one anyway, and I imagine a lot of people are going to think too and just move on, but this is all on top of prices rises for the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and soon the Nintendo Switch 2. And the price of PC components has gone up by even more, so you can’t just wash your hands of consoles and say you’ll get a gaming PC instead.
All this and we’re at the cusp of a new generation of consoles which always cost more, and which Xbox has specifically said will be expensive. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already gone as far as I can with this. I’m not paying close to a grand for a video game console, especially not when it has almost no chance of doing anything new.
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So, this is a problem that has already started and there is no way to do anything about it, because it’s not even specifically a video game problem. It’s also something that’s only likely to get worse over time, unless the AI bubble does ever burst, which it’s really looking like it won’t.
But there is an alternative. It’s one that I don’t like but I think we’re going to start hearing a lot about it very soon, especially as Microsoft is super keen on it, since from their perspective they were already cooked when it came to the console business anyway – so they’ve got very little to lose at the moment.
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If you haven’t guessed already what I’m talking about it’s streaming, which we haven’t heard much about at all this gen, even though GeForce Now is trucking along quite happily. Although the fact that Microsoft’s service isn’t actually very good probably explains that, especially as Sony uses the same tech.
But really, like it or not, streaming seems like the only way out of the current problem. It’s not ideal because unless you have a watertight Wi-Fi at home you’re going to have choppy graphics, and that’s definitely going to happen when you’re out and about, so goodbye handhelds that you can use anywhere.
Naturally, it means not owning any of the games yourself, and the complete death of physical gaming, but I’m sure none of the console manufacturers will care about that.
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I think there will still be consoles even once streaming takes over but I think, as Microsoft’s Project Helix is implied to be, they’ll just be ultra expensive high-end machines for super fans. That was probably always the plan, given what Microsoft has said so far, but now with the memory crisis they have no choice.
Valve is probably kicking themselves they didn’t get the Steam Machine released a few months earlier but I think that, if they don’t just cancel it outright, they’ll make that just for the 1% as well. After all, that Steam Deck price hike sounds outrageous, but it still sold out anyway at that price. So there are people out there that will pay anything to get the hardware they want.
Most people aren’t like that though. They just want to play games cheaply and conveniently, and that is not where the industry is headed. So when switching to streaming casual gamers will just put up with the downsides because it’s ‘good enough’, which is what most people do about most things they’re not passionate about.
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It’s a grim future as far as I’m concerned, especially because I think it’s going to happen a lot sooner than we think. If consoles are already becoming unaffordable for ordinary people, then companies are going to want an alternative as soon as possible, and that can only be streaming. (Or just putting up with what you’ve got and embracing retro gaming.)
By reader Taylor Moon
The Steam Deck is now unaffordable for many (Valve)
The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.
The message comes from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) ahead of the school summer holidays, a time when there is often a rise in arson incidents.
Wayne Thompson, station manager at Bishop Auckland, said: “We want to highlight the dangers of deliberate fire setting and the serious consequences that burn on long after the flames have gone out.
“During the school holidays and when the weather is nice, we typically see a spike in the number of deliberate incidents we attend.
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“Kids might think that setting fire to a bin or bit of grass is just a bit of fun.
“But we want to stress that not only are they putting themselves and others at risk of injury, but they could also be preventing crews from being available to attend critical incidents like house fires, road traffic collisions, water-related incidents.”
Mr Thompson said 92 per cent of the fires attended by his station in April, May and June last year were deliberate, totalling 126 incidents across West Auckland, Bishop Auckland Town, and Dene Valley.
There were 371 deliberate fires recorded in Bishop Auckland last year, and 40 so far this year.
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The fire service has reminded the public that arson is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution and affect future education and employment opportunities.
CDDFRS is urging parents to speak with their children about the dangers of starting fires and the potential consequences.
Working with Durham Constabulary, the service conducts regular patrols in hotspot areas in Bishop Auckland to deter arson and reassure the community.
Anyone with information about deliberate fires can report it anonymously to FireStoppers by calling 0800 169 5558 or visiting firestoppersreport.co.uk.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled Friday that President Donald Trump’s name was illegally added to the Kennedy Center and blocked the administration from closing the cultural and arts venue for major renovations — the latest legal setback for Trump’s efforts to leave his personal mark on the landscape of the nation’s capital.
Trump said in response that he’s backing away from his proposed renovation and returning control of the arts institution to Congress.
“Unless I am free to do what I do better than anyone else, bring this Institution back, physically, financially, and artistically, I have no interest in continuing what could only be a hopeless journey into ‘NEVER NEVER LAND,’” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., ruled that the Kennedy Center board’s March 16 vote to close the facility was “ill-informed and seemingly preordained” with no regard for its legal obligations. The administration had announced the work would begin in July and last approximately two years, but Cooper’s ruling halts those plans for now.
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AP AUDIO: Judge says Kennedy Center board broke law putting Trump’s name on building, blocks closure
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AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports a federal judge says adding President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was illegal.
“The trustees might have assessed the propriety of closure in a number of prudent ways. This was not one,” he wrote.
Cooper also concluded that the board “overstepped its statutory bounds” by unilaterally adding Trump’s name to the center. Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it, he said.
The judge, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Barack Obama, ordered the defendants to remove Trump’s name from the institution’s façade and any “official materials,” such as digital or physical signs, within two weeks.
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“May the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts be renamed absent Congressional authorization? The answer, plain from the face of the statute, is no. Nor can any other individual be memorialized on the front portico of the building,” Cooper wrote.
Trump said the judge “should be ashamed of himself” in a social media post hours after the decision was issued.
The Republican president said he instructed his administration to “make all necessary arrangements” to have the center transferred to Congress.
Trump determined to leave his mark on DC
Trump has made it a priority of his second term to leave his personal stamp on some of the most historic spots in Washington. He demolished the East Wing of the White House to build a ballroom. His name or image has been added to government buildings, including the U.S. Institute of Peace and Justice Department headquarters. He is pushing for a triumphal arch overlooking the Potomac River.
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Opponents have challenged other Trump construction projects in court — and won favorable rulings. But the district court judges likely won’t have the final say as the administration pursues appeals.
Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, said Friday the institution is “confident that on appeal the court will uphold the Board’s will to recognize President Trump’s historic contributions to our nation’s cultural center.” She said the decision would be reviewed “carefully.”
“Though the reality remains — the Center requires an urgent and significant restoration – a truth that even the plaintiff acknowledges,” Daravi said. “With $257 million secured by President Trump and approved by Congress, the resources are in place and we remain committed to pursuing every lawful avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy.”
Cooper held hearings in late April for parallel lawsuits challenging the project. One was filed by a group of cultural and historic preservation organizations. The other was brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat who serves as an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center’s board. He ruled in favor of Beatty’s request but rejected the other challenge.
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Beatty called the decision a win for the Kennedy Center and the performing arts. “Now hopefully people can come back to work, we can continue to be the Kennedy Center that we were intended to be,” she told The Associated Press.
Justice Department attorneys said renovation plans for the building are limited in scope and well within the board’s authority to make without needing outside approvals.
How much of an overhaul is needed?
The plaintiffs worry the president and his board allies will flout preservation rules designed to maintain the building’s historic fabric. In earlier statements in court hearings, attorneys for Beatty and the preservation groups raised doubts about the limited scope of the project, pointing to Trump’s statements that he would “fully expose” the building’s steel skeleton.
Beatty has said she was “very fearful that we’ll see what happened with the East Wing and what happened with the Rose Garden” if the center is closed and the renovations allowed unsupervised, referring to major changes the president has made at the White House.
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Mike Floca, the Kennedy Center’s executive director and chief operating officer, spent several weeks during the spring walking a bipartisan group of lawmakers and their staffs, along with journalists and Washington city officials, through the expansive building that sprawls across 1.5 million square feet.
The tours were intended to show that the Kennedy Center, which began construction in 1965, was in genuine need of an overhaul. The walkthroughs showed severe water damage, apparent in some places through discoloration and pooling. Some pieces of equipment, including several 800-ton chillers that help cool the building, are decades old and in need of replacement.
Floca told reporters in April that he considered doing the repairs individually but insisted it was his recommendation to Trump to close the building and move forward with the renovation all at once.
Trump has taken a keen interest in the Kennedy Center’s operations since he returned to the White House last year. He installed a handpicked board that named him chairman. His name was added to the façade of a building that is considered a living monument to Kennedy.
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The Kennedy Center has kept up performances ahead of the closure, though at a much slower pace than in previous years. Trump attended the premiere of the musical “Chicago” in March and other shows, including “Moulin Rouge,” are slated for June.
Bill Maher, the comedian who has had an up and down relationship with Trump, is expected to be awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on June 28, an event that was anticipated to be one of the final big moments at the Kennedy Center before the closure.
___
Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Collin Binkley and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.
Instead, he must now reset and recharge to go again at Wimbledon next month.
Given he is a seven-time champion on a grass surface which younger players have struggled to master, Djokovic will always fancy his chances at the All England Club.
Djokovic can never be ruled out of becoming the oldest major men’s singles champion in the Open Era, but Father Time has been sat waiting on Djokovic’s shoulder for a good while.
By rights, he should probably be basking in a post-retirement glow by now.
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Coaching a young compatriot away from the public glare like Andy Murray, perhaps. Doing a promotional tour for a new Netflix documentary like Rafael Nadal, maybe.
While his long-time rivals move into the next phase of their lives, Djokovic was retching at the side of a court in an attempt to summon the energy to beat a teenager.
It is a testament to his superpower that he still wants to push himself to such limits against much younger opponents.
As we have seen time and time again, Djokovic’s insatiable appetite for the sport’s biggest prizes will never diminish.
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But, having reached at least the semi-finals at the past five Grand Slams, this was the clearest sign yet that the ageing process was finally catching up with him.
Djokovic looked in complete control as he moved two sets ahead, but could not maintain his level as Fonseca proved he is the real deal.
“It would be nice if it was best-of-three,” Djokovic smiled.
“I just ran out of gas, to be honest. I didn’t feel good at all on the court in the next couple of sets.”
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Djokovic has always thrived in the best-of-five format of the majors, beating almost anybody who has stood in his way for almost two years.
The only exceptions have been Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and the knee injury which forced him to quit against Alexander Zverev at last year’s Australian Open.
Everyone else has not been good enough, or not had the mentality, to see veteran Djokovic off.
The Pentagon is reportedly recruiting service members to sit in the crowd for President Donald Trump’s birthday UFC fight on the White House lawn, requiring that the troops pay their way at the event — and meet exacting physical fitness requirements.
Air Force troops considering taking up the offer were told they must meet the “CURRENT WAIST-HEIGHT RATIO and current physical fitness standard,” according to a memo obtained by The Washington Post.
The effort has reportedly focused on getting service members from across the different branches of the military, pulled from the junior enlisted and officer corps.
Troops will be required to wear their short-sleeve dress uniforms, sources told the paper.
The Pentagon is reportedly recruiting soldiers to attend the UFC event at the White House, so long as they meet certain physical appearance requirements (Getty)
The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
Visible construction at the White House kicked into high gear this week for the June 14 bout, which is part of the American 250th anniversary celebrations in Washington.
A massive temporary arena, complete with a superstructure that towers above the White House, is being erected on the South Lawn.
The president has attended numerous UFC events, and UFC boss Dana White is a close ally of the Republican.
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Outside of being in the military, being a friend of Trump — or high-dollar sponsor of the fight — is reportedly one of the few ways to guarantee a ticket to the event, which will feature a crowd of about 4,000 people.
Outside of being in the military, high-dollar sponsors and Trump allies are reportedly some of the few people guaranteed a ticket to the fight (AFP/Getty)
Since taking office, the Trump administration has made a point of emphasizing the physical fitness of US troops.
During a highly unusual 2025 event, in which Defense Secretary Hegseth called hundreds of top US military leaders to Virginia on short notice, Hegseth railed against “fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon” and announced a set of new fitness requirements across the armed forces.
Later that year, Hegseth, who is often photographed doing fitness training with the troops, complained that many Americans are “too dumb” or “too fat” to serve in the military.
“I know it’s not easy on the basic ingredients on recruiting,” Hegsethtold a gathering of top recruiters. “Too many of our young people are too fat or too dumb — not dumb, that’s wrong. You know, we’re just not educating them properly or they’ve got criminal records, or ADHD, or all these other things.”
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A federal judge has said that New Hampshire must make voter registration easier by allowing applicants to attest to their U.S. citizenship if they don’t have the documents to prove it.
The case was seen as the first major legal test of an election reform that has been pushed nationally by President Donald Trump and has gained favor among many Republicans, though U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliot said she was not deciding whether requiring proof of citizenship itself is constitutional. Her ruling late Thursday night on a narrower question of New Hampshire law was significant, however, because it underscored the potential perils of implementing strict requirements for voters to document their U.S. citizenship so they can cast a ballot.
Elliot found that changes in 2024 to the state voter registration law unconstitutionally removed one method of proof — namely, a voter’s sworn affidavit attesting to citizenship.
“The evidence shows that this is the only method of proof available to a significant number of New Hampshire voters,” she wrote.
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The changes took effect last year, after former Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, signed the bill two years ago. The attorney general’s office said it plans to appeal the judge’s ruling, calling the citizenship requirements a “common-sense approach to voter registration and election administration designed to protect the integrity of our elections.”
The ruling was a win for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire and other plaintiffs who argued that the changes that took effect last year were burdensome and unnecessary.
“New Hampshire’s elections have always been safe, secure, and accurate — and this law could have unconstitutionally and needlessly prevented thousands of eligible voters from casting a ballot,” said Henry Klementowicz, deputy legal director of the ACLU of New Hampshire.
In her ruling, Elliott said eliminating the affidavit option created a significant burden for voters and did little, if anything, to further the state’s interests. She noted that an expert on voter fraud found only 47 instances of wrongful voting out of roughly 8.3 million votes between 1998 and 2024. During that time, only eight noncitizens may have cast ballots, she said.
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“If wrongful voting is rare in New Hampshire, wrongful voting by noncitizens is essentially non-existent,” she wrote.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Coalition for Open Democracy, the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the Forward Foundation and five voters, called the state’s voter registration law one of the most restrictive in the nation. During town elections last fall, some voters had trouble gathering passports, birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.
New Hampshire is not the only state with a proof-of-citizenship law for voters. Arizona, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming have similar laws already in effect, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Florida passed a law this year requiring documentary proof of citizenship to vote, but it won’t take effect until next year.
A similar law in Kansas, which required proof of citizenship for state and federal elections, was found in 2018 to violate both the U.S. Constitution and the National Voter Registration Act after it prevented more than 31,000 citizens from registering to vote.
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Arizona established a two-tiered system after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the state could not require citizenship documentation for federal elections. In August 2024, the court allowed some parts of the state’s proof-of-citizenship law to be enforced as the legal fight continued in lower courts.
The ruling comes as Trump is trying to push a proof-of-citizenship bill, the SAVE America Act, through Congress. Voting rights advocates say such a federal requirement could disenfranchise millions of people. A 2025 University of Maryland study estimated that 21.3 million Americans who are eligible to vote do not have or have easy access to documents to prove their citizenship, including nearly 10% of Democrats, 7% of Republicans and 14% of people unaffiliated with either major party.
New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan said he will reimplement the use of voter affidavits for registrants to prove citizenship, but noted the ruling doesn’t affect other 2024 changes to the law, including a requirement that those registering to vote provide documentary proof of identity, age and address. Voters also will continue to be required to show proof of identity on Election Day.
Gavin & Stacey fans can stay in Uncle Bryn’s house as it is set to be transformed into an Airbnb. The humble terraced house became a slice of British TV history when it was featured in the hit comedy.
It was home to Rob Brydon’s fan favourite character Uncle Bryn – and was the spot where he “surfed the world wide web”. The property also set the scene for Bryn hosting Gavin’s Essex mates before they headed out for a boozy night in Cardiff.
The house at Trinity Street in Barry was put up for sale for £210,000 and has now been snapped up by Jaxx Nelson and Tom Bodfish.
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The pair are transforming the spot into the ultimate Gavin & Stacey Airbnb – and have named it “Gone Fishin’” in reference to Bryn’s famous fishing trip.
Jaxx said: “We’re now on a mission to Gavin & Stacey-ify it properly. Think cosy Welsh nostalgia, niche references only real fans will clock, a few Uncle Bryn moments sprinkled about, and probably too many omelettes.”
Jaxx said she plans to share the transformation as it happens before it finally opens its doors to fans. She said: “The dream? A place that feels like you’ve stepped straight into the world of the show while still being a genuinely lovely place to stay by the sea.”
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Thousands of Gavin & Stacey fans visit Trinity Street to see the homes featured in the iconic sitcom.
The sale comes just months after show fan Lisa Molloy, 42, snapped up the home of fruity pensioner character Doris O’Neill across the street.
Lisa and husband Chris were the first people to view the property after travelling 130 miles from Tamworth to buy it within 48 hours.
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They paid just over the asking price of £220,000 for the two-bedroom terrace – and even paid extra to keep the furniture from the show.
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