Rory McIlroy carded a one-over 71 in the second round of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills after a chaotic back nine

Rory McIlroy’s turbulent back nine amid challenging conditions at Shinnecock Hills saw him slip away from US Open second-round pacesetter Wyndham Clark.

Just as the Masters winner appeared poised to mount a serious challenge to the American, his round unravelled dramatically.

Failing to convert a six-foot birdie opportunity at the turn, which would have left him three shots adrift of the 2023 champion, proved the least of the world number two’s troubles.

Battling intensifying winds, he struggled to judge distances accurately, overshooting the greens at the 10th, 11th and 12th holes, dropping a shot at each.

A brief resurgence followed with consecutive birdies: nearly holing his 108-yard approach at the 13th for a simple tap-in, before the cup rescued a scorching 40-footer to restore him to two under par.

After another overhit approach at the 15th, his recovery chip failed to hold and trickled into a bunker, resulting in his group’s first double bogey of the tournament while playing alongside Ryder Cup colleagues Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg.

That setback returned him to level par, seven strokes behind Clark but – given Shinnecock’s notorious difficulty – still very much in contention in a share of 10th place.

His outward half proved far steadier, featuring seven pars alongside birdies at the fifth and eighth for a 33, though his inward 38 for a one-over 71 fell well short of expectations.

“If there’s a course where you feel like you still have a chance if you’re seven back going into the weekend like I am, it’s definitely this one,” said McIlroy.

“I know that everyone else in the field is going to make bogeys so if I can limit my mistakes and pick off a few birdies here and there, hole a couple more 20 to 25-footers than other guys, that’s really the strategy.

“You can’t go chasing pins around here. You can’t try to be too aggressive; today for me was a prime example.

“I was a little too aggressive to the pin on 11, a little too aggressive to the pin on 12 – all of a sudden just two bogeys in a row out of nowhere.

“I think you still have to play smart, try to keep the ball under the hole, hit it into the middles of the greens and take your chances when they present themselves.”

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A question mark remains around current host Kielty after RTE chiefs refused to confirm if the Co Down comedian would be returning in September.

Kieran Cuddihy could soon be taking the reins on The Late Late Show as confusion grows over whether Patrick Kielty will sign a new contract.

The Kilkenny man has been at the helm of RTÉ ‘s Liveline since November after taking over from Joe Duffy, but a switch to Ireland’s top chat show could be on the horizon.

A question mark remains around current Late Late Show host Kielty after Montrose chiefs refused to confirm if the Co Down comedian would be returning in September.

Cuddihy is now the favourite to replace Kielty if he doesn’t return. According to odds from Ladbrokes, the Kilkenny man is 6/4 favourite to land the gig, the Irish Mirror reports.

This comes as rumours that RTE will hand five potential hosts trial periods for a month each, with Cuddihy one of the names in the mix.

The other four include one-time favourite for the job Oliver Callan (2/1), former TodayFM presenter Dermot Whelan (3/1), IrelandAM presenter Muireann O’Connell (5/1), and current RTE TV presenter Maura Derrane (5/1).

There are also rumours The Two Johnnies could also be in with a shot. Their odds currently stand at 5/2.

Miriam O’Callaghan and Ex-RTE presenter Claire Byrne are also in the mix.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes commented: “It looks like we’re in for a summer of speculation on the next face of the Late Late Show. It looks like Kieran Cuddihy is the early favourite, but there is no white smoke just yet.”

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This morning, Saturday, June 20, traffic was stopped on the M60 clockwise due to a collision near J15 and J16.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that two engines from Whitefield and Agecroft were called out to the incident shortly after 6.30am.

After about half an hour, the traffic on the motorway was released, and the vehicles involved in the collision were moved to the hard shoulder.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “Shortly after 6.30am this morning (Saturday 20 June), two fire engines from Whitefield and Agecroft fire stations were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on the M60 clockwise, between Junctions 16 and 17.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene.

“Firefighters used a hose reel, hearth kit, and two trauma bags, and worked with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe.

“A male and a female were transferred into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

“Crews were in attendance for around 30 minutes.”

NWAS has been contacted for comment.

Earlier this week, the White House criticised the Israeli government’s military operation in Lebanon, saying it risks scuppering the peace deal. But speaking near Washington as he unveiled a new Air Force One jet, President Donald Trump praised Netanyahu, calling him a “warrior”.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Two roadside bombs in restive northwestern Pakistan killed at least seven people on Saturday, authorities said.

The first targeted a vehicle, while the second went off as rescuers responded to the blast in Bannu, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, senior police official Yasir Afridi said, adding both were controlled remotely.

Afridi said five people were killed in the first blast and two in the second. Three people were also wounded, he said. A search operation to find those responsible is underway.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, who have been blamed for similar attacks in the past.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the bombings. In a statement, he conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

Without naming any group, Zardari issued a warning to “internal and external handlers of terrorism” who provide safe havens, logistical support and financial assistance to militant networks.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence in recent years, much of it claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. The group is separate from, but allied with, Afghanistan’s Taliban, who seized power in Kabul in 2021. Pakistani officials say many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuary across the border in Afghanistan.

The Met Office has forecast temperatures up to 34C in the coming days with an amber weather warning for ‘extreme heat’ in force on Monday and Tuesday

A sleep expert has named a “common misconception” that could stop you getting a good rest during a heatwave. It comes as the Met Office warns of “extreme heat” for large parts of England and Wales this week.

The forecaster has issued an amber weather warning for the South East of England, the South West, London, and large parts of Wales from 1am on Monday. It will last until 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 23. The Met Office says temperatures could reach up to 34C on Tuesday.

It urges people to stay safe by drinking plenty of fluid, keeping out of the sun when it’s at its strongest, and closing curtains in rooms that face the sun.

People going out are urged to take supplies with them. The forecaster says: “If you are going out, take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.”

Now, sleep expert Lisa Artis, founder of The Sleep Charity, has shared her top tips for getting a good night’s rest during the warm weather. In particular, Lisa says there is one “common misconception” that many people find disrupts them.

Lisa urges people struggling with the heat not to strip off at night. Speaking to The I paper, she said: “A common misconception is that sleeping naked is always cooler.

“In reality, lightweight sleepwear made from breathable fabrics can often be more effective. Clothing can help wick sweat away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate and cool the body more efficiently.”

Lisa says that without the layer of clothing sweat will simply “remain on the skin” or “soak into the bedding”. This she says could make you feel even hotter or less comfortable at night.

Lisa explains there are some simple tips you can do to make sure your bedroom is cool at night as well. She says people should close their curtains and blinds throughout the day to keep the sun out.

She believes creating the “coolest possible environment” can make it “easier to stay asleep and fall asleep”. Elsewhere she says that many people often find themselves putting their fans in the wrong place.

In fact, she says that putting a fan in a hot room “may not achieve much” at all. She continued: “Positioning a fan near an open window in the evening can help pull cooler air into the room.”

Lisa went on to explain that some people often put a bowl of ice in front of their fan to create a “temporary cooling breeze”. She also says that keeping your window closed in the day will also help trap the warm air outside your home.

Should anyone be looking for a way to stay cool at night, Lisa recommends putting cold water into a hot water bottle. She says putting this near your wrists or ankles can then cool you down at night.

Edinburgh Airport has re-opened after a suspicious package sparked an evacuation, road closures and overnight disruption.

Passengers are facing long queues at Edinburgh Airport on Saturday morning after the terminal reopened following a major security alert that prompted an evacuation and hours of disruption.

Police were called to the airport at around 6.50pm on Friday, June 19, following reports of potentially suspicious items within the terminal building. Specialist officers attended the scene and established a cordon while an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was deployed to assess the items.

The airport was partially evacuated, roads surrounding the site were closed and flights were disrupted as investigations took place.

Police later confirmed that the items had been made safe by EOD specialists and that the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Edinburgh Airport announced shortly after 3am on Saturday that it had reopened and was working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. However, airport officials warned that the incident would have knock-on effects throughout the day.

Passengers arriving at the airport on Saturday morning encountered lengthy queues extending outside the terminal building as staff worked to manage the backlog.

Holidaymaker Christina Hendry said she had been waiting almost one hour in a queue outside and hadn’t gotten through security.

She said: “I’ve never seen queues like it at Edinburgh airport this morning. Queuing all the way down to the bus stances to get into the airport. Staff now setting up belt barriers.

“Arrived almost an hour ago and still waiting to get through security.”

In a statement, Edinburgh Airport said: “Following investigations by specialist teams, the airport has now reopened.

“We recognise the frustration this incident will have caused and thank everyone for their patience and understanding – safety will always come first.

“This incident will have knock-on impacts throughout today and staff are working hard to address these and support passengers.

“Operational teams are continuing to work to restore normal services as quickly as possible.

“Please check with your airline for the latest information on your flight.”

Police said roads around the airport remained busy on Saturday and urged members of the public to remain patient while normal services resumed.

No further details have been released regarding the nature of the items that triggered the security response.

Several flights were spotted circling the city before being forced to divert to nearby UK airports on Friday evening.

There also appears to be confusion among passengers who arrived at the time the incident was unfolding and claim to have been stuck on the tarmac awaiting further instructions.

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — A large fire almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists, authorities said.

Local media reported an Italian tourist died in the fire and several other tourists required medical assistance.

The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort is located in Bayahibe, a popular destination for U.S. and international tourists on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast.

Authorities reported about 1,690 tourists had to be evacuated from the resort to other hotels and nearby housing facilities because of the massive blaze.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation and the country’s Emergency Operations Center said it appeared the “fire spread rapidly” due to wind and because part of the resort’s roof was made of thatch.

Viva Wyndham’s other nearby resort, the Dominicus Palace, was not damaged by the fire and was operating as normal, the center said.

John McGinn has urged Scotland to unleash more of their “personality” when they face Brazil in a pivotal World Cup clash in Miami on Wednesday. The Aston Villa captain’s call comes after Steve Clarke’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Morocco, a result that leaves their World Cup knockout stage aspirations hanging in the balance.

An early goal from Ismael Saibari just 70 seconds into Friday’s Group C fixture at Boston Stadium means Scotland remain on three points. However, a single point against the formidable Brazilians would be enough to all but secure their passage to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Brazil, who subsequently beat Haiti 3-0, now sit level with Morocco on four points with those teams occupying the top two automatic qualification spots.

Speaking before Brazil’s victory over Haiti, McGinn reflected on the Morocco game, acknowledging the quality of their opponents while stressing Scotland’s own strengths.

“We have come a long way as a country and as a group,” he stated. “They (Morocco) are filled with elite players, but we’ve got some elite players in there as well, so we need to start showing more of our personality, but we’ve got to be proud of how we reacted.”

McGinn praised his team’s resilience after conceding, noting: “We could have folded, but in the second half we showed a lot more character and intent and we could have easily on another day drawn that game or even won.”

Looking ahead to the decisive encounter, the midfielder expressed confidence in Scotland’s preparations.

“We know what we need to do and we’re excited for it,” he said. “It will be different conditions, but conditions we’ve prepared for. Looking forward to the game, a big occasion for us. Brazil are a famous football nation, filled with players playing at a high level, so we’ll have to be at our best to get something from the game, but we’re excited by the challenge.”

McGinn also voiced his frustration over two penalty claims that were waved away during the Morocco match. He believed he was fouled in the area by Neil El Aynaoui, and later, Scott McTominay was brought down by the Roma player.

“When the defender’s running at that speed, it doesn’t matter what player, if you get the ball past them and are taken out then it is a penalty kick,” McGinn asserted regarding his own incident. “But we don’t make the decisions, the referee makes the decisions and he decided that it wasn’t a penalty.

“I haven’t seen Scotty’s back, but I’m led to believe that’s a big shout for a penalty as well, but we need to take it on the chin.”

Despite the perceived injustices, McGinn maintained a pragmatic outlook. “Like I said, we don’t make the decisions, but I certainly think the big, big moments haven’t gone our way.”

He concluded by highlighting the team’s improved second-half display and their determination adding: “Second half, I think we showed a lot more intent, a lot more bravery to go and hurt them. But when you’re not creating clear chances in open play, you need certain breaks to go for you against the top teams. We could have crumbled after the goal, we didn’t.

“Did we play amazing? No, but they are a top side and they’ll limit you to very little at all, so when you get those opportunities and they make mistakes – fouling someone in the box is a mistake – and they’ve not been punished for it, it’s just football and you take the hit, keep your chin up and be ready for Wednesday.”

The North East landmark appears as Cambridge University in Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day, the new adaptation from Newcastle‑based director Tina Gharavi, in cinemas now.

The cloisters that many people know from school trips and Harry Potter are reborn as an elite academic world where Woolf’s characters fight for knowledge, freedom and love.

Turning a North East icon into Cambridge

When Gharavi began scouting locations for the 1910‑set film, she wanted places that felt both historic and alive – spaces where young women could plausibly be dreaming of science and suffrage while society tries to push them into marriage.

Durham Cathedral’s medieval cloisters, with their covered walkways and enclosed courtyard, offered exactly that.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, the film’s director Tina Gharavi recalled deliberately seeking out “crazy parts” of buildings – arches, passageways and arcades – that could convince as an Cambridge college.

Durham Cathedral’s cloisters, already familiar to audiences from the Harry Potter films, became her answer.

(Image: VICKY ROSS/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

On screen they stand in for Cambridge, framing scenes in which protagonist Katharine Hilbery, a passionate astronomer, pushes back against the expectations of her class and era.

Why Durham works so well on screen

Durham Cathedral brings more than pretty stonework. It carries centuries of history, power and learning – themes at the heart of Night and Day.

By placing Woolf’s questioning, ambitious women in such a recognisable, traditional setting, the film visually underlines how radical their desires for education and independence really are.

For North East audiences, there is an extra jolt of recognition.

One moment you are looking at the same cloisters you might walk through on a day out; the next, they belong to a fictional Cambridge where conversations about women’s rights and the future of Britain are unfolding.

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Showcasing the North East as a film destination

Durham is just one part of the production’s deep North East footprint. Night and Day also uses Beamish Museum, Ryhope Engines Museum and historic buildings in Newcastle to recreate Edwardian London and other settings.

(Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

For Gharavi, who has lived in the region for nearly 30 years, that was a deliberate choice: she has spoken of her pride in “bringing the production home” and proving that the region can deliver world‑class period locations.

She argues that the North East is “spectacularly diverse”, with cities, coastline, countryside and heritage sites all within easy reach, all which do not have the headaches of filming in the south.

(Image: BRIDGE & TUNNEL PRODUCTIONS)

A local landmark with a global audience

As Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day reaches cinemas, Durham Cathedral joins the growing list of North East locations being discovered by audiences well beyond the region.

For some viewers, it will be a beloved building seen in a new light.

For others, it may be an introduction – a reason to step off the train at Durham and see the real thing after the credits roll.