MOSCOW (AP) — Boris Nadezhdin, who criticized Moscow’s military action in Ukraine and tried to challenge President Vladimir Putin in the 2024 election, was convicted Friday of displaying “extremist symbols” — an action that will keep him out of this year’s parliamentary race.

The verdict underlined the determination by authorities to stamp out any remaining sign of dissent ahead of September’s vote as the fuel crisis caused by Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities across Russia threatened to erode public support for the Kremlin.

The charges against Nadezhdin, 63, were based on a 2023 online video in which he briefly showed a picture of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who at that time was serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges of extremism that were widely seen as politically motivated. Navalny later died in an Arctic penal colony on Feb. 16, 2024.

Nadezhdin rejected the case against him as absurd and argued authorities were trying to keep him from campaigning in September’s parliamentary vote. The court in Dolgoprudny, a town on Moscow’s northern outskirts where he lives, convicted him and ordered him to pay a fine of 1,000 rubles (about $13).

The Kremlin’s main United Russia party is seeking to preserve its dominance in the lower house of parliament in a race against so-called “systemic” opposition, including the Communist Party and a couple of other parties that vote in sync with the Kremlin on key issues. The campaign comes amid signs of growing public fatigue as fuel shortages and economic pain from the Ukraine conflict increase, an environment that reduces the tolerance by the authorities for even token opposition.

Nadezhdin’s run for parliament triggers a quick response

In January 2024, Nadezhdin collected thousands of signatures in his run for president as he openly called for a halt to the fighting in Ukraine. But he was kept off the March 2024 ballot after Russia’s Supreme Court ruled that more than 9,000 signatures submitted by his campaign were invalid — enough to disqualify him. Putin faced only token opposition in the election and easily won a fifth term.

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A veteran politician, Nadezhdin worked in the government in the 1990s when he was an adviser to Sergei Kiriyenko, now a top Putin aide. He also served as a lawmaker and more recently became a member of a municipal council, one of the few remaining liberal voices on Russia’s political scene.

Last month, Nadezhdin declared his bid to run for the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, but the Justice Ministry quickly branded him a “foreign agent” — a designation that carries strong pejorative connotations and brings additional government scrutiny. It also bars him from holding public office, but he was still able to wage his symbolic campaign for a parliament seat until Friday’s verdict.

Another blow came Monday, when police detained Nadezhdin for a few hours before making the charges that were punishable by a fine or a 15-day jail term. He said he was considering going abroad but was barred from leaving Russia.

He told the court that he was too sick to serve any prison time, saying he “will just die” behind bars. “The real goal of what’s going on here is to shut my mouth and prevent me from running for the State Duma,” he said.

After the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, authorities ramped up their crackdown on dissent and free speech, relentlessly targeting rights organizations, independent media, members of civil society organizations, LGBTQ+ activists and some religious groups. Hundreds of people have been jailed and thousands of others have fled the country.

Another Putin critic is arrested

Also on Friday, Ilya Remeslo, a pro-Kremlin activist and blogger who has become a Putin critic, was arrested in St. Petersburg on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military — an accusation widely used against those who oppose the government’s policies.

Remeslo was escorted to Moscow, where a court ordered him to remain in jail for two months pending an official investigation, according to his lawyer, Sergei Badamshin.

The charges against Remeslo were based on his criticism of the military action in Ukraine and calls for Putin’s resignation that he made in March. Soon after, he was placed in a psychiatric clinic and spent a month there in what he cast as a punishment for his remarks.

A racing heart can be frightening at any age. Palpitations are common during perimenopause and may occur alongside hot flushes, anxiety and disturbed sleep. In many cases, they do not indicate a serious heart problem, but they should not automatically be attributed to hormonal changes.

Palpitations can occur for many reasons, including stress, anaemia, thyroid disorders, abnormal heart rhythms and long COVID. A racing or irregular heartbeat can also accompany a heart attack or another serious condition, including Takotsubo syndrome, also known as “broken heart syndrome”.

New, persistent or worsening palpitations should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Palpitations that do not go away or occur with chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint or fainting require urgent medical help.

Perimenopause and cardiovascular health

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, when ovarian hormone levels fluctuate and periods become less predictable. Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Oestrogen influences several aspects of cardiovascular health, including blood-vessel function, cholesterol and the body’s response to stress hormones. During the menopause transition, some women develop higher blood pressure, less favourable cholesterol levels and more fat around the abdomen. Insulin resistance may also increase, making the body less effective at controlling blood sugar. These metabolic changes may contribute to longer-term cardiovascular risk.

Age, genetics, existing health conditions and lifestyle also influence heart health, so these changes cannot all be attributed to hormones. Even so, research suggests that some cardiovascular risk factors can begin to worsen during perimenopause. The American Heart Association identifies the menopause transition as an important opportunity to check blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and address risks early.

Broken heart syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome causes a sudden, usually temporary change in the way part of the heart muscle contracts. It most often affects the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber.

The condition was first described in Japan in 1990. It was named after a traditional Japanese octopus trap because, during an episode, the left ventricle can temporarily balloon into a shape resembling the trap.

Takotsubo syndrome may be triggered by intense emotional stress, such as bereavement or shocking news. It can also follow physical stress, including severe illness, surgery or injury, although some people develop the condition without an obvious trigger.

Its precise cause remains uncertain. A sudden surge of stress hormones, including adrenaline, appears to play a central role. These hormones may temporarily affect heart-muscle cells, small blood vessels and the nervous signals controlling the heart. Researchers have examined several possible biological mechanisms, while experimental studies have shown how very high adrenaline levels can produce the characteristic pattern of heart dysfunction.

Takotsubo is rare and predominantly affects postmenopausal women, but it can also occur before menopause. Around 90% of diagnosed patients are women, and studies report an average age at diagnosis of between 67 and 70.

Palpitations can be one of its symptoms, particularly when they occur alongside chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or fainting. Because these symptoms can also indicate a heart attack, they should not be dismissed as an expected part of perimenopause.

The predominance of Takotsubo among older women has led researchers to investigate whether lower oestrogen levels make the heart more vulnerable to stress hormones. Oestrogen may influence blood-vessel function and the cardiovascular response to stress, but a direct causal link between falling oestrogen and Takotsubo has not been established.

Takotsubo is estimated to account for around 1–3% of people presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome, a group of emergencies that includes heart attacks. The proportion rises to approximately 5–6% among female patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome. These figures apply to patients already being assessed for a possible cardiac emergency, rather than to perimenopausal or postmenopausal women generally.

Why it can look like a heart attack

One of the greatest challenges in diagnosing broken heart syndrome is that its symptoms closely resemble those of a heart attack. Both can cause sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, palpitations and extreme fatigue. The symptoms can be severe and life-threatening, making immediate medical evaluation essential.

A heart attack usually occurs when blood flow through a coronary artery is interrupted, often because the artery has become blocked. This can permanently damage the heart muscle if treatment is delayed.

In Takotsubo syndrome, the pattern of heart-muscle dysfunction is usually not explained by a blockage in a single coronary artery. However, coronary artery disease can occur alongside Takotsubo, so doctors cannot diagnose the condition simply by finding that the arteries are unobstructed.

Doctors may use an ECG, blood tests and an echocardiogram, an ultrasound scan showing how the heart is pumping. A coronary angiogram can identify narrowed or blocked arteries. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, provides detailed images of the heart muscle and can help distinguish Takotsubo from other conditions, including inflammation of the heart muscle.

Because Takotsubo and a heart attack can look almost identical at first, suspected cases are initially managed as a possible heart attack.

Heart function often improves within days or weeks, and many patients recover well. However, the acute episode can cause heart failure, blood clots, stroke, shock or cardiac arrest. Research suggests that some patients experience persistent symptoms or less complete long-term recovery than was previously recognised.

When to seek medical help

In the UK, call 999 for sudden chest pain or discomfort that does not go away, feels tight or squeezing, spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, stomach or back, or occurs with sweating, nausea, light-headedness or breathlessness.

Call 999 for severe difficulty breathing or if someone collapses and does not respond normally. Do not drive yourself to hospital.

Palpitations are common during perimenopause and often have causes other than a serious heart problem. However, new, persistent or worsening episodes should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Call 999 if palpitations do not go away or occur with chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint or fainting. A heart attack and Takotsubo syndrome cannot be distinguished from symptoms alone.

A contestant on The Finish Line shared a health and safety rule after their experience on the show.

A competitor on BBC quiz programme The Finish Line has revealed the behind-the-scenes reality of appearing on the show, including a health and safety rule.

The game show made its debut in 2023, with Roman Kemp and Sarah Greene serving as co-hosts.

A contestant from an episode filmed in March 2025 took to Reddit to reveal rules and behind-the-scenes show secrets.

The Finish Life features five participants battling through four rounds, with one final player remaining at the end to compete for a £5,000 prize.

Competitors cross the finish line to stay in contention while tackling rapid-fire questions and facing off in categories such as Pictures and Missing Letters, all while standing on moving podiums that travel along racetrack lanes, reports the Mirror.

Opening up about their experience on the show, a former contestant shared: “All presenters/crew on TFL were absolutely amazing and so lovely.”

When one person remarked that standing on the podium “looks so goofy and fun”, he responded: “It does feel very goofy – you can gesture and a lot do in celebration as they reach the Finish Line and progress to the next round. I was too ‘locked in’ and focused on the questions to think about gesturing.

“I recall a guy from the series I was on who was pretty far behind from the others and was flapping his arms about like an idiot whilst riding, as if to say ‘ref, what’s going on?’ Thankfully, he was eliminated fairly early on.”

Opening up about his experience, he went on: “I was up against a seasoned quiz viewer, a trainee solicitor, a pub quiz host and writer and a Chase champion… I was never gonna win. Lovely bunch, though and a load of fun!”

He added in another answer: “I unfortunately did not win – out in the first round, the pressure just got to me! I forgot the name of a right angle.”

Revealing what the studio was like and a health and safety rule, he also shared: “All coloured lights, glassy surfaces etc. There are fairly wide gaps in between each podium that you can’t see on this reason – for health and safety reasons, all contestants had to wear flats, no heels!”

The programme, which is presently broadcasting on weekdays with repeat episodes, was initially announced in 2023, with production taking place in Belfast.

The Finish Line is now set to return, with applications currently open for the new series.

The BBC teased: “Ready to win big? Can you quiz fast and not come last? Prove it!

“Beat the track and take home £5000! Join Roman Kemp and Sarah Greene on the exciting new series of The Finish Line!

“Think you could win the ultimate Quiz Race? Don’t miss your chance!”

The Finish Line is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The sports retailer has launched a dedicated Middle Aisle in stores, online and on its app, packed with discounted school essentials including school shoes, trainers, backpacks and water bottles, with prices locked until August 30.

The move is designed to offer shoppers the kind of limited-time bargains usually associated with Aldi and Lidl, while helping families prepare for the new school year without overspending.

The first collection focuses on back-to-school essentials, with prices reduced across some of Decathlon’s most popular products.

Among the standout deals are:

• Kids’ School Shoes reduced from £14.99 to £9.99
• Kids’ Playventure Yard Shoes cut from £19.99 to £14.99
• Adidas Kids’ Advantage Trainers down from £25 to £18.99
• Quechua 0.8L Water Bottle reduced from £5.99 to £3.99
• Adidas 27.5L Backpack cut from £24.99 to £15.99

The retailer said every product has been tested to the same standards as its premium ranges, meaning shoppers don’t have to compromise on quality to get a lower price.

According to recent research, 45% of shoppers now say price is the biggest factor when buying, with more families actively looking for bargains and affordable alternatives.

Ross Farrington, Commercial Director for Decathlon UK and Ireland, said: “We know that keeping kids active shouldn’t come at a premium, especially with the financial pressures families are already facing around Back to School.

“Our Middle Aisle aims to lower the price of school essentials while maintaining our same high standards for quality and safety.

“The introduction of the Middle Aisle shows our commitment to making sport accessible for all, giving more people the opportunity to buy great sports products and discover the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

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The back-to-school promotion runs until August 30, after which the Middle Aisle will be refreshed with a new range of seasonal offers.

Future promotions are expected to focus on Back to Sport, winter commuting, Black Friday and Christmas, with fresh products replacing the current line-up throughout the year.

Shoppers can find the offers in Decathlon stores across the UK and Ireland, online and through the retailer’s app.

Train timetables are set to be changed as a result of the effects of the hot weather

The excessive hot weather has resulted in damage to train tracks through Cambridge. Network Rail is making timetable changes to trains between Cambridge and King’s Lynn from Monday, August 3.

This is due to the track being affected by hot weather and no rainfall. Joe Kennedy, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail Anglia, said: “We’re taking action to keep running the best possible service despite the significant challenges we’re again facing this summer with our peat and clay soils.

“Our teams across Anglia will continue to work hard to minimise the impact on passengers, but we’re really sorry for the disruption caused by the service changes. Thank you to everyone for bearing with us.”

The peat and clay that sits under long stretches of the railway in Anglia has dried out and shrunk. This has caused the track to drop in places and become uneven.

In response to the damaged track, Network Rail will apply speed restrictions. These restrictions will need to be in place until the ground restrictions have recovered.

Speed restrictions applied to Great Northern services between Ely and King’s Lynn from August 3 mean that trains will arrive at King’s Lynn four minutes later than normal and depart four minutes earlier.

One train in each direction will be withdrawn or amended on weekdays, and there will be additional changes at the weekend. Some trains will also need to run with fewer carriages as the speed restrictions affect how trains and drivers can be planned across the route.

Jenny Saunders, customer service director for Great Northern, said: “We know many passengers will feel disappointed by further timetable changes after the challenges experienced on this route in recent weeks.

“I am sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on your journey, we do not take that inconvenience lightly. These necessary speed restrictions mean we need to make temporary changes to the timetable between King’s Lynn and Cambridge from August 3.

“While we regret having to make these changes, they are necessary to help prevent delays building up throughout the day and to provide a more reliable service. Our teams will continue working closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact and return to the normal timetable as soon as conditions allow.

“Online journey planners and our website have been updated with the revised train times, and passengers are encouraged to check before they travel as services will operate differently from the usual timetable.”

Network Rail Anglia will be closely monitoring track conditions across the region, with further speed restrictions potentially being needed in the coming weeks to keep services running. Network Rail’s extra late engineering works will take place as planned to help improve track conditions.

By GETHIN HICKS, REPORTER and MEIKE LEONARD, HEALTH REPORTER

Published: 21:37 BST, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 22:15 BST, 21 July 2026

Security expert Mark Blackbourne says Scottish football must take a far tougher approach to fan violence, calling for automatic sanctions, stadium closures and new football banning orders following the March 8 disorder.

The hard-hitting report into the March 8 shame game by security expert Mark Blackbourne has demanded a major shake-up to avoid a repeat of the violent scenes.

The review points out that “the current sanctions framework holds individuals accountable but largely insulates clubs from the consequences of their supporters’ behaviour”, saying this provides “insufficient motivation” to curb the problem.

There is a call for stronger sanctions, including stadium and stand closures, suggesting the SFA “has the disciplinary powers to act more severely than they have done but have chosen not to use them”, with the governing body described as “too modest and too inconsistent”.

Other key recommendations include.

* Clubs taking more accountability for supporter behaviour.

* Section closure, not ticket reduction, should be the standard first-response for confirmed unacceptable conduct.

* An escalating tariff of sanctions should be introduced, based on a rolling 3-year period, that includes section or stadium closure. Published in advance with no discretion allowed.

* Where incidents are linked to Ultra groups, clubs must formally sanction those groups as a condition of continued stadium access. Failure to act should itself constitute a breach of rules regarding unacceptable conduct.

* The Scottish FA should lead consideration of the establishment of a Joint Safety and Security (JSS) body to oversee governance of safety and security across Scottish football.

* The SFA should also Appoint an Executive Head of Safety and Security for Scottish football to implement new safety measures.

* Operators transporting supporters to designated matches must register with Police Scotland: company name, registration numbers, driver details and passenger numbers. Non-registration exposes operators to criminal liability.

* Football Banning Orders should be brought in for Pyrotechnics and tailgating – a specific offence for gaining entry using another person’s ticket – Face coverings and pitch incursions.

* Extended netting to prevent objects thrown between sections. Netting on the front three rows of the away and ultra sections to deter pitch incursions and allow a permanent trackside police/steward presence.

* Ultra-groups and commercial interests must not override safety. Host clubs must provide a genuinely welcoming away environment. Pre-match music playlists actively managed at high-risk fixtures. Club mascots must not antagonise the away support.

* Clubs must brief all players, in relevant languages, on the safety and legal consequences of celebratory conduct directed at supporter sections.

* Increased use of digital Away ticketing and more visual ticket differentiation should be introduced between major fixtures where paper tickets remain in use to reduce forgery risk.

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Kaylee Hottle, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in the Godzilla franchise, has tragically died at the age of 18 following a car crash in Frederick, Maryland. Her co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, led tributes to the young talent, expressing her devastation at the news.

Ms Hottle’s death was confirmed by her father, Joshua, in an emotional livestream shared on Facebook on Tuesday, conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), reflecting that the Hottle family is deaf. Her mother, Ketsi, also posted a tribute in ASL, featuring a selfie with her daughter and the poignant message: “Privilege to be your mom, Kaylee Hottle.”

Millie Bobby Brown, who starred alongside Ms Hottle in Godzilla Vs Kong and its sequel, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, shared a black and white image of her co-star on Instagram. The Emmy-nominated actress wrote: “I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee.”

Ms Hottle made her feature film debut in Godzilla Vs Kong, portraying Jia, an orphaned deaf girl who forms a unique bond with the giant ape Kong through ASL. She reprised this role in the 2024 sequel, earning a Saturn Award nomination for best performance by a younger actor. Throughout her career, Ms Hottle was a vocal advocate for the inclusion of deaf individuals in the entertainment industry.

Hottle was one of two passengers involved in a collision at 3am on Tuesday morning, while the driver was a 19-year-old man who was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries, The Associated Press reports.

AP said the crash is under investigation, with Frederick County Sheriff’s Office saying “excessive speed” is believed to be a factor.

Further tributes poured in from across the acting community. Marlee Matlin, the first deaf actress to win an Oscar, shared a photo on X with Ms Hottle and fellow actress Shoshannah Stern, stating: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.” Ms Stern also expressed her grief on Instagram, writing: “I am heartbroken. My deepest sympathies to the Hottle family.”

The Texas School For The Deaf (TSD) in Austin, where Ms Hottle was a senior, also released a statement following the “heartbreaking” news. The institution shared a photograph of her, adding: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away yesterday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland. Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.” The school concluded by asking for thoughts for Ms Hottle’s loved ones “as we mourn this tremendous loss together.”

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Beyond her prominent film roles, Ms Hottle also appeared in a 2021 episode of Magnum PI and featured in several advertisements, including one promoting support for the deaf community’s pursuit of equal rights.

Marc Anthony, who was married to Jennifer Lopez from 2004 to 2014, has welcomed his eighth child with his 30-years younger fourth wife.

The singer, 57, and model Nadia Ferreira, 27, took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to share a joint post revealing they have welcomed their second child together – a girl named Myla.

The couple shared a sweet snap of their eldest child Marco, three, holding his new baby sister and also included a photo of the three of them holding onto the newborn’s arm.

There was also an adorable picture of the three of them holding onto the arm of newborn Myla. 

The happy baby news comes just a month after Anthony’s ex Lopez, 56, took a rare swipe at him.

The singer, 57, and model Nadia Ferreira, 27, took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to share a joint post revealing they have welcomed their second child together – a girl named Myla 

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Anthony and Ferreira captioned the announcement in Spanish, which when translated reads: ‘What a great blessing to be able to share with you the arrival of our precious MYLA. You can’t imagine the happiness we have at home, we are over the moon.’

Myla is a name of English and Slavic origins most commonly meaning ‘merciful’ or ‘gracious’ according to The Bump.

Back in March, Anthony and Ferreira revealed the gender of their second child two months after announcing her pregnancy.

The news was shared via a set of photos posted to Instagram at the time as the growing family posed on a boat in coordinating blue outfits.   

‘A surprise full of love… God through it all,’ read the caption of the couple’s joint post, translated from Spanish.

Ferreira held a tiny pair of pink shoes in three photos as her husband cradled her growing baby bump.

The expectant mother bared her burgeoning belly in a two-piece knit set with a cropped sweater and maxi skirt.

She accentuated her hips with a two-tier gold chain featuring small beach-themed charms including a starfish, shells and seahorse.

‘You can’t imagine the happiness we have at home, we are over the moon,’ the couple wrote in Spanish as they shared their happy news

Anthony wed Ferreira in January 2023 following an eight-month engagement. Pictured in Miami in March 

The husband and wife announced their baby news in January

Her long, dark hair flowed down her back and she looked serene in the images taken on a sunny day at sea.

For his part, Anthony was dressed in a button-up shirt, navy blue shorts, and a matching baseball cap.

In addition to his kids with Ferreira, the singer-songwriter has six other children from past relationships.

He shares son Chase, 35, and daughter Arianna, 31, with ex-girlfriend Debbie Rosado.

His sons Cristian, 25, and Ryan, 22, are shared with ex-wife Dayanara Torres.

And Anthony, born Marco Antonio Muñiz, shares twins Emme and Max, 18, with ex-wife Jennifer Lopez.  

Anthony wed Ferreira in January 2023 following an eight-month engagement.

The couple hosted a swanky, star-studded ceremony at the Perez Art Museum in Miami.

Anthony and Jennifer Lopez at the Met Gala in 2011

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Lopez at the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in January

The wedding was not attended by Lopez nor their twins Emme and Max.

Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez acted as the wedding officiant and the nuptials were attended by famous faces including Maluma, David Beckham and Romeo Santos. 

Other big name guests included Salma Hayek, Lin Manuel Miranda and Luis Fonsi.

Beckham was one of the singer’s best men, along with close friend Carlos Slim, who also stood by his side.

Marc’s sons Cristian and Ryan were both in attendance for their father’s special day. 

Ferreira was crowned Miss Paraguay in 2021 and finished as first runner-up in the Miss Universe Pageant, falling behind India’s Harnaaz Sandhu.