Cambridgeshire County Council has approved traffic calming measures on a residential road
New traffic calming measures will be installed on a town road after “frequent close calls” from cars cutting the corner. Cambridgeshire County Council has proposed adding two sets of speed cushions to a residential street in March to “promote lower traffic speeds and improve road safety”.
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A traffic island would also be added to the west end of Norwood Avenue with the cushions opposite numbers 20 and 21 and opposite numbers 7 and 12.
A resident objected to the speed cushions as the road is “barely 200m long” and “the ability for vehicles to achieve more than the maximum 30mph is extremely limited”. In more than three decades of living there, they said they “cannot think of any cases” where an accident was caused by someone driving at 30mph or more.
They also added that “traffic pads and bumps of any sort” would “increase noise and pollution through vehicles decelerating and accelerating at the restrictions”.
But, the resident expressed their support for the traffic island as the “wide mouth of the road” makes it “very easy” for cars to enter “at a speed above what is considered safe as well as cutting the corner”. They said there were “several incidents” of cars losing control and hitting the wall of number 21 or the trees outside.
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They said: “There are frequent close calls from vehicles cutting the corner. Adding the island will require vehicles to negotiate the junction correctly and therefore with less speed.
“This speed reduction also has a knock on effect of reducing the ability of said vehicles to accelerate beyond the 30mph limit.” They asked for the island to be installed but the speed pads to be left “for the foreseeable future”.
Council officers said the island’s impact would be “typically localised” on its own. It has been combined with speed pads “to provide a more effective traffic calming solution over a greater length of road”.
They added: “Regarding noise and vibration, these are generally associated with vehicles traversing traffic calming measures at excessive speeds.
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“The proposed design, including narrowing with the island, is intended to encourage lower vehicle speeds and smoother vehicle movements, which should help to minimise such effects.”
The proposed traffic calming measures were approved by the council.
The budget airline issued the warning as it assesses the impact of the rising air passenger duty (APD) on demand and profitability.
APD, a tax imposed by HMRC and paid by airline passengers, reached a record high in April and is set to rise again next year in line with inflation.
Chief executive of Wizz Air, József Váradi, speaking in The Telegraph, said: “We are evaluating the impacts of those measures to see how they would play out, so that would affect our capacity in the UK.
“Nothing is ever engraved in stone.
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“We have to evaluate how exactly that plays out on our network, our customer base and our financial performance and make decisions accordingly.”
Mr Váradi said Wizz Air is “committed to the UK”, but added that “if the cost of business is going up, that will result in capacity rationalisation if you are unable to pass it on to customers.”
Wizz Air boss issues update on fare prices
Despite increasing fuel prices driven by the conflict in Iran, Mr Váradi said the airline aims to keep fares stable this summer.
He said he had no concerns about fuel supplies, with good visibility until the middle of August, although some countries have begun tapping into strategic reserves.
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Earlier this year, Wizz Air cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and other Middle Eastern destinations following the outbreak of conflict in the region.
These cancellations, along with suspended routes to Cyprus, cost the airline an estimated €50 million (£43.1 million).
Wizz Air fare prices look set to remain stable this summer, despite the conflict in the Middle East. (Image: Getty Images)
Flights to Tel Aviv resumed at the end of May, and the airline shifted its summer offerings to other destinations, including Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Albania.
British Airways and Ryanair among other major airlines to have cut flights
Several other airlines have been forced to cut flights, increase fares, or axe UK routes in 2026.
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UK airline Skybus announced back in April that it had ceased all flights between Cornwall and London due to “the huge rise in the global cost of fuel” and “a significant drop in new passenger bookings”.
Due to the “ongoing uncertainty” caused by the conflict in the Middle East and airspace restrictions, British Airways (BA) was also forced to cancel or suspend flights to various destinations, including Dubai and Doha, in March.
All flights to Amman, Bahrain, and Tel Aviv have also been cancelled until October.
BA has also confirmed it is reducing its Doha schedule to one daily flight, set to resume from August 1, according to Time Out.
Ryanair has also been forced to make several major changes in 2026.
In April, the budget airline revealed it would be closing its Berlin base as of October 24, reducing the number of flights it operates out of the German capital by 50% (for its upcoming winter schedule).
Ryanair also announced it will close its Thessaloniki base and reduce capacity at Athens Airport for the 2026 winter season.
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This closure will result in:
12 routes being cut
The loss of 700,000 seats
A 45% reduction in passenger capacity
Suspension of operations in Chania and Heraklion
The airline said both these cuts were due to high airport costs.
All the cuts made by Ryanair recently due to rising costs have resulted in flights being cut from 19 airports across the UK and Europe, according to The Sun:
United Kingdom
London Stansted
Manchester
Ireland
Germany
Berlin Brandenburg
Cologne Bonn
Hamburg
Italy
Portugal
Belgium
France
Poland
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Spain
Travellers flying to or from these airports are being urged to check their schedules before flying to ensure their bookings are still going ahead.
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Have you got any flights booked with Wizz Air in 2026? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
The Derry native has slammed the FAI’s decision to move Ireland’s UEFA Nations League match against Israel to a neutral venue
21:07, 13 Jun 2026Updated 21:14, 13 Jun 2026
James McClean has slammed the FAI’s choice to relocate Ireland’s fixture against Israel to a neutral location.
The Derry native has argued that the organisation missed a chance to “stand on the right side of history” by refusing to play the match, describing the decision as a “cowardly move”.
Earlier this week, it emerged that Ireland’s UEFA Nations League encounter with Israel would take place at a neutral ground instead of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
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But, McClean, who earned 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has condemned the organisation for not taking a stance on the continuing situation in Gaza.
Speaking to RTE Sport on Saturday evening, the Derry City player said: “I think we’ve missed a massive opportunity here.
“I think the decision to move to a neutral venue behind closed doors, of all the decisions we could have made, is by far the worst one.
“The FAI have missed a massive opportunity to stand on the right side of history.
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“If you’re going to go ahead with the game, at least have the courage to face the backlash that was going to come with it being played in Dublin.
“But to move it away is a cowardly move. If there’s one country that can relate to the oppression and famine and what’s going on in Gaza, it’s the people of this country.
“I think the decision-makers have kind of forgotten that, to be honest.”
On Saturday, the FAI published an extensive statement outlining the reasoning behind relocating the Israel match to a neutral venue.
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“The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirms that UEFA has approved a request to host the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel on October 4 overseas, at a neutral venue and behind closed doors,” the statement read.
“Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact the delivery of the game on home soil, and therefore the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium.”
“The Association thanks An Garda Síochána for their support and advice over recent months and states that the decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board, with the support of UEFA.
“The Association understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture.
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“In recent months, the Association has been in communication with the Palestinian Football Association regarding the fulfilment of the fixtures and they have shared the following statement:
“‘The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes.
“‘The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity and mutual respect.’
“The Association is deeply conscious of the suffering and devastation being endured by civilians in Gaza and continues to reflect the sentiment of the motion that was proposed and voted in favour of by members of the FAI General Assembly in November 2025. This motion was to issue a formal request to the UEFA Executive Committee for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions for a breach of UEFA statutes.
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“While the Association submitted that motion to UEFA and has consulted with UEFA officials for almost two years on this issue, it also recognises the UEFA competition rules and regulations to which it has agreed. These outline that if an association refuses to play a match, that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow, including potential disqualification from the competition.
“In February 2026, Ireland were drawn into Group B3 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League alongside Austria, Israel and Kosovo. The Association stated at the time that the Ireland team would proceed with all scheduled fixtures and maintains this position, given that any alternative would have a profound impact on Irish football as a whole.
“If the Association opted not to fulfil the fixtures, the immediate result would be:
“Beyond the sporting implications, there would be broader consequences for Irish football, including a reduced capacity to support clubs and leagues through critical services such as safeguarding, educational programmes and player development opportunities.
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“There could also be implications for Ireland international teams, including the withdrawal of underage teams and a reduction in the level of support and services provided to players and staff.
“The Association will engage with its members at a forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting, but reminds its members that it is the responsibility of the FAI Board to protect the future interests of football in Ireland and therefore remains committed to fulfilling each of its 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixtures.
“While the FAI Board appreciates that its decision to fulfil this fixture affects many stakeholders, it would ask that consideration also be given to the players and staff.
“The Association acknowledges the impact the change of venue will have on its loyal Season Ticket holders and Club Ireland members. Once all details surrounding the fixture on October 4 have been finalised, the Association will update its 2026 FAI Season Ticket holders and Club Ireland members on the appropriate ticketing arrangements, which may include compensation or the possibility of an additional home fixture in 2027.
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“The FAI Board would like to reiterate that its decision to fulfil the fixture has been made in the interests of Irish football.”
Ahead of Sunday’s remarkableUFCWhite House fight event, Josh Hokit stole the show at the Saturday morning weigh-in, having done the same at Friday’s press conference.
And on Saturday morning, as the fighters weighed in before a crowd of media personnel, Hokit seemingly pretended to throw up, as he dribbled a sick-coloured liquid from his mouth.
Heavyweight Josh Hokit on the scales before UFC Freedom 250 (Reuters)
“So what? Maybe I was drinking last night,” the American heavyweight told those in the room. “Who wouldn’t be?
“I’ve got a giant man who wants to knock me out. He has the most knockouts in UFC history,” Hokit added, referencing his opponent Derrick Lewis.
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Hokit, 28, also appeared to be on unsteady legs as he walked into the room, took to the scale, and exited. However, this also seemed to be part of his act.
Hokit has made a name for himself in recent months by playing different characters. At Friday’s press conference, he continually referenced “The Incredible Hoke”, while he spoke nervously about all of the fighters at the event.
Hokit, who weighed in at 231lb on Saturday morning, will join his fellow athletes in performing a ceremonial weigh-in on Saturday evening, at the Ellipse park near the White House. That gives each fighter one final chance to face off with their opponent before Sunday’s unprecedented fight card on the South Lawn.
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Hokit vs Lewis was added to UFC Freedom 250 at the request of Donald Trump, after the US President watched from cageside in April as Hokit won an instant classic with Curtis Blaydes.
Derrick Lewis facing off with Hokit at Friday’s press conference (Getty)
By the end of the night, UFC president Dana White – a close friend of Trump – had paired Hokit with fellow American Lewis, who is Trump’s favourite fighter.
Lewis, 41, tipped the scales at 265lb on Saturday morning. The veteran is the betting underdog for his contest with Hokit.
At a launch press conference for UFC Freedom 250 in May, Hokit had insulted Topuria – as well as co-main-event fighter Alex Pereira – and was escorted off stage by security.
Police have released a photo of a man accused of attacking a 17-year-old after a Knicks game in an assault that left the teen in a coma.
The New York Police Department shared a photo of the suspect in an X post Friday and urged the public to come forward if they recognized him.
The unidentified man is wanted for gang assault after allegedly punching and kicking the teen victim on West 35th Street near Madison Square Garden after Wednesday night’s game, the NYPD said.
The victim had a seizure and was left in a coma, according to police. The department didn’t elaborate on his condition further.
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Celebrations after Game 4 turned violent leading to repeated calls by NYPD for peaceful gatherings (Getty Images)
“I have no words for him,” the victim’s mother, Shiomara Arce, told The New York Post. “Right now my son comes first. This person needs to pay for what he’s done.”
She described the victim, Johnny Aumuller, as a Knicks fan who is “always playing basketball in the neighborhood.”
He was no longer in a coma as of Friday but was still listed in critical but stable condition at the hospital, The Post reported.
The search for the suspect comes as the Knicks seek their first NBA championship in 53 years. They took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 107-106 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game,” the NYPD wrote in a statement Thursday. “This demonstrates exactly why the NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden.”
Game 5 is Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas. If necessary, Game 6 will be at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
Despite the team’s absence from Madison Square Garden Saturday, thousands of Knicks fans are expected to descend on the area surrounding the Manhattan arena.
The team has organized an official watch party for up to 3,000 supporters outside MSG, requiring advanced registration and police screening. Additional viewing events are planned for Radio City Music Hall and Wollman Rink in Central Park, catering to the overwhelming demand.
The DWP has released new figures showing the scale of State Pension underpayments due to historic National Insurance HRP errors, with thousands of pensioners potentially owed back payments
Thousands of pensioners throughout the UK may still be entitled to State Pension back payments as the DWP works to rectify longstanding errors relating to National Insurance records.
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Newly published figures from the DWP reveal that mistakes involving Home Responsibilities Protection remain the leading cause of State Pension underpayments, with both the department and HMRC engaged in a substantial exercise to identify those affected and issue arrears. According to the DWP’s most recent Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report, HRP-related errors account for roughly £6 in every £10 underpaid as a result of National Insurance contribution mistakes.
HRP was a scheme operating between 1978 and 2010, designed to safeguard the State Pension entitlement of parents and carers who took time away from employment to look after children or disabled family members.
However, certain eligible years were not correctly recorded on National Insurance records, leaving numerous individuals receiving lower State Pension payments than they were rightfully due.
Based on DWP guidance and the groups most frequently affected by Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) errors, there are five key categories of people who may be owed State Pension back payments, reports the Express :
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Women who claimed Child Benefit before May 2000 and whose National Insurance number was not correctly linked to their claim.
Parents whose partner claimed Child Benefit instead of them, meaning HRP may not have been credited to the correct person’s National Insurance record.
People receiving Income Support while caring for someone who was sick or disabled.
Unpaid carers who looked after a disabled or seriously ill person and met the HRP criteria.
Foster carers and eligible kinship carers (particularly between 2003 and 2010) who may have qualified for HRP but never received it.
The DWP stated: “Some people have not had all eligible years of HRP recorded on their National Insurance records and so have an incomplete record affecting their State Pension entitlement.”
As part of an ongoing rectification scheme known as the Legal Entitlements and Administrative Practice (LEAP) exercise, HMRC has already dispatched more than 370,000 letters urging individuals to check whether they may have been affected.
Officials are cross-referencing National Insurance records to identify those who may have qualified for HRP between 1978 and 2010 but have no corresponding credits on file.
The most recent figures reveal that State Pension underpayments remained at approximately £390 million in the year to April 2026, with National Insurance contribution errors continuing to account for a considerable proportion of cases.
Those who believe they may have missing HRP years are able to review their National Insurance record and State Pension forecast online via GOV. UK.
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Individuals can still apply to have missing HRP added to their record even after reaching State Pension age.
The DWP and HMRC have confirmed they will press ahead with reviewing cases, correcting records and issuing back payments to those found to have received less State Pension than they were rightfully owed.
The FM has joined thousands of Scotland fans for a Boston takeover ahead of our first World Cup match in 28 years.
Fionnuala Boyle and Ryan McDougall, Claire Hayhurst and Ben Mitchell, Press Association
20:32, 13 Jun 2026
John Swinney has praised the “electric” atmosphere in Boston as the Tartan Army gather in huge numbers ahead of the country’s first World Cup Match in 28 years.
The First Minister is in the US city to watch Steve Clarke’s men take on Haiti in their opening fixture of the 2026 tournament which kicks off at 2am UK time on June 14.
The SNP leader has been joined by famous faces including Gerard Butler and Gordon Ramsay in the Massachusetts capital alongside an estimated 40,000 Scotland fans who have also made the trip.
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Speaking to the Press Association, Swinney said: “The atmosphere is electric here in Boston, it has been since we arrived.
“There are thousands and thousands of Scotland fans who have made the journey and the atmosphere is lively, it’s positive.
“It’s great weather and people are having a great time and engaging with the local community here in Boston. Everyone has had such a warm welcome from the Boston community, so its a fantastic situation to be part of.”
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Mr Swinney added that Scotland’s 28-year absence at the World Cup made it “particularly precious” to be in Boston and supporting the team.
He was speaking at The Haven, a Scottish pub in Boston, for an event by the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal, which aims to donate to children’s charities in every country in which the Scotland team plays matches.
A spokesman for Meet Boston – a tourism organisation in the city – told the Press Association that the Scottish fans were bringing “palpable” joy. He said: “To say the impact has been significant would be a major understatement.
“The Tartan Army is omnipresent across town and their energy and joy is so palpable.”
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The spokesman described scenes posted on social media of Scotland fans celebrating ahead of the match as “absolute fire”.
He said many people had been trying to estimate the overall number of visitors from Scotland, which was about 40,000 but “could be higher”.
The Dubliner Boston, an Irish pub which has been popular with fans, had gone through 30 kegs of Tennent’s lager by Thursday, he added.
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On Friday night, Mr Swinney attended events in Boston alongside celebrities including Gerard Butler – star of the movie 300 – who wore a kilt and football shirt.
Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd also sported a kilt, with actors Martin Compston and Tony Curran, former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher and broadcaster Gordon Smart, also in attendance.
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Former Little Mix star Perrie Edwards got ready to tie the knot with footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with a pre-wedding celebration
20:19, 13 Jun 2026Updated 20:19, 13 Jun 2026
Perrie Edwards is in party mood as she ties the knot with footballer fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Little Mix star is getting married in the Algarve four years on from their engagement. The couple will exchange their vows in Quinta do Lago in Portugal. The couple know the area well, with Perrie said to own a villa nearby.
The intimate ceremony will see the likes of Perrie’s former bandmates, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock jet over to be a part of the special day. And the exclusive resort where the wedding party have been staying is said to cost up to £2,800 for a room for the night.
The pre-wedding ceremony saw the stars and their guests mingle, with footballers including Harrison Reed also in attendance. It’s claimed Alex’s brother was one of the last to leave the celebration, with most guests calling it a night at 10pm.
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The guests are said to have tucked into pizzas, pastas and cocktails at the resort’s Italian restaurant. It comes as Perrie recently couldn’t hide her delight at the impending big day.
Perrie had hinted her big day was close last month as she said: “There’s so much coming up in both my personal and professional life — my wedding! I tried on the dress the other day and I’m so happy with it. I feel very fulfilled in my life right now, and I’m very happy with the balance. But yeah, a lot is going on — babies, dogs, planning my wedding.”
But she also admitted that the other member of Little Mix, Jesy Nelson, would be nowhere to be seen. She confessed that she can’t see their friendship ever reforming.
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Perrie told Jamie Laing on his podcast: “”What annoys me is the most, and again I have to be careful how I say this as I don’t want to seem like a b**** but for me what upsets me the most is when situations like this happen and the other person doesn’t take any accountability, that boils my blood!
“I am not blaming everything on you, I am not saying that she’s this f****** monster and everything was her thought blah, blah, blah but take some accountability for your actions and realise you were difficult, you did have difficult moments.”
But Jesy’s sister wasn’t prepared to take the comments without responding. Jade Nelson fired back in a lengthy post on Instagram.
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Within the post, Jade fumed: “She’s fully aware she was hard to deal with but through it all if any other single person were struggling with a break up, anxiety, life, she was there! lsn’t that what you do as friends or if you love someone?”
The World Cup party officially begins tonight as Brazil are in town, facing Morocco in, arguably, the most anticipated match of the tournament so far.
It has often been said that a World Cup does not truly get underway until Brazil have played and there is quite a bit of pressure on the Selecao this time around.
It is 24 years since the five-time champions last won the World Cup – or even reached a final – and they have never gone six editions without lifting the trophy.
Carlo Ancelotti has been brought in to secure that elusive sixth gold star on the badge, but the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan head coach is entering unfamiliar territory.
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While the Italian tactician has enjoyed great success – winning league titles and several Champions Leagues – he has never managed in an major international tournament and this is quite the stage to break his duck.
Carlo Ancelotti has been tasked with ending Brazil’s 24-year World Cup wait
Getty
Standing in the way of an opening game win is, who many feel, are the strongest nation representing Africa at the 2026 World Cup.
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Lead once again by captain Achraf Hakimi, Morocco finished fourth in 2022 and did beat Brazil for the first time ever in the most recent meeting between the nations in March 2023.
Brazil, though, did overcome the Atlas Lions in the only previous World Cup showdown in 1998 as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto all scored.
Here’s everything you need to know about where to watch the match…
How to watch Brazil vs Morocco FOR FREE
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TV channel: In the UK, Brazil vs Morocco is being shown live and free-to-air on BBC One with coverage beginning at 10.30pm BST ahead of a 11pm kick-off at the MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer or the BBC website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Two hotels in NI were given the ‘Best of the Best’ title this year
19:56, 13 Jun 2026Updated 20:02, 13 Jun 2026
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A Northern Irish hotel has been named in the top three across the UK at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Each year, TripAdvisor highlights the highest-rated hotels worldwide, based on reviews from TripAdvisor reviewers over a 12-month period.
The Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ title is awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community.
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Winners are determined by the quality and quantity of TripAdvisor reviews and ratings from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and Belmore Court & Motel in Co Fermanagh has landed in the top 10.
Ranking third across the entire UK, it is joined by Belfast’s Tara Lodge on the UK’s Top 25 Hotels for 2026 list, making it the only two hotels from Northern Ireland to be recognised this year.
Both Belmore Court Enniskillen and Tara Lodge are among the fewer than 1% of TripAdvisor’s 8 million listings to achieve this milestone.
This is what TripAdvisor had to say:
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3. Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen
At Belmore Court & Motel, you’re right in the heart of Enniskillen, perfect for exploring the lakes and Fermanagh’s sights.
You’ll find a mix of rooms (some pet-friendly!) packed with thoughtful touches. The setting’s relaxed without being stuffy.
There isn’t a restaurant, but the breakfast spread is solid, and the service is great.
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25. Tara Lodge, Belfast
Tara Lodge stands out for its stylish rooms, located near great dining spots and transport links.
Enjoy an excellent à la carte breakfast served by award-winning staff in a beautiful setting. Long-established quality service ensures a great stay for every guest.
NEW YORK (AP) — While you might want to ignore all the hubbub around SpaceX, Elon Musk and IPOs, your 401(k) likely can’t.
SpaceX is now worth $2.1 trillion after its stock launched 19.2% higher in its debut on Wall Street. Whether or not you believe it deserves to be worth more than Exxon Mobil, Bank of America and Coca-Cola combined, the collective market does. And if SpaceX maintains that big a value, it will join some high-profile stock indexes.
Many of these indexes don’t care about how realistic a company’s growth plans are or who its CEO is. They’re simply trying to show how slices of the market, or the whole thing, are performing. And if SpaceX is big enough to meet the qualifications to join those indexes, whether it’s in a few weeks or a year, it will gain entry.
That matters for investors and their 401(k) accounts because they’re depending more than ever on funds that simply mimic these indexes. It’s a lower-cost way to invest, allowing savers to keep more of their investments. Partly because of that, such index funds have usually proven to be better performers than funds that try to pick and choose individual stocks.
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Just one in five actively managed U.S. stock funds survived and beat their average index peer over the last decade, at 21%, according to Morningstar’s data through 2025. Such disparities in performance meant investors had more money invested in U.S. index funds than actively managed ones beginning in 2024, and the gap has only grown since then.
Here’s a look at what’s going on:
What indexes are
They’re things the investment industry has created to answer the question: What is the market doing? It’s otherwise tough to answer quickly when the U.S. market has thousands of stocks moving in different directions at any moment.
The S&P 500 is perhaps the most famous and influential index. It tracks 500 of the biggest U.S. stocks, and trillions of dollars in investments are either directly mimicking it or at least benchmarking themselves against it.
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average is well known because it’s been around since the 19th century, but it tracks only 30 big stocks so Wall Street pays it little attention.
Companies want to be in indexes
Because index funds are the way so many investors put money into the stock market, companies want to be part of indexes. Stocks can see a big jump in their prices after S&P Dow Jones Indices, Nasdaq, FTSE Russell or other companies announce they’ll be joining their indexes.
The investment industry has created funds, including both traditional mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, to track almost every kind of index. More than 1,000 index funds were available at the end of last year, according to the Investment Company Institute. Of them, 185 tracked the S&P 500.
SpaceX could soon be in indexes
Nasdaq changed its rules to allow some huge companies to join its Nasdaq 100 index after just 15 trading days. That’s a break from the past, where it would wait until each December to add new members in an annual reconstitution to make sure it includes the 100 largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq.
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Some popular funds track the Nasdaq 100 index, including the QQQ exchange-traded fund from Invesco that has roughly $477 billion in total investments. That means QQQ holders could soon own shares of SpaceX, without doing anything on their own.
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Other AI giants could as well
Anthropic and OpenAI are two other huge AI-related companies looking to sell their own stocks soon on a U.S. exchange for the first time. Their IPOs could potentially make each worth close to $1 trillion.
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It used to be that companies would have an IPO long before they got that big. But SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI swelled to tremendous sizes thanks to dollars from private investors, including pension funds, companies and rich investors, away from the public market.
That’s forcing the reconsideration for the investment industry about how quickly to add companies to indexes that they say track the biggest companies.
Not every index is making changes to fast-track big IPOs
The company behind the S&P 500 is not making changes to allow SpaceX and other “mega” IPOs faster entry into the index. For it, a stock needs to trade on an eligible exchange for at least 12 months before it can join the index.
Not only that, S&P Dow Jones Indices also requires companies to have made a profit in its most recent quarter and over the sum of its last four quarters.
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SpaceX lost $4.9 billion last year and another $4.3 billion through the first three months of 2026. It acknowledges that it “may not achieve profitability in the future.” Over the long term, a stock’s price tends to track with how much profit the company is making.
Not everyone is happy about SpaceX’s IPO entry to indexes
Officials from pension funds for firefighters, teachers and other workers in California and New York sent a letter to SpaceX last month decrying its corporate governance, including how much power Musk will hold over the company through his ownership of a special class of stock with more voting power.
They said they could become owners of SpaceX stock because they hold index funds.
If Musk is able to control so much of the voting power on the board of directors, it would make him tremendously powerful atop SpaceX, “essentially making him unfireable without his own consent,” the CEO of California Public Employees’ Retirement System, the New York state comptroller and the New York City comptroller wrote in their letter.
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If an investor doesn’t like certain companies in the index
Index funds track indexes. And if a stock is in an index, the index fund will buy it, even if investors may not like it.
Tesla has remained in the S&P 500 even though critics called it overvalued for years, for example, and Musk’s electric-vehicle company has grown to become one of Wall Street’s 10 biggest companies.
Some indexes say they will not include companies that have poor corporate governance standards or other narrowed criteria, but investors need to look for them.
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