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Hantavirus cruise ship latest: Two self-isolating in UK after possible exposure on board, health officials say

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Hantavirus cruise ship latest: Two self-isolating in UK after possible exposure on board, health officials say
Simon Calder: Everything you need to know about the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak

Two people who returned to the UK from the cruise ship that was hit by a hantavirus outbreak have been told to self-isolate, the UK Health Security Agency said.

The organisation added that “the risk to general public remains very low” after they returned from the MV Hondius.

It is now believed that a Dutch couple who visited a landfill during a bird-watching tour in Argentina may be the source of the outbreak.

Two Argentine officials said the government’s leading hypothesis was that the couple could have been exposed to rodents on the trip in Ushuaia.

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Eight suspected cases of hantavirus have now been linked to the boat, the World Health Organisation said, with five of the cases confirmed.

On Wednesday, three patients were medically evacuated from the boat to receive treatment in the Netherlands.

Spain’s health minister said that a British doctor who was evacuated from the boat is no longer in a critical condition.

Oceanwide, the cruise ship operator, said the planned destination for the ship was still the Canary Islands, despite its leader, Fernando Clavijo, blocking the vessel from docking in Tenerife.

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MV Hondius heading to Canary Islands after three people suspected of hantavirus infections evacuated

The cruise ship MV Hondius is now heading to the Canary Islands from Cape Verde after three people suspected of having hantavirus infections were evacuated from the ship on Wednesday.

The three passengers are from Britain, the Netherlands and Germany. Earlier reports said the British person was a doctor, but that now appears to be incorrect.

Two other British passengers had already left the ship earlier and are currently self-isolating at home after possible exposure.

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The ship is still heading to the Canary Islands with 145 people on board, all reportedly symptom-free according to the operator, Oceanwide Expeditions.

Spanish authorities say there is “no risk” to local residents, but the Canary Islands’ president says he is concerned and was not properly consulted.

Maroosha Muzaffar7 May 2026 04:25

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Passenger stuck on ship at centre of hantavirus outbreak says atmosphere ‘relatively good’

Passenger stuck on ship at centre of hantavirus outbreak says atmosphere ‘relatively good’

Harriette Boucher7 May 2026 04:00

What is hantavirus? Symptoms you need to know after deadly cruise ship outbreak

Hantaviruses, which have been present for centuries, have a documented history of outbreaks across Asia and Europe.

In the Eastern Hemisphere, these viruses have been associated with severe conditions such as haemorrhagic fever and kidney failure.

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A distinct group of hantaviruses emerged in the early 1990s in the southwestern United States, leading to the acute respiratory disease now known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Hantavirus is mainly spread by contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings, particularly when the material is disturbed and becomes airborne, posing a risk of inhalation.

People are typically exposed to hantavirus around their homes, cabins or sheds, especially when cleaning out enclosed spaces with little ventilation or going into areas where there are mouse droppings.

The WHO says that while rare, hantaviruses may spread between people.

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking the virus after a 1993 outbreak in the Four Corners region – the area where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.

It was a doctor with the Indian Health Service who first noticed a pattern of deaths among young patients, said Michelle Harkins, a pulmonologist with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center who for years has been studying the disease and helping patients.

Most US cases are in Western states. New Mexico and Arizona are hotspots, Dr Harkins said, likely because the odds are greater for mouse-human encounters in rural areas.

Harriette Boucher7 May 2026 03:00

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Pictured: The MV Hondius cruise ship, where 150 passengers are isolated in their cabins

The MV Hondius cruise ship is heading to Tenerife (Misper Apawu/AP)
The MV Hondius cruise ship is heading to Tenerife (Misper Apawu/AP) (AP)
(AFP/Getty)

Harriette Boucher7 May 2026 02:00

Airline says Dutch national who died from hantavirus was briefly on board aircraft

Dutch airline KLM has confirmed that a Dutch passenger who died from hantavirus was briefly on board one of its aircraft in Johannesburg.

The airline’s crew decided to not allow the passenger to travel on the flight due to their medical condition.

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The flight concerned was KL592, which departed Johannesburg for Amsterdam on 25 April.

In a statement, the airline said: “Yesterday evening, the Dutch public health authority RIVM informed KLM that one of the Dutch nationals who died from hantavirus had briefly been on board a KLM aircraft in Johannesburg on April 25, 2026.

“Due to the passenger’s medical condition at the time, the crew decided not to allow the passenger to travel on the flight. The passenger sadly later passed away in Johannesburg. KLM extends its condolences to the next of kin and wishes them much strength during this difficult time.”

Harriette Bouche7 May 2026 01:00

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US travel blogger comes to defence of hantavirus-struck cruise ship and says vessel is clean with strong biosecurity

Travel blogger Jake Rosmarin has been documenting his time aboard the illness-stricken ship, telling The Independent in a statement that aside from the two confirmed cases, the other passengers on board are “doing well” and remain “in good spirits”.

Mr Rosmarin noted that the MV Hondius is an expedition vessel, not an average cruise ship, and is held to a higher standard of cleanliness due to the types of trips it takes

“These ships operate with strict protocols and a strong emphasis on cleanliness, especially given the remote and environmentally sensitive regions they visit, which require high levels of biosecurity,” he said.

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“The vessel is maintained to a very high standard, and suggestions that it is unclear are not accurate,” he added.

Harriette Boucher7 May 2026 00:00

Why the Andes virus is a concerning member of the hantavirus family

The word hantavirus refers to a broad family of viruses, with different versions in different countries.

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Almost none of them have been found to spread from person to person — with the possible exception of the Andes virus, which has been confirmed in the current outbreak.

Still, transmission between people does not happen easily, and would require “close and prolonged” contact, according to the World Health Organisation.

“We haven’t had huge person-to-person spreads of hantavirus infection ever before, and there’s no reason to suspect a huge outbreak from this case at this point,” said Steven Bradfute, an associate professor and associate director of the Center for Global Health at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, which specialises in hantavirus research.

WHO said the Andes virus is found in South America, primarily in Argentina and Chile.

Harriette Boucher6 May 2026 23:40

Up to eight weeks of isolation needed for hantavirus exposure

The UKHSA has said up to eight weeks of isolation could be needed after exposure to the hantavirus.

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A spokesperson said this was the “most cautious scenario” and the public health body would be monitoring exposed passengers “very closely” over the coming days and weeks.

“Most cases of hantavirus, we think, are transmitted within the first few weeks, but up to eight is the figure we are working with,” the spokesperson said in a video shared by Sky News.

“We are working on the most cautious scenario, which is the potential eight week isolation. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be monitoring these people very closely and we may be able to adjust that as time goes on.

“We are going to see how the data derives in the coming days. As you would expect, we are going to treat everything with the utmost caution.”

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Harriette Boucher6 May 2026 23:30

Passenger who was on MV Hondius was ‘shocked’ to hear of virus outbreak

A passenger on board the MV Hondius has said it was “shocking” to learn of the outbreak on the vessel.

Ruhi Cenet was on the ship for 24 of the 36 days of the cruise and left after the first person had died.

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He told Sky News: “We were on board with these people for 24 days straight. We had relationships.

“I knew these people, I’m very sad that they’re going through this human crisis, I just wish them to get well.”

He said they were told on 12 April that a passenger had passed away due to “natural causes”, which he said was a “relaxing explanation”, but turned out to not be true.

With the World Health Organisation’s involvement, he said he was noe “hopeful” for the passengers on board.

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Harriette Boucher6 May 2026 23:10

Two of three evacuated patients in hospital, while third experiencing delays

Two medicalised aircraft, carrying two of the three individuals transferred from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship earlier today has landed in the Netherlands and the passengers have been taken to the hospital.

Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise ship operator, said a second aircraft carrying the third individual was experiencing a delay, but the individual on board remained in a stable condition.

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The company confirmed that the vessel had departed Cape Verde and is headed for the Canary Islands.

“This is expected to take 3-4 days,” a statement said.

“Three additional medical professionals have embarked m/v Hondius to provide optimal medical care during the crossing.”

Harriette Boucher6 May 2026 23:03

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Scrambled eggs are creamier in 45 seconds if you add 1 ingredient chef swears by

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Wales Online

Chef Joshua Weissman swears by adding a spoonful of one common ingredient for a rich, creamy and quick breakfast with no pans needed.

Eggs are among the finest breakfast options to set you up for the day ahead. That said, cooking them on the hob can be quite a chore, as numerous egg recipes demand low and slow cooking, which can be rather time-consuming.

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Instead, Chef Joshua Weissman advocates cooking eggs in the microwave, though there is a knack to achieving a creamy, soft result. The secret in this recipe comes down to a single straightforward ingredient — mayonnaise.

It calls for two eggs, a tablespoon of mayo, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Adding mayo gives your scrambled eggs an extra layer of richness and creaminess, without the need for additional butter or cream, or hovering over a hob on a low heat.

Mayonnaise is also a staple that most households tend to keep in stock, and it takes no more than 10 seconds to grab and add to the bowl, reports the Express.

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While it might sound a touch unconventional to incorporate mayonnaise into scrambled eggs, mayo already contains egg yolks and oil, and plenty of people regularly combine mayonnaise with eggs when making egg salad, so it’s not entirely dissimilar.

Furthermore, mayonnaise contains a small amount of acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. That subtle hint of acidity prevents the eggs from setting too firmly too quickly, keeping them light and tender.

To prepare Joshua’s creamy scrambled eggs, begin by cracking two eggs into a small bowl, adding a tablespoon of mayo, seasoning with salt and pepper, and whisking until smooth.

Decant the eggs into a lightly greased ramekin or small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high for 45 to 60 seconds.

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Leave to stand for 30 seconds, then remove from the microwave and stir the eggs with a fork.

Alternatively, you can leave the eggs in the microwave for the full duration without stirring, and the result will be a soft and creamy omelette.

You’re aiming for the eggs to be just set but still slightly moist on top. They’ll continue to firm up for a few seconds after you take them out.

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From there, the chef suggests placing the eggs into a breakfast sandwich, adding mortadella ham that he sears in a frying pan over high heat for one minute, then topping with American cheese and toasting the buns in the pan for 30 to 40 seconds.

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World Cup 2026 LIVE: Latest news and updates as Mexico win first game ahead of South Korea vs Czechia

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World Cup 2026 LIVE: Latest news and updates as Mexico win first game ahead of South Korea vs Czechia

England comfortably beat Costa Rica at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in their final warm-up match, before the squad fly out to their World Cup base in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 13. You can follow all the latest news and updates from across the tournament – including insight and analysis from Dom Smith in the States – with our rolling news live blog below!

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World Cup tournament kicks off with protest outside stadium during Mexico vs South Africa

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Belfast Live

Protestors stormed to a gate just as the World Cup 2026 opening game tonight in Mexico City kicked off against South Africa

Dozens of demonstrators are said to have clashed with police outside the stadium in Mexico tonight as the World Cup opener of the tournament started.

As Mexico and South Africa went head-to-head as the first match of the tournament, ‘Molotov cocktails’ were allegedly being thrown at police outside the iconic Estadio Azteca.

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Footage shared online appeared to show protestors clashing with police lines in riot gear outside Gate 8. Demonstrators allegedly were seen throwing objects, including ‘Molotov cocktails’, at the force reports The Express.

Tensions have been rising across Mexico City as tourists and football fans from all over the world pour in, as locals argue officials have focused on the big event at the expense of social concerns.

Last night, more than 1,000 relatives of Mexico’s missing people marched towards the stadium with candles and photographs, reports The Express.

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The match itself, part of the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup, was continuing inside the stadium at the time of the unrest tonight, though there were concerns about access routes and crowd safety around the venue.

Amid the wider disruption, a separate emergency incident occurred shortly before kick-off when an elderly spectator died at the stadium.

An 80-year-old man is understood to have suffered a suspected heart attack at Gate 1 of the Mexico City venue shortly before the match began. Emergency services were called and paramedics from the World Cup security medical team reportedly reached the scene within minutes, providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and stabilising the man before he was taken to hospital.

He was initially reported to have been revived in the ambulance and placed under observation in a stable condition, according to local authorities, but later died. Officials have not yet released further details.

The 2026 tournament officially kicked off at 8pm local time with the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa, as the United States, Mexico and Canada prepare to jointly host 48 teams across a six-week competition.

The build-up to the World Cup has also been marked by wider controversy, including geopolitical tensions, with Iran previously issuing statements suggesting it could withdraw from fixtures under certain conditions.

Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City said in a statement on X: ” Following the events that occurred in the vicinity of the #EstadioCiudadDeMéxico, in which nearly 200 hooded individuals who broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters, the situation was brought under control by personnel from the #Metropolitan Police.”

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Bolton Wanderers stand with community after firebomb attack

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Sharples family's terror after attack on home in Eastgrove Avenue

Distressing CCTV footage emerged this morning showing the moment the home of imam Hassan Patel was allegedly targeted in a firebomb attack.

The incident occurred on Eastgrove Avenue in Sharples at around 9.20pm last night (Wednesday).

The video shows a male wearing a helmet and dark clothing running onto the driveway of the property before a blaze erupts.

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Mr Patel, 42, lives at the address with his wife, four young children and his nephew.

The incident has caused distress across Bolton, prompting community leaders to speak out against what police and the family believe was a targeted attack.

In a statement, Bolton Wanderers said: “Everyone at BWFC and Bolton Wanderers in the Community are saddened by reports of the attack on an imam’s home here in Bolton.

“Our thoughts are with the family, their loved ones, and those in our community who are now understandably feeling concerned and upset by the actions reported.

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“At BWFC and Bolton Wanderers in the Community, we believe in the power of football to bring people together, unify communities, and provide spaces where everyone feels they belong.

“Our club, our community, and our town are at their best when we all choose kindness over hatred and community over division.

“As the investigation continues, we stand in solidarity with our Bolton Muslim community and all those affected by this attack.

“Everyone should feel safe in their homes, in our community, and at our club.

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“We must come together with understanding, come together as friends, as neighbours, as a community.

“One club. One community. One town.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples said: “Incidents like this are not acceptable in our community and no one should be made to feel threatened or intimidated.

“Thankfully, no one was injured, however, the consequences of this suspected arson attack could have been very different.

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“We understand this incident may cause concern within the community; we are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We believe this was a targeted attack, and there is no risk to the wider public. Officers will be providing reassurance with visits in the community throughout the day.

“Our enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing, and we urge anyone with information that may assist our investigation to please come forward.

“Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage, is asked to call 101 quoting log 3561 of 10/06/2026 or contact us via the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk

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“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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Police hunt man in green hoodie after two children reportedly sexually assaulted

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Daily Record

Police are looking for a slim man with short dark hair who wears dental braces, and was wearing a distinctive green top

A manhunt is under way after two children were reportedly sexually assaulted in Derry.

Police say they are looking for a suspect following the incident that took place in the Cedar Street area of the city on Monday June 8.

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Officers are looking for a white male who is slim, has short dark hair, and was wearing dental braces.

Officers said he was wearing a distinctive green Superdry hoodie with a front logo, dark trousers, and dark-coloured shoes, reports BelfastLive.

READ MORE: Tartan Army descend on Boston as World Cup party kicks off with lunchtime beers

READ MORE: Man guilty of attacking girl in Dundee axe and knife incident

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Inspector Ferriby said: “We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have noticed suspicious behaviour, to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1137 of 08/06/2026.

“We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam or other footage.

“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at psni.police.uk/makeareport or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.”

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Girl, 14, charged with attempted murder after triple stabbing at north Manchester high school

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Manchester Evening News

The investigation is still ongoing

A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder in connection to the triple stabbing at a high school in Blackley.

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Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, the girl was charged this evening (Thursday 11 June) with three counts of attempted murder and two charges of possessing a bladed article on school premises.

She will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday (June 12).

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

On Tuesday, June 9, police were called to the Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road, Blackley, to reports of a stabbing.

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Det Chief Supt Jonathan Chadwick, head of counter terrorism policing north west, said: “These are extremely serious charges against a young girl and, working closely with Greater Manchester Police, we continue to support the victims and their families and offer support to the wider school community, who have been deeply affected by what happened.

“Although charges have now been secured, our investigation is still ongoing, and we continue to work with local policing colleagues in the Blackley area.”

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World Cup 2026: Raul Jimenez completes comeback in Mexico win

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A picture of the World Cup predictor, with text alongside reading "Predict the World Cup"

Rubio, who also had spells as assistant manager at Crystal Palace and West Ham, felt Jimenez fully deserved such a moment after what he has been through.

“After his head injury it took a bit of time to get back into the career,” said Rubio.

“There were not just medical concerns, but also would he be the same killer in front of goal? His application is tremendous, he is a lovely guy, his family are beautiful and very supportive and that has helped him.

“He is a very family person. He is a big player but never acts like one and he is very humble and I’m delighted for him.

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“It was life-threatening injury and I felt scared for him. At that moment he was doing so well, he was at the top of his career and it was very difficult.”

But Jimenez’s determination has led to him scoring 68 Premier League goals in 233 appearances. Even now, he still needs to wear a reinforced headband to protect himself from further injury.

“Having known him I could see why he has been able to get back on to the pitch [after the injury] and get back into his form,” added Rubio. “He is a fighter. I worked with him in his last year at Wolves. There were doubts, even with himself, that he was going to get back into it and that last year at Wolves was a challenging year for him.

“But there were no doubts for me personally, I always knew he would get back into it. I’ve worked with many top professionals and you can see he has the resilience and has a lovely family supporting him.

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“Everyone there [at Wolves] loved him, the whole club wanted him to do well and the whole club was invested for him to get back so it was very emotional, not only because of his career, but also because he is such a loving character.

“He was so invested in the club, the city and his family felt like it was home, that’s why I feel they will be delighted to be going back there.”

But, before Jimenez will be back in the West Midlands, he has further chances to score more World Cup goals in his home country, with Mexico already in a strong position to advance into the knockout rounds.

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Even Republicans are against Trump hosting a UFC fight ‘at this time’

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Even Republicans are against Trump hosting a UFC fight ‘at this time’

Americans largely don’t support the Trump administration’s plan to host a UFC fight at the White House on Sunday, including a notable slice of the president’s Republican base, according to a new survey.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that just 16 percent of respondents think it’s appropriate, while 46 percent said the bout was inappropriate.

Just 31 percent of Republicans thought the event was appropriate, and Democrats joined them in their skepticism, with just five percent backing the fight.

The negative mood around the UFC cage match echoes a larger dissatisfaction about the administration and the direction of the country.

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In a Reuters survey released Monday, 70 percent of respondents said they disapprove of Trump’s handling of cost-of-living issues, up from 63 percent at the end of the inflation-plagued Biden administration.

Americans largely don’t think the president’s planned UFC fight at the White House is appropriate, joining respondents in a slate of recent polls who have voiced widespread disapproval of the second Trump presidency
Americans largely don’t think the president’s planned UFC fight at the White House is appropriate, joining respondents in a slate of recent polls who have voiced widespread disapproval of the second Trump presidency (AP)

Meanwhile, in a separate The Economist/YouGov poll, just 29 percent of Americans said they strongly or somewhat approve of how Trump is handling the economy.

Trump’s net approval rating on the issue is negative 34 percent — the lowest of both of his presidential terms so far, the poll found.

The UFC fight, part of a string of public events and projects for America’s 250th anniversary celebration, comes as Americans have less of a sense of American exceptionalism and less of an emphasis on the importance of democracy, a recent AP-NORC poll found.

The country is far more pessimistic about the future than it was at the time of the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.

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In 2026, 41 percent of Americans said they were “generally pessimistic” about the future of the country, up from 15 percent during the previous milestone.

Americans largely disapprove of the Trump economy and feel increasingly pessimistic about the state of the country at large, according to recent polling
Americans largely disapprove of the Trump economy and feel increasingly pessimistic about the state of the country at large, according to recent polling (Reuters)

When Fox News recently asked Americans to name a word that describes the country today, two-thirds chose a negative term such as “failing,” “divided,” “struggling,” or “corrupt,” with Democrats nearly twice as likely as Republicans to choose a downbeat word.

Preparations are nearly complete for the Sunday mixed martial arts fight, which coincides with the president’s 80th birthday.

The UFC is putting the finishing touches on a massive arena and lighting grid dubbed “The Claw” on the White House lawn.

A federal lawsuit is seeking to stop the fight, alleging it represents a “volcano of corruption” for a commercial sports league and corporate sponsors to use the White House for a televised spectacle.

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The UFC, led by Trump ally Dana White, says it is paying for the $60 million event, which is sponsored by companies including Polymarket, of which Donald Trump Jr. is an adviser.

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UK Government helping Tartan Army with ESTA denial for World Cup

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Daily Record

“I can assure fans that I am making representations on behalf of those affected to ensure their cases are resolved as quickly as possible.”

The Scottish Secretary has said he is “making representations” on behalf of Scottish fans who were reportedly refused entry to America for the World Cup.

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Douglas Alexander has pledged to Scotland football fans that the UK Government is working to resolve cases for those who had their Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA) permit revoked. The issues arose less than a week before the country plays Haiti in Boston.

An ESTA is usually required for UK citizens without a visa going to the US for up to 90 days. Some members of the Tartan Army reported having their ESTAs revoked at the last minute, leading to some seeking emergency appointments with the US Embassy in London.

Mr Alexander said he has spoken to the British ambassador to the United States who is in touch with US authorities. He said: “As soon as this issue became apparent last Monday I spoke to the Minister for North America, and we have initiated work across government to ensure we are doing everything we can to help.

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“I have also spoken to the British ambassador to the United States today, who is in touch with the US authorities. Of course, visa and entry requirements are a matter for the United States, but I can assure fans that I am making representations on behalf of those affected to ensure their cases are resolved as quickly as possible.

“Thousands of members of the Tartan Army have gone through the US visa system successfully, but we will continue to work with the US authorities to help resolve this issue as quickly as possible. After 28 long years, it’s understandable why so many Scotland fans want to be able to cheer on Steve Clarke’s squad in person.”

Last week, the BBC reported acting assistant secretary of homeland security Lauren Bis as saying the tightening of ESTAs is because “the Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws”.

“Under the Visa Waiver Program, all ESTA applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases,” she said.

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“Travellers must provide complete and truthful information, including all criminal history.”

She said the “failure to disclose arrests or convictions constitutes misrepresentation” and could lead to “ESTA denial, revocation, or a permanent bar from entering the United States”.

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.

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2,000-year-old grape seeds pinpoint origins of modern wine

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2,000-year-old grape seeds pinpoint origins of modern wine

Scientists who analysed the seeds recovered from Tuscany were able to map the most extensive genetic history of ancient grapevines recovered from a single site.

They found that white grapes were once the dominant crop at an ancient Chianti vineyard in the region now famous for its red wines.

The findings also show that ancient vineyards were part of the Roman Empire’s highly sophisticated agricultural network that laid the foundation for modern winemaking.

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The discovery was made at Cetamura del Chianti, a hilltop settlement in Italy’s renown Chianti wine region.

Between 300BC and 300AD, local residents dropped grape pips into deep wells, where oxygen-free mud preserved them.

Study co-author Dr Oya Inanli said: “We sequenced the DNA of 80 seeds and found a remarkable story of continuity.

“A large majority of the tested seeds belonged to a single, identical variety passed directly from the Etruscans to the Romans and maintained for centuries.”

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Dr Inanli, who completed the work as part of her PhD at the University of York, added: “We were also able to go a step further with the genetic testing and determine the colour of the ancient grapes.

“The markers revealed that this dominant, long-lived clone produced white berries.”

The research team said the discovery of an “overwhelming prevalence” of white grapes at an ancient Chianti vineyard was a surprise as the region is globally famous today for its rich, red Sangiovese wines, although some white grapes are still grown in the area today.

Co-author Professor Nancy De Grummond, of Florida State University, said: “Our team’s research adds an important chapter on the history of wine in the viticulture region of Chianti.

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“What a delightful surprise to learn that the world-famous red wine of today was actually preceded by a white vintage that was curated and maintained for centuries in Etruscan and Roman times.”

Following the Roman conquest of the settlement, she says entirely new grapevine varieties appeared at Cetamura, hinting at the introduction of “choice varieties” from the expanding empire.

The team also found some evidence of the collection of some wild grapes, thanks to a method which examines the shape of the pips.


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Genetic testing revealed that the dominant Cetamura clone was closely related to two ancient grape seeds previously tested from Southern France.

That provides biological evidence of a wide-reaching agricultural trading network developed by the Romans to standardise wine production, according to the study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

The team also found another ancient grape seed at Cetamura that belongs to a family of grapes still grown across Central and Eastern Europe today.

While its closest modern look-alike is a rare grape variety found in Hungary called Baratcsuha szurke, the discovery connects the ancient seed directly to a legendary, 400-year-old grapevine growing in Maribor, Slovenia.

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This famous vine is officially recognised as the oldest living grapevine in the world that still produces fruit today.

Dr Nathan Wales, from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “Our new findings show that this specific grape family is ancient and resilient. It is incredible to think that the wine grapes enjoyed by the ancient Romans are mere steps away from the varieties we pour into our glasses today.”

He added: “When you drink wine made from these relic varieties, you are tasting history that is just a stone’s throw from what was served at Roman dinner tables thousands of years ago.”

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