GERMANY 1-1 PARAGUAY (3-4 pens): Kai Havertz equalised after Julio Enciso had fired Paraguay in front before

Germany are OUT of the World Cup after a shock defeat by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade both sensationally missed in the shootout after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.

Paraguay defender Jose Canale was the hero after the South Americans had squandered two opportunities to win it.

It is the first time Germany have ever lost on penalties at the World Cup having previously won each of their four previous shootouts, scoring 17 out of 18 spot kicks in the process.

But their luck ran out after an insipid 120 minutes and they are now on their way home.

Paraguay fired a warning shot by winning a corner in the first minute of the match and it almost bore fruit. The ball fell to Junior Alonso at the back post but he couldn’t get a proper connection when trying to finish.

But Germany dominated possession from there on in, albeit without managing to fashion much in the way of clear goal scoring opportunities.

And their lack of ruthlessness was punished when Paraguay scored against the run of play in the closing stages of the first half.

The underdogs won a corner which Manuel Neuer punched clear. The ball was recycled to the right-hand side where Miguel Almiron played a reverse pass to Matias Galarza.

His cross was pinpoint on to the head of former Brighton and Ipswich star Julio Enciso who planted his header into the back of the net from 12 yards.

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That doubtless led to some stern words at half-time from Germany boss Julien Nagelsmann. And Die Mannschaft came out with more intent after the break.

Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz delivered a delicious cross from deep and Arsenal hitman Havertz’s flick header nestled in the bottom corner to restore parity.

Havertz had the chance to double his tally in the 78th minute from the same provider. Wirtz whipped on to the edge of the six-yard box but the Gunners striker could only head straight at goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Despite having 76% of the possession in the 90 minutes, Germany managed just three shots on target and the game went to extra time.

Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade, off the bench, had an effort towards goal which struck the elbow of Pargauayan defender Gustavo Gomez. But his arm was deemed to be in a natural position and Gomez was in close proximity to the strike.

Pressure looked to have finally told 12 minutes into the additional period when Jonathan Tah’s bullet header hit the back of the net from Nathaniel Brown’s corner.

But VAR intervened and, after watching replays on the screen, the referee adjudged Waldemar Anton had fouled goalkeeper Gill. There appeared to be minimal contact, but the goal was chalked off.

Anton had a golden chance to avoid penalties in the closing stages of extra time but could only divert his close-range header into the arms of Gill.

That meant it was spot kicks and Havertz saw his effort saved. Paraguay scored their first three before Woltemade’s miss, meaning they had two opportunities to win it.

But Antonio Sanabria dragged his penalty wide before former West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena saw his spot kick saved.

Tah then smashed his penalty over the crossbar as the shootout went into sudden death and Jose Canale scored the winner.

Paraguay move into the last 16 and will play the winner of France vs Sweden.

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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

Temperatures have fallen from the record-breaking highs seen across the UK last week – but there are signs another heatwave could be building as July begins.

Some forecasts suggest temperatures could climb back up into the the mid-30Cs in England and Wales next week. While the Met Office has described the weather as “warmer-than-average”, there is still uncertainty about how hot conditions might get.

“Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low”, deputy chief forecaster Tony Wisson said.

A new provisional UK heat record for June of 37.7C (99.9F) was set in Lingwood, Norfolk, on Friday.

This beat the previous June record of 35.6C recorded in 1957 and equalled in 1976.

National temperature records also fell in at least eight European countries in the last week, with red extreme heat warnings remaining in force across eastern Europe.

Under the proposals, Darlington would have 41 councillors, representing 18 wards, comprising six three-member wards, 11 two-member wards, and one single-member ward.

That is a reduction from the current 50 councillors. 

Proposed wards for Darlington Borough Council (Image: Crown copyright)

The boundaries of all but one of the council’s wards would change, according to the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE). 

It is reviewing the borough’s electoral arrangements to ensure each councillor represents a similar number of voters and that the council can operate effectively.

Among the proposed changes are the creation of a College and Blackwell ward, which would include Darlington town centre, and the expansion of Harrowgate Hill ward to incorporate new housing developments to the north of the town.

The consultation, which opened in April, closes on July 6.

Bev Smith, chair of the commission, said: “Darlington is a unique place and we want residents to help us get these boundaries right. We have drawn up proposals for new wards and want to make sure they truly reflect local communities – but we need to hear from the people who know those communities best.

“Whether you agree with our proposals or think something should change, please let us know. Every response helps us make better decisions. Getting involved is straightforward – visit our website, send us an email or write to us. We would love to hear from you.”

People can view the full proposals, including the suggested ward names and boundaries, and submit comments via the commission’s website.

Views can also be sent by email to reviews@lgbce.org.uk or by post to:

Review Officer (Darlington)
Local Government Boundary Commission for England
7th Floor
3 Bunhill Row
London
EC1Y 8YZ

The commission will consider responses before publishing its final recommendations.

The dramatic waterfall – which plunges 21 metres (70ft) into a gorge on the River Tees – has topped a new ranking of the country’s most stunning waterfall walks, compiled by outdoor experts at GO Outdoors.

The list placed High Force, in the heart of Upper Teesdale, ahead of 14 other waterfalls across Britain, including Falls of Glomach in the Scottish Highlands and Pistyll Rhaeadr in Wales, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

Set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark, High Force sits on the famous Whin Sill — a layer of ancient dolerite rock formed from molten lava more than 295 million years ago.

What makes the walk so special?

The GO Outdoors ranking grades the High Force route as moderate, covering 11.05 km with an estimated walking time of around three hours and 20 minutes.

The terrain takes in open countryside, woodland and rocky paths alongside the River Tees.

A well-maintained path through woodland leads visitors to the base of the falls, where viewing platforms offer safe and striking views of the cascade and the surrounding scenery.

Natalie Wolfenden, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, said: “Waterfalls offer beautiful scenery and an escape into nature, making them a great choice for a summer walk.

“Whether you’re looking for a short woodland stroll or a more challenging hike, there are plenty of impressive waterfalls to discover across the UK.”

She added that walkers should plan ahead, wear sturdy footwear, carry plenty of water and pack waterproof clothing, as conditions can change quickly even in summer.

Someone who was equally a fan recently visited the area and wrote in a review on Tripadvisor: “The place is breathtaking. We went on a little tour and loved every minute of it. You can get fairly close and the view is spectacular.”

Planning your visit

High Force is located on the B6277 at Forest-in-Teesdale, around four-and-a-half miles north-west of Middleton-in-Teesdale.

The nearest major road is the A66.

The site is open daily during the summer season from 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission costs £3.95 for adults and £2.45 for children aged four to 15, with under-fours going free.

A family saver ticket for two adults and two children costs £10 online or £12 on the day.

Parking is available on site, with charges of £4 for four hours and £6 for six hours.

Dogs are welcome on leads.

The top 10 UK waterfall walks, according to GO Outdoors:

1. High Force, County Durham
2. Falls of Glomach, Ross-shire, Scotland
3. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys, Wales
4. Steall Falls, Glen Nevis, Scotland
5. Hardraw Force, Yorkshire Dales
6. Aira Force, Lake District
7. Ingleton Waterfall Trail, Yorkshire Dales
8. Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons
9. Becky Falls, Dartmoor
10. St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall

Whether you’re drinking at home or in the pub, many people will be enjoying a few beers, especially in the warmer weather that summer brings.

Everyone will have their favourites, but can you improve the taste of any beer you’re drinking?

Various food and drinks experts have suggested you can, if you do one thing.

How can you make your beer taste better?

Beer scientists have shared that salty, savoury and crunchy tastes can help elevate the taste of a beer.

Therefore, eating snacks like nuts, crisps or pork scratchings when drinking can see some benefit to the taste.

Chris Reid, the Head Brewer at Damm UK, producer of Estrella Damm lager, shared: “Salt reduces the bitterness in beer, making it taste smoother and bringing out more of its natural malty sweetness.

“It also makes your mouth water, which helps carry the flavour to your taste buds more effectively.

“Crunchy foods wake up the nerves in your mouth and face, making your senses feel sharper so every sip tastes more vivid and enjoyable.

Crunchy foods can help “wake up the nerves in your mouth” making your senses feel sharper (Image: Getty Images)

“Meanwhile, the fat and starch in food coat your tongue between sips.

“This clears away any leftover bitterness, so your palate resets and the next sip tastes fresh and clean again.”

The broadcaster and brewer Jaega Wise, who is a spokesperson for the Mr Porky brand, also concurred with this, saying: “A lot of it comes down to contrast.

“Beer can bring bitterness, carbonation and that uncanny ability to quench one’s thirst, while pork scratchings are salty, rich and intensely crunchy.

“Put them together and each one lifts the other making both the beer and scratchings extra moreish!”

Finally, Jorge Thomas, founder of Swaledale Butchers, said: “One of the best things you can have with a pint is freshly cooked pork scratchings.

“There’s a reason they’ve been a pub staple for years.

“The salt lifts the flavour of the beer, whilst the fat and crunch make the next sip even more enjoyable.

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“It’s not that different to salted nuts, just much more interesting.

“People sometimes dismiss pork scratchings as old-fashioned pub food, but there’s a good reason they work.

“Salt, fat, crunch and beer have always been a very happy combination.

“Sometimes the old combinations survive because they work.”

Do you agree that eating salty foods helps improve the taste of beer? Let us know in the comments.

Former England captain David Beckham captured the attention of tennis fans as he attended the first day of Wimbledon with his mother on Monday

Aryna Sabalenka wasted no time in acknowledging David Beckham after progressing to the second round of Wimbledon. Following her 6-2 6-3 victory over Serbian teenager Teodora Kostovic on Centre Court, she made a point of recognising that Sir David was among the spectators in the Royal Box.

Beckham was in the crowd, while his son Romeo watched from another section of Centre Court, as the former footballer opted to bring his mum to Wimbledon’s opening day. Both applauded as the three-time semi-finalist swept aside her youthful opponent.

Sabalenka expressed her gratitude to the crowd for their support, before pausing and turning towards Beckham. She said: “Sir David, thank you for being here.”

Sabalenka also offered generous praise for her opponent, who is widely regarded as a future star of the sport. The world No.1 said: “She brought a really good fight. She stepped in a little more in the second set.

“She pushed me a bit more. I’m happy I was able to close it in straight sets. I totally get it. Playing for the first time on Centre Court, it’s a lot of pressure. But I’m pretty sure she’ll deal with that much better next time.

“I think we all get nervous. It’s just part of our lives. You kind of block that part of your brain and kind of try to focus on yourself. I think with experience I learned how to deal with nerves and expectations a bit better.

“I have to say for the first match I felt pretty good. I’ll rate myself… let’s say 8 out of 10?”

Beckham shared the Royal Box with a host of well-known faces, including Mary Berry, Ronan Keating and Katherine Jenkins, the latter of whom the footballer previously spoke about in a leaked email. The Welsh singer was at the centre of controversial comments made by Beckham, which surfaced nine years ago.

Following Jenkins being awarded an OBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours for her contributions to music and charitable work, while Beckham himself was passed over for a Knighthood, the former England captain vented his frustration in a leaked email to his advisor.

“Katherine Jenkins OBE for what?” the email read. “Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops plus taking coke. F***ing joke.”

In 2018, Jenkins admitted feeling hurt by Beckham’s comments and said the former Manchester United star had not reached out to apologise.

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Mary Berry’s quick and easy pasta dish is perfect for midweek dinners

Mary Berry has unveiled numerous pasta recipes over the years, including lasagne and bolognese bake. However, when temperatures rise, her 15-minute pasta dish is perfect as it’s incredibly simple to prepare.

The recipe notes said: “This is my standby pasta supper as it is so delicious, so quick, and everyone loves it. Great for everyday use or casual supper parties, too.

“Its base is a creme fraiche pasta sauce, and it’s topped with crispy Parma ham, which gives tons of flavour and great texture.”

This recipe feeds six people and can be easily halved or doubled if you’d like leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 350g penne pasta
• Two 80g packs of Parma ham, snipped into small pieces
• 250g small brown chestnut mushrooms, halved or quartered
• 200g full-fat creme fraiche
• 100g Parmesan, grated
• Two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

To serve:

If you prefer to use reduced crème fraîche, simply stir it through at the conclusion of cooking; otherwise, it may split.

For special occasions, Mary suggests adding a pack of asparagus tips to the pasta four minutes before the pasta finishes cooking, then draining the pasta alongside the asparagus tips.

Method:

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water following the packet instructions. Drain and set aside.

Heat a frying pan until hot, then add the Parma ham and fry until crisp.

Transfer half the ham onto a plate and set aside. Next, add the mushrooms to the pan and fry for two minutes.

Add the crème fraîche and bring to the boil. Then, add the pasta, Parmesan and parsley, tossing everything together over the heat. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Mary suggests serving the 15-minute pasta dish with some salad and crunchy bread.

Students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, physical therapy and several other fields will be eligible for higher student loan limits — at least for now — after a federal judge blocked part of a Trump administration rule that held them to lower caps.

The U.S. Education Department issued a revised rule on Monday designed to follow the judge’s order from last week, officials told The Associated Press. Agency officials called it a temporary change while they fight in court to keep the original rule, which defined medicine, law and other fields as “professional programs” but excluded nursing and others.

“While we disagree with the Court’s analysis regarding the Department’s definition of professional degree programs for purposes of determining eligibility for higher loan limits, the Department is complying with the order,” undersecretary Nicholas Kent said in a statement.

The change represents a short-term win for groups that sued to stop the rule. Eight groups challenged the department’s definition in court, representing nurse practitioners, therapists, speech language pathologists and more.

But in strictly applying the judge’s order, the department is now striking some degrees from the list of professional programs, meaning those programs will face lower loan limits. Theology studies programs are among the biggest to shift from professional to non-professional degrees in the shuffle.

The new rule, which takes effect Wednesday, comes from a student loan overhaul passed in President Donald Trump‘s tax bill last year. Programs designated as professional degrees face federal loan caps of $200,000, while other graduate programs are capped at $100,000.

Previously, graduate students had been able to borrow loans up to the full cost of their degree. Trump officials pushed for new loan caps to rein in student debt and lower tuition prices that they said had grown out of control.

The groups that brought the lawsuit said the rule would require students to forgo their studies or take out riskier private loans. Although many graduate nursing degrees fall within the lower loan limits, some can cost more than $100,000, including in high-demand fields like nurse anesthesia.

In a notification to universities on Monday, the Education Department said it’s confident the Trump administration’s initial rule will ultimately be upheld in court. The amended rule is expected to remain in effect during the judge’s preliminary stay, but the department warned that it “may change as litigation in the case proceeds.”

The original rule included about a dozen programs that were deemed professional, which Trump officials had said was not a judgment on their importance but part of a technical definition dating to the 1960s. Along with law and medicine, that list also included theology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, clinical psychology and more.

The temporary rule expands that list to 29 specific degree programs, including master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of nurse anesthesia practice. Others newly added to the professional list include degrees for physical therapy, athletic training, speech-language pathology, physician associates and anesthesiologist assistants.

The department’s communication listed about 25 programs that are now considered non-professional degrees. Along with theology, that list now includes applied psychology, pharmaceutical sciences and others. (The doctor of pharmacy degree remains professional.)

Last week’s court ruling blocked parts of the Education Department’s definition that were added in a federal rulemaking process. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington called it a “misguided” interpretation that strayed from a longstanding definition created by Congress.

The department’s definition laid out several criteria used to weigh if degrees count as professional programs. It said those degrees generally take six years to complete and require licenses to begin practicing, among other requirements.

It also said professional degrees cannot lead to employment that must be “be supervised by another professional” with “more education, training, and qualifications.”

A separate lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democratic-led states challenging the loan caps is still pending.

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Associated Press Writer Heather Hollingsworth contributed to this report from Kansas City.

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The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Maddie, an elderly terrier-type dog, was rescued from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Clitheroe Road last August after being tied in a black bin liner and thrown into the water.

But despite initially surviving, the charity said her condition worsened in the days that followed, and she was euthanised by a vet to prevent further suffering.

Terrence and Sadie Boyd (Image: Social Media)

Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, of Walter Street, Brierfield, were sentenced at Burnley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (June 24) after admitting two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

As previously reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, the pair were each given eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Images released by the RSPCA show Maddie following her rescue, as well as some of the kittens found at the couple’s home.

The court heard a dog walker saw the pair throw a bin liner into the canal on August 27 last year and was told it contained clothes.

Maddie was rescued from the canal but sadly later died (Image: RSPCA)

However, the bag began to move before Maddie’s head emerged, prompting a member of the public to enter the water in an attempt to save her.

Emergency services were called, and she was pulled from the canal by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before being taken to a veterinary practice.

In evidence presented to the court, the vet who treated Maddie said she was hypothermic, with a temperature of 33.2°C, and was “severely malnourished” with significant muscle loss.

She was also found to have severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck.

One of the seven kittens that was rescued from the Boyd’s home (Image: RSPCA)

Her condition failed to improve and, two days later, she began to struggle to walk and developed neurological symptoms. A decision was made to put her to sleep on welfare grounds.

The RSPCA investigation also uncovered poor conditions at the couple’s home.

Seven kittens were removed from the property, all of which were underweight, with some described as urine-soaked. Four were hypothermic and required warming.

One kitten, weighing just 735 grams, was in such a poor condition it had to be euthanised.

Magistrates heard the house was unsanitary, with large amounts of animal faeces and mice present in the kitchen.

CCTV gathered by the RSPCA showed the pair carrying a black bag along Walter Street at around 9.05am before heading towards the canal. Footage later showed them leaving the area and running away.

Maddie was tied up in a plastic bag and thrown into the canal in Brierfield (Image: RSPCA)

In interview, both defendants largely gave no comment, with Sadie Boyd denying being at the canal that morning.

Speaking after the case, RSPCA Chief Inspector Kelly Nix said: “What happened to Maddie was horrifying, and this incident was understandably the cause of great distress to people who were at the scene, the emergency services and the wider local community.

“It was heartbreaking that Maddie’s condition deteriorated and she ultimately could not be saved.”

A corn snake found at the address, which had been kept without heating or suitable lighting, was taken into specialist care. The surviving kittens have since been rehomed.

The Fleadh will be from Sunday August 2 to Sunday August 9

The MAC Belfast will be the Irish language hub for the Belfast Fleadh this year.

Notes published from the Belfast City Council language working group state the Metropolitan Arts Centre in the Cathedral Quarter will serve as the main Irish language hub during the week of the Fleadh.

Belfast for the first time will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, from Sunday August 2 to Sunday August 9. Qualifying competitors from all over the world will showcase the best of traditional music, song, dance and language in All-Ireland competitions.

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With a minimum of 800,000 visitors from across the world, it is anticipated to be the biggest cultural event ever held in Belfast. Tourism NI estimates the 2026 Fleadh will bring £60 million into the Northern Ireland economy. Belfast will host the Fleadh again next year.

Belfast City Council is co-hosting the Fleadh in partnership with the main event organizers, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and the local Ards CCÉ branch.

Council officers have worked to develop a programme of Irish language events in the MAC, supported by an external curator. The programme of events for the MAC will include contributions from local Irish language groups and national Irish language organisations.

Events will include, cupan agus comhrá, a daily coffee and meet-up opportunity for Irish speakers, lectures by the Irish department at the Queen’s University of Belfast and by Gael Linn on the history of Irish language filmmaking, and a song and story event by the Belfast rhymers.

There will be market stalls from local Irish language small businesses, a family yoga class in Irish, family singing classes as well as a sean-nós singing workshop, film screenings, and a workshop by Ulster University focusing on the shared history of the Irish language.

The council working group notes add: “In addition to these planned events, a sub committee of the Irish Language Stakeholders Forum has been convened to discuss potential additional programming in the MAC and the wider Fleadh. Officers will be on site at the MAC across the week to help with the delivery of this programme of events. Footfall through the MAC will be measured across the week.”

Earlier this month a swathe of late night and outdoor licences have been granted for gigs in streets, vacant buildings, alleys and car parks during the Belfast Fleadh.

Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Licensing Committee approved seven applications for entertainments licences in and around the city centre. They will provide music during the festival in a host of spaces, from a vacant warehouse and a car park in the Cathedral Quarter to a campsite in the Titanic Quarter.

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