Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Portugal to believe they can finally win the World Cup.

Ronaldo will be competing in what will be a record-equalling sixth tournament.

The biggest prize of all also remains the one trophy to have eluded the footballing icon throughout his glittering career.

He knows at the age of 41, this could be his last chance complete his remarkable haul of trophies.

Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign with an opening game against DR Congo in Houston tomorrow (WED).

And Ronaldo wants Roberto Martinez’s men to leave nothing behind in the quest to conquer the world.

He said: “Every time we wear this jersey, we feel the same pride, the same passion and the same sense of responsibility as on the first day.

“Tomorrow begins a new chapter.

“We worked hard to reach this moment, and now it’s time to give everything for our country, and for all the Portuguese communities that support us here and around the world. Believe it like we do.”

Martinez, meanwhile, will face the media later, when he is expected to address speculation he will stand down as Portugal manager at the end of the tournament.

An American who was filmed giving his adopted son the Heimlich manoeuvre was mistaken for abusing the child by an angry mob.

A video taken by a woman in northern Bogota appeared to show the Texan holding a child on his balcony on Saturday.

In the viral clip, the woman screams out at him ‘He’s abusing the child, let him go!’ with several others yell for the police.

The man looks out at the people shouting and then ushers the child inside.

He was quicky surrounded by an angry mob trying to break into the apartment complex. Protests formed outside the tower’s lobby so he couldn’t flee before a

Police were called and arrested him on suspicion of child abuse, escorting him through the baying crowds whipped up by child sex tourism abuses in the country.

The man, a 36-year-old, was initially accused of abusing a 7-year-old boy.

But it was later revealed that the Texan had, in fact, been trying to stop his adopted son from choking to death on food.

President Gustavo Petro said: ‘I must notify Colombian society because my commitment is to the truth, that the American citizen of Texan origin, captured in an apartment in northern Bogotá, apparently did not violate any of his adopted children in Colombia.

‘He took him out to the balcony due to a clog from eating the food poorly. The images deceived the Colombians who went en masse to defend the child. Now we have indeed made victims of boys and girls. If these indications of the facts are confirmed, justice must grant him all his rights as a human being.’

Three children were found by authorities when they entered the suspect’s apartment and were taken to a medical centre to be evaluated, Mayor Carlos Galan said in a post on X. 

Colombia’s state agency for child protection confirmed that the three children are now in its care.

The President said the children had now been made victims folllowing the actions of the crowd.

He also warned that AI had riled up crowds and that Colombia would be vulnerable to manipulation from foreign powers, especially during elections.

Invoking Simon Bolivar, he added: ‘A good lesson in reality for those of us who can easily be collectively deceived by images that do not match reality, and that is precisely what the entire Colombian society lives through, bombarded by companies with artificial intelligence

‘Here they transformed, as it seems to be the same case of the supposedly paedophile American, reality into virtuality.

‘Massive, collective deception through manipulation of consciousness. Colombians are exposed, like the whole world, to computer manipulation, and it is being fully used in these elections in Colombia.

‘They want to dumb us down through artificial intelligence on information channels.

‘I believe we have transformed into a paedophile, someone who is not.’

An official report from the prosecutor’s office determined ‘there had been no sexual abuse and no physical violence,’ and ‘no evidence indicating criminal conduct,’ according to the Colombian news outlet Noticias Caracol.

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The radio hosts claim the Tartan Army are doing an ‘awesome’ job in their city

The Tartan Army have made a thunderous impression during their stay in Boston for the 2026 World Cup, turning parts of the city into a massive party as Scotland’s supporters continue to support their team in the tournament.

Scotland made the perfect start to their group campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti on June 13 at Boston Stadium. The win sparked huge celebrations among supporters who have remained in Boston ahead of their next match against Morocco on Friday, June 19.

With fans staying in the city between matches, the celebrations have only continued throughout Boston and local businesses are beginning to feel the impact. A viral TikTok clip from the Boston sports radio station WEEI Sports captured the scale of the Scottish presence, with the three broadcasters reacting in disbelief at how quickly the city has been transformed.

One radio host shared a quote from the chief operating officer of Hennessy’s Bar in downtown Boston, who said the scale of the Tartan Army was unlike anything she had seen in decades.

Repeating the quote from the bar owner, she said: “We’ve been here for over 30 years. We’ve never seen anything like it. We tripled St Patrick’s Day over the weekend with the Scottish visitors. They brought back fun, that was lost.”

The demand proved so intense that, that the radio hosts said that by Sunday night the bar had completely sold out of beer, forcing emergency restocks ahead of the next Scotland game on Friday.

The clip went on to highlight similar scenes elsewhere in the city, with Federal Wine and Spirits also reporting rapid sell-outs of popular beer brands. The radio hosts then went on to recall a moment that summed up the Tartan Army in Boston, saying: “A patron walked in and bought two bottles of water and 20 Scottish shoppers inside the store boo’d her.”

The radio station then erupted into fits of laughter at the story, with one host simply responding: “There a lot of fun.”

As the discussion continued, the hosts reflected on the wider impact of the Scotland fans, suggesting the city had adapted in a positive way to the Tartan Army.

“It’s part of a feel-good story and this being a big party that’s going very well for the city, it is loosening us up a little bit,” the host added.

Another added that restrictions around nightlife, shops and travel felt more relaxed during major events like this, and that the overall effect had been overwhelmingly positive.

“I do think that this kind of shows that if people are given the opportunity to celebrate, it’s good for business, everybody is having a great time. It’s not chaos in the streets,” she said.

As one host summed up the mood simply stating: “There partying hasn’t inconvenienced me in one bit. The people of Scotland, the people of Boston have done an awesome job.”

The broadcasters then went on to draw some comparison between Boston’s own sporting history, comparing the Tartan Army’s travelling support to Patriots fans during their earliest Super bowl runs.

As one of the host said: “They are taking in the city, they love their team. You kind of get it as a Patriots fan because its been 28 years since they’ve been in a World Cup. And it’s almost like that first Super Bowl where the Patriot’s fans all travelled to New Orleans.”

READ MORE: Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the World Cup

They continued: “But they have taken over the city in a great way and it’s more than Hennessy’s, there are multiple bars that apparently ran out of beer this weekend, which has never happened in the city.”

The comment section on the TikTok was filled with Scots back home as they shared their thoughts on the bars running out of booze. With one Scottish user writing: “In Scotland you can’t buy alcohol from 10pm until 10am unless in a licensed venue. We aren’t allowed to drink alcohol at football matches either. This is a big deal for us to be able to drink when we want.”

As another agreed, adding: “Just to be clear, we’re like this all the time, this isn’t just a World Cup thing. We’ll celebrate anything.”

Meanwhile Boston locals have welcomed the Tartan Army with open arms, as one American stated in the comment section: “Coming from someone who lives in Boston, we want the Tartan army back every year!”

With a second penning: “Boston definitely won during this World Cup as a city hosting Scotland for 2 group games.”

Consumer group Which? has warned that drivers who cannot afford to pay their annual premium upfront are being hit with what campaigners describe as a “poverty premium” – effectively paying extra simply because they need to budget month by month.

The warning comes as separate research reveals that nearly two-thirds of insurance customers would be forced to cut cover, downgrade policies or even sell their car if monthly payment options disappeared.

The hidden cost of paying monthly

While many drivers assume paying monthly is simply a convenient way to spread costs, experts say it often works more like a loan.

Which? found some insurers are still charging annual percentage rates (APRs) of up to 29.9% for customers who choose to pay in instalments rather than upfront.

That means motorists can end up paying substantially more for exactly the same insurance policy.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, said: “Millions of motorists rely on monthly payments to afford essential car insurance cover, yet many are still being charged interest rates comparable to an expensive credit card.”

Which? found some providers have reduced rates compared with two years ago, when APRs above 35% were still being charged, but argues progress remains too slow.

Why drivers feel they have no choice

The problem is particularly acute because many households simply cannot afford to pay hundreds of pounds upfront in a single payment.

New research from Premium Credit found that 64% of insurance customers would reduce their level of cover or switch to cheaper policies if monthly payment options were unavailable.

More than one in five motorists (22%) said they would consider selling their car altogether if they could not spread the cost of insurance.

The study also found that 24% of customers have switched from annual payments to monthly payments during the past year, highlighting the growing financial pressure facing households.

Mona Patel from Premium Credit, said: “Insurance customers very much value being able to pay for cover monthly and it is clear that not being able to do so would have a major impact.

“The research shows people are increasingly switching to monthly payments for car and home insurance.”

Should you get life insurance young, as its cheaper? Can I keep my bank account but get switchers’ bonus? When to STOP investing? These & more in this week’s Question Time podcast, do give it a listen… https://t.co/O7b14FLwb2https://t.co/R4eZdU6Xi2https://t.co/RCrSyznDx9

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) June 8, 2026

Why more drivers are switching

Rising living costs and higher insurance premiums have pushed many motorists towards instalment plans.

According to Premium Credit’s research, 13% of drivers are even planning to increase their level of motor insurance cover in the coming year, despite ongoing financial pressures.

Dave Taylor, Chief Customer Officer at Somerset Bridge, said: “Customer payment preferences have changed over the last five years with more customers using premium finance, linked both to rising motor insurance premiums and wider economic pressures affecting disposable income.”

What drivers should check before renewing

Consumer experts recommend motorists compare not only the headline insurance premium but also the APR charged for paying monthly.

A policy that appears cheaper at first glance can sometimes become more expensive once interest charges are added.

Drivers approaching renewal should:

• Compare the total annual cost, not just monthly payments
• Check the APR before agreeing to pay monthly
• Consider whether paying annually could save money overall
• Shop around rather than automatically renewing
• Review whether their level of cover still meets their needs

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The growing ‘poverty premium’

The findings reignite concerns that those least able to afford large upfront payments are often charged the most.

While monthly payments provide crucial flexibility for millions of households, consumer groups argue that drivers should not face credit-card-style interest rates simply to access a legal requirement.

With car insurance remaining mandatory for motorists, the debate over whether monthly payment charges are fair is likely to intensify as household budgets remain under pressure.

The 13-month-old died in July 2023 at the hands of teacher Jamie Varley, 37, his adoptive father from Blackpool. Varley, adopted Preston Davey at nine months old with his partner, ex-public schoolboy and financial sales manager, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32.

Preston had been taken from his mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, by an emergency care order by Oldham Council.

The vigil was organised by Niamh Cardwell-Clarke in Preston’s Flag Market and was about remembering ‘the beautiful little boy he was’.

Tributes including pictures of Preston Davey were left at the vigil as people from across the county gathered to remember the ‘smiley’ baby.

The biological father of murdered Preston Davey told the BBC:  “My son went through four months of terror at the hands of a monster.

“My son should be alive today on his birthday and not dead.”

Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption and at nine months old Preston began living at their home in Blackpool, Lancs in April 2023.

But in the just under four months he was in their care, he was routinely ill-treated, had indecent images and videos taken of him, sexually abused and physically assaulted, suffering 40 traumatic injuries, the defendant’s trial at Preston Crown Court has heard.

Mbappe and, significantly, his entire family, have always had it in their mind they wanted the striker to reach the top of the global game. And so ‘Project Mbappe’ was born.

“Kylian was just school and football,” says childhood friend Rayan Viyanga in a BBC Sport documentary called Mbappe. “School, football, home.”

He was born on the outskirts of Paris in the suburb of Bondy in 1998, just five months after France won the World Cup for the first time.

The family flat overlooked the AS Bondy football pitches, where his father Wilfried was a player turned coach.

“Kylian was already one step ahead of many other players at AS Bondy,” Viyanga said. “He was advanced for his age group and wanted to play with the best. That was a strict rule of his, to play with the best.”

Laurens added: “As a kid, he learned La Marseillaise at the age of three just to be ready to sing it when that first cap would come.”

Mbappe – whose mother Fayza Lamari is a former professional handball player – pinned up pictures of idol Cristiano Ronaldo and watched old footage of Zidane, another Real Madrid superstar.

A bigger influence closer to home though was Jires Kembo Ekoko, his adopted brother, who was selected for the French Federation’s national academy at Clairefontaine years before Mbappe himself went there. Ekoko went on to play for Rennes in Ligue 1.

Matt Spiro, an author and French football expert, told BBC Sport: “Kylian initially found it a bit difficult at Clairefontaine. He was there for two years and during the first year, he certainly wasn’t the best in his group.

“Mbappe would play out on the wing and would quite frequently be in a sulky mood.

“He had a growth spurt, I think towards the end of his first year in Clairefontaine, and by the second year, he was really starting to look the business.”

But his rapid rise was no surprise, after all even Nike had come calling with free boots, aged just 10.

The forward, tracked by Europe’s biggest clubs from an early age, left his hometown of Paris for the glamour of Monaco at the age of 14.

He had spent time with Chelsea and Real Madrid but the Mbappe family were adamant that their son should stay in France during his teenage years.

Aged 16 years and 347 days, he became the youngest player in Monaco’s history – beating the record set by Henry in 1994 – when he appeared as an 88th-minute substitute against Caen.

Three months later, he became the club’s youngest scorer with his first senior goal against Troyes, beating another record previously set by Henry.

“When he broke through at Monaco, you could tell the talent was so unique,” said Laurens. “We have had great youngsters and talent, but he has something a little bit different.”

The launch took place recently at the Golden Slipper in York, which is the Spring Pub of the Season for York CAMRA.

More symbolically, perhaps, The Golden Slipper was also the branch’s first headquarters back in 1974 and was listed in the first ever Good Beer Guide which was launched at a National AGM in York that year.

Festival organiser Karl Smith said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce that tickets are now on sale for our 52nd Beer Festival and the 4th festival at the wonderful St Lawrence Church which has proved a very popular new venue”

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“Our beer festival remains the highlight of the year in York for thousands of local residents and visitors from around the UK who attend to sample the largest collection of real ales; craft beers and ciders available in one place – over 200 in all”

“Be sure to get your tickets early to ensure you get to attend your preferred session and we’ve already seen a big uptake from CAMRA members who enjoy free entry to every session for the first time ever”

This is the fourth annual event at St. Lawrence’s Church at the top of Hull Road, since it  had to relocate from the Knavesmire.

York Camra says St Lawrence’s is a magnificent venue, a spectacular Church (2nd only in size only to the Minster in York) and Hall in attractive grounds.

The 200-plus beers and ciders will cover all types, styles, strengths and come from local, UK and overseas brewers. There will also be gin, wine and mead.

Karl Smith, beer festival organiser (Image: Pic supplied)

York CAMRA will again run a Locale blind-tasting competition, and the CAMRA Festival special brew is being brewed in collaboration with Trig Brewery this year;

There will be a range of ticketed, tutored tasting sessions and presentations from local brewers and beer experts.

The beer list will also go on-line shortly before the festival, and an online live beer list will be running during the festival. Free programmes will be given to attendees on entry.

New this year, inline with CAMRA policy nationally, CAMRA members will have free entry.

The event, which runs from September 16 to September 19 promises a friendly atmosphere and dogs are welcome, The venue wis wheelchair friendly.

York CAMRA has again partnered with York Rescue Boat to help raise funds for their valuable work.

York CAMRA details this year’s festival. (Image: Pic supplied)

There will be a good selection of streetfood vendors by the beer garden with a variety of world cuisines plus a snack bar with traditional pub favourites.

CaMRA adds it is seeking volunteers as well as sponsors for the event, with cask sponsorship costing £100 + VAT.

Advance tickets are now available. A link and lots more information, including volunteering and sponsorship are on our website https://yorkbeerfestival.uk

It is the first of the brand to open in Manchester and is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands.

The hotel, named Aloft by Marriott Manchester City Centre, is a 358-room hotel located on Deansgate.

The property officially opened on June 16 and is close to Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop and destinations such as Manchester Central Convention Centre, Spinningfields and Oxford Road.

Abi Hindle, general manager, said: “We’re thrilled to open the very first Aloft by Marriott in a city known for its warm hospitality.

“Aloft by Marriott is a fantastic addition to Manchester’s already flourishing hospitality landscape, and we look forward to welcoming guests from near and far.”

Developed by Dean Street Developments, the hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline.

Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice president, brand management, EMEA at Marriott International, said Aloft’s identity is a strong match for Manchester.

Ms Schulze-Potgieter said: “We are delighted to introduce Aloft by Marriott to Manchester, bringing this upscale, lifestyle brand to one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.

“Aloft is different by design.

“It is a hub, or launching and landing pad for all that travel has in store, bringing our unique attitude and atmosphere to each and every stay, now also in Manchester – a city internationally recognised for its creativity, individuality, and innovation.”

The hotel offers family-friendly amenities through the Camp Aloft programme for children, and welcomes pets with the Arf (Animals R Fun) scheme, which includes in-room toys and treats.

Other facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre and a private meeting space for business travellers.

Room rates start from £95 per night.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points during their stay, and access mobile check-in and digital key services via the Marriott Bonvoy app.

Luke O’Nien, who has played more than 300 times for Sunderland AFC, has been recognised by the University of Sunderland for his “outstanding contribution” to the city, both on and off the field.

He will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sport during the university’s graduation ceremonies, which take place the week of July 6 at The Fire Station in Sunderland city centre.

The university’s honorary awards acknowledge individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their fields.

Mr O’Nien said: “I don’t think I can find the words to express what it means.

“I came here to play football and get the club back to the Premier League, and every time people thank me, I’m like – no, thank YOU.

Luke O’Nien (Image: University Of Sunderland)

“You guys took me on and gave me the opportunity.

“You gave me time and space to learn and grow as a player and as a dad.

“You guys have given me the life that I’ve always wanted, on and off the pitch.

“I’ve turned up and given my everything but without the community here I wouldn’t have this opportunity.

“I am unbelievably grateful and I will make sure that I will do my best to keep contributing to the Sunderland community the best I can.”

Mr O’Nien joined Sunderland in 2018 and has since become one of the team’s most enduring and admired figures.

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor and chief executive at the University of Sunderland, said: “Luke is someone who embodies the very best of Sunderland’s spirit; talented, hardworking, resilient community‑minded and relentlessly positive.

“Quite rightly, people refer to Luke as ‘Mr Sunderland’ and it is highly appropriate that the city’s university now recognises his outstanding achievements.”

Luke O’Nien (Image: University Of Sunderland)

Mr O’Nien is respected not only for his footballing achievements but also for his leadership, positivity and support for the wider community.

He said: “One of the most important things in life is human connection and hearing people’s stories of where they’ve come from and where they’re going.

“I think everybody is carrying something that nobody else can see.

“We all have challenges, we all have setbacks and we all have moments when life feels heavy.

“Sometimes the best thing you can do is take the time to listen – not to judge, not to solve the problem, just to understand.

“When people feel seen, heard and supported, incredible things can happen.”

Some of the ingredients are actually harmed by putting them in the fridge

Most people will think that it’s absolutely normal to store everything that goes into the salad in the fridge – as generally it’s the type of food which ill go off quickly. However food fans have been told that some of the ingredients are actually harmed by putting them in the fridge.

When people come to dish up at dinner or a barbecue they will want their salad to be zingy and fresh – but exeprts say storing some items in cupboaards is of benefit.

Tomatoes

According to food scientists tomatoes will certainly lose their flavour and texture if stored in the fridge. The acids and sugars start to break down in cold conditions causing the flavour to change.

The cell structure becomes soft and squidgy which is not what you want on your sarnie. Keep tomatoes on your counter with your fruits.

The BBC Good Food guide says: “Many people pop their tomatoes straight into the fridge the moment they get home from the shops, but this is arguably a mistake if you want to enjoy their best flavour. Chilling tomatoes actually mutes their taste and can degrade their texture, leaving them mealy rather than juicy. Unless your tomatoes are very ripe and you won’t be eating them for a couple of days, they’re best stored at room temperature. If you do need to keep ripe tomatoes in the fridge, put them in a perforated bag, but take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating to help revive their flavour.”

If you don’t use a tin of tomatoes all in one go, transfer the remainder to a non-metal, airtight container and store in the fridge – it will last for around two days.

Cucumbers

Dr Chris Smith explained that refrigerating fruit such as cucumbers: “Cucumbers, like many fruits, have evolved to grow, mature and ripen in warm temperatures,” said Dr Smith.

“Fridges are below four degrees celsius and the rationale for having things at that temperature is that it suppresses the growth of the kinds of things that cause food spoilage: fungi and bacteria.”

However, keeping the fruit cool can not only hinder the ripening process, but cause ‘cold injury’. Dr Smith likened the practice of putting a cucumber in a cool box to trying to grow a cucumber in winter.

“It doesn’t like it,” he explained. “The cells don’t like it, the metabolism of the cucumber goes off kilter, the ripening process is thwarted and it produces chemicals that that might not taste as nice and tissues that might not taste as nice.”

Onions

They can last up to two months when stored in a cupboard or at cool room temperature. Onions should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place. Spring onions can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Only spring onions should be stored in the fridge. Brown, red and white onions are best stored in a cool, dry, dark place, ideally in a cloth bag.