A palm-sized blue octopus first spotted off the Galapagos Islands in 2015 has been identified as a new deep-sea species, according to a new study.

The octopus, now named Microeledone galapagensis, was spotted during a deep-sea expedition aboard the research vessel EV Nautilus.

The vessel’s crew had deployed a remotely operated robot to explore the seafloor near Darwin Island at the northern edge of the Galápagos archipelago. As the robot moved near an underwater mountain, its camera caught the strange octopus about 5,800ft below the surface.

The crew collected the octopus and filmed two others that looked like it.

The researchers collected several specimens during the expedition but the blue octopus, about the size of a golf ball, stood out.

The octopus was preserved in alcohol and formalin and sent to the Chicago Field Museum for research.

“Right away, I knew it was something really special. I’d never seen anything like it,” said Janet Voight, an author of a new study on the octopus published in the journal Zootaxa.

The Chicago scientists faced a hurdle as they had a single specimen to look at. “When you describe a new species of octopus, you have to look at all the parts, including the mouth, the beak and the teeth,” Dr Voight explained.

“And to see those things, you have to cut the specimen open. We only had the one specimen, so I didn’t want to take it apart.”

To conduct a much more thorough analysis of the specimen at hand, the researchers took CT scans.

“Because CT imaging is non-destructive, it’s especially important for type specimens like this one,” said Stephanie Smith, another author of the study.

“And that’s great for me because people are often bringing me these incredibly rare and stunningly beautiful specimens that I get the privilege of virtually opening up.”

Combining multiple CT scans of a specimen can help create a fairly accurate 3D model.

The scans revealed fine details of the octopus’s internal organs, including its mouth, and helped prove it was indeed a new species to science.

“These are little octopuses that live in the deep sea and hardly anybody on Earth has ever gotten to see them. I just feel lucky that I got to work with them,” Dr Voight said. “If you took all the land on the Earth and pieced it together, you wouldn’t cover the Pacific Ocean. The oceans are so big and there’s so much left to explore.”

The discovery of the octopus species, the researchers note, is a reminder of how much of the ocean around the Galápagos Islands remained unexplored.

“Every new species helps us better understand these hidden ecosystems, and why protecting them matters,” Salome Buglass, marine scientist from the University of California Los Angeles, said.

BBC audiences are gripped by a new six-part documentary series following real PSNI officers on the frontline in Belfast

BBC audiences have uncovered a new compelling watch that they’ve likened to police drama, Blue Lights.

Presented by broadcaster Stephen Nolan, Peelers: The PSNI for Real, is a six-part series that tracks members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland as they navigate the realities of frontline policing throughout Belfast.

From violent encounters and substance dependency problems to highly emotional domestic confrontations, the programme offers viewers an unfiltered glimpse at the pressures officers encounter daily, which mirrors many of the subjects examined in Blue Lights.

Following its arrival on BBC iPlayer on 27 April, the series swiftly captured viewers’ attention, with many confessing they consumed all six episodes consecutively.

The documentary features Stephen Nolan accompanying police officers in Belfast as they attend a broad spectrum of incidents impacting local neighbourhoods, including public disturbances, drug misuse and domestic violence cases, reports the Mirror.

According to the official synopsis: “It also gives viewers a revealing sense of what it’s like to be a police officer and the teamwork that’s required in fast-changing and often uncertain situations.”

Viewers have praised the documentary as both moving and enlightening. One viewer posted on X: “Brilliant show, loved it. Binge-watched the whole series. Hope there’s more.”

Another posted: “Just finished watching all six episodes of Peelers: The PSNI for real with @StephenNolan and I have to admit it’s one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen on TV. Honestly, I had tears in my eyes one minute and laughed the next.”

A third audience member remarked: “Finished Peelers: The PSNI for Real and loved it. It’s important the people of Northern Ireland see what officers have to deal with and out of their uniforms, they are human like all of us.”

Meanwhile, another admirer commended the officers appearing in the programme, stating: “Absolutely brilliant series!! These men and women of the PSNI work their [explicit] off day in day out!”

Reflecting on his two-year journey embedded with police forces across Northern Ireland, presenter Stephen explained: “Peelers is an unfiltered insight into the reality of front-line policing. It’s based on the hundreds of hours that I spent with officers going about their everyday work.

“I’ve been with them as they tackled drug dealers, chased stolen cars and dealt with hostile crowd situations. What I saw was fascinating and unexpected. It blew my mind and I know that BBC audiences will feel the same.”

Peelers: The PSNI For Real is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

Mexican actor Cristo Fernández, 35, has moved from playing professional football in fictional TV to real life after signing with an American football club.

Fernández – who plays Dani Rojas in the popular TV series Ted Lasso – has signed with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC, the second-highest league in the US.

He tells the BBC that it is a “dream come true” to play professional football and that his popular Ted Lasso catchphrase “football is life” was his own invention.

The incident happened on the M50 in Gloucestershire

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An eight-day-old baby was injured in a motorway crash after a car flipped onto it’s roof. The horrific incident happened in Gloucestershire at 6.15am today (May 25).

The Mirror reports a Peugeot 308 collided with the nearside barrier between junctions 1 and 2 of the M50 before overturning. A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol following a police investigation.

She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment, while the eight-day-old baby was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Motorists faced long delays while accident recovery and police investigation work was carried out, Gloucestershire Live reports.

One lane of the M50 eastbound remains closed to allow barrier repairs to take place. Traffic was at a standstill for several hours as emergency services attended the scene.

Police are now appealing for witnesses. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage of the moments leading up to it.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Pickering by emailing paul.pickering@westmercia.police.uk.”

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You may have used this time of year to give your home its annual once-over, mow the grass again, and finally wash the car. But have you given your finances a spring clean?

James Kelly – North West Manager for the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) – offers some guidance on the help that’s available from MoneyHelper (https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en)– MaPS’ government-backed money-guidance service.

Organise your income and expenses

An easy place to start is knowing what’s coming in and going out.

Check your bank account

If you haven’t already, it is worth going through your bank account and checking your transactions, so you know exactly what you have to spend each month and where you can potentially cut back. Are you spending too much on coffee?

Do you need that extra subscription? It is a small thing, but some little cuts can make a big difference.

James Kelly, Regional Manager for the Money and Pensions Service (Image: MoneyHelper)

Get everything you’re entitled to

Recent research suggests millions of households could be missing out on unclaimed benefits and social tariffs worth billions of pounds. Whether it is Child Benefit, Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you could be entitled to more.

Make a clear budget

Once you know your income, you can make a budget that works for you. Start by calculating your essential expenses, and then you can plan for the things you enjoy. If this sounds daunting, don’t worry, MoneyHelper has a helpful Benefits Calculator (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/benefits-calculator) and Budget Planner (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner) to help you make the most out of your finances.

Your pension

It might seem like a lifetime away, but it’s never too early to start saving for retirement. The earlier you start, the more you will have when the time comes. It sounds simple, and it is, but here are a few useful tips to keep you on the right track.

Check your statements

Our previous research shows that only a third of people who pay into a pension actually engage with it. Check your statements annually, or log in online at any time, to see how your pension is doing.

Update your contact details

Ensure your contact details are up to date – if you’ve moved home or changed names, it’s hard for your provider to get in touch with you.

Get a Pension Wise appointment

If you’re over 50 with a Defined Contribution pension, you can get a free Pension Wise (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pension-wise) appointment to discuss your pension options. You can also visit MoneyHelper.org.uk for further support.

Future-proofing

When spring cleaning your finances, try to think further into the future if possible. It’s not just saving for that rainy day, but in the shorter term, it could be covering that new car, or even helping towards your new home.

Savings

There are a range of options when it comes to savings, and it is always worth shopping around to find the best interest rates. Stocks and Shares ISAs can offer higher returns than cash savings in the long-term and are tax-free, but always be aware of the risks.

Making your will

No one wants to think about it, but everyone should have a financial plan in place for when they die. However, just over half of adults between 50 and 64 do not have a will in place.

Setting out who gets what is just good sense and ensures your nearest and dearest have some comfort when the time comes.

Don’t worry, it is easier than it sounds, and before you speak to a solicitor, MoneyHelper has a step-by-step (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/death-and-bereavement/planning-what-to-leave-in-your-will) guide to help.

A NEW poll published today has found that one in three people in Yorkshire and nearly half of UK adults spend just three hours or less outdoors a week.

The survey commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts and carried out by Savanta, also found that 6.2 per cent of people said they now spent an hour or less per week outside.

The trend appears to have grown over time, as 92 per cent of respondents had positive memories of spending time outside as a child. The survey revealed deep connections between childhood and nature in Yorkshire:

Enjoying being outside – Photo by Leia Morrison

· Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of people spent more than half of their time outside as a child

· 66 per cent of the people questioned said they were more likely to reconnect with nature after thinking about their childhood memories

· 89 per cent of the parents asked to recall their childhood memories said they now wished to encourage their own children to have more natural childhoods

One in three in Yorkshire rarely go outdoors

There is already a wealth of evidence to show that spending time in nature boosts happiness, health and wellbeing, and The Wildlife Trusts now plan to tap into the power of positive childhood memories to help adults to venture outdoors more. They are calling on people to ‘rewild your inner child’ by taking part in the 30 Days Wild challenge in the month of June.

The annual challenge to take time out to notice nature during June happens when wildlife is in peak performance mode.

People can ‘re-wild their inner child’ by making use of the free 30 Days Wild guides, wildflower seeds, activity packs and inspiring community events – and reconnect with everyday wildlife found in gardens, local greenspaces and beyond.

Tom Wright, director of fundraising and engagement at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, says: “Whether you were a mud-pie enthusiast, liked building dens in your local woodland, playing tag on the grass or hunting for bugs and beasties in your garden border, nature has left its green mark on all of us – even if we struggle now to make time for it.

“The number of people who spend so little time outdoors is deeply alarming. Being outdoors in nature has so much joy to offer us all – fresh air, sunlight, birdsong and so many proven health benefits – and it is clear many of us hold a deep nostalgia for our wilder years.

“Given how strongly community areas like town parks featured in reported childhood memories, this survey highlights the vital need to maintain and provide more precious urban green spaces to offer access to nature for everyone. We must recall the wilder and greener years of our childhoods and create opportunities for young people to experience the same: because without that connection to nature, there will be no drive to help us create a wilder future.”

Take the challenge

The Trust is urging people to spend a few minutes recalling a childhood memory of being outside and then to venture outdoors and experience nature once more. Taking a moment this June to rewild yourself can be as simple as stopping for a few deep breaths at your local park, scattering free wildflower seeds in your garden or window box, or lying on the ground looking up through the trees to the birds above.

Having fun outdoors.. Photo -Evie and Tom Photography

30 Days Wild has attracted more than three million participants across the UK and, with thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery, has helped people to enjoy and connect with nature for over a decade.

This year The Wildlife Trusts have teamed up with Acamar Films and Bing to create a new range of fun, inspiring activity resources, designed especially for the next generation of young nature explorers. With much-loved children’s TV character Bing by their side, children can enjoy simple outdoor adventures, spot wildlife, use their imagination and make their own lasting memories of being in nature.

To take part in this year’s 30 Days Wild challenge visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild

Seaham Hall, the award-winning resort on Lord Byron’s Walk, and one of the best hotels in the world as rated by La Liste Magazine, has launched a £10.7 million collection of high-end holiday properties designed for overseas professionals seeking an investment and a base back home.

With one, two, and three-bedroom options, the new Residences offer a blend of private ownership and access to resort amenities.

(Image: Ryan Wicks)

Owners can enjoy the Serenity Spa, dining facilities, and a fully managed subletting service with potential returns of up to £56,133 net per year.

Ross Grieve, managing director of Seaham Hall, said: “Our new Residences offer something incredibly special – the chance to own a piece of North East heritage in one of the UK’s most breathtaking coastal settings.

“For those who have built lives overseas, this is about coming home in a way that feels effortless, luxurious and entirely flexible.

“Whether staying for family celebrations, summer holidays or remote working escapes, owners have complete freedom and the added benefit of strong income potential when they’re away.”

Guide prices for the properties range from £425,000 to £750,000.

(Image: Seaham Hall)

Jack Hurley, commercial director of Seaham Hall, said: “What makes our luxury lodge ownership stand out is the freedom that comes with it, which is something that we find is attractive to a lot of overseas buyers looking to invest.

“With our Residences, you have the choice to make complete use of the property yourself or can rent or sublet throughout the year to maximise your potential income, with guaranteed rental returns of up to £56,133 (net) annually.

“This allows you to seamlessly integrate ownership into your lifestyle and make the most of your coastal retreat.”

The homes were designed by Gaunt Francis, inspired by contemporary coastal living and echoing the luxury of estates such as The Lakes by Yoo.

The launch expands Seaham Hall’s growing property portfolio and positions Seaham as one of the most desirable coastal investment opportunities in the North East.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has lambasted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for sharing a video of Army Blackhawk helicopters flying above race cars at the Indy 500.

The helicopter flyover, conducted by Indiana Army National Guard members in the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade Sunday, was part of the “Pace Lap for America,” honoring the U.S. military and the nation’s 250th birthday.

But Newsom, known for trolling the Trump administration, team didn’t seem impressed, given the economic worries plaguing Americans.

After Hegseth shared a video of the flyover on X, along with an American flag emoji, Newsom’s press office replied, “Sir, we just want lower gas prices.”

Gas prices have more than doubled since the start of the Iran war nearly three months ago. The national average for a gallon of gas is roughly $4.50, and in California, gas costs about $6.12 per gallon, according to the auto club AAA.

An Army helicopter flyby near Kid Rock’s Nashville-era mansion in March drew intense scrutiny. Two AH-64 Apache helicopters on a training run had hovered near his home, prompting an administrative review. Hegseth later said there would be “No punishment. No investigation.”

“This is a level of respect that s*** for brains Governor of California will never know,” Kid Rock, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, posted online at the time.

The Independent has reached out to the White House and the Defense Department for comment.

After the U.S. and Israel began launching strikes against Iran at the end of February, Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing gas prices to skyrocket.

Earlier this month, Trump admitted, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.”

“I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he said in response to a reporter’s question about the economic burden of the Iran war.

Americans are struggling not only at the gas pump, but also with high grocery bills and the cost of other living expenses. In April, the annual inflation rate rose to 3.8 percent, the highest level since 2023.

Meanwhile, Trump and his administration are pulling out all the stops for America’s 250th birthday, including a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House.

Newsom’s press office reiterated its stance when photos showing the early construction of the White House UFC ring were released. “Mr. President, we just want lower gas prices,” the governor’s team wrote on X Monday.

While the UFC is paying for the fight, which will be hosted on Trump’s 80th birthday on June 14, grand celebrations at a time when Americans are grappling with the rising cost of living can seem “out of touch,” as Democratic Senator Patty Murray from Washington state put it.

Murray was talking to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing last week. She took issue with Duffy’s reality show, which filmed him and his family on a cross-country road trip to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

“Americans don’t have corporation sponsors to pay for their gas,” Murray said. Duffy defended the project, saying at the hearing that it was meant to unite a divided America.

The mill’s flour is sold at National Trust locations

A Cambridgeshire watermill has warned customers to “stop using the flour” after an inspection. Houghton Mill, an 18th-century working watermill on Mill Street, has advised anyone who has purchased their flour with a 2026 production date to stop using it while further investigation is carried out.

The mill, managed by the National Trust, is situated on the idyllic River Great Ouse. It said it had a routine inspection on the grain used to produce Houghton Mill flour and now further tests are being carried out.

Houghton Mill have confirmed that any affected flour can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. The mill’s flour is sold at National Trust locations such as Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, which have also advised customers to not use the flour.

A statement by the mill said: “Following the routine inspection of grain used to produced the Houghton Mill flour, as a precaution, we’re advising anyone who has purchased Houghton Mill flour with a 2026 production date from our shop to stop using the flour while we carry out further tests.

“Any flour can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Houghton Mill has three floors of traditional machinery and milling demonstrations as well as water meadows and pretty walking routes alongside the River Great Ouse.

Professor Ciaran Martin, the former head of the GCHQ agency, said in a post on LinkedIn: “Senior figures in public life should not make unsubstantiated claims about foreign (especially Russian) state hacking against them just when something inconvenient comes out, as in this Mail On Sunday splash yesterday where Mr Farage claims the source of knowledge about his £5 million gift from a crypto tycoon was hacking from Moscow.