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NewsBeat

MOVIE REVIEW: We see if sequel ‘Mortal Kombat II’ is a flawless victory

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Bloody, brutal fight scenes are the follow-up’s highlight but information-heavy story lacks punch.

Picking up where the 2021 flick left off, Earth’s champions – including Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) – are pitted against the dark rule of Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford) in a battle that threatens the planet’s existence.

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Anyone wondering where the heck the familiar tournament from the hit games was in the first film will be satisfied as it’s here in all of its bloody, brutal glory.

The fight scenes are the highlight of returning director Simon McQuoid’s sequel as characters face off in a variety of imposing, colourful locations armed with superpowers and wild weapons.

The showdowns reach their apex during a clash at the blue portal which feels ripped straight out of the video games, while a fiery trip to the Netherrealm also packs a punch.

Urban, long suggested as a fans’ dream casting choice as Cage , adds much needed star power and wit, Adeline Rudolph’s brave, strong-willed Kitana gets a lot of focus and Josh Lawson remains a funny, zinger-laden anti-hero as the back-from-the-dead Kano .

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But while Ford is physically intimidating and wields a mighty hammer, Kahn is a generic villain who completely sidelines previous movie baddie Shang Tsung (Chin Han), and Tadanobu Asano’s Lord Raiden also spends much of his screen time laid out on a slab.

It’s very difficult to adapt a fight-heavy game like Mortal Kombat and this follow-up struggles with its story beats.

The script’s tactic is basically throw fireballs of information dumps at the audience and hope we take it all in and the flick follows a face-off, little bit of chat then another face-off format throughout.

READ MORE: MOVIE REVIEW: We see if sequel ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ was worth the two-decade wait

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A side mission regarding an all-powerful amulet swells the running time but feels otherwise unnecessary – and its possession would surely make the whole tournament redundant?

Outside of nostalgia increasing love for the 1995 film, the bombastically brutal Mortal Kombat II is probably as close to an effective live-action take on the games as we’re likely to get – frustrating flaws and all.

What is your favourite flick based on a video game?

Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.

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Mortal Kombat II is showing in cinemas now.

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Pep Guardiola set to leave Man City this summer after 10 years

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Manchester Evening News

Manchester City set to replace Pep Guardiola this summer after the manager called time on his tenure at the Etihad after 10 years

Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season to bring to an end an incredible decade at the Etihad. The Blues are looking to add the Premier League title this week to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup but it is understood that the manager has already agreed time to call time on his 10 years at the club

There has been speculation at various points in the last year that the City manager would depart this summer. Guardiola and City have pointed to the fact that the manager’s contract runs until 2027 – the manager did so again as recently as Monday’s press conference – and that he has never previously broken a contract, but an early departure is now expected with some staff having been resigned for weeks that the end was coming.

City have refused to comment on the story and Guardiola will be asked about it when he takes his team to Bournemouth on Tuesday for a game that they have to win. They will then finish the season on Sunday at home to Aston Villa in front of a record crowd at the Etihad, with a parade also announced for Monday.

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Enzo Maresca is expected to be the man picked to succeed Guardiola as the next City manager. The Italian originally worked in the club’s academy before returning as Guardiola’s assistant for the 2022/23 season as the team won the Treble.

He then left again to take charge of Leicester and after winning promotion back to the Premier League for the Foxes at the first time of asking, the coach went to Chelsea and won the Europa Conference League and then the Club World Cup. City spoke to Maresca earlier this season as the club considered options for if Guardiola were to leave, and he has been out of work since January when he left Chelsea by mutual consent.

City have not confirmed that Guardiola will leave or commented on their next moves, but whoever replaces Guardiola will face an impossible task to live up to a man who has changed the game forever. The Catalan leaves with a slew of records, including overseeing the first team to reach 100 Premier League points, the first to win four consecutive league titles in English football, the first to win all English domestic titles in one season, and just the second to complete the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in a single campaign.

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Victory at Wembley in the FA Cup final on Saturday added more silverware to Guardiola’s collection and they retain an outside shot of surprising Arsenal in the final days of the Premier League. Were the Blues to do that, the 55-year-old will have won 15 out of 30 major domestic trophies in the last decade in addition to the Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup, and three Community Shields.

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Foods To Store In The Refrigerator Vs. The Pantry

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Foods To Store In The Refrigerator Vs. The Pantry

There are two kinds of people when it comes to storing food: those who put everything they buy directly into the fridge or freezer and throw out any food that’s within a day of a sell-by date, and those who take a more relaxed view.

Is their ketchup out on the counter? You bet it is, perhaps sitting next to some hot sauce and a package of tortillas. It’s a scene that might make a germophobe cringe.

But who’s right? It depends on the food in question, experts say.

“Where to store food is exactly the kind of everyday issue where small misunderstandings can lead to real consequences,” said Darin Detwiler, professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University.

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Many people think that keeping food in the fridge will keep it fresh longer, but he said the purpose of refrigeration is more of a strategy to control risk. “That risk may be from microbes that make food unsafe, chemical reactions that can lead to rancidity or a loss in nutritional value,” he added.

One of these should absolutely never be stored in the fridge (the bread), and the other doesn’t have to be there (the ketchup).

Mary Anne Amalaradjou, associate professor of food microbiology at the University of Connecticut, said packaging instructions have two distinct purposes.

“The real distinction isn’t fridge vs. pantry, it’s safety vs. quality,” she said. “Some foods need refrigeration to prevent spoilage or risk, while others are refrigerated simply to stay fresher longer. The exact same label language may appear on foods that truly require refrigeration for safety, as well as on foods where refrigeration can help food last longer.”

To help sort the must-be-chilled from the pantry-is-fine options, we talked to food scientists and food safety experts for a rundown of storage recommendations for foods that many of us find confusing.

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Surprising foods you should refrigerate:

Spices, especially ground ones: Many people keep them in cabinets near the stove so they’re within easy reach, but that’s a mistake, Detwiler said. “Heat, light and oxygen degrade volatile compounds. For long-term storage, refrigeration helps preserve potency.” Transferring your spice rack to the fridge means you’ll be able to postpone how often you need to replace pricey spices, so it might be worth clearing out some fridge space to change things up.

Whole-grain flour: Refrigeration is a good idea for long-term storage, experts said. “Cold delays the oxidation of fats, which can cause ‘off’ flavours such as rancidity,” said Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, director of the Center for Food Safety and professor in the department of food science and technology at the University of Georgia. “Some flour companies even recommend storing whole-wheat flour in the freezer if it is going to be stored for a very long time.” Amalaradjou added, “This is more about quality than safety, but it makes a big difference for home bakers.”

Nuts: “Especially with raw or unsalted nuts, they’re best stored in the refrigerator or even the freezer if you won’t be eating them for a while,” Detwiler explained. “Their high fat content makes them prone to oxidation. Heat and oxygen accelerate spoilage, even before you notice taste changes or that rancid quality.”

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Jarred pesto: “This is a big one,” Amalaradjou said. “It’s moist, low-acid and can spoil quickly. The USDA FoodKeeper app recommends refrigerating it after opening, and using it up within at least three days.”

Prepared horseradish: “People often leave this in the pantry incorrectly,” Amalaradjou said. “But once opened, it can lose its stability and can spoil.”

Tortillas: Check the fine print on the package, because many tortilla manufacturers recommend refrigeration after opening. “That suggestion is for the prevention of mould,” said Keith Warriner, a professor in the department of food science at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. “Although they’re considered a low-moisture food, it’s possible for condensation to occur, resulting in mould growth.” But if they sit on the counter for a while, it’s probably OK. “Tortillas can vary in terms of their formulation, but, generally speaking, refrigeration is used for quality extension, not for safety,” said Donald W. Schaffner, food science department chair at Rutgers University.

Nuts' high fat content make them prone to going rancid, so it's a good idea to store them in the refrigerator.
Nuts’ high fat content make them prone to going rancid, so it’s a good idea to store them in the refrigerator.

Hot sauce is one food that can go either way, depending on its label.

Vanessa Coffman is the alliance director at Stop Foodborne Illness, and she discussed the reason some hot sauces may require refrigeration and some do not. “It often depends on acidity, since harmful microbes struggle to grow in highly acidic environments,” she said. “This means some hot sauce is safe at room temperature after opening, while others with lower acidity should be refrigerated.”

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It’s an especially tricky category, Schaffner agreed: “Generally speaking, these products have a very low pH, so refrigeration is not needed for safety. For example, we consume a lot of Sriracha in my house and we never refrigerate it. But other types of hot sauce go right in the fridge.”

If you’re wondering how to know where yours goes, we have an entire guide on which ingredients to look for on your hot sauce label.

Are these taking up fridge space? They could go in the pantry.

Ketchup: “I store my tomato ketchup in the cupboard next to the barbecue sauce,” Warriner said. There’s a science-backed reason for the placement, he noted: “It’s high in acid, so microbes die off quicker at room temperature compared to in the refrigerator.” There’s another reason, too. “Ketchup has a lower viscosity at room temperature, so it’s easier to pour than fridge-stored stuff,” he said. If you consider the difference between the quick pour of room-temperature ketchup at a restaurant versus how long it takes to pour at home when it’s been chilled, you might be convinced to adopt Warriner’s method.

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It’s worth noting that the United States Department of Agriculture agrees with Warriner, since its official guidance is that “shelf-stable commercial ketchup, cocktail sauce and chili sauce are safe when stored at room temperature after opening. “Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening,” the government website says.

Soy sauce: “Even though this is a liquid food, it has a low water activity because of its high salt content,” Schaffner said. However, he noted, “There’s no harm in refrigerating it if you really want to, and if you don’t use it very often, the colder temperature may extend the quality of its shelf life.”

You should only refrigerate your honey if you want it to crystallize into hard, rock-like pieces.

Ricky Herawan / 500px via Getty Images

You should only refrigerate your honey if you want it to crystallize into hard, rock-like pieces.

NEVER refrigerate these foods:

Honey: “It should never be refrigerated,” said Diez-Gonzalez. “Otherwise, it may solidify by crystallising its sugars.” While this doesn’t mean the honey is unsafe to eat, you’ll need to reliquefy it by putting the jar in a bowl of warm water.

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Bread: For the best taste and maximum freshness, it should never be refrigerated. “This has to do with the chemistry of starch retrogradation, which can cause breads that are refrigerated to stale faster than breads that are stored at room temperature,” Schaffner said. At his house, freshly baked bread gets sliced and put into the freezer, where it stays fresh.

Coffee: Whether you have whole beans or ground, avoid the refrigerator. Detwiler explained, “Coffee absorbs moisture and odours. Refrigeration introduces condensation, which degrades flavour and aroma.” Warriner added that the moisture can cause “clumping and loss of volatile flavours.”

Chocolate: While an ice-cold candy bar may be the ultimate summer treat, baking chocolate should stay at room temperature. “Condensation in the refrigerator can cause chocolate to get white patches called ‘blooming,’” Warriner explained. While harmless, it can cause chocolate to lose its glossiness and have a powdery texture.

Remember, it’s all about the microbes.

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It’s important to remember that products sitting safely on your pantry shelf might need to be moved once you crack into them. “Opening changes everything,” Detwiler said. “Once opened, foods are exposed to air, moisture and germs from handling. Items like sauces, dressings and shredded cheese often shift from shelf-stable to perishable.”

Warriner added, “People don’t always appreciate that the products like mayonnaise or pasta sauce are heat-treated prior to packing to kill microbes, but once opened, the microbes can come back, leading to spoilage.”

Finally, don’t use smell as a barometer for safety. “Many of the pathogens that cause foodborne illness, like listeria, salmonella, and certain strains of E. coli, don’t produce noticeable odours, discolouration or texture changes,” Detwiler said. “That means food can smell perfectly fine while still posing a real risk.”

What to do instead? Make sure food hasn’t been at room temperature for more than two hours, keep track of when you bought something and how long it’s been opened, and follow the “when in doubt, throw it out” rule. Expiration dates can be used as rough guides, but remember that they’re usually there to indicate quality more than safety.

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Man due in court after two-year probe into body found in Clydebank flats

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Daily Record

The 58-year-old was found dead within a property in the Overtoun Court area of the West Dunbartonshire town.

A man has been charged over the mystery death of another man in Clydebank in 2024.

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Officers from Police Scotland made the arrest and charge on Monday, May 18, following the death of Alistair Brennan on Thursday, October 17 2024 and a 19-month investigation.

The 58-year-old was found dead within a property in the Overtoun Court area of the West Dunbartonshire town.

A 28-year-old man is due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Tuesday, May 19, over the death of Mr Brennan.

Following searches of the Overtoun Court flats, bomb squads were called in when officers discovered a “suspect item” 11 days after Mr Brennan’s death. Several homes in the surrounding area were evacuated and train services were disrupted.

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A controlled explosion took place on Monday, October 28, 2024. Two men were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

A Police Scotland statement read: “A 28-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death of Alistair Brennan in Clydebank.

“The body of 58-year-old Mr Brennan was discovered within a property in the Overtoun Court area on Thursday, 17 October, 2024. Officers arrested the man on Monday, 18 May 2026. He is due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 19 May, 2026.

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“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

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Pete Hegseth gives Trump impersonation to bash Biden-era military policy and rally for MAGA candidate in Kentucky

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Pete Hegseth gives Trump impersonation to bash Biden-era military policy and rally for MAGA candidate in Kentucky

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave his best impersonation of Donald Trump during a rally for the president’s preferred candidate in Kentucky.

Hegseth arrived in Kentucky to campaign for Ed Gallrein, who is staging a Trump-backed primary challenge against Rep. Thomas Massie, who has recently been a thorn in the president’s side.

“President Trump told me, when he first offered me this job, he said, ‘Pete, you’re gonna have to be tough as s***,’” Hegseth said, while mimicking Trump’s voice and mannerisms — even down to the trademark hand gestures seen during rallies.

“’They’re gonna come after you,’ and boy, was he right,” he said, continuing his impersonation, to laughter and applause.

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“But that’s also what Ed represents, a warfighter, a man forged through service,” he added.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaign with Republican candidate Ed Gallrein, who is running against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) in Kentucky’s 4th district.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaign with Republican candidate Ed Gallrein, who is running against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) in Kentucky’s 4th district. (Getty)

Hegseth attempted to skirt around the fact he is a cabinet official and said he did not violate the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from participating in partisan political events.

“I’m here in my personal capacity as a private citizen, a fellow American, and a fellow combat veteran here to support Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein,” he said.

The defense secretary arrived in Kentucky’s 4th district to support Gallrein given the fact that Massie has regularly broken with Trump on everything from his “One Big, Beautiful Bill” to passing legislation to force the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

“President Trump does not need more people in Washington who are trying to make a point, especially from his own party, he needs people willing to help him win to vote with him when it matters the most,” Hegseth said.

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“Thomas Massie has acted like his job is to stand apart from the movement that President Trump leads, instead of strengthening it,” he said. “When President Trump needs backup, Massie wants to debate process when the movement needs unity, especially at the biggest moments.”

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has emerged as a major critic of the Trump administration during Trump’s second term.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has emerged as a major critic of the Trump administration during Trump’s second term. (AFP/Getty)

Along with criticizing the Trump administration for spending, Massie has repeatedly voted with Democrats on War Powers Act resolutions to rein in the Trump administration during its war in Iran.

Elsewhere in the speech, Hegseth recited his normal grievances about the “war on warriors” during the Biden administration, which he used as the title of his book, and rattled off how he had rolled back a number of policies he said had hindered service people.

“While all this is happening, the people who actually fight America’s wars were watching their institution, the one they loved so much, consumed with nonsense, woke trainings, political indoctrination, diversity quotas, climate seminars, pronouns, dudes in dresses, not kidding,” he said. Hegseth also pointed out an attendee in the crowd who had a shirt that said “I identify as ‘American,” to applause.

Massie is just the latest Republican to be targeted by Trump. Over the weekend, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana lost his primary to Rep. Julia Letlow and former Rep. John Fleming largely because of the fact that Cassidy voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6, 2021.

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In addition, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, an ally of Massie’s who signed the petition to release files related to Epstein, had a public falling out with Trump despite being one of his most vocal supporters for years. That led to Greene resigning from Congress at the beginning of this year.

In addition, Trump criticized Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) for campaigning with Massie over the weekend despite her longstanding support of the president.

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James Bond star says she was ‘sad’ when franchise was sold to Amazon MGM

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James Bond star says she was ‘sad’ when franchise was sold to Amazon MGM

James Bond star Léa Seydoux has admitted she was saddened by the news of Amazon MGM Studio’s acquisition of the iconic franchise.

In February 2025, long-serving producers of the spy series, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced they were handing over creative control to the Jeff Bezos-founded streamer.

“I was a bit sad when I heard that it was sold,” Seydoux, 40, told Variety in a new interview.

The acclaimed French actor — who starred as Dr. Madeleine Swann, the love interest of Daniel Craig’s 007 in Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021) — however, expressed relief that the next installment is in the hands of her Dune: Part Two director, Denis Villeneuve.

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“Now that it’s Denis, I was like, ‘Oh, at least it’s him, so it will be cinema,’” she said, further praising the Oscar-nominated Canadian filmmaker as “super cultured — he knows so much about cinema, but not only cinema.”

Léa Seydoux (third from the left) said she feels hopeful for the James Bond franchise with Denis Villeneuve at the helm of the first installment in the Amazon era
Léa Seydoux (third from the left) said she feels hopeful for the James Bond franchise with Denis Villeneuve at the helm of the first installment in the Amazon era (Getty Images for EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Universal Pic)

Villeneuve, 58, was appointed as the director of the franchise’s first film under Amazon MGM in June 2025. The news left 007 fans divided, with some excited to experience the Arrival director’s take on the British spy and his exploits, while others were skeptical about his ability to keep up with the high-octane storylines of Bond.

“Some of my earliest moviegoing memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said in a statement at the time.

“I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

Seydoux starred as Dr. Madeleine Swann in ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’
Seydoux starred as Dr. Madeleine Swann in ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’ (Local Library)

Since Craig’s final outing as Bond in No Time to Die, feverish speculation has ensued about who will take over. A number of high-profile actors have been rumored to be in contention for the role of 007. At one time, Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson was considered the favorite to take over from Craig, with others including Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi in the running.

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It was later reported that Villeneuve might be searching for an “unknown” actor to play the lead. Last week, it was announced that auditions for the role are officially underway.

“The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right,” Amazon MGM said in a statement.

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San Diego police say threat has been ‘neutralized’ after reports of mass shooter at Islamic center: Latest updates

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San Diego police say threat has been ‘neutralized’ after reports of mass shooter at Islamic center: Latest updates

Shooting threat has been ‘neutralized,’ SDPD says

Police have “neutralized” the reported shooting threat at a San Diego mosque, officials said Monday afternoon.

We’re still waiting for more details about the nature of the threat, potential victims, and deaths or arrests.

Josh Marcus18 May 2026 21:16

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PHOTOS: Police swarm scene of reported shooting at San Diego Islamic center

(Reuters)
(Reuters)
(Reuters)

Josh Marcus18 May 2026 21:09

‘Active shooter’ reported at San Diego Islamic center with police rushing to scene

Police are responding to reports of an active shooter near a mosque in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego on Monday.

“SDPD is on scene at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Ave for a reported active shooter,” the San Diego Police Department wrote on X at 3:03 pm ET. “Please avoid the area. Updates to follow.”

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In an update 40 minutes later, police said the scene is “still active but contained,” adding that “significant resources” had been deployed and that a reunification area had been established nearby.

At least one individual was killed, according to KGTV.

Brendan Rascius will be following this story live and passing on the latest updates.

Josh Marcus18 May 2026 21:04

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Governor briefed on shooting

“Gavin Newsom has been briefed on an evolving situation in Clairemont community of San Diego, near the Islamic Center,” the governor’s office wrote on X. “The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local law enforcement. We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities.”

Josh Marcus18 May 2026 20:50

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Scene of shooting is ‘active but contained’

The scene of Monday’s shooting is “active but contained,” according to San Diego police.

“We have significant resources on scene at this time,” the department wrote on X.

Josh Marcus18 May 2026 20:49

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A reported shooting at a mosque in San Diego

San Diego police are responding to the scene of a reported shooting at a large mosque in the area.

We’ll be covering all the latest news about this incident live.

Josh Marcus18 May 2026 20:46

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Pep Guardiola LIVE updates amid blockbuster claims Man City boss has decided to leave

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Manchester Evening News

Guardiola has insisted he has “one more year” left on his contract at City amid speculation over his future. Asked in his pre-match press conference before the FA Cup final whether it could be his final trip to Wembley, Guardiola said “no way”.

He then playfully suggested, while smiling, that he has “one more year [on his] contract” – before making a swift exit from the room. Guardiola was scheduled to leave anyway as it was the last question.

Pep Guardiola during the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea

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Americast – Americanswers… on 5 Live! Has Zohran Mamdani achieved a miracle in New York?

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Americast - Has Jeff Bezos brought down the Washington Post?

Available for over a year

NYC’s new mayor says his new budget will save the city billions without having to cut key services. In a social media post, Zohran Mamdani told New Yorkers his administration “uncovered a $12 billion budget deficit. Today, I’m proud to say we brought it down to zero. We didn’t close the gap on the backs of working people.”But beyond the headlines, how accurate is this, and what do New Yorkers say about it?

In this episode, Justin, Anthony and Marianna answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live.They also talk about whether Trump’s social media posts now carry less weight, particularly when it comes to Iran, and a new move by Senate Democrats to take funding away from the president’s plans for a new ballroom. And, how the US president is further expanding the brand of Donald Trump, including with a Trump-branded gold phone.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

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Cardiff City swoop for another Premier League talent and Dylan Lawlor reveals dream

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Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Monday, May 18.

Cardiff City set to land another Premier League talent

Cardiff City are poised to sign another highly-rated Premier League academy talent after agreeing a deal to bring teenage midfielder Pedro Araujo to south Wales from Crystal Palace.

The 16-year-old attacking midfielder will sign a scholarship agreement with Cardiff and is set to officially join the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

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Araujo, who can also play as a striker, is regarded as an exciting attacking prospect and enjoyed an impressive campaign in Palace’s youth system last season, registering 12 goals and 11 assists.

The Brazilian-British youngster began his academy journey with Arsenal, spending four years there between Under-7 and Under-11 level before a spell with Stevenage at Under-12s.

He then joined Crystal Palace as an Under-13 and has spent the last four years developing in the Premier League club’s academy system.

Standing at 6ft 1in and comfortable with both feet, Araujo is expected to link up with Cardiff’s Under-18s squad next season as the Bluebirds continue a major push to strengthen their academy pipeline.

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He is set to join fellow new arrival Cass Machin, the midfield talent Cardiff are also expected to sign from Manchester City.

Machin, another technically gifted young midfielder, has been with Manchester City since Under-9 level and is viewed as one of several ambitious academy additions being targeted by Cardiff this summer.

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Dylan Lawlor reveals Cardiff City dream

Dylan Lawlor says he dreams of playing in the Premier League with Cardiff City after opening up on his breakthrough season and the academy pathway finally opening up for young Bluebirds.

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The centre-back has emerged as one of the success stories of Cardiff’s youth system over the last year, taking advantage of the opportunities presented following the club’s relegation to League One and subsequent rebuild under Brian Barry-Murphy.

And the defender admits he now hopes he can continue climbing with his boyhood club in the Championship and beyond.

“Obviously I’ve got aspirations to play at the highest level,” Lawlor told Cardiff City TV.

“I’d love to do that with Cardiff. Fingers crossed. We’ll see what happens in the Championship.”

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Lawlor also passionately defended Cardiff’s academy setup, insisting the work being done behind the scenes has not received enough recognition amid the turbulence surrounding the club over the last 18 months. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.

“The academy is unbelievable,” he said. “It hasn’t been given enough credit with the club’s situation.

“Going down to League One has maybe made it easier to get players into the first team. There are so many good players in there who never really made it.

“But there is now opportunity and you’ve got to credit the manager, too.”

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For years, one of the biggest criticisms levelled at Cardiff was the lack of a genuine pathway into the first team for academy players.

Lawlor admits that uncertainty was something he himself wrestled with while coming through the ranks.

“For me, coming through, there was always the question: ‘Is there a pathway?’ Because you never saw players coming through,” he explained.

But seeing the likes of Rubin Colwill, Joel Bagan and Isaak Davies establish themselves gave Lawlor belief that it was possible.

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“Then when you saw Rubin, Joel and Isaak break through, there was that bit of hope and inspiration you could get there,” he added.

“I hope that gets passed down to the boys in the academy now and they can see there is a pathway to the first team.

“I loved it when Rubin, Isaak, Kingy (Eli King) broke through. It gave me that enjoyment as a fan and I hope I give that to the fans now.”

Wintle reacts to Ng contract news

Ryan Wintle has reacted to the news that close friend and team-mate Perry Ng has signed a new long-term contract with Cardiff City.

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The Bluebirds confirmed on Monday that Ng had extended his stay in south Wales until 2028 in what is being viewed as a major boost ahead of the club’s return to the Championship.

And Wintle was among the first to publicly congratulate the defender, reposting Cardiff’s announcement on his Instagram story alongside the message: “Congrats Perry laaaa.”

The pair go way back, having both come at Crewe before later reuniting at Cardiff during lengthy spells in the Welsh capital.

Their friendship has been clear to see throughout their time at the club, with both players becoming key figures during difficult periods as well as Cardiff’s successful promotion-winning campaign this season.

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Ng’s new deal comes at an interesting time for Wintle himself, however.

The midfielder is currently due to fall out of contract next month, alongside fellow promotion hero Joel Bagan, with uncertainty still surrounding both players’ futures.

Ng’s contract extension was viewed internally as hugely important business by Cardiff, particularly given interest from clubs in the top half of the Championship and concerns among supporters that the 29-year-old could move on this summer.

Since joining Cardiff in January 2021, Ng has made 233 appearances, scored 15 goals and won the club’s Player of the Season award twice.

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The right-back enjoyed another outstanding campaign under Brian Barry-Murphy, reclaiming his starting place after competition from academy graduate Ronan Kpakio before starring in the second half of the season as Cardiff secured promotion back to the Championship.

Speaking after signing his extension, Ng said: “I’m delighted to have signed this new deal. I’ve loved my time at the Club so far.

“I’ve grown a lot in my five-and-a-half years in South Wales. I feel like I’ve made a home for myself here.”

While Ng’s future is now secure, attention may soon turn towards whether Cardiff can also tie down Wintle and Bagan as preparations continue for life back in the Championship. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

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Scanlon issues message to fans

Calum Scanlon has issued a heartfelt message to Cardiff City supporters following the end of his loan spell in south Wales.

The young left-back joined Cardiff on loan from Liverpool during the second half of the season but found opportunities limited due to the outstanding form of Joel Bagan, who established himself as arguably the best left-back in League One during the Bluebirds’ promotion-winning campaign.

Scanlon ultimately made eight appearances after arriving from Anfield and, although it was perhaps not the volume of minutes he would have hoped for, the 21-year-old did well when called upon.

The defender has now reflected positively on his time at Cardiff in an end-of-season social media message.

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“A pleasure being part of such a good team,” he wrote.

“Thank you to all the staff, fans and players who helped me every day, and made me feel welcome from the start.

“Time to rest and keep pushing.”

Despite fierce competition for places, Scanlon remained a well-liked figure around the squad and benefited from being part of a successful dressing room under Brian Barry-Murphy.

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Bagan’s form meant opportunities were difficult to come by, with the academy graduate producing arguably the best football of his Cardiff career and cementing himself as the club’s first-choice option on the left side of defence.

But Scanlon still managed to show flashes of his quality during his cameo appearances and gained valuable senior experience during Cardiff’s successful return to the Championship.

The Liverpool youngster is expected to head back to Merseyside this summer before a decision is made on the next stage of his development.

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*Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here. Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here, on Instagram, on TikTok and on Facebook.

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Want Firmer, Tastier Tofu? Boil It

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Want Firmer, Tastier Tofu? Boil It

Silken tofu isn’t really the best option for crispy, fried chunks. But during a recent craving, it was all I had in the cupboard, so I “pressed” it in a rookie attempt to firm it up.

That, as you can see, was a silly mistake. You are not meant to press this type of tofu: I placed too much weight on the delicate block, leading it to split. (I don’t eat tofu often. Can you tell?)

My dinner plans changed to a vegan scramble out of necessity.

But as it happens, pressing might not have been the best approach for the dish I wanted, even if I’d picked an appropriate ingredient. Food scientists and regular tofu eaters often boil, instead of pressing, tofu to prep it – a method I tried and instantly loved.

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A misguided attempt to “press” tofu, which didn’t work and (almost!) ruined the block

Why might boiling tofu work better than pressing it?

Food site Epicurious said it gives tofu a “bouncy, firm texture”, adding that “the technique has long been prevalent in Chinese cooking”.

In a YouTube Short, food scientist and author of Tofu Mastery and Everyday Tofu, Wendy Luong (known online as Wendy the Food Scientist) said boiling the food in salted water is the “only… proper way to prepare tofu”

“Because of osmosis, water goes out [of the tofu], and salt goes in” as it boils. “The protein network opens up, leading to improved texture and better flavour absorption”.

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Cookbook author Hetty McKinnon explained, “I think there’s a Western inclination to take the water out of tofu, but tofu really benefits from water. With this technique, the salt in the water is infusing flavour and drawing out moisture at the same time.”

Did it work?

Shocker: people a lot more experienced with the ingredient than I am were right.

I placed my next, post-disaster block of tofu (the method isn’t recommended for silken kinds) into very salty, boiling water for three minutes. Then, I drained it.

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As little as 60 seconds of the treatment can help to firm up tofu and remove the “grassy” flavour. Instead of boiling the block in a pan, meanwhile, some pros place boiling, salted water over tofu and let it sit for 15 minutes; others brine slices.

I found that a quick boil left my tofu firmer and springier, far more capable of withstanding rapid stirring and tossing in sauce.

If it can save me, it ought to be more than capable of helping a cook who didn’t make all the errors I had – I’ll be keeping the trick in my back pocket from now on.

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