An estimated magnitude 7.8 earthquake was felt near Mindanao shortly before 7.40am local time
A massive earthquake struck Mindanao(Image: X)
Updated 02:26, 08 Jun 2026
A tsunami threat has been advised for the Philippines and several nearby countries after a massive earthquake struck Mindanao.
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The earthquake was felt in Davao City shortly before 7.40am local time on Monday, June 8, 2026. The earthquake was initially estimated at a magnitude 8.2, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has downgraded the earthquake to 7.8 magnitude.
Chilling footage captured the moment the earthquake struck Sarangani in the Philippines, showing building crumbling as the tectonic plates shifted with force.
A tsunami threat has been issued for several countries the world waits to see the effects of the quake.
Possible tsunami alerts have been issued for the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and the west coast of the United States.
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New Zealand and Australia both shared concerns of a tsunami earlier in the day, but later said giant waves are no longer a worry.
This is an ongoing event and updates will be provided.
Philippines president says heed local warnings and move to higher ground
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Philippines President Bongbong Marcos has told people to heed local warnings and move immediately to higher ground.
PHIVOLCS measures earthquake at magnitude 7.0
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.0.
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It warned of damage and tsunami waves above one metre.
Tsunami watch cancelled for Australia
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has cancelled its tsunami watch warning for the country’s coast and its territories.The cancellation was issued by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) at 10.38am AEST.
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The BoM statement reads:
“An undersea earthquake of magnitude 7.8 occurred at 9.37am AEST on Monday 8, June 2026 near Mindanao, Philippines.”
“No tsunami waves have been observed that pose a threat to the Australian mainland, islands or territories.”
“THE TSUNAMI WATCH FOR AUSTRALIA IS CANCELLED. No further updates will be issued unless the situation changes.”
Earthquake destroys RD Plaza building – photograph
RD Plaza building collapsed following the earthquake, DZRH NEWS reported.
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The building was home to LOVE Radio Gensan and DZRH News FM.
It is unclear whether there are any casualties.
Current data shows tsunami threat to New Zealand unlikely
The National Emergency Management Agency has determined there is unlikely to be a tsunami threat to New Zealand based on the current data.
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Earthquake downgraded to magnitude 7.8
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has downgraded the earthquake to 7.8 magnitude quake.
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Part of Australia told to keep alert for possible tsunami updates
ABC Darwin is reporting a tsunami watch is in force for Austaralia’s Northern Territory.
Those living near the coast have been told to keep up to date with official updates.
The Bureau of Meteorology and the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre has said that if a tsunami is generated it would not reach Australia until 2.30pm ACST.
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Honolulu records earthquake as magnitude 8.2 at 63km depth
Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has said Honolulu recorded the earthquake as magnitude 8.2 at a depth of 63km.
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Tsunami advisory issued for Southern Japan
The Japanese Meteorological Society has issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas in the southern parts of the country.
Tsunami could hit New Zealand in 10 hours
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New Zealand Civil Defence wrote in a post on Facebook:
“We are assessing whether the M8.2 Philippines earthquake poses any tsunami threat to New Zealand. If a tsunami has been generated it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least 10 hours.”
Countries issued tsunami warnings
Possible tsunami warnings have been issued the following countries:
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Philippines
West coast of the United States
Indonesia
Palau
Yap
Taiwan
Papua New Guinea
Tsunami warnings issued for several countries
Tsunami warnings have been issued for several countries.
Earliest information on the earthquake
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An earthquake of magnitude 8.2 struck Mindanao in the Philippines.
The earthquake measured at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles).
They were arrested on suspicion of multiple offences including attempted criminal damage
Two women have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences after an arson attack at an apartment building.
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Police received a report at around 4.35pm on Saturday, July 25, regarding two women threatening to break windows at an apartment building in the Gregg Street area of Lisburn.
The two women, aged 34 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of threats to damage property and attempted criminal damage.
Following this, police were alerted by nearby residents about a fire to the rear of the apartment building. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended to extinguish the blaze.
The women were further arrested on suspicion of offences including arson with intent to endanger life, while the 38-year-old woman was further arrested on suspicion of resisting police and possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place.
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PSNI Detective Inspector Ryan said: “We received a report at around 4.35pm of two women outside an apartment building in the Gregg Street area threatening to break the windows.
“Officers attended and arrested two women – a 34-year-old and a 38-year-old – on suspicion of threats to damage property and attempted criminal damage.
“Police were then alerted by nearby residents about a fire to the rear of the apartment and colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service subsequently attended to extinguish this. There were no injuries reported.
“The 34-year-old woman was further arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life with intent, possession of a Class C controlled drug and burglary.
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“The 38-year-old woman, who resisted police and kicked out at officers, was also further arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life with intent, criminal damage, possessing an article with blade or point in a public place, resisting police and burglary.
“Both women remain in police custody at this time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who has any information which might assist – including ring-doorbell or other footage – to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 1137 of 25/07/26, or to call us on 101.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
You’ve probably never thought too hard about it. As you board a plane, a flight attendant stands at the aircraft door, smiles, says “welcome,” maybe glances at your boarding pass. It feels like basic hospitality, like the aviation equivalent of a host greeting you at a restaurant.
But that brief interaction is doing a lot more than it seems.
“The smile and greeting you get at an airplane door is probably one of the most judgmental welcomes you’ll ever receive,” Jay Robert, a senior flight attendant and the founder of A Fly Guy Travels, told HuffPost. “We’re judging a lot in those few seconds, and believe it or not, that judgment is part of our job.”
It’s not for the sake of judgment, however. The purpose is actually safety.
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“Greeting passengers at the door is our first line of defense in identifying threats that could be brought onto the aircraft,” Robert explained. “Whether it’s illness, intoxication or someone carrying prohibited dangerous goods, we’re constantly scanning for anything that could disrupt the flight or pose a safety risk.”
Of course, there is a customer service and hospitality element to the greeting as well.
“It’s the first opportunity to welcome passengers onboard and set a positive tone for the flight,” said Yuvraj Datta, the chief supply and revenue officer at the travel tech company Fareportal. “It’s also an important observational moment for the cabin crew. Flight attendants are making initial safety and operational assessments that can help identify potential issues before departure.”
He added that flight attendants begin assessing the cabin environment the moment they get on board.
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“The greeting is actually a behavioural assessment,” said AirAdvisor founder and CEO Anton Radchenko. “The social framing is deliberate – passengers engage more naturally when they believe they’re being welcomed. Crew are trained to read each individual during that interaction – orientation, steadiness and anything that could become a liability in an enclosed environment at altitude with no exit available.”
In an era of increasing reports of unruly passenger behaviour and even abuse of flight attendants, airline crews are more vigilant than ever. And many of those incidents involve alcohol.
“Generally, flight attendants assess passengers during boarding for sobriety,” said Henry Harteveldt, president and airline industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group. “If they notice a passenger who appears to be overtly drunk or high, they may ask to see their boarding pass, under the premise of directing them to their seat, but also to alert the crew who may be working where that passenger is sitting to monitor her or his alcohol intake on board.”
Robert echoed that intoxication is one of the biggest things flight attendants are checking for during that greeting process.
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“It’s much easier to stop someone at the aircraft door than it is to remove them once they’re seated and settled in,” he said. “During boarding, we constantly communicate with each other. I’ll often call the crew at the back and ask them to keep an eye on a passenger I’ve noticed or get a second opinion before we decide whether someone is fit to fly.”
Flying with an intoxicated passenger can be a serious matter. Dan Bubb – a former airline pilot and professor in residence in the honors college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas – explained why catching these situations early matters so much.
“You don’t want to be at altitude and have somebody who’s drunk and belligerent, and now you’ve got a problem,” he said. “You have to divert the plane. That’s going to cost money and time. So it’s better to try to catch those possible problems at the door before it closes.”
Mongkol Chuewong via Getty Images
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There are legal implications to getting it wrong as well.
“Boarding an impaired passenger creates significant legal and operational exposure,” Radchenko said. “By the time a passenger reaches the cabin door, gate agents have already conducted an initial screen. If you’re flagged at the door, you’ve already passed one assessment, which means the carrier has two separate documented grounds to work with if a denial gets challenged.”
For passengers, the legal calculus runs in the other direction.
“If you’re denied boarding after that interaction, aviation law starts from the assumption that the crew was right,” Radchenko said. “The discretionary authority aircrews hold on safety grounds is wide by design. To challenge it, a passenger has to demonstrate the decision was arbitrary, not just uncomfortable or inconvenient.”
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He advised anyone who believes they are unjustly denied boarding to ask for a written reason before leaving the gate. “That document is the starting point for any claim worth filing,” he said.
Flight attendants are also trained to pick up on physical cues that passengers might be trying to hide.
“I’m looking for signs of illness, such as clammy or pale skin, excessive sweating or even visible contagious skin conditions that may require us to offload a passenger before the aircraft door closes,” Robert said.
“Passengers often try to hide the fact they’re unwell, so we have to use all the clues the body gives us to quickly determine whether someone is fit to make the journey by air.”
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He’s also paying attention to the way passengers respond to his greetings.
“Slurred speech, confusion, difficulty maintaining balance or the smell of alcohol can all indicate intoxication or impairment,” Robert said. “Once passengers move into the cabin, the other flight attendants continue the assessment, watching for the same signs and making their own observations.”
Scent is part of these assessments for multiple reasons.
“We’re checking for the smell of alcohol but also for offensive body odour,” Robert said. “Both can result in you being denied boarding, as BO is a no-go. Many people don’t realise that excessive body odour can significantly affect the comfort and wellbeing of everyone else on the flight, and airlines have the right to refuse carriage if it becomes an issue.”
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Flight attendants also keep an eye on people’s luggage to ensure carry-ons meet the airline’s size and quantity requirements and to identify bags that need to be gate-checked. Robert added that they look out for anything that could be considered a dangerous item as well.
“In recent years, we’ve also added another important responsibility during boarding – looking for potential signs of human trafficking,” he said. “Cabin crew around the world now receive training to recognise indicators that someone may be a victim and know how to discreetly report their concerns.”
These assessments can be wide-ranging, but the practice becomes second-nature over time. And it’s a subtle but important function.
“Airlines often position their most experienced cabin crew at the aircraft door because we’ve developed the ability to rapidly identify potential issues,” Robert said. “As a purser, or cabin manager, while I’m making a good first impression and welcoming guests onboard, I’m also continuously assessing whether each passenger is fit to travel.”
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Beyond looking for potential issues, flight attendants are also quietly scanning for potential assets.
“We’re also identifying passengers who may be able to assist in an emergency if they’re seated in an exit row,” said Paula S. Adams, a former crew member for Etihad Airways who now works as a private flight attendant and aviation and business trainer.
Indeed, the boarding process is when crew members identify what they call able-bodied passengers or ABPs.
“These are the passengers we’re most likely to ask for assistance if we ever have an emergency,” Robert said. “I naturally take note of people who appear physically capable, law enforcement officers, military personnel, firefighters, medical professionals or simply someone who looks strong and confident enough to help if a passenger becomes disruptive or assistance is needed during an evacuation.”
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Harteveldt noted that another pre-flight step contributes to this process.
“The FAA requires flight attendants to give a verbal briefing to passengers sitting in exit rows and by exit doors about the requirements to operate the doors in an emergency, if so directed by cabin crew, and to receive a verbal confirmation from each passenger sitting in those seats that they understand and agree to the safety-related requirements they are expected to fulfill,” he said. “The flight attendants also use this briefing to determine that the passengers meet the safety requirements and, again, are not impaired by alcohol or other substances before take-off.”
The boarding process is also a time when flight attendants identify travelers who might need additional assistance during the flight due to disability, for example.
“It helps crew members build situational awareness about who is on the aircraft. In an emergency, knowing which passengers may need extra help, or which travelers appear particularly capable of assisting others, can be valuable,” Datta said, adding, ”The few seconds spent greeting each passenger can help crew members identify potential issues before the aircraft ever leaves the gate.”
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For all the safety assessment happening at that door, flight attendants also genuinely enjoy greeting travellers.
“While we’re scanning the cabin, we’re also looking for passengers we genuinely want to connect with,” Robert said. “Contrary to popular belief, many flight attendants actually like people. We enjoy chatting with our guests, hearing their stories and helping make their flight memorable.”
“That brief greeting is often our first opportunity to build rapport with passengers,” Adams said. “A friendly interaction at the door helps set a positive tone for the entire flight while allowing us to quietly assess the cabin before departure.”
Robert noted that he’s usually spotted his “in-flight friends” during boarding.
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“And if you want a little galley gossip, flight attendants also tend to spot the ‘BOB’ during boarding,” Robert added. “That’s the ‘Best On Board,’ otherwise known as the passenger who catches our eye. It’s usually harmless fun, and you’ll often hear a little discussion in the galley about who we think is the most attractive passenger in our section.”
Now and then, these kinds of connections turn into something more as well.
“I know several cabin crew who met their husbands or wives because of a spark that started during boarding,” Robert said. “So you never know. That warm smile and eye contact at the aircraft door could one day lead to you enjoying one of the best perks of dating a flight attendant. As we often joke in the industry, ‘Marry me and fly for free.’”
Marriage prospects aside, there’s something to be said for simply being kind to the crew.
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“If you can just greet the flight attendant, say hi or ask how their day is going, believe it or not, those little comments go a long way with flight crews because they have very long days,” Bubb said. “Before I go on a trip, I even buy a small stack of $5 Starbucks gift cards, and I give them out to the flight crew. It really brightens people’s days. One time I did that, the captain actually came back, shook my hand and gave me a handwritten note. It’s all about little things.”
Rangers take on West Ham in their final pre-season friendly before the new season. Here’s how to watch the match live and all the key details
Rangers play their final pre-season fixture this weekend when they welcome West Ham to Ibrox ahead of the start of the new Scottish Premiership campaign.
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Derek McInnes’ side will be looking to end their summer schedule on a positive note before travelling to Dundee United for their league opener next Friday, while the Hammers continue their preparations for the Championship season following relegation from the Premier League.
Here is everything you need to know.
What TV channel is Rangers v West Ham on?
The match will not be shown live on television in the UK.
Can I live stream Rangers v West Ham?
Yes. The game will be available to watch live on Rangers TV.
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Supporters can purchase a pay-per-view match pass for £8.99.
What time is kick-off?
Rangers take on West Ham on Sunday, July 26.
Kick-off at Ibrox is 4pm (BST).
Why is the game important?
The friendly represents Rangers’ final opportunity to sharpen up before competitive football returns, with McInnes set to make his final assessments ahead of the Scottish Premiership opener.
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With places still up for grabs and the transfer window remaining open, several players will be aiming to impress before the season gets underway.
West Ham, meanwhile, will be hoping to build momentum as they prepare for life back in the Championship after last season’s relegation.
Charlie Brooks is rumoured to be reprising her role as Janine Butcher for a brief but “explosive” storyline on the long-running BBC soap.
The plot could be linked to the show’s Christmas Day episode, according to reports.
EastEnders star Charlie Brooks ‘returning’ as Janine Butcher
“The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas,” an EastEnders insider told The Sun.
“Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.
“The plans are being kept top secret as they are really keen fans don’t have the storylines spoilt for them.”
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The source added: “But no doubt they are going to love seeing Janine back to cause chaos.”
The BBC did not comment when approached by Newsquest.
Brooks, who joined the soap in 1999, recently teased a possible return by suggesting that Janine’s release from prison was drawing near.
In a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, the actress was asked whether she might “get out earlier” by entertainment editor Richard Arnold.
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She replied: “We’ll have to see!”
Charlie Brooks last appeared in EastEnders in 2022 (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
After a further prompt from Susanna Reid, Brooks added: “I mean, look, I get asked this question all the time.
“I love Janine, I love playing her.
“She’s a wonderful character.
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“I always get blessed with such great storylines.”
“So, who knows?
“It’s always a home from home, EastEnders, you know.”
Janine’s long history on the Square includes the murder of her husband Barry Evans in 2004.
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She helped to stab to death her fourth husband, Michael Moon, in 2013.
The character was arrested in 2022 after her fifth husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) supposedly drowned in the Channel.
Janine was sentenced to five years in jail for perverting the course of justice by framing Mick’s ex-wife Linda Carter for a drink-driving crash.
EastEnders star axed from BBC soap
In other EastEnders news, soap legend Michelle Ryan has been axed from the BBC show, just one year after her comeback.
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Ryan returned to Albert Square last year after her character, Zoe Slater, had a 20-year absence.
The star originally appeared on EastEnders from 2000 to 2005, and Zoe’s return saw the character reconnect with her estranged mother, Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace.
But now Zoe is set to leave the BBC soap for good, with reports that scriptwriters have chosen to kill off the character.
Zoe’s exit reportedly has already been filmed, with EastEnders viewers able to watch the scenes later this year.
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Discussing the characters depature, a source told The Sun, “Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre.
“There’s been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her on-screen presence.
A white van was rammed into the two cops in the town yesterday afternoon.
A van driver is being hunted after attempting to murder two police officers in Lanark. A white Renault Traffic was rammed into the officers as they carried out enquiries at a property on Glen Avenue on Saturday at around 2:10pm.
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Two male officers, aged 41 and 43, were rushed to hospital for treatment to serious injuries. The 41-year-old has since been released and the 43-year-old remains in hospital in a stable condition. There were no reports of any other injuries as a result of the incident.
The van was later recovered in Kirkstyle Place, Glassford, and police are treating the incident as attempted murder and desperately trying to trace the driver. He is described as a white male, 6ft tall, wearing dark shorts, a grey jumper and a beige baseball cap.
Detective Inspector Gary Smillie said: “This was a deliberate and despicable attack on two officers who were simply carrying out their duties.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time and witnessed the incident to contact us.
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“I would also appeal to anyone in the area who may have dash cam footage or private CCTV which could assist to get in touch. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could assist with the investigation.”
Chief Inspector Paul Doyle said: “Violence is not part of the job for police officers – it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
“I would like to reassure the community that we are working to trace the person responsible and will continue to carry out enquiries in the local area.
“We are speaking to members of the public and there will be additional patrols in the area, and would encourage anyone with any information or concerns to speak to officers.
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“Our thoughts are with the officers, their families and colleagues at this time. We will continue to offer them all the necessary support.
“Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting reference 1652 of 25 July, 2026. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. “
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A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “This is a rural location, but we’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have seen anything unusual. Did you notice any suspicious vehicles, people, or activity around Ruddings Farm during this period?”
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Police are also asking people to check any CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from those dates.
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number NYP-24072026-0230.
NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration has imposed double-digit tariffs on more than 60 countries, using a legal justification that permits the president to levy import taxes and other sanctions against countries found to engage in “unjustifiable,” “unreasonable” or “discriminatory” trade practices.
The new tariffs announced in recent days take effect just as temporary 10% worldwide tariffs expired, and critics say they are less about cracking down on forced labor than they are a way to replace those tariffs. The expired tariffs were themselves a temporary replacement for worldwide tariffs the Supreme Court struck down in February.
The tariffs were levied on countries that the U.S. says either don’t have or don’t effectively enforce a forced-labor import ban. The affected countries, which account for 99% of U.S. imports, were quick to protest, calling the Trump administration’s claims unfounded and arbitrary, as nations with vastly different records on forced labor received the same tariff level. The U.S. spent four months investigating but gave few details on how it arrived at the tariff rates, which are either 10% or 12.5%.
Sidestepping Congress
The tariffs were levied under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on countries that the U.S. determined had failed “to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.”
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During President Donald Trump ‘s first term, he cited Section 301 to impose sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports amid a dispute over the sharp-elbowed tactics Beijing was using to challenge America’s technological dominance. The U.S. is also using 301 powers to counter what it calls unfair Chinese practices in the shipbuilding industry.
“The 301s allow a permanent tariff without going to Congress to settle the dispute,” said Barry Appleton, a law professor and co-director of New York Law School’s Center for International Law. “That’s what all of this is about. The president doesn’t want to knock on the front door of Congress, so he’s trying every side door and every unlatched window to get in.”
Little evidence that countries failed to enforce import bans
The office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said it consulted with all 60 economies under investigation and held two rounds of public hearings, elicited more than 2,100 public comments, and had “engagement” with its trading partners about what they were doing to combat forced labor bans.
It didn’t detail its talks with the countries, saying those were confidential. Experts say it is fairly straightforward to investigate whether a country has a ban or not, but it is difficult to determine the government’s exact rationale for each country’s failure to enforce import bans.
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“There’s not a lot of hard evidence there,” said Scott Lincicome, vice president for general economics and trade policy at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. “It’s pretty laughable on its face to think that a country like the ones in Europe or in Norway or Switzerland aren’t doing enough to police forced labor.”
And even if countries do enact and enforce the forced-labor import bans the U.S. wants, they would still need to prove that they’re enforcing them to Washington’s satisfaction before the tariffs would be removed, said lawyer Patrick Childress, a partner at Holland & Knight and a former U.S. trade official.
“This suggests that no short-term path for countrywide relief from the new Section 301 tariffs will be available,” he said.
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Countries and industries reject the forced labor argument
Many countries have pushed back against the Trump administration’s findings.
Brazil, which faces a 12.5% forced-labor tariff, called the U.S. move “arbitrary and unjustified.” The U.S. “chose to manipulate an issue of great importance to human rights and the struggles of workers worldwide in order to accuse 59 countries and the European Union of unfair practices,” it said in a statement.
Australia also questioned the justification for its 12.5% tariff.
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“We believe that amongst all of the countries in the world, Australia does take the issue of slavery, modern slavery, seriously, and will continue to do that,” Trade Minister Don Farrell told reporters in Adelaide.
Carve-outs have riled some industries. The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which describes itself as the voice of the American textile industry, protested a mechanism that exempts the Section 301 tariffs for textile and apparel imports from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia based on those countries’ imports of U.S. cotton and textiles.
“No other industry has been more disadvantaged by forced labor than the U.S. textile industry, which employs 453,000 workers and has lost 41 plants over the past two plus years,” NCTO chief executive Kim Glas said in a statement. “We remain strongly concerned that USTR’s textile mechanism will harm the very domestic manufacturers the administration seeks to help.”
US forced-labor bans don’t always work
The U.S. has two major pieces of legislation related to forced-labor import bans. The Tariff Act of 1930 gave Customs and Border Protection the authority to seize shipments where forced labor was suspected and to block further imports. But it had a big carve-out: If there was “consumptive demand,” meaning there wasn’t sufficient supply to meet domestic demand, imports were allowed regardless of how they were produced. The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act that took effect in 2016 eliminated that loophole.
But goods made with forced labor can still make it into the U.S. In 2015, an Associated Press investigation found that slave labor was used in the fishing industry in Southeast Asia. The seafood they caught made its way to supermarkets and pet food providers across the U.S.
An investigation by The Associated Press in 2020 into the $65 billion palm oil industry found labor abuses among an invisible workforce consisting of millions of men, women and children in Asia. The fruit they harvested made its way into the supply chains of major companies, including Unilever, L’Oreal, Nestle and Procter & Gamble.
Calls for a more comprehensive approach to combat forced labor
During hearings on the tariffs this month, National Retail Federation vice president Jonathan Gold, who was representing the business coalition the Joint Association Forced Labor Working Group at the hearing, said that in order for the import bans to work, they would have to be much more extensive.
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He said there need to be “clear, measurable benchmarks” tied to tariffs for countries to hit, and that the U.S. should help countries build enforcement programs.
Kenya Davis, a partner at the Boies Schiller Flexner law firm, said an effective ban needs a “comprehensive approach” that provides transparency about what the investigations consisted of, along with programs that provide countries aid in enforcing bans.
MOSCOW (AP) — A U.S.-Russian space crew landed safely in the steppes of Kazakhstan on Sunday after an eight-month stint on the International Space Station.
NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian crewmates Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev touched down in their Soyuz MS-28 that landed smoothly by parachute in a designated area southeast of Dzhezkazgan.
Their 241-day stint on the orbiting outpost was the first space mission for Williams and Mikaev and the second for Kud‑Sverchkov.
The crew will be flown by helicopter to Karaganda, where Williams will board a plane to return to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, while Kud‑Sverchkov and Mikaev will take a flight to their training base in Star City, just outside Moscow.
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Once bitter rivals in the space race during the Cold War, Russia and the U.S. cooperate on the space station and other projects. That relationship was marred by tensions after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, but Washington and Moscow have continued to work together, with U.S. and Russian crews flying to the orbiting outpost on each country’s spacecraft.
On July 14, the crew of NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina arrived at the International Space Station for an eight-month mission after launching from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on July 14.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch, the first visit to Baikonur by a NASA chief in eight years.
The newly arrived trio have joined NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev as part of Expedition 75.
Simon Jordan airs Anthony Joshua conspiracy theory after boxer knocked out rival despite hitting the canvas TWICE to set up money-spinning Tyson Fury fight: ‘Something not quite right’
Simon Jordan has questioned the nature of Anthony Joshua‘s victory over Kristian Prenga as he recovered from two knockdowns to set up a lucrative showdown with Tyson Fury.
Joshua, who had been returning to the ring after seven months of inactivity, appeared on the brink of defeat in the opening round against Prenga.
The Albanian heavyweight knocked Joshua down just 20 seconds into the contest with an uppercut.
Joshua then survived another knockdown later in the round, with fans fearing the long-awaited showdown with Fury was at risk.
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The second round proved dramatically different as Joshua unleashed a series of heavy blows to force Prenga towards the ropes, before delivering a knockout blow.
Joshua’s stunning turnaround, coupled with Fury’s victory over Mariusz Wach just 24 hours earlier, cleared the path for the two British heavyweights to finally meet in one of the most lucrative fights in boxing.
Anthony Joshua survived two knock downs in the first round against Kristian Prenga
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Joshua responded in the second by delivering a second round knockout of the Albanian
Simon Jordan questioned the nature of Joshua’s victory given the difference between the two rounds
talkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan controversially questioned the dramatic difference in the rounds between Joshua and Prenga.
Jordan declared ‘something not quite right’ as he appeared to reference the sums on offer for Joshua’s fight with Fury.
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‘Not having that… #anthonyjoshua fight,’ Jordan posted.
‘Dropped twice and sets the tempo, how’s that ? … Prenga totally different in 2nd
‘Something not quite right, all designed to rinse maximum amount of money…’
Punch stats for the fight revealed the stunning difference between the two rounds, with Joshua landing just five of his 22 attempted punches in the first, while Prenga connected with 15 of his 32.
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The second round swung with Joshua landing with 13 of his 46 punches, as Prenga dramatically dropped off by landing three of 17 attempted.
Despite Jordan’s comments on social media, Joshua insisted that ‘champions rise’ in a post-fight interview after coming through the test.
Prenga had stunned Joshua in the opening round and landed 13 of his 32 attempted punches
He landed just three of 17 punches in the second round as Joshua became the aggressor
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Prenga was sent to the canvas by a brutal blow from Joshua, who later declared ‘champions rise’ when asked about the dramatic turnaround
‘He [Prenga] gave me a good test but this is what champions do, we rise,’ Joshua said.
‘We get knocked down and stand up. That is life, that is life’s motto.
‘I want to give a massive thank you to Prenga and his team for putting up a good fight. It means a lot to them and it means a lot to me and that is why you see what you see in the ring.
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‘I want to give thanks to God. It was more than me in that situation, it can’t just be me in them type of situations. There is a higher power that is calling.
‘He’s a strong guy and I think Eddie [Hearn] wants to sign him now! He is going to do well and he has a bright future.
‘Maybe with a bit more experience, he [Prenga] will be up there with the rest of us. He is strong and durable.’
Looking ahead to the showdown with Fury, with contracts having already been signed, Joshua said in the ring: ‘Have we got Tyson Fury in the room? Is he here or not?
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‘I am the meanest, most vicious champion. Nobody can stop me. He is no Oleksandr [Usyk].
‘All jokes aside, there are two sides. One is the fighter and the other is respect. I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person, we’re here now.
‘I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.’
Joshua had paid tribute to his two close friends, who were killed in a car crash in December.
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Joshua will finally face Tyson Fury in a money-spinning contest with his rival having beaten Mariussz Wach a day earlier
Joshua paid tribute to his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who died in a car crash in December
Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele died while the car they were travelling in struck a truck on a road near Lagos in December. The pair were on holiday with Joshua after he beat Jake Paul in Miami.
Fighting in honour of Ghami and Ayodele, Joshua paid tribute to his friends by having their names printed on his military camouflage trunks.
He also walked to the ring wearing a military-style jacket to match his camo shorts. The jacket featured a medal bar displaying the IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO titles – which he previously held – alongside pennants bearing Ghami and Ayodele’s names.
Meanwhile, ‘Latz x Sina, My Brother’s Keeper, MBK’ was printed on the canvas in his corner.
Asked about how he has been coping after beating Prenga, Joshua said: ‘It’s been tough,’ before becoming emotional. ‘That’s my brothers. I don’t want to talk about that.’
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Speaking on DAZN, Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn admitted he feared the heavyweight had returned to the ring too soon after witnessing his struggles in the opening round.
‘Nobody can imagine what he’s been through in that last seven months. In that first round, I thought we’d come back too soon,’ Hearn said.
‘Boxing got him through. To even be in the ring tonight is astonishing. You don’t know what he’s been through. He had to go to the depths one more time to get up, like he has done the last seven months.’
In February, Joshua memorialised Ghami and Ayodele by having their names tattooed on his arm.
Photographers were spoiled for choice as Whitby’s streets and the pavilion filled with corsets, goggles and top hats, with many of the most eye-catching outfits captured on camera by The Press Camera Club’s talented members Garry Hornby and Simon McCabe throughout the weekend.
We’ve created this gallery of Whitby Steampunk Weekend 2026: 31 photos of amazing outfits to showcase all the fabulous photos – and to give the participants the audience their outfits deserve!
The three-day event, held at Whitby Pavilion from Friday, July 24 to today, Sunday, July 26, is widely regarded as one of the largest free steampunk gatherings in the UK, attracting crowds from across the country.
Whitby Steampunk Weekend 2026. (Image: Simon McCabe Photography)
Organisers said the family-friendly festival, first launched in 2017, once again transformed the seaside venue into a hub of “fanciful extravagance”, with around 70 traders offering clothing, accessories, and handmade curiosities.
Whitby Steampunk Weekend 2026. (Image: Simon McCabe Photography)
Alongside the retail emporium, visitors are being treated to a packed programme of talks, workshops, and live entertainment.
Highlights have included presentations on Whitby’s ghosts and legends, Vikings and vampires, Viking mythology, the town’s links to Bram Stoker, and the history of Victorian funeral customs.
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Whitby Steampunk Weekend 2026. (Image: Simon McCabe Photography)
Experts and guest speakers have included author and parapsychologist Paul Fitz-George, funeral director Emma Sparre-Newman covering how and why Victorian social conditions gave rise to the modern day funeral director and shaped so many funeral customs, and curators from Whitby Museum showcasing unusual artefacts from their collections.
Entertainment extended beyond the pavilion over the weekend, with performances from Ravens Morris from East Yorkshire, and sea shanty group Whitby Tillermen Friends drawing crowds outdoors.
Whitby Steampunk Weekend 2026. (Image: Simon McCabe Photography)
Evening events included a charity quiz and a tribute concert at the Whitby Pavilion Theatre featuring the Duran Duran Experience and Ant Trouble – Adam & The Ants Tribute.
Organiser Andy from WSW Events encouraged visitors to attend, saying: “Don’t wait for all the pictures to appear on social media and wish you’d come—make the effort and enjoy a day to remember.”
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The event, which offers free daytime entry, is held every February and July.
Were you in Whitby for the Steampunk Weekend? Share your photos in the comments below – or join The Press Camera Club here.
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