NEW YORK (AP) — Main draw play is underway at the U.S. Open, with 19th-seeded Jasmine Paolini among those playing in the opening set of matches at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sunday.

Third-ranked Jessica Pegula leads off at Arthur Ashe Stadium against Elena-Gabriela Ruse at noon, followed on the men’s side by Daniil Medvedev against Hugo Gaston.

Novak Djokovic begins his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title on Sunday night against Mariano Navone. Djokovic at 39 is coming off losing his opening match at the hardcourt tuneup Cincinnati Open earlier this month.

Venus Williams faces fellow American wild card Sophia Kenin in the last match of the night at Ashe. She and sister Serena are scheduled to play doubles together.

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See AP’s full tennis coverage here

A Muslim group planning to convert a Grade II-listed pub into an ‘Islamic-style’ mosque has claimed it ‘only had three regulars’.

The Norwich Muslim Centre submitted plans to transform the historic 1930s building in Norfolk into a place of worship.

The proposals have sparked concern from some locals who argue there is another mosque operating less than half a mile away on the same road.

But the Muslim association has now hit back at critics – arguing it has ‘come across only three people’ who regularly visited the pub.

Sirajul Islam, a trustee of the Norwich Muslim Centre, said: ‘Since we became involved with this historic building, I have personally knocked on doors throughout the neighbourhood to speak to local residents and understand their views.

‘So far, I have come across only three people who told me that they used to visit the pub on a regular basis when it was open and operating as a pub.

‘This did make me wonder where all those objections and concerns are coming from.

‘We really do appreciate the concerns being raised, and we are fully committed to working with the wider community.’

Plans have been submitted to turn the Grade II-listed Gatehouse in Norwich into a mosque. CGI of the proposed building is seen here

Proposals show a large copper-coloured extension decorated with screens and Arabic lettering which would be built onto the rear of the pub

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It comes as leaflets opposing the plan posted around Norwich asked: ‘Should this pub be converted into a mosque?’

A blank objection letter was also included, addressed to City Hall.

The letter did not give the option to support the application, which was submitted last month and it is unknown who the sender is.

The pub, a mixture of Arts and Crafts and Tudor styles, closed three years ago following the death of its landlord.

For generations, the 1930s-built red-brick Gatehouse has stood at the western gateway to Norwich in Norfolk.

Neighbours fear a re-development will swamp surrounding residential streets with cars, while campaigners have warned a piece of Britain’s traditional pub heritage could be lost.

Proposals show a large copper-coloured extension decorated with Islamic-style screens and Arabic lettering which would be built onto the rear of the pub.

The plans to transform the old pub were put to the council in two parts.

Richard Dixon (pictured), a member of the Norwich and District branch of CAMRA, said: ‘Norwich has lost many pubs over the years, to either be knocked down or redeveloped’

CGI mock-ups show glass-fronted prayer and function halls overlooking landscaped terraces, gardens and the nearby river

One objector said the change would bring more parked vehicles on to neighbouring roads, resulting in a ‘detrimental impact on the area’

The change of use and extension application, which is the only one referenced on the leaflet, has received more objections than the other bid to extend the pub.

So far, objections have reached 234, with 136 commenting in support.

But the public comments in support of the application, which are not mentioned on the leaflet, are much higher, with 154 objections and 175 in support.

Richard Dixon, a member of the Norwich and District branch of CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale), said: ‘Norwich has lost many pubs over the years, to either be knocked down or redeveloped.

‘There are now large areas of the city that have few or even no pubs.’

He added: ‘The changes to the outside would change the character of the listed building.

‘The interior, although it is said retaining existing features, would not be the style of a bar with handpumps and other pub related features – this would detract from the original use of the bar.’

‘No reasonable efforts were made to show the pub cannot be viable.

‘Whilst the changes would nominally make it a community facility, this will not be as a pub.

‘The Gatehouse was well liked and used by the community for socialising, drinking, music and pub games.

‘It should be retained for use as a public house.’

Norwich Muslim Centre said the site is intended for use by the wider community and not as an exclusive mosque.

As part of the scheme, an extension would be built at the back of the pub.

According to the plans, hall space could be used for celebrations and festivals, youth services, and school visits.

There would be space for more than 200 worshippers at the site.

A mission statement submitted with the plans says: ‘Our dream is to create a community hub that not only provides a space for worship but also empowers the next generation with strong Islamic identity, promotes interfaith engagement and tackles misconceptions about Muslims.’

Mr Islam added: ‘We believe our project is a community-focused and sustainable proposal that will give this historic building a positive future while respecting the local area.

‘We are a peace-loving community, and one of our fundamental obligations is to look after and respect our neighbours.

‘We want to approach this project in exactly that spirit and work constructively with everyone in the community.’

The Gatehouse closed in 2023 following the death of its long-serving landlord.

A community campaign had tried unsuccessfully to buy the building and turn it into Norwich’s first community-owned pub.

The Gatehouse was built for Norwich brewers Morgans in 1934, replacing a 19th-century pub which had previously stood on the same site.

The building was granted Grade II-listed status in 2015.

The application awaits a decision from Norwich City Council.

Monaghan born Thomasina Tobin and her husband Patrick died near Valencia on Tuesday

The Irishwoman and her husband found dead in the jacuzzi of their Spanish holiday villa died from cardiac arrest, it has emerged.

Reports say postmortems show Thomasina and Patrick Tobin suffered fatal heart stoppages when they became trapped in the jacuzzi at the villa near Valencia.

One theory is that both cardiac arrests were brought on by physical exhaustion in the struggle to save themselves – while another is that one of them was electrocuted and the other died when they fought to rescue them.

“Preliminary analyses indicate that the victims suffered cardiac arrest brought on by acute stress following physical exhaustion and the desperation of the moment,” the respected Valencia newspaper Las Provincias newspaper said on Sunday morning.

The couple, who were married with two teenage children and were living in London, died in the freak accident at their holiday villa at Cullera, near Valencia, last Tuesday.

Mrs Tobin, née McArdle, was a quantity surveyor who was originally from Castleblayney in Co Monaghan. She was 51. Her husband Patrick, 48, was from New Zealand.

They are believed to have spent up to two weeks at the villa in the upmarket residential estate called Cap Blanc in Cullera when the tragedy happened.

They were both found dead in the jacuzzi by their two teenage children, who then raised the alarm.

Homicide cops initially investigated their deaths as there were marks and scratches on both bodies – but foul play was quickly ruled out.

Instead, police are now investigating the theory that they died in a freak accident while they enjoyed the outdoor jacuzzi in their holiday rental.

It has now emerged that on Saturday, police examined the jacuzzi for the third time – but on this occasion they had an industrial expert on hot tubs with them.

The expert joined the Guardia Civil team at the request of an investigating magistrate – as judges lead such probes in Spain.

The expert was tasked with analysing the power of the suction fittings in the jacuzzi – to see if they trapped one or both of the victims in the hot tub.

Las Provincias said investigators are probing the theory that the tub’s hydro-massage system cause a strong suction effect that suddenly trapped Mr and Mrs Tobin in the water.

It says investigators believe the couple then fought desperately to save themselves.

The paper says: “According to the first investigations, the excessive suction force would have imprisoned the couple inside the bathtub, which triggered a situation of extreme anguish and desperate physical effort to free themselves from the hydraulic grip.

“The autopsy findings almost definitively reinforce the theory of accidental entrapment. “Preliminary analyses indicate that the victims suffered cardiac arrest brought on by acute stress following physical exhaustion and the desperation of the moment.”

It also said the post mortems showed the scratches on their bodies were not as a result of third party violence – but stemmed from them trying to save each other.

The paper also said that another possibility is that one victim may have suffered the cardiac arrest due to electrocution from a suspected fault in the tub and the other died trying to save them.

Mrs Tobin was a member of the highly respected McArdle family from Castleblayney, but had been living and working in London for around 20 years.

Her father is Tommy McArdle, who is a well-known playwright, actor and producer – and who spent many years directing RTÉ’s drama Glenroe.

He is famous for working with his brother John, who is also a writer and actor.

Both brothers also played football for Monaghan.

Mrs Tobin was a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and worked as a Chartered Surveyor.

Major projects she worked on in the UK included the Ritz and Shard building, both in London.

The Department of Foreign Affairs previously confirmed to the Irish Mirror it was aware of the incident and confirmed it was providing consular assistance in the case of one Irish citizen.

Initial reports said both Mr and Mrs Tobin were Irish, but it was later established that he was from New Zealand.

A spokeswoman told the Irish Mirror : “The Department is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance in the case of the Irish citizen concerned.

“As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”

The couple’s two young children reportedly alerted the homeowner after finding their bodies at their rented villa near Valencia at around 5pm local time on Tuesday.

Relatives from Monaghan flew out to be with the couple’s devastated children on Wednesday morning.

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The 17-year-old man was rushed to hospital after the incident but no information is available on his injuries.

A teenager has been rushed to hospital after reportedly being stabbed on a Glasgow street.

Officers were called to Kerr Street in the Bridgeton area of the city at around 10.25pm on Saturday, August 29.

A 17-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment but no more information is available on his injuries.

A source told Glasgow Live that “two men were chased down London Road by five men” before fleeing into a car park where the teen was stabbed.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.25pm on Saturday, 29 August, 2026, we were called to a report of a male injured in Kerr Street, Glasgow. The 17-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish more details and trace those involved. Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting incident number 3739 of August 29.”

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By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER and MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 16:45 BST, 30 August 2026

Emergency services were called to Balmer Hill in Gainford at 8.10pm on Saturday (August 29) after a car had driven there and gunshots fired at the home.

A 46-year-old man is in hospital in a ‘critical, but stable’ condition with birdshot injuries to his abdomen.

A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and both remain in custody.

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The boy has also been arrested on suspicion of theft, failing to stop and driving without a licence, police said.

Pictures from the scene show holes the door where shots were fired, with the front window smashed through and shards of glass strewn across the ground on the driveway.

Neighbours described the street as ‘quiet’, with one saying: “Nothing ever happens here.

“A couple of weeks ago some milk was pinched from a doorstep and there was hell on, but it’s a quiet place.

“I feel safer now with the police here.”

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Police officers were seen at the cordon surrounding the house on Sunday (August 30) and CSI teams in white overalls were working inside and outside the home, filling large brown evidence bags.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: “An investigation has been launched after a man was shot in Gainford last night.

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“Emergency services were called to an address in Balmer Hill just after 8.10pm following reports that suspects had driven to a house and fired at it from their car before making off.

“A 46-year-old man suffered birdshot injuries to his abdomen and was taken to hospital. His condition has been described as critical but stable.

“No one else at the address was injured and officers remain at the scene today.

“A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

“The boy has also been arrested on suspicion of theft, failing to stop and driving without a licence. They both remain in custody.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We were called to an incident at a private address in Gainford, Darlington at 8.10pm on Saturday, August 29.

“We dispatched one ambulance crew, one duty officer, one clinical team leader and were supported by Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

“One person was taken to hospital by road.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident reference 479 of August 29.

HOHENFELS, Germany (AP) — On a moonless and rainy night, a group of soldiers emerged from a ramshackle building meant to resemble a church. The alpine terrain loomed over them as they quietly set off for the tree line of the German countryside a short distance away.

The soldiers are members of the Polish special forces and are taking part in an exercise designed only months ago that simulates moving through enemy lines, traversing miles of enemy territory and launching a drone strike on a key enemy location.

Initially designed by the Army’s Green Berets for U.S. special forces, the exercise that began Friday is informed by and simulates many of the challenges that Ukrainian troops have experienced in their conflict with Russia. It is the first time a NATO ally like Poland has undertaken the training, and it comes at a time when tensions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and NATO countries have escalated.

“We’re using lessons learned from Ukraine,” an Army Green Beret officer assigned to the training complex said Thursday. “All of those effects that we’re seeing either Russia or Ukraine having to overcome — we’re doing our best to replicate.”

The Associated Press received rare access to both the training ground and the troops conducting the exercise, which has only been conducted twice before, both times this year, by two different Green Beret teams.

The drill highlights the focus that some parts of the U.S. military have on learning the latest techniques in drone warfare, pioneered by Ukraine during its 4 1/2-year effort to repel Russian forces. It also shows how the U.S., its NATO allies and Ukraine are working together to counter the threat of possible further Russian action in coming years even as the Trump administration has warned of troop drawdowns in Europe.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe went to Moscow this week to warn Russia not to attack NATO countries, The Wall Street Journal reported. Russia has the appetite to conduct sabotage and cyberattacks against NATO countries, but Putin wants to avoid a direct confrontation, according to three Western officials, who spoke Friday on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters.

How special forces are learning to sneak behind enemy lines to deploy drones

During the exercise in Germany, a senior enlisted soldier familiar with the training scenario at Joint Multinational Readiness Center Hohenfels — about an hour’s drive southeast from Nuremberg — said the plan is to run it several times a year. The officer said he expects most, if not all, of the 32 NATO nations to express interest in sending their troops to try the exercise.

Both spoke on condition of anonymity in line with the U.S. military’s longstanding policy of not publicly identifying individual members of special forces units.

President Donald Trump stirred confusion among NATO allies by going back and forth on drawing down U.S. troop levels in Europe, and the administration has launched a force review on next steps. And last week, the Army’s top officer shuttered a unit that specialized in drone warfare.

But overall, there is growing interest in tapping Ukraine for its expertise on modern warfare and, specifically, drones.

In March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country was helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter Iranian drone attacks launched during the war with the United States, while the U.S. and European countries were among those requesting support.

Meanwhile, the number of mysterious drone incursions in Europe have grown, including as recently as this month, when a pair of drones were spotted over a German military base and a drone carrying explosives was found at a key cargo airport in Germany.

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Associated Press writer Emma Burrows in London contributed to this report.

Pedro Neto 7: 12 of this, half a dozen of the other. Going forward, he was superb, using his natural attacking instinct to be a danger with his delivery and getting at Kadioglu, while his goalscoring knack was on show as he ghosted in to double the home side’s advantage. He was skinned for the visitors’ goal, however, showing that he still has plenty to learn if he is to master this new role.

The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior has released on X.

It reads: “Press Statement on the Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations for the Passenger Ship Taking on Water Off the Coast of Girne

“On August 30, 2026, information was received that the passenger ship named FILOJET, which was en route from Girne Port to Taşucu Port with 259 passengers and 8 crew members on board, had begun taking on water 4 miles off Girne Port and was in danger of sinking.

“Following the receipt of the report, search and rescue operations were initiated in the area.

“As part of the search and rescue activities; 4 floating units affiliated with the T.R.N.C. Coast Guard Command and the passenger ship named AKGÜNLER 3 were assigned to the region, while 5 floating units and 2 Coast Guard helicopters were dispatched to the area by our Coast Guard Command.

“Additionally, 6 naval units have been assigned by the Naval Forces Command to support the operations being conducted in the region.

“The search and rescue operations are being meticulously continued in coordination among the relevant units.

“It is respectfully announced to the public.”

Dolly Parton has been laid to rest after a private funeral, her family has confirmed.

Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video posted August 25. The musician’s publicist confirmed Parton’s cancer diagnosis to the Associated Press later in the day, but did not give further details on her illness.

Dolly’s niece, Lainey Parton, shared a touching tribute to her aunt August 29, confirming the Queen of Country had been laid to rest the day prior.

“I wanted to wait until after my granny was laid to rest yesterday before I tried to put any of this into words,” Lainey wrote of her “Aunt Granny.”

“From the time I was little, my granny always had a way of making me feel like I was enough. She never made my dreams feel too big or made me feel like I couldn’t do something. She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself.

“Most people can think of at least one bad memory with everyone in their family. I honestly can’t think of one with her.”

Lainey went on to thank fans and supporters for their love, and ended with a final message to Dolly: “Thank you for always believing in me, loving me, and making me feel like I could do anything.”

Dolly had made it clear before her death that she wanted a “small, private service” for immediate family, the singer’s team shared in a statement.

That service was held at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. She was buried next to Carl Dean, her husband of 60 years who died in March 2025.

Aside from wanting a small service, Dolly did reveal one major detail about her funeral arrangements to fans more than a decade before her death.

“There’s a song called ‘If We Never Meet Again.’ It’s an old country-gospel church song that talks about if we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore,” she told Entertainment Weekly in a 2014 interview.

“‘Where the charming roses bloom forever and where separations come no more.’ That was my daddy’s favorite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine.”

It is unclear if there was a live rendition of the song at her funeral; however, Parton has duetted with her goddaughter, pop star Miley Cyrus, on a number of occasions in the past.