Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a £5million Regional Obesity Management Service for Northern Ireland.

A new obesity service is to initially focus on individuals with the highest clinical need.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a £5 million Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS) for Northern Ireland.

It comes as obesity is identified as one of the region’s biggest public health issues, with 65% of adults living with obesity or excess weight.

Weight loss medication for adult patients will be among approaches in ROMS which is expected to be rolled out in early autumn 2026.

The Department of Health said it will focus on those people with the highest clinical need to optimise health benefits.

Mr Nesbitt said the new service will help improve the lives of many people.

“Obesity is a significant public health issue and those living with being overweight or obese are at a higher risk of a range of major health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers,” he said.

“This service aligns with my vision for the future of Health and Social Care (HSC), shifting left and bringing care closer to people’s front doors, as set out in my recently published neighbourhood model of health and wellbeing.”

Mr Nesbitt said obesity disproportionately affects those from disadvantaged communities (68%) compared to the least disadvantaged (62%).

“The shift from treating ill health to helping people stay well will support longer, healthier, and more active lives, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK and improving health outcomes,” he added.

ROMS is planned to be implemented alongside the new Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP) which received a £7 million share of an £85million envelope from the UK Government and pharmaceutical company, Lilly, and will be delivered in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.

Delivery of OPIP will commence in August with implementation of the ROMS beginning in autumn 2026, with an initial focus on individuals with the highest clinical need.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life.”

The Princess of Wales has issued an update and spoken out about how cancer ‘profoundly affects every aspect of life’ following her own experience with the illness.

The future Queen was the first royal to completed the Three Peaks Challenge in a feat of endurance to raise money for a cancer charity and ‘explore life beyond diagnosis’. She revealed in a social media message that she had successfully taken on the trek, not only as a physical endeavour but ‘to give something back’ and raise vital awareness.

Princess Kate climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – within 24 hours this weekend, starting on Saturday evening (June 27).

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

She carried out the challenge solo, supported on route by Mountain Rescue, and was greeted at the end by the Prince of Wales and her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and brother James Middleton.

Kensington Palace said they believed the expedition was a royal first, with the princess being the first member of the royal family to complete the challenge.

The princess, who was pictured smiling broadly at the summit of Ben Nevis on Saturday evening dressed in a cagoule, with a cap on and her hood up, and trekking poles on her back, wrote: “I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.

“The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people. Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare.”

The princess, in the photograph at the misty summit, could be seen wearing her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which belonged to William’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, during the challenge.

Sharing her own experience of cancer, she spoke of how she personally understood that the illness can affect every aspect of someone’s life. The princess added: “Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear.

“What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.

“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally.” Kate trekked for 23 miles, with a total ascent of more than 10,000 feet, and a driving distance of 462 miles between locations.

She was treated for cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has launched a specially designed fundraising page for people across the nation to donate. Money raised will be used to help more people with cancer to benefit from holistic care.

Kate had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early in 2024, for which she underwent chemotherapy, and she announced she was in remission 17 months ago in January 2025. She has gradually returned to royal duties, including supporting the King at state visits to the UK and returning to international travel with a working trip to Italy in May this year.

The princess, who has long campaigned over the importance of spending time outdoors, wrote: “In the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.

“Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported. Please know you are not alone.”

Kate, who signed her personal message with a “C”, also wrote of the benefit of holistic therapies, adding: “We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.”

Money raised will also support research into how holistic care can best work alongside clinical cancer treatments to help patients, with the goal of creating a blueprint for change, so the supportive care becomes a standard part of cancer treatment nationally.

Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The princess’s commitment to The Royal Marsden stems from a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges, and we are immensely grateful for this generous support that will make a difference to the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.”

The fundraising link is available here.

Yorkshire has plenty of National Trust sites that can easily be reached from York for a family day trip.

From impressive ancient ruins and manor houses to enjoying a traditional cream tea in one of the National Trust cafés, there are so many things to see and do at each spot no matter what kind of day trip you are looking for.

If you are struggling to decide which one is best to visit, here are the top five National Trust sites close to York.

The five best National Trust sites in and around York

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

This UNESCO World Heritage Site mixes both medieval and 18th-century architecture with the “atmospheric” abbey ruins and “elegant” water garden that was designed by John Aislabie.

The site is described as being “a uniquely blended landscape full of secrets, curiosities, and breath-taking views”.

After walking around the abbey ruins and lakes and cascades in the water garden, you might be able to spot some red, sika or fallow deer in the deer park.

Beningbrough Hall

Found just outside of the city of York, Beningbrough features a country house with a collection of contemporary and traditional artwork to explore as well as selected items that tell the story of the people “who have shaped Beningborough”.

If the weather is nice, you will want to walk around the eight acres of formal gardens that contain historic trees and herbaceous borders as well as a walled garden with fruits growing all throughout the year.

To keep children happy, there is a wilderness play area with climbing frames, slides, and swings for them to let off some steam.

Nunnington Hall

At Nunnington Hall, you can walk around the exhibitions found on the top floor of the house and admire the “fascinating combination of renovation and re-purpose” that helps to create both an “atmospheric and comfortable home”.

The hall is surrounded by a garden that runs alongside the river Rye where you’ll find colourful peacocks and flowers that keep the garden looking bright through every season.

If you fancy something to eat while visiting the hall, you can head to the tea room overlooking the garden where you can treat yourself to a scone or lunch.

Goddards

Described as “a hidden garden on the edge of York”, Goddards is the garden found next to the former home of the Terry family, who created the Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

The five-acre garden has a formal terrace, wildlife pond, herbaceous borders, and a historic glasshouse on the edge of the York racecourse and if you pay close attention, you will be able to spot the Terry factory clock tower from the paddock orchard.

There is also a small kiosk where you can find hot and cold drinks as well as small snacks you can enjoy while overlooking the garden or finding a bench to relax on.

Treasurer’s House

You don’t have to leave the city of York to visit a National Trust property with the Treasurer’s House found in the middle of the city.

Recommended reading

Cafe that rehabilitates inmates gets one-star for food hygiene

York rated number two in the nation for public toilets

Huge crowds flock to Scarborough as indie legends bring classic hits to stage

From April to October, you can explore the townhouse on a guided tour where you will delve “deeper into the history of the house and past residents”.

The house also has a small garden right next to the York Minster where you can enjoy some peace away from the city.

Have you been to any of these National Trust sites? Let us know in the comments below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Druski will make history as the youngest host of the BET Awards on Sunday, where Lauryn Hill and Teyana Taylor will be honored along with stars such as Cardi B, Doechii and Queen Latifah who are expected to take the stage.

Druski will surpass Kevin Hart, who previously held the distinction as the BET Award’s youngest host when he emceed in 2011.

The 31-year-old comedian and digital creator will host the ceremony live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. EDT.

Who is nominated?

Cardi B leads this year’s BET Awards with six nominations, while Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist earned five nods each. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean and Latto follow with four nominations apiece.

The album of the year race includes Cardi B’s “Am I the Drama?,” Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out,” J. Cole’s “The Fall-Off,” Leon Thomas’ “Mutt Deluxe: Heel,” Mariah the Scientist’s “Hearts Sold Separately,” Tyler, the Creator’s “Don’t Tap the Glass,” Bruno Mars’ “The Romantic,” and Wale’s “everything is a lot.”

Several of the year’s biggest hits are also in contention for song of the year, including Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Leon Thomas’ “Mutt,” Doechii’s “Denial Is a River,” and Mariah the Scientist’s “Burning Blue.”

Who are the show’s performers?

The first wave of performers includes Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I. and The War And Treaty.

Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte returns as the show’s announcer.

Who will host the show?

Druski is expected to bring his improvisational style and internet-born comedy to the BET Awards stage.

He became one of entertainment’s fastest-rising stars through his viral sketches before expanding into sold-out comedy tours and collaborations with artists including Drake and Snoop Dogg, as well as appearances alongside figures like Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet.

“I grew up watching the BET Awards,” Druski said. “To know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history. But I’m still bringing my brand of comedy to the stage.”

Who will receive special honors?

Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award, which recognizes pioneers whose work has remained culturally essential across generations. She first emerged as a member of the Fugees before releasing her landmark solo debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” a genre-defying album that became one of the most influential recordings in hip-hop and R&B history.

BET called Hill “the very definition of a living legend,” crediting her with reshaping music while inspiring generations of artists.

Taylor, who starred in “One Battle After Another,” will receive the Icon of the Year Award, recognizing a creative force whose influence is shaping culture today. She has evolved from a multiplatinum recording artist into an award-winning actor, director, producer and choreographer.

Music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award for her groundbreaking leadership and lasting impact on the music industry.

Rhone made history as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation. During a career spanning decades, she helped develop artists including Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Erykah Badu, Kid Cudi, Future, Travis Scott and Giveon.

Are there any other standout nominees?

The awards will feature award categories including the Pulse Award for creator and content series and the Fashion Vanguard Award for cultural impact in fashion.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones

Tributes have been paid to a former Cambridge University lecturer among the death and funeral notices this week. Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements.

Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here . Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling our helpful team on 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

(Jethro) of Thriplow, Royston passed peacefully to rest at home on Saturday 9th May 2026 aged 77 years. A loving husband to Jennifer, wonderful Dad to Conrad, Natasha, Hayley, Zoey, and Jade. A much loved Brother and a special Grandad and Great Grandad. Funeral service to be held at 10:15am, Cambridge City Cemetery and Crematorium, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge on Friday 3rd July 2026 West Chapel followed by burial. Family flowers only please, donations if desired in Geoffrey’s memory may be made payable to Cancer Research UK and left at the service or forwarded to Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309

Of Histon, sadly passed away on 3rd June aged 91 years. Devoted husband of the late Mary, dearly loved dad to Pete, Mark, Christopher and to daughter-in-law Debbie. Granddad to Matthew, Lewis, Claire, Samuel, Annabel and Oliver. Forever in our hearts. Funeral service to be held at Cambridge City Crematorium (West Chapel) on Monday 6th July at 1.15pm. Family flowers only please, however if desired donations to the British Heart Foundation. Weyman Funerals 26 Abbey Walk Cambridge CB1 2QJ

Passed away peacefully at home on Saturday 13th June 2026 aged 98 years. Loving husband of the late Sylvia – now reunited. And a much loved father. Donations in memory of Kurt are being gifted to MIND and may be forwarded to Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309.

Passed away peacefully on the 8th June 2026, aged 90. Loving mother to Adam, Sara and Catherine, loving grandmother and great grandmother, sadly missed. Funeral service to take place at St. Etheldreda’s Roman Catholic Church, Ely on Wednesday 8th July 2026 at 11:00am. Donations in memory of Eileen are being taken for Motor Neuron Disease. All enquiries to Ely Funeral Service, 30 Forehill, Ely, CB7 4AF. Tel: 01353 880555

(Dick) Dr. Richard Ernest McConnel (Dick McConnel) has died at the age of 78 in Bottisham England on 13 June 2026. Richard was born 27 September 1947 in Wellington, New Zealand to parents Major Bertie Augustus McConnel and Edith Emma Hall McConnel He was head prefect and dux at Heretaunga College in 1965 and was selected a Rhodes Scholar at Canterbury University in New Zealand in 1970. He attended Oxford University and was a member of Merton College. He achieved a Doctorate in Philosophy and studied structural engineering. Richard went on to work on the Melbourne Bridge Project following the Royal commissioned investigation into its collapse. He later moved to Wurzburg Germany to work for a large construction and civil engineering firm where he specialized in bridge construction and integrity. Richard accepted a lectureship at the University of Cambridge in 1979. He was a respected expert in structural steelwork, space grids, and lattice domes, having authored academic publications and reference books such as “Space Grid Structures”. Throughout his tenure, he served as a University Lecturer in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge and was a long-time Fellow, Tutor, and Director of Studies at St John’s College Cambridge. He is celebrated as the driving force behind the establishment of the Cambridge University Rugby League Football Club, and among the College’s historic and competitive crews of the Lady Margaret Boat Club’s “Fellows Boat”. He was an avid supporter, and served as the Senior Treasurer, for University of Cambridge Sport Syndicate. During the last 20+ years of his life Richard was part of the village of Great Wilbraham Cambridgeshire, lived part-time in the US with his partner, enjoyed sailing in the UK and Europe, and visited New Zealand often. He is survived by his sons James McConnel, Charles Scanlan and preceded by their mother Sue Scanlan; survived by his daughters Hester McConnel and Helena McConnel and their mother Gail Baglow; his sister Frances Forsyth and brothers Owen McConnel and Stephen McConnel; and his partner Teri Willey. He will be remembered and missed by many many more.

of Oakington, passed away peacefully, on June 12th 2026 aged 92 years. Beloved Husband of the late Megan, Dearly loved Dad of John. Mr and Mrs Milton and John did the Oakington Christmas lights display on their house for 30 years, raising money for Magpas Air Ambulance. Funeral Service to take place at Cambridge City Crematorium, West Chapel, on Monday July 6th 2026 at 11.15 am. No flowers, Donations if desired made payable to Magpas Air Ambulance, may be left at the service or sent c/o F W Cook Funeral Service, 49 Church Street, Willingham, Cambs, CB24 5HS

of Balsham, Passed away peacefully at Arthur Rank Hospice on Thursday 4th June 2026, aged 82 years. Beloved husband of Jenny, much loved dad of David and Lisa and an adored grandad of Luke. Funeral Service At Balsham Parish Church on Wednesday 8th July at 2.00pm, followed by Private Interment. Family flowers only please, but if wished donations for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity may be sent c/o H. J. Paintin Ltd, 43 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4HS.

Passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 4th June 2026 aged 73 years. Loving Mum to Kerry, Martyn and Laura and Nana to 9 grandchildren. The funeral service will take place at Cambridge City Crematorium (West Chapel) followed by interment on Tuesday 30th June 2026 at 10:15. This will also be live-streamed for anybody unable to attend. Please contact the family directly for these details. Family flowers only please. Donations are being collected in memory of Carol and can be made online via her In Memory profile at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255

In Memoriams

(nee Buttriss) Fourteen long years since 22nd June 2012 when your golden heart stopped beating. Daph I miss you so much but you left me with great memories of our love, your wonderful smiles and the time we spent together. Rest in peace my love until we meet again on Coniston Water. Your loving husband Ron and son David.

26 June 2021 Mum, Loving you is easy, We do it every day, Missing you is a heartache, That never goes away. You were always someone special, Someone kind and true, Who will never be forgotten, For we thought the world of you. Loving you always, Sherryl and Bill

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.

Danny Vettrino, 37, from Fife, Scotland was found dead with gunshot wounds in a car park in the Gym Hill area of Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A Scottish man has been discovered shot dead on a luxurious Caribbean island.

Danny Vettrino was killed in a car park in the Gym Hill area of Canouan in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at around 11:30pm on Wednesday, June 24, after returning from a day trip. The 37-year-old, who hailed from Dysart in Fife, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has launched an investigation into Danny’s death, and confirmed earlier this week that a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the precise cause of death.

A spokesperson for the force said: “At approximately 11.30pm, police responded to a report of shots being fired at Gym Hill, Canouan. Upon arrival, officers discovered Daniel Vettrino, a 37-year-old Technical Services Manager of Colombia/Scotland, with multiple gunshot wounds about his body.

“He was subsequently pronounced dead by the District Medical Officer. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.”

Appealing for witnesses to come forward, the spokesperson added: “The RSVGPF extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.”

Reports in local media suggest that two men have been detained for questioning in connection with the killing. Danny relocated from Scotland to Egypt in 2015, where he worked for an international peacekeeping organisation set up to oversee the terms of the Egyptian peace treaty with Israel.

He then moved to Colombia in 2023 and was considering heading back to Scotland early the following year before securing the job in the Caribbean.

In August 2024, Danny moved to the Grenadines, where he took up a role as Technical Service Manager at the Canouan Estate Resort and Villas. Following the news of his death, tributes poured in for Danny online reports the Daily Record.

Confirming his passing, his brother Robson Vettrino Kolberg wrote: “It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my brother, Danny Vettrino. Much loved by everyone, a pure soul who only wanted success and happiness for all of those around him. He has touched the lives of so many people, from his hometown in Fife to all corners of this world.

“A unique individual, made up of so many qualities and quirks, especially his impeccable ability to drink anyone under the table. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, the family are heartbroken by this loss and grateful for the love and support we have already received.”

He added: “I hope you’re somewhere up there drinking a pint of Guinness with Elvis. I love you.”

Laura Westwood wrote: “My heart is truly broken today to find out that my old pal who had the biggest of hearts, true gentleman and always smiling has passed away, you did not deserve this Danny. Love you so much, sleep tight buddy. You truly had the most beautiful soul.”

Nicola Buckley commented: “Rest in peace Danny Vettrino, you didn’t deserve this. You were a good person.”

Dave Alston added: “RIP Danny Vettrino, will always remember travelling from Egypt to Kirkcaldy and seeing his photo above the bar in the Elbow Room titled ‘King of Karaoke.’”.

Death in Paradise fans were quick to recognise the star behind drug lord Miranda Priestly in tonight’s two-part special.

Death in Paradise audiences were swift to place where they’d seen drug lord Miranda Priestly before.

Death in Paradise made its return tonight, Sunday, June 28, on BBC One for a classic instalment of the nation’s beloved cosy crime drama.

In this episode, DS Florence Cassell (portrayed by Josephine Jobert) assumes an undercover position as nanny to Miranda Priestly (Victoria Ekanoye), a formidable drug lord.

Florence’s mission in this two-part special was to penetrate Miranda’s narcotics network, but BBC audiences found themselves distracted by the actress playing this week’s antagonist.

Who is Victoria Ekanoye?

Death in Paradise brought in actress Victoria Ekanoye to play Miranda Priestly in the two-part special which originally broadcast three years ago.

Before her guest appearance in Death in Paradise, Ekanoye spent two years in ITV’s Coronation Street portraying Angie Appleton.

Advertisement

Internationally, Ekanoye is perhaps best recognised for her role as Rachel, the devoted confidante and aide to Elizabeth Hurley’s Queen Helena in The Royals.

Among her other notable television credits are Girl Taken, The Turkish Detective, Doctors and The Worst Witch.

However, before transitioning to television work, Ekanoye launched her career in musical theatre, taking to the West End stage in The Lion King as Queen Sarabi and Nala.

She has also ventured into music, participating in the 2019 series of The X Factor: Celebrity, where she competed in the “Over 31s” category.

The 44-year-old was represented by judge Nicole Scherzinger and concluded her run in 11th place.

Ekanoye has a number of projects in the works, amongst them the forthcoming BBC drama The Split Up, which serves as a spin-off of the acclaimed legal series The Split.

Furthermore, the actress is set to appear in a romantic drama called As Bad as Me, as well as An English Christmas Wish, which is anticipated to be released later this year.

Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The Mangrove Restaurant and Takeaway on Manchester Road confirmed the news in a social media post this evening (June 28), thanking customers for their support over the years.

Owner and manager Abdul Atique told The Bolton News he had been considering closing for some time.

“I love this place, I love the customers, and the support I’ve had from them has been amazing since I bought the restaurant,” he said.

“Situations change and my priority is my family. I need to spend more time with them.

“I’ve given 10 years in total here, but my son is growing up and I haven’t been able to spend enough time with him.”

Abdul said that although the announcement came as a surprise on social media, regular customers had been aware of the situation for some time.

He said the site is expected to reopen as an Indian restaurant by a friend of his, after a three-month refurbishment.

The venue is currently not licensed to serve alcohol, but Abdul confirmed the new business will have an alcohol licence.

“It’s going to be fantastic. I’ve seen the designs and it will be a great place to go to,” he said.

Abdul added he would “really miss the customers”, but said family remained his priority.

His South Africa side might have been beaten 1-0, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams said: “So proud of the boys to show our quality. We wanted to come here and compete.

“We can leave here with our heads high. Proud of the boys. The effort, the fight, the character. We keep fighting.

“We didn’t have the best start to the tournament. Our backs were against the wall, but to come out today and show up, show our work.

“Can only be proud. It’s a very young team. It is good lessons for them now going into the future but we can be proud.”

While South Africa manager Hugo Broos said: “I’m still just as proud as two or three days ago.

“I think we had a good World Cup but today, when we play against a team like this, with power and speed then we’re running behind.

“This is something we have to learn. And therefore it was important for this team that we were here.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Comedian Bill Maher will be awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday in what might be one of the last major onstage moments at the Kennedy Center for the next several years.

The award has been presented since 1998 as a way to recognize those who have made significant contributions to humor and commentary in the United States. In announcing the honor in March, the Kennedy Center described Maher as someone who has long influenced American comedy “one politically incorrect joke at a time,” a reference to the late-night show “Politically Incorrect” that he hosted for much of the 1990s and helped lift him to prominence.

Previous winners include Conan O’Brien, Dave Chappelle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Letterman, Carol Burnett and Tina Fey. Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington and Jay Leno are among the celebrities expected to appear at the Sunday night ceremony.

President Donald Trump, who has spent much of his second term reshaping the performing arts venue, is not expected to attend.

The awards come at an awkward moment for the Kennedy Center, long one of the few relatively nonpartisan institutions in Washington. Shortly after Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, the Republican president fired much of the center’s leadership and installed a board largely composed of allies. It named Trump as chairman and his name was added to the building’s iconic facade, prompting a legal battle that became a proxy fight over the extent of the president’s power.

Trump later said the Kennedy Center would close in July for a two-year renovation. But U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper upended those plans in May by ruling that Trump’s name was illegally added to the building, ordering it removed. The judge also has blocked the closure.

A legal saga that could be fodder for jokes

The legal fight has turned into a saga that could be easy fodder for jokes at the Twain gala.

Trump’s name has come down from the building, in compliance with the judge’s order. But the part of the building once covered with letters spelling the president’s name is now shrouded in a tarp. The full closure is on hold. Lawyers for the Kennedy Center have said they are not planning for now to build out programming.

“The Court’s order did not affirmatively require the Board to reschedule programming that had previously been cancelled or to seek new programming,” the lawyers wrote in a court filing this month.

Cooper has asked for an update next month on how long the tarp will remain on the building. For now, the final event scheduled for the Kennedy Center’s well-known Concert Hall is “The Freedom Gathering: A Musical Celebration” on July 3.

Maher and Trump have a fraught relationship

Given Trump’s sway over the Kennedy Center, Maher’s selection for the award is notable because the two men have long had a fraught relationship.

Before he entered politics, Trump filed a $5 million lawsuit against Maher in 2013 for breach of contract. Appearing on Leno’s “The Tonight Show,” Maher said he would give $5 million to the charity of Trump’s choice if Trump could prove he was not “the spawn of his mother having sex with an orangutan.”

Trump claimed that when he provided his birth certificate, Maher did not pay up, prompting the lawsuit. Trump ended up dropping it.

The Trump-Maher relationship exploded again earlier this year, when the president claimed on social media that he wasted time sitting down for a meal with the comedian last year.

“He came into the famed Oval Office much different than I thought he would be,” Trump wrote online. “He was extremely nervous, had ZERO confidence in himself.” Trump said the comedian admitted he was “scared.”

Maher, during his April 11 episode of “Real Time,” described the dinner. He said Trump was “gracious and measured” and not like the “person who plays a crazy person on TV.” Maher said he was not scared.

He took time in his “New Rules” segment to point out the various Trump policies he liked, including the “mass removal of stone cold criminals” and making NATO members pay “their fair share.”

“I may be the last person from the lunatic left that is still an honest broker when it comes to you,” he said.

Maher hosted Vice President JD Vance on his show heading into the weekend. Vance, who is promoting a book, said he watches the show and laughed at Maher’s monologue “even though you were making fun of me.” During the interview, Maher pressed Vance on the Iran war, immigration enforcement and election conspiracy theories.

“You guys have two outcomes that an election can be,” Maher told Vance. “Either we win or they cheated. That s—- has to stop.”

Maher’s selection for the award was itself the subject of drama.

After The Atlantic reported in March that Maher would win the award, the White House pushed back hard. White House communications director Steven Cheung said on social media that the story was “literally FAKE NEWS.” Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, also called the initial report “fake news” and said Maher “will NOT be getting this award.”

The situation evolved after further conversations between the Kennedy Center and event organizers.

Beyond Maher, other celebrities expected to appear on Sunday have had up-and-down relationships with Trump. The president and Huffington, for instance, have feuded at points for more than a decade.

Stephen A. Smith, the sports analyst who is among those expected to appear at the ceremony, recently knocked Trump for attending the NBA Finals earlier this month in New York. Smith, who has signaled political ambitions of his own, called the move “selfish” and “narcissistic.”