NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India marks an effort by Washington and New Delhi to steady strained relations as the two countries seek to reinforce strategic and economic ties despite recent trade tensions.
In meetings Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Rubio stressed cooperation on trade, energy, defense and maritime security. Rubio said the countries remained strategically aligned and expressed optimism about a broader trade deal.
Rubio’s four-day trip also includes talks with members from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Indo-Pacific alliance more commonly known as the Quad.
Here is what Rubio’s visit means for India-U.S. ties:
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India-US ties strained by tariffs
Relations between India and the U.S. have strained in recent months after the Trump administration imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, partly over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move angered Indian officials and fueled concerns in the Indian government over Washington’s reliability.
The two countries later reached an interim trade arrangement that eased some tariffs and expanded Indian purchases of U.S. goods, including energy products. But talks on a broader trade deal remain unresolved.
Despite the tensions, India and the U.S. continue to strengthen defense and technology ties, with Washington viewing India as a key counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his talks with Jaishankar on Sunday, Rubio described India as one of Washington’s most important strategic partners and said he was optimistic the two countries would finalize a bilateral trade deal soon. Rubio also conveyed an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump for Modi to visit Washington later this year.
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Questions over the Quad’s role
Rubio’s visit also is expected to include talks on Tuesday with foreign ministers from India, Australia and Japan, which are member nations of the Quad alliance along with the United States.
The grouping has become a key platform for cooperation on maritime security, supply chains and regional strategy as China expands its military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad has repeatedly criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea, accusing Beijing of militarizing disputed waters. The Chinese government has accused the Quad of trying to contain China’s rise and regional influence.
Recent trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi, along with Trump’s recent visit to China, have prompted renewed attention to the grouping.
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Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said India’s growing global influence has been largely tied to its role in balancing China’s power in the region and any shift in U.S. policy toward Beijing could affect New Delhi’s strategic value to Washington.
“If the U.S. changes its approach towards China, it will diminish India’s importance,” Donthi said.
Iran war adds pressure on India
The Iran war has added to India’s energy concerns, raising worries about shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for the country’s crude imports. Rising fuel costs have increased pressure on the Indian economy.
Jaishankar said Sunday that India would continue expanding energy imports, including from the U.S., while diversifying suppliers to keep markets stable and prices affordable. He said New Delhi wants energy markets to remain open and unconstrained to support global economic growth.
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India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude since the start of the Ukraine war has at times strained relations with the U.S.
Washington has urged India to increase purchases of U.S. oil and gas as part of broader efforts to diversify energy supplies, with Rubio emphasizing stronger energy cooperation during meetings in New Delhi.
Sightseeing in India
Alongside official meetings, Rubio’s visit also has included cultural engagements.
He began the trip in eastern city Kolkata and visited the Missionaries of Charity headquarters founded by Mother Teresa. He also attended a gala reception in New Delhi marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
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Rubio’s itinerary includes stops in the cities of Agra and Jaipur, two of India’s most visited tourist destinations known for monuments, forts and palaces.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index surged by 3.1 per cent in morning trading, reaching 65,321.56. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also added 0.4 per cent to 8,692.70, and the Shanghai Composite edged up 0.4 per cent to 4,127.53.
Trading was suspended in South Korea and Hong Kong for Buddha’s birthday holidays, with US markets also closed for Memorial Day.
Mr Trump stated that negotiations with Iran were “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner.”
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This comes as regional officials informed The Associated Press on Sunday that the United States is nearing an agreement with Iran.
The potential deal would reportedly end the war, facilitate the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, and see Iran relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surged 3.1 per cent in morning trading to 65,321.56 (AP)
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be a key factor in determining the future direction of oil prices. Its closure has previously prevented oil tankers from exiting the Persian Gulf, disrupting crude deliveries to customers worldwide. Japan, for instance, relies heavily on oil imports, with the majority passing through the strait.
“Markets are rapidly transitioning from pricing geopolitical fear toward pricing a potential peace dividend as Hormuz reopening expectations pressure oil and the dollar lower,” analyst Stephen Innes said in a commentary.
Early Monday, benchmark US crude was down $4.35 at $92.25 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, sank $4.16 to $99.38 a barrel.
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In currency trading, the US dollar declined to 158.80 Japanese yen from 159.16 yen. The euro cost $1.1641, up from $1.1605.
Friday on Wall Street, stocks finished their eighth straight winning week, the best such streak since 2023. That’s even though a survey showed US consumers are feeling even worse about the economy.
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will help decide the direction of oil prices (Reuters)
The S&P 500 added 0.4 per cent and pulled closer to its all-time high set in the middle of last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6 per cent, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.2 per cent.
Recent earnings reports from US companies that topped analysts’ expectations also helped markets. But worries about inflation have pushed bond yields higher worldwide.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.56 per cent on Friday from 4.57 per cent late Thursday, but it remains well above its 3.97 per cent level from before the war.
Lewis Hamilton was overjoyed after securing his best finish for Ferrari after a thrilling late showdown with arch-rival Max Verstappen at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Hamilton, 41, duelled thrillingly for the podium places in the closing laps with Red Bull’s Verstappen, following the retirement of race leader George Russell midway through the race.
The Ferrari driver ultimately came out on top, making his move around the outside of turn one to claim second for the first time as a Ferrari driver.
“Awesome to fight with one of the greats,” the seven-time world champion said after clinching just his second Ferrari podium. “Very challenging behind him but I loved that hunt, my whole life has been about that since I was a kid in a really old go-kart.
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“I was always hunting, it was amazing to be back in that position and hunting him down ahead.
“I had so much fun out there all weekend, every single lap. Felt like we started on the right foot and came with the right attitude.”
Hamilton has taken a different approach, choosing not to use the simulator in advance of the race and instead focusing on the data to find the best race setup for him.
He believes that it has paid off and praised his team for the work to deliver him a car that he can compete with.
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“To come here to a track that I do love was awesome. This is my first second place with the team, it is something I have been working so hard for,” Hamilton added.
“I can’t explain how deep I have had to dig to get to this point and moving mountains in the background to enable this kind of performance. Really grateful to the team for supporting me.
Hamilton overtook Max Verstappen for second in the closing stages (Getty)
“It is a really lovely feeling to see them (the team) so happy because they truly deserve it for the work they have put in.
“I chose a different setup this weekend, working through the data with my engineer who is awesome, I love working with him.
“Fred (team principal Fred Vasseur) has been super supportive.”
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McLaren endured a nightmare afternoon, starting on the intermediate tyres while all around them chose soft slick tyres and having to get rid of them early on before Lando Norris had to retire with a reliability issue.
That aided Hamilton and Verstappen’s podium finishes – the Dutchman’s first of the season.
Verstappen was grateful to McLaren for “making a mess of the strategy” before again reiterating his call for the proposed engine changes for next season to be voted through, amid his bitter unhappiness over this season’s rules.
Verstappen secured his first 2026 podium
A switch to enable more power to come from the internal combustion engine from 2027 has been agreed in principle but there are suggestions some manufacturers are doubtful about it.
It was a thrilling race in Montreal, but Verstappen does not think that it is related to the rules.
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“Us drivers, give us any kind of car and we will give you a good show. That has nothing to do with the car, it just needs to be more pure,” Verstappen said.
“Driving other cars this season has reminded me how great the racing can be and how pure motorsport can be.
“I hope what they are trying to do for next year goes through because that is the minimum to make it a bit more back to normal.”
Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday that is officially about mourning the nation’s fallen service members, but it has come to signal the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend of travel and discounts on anything from mattresses to lawn mowers.
Here is a look at the holiday and how it has evolved:
When is Memorial Day?
It falls on the last Monday of May. This year, it is May 25.
Why is Memorial Day celebrated?
It’s a day of reflection and remembrance of those who died while serving in the U.S. military, according to the Congressional Research Service.
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The holiday is observed in part by the National Moment of Remembrance, which encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. for a moment of silence.
What are the origins of Memorial Day?
The holiday’s origins can be traced to the American Civil War, which killed more than 600,000 service members, Union and Confederate, between 1861 and 1865.
The first national observance of what was then called Decoration Day occurred May 30, 1868, after an organization of Union veterans called for decorating war graves with flowers that were in bloom.
The practice was already widespread. Waterloo, New York, began a formal observance on May 5, 1866, and was later proclaimed to be the holiday’s birthplace.
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Yet Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, traced its first observance to October 1864, according to the Library of Congress. And women in some Confederate states decorated graves before the war’s end.
David Blight, a Yale history professor, points to May 1, 1865, when as many as 10,000 people, many of them Black, held a parade, heard speeches and dedicated the graves of Union dead in Charleston, South Carolina.
A total of 267 Union troops had died at a Confederate prison and were buried in a mass grave. After the war, members of Black churches buried them in individual graves.
When did Memorial Day become a source of contention?
As early as 1869, The New York Times wrote that the holiday could become “sacrilegious” and no longer “sacred” if it focused more on pomp, dinners and oratory.
In an 1871 Decoration Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, abolitionist Frederick Douglass said he feared Americans were forgetting the Civil War’s impetus: enslavement.
“We must never forget that the loyal soldiers who rest beneath this sod flung themselves between the nation and the nation’s destroyers,” Douglass said.
His concerns were well-founded, said Ben Railton, a professor of English and American studies at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts.
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Although roughly 180,000 Black men served in the Union Army, the holiday in many communities would essentially become “white Memorial Day,” especially after the rise of the Jim Crow South, Railton told the AP in 2023.
In the 1880s, then-President Grover Cleveland was said to have spent the holiday going fishing, and “people were appalled,” Matthew Dennis, an emeritus history professor at the University of Oregon, told the AP.
But when the Indianapolis 500 held its inaugural race on May 30, 1911, an AP report made no mention of the holiday, or any controversy.
How has Memorial Day changed?
Dennis said Memorial Day’s potency diminished somewhat with the addition of Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. Armistice Day became a national holiday by 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
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In 1971, Congress changed Memorial Day from every May 30 to the last Monday in May. Dennis said the creation of the three-day weekend recognized that Memorial Day had been transformed into a more generic remembrance of the dead, as well as a day of leisure.
A year later, Time Magazine wrote that the holiday had become “a three-day nationwide hootenanny that seems to have lost much of its original purpose.”
Why is Memorial Day tied to sales and travel?
Even in the 19th century, grave ceremonies were followed by leisure activities such as picnicking and foot races, Dennis said.
The holiday also evolved alongside baseball and the automobile, the five-day work week and summer vacation, according to the 2002 book “A History of Memorial Day: Unity, Discord and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
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In the mid-20th century, a small number of businesses began to open defiantly on the holiday.
Once the holiday moved to Monday, “the traditional barriers against doing business began to crumble,” authors Richard Harmond and Thomas Curran wrote.
These days, Memorial Day sales and traveling are deeply woven into the nation’s muscle memory.
Bruno Fernandes has issued a response to Roy Keane after the Irishman hit out at the Manchester United captain for trying to assist instead of scoring as he eyed a Premier League record
09:35, 25 May 2026Updated 09:47, 25 May 2026
Bruno Fernandes has accused Roy Keane of twisting his words after the Irishman suggested he prioritises personal milestones over helping Manchester United win.
Ex-United midfielder Keane claimed that too much attention was being paid to Fernandes’ assist tally instead of securing victory against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Speaking on The Overlap after Fernandes had notched his 20th assist of the season in last weekend’s win against Nottingham Forest, Keane said: “When you’re the captain of a club and you’re supposed to be driving the club forward, do not be getting bogged down by just your role in the team, just assists.
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“What I heard at United at the weekend, honestly, I was raging with it. The whole chat about his assists… Everyone, the players were [talking about it], the game was about his assists. That’s the whole thing.
“After the game he got interviewed and he said, the captain of Manchester United, said ‘A few times, I probably should have… shot but I made the passes.’ Wow. How can your mindset be not to win the match but be about an individual record?”
But Fernandes has since responded to Keane, and told Steven Bartlett: “What I don’t like is when people lie about things, and in this case, what you said about Roy Keane, basically, what he said is a lie.”
Similar to Ben’s character DI Richard Poole in Death in Paradise, Professor Jasper Tempest possesses a talent for cracking cases. Despite battling OCD and a troubled history, the professor is drawn from his academic position by a former pupil turned police detective, who persuades him to assist with a challenging investigation.
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During a recent appearance on The One Show, Ben announced that not only was series five of Professor T forthcoming, but series six was also under development.
“We’ve got season five that will hopefully be coming out in the autumn,” he stated. “I mean, spoiler alert, we’re actually working on season six. It’s a very exciting situation to be in.”
Executive producer Jo McGrath hinted: “Season 5 will prove to be a momentous one for Professor T, both personally and professionally, and the series will climax with one of its trademark series finale episodes guaranteed to keep audiences glued,” reports the Express.
Death in Paradise enthusiasts were equally delighted by the announcement, with many expressing their reactions on social media. One commented, “My favourite detective is back on screens.”
Another wrote, “I was so sad when you died in Death in Paradise,” while a third commented, ” Wonderful show!!! You and the rest of the cast are superb, Mr Miller!!! We watch you on PBS channel 13 in NYC.”
Ben also featured on Sunday Brunch yesterday, discussing his separate television venture, Austin. Speaking with hosts Tim Lovejoy and chef Simon Rimmer, Ben revealed that series two of Austin has yet to air in the UK.
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He disclosed, “It is coming soon. It is out in Australia, and it was the number one comedy in Australia.”
Pressed on a UK release date, Ben admitted uncertainty, “I think over the summer, but I don’t know, it could be next month.”
Ben also announced his debut adult novel, A Very Dangerous Pursuit. “My story winds the clock back two years earlier, the same character -39 Steps is not in the UK, mine is obviously in Europe- and another very intriguing thriller, spy type drama,” the Richard Poole actor explained.
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Drawing comparisons between his protagonist, Richard Hannay, and James Bond, Ben insisted the two characters bear little resemblance, noting that Richard is useless with gadgets and is “incredibly self-conscious”.
Reflecting on the pressures of writing the book, Ben remarked, “It’s funny, I didn’t think too much about it at the time, it’s only now it’s come out, and people say, ‘Did you get permission?’”
Sunday Brunch returns on Channel 4 at 10am and Professor T is available to stream on ITVX. Season 5 coming soon.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes asked for Roy Keane’s phone number following his recent criticism of the Portugal star’s attitude in a Premier League match
Bruno Fernandes has hit back at Roy Keane and revealed he asked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the former Manchester United midfielder’s phone number following his recent criticism. Keane accused Fernandes of saying that he had focused on providing an assist to claim the Premier League record, rather than shooting, when the Portugal midfielder had said the opposite.
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“I don’t mind criticism,” Fernandes said, speaking to Steven Bartlett. “I always take criticism from everyone and never reply to anyone whatsoever. People have an opinion, they think it’s good, bad or whatever.
“What I don’t like is when people lie about things, and in this case, what you said about Roy Keane, basically, what he said is a lie. Luckily for me everything is on record, imagine if it wasn’t, then people will think Bruno is always the guy going for the assist.
“I even asked Ole his number to text him to have a word with him, to say ‘I don’t mind the criticism, I don’t like when people lie about the things that I say’ because this goes over the top of the things I think are acceptable.”
Keane had previously vented his frustration on the Stick to Football podcast. The Irishman was frustrated with the club’s focus on Fernandes’ journey to claim the Premier League assist record for a single season.
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“When you’re the captain of a club and you’re supposed to be driving the club forward, do not be getting bogged down by just your role in the team, just assists.
“What I heard at United at the weekend, honestly, I was raging with it. The whole chat about his assists… Everyone, the players were [talking about it], the game was about his assists. That’s the whole thing.
“After the game he got interviewed and he said, the captain of Manchester United, said ‘A few times, I probably should have… shot but I made the passes.’ Wow. How can your mindset be not to win the match but be about an individual record?”
Neighbourhood Weekender 2026 officially kicked off the year’s festival season – Aidan McCartney went along for a sun-soaked weekend of indie music and good vibes
There is a distinct moment when you walk into Victoria Park, look out across the sprawling fields of Warrington, and realise that summer has officially arrived.
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For those outside the North West, Neighbourhood Weekender might sometimes fly under the radar compared to the massive national festivals, but for us locals, it is an unmissable staple of the festival season.
The atmosphere here is purely unmatched; there is no pretension, just a field full of people entirely united by a love of good guitar music and a collective desire to have a good time. Bucket hats are out in full force and as I watch generations of fans singing in unison across three stages, it feels like the perfect way to kick off the summer season.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
It’s a weekend that doesn’t leave you with a sinking feeling in your wallet, either. Refreshingly, the beer prices aren’t too bad, especially when you compare them to the extortion you face at local arenas these days. There is also a massive variety of food options available across the site.
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My Saturday afternoon kicks off with an early dose of nostalgia courtesy of Cast. Their melodic Britpop anthems are the perfect soundtrack for the afternoon revellers, with Walkaway and Alright providing the clear highlights of a wonderfully sun-drenched set.
Next up is Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who proceeds to turn the main stage into a glorious riot of grins and pop perfection. Even a sudden power failure on stage can’t dampen the mood. Ever the professional, Sophie keeps us entertained by holding up hand-written notes to keep the crowd updated. When the sound finally cuts back in, the atmosphere lifts up a gear, culminating in a spectacular mass singalong to her 2000s classic Murder on the Dancefloor.
Seeking out the future of live music, I head over to the tented Big Top stage. Glasgow’s talented Brooke Combe sets a brilliant tone with her powerful, soul-infused tracks, before rising star Freddie Halkon completely steals the show. Armed with a raw, confident performance and his debut EP Shoulder of the World under his belt, it’s no surprise to see the tent packed. The Doncaster-born artist is clearly destined for big things.
Back at the main stage, the excitement reaches a fever pitch as Earlestown’s finest, The K’s, step out. Having watched them work their way up from the Big Top over the years, seeing the massive hometown party crowd they’ve drawn today is special. It’s their first show in nearly seven months, but any worries of ring-rust vanish instantly. They confidently blast through their two-album collection, with Heart on My Sleeve and Helen, Oh I sounding massive before fan-favourite Sarajevo turns the entire arena into a frenzy.
By 6pm, the sun is fully out and beaming, casting a perfect golden-hour glow over the park. Kaiser Chiefs step up to warm us up for the evening, and frontman Ricky Wilson is in fine form, climbing the stage scaffolding and putting on an incredibly entertaining spectacle alongside a relentless barrage of indie classics.
While dance icon Example packs out the Big Top, on the main stage it’s time for Wigan’s favourite son, Richard Ashcroft. Swaggering out with that trademark magnetic confidence, he looks like a man born to command festival fields. He is clearly still riding the high of last summer’s monumental Oasis stadium reunion tour.
“This isn’t an AI thing, it’s a human being on stage tonight,” he explains into the mic before ripping into Verve classic Music is Power. It sets a triumphant tone. Later, The Drugs Don’t Work brings a collective, spine-tingling moment to the park just as a spectacular sunset dips behind the stage. By the time the soaring strings of Bittersweet Symphony close out his set under a clear evening sky, it feels like we’ve just witnessed a masterclass.
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If Saturday’s weather was a slow burner, Sunday is an absolute scorcher. The site completely transforms into a sun-baked indie paradise as temperatures soar to a beautiful 23 to 24 degrees all day.
Main stage opener Melanie C brings pure pop royalty to the scorching afternoon, setting a vibrant tone before a triumphant appearance from The Royston Club.
The Wrexham boys are riding incredibly high right now; fresh off a completely sold-out show at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse earlier this month, their soaring hooks and confident swagger show exactly why they are destined for a massive summer. The beautiful Cariad ends their set with every single word being sung back at them, and it could well be the song of the festival summer.
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The main stage momentum doesn’t let up as York legends Shed Seven roll back the years with brass-heavy indie anthems. A triumphant performance of Chasing Rainbows provokes a massive, emotional sing-along which can be heard across the vast park.
DMA’S follow, and Manchester’s adopted sons deliver a blistering victory lap. Effortlessly blending massive new tracks with Timeless, Lay Down, and Delete, the Aussies send the crowd into an early, sweat-soaked frenzy under the afternoon sun as colourful flares and bodies fill the sky. The crowd reaction to new track Heaton Park suggests that their upcoming album is set to propel the band onto even bigger heights, before they close out with Olympia and Feels Like 37, proving once again why they remain one of the best festival bands around.
Over on the Viola Beach stage, I manage to catch a bit of The Covasettes. The Manchester indie band released their first album Honeymoon Beach earlier this month and lead single Such A Dream gets the crowd dancing as the sun sets behind the stage.
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The stunning heat shows no signs of letting up as Stockport’s finest Blossoms arrive to close out the weekend. Stepping out to a hero’s welcome in the warm night air, they hurtle through Gary and At Most A Kiss with effortless, glittering charm.
From synth-pop anthems to guitar-driven floor-fillers, Tom Ogden commands the stage like a seasoned pro. Your Girlfriend and There’s A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls) stand out as the highlights from a hit-packed set.
When the unmistakable opening notes of Charlemagne hit, Victoria Park erupts into unbridled chaos. Sweaty, emotional, and gloriously loud, it is the perfect finale to a weekend that proves exactly why the North West music scene remains entirely unrivalled, and reminds us why we should be proud to have Neighbourhood right on our doorstep.
CAIRO (AP) — A deal appears to be emerging between the United States and Iran to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend said it had been “largely negotiated.”
It is not clear when or how the deal might be finalized and when its various parts will take effect. Trump spoke after calls with allies in the Middle East, including a separate call with Israel. Details come from two regional officials and a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations.
Here’s what we know and don’t know:
The war would end
In the 12 weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched the war with attacks on Iran that killed senior officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has insisted that any deal focus on ending the fighting on all fronts. That includes Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group has been fighting Israel since two days into the war.
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A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7. An end to the war would ease concerns throughout a region that saw Gulf havens and travel hubs like the United Arab Emirates struck by Iranian missiles and drones. It would allow for global shipping, including an estimated 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas, to begin flowing through the Strait of Hormuz again. It also would allow the rebuilding of energy and other infrastructure in the region.
Both regional officials said the draft deal includes an end to the war between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as a commitment to not interfere in the domestic affairs of countries in the region including Iran. That’s a critical reference to Iran’s support for proxies, which also include the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hamas militants in Gaza and Shiite armed groups in Iraq.
The U.S. wants Israel to have a free hand to respond to what it views as threats in Lebanon while Iran rejects it, one regional official said. The U.S. official said the deal would guarantee Israel’s right to act against imminent threats in self-defense.
The Strait of Hormuz would reopen gradually
Iran’s nuclear program, missile program and support for armed proxies were the stated reasons for the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran. But Tehran’s retaliatory grip on the Strait of Hormuz quickly shot to the top of global concerns as hundreds of ships carrying oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other supplies were stranded.
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Under the emerging agreement, the strait would gradually reopen in parallel with the U.S. ending the blockade of Iran’s ports it launched on April 17, the regional officials said. The blockade has limited Iran’s ability to ship its oil and bring in badly needed cash for its long-suffering economy.
The U.S. would allow Iran to sell its oil through sanctions waivers, said one of the officials, who has been briefed on the negotiations. Sanctions relief and the release of Iran’s billions of dollars in frozen funds would be negotiated during a 60-day period, the official said.
Iran would give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium
Iran’s nuclear program and international concerns over its possible pursuit of a nuclear weapon underlie all tensions, and the U.S. and Israel have considered highly complex military operations to go in and take out its highly enriched uranium.
Under the potential deal, Tehran would agree to give up that stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to the regional officials. One official, with direct knowledge of the negotiations, said how Iran would give it up would be subject to further talks over the 60-day period. Some would likely be diluted and the rest transferred to a third country, potentially Russia, the official said. Russia has offered to take it.
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A U.S. official confirmed the 60-day period and said if Iran doesn’t give up its stockpile, there will be no sanctions relief.
Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran says it has an “inalienable” right to nuclear technology while insisting its program is peaceful. On Sunday, President Masoud Pezeshkian told state TV they were ready “to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon.”
Trump on Sunday on social media said that “our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb.”
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What appears to be missing
Other issues have not been mentioned in descriptions of the emerging deal, including the status of Iran’s uranium enrichment.
Another is Iran’s missile program, which Israel in particular has sought to destroy.
And while the United States and Israel entered the war with stated ambitions of seeing Iranians rise up against their government after nationwide protests early in the year, any discussion of leadership change in Tehran appears to be out.
As for Iran’s past stated aims during negotiations, there appears to be no mention of any withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, or for reparations for the damage the war has caused.
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Superville reported from Washington and Anna from Lowville, New York.
It could be the solution to garden clutter and is available at a significant discount
Kieran Isgin Tech & gaming affiliate writer
09:09, 25 May 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Keen gardeners can currently pocket savings on what might prove the ideal storage solution for spring and summer, courtesy of a double-discount offer. A garden storage box becomes particularly useful at this time of year, providing somewhere to stow away all those extra tools and accessories that inevitably accumulate as the weather improves.
While many such storage boxes command a substantial price, shoppers can presently secure one for at a discount through an offer on Yimbly, which is owned by this site’s parent company, Reach Plc. The Living and Home Waterproof Storage Box is currently listed on the site for £47.35, reduced from £52.61.
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Yet customers who apply the code SPRING10 can obtain a further 10% discount, bringing the price down to £42.61 for a storage solution that boasts a capacity of 290L, ample space for most standard-sized garden tools and accessories.
It’s manufactured from polypropylene, which should guarantee it remains weather-resistant and withstands exposure to rain and sunshine without notable deterioration. It’s currently priced at £51 at B&Q.
It has two wheels which are particularly handy if it happens to be in the way of any outdoor work you need to undertake. Side vents are also incorporated to promote air circulation while preventing condensation and moisture from accumulating inside, helping safeguard whatever you choose to store within it.
The Waterproof Storage Box is available for £42.61
It has a storage capacity of 290L, more than enough for most standard-sized garden tools and accessories. It is constructed from polypropylene, which should ensure it remains weather-resistant and withstands exposure to rain and sun without significant wear.
Should you be after something slightly different, the Amazon UV Resistant Garden Storage Box could be worth considering, currently available at a reduced price of £119.99. This particular storage box features gas pressure springs, making opening and closing considerably smoother and more effortless — a particularly practical addition if you need the lid to remain open while retrieving or storing various tools and equipment, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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Alternatively, the Olsen and Smith Lockable Outdoor Storage Box is available for £36.99 at Debenhams. This secure storage solution boasts a weatherproof polypropylene construction, offering reliable protection against the elements while enhancing its overall durability.
At present, no customer reviews exist for the Living and Home Storage Box on Yimbly; however, prospective buyers should bear in mind that while its 290L capacity is well suited to standard-sized tools, it may prove insufficient for bulkier items such as lawnmowers and strimmers.
It is also worth noting that the brown and black colour options listed on Yimbly refer solely to the lid, with the main body of the box remaining grey throughout, which may appear conspicuous in certain garden settings.
Yimbly has accumulated numerous favourable reviews on Trustpilot, with one customer commenting: “Good information on the plants and with any replacements due to lack of availability in the order, speed of delivery and quality of the plants when they arrived.”
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A second reviewer noted: “Really quick turnaround on a damaged in delivery product and the parasol base is high quality looks lovely.” Meanwhile, a third remarked: “Excellent service I was kept informed every step of the way and delivered on time.”
A fourth customer praised: “Speedy delivery and well packaged item, tracking available all the way. Beautiful outdoor rocking chair with lots of features and sturdily made.
“A very stylish item and looking forward to using in the sunshine.” That said, some buyers highlighted small concerns, with one stating: “The parcel wasn’t delivered the day they tried. We were here and didn’t hear them. The next day was fine.”
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Another commented: “We were disappointed that our order went astray; however, having reordered and taken delivery, we now have our bistro set assembled and are delighted with it. It is both attractive and sturdy, and certainly good value. Thank you.”
Good Morning Britain presenters Ranvir Singh and Tom Swarbrick announced the sad news of lung cancer campaigner Jules Fielder’s death, aged 42
Olivia Wheeler Content Editor Screen Time
09:09, 25 May 2026
Good Morning Britain honoured an ‘amazing’ campaigner on Monday’s programme following their tragic death at just 42.
Jules Fielder received a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis at only 38 years old despite never having smoked or vaped, with her symptoms initially dismissed.
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Jules worked relentlessly to promote awareness of lung cancer symptoms and ultimately save lives, creating a lasting national legacy.
Jules, from Hastings in East Sussex, dedicated years to raising awareness via her Instagram account, just_beingjules, where she has 67.9k followers. Jules was diagnosed with stage 4 NSC lung cancer in 2021 and it mutated to SCLC in 2025.
On Monday’s Good Morning Britain, presenters Ranvir Singh and Tom Swarbrick shared the devastating news that Jules had passed away at just 42 on Friday, reports the Mirror.
Ranvir, 48, said: “I’m afraid to say Jules has sadly died aged at just 42-years-old” with Tom, 39, adding: “Amazing woman, an amazing campaign.”
Later in the programme, Ranvir and Tom interviewed Jules’ friend and MP, Helena Dollimore, who discussed her campaigning efforts, including a successful initiative to display lung cancer symptoms in numerous Boots UK pharmacies, alongside a visit from the Prime Minister and a letter from King Charles.
Helena said: “We’re all so grateful for the legacy that Jules leaves, she was given this terrible diagnosis at the age of 38, terminal lung cancer, and she chose to use the time that she had left campaigning for others so that no one else would have to go through what she went through.”
The MP continued: “The sky was the limit with Jules, she was a force of nature and nothing was going to stop her”, adding: “I feel very much that she lit the torch and it’s up to those of us, still here, to carry that torch forward. There is so much more that could be done.”
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The heartbreaking news of Jules’ passing was announced on her Instagram account on Friday, with the post reading: “One Bad A** Bougie B****” accompanied by dove and white heart emojis.
Among her 67.9k followers, tributes poured in from those who admired her campaigning work. One person wrote: “Oh Jules. You fought till the very end, I’m truly so sad to see this. I think everyone would agree you really were the definition of a truly incredible woman.
“May you rest in peace beautiful. Put your sparkles on and shine down on us. Sending your family all my love and strength at this heartbreaking time.”
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A further follower commented: “You changed the world Jules” while another added: “Rest in peace beautiful lady your light will continue to shine through all the inspirational work you did for so many. Sending my love to your family.”
Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV X.
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