The Moon continues through Aries and Neptune enters its yearly five-month retrograde in the same sign. You could gain clarity today.

Cancer, Leo and Virgo, a much needed reality check will hit you. Success is still on the cards, just with some added realism.

Think through all the options. Mindfullness will come easily, so take time to reflect.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday July 7, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The Moon continues its journey through your sign today and can heighten your sensitivity to the atmosphere around you. And with dreamy Neptune entering its annual five-month retrograde in Aries, you can find yourself questioning some past assumptions. If something has felt uncertain of late, give yourself gentle permission to let the answers gradually emerge.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Over the last year, your interest in healing and personal development may have increased, or perhaps you’ve found moments of complete peace and quiet more appealing. Yet if you’ve been carrying any emotional burdens from the past, as Neptune, the planet that governs these areas, rewinds, you may find yourself more attuned to releasing what no longer serves.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Friends who appreciate the creative side of life have called out to you a lot this year so far, Gemini. However, as much as this may have been enjoyable and gratifying at times, if someone has proved unreliable or a little bit too caught up in their own situation, you may feel a greater need to step back and focus on what’s important to you, and understandably so.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Neptune’s retrograde in the worldliest sector of your chart can see you refine your expectations over the next five months. Success is still possible, but you may need to be more connected to your soul purpose rather than being motivated based purely on status, the money you earn, or the professional prestige that your position may bring you Cancer.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Knowledge comes in so many guises. It can be through hard-earned academic study, professional development, worldly experience, or on-the-job learning. How do you feel about what you know, and do you celebrate it or doubt it? Also, appreciate your instinctive insights, but it is important to see all of your talents in the round rather than piecemeal.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Financial matters, shared resources, or an emotional issue may require extra reflection. Neptune’s retrograde encourages you to trust the process and allow deeper truths to come up. This may not happen right away, either Virgo, and then again, should things emerge, applying your usual logic and precision may not be the only way to view them.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Neptune’s influence can blur boundaries around relationships, whilst Saturn nudges you to reinforce them. Both are in Aries, your opposite sign, so both themes are possible over the next two years. Even if you view someone differently from how you once did, be mindful that their circumstances may have changed, which is why you’ve been getting mixed signals.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

You are being pushed to be more virtuous with exercise, diet, nutrition, and rest. If you’ve embraced the challenge, the changes you have made and can make, can spur you on. As Neptune inverts for five months, if your willpower has wobbled at times, you may need to dig deep to ensure that you keep the discipline going. Yearn for a pet? It may be harder to resist!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

You can be one of the most creative members of the zodiac, but all talents need structure and discipline, and your freedom-loving credentials and mutable nature can test this at times. Yet if there are old talents, flair, and artistry that have lain dormant, for the next five months, you may find a new burst of inner desire to manifest and showcase them, Sagittarius, and you can.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

With your ruler, Saturn and the nebulous Neptune in the part of your chart concerning home, family, and your inner emotional world, they bring different opportunities and tests. And with the mystical Neptune rewinding now, it will be important in the months ahead to double-check some of your assumptions about those in your family or close network.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

As an air sign, how you think and communicate is at the heart of your being. The intriguing thing is that you may be able to bring more nuance and subtlety to your conversations and writing from now on. However, there may be times when the usual clarity you possess may be impacted by the beguiling Neptune’s about turn. Just check that people get your meaning.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

As Neptune, your modern ruler, begins its annual retrograde, you may become more aware of what truly matters to you. This can be especially noticeable when it comes to financial priorities and personal values. If something no longer feels aligned with your deeper beliefs, adjustments can follow. Trust your instincts yet give important decisions time to become clear.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of July here.

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The Chetham Arms in Chapeltown was constructed in 1746 on the site of an even older alehouse, going up less than a year after Bonnie Prince Charlie marched his Jacobite forces through the surrounding area during his failed revolt against the British Government.

Starting out in this turbulent point in Lancashire’s history, the high street pub traded as ‘The Black Bull’ for the first seven decades of its existence, but received its current name in 1823 after its landlord decided to name it after the man who built it, Humphrey Chetham.

However, with this ancient boozer continuing to serve local patrons well into its third century, its current owners are looking to make some noticeable changes to the outside of the old sandstone building.

The changes to the Chetham Arms will modernise the windows, but restore something of the building’s old appearance (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

 Unlike other changes made in its long history, including the removal of the village’s stocks where criminals would be punished in full view of pubgoers, these changes should be more subtle

That is because all 17 of its external single-glazed windows are set for an update. Though, the owners say this should somewhat restore the building to its original appearance.

When these openings were last replaced, the framing used did not match up with the more narrow window frames previously used.

The pub’s owners say in their application to Blackburn with Darwen Council: “The opening windows have quite thick wooden frames and look out of character.

“All windows are currently single glazed and some are cracked. Our purpose is twofold – to upgrade with narrow framed double glazing and to do so in a way that gets closer to the original appearance.”

These 17 new windows, if approved for installation by Blackburn with Darwen Council, will retain the same layout as they have in previous centuries, but with the added benefit of double glazing and thinner timber frames to better match its historic appearance.

Known as the ‘no body murder’, Julie Buckley was killed by Karl Hutchings in 2025

A murderer gave police a map showing where a woman was buried after months of no body being found, a court has heard. Known as the “no body murder”, a murder investigation was launched into Julie Buckley, 55, after she went missing in January 2025.

Karl Hutchings, 48, admitted to killing Julie on September 15, 2025. Her body wasn’t found for months.

However, her remains were later found in 10 pieces in a shallow grave in Wimblington after Hutchings told police, prosecutor Christine Agnew KC said at Cambridge Crown Court today (Monday, July 6).

After Hutchings admitted to the killing, he provided police with a map of where her body was. The prosecutor said Julie and Hutchings had been “friends who had spent some time together – they were both addicted to class A drugs”.

Buckley, who had been staying with Hutchings at his home in Christchurch, was last seen alive on CCTV footage at a Budgens supermarket in March on January 28. Concerns were raised for her welfare after she failed to attend appointments.

Ms Agnew told the court it appeared Julie had been murdered between January 29 and the morning of January 30. The prosecutor added that Julie’s phone was used on January 29.

She added that at 8.41am on January 30, Hutchings attended a One Stop shop and used Julie’s bank card to buy alcohol. The prosecutor added that he later sold Julie’s car for £500.

Hutchings, who initially denied murder, told a teacher at HMP Peterborough that he had “waited it out” before pleading guilty as he “hoped he could be dealt with on a diminished basis”, added the prosecutor.

Hutchings also told the teacher he killed Julie “because she had been stealing from him and had tried to convince him he was mad”. The prosecutor then said Hutchings told the teacher he hit Julie with a hammer to her head which “made her woozy”.

Ms Agnew added: “He hit her over the head again which finished her off”. A post-mortem confirmed Julie suffered 11 blows to her skull.

Hutchings was arrested on February 13, 2025 and “extensive blood staining” was found on a sofa at his home, part of the living room carpet was missing and there were burnt items in the garden.

Alison Summers, defence for Hutchings, said he had a “long history of mental health problems and significant drug addiction”. She said Julie had been homeless and Hutchings “felt sorry for her”, so he offered her a place to stay.

She added that the “precise trigger and exact sequence (of what happened) may never be known with any degree of certainty”. However, the defence said it was “likely to have started spontaneously when Hutchings lost it and began striking Ms Buckley”.

Ms Summers said Hutchings had been released from a psychiatric unit less than three months before the murder. She added that he pleaded guilty after he was advised that a psychiatric report did not support a medical defence of diminished responsibility.

Judge Mark Bishop adjourned the case to Thursday (July 9) where Hutchings will be sentenced.

For David Rose, an 84-year-old homeowner in Longford, a third runway at Heathrow Airport would threaten far more than bricks and mortar.

It would mean losing the family home of 50 years where he raised his children.

The pensioner owns one of around 750 properties in the London villages of Longford and Harmondsworth that will be knocked down if the £49billion expansion is approved.

The 2.1-mile runway would increase the airport’s capacity by almost 50 percent, from 84 million annual passengers to 150 million by 2035.

Some locals are so ‘desperate’ to hold onto their homes that airport officials have decided to send letters to residents within the compulsory purchase zones offering a ‘mental wellbeing support service’. 

Elderly homeowners who have lived in the villages for decades worry about where they will end up if they are forced to relocate, while others simply feel too old to move. 

Mr Rose, who has lived in his house in Longford since 1970, told the Daily Mail: ‘I’m not very happy about it at all. I’m really against it.’ 

Across the road, resident Trevor Gordon, who moved to the village 45 years ago, said: ‘I don’t really feel I’ve got the energy to move, I’m 75, […] I’d rather just sit here until I die.

Longford is one of the villages due to be demolished if the Heathrow third runway expansion goes ahead 

Pub Landlord Clifford Hare, who owns The White Horse in Longford, said residents have been ‘stuck in limbo’ as they wait for a final decision on the expansion 

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Signs rejecting the possibility of a third runway have been put up on houses across the villages of Longford and Harmondsworth 

‘I just wish they’d make a decision – a proper decision rather than maybe. It’s been hanging over our heads as we can’t move anyway – we can’t sell the house, even if I wanted to.’ 

Mr Gordon’s neighbour, Ben, condemned the offer of mental health support to residents, which will include a 24/7 helpline as well as one-to-one therapy sessions available online or in person.

‘As far as I’m concerned, for them it’s just a matter of ticking boxes,’ he said. 

‘It was mentioned to me yesterday. What are they going to do, the people talking to you, they don’t care.’

For long-term Longford resident Thomas McGregor-Brown, the threat of losing his home feels almost unbearable given how much he loves the area.

The 89-year-old lives on ‘The Island’, a four-acre residential hideaway in the village. 

‘I feel quite desperate about it,’ he said. ‘We don’t need a third runway. If they build it, my village would disappear.

‘It’s a beautiful village. There are houses from the 17th century, one at least is alleged to be haunted, and it’s a beautiful place.

‘I’ve lived on The Island for 49 years. Why do they have to demolish the homes and lives of people? Forty-nine years is a long time to live in one place.’

For 58-year-old Sandra Hinge, however, losing her 500-year-old cottage would come as a relief following years of uncertainty about whether the proposals will go ahead.

Plans to expand Heathrow Airport with a third runway have dragged on for more than 20 years, facing repeated delays amid political and environmental opposition.

In January 2025, Rachel Reeves confirmed the Labour government supports a third runway and invited proposals to move it forward – but still no construction timetable is in place.

Ben, who has lived in Longford for six years, is strongly against a third runway and does not want to leave his home 

Longford is a pretty village featuring thatched cottages, an old pub and some 500-year-old properties

Thomas McGregor-Brown, 89, said he feels ‘desperate’ about the situation and dreads saying goodbye to his home in Longford 

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Harmondsworth is a picturesque village next to Heathrow featuring a pretty pub in the centre 

The village of Harmondsworth features dozens of signs stating ‘Stop Heathrow Expansion’ 

Ms Hinge, who has owned her house for 20 years and raised four children there, said: ‘We’re quite keen for it because we just want it done – it’s been hanging over our heads for such a long time.

‘I know there are a lot of people who don’t want to leave, but the problem is that the village has really gone downhill now, because the threat is constantly over us.’

The mother, a human resources manager, added: ‘We’ve got amazing memories, we’ve had four kids and they’ve all grown up here. We live next door to the pub, we’ve got a really good rapport with the landlord, so there is obviously a sadness to that.

‘You can’t stop progress unfortunately. The way we see it as well is it’s actually the best thing for the country.’

For Clifford Hare, homeowner and landlord of The White Horse pub in Longford, confirmation of the plans would also come as a relief.

‘I wish they’d get on with it quickly. It’s being in limbo that’s the problem. I’ve been here 40 years, since 1987, and it’s been on and off and on and off,’ he said. 

‘It’s very difficult to invest in your property if you’re not knowing if next year it’s going to go.

‘We’ve always known living here it’s on your shoulders – in the background it’s always there.’

In neighbouring village Harmondsworth, 92-year-old Malcom Carey is right on the airport’s boundary line, meaning the rest of his street will be demolished if the plans are approved.

In Harmondsworth, 92-year-old Malcom Carey said the plans have left him in an ‘awkward’ position because his house is right on the boundary line, meaning the rest of his street will be demolished and only his house will remain 

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A sign encouraging people to ‘join the fight’ against Heathrow’s expansion is erected on a fence in Longford 

Ian Matthews has lived in Longford for half a century and is unhappy about the possibility of having to move elsewhere 

Within Harmondsworth village, two signs in a window read ‘No third runway’ 

‘The next house down from me is going. Virtually by my garage is where their boundary line is. It’s a bit awkward,’ he said. 

‘I’m getting a little bit old, where would I move to?’

His friend Mr McGregor-Brown strongly opposes the plans, but said a lack of ‘choice’ has forced him to comply.

‘I have no choice, so I’ve put myself on the list for buying, but I don’t want to go,’ he said.

The letter about mental health support, reported by The Times this week, said the airport would provide ‘direct access to specialist clinical treatments’.

In response to the offer to provide therapy to impacted locals, Paul McGuinness, the chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, said: ‘The launch of this service tells you all you need to know about the complexities of trying to push forward with this doomed project.

‘Heathrow expansion is not just about building a new airport next to the existing one. Its damaging proposals have real-life impacts on so many of us in communities impacted by the proposals.’

Heathrow’s Director of Communities and Residential Property, Becky Coffin, said: ‘We know that years of uncertainty around expansion has created anxiety among the local community, which is why we are funding free access to confidential and independent mental health support for those most affected. 

‘We acknowledge that the coming years will be incredibly difficult for some, and this support is part of our commitment to be a better neighbour.’

Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, broke down in tears and left the courtroom during the preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of shooting her husband dead at Utah Valley University in September 2025.

Charlie Kirk’s widow departed a courtroom visibly distressed on Monday as prosecutors commenced outlining their case against his alleged murderer, Tyler Robinson.

Erika Kirk, who became emotional prior to today’s hearing, exited in tears while a police officer recounted how her husband, the conservative activist Charlie, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025.

Monday’s proceedings marked the beginning of prosecutors presenting their case against Tyler Robinson, accused of discharging the fatal bullet that killed Charlie Kirk while he addressed an audience at Utah Valley University in Orem, situated 40 miles (65 km) south of Salt Lake City.

Throughout the week-long preliminary hearing, prosecutors intend to persuade District Court Judge Tony Graf that adequate evidence exists against Robinson, 23, to warrant formal charges and the scheduling of a trial.

Charlie Kirk’s parents, alongside his widow Erika Kirk, attended the court session for the first time, joined by Donald Trump Jr. and far-right influencer Jack Posobiec. Robinson’s parents were equally present for the preliminary hearing, reports the Mirror.

Kirk was extensively recognised for mobilising substantial numbers of young voters to support Trump in the 2024 presidential election via his movement Turning Point USA. A staunch proponent of loosening gun safety legislation, Kirk had previously asserted “some gun deaths” were acceptable to safeguard second amendment rights.

He was assassinated during a public debate while responding to a question regarding mass shooting statistics. Robinson is confronted with seven criminal charges, amongst them aggravated murder, with prosecutors declaring their intention to pursue the death penalty against the student electrician, who handed himself in to authorities the day following the shooting.

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Judge Graf is additionally expected to deliver a ruling on whether capital punishment remains a possibility in the event of a conviction.

The hearing represents the most substantial presentation of evidence in the case thus far. Television crews, photographers and journalists had gathered outside the Fourth Judicial District Courthouse in Provo, Utah, as proceedings commenced today.

Law enforcement officials took to the stand to provide testimony detailing how events played out on the day of the fatal shooting.

Kirk’s mother, Kathryn Kirk, clutched a pocket-sized packet of tissues, listening to the proceedings with her head bowed and eyes closed. Widow Erika Kirk had been resting her head on the shoulder of a blonde woman seated to her right, before leaving the courtroom as a police officer recounted the circumstances of Charlie’s shooting.

Defendant Tyler Robinson sat in silence alongside his legal team at the defence table, casting his eyes over exhibits displayed on a monitor and periodically jotting down notes. Dressed in a grey suit, pale pink shirt and tie, his wrists were shackled to a chain secured around his waist.

Ahead of Monday’s preliminary hearing, Charlie Kirk’s family extended their gratitude to supporters for their kindness and prayers. “Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death,” Erika Kirk, his widow, said in a statement posted on X, “and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children.”

She added that the public outpouring “has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives.”

The statement was issued on behalf of Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn, his widow and his sister Mary. “Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time,” the brief statement said.

During her husband’s memorial service in September, Erika Kirk extended forgiveness to defendant Tyler Robinson. “My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said as she struggled to hold back tears.

“I forgive him because it was what Christ did. It is what Charlie would do,” she added.

Following her husband’s passing, Erika Kirk assumed leadership of Turning Point USA, the prominent conservative youth organisation that her husband co-founded aged 18.

Throughout the coming days, prosecutors are anticipated to present video footage capturing Robinson at Utah Valley University both before and after Kirk was shot, alongside additional evidence connecting him to the alleged offence.

Ahead of the hearing, the defence sought to prohibit livestream coverage and photographs of the proceedings, contending that they were being exploited to drive sensationalised media reporting. Erika Kirk, however, maintained that cameras should be permitted in the courtroom to ensure complete transparency.

Police have vowed to keep searching for a young Arkansas mom and her newborn baby after they went missing more than a week ago.

An officer was called to a home in Dardanelle in connection with a “possible suicidal person” in the early morning hours of June 25, local police said. The officer was told that 20-year-old Ashlynn Bocksnick left the home with her six-week-old baby, Lalynn Dream Williams, just before the call.

At 4:40 a.m. local time, less than two hours after police were called to the home, the vehicle Bocksnick was believed to be driving was found parked on the boat ramp at Veteran’s Memorial Park near the Arkansas River, Dardanelle police said.

Ashlynn and Lalynn were nowhere to be found. Authorities have searched at least 85 miles of river from the Dardanelle Lock and Dam to the River Bridge in Little Rock, according to a Facebook update from Dardanelle Police Chief Joe Paterak on Friday.

“We’re not quitting. We’re gonna keep going until, hopefully, we find her. We want to find her,” Dardanelle Police patrol officer Chris Collier told KARK.

Five drone teams, five civilian boats, seven dog teams, a Survival Flight emergency medical helicopter and a personal airplane have been deployed as of last Monday.

Thirty-six agencies across Arkansas have helped search for the mother and daughter, even as conditions became hazardous.

The Army Corps of Engineers “had to open the gates on the Dardanelle Dam because of water from Oklahoma, which caused the rising water and dangerous currents became [sic] too hazardous for crews, but they still were out there and in the water,” Paterak said.

The Corps of Engineers said it will close the gates on the Dardanelle Dam this Saturday.

Last Monday, “the search was scaled back but crews are still out there searching every day,” Paterak said.

“Divers have reported one-to-two-inch visibility under water and with the current water flow it is impossible to properly search,” the police chief added.

Authorities said there is also a lot of debris in the river, hindering the search.

The full search will resume as soon as the water level goes back to normal, according to Friday’s Facebook post.

As authorities try to piece together what happened to Ashlynn and Lalynn, they have given the public some details about the moments leading up to their disappearance.

Ashlynn’s vehicle was found facing the river, about 10 feet away from the water’s edge.

A Dardanelle City Hall surveillance camera showed Ashlynn pulling up to the boat ramp, the police said.

“She got out of the car, circled around the back and opened the rear passenger side door where she leaned in for approximately one minute then picked something up,” Paterak said in Friday’s post. “Due to the distance you cannot see Lalynn but her car seat was exactly where she was leaning into.”

It was initially reported that Ashlynn was last seen walking toward the river but not entering the water, according to the chief.

“Enhanced viewing does show her enter the water, but nothing can be seen after that,” Paterak said.

The chief said there were concerns about the safety of Ashlynn and Lalynn “because of statements she had made prior to leaving the house.”

Authorities have clarified that there were no arguments at the house before Ashlynn left and that no foul play is suspected.

Police found no movement in Ashlynn’s bank accounts, and they have yet to crack her phone as of Friday.

Ashlynn’s mother had given her daughter’s phone to police after the 20-year-old left it at the home. Police obtained a search warrant to go through it, but her phone was locked and they didn’t know the password.

“The FBI is currently providing help to see if they can enter the phone to see if there is anything pertinent to the case,” Paterak said in Friday’s post.

Paterak said the department had no new updates in the case when reached for comment Monday by The Independent.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Happy Hours – A Great British Pub Diary is a record of St Helens-based journalist Mike Critchley’s 42-year journey through the inns, bars and alehouses of these islands.

Since he turned 18 in 1984, Mike has recorded and graded every new pub he has visited in a little blue notebook – a tally that has now surpassed 1,880.

In Happy Hours, he recalls many of the highlights – and a few low points – of that ‘never-ending pub crawl’ with many of his personal favourites featured.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Among those recorded are a 1987 trip to the Kings Arms, where legendary landlord Ian Webb was early into his 10-year tenure, and a more recent visit to the beloved Blue Bell in Fossgate.

Mike Critchley has visited almost 2,000 pubs over the years (Image: Pic supplied)

The author admits to also being enchanted by a trip to Knaresborough’s Six Poor Folk and Blind Jacks after jumping off the train from York to Harrogate.

He said: “York has been one of my favourite destinations for so long now and has so many excellent pubs, with bars and inns catering for all types of drinker.

“The city has so many pubs with such a long history, ones that ooze charm and character from every pore.

“It is a place I always look forward to visiting, and no trip to York is ever complete without dropping in on the Blue Bell, a real gem on every level.”

Of the visits to around 175 pubs described in the book, 27 are in Yorkshire with cities London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester also featured prominently.

Mike weaves in many personal anecdotes and social history as the book charts significant changes to the way people drink and the world about us.

Around 175 pubs are featured (Image: Tony Hannan)

The book features potted histories of some of Britain’s finest pub buildings, observations of legendary landlords and landladies, recollections of colourful elbow-bending customers and an appreciation of good beer.

“I had to write this book.

“At a time when we are losing pubs hand over fist due to a multitude of reasons, this book is a reminder of the importance of these wonderful institutions and community hubs, and the role they play in society,” he said.

Priced at £14.99, the book is now on sale and can be ordered from Waterstone’s, Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd or on Amazon.

Where are your favourite pubs? And what do you like about them? Please share us your thoughts in the comments below.

The Tuesday letters page struggles to see a way forward for Microsoft and Xbox, as Kickstarter responds to Sony’s new digital-only policy.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Shrinking franchise
So Xbox has done exactly what we all knew they would and sacked even more people and lost five studios in the process. I can easily see why they picked on these ones, because they only made art house games no-one ever played. You can’t even say that Microsoft shouldn’t have bought them, because it was the new boss’ idea anyway.

But where do they go from here? They haven’t got any studios left that make anything other than Halo, Gears Of War, and Forza, so are they stuck doing that forever? I totally believe the rumours that studios are being moved to work on Halo and nothing else, but what I don’t believe is that there’s enough people left that care.

The peak of these games was in the mid-2000s, so you’re talking 20 years ago now. Anyone that liked them then is going to be in a totally different place in their lives now and I don’t see any evidence that anyone younger cares about those franchises. Xbox is backing itself into a corner, banking on nostalgia that I don’t think is really there. It really does feel like the whole business is doomed.
Cranston

Chain of command
Absolutely disgusting that Microsoft can just lay off 3,200 people like that. As far as I understand around 200 people is pretty big for a triple-A studio, so just imagine what they could’ve used all those talent developers for if Xbox wasn’t run so badly.

All those people who have their livelihoods taken away, although they may almost feel it was worth it if they’re dealing with 14 layers of management every day. How that could’ve been going on under Phil Spencer, and he thought was alright, I don’t know. But as far as I understand Matt Booty was in charge of games and he’s still there! That company has been run so terribly the last few generations.
Benson

Just one more remaster
I don’t know how Bethesda has got away with doing so little for so long. I can imagine the Xbox boss asking for an Elder Scrolls update and being given various elaborate excuses while nothing gets done. Not even a short preview.

They’ve been riding their luck, and I think Microsoft are on to them and will demand results. Or maybe they’ll just do another Skyrim remaster or anniversary edition to buy time.
Mark Matthews

GC: We said exactly as much in our article today.

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Never again
With regard to only digital games in the future, I’m not too surprised. The choice between physical and digital is being removed, that’s a shame. Pros and cons for both methods. The obvious pro for physical is being able to trade in. What’s needed when things do go completely digital is a refund policy that is fair, many more, than are currently available, free game demos to try before you buy and a trade-in system for digital vouchers to spend in the store. If one company implements such a trade-in system then I’ll guarantee that the other will follow suit.

The ability to trade-in might well encourage me to buy more digital games at, or near to, full price than I do at present.
Paul C.
PS: Currently playing Project Cars 3 again on Xbox Series X. I love this game (it was much maligned at release for various reasons). The game has a tendency to drop frames, very badly, if it’s running from a full-ish hard drive. I have 360GB of free space at the moment and the game is running perfectly.

GC: Publishers pushed for digital in large part to kill the concept of trade-ins, they’re not going to willingly bring them back.

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This thing with games on disc isn’t Sony’s fault, it’s the people that bought them digital only from the very start of gaming. If you didn’t walk down to your local shop and buy the game, guess what? You didn’t play it and now no one can be bothered to walk to a shop to buy the game.

Sony showed you the problem of digital years ago, when they was removing digital movies and TV shows you had bought already. The amount of gamers that have written in saying I download has done this. Sony has just updated their terms and conditions, saying if your account isn’t used within 36 months you may lose your account all together, including games and other stuff. Why don’t people learn that, yes, digital games are better for the planet but if you don’t own something it’s not yours to keep.
David

Destined replacement
I played Borderlands 2 but not to any serious degree. But I played a lot of Destiny 1 and 2 and Diablo in the time between that and Borderlands 4, and I have to say I’ve found it great fun. The campaign was OK but some of the side missions were genuinely funny. The ones with the guy being weirdly obsessed with mating his pet thresher and the existential rocket were highlights.

But I am not level 60 on my first character on UVH5 (Ultimate Vault Hunter 5) and still seems like a huge amount left after 90 or so hours – including getting to UVH7, about 30 missions/side missions, tons of collectables and the takedown to do still. And that’s not even thinking about a second or third character.

The amount of different builds you can make is also superb, with so many options (although as usual only a few top tier ones for the highest difficulties).

I would highly recommend if you like looter shooters and maybe coming off the back of Destiny 2.
Tom

Kicked to the curb
This is one of the other Kickstarter campaigns I am going to back, which I will probably late pledge, it is called Dark Queen of Samobor and it is a side-scrolling action combat puzzle game with amazing visuals, inspired by classic Disney animation and dark fantasy movies of the 80s for PC. I will probably go for the digital copy with my name in the credits for £23. There is an option for a digital copy for £9 too.

With the announcement of Sony ending the production of physical PlayStation discs this is affecting Kickstarters too, as a way to raise money for a Kickstarter campaigns you can usually can buy a digital copy or spend more to get a physical copy on Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

A couple of the Kickstarters I have seen mention what will happen with the PlayStation physicals in the rewards of their campaign. I have seen one Kickstarter creator say they will have to research about what to do with the PlayStation 5 physicals in their rewards because of Sony’s announcement.
Andrew J.

Legend of Goemon
The first Super Famicom Ganbare Goemon has always been one of my favourites. I had rented the Western version of Legend Of The Mystical Ninja and then saw the Japanese version cheap and it became one of the few imported games I had for the SNES; I loved that it had bits that were removed for our version. I knew that a sequel existed from magazines at the time and was disappointed it never got released over here.

Owned the first N64 game and loved that, it was the first time I’d seen some of the other main characters now being shown as allies and my introduction to the giant robot Impact. Dash dash dash.
It was years later that I discovered there are multiple Super Famicom sequels plus loads of games before and after on other consoles.

The Japan-only Goemon collection is fantastic, some of the games are pretty much locked away from me as they are full role-playing games and being unable to read Japanese is a hindrance. But the way Konami experimented with the franchise was great, just chuck in platforming, minigames, role-playing, whatever else and just see if it works. It did mean the games could be a bit hit and miss depending on your preferences, but when they hit the spot they really are brilliant.

Konami also smashed it out the park with the graphics and sound on the four main Super Famicom games, for a company that really knew how to get the best out of the SNES sound chip I would say the soundtracks for all four games are possibly the best they ever did in that era.

Enough waffle, if you are interested in slightly obscure (in the UK) games from that era, I would definitely recommend getting a copy of the new collection, I even enjoyed fumbling my way through the menus just to get the display settings I wanted, it reminded me slightly of carefully writing down the enormous save codes for my import copy of Goemon, all in kanji. All I learned from that experience was that battery backed saves were better.
John Atkinson

Inbox also-rans
So who do we think has bought Undead Labs and Ninja Theory? I don’t actually care about State Of Decay 3 but I wonder if Sony will buy Ninja Theory and have them make a new Heavenly Sword? I’d be up for that.
Johnson

So I guess Psychonauts 3 isn’t happening now. Oh well, I’ve much more faith in Double Fine surviving on their own than if they were still under Microsoft.
Breaker

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MORE: Games Inbox: Is Nintendo Switch 2 and PC the perfect combination?

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MORE: Games Inbox: Why is Sony going digital-only with the PS5?

By BEN WILLCOCKS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 00:58 BST, 7 July 2026 | Updated: 02:06 BST, 7 July 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed he will wake up tomorrow with no regrets after crashing out of his final World Cup following Portugal’s late 1-0 defeat against Spain in the round of 16.

The Portuguese superstar, 41, broke down in tears on the pitch after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner snatched victory for Spain in Dallas, calling an end to Ronaldo’s historic World Cup career.

Ronaldo, who is the only player in history to score at six World Cups, will now finish his glittering career without international football’s greatest prize after confirming prior to Portugal’s last-16 clash with Spain that this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would be his last.

The teary superstar doubled down on this decision after Portugal’s heartbreaking elimination at Dallas Stadium, admitting: ‘It’s been my last World Cup, yes – but now I will have time to think, stay with my family and life continues.’

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Ronaldo, who guided Portugal to European Championship glory in 2016 and to two separate Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025, went on to insist that he will not look back with regret at not having won the ultimate international honour.

‘I will wake up tomorrow with a clear conscience, because I gave my all,’ he urged. ‘I won three titles for Portugal, and Portugal had not won any before me. 

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Cristiano Ronaldo has urged that he will have no regrets after crashing out of his last World Cup

The devastated Portugal legend walked down the tunnel at the World Cup for the final time

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‘My biggest title with Portugal is Euro 2016. That trophy means the same to me as the World Cup.’

After finishing his post-match interviews on the pitch, Ronaldo headed down the tunnel cutting a heartbroken figure as the realisation that this would be his final World Cup act sunk in.

Footage of Ronaldo captured by cameras inside Dallas Stadium appeared eerily similar to his emotional elimination from the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.

After Portugal were dumped out by Morocco at the 2022 tournament, footage of Ronaldo bursting into tears as he headed down the tunnel went viral.

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Despite managing to fight back his tears in the tunnel this time around, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward showed similar signs of devastation as he walked alone with his head bowed down in contemplation.

Ronaldo had initially resisted questions about his World Cup future prior to Sunday, when he eventually revealed that this year would be his swansong.

‘It’s about enjoying it as much as possible,’ Ronaldo said ahead of the round of 16 clash with Spain.

‘This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game.’

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Ronaldo confirmed this World Cup would be his last before Spain’s late 1-0 win over Portugal

He insisted that Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph means the same to him as any World Cup

Ronaldo, who has plied his trade domestically in Saudi Arabia since his lucrative move to Al-Nassr in 2023, has made no indication that he plans to retire from football altogether any time soon.

The all-time great is chasing the remarkable feat of reaching 1,000 career goals, now just 24 goals away after netting in Portugal’s 2-1 round of 32 victory over Croatia last week.

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How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE