A federal judge has temporarily halted a California law that sought to prohibit federal immigration agents from concealing their faces while on duty. Despite the block, agents will still be mandated to display clear identification, including their agency and badge number.

California became the first state to enact such a ban on facial coverings for most law enforcement officers, a measure signed into law in September following a summer marked by high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles.

The Trump administration subsequently filed a lawsuit in November, contending that the legislation jeopardised officer safety by exposing them to harassment, doxing and violence, and unconstitutionally regulated the federal government.

Judge Christina Snyder issued the preliminary ruling, explaining that the mask ban, as implemented, did not extend to state law enforcement authorities, thereby discriminating against federal agencies. This decision could carry significant national implications as other states grapple with how to manage federal agents enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

It left open the possibility to future legislation banning federal agents from wearing masks if it applied to all law enforcement agencies, with Snyder writing “the Court finds that federal officers can perform their federal functions without wearing masks.” The ruling will go into effect Feb. 19.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September banning some law enforcement officers from wearing masks, neck gaiters, and other facial coverings. It was slated to go into effect Jan. 1 but was put on hold due to the lawsuit.

In addition to exempting state law enforcement officers, it made exceptions for undercover agents, protective equipment like N95 respirators or tactical gear, and other situations where not wearing a mask would jeopardize an operation. Snyder sided with the federal government, which argued this exemption was discriminatory against federal agents.

Newsom also signed into law a measure requiring law enforcement to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number while on the job, which was challenged by the federal government but upheld by the judge.

California State Sen. Scott Weiner, who proposed the original bill to ban facial coverings, said Monday he would immediately introduce new legislation to include state police in the law.

“ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability,” Weiner said in a news release. “We will ensure our mask ban can be enforced.”

At a Jan. 14 hearing, Snyder repeatedly asked the government’s lawyer, Tiberius Davis, to explain why banning masks would impede the federal law enforcement in carrying out their duties, if officers rarely wore masks prior to 2025.

Davis cited claims by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that there has been a multifold increase in assaults and threats against federal officers. He also brought up an incident in Los Angeles where three women are being accused of livestreaming while following an ICE agent home and posting the address on Instagram.

“There is real deterrence on the officer’s safety and ability to perform their duties,” Davis said.

Cameron Bell, California Department of Justice attorney, challenged his claims, saying there was no concrete evidence that federal agents can’t perform their duties without facial coverings.

Bell referenced declarations from U.S citizens who have been detained by federal agents but thought they were being kidnapped.

“It’s obvious why these laws are in the public interest,” Bell said.

The federal government also argued in legal briefs that allowing California’s legislation could lead other states to be “emboldened to impose similar unconstitutional restraints.”

Davis cited a statement from Newsom in July 2025 during an interview posted online where he discussed the mask ban bill, saying, “It appears that we don’t have the legal authority for federal agents but we do for other law enforcement authorities.”

Los Angeles County supervisors voted in December to enact a local ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing masks that went into effect Jan. 8. However, the sheriff’s department said it would not enforce the ordinance until after the court ruled on the statewide mask ban. The Los Angeles Police Department had also said it wouldn’t enforce the mask ban.

The man was caught standing naked and masturbating while staring at a children’s playground

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A 55‑year‑old man has been jailed after being caught on camera committing an indecent act while overlooking a children’s playground in South Wales.

Andrew Lewis exposed himself on two separate occasions last summer in Oakdale, Caerphilly county borough. On 1 June 2025, he was filmed by two children, aged 11 and 12, as he stood on the decking of his garden masturbating while facing a nearby play area, reports The Mirror.

At Newport Crown Court, Judge Carl Harrison said the footage “showed you masturbating while looking towards the play area” near Auckland Close in the Penmaen area of Oakdale, Wales.

“You were masturbating in an elevated position where there was a gap with a direct view of the playground,” the judge added. More than a month later, on the afternoon of July 23, 2025, two 12-year-olds reported seeing Lewis in his back garden, exposing and touching himself while looking at them, Wales Online reports.

Judge Harrison described how Lewis “intentionally exposed [his] penis for it to be seen” before masturbating in front of the children.

Lewis, of Auckland Close, was convicted of one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and one count of exposure following a trial in September last year. The 55-year-old was sentenced to a total of 25 months in prison, with 20 months for the sexual activity charge and five months for the exposure charge.

Lewis was also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge and made subject to a notification requirement and sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), both for a period of 10 years.

Lewis is barred from staying in any home where a child under 16 is present, and he is forbidden from allowing anyone under 16 into his property unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

He must also ensure he is dressed in ordinary clothing while in his garden and is prohibited from any contact with children under 16, save for situations where consent has been granted or where such contact is unavoidable in everyday life.

The order further warns that entering a play park or play area would amount to a breach.

Love Island fans have hit out at Belle Hassan for being a ‘hypocrite’ after last night’s Heart Rate challenge heated up when Belle took a chance and made a move on Scott

The Heart Rate challenge returned to last night’s episode of Love Island and things quickly heated up.

Last night, viewers watched Belle confess to Whitney and Helena that she fancied Scott van der Sluis, with Whitney saying she was “doing a Lucinda”. It comes after Belle hit out at Lucinda for not being a “girl’s girl” when she stole Sean from her while she was in the US villa.

Millie got a text which read: “Islanders, tonight it’s boys vs girls in a challenge designed to turn up the heat and send pulses racing!” The Islanders all put on a great show but all eyes were on Belle and Scott and their steamy kiss.

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The boys went first and Scott brought out a bottle of champagne and had two whispered confessions. One for Belle and one for Leane. When it was the girls’ turn Belle took her chance and snogged Scott van der Sluis in the challenge. Blushing, he said: ”I’m in the hurricane!”

But Love Island fans have hit out at Belle Hassan for being a ‘hypocrite’. Some fans thought Belle was in the wrong for making a move on Scott. One took to social media to say: “Belle made a big deal about Lucinda going for Sean, but she’s doing exactly the same with Leanne.”

Another said: “Belle out here preaching feminine energy while moving like a professional side quest. Girl he ain’t yours!” While some backed their chemistry saying: “Might be an unpopular opinion but I actually really like Belle and Scott together.”

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Barry Laker, head of the Childline service at the NSPCC, said: “AI is becoming a regular part of children’s online experiences. When used safely and responsibly, it can offer opportunities, but it also brings risks, especially if children aren’t sure what’s real, or how AI works.

Today show host Savannah Guthrie called on the public for help and detailed the ongoing “nightmare” of her mother Nancy’s kidnapping in an Instagram video posted on Monday.

“We believe our mom is still out there,” Guthrie said in the video. “We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her.”

“We are at an hour of desperation and we need your help,” she added.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 in Tucson, Arizona, where she lives, according to family members.

Authorities have not publicly announced any suspect in the 84-year-old’s disappearance.

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The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

The Guthrie family and media outlets have reportedly received ransom requests, purportedly from the kidnappers, demanding millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.

One such note, sent to CNN affiliate KGUN, reportedly demanded $6 million and threatened Nancy Guthrie’s life if a 5 p.m. Monday deadline was not met.

Police have not publicly confirmed the details of the reported ransom notes.

In a video from Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released over the weekend, the broadcaster addressed her mother’s kidnappers, saying the family had “received your message” and “will pay.”

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“We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her,” Guthrie said in the clip.

The Guthrie family has publicly asked for proof “without a doubt” that Nancy Guthrie is alive.

The FBI has said it is up to the Guthrie family to decide how to respond to the requests.

“While we advise and recommend from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family,” Heith Janke, FBI special agent in charge of the bureau’s Phoenix office, told NPR.

Guthrie returned to her Tucson home around 9:50pm on January 31, after eating dinner and playing games with relatives.

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She was not present at church the following morning, alerting family members to her disappearance.

Her front doorbell camera was disconnected around 1:47am on Sunday morning, and software detected a person on the camera shortly afterward, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.

Police found drops of blood on Guthrie’s front porch.

A pacemaker belonging to the 84-year-old, who takes daily medication and has limited mobility, was disconnected from a cell phone app around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, according to police.

Neno Dolmajian was brutally attacked by a group of men on the street who kicked his head “like a football” before his death.

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A tourist was savagely beaten to death on a street after his head was “treated like a football”, the victim’s sister has claimed in court.

Neno Dolmajian, 42, had come to Ireland from Canada to see Liam Gallagher play. However, the solo traveller was brutally beaten on O’Connell Street in Dublin on June 23, 2024, after encountering a group of men.

Though treated in intensive care, he tragically died from his injuries at Mater Hospital nine days after the assault on July 2, reports Dublin Live.

His grief-stricken sister, Maral Dolmajian told Central Criminal Court that her brother had the “soul and sensitivity of an artist”, was curious about the world and loved to learn as much as he could.

Ms Dolmajian said he was kicked at full force in the face by one of the men after an argument broke out. She added the loss has completely destroyed her family.

Ms Dolmajian said: “My parents have always gone above and beyond to help family and friends. They have always been the most generous with their time and energy. The consequence of all this goodness, all these good deeds, was their only son being killed. Their son who wouldn’t even hurt a fly. Their son who had never gotten into fights, who got on with everyone and was loved by everyone.”

She said bad things happen to good people, and her brother was a “good person, kind, funny, thoughtful and a joy to be around. He made people feel seen and valued. Everyone loved him.”

Ms Dolmajian said she lives with the “unbearable guilt” that she was not able to keep her brother safe and thinks of his final moments every day: “How he was punched and shoved to the ground and kicked in the head at full force… I think about how Ionut Danca treated my brother’s head like a football. I think about how unnecessary and violent it was. I wonder what kind of person would do that, and why? Why would they be that violent towards someone they just met?”

Her brother’s life had value, she said, and he did not deserve to die in the manner he did. “He deserved to live a long and happy life, but his life was taken from him, it was taken from us.”

She asked Mr Justice Paul McDermott to impose a sentence on his killer that reflects the violence her brother suffered and acknowledges the family’s loss.

Ionut Danca (25) pleaded guilty last year to the unlawful killing of Neno Dolmajian on July 2, 2024 at O’Connell St Upper.

Danca’s co-accused, Madalin Ghiuzan (24), pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Dolmajian, causing him harm at Cathal Brugha St, Dublin 1.

Danca, a construction worker from Romania but with an address at Rathdown Square, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 had previously been charged with murder. Ghiuzan, originally from Romania but with an address at Summerhill Parade, Dublin 1, had a manslaughter charge brought against him.

Following the guilty pleas, the murder charge against Danca and the manslaughter charge against Ghiuzan are not being pursued by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sgt Donal Byrne today told prosecutor Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing SC that the victim was a Canadian national of Armenian heritage. He had an interest in music and playing the guitar and was travelling alone. He arrived in Ireland in June 2024, was staying at the Ivy Exchange and was due to leave on July 2.

On the day he suffered the fatal injury, Mr Dolmijan was drinking and after midnight, he encountered a number of males, including the two defendants, outside the Living Room nightclub on Cathal Brugha St. There was a row during which Ghiuzan punched and pushed Mr Domijian, causing him to fall to the ground.

He remained on the ground for more than one minute and struggled to get back to his feet, the garda said. Mr Dolmijian then followed the group to O’Connell St where there was a further series of interactions in which Mr Dolmijian was again pushed to the ground before Danca delivered a “running kick straight to the face” of the deceased.

Eoin Lawlor SC, for Danca, said his client was initially trying to act as a peacemaker and displayed no aggression. He said something changed either as a result of Mr Dolmajian striking the accused or insulting his family.

He said his client accepts that what he did was wrong and has written a “sincere apology” to the deceased’s family. He asked the court to consider a reference by Danca’s employer describing him as having an “exemplary work ethic”. He has no previous convictions, wants to create a good life for himself and his partner and is unlikely to come before the courts again, Mr Lawlor said.

Morgan Shelley SC, for Ghiuzan, said but for the “extremely tragic” events that followed his client’s assault on Mr Dolmajian, his case might have been dealt with in the lower courts. He asked Mr Justice McDermott to consider imposing a fully suspended sentence. The court will deliver sentence next Tuesday, February 17.

Heppni Bakeri, in Swinegate, is taking orders for personalised pink palmiers in the run-up to February 14.

Known for their distinctive heart shape, palmiers are made with puff pastry and sugar – and in the case of Heppni Bakeri delicious Edinburgh butter and pink icing.

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Speaking about this, business owner India Luck said: “With so much doom and gloom in the world, we wanted to add a little extra magic to Valentine’s Day.

“We are now taking order for our special Valentine’s palmiers.

“These can be customised and will the make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!”

The palmiers are made three days in advance and can be decorated with personalised icing (Image: Supplied)

According to India, the palmiers take three days to make – a process which involves making the dough, laminating it with butter to build up their characteristic layers and proving overnight.

She explained: “We bake the pastry on day three.

“It’s a long process and one that takes a lot of care and hard work.

“Sadly, we aren’t making vegan or gluten-free options with the palmiers, but we have lots of alternative options in store.”

All orders must be made by Thursday, February 12.

To place yours, please email india@heppnibakeri.co.uk.

Whether you’re a widow, widower or divorcee, the thought of online dating can feel daunting. However, more and more people are turning to the internet to find romance. Roughly 16 per cent of UK adults met their long-term partner online, according to Statista. Among them, there are lots of singles over 50 using dating sites to find a companion.

So here’s how to navigate your online dating life with expert advice from psychologist and dating coach Dr Pam Spurr, and sex and relationship coach Angela Vossen.

How do I know if I’m ready to date again?

Coming out of any relationship is hard. If you’re hoping to date after a divorce, bereavement or break up, it can take a long time to feel ready to date again. Dr Spurr advises taking your time.

“Many people feel bruised, even traumatised, after coming out of a long-term relationship or having been bereaved,” she explains. “Your feelings naturally vary from day to day about whether you’re ready to get back out to look for love – or even for fun. A crucial factor is if you’ve come to the point where you have more good days compared to bad days”.

Dr Spurr explains that good days are the days on which you feel more optimistic about life generally, and you find your thoughts turning to meeting someone new. “That’s an important sign that you are healing,” she says. “However, if you’re still feeling deeply insecure or are riddled with self-doubt about your worthiness, take your time. When you feel worthy, you will find someone worthy of you”. 

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How to start dating online for seniors

If you’re new to online dating, it can feel intimidating at first. The secret is taking things step by step so that you do things at your own pace. The first step, however, should be choosing a senior dating site that will help match you with like-minded people. This will narrow your search and ensure your dating experience is more successful.

Step 1: Create an online profile

Once you’ve decided on a dating service and signed up, you’ll be asked to write a dating profile. This should reflect who you are along with your passions, values and what you seek in a partner. 

Try to be authentic rather than creating a fantasy version of yourself. If you exaggerate your accomplishments, your date will only feel deceived once they get to know you. Likewise, don’t be tempted to use a photo of yourself from 10 years ago. 

Step 2: Spark meaningful chats with potential dates

Once you have signed up to a senior dating site and created a profile, you will be free to start looking at other people’s profiles and sending messages to anyone that catches your attention. But how can you initiate a conversation after an introduction? 

“When messaging people on dating sites, ask open-ended questions to spark meaningful chats,” says Angela. A good example would be, ‘I can see you enjoy travel. What place have you always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?’ or “tell me more about your love of tennis? Did you watch the US Open?” If things go really well and the chat seems to flow naturally, you may decide to organise a phone chat or ask them out on a date. An initial chat over the phone can help gauge how well you get on and how easily the conversation flows. If this goes well, meeting in person may feel less nerve wracking and a little less ‘blind’. 

Step 3: Prioritise your safety

“While most people are well intentioned online, it’s important to protect your safety,” advises Ms Vossen. “Keep personal details private (like where you live or your social media profiles) until you’ve met in person and built trust”. You should also arrange first dates in public places, share your plans with a friend, and trust your instincts if something feels off. 

If the first date or two doesn’t quite hit the mark, try not to be too disappointed and remember that you can say no to another date. Ms Vossen says: “Be patient – online dating takes time, but with practice, you’ll gain confidence and enjoy the journey”.

Traditional ways to meet senior singles

Of course, couples continue to meet in a manner that predates online dating sites. If you’re keen to join the dating scene but find the online world overwhelming, there are plenty of ways to meet people in real life. 

1. Holidays and group trips

We are often our best selves on holiday, so it’s the ideal place to find a single senior woman or to meet men if the opportunity presents itself. Why not organise a trip on which you meet new people while doing what you love, whether that’s cycling, walking, sightseeing or just travelling around a new part of the world. There are many escorted tours that cater to specific age groups and interests. They also take away the stress of organising a trip yourself.

“An organised holiday or trip can be a great place to meet someone new and there are many organisations offering these for the over 50s,” says Dr Spur.  “A word of caution though, you can spend a lot of money and there’s no guarantee that you will meet that special person. However, if it’s a place you’ve wanted to travel to then go with the mindset that you’re going to have a great trip. If you meet someone, that’s an added bonus”. 

2. Activities and social groups 

​The Beachdale Guesthouse at 2 Brooklands, Filey, is set to become a four-bed residential house following the approval of plans.

​The three-storey terrace, which is in the town’s conservation area, was a guesthouse with a private living area for the owners and five ensuite bedrooms for visitors.

​North Yorkshire Council’s tourism officer said the guesthouse had not been a member of Visit North Yorkshire “for a number of years” and as such, the organisation did not have any data on the level of bookings on which to base a decision.

​The officer added that they did not currently have enough occupancy data “elsewhere within Filey to either support or object to the application on the basis of change of use”.

​However, the officer considered that there is a “sufficient level of serviced accommodation within Filey to not warrant an objection”.

​Brooklands, where the property is located, was constructed between 1890 and 1914, according to a planning report.

​“The appearance of the terrace is reflective of that period, and the terraces were originally constructed as dwellings, although there is evidence that some of the units are now used as flats,” it notes.

​No objections were made by the Highway Authority, which said that “there is not expected to be an increase in vehicle movements as a result of the development”.

​Planning officers concluded that there are “a number of existing guesthouses in the area and the loss of the guesthouse subject to this application would not have a material impact on the demand for this type of application”.

​The council added that it did not have “any data to counteract this argument”.

​The application was approved by NYC, subject to conditions.

Ruud Gullit has backed former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie to manage Manchester United ‘at some point’.

Van Persie established himself as one of Arsenal’s greatest ever goalscorers after being signed by Arsene Wenger in 2004.

The Netherlands international scored 132 goals in 278 games for the Gunners, including Arsenal’s most in a Premier League season and calendar year.

After a breakdown in his relationship with Arsenal bosses, Van Persie completed a controversial move to Manchester United in 2012 and enjoyed three productive seasons at Old Trafford.

His 30-goal campaign in his first year at United helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side win the Premier League title and saw him bag a second consecutive Golden Boot award.

As an integral member of the last Manchester United side to lift the Premier League trophy, Van Persie is still remembered fondly at Old Trafford.

His compatriot Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner, believes Van Persie has developed into a ‘great manager’ since hanging up his boots and ‘hopes’ he takes charge of the Red Devils ‘one day’.

Van Persie, 43, began his managerial career at Eredivisie side Heerenveen and has been at Dutch giants Feyenoord since the start of 2025.

‘It would be great if Robin van Persie became the manager of Manchester United in the future,’ Gullit told Gambling Insider. ‘I definitely hope that happens at some point!

‘Robin is a great manager, but he’s struggling a little bit at Feyenoord at the moment. I feel like the expectations for him are very high because of the career he had, so he’s under the spotlight a lot more than other managers in the Eredivisie.

‘He’s under fire over here in Holland at the moment, but I hope he’s given time to rectify it and prove how good he is.

‘Look what happened with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United – they kept him, and look how good he ended up being!

‘Down the line however, I think it would be great for Robin to manage at Old Trafford one day.’

Manchester United will appoint Ruben Amorim’s permanent replacement in the summer after sacking the Portuguese boss last month.

Michael Carrick was placed in temporary charge of United and has overseen four successive wins to take the club back into the Champions League places.

Manchester United beat ten-man Tottenham 2-0 on Saturday and return to Premier League action on Tuesday night against relegation-battlers West Ham.

United could only draw 1-1 with West Ham when the two teams last met in one of Amorim’s last games before his sacking.

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