Today is National Red Rose Day, Great Dane Day, Superman Day and National Movie Night. Your star sign is Gemini and your birthstone is Pearl (Alexandrite and Moonstone is also recognised).

1924 – 2018 – George H.W. Bush (94), American politician, the 41st president of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993 and Ronald Reagan’s vice president from 1981 to 1989.

1929 – 1945 – Anne Frank (16), German-born Jewish diarist and Holocaust victim. She gained worldwide notability posthumously for keeping a diary documenting her life in hiding during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

1941 – 2013 – Reg Presley (71), English singer, songwriter and the lead vocalist with the Troggs (“Wild Thing”, “With A Girl Like You”), born in Andover, Hampshire.

1938 – Tom Oliver (88), British-born Australian retired actor best known for his role as Lou Carpenter in Neighbours, a role he played for 25 years, born in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire.

1946 – Robert “Bobby” Gould (80), English former footballer (West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers) and manager (Coventry City, Cardiff City, Weymouth), born in Coventry.

1958 – Meredith Brooks (68), American singer-songwriter and guitarist (“Bitch”), born in Corvallis, Oregon, United States.

1962 – Eamonn Walker (64), English actor (OZ, Blood and Bone, Chicago Fire), best known for his role as Winston “Marigold” in ‘In Sickness and in Health’, born in London

1965 – Cathy Tyson (61), English actress (Band of Gold, Help, Boiling Point, Mona Lisa), born in Kingston upon Thames, London.

1967 – Frances Ann O’Connor (59), Brith-born Australian actress (Bedazzled, The Conjuring 2, Iron Jawed Angels), born in Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire.

1971 – Mark Henry (55), American former powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, strongman, and retired professional wrestler, born in Silsbee, Texas, United States.

1973 – James Crossley (53), English body builder and TV personality appearing as Hunter in the sports entertainment series Gladiators from 1993 to 2000, born in York, North Yorkshire.

1979 – Robyn (47), Swedish singer-songwriter, musician and record producer (“Dancing On My Own”, “With Every Heartbeat”), born in Stockholm, Sweden.

1992 – Philippe Coutinho (34), Brazilian professional footballer (Liverpool, Barcelona, Vasco da Gama, Brazil national team), born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

1980 – Billy Butlin (80), was a South African-English businessman, founded the Butlins Company (He opened the first Butlins camp in Skegness on 11th April 1936).

2003 – Gregory Peck (87), was an American actor (The Omen, Moby Dick, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Big Country) and one of the most popular film stars from the 1940s.

2023 – Silvio Berlusconi (86), was an Italian media tycoon and politician who served as the prime minister of Italy from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006 and 2008 to 2011.

1922 – George Leigh Mallory and two British climbers reached a height of 25,800 feet on Mount Everest without the aid of oxygen; the highest point ever achieved. Two years later, this same month, Mallory made another attempt with Andrew Irvine. Less than 1,000 feet from the summit, they were trapped by bad weather and were never seen alive again. (his body was eventually found on 3rd May 1999).

1923 – The legendary escapologist Harry Houdini performed one of his most iconic and physically grueling publicity stunts in New York City. Suspended upside down 40 feet (12m) above the ground, he successfully freed himself from a buckled straitjacket in full view of thousands of spectators.

1942 – Anne Frank received her famous diary on her thirteenth birthday. Her first entry was, “I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support.” The last entry is dated 5 December 1942. By then, she had been in hiding in the Secret Annex for five months.

1931 – A federal grand jury indicted Chicago mob boss Al Capone on 5,000 counts of Prohibition violations (the Volstead Act) and perjury. This massive indictment involved Capone and 68 syndicate members, stemming largely from evidence gathered by Eliot Ness and his team of “Untouchables”.

1963 – The epic historical drama movie Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was released in US theaters (July 31 in the UK). It secured nine Academy Award nominations and won in four categories.

1964 – Nelson Mandela is sentenced to life in prison in South Africa. Mandela was charged with having organized an illegal strike and with leaving the country without valid travel documents. On the trip in question, he had travelled to Addis Ababa to attend the Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa conference in February 1962 to rally support for uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), an underground wing of the African National Congress.

1967 – The world premiere of “You Only Live Twice” took place at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. The film was the fifth installment in the official James Bond franchise and starred Sean Connery in what was initially intended to be his final appearance as Agent 007. Acclaimed author and spy novelist Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay, famously reshaping Ian Fleming’s original 1964 novel into an entirely new storyline centered around the space race.

1981 – The first Indiana Jones movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” by Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford was released in US theaters (June 30 in the UK).

1987 – U.S. President Ronald Reagan delivered a defining Cold War address at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, famously challenging Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall!”. The speech symbolised growing international pressure on the Soviet Union to embrace liberalisation. The wall ultimately fell two years later, on November 9, 1989, leading to the reunification of Germany.

1988 – The Soviet Union held its first official beauty pageant, “Moscow Beauty ’88”, at the Luzhniki Palace of Sports. Then-16-year-old schoolgirl Maria “Masha” Kalinina bested thousands of competitors to win the groundbreaking title, capturing international attention as a symbol of changing times under Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms.

1988 – Republic of Ireland beat England 1-0 at Euro ’88 in Stuttgart, West Germany. The goal came from Celtic midfielder Ray Houghton in the 6th minute.

1994 – Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were brutally stabbed to death in Brentwood Los Angeles. Nicole’s ex-husband, O.J. Simpson, was the primary suspect. This led to a dramatic and widely televised low-speed chase through the Los Angeles freeway system in a white Ford Bronco before he eventually surrendered. Despite substantial forensic evidence, including blood-stained gloves and Simpson’s DNA, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of both murders by a jury on October 3, 1995.

1995 – Two business colleagues from Sussex shared a record (at the time) National Lottery jackpot of more than £22m.

1997 – The Law Lords ruled that former Home Secretary Michael Howard acted unlawfully when he increased the minimum prison sentences of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. Following the 1993 murder of toddler James Bulger, the trial judge initially set an 8-year minimum, which was later raised to 10 years by the Lord Chief Justice. In July 1994, Home Secretary Michael Howard unilaterally raised this to 15 years. In 1999, the European Court of Human Rights also ruled that the process had violated the boys’ rights to a fair trial, as setting a minimum term for a child should be a welfare-based, flexible decision rather than an adult punitive tariff.

1997 – Queen Elizabeth II reopened the reconstructed Globe Theatre in London. The reconstructed theatre, named Shakespeare’s globe, was created to be as faithful as possible to the original design, which burnt down in 1613.

2007 – Michael Bay’s live-action Transformers, starring Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf had its world premiere in Sydney, Australia.

2012 – The World Health Organization (WHO) concludes that diesel engine exhaust causes lung cancer and has officially classified it as a Group 1 carcinogen. This classification places diesel fumes in the highest risk category alongside other dangerous substances like asbestos, alcohol, and tobacco smoke.

2012 – An Australian coroner’s report rules that a dingo was responsible for the death of baby Azaria Chamberlain in 1980. The case had received worldwide coverage at the time with parents Lindy and Michael Chamberlain wrongly convicted of murder.

2016 – At around 2: 00 a.m, 29-year-old Omar Mateen opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 others (with total wounded reaching 58), making it the deadliest known incident of violence against LGBTQ+ people in U.S. history. Local police and SWAT teams eventually breached the building, killing Mateen in a shootout at approximately 5:15 a.m.

2018 – The leaders of North Korea and the USA met for the first time ever. US President Donald Trump met with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un at the 2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit in Singapore. North Korea’s newly-developed nuclear capabilities largely prompted the summit.

2019 – Excavated at the ancient Jirzankal Cemetery in the high-altitude Pamir Mountains of far-western China, 2,500-year-old wooden braziers and charred stones contain the oldest scientifically verified chemical evidence of humans smoking cannabis for psychoactive purposes.

2021 – Danish footballer, Christian Eriksen suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening UEFA Euro 2020 match against Finland. Swift CPR and emergency defibrillation by the medical team revived him on the pitch before he was hospitalised and fitted with a lifesaving ICD. After terminating his contract with Inter Milan due to Serie A health regulations, he returned to the Premier League with Brentford in February 2022 and later signed with Manchester United.

2025 – Air India Flight 171 from Ahmedabad, India, to London crashed 30 seconds after taking off. Of the 230 passengers and 12 crew members aboard, only one passenger survived the devastating crash. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner struck a medical college’s hostel block and exploded, killing another 19 people and injuring over 60 more.

1965 – The Beatles were included in the Queen’s birthday honours list to each receive the MBE. Protests poured into Buckingham Palace, MP Hector Dupuis said ‘British Royalty has put me on the same level as a bunch of vulgar numbskulls’.

1999 – It was reported that Oasis had paid Gary Glitter £200,000 as an out-of-court settlement after being accused of using the Gary Glitter lyric, ‘Hello, hello, it’s good to be back’ in the song ‘Hello’.

2005 – Pink Floyd announced they would reunite with former bassist Roger Waters, who left the band in 1985, on July 2 for the Live 8 London concert. This would be the first time the band had played together as a quartet since The Wall tour in 1981.

2006 – Prince received a Webby Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his “visionary” use of the Internet; Prince was the first major artist to release an entire album, 1997’s Crystal Ball, exclusively on the internet.

2008 – Amy Winehouse performed an exclusive gig at a Moscow art gallery for Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and his girlfriend Dasha Zhukova. It was reported that the singer was paid £1m for the gig at the launch of The Garage gallery, which has been set up by Ms Zhukova.

2008 – Coldplay released their fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, in the UK. It became the best-selling album worldwide that year, hitting No. 1 in 22 countries.

2020 – Welsh singer Ricky Valance died at his home in Spain at the age of 84. He became the first Welshman to have a solo UK No.1 hit with the song ‘Tell Laura I Love Her’ in 1960. The song tells the tragic story of a boy called Tommy and his love for a girl called Laura. It was was considered controversial at the time and was reportedly banned from airplay by the BBC.

2024 – The British band formerly known as Easy Life were forced to change their name to Hard Life, after a threat of legal action by the brand owners of airline EasyJet. They found themselves locked in a battle with EasyGroup in 2023, after the company said the band had promoted their Life’s a Beach tour, in 2021 and 2022, with a poster showing a plane in the style of EasyJet’s orange livery but substituting the airline’s name for their own.

1429 – In the Hundred Years’ War, Joan of Arc led the French army in their capture of the city of Jargeau (France) against the English commander, William de la Pole, the 1st Duke of Suffolk. The English suffered heavy losses.

1381 – The defining crisis of the Peasants’ Revolt unfolded as a massive army of rebels from Kent and Essex converged on Blackheath, a common just southeast of London. Led by figures like Wat Tyler and John Ball, the commoners were protesting oppressive taxation specifically the hated poll tax and the economic aftermath of the Black Death.

1458 – Magdalen College, Oxford, was founded by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor. He wanted a college on the grandest scale, and his foundation was the largest in Oxford, with 40 Fellows, 30 scholars (known at Magdalen as Demies), and a large choir for his Chapel.

1550 – The city of Helsinki, Finland (belonging to Sweden at the time) is founded by King Gustav I of Sweden.

1667 – The Dutch fleet, under Admiral de Ruyter burned Sheerness, sailed up the River Medway, raided Chatham dockyard, and then escaped with the royal barge, the Royal Charles.

1673 – The future King James II of England was forced to resign as Lord High Admiral because of his Catholic faith.

1889 – Seventy eight people were killed and 260 injured, almost a third of them children, in the Armagh rail disaster in Northern Ireland. A crowded Sunday school excursion train had to negotiate a steep incline but the steam locomotive was unable to complete the climb and the train stalled. The crew divided the train but the rear portion ran back down the gradient and collided with a following train. It was the worst rail disaster in the UK in the nineteenth century, and remains Ireland`s worst ever railway disaster.

England today hosts the opening day of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, with the tournament running until 5 July across venues around the country. Twelve of the world's best teams will compete for the trophy, with organisers hoping the event will inspire a new generation of girls to take up cricket and build on the success of women's sport in the UK.

The UK housing market continues to cool, with the latest figures showing annual growth slowing and some experts now predicting house prices could dip slightly during 2026. Despite this, mortgage approvals remain stronger than a year ago, suggesting buyers are still entering the market despite affordability pressures.

Mortgage rates have eased slightly in recent weeks but remain well above where they started the year, leaving many homeowners facing significantly higher repayments. Financial experts say many borrowers are now waiting to see what the Bank of England does later this month before making their next move.

A major security investigation has been launched after a woman allegedly managed to wander around parts of the Houses of Parliament overnight after reportedly hiding inside the building. The incident has prompted fresh questions over security arrangements at one of the UK's most protected locations.

A woman suffered suspected broken ribs after jumping from a burning building when an e-bike battery caught fire while charging inside a property. Fire services are reminding owners only to use approved batteries and chargers, warning that lithium battery fires are becoming increasingly common across the UK.

The family of a young drowning victim are backing calls for tougher national water safety laws, including mandatory rescue equipment and a major awareness campaign ahead of the summer holidays. Campaigners say preventable drownings should now be treated as a national emergency.

Residents are protesting after plans for a 24-hour adult gaming centre were approved on appeal despite being rejected twice by the local council. Campaigners argue that gambling venues can increase addiction and anti-social behaviour, while operators insist they provide a regulated leisure activity.

The Scottish Government is preparing to launch a new First Homes Fund, offering eligible first-time buyers a £10,000 contribution towards a deposit. The scheme is already prompting calls for similar support to be introduced elsewhere in the UK to help young people onto the property ladder.

The Government's plans to increase defence spending ahead of the upcoming NATO summit remain under the spotlight, with investment expected to rise to 2.6% of GDP in 2027. Ministers say the move reflects growing international security concerns and the UK's continuing support for Ukraine.

The latest housing figures show the number of registered landlords continues to decline, raising concerns about the future supply of rental homes across the UK. Property experts warn that fewer landlords could mean even greater pressure on rents and availability for tenants over the coming months.

The resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey dominates almost every national newspaper this morning after he accused the Government of being unwilling to commit the resources needed to protect the country. The dramatic departure has intensified pressure on Sir Keir Starmer and sparked fresh debate over defence spending and national security.

The Times says Sir Keir Starmer's premiership has been plunged into deeper turmoil following John Healey's resignation, with questions now being asked about the stability of the Government and its direction on defence policy.

The Daily Telegraph leads with the headline "Healey Torpedoes Starmer", focusing on the former Defence Secretary's claim that Britain is being put at risk through underinvestment. The paper says the resignation has created one of the biggest political crises of the year.

The Daily Mail also leads on John Healey's resignation, highlighting his warning that the Prime Minister is unable to properly defend Britain under current spending plans. The story continues to dominate political discussion across Westminster.

The Sun focuses on Healey's claim that the country faces rising threats while defence investment is failing to keep pace. The newspaper says the resignation has triggered a major row over Britain's military readiness.

The Daily Express reports John Healey's warning that current defence plans could leave Britain "less safe", continuing the newspaper's focus on national security and military investment following his resignation.

The Guardian says Sir Keir Starmer's leadership is on "the brink of collapse" following the resignation, while also featuring the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Shakira's performance at the opening ceremony in Mexico. The paper combines political turmoil with one of the world's biggest sporting events.

The Financial Times highlights John Healey's criticism that the Government was "unwilling" to commit the resources needed to protect the country, focusing on the potential economic and strategic consequences of the resignation for Britain and its allies.

Metro leads with the headline "Our Defence Is In Crisis", reporting John Healey's resignation and confirming that Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis has been appointed as the new Defence Secretary. The appointment makes Jarvis one of the most senior Yorkshire politicians in Government.

The Daily Star takes a lighter approach, leading on the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico and Shakira's spectacular performance at the opening ceremony. With football now dominating the headlines, millions of fans are settling in for the next six weeks of tournament action.

Mexico vs South Africa is the number one trending topic as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway with the opening match in Mexico City. Football fans around the world are tuning in as the first-ever 48-team World Cup begins, marking the biggest tournament in the competition's history.

Shakira is trending worldwide after her spectacular performance at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico. Her appearance has generated huge reaction online, with millions watching clips from one of the biggest live performances of the year.

John Healey is one of the UK's biggest trending names after resigning as Defence Secretary, criticising the Government's approach to defence spending. His departure has dominated political discussion and led to a Cabinet reshuffle.

Dan Jarvis is also trending after being appointed as the new Defence Secretary following John Healey's resignation. The Barnsley North MP has become one of the most senior politicians in Government and one of Yorkshire's most influential voices in Westminster.

Pension is trending as thousands search for information about retirement planning and inheritance tax following renewed debate around pension rules. Financial experts are encouraging people to review their long-term plans and ensure their arrangements remain up to date.

The Wegovy pill is generating huge interest after reports that a tablet version of the popular weight-loss treatment could become available in the future. Many people are searching for information about whether it could offer a more convenient alternative to injections.

Homebase is trending following further developments surrounding the retailer's administration and the future of stores and staff. Customers and employees alike are watching closely as uncertainty continues around one of Britain's best-known DIY brands.

El Niño is trending after weather experts discussed its potential impact on global temperatures and rainfall patterns over the coming months. Meteorologists say changing ocean temperatures can influence weather around the world, including conditions closer to home.

Manchester United transfer news continues to trend as supporters debate possible arrivals and departures during the summer transfer window. Every rumour is generating thousands of online discussions as fans look ahead to the new Premier League season.

South Korea vs Czechia rounds off today's trending topics after football fans followed the international fixture ahead of both nations' upcoming competitive campaigns. Supporters have been debating performances, tactics and who impressed ahead of future tournaments.

Taylor Swift has been honoured at the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, celebrating her remarkable contribution to modern music and songwriting. The global superstar was one of the biggest stars of the evening as the industry recognised her record-breaking career and influence on a new generation of artists.

Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing are set to reunite on television after ending their long-running professional feud. The pair will reportedly join forces for a brand-new BBC cooking programme, marking one of the biggest television collaborations of the year.

The BBC has confirmed that Peaky Blinders will return with a brand-new series set in 1950s Birmingham. Creator Steven Knight is bringing back one of Britain's most successful dramas, with filming due to begin later this year.

Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo has revealed she nearly suffered an anxiety attack before headlining Glastonbury, admitting the pressure of performing on one of the world's biggest stages almost became overwhelming. Fans have praised her honesty in speaking openly about mental health and performance anxiety.

Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally are joining Celebrity Gogglebox, bringing their hugely successful podcast partnership to Channel 4's hit entertainment show. Fans are already looking forward to hearing their honest opinions on the week's biggest television moments.

Brad Pitt has stunned fans with a dramatic new rugged look for his upcoming survival thriller Heart Of The Beast. Early images from the film have generated huge excitement ahead of its cinema release later this year.

Jennifer Garner has spoken candidly about balancing family life and her acting career, reflecting on the challenges of midlife while promoting her latest television project. Her honest comments have resonated with many fans juggling work and family responsibilities.

Virginia Evans has won this year's Women's Prize for Fiction for her debut novel The Correspondent, while BBC journalist Lyse Doucet claimed the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction. The awards celebrate outstanding female writers and continue to shine a spotlight on the UK's thriving literary scene.

Chris Packham has signed off the latest series of Springwatch, leaving many viewers disappointed to see another season come to an end. Fans are already hoping the much-loved wildlife programme will return soon with more stories from across the natural world.

Disney+ has announced The Shards, a new psychological thriller based on the bestselling novel by Bret Easton Ellis. Starring Wes Bentley and Evan Rachel Wood, the series is already being tipped as one of the streaming platform's biggest releases of the summer.

Harry Styles begins his record-breaking Wembley Stadium residency today, becoming the first artist to perform 12 headline shows at the iconic venue. The concerts kick off a huge summer for the global superstar, with thousands of fans descending on London and speculation already growing over possible surprise guests. ([The Times][1])

Paul McCartney has been sharing stories behind his new album, reflecting on his childhood and his time with The Beatles. During a new interview, he recalled an unforgettable adventure with George Harrison that has delighted Beatles fans around the world.

Blur guitarist Graham Coxon is finally releasing his long-lost solo album Castle Park, recorded back in 2011 but shelved for more than a decade. He says the record captures a younger version of himself and is one of the most personal projects he's ever made. ([The Sun][2])

Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon says the band's secret to staying together for more than four decades is that they genuinely like each other and split everything equally. He also revealed the group would happily record another James Bond theme and are open to a hologram show in the future.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame has celebrated some of music's biggest names, with Taylor Swift, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Alanis Morissette among those honoured for their songwriting achievements. The ceremony recognised decades of music that continues to influence artists worldwide. ([Page Six][3])

The Music Venue Trust has announced Everywhere At Once, a nationwide festival celebrating grassroots music venues across the UK later this month. Hundreds of independent venues will take part, highlighting their importance in discovering tomorrow's stars.

Heritage Live returns to the Sandringham Estate this summer with performances from Janet Jackson, Lionel Richie, Christina Aguilera, Eric Clapton and Ricky Martin. The event continues to establish itself as one of the UK's biggest outdoor music weekends.

Scottish soul singer James Emmanuel continues his remarkable rise ahead of TRNSMT Festival after winning major industry recognition and signing with Decca Records. His journey from humble beginnings to one of Scotland's brightest new talents is inspiring music fans.

Eastbourne singer-songwriter Ben Westwood has released his new album We Are Human, blending soul, folk and Motown influences into a collection of self-penned songs. Early tracks have already attracted thousands of streams and online views.

Tony Hadley continues to prove his enduring popularity with another major summer concert appearance, as the former Spandau Ballet frontman prepares to perform in Spain this August. More than 40 years after finding fame, he remains one of Britain's most recognisable voices.

The debate over when children should get their first smartphone is gathering pace, with growing support from parents, schools and campaigners for delaying smartphone ownership until at least the age of 14. Supporters argue it could improve mental health, reduce online risks and help children focus on education, while others believe the decision should remain with families.

A supermarket price comparison has revealed shoppers could pay almost twice as much for the exact same branded products depending on where they shop. The research found ASDA and Iceland were among the cheapest, while Co-op and Waitrose were often the most expensive, highlighting how switching stores could save families hundreds of pounds a year.

Co-op has launched a scheme offering bags of surplus fruit and vegetables worth around £32 for just £3 in selected stores. The initiative aims to tackle food waste while helping shoppers save money and eat more healthily.

Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley's Frasers Group has launched a £1.7 billion bid to take over luxury fashion brand Hugo Boss. If successful, it would be one of the biggest retail deals of the year and further expand Frasers' growing influence across the fashion industry.

Scientists continue to highlight the potential health benefits of yoghurt containing live cultures, with research suggesting it may help support gut health and reduce inflammation. Experts stress that more research is needed but say it can form part of a balanced diet.

Professor Tim Spector has shared a simple recipe combining garlic and raw honey, claiming fermentation can improve flavour while creating compounds linked to anti-inflammatory benefits. The mixture has become increasingly popular with health-conscious food lovers.

Fashion retailer Evans is returning to the UK high street after six years away through concessions inside Yours Clothing stores. The comeback will see the size-inclusive brand return to more than 50 locations across the country.

Restaurants and takeaway chains across the UK have launched special offers to celebrate the FIFA World Cup, with discounts on pizzas, burgers and sharing meals expected throughout the tournament. Food retailers are hoping football fans will swap cooking for match-night deals.

Morrisons is giving away free fruit to children on selected World Cup match days as part of a healthy eating initiative. The supermarket hopes the campaign will encourage youngsters to snack more healthily while enjoying the football.

Garden experts say weeds can be tackled using a simple homemade mixture of white vinegar and household ingredients, offering a low-cost alternative to shop-bought weed killers. The advice has become increasingly popular with gardeners looking to save money this summer.

Harry Kane says the 2026 FIFA World Cup is "probably the best opportunity" of his career to win football's biggest prize with England. The Bayern Munich striker arrives in outstanding form and believes the quality and experience within Thomas Tuchel's squad gives the Three Lions a genuine chance of ending the nation's 60-year wait for another World Cup triumph.

Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of a packed Azteca Stadium. The opening match produced goals, drama and three red cards, making it one of the most talked-about World Cup openers in tournament history.

England manager Thomas Tuchel continues to keep fans guessing over his tactical approach ahead of the Three Lions' opening World Cup match. Much of the debate centres around how to get the best out of stars like Jude Bellingham and England's wealth of attacking talent.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup begins today in England and Wales, with a record 12 teams competing for the title. Organisers hope the tournament will inspire the next generation of girls to take up cricket and continue the rapid growth of the women's game.

Scotland are preparing for their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years, with excitement building ahead of their opening fixture. Although injured midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of playing, his support around the squad has been praised as Scotland prepares for its long-awaited return to football's biggest stage.

Raúl Jiménez produced one of the most emotional moments of the tournament so far after scoring for Mexico and dedicating his goal to his late father. The Fulham striker was visibly moved to tears during his celebration, with the heartfelt tribute touching football fans around the world and marking another remarkable chapter in his comeback from a career-threatening head injury.

Warrington Wolves have climbed to the top of the Super League after beating St Helens 18-6 for their fourth consecutive victory. The result strengthens their title credentials and leaves the competition at the top of the table tighter than ever.

Australia's Socceroos have released a powerful World Cup message celebrating multiculturalism and reinforcing that "football is for everyone". The campaign has received widespread praise for highlighting the diverse backgrounds that have shaped Australian football.

Canada manager Jesse Marsch says his side must embrace the pressure of hosting a home World Cup and believes the tournament can inspire a new generation of footballers. He described leading Canada on home soil as one of the proudest moments of his coaching career.

England midfielder Declan Rice has become an unexpected talking point after images of him battling the North American heat went viral on social media. With soaring temperatures expected throughout the tournament, managing fitness and recovery could prove just as important as tactics.

England captain Harry Kane believes this is "probably the best opportunity" of his career to lift the World Cup. After another incredible season with Bayern Munich, Kane says the squad has the quality and experience to finally end England's long wait for glory, while insisting the team isn't reliant on him alone.

The hosts got the tournament off to the perfect start as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in front of a packed Azteca Stadium. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed victory to send the home crowd into celebration.

The opening match produced one of the most chaotic starts in World Cup history, with three red cards shown before the final whistle. South Africa finished the game with nine players after two dismissals, while Mexico also lost a player in an extraordinary night.

Raúl Jiménez produced one of the tournament's emotional moments after scoring for Mexico and breaking down in tears, dedicating the goal to his late father. The former Wolves striker completed a remarkable comeback after overcoming his serious head injury in 2020.

Scotland are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1998, with excitement building ahead of their opening match against Haiti. Thousands of Tartan Army fans have travelled to North America hoping to witness history.

South Korea made an impressive start to their campaign with a comeback victory over Czechia in one of the tournament's most entertaining matches so far. The win puts them in a strong early position in Group A.

Canada striker Promise David is one of the breakout stars to watch after completing a remarkable rise from youth football in Croatia to representing his country at a home World Cup. After recovering from injury, he's now hoping to make history.

The tournament's opening day was overshadowed by protests outside the Azteca Stadium, where clashes were reported before kick-off. Despite the unrest outside, the match itself went ahead as planned with fans inside enjoying the opening spectacle.

US broadcaster Fox has come under fire after viewers complained they missed parts of the opening ceremony and match because of lengthy commercial breaks. Fans were particularly frustrated at missing parts of Shakira's performance.

Australia defender Aziz Behich has revealed his wife successfully beat cancer before joining him at the World Cup, saying the experience completely changed his perspective on football and life. It's one of the tournament's most inspiring off-field stories.

Last night's extended episode descended into chaos after the "It's Not That Deep" challenge exposed secrets, sparked accusations of hypocrisy and left the villa divided. The challenge quickly escalated into one of the biggest bust-ups of the series so far, with emotions running high and several Islanders left in tears.

Jasmine was left in tears following a heated confrontation with Aidan after the fallout from the challenge. Following an emotional exchange, Aidan apologised while fellow Islanders rallied around Jasmine in one of the night's most talked-about moments.

The villa erupted after Ope branded Angelista a "liar" following her secret terrace kiss with bombshell Simba. The explosive confrontation divided the Islanders, with many stepping in to defend Angelista while viewers took to social media with strong opinions.

Bombshell Simba continues to shake up the villa after choosing Angelista and sharing a kiss that left Ope furious. His arrival has completely changed the dynamic inside the villa and he's quickly become one of the biggest talking points of the series.

Viewers are calling for the return of classic Love Island games and secret missions, with many saying this year's format has become too predictable. Fans believe bringing back older challenges would inject more fun into villa life alongside the relationship drama.

The phrase "POA" has become the latest Love Island buzzword, with confused viewers searching online to discover it means "Plan Of Action". Islanders have been using the phrase repeatedly when discussing their next romantic move around the villa.

Former Islander George Knight has revealed producers stopped him from pursuing Yasmin during his brief time in the villa and says several flirty conversations never made it to air. His comments have fuelled debate about how much viewers really get to see.

Former contestant Robyn says she believes Lola and Fitzy are currently the villa's "real deal" despite her own early exit. Fans have praised her positive attitude and many hope she'll make a return later in the series.

Molly-Mae Hague has shared touching new photographs of her newborn son after describing the birth as "the most incredible". She said her baby has eased her fears about the newborn stage, while fans continue to speculate about the name that Tommy Fury plans to reveal during his fight this weekend.

Tommy Fury has temporarily moved into a caravan close to his training base ahead of his fight with Eddie Hall, saying he'll swap boxing gloves for nappy duties as soon as the bout is over. The boxer has also confirmed his newborn son's name will be revealed on his fight shorts during Saturday night's event.

Sheffield DocFest is in full swing, bringing thousands of filmmakers, industry professionals and visitors into the city for six days of screenings, premieres and live events. As the UK's leading documentary festival, it continues to showcase Sheffield on the world stage while providing a major boost to local businesses and the hospitality sector.

Police remain at the former TGI Fridays site near Meadowhall after the body of a man was discovered inside a derelict building. South Yorkshire Police say the death is currently being treated as unexplained while enquiries continue to establish the circumstances.

Sheffield could soon become home to England Boxing's second national performance centre after plans emerged to convert a former distribution centre near the M1 into a world-class training facility. The centre would support more than 250 athletes and coaches and strengthen Sheffield's reputation as one of Britain's leading sporting cities.

Sheffield Wednesday have recorded their highest-ever season ticket sales, with almost 21,000 supporters already committing for the new campaign following the club's change of ownership. The remarkable figure reflects renewed optimism around Hillsborough ahead of the new season.

The official LEGO Store at Meadowhall has reopened following a major refurbishment, featuring a larger Pick-a-Brick wall, Build a Minifigure station and exclusive Sheffield collectables. The revamped store is expected to attract visitors from across Yorkshire throughout the summer.

Superdry is preparing to open its new flagship Sheffield city centre store on Pinstone Street, with recruitment already underway ahead of next month's launch. The opening is another milestone in the Heart of the City regeneration project and will create new retail jobs in the city centre.

Tramlines Festival has revealed the stage splits for this summer's event at Hillsborough Park, giving music fans the chance to start planning their weekend. With major headline acts, local performers and the popular Into The Trees family area, it's shaping up to be another huge weekend for Sheffield.

A new exhibition featuring the winners of the Football Art Prize has opened at the Millennium Gallery, celebrating football through art from around the world to coincide with the FIFA World Cup. The exhibition explores the game's culture, emotion and global impact through a wide range of creative works.

Sheffield Cathedral has launched its annual #StrikeAPaws competition to find the stars of its 2027 dog calendar, complete with selfie stations, fancy dress and expanded prizes. The event celebrates the city's pet-loving community while encouraging more visitors into the city centre.

Athletics coaches are urging city leaders to secure the future of the City of Sheffield Athletics Stadium after the running track closed because of safety concerns. Campaigners fear talented young athletes could be forced to train elsewhere unless investment is found to modernise the facility.