Maternity ward targeted by Moscow in ‘massive’ drone attack on Odesa
At least two people were killed in Ukraine’s Odesa after a maternity ward was struck in the southern port city as Russia launched drone strikes on the country overnight, regional officials said on Tuesday morning.
Regional governor Oleh Kiper said a “massive” overnight drone attack tore through an emergency medical building and a maternity ward, as well as residential buildings, killing two men in the attack. Patients and staff were safely evacuated from the maternity hospital, Mr Kiper added.
Ukrainian prosecutors said nine other people were also injured in the attack.
This attack comes just hours after Ukraine’s military said they struck two Russian fighter jets stationed at an airfield nearly 400 miles from the border, days after conducting Operation Spiderweb.
Kyiv did not say how the warplanes were hit in the fresh attack launched by special operations forces on the Savasleyka airfield and there was no immediate comment from Russia. However, Russian war bloggers claimed there was no damage to any warplanes.
Despite the AI chat up lines, Love Island is back on track for 2025
In the trailer for the latest season of Love Island, presenter Maya Jama swivels around on a pink office chair to confront a boardroom of faux-executives, whose outfits are an unholy collision of swimwear and business casual. “I want more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more make-ups,” Jama demands. The working set-up – which involves a table decked out like a swimming pool, complete with tiny flamingo inflatables – may be knowingly cartoonish, but the whole thing feels a bit on the nose.
It’s not hard to imagine that, in recent months, similar conversations have been playing out in actual ITV boardrooms, albeit with a slightly more panicked tone and far fewer decorative pineapples. That’s because in recent years, Love Island has started to feel like a reality franchise on the wane.
Back in its 2019 heyday, when golden couple and future influencer royalty Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury lost out to eventual winners Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea, the finale drew in more than 3.6 million viewers. But when the second season of Love Island: All Stars limped to the finish line in February, only 913,000 tuned in.
Indeed, over the past few years, the mood in the villa has been flatter than a rationed-out glass of Prosecco left outside in the Mallorcan sun. Intrigue has indeed been in relatively short supply, despite efforts to shake things up last year by, erm, inviting TOWIE star Joey Essex to join the show, an ITV multiverse crossover that might have worked in 2014 but felt a bit desperate a decade on.
So, will Jama actually get the drama she has requested from the show’s 12th season, or will the format continue to be about as disappointing as a shrivelled up pool lilo? It’s always hard to extrapolate from the first episode, but all the early signs are reasonable, even good.
After Iain Stirling’s voiceover takes us on a journey through the newly refurbed villa (which, apparently, has “loads of extra goodies”, a line that lands as the camera pans over an exercise bike that appears to have been plonked at random in a corridor), we’re introduced to the female contestants. They almost immediately strike up a girls’ bathroom type of camaraderie, sharing what they like and dislike in a potential partner.
“I quite like a man that looks a bit dead,” declares Megan, an energy broker from Dublin who moonlights as a musical theatre performer (her most recent role was a “fit Ugly Sister” in Cinderella), before clarifying that she means this in a “Tim Burton” way, rather than a cadaver way. Glaswegian Alima, meanwhile, says she “[doesn’t] like a guy that has a lot of Instagram Highlights”, with no further explanation, and payroll specialist Meg has an aversion to men in flip-flops, which might prove a major hurdle for holiday romance.
The producers (the real ones, not the central casting models wearing ties over immaculately waxed chests in the ad) have thrown in an opening twist worthy of Cilla Black. For the first time, the girls don’t see the boys that they’re about to couple up with; instead, they have to pick their partner based on their “dating profiles”, which include only rudimentary details: age, height and an encapsulating quote.
This being Love Island, those quotes sound suspiciously like they were written by a robot raised entirely on episodes of grindset podcasts. “I like to play hard and work harder!” promises personal trainer Dejon. “I love to play, so I work very hard.” What does any of that actually mean? I have no idea, and the girls don’t seem to, either. Later, gardener Tommy as good as admits that he used ChatGPT to come up with his one liner when Megan calls him out, too, which doesn’t bode so well for his wooing skills.
From here, it’s pretty much Love Island by numbers: contestants accidentally offending one another within a few moments of meeting, others bonding over shared values (ie. both being fond of their nans). Until Jama slinks back in with another curveball – a new bombshell has arrived, and she’s… American. Toni, who has apparently flown in direct from Las Vegas, has the chance to break up one fledgling couple, and promptly opts to couple up with taxi driver Ben (clearly she didn’t think his profession was “giving dad”, like one of the other girls did).
That leaves Shakira, an enjoyably garrulous 22-year-old from Burnley, and the rest of the female contestants, on shaky ground. If she doesn’t pair off with someone new, she’ll be booted out of the villa tomorrow; if she does, one of her rivals will be catching the first Jet2 flight back to London.
It’s not exactly ground-breaking stuff: some variation on this “twist” has played out in almost every Love Island premiere over the past few years, for all the shocked expressions it provokes. But with a likeable bunch of islanders, at least some of whom seem like they’re genuinely looking for love rather than clout, and the promise of more silliness to come, this feels like a flip-flop clad step back on the right track for the franchise.
UK family visa rules should be relaxed, government review suggests
British workers should be able to bring their family members to the UK more easily, a government review into family visas has suggested.
Under policies brought in by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government, British citizens or settled residents who want to bring their partners to the UK are required to show they have a salary of at least £29,000 a year. The Conservatives had planned to further raise the threshold to £38,700, but Labour ordered a review of the requirements, which have been described as a “tax on love” by critics.
In a boost to separated families, the review has now said that an appropriate minimum income requirement (MIR) would be between £23,000 and £25,000 a year.
In a report published on Tuesday, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) said they consider a range of between £21,000 and £28,000 to be reasonable. They added that their modelling of different options “cluster around the region of £23,000 to £25,000”. This would allow most British workers in full-time minimum-wage jobs to qualify to bring their spouses to the UK.
This is however still higher than the previous £18,600 threshold that was in place before the 2024 changes.
The review authors estimated that if the salary threshold was dropped from £29,000 to £24,000 this would increase net migration by up to 8,000 people, roughly 1-3 per cent of projected future net migration.
Rachel Roberts Dos Santos and her two boys, Emanoel and Jaime, have been living apart from her Brazilian husband and stepdaughter because of the income rules. She said the report recommendations sounded promising, but added: “In an ideal world, there would be no price tag on love”.
Ms Roberts Dos Santos said goodbye to her husband Manoel in 2019 for what she thought was six months while she tried to earn enough to meet the salary threshold. When Covid hit she lost her job and was unable to meet the income requirements needed to reunite her family.
“My two boys are registered child models, and one of them earned some money in 2023 and we were able to buy three plane tickets to go and see daddy for the first time in four years. Then last year Manoel was able to come to the UK for six months on a tourist visa, but when he went back it left a massive hole again.”
She is now training to be a project manager with the aim of getting a job above the £29,000 threshold.
The MAC has also recommended that the Home Office consider ways to factor in any job offers that a partner wishing to come to the UK has.
Caroline Coombs, co-founder of Reunite Families UK, said: “We appreciate MAC’s reference to the fact that should the government decide to maintain an MIR, this should be lowered and reflect minimum wages however we firmly believe that there shouldn’t be an MIR given its impact. Any threshold even at minimum wage would still separate many groups of people who just want to be a family here in the UK.”
Chair of MAC, Professor Brian Bell, said the committee’s report outlines “several approaches the government could take, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each.”
Green MP Carla Denyer, who has met with separated families, said: “Minimum income requirements for family visas are a cruel tax on love that tears families apart and puts untold stress on those with the misfortune to simply fall in love with someone who is not from this country.
“The current system is cruel and impractical and should be scrapped.”
But the Conservatives called for Labour to urgently revive the party’s plan to hike the salary threshold to £38,000. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: “Migration figures remain far too high. It’s time to end ECHR obstruction, raise the salary thresholds, and take back control of who comes into this country. This includes a binding annual cap on immigration set by Parliament, but Labour recently voted against doing this. Only the Conservatives have a credible plan.”
Zubimendi to Arsenal update, Man Utd eye Gyokeres
The transfer window has reached deadline day to enable transfers to be made ahead of the summer’s Club World Cup. The window closes at 7pm tonight, before re-opening on June 16 until September 1.
Arsenal hope to bring in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, amid reported interest from Real Madrid, and Mikel Arteta has sanctioned talks with RB Leipzig over striker Benjamin Sesko in their ongoing pursuit for a No 9.
Manchester United have already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, and are negotiating with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo with Viktor Gyokeres also on the list of wanted strikers. Captain Bruno Fernandes also provided a boost by turning down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Manchester City have made their first summer signing by completing a €37m (£31.6m) deal to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, while also agreeing a fee to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.
Liverpool have also been busy putting in a club-record bid for Bayer Leverkusen‘s Florian Wirtz while goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has left for Brentford. The Reds also wrapped up a deal to bring Jeremie Frimpong to Anfield by triggering his £29.5m release clause.
You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals from what promises to be a chaotic transfer window will be covered in the blog below:
Warning after mystery blue pills linked to three deaths in Devon
The deaths of three men in Plymouth are linked and believed to be drug-related, police have said.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to a property on Welbeck Avenue in the city around 3pm on Saturday after reports of concern for two men.
The men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were found dead at the scene, the force said.
A third man in his 30s was found dead in a property on North Road East on Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
The families of the men have been informed and formal identification has not yet been completed.
Detective Inspector Michelle Dunn said: “The deaths are believed to be drugs related and are being treated as linked and unexplained.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are working closely with our partner agencies to do this.
“If anyone has any information which they feel may assist our investigation, please report it to us.”
The force is urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 101 or visiting one of its Public Enquiry Offices, quoting reference 50250144278.
A drug charity in Plymouth sent out a text warning people about the three deaths. They said the deaths are believed to be linked to blue pills that are being sold in the city.
The charity Harbour said the pills are thought to be sold as valium, and warned those who purchased them not to consume them.
Harbour urged people to carry Naloxone – an emergency antidote for overdoses caused by heroin and other opiates or opioids.
The text, seen by DevonLive, read: “Three people have died following taking blue pills thought to be sold as Valium.
“If you have bought blue pills, don’t take them.”
It continued: “You may need multiple doses [of Naloxone].
“Make sure that you have enough Naloxone and that those who you spend time with know how to use it.
“You can get Naloxone from Harbour.
“Do not use alone, use with a friend or someone you trust, who will call an ambulance for you.”
The Independent has contacted Harbour for comment.
The 7 best outdoor adventures in Sydney and New South Wales
Whether you’re lacing up your hiking boots, throwing on a wetsuit to catch some waves, or hitting the wide-open roads of New South Wales (NSW) by campervan, this Australian state is home to some of the country’s most exciting outdoor adventures – all easily accessible thanks to Qantas’ extensive domestic network.
Flying into Sydney with Qantas is the ideal way to experience a slice of Australia before you’ve even landed. And with onboard wellbeing perks, plus the option to book more discounted domestic legs using Qantas Explorer, it really is the savvy traveller’s best way to explore Australia.
Here are seven next-level outdoor adventures in NSW, and the best way to get there.
Sydney might be a modern metropolis, but it’s also home to an extraordinary natural playground, the star attraction of which is Sydney Harbour National Park. This protected area weaves through the city’s coastline, offering walking trails, secluded beaches, and panoramic views that blend wild bushland with iconic urban landmarks. Away from the National Park, you can paddle a kayak at dawn beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, go on a cycle tour and sunset cruise around Manly and North Heads coastal cliffs, or follow the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for sweeping ocean views and refreshing swim spots.
Just a 90-minute trip from Sydney by road, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is an endless landscape of towering eucalyptus forests and striking sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see. There are few places quite as grand as this so close to a city. Don your hiking boots and traverse spectacular scenery to Wentworth Falls or take on the Grand Canyon Track – a 6km loop of dramatic cliffs, fern-fringed valleys and thundering waterfalls with lookouts to match. If you’re an early riser, watch the sunrise at Echo Point, where the Three Sisters rock formation is lit up by the glow of first light.
Wildlife lovers need to head north to Port Macquarie for some of the best marine encounters on the east coast. Humpback whales are almost guaranteed from May to November, and dolphins can be spotted all year round. For front-row views, jump on a whale-watching cruise, or pitch up with a picnic on a headland and watch the breaching giants from afar.
Swap the sandy beaches for subtropical rainforest in Coffs Harbour’s hinterland in Dorrigo National Park, where winding roads serpentine through flourishing banana plantations, dense palm-filled forest and endless rolling hills. The region’s cycling trails range from casual loops to more challenging rides with jaw-to-the-floor sea views.
Aussies love their surfing, and Byron Bay is the epitome of surf culture Down Under, with beaches to suit all skill levels; from the gentle swell at The Pass to barrel-laden breaks at Tallows. If you’ve got any stamina left, soak up the view from Cape Byron Lighthouse post-surf – the easternmost point of mainland Australia.
With over 8,000 islands to its name, Australia offers the ultimate in island adventures. Lord Howe is one of them, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed pristine island, where only 400 visitors are allowed at any one time. You’ll find rare birds, kaleidoscopic coral reefs, and Mount Gower, offering one of the best day hikes in the country, with epic coastline views and dizzying drops.
For those who need more than a beach stroll to get the heart pumping, grab a kayak and explore the Sapphire Coast from the water in Merimbula. Glide over crystal-clear waters, past secluded coves, pristine beaches, and the untouched beauty of surrounding national parks. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life as you paddle. Once back on shore, refuel with the region’s famous fresh oysters and enjoy a refreshing dip at Bar Beach.
Book your flight to Sydney today at qantas.com and start your Australian adventure.
Unemployment rate surges to highest since 2021
Britain‘s unemployment rate has hit its highest level in almost four years, according to official figures, while wage growth has eased more than anticipated as employers grapple with rising staff costs.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that average regular earnings, excluding bonuses, fell to 5.2 per cent in the three months to April, a sharp decrease from 5.5 per cent in the previous three months. This is the lowest rate since the third quarter of last year.
Although wage growth continues to outpace inflation, up by 2.1 per cent with Consumer Prices Index inflation taken into account, the figure fell short of expectations, with most experts having predicted a decrease to 5.3 per cent.
The rate of unemployment also jumped to 4.6 per cent in the three months to April, up from 4.5 per cent in the three months to March and the highest level since the three months to July 2021.
The figures also showed vacancies tumbled by 63,000 to 736,000 in the three months to May, while payroll data revealed the biggest drop for five years last month, down 109,000 to 30.2 million.
It coincided with firms facing a hike in national insurance contributions in April, which had been announced in October’s budget.
The figures were released just hours before Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce funding increases for the NHS, schools and defence, along with a number of infrastructure projects on Wednesday.
But other areas could face cuts as she seeks to balance manifesto commitments with more recent pledges, such as a hike in defence spending, while meeting her fiscal rules that promise to match day-to-day spending with revenues.
Ms Reeves, who had been in last-minute talks with several departments, received a boost on Tuesday evening as the Home Office – the final department to hold out – agreed to its funding.
Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics, said: “There continues to be weakening in the labour market, with the number of people on payroll falling notably.
“Feedback from our vacancies survey suggests some firms may be holding back from recruiting new workers or replacing people when they move on.”
Eurostar plans new direct routes to two European destinations
Eurostar has announced its intentions to launch direct train services linking the UK to Germany and Switzerland.
The operator heralded a “new golden age of international sustainable travel” as it revealed proposals to run trains between London St Pancras and both Frankfurt and Geneva, with services expected to begin in the “early 2030s”.
The new routes would be served by a fleet of up to 50 new trains, at a cost of approximately two billion euros (£1.7 billion).
Journeys between London and Frankfurt are estimated to take about five hours.
Trips between London and Geneva would take approximately five hours and 20 minutes.
It has not been decided what stops the services would make – such as Cologne for trains to or from Frankfurt – and whether passengers would be able to get on and off en route.
Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave said many passengers are prepared to take longer train journeys rather than flying as they “want to travel more sustainably”.
She expects there would be strong demand from leisure and business travellers for direct services to Frankfurt and Geneva, which she described as “big financial hubs”.
A number of hurdles must be overcome before services could launch, such as creating sufficient passenger space at those stations, installing new border checkpoints, and securing access to tracks.
Ms Cazenave acknowledged that opening new international train routes requires “time, investments, expertise, a huge amount of energy, and partnerships” but she has “no doubt” the new direct services will happen because of the “willingness” of Eurostar, passengers and governments.
The UK and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at establishing direct train services between the countries.
Eurostar will operate the new trains alongside its 17 existing e320s, bringing its total fleet to 67 trains, a 30 per cent increase on today.
Its new fleet will also enable it to boost existing routes, such as increasing its daily return frequencies between London and Paris from 17 to 20.
Meanwhile, the company confirmed it will add a fourth daily return service between St Pancras and Amsterdam from September 9, and a fifth from mid-December.
The operator’s London trains serve Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, and the French Alps during the ski season.
It also runs services within Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
It carried 19.5 million passengers last year, up 5 per cent from 18.6 million in 2023.
London-Paris was its strongest performing route in 2024, with 280,000 passengers.
That was followed by London-Brussels (250,000 passengers), Paris-Brussels (160,000 passengers) and Paris-the Netherlands (140,000 passengers).
Ms Cazenave said: “We’re seeing strong demand for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to go further by rail than ever before and enjoy the unique experience we provide.
“Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future.
“Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time.
“A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.”
A number of companies are developing plans to end Eurostar’s monopoly on operating passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel.
They include billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Italy’s state-owned railway company FS Italiane Group, and Gemini Trains, which is chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley.
Eurostar achieved a 2.0 per cent increase in revenue to 2.0 billion euros last year, and recorded underlying earnings of 346 million euros (£292 million).
It said it refinanced its 963.7 million euros (£813.2 million) bank debt in 2024, reducing the amount to 650 million euros (£549 million) by the end of the year.
Eurostar is majority-owned by French state railway company SNCF.
The UK sold its stake in Eurostar to private companies for £757 million in 2015.