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Supreme Court hears Oklahoma death penalty case in which state and inmate agree conviction should be tossed

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Wednesday will weigh whether inmate Richard Glossip’s murder conviction should be thrown out — an unusual death penalty case in which the attorney general of Oklahoma has sided with a defendant. Glossip, who is now 61, was convicted of arranging for the murder in 1997 of his boss at […]

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Lucy Kennedy confesses her kids have never ‘really been impressed’ with star-studded telly career

Lucy Kennedy opened up about her kids’ perception of her successful telly career and joked about how her daughter was surprised to find out her well-known mum had lived with the Irish actor of the moment – Barry Keoghan. Getting candid on navigating motherhood while keeping up with her busy presenting schedule, Lucy shares three […]

The post Lucy Kennedy confesses her kids have never ‘really been impressed’ with star-studded telly career appeared first on RollerCoaster.

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6 top tips for keeping junior wedding guests happy at your reception

To have kids at the wedding or to not have kids at the wedding… The age-old argument that can sometimes divide families. Some couples who have yet to start a family don’t want little ones running amok on their special day, while some couples with children of their own feel they have to invite all […]

The post 6 top tips for keeping junior wedding guests happy at your reception appeared first on RollerCoaster.

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Watch moment Israeli troops raise flag in warped Hezbollah THEME PARK – as Netanyahu & Biden plan revenge strike on Iran

INCREDIBLE footage captured the moment Israeli troops raised their flags at Hezbollah’s warped “Iran Garden” theme park after “occupying” parts of Southern Lebanon.

The unlikely tourist spot filled with war tanks and gravestones was built to indoctrinate children and tourists with hatred for Israel.

a group of soldiers standing on top of a rocky hill holding a flag
The moment Israeli troops raised flags at the destroyed site of a Hezbollah theme park
a blue and white flag with a star on it
Twitter/@sentdefender
The Israeli military reportedly destroyed the warped theme park after it launched its ongoing invasion of Lebanon[/caption]
a blue and white flag with a star on it
Twitter/@elicoh1
The £3.2million theme park was built on the remains of a former Israeli settlement near the Lebanese village of Mleeta[/caption]
Phil Hannaford - The Sun
The unlikely tourist spot filled with war tanks and gravestones was built to indoctrinate children and tourists with hatred for Israel.[/caption]
a group of people walking in front of a cannon
Phil Hannaford - The Sun
Hezbollah Museum ‘Hezbollahland’ in Mleeta, Lebanon, pic shows families walking around the museum park[/caption] a map showing israel invades troops have crossed into lebanon in operation northern arrows

While most theme parks would have rides and games, this landmark of resistance had tanks, rockets, barbed wire, and guns.

Those who visited the area found replica war scenes complete with destroyed Israeli tanks and toppled gravestones.

Large Hebrew letters spelt out “The Abyss” and “The Swamp” in stone, meant as taunts directed at Israel.

Archive video footage played at the site showed a timeline of Hezbollah’s rise to prominence, as well as its grievances with and victories against Israel.

Children and other tourists could play at aiming anti-aircraft guns, climb overturned armoured personnel carriers, and wander through a Hezbollah bunker and 200-metre-long tunnel used during the Second Lebanon War.

A walk through the forest where Hezbollah guerrillas waged their war just four years before the tourist park opened features real weaponry and artefacts, from strewn soldiers’ helmets containing real human hair to burnt clothing with Hebrew inscriptions.

It is understood the Israeli military destroyed the warped theme park after it launched its ongoing invasion of Lebanon.

Israeli minister Eli Cohen explicitly said that the military had “occupied” the Southern Lebanese Village of Maroun al-Ras.

He wrote on X/Twitter: “The heroic IDF fighters occupied Marun al-Ras today, and destroyed the houses from which Hezbollah launched anti-tank missiles at the citizens of Israel.

“We will reach every place from where they try to hurt us, and to every person who tries to hurt us.”

The £3.2million theme park was built on the remains of a former Israeli settlement near the Lebanese village of Mleeta to promote its ideology, or what it calls “resistance tourism”.

The site was also called the “Iran Garden” because of the funding it received from the Iranian regime.

It also had a statue of Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the IRGC Quds Force who was assassinated in 2020, pointing towards Israel.

It was also once an important base for Hezbollah fighters.

The terrorist group reportedly had plans to expand the park’s visitor facilities with swimming pools, spas, playgrounds, a five-star hotel, and a campsite so people “can come here and spend their vacations”.

More than half a million people visited the tourist attraction in the months that followed its opening.

a large rocket sits on top of a pile of rocks
Phil Hannaford - The Sun
Pic shows missiles and cluster bombs on the site of the theme park[/caption]
a soldier wearing a helmet and goggles holds a rocket launcher
AFP
Tourists can play with anti-aircraft and machine guns, like real Hezbollah fighters[/caption]
a stone with a star on it that says ' salomon ' on it
Getty
Replica war scenes feature destroyed Israeli tanks and toppled gravestones[/caption]
a man is holding a watch with a picture of a man on it
Phil Hannaford - The Sun
A watch with a pic of Hassan Nasrallah was sold in the souvenir shop[/caption]
a snow globe with a yellow tag that says 10000
Getty
Hezbollah souvenirs shop in the tourist landmark of the resistance[/caption]

MIDDLE EAST ON FIRE

Israel launched their ground offensive into Lebanon last week as they continue to look to eliminate Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah from the Middle East.

The IDF said it began “limited” and “localised” ground raids against Hezbollah terrorist targets in southern Lebanon.

Thousands of civilians have already fled the country’s south as the showdown between Hezbollah and Israel intensifies.

The Israel Defense Forces has now poured more troops into Lebanon – deploying a fourth division.

Its 146th Reserve Division has joined three standing army divisions –  the 98th, 36th, and 91st – already operating in the south.

Israel now has a likely 15,000-strong army in Lebanon.

The focus of the operation is clearing out Hezbollah terror sites to halt rocket attacks which have driven 60,000 from homes in Northern Israel in the last 11 months.

It claimed actions there would remain “limited and localised”.

Israel has killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a series of massive aircraft strikes that rocked Lebanon.

Following Nasrallah’s death, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – one of his closest allies – ordered a massive air blitz that saw more than 180 ballistic missiles attacking Israel.

Khamenei said Lebanon would make Israel “regret their actions” and blasted the “shortsighted and foolish” policies of Israeli leaders.

He claimed Israel was “too small” to cause any damage to Hezbollah.

Israel is now said to be preparing a revenge blitz for a tit-for-tat attack that could push the Middle East into a wider all-out war.

Benjamin Netanyahu has promised Iran would pay for that missile attack, while Tehran said any retaliation would be met with vast destruction.

The Israeli PM is expected to speak to US President Joe Biden to discuss any plans Israel may have to strike back at Iran.

Experts speculate that Israel could choose to strike either IRGC military locations and Iranian oil fields – which could cripple Iran’s sanction-hit economy – or target Iran’s secret nuclear bases.

The latter could see the regional conflict turn into a devastating war with mass casualties and destruction on both sides.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s acting leader issued a chilling warning to Israel from inside a hidden bunker – vowing to furiously fight on.

Naim Qassem, 71, gave a television address from inside war-torn Lebanon as the biggest-ever rocket blitz from the terror group rained down on an Israeli city.

The stand-in boss Qassem defiantly said the terror group is still intact despite Israel dealing “powerful blows” in recent weeks.

He said: “The party’s leadership and the resistance [Hezbollah] are meticulously organised.

“We have overcome painful blows.

“We are firing hundreds of rockets and dozens of drones. A large number of settlements and cities are under the fire of the resistance.

“Our capabilities are fine and our fighters are deployed along the front lines.”

The acting chief also said there are “no vacant posts” in Hezbollah’s leadership as he appeared to speak from a secret underground bunker.

a poster showing the chain of command of the idf

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Tennis ‘cry baby’ Tsitsipas sits down and REFUSES to play before telling umpire ‘I hope you get FIRED’

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS was branded a “cry baby” for refusing to play and then telling the umpire: “I hope you get fired.”

Tsitsipas, 26, faced old nemesis Daniil Medvedev in the last 16 at the Shanghai Masters.

a man in a white hat sits on a chair in front of a sign that says mobilia
AP
Stefanos Tsitsipas got into a blazing row with the umpire[/caption]
a tennis match is being broadcast on tennis tv
Tennis TV via X formerly Twitter
He sat in his seat and refused to continue until the supervisor came on[/caption]
a man in a longi shirt talks to another man on a tennis court
Reuters
Tsitsipas had a first serve taken off him for a time violation[/caption]

But after they put their differences aside to pose for a pre-match photo – prompting audible gasps from the crowd – the Greek star lost his rag with a spectacular meltdown.

Tsitsipas dropped the first set on a tie-break and was serving with a break early in the second when his frustrations boiled over.

Chair umpire Fergus Murphy called Tsitsipas up for a time violation because the 25-second shot clock expired and docked the two-time Grand Slam finalist of his first serve.

But the player was furious and stormed towards Murphy to remonstrate and make his feelings clear.

Tsitsipas said: “I’m being so reasonable. Why are you doing this to me man?

“I’m the best about this on tour, the most consistent player about this on tour.”

Murphy replied: “The clock starts automatically, just listen. It might help if you listen.

“The clock starts automatically so you really have to watch the clock. I have no control over that.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

But Tsitsipas hit back: “Why are you guys against me so much? The last few months have been terrible. I don’t understand what’s gotten into you.”

Murphy refuted the accusations: “That’s not a correct statement. I’m not against you or anybody.”

Tsitsipas asked: “Are you sure? There are some out there who are much worse than me.”

Murphy then added: “Well maybe if you watch more matches, I’m sure they get time violations.

“The best thing to do is talk about this match. On that serve you were too slow.

“You need to watch the clock. You have to keep watching the clock and keep up.”

Tsitsipas reluctantly returned to the baseline for his second serve – which he missed to double fault.

He then dropped his serve as Medvedev levelled the set at 2-2.

But before the Russian could begin the next game, Tsitsipas unleashed another petulant protest – walking back to his chair and sitting down to demand the supervisor.

Tsitsipas moaned: “I need to talk to them, we need to have a conversation about the time.

“My issue is the double fault you just took away from me. That’s the issue. Have you never played tennis in your life? You have no clue about tennis it seems like.”

Murphy said: “I have. I’m not as good as you are, but I’ve played.”

Tennis stars’ new careers

PLENTY of tennis stars have stayed involved in the sport since retiring.

But others pursued very different careers. Here are some of the best…

  • I reached French Open and Wimbledon finals as a teenager but I quit to become a nun
  • I won Wimbledon mixed doubles with my sister but got fed up with English weather so now run luxury B&B
  • I was tipped for stardom aged 12 but retrained to become high-flying lawyer
  • I earned £9m and won French Open before setting up bistro with Brazilian model girlfriend
  • I’m last Frenchman to win Roland Garros, now I’m singer with six albums hitting No1 in charts
  • I’m former world No1 but quit aged 29 – instead I went on to play professional poker and golf
  • I was destined for the top but swapped lobs for labs as award-winning Harvard physicist

Tsitsipas then bizarrely ranted: “Definitely you have no cardio. You probably serve and volley all the time.

“Tennis is a physical sport. We need time over there. Show some compassion. We aren’t throwing darts out here.

“If it’s going to be unfair, I need the supervisor, I need to clarify the time violation you just gave me.

“Can I talk to him? You seem like you have no idea what you’re doing so I need to talk to him.

“If you’re going to gift a game like this to my opponent, I need the supervisor. If you’re going to gift a serve to my opponent.”

Murphy insisted he was following the rules correctly and the crowd started booing when Tsitsipas continued to refuse to play.

When the supervisor eventually came on, he stood by Murphy but the world No12 vented: “Let’s discuss, let’s talk. Well, your guy here decided to give me a time violation for something completely unreasonable after having to play so many rallies.

“He probably never felt how it is being out here in 40 degrees playing tennis.

“And he decided to give me a time violation before a big point which has happened with one of your Spanish guys previously in Cincinnati.

“Also another I don’t know, random guy that you decided to put on the chair out there. How can he do that? How can he do that at such a crucial moment?”

The supervisor simply responded: “Since Roland Garros you know that we’ve had a change in the procedures and the clock starts automatically.”

Tsitsipas finally trudged back to the back of the court to return serve.

He was then broken again at 4-3 before Medvedev served out for a 7-6 6-3 victory – setting up a quarter-final clash with world No1 Jannik Sinner.

Tsitsipas did shake hands with Murphy at the end of the match but as he was heading off court, he muttered a final jab: “I hope you get fired. I really wish it.”

Tennis fans piled in on Tsitsipas for his pathetic behaviour towards the officials.

One said: “Tsitsipas is 100 per cent wrong. He is a cry baby.”

Another wrote: “Biggest cry baby on tour.”

A third added: “You can’t make this up. Says the umpire should be fired and also says he needs to shown compassion. He needs to grow up, fast.”

And a final user commented: “Pathetic stuff from Tsitsipas.”

Tsitsipas – whose girlfriend Paula Badosa sparked a racism storm on social media this week – is not the only player to feel hard done by during the Shanghai Masters.

Stan Wawrinka was on the wrong end of an almighty blunder where Carlos Bernades lost track of the score.

And Frances Tiafoe lost his temper, swearing “f*** you” at the umpire five times after losing a first serve for a time violation, just like Tsitsipas.

a tennis court with a red emirates sign on the fence
AP
Tsitsipas was taking on rival Daniil Medvedev[/caption]
a man wearing a hat that says atp on it
Tennis TV via X formerly Twitter
Fergus Murphy stood his ground in the chair[/caption]
a man wearing a red bull shirt stands in front of a crowd
Tennis TV via X formerly Twitter
The Greek player went on a bizarre rant about Murphy’s style of tennis[/caption]
a tennis match is being broadcast on sky sports
Sky Sports Tennis
The incident happened early in the second set[/caption]
a man talking to another man on a tennis court with rolex and lp morgan advertisements
Sky Sports Tennis
The supervisor did come on but refused to relent[/caption]

Wimbledon ditching line judges a double fault for British tennis

By Joshua Jones

THE absence of line judges at Wimbledon will be a sad sight. 

For as long as I can remember, the men and women decked out in their Ralph Lauren outfits have been part of the furniture at the All England Club. 

Yes, they provided some mild entertainment on the court when one would call “fault” with plenty of extra, and unnecessary, gusto and volume that boomed around Centre Court, prompting a snigger from the fans.

Then there was the ongoing game of dodgeball they had to play when a big serve nailed a mammoth ace down the line and they had to take rapid evasive action or take a whack to the top of the head. 

And challenges provided some audience participation, excitedly joining in the clapping countdown before the inevitable “oooh” when the graphic showed just how close the ball was to landing in or out. 

Purely objectively, Wimbledon’s decision to replace line judges with Hawk-Eye Live makes total sense. 

The accuracy and consistency of calls in real-time will speed things up, save time and should mark the end of arguments over the tight incorrect calls – well, until the technology malfunctions.

And Wimbledon’s hand was somewhat forced to ditch tradition for their standing in tennis.

The Australian Open and US Open already use electronic line calling and the ATP Tour is adopting Hawk-Eye Live across all of its tournaments from 2025.

Wimbledon’s refusal to comply would leave them lagging behind and exposed to the threat of needless controversy over human error.

But the impact – as is so often the case in these decisions – has ramifications further down, below the surface with very little impact on Wimbledon’s Championships or the players.

It is on the line judges themselves. 

Approximately 300 officials – aged from 18 to 80 – covered more than 650 matches at Wimbledon.

A fraction travel internationally with the circuit but the vast majority of those are part-time line judges based in the UK, earning up to £180 per day to work at the prestigious tournament and their chance to play their part at Wimbledon. 

For many, they will help out at British tournaments throughout the year, spurred on by the possibility of taking to the lawns of the All England Club.

But it is understood many of those officials would be reluctant to work at the lower-level tournaments without the carrot of Wimbledon dangling in the summer. 

That in turn will put a major stumbling block in the pathway for British tennis umpires, who grind up through the ranks to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Like football with referees, tennis needs umpires and line judges.

So the inability to call “out” at Wimbledon could prove to be a major “fault” for the future of the UK’s tennis officials and therefore the state of the sport on these shores.

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How Meghan Markle & Prince Harry went from ‘sexy PDAs’ to ‘decoupling’ – amid them ‘drifting apart’, claims expert

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have gone from “sexy PDAs” to “professionally decoupling” amid rumours they are “drifting apart.”

Body language expert Judi James claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex used to be the ultimate “romantic double act”, but appear to have ditched their “tactile” touches recently.

a group of people pose in front of a sign that says alliance for children 's rights
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to be spending more time apart, claim experts
Alliance for Children's Rights
a black and white photo of a man kissing a woman on the cheek
We’ve previously seen Meghan and Harry show frequent displays of public affection
AFP
a woman in a red dress stands on a green carpet with costco written on it
The Mega Agency
Meghan recently dazzled as she attended the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala solo[/caption]

Speaking on our first ever Royal Exclusive Live show, Arthur Edwards and Jennie Bond lifted the lid on the power couple’s recent time apart.

Sun legend Arthur revealed how the pair are ‘doing things separately now’ after failing to be spotted together in three weeks.

We last saw the Sussexes together at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles in September, where they posed apart from one another.

Judi told Fabulous: “Harry and Meghan were always the ultimate celebrity BOGOF couple (As in ‘buy one get one free’). 

“As a royal couple their tactile, besotted and often sexy PDAs were constant and instinctive.

“They hugged, kissed and touched each other constantly and emphatically and, like Ant and Dec, their brand was built around their complimentary double act.”

However, they switched up their body language at the tennis, according to Judi.

She added: “One of their more recent outings together show them comfortable to stand as ‘bookends’ to this pose rather than being welded together in the middle in the way they previously would have.

“Instead of posing as the double act star of the show with their primary focus on each other they take more of a hosting role here and there is no mirroring of each other, either.”

Solo Sussexes

Jennie Bond, a royal correspondent for the last 35 years, claimed on the Royal Exclusive live show: “Meghan is not popular. 

“She doesn’t want to come back [to the UK] and they are going their own ways, to some extent”.

Harry and Meghan’s enterprises are said to now be running side-by-side rather than jointly, although they are expected to be seen together at ­charitable engagements and embarking on foreign visits.

While it is understood that the Duke and Duchess’s work lives will be separated, insiders told The Sun that they are also spending more and more of their down time apart.

Harry has barely been at home in Montecito for the past three weeks. He has been seen without Meghan in New York, London and Lesotho.

This series of solo trips for Harry, has sparked fears the couple, who have been married for six years, are drifting apart.

However, the Sussexes’ confidante insisted: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

Recent separate trips

three people stand in front of a wall that says wellchild awards
Getty
Prince Harry also appeared solo at the Wellchild Awards 2024 on September 30 in London[/caption]

Speaking of Harry’s recent WellChild charity appearance in London, Judi said: “Harry’s charisma potential is halved without his wife beside him but his royal training means he has some fall-back poses, like this fig-leaf one that is a signature pose of William’s too, or the very playful, immersive chats he’s been having with some of the children he’s been meeting.

“If these two are building separate brand profiles alongside their powerful double act the body language so far suggests it’s Harry maybe coping better than the rather tentative ‘back to Hollywood’ body language displays from Meghan.

“Meghan’s recent red-carpet appearance showed her looking Hollywood-style beautiful but also rather lost without Harry as a love-prop and body language sidekick and that impression was made more poignant by the way she re-wore a red dress she’d famously worn with him back in the day. 

“Her legs are crossed at the ankle here in a low-confidence ritual and without the hand or arm-holding with Harry her hands touch in front of her torso in a tentative gesture.”

a woman in a red dress is standing in front of a costco sign
The Mega Agency
According to Judi, Meghan looked ‘lost’ during her recent red carpet appearances[/caption]

PDA beginnings

This is in stark contrast to how we’ve seen the couple at the start of their relationship.

We’ve previously seen the couple not being able to keep their hands off one another during their joint ventures.

In 2018 we saw Harry give Meghan a cheeky bum pat during their tour to Australia, and Judi said: “Harry’s behaviour here on the plane steps is very typical of the ‘can’t keep our hands off each other’ stage of a loving and passionate relationship. 

“It’s a public signal of attraction but it also creates a very powerful silent tie-sign between them as in ‘We might be on a formal gig but you’re still the sexiest woman alive in my eyes.’ 

“It’s a naughty signal of appreciation.”

a man and woman are boarding a plane that says rnzaf
Getty
Harry gave Meghan a cheeky bump pat during their 2018 Australia tour[/caption]
a man wearing an invictus games shirt kisses a woman on the cheek
The couple packed on the PDA at their first Invictus Games together
Getty Images - Getty

We’ve even seen the couple kiss in public, something rarely seen by Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Speaking of one such example in 2018, Judi shared: “The polo kiss is a royal staple but Harry and Meghan gave it some ‘get a room’ energy.

“It was a proper mouth kiss rather than the cheek variety and Meghan threw her head back, baring her neck in a rather passionate display that made everyone grin and even blush.”

a man and woman kissing in front of a sign that says sentebale
Getty - Contributor
The Sussexes have rarely shied back from a public kiss, such as this one at the ISPS Handa Polo in Berkshire in 2018[/caption]
prince harry and meghan markle are sitting on the beach
Hand clasps are popular for the ‘tactile’ couple
Getty Images - Getty

Royal protocol

Royal etiquette expert Myka Meier advised that there is no official rules against royal public displays of affection.

She told People: “There is no actual etiquette or royal protocol that says the couple must refrain from PDA.

“The likely reasoning is more that while travelling on a tour such as the India trip, technically the couple are working representatives of British Monarchy.

“The couple are likely to show very little PDA, if any, to remain professional during their designated roles abroad.”

a man in a suit and a woman in a white coat walk down a path
Getty Images - Getty
The loved-up couple threw arms around one another following their 2017 engagement photocall[/caption]

Riding solo

This comes after it was revealed Harry spent the night of his milestone 40th birthday without Meghan as rumours continue to swirl.

The duke went on a hiking trip with pals to celebrate his big day – and failed to mention his wife, 43, in his birthday thanks message.

Although sources close to the couple insist it was Meghan who organised the lads’ trip, experts warned it could be a key sign things are not so rosy.

It was also reported Meghan ditched a charity event at the last minute in Santa Barbara, California, with her husband because she was “sick”.

In fact, the mum-of-two has not been seen since September 14 — the day before Harry turned 40.

And, sources claim, for periods earlier this year, she was rarely staying at their luxury Montecito pad.

Meanwhile, Harry was said to be “moping around” on his own at a local cafe.

Previous claims last year that Meghan and Harry spent extended spells apart were denied by those close to the couple.

Prince Harry’s tattoo shop visit without Meghan is major hint couple could have separate plans for future, warns expert

By Summer Raemason

PRINCE Harry’s tattoo shop visit and upcoming solo trip without Meghan is a major hint the couple could have separate future plans, claimed an expert.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, was recently spotted at a tattoo parlour in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

This comes after the duke attended at a string of events in New York unaccompanied by his wife, who stayed behind in Montecito, California.

Their separate appearances, including Harry’s surprise TV stint and tour of a haunted maze on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, has sparked rampant speculation regarding their future together.

Royal expert Hugo Vickers said there could be multiple reasons for the divide.

“One could be that, you know. He does indeed wish to establish himself more as the old Harry,” he said.

“It could be quite simply that Meghan Markle has responsibilities with her young children, and therefore feels she has to stay at home with them.

But he added: “There is a separation of, you know, of their different engagements, and that he’s going to be going more solo, in which case watch this space.”

Meghan and Harry have put on a largely inseparable front since quitting the UK and moving to the States in 2020.

But Mr Vickers warned the duke may have grown tired of Meg’s presence – and the negativity it attracts.

“It always seems to me that when she’s around she’s dictating the narrative, and that he kind of is very compliant and just goes along,” he said.

“A lot of the things that he says publicly I have always suspected are dictated by her. So I do wonder a little bit whether he isn’t trying to establish himself more in his own right.”

However, the expert hinted Meghan could still be behind everything.

He said: “It could be that she commends this idea because it gives him more of a a profile and sort of ups his game, and therefore, when they go out together in public, they’re more valuable.”

On the future of Harry and Meghan’s relationship, Mr Vickers added “personally think it’s quite likely to not end too well for [Harry]”.

Regarding rumours swirling their marriage, the expert suggested they may stay together – to preserve their image.

“It is possible that they need to keep stay together to keep their brand,” he said.

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Amazon is offering luxury coffee maker for $499.99 in Prime Day deal that 50% off original price

SHOPPERS are racing to get their hands on a luxury coffee machine that’s currently on sale during the Amazon Prime Day deal. 

This coffee maker, now available at 50% off its original price, effortlessly brews silky smooth cappuccinos and latte macchiatos.

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett
Shoppers are racing to get their hands on the Amazon Prime Day bargains[/caption]

For all the coffee lovers out there, this machine promises the delicious taste and aroma of freshly ground beans at the perfect temperature, thanks to its intelligent brewing system. 

The PHILIPS EP3241/54 Espresso Machine, available in sleek black, is currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon.

This top-of-the-line coffee maker boasts several special features, including a water filter, milk frother, removable tank, and integrated coffee grinder. 

With just one touch, you can easily select your favorite drinks from six beverage options: Espresso, Coffee, Americano, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, and Hot Water. 

Customize your coffee experience with the My Coffee Choice function, which lets you adjust the coffee strength, length, and milk froth level to your exact preference—all with a single touch. 

The machine also comes with a two-year warranty and features dishwasher-safe parts. Its removable brew group ensures thorough cleaning with just a quick rinse.

The PHILIPS EP3241/54 has received rave reviews, garnering five-star ratings from satisfied customers. 

Many have rushed to the comments section on Amazon to share their glowing experiences.

One explained why it was a ‘good stay-at-home alternative to coffee shops.’

They explained: “My wife and I bought this machine about two years ago, and it has held up nicely over time. 

“It’s proven to be a simple, reliable alternative to going out to buy coffees and lattes from coffee shops, which is perfect since we work from home pretty much all the time. 

“We’ve got three adults in our house and on average drink five to six total cups per day, and we so far haven’t run into any major problems.

“One issue I had at first was that the coffee wasn’t as strong as I was used to (I tend to like it pretty strong), but it’s still good coffee.

“You can make drinks stronger by adjusting how fine the grounds are with a little knob in the bean compartment at top, but I didn’t start messing with this until very recently. 

Overall, I’d say it’s very easy to use and makes good drinks

Amazon review

“You can only adjust in small increments while the grinder is active to avoid damaging it.

“This machine is good for guests who want to make and customize their own individual drinks, though there is a small learning curve for first-time users.

“Once they know how to use it, they often comment how cool it is, and some have said they’d like to get one too (if it weren’t so expensive).

“Maintenance is fairly simple: You have to change the water filter every few months, rinse the easily removable ‘brew group’ every week or two, and apply grease to it every couple months.

Philips
Amazon is offering luxury coffee maker for $499.99 in Prime Day deal that 50% off original price[/caption]

“The only problem I had was reinstalling the brew group for the first time (there’s a little yellow switch on the side that needs to be in the right position). 

“There was also one time we didn’t change the water filter while the replacement light was flashing (it gave us plenty of notice; we just procrastinated too much), so we had to buy a special descaling fluid to clean it out before we could use it again.

“Yes, the machine can get loud, but I haven’t met a coffee grinder or latte maker that was quiet. This machine’s noise level seems pretty standard to me.

“There are a few little tricks to using and maintaining the machine so that you can get the most out of it, but so do most machines like this. 

Amazon Prime perks you might have missed

Check these out...

*If you click on a link in this article we may earn affiliate revenue.

First up is Prime Try Before You Buy, which is a Prime exclusive.

This lets you try new styles and sizes of clothes before buying them.

You can return them within seven days at no cost – and you’ll only have to pay for the products that you keep.

It’s a thriftier way to try on clothes, as it means you’re not fronting up money every time.

Second is Amazon Photos, which is extremely handy if you’re a serial snapper.

This gives you access to unlimited full-res photo storage, plus 5GB of video storage.

Third is Prime Reading, which serves up “a rotating collection of over 3,000 digital books, audiobooks, magazines, comics, and more”.

Fourth is another perk for book-lovers: Amazon First Reads.

This gives you early access to a brand new book for free every single month.

Fifth is a brilliant perk called Prime Gaming.

This gets you free games and in-game content every single month, as well as a free Twitch channel subscription to use each month.

You’ll also be able to play a rotating selection of free games on Amazon’s cloud gaming service Luna.

Sixth on the list is Membership Sharing.

This lets you share your existing Prime membership with your family – specifically between two adults, four teens, and four children under 13.

Seventh on the list is Amazon Music.

This gets you ad-free listening to over 100 million songs, along with thousands of playlists and popular podcasts.

And finally, don’t forget to unlock Grubhub+.

If you’re a Prime member in the US, you can get a one-year Grubhub+ trial, which normally costs $9.99 a month.

This gets you unlimited $0 delivery fees on any order over $12.

  • Get a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime here

“Overall, I’d say it’s very easy to use and makes good drinks. 

“The price is a bit high, and you also have to consider the added costs of buying whole-bean coffee and replacement water filters. But convenience like this often comes at a price, right? I would say it was worth it for us.”

Another added: “Makes awesome coffee, espresso and americano. Lattes are not my thing but wifey loves them. Easy to use. 

“Yes it’s a bit on the noisy side but I guess you can expect noise for grinding.”

The best Amazon deals October 2024

*If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.

Amazon customers can enjoy sensational deals on fashion and beauty items, including shapewear and skincare essentials.

We’ve listed some of the best deals below.

  • Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, $14.95 $12.97 – buy here
  • COSRX Glass Skin Starter Set, $32.99 $29.50 – buy here
  • mixsoon Bean Essence, $35 $29.50 – buy here
  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Eye Cream, $24.99 $18.98 – buy here
  • grace & stella Under Eye Mask 24 Pairs, $35 $21.95 – buy here
  • COSRX Pure Vitamin C Serum, $25 $16.99 – buy here
  • Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, $14.99 $11.97 – buy here
  • e.l.f. Skin Breakthrough Blemish Control Basics Kit, $15 $12.42 – buy here
  • High-Waisted Tummy Control Leggings, $18.99 $9.99 – buy here
  • SHAPERX Women’s Tummy Control Body Shaper Seamless Sculpting Snatched Waist Body Suit, $47.99 $37.99 – buy here
  • Hero Cosmetics Pimple Patches, $21.99 $14.95 – buy here
  • COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream, $24 $18.50 – buy here
  • e.l.f. Camo CC Cream, $15 $12.80 – buy here
  • COSRX Niacinamide 15% Face Serum, £25 $19.50 – buy here
  • Gold Bond Age Renew Neck & Chest Firming Cream, $15.99 $9.16 – buy here

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American Pickers’ Frank Fritz ‘lost the will to live’ after stroke as friend claims ‘really tough recovery’ led to death

AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz died on Monday, September 30, and a close friend believes he passed because he “lost his will to live” two years after suffering a debilitating stroke. 

Frank died at 60 years old in an Iowa hospice with loved ones, including longtime friend and costar Mike Wolfe, by his side. 

Coleman-Rayner
Frank Fritz, seen at his Davenport, Iowa home, passed away on September 30[/caption]
News Enterprises Inc
Frank Fritz’s close friend Jerry Gendreau at the star’s antique store Frank Fritz Finds[/caption]
Zachary Maxwell Stertz/History Channel
Frank Fritz appeared on American Pickers from 2010 to 2020[/caption]

In an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun, Frank’s close friend Jerry Gendreau revealed the star’s difficult recovery after he suffered a stroke in July 2022. 

Jerry, who owns bar Hawg Dogs in Savanna, Illinois where the late star’s antique store Frank Fritz Finds is located inside, told The U.S. Sun, “He felt really, really bad.

“You would go to see him in the nursing home and one-half of his body was completely done. He would lift his arm up and it would just drop.

“That’s got to be tough to be totally bedridden.”

Jerry explained how Frank grew “frustrated” because he “couldn’t come out and say what he wanted to say,” though some days were “much, much better than others.”

“I’ve seen this when people get tired, they get tired. I think if you don’t have the will to live, you won’t,” Jerry said.

“I think Frank could’ve lived a lot longer if the will to live would’ve been there.”

He made a mark on history.”

Jerry Gendreau

Jerry said he will always remember his friend’s “spontaneity,” the quality that made him a fan-favorite on American Pickers

“He was truly the comedian who popped out with some of the weirdest and dumbest things that you just go, ‘Wow,’” Jerry said.  

“Frank was pretty much a what you see is what you get guy. His faults were his faults. You can’t fault anybody for being what they are. He was a right is right and wrong is wrong kind of person. 

“He made a mark on history.”

FINAL MOMENTS

A source previously told The U.S. Sun how Frank struggled in the months leading up to his passing. 

“He has been bad since the stroke and he had been getting worse. He was unable to move the right side of his body. He needed 24-hour care. 

“There was no way he was getting better.”

News Enterprises Inc
Frank Fritz’s antique store is located inside Jerry Gendreau’s bar Hawg Dogs[/caption]

HEALTH CRISIS

The passing comes two years after Frank suffered a stroke in his Iowa home in July 2022. 

Frank was unable to recover from the stroke fully, as he was rushed to the hospital four times in 2022 and 2023, for pneumonia and a seizure.

He was left wheelchair-bound and returned to a rehabilitation center after the hospital stints. 

“He can walk, but he’s always going to need the wheelchair because he can’t walk long distances,” a source previously told The U.S. Sun in August 2023.

“Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side.”

CONSERVATORSHIP

Frank’s close friends filed for a conservatorship and guardianship for him in August 2022. 

MidWestOne Bank acted as Frank’s conservator, while his close friend Chris Davis was his guardian. 

“Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur,” documents obtained by The U.S. Sun read.

“Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.

“Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries.”

The appointment of a guardian and conservator was deemed “necessary” to “avoid immediate harm to him.”

In July 2024, conservator MidWestOne demanded Frank’s finances be transferred to them because he needed “skilled” and “long-term” nursing care at the time. 

Frank Fritz's Conservatorship

Frank Fritz was placed under a conservatorship in August 2022, just weeks after he suffered a stroke.

  • Frank’s conservator is MidWestOne Bank and is in charge of his finances
  • The bank agreed to invest Frank’s money and collections to generate income
  • The guardian is his good friend Chris Davis
  • Chris is responsible for helping Frank manage his Crohn’s disease treatment, go to physical therapy, grocery shop, cook and more day-to-day tasks
  • The conservatorship also agreed to help replenish Frank’s Iowa antique store, Frank Fritz Finds
  • A wheel-chair ramp and more have been installed in his Iowa home under the conservatorship

TRAGIC LOSS

Mike, 60, announced Frank’s passing the morning after his death, as he wrote on Instagram, “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.

“I’ve known Frank for more than half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.

“The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.

“Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures?

“Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.”

The U.S. Sun obtained exclusive photos of Mike, 60, outside of his Iowa vacation rental in his hometown of Le Claire, Iowa on Wednesday, October 2. 

Mike appeared somber in the photos, as he focused on making renovations to the home.

The U.S. Sun also obtained photos of Mike’s brother Robbie, who replaced Frank on the History channel show.

He also appeared down, as he was seen chatting with customers at his shop United Motors in Davenport, Iowa.

HONORING FRANK

Frank’s guardian previously told The U.S. Sun of funeral plans for the late History Channel star

“There will be a celebration of life in the future. It will be big. Fans can attend. 

“We already have several bands who want to play in it, including my band. This will probably take place in the spring.”

Chris added of his close friend, “I will say Frank loved his fans and he passed away peacefully with friends at his side.”

Frank appeared on American Pickers from 2010 to 2020.

Zachary Maxwell Stertz/History
Mike Wolfe announced the news of Frank Fritz’s passing[/caption]
Matt Symons - Commissioned by The U.S. Sun Digital Edition
Mike Wolfe seen for the first time since Frank Fritz’s passing in Iowa[/caption]

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Bo Nix reveals reason for heated sideline confrontation with Denver Broncos head coach during Las Vegas Raiders win

DENVER Broncos quarterback Bo Nix may have revealed the reason behind his heated interaction with coach Sean Payton on the sidelines.

Rookie Nix, 24, was captured on the Fox NFL game broadcast in an animated discussion with the coach.

Bo Nix was seen in a heated discussion with his head coach Sean Payton
Fox
Reuters
Nix put in the best performance of his young career in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders[/caption]

And he was asked about the moment at his press conference this week.

Nix said, “He turned and looked at me and said. ‘I love you’”

“I turned to him and said, ‘I love you back.’”

The 24-year-old was seemingly having a spot of fun as he answered the question.

Social media users were far from convinced with his explanation.

“That’s probably the exact opposite of what happened,” one noted.

“Objectively, hilarious response,” another said.

Whatever happened between Nix and Payton certainly seemed to fire the Broncos quarterback up.

Nix put in his best performance in the NFL to date after being drafted this summer.

He finished 19 for 27 and had 206 yards with two touchdowns in their Week 5 win.

Denver beat AFC West rivals the Las Vegas Raiders 34-18 to improve to 3-2 this season.

Coach Payton played down the fiery incident with Nix by referencing 1986 movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

“It’s part of the deal,” Payton said.

“There’s still a little Ferris Bueller in this player that we’ve got to get rid of, talking about Bo, and I love him to death.

“Sometimes it’s my love language.”

Payton then explained to the media what happened in the movie.

The coach said, “Ferris was kind of quirky, doing his own thing once in a while.

“There are times where you send something in and I don’t want it flipped and then it gets flipped and so it’s all good.

“He works his tail off and I am that way. It just is what it is.”

Nix was drafted No. 12 overall out of Oregon.

He spent two years at the Ducks having transferred from Auburn.

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