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Inside techâs next big takeover
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 15:39:43In a rare overlap, both Tech giants Apple and Meta are now reportedly watching the same AI startup called Perplexity. It is a search engine, a chatbot, a footnoted oracle â' call it what you like. Perplexity AI has become Silicon Valleyâs new favourite tool for asking questions and actually understanding those answers. This AI is reshaping how we search, whom we trust, and what gets seen online. Two of the worldâs most powerful platforms are interested, not in a partnership, but in a purchase.
So, what exactly is Perplexity? Why do both Apple and Meta want it? This is a tool to control the next layer of the internet and to gain in the AI arms race with Google. Itâs more than just a tech rumour; itâs a sign of how much the future of search is already in play.
What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity is not just a chatbot; it is a full-blown, citation-rich, and conversational search engine that is pulling users away from Google. Itâs impressive that the very companies that wanted to dismiss this kind of technology are now embracing it.
Perplexity was launched in December 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, a former OpenAI researcher.
Perplexity AI provides answers to queries with real-time information backed by credible sources.
Unlike ChatGPT, which often hallucinates or hides its research, Perplexity shows you exactly where it found its facts, and then lets you choose which AI model powers the results.
In June 2025, the platform had handled around 780 million queries a month, grown to around 700 employees and was valued at $14 billion. All of this, with zero ads and no forced login screens, is exactly why big Tech is trying to buy in.
AI, Search, and a Siri issue.
At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, marking a significant step into the AI arena. It is built largely on OpenAI models, and the response from critics called it a Siri update.
Perplexity could be the shortcut that Apple rarely takes, and reports suggest that executives have held internal talks about acquiring Perplexity.
It comes with an out-of-the-box engine thatâs fast, factual, and already loved by insiders.
It can easily integrate with Siri, Spotlight, Safari, and even its upcoming AR and VR platform.
Moreover, it can help Apple reduce its reliance on Google, whose search engine still powers full Safari queries and brings in billions. With the current antitrust pressure mounting, the deal may not last forever. If Apple wants to control the AI layer and not just host it, this might be its last best chance.
Why Meta wants in
After Meta invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI, the company gained a 49% stake and recruited CEO Alexandr Wang to lead its superintelligence push. Earlier in 2025, Meta reportedly entered acquisition talks with Perplexity. Though no formal offer was made, it even attempted to recruit Perplexityâs CEO, Aravindâ¯Srinivas, into its AI leadership.
Immediate AI expertise: Perplexityâs footnoted, modelâagnostic engine complements Metaâs Llama lineâoffering a data-rich, user-trusted search interface across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and soon, AR/VR
Talent arms race: Meta has offered incentives of up to $100 million to top AI mindsâincluding OpenAI and DeepMind engineersâto staff its new âsuperintelligence lab.
Strategic breadth: Platform-wide integrationâsearch, chat, commerce, VRârequires a stack Meta does not yet fully own. Perplexity would be a fast track to dominance.
In short, Meta views Perplexity as both a coveted product and a play for top-tier talent, fitting into Zuckerbergâs urgent mission to build AGI-ready infrastructure.
What makes Perplexity different from the rest
Perplexity not only answers your question, it shows you how it works. Where most AI tools will give you a wall of text that is sometimes helpful, sometimes based on hallucination. Perplexity responds with foot-noted answers, real-time citations, and links to sources that it pulled from.
This transparency has made it a favourite among the researchers, coders, and even casual users who are tired of guessing if ChatGPT made something up.
The real game changer is that it lets you choose which large language model to power your results.
You can toggle between OpenAI, GPT-4, Anthropicâs Claude, or Perplexityâs own Sonar model, which depends on what youâre asking and how fast you want it.
Add to that the mobile interface, a growing voice interaction system, and even a multi-modal vision which includes text, speech, and images. Youâll begin to understand why Apple values design and why Meta views it as modular enough to integrate with anything.
For over 2 decades, searches meant Google, but in just one year, Perplexity flipped the script by offering something cleaner, faster, and more transparent.
That includes no clutter, no ads, just pure information, and now two of the most powerful technology companies on the planet want to own it.
If Apple succeeds, it will reshape how Millions interact with AI without ever needing to say the word search. And if Meta wins, it will weave real-time knowledge into every scroll, swipe, and message; either way, Perplexity wonât stay neutral for long, and the real story here is that the internetâs front door is being redrawn, and this time it might talk back.
London is spending â¬140mn in this record-breaking place
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 16:21:49Some 30 metres below street level, in tunnels kept secret for over seven decades, a new tourist attraction costing the city of London £120 million (approximately ⬠140 million) will open to the public in 2028.
So, what is it and where is it located? I knew youâd ask. For starters, the newest tourist attraction in London will feature the second-deepest bar in the world. The deepest is Pub 320, a bar located 320 metres below ground in Zabrze, Poland. However, this bar is nothing like what is being built in London.
The London Tunnels will be a mile-long series of tunnels that âhave been kept secret for 70 yearsâ, according to The London Tunnels website. âBuilt in 1940-1942 by the British government to protect citizens during the Blitz in World War II,â London Tunnels wrote. âEnvisage what it was like for past generations to have lived through this period of time.â
The worldâs second deepest pub
Formerly known as The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, plans include the creation of historical heritage experiences and a cultural, multi-sensory, digital experience.
In addition to the new exhibits and experiences that immerse visitors in the decades past, the destination is set to open the worldâs second deepest bar.
The bar is set to be located in the most profound areas of the tunnels â' 30 metres below the streets of London â' and will offer a unique nightlife experience, The Sun reported.
The bar will aim to attract tourists, locals and history enthusiasts keen to see one of the most historically significant sites in Englandâs capital. The tunnels span 90,000 square feet and stretch deeper than most of the cityâs tube stations.
The tunnels are large, with sections sufficiently high to accommodate a London double-decker bus, allowing the attraction to restore them while also creating an expansive visitor experience.
In remembrance of 40,000 people
The cultural exhibition space is expected to have a World War II memorial dedicated to the 40,000 people who lost their lives during the bombings and an immersive experience that combines history and entertainment, according to Tour and Travel World.
The British Military Intelligence Museum is also expected to relocate into the tunnels to showcase over 300 years of British Military intelligence, including rare artefacts and cases of espionage, The Sun explained.
By 1942, the construction of the tunnels was complete; however, the bunker-type underground area were never used for shelter and shutdown because of the end of the Blitz, a term or name used to refer to the 57 consecutive nights of Nazi Germany bombing over London, which started on September 7th, 1940.
They inspired the creation of Q Branch
However, in 1944, the tunnels housed a spy headquarters, where Ian Fleming, the creator and author of James Bond, worked for naval intelligence. The tunnels are believed to have inspired Q Branch, where 007 obtains his then state-of-the-art espionage gadgets. They were also home to a special bunker that would protect British government officials in the case of a nuclear attack.
Currently, the tunnels are nothing more than a maze of old generators, pipes, rusty bolts, bundles of cables, switches, and levers.
There are also the remains of a staff bar and canteen for the 200 workers who used the tunnels in the 1950s and 1960s when it was a telephone exchange.
This fantastic project aims to revive the historic site, estimating that it will annually attract up to three million people, each of whom will pay over £30 per year to visit the new attraction.
Below Chancery Lane tube station
The tunnels are situated between Londonâs West End and the Square Mile, spanning the area between Fulwood Place and Furnival Street, located deep below Chancery Lane tube station.
The team behind this brilliant idea to profit from wasted space includes one of the UKâs leading architectural firms, WilkinsonEyre, which was also responsible for the significant restoration of Londonâs Battersea Power Station.
Nathan Dean and Simply Thrivingâs launch party
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 16:24:55The warmth of the late June sun was matched only by the warmth of community at the Simply Thriving lunch to promote the Late Summer Soirée gala fundraiser for AFA.
One hundred guests turned out at El Jinete restaurant in Mijas for the prelude to the spectacular charity gala set for September 16. President of the Simply Thriving group, Val Williams said, âI was only expecting around 40. We have 100 here today, and at least another 50 who asked if they could come. But look. Thereâs simply no more space!â
At the 2024 Simply Thriving Late Summer Soirée event, the Costa del Sol community showed what it does best. Artists such as Nathan Dean, Emma Luisa, Brian Piccolo and Melissa Carver donated their time and talents, as did generous members of the Costa del Sol community theirs, and reached their target. â¬6,000 was raised for AFA through ticket sales, a grand raffle, hugely benevolent donations, and an auction all for AFA Fuengirola â' Mijas, the Alzheimers and dementia association.
This year, the Simply Thriving event, organised by popular entertainer Nathan Dean, is aiming higher, and so to beat last yearâs amount, they met at Chef Roqueâs El Jinete to get people to start preparing. Septemberâs Late Summer Soirée 2025 at Mirafores Golf is open to all. Tickets cost â¬45pp, â¬10 of which goes directly to AFA. Val Williams, who organises the Simply Thriving group meetings says she is overwhelmed by the response so far. âWeâre pushing for more than â¬6,000 this year.â
Raffle prizes, items to be auctioned, and donations: the message is to start gathering prizes together now. And judging by the turnout at El Jinete, this yearâs fundraiser is going to be huge. On September 14, at Miraflores Golf Club The Late Summer Soirée will be taking place. So far confirmed performers include, Nathan Dean, Alexandra Avery, Laura Carter and Stelvis will be entertaining diners all for the best of causes. In conjunction with partners Euro Weekly News, Pikes, Ibex Insurance, Divot and Miraflores Golf, it is looking more and more as though it will be THE event of the year.
âYouâre not going!â Ryanair did it again: Brit couple kicked off Mallorca flight
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 15:34:43When Brits Scott McCormick and Helena Borthwick booked a £384.55 (around â¬450) return flight from Birmingham to Mallorca with Ryanair, they thought they were finally getting their long-awaited dream holiday.
What they didnât expect? Being kicked off the plane at the gate for not shelling out a few extra quid to reserve seats.
The Birmingham-based couple, both in their early thirties, had saved for their first trip abroad in over two years. They paid for flights, hotel, excursions, and even a dog-sitter.
No seat reservations? âYouâre not both getting on this plane!â
But they decided to skip the optional seat reservations, figuring theyâd be happy to sit apart on the short two-hour hop.
Big mistake.
âThe first thing they said to us is âyouâre not both getting on this planeâ. I had no idea this could happen once weâd booked the tickets,ââ Helena told Daily Mail.
âWhen you pay for a flight you assume you will get a seat. I have never heard of someone getting kicked off a flight because they hadnât reserved a seat.â
Other plane, just one seat left
The pair had arrived at the gate early, passports in hand, only to find out that Ryanair had switched the aircraft to a smaller model: one with eight fewer seats.
With all passengers already boarded, only one seat remained. They were given two options:
One flies, one stays behind.
Or both wait for the next flight.
They chose the second option, just after Ryanair gate staff assured them there will be no extra charge. Naturally, things went downhill from there.
They were forced to pay a â¬117 âmissed departureâ fee
Sent to the ticket desk, the couple expected a smooth switch to the next flight. Instead, they were told Helena chose not to fly, and would now have to pay a £100 (â¬117) âmissed departureâ fee.
âI asked for some proof that we were promised a free transfer, but they just said it was written on the system,ââ Scott explained.
âWhen we went down there they accused us of bending the truth and argued one of us had chosen not to fly so would have to pay an extra £100.â
The delay not only cost them cash, it also meant they missed an important business networking event linked to their More Life Coaching business.
âIt just feels like a scam by Ryanair!â
The couple was left angry, out of pocket, and doubting whether theyâd ever fly Ryanair again.
âIt just feels like a scam by Ryanair. There was just a complete lack of empathy, it was just âyouâre not going to Spain, go awayâ,ââ they said. And they felt picked out and punished for not paying extra.
On social media, opinions were mixed. Some sympathised with the couple, others blamed them for not paying the seat fee.
âAll airlines do this,â one commenter wrote. âDonât want problems? Just book your seat,â added another.
But many commenters asked the obvious thing to ask: You pay for a flight, so how are you not guaranteed a seat?
What the law says
Travel experts say this type of situation isnât uncommon. Airlines often overbook or downgrade aircraft, banking on no-shows. And yes, they can bump you, though EU and UK law says they must first ask for volunteers and compensate those removed against their will.
Ryanair later said the aircraft switch left them with fewer seats than expected, and insisted that Scott had been eligible for reimbursement, if he submitted receipts. They also maintained Helena chose not to fly and therefore owed the £100 fee.
âMister McCormickâs travel companion was not refused boarding but chose not to board and travel on this flight from Birmingham to Palma de Mallorca and was required to pay a missed departure fee (£100) to be booked onto the next available flight,â a Ryanair spokesman told Daily Mail.
Andy Nevala Quartet Feat. Sergio Albacete at Clarence
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 15:30:14The Clarence Jazz Club has an electrifying evening coming up with the Andy Nevala Quartet featuring Sergio Albacete on Friday, June 27, at 10pm. The internationally acclaimed Latin jazz ensemble promises an unforgettable performance with unparalleled energy.
Led by Andy Nevala, a Downbeat award-winning pianist and director of Jazz Studies at Jacksonville State University, the quartet boasts an incredible lineup: Sergio Albacete (saxophones, Spain), Abel Sanabria (contrabass, Cuba), Carlos Llidó (percussion, Spain), and Emrah Kotan (drums, Turkey). Their global roots characterise their music, wowing audiences at prestigious venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival, Blue Note New York, and Gouvy Jazz and Blues Festival.
Nevalaâs accolades include multiple Downbeat awards for composition and arranging, while Albacete, a Jaén-born multi-instrumentalist, brings a wealth of experience from collaborations with jazz legends like Barry Harris and Kurt Elling. Kotan, a sought-after Atlanta percussionist, has performed with Grammy-winner India Arie, and Sanabriaâs Cuban heritage shines through his work with Vocal Sampling. Llidóâs Afro-Cuban percussion expertise completes this dynamic ensemble.
Tickets are priced from â¬15 to â¬25 with a 20 per cent discount for Clarence Jazz Club members. Get tickets at www.clarencejazzclub.com, as seating is assigned, and tables may be shared. Donât miss this unforgettable night of Latin jazz excellence.
Alan Boardmanâs quiz for S.E.A.R.C.H
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 15:47:50The Spanish Equine Association for the rescue, case and homing of horses and donkeys, otherwise known as S.E.A.R.C.H, is holding a fundraising quiz on Saturday June 28 at 2pm IN CoÃn with Alan Boardman as quiz master.
The quiz doesnât start until 2pm at the Olive Tree (opposite Aldi), but organisers suggest arriving at 1.30 as they are going to be strict with the start time. Tickets for the event cost â¬2.50 each and can be purchased in advance from the venue. As for some, it may still be lunchtime, so the Olive Tree guarantee they will keep serving food until 3.30pm. And, thankfully, the Olive Tree is full air-conditioned. All proceeds will be going directly to S.E.A.R.C.H.
S.E.A.R.C.H. is a charity founded by a small group of people who share a common passion: Complete care and treatment of the rescued equine, the welfare and well being of the horse being the main priority. Also, they encourage and promote natural methods of healing, training and riding, enabling the horse to be re-homed in a permanent loving environment.
The Olive Tree is in Avenida MarÃa Zambrano, 17, CoÃn, directly opposite Aldi. The event is on Saturday, Jun 28. Be there at 1.30pm and donât be late.
Portugal changes citizenship law.
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 16:17:12Portugal has just raised the bar for becoming a Portuguese citizen. A move that rewrites the terms of naturalisation, the countryâs new draft law doubles the required years of residency to qualify for citizenship, including changes to automatic birthright. This is one of the most sweeping overhauls to Portugalâs nationality law in decades, and itâs clear it comes with a political signal. Gone is the open-door optimism of the 2010s, and in its place is a more selective model shaped by public pressure, coalition dynamics, and the growing demands for what lawmakers are calling a robust connection to Portuguese identity.
We will review the governmentâs proposed reforms, which will require 10 years of residency to be eligible, and discuss why children born in Portugal are no longer automatically eligible. What are the new rules, and how do they reflect Portugalâs shifting stance on immigration and national belonging? The headline may be legal, the impact is personal, and for the hundreds of thousands already living in the country, itâs a mission.
Naturalisation just got harder.
Becoming Portuguese just got a lot more complicated. Itâs no longer a five-year path. Under the new proposal, most people will now need a full decade of legal residency before they can even apply. That includes long-term residents, and yes, even those from Portuguese-speaking nations like Angola, Brazil, or Mozambique. Their route is shorter, seven years, but still longer than it used to be.
The governmentâs also raising the bar on language and values. From now on, anyone applying will need to prove they actually know the country theyâre trying to join. That means passing a civic knowledge test that covers democracy, rights, and national principles â and signing a formal pledge to uphold Portugalâs constitution.
A clean record wonât just help â itâs essential. Even minor prison sentences could shut the door entirely. The reform makes it clear: thereâs no leniency when it comes to criminal history.
One part of the change has blindsided many. Previously, the clock toward citizenship started the moment someone applied for residency. Now, it starts only when a permit is granted. In other words, months or even years stuck in bureaucratic limbo wonât count.
For those whoâve waited patiently in Portugal â working, paying rent, building a life â the new rules may feel like a reset button. Itâs not just policy; itâs a shift in what the state counts as a real connection to the country.
Born here, but not always Portuguese
Until now, Portugal was one of the few European countries where a person born on national soil could automatically procure citizenship. This is a policy that reflected post-colonial openness and commitment to integration, and thatâs now being dismantled.
Under these new rules, any children born in Portugal to foreign parents will no longer be granted automatic nationality at birth. Instead, at least one parent must:
Have resided in Portugal for three full years.
Formally request Portuguese nationality on behalf of the child.
This concludes the previous policy introduced in 2020, which allowed for the faster integration of second-generation immigrants, particularly those from former colonies.
It has major implications for families who build lives in Portugal but havenât secured long-term residency.
It also risks new categories of children born in Portugal who are technically stateless, depending on their parentsâ status.
The change could increase bureaucracy and social exclusion, while supporters argue that it reinforces the principle that nationality should be based on a demonstrable connection and not just on geography. For many, it will take more than being born in Portugal to become Portuguese.
Reuniting families with more rules
Portugal has long been seen as Europeâs flexible country for family reunification, but with the proposed changes, if you want to bring any family members to live with you in Portugal, youâll need to do more than just file paperwork. This updated law requires the following:
The sponsoring resident must have been a legal resident in Portugal for at least two years before applying to reunite with a spouse, child, or dependent.
The family members themselves must demonstrate basic integration, including knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture.
This reflects the governmentâs push for a more security-driven approach to migration oversight, while also aiming to clear backlogs and standardise more decisions. It will streamline the chaos left by the SEFâs dissolution and improve transparency.
What is clear is that through Portugalâs strong stance, if you want to bring your family, you will require more than just kinship and now demands proof of commitment, cultural alignment and time.
Thereâs currently a backlog of over 400,000 applicants that sits unresolved, creating tension between processing and delays, and rising barriers to entry. So Portugal is redefining what it means to belong, not just at the point of entry, but even after someone has already been welcomed there.
What it all means
Portugalâs new national authority reshapes the philosophy that, for decades, the country stood out in Europe for its openness by offering citizenship to those born there. It made a path to belonging relatively accessible.
The government states that this new model ensures a stronger connection to Portuguese values in society. Well, you have critics on one hand saying this shift from integration to filtration places the burden of proof on immigrants already contributing to the country.
For families, that impact is immediate for applicantsâ process timelines. It may reset them for new arrivals; you must settle in, study up and maybe wait for a decade.
In the background, the political is trying to fast-track its skilled migration schemes with these new rules in 2025. Being in Portugal does not mean becoming Portuguese immediately, or maybe not at all.
All-New Nissan MICRA EV revealed
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 07:30:07It is one of those models that has been a first car for many, a âdown-sizerâ car and economical urban run-around since the early 1980s when it was first launched. The all-new, sixth-generation version of the MICRA will return to the B-segment this year as a fully-connected, pure EV. With zero-emissions the new MICRA will stay true to its history which has underpinned its popularity and success across five generations and more than 40 years.
Its arrival signals the next major step in Nissanâs plan to introduce four new fully electric models by 2027 as part of its push towards electrification. These include the all-new MICRA, followed by the Nissan LEAF, Nissan JUKE, and a A-Segment model, as well as the upgraded third generation of Nissanâs unique e-Power technology â' to be rolled out on the best-selling Nissan Qashqai.
Designed at Nissanâs Design Europe (NDE) in London, the new MICRA has a refreshed and distinctive new exterior look.
All new MICRA grades will come with 46cm/18-inch wheels, with three different options depending on grade: âactiveâ wheel covers, âIconicâ and âSportâ alloy wheel designs. That large wheel dimension, combining with the dark wheel arch trim, contributes to the new MICRAâs strong and solid stance on the road.
Headlamps protrude slightly from the clean inclined surface angling up from the numberplate to the bonnet. On unlocking the car, the lights perform a short choreographed âwelcome winkâ where the front lights pulse from left to right and then right to left. At the rear, the taillamps are defined by a simple but ornate LED light design â' boasting circular lighting elements.
Some 14 exterior colour combinations will be available in Pure White, Elegant Silver, Mystery Black, Noble Marine, Authentic Blue, and Rebel Red. Depending on grade, two-tone colour options give the buyer the choice to combine the body colour with either a black or grey roof, ensuring thereâs a specification and distinctive look for drivers of all tastes.
Front and rear seat upholstery varies according to grade but offers customers three distinct trims to suit their preference â' Modern, Audacious, and Chill.
To simplify options for customers, the new MICRA will only be available in a five-door configuration â' making the most of its long wheelbase to give easy entry and exit for all occupants.
While primarily designed as a car for the urban environment, the 52kWh battery and a 407km/253-mile real-world range.
Messi achieves career feat not even Ronaldo can ever match
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 07:31:36Depending on who you ask and what metrics are used to rank footballers today and throughout history, determining who is the best football player of all time could end up being an endless debate.
However, most will agree that Argentine striker Lionel Messi ranks number one, while many more will argue itâs the forward from Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo. But thereâs one feat Messi has achieved that Ronaldo will never match.
Messi holds a record that may take years for any other footballer to break, and Ronaldo could still attempt to surpass it, although age is creeping up on both of them. In 2012, Messi scored 91 goals in one year, so he ranks number one, according to Goal.
Messi has received the Ballon dâOr eight times, versus Cristianoâs five. Messi has been mentioned as the most likely winner of the Super Ballon dâOr if it is issued for a second time in history.
For now, only Alfredo Di Stefano holds that honour. He was given the only Super Ballon dâOr ever granted in 1989 in recognition of him as the best football player of the previous three decades. However, as reported by Euro Weekly News, Messi could be the recipient of a second Super Ballon dâOr this year.
Ronaldo has scored 938 goals and has 257 assists throughout his 1,281 professional career appearances. Of those career balls netted, 175 have been by way of penalty.
Messi has 173 fewer professional career appearances, but has scored 866 goals and has 384 assists. Of his total career goals, 110 have been scored by way of penalty.
In simplistic terms, Messi has a total of 1,250 goals, scored and assisted, while Ronaldo has 1,195.
Ronaldo can no longer match this record
With Messiâs Inter Miami advancing to the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the Argentine striker has extended a unique and unreachable record that even Ronaldo can no longer match.
Lionel Messi has never been eliminated in the group stage of any football championship spanning his entire professional career. Despite entering with all odds against Inter Miami, Messi was able to hold on to the most astonishing statistical feats in world football, according to World Soccer Talk.
âAcross all competitionsâat both the club and international levelâMessi has now successfully advanced from the group stage in 33 consecutive tournaments: 19 UEFA Champions League campaigns, 7 Copa Americas, 5 World Cups, 1 Leagues Cup, and now the 2025 Club World Cup,â the sports news outlet said.
No other footballer in the history of this globally popular game has matched that number of group-stage appearances without a single elimination. This feat further solidifies Messiâs place as the best footballer in the gameâs history.
Across all competitions, including at both club and international levels, Messi has now successfully advanced from the group stage in 33 consecutive tournaments: 19 UEFA Champions League campaigns, 7 Copa América tournaments, 5 FIFA World Cups, 1 Leagues Cup, and now the 2025 Club World Cup, World Soccer Talk added.
Messiâs unmatchable milestone
Dubbed Mr Champions for his UEFA competition dominance, Ronald does have an impressive record of reaching tournament finals, but when it comes to group-stage consistency, the Portuguese falls short of his eternal rival.
Ronaldo has been eliminated in the group phase of his career five times: at the 2004 Olympic Games, the 2005â'06 Champions League with Manchester United, the 2014 World Cup, and in the 2020â'21 and 2022â'23 editions of the UEFA Nations League. Unfortunately, for Ronaldo, this is one milestone in which he will never match Messi.
Feet in sand dining
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-25 07:00:08When summer hits, thereâs one thing we all want: to eat with our feet in the sand, a cold drink in hand, and the sea just steps away.
And Chiringuito Paraiso Beach in Valle Niza ticks every single box.
This laid-back gem sits right on the shore, it practically takes about 20 seconds to walk from your table to the water. You can book a sunbed, chill under an umbrella, and enjoy a proper Malaga-style meal without ever leaving the beach.
The food? Classic and comforting. Youâve got the almighty espeto (grilled sardines) all summer long, and fresh seafood in all shapes and sizes.
The atmosphere at Paraiso is relaxed, friendly, and exactly what you need to slow down and soak it all in. If you canât unwind here, watching the waves and nibbling on clams or fried fish, it might be time for a serious vacation.
They sometimes have live music on weekends, which adds even more charm. Locals and tourists alike love it; itâs no surprise the place holds a 4.7-star rating on Google. People praise not just the food but also the friendly and welcoming staff.
The menu is varied and prices are reasonable for the area. So come for lunch, stay for dinner, and spend the day in a spot that truly lives up to its name.
Chiringuito Paraiso Beach is located at Avenida Marques de Valle Niza. You can call for reservations at 662043256.
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Flights from the heart of Kent to Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 08:13:00After numerous set backs the famous Manston Airport in the heart of Kent is determined to get commercial flights back in the air top holidays destinations such as Mallorca. Between May 2024 and April 2025, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany topped the list of destinations with the most air bookings in Europe, according to the âTravel Insights 2025: Focus on Europeâ report by Amadeus and UN Tourism, which also indicates that Spain and the United Kingdom each accounted for 12% of the regionâs air capacity.
Tony Freudmann, main board director at controlling airport company RiverOak Strategic Partners, told the BBC this week that he is hopeful that passenger services will return and said they have plans to attract short-haul carriers to popular destinations in Europe. It is envisaged one million passengers could travel through the Manston Airport terminal annually with meetings with big-name budget airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air mooted. Bosses claim the project to re-open the Thanet site could see it operating as a passenger airport once again by 2028.
This will not be the first time the airport, just 20 miles from Canterbury will be operating flights to Palma. Aspro Holidays operated a series of summer charter services during the 1992â'93 summer season with its in-house airline Inter European Airways to Palma, Mallorca and Larnaca, Cyprus using the Boeing 737, and added a service to Heraklion, Crete, which was often operated using its larger Boeing 757 airliner but when Aspro was taken over by Airtours, the flights ceased.
A new terminal is going to be built and it expects to handle some one million passengers per year. The airport will also have regular shuttle connections to nearby railway stations and park-and-fly centres to ease traffic and emissions in the area.
Manston Airport has a great history.It originally operated as RAF Manston, from 1918, it has also operated as a commercial airport and was known as Kent International Airport and, briefly, London Manston Airport. It has been closed since 2014. When operational, Manston was capable of handling some of the larger long-haul aircraft, but the runway was not long enough for the largest passenger or freight types at their maximum take-off weights.
The runway was originally built with three âlanesâ during the Second World War to handle emergencies, and is among the widest in Europe. Manston was used as a forward base by many squadrons during the Second World War, owing to its location close to the front line. It was frequently attacked and heavily bombed during the Battle of Britain. Barnes Wallis used the base to test his bouncing bomb on the coast at nearby Reculver, prior to the Dambusters raid.
Hawker Typhoon and Gloster Meteor squadrons were based at Manston during the war. On 27 July 1944, RAF 616 Squadron became the first allied jet equipped squadron in the world to become operational, using Meteors to intercept German V-1 flying bombs aimed at London.
Manstonâs position close to the front line and its long and broad three lane runway (built during the war, along with the runways at Woodbridge and Carnaby near Bridlington) meant the airfield was heavily used by badly damaged planes that had suffered from ground fire, collisions, or air attack but retained a degree of airworthiness. The airfield became a âgraveyardâ for heavy bombers and less-damaged aircraft, offering spare parts for allied aircraft in need of repair. The museum on site displays some aerial views dating from this era and the post-war years.
Spanish government told to have a rethink as British holiday home buyers would be hit hard by new tax
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 09:12:00The Spanish government have been told to rethink their proposed tax on the sale of homes to non-resident/non European Union citizens after it emerged that 60% of Britons who bought property in Spain last year were non-residents â' roughly 7,100 transactions.
The Spanish government has proposed a 100 percent sales tax on sales of homes to non-European non-residents with the British being the nationality which would be hit the hardest as they are the principal property buyers in Spain. The move is aimed at cooling the Spanish property market. The Spanish government claims that a large slice of property sales to non-resident are for investment purposes.
Comment by Jason Moore: A silly headline grabbing tax which could have big consequences
The Spanish government could be accused of biting the hand that feeds them. This new tax directly hits the key property buyers in Spain....the British and to a lesser extent the Americans. Sadly for Spain they will just take their money elsewhere, with Portual proving attractive. Spain has scored an own goals and its economy could pay the penalty.
Real estate agents contacted by the Bulletin have called for the government to have a rethink because it will have a big impact on all the important real estate industry in Spain.
Apart from the British, the American market would also be hit. They purchased a record 2,795 properties, and over half of those (54.4%) â' just over 1,500 homes â' were bought by non-residents.
The top three nationalities buying property in Spain last year were the British (11,912), Moroccans (10,512), and Germans (9,360). Also notable were non-EU citizens not listed individually, who collectively made 16,256 purchases, and EU nationals from unlisted countries, accounting for 9,174 transactions.
They were followed by a long list of EU countries including Romania (8,658), Italy (8,398), France (7,849), the Netherlands (7,436), Belgium (6,242), and Poland (5,947).
The idyllic beach in Mallorca where youâll feel like youâre in Thailand
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 09:22:15In Mallorca, there is a natural spot that rarely receives the attention it deserves. Its turquoise waters and surroundings of pine forests and low cliffs make it a unique place that easily evokes images of destinations as remote as Thailand. This is Cala Varques, an unspoilt cove with fine white sand and a length of between 70 and 100 metres.
The natural features of this cove, where you can explore various sea caves, make it a unique spot for cavers, snorkellers and diving enthusiasts. Places such as the Cueva del Pirata, the Cueva del Xot and the Cova des Coloms are part of the underwater attraction of Cala Varques, offering a mosaic of natural formations reminiscent of some of the most iconic caves of the Thai islands of Ko Phi Phi.
Access and conservation of a wild environmentOne of the main values of this beach is its preservation in its natural state. It has no services whatsoever: no showers, bars or lifeguards, which helps to maintain a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Access to Cala Varques requires a little adventure, as it is necessary to walk along a path for between 20 and 60 minutes from the nearest points or arrive by boat.
This factor is not insignificant. Although in summer it can attract hikers and anchored boats, the absence of large-scale infrastructure protects the landscape and the experience of those seeking intimate contact with Mediterranean nature. In addition, there are naturist areas and old spots for psychobloc or cliff jumping in this area, although many of these activities are regulated or prohibited to preserve safety and the environment.
Comparison with the Thai beaches of Ko Phi PhiThe parallels with the coast of Ko Phi Phi in Thailand are particularly striking. Both locations have:Transparent, turquoise waters that facilitate marine observation and attract snorkelling enthusiasts.White sandy beaches surrounded by rock formations, especially limestone, which shape low or high cliffs and natural caves.
Relatively isolated environments where access involves a certain degree of adventure, either by walking or by boat, without the direct intervention of mass tourist services. In Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands are famous for their eroded limestone walls and iconic caves such as Viking Cave and those around Maya Bay. Cala Varques has a similar geography, albeit on a smaller scale, with caves such as Cueva del Pirata and Cova des Coloms that enchant those who explore their depths and surrounding areas.
A haven for those seeking tranquillityIn a world where the most visited beaches have become crowded tourist destinations, Cala Varques still retains that air of a wild and idyllic beach. The combination of pine trees, low cliffs and white sand makes visitors feel as if they are entering an unspoilt and unaltered environment.
Although it is usually busy in high season, limited access and a lack of services ensure that it does not become as crowded as other beaches in Mallorca or the iconic Thai paradises, whose overexploitation by tourists is a cause for concern among conservation experts.
This cove is also a destination that invites visitors to enjoy marine observation from the shore thanks to the transparency of its waters, which attracts amateur and expert cavers, as well as divers looking to explore the caves and submerged rock walls.
Avocado giant goes global
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 08:55:33The Velez-Malaga-based fruit cooperative Trops, one of Europeâs top names in avocados and mangoes, is growing far beyond Spain.
The company has just invested 9 million euros to expand its facilities in Tavira, a key location in Portugalâs Algarve region.
This move marks a major step forward in its international growth strategy. The new space (around 7,200 square meters) will allow fruit to be graded and packed locally, increasing efficiency and reducing shipping times. Until now, produce collected in Portugal had to be sent back to Spain for processing.
Trops is one of the biggest companies in Axarquia. Now works with 120 Portuguese growers, part of a wider network of over 4,000 farmers across the Iberian Peninsula. The recent avocado season alone brought in 30 million euros in revenue from Portugal.
With this expansion, the workforce in Tavira is expected to grow up to 30 employees.
According to Tropsâ general director VÃctor Luque, this move is a âstrategic milestoneâ for consolidating avocado production across the peninsula and also supporting local farmers.
While its roots remain in the Axarquia region, Trops continues to invest not only in Portugal, but also in regions like Valencia, Cadiz, Huelva, and the Guadalhorce valley. Over the next few years, the cooperative plans to invest 30 to 40 million euros, potentially doubling its infrastructure.
Read here more news from Axarquia.
Community for Cancer in Carboneras
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 09:29:45An inspiring exhibition took place earlier this June in Carboneras, where local painter Tomás González Calabor donated 32 original works to raise funds for 11-year-old Alejandro, a young resident of the town recently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Held at the historic Castillo de San Andrés from 1 to 15 June, the exhibition was organised in collaboration with the Fundación Isabel Enrique DÃaz. The opening ceremony saw the attendance of Mayor Salvador Hernández, local councillors, and members of Alejandroâs family, including his grandfather, who thanked the community for their overwhelming support.
The collection featured a variety of landscape paintings, many inspired by the beauty of Carboneras and the surrounding coast. All proceeds from the artwork sales went directly to support Alejandro and his family during this challenging time.
The event was not only a moving act of solidarity, but also a reminder of the power of community and art to bring hope when itâs needed most.
UK-France ferry link returns after 14 years â Poole to Cherbourg travel boost
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 08:51:25Itâs back, folks â and this time, itâs year-round! After a frosty 14-year gap, Brittany Ferries is finally reinstating its daily winter service between Poole and Cherbourg, bringing a major boost to British travellers, French exporters, and local economies on both sides of the Channel.
Starting December 14, 2025, and running right through to March 29, 2026, the MV Commodore Clipper will be ploughing the four-and-a-half-hour route daily, keeping freight and passengers flowing even in the darkest winter months.
âThis marks a new chapter for our operations,â Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu declared. âPoole will be the UK hub for our intermodal freight route, connecting French Atlantic ports with southern England.â
Itâs no small change. The revival of the winter run coincides with the launch of Brittany Ferriesâ new ârail motorwayâ â a slick freight system that shuttles goods by train from Bayonne, down in south-west France, up to Cherbourg, before hopping the Channel to Poole. The first trailers have already started rolling, promising faster, greener cargo movement.
The 14,000-tonne MV Commodore Clipper â a veteran of Condor Ferries â will shoulder winter duties, stepping in while the 20,133-tonne Barfleur takes a seasonal breather until spring. The last time a full daily winter service ran was back in 2011; since then, itâs been sporadic sailings at best. The most recent winter crossing was in 2019, when the Connemara made a brief comeback. But this marks the first full winter schedule since the early days of David Cameronâs premiership.
The move spells the end for Brittany Ferriesâ struggling UKâ'Spain freight link between Poole and Bilbao, which has run just twice weekly, operated by the MN Pelican. With the new rail corridor now stealing the freight limelight, the Basque route will quietly bow out.
Over at Poole Harbour, the champagne corks were practically popping. Harbour chief Captain Brian Murphy hailed the move as a win for the regional economy: âWe remain committed to supporting reliable, year-round cross-Channel connectivity and a thriving regional economy in partnership with Brittany Ferries,â he said.
With summer air traffic control strikes looming over France and holidaymakers fearing disruption in the skies, the return of a reliable Channel crossing might just become the surprise hit of the winter getaway season.
Passenger bookings and full schedules for the revived winter route are expected to be released later this year â so keep your eyes peeled, ferry fans. After all, who needs airport chaos when you can sail your way to Normandy with a warm croissant and a cold pint?
Get more Travel news.
More French news in English.
Patient dies after man sets fire to bed in hospital psychiatric unit in Spain
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 09:31:36A FEMALE patient died after a fire was deliberately started in the psychiatric wing of Valenciaâs La Fe hospital on Monday.
Two male patients escaped from the unit but were arrested later by the Policia Nacional.
The duo included a 34-year-old who has been charged with homicide and arson.
Men brandishing weapons threaten to kill doctors at Valenciaâs La Fe Hospital in Spain
The incident broke out in the seventh floor wing at around 6pm with smoke spreading to the sixth floor.
A mattress was deliberately set alight but because it was fireproof, flames were not an issue but a large plume of poisonous smoke.
The deceased patient died through smoke inhalation and eight people- all hospital staff- were treated for its effects.
The dense black plume of smoke was visible several kilometres away with worried residents calling emergency services.
The Ministry of Health said that 80 patients were evacuated from their rooms by hospital workers and were relocated.
Valencian president, Carlos Mazon, went to La Fe and said he âdeeplyâ regretted the death of the woman.
He said her family was getting support from mental health professionals.
Mazon added that the fire was detected âvery quicklyâ and all safety protocols were put into action.
Child Drowns in Irrigation Pond
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 15:57:35A 4-year-old boy lost his life this morning in a small, irrigation pond in Mijas.
The family had gone out in search of the boy when they realised that he had wandered off only to find his body in a nearby irrigation pond.
He was found shortly before 09.15h, which was the time that the emergency coordination centre (112) received a call for an ambulance.
The house is within the Urbanización La AlquerÃa, where the Panamanian boy was staying with his mother and his Italian step father. Also in the house at the time was the manâs mother and sister.
According to police sources, the last time that the family saw the boy alive was around five this morning, when the mother got the child up to go to the bathroom, after which he taken back to bed. When the family got up, he was nowhere to be seen, so they set out in search of him.
They had already recovered the childâs body from the water by the time that they phoned 112 but they were unable to revive him. When the ambulance arrived the paramedics attemped CPR but it was already too late.
(News: Mijas, Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalucia)
Keywords: Irrigation Pond, Young Child, Drowned
news, andalucia, malaga, costa del sol, mijas, urb la alqueria, irrigation pond, young child, drowned
Disfrutar retires, newcomers rise: Spainâs shifting position in Worldâs 50 Best restaurants 2025
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 11:52:04THE changing of the guard in Spainâs culinary landscape may be starting, with some of its culinary heavyweights slipping on the global stage while others move up.
The first big name to disappear from the 2025 Worldâs 50 Best Restaurants list is 2024âs winner, Disfrutar, Barcelonaâs experimental flavour palace.
It is not named in the extended top 100 list.
But donât panic â' the eatery hasnât gone downhill. Instead, itâs been bumped into the so-called âBest of the Bestâ Hall of Fame â' a retirement home for former top dogs.
Itâs a rule that past winners are excluded to give everyone else a chance. Disfrutar is still packing out tables with its 30-course feasts and edible illusions as is fellow hall of famer Celar de Can Roca.
But for others, the fall was real.
Quique Dacosta, ranked 14th last year, has slipped out of the Best 50, down to number 65.
Still, some Spanish restaurants are holding their ground. Asador Etxebarri in the Basque countryside clings onto its number two slot, still making smoke and fire look sexy.
Madridâs flamboyant DiverXO remains at number four, as chef Dabiz Muñoz continues to blend art, chaos and foie gras in equal measure.
Meanwhile, Elkano climbed from 28 to 24 with its legendary grilled fish, and Enigma â' under the control of Albert Adria (brother to legendary El Bulli chef Ferran) â' cracked the top 50 at number 34 for the first time.
Further down the ladder, in the Top 100âs lower half, itâs a story of new blood and slow fades. Barcelonaâs Cocina Hermanos Torres makes its debut at 78, and Txispa â' a name to watch â' entered at 85.
Longtime favourites Aponiente and Mugaritz are still hanging on at 84 and 87, though both have slid down the ranks.
But not everyone made it. Azurmendi, once a darling of Basque fine dining, and Valenciaâs Ricard Camarena have completely disappeared from the list. A tough blow for two restaurants that just last year were celebrated among the worldâs elite.
Fewer top spots, yes â' but also a new wave of talent elbowing its way to the front. As Disfrutar takes its throne in the Hall of Fame, the pressureâs on for the next generation to keep Spain in the global spotlight. â' and maybe claim the number one position again next year.
Here are the Spanish restaurants on the list, which was topped by Maido from Lima in Peruâ¦
Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo) â' #2 in 2025Set in a Basque farmhouse, Victor Arguinzonizâs restaurant uses wood-fired grilling to elevate simple ingredients into world-class dishes. Famous for its grilled prawns, smoked butter, and reverence for fire and smoke.
DiverXO (Madrid) â' #4 in 2025Chef Dabiz Muñozâs surrealist, boundary-pushing restaurant blends global influences with Spanish roots in a flamboyant, multi-sensory tasting menu. Dishes often feature sculptural plating and wild contrasts of flavour and texture.
Elkano (Getaria) â' #24 in 2025A seafood temple in the Basque Country renowned for its mastery of whole fish grilled over charcoal. Family-run, itâs especially famous for turbot and showcases the purity of the local product.
Enigma (Barcelona) â' #34 in 2025Created by Albert Adria, Enigma returned to fine dining with a bold, theatrical experience. Combines avant-garde technique and immersive design, often pushing the envelope of taste, scent, and presentation.
Quique Dacosta (Denia) â' # 65 in 2025An opulent, artistic tasting menu rooted in Mediterranean landscapes. Dacostaâs modernist cooking emphasises beauty and creativity, with strong seasonal and local themes.
Cocina Hermanos Torres (Barcelona) â' #78 in 2025Run by twin brothers Javier and Sergio Torres, this innovative Michelin three-star restaurant merges high gastronomy with open-kitchen intimacy. Known for its seasonal, ingredient-driven menus and theatrical elegance.
Aponiente (El Puerto de Santa MarÃa) â' #84 in 2025Chef Angel Leonâs visionary restaurant focuses on the ocean and sustainability. Known as âthe chef of the seaâ, Leon uses obscure marine ingredients â' from plankton to fish byproducts â' in stunning, conceptual tasting menus.
Txispa (Axpe) â' #85 in 2025A new addition to the list, Txispa blends traditional Basque techniques with modern creativity. Its wood-fired approach nods to Etxebarri, but with a distinct identity and growing buzz in the culinary scene.
Mugaritz (Errenteria) â' #87 in 2025Andoni Luis Adurizâs experimental institution known for philosophical dining and boundary-breaking dishes. Often challenges notions of texture and taste. Once a top-10 fixture, it remains a thought leader in modern cuisine.
And off the listâ¦
Disfrutar (Barcelona) â' Former #1, now in Best of the Best Hall of FameA wildly inventive fine-dining experience founded by three el Bulli alumni. Known for playful, high-tech tasting menus with 25â'30 courses featuring molecular gastronomy, optical illusions, and theatrical presentations. Won Worldâs Best Restaurant in 2024.
Azurmendi (Larrabetzu) â' #81 in 2024, dropped off in 2025Chef Eneko Atxaâs eco-conscious fine-dining concept focuses on sustainability and Basque tradition. Guests begin in a greenhouse and move through a multi-sensory journey of land, culture, and technique.
Ricard Camarena (Valencia) â' #96 in 2024, dropped off in 2025Celebrated for its clean, seasonal Valencian cuisine with a vegetable-forward ethos. Known for delicate technique, flavor purity, and a serene dining space in a former factory.
Ginebra acogerá el World of Coffee y reunirá miles de profesionales y entusiastas del café de especialidad
PUBLISHED: 2025-06-24 13:07:10Just a moment...
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