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Fresh Spain holiday hell for Irish tourists as 180k staff on popular islands threaten DAYS of strikes & walkouts in July

IRISH tourists jetting off to Spain could face fresh holiday hell after 180,000 hospitality staff threatened a number of strikes and walkouts next month.

Hotels, restaurants and clubs in the Balearic Islands will be hit by the walkouts, which could go on for weeks.

Protestors march with banners advocating for alternative tourism models and the right to a decent life.
AFP
Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca will be affected by the strikes[/caption]
Protestors at a demonstration against mass tourism and housing prices hold a sign that reads “Stop private jets” and a cardboard model airplane.
AFP
The strikes could persist throughout the month with 18, 19, 25, 31 of July[/caption]
Protestors in Palma, Mallorca, Spain, holding signs against mass tourism.
EPA
Unions are demanding a 16 per cent increase in pay for workers over three years[/caption]

Irish popular hotpots Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca will be affected by the strikes.

The alert was raised yesterday after union bosses walked out of a meeting about pay and working conditions, calling hospitality bosses’ offer of an 11 per cent pay increase insufficient.

Talks about reducing the working week to 35 hours were also promptly shut down when employers said they “categorically” rejected this proposal.

UGT union spokesman Jose Garcia Relucio described the offer as “more crumbs” and claimed hotel bosses were expecting workers to survive on tips.

He said: “We’d come here to negotiate to improve the conditions of service industry workers, not to worsen them.”

Unless a last-minute agreement is reached between employers and unions a large chunk of the Balearic island’s workforce will down their tools on July 10.

The strikes could persist throughout the month with 18, 19, 25, 31 of July being already confirmed as protest days.

José García Relucio, General Secretary of the Federation of Services, Mobility and Consumption of UGT, said the talks “could not have gone worse” and condemned employer’s inflexibility around pay.

Meanwhile, Javier Vich, President of the Hotel Business Federation of Mallorca, blamed unions for failing to meet a compromise.

He added that employers were making all the “necessary efforts” to “reach a fair” agreement with workers.

Unions are demanding a 16 per cent increase in pay for workers over three years.

The mass walkout will coincide with peak tourist season in the Spanish holiday destination.

It comes as protests across Spain intensify with hundreds of locals regularly taking to the streets to call for an end to mass tourism.

MASS TOURISM PROTESTS

Thousands flooded the streets of the Canary Islands in May.

Demonstrations took place across the Spanish archipelago’s islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

The march carried the slogan: “The Canary Islands are not for sale, they are loved and defended.”

Other banners read: “The Canary Islands have a limit and so does our patience” and “Enough is enough!”

Spain’s anti-mass tourism movement began gaining serious momentum in April 2024 – particularly in popular tourist destinations.

Locals have been demanding an end to the problems associated with mass tourism, including pollution, traffic chaos, the lack of affordable housing and low wages for tourism workers.

Aerial view of Playa de Magaluf beach in Mallorca, Spain.
Getty
Hotels, restaurants and clubs in the Balearic Islands will be hit by the walkouts which could go on for weeks[/caption]

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‘Significant delay’ at Yarmouth races after incident in the starting stalls

THERE is a ‘significant delay’ at Yarmouth races after an incident in the starting stalls.

Just before the second race at 2.30, the Marco Botti-trained filly Blue Mountains was withdrawn after getting upset entering the stalls.

Horse race in Yarmouth, England.
Getty
There was a significant delay to the start of the third race at Yarmouth[/caption]

She required veterinary attention but attempts to load her into the horse ambulance failed.

It meant she was having to be walked back up the track from the six furlong start.

The runners for the next race, scheduled for 3pm, were removed from the parade ring.

A BHA statement read: “There will be a slight delay to Race 3 @GTYarmouthRaces. Update to follow.”

More to follow.

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Lidl Ireland fans set to love new household staple that will save you cash and it costs just €7.99

LIDL Ireland are sure to love a new item that’s just landed on the shelves – for a bargain price.

The Hand Sewing Machine is a great way to save some cash while embracing a new hobby.

Singer M3205 sewing machine on a table with fabric and scissors.
lidl
The item will be available until the end of the month[/caption]
Singer M3205 sewing machine.
lidl
Sewing has exploded in popularity recently[/caption]

With the rise of cottagecore on social media in recent years, thousands of people have taken up stitching, sewing, and crochet to pass the time.

And although some may view it as an expensive hobby, Lidl is making sure everyone can access the growing trend.

The new hand sewing machine means that you don’t have to buy new clothes.

Once you know your way around, it’s perfect for fixing up any tears or rips.

The tiny item is ideal for not taking up too much space and can be easily stored in a cupboard.

Plus, the necessary threads, bobbins, needles and thread spindle are included.

And it’s battery powered.

Like all Lidl bargains, the item can be found in the middle aisle.

And it has been marked down from €12.99 to just €7.99.

For those who don’t fancy a hand sewing machine, Lidl are also selling a full size sewing machine in stores now.

Molly Roberts, who goes by @mollerina on TikTok, recently showed off the brilliant buy.

She said: “I am in my indoor hobbies era at the moment, I’m about to go into Lidl because I heard they have sewing machines.

“I haven’t touched a sewing machine since home ec, but in the brochure it looked great, they have all the accessories.

“I just feel like this will be fun for me. I just feel like it’s a good skill that I want to have and I feel like I’ll enjoy it.

“So let’s go check it out. I feel like this is everything I could ever possible need for sewing.

“The sewing machine is absolutely beautiful you can do 23 stitches.

“I think this little caddy is so handy, the travel case is also really handy.”

The sewing machine can also be found in the middle aisle.

It will be available until June 31.

It costs €139.99 and is reduced from €279.

Singer handheld sewing machine.
lidl
The sewing machine can be found in the middle aisle[/caption]

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Adam Thomas reveals ‘he’s back’ filming at Emmerdale as he shares pic from set

ADAM Thomas has returned to the Emmerdale set – seven years after leaving the soap.

The TV favourite played Adam Barton on the show for nine years before departing in 2018 when his character was forced to go on the run after covering for his mum Moira’s role in the murder of Emma Barton.

Man giving thumbs up next to Emmerdale village sign.
instagram/@adamthomas21
Adam Thomas has shared a selfie from the set of Emmerdale[/caption]
Adam Thomas at the National Television Awards.
PA:Press Association
The soap star has sparked speculation that he could make a comeback[/caption]
Adam Thomas, portraying Adam Barton in Emmerdale, making an anonymous phone call to the police.
ITV Press Handout
But it is understood he is instead working on another project at the show’s set[/caption]

Adam took to Instagram today to confirm that he had made a surprise return to the Dales as he posed alongside the famous Emmerdale sign on the way into the village.

He put his thumbs up in the selfie before adding the cheeky caption: “I’m BACK!!!!”

His post left fans in a flurry as they were quick to assume he was returning as his character of Adam – but is all as it seems?

One fan wrote in the comments section: “I really hope this is true as you were my favorite Barton ever!!!!!!!”

Someone else added: “The boy is back! Robert, Aaron and Adam. I can’t wait!!”

Before a third commented: “I hope so. I hope Adam will be there to help Robert uncover what John is really like.”

However, it is understood that Adam has returned to the Leeds filming set for another project and won’t be making a comeback to his acting role.

Adam is currently still appearing as Donte Charles in BBC school based drama series, Waterloo Road, with no plans to leave the role.

He first rose to fame on the programme before his Emmerdale stint and later returned to the show when it was revived by BBC bosses.

As well as his time on Waterloo Road, his profile rose through reality TV stints on I’m A Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing.

He has also turned his hand to presenting with stints hosting the jungle spin-off show as well as recently teaming up with his brother, Ryan Thomas, for ITV programme, 99 To Beat.

Off-screen, Adam has been facing a gruelling health battle for the past two years which he confessed has left him in the utmost pain.

Adam was diagnosed with rhematoid arthritis – a condition that effects the joints – in 2023 just before he took part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Earlier this year, he spoke about living with the condition during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.

Adam Thomas among palm leaves.
ITV
Adam’s star power rose during his time in the I’m A Celeb jungle[/caption]
Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths in a Waterloo Road reunion photo.
Instagram
His first claim to fame was Waterloo Road[/caption]

He recalled: “I’ve been struggling with this autoimmune disease now for about two and a half years.

“It’s been tough. I’m not over-exaggerating when I say this but literally within two and a half years, every day I’ve been in pain.

“It’s difficult but now I feel like I’ve found – because I’ve been on so many different meds and trying so many different things, back and forth from doctor’s and hospitals.”

Adam revealed he is trying out a new “carnivore diet” and says it has helped.

He said: “I’ve noticed a huge difference, especially within the past couple of weeks.

“It’s given me a little bit of hope now.

“I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I’m feeling the best way I’ve felt for a while.”

EMMERDALE NEWS

Everything you need to know about Emmerdale

Ryan Thomas with his brothers Adam and Scott.
Splash News
He and his brothers have become TV favourites[/caption]

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Woman in 40s stabbed to death on street yards away from London Stadium at Olympic Park as man arrested over ‘murder’

A WOMAN in her 40s has been stabbed to death near London Stadium at Olympic Park.

Paramedics were called to the scene in Tower Hamlets, on Thursday at 11pm.

The woman was sadly declared dead at the scene.

A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The investigation is continuing, with higher police presence in the area today.

It is believed he knew the victim.

Street scene with parked cars and buildings.
A woman in her 40s was stabbed to death near London Stadium

Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney said: “We are currently supporting the family of a woman who was sadly killed in the early hours of this morning.

“I understand the local community will feel understandably shocked by this news, but I want to reassure residents we believe this to be an isolated incident, with no wider threat to the public.

“Although we have made significant progress by making an arrest, I would like to make it clear that our investigation does not stop here.

“Specialist officers are working at pace to make enquiries and understand exactly what took place.

“Local people may notice a higher police presence within the area today and would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to officers.”

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The part of your house that keeps you cool for free in a heatwave – and it’s not your windows

THERE is nothing worse than struggling to sleep in a hot, humid room on a warm summer’s night.

The heat can often mean it can be tough to create the perfect bedroom temperature that gives us a good night’s rest.

Woman sleeping on couch in front of fan.
Getty
Sleep can become a struggle on a hot summer night[/caption]
Woman in bed experiencing night sweats.
Getty
And a restless, sweaty sleep can leave you feeling shattered and drained[/caption]

Which is why most of us are forced to fork out for a fan to avoid a restless, sweaty sleep and feeling shattered and drained the next day.

But did you know that there is a part of your home that can actually cool you for free? And no, it’s not the windows.

A sleep expert has now revealed that the precise position of your door can make all the difference when it comes to keeping cool at bedtime in the summer.

This is because, depending on how it is placed, it can significantly reduce bedroom temperatures.

Which, in turn, can save you from facing an uncomfortable night’s rest.

Dr Jordan Burns, from Amerisleep, says the way bedroom doors are positioned affects airflow patterns within sleeping spaces.

Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home

Dr Jordan Burnsexpert from Amerisleep

And this can either create cooling cross-ventilation or it can trap heat, depending on the angle chosen.

The specialist said: “Most people focus solely on windows for cooling, but bedroom doors control how air circulates throughout your sleeping space.

“A properly positioned door can make the difference between restful sleep and hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning.”

So, what is the perfect position to leave your door at night for a nice, cool, blissful sleep?

Dr Burns has said that everyone should take a more precise approach and suggests positioning the door at a 45-degree angle.

The sleep doctor explained: “The optimal angle for a bedroom door at night is approximately 45 degrees.

“This specific position creates what fluid dynamics calls a ‘venturi effect’ that accelerates airflow through the narrower opening, pulling hot air out more efficiently than a fully open door would.”

But he warns that you should never leave your door completely open or fully closed if you want a cool space.

Dr Burns said this is the most common mistake people make during hot weather, and it can actually leave you feeling WARMER.

He added: “A completely open door actually slows down airflow in many cases because the opening is too large to create the pressure differentials that drive air movement.

“Conversely, a fully closed door prevents any air exchange, trapping heat and moisture that build up while you sleep.”

The sleep expert suggests a simple method to test if your door positioning is working effectively for bedroom cooling.

Keep your bedroom door wide open during the day

DR BURNS has also shared some other tips that can help keep your room cool during the summer months.

He recommends keeping bedroom doors fully open during daytime hours if the rest of the home is cooler.

This allows for maximum air exchange between spaces.

This approach works particularly well for rooms that receive direct sunlight.

The expert said: “When outside temperatures climb higher than those inside your home, keeping your bedroom door wide open allows cooler air from north-facing rooms to circulate throughout.

“This creates a natural current that pushes hot air up and out while drawing cooler air in from below.”

Dr Bruns advised: “Place a lightweight ribbon or tissue near the gap between the door and frame.

“If it moves toward the door, you’re successfully drawing air through the room.

If it remains still or moves away, adjust your window and door configuration until you achieve proper airflow.

“Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home.

“Door positioning is a cost-free intervention that can improve your sleeping environment.

“It can also reduce both energy costs and environmental impact compared to mechanical cooling options.”

A menopausal woman lying in bed, unable to sleep.
Getty
Experts have revealed how you can stay cool at night without buying a fan[/caption]

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Road experts reveal five ‘small adjustments’ that will save you money on fuel as rising prices hit pumps across Ireland

ROAD experts have revealed five “small adjustments” that will save you money on fuel as rising prices hit pumps across Ireland.

Fuel prices across the country are continuing to climb, with AA Ireland’s June 2025 review highlighting yet another increase for motorists.

AA roadside assistance van.
Getty Images - Getty
The AA revealed the latest June prices for fuel[/caption]
Person pumping gas into a car.
PA:Press Association
And they have now shared five tips to cut down on the rising costs[/caption]

According to AA Ireland, petrol prices have now reached an average of €1.77 per litre, up slightly from €1.76 recorded in May.

Diesel has also risen, moving from €1.68 per litre to €1.69, narrowing the cost gap between the two fuels.

While these changes might appear minimal, AA Ireland said that they show an ongoing upward trend that has been going on for months.

The road experts said it’s due to a combination of factors – including global oil market fluctuations, domestic tax policies and increased demand during the busy summer travel season.

They said: “Consistent increasing fuel prices continue to be a concern for Irish motorists, and AA Ireland’s June 2025 review shows yet another rise.

“While increases are modest, they demonstrate a continuous trend which strains household budgets already beset with expensive living expenses.”

And they have now revealed five small adjustments to help drivers improve fuel efficiency and reduce their spending.

To start AA Ireland advises that keeping tyres properly inflated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to lower your overall fuel costs.

When tyres are underinflated, they create more friction with the road surface which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Up next, AA Ireland recommends driving smoothly by avoiding sudden acceleration or harsh braking as both habits can lead to excessive fuel consumption.

Harsh braking wastes the momentum motorists have built up and it means your car needs to use more fuel to regain speed afterwards.

What’s more, removing unnecessary weight from the boot is another step drivers can take.

Carrying extra items makes the engine work harder and even small amounts of excess weight can reduce a cars fuel efficiency.

According to AA Ireland, limiting the use of air conditioning to when it is genuinely needed can also reduce strain on the engine and improve fuel economy.

Unknown to many, air conditioning systems require additional energy from the engine, which will increase your fuel consumption.

Lastly, planning journeys carefully to avoid heavy traffic, congestion and unnecessary detours is another strategy AA Ireland suggests for cutting down fuel use.

‘Stay ahead of the curve’

The road experts also revealed that looking at electric vehicles is worthwhile for those looking for more predictable running costs.

According to AA Ireland, this stability in EV charging costs is making electric vehicles a more appealing and predictable option for drivers concerned about their budgets.

And they pointed out that switching to an electric vehicle can give a some financial relief for motorists who cover long distances or commute regularly.

They added: “With petrol and diesel prices climbing across Ireland, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve.

“Whether it’s adjusting your driving habits, looking into electric vehicle options, or making the most of support services like those from AA Ireland, there are practical ways to manage the costs.”

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Novak Djokovic set to face OnlyFans star and self-titled ‘sexiest player in tennis’ in Wimbledon first round

NOVAK DJOKOVIC is set to face a wildcard with a wild side at this year’s Wimbledon.

The 38-year-old will play the world’s “sexiest tennis player” in his SW19 curtain-raiser next week.

Novak Djokovic practicing tennis.
PA
Novak Djokovic is going for an eighth Wimbledon title this year[/caption]
Alexandre Muller of France at the ATP Qatar Exxonmobil Open.
Getty
Alexandre Muller will be Djokovic’s first-round opponent at the All England Club[/caption]
Alexandre Müller of France celebrates a tennis match victory.
Getty
Muller is a self-proclaimed “sexiest professional tennis player”[/caption]
Man wearing an OnlyFans hat and light blue tennis shirt.
X @josemorgado
The 28-year-old has a deal with OnlyFans and often wears their merch after matches[/caption]

Djokovic has been drawn against Alexandre Muller, the world No. 40.

The Frenchman is sponsored by OnlyFans and runs an account on the infamous content subscription service.

Muller, with his long blonde locks, brands himself “the sexiest professional tennis player” on his bio.

But those looking for cheeky photos of the 28-year-old may come away disappointed.

He recently told Clay Tennis: “OnlyFans is trying to change their image.

“It’s not only about erotic stuff. That’s why they sponsor me.”

Fans were stunned to see Muller rock a cap with the OnlyFans logo after reaching the Rio Open final in February.

He explained: “I wear some OnlyFans stuff, just to make a bit of buzz.

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“OnlyFans is a social media like any other.

“I post about tennis and my life. I don’t post anything explicit as people would expect. I only talk about tennis.”

Wimbledon bosses are unlikely to share the same sentiment.

Muller will be unable to wear the site’s merch during next week’s due to the tournament’s strict clothing rules.

The French No. 4 has yet to make it past the second round at Wimbledon since his debut in 2021.

Men's singles draw in full

  • Sinner v Nardi
  • Tseng v Vukic
  • Martinez v Loffhagen
  • Navone v Shapovalov
  • Dimitrov v Nishioka
  • Comesana v Moutet
  • Ofner v Medjedovic
  • Monday v Paul
  • Shelton v Bolt
  • Hijikata v Goffin
  • Kovacevic v Fucsovics
  • Monfils v Hubert
  • Nakashima v Ba
  • Schevchenko v Opelka
  • Faria v Sonego
  • Basilashvili v Musetti
  • Draper v Baez
  • Collingnon v Cilic
  • McCabe v Marozsan
  • Munar v Bublik
  • Cobolli v Zhukayev
  • Etcheverry v Pinnington Jones
  • Giron v Ugo Carabelli
  • Gaston v Mesnik
  • De Minaur v Carballes Baena
  • Cazaux v Walton
  • Halys v Holmgren
  • Dzumhur v Machac
  • Michelsen v Kecmanovic
  • De Jong v Eubanks
  • Evans v Clarke
  • Muller v Djokovic
  • Fritz v Mpetshi Perricard
  • Diallo v Altmaier
  • Arnaldi v Van de Zanschulp
  • Holt v Davidovich Fokina
  • Popyrin v Fery
  • Darderi v Safiullin
  • Kopriva v Thompson
  • Bonzi v Medvedev
  • Cerundolo v Borges
  • Harris v Hurkacz
  • Mochizuki v Zeppieri
  • McDonald v Khachanov
  • Berrettini v Majchrzak
  • Quinn v Searle
  • Carreno Busta v Rodesch
  • Rinderknech v Zverev
  • Rune v Jarry
  • Tien v Basavareddy
  • Fearnley v Fonseca
  • Brooksby v Griekspoor
  • Lehecka v Dellien
  • Bellucci v Crawford
  • Norrie v Bautista Agut
  • Moller v Tiafoe
  • Rublev v Djere
  • Bergs v Harris
  • Mannarino v O’Connell
  • Royer v Tsitsipas
  • Auger-Aliassime v Duckworth
  • Struff v Misolic
  • Tarvet v Riedi
  • Fognini v Alcaraz

He faces a tough task against Serbian legend Djokovic, who is targeting an eighth SW19 title.

The Serb could be on a collision course with Britain’s Jack Draper in the quarter finals.

And should he battle past the home favourite, No. 1 seed Jannick Sinner is his likely opponent.

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