La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara during the captain’s run at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Framed by the window overlooking the gardens at La Rochelle’s south Dublin base on a sunny Friday morning, Ronan O’Gara is a picture of calm.
He smiles and waves at hooker Tolu Latu who has gone outside to play with his toddler, agrees to film a short video wishing a schools hockey team good luck in their final the next day, and then sips on a flat white as he considers the storm that’s coming at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
A man has been arrested in South Liberty Lane, Bristol, after concerns about potentially explosive items led to the evacuation of at least 60 homes. Police have established a 100m cordon and a major incident has been declared as bomb squads work to secure the area, with no reported casualties and affected residents being housed at the Ashton Vale Community Centre. Want More Context? 🔎
Erik Menendez, hospitalized with a serious medical condition, is seeking parole just weeks before his scheduled hearing on August 21 and 22. His attorney urges California's governor to grant him medical furlough to prepare for the hearing, while the final decision on his parole eligibility lies with Governor Gavin Newsom. Want More Context? 🔎
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping to oppose its use as accommodation for asylum seekers, clashing with police but resulting in only one arrest. The Home Office confirmed that the asylum seekers would not be moved, amidst speculation of relocating some to the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, which also faced protests. Want More Context? 🔎
A British mother, Stephanie, faced backlash after she posted a video claiming sunbeds at a hotel pool for her family before leaving for breakfast and shopping in Fuerteventura, Spain. Critics condemned her actions, suggesting hotels should enforce rules against reserving loungers for extended periods, especially when not in use. Want More Context? 🔎
A mountain lion with a tracking collar attacked a four-year-old child while hiking with family at Olympic National Park in Washington on Sunday. The child was airlifted to a Seattle hospital for treatment, and the animal was subsequently located and killed by park staff, with an investigation into the incident ongoing. Want More Context? 🔎
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO for a second time, reversing President Joe Biden's decision to rejoin, citing the organization's "woke" agenda and anti-Israel rhetoric as reasons. UNESCO, which promotes global peace through culture, education, and science, has been a contentious issue due to its perceived bias and the U.S. previously pulling out in 1983 under Ronald Reagan. Want More Context? 🔎
