It is not yet “Mutiny on the ”, but the crew aboard the USS and their families back home are making it clear to Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, and other Pentagon officials that one of America’s most iconic warfighting vessels is plagued with a potentially deadly morale problem.
Back in April, barely a month into Donald Trump’s war with Iran, sailors serving on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier started grousing on social media about dwindling food supplies. Images sent to spouses and parents were leaked to the media and appeared to support claims that the ship’s supplies were coming under growing pressure.
Some “meals” consisted of little more than a handful of boiled carrots and two dried-out slices of unidentifiable meat. Sailors aboard the nearby USS were also lodging similar complaints.
The rare temperature barrier that could be broken on Thursday
Parts of the UK could see an unprecedented sixth heatwave this week, as the Met Office says the country is on course for its hottest summer on record.
What you need to know
36°C is forecast in some areas on Thursday – but the crucial barrier of 37°C could be broken again.
Breached again?
It would be the ninth time we’ve seen temperatures over 37°C, said the Met Office.
Exceptional temp
Three of those times have come this year, said meteorologist Alex Burkhill, calling 37°C “exceptionally high”.
Record-breaking summer
Provisional Met Office statistics show that the UK’s mean temperature for this summer so far is 16.48°C. This is 1.88°C higher than the 1991 – 2020 average. A record of 16.1°C was set only last year.
The Norfolk village of Lingwood recorded 37.7°C on 26 June, making it the hottest June temperature ever recorded in the UK.
Stark warning for future
Experts have warned that the heatwaves – bringing on drought, wildfires and heat-related deaths – should push the Government into improving climate change resilience.
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Heat Risk Commission, said heatwaves are “public health risks, driving up household bills, disrupting schools, farms and transport”.
3 min read
Why EVs are about to become more expensive
Consumers could see an end to the big discounts on electric vehicles (EVs) as Labour looks to water down its net-zero targets, car industry experts have warned.
What you need to know
The Government is looking to water down the legal targets under the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Under current laws, 80 per cent of new cars sold in the UK must be electric by 2030.
Watering down?
Ministers are set to launch a consultation on loosening the target to 50 to 70 per cent.
Why EVs could get more expensive
End of discounts?
- Watering down targets is likely to reduce “particularly aggressive EV discounts”, warned auto experts.
- But they said ongoing market competition would ensure customers still get good deals.
- The National Franchised Dealers Association said it could create a “healthier market” in the long term.
Are ZEV mandate fears overblown?
EV advocates say carmakers’ concerns are overblown. Tanya Sinclair of Electric Vehicles UK said watering down targets could create an “uncertain market” which could deter consumers. The Department for Transport said it is still “committed” to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars, but said it would “review the mandate to support British industry”.
3 min read
GO DEEPER ON THIS TOPIC
Why EVs face price hike
Labour ministers are preparing to water down net-zero, ZEV mandate targets. It comes after intense lobbying from car manufacturers who argue the mandate is proving too difficult to meet.
Saturday Night Live UK season 2 return date revealed
The British version of the US live comedy sketch show is returning in autumn after a successful first season, Sky has revealed.
What you need to know
Return date
Sky has revealed the first episode of season 2 will be broadcast on Saturday, 12 September.
More in 2027
There will be six brand-new episodes, with additional shows also planned for early 2027.
The UK incarnation of the US show received good reviews when it launched in March.
UK cast members return
All 11 members of the inaugural cast are returning this season. They are: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young. creator Lorne Michaels previously said he was “incredibly proud” of the British team.
5 min read
How to get tickets
Fans will also be able to apply to be part of the live studio audience, with a ticket ballot going live from 10am on Friday 14 August.
The show will once again welcome a different celebrity host and musical guest for every episode. The first series featured veteran Tina Fey, star Riz Ahmed, comedian Jack Whitehall and ’s Hannah Waddingham.
UK NEWS
Mourners gather for Ann Widdecombe’s funeral
Family, friends and colleagues are gathering in Devon today to say goodbye to former Tory minister and Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe.
What you need to know
Requiem mass
Widdecombe’s funeral service with a requiem mass is taking place at Buckfast Abbey in Devon.
Public memorial
The former MP, who died at 78, was a worshipper in the Abbey Church. A public memorial will be held later this year.
Death in July
She died in July after she was repeatedly hit over the head with a hammer at her home. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder.
A woman of profound faith which found expression in politics.
The former MP was unafraid to express her “unwavering convictions formed through her Roman Catholic faith”, read a statement from the abbey ahead of the funeral.
She was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987. At the time of her death, she was a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She appeared on and .
Police probe arson at Farage home
Police continue to investigate whether the man charged with Widdecombe’s murder could be linked to an alleged firebomb attack at Nigel Farage’s home. Earlier this week, the Reform leader claimed the incident was “directly linked” to her death, and also alleged that counter-terrorism police had “made some mistakes”.
2 min read
Why you should ‘use less electricity’ during the solar eclipse
The UK’s biggest household energy supplier has asked customers to use less electricity during Wednesday’s solar eclipse.
Octopus Energy warned that solar power will “plummet” during the big event.
What you need to know
Solar eclipse on the way
More than 90 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on Wednesday.
Protect your eyes
It’s the most the sun has been blocked above UK skies since 1999’s total eclipse.
Use less electricity
“Switch off, head outside and be in nature”, said Octopus Energy, explaining it would take the strain off the grid.
Free hour of power
- Octopus customers who use less electricity than normal for at least 30 minutes during the eclipse will get a free hour of power on Sunday.
- The eclipse falls at a “very busy time” for consumption as people make dinner, boil the kettle and watch TV.
- The UK has to “fire up extra fossil-fuel-run power stations” at busy times, which is expensive, said Octopus.
3 min read
Summer boost for solar
While the moon blocks the sun, solar generation will plummety.
Octopus said solar power generation will fall just as home energy demand spikes during the eclipse. But the renewable source has enjoyed a great summer. Last month, the UK saw the sunniest July on record.
It helped solar power to a new monthly record, providing 14.4 per cent of all electricity over the month – and a peak of 44 per cent of generation for a period on 12 July.
The Office star Lucy Davis reveals ‘incurable’ cancer diagnosis
star Lucy Davis has revealed that she has been diagnosed with “incurable” stage four breast cancer.
The 53-year-old actress is best known for playing Dawn Tinsley in the BBC sitcom.
What you need to know
- Davis said in a post that cancer has “metastasised” to her bones, and it is “too late” for chemotherapy.
- She asked her friends and family to poke fun “as much as possible” and not treat her like a “sick person”.
- Davis said she will continue working for animal rights and keep working as an actress, calling it one of the “biggest joys” of her life.
5 min read
Why Davis’s story will resonate
Commenting on Davis’s post, US star Jenna Fischer said: “Beautiful post. Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer!”
Fischer revealed in 2024 that she had been diagnosed with stage one triple-positive breast cancer, but was now “cancer-free”.
Breast Cancer Now said Davis’s story will “resonate with thousands”. The charity said it was a “powerful reminder” that more needs to be done to tackle metastatic breast cancer.
Davis played receptionist Dawn in . Her character’s slow-burn romance with Tim, played by Martin Freeman, was one of the most notable storylines in the series. Davis is also known for playing Hayley Jordan on BBC Radio 4’s and appeared in the 2004 comedy with Simon Pegg.
6 min read
Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
How to age well
without pain
Will Harlow, a physiotherapist
for the over-50s and author of Independence for Life, shares
the key signs you’re ageing
badly – and what to do about it.
How to know
Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want you want for as long as you want without needing help. Everyone is talking about longevity but what’s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you’re [totally] reliant on people?”
The signs to look out for
- The most obvious early warning sign of bad ageing is pain says Harlow.
- Another is losing confidence in doing daily tasks, which can quickly lead to a lack of independence.
- One call Harlow often receives is people calling after having a fall and struggling to get up.
4 min read
How to age without pain
Not just stopping
When people retire, they often put their feet up and stop. Your body really is use it or lose it.
Throughout our entire lives, Harlow says we need between seven and nine hours of sleep.
Social isolation
The lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death by
as much as 29 per cent.
Strength training
It really is the proxy for
overall independence.
The more muscle mass you have, the less chance of heart disease, diabetes, falls and even anxiety, depression and dementia.
The brain can be linked to muscle mass too, Harlow says. It’s not just about being able to lift things. It gives you more energy, better sleep and you’ll look and feel better.
How to age without pain
Daily habits
Do short bursts of exercise, between 30 and 60 seconds, in otherwise dead time during the day.
Stretch in bed
Take joints through a full range of motion for five minutes to loosen it before getting up.
Don’t crash diet
How to age without pain
Harlow advises 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to stop muscle loss alongside resistance training.
Don’t wait
Harlow finds that many patients put off making a change to their lifestyle until their lives are consumed by pain.
For most people, it’s about reducing the number of times per week you’re exercising, not reducing intensity.
The three ageing tests to do
- Lie completely flat on the floor and get back up to a standing position using any technique. This should take less than 10 seconds.
See how many times you can sit on the chair and stand back up again in 30 seconds. Men should be aiming for more than 14 times and women 12.
The single-leg stand, which involves standing on one leg and balancing for 10 seconds. Everyone should be able to do that and for those under 65, Harlow asks them to do it with their eyes closed.
At the time, Hegseth denied any problems existed, claiming that the vessels had more than 30 days of food supplies for their crews. “Our sailors deserve and receive the best,” he said.
But four months later, the crisis has intensified. This week, sailors’ families confronted top Pentagon officials at what military newspaper The Stars and Stripes described as “intense town hall meetings” held in San Diego, where the is based.
Families reportedly warned acting secretary of the navy, Hung Cao, that they were increasingly fearful of suicides among the men and women serving aboard the carrier, which has been at sea for more than 250 consecutive days, more than 40 of them engaged in combat with Iran.
Last month, the set a new record, having spent longer continuously at sea without a port call than any US aircraft carrier in history.
Families say the mental health of sailors is now at immediate risk. They reported at least one incident in which a crew member was prevented by his colleagues from jumping overboard.
The 5,000 men and women aboard the carrier say food and basic hygiene supplies are running low, physical and mental exhaustion is setting in, and letters and care packages sent from home have failed to reach the ship for months.
“Our mental health and physical health is in danger. We need help,” one sailor wrote, in a message his family shared with The Stars and Stripes.
Deployed aircraft carriers normally make a port call at least once every 45 days. Without an opportunity to disembark and enjoy time onshore, the crew is said to be becoming increasingly despondent, not least because Trump’s war with Iran shows no sign of concluding.
It is an irony of the conflict that US troops across the Middle East have been unable to receive any letters or parcels sent to them.
The US postal service suspended delivery of any item mailed to military postcodes in the Middle East on 3 March, 72 hours after the conflict began. The restrictions remain in place “until further notice”, with air force and naval commanders saying that the ongoing hostilities have made regional airspace and shipping corridors too unsafe for deliveries to resume.
reported that multiple efforts have been made by sailors to jump overboard from the . One sailor’s wife claims her husband was placed on “medical hold” after attempting to jump. “He’s scared. He thinks he’ll get a dishonorable discharge… just because he was burnt out, his 13-year career is ruined,” Annabelle Loma told the newspaper.
Faced with incontrovertible evidence of the growing morale crisis, Pentagon chiefs are now at least acknowledging the issue.
“We hear you loud and clear,” Vice Admiral Joseph Cahill, the commander of US Naval Surface Forces, told families. He said the Trump administration understands “the impact this has on families, on service members and the long-term ability of us to… sustain our forces’ health”.
Cao reportedly said that the USS will soon deploy to the Middle East, to replace the . It is currently docked in San Diego, a minimum of 18 sailing days away.
But with Trump’s war showing no signs of concluding, and his quest for an off-ramp increasingly futile, the plight is puncturing the President’s efforts to depict the US military as near invincible.
The navy now says it is assessing the troops’ psychological readiness, and claims sailors on board have access to counselors, chaplains, medical staff and other support services.
However, sailors and their families are increasingly despondent, and the navy will not provide reporters with details of how many have attempted to jump overboard.
Manuel Guevara told that his son, serving on the , sounded exhausted, depressed and worried about basic issues like food, laundry facilities and living conditions.
Guevara described the experience as “an unbearable burden on my heart”.