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By Tim Reid PHOENIX Mark Clarcq is an independent voter in the presidential battleground state of Arizona. In

Signs are growing that Ukrainian forces have penetrated the first line of Russian defenses along part of the southern front lines in Zaporizhzhia region, and are expanding a wedge in the direction of the strategic town of Tokmak.

What is it that makes the Cotswolds quite so enchanting? Spanning five counties in the heart of England, the 800 square miles that make up this region of rolling hills and gentle valleys are heart-tugglingly lovely and have timeless appeal. But it’s the stone that makes the Cotswolds truly special; honey-coloured building material used for centuries in country mansions, taverns, churches, cottages, barns and more (some say the only thing you can’t do with Cotswold limestone is eat it, which might be a just a tad over the top). The sheep trade made the area rich back in the Middle Ages and, in due course, the region’s wealth was expressed in some of the country’s finest stone buildings. Gracious honey-stone manor houses liberally grace the landscape and, today, many of these are top-notch hotels that exude leisured wellbeing. Meanwhile, a number of old stone coaching inns have evolved into luxury boltholes glorying in a patina of history. Our selection of these havens ranges from landmark Lygon Arms in the north of the region to gorgeous, foodie Whatley Manor in the south east – they all encapsulate style and intrinsic elements of Cotswold beauty. The best boutique Cotswolds hotels 2023 are: Best hotel for romantics: Barnsley House Best hotel for walkers: Lygon Arms Best hotel for party spirit: No.131 The Promenade Best hotel for families: Calcot & Spa Best hotel for rural bliss: Buckland Manor Best hotel for foodies: Whatley Manor Best hotel for views: Foxhill Manor Best hotel for spa experiences: Thyme Best hotel for romantics: Barnsley House Location: Barnsley, Cirencester This mellow, 17th-century manor house is now an adults-only hotel. Complete with a spectacular garden, it is the ideal romantic retreat. There are quiet corners in which to hide away, both inside the property and in the wonderful grounds; there are old stone fireplaces to snuggle beside in winter and stylish terraces and outdoor recliners to enjoy in summer. The décor is immensely soothing and the facilities first class, from fine food to a flamboyant little cinema and a chic spa with views onto a meadow. The 18 gracious bedrooms include the sublime Secret Garden suite with a four-poster and a private courtyard. Best hotel for walkers: Lygon Arms Location: Broadway The Lygon Arms exudes a sense of history and luxury – it’s a landmark coaching inn complete with old stone fireplaces, ancient beams and stellar service. It sits centre-stage in beautiful Broadway, which makes an enchanting starting point for a number of glorious walks in the northern Cotswolds. Stroll out on a four-mile circular route to 18th-century Broadway Tower standing tall over the village, or meet more challenges on an 11-mile loop taking in handsome Chipping Campden and panoramic Dover’s Hill. Then enjoy afternoon tea or a well-earned cocktail in the picturesque courtyard terrace of the hotel. Best hotel for party spirit: No.131 The Promenade Location: Cheltenham Cheltenham’s most vibrant venue, No.131 is spread over three magnificent Regency mansions in the elegant centre of town. Inside, it offers a wonderful sense of flamboyance in its public areas, and cool stylishness in its 36 bedrooms. A maze of sassy bars extends over the lower ground floor and part of the terrace – at weekends, DJs add to the party mood here as crowds descend. On the ground floor there’s a kick-back marquee restaurant and a spectacular, gilded Japanese restaurant and red bar. Most of the bedrooms beyond offer the last word in opulence and glamour, some with gorgeous chinoiserie décor, some with appealing wood panelling, most with expansive bathrooms. Best hotel for families: Calcot & Spa Location: Calcot, Tetbury It would be a tall call to find a hotel more adept at delivering luxury and family-friendly services. Four miles west of Tetbury, this deeply relaxing country house venue is set in rolling 220-acre grounds. From the staff to the spa (the indoor pool is open to children at limited times) there’s a deep commitment to kick-back, upscale comfort. The 34 bedrooms range from cosy boltholes to sumptuous family suites. Facilities for children are superb – outdoors, there are play areas, tennis courts, bikes to borrow, a mini football field and more; indoors there’s a wonderfully devised, Ofsted-registered creche and a sophisticated zone for over-eights. The Brasserie serves modern British cuisine with aplomb. Offering light meals and aperitives, the soothing Hive is a chill-out lounge with books and board games. Book now Best hotel for rural bliss: Buckland Manor Location: Buckland, Broadway To reach this idyllic manor house hotel, you pass through serene landscape west of Broadway. Tucked into a valley beneath the spectacular Cotswold escarpment, the village of Buckland lies at the end of a country lane that goes no further – this is the ultimate peaceful destination. Located next to a 15th-century church, Buckland Manor is a historic property backed by 10 acres of beautifully kept gardens. Step through the front door, and you’re in a quintessential country retreat with flagstone floors, old stone fireplaces and oil paintings on the wall. The food is excellent; the outlook wonderful; and the 15 bedrooms full of old-school charm. Best hotel for foodies: Whatley Manor Location: Easton Grey, Malmesbury Built as a farmhouse in the 18th century, Whatley Manor has evolved into one of the Cotswolds’ top country house hotels, complete with fabulous facilities. The spa (with thermal cabins, hydrotherapy pool and more) is first class; the 26 formal gardens are dreamy; and there’s even a private cinema. But upstaging these is the Michelin-starred dining. Head chef Ricki Weston offers guests a gourmet journey that starts with wondrous nibbles in the kitchen (where you watch the chefs at work) and proceeds to the restaurant, where seven exquisite courses are served – dishes might include delicate lamb tartare and scallops with trout roe. Best hotel for views: Foxhill Manor Location: Broadway Glamorous and spectacularly luxurious, Foxhill Manor is a wonderfully secluded Arts and Crafts mansion in the rolling Farncombe Estate above Broadway. With just eight bedrooms (all fabulously stylish), immaculate concierge service and meals cooked to (your) order, it has raised the bar for boutique hotels. The setting is superb, too: from the sitting room, terraced garden and many of the bedrooms, there’s a jaw-dropping panoramic outlook over the beautiful Vale of Evesham. Book a stay in the Oak suite and you and your partner can take in this view from side-by-side, perfectly positioned slipper baths. Book now Best hotel for spa experiences: Thyme Location: Southrop, Lechlade In the picturesque village of Southrop, around 8 miles from Burford, this epicurean haven is spread over a cluster of honey-stone properties. It’s a sublime retreat for adults, comprising cottages, two ancient barns, the Swan pub, a 17th-century farmhouse and the village’s former (very handsome) rectory – all linked by paths through beautifully landscaped grounds. There are 31 gorgeous bedrooms and a spectacular restaurant, the Ox Barn, serving modern British dishes largely based on what’s growing in the veg garden. Perhaps best of all is the extensive spa with a natural spring water swimming pool, treatments based on sibling brand Bertioli and a separate, serene hideaway, the Botanical Bothy, offering herbal soaks and regenerative rituals. Read more of our UK hotel reviews: Best dog-friendly Cotswolds hotels Best boutique Cotswolds hotels The best cosy hotels in the UK Read more about England travel: The ultimate Lake District guide How to spend a day in King’s Cross The best things to do on the Isles of Scilly Read More Norfolk guide: Where to eat, drink and stay in a county of birds, boats and endless skies Best UK aparthotels 2023: Where to stay for gyms, waterfront views and home cooking Best Margate hotels 2023: Where to stay for luxury, romance and a good night out Best cheap hotels in Liverpool to see the city on a budget Beeswax and breakfast in bed: What’s abuzz at this London hotel’s rooftop hives Paris 2024 Summer Olympics: How to plan the perfect trip, from best hotels to how to get tickets

Within minutes of it being released, it appeared on his website along with a call for campaign donations.

Mike Dean has admitted he failed to correct a mistake in a Chelsea-Tottenham match last season to prevent his friend Anthony Taylor receiving extra “grief”. Former Premier League referee Dean was on VAR duty at Stamford Bridge in August 2022 when Chelsea wanted Spurs defender Cristian Romero sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella to the floor by his hair. Dean says he made a “really bad call” in not sending Taylor to review his decision. Harry Kane equalised for Spurs from the following stoppage-time corner and the game finished 2-2. Both managers – Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte – received red cards from Taylor following an angry exchange at the end of the match. “I missed the stupid hair pull at Chelsea versus Tottenham which was pathetic from my point of view,” Dean told Simon Jordan’s Up Front podcast. “It’s one of them where if I had my time again, what would I do? I’d send Anthony (Taylor) to the screen. “I think I knew if I did send him to the screen…he’s cautioned both managers. “I said to Anthony afterwards: ‘I just didn’t want to send you to the screen after what has gone on in the game’. “I didn’t want to send him up because he is a mate as well as a referee and I think I didn’t want to send him up because I didn’t want any more grief than he already had.” Wirral-born Dean started his career as a top-flight referee in 2000 and went on to take charge of 553 Premier League matches. Dean retired from refereeing at the end of the 2021-22 campaign and became a dedicated Premier League VAR last season. But he was stood down from VAR duty for two months after the Stamford Bridge incident and admitted the role was something he ended up “dreading”. Dean said: “That was a major error. If they don’t score from the corner it is not as big an issue. “But I knew full well then I would be stood down the week after. I asked to take a bit of time off because it wasn’t for me. “I used to get in the car on a Friday and was dreading Saturday. I was thinking, ‘I hope nothing happens’. I used to be petrified sitting in the (VAR) chair.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Arsenal and Tottenham eye Ivan Toney once betting ban ends On this day in 2019: Ben Stokes seals an Ashes win for the ages Rory McIlroy three behind lead despite muscle spasms leading into tournament

'Dune: Part Two' is delayed due to the writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood.

Claire Richards is “always talking” with her Steps bandmates about what to do next after the 1990s favourites enjoyed an incredible resurgence in 2017 as she steps out on her own to release her second studio album.

What the papers say Arsenal and Tottenham are both keen on signing England striker Ivan Toney in the winter transfer window, according to The Times. Brentford have placed an £80million price tag on the 27-year-old, whose eight-month ban for breaching gambling rules ends on January 16. Tottenham are also chasing Wales and Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, according to the Independent. Forest are reportedly seeking at least £40m for the 22-year-old, who has also been linked with Chelsea. Manchester City are continuing their pursuit of Wolves’ Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to the Telegraph. But the Independent says City are prepared to ditch a move for the 24-year-old if they feel it does not provide value for money, having already had an initial £47m bid rejected. Defender Jonny Evans, 35, is close to agreeing a one-year contract to return to Manchester United, reports the Telegraph. The move could cast more doubts over Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford. Social media round-up Players to watch Sofyan Amrabat: The Morocco midfielder, 27, has been left out of Fiorentina’s squad to face Rapid Vienna after interest from Manchester United and Liverpool. Eric Dier: Fulham are reportedly keen on the England defender, 29, after he was not included in Tottenham’s opening two Premier League squads.

Chelsea take on Luton hoping to bounce back from defeat to West Ham in their last Premier League game. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were unable to make their possession count at the London Stadium, with the 3-1 loss continuing a difficult start to the season that has also seen Reece James, newly installed as captain, lost to injury. Luton, meanwhile, enjoyed a weekend off, with their fixture against Burnley postponed while Kenilworth Road is brought up to Premier League standard. A fortnight between fixtures could be valuable to Rob Edwards and his team, who will arrive at Stamford Bridge hoping to cause an early shock in their first season in the English top flight for more than three decades. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fixture, and you can get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is Chelsea vs Luton? Chelsea vs Luton is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 25 August at Stamford Bridge in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the game via Sky Go. Team news Chelsea remain without captain Reece James, who is set to miss a few weeks of action with a hamstring injury. Christopher Nkunku is a longer term absentee after undergoing knee surgery, while Carney Chukwuemeka will also reportedly miss about six weeks of football after sustaining a knee injury against West Ham. Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Armando Broja are also sidelined. Ankle injuries continue to keep Jordan Clark and Dan Potts out of Luton’s squad, while Gabriel Osho and Reece Burke are also absent. Veteran goalkeeper Tim Krul could figure for the first time after completing his move from Norwich. Predicted line-ups Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher, Chilwell; Sterling, Jackson. Luton XI: Kaminski; Andersen, Lockyer, Bell; Kabore, Mpanzu, Nakamba, Chong, Giles; Morris, Adebayo. Odds Chelsea win 2/9 Draw 6/1 Luton win 14/1 Prediction Chelsea emerge relatively comfortable winners. Chelsea 3-1 Luton Read More Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink calls for patience at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino Would a transfer to Man United or Liverpool suit Ryan Gravenberch most? Workmanlike James Ward-Prowse was the summer’s safest – and shrewdest – bet Manchester City secure winger Jeremy Doku from Rennes on five-year deal Aymeric Laporte completes move from Manchester City to Saudi side Al-Nassr Manchester City ready to walk away as Wolves dig in over Matheus Nunes transfer fee

Germany’s economy exited recession by the slimmest margin in the second quarter but its sluggish performance continues to

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales is set to step down on Friday after heavy criticism of his behaviour at the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday, according to reports in Spain. Rubiales’ expected resignation will come one day after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old, who grabbed his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory over England, then kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy celebration. FIFA said in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon: “The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on August 20, 2023.” FIFA’s statement added: “The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. “The FIFA disciplinary committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter. “FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.” The sections of the disciplinary code referenced in the FIFA statement cover “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play”. The code cites examples of behaviour which could lead to disciplinary measures being taken, including “insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute”. Rubiales issued an apology via video on Monday for the Hermoso kiss, but Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez described the apology as “insufficient”. The Spanish FA has called an extraordinary general assembly on Friday in response to the matter, while confirming it has opened internal proceedings. Rubiales is a UEFA vice-president and a member of its ruling executive committee, and the PA news agency understands if the Spanish federation was to dismiss Rubiales it could ask UEFA for the right to nominate a replacement. If FIFA suspended him, Rubiales’ seat on the ExCo would remain vacant until the next UEFA Congress, when a replacement would be elected. The FIFA proceedings could also hamper Spain’s bid to co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup finals, which Rubiales is helping to lead. Spain is bidding alongside Portugal, Ukraine and Morocco for the centenary finals, with a decision on who will host due to be taken at an extraordinary FIFA Congress in the final quarter of next year. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Shock Daniel Dubois win is only chance of possible undisputed fight – David Haye Brave Matt Hudson-Smith struggles to hide frustration despite silver in Budapest Matt Hudson-Smith claims silver medal for Great Britain in Budapest

The college football rankings feature teams with highly inequal strength of schedule. Some Top 25 teams have a tougher road than others.