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Google is pledging to help us get a better idea of our travel choices with estimated carbon emissions/impact of any journey planned using Google Flights.

Announced in a dedicated blog post, now, when you use Google Flights to check the prices or times of flights, underneath the price and journey timing data, a carbon emission estimate will also be given for each airline. Google hopes that this added information will help people make more informed decisions when making travel arrangements.

Beginning today, you’ll see a carbon emissions estimate for nearly every flight in the search
results — right next to the price and duration of the flight. So when you’re choosing among
flights of similar cost or timing, you can also factor carbon emissions into your decision.

Google also says that carbon emission estimates are not just based upon a particular flight. The data produced is able to distinguish between aircraft classification, age, and even seats such as whether you choose Economy or First Class. Larger seats take up more space and, therefore, have a larger carbon footprint associated due to the increase in space requirements over smaller, densely compact seating.

Any options with “significantly lower” carbon emissions will be given a green badge that you’ll spot when searching Google Flights. You can also sort by the carbon emissions to work out which is the greenest airline or flight available to you.

Enhanced carbon emission checks for Google Flights join existing features that allow for quick feedback on the sustainability practices of hotels. Using the hotel search tool, you can see if a hotel has made any “meaningful commitments to sustainability.”

You’ll also be able to see whether hotels have gained any eco-certifications from the likes of EarthCheck or Green Key and a further 27 certifications which you can find here. If so, hotels will gain a badge that will be visible next to the venue name within search results. Expanding out the “About” tab for specific hotels will also list any and all confirmed sustainable practices. This expanded panel will show information on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and any water conservation efforts/measures in place.

This enhanced data for hotels and carbon emissions within Google Flights comes after the Search giant joined the Travalyst coalition. By joining the coalition, Google hopes to provide an industry framework to more accurately calculate carbon impact of our global air travel, alongside similar modelling for hotels and venues.

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Jimmy Kimmel’s show back on Sinclair and Nexstar thanks to viewer feedback

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Jimmy Kimmel's show back on Sinclair and Nexstar thanks to viewer feedback

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show will return to ABC affiliates belonging to Sinclair and Nexstar after the two major network operators took his programme off-air over his comments in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Kimmel was accused of being “offensive and insensitive” after using his programme, Jimmy Kimmel Live, to accuse Donald Trump and his allies of capitalising on the killing.

Disney-owned ABC suspended the show last week following threats of potential repercussions from the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Communications Commission.

Sinclair, which controls 38 ABC affiliates from Seattle to Washington DC, called on Kimmel to apologise to Mr Kirk’s family over the comments and asked him to “make a meaningful personal donation” to Turning Point USA, the nonprofit that the conservative activist founded.

Actor Gregg Donovan holds a sign that says "Welcome Back Jimmy". Pic: AP
Image:
Actor Gregg Donovan holds a sign that says “Welcome Back Jimmy”. Pic: AP

On Tuesday, Disney announced the return of the programme after backlash to its suspension, but both Sinclair and Nexstar, which own more than 20% of ABC affiliates, initially said they would not resume airing the show.

Kimmel criticised the ABC affiliates who preempted his show during his TV return, saying: “That’s not legal. That’s not American. It’s un-American.”

Three days later, the two major network operators announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live would return to their TV stations after the week-long boycott.

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The move came after Sinclair received “thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders”.

In its statement, the company pointed to its “responsibility as local broadcasters to provide programming that serves the interests of our communities, while also honouring our obligations to air national network programming.”

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Protests held outside company buildings in support of Kimmel

Nexstar, which controls 28 ABC affiliates from Kansas to New Orleans, said in a similar statement that it was airing content that is “in the best interest of the communities we serve”.

Both companies said their decisions were not affected by influence from the Trump administration or anyone else.

The president had criticised the programme’s return on Tuesday, writing on Truth Social that he “can’t believe” ABC gave Kimmel his show back and hinted at further action.

“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE,” Mr Trump wrote.

“He is yet another arm of the DNC (Democratic National Committee) and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this.”

Donald Trump criticised the return of Kimmel's show. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Donald Trump criticised the return of Kimmel’s show. Pic: Reuters

During Kimmel’s first show since being taken off-air, the presenter said it was “never my intention to make light of” Mr Kirk’s death.

“I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” he said as he choked up.

“Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make”.

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Speaking on Tuesday night’s show, Kimmel said he understood why the remarks “felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both”.

New episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live air Monday to Thursday, and Friday night’s rerun will be of Tuesday’s show, meaning viewers of Sinclair stations will be able to watch Kimmel’s emotional return to the air.

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Prince of Wales says 2024 was ‘hardest year’ of his life

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Prince of Wales says 2024 was 'hardest year' of his life

The Prince of Wales has told Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy that 2024 was the “hardest year” of his life.

The future king told the Hollywood star about last year, which saw his wife, the Princess of Wales, and his father, the King, both undergoing treatment for cancer.

The pair were catching up over a pint in a pub as part of Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy, which will air next month.

The Prince of Wales and Eugene Levy in a pub in Windsor. Pic: PA
Image:
The Prince of Wales and Eugene Levy in a pub in Windsor. Pic: PA

In the episode Living The Royal Life In The UK, William tells Levy: “I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had.

“Life is said to test us as well and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”

Eugene Levy and the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. Pic: PA
Image:
Eugene Levy and the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. Pic: PA

The preview of the episode also saw Levy invited to “pop down” to Windsor Castle for a private tour by the prince.

Levy, 78, can be seen reading out an invitation saying: “I heard that your travels have brought you to the UK and I wondered if you might like to see Windsor Castle?

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“If you’re free at 10 tomorrow, why don’t you pop down to the Castle for a private tour.

“Would be great to see you!”

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Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

After touring the castle, Levy asks William what he does when he is at home, and the prince laughs and replies: “Sleep. When you have three small children, sleep is an important part of my life.”

New episodes of The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy will premiere weekly until the finale on 31 October 2025.

The special episode with William will air on 3 October.

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Wallace and Gromit creator talks clay and creativity – as he returns home to reopen museum

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Wallace and Gromit creator talks clay and creativity - as he returns home to reopen museum

It’s hard to believe it’s 35 years since a plasticine man in a sweater and slippers, along with his voiceless, but hugely expressive dog, burst on to our screens and won the hearts of millions with their mix of humour, charm and nostalgia.

Wallace and Gromit managed to be both familiar and fresh, and their modest creator Nick Park couldn’t have foreseen how their handmade adventures would change the world of animation and make Wensleydale cheese internationally famous.

But three decades on and Preston-born Park is beginning to realise that his flair for feel-good filmmaking has made him a very big deal.

Nick Park picking up the special recognition award for Wallace and Gromit at this year's National Television Awards. Pic: PA
Image:
Nick Park picking up the special recognition award for Wallace and Gromit at this year’s National Television Awards. Pic: PA

Oscar wins and box office hits aside, his latest accolade, in the Lancashire city where he was born and bred, clearly means a lot.

A new Wallace and Gromit exhibition is being showcased at the Harris Museum, which Park visited frequently growing up.

A life-size replica of Wallace and Gromit's living room
Image:
A life-size replica of Wallace and Gromit’s living room

The historic landmark looms large over the city centre and is filled with artefacts and treasures that inspired him as a boy.

He was drawn to the library and devoured books on his favourite subject, you guessed it, animation.

The museum has been closed for four years as part of a £19m revamp. And who better to re-open it this weekend than Park.

The exhibition features a raft of items
Image:
The exhibition features a raft of items

As we meet at the exhibition, he tells me he was a quiet child who loved drawing. Visits to the museum helped shape his creativity and storytelling.

He said: “I used to love spending a day around here looking at all the artefacts, the paintings. I used to come to the library here, there was no internet, and so I would look for books on animation.

“I would scour the library for anything I could get my hands on.”

We chat in a life-size replica of Wallace and Gromit’s living room. The wallpaper, standing lamp and armchair are so familiar.

Park says it’s like sitting in one of his own sets.

The living room was actually based on his grandma’s house, which he describes as a cosy 1960s home. And as he sits in the chair with his cup of tea, he jokes that he’s now turned into Wallace.

He said: “I feel like I’m made of clay, sitting on a replica set, it’s just incredible.”

The Wrong Trousers, released in 1993, took home the Oscar for best animated short film
Image:
The Wrong Trousers, released in 1993, took home the Oscar for best animated short film

But that’s the joy of his films – the personal touch. And whilst they’re unmistakably Northern, inspired by Park’s family and upbringing, they’re also universally relatable.

He said: “I used to draw from my own childhood a lot, and that’s what inspired me. Because it feels true to do that.

“So, I went to memories of my granny, the lamp stand that my granny had and other objects, toasters, clocks, you name it.”

The exhibition opens on Sunday and will run until January
Image:
The exhibition opens on Sunday and will run until January

Park is now arguably as famous as his much-loved characters. Something he seems to be finally getting used to.

He says he’s honoured and a little overwhelmed that his hometown holds him and his clay creations so close to his heart.

He said: “I was a shy teenager, and just talking about this hobby, I never imagined they would become household names.

“So, to have statues of my characters in the centre of town and now to be opening this newly refurbished exhibition and my own exhibition. To be here with my own characters, it’s just crazy.”

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I ask what this stop motion supremo makes of the use of AI and technology in film.

He said: “We need to hang onto our values, there’s something about handmade quality that gives everything charm and appeal.

“It would probably be wrong to completely ignore that.”

The exhibition is immersive and emotive. Being up close and personal with the models, drawings, and characters evokes the same feelings as the films do. Warmth, humour and nostalgia.

A journey through the formative years of a young filmmaker and the birth of one of cinema’s unlikeliest heroes.

Park is now inspiring the next generation of storytellers and filmmakers at the museum, which played such an important part in his own success story.

Wallace and Gromit in A Case at the Museum Exhibition opens on Sunday and runs until January.

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