simon travel reporter

Simon Calder

This is the official site of travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder

Welcome to my site

Twenty-first-century travellers are privileged to be able to see much of the world in greater safety and at a lower cost than any previous generation. The travel industry provides more choice and better value than ever – though sometimes things go wrong, and I do what I can to keep firms in line. In the UK, we are in the lucky position of enjoying the most competitive travel industry in the world. Most of the time, it works remarkably well and delivers formidable value. But with intense rivalry can come the pressure to cut corners or to treat customers with disrespect. So, whether it’s pretending flights are available for £10 when the actual price is nearer £100, or the dismal treatment of passengers when trains are disrupted, I try to challenge the travel industry when necessary – and to give praise where it’s due.

The best way to travel is … cheaply. Partly this means you can travel more, and partly it means you’re not isolated from the host community and can get closer to the soul of a place. The thickness of the mattress tends to be in inverse proportion to the proximity of the people. I have the strap-line “The man who pays his way” because I don’t accept free transport or accommodation from the travel trade. As a result of this policy, I tend to meet a lot of very interesting folk. The people with the best stories to tell live life in the cheap seats.

Photos from a recent trip to Algeria

Watch Simon's travel videos

• Important Dates

• Food & Drink

Simon Calder: A Life of Adventure and Discovery

Simon Calder, the man with an ever-present passport, has become synonymous with the world of travel. His tales of adventure, exploration, and the occasional travel mishap have captivated audiences for years. But who is Simon Calder, and what drives his insatiable wanderlust?

From Humble Beginnings

Born in Crawley and starting his journey as a cleaner for British Airways at Gatwick Airport, who would’ve thought that this simple beginning would lead to a lifetime of adventures? It’s like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, isn’t it? Simon’s early exposure to the world of aviation ignited a passion that has never dimmed.

The World Through Simon’s Eyes

From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the tranquil beaches of Bali, Simon has taken us on countless journeys. His charismatic presence and inquisitive nature have not only made him the go-to expert when travel plans go awry but also a trusted guide for those seeking hidden treasures and unforgettable experiences.

The Power of Human Connection

For Simon, travel isn’t just about the places; it’s about the people. Whether it’s locals sharing their homes and stories or making lifelong friends on the road, it’s these human connections that make each journey truly special. Have you ever met someone on a trip and felt an instant bond? That’s the magic Simon talks about.

Unforgettable Moments

With eyes lighting up, Simon recalls some of his most cherished memories: witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu, swimming with dolphins in the Maldives, and exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Each experience, a testament to the wonders our world holds.

The Transformative Power of Travel

Beyond the sights and sounds, travel has the profound ability to change us. It challenges our perceptions, ignites our curiosity, and fosters a deep appreciation for our world. As Simon puts it, it’s about “embracing new perspectives and becoming more empathetic global citizens.”

Simon’s Advice to Aspiring Travellers

“Don’t wait for the perfect moment; seize every opportunity to explore and discover.” Simon’s words resonate with many. Life is short, and the world is vast. Why not dive in and experience it?

Finding Beauty Close to Home

But travel isn’t just about jet-setting to exotic locations. There’s beauty right in our backyard. Be it a local park, a nearby beach, or a hidden café down the street, adventures await at every corner.

The Legacy of Simon Calder

With his genuine warmth and passion for discovery, Simon Calder has inspired countless individuals to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world. His stories remind us of the joys of travel and the bonds forged through shared experiences.

The Joy of Shared Exploration

Travel is as much about the shared experiences as it is about personal discovery. Simon’s tales of camaraderie on the road remind us that sometimes, it’s the people we meet along the way that make the journey worthwhile.

The Future of Travel with Simon

As we look ahead, one thing is certain: Simon Calder’s adventures are far from over. With his ever-present passion and curiosity, we can only imagine the places he’ll take us next.

Simon Calder’s life and career stand as a testament to the transformative power of travel. His stories, filled with adventure, discovery, and human connection, inspire us all to see the world with fresh eyes. So, where will your next adventure take you?

• Simon began his journey in the travel world as a cleaner for British Airways at Gatwick Airport. His passion for exploration grew from there.
• Some highlights include watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu, swimming with dolphins in the Maldives, and exploring the temples of Angkor Wat.
• For Simon, it’s the human connections made on the road that truly make each journey unforgettable.
• Simon encourages everyone to seize every opportunity to explore, whether it’s a far-off destination or a local gem.
• With his genuine warmth, passion for discovery, and commitment to sharing the world’s wonders, Simon has become a beacon of inspiration for travellers everywhere.

Related Posts

Florence Pugh Unveils Hollywood’s Hidden Realities

Discover Emily Blunt’s Career Secrets

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Great Gardening Gifts

Explore an array of alternative great gardening gifts for galvanised gardeners, whether beginners or experts. If you’re on the hunt...

Children’s Screen Time: Expert Strategies for Healthy Digital Habits

If you’re concerned about the impact of your children's screen time, the following advice for mindful digital use will help...

Writing by Hand vs. Computer: Unveiling the Superior Learning Method

The way we learn is evolving, yet research continues to highlight the benefits of writing by hand note-taking over digital...

From her breakthrough role in The Falling to her recent ventures in Dune: Part Two and Oppenheimer, Florence Pugh's ascent...

© 2023 Read This Magazine

Navigate Site

• Business Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Add New Playlist

- Select Visibility - Public Private

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Restaurants

Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• Society & Culture

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

Andrew garfield, claire foy to star in film adaptation of enid blyton’s ‘the magic faraway tree’.

The project has 'Wonka' and 'Paddington 2' star Simon Farnaby on board as its screenwriter.

By Lily Ford

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Email
• Show additional share options
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Pinit
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Print
• Share this article on Comment

Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy will lead the film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s children’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree .

The story from the author, based on her The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran — a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside.

Related Stories

Itv first-quarter ad revenue rises, studios unit posts 16 percent drop on hollywood strikes impact, ncuti gatwa's "punky" red carpet look nods to doctor who "stepping into the modern era".

Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group, and Ashland Hill Media Finance will produce, with principal photography to begin in June 2024 and additional casting currently underway.

Screenwriter Simon Farnaby, British star of Wonka and Paddington 2, said: “To have two actors of the quality of Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy is a dream for any screenwriter.”

“I have long admired their warmth, wit and lightness of touch. Plus they have the power to imbue their characters’ complexities that I don’t have the power to write…I mean, even Enid Blyton might be impressed we got Spider-Man and the Queen….”

Director Ben Gregor ( Britannia , Cuckoo , Black Ops , Fatherhood ) added: “Andrew and Claire are exquisite performers and I feel so spoiled to have them for this film. They are the cornerstones of our big-hearted world and the perfect people to bring our lovely script to life.”

Palisades Park Pictures is handling worldwide sales, with CAA Media Finance co-repping U.S. rights. It will be shopped around at the Cannes film market this month.

The film is produced by Academy Award-nominee Pippa Harris ( Empire of Light , 1917 , Call the Midwife ) and Nicolas Brown ( Britannia , Informer , Penny Dreadful ) of Neal Street Productions, along with Danny Perkins ( Greatest Days ) of Elysian Film Group and Jane Hooks ( Golda , Living ).

Executive Producers include Ashland Hill Media Finance’s Simon Williams, Joe Simpson and Jonathan Bross, and Palisades Park Pictures’ Tamara Birkemoe.

The film has been in development for several years, with Perkins, Harris and Brown working on the film when the former was running StudioCanal U.K.

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

‘fantastic four’ casts john malkovich, john leguizamo says he turned down ‘mr. and mrs. smith’ because he “felt dissed”, a fan already made warners’ new ‘lord of the rings’ movie ‘the hunt for gollum’, ‘kingdom of the planet of the apes’ director wes ball on the franchise’s future and what he’s directing next, ‘pam & tommy’ stars sebastian stan, lily james reteam for ‘let the evil go west’ horror thriller, nicholas galitzine on feeling “perhaps guilt” over playing queer roles as a straight man.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Who is Simon Calder? Travel expert in profile

Article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Travel is rarely out of the headlines at the moment, as newspapers try to disentangle how, when, why and where we might be able to go on a summer holiday.

And one person who is never far from explaining those headlines is Simon Calder , travel journalist and broadcaster. During the past year (and beyond), he has attempted to clarify the knottiest issues surrounding travel for consumers, via the travel pages of this newspaper and on TV screens.

But who is the “man who pays his way”?

Who is Simon Calder?

Simon Calder is The Independent ’s travel correspondent, having joined the newspaper in 1994. During his tenure at The Independent , he has witnessed momentous changes in the travel landscape, from the boom in budget airlines to aviation security concerns in the wake of 9/11.

Read more: 

• Travel industry fury at ‘coordinated campaign’ to undermine holidays
• How the ‘traffic light travel’ system could work 
• Summer holidays would bring ‘real risk’ of Covid variants, says scientist 
• When can we travel again? Key lockdown easing dates

Over the past 27 years, he has reported on stories as varied as the launch of easyJet, the introduction of Air Passenger Duty and more recently, the Boeing 737 Max tragedies.

He also launched The Independent ’s popular “48 hours in” series, which – despite a pandemic pause – has been hugely successful and covered destinations as far-flung as Budapest, Baku and Bermuda.

He styles himself as “the man who pays his way”, and won’t accept travel freebies.

What does he do?

Calder covers news for The Independent ’s travel pages on a daily basis, whether that’s scrutinising government reports about Brexit regulations, reporting on what an airline CEO has said or explaining what the latest lockdown restrictions mean for travellers.

He also answers readers’ travel questions for The Independent ’s Daily Edition app and authors two popular columns a week: The Man Who Pays His Way, which explores a newsworthy travel issue in more detail; and Plane Talk, which takes a closer look at an aviation story.

Every Friday morning, the Simon Calder travel week newsletter goes out – you can sign up here.

What are his favourite journeys?

• Across southern Africa from Victoria Falls to the “skeleton coast” of Namibia.
• The Pan-American Highway through Central America.
• Hitchhiking in Bavaria and getting a lift on the outside of a Mercedes-Benz.
• The Trans-Siberian railway across Russia.
• Exploring Istanbul for the first 48 Hours feature.
• Ascending Aconcagua , “the roof of the western world” in the Andes.
• Travelling the Silk Road from Tashkent to Khiva in Uzbekistan .
• Walking through Bruce Chatwin’s corner of Wales ,
• Exploring Baja California in western Mexico.
• To Westminster Abbey in central London for an AstraZeneca coronavirus jab.

How can I get in touch with him?

The best way to contact Calder is via Twitter , where he also shares the latest travel news and advice.

At 12noon on a Saturday and Sunday, he hosts a Facebook Live for The Independent .

At 3.30pm on a Saturday and Sunday, he conducts an Instagram Live .

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

US soldier detained in Russia after he’s reportedly accused of stealing

A US soldier was arrested and is being held in Russia, American officials confirmed Monday.

The unnamed soldier traveled to Russia on his own account, not official business, and had been stationed in South Korea, according to NBC News, which first reported on the detention.

The unidentified soldier has reportedly been accused of stealing from a woman.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed the Biden administration had been made aware of the report, but declined to comment further.

“I can’t really say much about this right now,” Kirby told reporters during the regular White House briefing, referring additional questions to the Department of Defense.

The DOD referred The Post to the Army, which did not immediately respond to inquiries.

American service members are required to notify their chain of command before leaving their duty station. To legally enter Russia, a US adversary, the soldier would have had to ask the Pentagon’s permission.

The State Department has warned US citizens in Russia to “depart immediately” and has a level four “do not travel” risk advisory in place amid the Kremlin’s two-year-old war on Ukraine and increased aggression towards Americans in the country.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained by Russian authorities in March of 2023 on espionage charges, and is currently being held.

Former Marine Paul Whelan was arrested Dec. 28, 2018, and charged with espionage while in Moscow for the wedding of a friend. He was sentenced in June 2020 to 16 years in prison.

Women’s basketball star Britney Griner was released from a Russian prison in December 2022 in exchange for the US setting free arms trader Viktor Bout, the so-called “Merchant of Death,” from federal prison.

Griner had been arrested the previous February on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport.

Additional reporting by Caitlin Doornbos .

827 episodes

Simon Calder is the Independent’s travel correspondent, the UK’s leading travel journalist. From news updates to discussions with experts, Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast will bring you all you need to know from the world of travel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast The Independent

• Society & Culture

May 9th - Laying the track for Summer 2024

We're now at the end of the latest round of rail strikes by the train drivers’ union, Aslef, and so it's a good moment to look forward with some anticipation to the new rail options when the summer timetables come into effect on 2nd June. This podcast is free, as is the travel newsletter from The Independent. Sign up for it here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 8th - What's going on with the UK's eGates system

Tens of thousands of airline passengers arriving at airports across the UK faced waits of several hours last night after another collapse of the eGates system that automatically check passports. The IT failure took over four hours to fix, during which time large queues built up. This podcast is free, as is the travel newsletter from The Independent. Sign up for it here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 7th - Strike updates from Waterloo station

Once again I am at London Waterloo station reporting on another strike by members of the Aslef union. But as a third summer of strikes by train drivers belonging to Aslef begins, a glimmer of hope for an end to the conflict. Negotiations with rail firms could shortly resume after a year. Union boss Mick Whelan tells me a ‘relatively’ clean pay deal could end the dispute. This podcast is free, as is the travel newsletter from The Independent. Sign up for it here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6th - Britain's last embrace of Europe?

Thirty years ago Queen Elizabeth II and French president Francois Mitterand officially opened the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone in Kent and Calais in northern France. So how much has the link transformed travel – and what does the future hold? Unfortunately, it’s been a tale of broken promises so far in terms of direct services between the UK and Continental Europe. The only prospect of improvement: cutting costs and opening up to new budget operators. This podcast is free, as is The Independent's weekly travel newsletter. Sign up for all our newsletters here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 3rd - The Ghost of the Orient Express

I'm on the route of the (actually scheduled) Orient Express, 15 years after that legendary train last left Vienna to cross Germany into France overnight. My transport is an Austrian Railways Nightjet, destination Amsterdam and Hamburg. And I'm rather impressed ... This podcast is free, as is the travel newsletter from The Independent. Sign up for it here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 2nd - Lounging about with Rob Burgess

I'm still in Newcastle Airport admiring the recently opened three-tier lounge experience. It's a great place to catch up with Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent-flyer website, Head For Points. I picked his brains about what makes a good airport lounge experience, who's doing it right, wrong and what the modern lounge traveller is really looking for. This podcast is free, as is the travel newsletter from The Independent. Sign up for it here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• © The Independent

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

You might also like.

Russia extends arrest of U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has already spent nearly a year in jail

A Moscow court on Tuesday ordered Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to remain in jail on espionage charges until at least late June, court officials said.

The 32-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested in late March 2023 while on a reporting trip and has spent nearly a year behind bars. His arrest was extended until June 30.

Photos from the courtroom released by court officials showed Gershkovich, clad in a black checkered shirt, smiling from the glass defendant’s box.

Gershkovich and his employer have denied the allegations, and the U.S. government has declared him to be wrongfully detained.

His arrest in the city of Yekaterinburg rattled journalists in Russia, where authorities have not detailed what, if any, evidence they have to support the espionage charges.

Gershkovich is being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, which is notorious for its harsh conditions.U.S. ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy attended the court hearing on Tuesday and reiterated that “the accusations against Evan are categorically untrue.”

“They are not a different interpretation of circumstances. They are fiction,” Tracy told reporters outside of the courthouse. “No justification for Evan’s continued detention, and no explanation as to why Evan doing his job as a journalist constituted a crime. Evan’s case is not about evidence, due process or rule of law. It is about using American citizens as pawns to achieve political ends.”

Analysts have pointed out that Moscow may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips in soaring U.S.-Russian tensions over the Kremlin’s military operation in Ukraine. At least two U.S. citizens arrested in Russia in recent years — including WNBA star Brittney Griner — have been exchanged for Russians jailed in the U.S.

Gershkovich is the first American reporter to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since September 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB. Daniloff was released without charge 20 days later in a swap for an employee of the Soviet Union’s U.N. mission who was arrested by the FBI, also on spying charges.

The Associated Press

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Biden to travel to North Carolina to meet with families of officers killed in deadly shooting

Police in North Carolina say a shootout that killed four law enforcement officers and wounded four others began as officers approached a home to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm.

Four officers trying to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and four other officers were wounded in a shootout in North Carolina. (April 30)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings wipes away tears as he speaks at a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 30, 2024, regarding the shooting that killed four officers during an attempt to serve a warrant on April 29. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

• Copy Link copied

Debris surrounds a home, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, where a shootout between a suspect and officers occurred on Monday, in Charlotte, N.C. Police say a shootout that killed four law enforcement officers and wounded four others began as officers approached the home to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Debris covers the lawn of a home from Monday’s standoff with police in Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Police in North Carolina say a shootout that killed four law enforcement officers and wounded four others began as officers approached the home to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings pauses at a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 30, 2024, regarding the shooting of four officers during an attempt to serve a warrant on April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings listens to a question during a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 30, 2024, regarding a shooting that killed four officers during an attempt to serve a warrant on April 29. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings leaves a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 30, 2024, regarding a shooting that killed four officers during an attempt to serve a warrant on April 29. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Rev. Raymond Johnson, of Marion, S.C., arranges flowers on the lawn of the home on Galway Drive in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 30, 2024 where a shootout between a suspect and officers occurred during an attempt to serve a warrant on April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden is expected to travel to North Carolina on Thursday to meet with the family members of four officers killed earlier this week in the deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement since 2016.

The president is scheduled to visit Wilmington across the state that day and is planning to add a stop in Charlotte to meet with local officials and the families of officers shot Monday while serving a warrant, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The four officers were killed when a task force made up of officers from different agencies arrived in the residential neighborhood in the city of 900,000 to try to capture 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. on warrants for possession of a firearm by an ex-felon and fleeing to elude in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Hughes was also killed.

Four other officers were wounded in the shootout, and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a 40-caliber handgun and ammunition were found at the scene. Those killed were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer; and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks.

After the attack, Biden expressed his condolences and support for the community, calling the slain officers “heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm’s way to protect us.”

“We must do more to protect our law enforcement officers. That means funding them – so they have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep us safe. And it means taking additional action to combat the scourge of gun violence. Now,” Biden said in a statement, calling on leaders in Congress to pass a ban on assault weapons, among other gun control measures.

Outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s North Tryon Division on Wednesday, Eyer’s patrol car was draped with an American flag and covered with flower bouquets from community members who stopped to pay their respects.

The department called the vehicle a “solemn tribute” and “visible reminder of Officer Eyer’s sacrifice and service,” in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Eyer’s memorial service is scheduled for Friday at a Charlotte Baptist church.

Also on Wednesday, a local police chief said that an officer from his force who was shot Monday underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. David W. Onley, the police chief of Statesville in the Charlotte metropolitan area, expressed condolences Wednesday and “unwavering solidarity with our law enforcement brethren during this difficult time,” according to a statement released by his office.

One of the four officers injured in the attack was Cpl. Casey Hoover of the Statesville Police Department, who served on the task force. He was shot in his upper torso — an area unprotected by his bulletproof vest.

Hoover was taken by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to a Charlotte hospital, where he underwent surgery. Onley said the officer, who has worked for the Statesville police for eight years, is now stable and is expected to make a full recovery and “exemplifies the bravery and resilience of our law enforcement community.”

Law enforcement officers were still investigating Wednesday, attempting to determine a precise timeline of events and whether Hughes acted alone or with a second shooter.

Hughes’ criminal record in North Carolina goes back more than a decade. It includes prison time and convictions for breaking and entering, reckless driving, eluding arrest and illegally possessing a gun as a former felon, according to state records.

The attack was the deadliest day for U.S. law enforcement in one incident since five officers were killed by a sniper during a protest in Dallas in 2016.

___ Miller reported from Washington.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

'Everything Hinges on Kate Middleton's Well-Being' for Prince William as He Carries Family's Pain (Exclusive)

The Prince and Princess of Wales' family-first mantra is more important than ever

With Kate Middleton  and King Charles both undergoing cancer treatment ,  Prince William must balance family matters with an elevated leadership role within the monarchy.

"Whether you're a prince or a pauper, no one would expect anything like this with his father and his wife both being treated for cancer," a royal insider tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week's cover story. "William is digging deep."

The Prince of Wales, 41, has resumed public duties after taking time off to spend time with his wife and their three children —  Prince George , 10,  Princess Charlotte , 9, and  Prince Louis , 6 — immediately following the news of her cancer diagnosis , publicly announced on March 22. However, his primary focus remains steadfastly on supporting Princess Kate, 42.

"For William, everything hinges on Kate's well-being," says royal biographer Ingrid Seward, author of My Mother and I .

Chris Jackson/Getty

Throughout their 13-year marriage , the Prince and Princess of Wales have prioritized private time with George, Charlotte and Louis, routinely clearing their public schedules during school breaks and taking part in school drop-offs and pick-ups rather than always leaving the task to a nanny. Now, their family-first manta is more important than ever.

"William is prioritizing giving her all the time she needs to get better and the support, particularly to the children," says a close source. 

Adds longtime royal biographer Robert Lacey, "From what we know of their personal lives, for William and Kate, spending time with their children is the most precious and enjoyable thing they can do."

It was just one year ago at King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation on May 6, 2023, that Prince William, as heir to the throne, knelt before his father and recited a vow known as the Homage of Royal Blood. However, he likely had no idea how soon he would need to step into his royal destiny and become the face of the royal family amid King Charles and Kate's cancer news.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?  Sign up for our free Royals newsletter  to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Despite the shock, the Prince of Wales has continued to bring cheer to his royal engagements — like telling one of Princess Charlotte's favorite jokes during his April 25 school visit focused on mental health initiatives — and reassure the public. When asked by a well-wisher about Princess Kate and the children following his  visit to the charity James’ Place Newcastle  on April 30, he said, "We're all doing well, thank you."

"The double illness has placed enormous pressure on William, both as a parent and inheritor of the family business," says Lacey. “It has brought all kinds of challenges. He [has handled] it with calmness and lack of drama.”

Related Articles

TV series based on Shohei Ohtani interpreter gambling scandal in the works at Lionsgate

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Lionsgate Television is developing a scripted series based on the real-life gambling scandal involving Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter.

The show will follow Ohtani’s story — his meteoric rise in the MLB, his 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers and then the devastating news that his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, had allegedly stolen $17 million from him to pay off gambling debts.

The Dodgers fired Mizuhara after learning of the allegations. Mizuhara, 39, has agreed to plead guilty to one count each of bank fraud and signing a false tax return. He faces up to 33 years in prison for the two crimes.

Company Town

Is Shohei Ohtani too big to fail?

Shohei Ohtani’s name and image has been a powerful marketing force. Will the controversy around his ex-interpreter affect his brand potential going forward?

March 27, 2024

The series will be produced by Tony Award winner Scott Delman, known for “The Book of Mormon” and “Raisin in the Sun,” and sports journalist Albert Chen, Santa Monica-based Lionsgate said Thursday.

“This is Major League Baseball’s biggest sports gambling scandal since Pete Rose — and at its center is its biggest star, one that MLB has hitched its wagon on,” Chen said in a statement. “We’ll get to the heart of the story — a story of trust, betrayal and the trappings of wealth and fame.”

The Ohtani series is just the latest in a long list of TV shows and movies that have been ripped from the headlines. The 2018 rescue of a soccer team from a cave in Thailand was the subject of two movies, a Netflix series and documentary and a National Geographic documentary. Last year’s “Dumb Money” was based on the real-life Gamestop stock saga, one of several Hollywood projects that were launched to capitalize on the meme stock sensation.

More to Read

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter agrees to plead guilty to stealing $17 million

May 8, 2024

Shohei Ohtani ‘grateful’ for investigation into ex-interpreter: ‘I’d like to focus on baseball’

April 12, 2024

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara makes first court appearance in L.A.

Inside the business of entertainment

The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Samantha Masunaga is a business reporter for the Los Angeles Times. She’s worked at the paper since 2014.

More From the Los Angeles Times

LAist staffers offered buyouts ahead of possible layoffs at public radio station

World & Nation

Harvey Weinstein is back at New York’s Rikers Island jail after hospital stay

May 9, 2024

No NBA deal yet for Warner Bros. Discovery, but David Zaslav is ‘hopeful’

Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery join together for new streaming bundle