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No Writer
Jul 5
St Petersburg oil terminal hit as Ukraine targets Russia in major drone attack

The attack is the latest in a line of long-range bombardments of Russia's oil infrastructure by Kyiv, raising the political pressure on the Kremlin as its invasion of Ukraine stretches into its fifth year. Governor Alexander Beglov said the city's Kirovsky district on the Baltic Sea was hit. He also said that air defences shot down 72 Ukrainian drones across the city and the surrounding region. He said there were no casualties. Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the surrounding Leningrad region, said a drone had struck the area of Vysotsk port, about 170 km (105 miles) northwest of St Petersburg on the Baltic ​Sea. The port handles oil, grain, coal, and liquefied natural gas. Drozdenko said 72 ⁠drones had been shot down over the region, and ⁠there was minor damage in several settlements. He gave no information on the impact on Vysotsk port. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as part of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" against Russia. He said that Ukrainian forces also hit a military target on the island of Kronstadt, just off the coast of St Petersburg. President Zelenskyy wrote in a post on Telegram: "The Ukrainian defence forces hit the port oil infrastructure, which earns money for the Russian war, and there were also hits on Kronstadt - an important military target." There was no Russian confirmation of ‌a strike on Kronstadt, a major naval base near St Petersburg that Ukraine also targeted in an earlier attack in June. St Petersburg's Kirovsky district was also previously hit in June, on the first day of Russia's flagship St Petersburg International Economic Forum. The border city of Belgorod, which Ukrainian drone strikes have also repeatedly targeted, was left almost completely without power on Saturday due to overnight attacks, local media reported. In Ukraine's southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia, eight people were wounded, including two children, after a Russian strike hit residential buildings, local authorities said on Saturday. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure this year, inflicting major damage on refineries and causing gasoline shortages across the country's 11 time zones. Vladimir Putin has described the attacks on Russian energy as an effort by Ukraine to distract attention from its losses on the battlefield, but analysts say the advance of Russian forces has been hindered in recent months. On Saturday, Mr Putin signed a law amending ‌tax code to support the fuel market, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Meanwhile, Donald Trump spoke with President Putin and offered to help find a solution to the Ukraine war, a Kremlin aide has said. Yuri ​Ushakov said Mr Trump made the offer during a phone call in the context of his participation ​next week at a NATO summit in Turkey. "The American president once again confirmed his readiness to work towards a rapid end to the fighting ​and find solutions to overcome the crisis," Mr Ushakov said of Mr Trump's call with the Russian president. President Zelenskyy ‌said he also spoke to the US president on Saturday.

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No Writer
Jul 5
A 'pinch me moment': Details emerge from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's New York wedding

Two guests who attended the ceremony told NBC News several major stars were in attendance, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lopez, Stevie Nicks, and Paul McCartney. The pop superstar and American football player tied the knot at a ceremony held under a shroud of secrecy. The couple, both 36, first started dating in 2023 after the Kansas City Chiefs player attended her Eras Tour concert at the Kansas City stadium. The guests who attended the ceremony, who arrived in a black car concealed by a tent, said they walked through a tunnel featuring photos of Swift and Kelce from when they were babies, through childhood and up to their wedding. They then arrived in the couple's "secret garden", where they saw major A-list celebrities and could not believe how many major stars were in attendance. They described Swift's Christian Dior dress as stunning and said Kelce was also dressed in white. As it happened: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot The couple wrote their own vows, which the two guests said were heartfelt and beautiful. They said Swift sang a little bit while saying her vows, with actor Adam Sandler acting as officiator. "You would think the bride would be the one crying more, but it was actually Travis that was more emotional," one guest said. The reception that followed included performances by McCartney and Nicks. Swift herself did not perform, but the guests said during the rehearsal dinner the night before both Swift and Kelce performed their favourite rock and roll song together. Read more from Sky News:Major Ukrainian drone attack strikes St Petersburg oil terminalFresh health warning as new heatwave on the way The guests said the food served at the wedding came from Swift and Kelce's favourite restaurants around New York City One of the dishes was cacio e pepe, prepared in front of the guests in a cheese wheel. The guests said they were drinking Ace of Spades champagne, which is co-owned by Jay-Z, who was also in attendance. They said there was also a games room where guests could earn tickets to put in a raffle for items including Chanel handbags, Dior purses and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle that Swift and Kelce used for their first date. The guests said the entire wedding was a "pinch me moment" and they could not believe they were really there. They described it as the ceremony of the century. No official photos from the event have been made public, nor have either Swift or Kelce publicly commented on the wedding.

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No Writer
Jul 4
Next plots takeover bid for Harvey Nichols | Mark Kleinman blog

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No Writer
Jul 4
England spoil Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut as Jacob Bethell fires hosts to four-wicket win over India in second T20I

Sooryavanshi became India's youngest-ever player - surpassing the great Sachin Tendulkar, who was 16 when making his Test debut in 1989 - and promptly hit two huge sixes in a 10-ball cameo before being stumped by Jos Buttler for 14. Chasing 191, England's pursuit got off to a horror start when Phil Salt and Buttler both departed for ducks in Arshdeep Singh's opening over, but Harry Brook proceeded to smash 26 from five balls off his next to swiftly have the home side back on track. Scorecard: England vs India, second T20I, Old TraffordGot Sky? Watch England vs India live on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract Brook (39 off 15 balls) did not hang around much longer, but Bethell, after first putting on 67 with Tom Banton (39 off 32), blasted England to victory - with Ravi Bishnoi's 17th over that cost 29 the turning point. It means England take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after the opening match in Durham on Wednesday was abandoned due to rain. Sooryavanshi shows glimpse of his talents on historic debut India opted to make a change to their XI as they searched for a spark following their shock series defeat to Ireland that preceded the wash out in the North East, with Sooryavanshi handed his much-anticipated debut in place of Sanju Samson. Samson had smashed 89 off 42 balls in knocking England out of the T20 World Cup semi-finals in March, but he was the unfortunate party to make way for the teenage batting phenom who took the 2026 IPL by storm, smashing a tournament-leading 776 runs at a staggering 237.30 strike-rate. The fans in attendance at Old Trafford were treated only to a glimpse of his talent, as he hit his first maximum in international cricket off his Rajasthan Royals team-mate Jofra Archer, back in the England side after being rested in Durham. Josh Tongue was similarly spared from the series opener, but made his T20I debut here and was also given the treatment by Sooryavanshi for his second six, powerfully pulled over deep midwicket. It prompted England to introduce spin early and it had the desired effect as Will Jacks (1-22) and Buttler combined to have Sooryavanshi stumped in the fifth over. India did not take a backwards step despite the blow, with Ishan Kishan (49 off 40), Abhishek Sharma (43 off 24) and captain Shreyas Iyer (37 off 22) all enjoying themselves on a belting batting surface. Sam Curran (3-33) accounted for two of them - Abhishek and Kishan both holing out in the deep - and added Shivam Dube (5) cheaply to help swing the momentum back England's way. Curran came close to adding a fourth when Archer appeared to have taken a terrific diving catch to dismiss Tilak Varma at deep midwicket, only for an umpire's review to deem the effort to have been grounded. It proved a costly call for England, as did a wide given against Tongue that forced him to bowl an extra delivery in the penultimate over of the innings. Harshit Rana (6) smacked that one for six, before Tilak (24 off 11) then scored 16 off the first three balls of Archer's last to lift India up to 190-7. Bethell and Brook wrestle match England's way after woeful start England posted their record T20 total of 304 on the same ground against South Africa less than a year ago, with Salt smashing an unbeaten 141 from 60 balls and Buttler chipping in with 83 off 30. It could not have been in starker contrast to England's start to their run chase, with both dismissed within five balls of Arshdeep's opening over. Salt was gone for a golden duck, flashing a thick edge behind, while Buttler perished to a sharp Varun Chakravarthy catch at midwicket. But from being 1-2 at the end of the first over, England were suddenly 38-2 after three as Brook launched a blistering assault on Arshdeep's second, scoring 4-4-6-6-6 off the final five balls. Brook feathered a glove down leg off Axar Patel (1-20), detected by DRS, to see him depart in the fifth over, but Bethell and Banton kept things ticking over with a vital fifty partnership for the fourth wicket. England had another wobble when Banton and Jacks (9) departed in quick succession, and 58 runs were still required off 28 balls with the fall of the latter. But little more than an over later the game was all but won as Bishnoi endured a nightmare 17th, bowling his second and third back-foot no-balls of the day, with both subsequent free-hits struck for six by Bethell as he hit three in the over. Curran (7) fell just short of the victory target, allowing Archer to come in and crack the winning runs to see England into a series lead. Athers: Bethell showed his class to steal the show Sky Sports Cricket's Michael Atherton: "Lots of talk coming into this about the young Indian left-hander [Sooryavanshi]. "But at the end, it's a young English left-hander Jacob Bethell - who played so well in that World Cup semi-final, but couldn't get them home - who has got England home today. "It was a case of two big overs, really: the one that went for 27 from Arshdeep Singh in the powerplay and that 17th over [from Bishnoi]. "You cannot offer players two free hits at that stage in the innings, but Bethell took full advantage of it. "He showed his class and his composure today - an excellent young player." Shreyas: Pleasing to to see Sooryavanshi step up to occasion India captain Shreyas Iyer: "I feel [Sooryavanshi] has that unflinching attitude where he's fearless. The way he approaches his game, it's sensational to watch. "The way he bats in the nets, I think we can learn from him. "I wasn't expecting him to be nervous, because he's played sensational cricket for the last couple of months and years. "We all know what he's got to offer as an individual. "I definitely back him, and the way he stepped up to this occasion was pleasing to the eye." England's vs India - white-ball series' fixtures/resultsFirst T20 (Durham) - Match abandoned - No resultSecond T20 (Manchester) - England won by four wicketsThird T20 (Tuesday July 7) - Trent Bridge, Nottingham (5.30pm)Fourth T20 (Thursday July 9) - Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (5.30pm)Fifth T20 (Saturday July 11) - Utilita Bowl, Southampton (2.30pm)First ODI (Tuesday July 14) - Edgbaston, Birmingham (11am)Second ODI (Thursday July 16) - Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (1pm)Third ODI (Sunday July 19) - Lord's, London (11am) Watch the third T20 international between England and India on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 5pm (first ball 5.30pm). Not got Sky? Stream cricket and more with NOW.

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No Writer
Jul 5
A 'pinch me moment': Details emerge from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's New York wedding

Two guests who attended the ceremony told NBC News several major stars were in attendance, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lopez, Stevie Nicks, and Paul McCartney. The pop superstar and American football player tied the knot at a ceremony held under a shroud of secrecy. The couple, both 36, first started dating in 2023 after the Kansas City Chiefs player attended her Eras Tour concert at the Kansas City stadium. The guests who attended the ceremony, who arrived in a black car concealed by a tent, said they walked through a tunnel featuring photos of Swift and Kelce from when they were babies, through childhood and up to their wedding. They then arrived in the couple's "secret garden", where they saw major A-list celebrities and could not believe how many major stars were in attendance. They described Swift's Christian Dior dress as stunning and said Kelce was also dressed in white. As it happened: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot The couple wrote their own vows, which the two guests said were heartfelt and beautiful. They said Swift sang a little bit while saying her vows, with actor Adam Sandler acting as officiator. "You would think the bride would be the one crying more, but it was actually Travis that was more emotional," one guest said. The reception that followed included performances by McCartney and Nicks. Swift herself did not perform, but the guests said during the rehearsal dinner the night before both Swift and Kelce performed their favourite rock and roll song together. Read more from Sky News:Major Ukrainian drone attack strikes St Petersburg oil terminalFresh health warning as new heatwave on the way The guests said the food served at the wedding came from Swift and Kelce's favourite restaurants around New York City One of the dishes was cacio e pepe, prepared in front of the guests in a cheese wheel. The guests said they were drinking Ace of Spades champagne, which is co-owned by Jay-Z, who was also in attendance. They said there was also a games room where guests could earn tickets to put in a raffle for items including Chanel handbags, Dior purses and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle that Swift and Kelce used for their first date. The guests said the entire wedding was a "pinch me moment" and they could not believe they were really there. They described it as the ceremony of the century. No official photos from the event have been made public, nor have either Swift or Kelce publicly commented on the wedding.

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Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter
Jul 2
Harry Potter fans warned to stay off tracks at Glenfinnan Viaduct as 'Hogwarts Express' returns to service

West Coast Railways' Jacobite train service runs through the Highlands from Fort William to Mallaig and passes over the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct - on the West Highland Line - had a starring role in a number of the boy wizard movies based on JK Rowling's books, and attracts thousands of excited Potterheads from around the world hoping to catch a glimpse of the "Hogwarts Express". According to the National Trust for Scotland, Glenfinnan welcomes 600,000 visitors annually. As the Jacobite's latest season gets under way, Network Rail Scotland is urging visitors to put safety first. Neil Cook, route crime manager, said: "The Jacobite steam train's journey over Glenfinnan Viaduct is a magical sight but it's not worth risking your life for. "Too often, we receive reports of dangerous behaviour, with people climbing fences, standing on the railway, or walking along the track to try to get closer. "Trains can come from either direction, are quieter than people expect, and can't stop quickly. "The Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail offers dedicated viewing spots and most importantly, keep people a safe distance from the railway. "We insist everyone visiting uses those areas and helps keep themselves and others out of harm's way." Read more from Sky News:Queen meets JK RowlingWonka star's voice recreated by AI Trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence and applies to the tracks, the viaduct and surrounding railway land. Anyone caught can be removed, issued a fine and prosecuted in court. Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan, from British Transport Police, said: "Stepping on the tracks is never worth the risk - it's illegal and puts lives in immediate danger. "Every trespass incident not only risks serious injury or worse but also causes major disruption for passengers and freight across the network. "We work closely with our partners at Network Rail to detect and deter trespass, as well as taking enforcement action for anyone who disregards the rules and places themselves or others in danger. "Please follow the advice - stay off the tracks, follow the guidance, and enjoy the view safely."

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No Writer
Jul 3
Number of women in Burnham's cabinet 'a central issue' for female Labour MPs, says Harriet Harman

Speaking on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Harriet Harman said that although Mr Burnham has "got a strong team of women around him and he's got a good record in Manchester of always including women and not having a boys' club", the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) "are not prepared to take it on trust any more". Politics Hub: Follow the latest Baroness Harman added that the number of women in Mr Burnham's cabinet is going to be a "central issue because the women are going to make it so". Mr Burnham is currently the only declared candidate in the upcoming Labour leadership contest, with no other candidate expected to run against him. He will likely become prime minister on 20 July if he remains the only candidate. Baroness Harman said there would be "no more playing nice by the women in the Parliamentary Labour Party", following accusations of a boys' club and misogyny in Downing Street under Sir Keir Starmer. "They really want to see their place on equal terms now," she added. Put to her by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby that, as deputy Labour leader under Gordon Brown she was denied the post of deputy prime minister, alongside reports that Mr Burnham could appoint both Miliband brothers to senior roles in his cabinet, Baroness Harman said there is "scar tissue here". The Women's PLP has drafted a letter to Mr Burnham demanding he ensures at least 50% of ministerial jobs, and jobs in Number 10, go to women, our political reporter Faye Brown has reported. Mr Burnham attended a meeting of the Women's PLP on Tuesday, with multiple sources present telling Sky News that he was receptive to the jobs idea. 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 'Regretful' the next leader likely be another man Baroness Harman added that while there has "been a very big welcome for Andy Burnham", female Labour MPs were also "regretful that once again, the Labour Party has got their next male leader". Labour have never had a female leader, although they have had two female acting leaders, including Baroness Harman. The party has had four female deputy leaders, including the incumbent, Lucy Powell. Some female Labour MPs have told Sky News that the demands made of Mr Burnham over jobs will make it more likely that a woman succeeds him when the time comes. "There are many talented women in the PLP. The chances of them succeeding [Burnham] are more likely if you've held high office," one MP said.

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No Writer
Jul 4
British GP Sprint: Kimi Antonelli beats Lewis Hamilton to victory at Silverstone to extend world championship lead

Ferrari's Hamilton held off Antonelli at the start but succumbed to near constant pressure from the Mercedes driver on the eighth circuit of the 17-lap contest, before the Italian teenager pulled clear to claim the first Sprint win of his Formula 1 career. Antonelli's championship lead over his Mercedes team-mate George Russell grows to 43 points, with the latter unable to get past McLaren's Lando Norris for third in the closing stages. British GP: Schedule and how to watch for free on SkyF1 2026 standings | F1 2026 Calendar | F1 Gossip ColumnDownload the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Antonelli said: "The momentum is there. We are doing a great job together with the team but we cannot let our guard lower. "Lewis and Ferrari are doing an incredible job. Red Bull and McLaren are coming and George is super quick. We just need to keep raising that bar and keep delivering performances." Antonelli eventually finished 2.7 seconds clear of Hamilton, and the pair were in a league of their own, with a further seven-second gap back to Norris in third. Norris came out on top of a thrilling five-car battle for third, with Russell finishing ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Red Bull's Max Verstappen and the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri, amid regular changes of position during the first half of the race. Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson held off Red Bull's Isack Hadjar to take the final point in eighth as he escaped with a warning following a post-race investigation into a questionable defensive move in the closing stages. Antonelli reasserts himself in title battle While the limited points available in the Sprint mean Antonelli's win only increases his championship lead by three points, the 19-year-old's performance was something of a statement. His lead has shrunk at the last two rounds after a technical failure in Barcelona was followed by a third place in Austria, despite the fact he appeared to have the best race pace of any driver on the grid at each event. Antonelli may have been concerned of a repeat of his shaky start in Austria last weekend when a charging Norris momentarily took second from him on the opening lap, but he calmly reclaimed the position immediately before setting about chasing down Hamilton. The seven-time world champion used all of his experience to keep Antonelli at bay for a while, but came unstuck as he used up a big chunk of his electronic energy to defend early on lap eight, leaving him vulnerable down the Hanger Straight moments later. "It was a very fun first 10 laps with Lewis, we were both pushing very hard," Antonelli said. "When I got into Overtake [Mode], I knew my chance was coming. Out of Turn Four I was very close, so I went alongside into Brooklands but he used the boost, so I decided to wait. Going into Stowe I used everything I had, then I was able to overtake. "From that point on I tried to get into my rhythm and try to break the Overtake Mode [which you get when you are within one second of the driver in front] then bring it home." Hamilton was unable to apply any serious pressure after that, with Antonelli gradually pulling clear on his way to the chequered flag. Antonelli ultimately cruising to victory while Russell battled in a secondary race behind leaves the Brit needing to respond in qualifying later on Saturday to avoid losing the momentum he built by winning in Austria. Hamilton, who moves within four points of Russell in the drivers' standings, appears to be Mercedes' most likely challenger, with the nine-time British Grand Prix winner continuing to appear in complete control of his Ferrari. Hamilton said: "(It was a) tough race to keep the Mercedes behind. I did say that was potentially the case yesterday and obviously with it being so windy today, a big, big headwind down the back straight, he came flying past. "I was pushing as hard as I could, I gave it absolutely everything. But well done to Kimi and we've got work to do to try and close that gap so we can keep up." Sky Sports F1's British GP schedule Saturday July 41.40pm: F2 Sprint*2.50pm: British GP Qualifying build-up*4pm: BRITISH GP QUALIFYING*6pm: F1 Academy Race 16.45pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook Sunday July 58.20am: F3 Feature Race*9.55am: F1 Academy Race 2*11.10am: F2 Feature Race*12.55pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up*3pm: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX*5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction6pm: Ted's Notebook *also on Sky Sports Main Event Formula 1 is in Silverstone for a Sprint weekend at the British Grand Prix - live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One - with Sunday's race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime

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