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No Writer
May 18
Aaron Rai becomes first English winner of PGA Championship in over a century

The Wolverhampton-born 31-year-old, who dreamed of being a Formula 1 driver until he turned to golf as a boy, was three shots behind and approaching the turn at Aronimink Golf Club when he delivered a stunning performance. Aaron Rai secures maiden major in PGA Championship thriller - follow live He made a 40-foot eagle putt at the par-5 ninth hole to cap an uneven first nine, then ‌pulled away with four birdies on the back and converted a remarkable 68 1/2-foot birdie at the par-3 17th to remove ​any doubt. His 5-under-par ​65 put him 9-under 271 and three strokes ahead of Jon Rahm of ‌Spain and Alex Smalley. After being presented with the Wanamaker Trophy and landing the $3.69m (£2.76m) prize, Rai described the moment as "very surreal". "It's been a bit of a frustrating season ​so to be standing here is definitely outside of my wildest imagination," he said. "I think it is really good consistency over the last few weeks with practice. My body feels great and I have really enjoyed the course this week. "It is phenomenal to be stood here." Commenting on Rai's victory, Sky Sports Golf's David Howell said: "Aaron turned up at this wonderful course, played to his strengths and kept it on the straight and narrow. "He ignored everyone else who was bombing it down there with driver. They did it with power and distance. He did it with accuracy. "He putted brilliantly and his iron play was superb. Basically faultless." Read more from Sky News:Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings diesNATO's biggest special forces exercise in Europe takes place as US reduces support for allies Rai, the world number 44, is the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919 and is the first player of Indian heritage to win a major. His triumph, which comes a ⁠month after Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy retained his Masters title, marks the ⁠first time in the era of the four current major championships that the season's first two majors have been won by Europeans.

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No Writer
May 15
Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial ends in mistrial after jury fails to reach verdict

A majority-male jury had been weighing whether Weinstein, now 74, raped former aspiring actor Jessica Mann, now aged 40, in 2013 in a New York hotel. But in a note to Judge Curtis Farber, the jury said it could not reach a unanimous decision. Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape in the third degree, and he has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. The mistrial comes nearly a year after a different New York jury failed to reach a verdict on a charge tied to Ms Mann's allegations, which she recounted across five days in court. Weinstein's lawyers ​have argued that Ms Mann made up the rape allegation after regretting that her consensual romance with Weinstein failed to advance her film career. While Weinstein remains behind bars, the mistrial leaves the New York rape charge in limbo after three trials. Read more from Sky News:New Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 65CIA chief visits Cuba Judge Farber said outside the presence of the jury that it was clear they were "hopelessly deadlocked" and that there was no reason to keep them any longer. He told lawyers for both sides to return for a hearing in June. It was not immediately clear whether prosecutors would seek ​to try the case for a fourth time. Weinstein appeared expressionless as court officers ushered him out in his wheelchair. In a statement, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said his office would "consider our next steps in consultation with Ms Mann". "Her perseverance and bravery are inspiring to the members of my office, and more importantly, to survivors everywhere," Mr Bragg said. At his ‌first ⁠trial in New York in 2020, Weinstein was convicted of raping Ms Mann and assaulting onetime production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006. But the state's highest court overturned the conviction and Weinstein's 23-year prison sentence after concluding he did not get a fair trial. A Manhattan jury then convicted Weinstein of sexually abusing Ms Haley at a trial in June 2025, but found him ​not guilty of assaulting former ​model Kaja Sokola. The same jury were ⁠deadlocked on the third-degree rape charge relating to Ms Mann, and Justice Curtis Farber declared a mistrial on that count. That paved the way for this year's retrial. Weinstein ​was convicted of rape in California in 2022 and is serving ​a 16-year prison sentence. He is appealing that conviction and sentence. The Miramax studio co-founder will face up to 25 years in prison when he is ​sentenced for abusing Ms Haley.

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No Writer
May 18
Burnham’s '55% chance' of losing Makerfield and throwing Labour into chaos

Andy Burnham says Britain needs a "circuit breaker for politics" as he plots his return to Westminster. But with Labour sources putting his chances of success in the Makerfield by-election at less than 50:50, will his plan to stand for PM unravel before it's begun? Sam and Anne unpack the political chaos consuming Labour, including the growing speculation about Sir Keir Starmer's exit timetable, and Wes Streeting reigniting the row over rejoining the EU. Will voters see Burnham as Labour's saviour or a man who pushes the party deeper into crisis? And does the reopening of the Brexit wars play into Reform UK's hands?

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No Writer
May 18
PGA Championship: England's Aaron Rai storms to maiden major with three-shot win over Jon Rahm at Aronimink Golf Club

Rai went into the final round two strokes back and was three behind with 10 holes to play, before a 40-foot eagle at the par-five ninth sparked a scoring burst that pushed him up a congested leaderboard. The world No 44 posted two birdies in a three-hole stretch from the 11th and added back-to-back gains from the 16th, including a sensational 70-foot putt at the par-three 17th, to grab control and a three-shot cushion. PGA Championship: Final round as it happenedFinal PGA Championship leaderboard [external]When are the majors? Key dates in 2026Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract A two-putt par at the last closed a final-round 65 and saw him end the week on nine under, with Rai ending a streak of 10 consecutive American winners at the PGA Championship and becoming the first English winner since Jim Barnes in 1919. Jon Rahm finished tied-second with overnight leader Alex Smalley as he chased the third leg of the career Grand Slam, while two-time PGA champion Justin Thomas shared fourth spot alongside Ludvig Aberg and Germany's Matti Schmid. Rory McIlroy's bid for back-to-back major titles ended five strokes back in tied-seventh with Xander Schauffele and Cameron Smith, while Kurt Kitayama jumped inside the top-10 with a round-of-the-day 63 and Scottie Scheffler ended his title defence on two under after a final-round 69. How Rai edged major thriller at Aronimink Some 30 players were within five of the lead heading into the final round, with Rahm making the first move after posting a birdie-birdie start to pull level with Smalley on six under. Rahm lost ground after bogeying the next, where Smalley held a 25-footer to scramble a par and remain ahead, only for a three-shot swing at the sixth seeing Smalley make double-bogey and Schmid to hole from 20 feet and card a third birdie in five holes. Rai - playing two groups behind the leaders - was one back after an opening-hole birdie but found himself two behind after bogeys at the sixth and eighth, before his long-range eagle at the ninth pulled him back tied-second and within one of Schmid. The German started his back nine with a bogey to hand the lead to Rai, who made a close-range birdie at the 11th and got up and down from the greenside bunker to pick up a shot at the drivable par-four 13th. Schmid birdied the same hole to halve Rai's advantage but fell three back when the Wolverhampton golfer took control of the tournament, two-putting from 20 feet to birdie the par-five 16th and holing his longest putt of the week at the next to leave victory all but confirmed. Rai then found the green in regulation at the par-four last and two-putted for a winning par, with his victory marking the first time in the modern era that the opening two men's majors of the year have been won by European players. "It [winning] is very surreal," Rai said. "It has been a bit of a frustrating season so to be stood here is definitely outside of my wildest imagination. I think it is really good consistency over the last few weeks with practice. My body feels great and I have really enjoyed the course this week." Rahm mixed four birdies with two bogey in a final-round 68 to end the week on six under, with Smalley finding an eagle-three at the 16th and cancelling out a bogey at the next with a 20-foot birdie at the last to also share second. Scheffler and McIlroy fall short at Aronimink McIlroy boosted his hopes of a third PGA Championship victory when he followed a 10-footer to save par at the first by birdieing the second, getting him within two, only to close out the rest of his front nine in pars. The world No 2 failed to capitalise on a 379-yard tee shot into the par-five ninth and saw his par streak ended with a bogey at the driveable 13th, where he hit a wayward three-wood into the rough and failed to find the green with his second. McIlroy kept his slim hopes alive by rolling in a 25-foot birdie at the next but was unable to take advantage of the 16th, leaving him level-par for the week on the par-fives, with a tied-seventh finish equalling his best finish at the PGA Championship since his 2014 victory. Scheffler went into the final day five back and outside the top-20 as he chased a fifth major in as many seasons, but the world No 1 - who can complete the career Grand Slam at the US Open next month - struggled on the greens throughout the week. "When I look back on a week like this, I feel I've had a really good year on the greens and to have a disappointing week on the greens at a major is a tough pill to swallow," Scheffler admitted to Sky Sports, having missed six putts from inside five feet during the week. What's next? The PGA Tour heads to Texas for The CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch, where Scheffler returns as defending champion. Early coverage begins on Thursday from 12.45pm on Sky Sports+ and 5pm on Sky Sports Golf. The DP World Tour is in Belgium for the Soudal Open, while the next men's major is the US Open at Shinnecock Hills from June 18-21, with both also live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.

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James Sillars, business and economics reporter
May 18
Ryanair warns flat fares may weigh on profits

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers said on Monday that economic uncertainty was likely to wipe out any growth in fares during its peak summer months. It had previously predicted low single-digit growth in fare costs but said in its annual results statement covering 2025-2026: "Pricing in recent weeks has eased somewhat in response to economic uncertainty caused by higher oil prices, the fear of fuel shortages and the risk of inflation adversely impacting consumer spending." Money latest: A tenant left me with £3,500 tax bill Ryanair, which has consistently reassured customers that it sees no disruption to schedules on the jet fuel issue, gave no guidance on profits for its current financial year. Pricing for the key July-to-September quarter had turned flat, the no-frills carrier said. "With zero H2 visibility and significant fuel price/potential supply volatility it is far too early to provide any meaningful FY27 profit guidance at this time," it stated. Ryanair, like rivals, has been grappling the fallout from the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz waterway by Iran during the conflict to date, which has disrupted usual flows of oil and refined products, including jet fuel. "The conflict in the Middle East has created economic uncertainty and we still don't know when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen," Ryanair's statement continued. "Despite this, Europe remains relatively well supplied with jet fuel, with significant volumes sourced from West Africa, the Americas and Norway. "Global jet fuel spot prices have, however, spiked to over $150bbl and are expected to remain elevated versus pre-conflict levels for some months. "Ryanair's conservative jet fuel hedging strategy (80% of FY27 jet fuel is hedged at approx. $67bbl - to April 2027) will insulate Group earnings in the current very volatile oil markets and widen the cost advantage over EU competitors for the remainder of FY27." Read more:BA-owner sees no threat from jet fuel squeeze Ryanair's results for the year to March 2026 showed a 40% lift in its key after-tax profit (PAT) measure. The sum of €2.26bn (£1.97bn) was slightly higher than analysts had predicted. Ryanair also disclosed that discussions with group boss Michael O'Leary (MOL) over a new employment contract, which would take his planned term to 2032, had "almost concluded". "Under the proposed new contract, MOL will have a purchase option over 10m shares struck at market price (before the recent Iran war related decline), but (similar to his 2019 grant) these options will only be exercisable if very ambitious PAT or share price growth targets are achieved, which will create substantial value for all shareholders. "A further update will be provided in due course," the statement added. Ryanair shares fell 4% at the market open. Conroy Gaynor, consumer analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, said of its update: "Ryanair's weaker fares commentary suggests net income consensus for the fiscal year ending March 2027 could fall by a double-digit percentage despite its 4Q26 beat and better fuel hedging than peers. "A later bookings curve since the Iran war appears to be adding to demand risk for the key summer period, while environmental costs and a spike in unhedged fuel price add further margin pressure."

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No Writer
May 15
Casting for new James Bond under way

Auditions have been taking place in the past few weeks, according to entertainment business outlet Variety, meaning fans' five-year wait for a new film could end soon. Amazon would not comment on whether auditions had started, and in a statement, said it does not "plan to comment on specific details during the casting process". The last James Bond film, No Time to Die, was released in 2021. The next film, the first since Amazon took creative control of the franchise, will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, whose credits include Dune, Blade Runner 2049 and Sicario. Amy Pascal and David Heyman will be producing via Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films, respectively, while the script is being written by Steven Knight. Amazon said the creative team behind the next film had been taking shape over the past several months. Speculation about who will star as the new 007 has been rife, with Variety reporting that famous casting director Nina Gold is leading the hunt. She has worked on Game of Thrones, The Crown, and five films in the Star Wars franchise. Read more from Sky News:Teenage e-bike rider jailed for killing great-grandmotherCIA chief visits Cuba amid US demands Who are the bookmakers' favourites? Callum Turner - The 36-year-old actor is the favourite for the role. He has previously starred in Fantastic Beasts, Masters of the Air and The Capture. He's also engaged to pop superstar Dua Lipa. Harris Dickinson - Recognised for his roles in Iron Claw, Triangle of Sadness and The King's Man, could this 29-year-old actor, writer and director be the next Bond? Aaron Taylor-Johnson - Originally soaring to fame in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, the 35-year-old has since starred in 28 Years Later, Kick-Ass and Bullet Train. Jacob Elordi - Shooting to global fame in Euphoria, the 28-year-old made headlines for his roles in Saltburn and the new Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein films. Henry Ashton - Known for his roles in My Lady Jane and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Ashton only pivoted to acting in his late 20s, making speculation around him all the more impressive. Theo James - A 41-year-old actor and producer, he is famous for his roles in The White Lotus, Allegiant and The Gentlemen. Amazon MGM Studios announced in February 2025 that it would develop the next chapter of the Bond franchise.

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No Writer
May 15
Why winning Makerfield by-election may not be so easy for Burnham

The constituency of Makerfield has been a Labour safe seat for generations, but in the May elections, Reform UK won nearly every seat that was up for grabs at the local council. So how much of a gamble is it for Andy Burnham to try to stage a Commons return here? In his favour is his personal popularity in Greater Manchester and the fact he grew up in the area. Against him is the momentum of Reform and the fact that Makerfield hasn't benefitted from some of Burnham's key policies as mayor of the city. To discuss his chances, Niall speaks to Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk

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No Writer
May 18
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo underline Man Utd firepower that gives Michael Carrick a platform to build on

Welcome to The Debrief, a Sky Sports column in which Adam Bate uses a blend of data and opinion to reflect on some of the key stories from the latest Premier League matches. This week: Man Utd forwards into double figuresSunderland's second-half sensationsBrighton's record missed chancesMan Utd's extra firepower delivers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both took their Premier League goal tallies for the season to 10 in Manchester United's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. The pair join another summer signing Benjamin Sesko in bringing up double figures for the campaign. The last time that United had three players hit that mark in a Premier League season was five years ago when they finished second under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. That was the season in which they scored the most goals since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Firepower makes a difference. It has secured third spot for United and delivered the return of Champions League football. Their defensive record has been similar to the previous year but it is this goal output that has propelled them 12 places up the table. After a Premier League low of 44 goals last term, United are up to 66 with a game to spare - a 50 per cent increase for the first time in a top-flight season since the Second World War. It has been achieved despite the new signings being only qualified successes. Cunha has delivered in the big games after niggling injuries hampered him in the first half of the season. Mbeumo started well but dipped a little after the Africa Cup of Nations. Sesko's haul is particularly impressive given that he has struggled for minutes. But United are the one team with three players into double figures. The three men have only started seven Premier League games together. But following Bruno Fernandes' move back to his natural No 10 position, there should be some optimism for the future because it is a forward line that can complement each other. Mbeumo and Sesko both rank among the top five in the Premier League for off-the-ball runs per 90 minutes. Cunha's best work is on the ball, attempting over 100 dribbles - something no United player did last season. He and Fernandes can make things happen. There will be work for Michael Carrick and United to do in the summer because the return of European football adds greater demands. The midfield must be rebuilt, the defence refreshed. But arguably the most difficult positions to address have been filled. Senne Lammens has been a revelation in goal and they boast the best playmaker in the Premier League in Fernandes. More will be expected of the front three second time around but what this season shows is that Manchester United have the firepower now. Live Premier League table | Watch FREE PL highlightsGot Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱No Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺Sunderland's second-half specialists Sunderland lacked a cutting edge during the first half of their game away to Everton on Sunday afternoon before turning things around emphatically after the interval to win 3-1 and put themselves in a strong position to secure European football next season. Perhaps Everton should have expected it. Despite it being a remarkable return to the Premier League for the Black Cats under Regis Le Bris, no team in the competition has scored fewer goals in the first 45 minutes of matches. They wait before opening up. Le Bris' substitutions were a triumph. The early introduction of Luke O'Nien could be included in that, the defender having arguably his best game at this level after coming on for the injured Omar Alderete, but it was the attacking changes that did for Everton. Chemsdine Talbi for Trai Hume was a positive switch on the hour. A triple substitution after that added impetus. Wilson Isidor, one of the trio to come on, scored the third. No team has won more games when trailing at the break now. Le Bris' adjustments worked. "During half-time we agreed it was important to take more risks, even if the game became a bit more unbalanced with transitions. It went well. It is really important to mention the subs, they gave extra energy, more pressing and a bit more composure." Having 'finishers' who are so engaged is a hallmark of a team that are together. And while there are two ways of looking at a statistic that shows Sunderland score a Premier League high 70 per cent of their goals in the second half, it is clearly working for them. Brighton make unwanted history The only team to pick up more points than Sunderland from losing positions at half-time this season are Brighton. Indeed, Fabian Hurzeler's side rank third in the second-half Premier League table. But they were sucker-punched in a stoppage-time loss at Leeds. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's 96th-minute winner was the home side's first shot on target at Elland Road. Brighton had 19 attempts, their expected goals total of 2.76 being the highest by an away side without scoring in any Premier League match this season. In fact, you need to go back to a goalless draw for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park over four years ago to find an example of an away team having better chances to score without doing so than Brighton did in this game. "We did not finish efficiently," said Hurzeler. "It is all about creating chances and that is what we did, especially in the second half. We have to stay very rational. When you see it from a rational point we should have won the game." Even so, this could cost them. Victory would have put the Seagulls in good shape to secure at least sixth spot - and possible Champions League football. Any slip against Manchester United now could see them miss out on European qualification altogether. And left to rue missed chances.

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