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No Writer
Sep 2
Mark Carney tells Trump: Stop doing memes and throwing shade

That was the message from Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney to Donald Trump on Tuesday, pushing back against the latest wave of attacks from Washington. Since a trade war between the two powers reignited last month, following the breakdown of negotiations, the US president and several of his top team have repeatedly taunted their northern neighbour. Mr Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, a move since adopted by the American tech giants Apple and Google on their maps services; Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth mocked the Canadian military on social media; and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Canada could not go "tit for tat" with an economy 13 times its size. Mr Carney has taken a no-nonsense approach to Mr Trump's hostile rhetoric about Canada, most notably his repeated suggestions that it should become the 51st state. Asked on Tuesday whether he would be prepared to resume trade talks with Washington, Mr Carney responded: "When the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade and stop trying to be tough, and start being serious about having those discussions, we can have those discussions. "It's not constructive, but that's their democracy." What's the state of play with tariffs? The Trump administration has implemented tariff increases on Canadian goods, including alcohol, wood products and clothes, with further hikes on steel, cars, and car parts to be introduced in January. The Canadian government's counter-tariffs will come into force on 8 September. They include duties of 15%, 25%, and 50% across 700 products, including steel and appliances. Everyday items like seafood, cheese, clothing, cosmetics and toilet paper will also be impacted. Read more from Sky News:Putin on whether Russia will hit UKBank VP stabbed to death in Times Square Mr Carney said the US approach to the trade talks would have left Canadian industries effectively as subsidiaries of American companies or imposed terms under which they would be "gradually wound down [...] and wiped out". He also accused the Trump administration of seeking limits on trade deals Canada could do with other countries. The PM's stance has appeared to go down well with voters. His Liberal Party won three by-elections on Monday, bolstering their numbers in the House of Commons.

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No Writer
Aug 31
Dolly Parton laid to rest in private family funeral

The country music star was reportedly buried alongside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park And Mausoleum in Tennessee. The Jolene and 9 To 5 singer died aged 80 last week following a "brief battle with cancer". In a post about the funeral on Instagram Parton's great-niece, Lainey Parton, said: "This is a really hard post for me to make. I wanted to wait until after my granny was laid to rest yesterday before I tried to put any of this into words. "From the time I was little, my granny always had a way of making me feel like I was enough. She never made my dreams feel too big or made me feel like I couldn't do something. She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself. "Most people can think of at least one bad memory with everyone in their family. I honestly can't think of one with her. "Because she couldn't have kids of her own, she always made us feel like we were hers. She loved us that way, and I'll forever be grateful for that." Read more:From rags to rhinestones - farewell to the Queen of Country She went on to speak about appearing on Parton's album Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith And Fables, saying it is a memory she will "always hold on to". She added: "She had a way of making me feel like nothing bad could happen. She made me feel safe, confident, and like I belonged right there beside her. "As I got older, she continued to believe in me. When I told her I wanted to go to beauty school, she never questioned why I wasn't going to college. She told me she couldn't see me doing anything else. She financially supported me through school and helped me get my career started. "She didn't just tell me to chase my dreams, she helped me get there. "I'm so thankful I said yes to the opportunities and memories I got to share with her as my Aunt Dolly, including being in a movie with her. I'm so glad I have those moments to look back on now. I have things I can watch, hear, and hold on to when I miss her." Lainey added that it "still doesn't feel real that she's gone", and said she would "miss her voice, her laugh, her hugs, and just knowing she was there", adding: "I'd give anything to see her name pop up on my phone again." She thanked fans for showing their support by sending messages and flowers. It comes after an airport in Nashville, Tennessee, proposed changing its name in honour of the singer. Since her death, Parton's music has re-entered the UK charts, including Jolene, which featured at number nine on Friday.

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No Writer
Sep 2
Cleveland Police given extra £2m to tackle serious crime after deadly crash

It follows a deadly collision near the town on 22 August, when the five occupants of a vehicle driving the wrong way down the A66 crashed into a police car, killing themselves along with two policemen. The two officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when the Volkswagen Passat hit their marked armed response vehicle. A police pursuit of the Volkswagen had been abandoned shortly before. The five young men who died in the other car may have had links to "serious and organised criminal activity", according to Cleveland Police. Shabana Mahmood made the announcement after Prime Minister Andy Burnham paid tribute to the two officers killed in the crash. As MPs returned to parliament on Tuesday, the prime minister told the Commons: "I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who were killed in the line of duty on the A66. "We will do our best to support the Middlesbrough community, which is hurting and grieving right now, and we hear the call from the members of this House representing it for a discussion about investment in policing and police numbers." Announcing plans to bolster Cleveland's policing resources, Ms Mahmood said: "I can also announce today, in light of the situation the force has faced, we will allocate an additional £2m to Cleveland Police to tackle serious crime in the area." Read more from Sky News:Jury deadlock in trial of woman who killed her childrenFamily pays tribute to 'beloved daughter' who died in house fire Around 200 police officers from outside Cleveland Police have been drafted in to help the force tackle organised crime following the crash on the A66. Conservative MP Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the £2m uplift was "clearly wholly inadequate in the circumstances", pointing to a warning earlier this year by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey that the force was facing a £2.4m funding shortfall. Speaking earlier this year, Mr Storey, a Labour police and crime commissioner, said the government's funding for the force "completely fails to deliver the resources required to meet the demand faced by Cleveland Police and falls far short of what is needed".

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No Writer
Sep 2
Enzo Fernandez transfer news: Man City sign midfielder from Chelsea in British-record-equalling £125m deal

The size of the fee matches the amount Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak on Deadline Day a year ago. The Argentine midfielder has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium. The Fernandez deal comes amid Chelsea fury that Monaco pulled out of selling Lamine Camara - who was deemed as the Argentine's replacement - in the final minutes of the window. Chelsea had the option of pulling the plug on Fernandez to Man City after the Camara deal collapsed - but they stuck to their word and honoured their commitment to complete the deal. Fernandez's Deadline Day move comes more than three months after the Argentina international first told Chelsea he wanted to leave, and more than two weeks after the club imposed a deadline for bids. Transfer Centre LIVE!Man City news & transfers🔵 | Man City fixtures & scoresChelsea news & transfers🔵 | Chelsea fixtures & scores Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺 Chelsea will make a £18m profit on the midfielder they signed for £107m three-and-a-half years ago, and Fernandez is now reunited with his former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. "Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times," said Fernandez after making the move. "Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are. "I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success. "If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player. "I pride myself on continually improving my game. Anyone who's worked with me will know how hard I train every single day and how much I put into matches. I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I'm here." How Monaco stopped Chelsea getting a replacement Camara was set to join Chelsea for £47m and was going to sign a six-year deal pending a medical. Just after the 11pm transfer deadline passed, news emerged that Monaco reneged on the agreement they had with Chelsea, and they had informed the Blues of their decision in writing. The reason for Monaco pulling out was due to the French club successfully renegotiating the deal to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton. There was a full written club-to-club agreement with Chelsea to complete the Camara deal and the Premier League club feels Monaco have acted in an extraordinary and deeply unprofessional way. Fernandez sends farewell message to Chelsea Enzo Fernandez in his Chelsea farewell Instagram message: Dear Chelsea, I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me. Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I haven't been in a good place. Three years ago, Cobham and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family. I grew attached to the people, to the shirt, and to the badge of this incredible club. Believe me when I say that, from the moment I arrived, I became obsessed with winning and with bringing this club every trophy that its history deserves. We suffered, we cried, I got angry many times, but we also celebrated titles and unforgettable victories. Together, through the good times and the difficult ones. I live football the same way I live my life: with passion and with all my heart. That is why I want you to know that I understand you. I truly understand you, from the bottom of my heart. But life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions. I've said it before, but I want to say it again: I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart. But I also understand how football works. I know how passionate you are, because I am the same. And if I were in your position, I would probably be thinking the same way. I want to thank every single one of you: the staff, the coaching team, the medical team, the physios, and everyone who works at Cobham and throughout this great institution. To all my teammates over these years, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing so many moments with me. I was truly happy here, and I wish you nothing but the very best for the future. Thank you for all the love and support you have given me and my family throughout these years. I will never forget it. This group will give you many more reasons to be happy, and I will be happy for you too. Never doubt that. You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best. Always Blue. Thank you, Chelsea. 💙 Enzo.

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No Writer
Sep 1
Bank of America vice president killed in Times Square stabbing

Erin Piacenti, 32, was one of two people who were attacked in the tourist hub around 4.24pm local time (9.24pm UK time) on Monday. The suspect, 49-year-old woman Pamela Cisneros, allegedly took two knives out of a shopping bag before stabbing a 68-year-old man and then targeting Ms Piacenti, police commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police fired a taser at Cisneros and fatally shot her after she said she would not drop anything and "would rather kill" the officers, the commissioner added. The man suffered stab wounds and is in a stable condition in hospital, while Ms Piacenti was pronounced dead. Bank of America said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. "She was a valued teammate ​who will be greatly missed. "Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones." Ms Piacenti graduated from Fordham Law School in 2021 alongside her husband, Frank Piacenti, and was a vice president in the bank's business selection and conflicts unit, according ​to her LinkedIn profile. The attack took place in one of New York's busiest and most heavily policed areas, next to a police station and outside a building which hosts the city's New Year's Eve ball drop celebration. Read more from Sky News:Summer 2026 was UK's hottest on recordLandslide risk threatens new flooding in Nepal The suspect had mental-health-related encounters with police in 2018 and 2019, but no arrest record in New York City. Police said the stabbings appeared to be random and unprovoked. The New York Police Department confirmed in a statement: "The investigation remains ongoing by the NYPD Force Investigation Division."

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No Writer
Aug 31
Met Gala exhibition honouring John Galliano cancelled after backlash over past antisemitic comments

The 65-year-old had been set to become the third living designer to be honoured by the museum. His retrospective had been due to run from May 2027 until January 2028, with the designer also chosen to be the theme of next year's Met Gala. But a month after the exhibition was announced, Galliano revealed he had pulled the retrospective. In a post on Instagram he wrote: "After much reflection and discussion with all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time. "I remain fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, and I remain deeply sorry. "I understand that meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture. It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one's conduct over time." He added: "I do not want the debate surrounding me to place the Met in a difficult position or to distract from the remarkable work of the Costume Institute. I also recognise and respect that an exhibition honouring my work would be painful for some." Galliano thanked those who have "guided, supported and accompanied" him throughout the last "15 years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction". In a statement shared with Vogue, The Metropolitan Museum of Art's director and chief executive Max Hollein said: "Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition." Read more from Sky News:Body of woman found in park was inside a bin bag, police sayJared Kushner's brother breaks silence on World Cup sell-off plans A statement from Vogue global editorial director Dame Anna Wintour said Galliano's decision to ask the museum to postpone the exhibition was "very courageous and a measure of the man he is". She said: "I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the museum have my full support. His soaring imagination, fed by a lifetime of curiosity and research, is matched by his exceptional craft. "Cut, fit, the evocative line of a bias-cut dress, colour - he's a master of it all. Without one or the other, if his technique wasn't equal to his storytelling talents, he wouldn't be the premier couturier of his generation. But he most certainly is." Dame Anna said Galliano's impact "reverberates across generations". Galliano was convicted of a hate crime by a French court in 2011 for his public antisemitic comments after he harangued a couple sitting on a cafe terrace following a late-night drinking session in the upmarket Marais district. Footage emerged of a separate incident which appeared to show him abusing drinkers in a bar and telling them: "I love Hitler." The Dior creative director was sacked by the label in light of the "deeply offensive statements and conduct" contained in the video. He was later convicted of "public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity" stemming from the two separate incidents and handed a €6,000 (£5,000) suspended fine. The Met has not yet announced how it plans to replace the Galiano exhibit, which means the 2027 Met Gala currently does not have a theme.

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Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter
Sep 1
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney unveils plans to cut health boards, introduce misogyny bill and roll out £2 bus fare cap

Scotland's first minister revealed his plans for the parliamentary year and beyond in a keynote statement to MSPs at Holyrood on Tuesday. Highlights included: • The current 14 territorial health boards will be replaced with two strategic health boards. Mr Swinney described it as the "most significant structural reform of the NHS in the era of devolution". It is hoped the shake-up will help deliver additional capacity to ensure that by the end of 2031 no one is waiting more than 26 weeks for treatment. • A misogyny bill will be brought forward through parliament in a bid to tackle violence against women and girls. Mr Swinney branded it a "serious issue" as he pledged a new multi-year fund for specialist third sector organisations to help sustain vital services and deliver "critical preventative work". Enhanced protections will include recognising pregnancy as an aggravating factor in domestic abuse cases and a public health campaign to "challenge and to change problematic misogynistic attitudes in boys and young men". • The roll out of the £2 bus fare cap - which is currently in place in the Highlands and Islands - will be extended to Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire and Inverclyde from Monday. A national roll out is expected by the end of the parliament term. • Breakfast clubs will be available in all primary schools from August 2027. After-school and holiday provision for all primary pupils will also be available from August 2029. • The number of quangos in Scotland will be "substantially reduced" over the next five years, and there will be a "rebalancing of power" for the nation's 32 local authorities. • Mr Swinney pledged investment to deliver 111,000 affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70% available for social rent. • As well as an extra £100m for culture by the end of the 2028/29 financial year, the first minister also announced a plan for a pilot programme for a national Scottish artists' minimum income. • Bleed kits will be rolled out to community settings across the country as part of efforts to tackle youth knife crime and violence. • Mr Swinney reaffirmed his commitment to Scottish independence, but noted that Prime Minister Andy Burnham had "opened the door to new powers" for Holyrood. Mr Swinney said: "My commitment to the people of Scotland is clear. You come first. "Government works for you and we will always be alive to the realities of your day-to-day experience. "That is the starting point for this programme for government - a programme for government that will deliver more money in people's pockets, shorter waiting lists, more homes, easier access to GPs, action on the climate, public services fit for the future, decisive action on violence against women and girls. "These are the aims of a government that is ambitious for Scotland. The people of Scotland have put their trust in this government, and we will deliver what we have promised." Following the SNP leader's statement, Unite branded the health board plans a "slash and burn programme for the NHS". Sharon Graham, general secretary of the union, said the measures would "inevitably result in swingeing cuts and thousands of job losses across the public sector", as she warned that workers "will not be the collateral damage for the Scottish government's failings". Roz Foyer, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, also said the proposal could be "more reckless than revolutionary". Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance (SRCA) welcomed the pledge to tackle violence against women and girls but called for urgent and sustained action. Claudia Macdonald-Bruce, of the SRCA, added: "After years of commitments, women and girls need to see meaningful change, not simply another set of promises. Enough is enough." Reform UK Scotland's leader Malcolm Offord said it was the "same old empty promises, just rebranded" as he accused the first minister of "rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic". Scottish Labour's acting leader Dame Jackie Baillie also said she had "heard many of these promises before". She added: "There are new NHS targets replacing those missed so far, familiar promises on new legislation and infrastructure projects, and lots of well-trod rhetoric - but delivery is what matters. "Warm words are no substitute for action and that is what needs to change in this government. "We need real action to improve our NHS, make life more affordable and help our communities and our economy flourish."

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No Writer
Sep 2
Folarin Balogun: Monaco striker's move to Everton falls through after deal scuppered Chelsea's chances of signing Lamine Camara

Balogun arrived on Merseyside at lunchtime to complete the £40m Deadline Day transfer, but doubts then started to emerge about the deal being completed during the afternoon as the medical threw up an issue. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Latest on YOUR PL club!Premier League fixtures & scores | FREE PL highlights▶️Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺 As a result of this issue, Monaco then proceeded with a move to sell midfielder Camara. But in another twist, Everton renegotiated the terms of the deal for Balogun - which forced a dramatic move from Monaco. With a full agreement to sell Camara to Chelsea in place, Monaco withdrew from the deal as the 11pm transfer deadline passed, which left the Blues furious. Chelsea also had the chance to withdraw from the £125m move to sell Enzo Fernandez to Man City, but chose not to out of good faith. But just after midnight on Wednesday, it was revealed Balogun had a change of heart about moving to Everton and walked away from the deal - which will only infuriate Monaco and Chelsea even more. It also means Balogun's dramatic 2026 continues - after the American international was at the centre of the World Cup red card storm involving Donald Trump. The Balogun drama in chronological order Everton agree fee with Monaco for Folarin Balogun. Balogun arrives on Merseyside for medical and to complete formalities of the move. Chelsea have multiple bids rejected by Monaco for Lamine Camara. They consider other targets. Chelsea agree deal to sell Enzo Fernandez to Man City for £125m. Comfortable with the options in their squad if no one comes in. Doubts emerge around Everton's deal for Balogun. Everton make an offer to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United on loan with an option to buy. Chelsea agree deal with Monaco for Lamine Camara, due to the doubts about the Balogun deal. Manchester United reject Everton's loan offer for Zirkzee. Everton grow in confidence that they can get Balogun over the line after renegotiating with Monaco. Chelsea's deal to sign Camara collapses after Monaco withdraw from the deal. The Balogun deal being back on satisfied their need for a sale. Balogun had a change of heart and walked away from the deal after a deal sheet was submitted. 'Chelsea are really unhappy' Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol on Chelsea's Lamine Camara's Chelsea move breaking down: "Chelsea have not been able to sign a replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea are really unhappy with the way Monaco behaved. "My information is everything was done - written, agreed, signed. He was flying into London [on Wednesday]. "At the same time, Monaco have been negotiating with Everton to sell Folarin Balogun. Once they have agreed a deal with Everton, they have come back to Chelsea and gone back on their agreement. "Chelsea don't believe this is the way clubs should conduct business. I suppose this is one of the risks you take when you leave things so late."

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