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No Writer
Jun 28
Saudi Arabian helicopter crash kills 14

The reason behind the crash of the aircraft, which belonged to Saudi oil giant Aramco and went down at around 6am local time (4am BST), isn't yet known. "The relevant authorities have launched a ‌full investigation to determine the cause of the crash," the state news agency reported. Aramco, which is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia, had only resumed crude oil loadings at its Ras Tanura terminal on Friday. Read more from Sky News:Body of teenage boy recovered from waterHigh-speed boats and drones promised for elite commandos The loadings had been halted ⁠for nearly four months. Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, had joined a rush to move cargoes after oil and gas output was ramped up ahead of ⁠an interim deal to halt the war between the US and Iran.

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Bethany Minelle, arts and entertainment reporter
Jun 25
Harvey Weinstein will not face fourth New York rape trial

The judge formally dismissed the case on Thursday. In May, the 74-year-old's third trial over the allegation ended in a mistrial after the jury said it was deadlocked. The majority-male jury had been unable to reach a unanimous decision over whether Weinstein had raped former aspiring actor Ms Mann, now aged 40, in 2013 in a New York hotel. Ms Mann appeared to support Thursday's decision, saying in a letter that a prosecutor read to the court: "After a lot of thought and reflection, I have chosen not to proceed with a fourth trial against Harvey Weinstein. It was clear to me at this last trial I could no longer endure going through this any longer." Weinstein had a neutral expression as court officers led him out of court in his wheelchair. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape in the third degree, and has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. The May mistrial came nearly a year after another 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. 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 a mistrial was declared, paving the way for May'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. Weinstein has remained in custody serving his setence at New York's maximum-security prison, Rikers Island, while prosecutors weighed the possibility of a further New York retrial.

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No Writer
Jun 28
High-speed boats and drones promised for elite commandos in tweak to defence spending plan

His predecessor, John Healey, stood down earlier this month in protest of the overdue defence investment plan (DIP). The extra £13.5bn of investment expected with it fell "well short" of what was needed, Mr Healey said. Mr Jarvis has spent the last two weeks "refocusing" the defence blueprint - expected to be published before July's NATO Summit - to prioritise getting kit to troops on the front line, officials said. The UK's elite commandos have been promised £500m for rapid boats and strike drones as part of changes, with a focus on Arctic region - amid anxiety about Russian activity in the region. In the 2024/25 financial year, the UK spent £60.2bn on defence. The new high-speed commando insertion craft - special vessels used to covertly transport troops from the rapid-response force - will be used for such operations as the seizing of Russian shadow fleet tankers. Earlier in June commandos were involved in taking over a Russian oil tanker in the Channel in the first operation of its kind. Mr Jarvis said: "We're investing in new lethal strike drones, high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships to give our commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us. "The defence investment plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world." The plan, originally due last year, has been delayed by government wrangling over the budget. Announcing the "shifted" focus, the Ministry of Defence said the DIP will see the UK work with NATO ally Norway in the High North. Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to publish the DIP before the NATO summit on 7 July in Turkey, despite most major policy and spending commitments being paused until his successor is confirmed. But defence chiefs will want to ensure the plan has the backing of the new PM, widely expected to be Andy Burnham, who recently became an MP again after the Makerfield by-election.

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David Currie at Trent Bridge
Jun 28
England vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket prompts chaotic finish to day four of third Test at Trent Bridge

Stokes' decision, and a chaotic few hours that followed, sadly does not mask the fact that England appear destined to lose a first home series of three or more matches since 2012. They head into the fifth and final day on 103-4, needing a further 270 to win. The shock news broke at 3.25pm in the midst of a typically lionhearted Stokes spell with the ball that saw him bowl 11 overs unchanged from lunch through to tea. Scorecard: England vs New Zealand, third Test, Trent BridgeGot Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract Within three minutes of the announcement, and the news filtering around the ground, Stokes took a wicket with his very next ball to spark scenes of wild celebration. An 'I was there' moment, the latest in a career littered with them. But Stokes was not done there. Once New Zealand declared at 288-9, upon Daryl Mitchell bringing up a brave, dogged 241-ball hundred, Stokes opened the batting and came out swinging from ball one! He hit two majestic maximums, as well as a couple of boundaries in a 20-ball 30, but there was to be no repeat of his 2019 Headingley heroics to sign off his England career as his frenetic knock reached its inevitable end in the eighth over with a swipe straight to mid-on. Stokes was rightly awarded a standing ovation in salute to his remarkable career, as well as recognition of the parting entertainment provided, but England's aggressive approach did not stop with his exit. Jacob Bethell still batted at No 3 - ahead of opener Emilio Gay (6no), who continued to be bumped down the order until No 6 - but he departed lbw for a fourth-ball duck when leaving one from Zak Foulkes (3-42) which nipped back into the left-hander, DRS confirming his dismissal. Harry Brook (21) did not exactly make his case to be Stokes' successor as Test captain with a chaotic nine-ball stay that, yes, contained three boundaries and a six, but saw him throw his wicket away with a scoop down fine leg's throat. Ben Duckett (36), fresh from his fine hundred in the first innings, again played nicely until he edged to slip off Ben Sears (1-3) as New Zealand delivered another devastating blow. Joe Root (9no) remains to give the hosts a glimmer of hope, as does a depleted New Zealand bowling attack - making England's approach with the bat all the more bizarre. The Black Caps are already sans the injured Matt Henry and rested Kyle Jamieson for this Test, Blair Tickner was lost to concussion in the first innings, and though Foulkes has done brilliantly as his replacement, Will O'Rourke is also struggling with a finger injury that saw him leave the field after being struck by one off Stokes' bat from his only delivery of the innings so far. More to follow... England vs New Zealand - results and schedule All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports First Test (Lord's) - England won by 115 runsSecond Test (The Kia Oval) - New Zealand won by 253 runsThird Test (Trent Bridge) - June 25-29 (11am) Watch day five of the third Test between England and New Zealand, live on Sky Sports Cricket on Monday from 10.15am (first ball 11am). Stream cricket and more with NOW - no contract.

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No Writer
Jun 28
Prince Harry 'reconsidering bringing family on UK trip' over security concerns

The Duke of Sussex was intending to travel with Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, at the start of July. It's been four years since the children last saw their grandfather in person and the King has offered to put the family up at an unnamed royal residence. Harry is set to attend an event in Birmingham marking a year to go to the Invictus Games, the event he set up for injured military personnel, as well as visiting some charities he supports. However, it's reported his request for taxpayer-funded police protection has recently been denied. A source said the Duke of Sussex could now leave his family at home as he fears for their safety. "[The duke] is looking at every option to try and get the family here safely and keep them safe when they're on the ground," the source told Sky News. They added: "If he can find a way to do that he will. The hope is they can meet their grandfather, but there is no way that can happen if they are chased by paparazzi wherever they go from the moment they step off the plane. "He won't put his children through that." The duke last year lost a legal battle with the government over his level of security in the UK after it was downgraded when he stepped down as a working royal and moved to the US in 2020. But at Harry's request, the Home Office body that decides on protection matters (Ravec) began reviewing his case. Read more:Harry and Meghan's revamp of Frogmore could be reversedDuke concerned by 'deeply troubling' rise in UK antisemitism Archie and Lilibet last saw the King at the late Queen's platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022 - and sources stress the monarch is not involved in decisions on his son's security. A government spokesperson said: "The UK government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. "It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security."

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Nicole Johnston, news correspondent
Jun 25
Australia's highest-paid TV presenter faces backlash over Tommy Robinson interview

Karl Stefanovic is a household name in Australia as the long-time host of breakfast programme Today. But featuring Robinson, the founder of the anti-Islamist English Defence League, appears to have been a step too far for the Channel Nine network. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Nine bosses held crisis talks after the episode featuring Robinson went online on Tuesday. It was no longer available on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts on Wednesday. The podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, was an independent production not associated with Channel Nine. The broadcaster is now negotiating terms for Stefanovic's departure, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Read more from Sky News:Heatwave could be new normalFamily sues Tesla over fatal crash In a statement, Channel Nine said: "The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes. "However, Nine is taking this matter seriously." In the podcast, which runs for almost an hour, Stefanovic said he admired Robinson's "tenacity" and "courage". As part of promotional photos and videos, the podcast host posed with his arm around Robinson on a London street. Robinson was denied a visa to enter Australia for a speaking tour in 2019 due to his criminal record.

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No Writer
Jun 26
Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election?

Andy Burnham is closing in on Downing Street as Nigel Farage endures a tricky political week. But does Burnham actually have a mandate to be prime minister? Or should we have a general election? Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman give their takes on what Burnham's first 100 days could look like and who might be in his cabinet, including the all-important role of chancellor. Harriet says one of her picks for the job has to prove his credibility. And with more scrutiny on Nigel Farage's £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne - how is Farage reacting? Farage has said he is "absolutely convinced I've done nothing wrong in any way at all" and he has "taken zero in personal expenses" since being elected in July 2024 "I'm very careful and very cautious about these things," he said. "I believe it to be a wholly private matter, the standards commissioner may take a different view." To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.

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No Writer
Jun 28
Austrian GP: George Russell holds off Max Verstappen to end winless streak and reinvigorate title bid

Mercedes' Russell produced a composed display to convert pole position to victory in Spielberg, holding off pressure from Verstappen over the second half of the race to take the chequered flag 1.6 seconds clear of the Red Bull. Verstappen went from hunter to hunted over the final laps at the Red Bull Ring as Russell's Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the world championship leader, almost snatched second, closing to within four tenths at the conclusion of the last of the 71 laps. Austrian GP result | F1 2026 standings | F1 2026 CalendarDownload the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Russell's victory reduces his championship deficit to Antonelli to 40 points and moves the Brit back up to second in the standings ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who falls 51 points off the lead after finishing fifth behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri. Russell's win, at the eighth of the season's 22 scheduled rounds, was his first in a grand prix since the season opener in Australia, after which he appeared to be an overwhelming title favourite. Russell said: "Incredible to be back on the top step. It's been a little while, so I will definitely enjoy this one this evening. A lot of hard work with my team to get us back on track. Obviously, it was a tricky run of form at one point. "Max and Red Bull were incredibly quick this weekend, so kudos to them. I had to push every single lap and I knew how quick the guys were behind. Kimi has been extraordinarily quick this season, so every lap I was looking at the timing board." Verstappen's team-mate Isack Hadjar claimed sixth to cap an improved weekend for Red Bull after the team brought a major upgrade package to its home race. Lando Norris was seventh for McLaren, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Leclerc, who struggled to make his tyres last in the testing hot conditions as he dropped back from second on the grid. Liam Lawson finished in ninth, a place ahead of his Racing Bulls team-mate Arvid Lindblad, as the pair took the final positions in the points. Russell ends winless streak Russell was starting from the front of the grid after snatching pole on Saturday with a "magic" qualifying lap that came after another weekend where he appeared to be in danger of being outperformed by Antonelli. Since the 28-year-old won the season's opening race in Melbourne and the Sprint that followed in China, he has been surprisingly overwhelmed by the consistency of Antonelli, along with some poor luck. While Russell has suffered technical issues, most notably one that caused a retirement in Canada - which was later levelled out by Antonelli suffering a similar terminal issue in Barcelona - he has also seemed to find it difficult to match the Italian teenager for pure pace. Having been helped to pole by his knowledge of the rules on Saturday, as he expertly reacted to yellow flags waved following a Verstappen clash, Russell calmly managed the main job on Sunday. He held off Leclerc in the first few corners and then was able to pull clear as rivals battled for position behind, with the potential threat of Antonelli from fourth on the grid reduced by an erratic start for the Italian that saw him go off track several times and lose a position in the opening stages. A threat emerged from elsewhere as Russell came under pressure from a flying Verstappen on the second stint, but Mercedes' decision to bring him in for his second stop at the end of lap 43 - before Verstappen had the chance to attempt an undercut - gave the Brit the chance to rebuild an advantage. While Red Bull might have altered the outcome with a different approach, Russell was about 11 seconds clear of Verstappen when the Dutchman made his final stops with 20 laps remaining, and with six-lap fresher tyres than the leader. The gap gradually closed, but Russell managed his tyres sensibly to ensure he never came under serious threat from Verstappen. There was clear relief in his jubilant celebrations at the chequered flag, but the manner with which Antonelli closed on the top two in the final stages offered a reminder that Russell might need to go to an even higher level if he is to take the championship fight to his team-mate. Did strategy call cost Verstappen win? Verstappen had flashed the potential of his heavily upgraded Red Bull in qualifying before a high-speed crash limited him to fifth on the grid, but few believed he could be a genuine contender for victory from that position on Sunday. He pounced upon an early opportunity to pass Antonelli and Leclerc in quick succession, and then set about chasing Hamilton before engaging in an epic two-part battle with his old foe. Hamilton survived the first duel, producing some fierce defensive driving on lap 11 to stay ahead, with one manoeuvre that pushed Verstappen onto the gravel at Turn 6 leading the Dutchman to demand a penalty over the radio. Verstappen's request was denied by the stewards, but the battle would resume after the first round of pit stops, and Hamilton was this time unable to stay in front as Verstappen made an audacious dart up the inside of Turn 6. Verstappen's next target was Russell, and he appeared to have a major chance of victory when he closed to within a couple of seconds of the Mercedes with more than 30 laps remaining. However, Red Bull opted not to trigger an attempt at an undercut, and then when Russell stopped, decided to stay out and build a tyre-life advantage for the final stint rather than pit at the same time, or a lap later, and stay on his tail. Verstappen's tyres went off towards the end of the six extra laps he stayed out, and he then had more than 10 seconds to make up to catch Russell over the remaining 22 laps after stopping. While there was strong early progress, the task turned out to be too big. Red Bull might also argue the fact that Antonelli almost caught Verstappen at the end showed making his second stop any earlier might have left him exposed. Ultimately, it was a positive weekend for Verstappen on a weekend where his future with the team was a major talking point after reports emerged that his camp have held meetings with McLaren over a possible switch. Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has always maintained that he thinks Verstappen will stay with the team if they give him a car capable of challenging for victories, and this was a step in the right direction as he claimed a second podium of the season. Next up in the 2026 Formula 1 season is the big one, a Sprint weekend at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix - live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One with coverage from Thursday to Sunday's race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime

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