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No Writer
Jul 3
Woman wanted over Monaco bombing 'that targeted Ukrainian tycoon' is named

Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old from Ukraine who has a tattoo, possibly of a snake, on her right arm from the shoulder to the elbow, has been named as the suspect in a red notice - a call for her to be arrested wherever she is. Berezovska has since been spotted in Germany, a source told the Reuters news agency. A Monaco prosecutor said she was disguised as a man. The parcel bomb blast in the wealthy principality was believed to be an attack on a Ukrainian-born ​oligarch. He was named in local news outlets as Vadym Iermolaiev, with Ukrainian media claiming he has previously been targeted with sanctions because of his ties to Russia. Speaking on Friday, the Monaco prosecutor outlined fresh details about the case - including about the device used in the attack. A remote control was used to detonate the bomb, they said, and due to its complexity, police are investigating possible accomplices and those who may have ordered the attack. A car with a German licence plate, which went through Italy and some other countries, was likely to have been used by the suspect, the prosecutor said. Police opened an attempted murder investigation at the time but did not qualify it as a terrorism investigation, prosecutor Stephane Thibault said. Three people were injured, including a woman who was in a life-threatening condition, he said earlier this week. The other two are a man, who was no longer in a life-threatening condition, and a child, whose life was not in danger, he added. Read more from Sky News:Cubans face endless blackouts - but they're refusing to give up The search for the suspect is continuing, and authorities have launched an arrest warrant.

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Gemma Peplow, culture and entertainment reporter
Jul 3
'Most excitement around a celebrity wedding since Posh and Becks'

Because if the reports (and there have been plenty of 'em) are to be believed, the big day is here for singer Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce. And just like our David and Victoria, we have two of our favourite celebrity worlds colliding, the union of a sports and entertainment power couple. This will become pop culture history, and speculation has reached fever pitch. It started with the announcement in August last year: "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," Swift shared in a joint post on Instagram, alongside a selection of loved-up photos. They showed Kelce down on one knee and the pair embracing in a floral garden, a fairytale setting like something conjured straight from the star's storybook lyrics. As well as, of course, the (massive) ring. But really, the story started way before that. Over two decades, Swift's heart has been laid bare in her songs; detailing every high and low of her romantic life, from new beginnings to bitter ends, through lyrics that make her listeners feel completely understood. Her fans have been speculating about a happy ending way before Kelce was even on the scene. What do we know about the event? Preparations for a ceremony at Madison Square Garden have reportedly been under way all this week, and the couple are expected to have an intimate event on Thursday before the bigger celebrations at the indoor arena in New York on Friday. Speculation about the details - The dress! The bridesmaids! The food! The A-list guestlist! - has been rife over the last few days, weeks and months. Sky News' US partner NBC says 1,100 people are expected to attend the celebrations, after previously confirming with a source at the venue that it was preparing for a major event over this period, which is the Fourth of July holiday weekend in the US, marking Independence Day. The singer, known for scattering Easter Egg clues for fans throughout her songs, videos and artwork, has been known for celebrating the occasion with big parties in the past, so the biggest party of all would make sense. Neither Swift nor Kelce, both 36, has confirmed the date and venue and there are, it should be said, counter-rumours suggesting this is all a ruse, distracting media from a wedding that may have already taken place. However, crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks outside the venue, including a grand piano, tree branches and a large carpet, which was briefly unveiled outside one entrance and then promptly removed. Plus, permits to close Manhattan streets also point to something big. According to US media reports, an unnamed law enforcement official briefed on the security plans confirmed the nuptials, saying they had been warned about an influx of Swifties to New York. Food has also been delivered to the venue, with some items completely covered, including one marked "garden party". Even delivery staff were reportedly unaware of what they were carrying. An invited source also told NBC News that nondisclosure agreements had been sent out as well as electronic invitations. Other clues? Well, if you're in the New York area this weekend and in need of any lilies, it sounds like you might have quite a task on your hands - as a post on gossip website Deuxmoi went viral after a bride claimed an anonymous buyer in New York had purchased all the calla lilies available in the area. (Lilies were among the flowers that featured heavily in the enchanted garden-style engagement pics). The guestlist? Taylor Swift has a lot of celebrity friends. Singer Selena Gomez, the Haim sisters - Este, Danielle and Alana - and supermodel Gigi Hadid are favourites to be bridesmaids. And the star's long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff is also expected to attend, along with singers Ed Sheeran and Suki Waterhouse, plus several of Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs teammates. TV presenter Graham Norton and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who were spotted arriving in New York City on Thursday, are also rumoured to have nabbed an invite. Norton starred in Swift's video for Opalite, released last year, along with Lewis Capaldi, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith, after they all appeared together on Norton's chat show. Blake Lively could also be among the guests. There is also lots of speculation about potential performers for the big day, with reports suggesting Fleetwood Mac star Stevie Nicks and country singer Tim McGraw will take the stage - both of whom have inspired Swift throughout her career. Love Story: A timeline In 2023, Kelce was one of the millions of fans who attended Swift's record-breaking Eras tour, watching the star during a show at the Arrowhead Stadium, home of his NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Like a true Swiftie, he even had friendship bracelets - as well as a smooth plan to capture the singer's attention. However, as he later revealed on his New Heights podcast, which he presents with his brother, Jason, he had failed to meet the singer on the night. "I wanted to give Taylor Swift one with my number on it," he said, but it wasn't to be at that time. Kelce told his brother he thought the star couldn't do meetings before or after the shows to preserve her voice, and that he was "a little butt-hurt" not to be able to hand over his digits. Speaking on a later episode of New Heights, Swift said she considered it to be "a wild, romantic gesture" but joked that Kelce "didn't do any proper logistical planning" to meet her at show, such as get in touch with her management - apparently thinking his status on the team would be enough to get him backstage. In September 2023, Swift made her first trip to watch Kelce play and was spotted sitting next to his mother. In November that year, Swift changed the lyrics to her song Karma at an Eras show; from, "karma is the guy on the screen coming straight home to me", to "karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me". In February 2024, Swift turned up to support Kelce as the Chiefs took on the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Swift was cheered by fans as she was pictured on the big screen watching on and the pair later gave a PDA as they celebrated the win. In April that year, Swift released her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, featuring the song The Alchemy, said to be written about Kelce. And all this while the Eras tour continued. During Swift's surprise song segments, a few star performers popped up, including Ed Sheeran at one London show. On 23 June 2024, Kelce made his debut - wearing a top hat and tails as he helped prepare her to sing I Can Do It With A Broken Heart. Read more from Sky News:Kate breaks tradition at WimbledonHarry Potter fans warned to stay off tracks as 'Hogwarts Express' returns In August 2025, Swift appeared on New Heights to announce that her 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl, would be released in October. "It's something I was working on while I was in Europe on the Eras Tour," she said, as if she hadn't been busy enough performing a show of almost three-and-a-half hours. Two weeks later, the couple made their engagement announcement. Now, we wait to see the pictures. Watch this (not-so-blank) space.

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No Writer
Jul 3
Ministers line up board for nationalised British Steel | Mark Kleinman blog

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Vikash Varange, Lyall Thomas and Mark McAdam
Jul 3
Man Utd transfer news: Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott high on midfield shortlist with Ayyoub Bouaddi also of interest

The club are assessing their next options after seeing Matheus Fernandes join Tottenham for £85m this week and have a list that also includes Felix Nmecha, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Sander Berge. The situation around Tchouameni at Real Madrid is complicated by the Spanish club's intentions to reshape their own midfield. Although they have been interested in the player, the Spanish giants announced on Friday that they have no intention of pursuing a deal for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Premier League ins and outsMan Utd news & transfers | Man Utd fixtures They also have an interest in Rodri but Manchester City intend to keep him and want him to sign a new deal. Regardless, if Real Madrid do need to create space in midfield, they are widely reported in Spain to be more open to moving on Eduardo Camavinga. With Tchouameni currently difficult, Bournemouth's Scott is also a high-priority target for United. Along with Arsenal, they would be frontrunners to sign him - but Sky Sports News has already reported Bournemouth do not want to sell any of their best players, including Scott, whom they would like to sign a new deal. United are believed to have made further checks on Lille and Morocco midfielder Bouaddi this week as the 18-year-old continues to impress at the World Cup and prepares for a last-16 meeting with Canada on Saturday. Borussia Dortmund and Germany's Nmecha, and Fulham and Norway's Berge, also make the shortlist. Strengthening in midfield has been and remains United's priority this summer, with a deal for Atalanta's Ederson to be completed after his World Cup stint with Brazil. What other positions are Man Utd targeting? Crysencio Summerville remains the number one target on the left wing, despite the club prioritising midfield this summer. United have held initial, exploratory talks with West Ham over a deal for the Netherlands international but they are not the only Premier League club interested. His future is expected to be clarified in the coming weeks after Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco. United ideally want to sign him using funds from the sale of Marcus Rashford, who is set to return to Old Trafford once his post-World Cup break is finished. Depending on how far England go into the tournament, that could be well into August. Tottenham are also in the running for Summerville and United are very aware they could lose out to Spurs on another priority target if they don't move quickly. There is also still a chance Rashford stays as a squad player under Carrick. The pursuit of a left-back - Newcastle's Lewis Hall - is on hold until they have recruited more midfielders.

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No Writer
Jul 3
Ministers line up board for nationalised British Steel | Mark Kleinman blog

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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 3
Mexico vs England predicted line-ups: Sky Sports writers pick their XIs with Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and John Stones among players debated

After an indifferent display from some against DR Congo in the round of 32, starting spots look to have opened up. Questions remain over the problem right-back position. Who are England's best wide players? Djed Spence started at right-back in Atlanta in the absence of injured duo Reece James and Jarrell Quansah, with Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa stepping into the role later in the game. There were patchy performances from starting wingers Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke, before Anthony Gordon arrived from the bench to assist both of Harry Kane's goals. Is he worth another go from the off? England's potential fixtures and route to the World Cup finalWorld Cup day-by-day schedule | Latest: World CupFollow our World Cup coverage in the Sky Sports App Here, Sky Sports' writers step into Thomas Tuchel's shoes and pick their starting XIs against Mexico... Try Rogers on the wing There will be temptation to swap Djed Spence out of the starting XI after a less-than-convincing performance against DR Congo, but that is surely the riskier option given England's lack of cover. Moan all you want about Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission - and I've moaned more than most - but that ship has sailed. Spence, for now, is the best call if Reece James is not available. Midfield is interesting. I like the balance of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, but I understand the clamour for Kobbie Mainoo, too. The Manchester United youngster can manipulate the ball in tight spaces better than the other two, and probably offers more passing options. But you can't argue with the solidity of Anderson-Rice, so I'm sticking. I would like to see Morgan Rogers given a go off the left, with Bukayo Saka on the right - if he's fit enough to start again. Anthony Gordon has proved he is better as an impact player later in games.Laura Hunter Gordon to be rewarded for impact vs DR Congo? It could well be time for another switch-up on the wing. We all know Anthony Gordon did not produce his best during the opening two games, but setting up both of Harry Kane's goals against DR Congo should be rewarded with another start on the left. I think Marcus Rashford can have more of an impact off the bench, anyway. Even though I'd like to see Bukayo Saka from the off on the opposite flank, Noni Madueke created the joint-most chances in the last game (three) and completed the most dribbles (three), so he stays for now. I'm not convinced there will be too much change elsewhere.Dan Long Rice can fill in at right-back If you had told me two months ago that Declan Rice might start a World Cup last-16 tie as England's right-back, I wouldn't have believed you. But here we are. It is an imperfect solution but it might be the best one Thomas Tuchel has in the circumstances. Persisting with the haphazard Djed Spence feels a riskier call and the other option, switching Ezri Konsa to the position and drafting John Stones in at centre-back, would mean yet more upheaval in an area of the pitch where England are crying out for a bit of stability. Rice has been pushed to his limits this season. This would be another big ask. But he offers defensive security and could pose problems for Mexico at the other end of the pitch in a way Konsa simply couldn't. England also saw the power of his chemistry with Arsenal team-mates Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka in Atlanta. If it doesn't work out, and England need more presence in the midfield battle, there is always the possibility to switch it up, with Tuchel's in-game adjustments having worked out well so far. But starting Rice at right-back looks the least worst option.Nick Wright Utilise the experienced Stones and move Konsa to right-back Both wide forwards who begun the round-of-32 clash against DR Congo in Atlanta flattered to deceive, leaving little option but to select what many would consider to be England's most dangerous players in that position - Bukayo Saka on the right and Anthony Gordon on the left, for Mexico. Both impressed after being introduced just past the hour mark at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Barcelona's new £69m signing creating England captain Harry Kane's two goals. Elsewhere, the experience of John Stones, capped 91 times by his country, should be utilised alongside Marc Guehi in the heart of the defence, allowing the more defensively-assured Ezri Konsa to move across the back four to take on the problematic right-back role.Rich Morgan Saka can run at players - Madueke didn't Declan Rice was a firefighting right-back against the DR Congo, but any call for him to play the entire game there is hugely risky. At his best, he is one of England's most influential players and you simply cannot play him out of midfield for an entire game, especially when it is one as big as a last-16 match against Mexico in the Azteca. If Reece James and Jarrell Quansah remain sidelined, I would stick with Spence. He is the next best option in that role, even if he was questionable on Wednesday. It is also frustrating that England's wingers have not been entirely reliable, dipping in and out from game to game. However, after his two assists for Harry Kane, I'd bring Anthony Gordon back in for Marcus Rashford and give him another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting spot. Bukayo Saka is my choice on the other side. Noni Madueke did not take on the DR Congo defenders enough, and England will need all the attacking impetus they can get. Saka can provide it.Charlotte Marsh No more Spence, Mexico will press him Declan Rice was superb at right-back against DR Congo but that's a short-term fix, not a medium-term solution. Against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, England are already on the back foot facing altitude, so they need as much energy as possible in the middle of the pitch. Rice is that energy. Taking him away from the heartbeat of the team weakens England in two places, instead of one. But Djed Spence is not the answer. He never has been. He constantly gave the ball away against Congo. He will get gobbled up by the Mexico press. Assuming Reece James is still out, Ezri Konsa has to play right-back, with John Stones back in defence. As for the left wing, let's keep Anthony Gordon as the super sub option. It will be an arduous task in Mexico City. Tuchel's game-changing subs will be important.Sam Blitz

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