top of page
970x250.png
News image template
No Writer
May 5
Woman, 35, killed in Bristol house explosion after ex-partner 'forced entry'

Officers were called to a "domestic-related incident" in Sternourt Road, Bristol, at 6.17am on Sunday. At around 6.30am, police were told a man was believed to have an explosive device at the property, then around two minutes later an explosion occurred. Police named 35-year-old Jo Shaw and her 41-year-old former partner, Ryan Kelly, who both suffered fatal injuries. Three other people, including a child, were treated for minor injuries. Superintendent Matt Ebbs, investigating, said: "Jo's death has been officially recorded as a homicide based on the information known to us at this time. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death." Avon and Somerset Police said a referral would be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previously reported domestic-related incidents. Read more from Sky News:Palestine Action activists guilty over break-in at defence firmMurder probe launched after south London shooting victim dies Officers worked with the city council to evacuate people staying in neighbouring properties as a precaution, and a temporary rest centre was set up. Police said extensive searches were carried out by the army's explosive ordnance disposal team and specialist police officers to ensure the area was safe. The cordon was reduced on Sunday night, and almost all residents were allowed to return home. A search of an address in Speedwell linked to Mr Kelly concluded over the bank holiday weekend, with no evacuations required at that location, the force added. Supt Ebbs said: "Police activity continues to be carried out at the property in Sterncourt Road and we expect this will take several days to be completed. "We would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any wider risk to safety and this is not being treated as terrorism-related. "As previously stated, we believe the cause of the explosion to be deliberate. Analysis work of the explosive device has not yet been completed."

News image template
No Writer
May 4
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni reach settlement over It Ends With Us lawsuit

Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and co-ordinating a smear campaign against her in a lawsuit filed a few months after the release of the 2024 romantic drama, which Baldoni also directed. A judge had dismissed most of the star's claims, including harassment, but allowed three to proceed to a trial: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation. The trial, which was due to begin in New York later this month, will no longer go ahead following the settlement agreement. Lively 'deserved to be heard' In a joint statement published on Monday, lawyers for Baldoni and Lively said: "Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors - and all survivors - is a goal that we stand behind. "We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment." The lawyers also said they "acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms Lively deserved to be heard", but insisted It Ends With US remains "a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life". A public rift The rift between the two co-stars became public in December 2024, when Lively filed a complaint with the California civil rights department, followed by her lawsuit. However, there had been speculation in the months beforehand as the pair promoted the film separately following its release. Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios production company countersued Lively and her husband, Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. His case was dismissed by a judge in June last year. The case sent shockwaves through Hollywood, revealing private texts among A-listers - including singer Taylor Swift - and raising questions about the power, influence and gender dynamics in the industry. Read more from Sky News:Follow: Met Gala 2026 liveBritney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving It Ends With Us is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling 2016 novel, a story which begins as a romance but takes a dark turn into one of domestic violence and abuse. The film grossed more than $350m worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, despite receiving mixed reviews. Lively is known for the TV series Gossip Girl and other films including The Town and The Shallows. Baldoni starred in the TV comedy Jane The Virgin, directed the 2019 film Five Feet Apart, and is the author of Man Enough, a book challenging traditional notions of masculinity.

News image template
No Writer
May 5
Attacks on British Jews 'a crisis for all of us', says PM

The prime minister will meet senior figures from across public life to discuss growing antisemitism in Britain, which was brought into the spotlight last week by a terror attack in north London. Essa Suleiman, 45, has been charged with attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed on Wednesday in Golders Green. The incident also saw the UK's terror threat level raised to severe. Sir Keir described the incident as "utterly appalling" but said it was not isolated. "It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them," he said. The prime minister will hold meetings with leaders from business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing and ask them to reflect on how they can move forward "at pace" to tackle antisemitism in their sector. He will also focus on the domestic security implications of the Iran war, including a heightened threat to Jewish communities, during a ministerial meeting of the Middle East Response Committee. Politics Hub: Follow the latest "It is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities," Sir Keir will say later. "We must show it. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us. That is what today is about. Because only by working together can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for pro-Palestine marches to be banned because of their impact on Britain's Jewish community. Sir Keir has suggested some could be stopped and wants "tougher action" against protesters who use certain phrases during pro-Gaza demonstrations. He has said protesters at the marches have a responsibility to call out those chanting "globalise the intifada", which critics believe is a call to use violence against Israelis and Jewish people more widely. But the Stop The War coalition has defended the marches, saying they pose "no threat" to the Jewish community and are attended by "thousands of Jewish people, often in a Jewish bloc".

News image template
Ed Carruthers
May 5
Jon Rahm agrees deal to play on DP World Tour after paying off outstanding fines leaving him free to feature in Ryder Cup

Rahm, whose fines were believed to be around $3m (£2.21m), announced in March that he had withdrawn his appeal against sanctions imposed by the DP World Tour for playing on the rival LIV Golf league. A spokesperson for the DP World Tour said: "The DP World Tour and Jon Rahm have come to an agreement on conditional releases to play in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf during the remainder of its 2026 season. "This involves payment of all outstanding fines accrued from 2024 to date, along with participation in agreed DP World Tour tournaments (outside the Majors) in the remainder of the 2026 season." LIV Golf: What next for Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau? 'I want to see Rory play Bryson' - Trump backs LIV players' PGA Tour returnWhen are the majors? Key dates in 2026Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract Ahead of this week's LIV Golf Virginia event, Rahm told reporters that there was "no longer a standoff" between himself and the DP World Tour. "We were able to reach an agreement," he said. "There were some concessions on both sides. I offered some, and they extended an olive branch. Obviously, we've reached an agreement. That will not be a stress anymore. "There were some things I believed in that I wanted them to agree with me, and I knew it was a matter of time. I also understand they have their bylaws and their way to go about things, and they have to follow certain procedures, and things are never as easy or as fast as you would think they would be, or at least I would have liked, but I was never worried." An 11-time winner on the DP World Tour, Rahm had previously shown no inclination that he would satisfy those penalties, even accusing the DP World Tour of "extorting" eight other LIV Golf players who had also been offered conditional releases. Players, including Justin Rose, had called on Rahm to pay his fines, as eight players, including Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin accepted the DP World Tour's offer to retain their membership status. It is understood that the conditions of Rahm's arrangement were the same as those previously accepted by the eight other players. Rahm has also played in multiple LIV Golf tournaments during the 2026 season, and the stipulations for the Spaniard's release included paying fines relating to those events. He will be eligible to earn Race to Dubai points at next week's PGA Championship and subsequent qualifying events this season, with Rahm having been ineligible to earn DP World Tour rankings points at The Masters in April, because he was still in breach of the tour's regulations, having not paid up his fines. Routes back to PGA Tour and DP World Tour Last week, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it would be cutting its funding to the breakaway golf league following the conclusion of the 2026 season. In a statement released on Thursday, the PIF said the "substantial investment required is no longer consistent" with the fund's investment strategy moving forward. It is understood that over the past year, LIV has burned through around $100m (£73.78m) each month in an attempt to sustain itself and an estimated $6bn (£4.43bn) since its inception in 2021. The news has cast doubt on the rebel league's future, with LIV announcing several major changes to its board of directors. Over the weekend, Sky Sports revealed that the league had hired restructuring experts at consulting firm AlixPartners to help advise on its business plan. On Monday, LIV also announced that it had "retained" Ducera Partners LLC as its investment banking advisor. But amid the uncertainty, Sky Sports understands that several LIV players have sounded out both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour over the possibility of being reinstated. "I would say, like everybody, I was surprised. It was obviously unexpected," Rahm said, recounting the news that the PIF was withdrawing its funding. "We did hear the news that there would be funding through for many years, so it was unexpected. "Then, as the future of the league goes, I think that's obviously a question for the business people. We want to be here. It's been a lot of fun. I want to keep competing. I want to keep sharing some time with them. "But only time will tell. Scott and his team have a lot of hard work to do, but obviously, they're experienced in the area, and that's why they've been chosen to take this role." Questions had revolved around how LIV Golf's 'Blue Chip' players, Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, would return to the PGA Tour, after they snubbed an offer to be reinstated on the US Tour via the Returning Member Programme. Brooks Koepka took the deal, which came with certain financial stipulations. It is believed that should the PGA Tour look to offer Rahm, DeChambeau and Smith a pathway back, it could come with heftier sanctions than those Koepka faced. Rahm joined LIV Golf in late 2023 on a reported $300m (£220m) contract and still has several years left on his contract with the rebel league. "I'm pretty sure they did a pretty good job when they drafted that," he said. "So I don't see many ways out, and as of right now, I'm not really thinking about it since we still have a season to play and majors to compete for. So it's not something I want to think about just yet." He could return to the PGA Tour in a similar vein to Patrick Reed, who rejoined the DP World Tour at the beginning of the year, using his Lifetime Membership exemption, which he won after winning The Masters. The top-10 players on the Race to Dubai Rankings can win their PGA Tour cards for the following year, and Reed, who currently ranks top of the standings, is on track to win back a berth on the American Circuit. Theoretically, Rahm, Hatton and the other eight former DP World Tour players could follow Reed and win their tour cards this year. With Rahm able to earn Race to Dubai Ranking points from next week's PGA Championship, he could even win back his PGA Tour card to play in 2027. 'There will be some form of a road for a lot of these guys' Speaking to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, PGA Tour and DP World Tour player Billy Horschel said: "If you have a price and that person doesn't agree, and then they come back. That offer is not still on the table; that offer is going to change a bit. I would think going forward with those three players, if they do offer something, it's going to be a different offer. I think when it pertains to the other players, I don't think anyone else has PGA Tour Eligibility access. So I don't know what's going to happen. There will be some form of a road for a lot of these guys. "Some of these guys may not have a road. I don't see a road for Phil Mickelson back to the PGA Tour, even though he's a lifetime member of the PGA Tour and he's done a lot and there is a lot of stuff that he said he did. There were certain things behind the scenes that he said he did and certain things behind the scenes before LIV came out, and I don't think it's going to work out for him. And rightfully, I don't think he wants to even come back to the PGA Tour or even the Champions Tour. "It's going to be nice that when all this is all said and done, there is not this sort of bickering back-and-forth. I'm all for competition; it breeds a sense that you have to make changes to be better. You have to be innovative, you've got to do things to still be the top dog in professional golf. "Going forward, it is going to be nice to have the players who want to get back to playing PGA Tour golf, the guys that want to be back playing on the DP World Tour, under one big umbrella, is somewhat harmonious." How can Rahm qualify for 2027 Ryder Cup? Rahm's future at the Ryder Cup had been uncertain amid his dispute with the DP World Tour. It is a requirement for players hoping to feature on Team Europe's Ryder Cup side to be members of the DP World Tour and play in four events annually. But now Rahm is eligible to earn qualification for the biennial event, which heads to Adare Manor in 2027. "I was never worried about that," Rahm said on qualifying for the Ryder Cup. "There were some things I believed in that I wanted them to agree with me, and I knew it was a matter of time. "I also understand they have their bylaws and their way to go about things and they have to follow certain procedures, and things are never as easy or as fast as you would think they would be, or at least I would have liked, but I was never worried. "The Ryder Cup is still really, really far away, but I'm happy that hopefully I won't have to think about any worries or any predicaments come to Adare Manor then or hopefully ever. I want to support the DP World Tour. There are a lot of events I want to play." Both Team USA and Europe are yet to announce their qualification schedules for the tournament, but Europe is expected to begin at the end of August at the Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry, a course synonymous with the event. Over the following year, players can earn points by winning events on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with Major Championships offering 5,000 points. PGA Tour Signature Events have 3,000 points available, while DP World Tour Rolex Series events offer 2,000 points. Rahm can qualify via points should he enjoy a good season on the DP World Tour, but he can also be picked as one of Luke Donald's six captain's picks. Rahm has played in four Ryder Cups, with his record sitting at 9-5-3 (W-L-T). He was selected as Donald's sixth captain's pick for the 2025 event at Bethpage. He and Hatton combined to win both their foursomes sessions. In the four-balls Rahm and Sepp Straka joined forces. They claimed victory against Scottie Scheffler and JJ Spaun on Friday, but suffered defeat by Xander Schauffele and Spaun on Saturday. Schauffele again claimed victory over Rahm in the Sunday singles. Watch the Ryder Cup live next September on Sky Sports Golf. Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.

News image template
Henry Vaughan, home affairs reporter
May 5
Four Palestine Action activists guilty over break-in at Israel-linked defence firm

Samuel Corner, 23, was also found guilty by a majority of 11-1 of inflicting grievous bodily harm, but cleared of the more serious charge of grievous bodily harm with intent after hitting a police officer in the back with a seven-pound sledgehammer. Prosecutors said the group used a prison van as a "battering ram" to get inside the Elbit Systems UK factory in Bristol in the early hours of 6 August 2024. Wearing red boiler suits and armed with sledgehammers, they sprayed red paint from fire extinguishers and used crowbars and hammers to break computers, drones and other equipment - causing an alleged estimated £1 million of damage. Amid scuffles with security guards and police officers, Sergeant Kate Evans was left with a fractured spine after being hit by Corner - who claimed he had been trying to protect another activist who he heard screaming. Corner, Charlotte Head, 30, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, were found guilty of criminal damage, while Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, were acquitted of the offence. They held hands in the dock as the verdicts were delivered and Head burst into tears as she was found guilty. The four convicted were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 12 June. All six were acquitted of the more serious charge of aggravated burglary in February. Rajwani, Rogers and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder, but the jury couldn't agree on verdicts for the other three and the charge was dropped ahead of the retrial. The judge Mr Justice Johnson told jurors to ignore the ongoing legal battle over the government's ban of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, which came in almost a year after the incident. He also asked them, "to put any views they may have about the Israel-Hamas war to one side" and said that whether they "thought they had some moral justification is completely beside the point". All of the defendants but Corner gave up their legal representation and elected to represent themselves before delivering their own closing speeches. Rogers said the raid was "the best thing I've ever done" and said she thought there was a "good chance" that "innocent lives were saved". Devlin said "I decided to represent myself so I can tell you my truth", inviting jurors to find them not guilty, telling them they do not need to "explain" their verdicts to anyone. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said although "it's obvious that they care passionately about the plight of the Palestinian people" and "consider that their actions were morally justified" it "does not mean that they had a lawful excuse to do what they did". "Although they admit what they have done, none of them is willing to admit responsibility for their actions," she said. "They are entitled to do that, but what they are not entitled to do is to ask you to disregard the law." All six of the defendants denied criminal damage, while Corner denied an additional charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

News image template
Bethany Minelle, arts and entertainment reporter
May 4
Britney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving

She did not attend the hearing Ventura County Superior Court on Monday and entered the plea via her lawyers. It means the star has escaped jail time, instead being sentenced to one day which the judge said was served when she was arrested. The 44-year-old pop star has also been sentenced to one year of probation, a drink driving class and a fine. Her summary probation is informal and means she won't be required to make regular meetings with a probation officer. Spears had been charged with a single misdemeanour count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug on Thursday. A representative for the singer said in April that Spears had voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation facility ⁠after the arrest. On 4 March, Spears was arrested after she was pulled over for driving her black BMW fast and erratically near her home, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said. Read more from Sky News:Peter Kay show bomb hoax suspect removed from courtSAG-AFTRA reaches tentative deal with studios in bid to avoid strikes At the time, the CHP said the singer was arrested and taken to a Ventura County jail after taking a series of field sobriety tests during which she seemed to be impaired. In a statement issued to Sky News' US partner NBC, a representative for Spears described the incident as "completely inexcusable". After the hearing her lawyer, Michael A. Goldstein, told reporters: "I don't think anybody's happy about pleading guilty to anything, but under the circumstances, to get this behind her, I think everybody is pleased with the result. "We appreciate the district attorney recognizing the positive steps that Britney is taking to help herself." District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said after the hearing that Spears had taken "full responsibility" . Sky News has contacted Spears's representatives for comment.

News image template
No Writer
May 5
Two pubs closing every day after 'sheer weight' of tax rises

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said 161 had shut their doors for good in that period, equating to about 2,400 job losses. It's also a 26% jump on the same time last year. The body blamed tax increases and rising labour costs, including the increase to the minimum wage. Wales was the only part of the UK which saw a net gain in its number of pubs – rising by three to 2,901. Rachel Reeves had been warned measures she unveiled in her budget last November would put pubs at risk, and months later she announced they would receive business rates support to help them cope. But the BBPA said more needed to be done to save Britain's pubs and, in the meantime, will be hoping this summer's World Cup – with longer opening hours – will give them a much-needed boost. Chief executive Emma McClarkin said even pubs doing good trade were having their profits "wiped out by a disproportionate tax burden and huge costs". "For too many, the sheer weight of taxes and regulatory costs have forced them to shut up shop, which will only hurt communities, workers, and the wider economy," she warned. The UK Spirits Alliance, which represents hundreds of distillers across Britain, urged the government to carry out a "proper review" of excise duty. "Spirits offer higher profit margins and help keep us afloat, yet we have the highest rate of excise duty in the G7," a spokesperson said. Read more from Sky News:Two dead after car ploughs into crowdStars reach settlement over film lawsuit The government insisted it was backing the sector and indicated there was more support to come as part of its programme for revitalising town centres. "We are backing Britain's pubs – cutting April's business rates bills by 15% followed by a two-year freeze, extending World Cup opening hours and increasing the Hospitality Support Fund to £10m to help venues grow," it said. It also pointed to a cut to alcohol duty on draught pints, a cap on corporation tax and cuts to interest rates, but there are fears there could be hikes ahead due to the war in Iran.

News image template
No Writer
May 5
Chelsea: Blues are in a mess - who would want the manager's job at Stamford Bridge, asks Paul Merson

Chelsea suffered a sixth Premier League defeat in a row for the first time since 1993 with the 3-1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, a result which means it is now impossible for them to finish in the top five and qualify automatically for the Champions League. There is also the increasing likelihood that they will struggle to finish high enough to make either of the other two European competitions, after defeat to a Forest side showing eight changes saw them drop to ninth, with a visit to Anfield to play Liverpool up next. Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson discussed Chelsea's predicament and how they are going to struggle to come through it. He also considered who might be the next manager at the club, suggesting the top coaches in the world won't want to come to Chelsea anymore. Read on for the Magic Man's thoughts on Chelsea in full... Carragher: Chelsea look like a broken clubChelsea 1-3 Nottingham Forest - Match report and reactionAs it happened | Teams | StatsLive Premier League table | Watch FREE PL highlights'Brighton was bad, Forest defeat even worse' I was at Stamford Bridge. Wow. I thought the defeat to Brighton was bad, but it got even worse against Nottingham Forest. It was terrible. Chelsea finishing the season strongly and potentially winning the FA Cup seems a million miles away. I know it's a one-off game but Man City look far too strong for Chelsea. The game against Forest was a massive opportunity for Chelsea. They could have really closed in on sixth, which could still be a Champions League spot. But now, Brentford are above Chelsea and we've had 35 games this season. That is extraordinary for me. 'The project isn't working' Chelsea have gone with a project that if it doesn't work, you've had it. The players all have six-, seven- and eight-year deals. If that doesn't work, it becomes so hard to sell a player. It's going to be a real struggle to get anyone out the door. Also, they have brought all these players in on lesser money on longer-term deals, but in the end, they have to give them big money. None of it makes any sense. They have just given Moises Caicedo big money, Reece James had a new deal and Cole Palmer signed a new deal, but they were already on long-term deals. I just can't see how it works. You might be able to sell players that perform, but if it doesn't work out, wow. And this hasn't worked out for Chelsea. They are now stuck with this team for the next five years. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Chelsea news & transfers🔵Chelsea fixtures & scores | FREE Chelsea highlights▶️Got Sky? Watch Chelsea games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺'I can't see a way out of this mess' I just don't know how Chelsea are in this mess and I honestly can't see a way out. Even if they get rid of players, how does that look for Financial Fair Play? Alejandro Garnacho hasn't pulled up any trees. they won't be getting their money back on him. Enzo Fernandez has appeared to court a move to Real Madrid. So, he seemingly wants to go, but I can't see how they get £100m for him unless he goes and wins the World Cup again. Where does the money come from? How can this work for Chelsea? You can't sit here and honestly say they will just sell a load of players and start again. If there are players they want to let go, they will probably have to pay them off to go. That will cost money. If they want new players in, that will cost money. They are stuck. 'Who would want the Chelsea job?' The next manager appointment is critical but it's going to be such hard work for whoever comes in. They are one of the youngest teams in the league and the players are outrun every week. They have just lost six league games on the trot and have 20 players in the squad all on six-, seven-, eight-year deals. They are probably not going to finish above Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth this season, maybe even Everton and Fulham with the way things are going. I really worry for Chelsea. Where are they going to be next season? I don't care how good the new manager is, the players are not performing. The bare minimum is to run around but they are outrun in every game. I could understand if the players were 30, 31 or 32, but they are not. These players are at the start of their careers. Who takes this job? It wasn't that long ago that Chelsea was the best job in the world for a manager. It's not now. I don't see the days of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel, that calibre of manager wanting the job anymore. A top manager only has to have a look at the issues I just stated to know it's a club that's not in a good place.

bottom of page