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

A majority-male jury had been weighing whether Weinstein, 74, raped former aspiring actor Jessica Mann in 2013 in a New York hotel. But in a note to Judge Curtis Farber, the jury said it could not reach a unanimous decision. Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape in the third degree, and he has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Weinstein was first convicted in early 2020 of third-degree rape involving Ms Mann, but a New York state appeals court overturned the conviction. Jury deliberations broke down at a 2025 retrial. That paved the way for this year's retrial. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

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

A majority-male jury had been weighing whether Weinstein, 74, raped former aspiring actor Jessica Mann in 2013 in a New York hotel. But in a note to Judge Curtis Farber, the jury said it could not reach a unanimous decision. Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape in the third degree, and he has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Weinstein was first convicted in early 2020 of third-degree rape involving Ms Mann, but a New York state appeals court overturned the conviction. Jury deliberations broke down at a 2025 retrial. That paved the way for this year's retrial. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

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

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

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No Writer
May 15
Fabio Wardley activates Daniel Dubois rematch clause as he seeks to win back WBO heavyweight world championship

Wardley floored Dubois twice in the early rounds of their fight in Manchester on Saturday night, but the Ipswich boxer lost his WBO heavyweight title in an 11th-round stoppage defeat. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed to Sky Sports that a rematch clause had been put in place and Wardley has now enforced a return bout with Dubois which is expected to take place later this year. Harrison: Fabio Wardley needs more time for Dubois rematchGet Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOWDownload the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more Warren described Wardley vs Dubois as the "best heavyweight fight I have ever put on" and the defeated champion has vowed to deliver another epic battle with his British rival in the rematch. The 31-year-old is even more motivated and focused to avenge that loss to Dubois, telling Sky Sports: "The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt. "It was a fight for the ages, but I made some mistakes that I will rectify in the rematch. Congratulations to Daniel, but I'm coming for you… and my belt!" Promoter Queensberry confirmed: "Fabio Wardley has activated the rematch clause following his defeat in last week's WBO world title fight against Daniel Dubois at the Co-op Live in Manchester. "All parties will now work towards a rematch of their fight of the year contender for later in 2026." Wardley did not require hospital treatment at the weekend and is recovering from the facial injuries he suffered in the bout.

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No Writer
May 15
New Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 65

The outbreak has been identified in the remote Ituri province, where officials have recorded 246 suspected cases, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Most of the cases and deaths have been reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, the agency said on Friday. Four deaths have so far been confirmed among laboratory-tested Ebola cases, while suspected infections have also been reported in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province near the border with Uganda. Preliminary laboratory testing detected the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples analysed. The Ebola virus spreads through bodily fluids, including blood, vomit and semen, and can cause severe and often fatal illness. Africa CDC has also raised concerns over the proximity of the outbreak to neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan. Read more from Sky News:CIA chief visits CubaZelenskyy vows response to Russian strikes An emergency meeting involving health officials from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, alongside UN agencies and other international partners, was due to take place on Friday to coordinate the response. Congo has experienced 17 Ebola outbreaks since the disease was first identified in the country in 1976. One of the deadliest outbreaks, between 2018 and 2020 in eastern Congo, killed more than 2,000 people. The country's eastern regions are also facing ongoing violence involving armed groups, including the M23 rebel movement and the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Force, complicating efforts to contain the disease. Dr Gabriel Nsakala, a public health professor involved in previous Ebola responses in Congo, said the country had extensive experience dealing with outbreaks but warned rapid action would be essential. "In terms of training, people already know what they can do," he said. "Now, the expertise and equipment need to be delivered quickly."

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No Writer
May 15
Casting for new James Bond under way

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

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Sarah Taaffe-Maguire, business and economics reporter
May 15
UK borrowing costs hit fresh financial crash-era high amid political uncertainty

The interest rate investors demand on 10-year loans to the state, known as bonds, hit 5.168%, surpassing a previous decade-long high set on Tuesday. Not since June 2008 has the government borrowing cost been so high. Major global economies, such as the US and Germany, have also seen borrowing price increases in recent weeks due to inflationary fears triggered by the war in Iran. Oil and gas supply disruption has made energy more expensive, sparking fears of a new round of inflation and higher interest rates as a result. Money blog: Major pensions reform becomes law But the UK is facing rises above that of other states. While the country is more exposed to energy price shocks due to its reliance on imports of oil and gas, it appears the challenge by Mr Burnham is fueling this sharp rise. Mr Burnham issued a statement on Thursday night saying he would seek permission from the Labour Party to stand in the Makerfield by-election to return to parliament, with the incumbent Labour MP making way for him. It is thought that he intends to launch a leadership bid to oust Sir Keir as prime minister once he is back in the House of Commons. From the end of trading on Thursday night to Friday afternoon, the 10-year bond yield, the interest rate investors demand to lend to the state, rose 3.5%, a steep increase for bonds. Longer-term borrowing costs, too, saw significant increases and blew past recent highs, reaching 5.84%. The last time the interest rate on 30-year bonds was this high was May 1998. Why? Investors seeking a higher return to lend to the UK signify greater concern about its ability to repay debts. Questions around who will lead the country, what support they may have and what their policies may be can contribute to the perception of risk. Mr Burnham said last year the country had to put behind it the idea of "being in hock to the bond markets".

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No Writer
May 15
Kylian Mbappe: Booed Real Madrid striker claims to be 'fourth forward' after substitute appearance on injury return

Mbappe was returning from a hamstring injury after missing the Clasico defeat on Sunday which ultimately secured the LaLiga title for arch-rivals Barcelona, and came off the bench midway through the second period for homegrown forward Gonzalo Garcia, who had started - and scored - alongside Vinicus Junior and Franco Mastantuono. Mbappe has been the subject of much anger from Real Madrid fans, and become something of a scapegoat with the club enduring a second consecutive season without silverware. Over 30m people signed a petition calling for Real to get rid of the striker, who came under fire for his decision to go on holiday to Sardinia while recovering from a hamstring injury. Got Sky? Watch the Premier League and more on the Sky Sports app📱Not got Sky? Get instant access with no contract📺How to watch EVERY remaining PL game LIVE! "I'm 100 per cent fine," Mbappe said after Thursday's match. "I didn't play because the coach [Alvaro Arbeloa] told me I'm the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vinícius [Júnior] and Gonzalo. I accept it and play the time I'm given. I think I played well," he told reporters after the game. "I was ready to start, it's his decision and it always has to be respected. I have no problem at all with ​Arbeloa. You have to accept the coach's philosophy and I have ​to do better to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono." Mbappe had started all of Real's previous six games, scoring three times, prior to his injury and has been out of the starting line-up on only four previous occasions when available for Arbeloa in the 26 matches since the head coach took over from Xabi Alonso in mid-January. Arbeloa was questioned over Mbappe's comments following the game and said he felt it was not possible for the forward to come straight back into the line-up following his hamstring injury, and denied his claims of being the club's fourth-choice forward - before revealing he will start Real's next game against relegation-threatened Sevilla this Sunday. He said: "I had a conversation with him before the game and I ​don't know what he could have interpreted. "For ⁠me it is very clear that a player who four days ago could not be on the bench (against Barcelona), today should not start. ⁠Especially because ​it's not a final, it's not ​a game of life or death. "I can understand that Mbappe isn't happy about not playing, but it's a decision based on the circumstances. It was the most logical and natural thing to do, the most common-sense thing. "If you want, you can show me Kylian's mixed zone [comments] and we can discuss it. Until I hear what he said, I'm not going to comment on every single sentence. As long as I'm in this position, I decide who plays and who doesn't. I don't care what their names are." Mbappe shrugged off the boos he receive from the infamously ruthless Real support. "It's life," he said. "You can't change people's minds when they're angry. I shouldn't take it personally. It's the life of a Real Madrid player, and a famous player like me. They're not happy. That's the only way to understand the whistles." Will Mourinho be the one to solve the Mbappe conundrum? Jose Mourinho may have to smooth over relations between Mbappe and the Real Madrid support, with the Portuguese believed to be increasingly likely to become the next head coach at the Bernabeu. Jose Mourninho increasingly likely to become Real Madrid boss The current Benfica boss was asked for his view on the public issues between Mbappe and Arbeloa ahead of their game with Estoril on Saturday and said: "It makes me sad because Arbeloa is a friend, he is one of those who gave soul and life when he was a player of mine. "Now that he is the Real Madrid manager, our connection is even stronger, just like my connection to the club. I want things to go well for him. Being a player is always easier than being the manager. But he won the game yesterday and I'm sure he is happy today," Despite the Portuguese's insistence that he is not personally speaking to the Spanish giants while Benfica's season is still alive, Sky Sports News understands work is going on behind the scenes on his behalf with the intention to make a move happen. President Florentino Perez has continued to be a huge admirer of Mourinho since his first spell at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, and they have remained close. Perez is believed to want to make Mourinho Real's next head coach and try to arrest some of the disorder that has been going on at the club in recent weeks, including in the dressing room.

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