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After Laura’s exclusive interview, she’s joined by Henry and Joe to discuss what Nicola Sturgeon had to say about her estranged husband Peter Murrell’s guilty plea to embezzling hundreds of thousands of pounds from the SNP – as well as the political and public reaction to her words.

Hear the full length interview on the previous episode of Newscast.

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The presenter was Laura Kuenssberg and Joe Pike. It was made by Jon Bithrey with Chloe Scannapieco. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Shirley Ballas has reportedly risked incurring the wrath of BBC bosses after an appearance on a Strictly Come Dancing-themed cruise trip.

It has been claimed that the 65-year-old head judge was paid over £10,000 to host the seven-day voyage from Southampton to Norway.

During the Virtuosa trip, which is run by MSC Cruises, elements of the Strictly live shows are said to have been so faithfully recreated that passengers felt they could have been watching an instalment of the BBC show.

The cruise, which priced packages from £599 per person, reportedly advertised that Ballas would be ‘bringing Strictly glamour’ to the luxury liner, which set off on the high seas earlier this month.

During the voyage, Ballas was introduced while the Strictly theme tune played, which the Daily Mail has claimed was not approved or licensed by the BBC.

Ballas also presided over a dance competition and scored contestants with paddles, much like she does for her job on the BBC show. She was also said to have worn a diamante suit which was made for Strictly. 

One passenger told the publication: ‘It was like watching an episode of Strictly, there were so many similarities.’

The dance legend reportedly delivered critiques on footwork and timing, while other activities on offer to passengers included a dance masterclass, which was described as a replication of the rehearsals in the lead-up to the Strictly live shows.

Ballas’s appearance duties on the cruise are also said to have included a storytelling Q+A with behind-the-scenes tidbits from Strictly and a meet-and-greet.

In the cruise marketing materials, the voyage was billed as a ‘Strictly-style holiday’ and promised to deliver Ballas’s ‘energy, style and sparkle’ at sea.

However, the appearance might have been in breach of the BBC’s strict editorial guidelines, which state that promotional work involving licence fee-funded talent must not ‘imitate, suggest a reference or connection to or pass off BBC content’.

This includes ‘replicating any editorial elements of a programme’ and must not ‘suggest BBC endorsement’. 

Such rules landed DIY SOS star Nick Knowles in hot water in 2021, when he appeared in a Shreddies advert dressed as a builder. This was deemed by the BBC to have been a breach of contract. 

License fee-funded talent must also declare any commercial interests which are connected with programmes that they present.

A BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘We have clear guidelines around an individual’s commercial activities while working with the BBC, and they are regularly reminded of these guidelines.’

Ballas is set to return this autumn as head judge, despite causing fears among fans that she might be exiting amid a new spin-off show she is judging with her son Mark for Dancing on Ice.

Metro contacted Shirley Ballas’s representative for comment on this story.

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“When officers came back to their car, someone was in the driver’s seat and drove the car directly at an officer who fired his weapon at him”

An officer fired his weapon at a man who was driving a stolen police car toward him moments before he was hit by the vehicle, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable has said.

Police have launched an attempted murder investigation following the incident which took place at around 4.45am on Sunday, May 31, in the Model Farm estate in Downpatrick.

It is reported that a vehicle failed to stop for officers in Fountain Street and was then located in the Ballymote Walk area where a man was seen running away towards Colmcille Road and chased by police. When officers came back to their car, they say someone was in the driver’s seat and drove the car directly at an officer who fired his weapon at him. The officer was then hit by the vehicle and suffered serious injuries.

The police car was later abandoned with a 27-year-old being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody at this time.

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “At approximately 4.45am this morning, Sunday 31st May, a vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area – it was later located in the Ballymote Walk area.

“Officers observed a man running from the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued towards the Colmcille Road. As officers returned to their police car, someone was in the driver’s seat – driving erratically and directly towards an officer. The officer discharged one round from his firearm.

“The officer was struck by the vehicle – causing serious injuries. The vehicle was subsequently abandoned a short time later. The suspect made off from the scene.

“Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, who were also supported by members of the local community. The officer was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for treatment to his injuries believed to be serious, but thankfully not life-threatening at this time.

“As part of our enquiries, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody at this time.”

The police vehicle, officer’s weapon and ammunition have all been recovered and removed for forensic examination.

Assistant Chief Constable Jones continued: “As is standard procedure when a police firearm is drawn, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed – and their enquiries are ongoing.

“Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job, and today’s incident is a stark reminder of the dangers they face.

“Our thoughts are with the officer as he receives ongoing medical treatment today for his injuries in hospital. And we will continue to support him and his family.

“This would have been a terrifying experience for the officer and also his colleagues – with the clear potential to cause life-changing or even fatal injuries. Actions were taken this morning in defence of life to protect himself and fellow officers.

“Detectives from our Serious Crime branch have now launched an attempted murder investigation – with their enquiries continuing at pace.

“We would ask anyone who has information, or who has CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of what happened to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 317 31/05/26. A report can also be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

“Our thoughts are with the police officer who has been injured during the incident in Downpatrick and their colleague who was present”

The Police Ombudsman has issued a statement after an officer fired a weapon during an incident in Downpatrick where he was also hit by a stolen police car.

The PSNI notified the Ombudsman about the discharge of a firearm by an officer during the incident which took place at around 4.45am on Sunday, May 31. It was reported that the officer fired one round after someone had stolen a police car and driven it towards him.

Director of Investigations, Nikki Davis, said: “Our thoughts are with the police officer who has been injured during the incident in Downpatrick and their colleague who was present.

“In line with standard procedures, the Police Ombudsman’s Office was notified by the PSNI about the discharge of a firearm and our investigators attended the scene. We have been gathering relevant information, including any available video evidence, to assess the circumstances.”

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A 27-year-old man was since been arrested with police launching an attempted murder investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “At approximately 4.45am this morning, Sunday 31st May, a vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area – it was later located in the Ballymote Walk area. Officers observed a man running from the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued towards the Colmcille Road.

“As officers returned to their police car, someone was in the driver’s seat – driving erratically and directly towards an officer. The officer discharged one round from his firearm. The officer was struck by the vehicle – causing serious injuries. The vehicle was subsequently abandoned a short time later. The suspect made off from the scene.

“Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, who were also supported by members of the local community.

“The officer was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for treatment to his injuries believed to be serious, but thankfully not life-threatening at this time. As part of our enquiries, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody at this time.”

The police vehicle, officer’s weapon and ammunition have all been recovered and removed for forensic examination.

Assistant Chief Constable Jones continued: “As is standard procedure when a police firearm is drawn, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed – and their enquiries are ongoing. Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job, and today’s incident is a stark reminder of the dangers they face.

“Our thoughts are with the officer as he receives ongoing medical treatment today for his injuries in hospital. And we will continue to support him and his family.

“This would have been a terrifying experience for the officer and also his colleagues – with the clear potential to cause life-changing or even fatal injuries.

“Actions were taken this morning in defence of life to protect himself and fellow officers. Detectives from our Serious Crime branch have now launched an attempted murder investigation – with their enquiries continuing at pace.

“We would ask anyone who has information, or who has CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of what happened to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 317 31/05/26. A report can also be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Last year, American world number five Jessica Pegula said she felt like she was “hitting her head against the wall” over the subject, while two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur questioned whether the people making the decision “have daughters”.

Since 2023, questions have been raised about whether the French Open should do more to showcase the women’s game.

The lack of action prompted recently appointed WTA chief executive Valerie Camillo to seek answers from French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo – a former women’s world number one – when they met at Roland Garros this week.

In what the WTA describes as an open and productive conversation, Camillo underlined her belief that women’s players have delivered some of the “most exciting and dynamic competition in global sport” over recent months and years.

Mauresmo has consistently argued that the danger of women’s matches going “really fast” is the justification behind the choices.

Tickets for night session matches during the 2026 tournament range from €60 to €280 (£50 to £240).

Mauresmo has insisted the night sessions will not be extended to two matches – like the Australian Open and US Open – in fear of creating late finishes.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said it carried out another strike Saturday on a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three men in the fourth attack this week and putting the total death toll at 205.

U.S. Southern Command announced the strike with its usual language that the vessel was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” and operated by a designated terrorist organization. It provided no evidence for the allegation.

It’s the latest in a monthslong campaign against alleged drug boats traversing the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.

Video released by the military on social media shows a small vessel floating in the ocean before it’s hit and engulfed in a fireball.

The attack brings the death toll to 205 in a series of U.S. strikes that began in early September, with other attacks announced on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The Trump administration has declared that the U.S. is at armed conflict with Latin American drug cartels, saying they are behind the flow of drugs into American communities.

U.S. Southern Command said in its post on X that the strike came at the direction of Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the top U.S. commander in Latin America.

The series, which will be broadcast on BBC One, will tell the story of Sarah Everard’s abduction and murder and examine the wider issues of misogyny and police failings that the case exposed.

Ms Everard, 33, grew up in York and was a student at Fulford School before moving to London where she worked as a marketing executive.

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She was abducted, raped and murdered by former armed Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens in south London in March 2021. He tricked her into thinking he could arrest her for breaking lockdown rules as she walked home.

The two-part series will look at how Couzens was able to become a Metropolitan Police officer, as well as how his offending was dismissed and evidence against him was not collected.

Jeff Pope, the drama’s writer and executive producer, said: “Wayne Couzens should never have been a police officer, but opportunities to deny him that privilege were missed.

“That he was still a serving officer on the night of March 3, 2021, after committing numerous sexual offences over a long period of time, was a tragedy waiting to happen, and the key question asked by this drama.”

BBC executives said the drama will be handled with “sensitivity and respect.”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: “Drama has a unique ability to sensitively and respectfully tackle real-life subjects and this series will explore the impact of this horrific crime, the misogyny and failings from within the Met Police and what lessons can be learnt.

“Award-winning writer Jeff Pope will treat this with the utmost care, helping to ensure that the issues that led to Sarah Everard’s murder remain in the public consciousness for years to come, whilst continuing to hold the police to account.”

The drama will be split into two hour-long parts, produced by Etta Pictures, with a release date yet to be announced.

Just over the Litani river line, the IDF has confirmed it has captured one of the key strategic prizes in the area – Beaufort Castle. It was built as a fortress commanding views from high on the cliffs above the Litani river by the Crusaders some 900 years ago, and has been fought over many times since.