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NewsBeat

American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been freed, Iraqi official says

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American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been freed, Iraqi official says

BAGHDAD (AP) — American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped from a Baghdad streetcorner last week, has been released, an Iraqi official with direct knowledge of the situation said on Tuesday.

Kittleson was freed in the afternoon, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly. He did not share her current whereabouts but said that prior to her release, she had been held in Baghdad.

The powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah said in a statement earlier in the day it had decided to free Kittleson, who was abducted on March 31.

The group said its decision came “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister,” Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without giving more details. It added that “this initiative will not be repeated in the future.”

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The statement added a condition — that Kittleson must “leave the country immediately” upon her release.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kataib Hezbollah had not previously acknowledged that it was the one responsible for Kittleson’s abduction, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had pointed fingers at the group.

Two officials within the militia, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, told the AP that in exchange for freeing Kittleson, several members of the group who had previously been detained by Iraqi authorities would be released.

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Kittleson, 49, a freelance journalist, had lived abroad for years before the kidnapping, using Rome as her base for a time and building a respected journalism career across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Like many freelancers, she often worked on a shoestring budget and without the protections afforded by large news organizations to staff.

She had entered Iraq again shortly before her abduction. U.S. officials have said that they warned her multiple times of threats against her, but that she did not want to leave.

Iraqi officials have said that two cars were involved in the kidnapping, one of which crashed while being pursued near the town of al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. The journalist was then transferred to a second car that fled the scene.

Three Iraqi officials said earlier Tuesday that attempts to negotiate her release had run into obstacles.

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The two Iraqi security officials and one official from the pro-Iran Coordination Framework political bloc spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the sensitive case publicly.

One of the security officials said that an official with the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-backed militias that is nominally under the control of the Iraqi military, had been tasked with communicating with the abductors to secure Kittleson’s release but had run into difficulties in communicating with the Kataib Hezbollah leadership.

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“The primary challenge is that the leaders of the Kataib militia — specifically, the commanders of the battalions — are nowhere to be found. No one knows their whereabouts, and the process of establishing contact with them is extremely complex,” they said. “These leaders have gone underground, maintaining no active lines of communication, out of fear of being targeted.”

The political official said a message had been sent to the Kataib leadership to determine their demands in exchange for releasing the kidnapped journalist. Iraqi authorities were willing to release six Kataib Hezbollah members who are currently detained, most of them in connection with attacks on a U.S. base in Syria, they said.

Kataib Hezbollah has previously been accused of kidnapping foreigners.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton graduate student with Israeli and Russian citizenship, disappeared in Baghdad in 2023. After she was freed and handed over to U.S. authorities in September 2025, she said that she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah.

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The group never officially claimed responsibility for kidnapping her.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have also launched regular attacks on U.S. facilities in the country since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

___

Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.

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Urgent family plea to find missing Irish tourist Tommy O’Neill not seen in over two weeks

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Belfast Live

An urgent appeal has been issued to help locate Irish man Tommy O’Neill, who has been missing in Ibiza for over two weeks

An urgent plea has been launched to trace an Irish man who has vanished in Ibiza for more than a fortnight.

Efforts are ongoing to find 34-year-old Irish national Tommy O’Neill, who was last spotted at the Amistat Hostel in San Antonio, Ibiza on May 13. Neither Tommy’s relatives nor friends have reportedly been in contact with him for two weeks.

Tommy’s relatives, who are worried about his welfare, have urged any solo travellers who might have encountered the Irish man to get in touch. Tommy is said to be six feet tall with dark brown curly hair.

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His brother posted on social media: “Hi everyone, we are deeply concerned for the wellbeing of my brother, Tommy O’Neill, and urgently need your help.

“He was last seen on May 13 at the Amistat Hostel in San Antonio, Ibiza, and his family and friends have not heard from him in two weeks. We have filed a missing person’s report, but we’re hoping that fellow solo travellers may have crossed paths with Tommy in recent days and can help where possible.”, reports the Irish Mirror.

“Tommy is a 34-year-old Irish man, six feet tall, with dark brown curly hair (as shown in the attached photo). His mental health has deteriorated recently, so he is currently very vulnerable and may be acting unusually or appearing confused.

“If you recall seeing or speaking to anyone matching this description around San Antonio or anywhere else on the island over the last two weeks, please contact me immediately.

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“Please WhatsApp me at +49 2933 780 if you have any information at all, no matter how small it might seem. Please share this post to help us reach as many people in Ibiza as possible. Thank you.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs told the Irish Mirror: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”

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

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Cadbury just quietly launched an ‘incredible’ new chocolate bar in the UK

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Cadbury just quietly launched an ‘incredible’ new chocolate bar in the UK
There’s a new Dairy Milk bar for summer (Picture: Getty Images)

As summer approaches, supermarkets have started filling up with seasonal goodies.

In addition to delicious drinks, ice cream, and picky bits, you can expect to see some brand-new chocolate products hitting the shelves.

And if Cadbury is your favourite, you’re in for a treat.

That’s because the confectionery giant has just quietly dropped a new chocolate bar, with a rather unexpected flavour.

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Cadbury has released a Strawberries & Creme Frappe Dairy Milk bar in the UK.

Inspired by a fruity summer drink, the chocolate bar features crispy strawberry-flavoured rice pieces in a smooth creamy layer, all encased in classic Dairy Milk chocolate.

Fans are already ‘hunting it down’ in shops, and some shoppers have found it in supermarkets such as Morrisons and The Food Warehouse.

On Instagram, @treatsinstore shared a closer look at the bar, which was priced at £1.75.

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Those who want to try it will need to be quick, as it’s a limited-edition item, meaning it won’t be around for long.

While Cadbury hasn’t shared any kind of announcement about the bar online, photos of it have already been circulating on social media.

Over on Facebook, the chocolate bar was hailed as ‘incredible’, and many said they would be ‘keeping an eye out’ to try one.

A few people also pointed out that it was very similar to a discontinued Cadbury product – the Dairy Milk Strawberries & Creme bar.

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This was launched in 2013 and made a comeback in 2014, before ultimately being axed for good in 2015. It featured milk chocolate with a creamy strawberry filling.

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While there are similarities between the two, the big difference here is that the new frappe one has crispy pieces inside, while the other was smooth.

Will you be trying Cadbury’s new Strawberries & Creme Frappe bar?

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This comes after Cadbury confirmed a brand new Twirl bar is heading to the UK later this year.

The new product is a Golden Dipped Twirl.

This will see the classic flaky chocolate filling coated in a layer of smooth golden, caramelised white chocolate, as opposed to the standard milk chocolate.

And the brand also recently released two new desserts, one of which featured Twirl pieces.

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There are two new ‘made to share’ Cadbury Pots of Joy, which feature extra add-ins. The first has Twirl chocolate pieces, while the other features mini Oreo biscuits.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Soccer Aid viewers cringe over bewildered Tom Hanks and Tim Allen’s ‘awful’ cameos

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Soccer Aid viewers cringe over bewildered Tom Hanks and Tim Allen's 'awful' cameos
GK Barry’s Soccer Aid interview with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen was both baffling and hilarious (Picture: Shutterstock)

Soccer Aid viewers were left with serious second-hand embarrassment during this year’s game thanks to surprise appearances from two Hollywood legends.

Having been in the UK to promote Toy Story 5, Tom Hanks (the voice of Woody) and Tim Allen (who voices Buzz Lightyear) dropped by the London Stadium to get a slice of the Soccer Aid action.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the annual tournament raises vital funds for Unicef and welcomes some of the biggest names in sport and showbiz to battle it out on the pitch in teams England and the World XI.

Hanks, 69, and Allen, 72, weren’t there for a kickabout, obviously, but ITV still made the most of them, as podcaster and influencer GK Barry nabbed them for a cheeky interview… which quickly descended into chaos.

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Chatting from the tunnel, it was clear they didn’t quite grasp what was happening – but tried their best to appear invested.

The segment also saw Paddy McGuinness lean in for a quick selfie with Hanks, while Danny Dyer brazenly rubbed his head.

Any use of this image other than in an editorial context to promote Soccer Aid for UNICEF, for any purpose whatsoever including advertising and commercial usage, will require a separate prior agreement in writing from UNICEF, the copyright holder and, in some cases, the person or persons depicted in the image, and on occasion the photographer. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (16905764iu) GK Barry of England, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 on Sunday 31st May at London Stadium, Stratford. Photographed by Benjamin Gilbert for UNICEF UK and Soccer Aid Productions. ?UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures. For further information, please contact pictures@socceraidproductions.com Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026, the London Stadium, Stratford, London, UK - 31 May 2026
The Disney icons were unable to name many celebs taking part this year (Picture: Shutterstock)

As GK asked the stars which celebs they were excited to see play, Hanks named Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams… and that’s pretty much all he had.

GK helped them out, listing the likes of Tom Hiddleston and Wayne Rooney (England’s captain), which kept them engaged for what ended up being a very bizarre couple of minutes of television.

Heaping praise on the I’m A Celebrity star, @Joshmitchison wrote on X: ‘Wow that was awful fair play to GK for keeping that kind of together’.

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‘Tom Hanks and Tim Allen have no idea who any of those people are’, mocked @GingerFil7.

‘This feels like some sort of weird fever dream right now’, laughed @chutch92, asking, ‘What is happening?’

@AlexPaterson0 quipped that the actors ‘look like they have been on the alcohol’ and ‘haven’t got a clue what it’s about’, prompting @JohnKeeno to suggest that Hanks did seem to be a ‘fan’, but Allen ‘couldn’t give a c**p’.

US actors Tim Allen (L) and Tom Hanks (R) bring out the match ball ahead of the England XI v World XI charity football match for Soccer Aid for Unicef at the London Stadium, in east London on May 31, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)
The duo then emerged from the tunnel to bring out the match ball, receiving roaring cheers (Picture: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)
Any use of this image other than in an editorial context to promote Soccer Aid for UNICEF, for any purpose whatsoever including advertising and commercial usage, will require a separate prior agreement in writing from UNICEF, the copyright holder and, in some cases, the person or persons depicted in the image, and on occasion the photographer. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (16905764jw) Tom Hanks walk onto the pitch with the adidas match ball before Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 on Sunday 31st May at London Stadium, Stratford. Photographed by Daniel Hambury for UNICEF UK and Soccer Aid Productions. ?UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures. For further information, please contact pictures@socceraidproductions.com Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026, the London Stadium, Stratford, London, UK - 31 May 2026
England captain Wayne Rooney was all smiles as Hanks greeted the kids (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘Why am I watching Woody and Buzz talking with Danny Dyer’, added a bewildered @Si_23Q.

@SocialMediaJon1 joked that GK interviewing Hanks isn’t something they ‘ever’ thought they’d see, with @LadyFerny echoing: ‘Buzz and Woody randomly turn up’.

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Thankfully, the duo seemed a bit more put-together when they stepped up for a very important role in the match.

Hank and Allen brought out the match ball to roaring cheers from the stadium, Allen declaring, ‘Whoa! That is a crowd!’ before Hanks comically slicked back his hair using the trophy as a mirror.

After fist-bumping some of the kids on-pitch, they made their way to presenters Alex Scott and Dermot O’Leary, with Hanks saying with a smile: ‘What a lovely, intimate way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

‘All of my best friends are here.’

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EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or
Fans quipped that seeing Hanks on the pitch felt like a ‘fever dream’ (Picture: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
Any use of this image other than in an editorial context to promote Soccer Aid for UNICEF, for any purpose whatsoever including advertising and commercial usage, will require a separate prior agreement in writing from UNICEF, the copyright holder and, in some cases, the person or persons depicted in the image, and on occasion the photographer. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (16905764ld) Tim Allen and Tom Hanks walk onto the pitch before Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 on Sunday 31st May at London Stadium, Stratford. Photographed by Daniel Hambury for UNICEF UK and Soccer Aid Productions. ?UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures. For further information, please contact pictures@socceraidproductions.com Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026, the London Stadium, Stratford, London, UK - 31 May 2026
He and co-star Allen have been in the UK to promote Toy Story 5 (Picture: Shutterstock)

Allen then read out the fundraising total, which had already exceeded £4million ahead of kick-off, giving the people a real, ahem, buzz by shouting finally: ‘To infinity and beyond!’

Reacting to their feature, @EvertonHel called them ‘legends’, and @Villaboy89 said they are ‘Disney royalty’.

For 2026, Soccer Aid welcomed back some frequent faces, such as Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, and Alex Brooker, while newbies included Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd and youngest-ever Soccer Aid player, Adolescence’s Owen Cooper, who is 16.

Other celebs taking part for the good cause were Maisie Adam, Chloe Burrows, Jordan North, Damson Idris, Olly Murs, and Joe Marler, while Harry Redknapp and Bradley Walsh sat on the management team.

Completing the line-up, we had several pro footie players, such as Jermain Defoe, Jen Beattie, and Dimitar Berbatov.

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Unicef ambassador and pop icon Williams, 52, also performs during the half-time show to celebrate two decades of the charity event, which has raised more than £121m.

As explained by Soccer Aid, the money raised from this year’s game could help Unicef’s work with families, communities, and trusted partners to bring ‘life-changing support to children around the world, like clean water, vital vaccinations, or the opportunity to learn, so that every child can get the best start in life’.

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Soccer Aid 2026 LIVE: England vs World XI score, match stream and latest updates today

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Soccer Aid 2026 LIVE: England vs World XI score, match stream and latest updates today

As ever, there are some legends of the game taking to the pitch, too, with Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere and Joleon Lescott all set to roll back the years, as Adolescence actor Owen Cooper stands to become the event’s youngest-ever participant. Follow all the action from the London Stadium LIVE below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!

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KSI announces he is leaving YouTube group The Sidemen

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KSI announces he is leaving YouTube group The Sidemen

In a new video uploaded to his YouTube channel today (May 31), the day after the BGT final, the star announced he would be splitting from the seven-man social media group.

The Sidemen (SDMN), which also consists of Miniminter, Zerkaa, Vikkstar123, TBJZL, Behzinga, and Wroetoshaw, have been together since 2013, and have millions of subscribers across multiple channels.

However, KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, is set to ‘leave’ the group.

KSI announces he is ‘leaving’ YouTube group The Sidemen

In a video posted on social media, he said: “This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life.

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“I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time.

“I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.

“But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos.”

He later added: “The truth is, nothing bad has happened.

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“This decision is completely my own.

“Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before.

“Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed at 100mph.

“I’ve spent so long trying to be everything for everyone, trying to be everywhere, trying to do it all, trying not to let anyone down.

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“But somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life.”

Ant and Dec with KSI, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon CowellKSI joined the judging panel full-time for the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent (Image: Thames/ITV)

KSI went on to thank each of the Sidemen, as well as the crew behind the scenes and the fans.

He concluded by saying: “For now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work-life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”

“There isn’t an atom of bad feeling between him and The Sidemen, both understand that they’ve got huge workloads and are enjoying massive success,” an insider told The Sun.

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“That just means they’ll have to move in different directions, but that doesn’t mean they won’t work together again at some point in the future.”

Is KSI really leaving the Sidemen?

Some fans were not entirely convinced the news was true.

It is not the first time KSI has left the group, having claimed to have split from The Sidemen in 2017.

However, this did not officially happen, and instead led to a series of back-and-forth ‘diss tracks’ from members of the group.

Fans of the group did predict that the latest announcement was a forfeit of some kind.

One wrote: “This has to be a forfeit.”

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Another added: “This can’t be real.”

A third said: “I really can’t tell if it’s true or not.”

However, others believed the announcement, with one writing: “Good on him. I wish him well. Time to focus on family and relationships.”

Another said: “It’s real, and that’s okay. Family and relationships above content all day, every day.”

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KSI’s departure from the Sidemen was confirmed in a social media post from the group.

It read: “We’re sad to share the news that JJ has decided not to continue as part of the Sidemen.

“We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours.


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“This doesn’t change anything for the rest of us.

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“We’re still committed to creating the best content, events and shows that we can for you all.

“This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we’ve got lots of exciting stuff planned that we can’t wait to share.”

Are you a fan of The Sidemen? Let us know in the comments.

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Former UUP leader Doug Beattie resigns from party

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Belfast Live

He has cited a “toxic atmosphere” within the party

Former UUP leader Doug Beattie has resigned from the party, citing “a toxic atmosphere”.

The MLA for Upper Bann has said he will continue to serve as a unionist independent and has posted a statement on social media addressed to current party leader Jon Burrows where he wrote: “It has become clear that my continued membership of the Ulster Unionist Party is no longer tenable.”

He said, following Mr Burrows’ election as leader, “MLAs were increasingly marginalised, ignored, isolated and discredited.

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“Your leadership style became dismissive and overly centralised, empowering individuals to actively undermine elected representatives. In the absence of any coherent policy direction from the leadership, a toxic atmosphere has been allowed to flourish within the party.”

In the statement Mr Beattie said “an insidious campaign of rumour and gossip” was being waged against him “regarding selections, party relationships, financial matters, and employment issues.”

It said: “This came to a head last Thursday when you rang me to say that you intended to reopen a disciplinary matter against me. Something that had already been dealt with by the Party Management Board four years previously and had received considerable media attention at the time. This felt vindictive and a deliberate attempt to drive me from the party.

“As I step away from the Ulster Unionist Party, I remain committed to many of the policies I helped develop and write, particularly regarding the Northern Ireland criminal justice system and the legacy of our past. Areas of party policy shaped during my ten years as the party’s Justice spokesperson.”

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A UUP spokesperson said: “The Ulster Unionist Party received Doug Beattie’s resignation today. We thank Doug for his many years of service to his country and to the party, and we wish him well.

“The party does not accept the characterisation of recent events set out in Mr Beattie’s letter.

“The Party Management Board met on Thursday evening to consider serious concerns about Mr Beattie’s conduct and judgement. The Board unanimously agreed a course of action, which was due to be communicated to Mr Beattie by the party leader on Monday. Mr Beattie’s resignation has overtaken that process.

“On Councillor Kate Evans, who Mr Beattie’s letter references, we again thank Kate for her many years of service to the party and to the people of Craigavon. The Party Leader, Jon Burrows MLA, reached out to Kate personally to wish her well and offered to meet at any time. We wish her and her family well.

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“The party’s focus remains on serving the people of Northern Ireland, on delivering for them, and on the work ahead.”

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

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Missing Highland teenager thought to have travelled 50 miles from home

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Daily Record

Natasha Reid was last seen in Milton, Easter Ross on Friday, May 29 and is thought to have travelled around 50 miles south to Carrbridge

A teenager missing from the Highlands is thought to have travelled around 50 miles from her home. Natasha Reid was last seen on Friday, May 29 at around 5.40pm in the Drovers Way area of Milton, Easter Ross.

She was first reported missing on Thursday, May 27 and was known to have been in Milton at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 27 before the confirmed sighting on Friday.

Police enquiries to trace Natasha are continuing and they now believe that she may have travelled to Carrbridge, around 50 miles south of Milton.

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Natasha is described as being 5ft10, with long black hair and blonde highlights and a nose piercing.

When last seen, Natasha was wearing a black and leopard print top, black shorts and blue Adidas Samba shoes.

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Johnston said: “Concerns are growing for Natasha’s welfare, and we are keen to trace her to make sure she is safe.

“I’d ask that anyone with information, or who has seen someone matching Natasha’s description, get in touch with officers.”

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A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Officers are appealing for the help of the public to trace Natasha Reid, 15, who has been reported missing from North Kessock.

“From enquiries carried out so far, it is believed Natasha may have been in the Drovers Way area of Milton, Easter Ross, on Friday, 28 May, around 5.40pm. She may have since travelled to Carrbridge.

“Natasha has been described as around 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, with blue eyes and long black hair with blonde highlights. When last seen she was wearing black and leopard print top, black shorts and blue Adidas Samba shoes.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0063 of May 28.“

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Lostock extension and garage conversion approved by council

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Lostock extension and garage conversion approved by council

The application for 10 Milverton Close, sought permission for a two-storey extension to the rear of the property and the conversion of the existing garage into a habitable room.

Planning officers concluded the development would be subordinate to the existing house, would use matching materials and would not cause undue harm to neighbouring residents or the character of the area.

A report noted the extension would project three metres from the rear of the property and span 12.3 metres, while maintaining a design in keeping with neighbouring homes.

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Officers also found there would be no significant overlooking or overshadowing impacts on nearby properties.

One representation was received during the consultation period, raising concerns about access during construction.

However, officers said any disruption would be temporary and outside the scope of planning control.

The scheme was approved subject to conditions, including a requirement that external materials match the existing property.

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Work must begin within three years of the permission being granted.

The property has been the subject of several previous planning applications.

Proposals for front extensions were refused by Bolton Council in 2023 and 2024, with two subsequent appeals also dismissed by planning inspectors.

However, officers noted the latest application related to a rear extension and garage conversion, which they considered acceptable.

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Trevor Phillips Scorches Labour’s Lack of Female Leaders

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Trevor Phillips Scorches Labour's Lack of Female Leaders

Sky News’ Trevor Phillips asked a senior minister what is “wrong” with Labour as he tore into the party’s lack of female leaders.

Labour is currently in turmoil as speculation of a coup mounts.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is campaigning as the party’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election.

If he wins and becomes an MP, he is expected to challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership, sparking a contest which ex-health secretary Wes Streeting has already vowed to join.

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Senior female party figures, like former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, are yet to say if they would partake in any leadership race.

Interviewing work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden on Sky News, Phillips said: “There’s a shadow contest going on. The Labour Party’s not going to have a female leader. It’s bizarre.

“This is not something you could say of any self-democratic party, most of the centre-right parties in Europe [have had a female leader] – the Tories have had four!

“Genuinely, what is about the Labour Party that makes it, as far as I can see, incapable of having a serious female contender for leadership?”

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McFadden said that was a “good and serious point”, though he rejected claims there was any contest coming on right now as no one has formally challenged the prime minister.

But he added: “If there is a contest, then why should it just be with the people who so far have been mentioned?”

Phillips said: “What’s wrong with the Labour Party?”

“The Labour Party’s not perfect, like any other organisation,” McFadden replied. “There are wonderful women politicians in the Labour Party, many of them are capable of leadership, and if we ever are in a position of a contest, why wouldn’t they put themselves forward?”

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Phillips’ question comes after Jess Phillips told the Hay festival this week that her party is sexist for having no permanent female leaders in its history.

The MP for Birmingham Yardley, who resigned as the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls earlier this month, said: “Like all institutions [Labour] is a bit sexist”.

She added that “every institution that every single person in this room works for is led by the patriarchy”.

However, she disputed the idea that just having a woman in power would improve the UK.

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“I have to say, the idea that a woman leads and it makes it better for women is not one that I’ve recognised in this country,” she said.

“My mortgage went up by a thousand pounds a month, cheers Liz [Truss]. I shouted at her, every time I saw her, the amount that she now owed me. She has not paid me back.”

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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WWE Clash in Italy 2026: UK start time, live stream, confirmed match card and results today

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WWE Clash in Italy 2026: UK start time, live stream, confirmed match card and results

WWE makes history with the Clash in Italy premium live event (PLE) this evening.

For the first time ever, WWE will hold a PLE in Italy, marking just the fourth ‘Clash’ event after Clash at the Castle in 2022 and 2024 – in Cardiff, Wales and Glasgow, Scotland respectively – as well as Clash in Paris (France) from last August.

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