Tehran has reportedly rejected a second round of peace talks with the US

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Donald Trump has revealed the US forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged ship near the Strait of Hormuz after “blowing a hole” in it. The dramatic event was detailed on Truth Social, Sunday evening (April 19).

The United States President wrote: “Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them.”

Trump said US Marines intercepted and took “full custody” of the cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. This marks the first such interception since the US blockade of Iranian ports of maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports began on Monday.

The Mirror reports he added: “The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room.” Iran has reportedly not commented.

Iran views the US naval blockade as a violation of the two-week ceasefire. Earlier today, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran has rejected a second round of peace talks with the US.

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Trump said the talks would take place in Islamabad on Monday night and threatened to “knock out” every power plant and bridge in Iran if Tehran does not agree to a deal with the US. Tehran’s absence is due to “Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade”, IRNA said.

The news threw into question Trump’s announcement that US negotiators would head to the Pakistani capital for the talks, which had raised hopes of extending a fragile ceasefire set to expire by Wednesday. While Iran’s chief negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, said in an interview aired on state television late Saturday that “there will be no retreat in the field of diplomacy”, he acknowledged that a wide gap remained between the sides.

Host Pakistan also did not confirm a second round, but authorities began tightening security in Islamabad. The White House said Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round of face-to-face talks over 21 hours last weekend, would lead the US delegation to Pakistan with special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Iran said it had received new proposals from the US on Saturday. It was unclear whether either side had shifted stances on issues that derailed the last round of negotiations, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme, its regional proxies and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

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The BBC has seemingly pulled episodes of Top of the Pops that featured Scott Mills from iPlayer after the corporation made the decision to dismiss the radio star last month

The BBC has seemingly pulled episodes of Top of the Pops that featured Scott Mills from iPlayer. In yet another scandal for the public broadcaster, Scott Mills, a BBC radio favourite for decades, was axed from his role in March.

The Mirror revealed that the former BBC Radio 1 and 2 DJ was questioned in 2018 over the historical allegations of serious sexual offences, but the investigation – which began in 2016 – was closed in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

The allegations are reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000. The Metropolitan Police told the Mirror that the teenage boy at the centre of the investigation was under 16.

For more than 40 years, Top of the Pops was the BBC’s major music programme that showcased the acts who were in the charts that week and gave a platform to some of the biggest names in the industry, with the likes of The Beatles, Spice Girls and Madonna amongst countless others all having performed on it over the years.

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The programme, which ended in 2006, is still repeated regularly but now the The Sun has reported that the three episodes in which Scott, 53, served as host, have now been wiped from the corporation’s streaming service.

The episodes in question originally aired in 1999 and around that time, he welcomed the likes of Billie Piper, Mariah Carey and Westlife onto the show to perform their latest singles. The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

On Wednesday April 1, The Mirror revealed that the BBC was forced to terminate Mills’ contract after receiving compelling new information. The BBC then confirmed the Mirror’s report a day after it emerged that they knew of information relating to the police investigation. They pledged that they were “doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.”

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The Metropolitan Police said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the interview in 2016, was investigated over allegations reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000. Today, BBC News reported that director general at the time, Tony Hall, was not aware of the allegations.

The investigation was dropped in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. As first reported by the Mirror, Mills was sacked over allegations relating to his ‘personal conduct’ after the final edition of his breakfast programme aired.

Following his dismissal, Mills issued a statement via lawyers thanking his well-wishers. He said: “I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”

On the police probe, he said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.

“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully co-operated and responded to in 2018.”

He added: “Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.”

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Celtic beat St Mirren 6-2 after extra-time to reach the Scottish Cup final as super sub Kelechi Iheanacho scores crucial goals

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A dramatic extra-time thrashing of St Mirren secured Celtic’s place in the Scottish Cup final.

Martin O’Neill will take the Glasgow giants back to Hampden next month to take on Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic in the showpiece decider.

A case of master versus apprentice.

However, the Hoops faced a stern test, as the Premier Sports Cup champions – who defeated Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic when these sides last met at the national stadium – clawed their way back from 2-0 down and forced extra-time.

Yet, ultimately it proved to be a comprehensive victory as Celtic struck four times in the opening period of extra-time to seal a 6-2 triumph. But how did the individual players perform? Daily Record Sport assesses the ratings.

Celtic

Viljami Sinisalo 6

The goalkeeper produced an excellent stop to thwart Liam Donnelly. Appeared uncertain when dealing with back passes and was fortunate on several occasions. Powerless to prevent either goal.

Anthony Ralston 7

Provided stability and reliability. Struck a superb goal at the close of the opening period. The left flank became vulnerable afterwards. Restored composure in the latter stages.

Auston Trusty 7

The towering defender was another who began impressively. The US international handled the physical presence of Mandron and Ayunga effectively. Celtic’s standout defender.

Benjamin Arthur 6

The Brentford loanee made a confident start. He appeared commanding but began to falter when St Mirren increased the pressure. Withdrawn prior to extra-time.

Kieran Tierney 7

The left-back delivered his trademark performance down the flank. Pushed forward at every opportunity while maintaining defensive solidity. The team’s quality noticeably dipped following his substitution.

Arne Engels 6

The Belgian midfielder made his first start since February. A positive development for Celtic. He struck the woodwork with a powerful effort. Cautioned by the referee.

Callum McGregor 7

The skipper has faced scrutiny recently, but his knowhow proved crucial on this occasion to maintain Celtic’s rhythm. Consistently made himself available.

Benjamin Nygren 7

The Swedish forward often faces accusations of being one-dimensional. He displayed greater versatility in this match. Posed a significant danger and found the net.

Yang 6

Proved a constant menace down Celtic’s right flank. Gave St Mirren’s defence plenty of headaches. Delivered an excellent ball for Ralston’s strike.

Daizen Maeda 8

Operated centrally. The tactical switch paid dividends as he opened the scoring. His speed troubled the opposition throughout and gave St Mirren no breathing space.

Sebastien Tounekti 6

The wide player’s form can fluctuate. This ranked amongst his better displays. Fashioned several chances for teammates. Celtic require this level of output regularly.

Subs

James Forrest (Tounekti 61) Provided the delivery for Iheanacho’s strike 2.

Luke McCowan (Engels 74) Sealed victory with the fourth goal 3.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (McGregor 74) Subdued cameo 1.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Yang 83) Completed the rout with a brace 5.

Marcel Saracchi (Tierney 83) Fulfilled his role 2

Dane Murray (Arthur 91) Helped close out proceedings 2.

St Mirren

Ryan Mullen 1 The goalkeeper endured a torrid quarter of an hour. A wayward clearance gifted Daizen Maeda the opening goal before he was forced off with a thigh problem.

Mark O’Hara 6

Operating as wing-back, the skipper put in a tireless shift. Consistently looked to receive possession and surge forwards.

Alex Gogic 6

Typically combative at the centre of the St Mirren backline. Gave absolutely everything though he and his teammates eventually ran out of steam. Tough afternoon.

Miguel Freckleton 6

His speed proved vital in enabling St Mirren to push higher up the pitch. Difficult to fathom how his side conceded so heavily by the final whistle.

Liam Donnelly 6

Usually deployed in midfield but stepped up amid the Buddies’ injury crisis. Didn’t disappoint his side. Advanced when his team chased an equaliser.

Declan John 7

Outstanding throughout. The left-back delivered the run and delivery for Mandron’s goal. Got forward consistently and posed a genuine threat for St Mirren.

Allan Campbell 6

Has experienced something of a renaissance under Craig McLeish. Certainly grafted hard and covered plenty of ground to pressure Celtic. Cautioned.

Jacob Devaney 6

The Manchester United loanee was eager to impress on the big occasion. Scrapped and battled for his side. Didn’t contribute much going forward.

Killian Phillips 6

Worked tirelessly and brought a physical presence for the Buddies. Thought he’d scored but saw it chalked off for handball.

Mikael Mandron 7

Hampered by illness in the previous final. Was determined to feature in this one. Compensated with a clinical brace. Outstanding performance.

Jonah Ayunga 6

The towering forward worked tirelessly and kept the Celtic backline busy throughout. He wasn’t really afforded opportunities to showcase his best attributes. Withdrawn in the closing stages.

Substitutes:

Grant Tamosevicius (Mullen 15) The youngster was exposed 3.

Roland Idowu (Phillips 74) Brought creativity 1.

Jake Young (Ayunga 74) Excellent touch for the leveller 2.

Jayden Richardson (Campbell 74) Provided speed down the right flank 2.

Conor McMenamin (Donnelly 82) Failed to make an impact 1.

Scott Tanser (John 106) Had limited influence 1.

Referee assessment: Matthew McDermid. While he frequently faces scrutiny, he managed proceedings effectively.

Star performer: Kelechi Iheanancho. Transformed the match with his brace in extra-time. The ultimate impact substitute narrowly edged Mandron for the accolade.

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A top wrestler suddenly died at the age of 66 with the cause of his death currently unknown. Van Hammer – whose real name was Mark Hildreth – competed for WWE and WCW but was best known for his glory days in the latter as one of its ‘heavy metal’ stars.

Friends and former colleagues including Marc Mero and Diamond Dallas Page posted tributes to Hildreth, who died today (Sunday 19 April). One fan tweeted: “REST IN PEACE VAN, YOU WERE AN AWSOME WRESTLER.” An autopsy is expected soon.

Mero, 65, who has competed in the ring under his real name and as Johnny B. Badd, broke the news online, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer.

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“At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy. Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him… he always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going.

“I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym.

“Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes [another legendary wrestler, who died in 2015] to come to his office the next day. Mark didn’t hesitate, he drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling.

“That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most. We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract.

“We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight.

“Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey.

He concluded: “Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered.”

North Yorkshire Council has opened nominations for its annual Community Awards, which celebrate the organisations and individual volunteers who dedicate their time to improving the lives of others.

The awards scheme recognises the impact of voluntary work across the county, and this year introduces two new categories.

Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: “The Community Awards are a fantastic way of honouring the everyday heroes who improve the lives of residents in so many aspects.

“Every year, we hear inspiring stories from those who send in nominations, spanning our urban and rural areas, and from differing backgrounds.

“We want to keep our categories fresh to shine a spotlight on relevant topics.

“This time we are showcasing the importance of wellbeing and inclusivity among communities, and we want as many people as possible to nominate local champions.”

The closing date for nominations is July 5.

The first of the new categories is wellbeing and community connection, which recognises organisations or groups who help people feel healthier, more connected, and included, with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing.

The second, inclusive communities, is for groups working to bring people together and support them to thrive, such as by removing technological or physical barriers to participation.

The commitment to the community category, which honours individual volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, also returns this year.

Last year’s winner of the collaborative spirit category, Malton Free Fridge, is a volunteer-run scheme where unpaid volunteers collect food six days a week that would otherwise be wasted from local businesses, supermarkets, gardens and allotments, and distribute it to any taker.

Lindsay Wrightson, chair and founder of the project, said: “The award gave our volunteers more confidence in what they are doing and an increased look at the wider community they serve, therefore opening their eyes to more possibilities.”

Share Skipton was named the winner in the community impact category.

The organisation runs a “library of things” where residents can borrow useful household items at low cost and hosts a repair café where items can be fixed by volunteers for free.

Jill Coupe, project coordinator at Share Skipton, said: “After being nominated, the team was both surprised and thrilled to be selected as the winner.

“It celebrates the incredible efforts of our dedicated volunteers, as well as the growing number of residents embracing our services to share, reuse, mend, and learn.

“This award has helped raise awareness of Share Skipton.

“It has been an amazing year, and we are very grateful to North Yorkshire Council for their support.”

Angela Monaghan, founder and chair of the trustees at Share Skipton, said the recognition highlighted the group’s practical approach to both social and environmental concerns.

She said: “In a time of rising costs and climate urgency, we are offering practical solutions that bring people together and prove that sustainable living and stronger communities go hand in hand.

“The recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation and highlights the positive impact of grassroots community initiatives in addressing both environmental and social challenges.”

The winner of each category will receive £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards, while two runners-up in each category will receive £250. Each finalist will receive a trophy and a framed certificate.

All finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony on October 16, at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference, held at the Pavilions of Harrogate, North Yorkshire Showground.

It is rare for a team to be challenging for the title without a forward in the conversation for team of the season, but it is difficult to argue against the fact that is where Arsenal are.

Man City’s Haaland and Antoine Semenyo will undoubtedly be in contention for the end-of-the-season awards while past title-winners have boasted the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero and Didier Droga.

Arsenal‘s available forward options of Gyokeres, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Eze and Gabriel Jesus undoubtedly have their strengths – but it feels a stretch to call any of them ruthless match-winners.

The all round play of Gyokeres has been questioned and he is often only effective against sides that aren’t at the top end of the table.

Havertz’s opening goal was his first of the season, Leandro Trossard has not scored for 22 games, Madueke has two league goals, while Eze has six – but five of those have come in two matches against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal were also without Bukayo Saka, who missed out with an Achilles injury, but despite usually being one of Arsenal‘s most reliable forwards, his numbers are down this season.

Arteta’s side have been criticised throughout the season for their style of play with their strengths being their threat from set-pieces and their excellence in defending the cornerstones.

At times throughout the season, Arsenal have struggled to create chances and that is reflected in their goals from open play.

Arsenal have 35.8 expected goals from open play this season – sixth in the league. Manchester City are second (42.1) with Chelsea top (43.2).

“Teams were starting to get scared of Arsenal‘s set-pieces,” former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“This is great when you get points but the more and more time goes on, you start to rely on this and start to feel comfortable with this. You don’t concede many goals, you don’t create many goals but you get those chances where you feel like you are going to score.

“The message you are giving is, ‘don’t worry guys, stay strong and if we get set-pieces we can count on that’.”

And the former defender thinks if Arsenal played with a different style, their forwards would flourish.

“The more time that goes on, the less you think about how you are going to create and hurt people,” he said.

“It’s not about playing ‘free football’ and scoring five goals but I do feel with the players they signed over the summer, they could damage any team if you give them that freedom.

“I have just felt over the last few weeks, it feels like they are just not trying to make mistakes rather than trying to take risks and going for the win.”

PARIS (AP) — Nathalie Baye, a French actor who was a fan’s favorite for her her down-to-earth charm and great versatility, has died. She was 77.

French president Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to an actor “with whom we loved, dreamed and grew.” French media reported that Baye died on Friday in Paris from a neurodegenerative disease, quoting a statement from her relatives.

“We loved Nathalie Baye so much,” Macron wrote in a message on X. “Through her voice, her smiles, and her modesty, she accompanied the past decades of French cinema, from François Truffaut to Tonie Marshall.”

Baye featured in more than 80 movies, switching from mainstream comedies to auteur films with ease in a career that spanned over five decades. She twice claimed the prize for best actress at the Césars, France’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Baye, who was Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-screen mother in Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can,” won both popular and critical acclaim for her role in “Venus Beauty Institute,” a romantic comedy that follows three women working in a Parisian beauty salon as they search for fulfilment. Marshall won the César award for best director in 2000 for the movie.

The daughter of artists, Baye first trained as a dancer then honed her acting skills at the famed Cours Simon and the Conservatoire. She took the spotlight in François Truffaut’s “Day for Night” in 1973 and, five years later, worked with him again on “The Green Room.”

Baye worked with directors Maurice Pialat, Claude Sautet and Bertrand Tavernier, among others. She rose to fame with “The Return of Martin Guerre” in 1982. A year later, her role as a tough-talking streetwalker devoted to her down-and-out gangster boyfriend Philippe Leotard in “La Balance” earned her a César.

Baye liked to work with emerging filmakers such as Xavier Beauvois. She won the César for best actress for his movie “The Young Lieutenant” in 2006.

Alan Shearer has backed Manchester City to go on and win the Premier League after their statement 2-1 win over title rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal produced a spirited performance after a wretched run of just one win in their previous five contests in all competitions, but Erling Haaland’s second-half strike ultimately proved decisive at the Etihad.

Kai Havertz’s equaliser – gifted to Arsenal by Gianluigi Donnarumma – had given the visitors hope of a famous victory away from home, with the German’s effort cancelling out Rayan Cherki’s exquisite opener.

Mikel Arteta’s side were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal in the second half, though, ensuring hosts City – who have a game in hand over Arsenal – closed the gap at the summit to just three points of the leaders.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men will claim top spot if they get the better of struggling Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

‘I believe today, I believe on Wednesday, I believed a week ago because I see them every day and I know the level that we have,’ Arteta told reporters shortly after Arsenal’s setback.

‘But today, if they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. We are talking about it in the dressing room.

‘It’s a new league now. We have three points of advantage, they have the game in hand.

‘Everything is still to play for. We know how much we want it and we are not going to stop!’

Arsenal will be desperate to get their title charge back on track when they return to action at home to an out-of-form Newcastle in just under a week’s time.

Dissecting Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash on NBC Sports, ex-England and Newcastle striker Shearer said he saw a difference in Arsenal’s overall performance compared to their recent below-par displays.

But according to Shearer, the away team were made to pay for their wayward finishing as several chances came and went in the second period.

‘Where’s that [spirit] been for the last five or six weeks? That’s the big question,’ Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, explained.

‘Yes, they were much better in terms of energy, playing more on the front foot, creating chances, and they were much better than they have been, but they just fell short.

‘They had their chances and they didn’t take them. There was a great chance in the last minute for Kai Havertz, with a wonderful ball in, and he has to score that goal.

‘That’s been the difference today unfortunately for Arsenal.’

Asked if he believes City will go on and win the title, Shearer replied: ‘Yeah, I always felt that if City won this game, with the form they’re in, with the experience that they have and the momentum they’ve got, I do believe they’ll now go on and win it.

‘It just feels like that. Looking at Erling Haaland, looking at their fans in the stadium and listening to it, you get that feeling that that’s exactly how they’re feeling as well.’

Shearer felt Arsenal missed a big opportunity to wrestle the momentum back in their favour when they stumbled at home to Bournemouth in their previous encounter.

He continued: ‘I thought their opportunity was last week against Bournemouth, particularly after winning in Sporting, I thought the momentum from that would have carried them on.

‘But it was such a weak, limp performance against Bournemouth and it’s very, very difficult, at whatever level of football you’re playing, to flick a switch and go again.

‘You can’t just do that, you need momentum. And there’s one team with momentum at the minute and that’s Manchester City.’

Wayne Rooney took an altogether different view to Shearer after the final whistle, though, insisting Arsenal remained in pole position despite their crushing loss in Manchester.

‘This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come,’ the former Manchester United and England forward said.

‘It is is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites.

‘I’ve been in this situation myself, where you need to win all your games for the title. You look at your games and you think well we should win this one, or that one, but it never pans out that way.

‘From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best – that’s who will win it.’

While he stopped short of agreeing with Rooney, Guardiola was keen to sound a note of caution and remind his ow players that winning the league from this position will be far from a forgone conclusion.

He said: ‘I don’t know, I didn’t think Arsenal were in bad momentum. In the Carabao Cup we were better.

‘Today we were really good. They came here after the defeat with hunger and we won. They are are so competitive, we know that. But at the same time, we are too.

‘The table speaks for itself. They have been the best. Congratulations to the guys, but don’t lose the focus.

‘Wednesday is our game in hand and we can be there if we win. That’s what we have to do. Doing it will be so difficult because Everton or Brentford, or Aston Villa, Crystal Palace.

‘The games that we have. Bournemouth away. Last week they won in Emirates and Newcastle. It will be more difficult.’

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