Natalie Yemelyanova remembers being overwhelmed by the kindness of York people when she and her daughter Polina, then 12, arrived from Ukraine as traumatised refugees four years ago.

Four months earlier they had been woken at 4.30am in their flat in the Kyiv suburb of Irpin by the sound of Russian warplanes roaring overhead and bombs falling.

Out of their window, Natalie could see the roads clogged with queues of traffic heading westwards out of the city.

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“There was this huge line of cars going past,” Natalie, now 52, recalls.

Natalie and Andrew at Fairfax House (Image: Stephen Lewis)

They knew at once what it was: just the evening before, there had been talk that an invasion was imminent.

But still, it threw Natalie into a panic. “My thought was: is it safe to stay, or to go,” she says. “I couldn’t decide.”

Then an inner voice told her she had to do something. “We just couldn’t stay,”

She and Polina teamed up with a neighbour, and in his car they joined the queues heading west out of Kyiv for the Polish border and safety.

The roads were blocked, and the westbound traffic barely moved. Occasionally, desperate to make progress, they were forced to drive west on the empty east-bound lane.

It took two days to reach the Polish border. For a while they stayed with a friend in Holland.

But as the war dragged on, Natalie realised they needed to find a longer-term solution.

As a young woman, she had studied in London. So she and Polina headed to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Polina was offered a place at a school in York – and they arrived here about three months after the Russian invasion.

Natalie couldn’t believe how welcoming people were. There were constant knocks on the door of their landlady’s home as people brought them supplies.

She also remembers how extremely helpful the local authorities were.

“It was unbelievable,” she says. “So much kindness. An amazing experience.”

She and her daughter were still traumatised. For a while, Polina would barely eat or speak.

Natalie herself found it difficult to sleep at night – until she made the deliberate decision to stop watching the news about home.

“I managed somehow to try to cut myself off from it,” she said.

Gradually, the pair settled. Polina developed an interest in drama at school. And Natalie began looking for a job.

Back at home, she had been personal assistant to a high-powered businesswoman. She learned that York Civic Trust was advertising for an admin assistant, applied, was interviewed, and got the job.

She was nervous at first– but it was one of the best things that could have happened, she says.

“It is the best place to work,” she said. “The team is just great, and everyone is so supportive. I love my job and I’m so grateful.”

York Civic Trust chief executive Andrew Morrison is delighted with how Natalie has fitted in.

She goes way beyond her admin assistant duties, and has become an essential part of the team, he says – taking the lead on things like bookings at Fairfax House and managing the civic trust membership database.

Her personality, experience and perspective make for a better workplace all round, he says. “She has fitted in incredibly well!”

Natalie still desperately hopes for an end to the war in her country. “All the people who stayed there are heroes to me,” she said.

In the meantime, she’s hoping to join other members of the Ukrainian community in York to celebrate Vyshyvanka Day at the Merchant Taylors Hall on May 14.

The day, a celebration of all things Ukrainian – particularly the national dress – has been held every year at the hall for the past three years.

“The Merchant Taylors love working with and hosting the Ukrainian community,” said John Vincent, of the Company of Merchant Taylors of York. “Members of the company feel very strongly about showing support to the community, and are particularly delighted to be able to host Vyshyvanka Day, which is in part a celebration of traditional Ukrainian national dress”

Rashford is a Manchester United player. He has a contract that runs to 30 June 2028. When Casemiro’s contract expires on 30 June this year, he will be the club’s highest earner, with his salary benefiting from the restoration of the 25% that had been taken off because of last season’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.

His loan deal with Barcelona includes an option to make the transfer permanent for €30m (£25.94m) if it is triggered by 15 June.

That is the easy bit. From there it starts to get complicated.

On the face of it, making the deal permanent makes sense for all parties.

Rashford has done pretty well; 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances. It was enough to earn him an England recall from Thomas Tuchel and, in all probability, a spot in the final 26-man World Cup squad.

He enjoys playing for Barcelona and would like to stay.

While Barca have other targets this summer, they would be signing a player for well under market value. Manchester United meanwhile would be washing their hands of someone who was in Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ last summer.

However, Barcelona are apparently unwilling to execute the transfer and are trying to renegotiate, potentially to sign Rashford next season on another loan deal. United have indicated they are not prepared to do that.

It is an understandable position for United, who know they could get more for Rashford from other clubs.

Yet United’s stance has risk.

Last month, head coach Michael Carrick said ‘nothing has been decided’ on Rashford and indicated he would be willing to work with the 28-year-old if he returned to Old Trafford next season and he was confirmed as the new boss.

However, United are determined to drive wage costs down and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously spoken about trying to ensure the highest earners are ‘on the pitch’.

Given the club are approaching a summer in which they will be attempting to sign at least two central midfield players and almost certainly at least two more players in other areas of the pitch, and also need to talk to skipper Bruno Fernandes about his contractual situation, it does not help them in negotiating terms for someone on Rashford’s salary to still be at the club.

French President Emmanuel Macron interrupted a speaker on stage at the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi to ask the audience to remain quiet.

“There is a total lack of respect,” Macron told attendees, before urging those holding side discussions to continue them outside or in bilateral meeting rooms.

The French leader is in Kenya for the Africa Forward summit, which has brought together more than 30 African leaders, business executives and young entrepreneurs as France seeks to strengthen economic and political ties across the continent.

Some people believe in UFOs while other people think it’s nothing more than reflections or a drone in the sky

A Jet2 pilot has shared his experience of a so-called “UFO” encounter mid-air, and said that he’s seen many “unusual” objects in the sky. But was it really a UFO?

On Jet2’s blog, Ask a Pilot, posted on May 8 of this year, Josh was asked by a customer: “Have you ever seen a UFO while flying?” In response, he suggested that some pilots or travellers may believe they’ve seen a UFO while looking out the window. But appearances can often be misleading, he said.

He explained: “No, I haven’t. I’ve seen things that seemed unusual at first glance; lights, reflections, even weather phenomena, but there’s always turned out to be a logical explanation.

“Quite often we also see satellites passing overhead – in particular, the chains of Starlink satellites, which are very cool to watch as they move across the sky.” Turning to other issues, he said that nervous flyers should bring two items with them in the cabin. This includes a book and a digital device.

The question asks: “I’m a nervous flyer! Can you give me some tips on how to relax and enjoy the flight?” In response, Josh suggested: “Try distractions like music, films, podcasts or a good book. This can make a big difference and help pass the time.”

With these tips in mind, the next time you are packing for a trip, remember to charge your iPad or mobile device so you can watch films, listen to music, or catch up on your favourite podcasts. You could also bring a Kindle – or a similar device – or even a physical book for the journey.

To help calm nerves, he reassures people that “turbulence is completely normal”. He added: “Aircraft are designed and tested to handle far more than you’ll ever experience on a typical flight.

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“Let the crew know if you’re feeling nervous. The team at Jet2 are incredibly customer-focused, and if you mention it, they’ll do everything they can to reassure you and make the journey as comfortable as possible! This might even include a cockpit visit on the ground before departure, which can really help build confidence.”

Josh once again reassures travellers, regardless of which airline they fly: “Remember, flying is one of the safest forms of transport, with multiple layers of training, technology and procedures all working together to keep you safe. If you have any questions while on board, just ask a member of our friendly crew, who will gladly help you.”

The teams come into the BetMcLean European Play-Off final at Windsor Park in very different shape

Rodney McAree admits Dungannon Swifts’ gruelling end-of-season schedule is taking its toll but he’s optimistic about finally getting the better of Linfield on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

The teams come into the BetMcLean European Play-Off final at Windsor Park in very different shape.

The Blues have been idle since losing their final league game to Cliftonville on April 25, whereas the Swifts faced three testing challenges in the space of seven days.

They had to dig deep to beat the Reds by that same scoreline at Solitude on Saturday, having beaten Carrick Rangers in the first round, which was hot on the heels of losing a thrilling Irish Cup final to Coleraine.

It’s been breathless stuff for the Tyrone club, but boss McAree was heartened by the resolve his players showed when up against it in the semi-final.

“I thought, to be honest, there was a stage in the second half where we looked a wee bit dead on our feet but we managed to find a little bit of a second wind,” he said.

“Maybe it was a third or fourth wind we found at that stage but we found another breath and we got going again.

“It’s one more game to go to get into Europe, and we couldn’t ask for a much tougher task.

“We just have to find a way and we have to go again.

“We knew it was going to be a tough schedule for us in terms of getting over the line.

“We’ve won two big games, Carrick at home and we’ve come to Cliftonville, which is a very, very tough place to come to.

“We have to challenge ourselves, I think we can go all in against a team that we haven’t beaten all year and try to turn them over in a one-off occasion.”

Among the aches and strains in the Dungannon squad, Gael Bigirimana is the biggest question mark for tonight’s game.

The midfield talisman was named to start against Carrick but pulled out after picking up an injury in the warm-up.

He then wasn’t in the squad for the Cliftonville semi-final, and remains doubtful to face Linfield.

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Panicking Labour MPs are looking north for a route out of the electoral doldrums as Keir Starmer battles to retain his grip on power after the local elections bloodbath

‘When the herd moves, it moves.’

That was how Boris Johnson described his own MPs turning against him when he was forced out of power in 2022. And once again, we find ourselves watching MPs try to decide whether to commit regicide as Keir Starmer’s grip on power is tested to breaking point.

Things are moving quickly, and the outcome is not at all certain. But the mood appears to be shifting towards Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, as panicking MPs look north for a route out of the electoral doldrums.

Backbencher Catherine West’s kamikaze bid to trigger a leadership contest looked like it could derail his chances. But she appears have bowed to pressure, and is now calling on the PM to set out a timetable for his departure.

Plenty of MPs are talking about this timetable idea. Read between the lines and what they really mean is ‘give Burnham time to get back to Parliament’.

READ MORE: Angela Rayner speech in full as she gives scathing verdict on Burnham rulingREAD MORE: All the Labour MPs calling for Keir Starmer to quit including former ministers and senior MPs

The Greater Manchester Mayor has rare popularity with voters at a time when almost every politician is viewed negatively by the electorate. But he faces significant hurdles before he could consider a leadership bid.

Labour’s rulebook says only MPs can stand in a contest – and Burnham doesn’t have a seat. His attempt to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February was blocked by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC).

So he needs to find an MP willing to stand down and trigger a by-election in a seat where he can win. Then he needs the NEC to rubberstamp his nomination. Mr Starmer still holds sway over the NEC but he may not have the power to block his rival this time around.

Former Deputy PM Angela Rayner has said Burnham must be allowed to stand, which has been echoed by senior figures like Lisa Nandy and Sadiq Khan.

Burnham would still need to win the seat – no easy task with Reform and the Greens breathing down Labour’s neck. And then he would need to get 81 MP backers to even enter a leadership contest. He is not universally popular in Labour ranks, and has already made two unsuccessful bids to lead the party.

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Starmer has made it clear he would fight any challenger, and he would automatically be on the ballot as leader of the Labour Party. There are also other potential successors to contend with, most notably Rayner and Wes Streeting.

Rayner has thrown her weight behind Burnham’s return to Parliament, and the pair have met privately in recent weeks. She is still waiting for the results of an HMRC probe into her tax affairs after she admitted to underpaying tax on her seaside flat.

But I have heard whispers from MPs who would have backed her who fear this may be too big an obstacle to overcome – even if HMRC clears her. She could decide to row in behind Burnham, but she is keeping her counsel for now.

And then there’s Wes Streeting. Speculation has been at fever pitch that the Health Secretary could move early to block Burnham from a contest. But his camp told me that he doesn’t intend to pull the trigger.

This could still fizzle out. Downing Street hopes the PM can cling on through this turbulence, and deliver a King’s Speech that brings MPs back together.

The longer his rivals hesitate, the better a position he will be in. But the threat from the King in the North won’t go away.

It comes amid growing US involvement in the South American country following the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro

Donald Trump is reportedly “seriously considering” making Venezuela the 51st state of America.

The US president is believed to have raised the prospect during a conversation with Fox News correspondent John Roberts.

“Just got off the phone with @realDonaldTrump … he told me he is seriously considering a move to make Venezuela the 51st state…” Roberts wrote in a post on X.

Trump has repeatedly aired the notion of the South American nation becoming part of the US in a string of comments made throughout the 2026 World Baseball Classic, reports the Mirror.

He initially broached the subject after Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in the tournament semi-final in March, writing on Truth Social: “Good things are happening to Venezuela lately. I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?”

The following day, after Venezuela shocked the US in the tournament final, Trump seemed to reinforce his position by simply posting: “Statehood!!!”

The remarks emerged against a backdrop of escalating US engagement in Venezuela following the detention of former president Nicolas Maduro.

Trump ordered air strikes in Venezuela during the early hours of Saturday, 3 January, before American forces apprehended Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores at their Fort Tiuna military installation in Caracas, subsequently transporting them to the US.

Without providing proof, Trump alleged that Maduro had been “emptying his prisons and insane asylums” and “forcing” inmates to relocate to the US. He additionally held Maduro responsible for the surge of narcotics – particularly fentanyl and cocaine – entering the US. Maduro is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, where he is facing multiple charges, including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy.

Throughout his second term in office, Trump has issued threats to seize control of several other nations and territories, including Greenland and Canada.

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Jarrod Bowen stood over the ball by the corner flag. There was so much going on in the penalty area as he delivered a cross.

A melee ensued before Callum Wilson blasted a shot over the line. Salvation for the Hammers? Enter the video assistant referee, Darren England.

You cannot blame the VAR for taking his time. This was such a huge moment with five potential fouls buried among the bodies.

Whatever decision England made was going to be the subject of intense scrutiny.

Let’s break it down step-by-step, consider the potential fouls and what the VAR would be looking for.

Soucek on Havertz

In the chronology of fouls, this was the first potential incident.

The two players were at the near post, with Kai Havertz in front facing the ball. Tomas Soucek was climbing over the back of the Germany international.

As the ball was in the air, the Arsenal forward ended up on the floor with Soucek on top of him.

The VAR will take into account that the players were not in the area where the ball was going to land – Havertz was not going to be prevented from playing it.

That Soucek was was facing the ball goes in his favour, too.

All in all, the VAR would have allowed this to go.

Odegaard on Tobido

A straight-forward situation to judge.

Both Martin Odegaard and Jean-Clair Todibo were engaged in mutual holding. When this is the case no one party is judged to be committing an offence – essentially, they are both as bad as each other.

Odegaard had an arm round the waist of the West Ham attacker, who had his arm around the Norway international’s shoulder.

Trossard on Pablo

The battle between Leandro Trossard and Pablo started just outside the six-yard box as the ball was kicked.

They were both holding on to each other at first before Pablo tried to make a run towards goal.

This was when Trossard, with his back to the play, grabbed Pablo around the waist.

Based on what we have seen this season, it was not enough for a penalty as Pablo was able to move to the flight of the ball and was not dragged down.

However, this was the incident which may have been of most interest to the VAR outside the foul on Raya.

Pablo on Raya

After moving into the six-yard area under pressure from Trossard, Pablo engaged with David Raya.

Crucially, he did so in a way which impeded the goalkeeper from being able to claim or play the ball.

Pablo had his arm directly across the Spain international, and was holding the goalkeeper’s left arm with his hand.

This restricted Raya in two ways. His right arm was pinned down by Pablo’s left biceps, and his left forearm was being held too.

For the VAR, this clearly impacted the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball.

Tobido was pulling the back of Raya’s shirt, too, but it was Pablo committing the crucial foul.

Rice on Mavropanos

Declan Rice had his arms around the waist of West Ham‘s Konstantinos Mavropanos.

There was the potential for this to be a penalty, as it was a clear non-footballing action.

However, it happened almost simultaneously with Pablo’s challenge on Raya.

The foul which had the material impact on the passage of play was prioritised.

And that was Raya’s attempt to play the ball.

Richard’s family said he “spent his whole working life on the railway, where he was a mentor to many”

The family of a man who died in a crash between a car and a lorry has paid tribute to him. Richard King, 45, died when a white Xpeng G6 he was driving was involved in a crash with an HGV at about 11.50am on Wednesday, May 6.

It happened on the eastbound carriageway of the A1139 Fletton Parkway in Peterborough, near the exit from the A1(M). Richard, who was from Fletton was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has described him as “loving father, son, brother, and friend to many” who was loved “so much”.

His family has released the following tribute to him: ” “Richard was a loving father, son, brother, and friend to many. He spent his whole working life on the railway, where he was a mentor to many.

“He was, however, at his happiest watching his beloved Arsenal with his two sons, Jack and Thomas. We will miss Richard more than words can do justice. His kindness, patience and strength left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. We loved him so much and losing him will hurt forever.”

Police are appealing for information and dashcam footage from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the vehicles in the moments leading up to it. Anyone with information should contact police online at www.cambs.police.uk/report quoting Operation Braddock. Those without internet access are asked to call 101.