The summer window is yet to open but the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool are already working on new signings. Premier League champions Arsenal are set for another huge summer, with Morgan Rogers a key target as Mikel Arteta demands four new players. A left-sided attacker is the dream, along with a new striker, midfielder and right-back, and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi is also of interest.

Services are being diverted while works take place

Passengers are facing nine days of disruption as two Metrolink tram stops are closed in Manchester city centre. No trams will call at either Shudehill or Market Street tram stops from today (June 1) to next Tuesday, June 9, with normal service expected to resume next Wednesday.

The closure is to allow improvement works to take place in the city centre, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It means that no trams on the Altrincham and Bury lines will call at Shudehill, Market Street, Piccadilly or Piccadilly Gardens.

All services on the line will run between Bury and Altrincham via Exchange Square, in both directions. Trams on the Trafford Centre line will run to Etihad Campus, rather than Crumpsall as normal, while services between Manchester Airport and Victoria will run via Exchange Square.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

A post on TfGM’s website said: “Customers may need to change trams, take a short walk or hop on the free bus to continue their journey. Outside of free bus operating times, a replacement bus will operate between Piccadilly and Victoria.

“For customers on the Bury and Altrincham lines, the easiest way to reach Piccadilly will be by changing trams at St Peters Square. You may need to change platforms for the right trams, see departure boards and signage on stop for more details.”

Meanwhile, passengers will face further disruption on Sunday (June 7), when track renewal work takes place on the Rochdale line. There will be no trams running between Victoria and Rochdale Town Centre that day as a result, with a bus replacement service in place.

Arne Slot says he is leaving Liverpool “exactly where it belongs: among Europe’s elite” after he was sacked as head coach on Saturday.

The Dutchman, 47, won the Premier League title in his first campaign but was dismissed by the club’s hierarchy after the Reds finished fifth in the league this season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Liverpool will open formal talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola this week over becoming their new head coach.

In an emotional open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, external, Slot said fans made him feel welcome from the start and helped him on his path. “That is something I cherish,” he added.

“I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead.

“The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure.”

Despite suffering 20 defeats in all competitions, Slot secured Liverpool‘s place in next season’s Champions League.

“Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond,” he added.

“Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.

“When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it.”

He disappeared during that time and attacked police after a manhunt.

And he offered no explanation of why how and why he got there, other than being “impulsive”.

But Steffan Crompton has been allowed to keep his licence so he won’t lose his job at the National Grid.

The 34-year-old, from Bolton, previously pleaded guilty to two incidents in Alexandria that caused hours of disruption.

Just after 10am on August 29, he was speeding on the wrong side of Main Street near Vale of Leven Academy. He collided with a wall and lamp post, causing damage to both and the car.

(Image: Network Rail)

It caused masonry to fall on the rail line, forcing the route between Dumbarton and Balloch to close for emergency repairs.

At the time, it was reported that the car’s driver fled the scene before police arrived.

They appealed to find the man, dressed in a blue anorak and denim trousers.

Main Street was closed between Wylie Avenue and Place of Bonhill.

More than three hours later, Crompton was found on the Dumbarton High Street. He acted aggressively, shouted, swore, uttered threats of violence towards police and struggled with officers.

He admitted that charge and to driving without due care and attention.

(Image: Network Rail)

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on May 28, Sheriff Maxwell Hendry was unimpressed.

“What puzzles me is that the accident happened in Alexandria,” he said, “there’s no suggestion he suffers head injury, and his behaviour toward the police takes place some three and a half hour later, at an entirely different locus, and claims to have no recollection of intermediary period and tells police he is going to ‘do them all’.”

Crompton’s defence solicitor said: “He is apologetic and ashamed of his actions.”

The sheriff replied that if his client had a concussion, that might be an explanation.

The solicitor said it was a “fairly impactful crash”.

He said his client had been abstinent from any alcohol or narcotics for some time.

It was agreed he was speeding at around 40mph and there was “dampness on the road”, he continued.

“A previous accident left a car somewhat protruding,” said the solicitor. “And when he came around, he lost control of his car.

“He seems to have got his life relatively back on track. He is employed by the National Grid, being in real jeopardy of losing his job if he loses his licence.”

The solicitor said Crompton, of Fair Street, had a “checkered past”.

He added there was “really no excuse” for the behaviour to police. “It’s just not on,” he said. “He apologises for his action.

“I believe he would benefit from supervision. It seems most of his actions seem impulsive.”

Sheriff Hendry said the man’s main concern should be that he not get sent to prison.

“I want you to understand you have come very, very, very close to at least losing your licence,” he said.

“The driving incident is far from the first time. The police incident is inexcusable.”

He imposed eight penalty points on his licence and fined him £300, plus a £20 victim surcharge.

For the police abuse, he was put under social work supervision for 12 months. He must do 150 hours of unpaid work in the community within a year.

UK Athletics Ltd pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter. Keith Davies, 79, then head of sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships, admitted a health and safety charge. Judge Richard Marks KC will sentence UK Athletics and Mr Davies, of Leytonstone, east London, over two days at the Old Bailey from Monday. Corporate manslaughter carries a fine between £180,000 and £20 million, according to guidelines.

BBC Verify has used satellite imagery from other international providers combined with older images from Planet to track the damage caused by Iranian attacks. The facilities are in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman. The actual figure could be higher, with some analysts placing the number of bases hit as high as 28.

One person said that the village “hasn’t got the facilities for a town”

Locals have shared mixed views on several proposed developments in a Cambridgeshire village, with one person saying they “would move” if new houses were built near their home. Separate developers have proposals for up to 470 homes across four parcels of land around the village.

This includes planning applications for up to 75 new homes on land off Back Road in Linton, up to 100 new homes on land south of Horseheath Road, and up to 230 homes on land north of Cambridge Road, alongside a new site for a doctors’ surgery and open space if approved.

Gladman Developments has also proposed up to 65 new homes on land off of Balsham Road although a planning application has not yet been submitted. Horseheath Road is just over 10 minutes away from Balsham Road on foot, while Balsham Road and Back Road are just a two-minute drive away from each another.

The applications have faced some backlash from neighbours living close to the proposed sites. CambridgeshireLive went to Linton to speak with some locals about their thoughts on these potential developments.

Janice Mallows, who has lived in the village for more than 50 years, said: “I don’t like the idea. It is not that they are building houses, it is the effect it would have on the health centre, the dentist, and schools. Unless they build some other things, I think it will be too much.”

She added: “I honestly don’t know why they’ve chosen here but I know it is a very unpopular choice. You have to think, most houses will probably be two cars.”

Janice said that she understands that “houses have to be built somewhere” but feels as though it would reduce the countryside and make the village “too big”.

Hillary Green said that “some development is no doubt necessary because housing is needed” but believes that “big developments are never a great idea”. She feels as though Linton was “always a big village” so “it hasn’t got the facilities for a town”.

The local added: “It could have an impact. The sewage systems are always challenged as well as the local schools. I think there are children who can’t find a place in the local school.”

Hilary believes that the local pharmacy in Linton is “wonderful and necessary”, but it is also “challenged” like many other village pharmacies.

Karen Johnson, 60, who has lived in Linton for more than 20 years, said the village “is not as nice as it used to be”. She said the “whole area is going to be very different in a few years” if the proposals are approved.

She added it would feel like a town and stated that she would move if the proposals at land off Balsham Road near her home proceeded. She added: “We’re very lucky because we look out over a field and it won’t be the same.”

Naomi said that new developments would “absolutely” impact the village. She said: “They’d have to expand some certain things for it to accommodate the new houses. It is possible but they just need to make sure there is enough for the amount of people they are bringing in.”

She said that “people need housing” and there is a “demand for it” and if they “can provide another store, and open other things, it could then make it a bigger village”.

Julie Manning, 43, has run The Dog and Duck pub for 13 years. She said that the “biggest concern for the village is all the new houses”.

“People are getting a bit worried about how many more are being put in place and how many more are being approved”, she said.

Julie added: “It is a worry for the village. The pressure on the doctors’ surgery, the dentist, people are really struggling to get one so it’s hard to see how it is going to work. It is out of our hands I suppose.”

Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) could really do with something – or someone – to put a smile on her face after the year she’s had in Emmerdale.

Life has been less than blissful for the café worker in recent times. From a miserable marriage and contentious divorce from Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), to shacking up with human trafficker Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), capped off with violent son Arthur (Alfie Clarke) abusing her.

What she could do with is a good dose of Netflix and chill.

There was a bit of light relief amongst it all when she had a little dalliance with vicar Charles (Kevin Mathurin) but it wasn’t an ideal match, being one of her besties’ ex and it all fizzled out like damp firework. That said, it won’t be the only time she shares a man with Manpreet (Rebecca Sarker).

*Ross Barton enters the chat *

It’s a small village, it’s hard not to have crossover.

Ross is mostly led by what’s in his pants. He recently tried to get it back on with Manpreet, who told him in no uncertain terms that he was punching. But when did that ever stop him – he simply turns his attention to someone else.

Not Gabby, definitely not Gabby.

As the dancing gets underway, Ross starts to have flirty thoughts towards Laurel.

‘Unbeknown to anyone, [Ross] is a really good dancer and so that’s how I get in with him,’ Charlotte reveals. ‘We sort of Salsa and it all gets a bit steamy, but it’s all really lighthearted and fun, which we need.’

Good old snake hips does it every time.

It’s quite the controversial storyline, because Ross and Laurel is a pairing no one imagined, but also Laurel is sleeping with the guy her step-daughter wants to bed.

Don’t miss a Soaps scoop! Add us as a Preferred Source

As a loyal Metro Soaps reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories. We have all the latest soaps news, spoilers, videos, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Advertisement

Add us as a Preferred Source

But this is a big deal for Laurel.

‘Sexual liberation!’ actress Charlotte Bellamy labels Laurel’s next few moves. But she has one big concern for Laurel, after making her way through so many men. ‘I don’t want her to become the local bike!’.

So the fear is that Laurel takes it too far in the name of letting go, but as she confesses herself, with it being such a small area, there’s not much other option if a gal just wants to have fun.

‘It’s a small village. We have to go through everybody really. Well, I have anyway,’ Charlotte told Metro. And why not? Some good looking fellas in that place.

Could Laurel now be awakened to her own desire and go on the prowl around the village? Spoiler alert – she and Ross don’t make it long term because she decides when she’s had enough.

Perhaps the Ray situation had an effect on Laurel. Though Ray was a terrible man, their short-lived romance was fiery and passionate, leaving a lasting impression on Laurel. When asked if Ray awoke something in her, Charlotte said: ‘Totally. That was genuine. But she’s been stung, hasn’t she? So maybe just some frivolous affairs will see her through. But I’m sure it won’t carry on like that.’

Ok so that confirms it – there’s more to come from Laurel’s sexual liberation, if you pardon the expression.

‘He’s her kind of therapy,’ Charlotte shared about Laurel and Ross. ‘Just to have a really surface-level relationship after falling for Ray, and getting burnt.’

But when she’s had her fill, she dumps Ross.

‘That’s why she actually rejects Ross. You’d think it might be the other way around, but of course, she has all the power. We’re going to like that. We should get a good reaction, hopefully.’ Never have we been more proud of Laurel in her whole 24 years in town. Love this for her.

MORE: All new Emmerdale spoiler videos show Laurel taking pleasure in Gabby’s agony

MORE: Lydia has had enough of Sam in all new Emmerdale spoiler video

MORE: All Emmerdale spoilers for next week as a dangerous alliance is formed

WASHINGTON (AP) — A novel pill helped people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer, researchers reported Sunday, raising hopes of long-needed better treatments for one of the deadliest types of cancer.

“While not curing the cancer, it is a very large step forward,” said Dr. Zev Wainberg, of the University of California, Los Angeles, who helped lead the study.

The drug is called daraxonrasib and it blocks a mutated protein that fuels tumor growth in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases — a target that had eluded treatment for decades.

The daily pills nearly doubled survival time, with fewer severe side effects, in a study that randomly assigned the experimental drug or more chemotherapy to 500 patients whose metastatic, or spreading, cancer had quit responding to prior treatment. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented Sunday at the American Society for Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago.

Those taking daraxonrasib lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients. While that may seem like a small improvement, Wainberg said it marked the first drug to show a substantial advantage over chemotherapy.

“Having treated pancreatic cancer for 16 years, I actually started crying” when first seeing the study results, Dr. Rachna Shroff of the University of Arizona Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved with the research, said from the ASCO meeting. She was struck by how “patients stayed on this treatment because it was providing durable and meaningful benefit to them.”

The pills’ effects eventually wane but recipients used them for significantly longer than the comparison group stayed on chemotherapy, reporting less pain and a better quality of life as their tumors shrank. Many still were using the drug after the data was analyzed, which Wainberg said means the survival gap may widen as researchers continue tracking them.

Dr. Brian Wolpin, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, presented the findings Sunday. He said the drug should become “a new standard of care” for previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer, adding that researchers also will explore its use earlier in the disease, including to see if tumor shrinkage might let more patients qualify for surgery.

Side effects most likely to affect pill usage were a rash that can be severe and mouth sores, he said.

Maker Revolution Medicines funded the study and the Food and Drug Administration plans to expedite review of the drug. Meanwhile, the agency is allowing what’s called “expanded access” to the experimental drug for patients who meet certain criteria. The drug garnered public attention when former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse described on “60 Minutes” how he’s had less pain while taking it. Oncologists are being flooded with requests as the special access program gets started.

Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly forms in large part because it’s hard to detect before it starts spreading to other organs. The American Cancer Society estimates about 67,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year and more than 52,000 people will die from the disease. The five-year overall survival rate is 13%.

Unlike with other cancers that have benefitted from a variety of chemotherapy alternatives, pancreatic cancer has been harder to tackle.

Cancer specialists not involved in the new research expressed optimism that this may be a turning point in the quest for new options, with dozens of experimental drugs in development.

The new drug targets mutations in the RAS gene family that normally regulates cell growth. So-called KRAS mutations are especially critical in fueling pancreatic cancer. But a structure that made it hard for drugs to stick to the mutated proteins meant this cancer driver was long considered “undruggable.”

Revolution Medicines’ drug uses what’s essentially a molecular glue to bind with multiple KRAS subtypes. Wainberg said researchers next will probe whether the drug worked better in certain of those subtypes.

The drug will change pancreatic cancer treatment, said Dr. Andrew Coveler of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved in the research.

“This thing works drastically differently,” he said.

Wainberg said other drugs in development target specific KRAS subtypes. Other approaches in earlier stages of testing include vaccines designed to prevent recurrence after pancreatic cancer surgery by teaching the immune system to recognize the mutated protein.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.