PARIS (AP) — Celine Dion blew kisses and made a love-heart shape with her hands as she swept into Paris on Friday for her first series of concerts since revealing her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome.

Fans yelling “We’re so happy to see you” and “We love you” crowded with journalists outside a Paris hotel as the Grammy-winning star settled in to prepare her residency of 16 shows in September and October at the Plenitude Arena in the French capital’s western suburbs. The first show opens on Sept. 12.

“I am ready and I’m a bit uptight of course because it’s been a long time,” she told French broadcaster BFMTV, wearing a beige trench coat, high heels and dark shades.

“I have always felt supported from the first day and because it’s a story that continues. It’s true that this is my second home,” the Quebec-born singer said.

Asked which song she’d sing first, Dion replied: “I can’t say, it’s a big secret!”

The Paris concerts, to be followed by 10 more next May, mark a major milestone for 58-year-old Dion after years away from touring due to the rare neurological disorder she disclosed in 2022.

With nearly 260 million albums sold worldwide, Dion remains one of the bestselling and most decorated artists in pop music history, known for hits including “My Heart Will Go On” and “Because You Loved Me.”

The concert series, titled “Celine Dion Paris 2026-2027,” will feature her catalog of hits in English and French.

Dion has largely stepped back from performing since canceling her Courage World Tour as her condition progressed. She wowed with a brief but widely watched return at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in 2024, singing “Hymne à l’amour” (Hymn to love) atop the Eiffel Tower in the rain.

The Plenitude Arena has a capacity of 40,000 spectators and was one of the venues used for the Paris Games.

President Donald Trump reportedly plans to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the Pentagon, not Ground Zero in New York City – in part because he cannot give a speech.

The president had initially intended to join former presidents and other officials in Manhattan on September 11, but those plans were changed after memorial planners seemingly reminded Trump’s team that politicians are barred from speaking at the site to maintain its nonpartisan stance, the New York Times reported.

Instead, Vice President JD Vance will represent the White House in New York City while Trump goes to the Pentagon, which also came under attack on September 11, 2001.

White House Spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement: “On the 25th anniversary of this tragic day, the President will remember those who were killed at the hands of evil terrorists, honor their loved ones, and pay tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow Americans.”

She added, “As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001.”

The president and First Lady Melania Trump also marked the September 11th anniversary at the Pentagon last year. At the memorial, Trump spoke about those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, while peppering in brags about his administration and agenda.

“In America we take blows, but we never buckle. We bleed, but we do not bow, and we defy the fear, endure the flames and emerge from the crucible of every hardship stronger, prouder and greater than ever before,” Trump said during remarks last year.

The president then added: “Last year we were a dead country, now we have the hottest country anywhere in the world” – a statement he repeatedly shared during rallies and press conferences.

Later that day, Trump flew to New York City to attend a New York Yankees game.

Since 2012, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum has prohibited politicians from speaking at Ground Zero – the site of the Twin Towers.

That decision was made after a series of political battles over the construction of the memorial site angered families who felt the political issues were overshadowing the memory of those who died that day.

The last time Trump attended a 9/11 memorial in New York City was during the 2024 presidential race when he joined then-president Joe Biden, then-vice president Kamala Harris and other officials at Ground Zero.

The politicians shook hands and stood side-by-side as they remembered the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attack.

This year, several notable politicians are expected to attend the 25th anniversary at Ground Zero, including former Mayor Rudy Giuliani; former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton; former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush; and former President Barack Obama, officials familiar with the planning told the New York Times.

There are other reasons the president will mark the day from Washington, D.C., instead of New York City.

The president is planning to travel to his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, the following day and it’s easier to leave from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland than the tri-state area airports, the New York Times reported.

Furqan Khalil was convicted by a jury at Chester Crown Court following a four-day trial which concluded on Thursday, August 27.

Jurors found the 28-year-old guilty of one count of sexual assault relating to an allegation he touched the teenager’s bottom.

He was found not guilty of a second count of touching her leg and genitals. The offences related to an incident on February 3, 2024.

During the trial, the court heard, the girl entered Cheshire Mobile and E-Cigarettes in Market Way, Northwich, to buy a phone charger.

While in the shop, she also asked about buying a vape.

Prosecutors alleged Khalil touched the girl inappropriately while showing her a selection of vapes before telling her to wait outside because CCTV cameras were operating inside the premises.

Once outside the shop, the court heard he again behaved inappropriately towards the girl while discussing the vape purchase.

The assault happened at Cheshire Mobile and E-Cigarettes, where Khalil was working back in February 2024 (Image: NQ)

During the trial, the prosecution said the defendant suggested she carry out ‘favours’ in return for being sold the vape.

Instead, the victim’s friend attacked him, causing him to run back into the shop and lock up and leave quickly.  

Khalil, of Rishton Lane, Bolton, was released on bail and is due to return to Chester Crown Court on Friday, October 9, for sentencing.

Following the verdict, Detective Sergeant Helen Harrison said: “I welcome today’s outcome and hope this conviction will provide reassurance to the victim, and local residents, and also acts as a warning to other people who feel it is acceptable to act in this manner.

“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to.

“They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences

Commander Claire Smart, gold commander for Notting Hill Carnival, said: “Our message is simple: come and enjoy carnival, look after one another, respect the event, the communities hosting it and the police officers, stewards and other emergency services working to keep people safe.

Since 2020/21 overall real terms benefits spending is forecast to have increased by approximately 16%. As a percentage of GDP, benefits spending is lower than it was in 2020/21 (though it is worth noting that the UK’s GDP was heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in that year), but it has been increasing since 2022/23.

Gatwick Airport has been left without a water supply for the second time this summer during peak travel season.

The UK’s second busiest airport has been gripped by another water outage just weeks after every restaurant at the hub was forced to close in July after water ran out.

While flights are currently unaffected, some passengers have reported being turned away from restaurants due to the problem.

Gatwick confirmed this afternoon that a problem with the water company SES Water’s supply is affecting the airport.

One passenger claimed online that ‘all toilets are closed and all restaurants, bars, cafes are not operating, no hot food or drinks available anywhere.’

He added that there are ‘no notices’ about the issue anywhere at the airport.

Gatwick Airport said: ‘A water issue is causing some disruption in the local area. The problem is affecting water supply in both terminals and is currently under investigation by SES Water.

‘At present, there has been no impact on flights. We will provide further updates and apologise for any inconvenience to passengers.’

Have you been affected? Please email webnews@metro.co.uk

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The Met Office has issued a warning until 9pm today (August 28).

A spokesperson said: “While many areas will miss the heaviest downpours, heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during Friday afternoon and evening.

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“The focus of showers and thunderstorms over will be northern England and much of Wales during the early afternoon before extending over central and eastern England through the afternoon.

“Thunderstorms will bring 10-20 mm of rain in a short period in a few places with 30-40 mm possible should anywhere see repeated downpours.

“Lightning and hail will be additional hazards in a few locations. Heavy showers and thunderstorms will gradually ease during Friday evening.”

Today (August 28) will see showers developing more widely through the day, often heavy with a risk of thunder in places, but temperatures will remain around normal with a maximum of 21 degrees.

Tomorrow (August 29) will see showers ease off with late evening sunshine and mild weather, with Saturday (August 30) starting dying then rain will become widespread for the rest of the day.

From Sunday (August 31) to Tuesday (September 1), the unsettled weather looks set to continue with outbreaks of rain and showers – which the Met Office says will be “occasionally heavy with the risk of thunder”

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan shared her first update since it was confirmed she had split from her husband, James

Ola Jordan has hailed her daughter for being a “ray of sunshine” during what she called her “darkest days” as she shared her first update since it was confirmed she had split from her husband, James Jordan.

The professional dancers, who both starred on BBC’s Strictly, first met in 1999 at a dance competition in Blackpool, before officially starting to date in 2000. They tied the knot in 2003, before welcoming their daughter Ella who they conceived through IVF in 2020 after a three-year fertility struggle.

However, it was confirmed earlier this month that the couple had gone their separate ways after 22 years of marriage, with their separation being “trialled” some time ago.

A statement addressing the news was first shared by their manager, before James and Ola took to Instagram to issue their own comment, in which they said they were working through “very difficult personal challenges”, and that James moved out of the family home some time ago.

Now, Ola has shared her first update since the statement. She took to Instagram with a photo of herself and daughter Ella, now six, and wrote to her followers: “There have been moments this summer when my heart has felt heavier than I ever imagined it could [broken heart emoji]. Life has changed in ways I never expected, and some days have been incredibly tough.

“But through all of the uncertainty, one thing has remained constant, my beautiful girl Ella [heart emoji]. Spending these summer holidays with my baby girl, making memories, having cuddles, laughing until our tummies hurt and simply enjoying every precious moment together has been my greatest comfort. She may not realise it now, but she has been my little ray of sunshine through some of my darkest days [sun emoji].”

The mum-of-one added: “This summer hasn’t been the one I imagined, but I’m choosing to focus on what truly matters – her, our memories, and all the love between us [heart emoji]. And to everyone who has sent me messages, checked in on me, shown me kindness or simply reminded me that I’m not alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and support have meant more to me than you will ever know.”

Ola was soon flooded with messages of love and support. @clairebishop06 said: “Sending you so much love. Tough times don’t last….tough people do! Take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself.2 @butterworth.lynne commented: “Beautiful girls. One day at a time Ola.”

@misshayleyd13 wrote: “Sending so much love Ola.” @elainegreen18 replied: “Sending love Ola – you will come out the other side so much stronger with your beautiful daughter.” @carolejones636 posted: “Stay strong Ola! Just one day at a time.” @2060dar added: “Lovely picture of you both. Never feel you are alone; it’s a difficult path to walk, it will get easier in time. The future will be bright no matter what occurs. Stay strong you are loved and needed. Take care.”

Emmerdale have killed off Jimmy King in devastating scenes but fans are sure another death is on the cards, and it’s not Joe Tate or Dawn Taylor

Emmerdale fans have rumbled another exit is on the way on the ITV soap after Jimmy King’s death.

The legendary character – played by Nick Miles – died in devastating scenes last night but fans are convinced more exits are on the way. Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) has waved goodbye to her beloved, but could more exits be on the cards?

In dramatic scenes, Joe found himself trapped under the wedding marquee, which had collapsed. Graham raced to save Joe but he was seen under the debris and Dawn was unable to free him.

With talks of ‘cuts’ to the number of stars on Emmerdale, could another exit be on the cards?

One fan predicted Billy Fletcher could be on his way out. One wrote: “What’s going happen to Billy? Dawn rejected him. Billy only has his son – the only blood relative. Be surprised if Billy on show for much longer? #Emmerdale.”

“If Dawn dies, I can see Billy taking off with Evan, Clemmie and Lucas after the funeral at the very least,” a second fan shared. A third added: “Is there a Billy death twist coming up?”

It comes after Dawn star Olivia Bromley teased there would be chaos and drama ahead – as Billy took a central role.

“Dawn should have chosen Billy all along, and I think everybody feels the same. The problem is, she’s in love with Joe,” she explained, “She really loves the wrong man. It would be so simple if she had just stayed with Billy, she’s got these beautiful children and if they could just run off into the sunset. That’s what I want for her.”

Amid the wedding, Dawn and Billy planned to escape the village together but there is trouble ahead and both her and Joe are caught up in the car crash that has killed Jimmy King (Nick Miles).

“There’s a lot at stake. She’s got her children, she’s got her family, and she’s going to just do a runaway on the day of the wedding. She thinks Joe has the capability of trying to kill someone.”

On whether Dawn and Billy will get their happy ending, Olivia added: “Every time she gets so close to having it, and then somehow sabotages it, but she’s also been dealt a very rough hand time and time again.”

Joe Tate actor Ned Porteous also warned of drama ahead – and said “everyone is affected” by the dramatic wedding week stunt.

Of the dramatic scenes, he shared: “It’s a higher quality version of Emmerdale. Emmerdale is already fantastic as a show, it’s the best job I’ve ever had, but the amount of work that has been put into these episodes, and on this block and on this unit.

“The episodes that we’ve all been part of, there is a feeling to it, not just in thematic vibe, but also the quality of the cameras that we’ve been using. It is going to look and sound and feel very different, and hopefully, this could be the start of a whole new era.”

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