Pinheiro Braathen’s parents split when he was young and despite his ‘ski bum’ father getting custody, he spent his childhood criss-crossing the Atlantic and cultures.

Initially, he resented skiing. He felt far more comfortable playing football in Sao Paolo, and wanted to turn professional like his hero Ronaldinho.

He told his father his feet were “made for beaches and not hard-shell boots”.

But aged eight, he started to change his mind, enticed by the high speeds involved in ski racing.

His nomadic lifestyle continued for many years, moving home 21 times before he turned 22.

“I’m a person of cultural duality,” he told Associated Press. “Two perspectives always presented from birth and so for me I always find that I’ve never been living a life where I’m only presented to one reality, one culture or one way of living.

“It’s always been these polar opposites and so I think that has shaped me to become who I am today and how I want to live my life.”

That is as an eccentric, flamboyant character. He loves fashion, has walked the runway in Copenhagen and owns an apartment in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

He paints his fingernails and is no stranger to samba dancing in the finish area, wanting to bring more colour to alpine skiing.

“People seeing themselves in a sport they were told wasn’t for them, that stays with me,” he said before the Games began.

“And the messages that say, ‘I’ve never watched skiing before, but now I do’. Kids asking where they can try snow.

“Norway taught me how to be an athlete, how to brave the cold. Brazil taught me how to be myself.”

Pinheiro Braathen won 12 medals on the World Cup circuit for Norway but stunned the skiing world when he retired aged just 23.

“For the first time in my career, I feel free,” he said at the time, before booking a one-way ticket to Brazil.

Twelve months later, he was back with a new flag next to his name. He called it the “biggest project of my life”.

He won his first World Cup in Brazilian colours in November, but speaking after his greatest triump on Saturday, he said: “I’m not even able to grasp reality, as I stand here right now. I am just trying to get some sort of emotion here and translate it into words, even though it’s absolutely impossible.

“I hope I can inspire some kids out there that, despite what they wear, despite how they look, despite where they come from, they can follow their own dreams and be who they really are.

“Because that is the real source of happiness in life.”

If you’re looking for a new show to binge-watch, this series is getting rave reviews from Netflix viewers who wish the detective series had more seasons coming up

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It can be utterly disheartening to finish a series on Netflix or Amazon Prime, only to find yourself in a viewing void until the next big release, but how long can you really wait?

If you’re on the hunt for something new, you’re in luck. This TV detective series on Netflix is garnering high praise from viewers, who wish there were more episodes to devour – but sadly after the first season, it was discontinued. One fan asked: “”Have you already seen this show?” alongside a screenshot of The Residence’s poster.

In a Reddit post, the viewer continued: “I just finished this classic crime/detective TV show yesterday. The premise is super simple: a murder in a locked room – except the room is literally in the White House.

“A very eccentric, Sherlock-style detective named Cordelia gets called in to solve it. On paper, it doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre and it leans a lot on familiar clichés, but the real strength is how the story is told.

“It jumps between different timelines and locations, using a kind of montage structure that keeps it engaging and makes the investigation feel more dynamic than your typical whodunit.

“It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s definitely a fun and well-paced watch.”

The Residence, starring Uzo Aduba from Orange Is The New Black and featuring a guest appearance by Kylie Minogue, boasts a 7.7 out of 10 rating on IMDb and an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

This American mystery comedy-drama TV series was created by Paul William Davies for Netflix.

The series centres around a fictional murder scandal involving White House staff. Produced by Shondaland, the show premiered on March 20, 2025.

It ran for just one season before Netflix axed it, primarily due to hefty production costs versus modest viewership, overshadowed by other hits like Adolescence.

Despite its star-studded cast and impressive White House recreation, the show sadly achieved disappointing ratings which likely sealed its fate.

The programme’s ambitious scale, including an elaborate set, made it costly to produce, and its viewership wasn’t sufficient to justify the investment for a second season.

People on Reddit were fairly complimentary about the series. One person wrote: “Yes it was a fun light treat. Campy and entertaining. I really liked it.”

Another added: “Yeah I really liked it. I wished they made more seasons.” And a third commented: “I loved this show.”

York Chinese Society has held its annual celebration today (February 14) to welcome the Year of the Horse to the city ahead of the big day itself on Tuesday,

The event was opened with a dance outside The Grand shortly before midday, before a procession was led over Lendal Bridge and towards York Minster where they were greeted by hundreds of people.

They then continued through the city centre, with dozens in tow.

Full article to follow.

Cookie was one of 18 cats and kittens found in poor condition at the property.

An emaciated cat that was found in the care of an illicit breeder has found her forever home in Glasgow.

Cookie was one of 18 cats and kittens discovered in a bad way – showing flu like symptoms, severe faecal matting and ringworm – at the unlicensed breeder’s home. Many of the feline, which were found by officers at the Scottish SPCA, also had pronounced facial deformities that affected their breathing.

Amongst these cats there was Esmeralda who got renamed as Cookie by her new owners. She and the rest of the cats that were found were taken to a Scottish SPCA centre and were checked over by vets before Cookie was transferred to the Glasgow Centre where she started her long recovery journey before being adopted.

Glasgow Live reports that while she was in the care of the Scottish SPCA, Cookie was very sweet and affectionate, she loved a head scratch and scrunchy toy, and truly won the hearts of the team at the Glasgow Centre. After care, time, and patience, with her recovery the cat was finally ready to start her next journey. Esmeralda found a home with Amy and her young daughter who lovingly picked the name Cookie.

She has settled well into her forever home and is a calm, placid girl who still loves cuddles and head scratches as much as she did while she was in the care of Scottish SPCA. She has quickly become a cherished part of the family. Cookie is relaxed by nature but she also loves to chase small, fast-moving balls, and she is often seen bursting into zoomies around the house.

Amy was searching for a gentle, child-friendly cat who would be content living indoors in a tenement flat when she found Cookie, and she has clearly been the ideal match bringing so much happiness and love into her new home.

The disgraced former Labour peer Peter Mandelson has been seen in public for the first time since fresh claims emerged of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The former UK ambassador to the United States was seen leaving his London home and getting into a car on Saturday.

It is the first time Lord Mandelson has been spotted in public since the latest tranche of Epstein files revealed the depths of his alleged links to Epstein.

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The claims sent the government into meltdown and forced Lord Mandelson to step down from the House of Lords. It also prompted calls for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down as prime minister.

It comes days after Lord Mandelson was asked to give evidence to the US Congress over his relationship with the paedophile financier.

A letter to Lord Mandelson, signed by representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam, said that it was clear he had “extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein” and holds “critical information” relevant to Congress’s investigations into Epstein’s operations.

Among the revelations to emerge in recent weeks were documents from 2009 that appeared to show Lord Mandelson, when he was business secretary, sharing sensitive information with Epstein on at least four occasions.

In the wake of the criticism over Lord Mandelson’s appointment, the government has seen several advisors to the PM quit, including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allan.

Sir Chris Wormald cabinet secretary is also rumoured to be on his way out.

More to follow…

The praise came from Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden, who came to York yesterday (Thur) to see what businesses were doing on this as part of Good Business Week.

During her visit, the Minister met with employees at Hole in Wand, Spark CIC and York Gin, speaking to them about the positive impact of good working practices.

This follows the passing of the Employment Rights Act, which the government says will modernize the world of work for the 21st century.

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Reforms will range from a right to guaranteed hours to improved access to statutory sick pay, increased protection from unfair dismissal and day one entitlement to parental leave. These reforms, they say, will benefit over 18 million workers across the UK.

Employment Minister, Kate Dearden said: “It’s fantastic to see York leading the work on responsible business. That’s what our employment rights reforms are all about – making sure work pays and that everyone gets a fair deal.

“By delivering change together, we’re backing businesses who do the right thing and give hardworking people the job security and opportunities they deserve.”

In June 2021 York became the first Good Business Charter city with key employers in the city achieving accreditation and highlighting the importance of good business practices.

Led by the University of York and City of York Council, a range of businesses have chosen to hold themselves to account in how they treat their customers, colleagues, suppliers, society and the planet.

Recent local organisations who have achieved Good Business Charter accreditation include York College, nationally the second further education college to accredit, and York Minster Fund.

Sarah Leatherbarrow, Director of Marketing & External Partnerships at York College said: “We are delighted to have achieved accreditation from the Good Business Charter, which recognises our commitment to operating responsibly, treating people fairly, and doing business in a way that benefits our staff, partners, students and the wider community.”

Jenny Herrera, the York based CEO of the Good Business Charter, said: “Good Business Week is a nationwide, campaign primarily across social media, to raise awareness of just how important it is for businesses to act responsibly towards all their stakeholders.

“To have the Employment Rights Minister visit some of our customer facing businesses today and talk to workers is a fitting way to celebrate these great organisations who have taken a lead and a stand for responsible business behaviour.”

For more details on the GBC and Good Business Week, go to: www.goodbusinesscharter.com.

Robyn will be playing a string of shows in the UK this summer and tickets are still available

Robyn confirmed a huge tour earlier this month, with stops at some of the country’s biggest and best venues. Anticipation was high for these shows and so too was the demand for tickets.

As a result, when tickets were released earlier this week from official websites, plenty of them sold out in no time. Major retailer Ticketmaster was bombarded by countless excited fans keen to attend Robyn’s first UK tour in years.

And it’s no wonder. The Swedish pop star is about to release her first record since 2018, entitled Sexistential.

Thankfully, although many of the tickets have sold out via official retailers, there are still plenty left on a number of other websites if you know where to look. This includes resale markets and VIP options.

These online retailers give fans another chance at getting involved in the star’s upcoming arena tour. And we’ve got all the details fans need below on how to get their fix.

Buy Robyn tickets from viagogo here

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From £80

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Robyn tickets are available from viagogo now.

How to buy Robyn tickets

Robyn tickets are available right now from a number of retailers. But fans’ best chance to get hold of them is through resale websites.

Online marketplaces viagogo and StubHub give fans a second chance at buying tickets for live concerts and gigs. And Robyn fans have plenty of options right now.

Here are the ticket links fans need:

VIAGOGO – Buy Robyn tickets here.

STUBHUB – Buy Robyn tickets here.

Alternatively, Seat Unique is the next best chance for fans. The online retailer specialises in VIP and hospitality tickets.

VIP tickets for Robyn include access to VIP lounges, premium seats, exclusive food and drinks areas and more. Here’s the link:

SEAT UNIQUE – Buy Robyn VIP tickets here.

Finally, tickets may still be available from official retailer Ticketmaster. Here’s the link:

TICKETMASTER – Buy Robyn tickets here.

READ MORE

Robyn – The Sexistential Tour Dates 2026

• Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland
• Friday, June 26, 2026 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow, United Kingdom
• Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Co-op Live, Manchester, United Kingdom
• Friday, July 3, 2026 – The O2, London, United Kingdom

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in prison in Russia after being poisoned with a deadly toxin found on the skin of Ecuadorian dart frogs, the UK and other allies have revealed.

The “barbaric” act – using a neurotoxin that is classed as a chemical weapon – could only have been carried out by Vladimir Putin’s government, they said on Saturday.

The poisoning “highly likely” resulted in Mr Navalny’s death.

It is not clear how the frog poison – called epibatidine – was allegedly administered to the dissident, who had been in a penal colony in Siberia when he died almost exactly two years ago.

Indigenous tribes in South America are said to use the toxin in blow darts or blowguns when they hunt.

The poison – described as “one of the deadliest on earth” – is 200 times stronger than morphine. It causes paralysis, breathing difficulties and death.

Yulia Navalnaya, the Russian dissident’s widow, appeared at a press conference on the sidelines of a security conference in Munich to announce the discovery, flanked by the foreign ministers of the UK, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.

The four countries and France have been working together to establish how Mr Navalny, 47, died.

They plan to submit their findings to the international chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

“It is hard for me to find the right words,” Mrs Navalnya said in English, looking visibly upset.

She had been at the Munich Security Conference when the news of her husband’s death broke on 16 February 2024.

“It was the most horrible day in my life. I came to the stage and I said my husband, Alexei Navalny, was poisoned. What could else happen with Putin’s number one enemy in a Russian prison?

“But now I understand and I know it is not just words. It is scientific proof.”

Russian authorities have previously claimed the dissident’s death was not suspicious but had been caused as a result of “combined diseases”, including an irregular heartbeat.

But Yvette Cooper, the British foreign secretary, said the UK and its allies had been working “with fierce determination” to establish what really happened.

It is understood that British scientists at Porton Down played a key role in the discovery of the frog poison scheme.

It was not immediately clear how they were able to obtain samples from Mr Navalny’s body to test for the toxin, though Ms Navalnaya has previously said they were smuggled out of Russia.

The opposition leader was buried in the suburbs of Moscow in March 2024.

“As a result of the work of the UK, Sweden and other partners, we have confirmed that a deadly toxin was found in Alexei Navalny’s body,” Ms Cooper told journalists,

“And that toxin has been identified as a toxin that is found in Ecuadorian Dart Frogs.”

She said: “Only the Russian government had the means, the motive and the opportunity to use that toxin against Alexei Navalny in prison and that is why we are here today to shine a spotlight on the Kremlin’s barbaric attempt to silence Alexei Navalny’s voice.

“To show that the Russian government has contempt for its citizens and the willingness to use this deadly toxin.”

The top British diplomat also quoted Mr Navalny himself about the need to hold the Russian government to account.

Read more from Sky News:
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“He said: ‘We must do what they fear, tell the truth, spread the truth that is the most powerful weapon’.”

Ms Navalnaya shared details about the effect of being poisoned dart frog toxin.

“My husband, Alexei Navalny, was poisoned with epibatidine – a neurotoxin, one of the deadliest poisons on earth,” she said in a post of social media.

“In nature, this poison can be found on the skin of the Ecuadorian dart frog. It causes paralysis, respiratory arrest, and a painful death.”

Sweden’s foreign minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, explained why it was necessary to understand the true cause of Mr Navalny’s death.

“This is extremely important in order to be able to hold Russia accountable for what they have been doing and to continue to shine a light on their continuous lies,” he said.

“We will now move forward with this information to the OPCW… This is yet another way to increase the pressure on Russia.”

The Kremlin has yet to respond to the allegation.

President Putin’s government has already been accused of previously trying to kill Mr Navalny in 2020 using a Novichok nerve agent – the same chemical weapon that Russia is believed to have deployed on the streets of Salisbury in a failed attempt to kill a former Russian double agent, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter in 2018.

Mr Navalny survived the original poisoning and recuperated in Germany before returning home to Russia, where he was arrested and jailed.

Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli is the man with the whistle for today’s Calcutta Cup match and has an extraordinary story involving a stabbing, a cruel prank and tears of joy

We’re into round two of the Six Nations this weekend one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament takes place today – the Calcutta Cup match between Scotland and England.

The two old foes meet at Murrayfield in the latest instalment of their fierce rivalry – one which is taken far more seriously by the Scots, claims former England international Courtney Lawes.

Scotland and England enjoyed differing fortunes on the opening weekend, with the former losing to Italy in a sodden Rome, while Steve Borthwick’s men smashed Wales on home turf at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli will take charge of proceedings in Edinburgh and he has quite a backstory. Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is Nika Amashukeli?

Born in Tbilisi in 1994, Amashukeli grew up as a football supporter but took up rugby aged 11 and, in his own words, was “literally forced” by his father to watch his first ever match — a World Cup encounter between Ireland v Georgia — on television two years later.

After becoming “hooked” on the sport, he played for Georgia at youth level and was named in the squad for the 2012 European Under-18 Rugby Union Championship. He hung up his boots aged just 20 having already sustained five concussions, fracturing an ankle and developing a knee injury, but his passion for the game remained and he chose to pursue a career in refereeing.

Amashukeli made his Test debut as a referee in 2015 when he officiated the first half of Montenegro v Estonia in a European Nations Cup Third Division fixture. He subsequently refereed at the 2019 World U20 Championship in Argentina and worked alongside his idol Wayne Barnes during the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup.

He made history as the first Georgian to officiate a tier one fixture when he oversaw Wales versus Canada in July 2021, subsequently taking charge of Ireland versus Japan, Barbarians versus Tonga and Wales versus Australia during the autumn internationals.

His Six Nations debut arrived in 2022 as Ireland demolished Italy in Dublin, with the appointment moving him to tears. While he also featured during this year’s tournament, he was especially awestruck when he refereed the marquee encounter between the Springboks and Ireland towards the end of last year.

“I remember when I was appointed to my first Six Nations match, I cried, tears were rolling down my face,” he revealed in an interview with Rugby Europe. “Then I officiated South Africa v Ireland later that year and the physicality of that game was unbelievable, I could hear ribs cracking at every breakdown and collision and after the match I just wanted to go round and shake every players hand, out of respect for their dedication and intensity.”

Cruel prank

Amashukeli fulfilled his ambition of refereeing at a World Cup in 2023, though confessed in the same Rugby Europe interview that he was initially left deflated upon receiving the phone call with the announcement. While he felt confident he would feature at the tournament in some capacity, he endured several days of uncertainty before receiving confirmation.

When his phone eventually rang, however, he was mischievously deceived by World Rugby’s Head of Match Officials, Joel Jutge, who jokingly claimed that a verdict on his selection had still not been reached.

“If I’m honest, I knew I would get the call-up,” Amashukeli said. “It was just a case of whether It would be as an assistant referee or one of the ‘top 12’ main officials.

“I knew when the management were gathering to make the selections and I knew the phone calls would come soon after but I was waiting for days and heard nothing. People from home were texting me asking if I was in and I had to tell them that I had no idea, I was just sat nervously holding my phone for three days straight.”

Despite the prank from Jutge, he shortly received the wonderful news that he would be taking charge of matches at the competition 16 years after first falling in love with the sport.

Horrific stabbing

The Georgian official’s career nearly came to a tragic end when a fixture he was overseeing in 2016 erupted into violence following the final whistle, resulting in him being stabbed in the leg.

The Didi 10 encounter, Georgia’s premier division, had witnessed Armia secure a dramatic late equaliser against Batumi, with a breakdown in communication between Amashukeli and the Batumi skipper proving costly as victory slipped from their grasp.

“There was no official timekeeping – referees controlled the time,” Amashukeli told Telegraph Sport. “I said to one of the team captains that four minutes were remaining but he misheard me and thought I’d said two minutes. They kicked the ball out after two minutes but I didn’t end the game – as there were two minutes left. Then the other team caught the line-out, won a penalty, and kicked it to draw the match.

“The home team exploded and accused me of cheating. When the supporters saw their players getting emotional and throwing their hands up in the air, they became very emotional and started swearing. After I left the pitch, there was a lot of abuse and swearing and the supporters followed. There was a big scuffle but the adrenaline was rushing through me. Someone had a knife. Suddenly, I felt something in my leg. I looked down, blood was pouring out. I had been stabbed.”

The attacker was never identified. Amashukeli confessed he initially considered walking away from the sport after the attack, but he made a complete recovery and has since progressed considerably as a match official.