Ukraine says Russia violated its own three-day ceasefire, which was called by Russian leader Vladimir Putin to coincide with celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the ceasefire as a “farce”.
“Russian forces continue to attack across the entire front line,” Sybiha wrote on his X account. “From midnight to midday, Russia committed 734 ceasefire violations and 63 assault operations, 23 of which are still ongoing,” he said.
The Ukrainian military reported 154 clashes, 15 air strikes, and one missile attack in the first 24 hours of Russia’s ceasefire.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said Ukraine carried out 488 attacks on Russian targets and tried to cross the border into Kursk two separate times.
Politics and diplomacy
US President Donald Trump again pushed Russia for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in a post on Truth Social. Trump’s post followed a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
It appears the relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has improved since a disastrous meeting earlier this year. Zelenskyy described his call with the United States president as “good”.
Ukrainian legislators voted unanimously to ratify a minerals deal with the US in the hope of securing military assistance to deter future Russian aggression.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin met in Moscow this week, where the two leaders said the war in Ukraine could only be solved by addressing its “root causes” or Ukraine’s desire to join NATO.
Moscow believes the White House is beginning to understand Russia’s position on the war in Ukraine, according to a longtime Russian diplomat. Yuri Ushakov, the former ambassador to Washington, told Russian media that it was “clear… that there is an understanding of what we are trying to achieve as a result of this situation”.
Economy
The United Kingdom will sanction up to 100 oil tankers that are suspected members of Russia’s “shadow fleet”, which has been used to evade international sanctions.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will “do everything in our power to destroy [Russia’s] shadow fleet operation”. Starmer said it was necessary to “starve” the Russian “war machine of oil revenues and protect the subsea infrastructure that we rely on for our everyday lives”.
Fifty Shades of Grey director James Foley has died. The American film director, who worked on the E.L. James franchise, as well as Glengarry Glen Ross and the Netflix hit House of Cards, died “peacefully in his sleep earlier this week” at the age of 71 at his home in Los Angeles.
While no cause of death has yet been confirmed, his publicist stated he had been battling brain cancer for several years. As well as his cinematic work, James also worked with Madonna on her Live to Tell, Papa Don’t Preach and True Blue music videos under the name Peter Percher and was best man at her wedding to now-former husband Sean Penn in 1985.
After graduating from New York University and then USC in Los Angeles, he was able to jumpstart his career thanks to a chance meeting. He told Film Freak Central: “I was very lucky, and in the perverse calculus of Hollywood, I was in the last year of film school and shared a house with a guy.
James died at his home in Los Angeles, it has been confirmed ( Getty Images)
“There was a woman who was pursuing my friend, so we had this film school party, which consisted of people projecting their student films onto a white wall and getting stoned.
“And this girl came. Hal Ashby was pursuing her — she was pursuing my friend, and Hal was pursuing her — and Hal called her up and asked to come to this party full of film students.
“Just as he walked through the door, my film was showing on the wall. I’ll never know whether he was being polite or anything, but he told me he liked it and stuff and he was going to form a company that was going to produce other people’s movies and what did I want to do? I could write something and direct it.”
James, born December 28, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, made his debut in 1984 with Reckless, starring Aidan Quinn and Daryl Hannah, before he transitioned to television shows, movies, and music videos. But his work on At Close Range received more praise than his debut.
He later went on to work with Edward Burns, Dustin Hoffman and Rachel Ewisz on the 2003 movie, Confidence, with the film following Jake Vig (Burns) whose plan to avenge the murder of his friend goes wrong, leaving him in debt to a mob boss.
James also directed Halle Berry and Bruce Willis in the 2007 neo-noir psychological thriller, Perfect Stranger. However, the film was panned by critics, despite its $60million budget, it raked in just $73.5million at the box office.
His last two credits are Fifty Shades Darker, starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan and Rita Ora, which saw the trailer rake in over 114 million views in its first 24 hours after being released on various social media channels. The movie went on to amass a total of $381.1million at the box office across the globe, a stark profit from its budget of $55million.
Meanwhile, his last credit, Fifty Shades Freed in 2019, grossed a total of $ 100.4 million in the United States and Canada alone, with a global total at the box office of $371 million.2million – a hefty profit from its budget of $55million.
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Former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt has shared a heartbreaking tribute following the death of his close friend of 46 years. He described his friend as ‘the rock that would stand by me as the waves crashed’
Adam is an actor, singer and now enjoys a very different career (Image: ITV)
Former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt has been left heartbroken after his best man and friend of 46 years died.
Adam Rickitt found fame on the cobbles as Nick Tilsley between 1997 and 1999 and then from 2002 to 2004. Adam’s character was involved in the soap’s first-ever gay kiss with Todd Grimshaw (played by Bruno Langley). Following his stint in the ITV soap, he moved on to other popular soaps, including Hollyoaks and Doctors.
Adam also tried his hand at being a pop star and gained recognition for his 1999 music video for the song I Breathe Again. Away from the world of showbiz, Adam has been very busy with an entirely different career and one which he’s entirely committed to. Along with his journalist and TV reporter wife Katy Rickitt, he launched a craft beer, gin and wine shop and bar.
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Adam Rickitt has a very different look these days(Image: Granada Television)
The business, called Dexter and Jones, is based in Knutsford, Cheshire. It sells over 800 different craft beers, 10 draft beers, which are regularly switched up, more than 300 small batch gins and over 200 different wines. Customers can order the drinks to take home or enjoy them on the premises.
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As well as a different career direction, Adam can be seen sporting a completely new personal image these days. A far cry from the clean shaven cobbles lad Nick, he is now rocking a much buffer physique, numerous tattoos and shoulder-length blonde hair.
But in his personal life Adam has had a tough week this week following the passing of his closest companion of 46 years. On Thursday May 8 Adam took to Instagram to share a heart-wrenching tribute to his friend. He captioned the black and white image: “So hard to say….but goodbye. I can’t even describe who you are to me. Part father, part brother…all friend. For 46 years I knew no matter what the sea of life threw at me..you were the rock that would stand by me as the waves crashed.
“You would take on an army for me…you would always be my truth…you were the best of men…you were my best man. I feel like I’ve lost gravity…but I can’t be sad. The day Janet died ..the joy left you. I’m so happy the 2 of you are together…selfishly we’ll miss you…but you best have everything on ice for when we see you again!”
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Fans flooded the comments section with messages of condolence and support. One wrote: “What a fabulous moment captured of two lifelong buddies. You will find each other again i am quite sure of that. And remember: death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal.” Another wrote: “That’s one beautifully worded tribute. I am so sorry for your loss.”
Today’s horoscope for May 9 will see Taurus stick with familiar routines, as Gemini tries to stay positive
Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)
It’s Friday, and one star sign has some financial tension, while another tries not to be negative.
There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.
These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Step back from situations that seem too serious and intense. Refrain from pushing yourself too hard in an effort to please a senior colleague who never seems happy with your work. If you are struggling with a task you are having to manage on your own, take a breather and return to it when you’re in a better frame of mind.
Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)
What you really want to do is to stick with your normal routines and anything that’s familiar. Then you can prove your reliability. You just aren’t in the mood to venture into new territory or to go with suggested changes. It will feel like your role today is to keep everything steady and calm.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
Keep your thoughts positive and you will find the motivation you need to complete an important project. You could always leave this for someone else to do but if you do this, the credit will go to them and there will be no satisfaction in seeing the job completed.
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Cancer (June 22 – July 23)
If recently you have found yourself at the centre of attention, think about taking a step back and giving someone else a chance to shine. As it is, you prefer to be in the role of an observer and not to draw so much attention to yourself.
Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)
Financial disagreements or issues related to your possessions will cause tension in close relationships. You aren’t angry with someone but they think you are and you find it hard to prove they are wrong. You feel the need to wear a cheerful mask despite feeling out of sorts.
Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Someone seems to have a habit of annoying you without them even trying. Just their presence will feel aggravating when they can’t sit still for more than a few seconds. It could be they have something to say but they aren’t sure how to say it. Let them know you are listening.
Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
Your world is brimming with possibilities and yet you are choosing to dwell on negatives. No matter what the reason for you to feel so down, try to pull yourself out of this mindset as there are opportunities all around you. You just have to open your eyes to see them.
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
It would be best to steer clear of controversial subjects. Avoid discussing religion, education and politics. You could find yourself talking to someone who is opinionated and thinks they know everything. You really don’t need this today. Keep conversations light and don’t get drawn into arguments.
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
It might feel as if you are running at full speed and yet making no progress. A team effort especially will prove frustrating and restrictive. You can get through this by keep pushing forward even if it does feel as if you’re wading through treacle.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
When you find yourself up against a problem, instead of tackling it head-on, walk around it. You won’t be able to change other people’s views or even persuade them to try another approach but you can control your own reactions. In some cases, the best option will be simply to take a step back.
Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
You’re just about to achieve an important goal. Keep pushing forward until you reach your target. It will be tempting to take a break from this but you are so close now, it’s worth making it your main focus. A sign will appear soon that proves you’re making the right decisions.
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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Accept the changes that occur as being a normal part of your day. Someone is intent on approaching your usual routines in a different way which makes life unpredictable. Why not surprise them by going along with their suggestions. Everything will turn out fine.
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A smiling family portrait once captured the Beckham clan united in festive cheer — but just months later, it all unravelled.
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The last photograph of the Beckham family with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz before their feud kicked off shows them smiling at Christmas time
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(Image: INSTAGRAM)
The last photo of the whole Beckham family together, including eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, paints a very different picture to the tensions that reportedly now exist behind closed doors.
Taken at Christmas and shared on Boxing Day last year, the snap shows David and Victoria Beckham with all four of their children — Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper — posing in front of a glowing Christmas tree, the MailOnline reported.
Nicola, beaming alongside her husband, was very much part of the family fold.
The caption, written by Victoria, read: “Being together for the holidays makes me so happy xxxx I love you all so much @davidbeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham @nicolaannepeltzbeckham #harperseven x.” Nicola warmly replied: “I love you all so much!”
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But fast-forward just five months, and cracks appeared to show. Despite the glitzy celebrations for David’s milestone 50th birthday, Brooklyn and Nicola were noticeably absent — and their no-show did not go unnoticed.
According to The Mail, the couple’s failure to attend marked a turning point, with insiders claiming the feud is now “beyond repair”. A source told the outlet that Nicola is thought to be at the centre of the family fallout.
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Before the tensions bubbled to the surface, the Beckhams had publicly rallied behind Brooklyn as he launched his hot sauce brand, Cloud 23.
The family jetted to Los Angeles to support the release, and just weeks later, they showed up again in London for a UK launch at Whole Foods.
The family were all happy together not long ago
As recently as September, the whole clan appeared together again in Paris during Fashion Week to support Victoria’s SS25 collection — a sign, at the time, that all was well.
Now, those smiles seem a distant memory.
While reports have surfaced that David and Victoria were unwelcoming towards Nicola, insiders close to the Beckhams have firmly denied this — insisting they’ve done nothing but support her.
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One friend told The Mirror: “They have gone above and beyond to help Nicola with her endeavours.”
Another added: “There’s no anger but just a deep sense of sorrow about how things have turned out.”
Vatican City – It felt like the square could talk in one voice: “Leone! Leone! Leone!”
Thousands of people in St Peter’s Square chanted in chorus the name adopted by Robert Prevost as he ascended to the papacy on Thursday: Leo XIV.
Just an hour and a half earlier, white smoke had billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, announcing that a conclave of cardinals had elected a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Now, it was time to meet Pope Leo himself. A solemn silence fell across the square. The faithful waited to hear the pope’s first message, which would set the tone for his papacy.
“Peace be upon you,” said Leo XIV, appearing on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
He proceeded to repeat a blessing uttered by his late predecessor, Pope Francis, just weeks earlier: “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God.”
It was a closely watched moment, with red-hatted cardinals poking out of nearby windows to catch their first glimpse at the newly minted pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV was elected on the second day of the conclave, and his opening remarks as leader signalled continuity with Francis, who died on April 21 at age 88. But experts say he is likely to strike a middle path, between furthering Francis’s inclusive agenda and embracing Vatican tradition.
“Peace” was one of the most used words in his brief speech — a choice meant to echo the words that Jesus pronounced after Easter, as Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni explained during a news briefing.
Leo XIV called on Catholics to seek “a disarmed peace and a disarming peace” through “dialogue” and “building bridges”, in a brief speech heavy with themes of unity.
“Bravo! That is what we need!” one audience member in the square shouted as the new pope spoke.
Another, 29-year-old Kasper Mihalak from Denmark, was squeezed in the middle of the crowd hoping to catch a glimpse of the first North American pope.
“I am really excited. Cardinal Prevost, now Leo XIV — it’s gonna be amazing! He said a lot about peace during his speech. I think the world now really needs it,” Mihalak said.
Rosaria Venuto could hardly hold back her tears. Early in the morning, she picked up her two children and drove four hours from Ascoli Satriano, a small town in the southern Italian province of Apulia, to be in St Peter’s Square.
“I am deeply moved to have the chance to be here and live through this joy and be a small part of this historical event,” she said.
Crowds gather below the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance [Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters]
His own man
Born in Chicago, a midwestern city in the United States, Leo XIV spent more than two decades in Peru, where he acquired dual citizenship.
There, he worked in some of Peru’s poorest areas, and he eventually became the bishop of Chiclayo, in the country’s agricultural north. Then, in 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to lead a powerful office that manages bishops across the world.
Phil Pullella, a Vatican expert who has covered the papacy for more than four decades, said that background offers a degree of continuity with Francis, who hailed from Argentina and advocated against poverty.
“He knows about poverty in Latin America,” Pullella said of Leo XIV. “So, he’s not the same thing as if they had elected some cardinal of New York, for example.”
That continuity was likely appreciated by conservative camps at the Vatican, as well as liberal-leaning ones, Pullella added.
“He comes from the wealthy world, but he witnessed firsthand the problems of the Global South in a poor country,” he said.
Still, Pullella noted that the way Leo XIV dressed showed that “he is going to be his own man”.
Instead of the simple white cassock that Pope Francis wore in 2013 when he was elected, Leo XIII added a traditional red cape over his vest, symbolising the spiritual and temporal powers of his office.
“In a sense, he is going back a little bit to that kind of tradition,” Pullella said. “He would not have been elected had he not had the votes of the conservative bloc.”
Nuns at the Vatican react with glee to the announcement of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8 [Amanda Perobelli/Reuters]
A unifying figure
Leo XIV’s election came as a surprise to many. Many observers were betting on a new pope by nightfall, but few expected only three rounds of voting.
The crowd was stunned when white smoke started to pour out of the tiny chimney by early evening, at around 6:09pm local time (16:00 GMT).
That was the signal that — of the 133 cardinals under the age of 80 who were eligible to vote — a candidate had received the two-thirds majority needed to become pope.
This year’s conclave had the distinction of being the most international in the Vatican’s history: The participating cardinals hailed from more than 70 countries, representing divergent views for the Catholic Church’s future.
The diversity was part of the legacy of Pope Francis, who appointed cardinals from underrepresented countries like Laos and Haiti to broaden the church’s global appeal.
Francis spent 12 years as head of the Catholic Church, shaking up the establishment by adopting a distinct style and tone, focused on austerity and advocacy for marginalised populations.
The late pope’s efforts caused excitement among reformers but also dismay among conservatives, who accused him of diluting the Church’s teachings. Experts say that led to a deep polarisation within the church, with some members criticising Francis for decentralising the church’s authority.
Those experts point out that Leo XIV’s experience in the Roman Curia — the church’s government — was likely a selling point among conservative conclave voters looking for stability in the years ahead.
Members of the Catholic Church cheer the election of a new pope on May 8 at the Vatican [Marko Djurica/Reuters]
What’s in a name?
While Pope Leo XIV’s first moves are yet to be revealed, his choice of name is noteworthy.
Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, noted that “Leo” is a direct reference to Pope Leo XIII, who adopted a new social doctrine in the late 19th century.
In 1891, Pope Leo XIII wrote an encyclical — or papal letter — known as the Rerum Novarum. It called on Catholics to address the “wretchedness” facing the working class, amid the upheavals of industrialisation and political changes like the unification of Italy.
That encyclical marked a radical new approach to workers, and it triggered the creation of Catholic newspapers, social cooperatives and banks — a social movement that is still alive today.
Bruni said the current Pope Leo hoped to draw a parallel to that time, with its technological revolutions.
“It is not a casual reference to the men and women of their work at a time of artificial intelligence,” Bruni explained.
Robert Orsi, a professor of religious studies at Northwestern University, said the name choice could also signify other historical parallels.
Leo XIII “strongly put down a movement called Americanism,” said Orsi.
“This movement was a kind of nationalist impulse within Catholicism, with national churches claiming to have their own identities, their own particular ways of doing things,” he explained. “And I think by choosing the name Leo XIV, this pope was, without a doubt, signalling a return to a global Catholicism.”
Pullella also believes it is noteworthy that, while Leo XIV mentioned his parishioners in Peru, he avoided highlighting his ties with the US.
“I think it’s very significant that he did not give a shout-out to the United States. He didn’t say, ‘I’m from America.’ He didn’t speak in English,” Pullella said.
That sent a message that “basically he’s not owned by the United States”, Pullella added. Leo XIV has previously been critical of the administration of US President Donald Trump over issues like nationalism and migration, just as the late Pope Francis was.
