York

Crystal Palace: John Textor advancing in talks with New York Jets owner Woody Johnson to sell stake

Whether the process of Textor selling his stake in Palace influences Uefa’s final decision remains to be seen.

But it does provide an indication the businessman is open to severing ties with Palace, an eventual scenario that could allow the Premier League club entry into the Europa League.

The other two parties in the running are unconfirmed but well-placed sources have indicated that a globally-renowned entertainment giant based in Florida have shown an interest, while another consortium that includes the NBA star Jimmy Butler also have a reported interest.

Investment vehicle Sportsbank – who were named as the preferred bidder to buy into Eagle at a time Textor was looking for investment – have also shown an interest in making an offer.

However, it is claimed that it would have taken around a month for Sportsbank to draw the financial contributions from their investors from the Middle East and the US which would not suit Textor’s need for a quick sale to help aid Palace’s case with Uefa.

Sources claim that Johnson is best placed among the interested parties to pass the Premier League’s owner’s and directors test given his estimated £3.39bn fortune and his status as globally-renowned businessman. He is the heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company.

Uefa are expected to make a decision on whether Palace can participate in the Europa League by the end of June.

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The Cat Man Eshete: An Ethiopian refugee’s life on the streets of New York | Documentary

The extraordinary story of Eshete, a refugee who escaped war in Ethiopia as a young man and is now a devoted caretaker of a feral cat colony in New York City.

Eshete has become the heart of a close-knit community while living on the streets. Together with neighbours who help feed the cats and look out for him, Eshete’s story reveals a moving portrait of grassroots community care.

The Cat Man Eshete is a documentary film by Laura Checkoway.

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Horse racing tips: ‘He’s rising the ranks and has a top jockey booked’ – Templegate’s NAP a supreme stayer at York

TEMPLEGATE takes on Saturday’s racing confident of slamming in some winners and building the bank for Royal Ascot.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

ALSAKIB (3.00 York, nap)

He rose through the staying ranks last season and put in his best effort at this track. He ran well on his comeback in the Yorkshire Cup last month and can improve from there.

HOLD A DREAM (2.40 Sandown, nb)

He’ll enjoy dropping to five furlongs after showing lots of pace at Newbury last time but just failing to get home. That was his turf comeback and there’s more to come.

HEATHEN (2.25 York, treble)

He runs off a much lower mark on turf compared to the all-weather and can make the most of it under experienced pilot Serena Brotherton.

Templegate’s tips

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New York City mayoral race: All you need to know | Elections News

In the New York City mayoral race, a young immigrant who identifies as a democratic socialist is taking on a centrist former governor from a political dynasty.

With state legislator Zohran Mamdani and ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo leading the race, the New York Democratic primary is seen as a reflection of the battle between progressive activists and the conservative old guard of the United States Democratic Party.

The Democratic candidates will meet for a debate on Wednesday night, ahead of the primary vote on June 24.

Missing from the stage will be incumbent Eric Adams who was elected as a Democrat four years ago. The current mayor is running for re-election as an independent amid dwindling popularity.

Here is a look at the elections in the Big Apple and what it could mean for the city and the country.

Why are the primaries important?

New York City is solidly Democratic, so the party’s nominee is likely to cruise to victory in November.

In 2021, then-Democratic candidate Eric Adams beat Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, by nearly 40 percentage points. Adams has since garnered a national profile.

What’s at stake?

The next mayor will be the executive of the largest city in the United States – tackling numerous issues and pressing challenges, including housing, cost of living, congestion and public transport.

The implications for New Yorkers are obvious, but the outcome of the race will also affect the nearly 65 million people who visit the city every year.

New York is a major financial and cultural hub, not just for the US but for the entire world.

Politically, the primary race could serve as a bellwether for the Democratic Party and the electoral viability of left-wing candidates ahead of the congressional midterm elections next year and the presidential vote two years later.

The job comes with a national profile. The last three New York mayors ran for president.

Cuomo
Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo speaks during a Democratic mayoral forum at Medgar Evers College in New York City, April 23 [David ‘Dee’ Delgado/Reuters]

Who are the frontrunners?

In the Democratic primaries, the two frontrunners are Cuomo, 67, and Mamdani, 33.

The son of a former governor, Cuomo has an extensive resume. He served as the US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and New York attorney general before becoming the state’s governor in 2011.

He resigned in 2021 after a sexual harassment scandal and is now staging what was once thought to be an unlikely political comeback, rebuilding alliances with politicians who called on him to step down a few years ago.

He is running a campaign focused on improving the management of the city, addressing mental health issues and “combating anti-Semitism”.

If Cuomo is the ultimate insider, Mamdani is his foil as a political insurgent.

Born in Uganda to parents of Indian descent, Mamdani, who is endorsed by the Democratic Socialists for America (DSA), has been serving in the state assembly since 2021.

He is running on a progressive platform that includes freezing rent, eliminating fees for public buses and establishing affordable, city-owned grocery stores.

Mamdani’s rise in the polls has been fuelled by small donors and an “army” of left-wing volunteers.

Mamdani in dark jacket at subway station
Candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani waits for the subway following a campaign stop in New York City, US, April 1, 2025 [Brendan McDermid/Reuters]

Who else is running?

Also running on the Democratic side are city comptroller Brad Lander; New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams; former comptroller Scott Stringer; State Senator Jessica Ramos; State Senator Zellnor Myrie; Michael Blake, a political consultant and former state legislator; and Whitney Tilson, an investor.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent after the scandals and investigations that have plagued his tenure.

Conservative activist Curtis Sliwa is the sole Republican in the race.

What are the key dates?

The first Democratic debate will take place on June 4, and the second and final one is set to take place on June 12. Early voting starts on June 14, and the primary election is on June 24.

The general election will be on November 4.

Eric Adams
Incumbent New York Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent [File: Julia Nikhinson/AP Photo]

What is ranked choice voting?

In local elections in New York City, one can vote for as many as five candidates at once with the ranked-choice system.

Here’s how it works: Voters choose their candidates in order of favourability. In the first round of counting, the top choice votes are tallied. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent, more counting ensues with the bottom candidate removed.

With each new round, the votes of the eliminated candidate are counted by the next choice on the ballot.

What do the polls say?

Cuomo is leading the race, according to most surveys. An Emerson College poll last week showed the former governor with 35.1 percent support as a first choice – ahead of Mamdani with 22.7 and Lander with 10.5.

Mamdani may appear like a distant second, but his rise in the race has been stunning. He was polling at 1 percent in February, according to an Emerson survey.

The democratic socialist lawmaker does have a path to victory – consolidating the anti-Cuomo vote in the later rounds of counting.

People protest in solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and to condemn the Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza, in New York
A protest in solidarity with Palestinians in New York City, September 24, 2024 [File: John Taggart/EPA]

Why has Israel-Palestine been a key issue in the race?

The next New York City mayor will not be deciding how much military aid Israel gets or how the US will vote on United Nations Security Council proposals calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Yet, the conflict in the Middle East has been a factor in the local elections.

Mamdani has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights. He participated in a hunger strike outside the White House in November 2023 to demand an end to the war on Gaza.

His positions have sparked outrage from Israel’s backers. Although Mamdani is a citizen, Republican New York City Council member Vickie Paladino called for his deportation on Monday.

Paladino later doubled down in response to the outrage over her statement, claiming that Mamdani would not have been eligible for citizenship under the current regulations due to his involvement in pro-Palestine groups.

For his part, Cuomo has positioned himself as Israel’s top defender, accusing several of his opponents – not just Mamdani – of being too critical of the US ally.

“It’s very simple: anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism,” he said in April.

Fix the City, a pro-Cuomo political group, has received large donations from pro-Israel donors, including $250,000 from billionaire Bill Ackman, according to New York’s Campaign Finance Board.

New York City – home to Columbia University – has seen waves of protests against US support for Israel’s war in Gaza, which has killed more than 54,600 Palestinians.

The issue may sway some voters, in part because it is viewed by many Democrats as a litmus test for broader ideological leaning.

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Jury begins deliberations in Weinstein’s New York rape retrial

1 of 3 | Harvey Weinstein, co-founder and former studio boss at Miramax, sits in the courtroom at his criminal trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on Wednesday as closing arguments end. Pool Photo by Justin Lane/UPI | License Photo

June 4 (UPI) — A jury is deciding whether former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein likely will spend the rest of his life in prison after beginning deliberations in his rape retrial on Wednesday.

The New York jury of seven women and five men heard closing arguments on Tuesday and Wednesday as the six-week trial concluded in a lower Manhattan courtroom.

Weinstein, 73, is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of third-degree rape.

Prosecutors argued Weinstein used his position in the film industry as co-founder and studio boss at Miramax to control three women who accused him of criminal sexual conduct at different times from 2006 to 2013.

Weinstein’s attorneys argued the acts were consensual.

Prosecutors had 24 witnesses testify against Weinstein, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges and did not take the stand.

He was tried and convicted of rape and criminal sexual assault by a New York jury and sentenced to 23 years in prison five years ago.

An appellate court last year ruled 4-3 in favor of Weinstein, whose attorneys argued the judge in his prior trial allowed “irrelevant” and “prejudicial” testimony and evidence that was unrelated to the alleged crimes.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg immediately announced his office would retry the case after the appellate court overturned the prior conviction.

Even if found innocent, Weinstein still would stay imprisoned due to a conviction on similar charges in California. Weinstein has appealed that ruling.

He is being held at Rikers Island until a verdict is entered in his retrial.

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Walmart fined for shipping ‘realistic’ toy guns to New York

May 27 (UPI) — Retailer Walmart will pay a $16,000 fine for shipping realistic toy guns to New York buyers in violation of state law, state Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday.

New York law bans retailers from selling or shipping toy guns that are black, dark blue, silver or aluminum-colored and resemble real firearms.

“Realistic-looking toy guns can put communities in serious danger,” James said in a news release. “That is why they are banned.”

She said realistic-looking toy guns can be used to engage in unlawful activity and have led to several deaths and shootings across the state and Walmart’s third-party sellers sold them to New York buyers.

“Walmart failed to prevent its third-party sellers from selling realistic-looking toy guns to New York addresses, violating our laws and putting people at risk,” James said.

“The ban on realistic-looking toy guns is meant to keep New Yorkers safe,” she added. “My office will not hesitate to hold any business that violates that law accountable.”

A state investigation showed third-party retailers used Walmart’s online store to sell non-compliant toy guns that they shipped to New York addresses via Walmart’s fulfillment services.

Investigators bought a realistic-looking toy gun that violated New York’s general business law’s ban on such toys and had it shipped to an address within the state.

The violations netted a $16,000 fine that Walmart paid to settle the matter.

A Walmart official said the retailer does its best to comply with respective state and federal laws and ensure third-party retailers do, too.

“We are committed to complying with all laws, and we have processes in place to ensure products offered for sale by third-party sellers on our marketplace comply with all applicable laws as well,” Walmart global communications senior manager Kelly Hellbusch told UPI in an emailed statement.

James said New York consumers can report non-compliant toy guns by reporting them in an online complaint.

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UK’s smallest city is as charming as York and Canterbury and also ‘so peaceful’

Wells might be England’s smallest city, but it’s bursting with charm and history. From its stunning cathedral to the medieval Bishop’s Palace, there’s plenty to explore

Said to be the smallest city in the UK, Wells is known for is pure Early English Gothic cathedral and the Vicar's Close.
Wells is said to be the smallest city in the UK(Image: Getty Images)

Don’t let its size fool you – England’s smallest city, Wells, may be compact but it’s brimming with history and allure. The city’s quaint architecture and winding cobbled streets are the epitome of a storybook setting. The quirky name of this hidden gem is derived from the springs found in the Bishop’s Palace grounds.

Nestled within a stone’s throw of Bristol, Bath and Cardiff, Wells is an often-missed treasure by holidaymakers, yet those who venture to this petite cathedral city on the River Brue in Somerset are never left underwhelmed. Wells Cathedral stands as a beacon of historical splendour and architectural genius, making it an essential stop for any visitor to the city.

READ MORE: Big camping sale including tent that stood ‘a month’s rain in a day’ now £146 off

As one of the UK’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, it boasts stunning design and medieval artistry. Its construction spanned from 1175 to 1490, earning it accolades as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals.”

Not only famous for its striking West Front, but Wells Cathedral also features distinctive elements that distinguish it from other cathedrals across England, such as the mesmerising ‘scissor arches’ that prop up the central tower.

These were ingeniously installed in 1338 when the addition of a hefty spire threatened to bring down the entire structure, reports the Express. The Cathedral is home to one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country.

The Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral, considered by experts as one of the most magnificent examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe, narrowly avoided destruction during the English Civil War.

View of Wells Cathedral across the Somerset Levels towards Glastonbury Tor in the distance
Wells Cathedral is a striking feature of the city(Image: Getty Images)

Additionally, the Cathedral proudly showcases the renowned Wells Clock, believed to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain. It also houses the intriguing octagonal Chapter House and one of only four chained libraries in the UK.

Other must-visit attractions in this beautiful city include The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, which has been the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. This breathtaking medieval palace is now open for public enjoyment.

It offers a fantastic family day out in Somerset with a full calendar of events throughout the year, complimentary guided walks, outdoor music and theatre, garden workshops and more.

Plus, a slice of cake with afternoon tea at the ever-popular Bishop’s Table café is always a treat! Since the 1800s, the palace’s moat has been home to mute swans, with the tradition of swans on the moat thought to date back to the 1850s.

Legend has it that a Bishop’s daughter may have initially taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse when they were hungry. Today, two swan bells are installed, with ropes for the swans to pull to signal for food.

There are 14 acres of stunning RHS Partner gardens to discover, including the beautiful well pools from which the city derives its name, the medieval Palace building equipped with multimedia audio visual guides, Dragon’s Lair play area, guided tours, children’s trails and workshops, and a café boasting the best views in Wells.

Vicars Close, Wells Cathedral, Somerset, England
Vicars Close on the approach to Wells Cathedral(Image: Getty Images)

Adjacent to the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street remaining in England. This significant landmark was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who performed daily worship within the Cathedral.

This centuries-old tradition continues today and is a unique and much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral. The houses of the close, all Grade I listed, were constructed in the 14th century under the direction of Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century.

Originally, 42 houses were built (one per vicar), but some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were permitted to marry.

Today, the Close comprises 27 residences, a chapel, library, treasury and muniment room. There is also a dining hall connected to the Cathedral by a covered walkway, the Chain Gate Bridge.

The current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and virgers. Vicars Choral have remained at the heart of life at Wells Cathedral since the 1100s and are now recognised as a world-class choir.

For food lovers, Wells boasts a historic market in Wells Market Place. This lively square, surrounded by stunning historical architecture, offers a perfect snapshot into the everyday life of Wells that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

Today, a bustling market is held twice a week – on Wednesdays and Saturdays – featuring local produce and goods. The square also hosts a larger street food festival annually, with the next Wells Food Festival scheduled for Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Additionally, a funfair is held twice a year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Wells also has an abundance of independent bookshops and boutiques, as well as antique and vintage shops, ensuring hours of browsing pleasure.

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Los Tigres del Norte Way is the newest street in New York City

For nearly six decades, Los Tigres del Norte’s name has been all over the charts, on countless marquees, seven Grammys and, now, one street in New York City.

On Thursday, the historic música Mexicana band showed up to the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, surrounded by fans at the grand presentation of the newly minted Los Tigres del Norte Way.

“Starting today, a street in Brooklyn carries the name of Los Tigres del Norte,” the group wrote in an Instagram post Thursday evening. “Thank you for walking with us, today and always.”

The Sinaloense legends’ street sign is located on 5th Avenue and 47th Street in Brooklyn, surrounded by a litany of Latino restaurants.

“We’ve been coming to New York for so many years,” vocalist and accordion player Jorge Hernandez said in a TV interview Wednesday with New York’s Fox 5. “We’ve been able to connect with the community, so that’s why we’ve been selected today to have the street and we are very happy to be honored tomorrow.”

The road naming occurred on the same day as the release of the “La Puerta Negra” artists’ latest five-track EP “La Lotería.” The title track is a sociopolitical corrido that uses the imagery of the popular bingo-like Mexican game to comment on topics like immigration and the past criminality of the current U.S. president.

The band will play its first-ever show at New York’s historic Madison Square Garden on May 24 to wrap up their current East Coast stint before performing June 13 at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and June 15 in Del Mar, Calif.

However, Thursday’s festivities weren’t the first time that the “Jaula de Oro” band was honored with a street-naming ceremony. A strip of W. 26th Street in Chicago is honorarily named after the 12-time Latin Grammy winners. The street runs through the Windy City’s Little Village neighborhood, which is known as the “Mexico of the Midwest” due to upwards of 80% of its residents being of Mexican descent.

Los Tigres del Norte were feted locally in 2014 in the most L.A. way possible — with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In June, the group will receive lifetime recognition for its members’ continued immigration advocacy from Monterey County officials ahead of their tour date in Salinas, Calif.



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Knicks-Pacers: Haliburton’s shot stuns New York in Game 1 of East finals | Basketball News

Tyrese Haliburton’s incredible game-tying shot at the buzzer triggers Indiana Pacers overtime win against New York Knicks in Game 1 of Eastern Conference finals.

Tyrese Haliburton was sure his jumper as regulation ended was going in, then wasn’t certain it had after it bounced high off the rim and hung in the air for what felt like an eternity.

He thought it was a 3-pointer to win the game, then quickly realised it was a 2 to tie. A lot to process, followed by just one thought with overtime looming.

“Then my focus just became winning it,” Haliburton said.

The Pacers did, finishing off their stunning rally by beating the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The Knicks led by 14 points with under three minutes remaining in regulation, but Aaron Nesmith brought the Pacers back with a flurry of 3-pointers.

Haliburton then hoped he had won it with another. With the Pacers down two and time running down, he started to lose control of his dribble, regained it and dribbled back out toward the 3-point line. He fired up his jumper and when it finally fell in, he raced towards the sideline and made a choke signal to the crowd, like Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller did to Spike Lee while leading an Indiana comeback in a playoff game in 1994.

Replays confirmed that Haliburton’s toe was on the line and it was a 2-pointer that tied it at 125. Andrew Nembhard eventually made the go-ahead basket with 26 seconds remaining in overtime.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is on Friday night.

Haliburton had 31 points and 11 assists. Nesmith finished with 30 points, going 8-for-9 from 3-point range.

Tyrese Haliburton in action.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the game-tying 2-point shot against New York Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson (23) at the end of regulation [Frank Franklin II/AP]

Knicks stunned by Pacers’ late surge

It was a thrilling start to the ninth playoff matchup between these fierce rivals from the 1990s – but a deflating finish for the Knicks in their first Eastern Conference finals game since 2000.

Jalen Brunson scored 43 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 35 points and 12 rebounds. But the Knicks couldn’t protect the big lead they built while Brunson was on the bench in foul trouble in the fourth quarter and had a collapse unlike any other in the postseason.

Teams leading by at least 14 points in the final 2:45 of the fourth quarter had been 994-0 since detailed play-by-play records began in 1997-98.

“Give them a lot of credit. They closed the game out like they’ve been doing all playoffs,” Brunson said. “Just not really good on our part.”

The Pacers beat the Knicks in Game 7 of the East semifinals at Madison Square Garden last year, routing a team that had been decimated by injuries.

This was an entirely different way to win, with the Pacers looking all but out of the game after the Knicks’ 14-0 run with Brunson on the bench pushed New York’s two-point lead to 108-92.

Even after Nesmith started to get hot, the Knicks seemed safe when Brunson’s 3-pointer made it 119-105 with 2:51 to go.

But Nesmith would later hit consecutive 3s and both free throws when the Knicks fouled him intentionally so he couldn’t try to tie it with another, giving Indiana the chance to tie on Haliburton’s last-second shot.

Jalen Brunson in action.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, left, scored a game-high 43 points in Game 1 [Frank Franklin II/AP]

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Mexican Navy ship crashes into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge

At least 22 people have been injured and three remain in a serious condition after a tall Mexican Navy training ship crashed into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge, the Mexican Navy says.

Footage has emerged showing towering masts of the Cuauhtémoc clipping the bridge as the sailing vessel was passing under the famous structure on Saturday evening.

Parts of the masts reportedly fell on the deck, with US media reporting multiple injuries as members of the crew were standing on the masts at the time of collision.

New York City’s Emergency Management (NYCEM) said it was “responding to an incident”, without giving any further details. Brooklyn Bridge has not sustained any damage, the mayor of New York said,

The Mexican Navy confirmed that the ship was damaged, saying the incident was being investigated.

Crowds who were watching the ship’s trajectory fled from the water’s edge as the masts collided with the bridge.

New York City’s Fire Department confirmed that authorities were responding to injuries, reports CBS, BBC’s US partner.

The department said it had no details about how many people might have been hurt or whether they were on the vessel or on the bridge.

In a statement on X, NYCEM said “the situation is developing and details are not confirmed at this time”.

The mayor of New York Eric Adams is at the scene and has been briefed on the situation, CBS reported.

NYPD told residents to avoid the area of Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn.

“Expect heavy traffic and a large presence of emergency vehicles in the surrounding area,” police said on X.

Media reports say the Cuauhtémoc had more than 200 crew on board.

It was in New York City on a goodwill visit.

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European Court of Justice: Ursula von der Leyen’s Pfizer texts must be released to New York Times

The European Court of Justice Wednesday ruled there was no plausible reason to block the New York Times from getting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s texts with a Pfizer executive. File Photo by Olivier Matthys/EPA-EFE

May 14 (UPI) — The European Court of Justice Wednesday ruled there was no plausible reason to block The New York Times from getting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s texts with a Pfizer executive.

The commission blocked the texts from being released to the newspaper, claiming it did not hold them.

“The Commission decision refusing a journalist of The New York Times access to the text messages exchanged between President von der Leyen and the CEO of Pfizer is annulled,” the court ruling said.

The court said Matina Stevi, a journalist with The New York Times, requested access to all text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 11, 2022.

The texts were secret messages before a multi-billion-dollar vaccine deal was reached between the European Union and Pfizer.

The commission rejected the request for the texts on the grounds that the commission did not hold the requested documents.

But the court ruling said Stevi and The New York Times “succeeded in rebutting the presumption of non-existence and of non-possession of the requested documents.”

The court added that the commission “has not given a plausible explanation to justify the non-possession of the requested documents.”

The court found the commission should have provided a more detailed explanation on why the documents were withheld.

The commission has the right to appeal the decision.

“The commission will now closely study the General Court’s decision and decide on next steps. To this effect, the Commission will adopt a new decision providing a more detailed explanation,” it said in a statement.

“Transparency has always been of paramount importance for the commission and President von der Leyen. We will continue to strictly abide by the solid legal framework in place to enforce our obligations.”

HEC Paris Business School law professor Alberto Alemanno said the court decision would enhance accountability for EU leaders.

“This judgment provides a fresh reminder that the EU is governed by the rule of law, with its leaders subject to the constant scrutiny of free media and of an independent court,” Alemanno said.

Dutch MEP Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle called the court decision a “slam dunk for transparency.”

“People just want and are allowed to know how decisions are made, it is essential in a democracy. Even if it was done over a text message,” she said.

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‘Fairytale’ city is also one of the ‘cheapest’ holiday locations in the UK

Experts from Holiday Extras named a ‘fairytale’ UK city as one of the most affordable destinations for a staycation in 2024 – and Brits can even bag bargain hotel stays

York Minster overlooking Yorkshire streets.
York Minster overlooking the city’s streets(Image: Edwin Remsberg via Getty Images)

Nestled within ancient city walls, historic York is renowned for its Roman heritage, eerie encounters, and charming uneven Shambles. According to experts from Holiday Extras, it’s a city that seems like it could be plucked straight from the “pages of a dark fairytale”, yet it’s also a place where Brits can enjoy a budget-friendly city break this year.

York offers a wide range of options, including high-end hotels and upscale restaurants. However, there are opportunities to cut back on expenses. The city is easily accessible by train, thanks to the bustling York station. Booking in advance or using a railcard can reduce costs, with train fares available for as little as £30.

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In terms of budget accommodations, booking in advance and choosing off-peak times can result in significant savings. Most hotels operate on a supply-and-demand basis, which means they increase prices during peak times.

Budget-friendly hotels such as Premier Inn offer affordable options in the city. Premier Inn has six locations that range from the city centre to the outskirts of York, reports the Express.

Based on a quick search, Premier Inn’s York City (Blossom St North) hotel has availability in September, with approximately £67 per night. If two people share a room the cost would be £33.5 per person per night.

York boasts a treasure trove of B&Bs, ranging from chic boutique stays to wallet-friendly accommodations. Kayak’s latest figures reveal that some of the most affordable B&Bs can be found from just £52 per night.

Recently voted as the most picturesque street in Britain, 'The Shambles' is a centre piece of historic York.
Previously voted as the most picturesque street in Britain, ‘The Shambles’ is a centre piece of historic York(Image: TJ Blackwell via Getty Images)

The city is steeped in history, offering a plethora of ancient sites and museums at no cost. The National Railway Museum, delving into York’s railway heritage, welcomes visitors free of charge – an ideal outing for families.

Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that York Art Gallery’s permanent collections are accessible without an entry fee, including two galleries dedicated to the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA).

Behind the gallery, guests can meander through the Artists Garden and Edible Wood, then venture out to the stunning York Museum Gardens.

York is dotted with numerous medieval churches throughout its centre, many open for daytime exploration. Visit York recommends St Michael le Belfrey in the heart of the city and Holy Trinity, nestled behind Goodramgate’s shops in a verdant retreat.

For those keen on discovering York’s narrative on foot, Visit York’s Visitor Information Centre provides a variety of self-guided walking tours.

“Many cover hidden histories and niche interests in the city and are perfect for experiencing the city in a different light at your own pace,” says Visit York.

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NBA play-offs: Jalen Brunson leads New York Knicks to victory over Celtics

Jalen Brunson scored 39 points as the New York Knicks beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 to leave the reigning NBA champions on the brink of elimination from the play-offs.

The Knicks stormed back from 14 points down in the third quarter to go 3-1 up in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final and are in sight of the finals for the first time since 2000.

The Celtics also lost forward Jayson Tatum, who scored 42 points before being carried off in the fourth quarter with what coach Joe Mazzulla described as a “lower body injury”.

The six-time All Star, who was later seen being taken to the Madison Square Garden locker room in a wheelchair, will have a scan on Tuesday to assess the damage.

“He’ll get the MRI and we’ll see what it is,” said Mazzulla.

“Obviously you’re always concerned about someone’s health. It’s two-fold, we’re concerned about his health and where’s he’s at. And then we’re concerned what we’ve got to do better in game five.”

The Knicks can clinch the series with a win in Boston on Thursday (00:00 BST).

Boston, who won game three on Saturday, started strongly with Tatum and Payton Pritchard leading the charge.

A Derrick White three-pointer gave the Celtics their biggest lead of the night early in the third quarter (72-58) but from then on the Knicks took over, taking an 88-85 lead into the final quarter.

Brunson controlled matters and when OG Anunoby grabbed a steal off Tatum in the incident that left the Celtics star writhing in pain before making a dunk, the Knicks were 118-106 ahead.

“I was just in a flow and doing whatever. I wasn’t really trying to take over. It was just ‘whatever we’ve gotta do’,” Brunson said.

“We didn’t quit, kept fighting. And that’s what’s most important. Whenever you get in a hole you can’t quit.”

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