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☆ Eurovision: The coronation may have passed off peacefully. But song contest could be a bigger headache
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Luke Mcgee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

London CNN —Britain’s security services are quietly relieved that the coronation of King Charles III passed without major incident – save for some accusations of heavy-handed policing. On the face of it, the stakes associated with the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest would not appear to be particularly high. For that reason, British security officials are more exercised than they might otherwise have been about a kitschy musical competition. “On one hand you have thousands of people enjoying the nightlife, which means potential of physical targets and organized crime. This year’s event is, at its heart, a partnership between the UK and Ukraine, two major thorns in the Kremlin’s side.

☆ Why buzzy weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy cost so much more in the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Trendy weight-loss drugs cost much more in the US than in other countries. The price of semaglutide, the drug sold as Wegovy, was three times higher in the US than in the UK. If you're searching for affordable weight-loss drugs, you may be better off looking outside of the US. New weight-loss drugs are unaffordableGetty ImagesWegovy and Ozempic are part of a class of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1 agonists that have soared in popularity in recent months. Drug prices are highest in the USThe variation in prices for weight-loss drugs across the world is striking.

☆ Pop duo Tvorchi to show Ukraine's 'Heart of Steel' at Eurovision
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Sarah Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 10 (Reuters) - Tvorchi, Ukraine's electro pop-duo entry in Eurovision 2023, said they hoped to shine a spotlight on their country's fight for freedom when they perform in the grand final in Liverpool on Saturday night. Formed in 2018 by Ukrainian producer Andrii Hutsuliak and Nigerian-born singer Jeffery Kenny, the pair wrote their song "Heart of Steel" last spring when Ukraine's soldiers were defending Mariupol. "We'll show how strong Ukrainians are," he told Reuters. Ukraine, as last year's winner, gains automatic entry to Saturday's grand final, along with the "big five," comprising Britain, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Tuesday's first semi-final saw 10 acts qualify for the grand final, including early favourite, Sweden.

☆ Factbox: When are the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals and final?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 9 (Reuters) - Eurovision 2023 has kicked off in Liverpool, northern England, where acts from 37 countries are competing to win the 67th edition of the song contest. There are 37 countries taking part with 31 competing in two semi-finals and 10 going through to the Grand Final. Ukraine, as the previous winner, automatically progresses to the Grand Final, along with the "big five", comprising the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Semi-final 1: viewers in the 15 countries taking part are eligible to vote, alongside France, Germany, and Italy. Semi-final 2: Viewers in the 16 countries taking part are eligible to vote, alongside Spain, Ukraine, and the UK.

☆ Factbox: Who qualified in the first Eurovision semi-final?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 9 (Reuters) - The first semi-final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Liverpool, northern England, on Tuesday. Ten of the 15 countries performing went through to Saturday's Grand Final. They will join 10 qualifiers from Thursday's second semi-final, last year's winner Ukraine, and the "big five" - Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain - in the Grand Final. WHICH COUNTRIES QUALIFIED? Malta, Latvia, Ireland, Azerbaijan and the NetherlandsReporting by Paul Sandle, Editing by Rosalba O'BrienOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Champions League semifinal: Can Real Madrid stop Manchester City, the 'best team in Europe?'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid and Manchester City face each other in a highly-anticipated Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, pitting the defending champion against a team on a sensational run of form. Erling Haaland has broken record after record since arriving at the club last year and has scored 12 Champions League goals this season – four more than anyone else in the competition. It will be a difficult game against City because City is, at the moment, the best team in Europe,” former Madrid manager Fabio Capello told CNN Sport on Monday. Ancelotti admitted on Monday that City is a “more complete team” compared to last year, particularly with Haaland on the pitch. “We’re not setting out just to stop Haaland, but to stop a team that seems unstoppable,” Ancelotti told reporters.

☆ Weird and wonderful trains that break the rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Ben Jones | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Here’s a selection of unusual railways that break the rules in order to reach the places other trains can’t roll. The single rails carrying the trains are supported by a series of 486 steel portals weighing almost 20,000 tonnes in total. It is the oldest continuously operating pier railway in the world. Six miles of the route are along a rural railway line, with the rest in bus mode. Katoomba Scenic Railway, AustraliaNot far from the wonderful city of Sydney is a railway experience unlike anything else in the world.

☆ Sebastian Steudtner has turned to science as he chases the world’s biggest waves
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Matt Majendie | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

CNN —Sebastian Steudtner holds the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed. Steudtner holds the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed. Win, win, win or perform, perform, perform. How boring is it to win and win and win? If I want to catch waves, I don’t think about you because you’re in my way, so you’re naturally competitive.

☆ Wells Fargo Championship : Wyndham Clark soars to first PGA Tour victory
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Moments later, the American tapped home to clinch the Wells Fargo Championship and his first ever PGA Tour title. “Since I’ve been on the PGA Tour, you fantasize about it all the time, and I’ve done it multiple times this year where I catch myself daydreaming about winning. “To do it at this golf course against this competition is better than I could ever have imagined.”Clark celebrates a first career PGA Tour title. It marked the second-lowest score in relation to par in the event’s history, second only to Rory McIlroy’s 21-under in 2015, according to the PGA Tour. Chris Carlson/APHaving turned pro in 2017, Clark was five years and 133 PGA Tour starts without a win.

☆ Eurovision 2023 opens with acts walking Liverpool's 'Turquoise Carpet'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 7 (Reuters) - Eurovision 2023 kicked off on Sunday when 37 contenders walked the "Turquoise Carpet" in Liverpool, the English city hosting the competition on behalf of Ukraine. The "Turquoise Carpet" is Eurovision's version of the red carpet. Ukraine was last year's winner but was unable to stage the event this year, as the winner usually does, because of Russia's invasion. The other 31 contenders will compete in semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday for 20 places in the grand final. Reporting by Steve Hignett; Writing by Paul Sandle; Editing by Susan FentonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Arsenal win 2-0 at Newcastle to stay in title hunt
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NEWCASTLE, England, May 7 (Reuters) - Arsenal showed no sign of raising the white flag in the Premier League title race with a 2-0 victory at Newcastle United on Sunday to close the gap on leaders Manchester City to one point. Newcastle stay third on 65 but Manchester United could overtake them later on Sunday if they win at West Ham United and Liverpool will sense some anxiety as they continue to chase. They also had the bitter memory of a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle a year ago that scuppered their top-four hopes. But this Arsenal side, despite the recent wobbles that have cost them top spot, are made of much sterner stuff. Pope came to Newcastle's rescue again in stoppage time at the end of a frenetic first half, keeping out Odegaard's shot with his legs after the Norwegian looked favourite to score.

☆ Man City climb four points clear of Arsenal in title race
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

City's victory, coupled with an Arsenal loss on Sunday to Newcastle United, would all but clinch the Premier League title for the treble-chasers who stretched their winning league run to 10 games. Liverpool notched up a sixth straight Premier League win to maintain their pursuit of a top-four spot. KANE HEADERKane headed Tottenham in front in first-half injury time to move up to second place in the all-time Premier League goalscorers list. The win vaulted Spurs to sixth in the table with 57 points from 35 games, six points behind fourth-placed United, who have played two games fewer. Wolves climbed 10 points clear of the relegation zone with 40 points, while Villa remained in eighth after their second consecutive loss.

☆ Liverpool will not get drawn into transfer battles for overpriced players - Klopp
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 6 (Reuters) - Liverpool will look to bring in new recruits in the close season transfer window but the Premier League club will not be drawn into bidding wars on players they feel are overpriced, manager Juergen Klopp said. British media last month reported that Liverpool ended their pursuit of England international Jude Bellingham, who had been the club's top transfer target ahead of an overhaul next season following a disappointing campaign. Asked what Liverpool's approach would be if clubs demand inflated transfer fees for targets, Klopp told reporters: "We cannot buy the player then". I am pretty sure we will bring in the players we want and those who will help us. Liverpool, who are fifth in the Premier League standings, host Brentford later on Saturday.

Liverpool fans have a history of booing the national anthem, most recently doing so before last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley – many also booed Prince William when he appeared on the pitch. So why exactly do Liverpool fans have a history of booing the monarchy? Booing of the national anthem at football matches when the team played at Wembley – which was frequent given Liverpool’s dominance of English football in this era – became widespread and remains so today. Liverpool fans have a history of booing the national anthem. And, in an article written on Friday, football journalist Dominic King suggested Liverpool fans might just sing the club’s own anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” instead of “God Save The King” on Saturday.

☆ Top-four finish not in Liverpool's hands, says Klopp
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"Other teams are in much better positions, as long as they win games we have no chance," Klopp told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash against ninth-placed Brentford. We have 59 points and United has 63, so we can get 71 maximum (at the end of the season). The way they played over this season, the top four teams, no one looks like losing more games than they win, Klopp said. James Milner is expected to leave Liverpool after eight years at the end of the season and Klopp described how highly he valued the 37-year-old midfielder. Klopp said Diogo Jota and captain Jordan Henderson will be assessed ahead of the match while Roberto Firmino remains sidelined.

☆ UEFA to involve fans in planning finals after 2022 Champions League chaos
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 5 (Reuters) - UEFA will involve fans in the "planning and execution" of finals, it said on Friday as it announced plans to implement recommendations made by an independent panel following the chaos at the 2022 Champions League showpiece. UEFA, Europe's soccer governing body, apologised to Liverpool for initially blaming the Merseyside club's fans for the mayhem following the release of the review in February. UEFA said it has since had "positive dialogue" with fans through the group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) to ensure they are involved in finals in the future. "At UEFA, we are fully committed to ensuring that every football fan can enjoy their team's appearance in a UEFA final in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment," UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis said in a statement. UEFA said it has increased the number of its safety and security officers who will cover finals while it has commissioned crowd modelling reports for finals this year.

☆ Salah on verge of becoming top-scoring Egyptian of all time
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 5 (Reuters) - Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah will become the highest scoring Egyptian of all time if he scores against Brentford in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday. Salah has scored 185 times for Liverpool since joining the Merseyside club in 2017 and will catch former captain Steven Gerrard, the fifth-highest scorer in Liverpool history, with another goal. Egypt's 30-year-old skipper Salah is Liverpool's record Premier League scorer with 136 goals. Salah's other club goals came at AS Roma (34), Fiorentina (9), Chelsea (2), Basel (20) plus 12 for his childhood club Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab. Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League standings on 59 points, four behind fourth-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand in the race for Champions league places.

☆ Man Utd's Garnacho could be involved against West Ham, says Ten Hag
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 5 (Reuters) - Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could return from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for two months when they face West Ham United on Sunday, manager Erik ten Hag said as the Old Trafford outfit look to improve their away record. Garnacho has had an excellent debut season, scoring four times and providing five assists in all competitions. Maybe he can be involved, but we will have to see how the progress can go," Ten Hag told reporters. Ten Hag's team have five league games left, starting with the weekend's trip to West Ham, before they face derby rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final. So I count on my team, we have to do it again," Ten Hag said.

☆ Howe calls on Newcastle to ignore top-four rivals in league run-in
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 5 (Reuters) - Newcastle United must focus on themselves as they look to navigate a complicated run-in and seal a return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, manager Eddie Howe said ahead of Sunday's Premier League home game against Arsenal. "We have a tough run of fixtures but I think at the same time a great run of fixtures because every game is important. Howe said the clash was a closed chapter, adding that he had a lot of respect for the "incredible job" Arteta had done at Arsenal. Howe added that winger Allan Saint-Maximin may be available after a hamstring injury, adding: "Allan has trained. We're hoping either today or tomorrow he will but we'll wait and see," he said of the midfielder.

☆ Man City face Leeds with points vital for very different reasons
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The pair were also brought in to try to save their teams from the threat of relegation this season. The match is a departure from the usual rules that ban the TV screening of live games on Saturday afternoon. Watching avidly no doubt will be everyone at Arsenal, hoping Leeds can do them an unlikely favour as the Gunners cling to the fading hope of their first league title since 2004. A loss at third-placed Newcastle coupled with a City win over Leeds would all but end Arsenal's title challenge. They are third with 65 points, six ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, who have played a game more.

☆ Late MacAllister penalty gives Brighton 1-0 win over Manchester United
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - May 4, 2023 Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister scores their first goal from the penalty spot Action Images via Reuters/Paul ChildsBRIGHTON, England, May 4 (Reuters) - Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis MacAllister fired the winner from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 win for his side over Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League clash on Thursday. The victory was some measure of revenge for Brighton, who lost to Manchester United on penalties in their FA Cup semi-final 11 days ago. Brighton continued to press forward looking for a winner, with substitute Solly March and MacAllister both forcing superb saves from De Gea as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes. "Really happy and delighted for the performance and result," Brighton coach Roberto de Zerbi told Sky Sports. "There is a God of football - we deserved to win the (FA Cup) semi-final but lost on penalties, but today we won with a penalty."

☆ What King Charles' coronation means for the UK economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But the UK economy as a whole could suffer as workers take an extra day’s holiday. John Lewis' Coronation Lewis Bear. John Lewis & PartnersDepartment store John Lewis has had to limit in-store purchases of its Coronation Lewis Bear to two per household, and the teddy is out of stock online. For the coronation, UK luxury brands “have procured unique merchandise at all levels of the economy and we’re seeing people buying it, particularly Americans and EU customers,” she added. (The coronation holiday will be the third holiday Monday this month.)

☆ Liverpool's Thiago to miss rest of season due to hip operation - reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

May 3 (Reuters) - Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara will miss the remainder of the season to undergo a minor operation for a hip issue, British media reported on Tuesday. The Spaniard has played 28 times for Liverpool in all competitions this season and only recently returned to action after two months out with a hip flexor problem. Alcantara is set to miss Premier League games against Fulham, Brentford, Leicester City, Aston Villa and Southampton as they push for a top-four finish. Liverpool are fifth on 56 points, seven behind fourth-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand. Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Tragedy chanting: ‘Vile’ soccer songs about deaths fueled by ‘need to hurt’ opposing fans
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Described as “vile” and “unacceptable” and fueled by “the need to hurt,” ‘tragedy chanting’ is becoming an increasing concern to soccer authorities. Then, in 1989, overcrowding in the stands ahead of the FA Cup semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans. Nottingham Forest fans hold up a banner in memory of the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster. The working group has also been in contact with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discuss whether convictions can be pursued for fans that engage in tragedy chanting. Heysel Stadium Disaster, May 1985.

☆ Ten Hag warns Man United against complacency
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 3 (Reuters) - Manchester United cannot afford to become complacent as they look to end their campaign by securing a spot in next season's Champions League, manager Erik ten Hag said on Wednesday. United are fourth in the Premier League, seven points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool who have played a game more. Ten Hag's team have six league games left, starting with Thursday's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, before facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final. "Satisfaction can lead to laziness, we have six games to go and we want to win every game. United beat Brighton on penalties in the FA Cup semi-finals last month, and Ten Hag acknowledged that Roberto De Zerbi's men would be fired up by the thought of revenge.

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