The Actual News

Search in Madeleine McCann case resumes in Portugal

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Summary

Searches for Madeleine McCann have resumed in Portugal, focusing on abandoned buildings near where she disappeared in 2007. Portuguese and German authorities are conducting searches across a large area, concentrating on locations connected to the prime suspect, Christian Brückner.

Key Facts

• Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007 while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
• Authorities from Portugal and Germany are searching abandoned buildings and wells near where she vanished.
• The search area covers about 21 square kilometers (13 square miles) near Lagos.
• Christian Brückner is the prime suspect, as identified by the German police in 2020.
• Brückner is currently in prison in Germany for an unrelated crime.
• The search site is approximately 3.5 miles from the resort where Madeleine's family stayed.
• Roads around the search area have been closed, and a well has been drained as part of the search efforts.
• This is the first search in two years, with the last focused on a reservoir in the region.

Source Verification

BBC World

Deadly mushroom lunch cook tells court she threw up toxic meal

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Summary

An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, is on trial for murder after serving a meal with toxic mushrooms that killed three people, including her relatives. She pleads not guilty, insisting that the incident was an accident and that she also became ill after consuming some of the meal. The trial has attracted widespread attention, with numerous witnesses and details about the meal preparation discussed in court.

Key Facts

• Erin Patterson is accused of murder and attempted murder after a meal with toxic mushrooms killed three people.
• She denies the charges, claiming the toxic meal was an accident and made her sick as well.
• The victims included Ms. Patterson's former in-laws and another family member, while one guest survived after hospital treatment.
• Ms. Patterson admitted in court to lying about having cancer to encourage her guests to visit, instead of admitting she planned weight-loss surgery.
• She told the court that she added dried mushrooms bought from a store, and thinks there might have been wild ones mixed in.
• After the incident, she disposed of a food dehydrator and wiped her phone, fearing being blamed.
• The ongoing trial at the Victorian Supreme Court began nearly six weeks ago, featuring testimony from over 50 witnesses.
• Erin mentioned her love for fungi and her history of mushroom hunting, highlighting her potential exposure to wild varieties.

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BBC World

Chancellor to announce £15bn for transport projects outside London

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce a £15 billion investment in England’s transport infrastructure. The funds will go to tram, train, and bus projects in the Midlands, the North, and the West Country, with specific allocations for regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands to expand and improve their transport networks.

Key Facts

• Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to allocate £15 billion for transport projects in England.
• The money is for improvements to trams, trains, and buses in areas like the Midlands, North, and West Country.
• Greater Manchester will receive £2.5 billion to expand its tram network.
• The West Midlands is set to get £2.4 billion for extending tram services from Birmingham.
• £2.1 billion will be used to start the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme.
• Additional investments include £1.5 billion for South Yorkshire and £1.6 billion for Liverpool city region.
• The East Midlands will receive £2 billion to enhance road, rail, and bus connections between Derby and Nottingham.
• Changes in funding allocation rules aim to distribute growth more evenly across regions.

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BBC Top Stories

'A lot of big decisions for Sarina'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

England's women's soccer team lost to Spain 2-1 and did not make it to the semi-finals of the Women's Nations League. Coach Sarina Wiegman will announce the squad for Euro 2025 on Thursday, as the team prepares to defend its title in Switzerland next month.

Key Facts

• England lost 2-1 to Spain in the Women's Nations League.
• This loss meant they did not reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
• England's team coach is Sarina Wiegman.
• Sarina Wiegman will name the squad for Euro 2025 on Thursday.
• Euro 2025 will take place in Switzerland.
• England will try to defend their title in the upcoming Euro 2025 tournament.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

'I need a hug' - singer Jessie J reveals early breast cancer diagnosis

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Singer Jessie J announced she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She plans to have surgery after performing at a music event in London. Jessie J shared her diagnosis on social media to help process the news and connect with others experiencing similar challenges.

Key Facts

• Jessie J, a well-known singer, shared that she has early breast cancer.
• She revealed her diagnosis on Instagram.
• The singer will have surgery after her upcoming performance at a London music festival.
• She hopes sharing her story will help her manage the diagnosis and support others.
• Jessie J received supportive messages from fellow celebrities like Rita Ora and Gaby Roslin.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK.
• Jessie J has faced other health challenges, including a heart condition, stroke, and Meniere's disease.
• She also has ADHD and OCD and recently turned down a Broadway role to focus on her family.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

Baby bank needs to raise £60,000 for new premises

BBC Business • June 04, 2025 • Business

Summary

Leeds Baby Bank, a charity that provides essential items for families with children, needs to raise £60,000 to equip a new and larger site in Armley. The move aims to meet the high demand for their services, which has led to a temporary closure of their waiting list, and to offer additional support like classes and group sessions.

Key Facts

• Leeds Baby Bank is a charity helping families with clothes and essential supplies for children.
• The charity needs £60,000 to prepare their new location in Armley.
• The new site will offer more space and easier access for families.
• Over 200 families are currently waiting for help from the charity.
• The move aims to allow the charity to help more families and host community activities.
• Current demand for the charity's services is high, causing their waiting list to close temporarily.
• The new location will have a drive-up loading bay for easier collection of large items.
• Leeds Baby Bank plans to reopen their waiting list and provide more support by mid-July.

Source Verification

BBC Business

Vanuatu looks into revoking Andrew Tate's golden passport

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Summary

Vanuatu is considering revoking Andrew Tate's citizenship because he obtained a "golden passport" around the same time as his 2022 arrest in Romania for serious crimes. The country's government is concerned about people with criminal backgrounds gaining citizenship, and they are reviewing Tate's situation to potentially cancel his citizenship.

Key Facts

• Andrew Tate got Vanuatu citizenship through a program that requires a $130,000 investment.
• He was arrested in Romania in 2022 for rape and human trafficking charges.
• The European Union will end Vanuatu's visa-free travel privileges in late 2024 due to security concerns with the citizenship scheme.
• Vanuatu is reviewing the possibility of revoking Tate's citizenship.
• The government does not want to grant citizenship to people with questionable backgrounds.
• The passports-for-sale scheme is a way for Vanuatu to make money but has been criticized for being used by those with criminal intentions.
• Vanuatu gave Tate citizenship in December 2022, the same month he and his brother were arrested in Romania.
• Romania does not have a formal extradition agreement with Vanuatu.

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BBC World

Why time is right for resilient 'Mini Messi' Kirby to end England career

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Fran Kirby announced her retirement from England's international football team after an 11-year career with 77 national team appearances. She faced various challenges, including health issues, but made significant contributions to the team's success, including winning the Euro 2022. Manager Sarina Wiegman had informed Kirby she would not be part of the lineup for upcoming matches, which influenced her decision.

Key Facts

• Fran Kirby played for England's national team for 11 years and participated in 77 matches.
• She won a European Championship medal with the team in 2022.
• Kirby announced her retirement shortly after England's loss to Spain in a recent match.
• Health problems, including knee injuries and pericarditis (a heart-related condition), affected her career.
• Kirby missed the 2023 World Cup due to a knee injury requiring surgery.
• She had "honest conversations" with her manager, Sarina Wiegman, about her future in the team.
• Manager Wiegman commended Kirby for her talent and contributions to the team.
• Kirby was known for her creative playing style and was nicknamed "mini Messi."

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BBC Top Stories

An 'exciting summer' of women's sport lies ahead

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Three professional athletes are preparing for major international tournaments this summer. Footballer Niamh Charles, rugby player Ellie Kildunne, and cricketer Sarah Glenn are representing England in their sports' respective competitions. The BBC will feature these events heavily as part of its women's sports coverage.

Key Facts

• Niamh Charles wants to help England's football team defend their Women's Euros title in Switzerland in July.
• Ellie Kildunne aims to win the Women's Rugby World Cup in England in September.
• Sarah Glenn targets success at the Cricket World Cup in India, also in September.
• Women's sports are receiving significant focus from the BBC this summer.
• Charles, Kildunne, and Glenn express excitement and challenges ahead for their teams.
• Each athlete discusses how their sports are growing and developing at a professional level.
• The athletes talk about their preparation and the expectations they face in their tournaments.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

South Korea's new president Lee Jae-myung pledges to 'unite' country

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Summary

Lee Jae-myung has been elected as South Korea's new president and promises to unite the country after a period of political turmoil. He aims to restore democratic principles and has announced plans for a new government task force to address economic challenges. Lee's presidency follows a contentious election after the impeachment of the previous president.

Key Facts

• Lee Jae-myung won the South Korean presidency with 49.4% of the vote.
• The election followed the impeachment of the previous president, Yoon Suk Yeol, who tried to impose martial law.
• Lee pledged to unite the country and protect democratic institutions.
• He announced the creation of an emergency economic task force.
• The new president has faced political scandals in the past, including allegations of corruption.
• A court trial regarding election law violations is pending for Lee, but sitting presidents in South Korea cannot be prosecuted for criminal offenses.
• Lee's victory is seen as a reflection of public dissatisfaction with the previous government.

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BBC World

'Review into my daughter's killing has been hell on earth'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

BBC research shows that only 1% of domestic abuse-related death reviews in England and Wales are completed within the recommended six months. Families like Pauline Jones, whose daughter Bethany was killed, find the review process to be painfully slow, taking years rather than months, which they believe contributes to ongoing risk.

Key Facts

• Domestic abuse-related death reviews are meant to help prevent further deaths by analyzing how professionals handled cases before incidents happen.
• BBC analysis found that 99% of these reviews take longer than the recommended six months, often lasting years.
• Only 7 out of 495 reviews were finished in the recommended timeframe.
• Pauline Jones, whose daughter was killed by her former partner, experienced a review process that took nearly three years to complete.
• West Yorkshire Police admitted to failures in handling Bethany’s reports about her killer before her death.
• In Yorkshire and Humber, 97% of reviews were not completed within the six-month guideline.
• Delays in reviews are attributed to complex police investigations, legal processes, and the need to involve family members and other parties.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

Police launch probe into patient deaths at NHS hospital after heart operations

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Police are investigating the deaths of patients after heart procedures at an NHS hospital. Several reports suggest these deaths may have been due to avoidable mistakes during the surgeries, and some families were unaware of the issues. The hospital has made improvements, but the investigation is still early, with no arrests made.

Key Facts

• Police are investigating patient deaths after heart operations at Castle Hill Hospital.
• Documents suggest some deaths involved avoidable mistakes during surgeries.
• A patient's operation took much longer than expected and was described as a "disaster," yet this was not noted on her death certificate.
• The hospital's TAVI procedure death rate was three times the UK average at the time.
• Staff concerns led to multiple reviews, none of which were initially shared with the public.
• Reviews and reports highlighted safety and transparency issues with the TAVI service.
• The TAVI procedure replaces a heart valve using a catheter, often taking one to two hours and typically involves older patients.
• Dorothy Readhead, an 87-year-old patient, died after a TAVI operation where the medical team made an error in the procedure.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

Food waste charity celebrates one-year milestone

BBC Business • June 04, 2025 • Business

Summary

FareShare Sussex & Surrey, a charity that collects extra food and gives it to those in need, is celebrating one year since it opened a warehouse in Guildford, Surrey. The charity, which has been running for 23 years, helps about 17,000 people every week with food deliveries.

Key Facts

• FareShare Sussex & Surrey operates from a warehouse in Guildford, Surrey.
• The charity celebrated one year of its Guildford facility being open.
• FareShare Sussex & Surrey has been in operation for 23 years.
• It delivers about 2.14 million meals each year.
• Approximately 17,000 people benefit from the charity's food deliveries weekly.
• The Guildford warehouse was opened to meet increasing demands in Surrey.
• The charity's operations involve 170 volunteers.
• A volunteer named Carolyn Turner helps at the Guildford warehouse, doing tasks like sorting food.

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BBC Business

RAF chief Sir Richard Knighton to lead armed forces

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Sir Richard Knighton is expected to become the UK's top military officer, taking over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. The role involves leading major changes to improve the UK's military strength as part of a plan to increase defense spending.

Key Facts

• Sir Richard Knighton is reportedly chosen to become the Chief of the Defence Staff, the UK's highest military position.
• He will replace Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who has held the position since November 2021.
• Sir Richard has been the head of the Royal Air Force since June 2023.
• The UK government plans to increase its defense budget from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income by 2027 and aims for 3% by 2034.
• The government announced a new defense strategy to prepare for potential threats from countries like Russia and China.
• Sir Richard joined the Royal Air Force in 1989 and was deputy chief of the defense staff from 2019 to 2022.
• The Ministry of Defence has not yet officially confirmed Sir Richard's appointment.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

PM warned more funding needed to halve crime against women

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Two senior government officials warned the Prime Minister that without more money, the government will not achieve its goal of reducing violence against women and girls by half. This warning comes before a spending review that is likely to include cuts. Police chiefs have also expressed concerns that reduced budgets could affect which crimes they can investigate.

Key Facts

• Two government watchdogs have warned that cutting funds could harm efforts to reduce violence against women and girls.
• The government aims to cut violence against women and girls by 50%.
• The warning is linked to an upcoming spending review which may include budget cuts.
• The Home Office, managing police and victim services, is still negotiating their budget with the Treasury.
• Police chiefs say budget cuts could force them to focus less on some crimes.
• Police have already seen reduced numbers due to previous austerity measures, leading to increased violence rates.
• There are concerns that without proper funding, police and the National Crime Agency may shrink further.
• Police chiefs informed that early release of prisoners poses a safety risk without extra funding.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

US Navy to rename ship honouring gay rights leader and veteran Harvey Milk

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Summary

The US Navy plans to rename a ship named after Harvey Milk, a gay rights leader and Navy veteran. This decision is part of a broader effort to align with the Trump administration's policies, which aim to limit diversity and inclusion programs in the military.

Key Facts

• The USNS Harvey Milk ship is currently named after Harvey Milk, who was a gay rights leader and the first openly gay man elected to public office in California.
• Documents obtained by CBS News show plans to rename the USNS Harvey Milk ship, with a public announcement expected during Pride Month in June.
• The decision is part of a broader policy by the Trump administration to reduce diversity and inclusion efforts in federal departments, including the military.
• Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, stated that the renaming aligns with the goal of "re-establishing the warrior culture" in the military.
• Other ships, such as those named after Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Harriet Tubman, are also recommended for renaming.
• A directive instructed military personnel to stop hosting events linked to heritage or awareness months like Pride Month and Black History Month.
• President Trump's executive orders banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the government and established recognizing only two sexes as official policy.
• The decision faced criticism from prominent Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, who opposed the renaming and broader DEI policy changes.

Source Verification

BBC World

South Korea's new president has a Trump-shaped crisis to avert

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Summary

South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, has taken office immediately following the previous president's impeachment. His immediate challenge is dealing with tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, which threaten South Korea's economy and its relationship with the US and North Korea.

Key Facts

• Lee Jae-myung became president without the usual transition period because the former president was impeached.
• Lee won the presidency with nearly 50% of the vote, focusing on strengthening democracy and uniting the country.
• Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on South Korean imports in April, including steel and cars.
• The tariffs could lead to an economic crisis in South Korea, whose economy is already struggling.
• The US guarantees South Korea's security against North Korea with 28,500 troops stationed there.
• Trump has linked trade negotiations with South Korea to military protection costs.
• Trump previously questioned the need to have US forces in South Korea unless Seoul paid more for their presence.

Source Verification

BBC World

Man accused of writing Trump assassination letters was framed, officials say

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

Summary

Ramon Morales-Reyes, accused of writing threatening letters about former President Trump, was found to be framed by another person, Demetric Deshawn Scott. Investigators revealed Scott wrote the letters to stop Morales-Reyes from testifying in a robbery case against him, and Morales-Reyes, an undocumented immigrant, now faces a deportation hearing.

Key Facts

• Ramon Morales-Reyes was initially accused of writing letters threatening to harm former President Trump.
• Investigators determined that Demetric Deshawn Scott actually wrote the letters.
• Scott aimed to prevent Morales-Reyes from testifying in a legal case where Scott is accused of robbery.
• Morales-Reyes was arrested and faces a deportation hearing, as he is in the U.S. without proper documentation.
• Morales-Reyes's lawyer stated that his client was relieved the truth came out but remains traumatized.
• The letters had been sent to various officials, creating a mistaken identity case against Morales-Reyes.
• Scott admitted to writing the letters with the intention to protect himself legally, not to threaten Trump.
• Morales-Reyes applied for a U visa, available for crime victims who help law enforcement, but it has a long approval wait.

Source Verification

BBC US

Man killed in racist attack told police he saw similar assault weeks before death

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Police were aware of a series of racist incidents involving local youths in Leicestershire before Bhim Kohli, an elderly man, was attacked and subsequently died. Mr. Kohli had previously reported witnessing a racially motivated attack on another man, who was hit with stones and verbally abused. Two youths were later convicted of manslaughter for Mr. Kohli's death.

Key Facts

• Bhim Kohli reported a racially motivated assault on a man two weeks before he was attacked.
• Mr. Kohli was attacked by a 14-year-old boy while a 12-year-old girl filmed it; he died the next day.
• Both youths involved in his attack were convicted of manslaughter.
• An earlier victim of racist abuse in the area described being attacked with rocks and verbally insulted.
• Police were informed about previous incidents of anti-social behavior and racism in the area.
• A local resident, Linda Haigh, also raised concerns about racial problems but felt police did not respond effectively.
• Mr. Kohli had previously been targeted by youths throwing stones and using racial slurs in July.
• Police mentioned they were investigating reports of anti-social behavior in the park area before Mr. Kohli's death.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

The Papers: 'Good weather' small boat surge and 'tax bombshells'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Summary

Several newspapers report on small boat crossings in the English Channel, with some connecting it to recent weather and others noting government efforts to deter these crossings. Other key stories include the potential renationalization of Thames Water, the UK stockpiling medical supplies for nuclear scenarios, and the ongoing search for Madeleine McCann. Various headlines also mention financial concerns and political spending plans in the UK.

Key Facts

• Some newspapers report on increased small boat crossings in the English Channel, potentially due to good weather.
• The UK government found that its Rwanda plan appears to have deterred some migrants, according to a recent report.
• Thames Water may become government-owned again after a US firm decided not to invest £4 billion.
• The UK plans to store military medical supplies to prepare for possible nuclear attacks.
• Police in Portugal renewed their search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared almost 20 years ago.
• Large accounting firms are trying to develop ways to audit new artificial intelligence products.
• Rachel Reeves, a UK political figure, has announced a £15 billion spending plan in response to concerns from her political party.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories