Two active Metropolitan Police officers and one former officer will face a hearing for gross misconduct after they used a Taser, handcuffs, and a spit hood on a 90-year-old woman with dementia in Peckham, London. This followed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which concluded that there was a case for misconduct but found no evidence of discrimination based on race or sex.
Key Facts
The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, in Peckham, South London.
The 90-year-old woman was holding kitchen utensils when police responded to a call about a disturbance.
Officers used a Taser on the woman and then handcuffed and hooded her, but did not arrest her.
The IOPC investigated after a complaint from the woman's family, focusing on use of force and potential discrimination.
The investigation found a case of gross misconduct but no racial or gender discrimination evidence.
Two current officers are on restricted duty, and three others are undergoing a behavior review.
The IOPC calls for a police disciplinary hearing to address the misconduct allegations.
The Metropolitan Police is cooperating with the investigation and planning the upcoming hearing.
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The UK government has released new rules for oil and gas projects requiring companies to include emissions from burning fossil fuels in their environmental assessments. This change comes after a court ruling emphasized the need to consider the full climate impact of such projects. Decisions on approval for ongoing projects like the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields will now consider these emissions.
Key Facts
The UK government introduced new rules for assessing oil and gas project applications.
Companies must now consider emissions from burning oil and gas, not just from production.
This change follows a Supreme Court decision requiring a full climate impact review.
The Rosebank and Jackdaw fields in Scotland are affected by this guidance.
Applications for new projects will be evaluated based on this expanded criteria.
The rule aims to ensure a more thorough environmental impact assessment.
Decisions on project approvals are expected at the end of the summer.
The guidance seeks to align projects with the UK's climate goals and energy transition.
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The UK experienced its hottest day of the year, with temperatures exceeding 32°C in London, which led to an area entering a heatwave. Suffolk officially declared a heatwave as temperatures stayed above 27°C for three days in a row, prompting amber heat health alerts across England due to potential health and service impacts.
Key Facts
The UK recorded a temperature of 32.2°C in Kew, London, marking the hottest day this year.
Suffolk is the first UK area to officially be in a heatwave, with temperatures over 27°C for three days.
Amber heat health alerts are active across England until Monday, warning of health service impacts.
The heatwave threshold varies by region, with Suffolk’s at 27°C and London’s at 28°C.
Temperatures are expected to be between 27°C and 30°C in many regions, with London reaching around 31°C.
An area of high pressure and winds from Western Europe are contributing to the high temperatures.
The UK Health Security Agency highlighted risks such as medicine management issues and potential increases in deaths, especially for older people.
Coastal areas may see more visitors due to the heat, and there are warnings about water safety.
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Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's forward, is in the hospital with gastroenteritis after missing a Club World Cup match. Real Madrid announced that he is undergoing tests, and his availability for the next game is uncertain.
Key Facts
Kylian Mbappe is a player for Real Madrid.
He is currently hospitalized with gastroenteritis, an illness that affects the stomach and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Mbappe missed a match against Al-Hilal and did not train because of a fever.
Real Madrid drew 1-1 in the match he missed.
The next match for Real Madrid is against Pachuca on Sunday.
Mbappe scored 43 goals in 56 matches in his first season with Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid for free from Paris St-Germain.
Xabi Alonso is the new manager of Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
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Dozens of people at Royal Ascot needed medical help due to heat-related issues as temperatures approached 30°C (86°F). Over 41,000 attendees were present when these incidents occurred, with one person going to the hospital and others treated on the spot. Event organizers provided free water and added shade to help people stay cool.
Key Facts
Temperatures at Royal Ascot reached nearly 30°C (86°F) on the second day.
Over 41,000 people attended the event on that day.
One person was hospitalized, and 42 others received on-site medical treatment.
Organizers provided free water and set up extra shade for attendees.
Horses at the event are cooled with misting fans and a mobile water tank.
The five-day event, which ends on Saturday, expects over 250,000 visitors in total.
An amber heat health alert was issued across England due to the high temperatures.
This event was established by Queen Anne in 1711 and is a major social and sporting occasion.
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The Premiership Rugby league is rebranding itself as "the Prem" with a new logo and style to appeal to a wider audience. Rob Calder, the league’s chief growth officer, aims to make rugby feel more exciting and accessible, similar to sports like basketball and mixed martial arts.
Key Facts
The Premiership Rugby league will be called "the Prem" starting next season.
The new logo features orange to symbolize intense action.
The rebranding aims to shift from a corporate feel to an entertainment-focused identity.
Rob Calder leads this change, aiming to attract new, younger audiences.
There is a record growth in TV audiences and ticket demand, with 1.26 million viewers for a recent game.
The league is focusing on appealing to people between the ages of 18-34.
Red Bull has shown interest in buying a team, aligning with the goal of attracting youth-focused brands.
The strategy includes more engaging behind-the-scenes content and improved experiences at rugby grounds.
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Plastic wet wipes will be banned in Wales starting in December 2026 to reduce environmental damage. The ban means it will be illegal to supply wet wipes with plastic to consumers, but medical-grade and business-to-business sales are exempt.
Key Facts
Wales will ban plastic wet wipes from December 2026.
The ban is aimed at cutting down on environmental harm from plastic and microplastics.
The decision was made after a vote in the Senedd, with no members opposing.
Wet wipes used for medical purposes are exempt from this ban.
Business-to-business sales of wet wipes are not affected by this ban.
There is an 18-month transition period for manufacturers to adjust.
Wet wipes contribute to sewage blockages, causing environmental issues.
The new rule adds to a 2023 law that already bans other single-use plastics.
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An Iranian missile hit Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, Israel, causing damage. BBC reporter Lucy Williamson is at the scene as emergency workers examine the damage.
Key Facts
Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, Israel, was hit by a missile.
The missile is reported to have come from Iran.
Lucy Williamson, a BBC reporter, is at the hospital.
Emergency workers are assessing the damage at the hospital.
The incident occurred in southern Israel.
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Yvonne Ford, from Barnsley, died after contracting rabies from a dog scratch while on vacation in Morocco. Professor Andrew Lee emphasized the importance of getting health advice and vaccines before traveling abroad, as rabies can be fatal if not treated quickly. Rabies is rare in the UK, but travelers can catch it from animals in other countries.
Key Facts
Yvonne Ford contracted rabies in Morocco and died in June after returning to the UK.
Ford was scratched by a puppy during her February vacation.
Rabies symptoms can take weeks or months to appear and affect the brain and nerves.
Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms start, but early treatment after exposure can prevent it.
The UK has been free of rabies since the early 20th century, with rare cases from abroad.
Professor Lee stressed the need for travelers to get health advice and vaccinations before trips.
People should seek immediate medical help if bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal abroad.
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Stormzy, known as a rapper, took on his first lead acting role as Tenzman in the film "Big Man," which was produced by his own company, #MerkyFilm. He mentioned that acting was a challenge but a dream come true, as he worked with an Oscar-winning director and aimed to highlight diverse black British experiences in the film industry.
Key Facts
Stormzy played a rapper named Tenzman in his first lead acting role in the film "Big Man."
The film is the first project from Stormzy’s production company, #MerkyFilm.
Acting in the film was challenging for Stormzy because he is a rapper in real life.
#MerkyFilm is one of Stormzy's projects aimed at elevating black British voices.
Stormzy worked with Aneil Karia, an Oscar-winning director, on the film.
The film "Big Man" was shot entirely on a phone.
Stormzy expressed the importance of showing diverse perspectives, especially the black British experience.
The production coincides with ongoing discussions about diversity in the film industry.
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Israel has attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, including Natanz and possibly the deep underground Fordo site. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warns that military actions could lead to radioactive release, posing potential health and environmental risks.
Key Facts
Israel has targeted Iran's nuclear sites, focusing on uranium enrichment plants.
Natanz, a key site, has sustained severe damage.
The Fordo site is deep underground, and attacking it would need powerful bombs.
The IAEA is concerned about escalation leading to potential radiological consequences.
Uranium enrichment involves increasing the amount of uranium-235, needed for nuclear reactors and possibly weapons.
Iran's uranium enrichment has reached about 60%, nearing weapon-grade levels.
Bombing the enrichment sites would likely not cause incidents like Fukushima or Chernobyl.
Localised health risks exist from radioactive particles if a site is bombed.
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Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel is urging the UK to support the US if it takes military action against Iran. There are debates within the UK government about the legality of joining such actions, with some officials voicing concerns about compliance with international law.
Key Facts
Dame Priti Patel wants the UK to stand with the US if it decides to attack Iran.
CBS reports that President Donald Trump has plans for an attack on Iran but has not decided yet.
There are concerns within the UK about whether helping with a US attack on Iran would follow international law.
Lord Hermer, the UK’s top legal adviser, reportedly has reservations about the legality.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has gone to Washington to discuss the situation with US officials.
Israel claims its attacks on Iran are to stop Iran from making nuclear weapons, though Iran says its program is peaceful.
The UK previously helped Israel defend against Iranian attacks last year.
Dame Priti Patel feels more should be done to help British citizens in Israel during the conflict.
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Liam Delap from Chelsea and Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal are among six players nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. The winner will be announced on 19 August in Manchester.
Key Facts
Liam Delap, who recently joined Chelsea, scored 12 goals last season with Ipswich.
Myles Lewis-Skelly made his mark at Arsenal and scored for England against Albania.
Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, at 17, scored 9 goals in 37 games.
Former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen transferred to Real Madrid.
Milos Kerkez, from Bournemouth, is of interest to Liverpool for his strong performances.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers scored 14 goals and made 15 assists last season.
The award ceremony is scheduled for 19 August in Manchester.
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A woman named Bridget Pitcher discovered valuable papers in her mother's attic that were written by World War Two codebreaker Alan Turing. The collection, which included Turing's PhD dissertation and letters, was sold at an auction for £465,400 after initially considering disposing of them.
Key Facts
Bridget Pitcher found papers from the 1930s written by Alan Turing in her mother's attic.
The papers were nearly discarded before their historical value was recognized.
The collection sold for £465,400 at an auction in Etwall, Derbyshire.
The documents included Turing's PhD dissertation and letters with Norman Routledge.
Initially, the family had no knowledge of the connection between their uncle and Turing.
The papers were expected to sell for £50,000 to £150,000, but sold for much more.
Bridget Pitcher was pleased that the papers went to people who value them.
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England is starting a series of Test cricket matches against India at Headingley. This series will feature key performances from players like Ollie Pope and Jasprit Bumrah, which could greatly affect the outcome. The matches will be available for listening and viewing through BBC's various platforms.
Key Facts
England and India are playing a five-match Test cricket series at Headingley starting on June 20.
The series will be covered live on BBC Radio and available for viewing on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two.
Ollie Pope was chosen over Jacob Bethell for England’s lineup due to his long-term performance.
Pope has a batting average of 43.06, with inconsistencies in his game highlighted by his high false-shot percentage.
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is known for being particularly challenging, having dismissed Pope five times.
Bumrah has taken the majority of his Test wickets in countries like England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Indian team may limit Bumrah to three out of the five matches to manage his workload.
England's approach to tackling Bumrah may influence their success against the entire Indian bowling lineup.
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Archaeologists have put together thousands of pieces of ancient Roman wall plaster to reveal detailed wall paintings from a Roman villa in central London. These frescoes show musical instruments, birds, and local plants, offering a glimpse into the wealth and artistic influences of Roman London.
Key Facts
The wall plaster fragments were found in 2021 at a site in central London.
The frescoes decorated at least 20 walls of a Roman villa.
Paintings include images of musical instruments, birds, flowers, and mistletoe.
A fragment with the Latin word "Fecit" suggests who the artists might be, but the full name is missing.
The Museum of London Archaeology (Mola) led the reassembly of the wall plaster.
The largest fresco is about 5 meters by 3 meters in size.
The villa dates back to the first or second century, shortly after the Romans founded London in AD 43.
The site is located in Southwark, south of the Thames River, where other Roman artifacts were also found.
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Sophie Gravia, a former NHS nurse, switched from nursing to writing bestselling erotic fiction and hosting a podcast about relationships. Despite her success, she prefers her family not to read her books. Sophie grew up in Lanarkshire, had her first child at 19, and used her nursing experience during the COVID-19 pandemic to start writing.
Key Facts
Sophie Gravia is a bestselling author of erotic fiction and a former NHS nurse.
She has written books like "A Glasgow Kiss," "Hot Girl Summer," and "The Dicktionary Club."
Sophie currently hosts a podcast called "Situationships" alongside Christine McGuinness.
She started writing during the COVID-19 pandemic, using her free time to create her debut novel.
Sophie grew up in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, and considered a career in journalism as a teenager.
She became a single mother as a teenager and pursued nursing to support her family.
Sophie worked as a renal nurse for ten years with NHS Lanarkshire.
Despite her writing career, she plans to return to nursing in the future.
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The BBC Sounds program "Radical with Amol Rajan" features Sir Niall Ferguson discussing the idea of a new Cold War and the potential decline of the internet. The episode explores how the Western world might react to its adversaries in these contexts.
Key Facts
The episode is part of a program called "Radical with Amol Rajan."
It was released on June 19, 2025, and is available for over a year.
Sir Niall Ferguson, a historian, speaks about the possibility of a new Cold War.
The discussion includes the idea that the internet might face significant challenges or changes.
The focus is on how Western countries should deal with enemies in these scenarios.
The episode is 45 minutes long.
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The U.S. State Department will start processing student visas for foreign students again but will check their social media accounts as part of the application process. This change means students must make their social media profiles public, and failure to do so could lead to a visa denial.
Key Facts
The State Department will resume student visa processing for foreign students.
Applicants must set their social media accounts to public for the review.
The aim of the review is to identify any potential threats to U.S. national security.
Not providing access to social media can result in a visa application being rejected.
This policy follows a previous halt in student visa application interviews in May.
The change is part of broader actions affecting international students under the Trump administration.
Over a million international students study in the U.S., contributing significantly to the economy.
Recent U.S. policy changes have already led to fewer students applying to American schools.
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3D-printed guns are becoming more common and are being shared on social media platforms like Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram. These guns, known as "ghost" guns, can be made at home with a 3D printer and are hard to trace. Efforts to control their spread face challenges, as people continue to find ways to sell and share information about these weapons online.
Key Facts
3D-printed guns can be made with easily available materials and a 3D printer.
These guns are called "ghost" guns because they are difficult to trace.
Social media platforms have been used to advertise and sell these guns.
An investigation found many gun ads on Meta's platforms, which go against its policies.
Some sellers use messaging apps like Telegram to communicate with potential buyers.
A Telegram account was found offering to sell 3D-printed guns and ship them illegally.
Meta and Telegram have stated they are working to remove such ads and accounts.
There are concerns that real gun dealers could exploit weaknesses in platform regulations.
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