Three skulls from Japan were returned to their original indigenous community by Edinburgh University 108 years after they were given to the institution. The skulls, remains of the Ainu people, were collected by Scottish anthropologist Dr. Neil Gordon and will now be interred at a museum and memorial site in Hokkaido, Japan.
Key Facts
In 1913, Edinburgh University received three Ainu skulls from Scottish anthropologist Dr. Neil Gordon.
Dr. Gordon collected many artifacts, including human remains, from the Ainu community while living and studying among them in Hokkaido, Japan.
The Ainu are an indigenous community from Japan. They had their own traditions, even under Japanese imperial rule.
The Ainu language is currently considered "critically endangered" by UNESCO.
A traditional Ainu ceremony was held at Edinburgh University to repatriate the skulls back to Japan.
The skulls will be interred at a museum and memorial site in Hokkaido.
This is not the first time Edinburgh University has returned indigenous remains; in 2023, it returned the skulls of four Mudan warriors to Taiwan.
Masaru Okawa, executive director of the Hokkaido Ainu Association, expressed his community's commitment to honor their ancestors following their traditions.
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King Charles shared a personal message with other cancer patients, describing the difficulties and compassion experienced during his own cancer journey. He made these remarks during a reception at Buckingham Palace, which was held for cancer charities and included displays spotlighting the work of groups supporting those affected by cancer.
Key Facts
King Charles gave a personal message about his cancer experience to guests at a Buckingham Palace reception for cancer charities.
The King referred to his own status as a cancer 'statistic', noting the 1,000+ new cancer cases recorded daily in the UK.
The King's cancer treatment, which began in February 2024, has been reported as successful.
Despite experiencing side effects and a short hospital stay in March, the King was able to embark on a state visit to Italy in April.
The reception at Buckingham Palace was attended by the King and Queen Camilla, and hosted representatives from several cancer charities.
No update on the King's own cancer treatment was given in his message.
The King highlighted the crucial role of human connection in the lives of cancer patients.
The reception featured exhibits from groups that assist people affected by cancer, such as Wigs for Heroes and Move Dance Feel.
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Mike Peters, Welsh rock star and frontman of The Alarm, has passed away at the age of 66. He had lived with blood cancer for 30 years and was recognized for his contributions as a long-term cancer activist and fundraiser.
Key Facts
Mike Peters, a Welsh rock musician, has died at 66.
Peters was the frontman of the rock band The Alarm.
He had been living with blood cancer for 30 years.
In 2019, Peters received an MBE for his efforts as a cancer campaigner and fundraiser.
Mike Peters and his wife, Jules Peters, were married for 39 years.
Peters started The Alarm in 1977, which became the first Welsh band to have success in America since Tom Jones and Bonnie Tyler.
Peters was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 1995 and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which returned in 2015.
His wife stated that their hope was a specialized therapy would "re-programme" Peters' immune system and lead to a cancer-free life.
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Local elections and six mayoral races are being held in 23 councils. BBC is offering detailed coverage including live updates, analysis from experts, and result announcements on various platforms like their website, app, TV programs, and radio.
Key Facts
Local elections are happening in 23 councils.
Six mayoral elections are also being held.
A new Member of Parliament will be elected in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency.
BBC is providing updates and analysis across multiple platforms such as their news website, app, TV, and radio.
Live updates and analysis will be led by Professor Sir John Curtice and other BBC analysts and reporters.
The results can be checked on BBC's website using a postcode lookup tool.
Coverage will include pre-analysis, live reaction, and wrap-ups of election results.
The election updates and information will also be available on BBC iPlayer for streaming.
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Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams is suing BBC for libel, claiming a programme and an online story suggested that he had sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson. Mr. Adams denies any involvement. The libel case is ongoing in the High Court in Dublin.
Key Facts
Gerry Adams is suing BBC, believing a TV programme and online story suggested he was involved in the murder of Denis Donaldson.
Denis Donaldson was a former Sinn Féin official who was killed in 2006 after confessing that he had been a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.
The Real IRA confessed to killing Mr Donaldson in 2009.
Mr Adams denies any involvement in the murder.
The libel case is currently in progress in the High Court in Dublin and could last up to four weeks.
An hour-long BBC NI Spotlight TV documentary about the murder was shown to the jury.
Mr Adams claims that he was also defamed in a BBC online article based on the TV broadcast, which included claims from an unnamed source.
It is claimed that the BBC has not given any reason why the article is still available online, nine years later.
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Mark Wood, an English cricket player, disagrees with the accusation that the team spends too much time playing golf and doesn't train enough. Wood insists that the team is dedicated to cricket and works hard during training sessions.
Key Facts
Mark Wood is a 35-year-old cricket player for England.
Some people believe the England team spends too much time playing golf, and not enough time training.
Former captain Kevin Pietersen said the team should train more during a tour of India earlier this year.
Mark Wood defended the team's training efforts during a Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
Despite these comments, Wood clarified that he did not mean to criticize his team members.
Mark Wood is currently not playing as he recovers from knee surgery, but is hopeful to play again by the end of July.
England has a cricket match against Zimbabwe at the end of May.
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A mobile video allegedly showing the cutting of the historic Sycamore Gap tree near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, UK, has been presented in a court case. The two men accused, Daniel Michael Graham and Adam Carruthers, deny the charges of criminal damage.
Key Facts
A video was presented in court, supposedly showing the cutting down of the Sycamore Gap tree.
The tree was over 100 years old, standing near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland.
Daniel Michael Graham, 39, from Carlisle and Adam Carruthers, 32, from Wigton in Cumbria, UK, have been accused of this act.
They deny two counts of criminal damage to the tree and the historic Roman wall.
Prosecution claims that the two men drove to the site, cut off the tree, filmed this, and took a piece of the trunk.
The National Trust and Historic England, organizations that look after heritage sites, emphasized the importance of the tree and wall.
Parts of the historical wall were damaged due to the falling tree.
The Sycamore Gap tree, planted in the 19th century, was popular locally, nationally, and internationally.
The cost of repairing the damage to the wall is estimated at £1,144 ($1,542 approximately), with staff hours spent assessing the damage costing more than £6,000 ($8,085 approximately).
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Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative party, asserts that the government did not follow through on a pledge to establish five local investigations into grooming gangs. However, only one inquiry has been conducted in Oldham, even though £5 million was promised for the investigations.
Key Facts
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative party leader, accuses the government of not setting up promised local grooming gang inquiries.
The government had pledged to fund five local inquiries, allocating £5 million for these investigations.
Only one inquiry has taken place in Oldham, despite the number of inquiries initially stated.
According to Badenoch, the government is stalling these inquiries to protect Labour-led councils from scandals.
There has been growing pressure on the ministers to disclose which areas are conducting grooming gang inquiries.
There apparently seems to have been a stagnancy in inquiries since the declaration of their commencement in January.
Tom Crowther, the barrister involved in the development of the initiatives, suggests further inquiries may be in progress.
Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips, expects there to be more than five local inquiries in future.
The Conservatives have been requesting another national inquiry into grooming gangs.
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A man named Abdullah Sabah Albadri has been charged with a terrorism offence following his alleged attempt to break into the Israeli embassy in London with a knife. He is currently in police custody and will remain until May 7th.
Key Facts
Abdullah Sabah Albadri is accused of trying to enter the Israeli embassy in London with a knife.
Albadri has been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts and two counts of possession of a bladed article.
The incident took place on Monday and Albadri is currently being held in custody until May 7th.
There was no harm to any member of the embassy's staff and no damage was done to the building.
The Metropolitan Police, who are handling the case, are not looking for any other suspects related to this incident.
The initial arrest was made around 6pm, with Albadri trying to scale an 8ft fence to enter the embassy grounds.
The charges filed are concerning, so the police are keeping in close contact with people based at the Israeli embassy.
Albadri has no fixed address.
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Richard Burrows, a former boarding school housemaster and scout master, was sentenced to 46 years in prison for over 90 instances of child sex abuse dating from 1968-1995. After 27 years of evading arrest in Thailand, he returned to the UK due to financial reasons and was arrested.
Key Facts
Richard Burrows, 81, abused 24 boys, some as young as nine, between 1968 and 1995.
This abuse occurred both when he was a housemaster at a Cheshire boarding school and while he was involved with scouts in the West Midlands.
He was on the run for over 27 years, during which he resided in Thailand.
He returned to the UK in 2024 due to lack of funds and was arrested.
He was sentenced to 46 years for more than 90 child sex abuse offences.
Some victims reported their experiences publicly after his case appeared on a BBC Crimewatch programme.
Burrows reportedly has cancer according to his defense barrister.
Burrows acknowledged the suffering he caused, and recognized his warped perception and mental health struggles.
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A man named Yostin Andres Mosquera is being trialed for the murder of two men in Shepherd's Bush, London. He allegedly killed, dismembered their bodies and froze some parts of their remains before taking others in suitcases to a bridge.
Key Facts
Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, is accused of killing Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, between July 8th and 10th of the last year.
Mosquera is claimed to have dismembered the bodies of the victims and frozen part of their remains.
He is also accused of taking other parts of the victims' bodies to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, carried in suitcases.
Mosquera has admitted to the manslaughter of Mr Alfonso but denies murdering both men.
Longworth was reportedly attacked with a hammer and Alfonso was stabbed multiple times.
After the alleged attacks, Mosquera is said to have stolen from Alfonso, including attempts to transfer £4,000 to his own account in Colombia.
Parts of the victims' bodies were found in a chest freezer at their flat in Shepherd's Bush.
The trial of Mosquera is ongoing.
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In the Champions League Semi-final, Arsenal Football Club lost to Paris St-Germain at home. Despite the loss, Arsenal can still turn things around in the next match.
Key Facts
Arsenal lost to Paris St-Germain in the first round of the Champions League Semi-Final.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino believes the club can win the second leg.
Despite Paris St-Germain dominating the early match, Arteta, Arsenal's manager, stated the club did better after he corrected an issue.
In the absence of Thomas Partey due to suspension, Arsenal had to reorganize their midfield. Partey's return in the upcoming match may strengthen the team.
Paris St-Germain lost to Nice in their recent home league game even after securing the Ligue 1 title.
Historical examples show that Paris St-Germain can be defeated at home, which may give Arsenal and its game plan a boost.
Arsenal has had a history of winning matches away from home, including against Sporting and PSV Eindhoven.
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Mark Williams, a three-time winner, has moved on to the semi-finals of the World Championship at Crucible Theatre, after triumphing over John Higgins, a four-time champion, in a close match ending 13-12. At 50, Williams has become the oldest player to reach the semi-finals since 1985.
Key Facts
Mark Williams, a three-time winner, won a match against John Higgins in the World Championship at Crucible Theatre.
The match ended with a score of 13-12 in favor of Williams.
John Higgins, a four-time champion, made a strong comeback in the match from trailing 12-8.
Williams, at 50 years old, is the oldest player to reach the semi-finals of this championship since 52-year-old Ray Reardon in 1985.
This match was part of a series of quarter-final matches in the World Championship.
Williams's victory means he will compete against either Luca Brecel or Judd Trump in the semi-finals.
The match against Higgins was Williams's eight time reaching the World Championship semi-finals.
John Higgins had not lost a decider at the Crucible since 1996 prior to this match.
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Former England footballer Eni Aluko has withdrawn from hosting the Women's Football Awards following a disagreement with fellow pundit Ian Wright. Despite apologizing for her criticism against Wright, Aluko decided to step down to prevent distracting attention from the award nominees.
Key Facts
Eni Aluko, former England and Chelsea football player, was meant to present at the Women's Football Awards.
Aluko had a disagreement with fellow football pundit, Ian Wright.
She criticized him about the lack of opportunities for female pundits in women's football.
Aluko apologized for her comments, but Wright did not accept her apology.
To make sure the event remains focused on the award nominees, Aluko decided to withdraw from her presenting role.
Wright, former Arsenal and England forward, is well known for his support towards women's football.
Wright's response to the situation on Instagram received over 137,000 likes, including likes from England women's players Mary Earps, Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood.
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A Metropolitan Police officer, Sgt Martyn Blake, who shot Chris Kaba, is facing a misconduct investigation. The investigation happens even though Sgt Blake was previously cleared of murder charges related to the shooting.
Key Facts
Sgt. Martyn Blake, a Metropolitan Police officer, shot Chris Kaba during a vehicle stop incident.
Blake was previously cleared of murder charges after a courtroom trial.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) declared a misconduct investigation will be conducted.
Kaba, prior to being shot, was known as a member of a dangerous street gang and was suspected of involvement in two shootings.
The misconduct investigation decision has caused tension, with Armed Metropolitan Police officers protesting against it.
During Blake's murder trial, other officers testified that they would have acted similarly given the situation.
Each year, Metropolitan Police armed officers respond to over 4,000 incidents, with only a small portion resulting in firearms being discharged by police.
A misconduct hearing date has not yet been set, but it will be chaired by a chief officer from another police force for independence.
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Nottingham Forest's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has lessened his control over the football club to follow European football rules. This decision comes as Forest and another team Marinakis owns, Olympiakos, are both likely to qualify for next season's Champions League, where rule violations would occur if teams under the same ownership competed.
Key Facts
Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest and the Greek team Olympiakos, has diluted his control of the Forest club.
This action ensures adherence to rules set by Uefa (European football's governing body), which limit multi-club ownership within the same European competition.
Both Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos are on the verge of qualifying for next season's Champions League, posing a potential rule violation if Marinakis keeps his current level of control over both teams.
Marinakis has placed his shares in a blind trust (a method to manage assets without the owner's involvement).
Despite the change, Marinakis remains the owner of Nottingham Forest and he is still dedicated to the club.
The changes were completed by the end of April, which is in compliance with Uefa's rules.
After Marinakis stepped back, a co-owner named Sokratis Kominakis has rejoined the Nottingham Forest's board.
Olympiakos is leading the Greek top football league and is expected to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester City and Girona were allowed to compete in the Champions League due to changes in their control arrangements.
Former Arsenal sporting director, Edu, is predicted to join Marinakis' multi-club model in a global role within a few weeks.
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Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, recently visited the Isle of Mull in Scotland. Their visit focused on nature education with children and supporting forest conservation efforts.
Key Facts
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
The couple engaged in an outdoor learning session with forest rangers and local children.
The visit occurred on their 14th wedding anniversary.
The Duke and Duchess visited the Ardura Community Forest, which plays an important role in safeguarding the island's biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variety of different types of life found in a particular area.
Their organization, The Royal Foundation, is providing funding to the ranger service in the forest to help it continue its work.
The couple interacted with local families during their visit, taking part in activities such as exploring a nature trail.
The money from The Royal Foundation also supports nature projects in Mull and Iona, another island in Scotland.
After their visit to the forest, they took a ferry to spend some private time on the isle of Iona.
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The UK is expected to experience potentially record-breaking heat at the start of May. By May 1st, the temperature in south-east England may reach 29C, surpassing the previous May 1st record of 27.4C in 1990. After this peak in heat, temperatures will steadily decrease over the bank holiday weekend.
Key Facts
May 1st is predicted to be the hottest start to May on record for the UK, with the South-east expected to reach 29C.
This temperature would break the previous record from 1990, which was 27.4C.
For most of the week, temperatures will be 7C to 11C higher than usual for this time of year.
The warm weather is due to a large area of high pressure over the UK, pulling warm air from North Africa and the Mediterranean.
After the peak on May 1st, temperatures will slowly decline during the bank holiday weekend, reaching around average by Monday.
The weather in South Wales might also break records, as temperatures may reach around 26C, close to the April record of 26.2C from 2003.
There are expected to be high UV levels throughout much of the UK during this warm spell.
This warm spell is not directly linked to climate change, as a south or south-easterly wind can bring warm weather to the UK during spring from the Mediterranean and North Africa.
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Rugby player Henry Pollock has been a standout performer in recent games, scoring multiple tries and showing a confident attitude on the field. This has led to increased interest in his career, including his potential involvement in the upcoming Leinster v Northampton semi-final and wider discussions about Lions selection.
Key Facts
Henry Pollock has scored six tries in six Champions Cup games this season.
Pollock's accomplishments in the past year include winning the Under-20 World Cup and being nominated for the Champions Cup player of the year.
He made his senior England debut by scoring two tries.
Pollock is known for his confident attitude, described by fellow players as "absolutely annoying" and "a pest."
He began his career playing rugby with Bedford's players at the age of 18 on a loan.
His energetic playing style and unique aura have led to newfound fan following, with children copying his distinctive black head taping style during games.
Despite his confident demeanor on the field, off the pitch, his teammates describe him as a calmer character.
Pollock is known to bring a different type of energy to the field that can be seen as either good or bad, depending on perspective.
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