Eric Dier, a footballer currently playing for Bayern Munich, is nearing completion of discussions to join Monaco next season. His contract at Bayern Munich will end soon, and a preliminary three to four-year deal with Monaco is being discussed.
Key Facts
Eric Dier is a former England international footballer who currently plays for Bayern Munich.
He is in advanced talks to transfer to Monaco for the next football season.
Dier's contract with Bayern Munich will end after this season.
Monaco and Dier are discussing a preliminary agreement of a three-year deal, with possible extension to four years.
This season, Dier has played 25 times for Bayern Munich.
Dier initially joined Bayern Munich on loan from Tottenham in January 2024, later making his move permanent.
If Bayern Munich wins the Bundesliga title this season, it will be Dier's first major trophy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair believes that current methods to achieve net zero carbon emissions, including reducing fossil fuel use and limiting energy use, are destined to fail. He suggests different solutions are needed to address climate change, while continuing to urge for lower emissions.
Key Facts
Tony Blair, previous Prime Minister of UK, has urged for a reevaluation of current strategies focused on net zero emissions.
He expressed reservations that public are hesitant to make financial and lifestyle changes for minimal impact on global emissions.
Blair did not advise against striving towards a zero-carbon economy but emphasized the need for a different methodology.
Current UK governing party, the Tories, and Reform UK are against net zero emissions by the year 2050.
Blair's institute published a report named 'The Climate Paradox: Why We Need to Reset Action on Climate Change', stating insufficient progress made by global organizations such as the COP and the UN in tackling climate change.
The report suggests quick implementation of carbon capture technology, increased use of Artificial Intelligence for efficient energy supply, and investment in small-scale nuclear reactors.
The paper also proposes a more comprehensive focus on climate change mitigation like flood defenses.
UK's current government insists the net zero strategy is effective, pointing to £43 billion private investment since last July and job creation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Actor Paul Mescal has agreed to act in two plays at the National Theatre in 2027. Additionally, other performers, such as Monica Barbaro, Nicola Coughlan, and rap artist Stormzy, have been confirmed for future shows.
Key Facts
Paul Mescal, known for "Normal People" and "Gladiator II," will appear in two plays: "Death of a Salesman" and "A Whistle in the Dark."
These announcements were made by the National Theatre's new artistic director, Indhu Rubasingham.
Other actors, including Monica Barbaro (recent Oscar nominee) and Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan, are also scheduled to appear on stage at the National Theatre in the next couple of years.
Rap artist Stormzy will work together with the National Theatre on an unspecified new production.
The National Theatre will return to a model where multiple plays are presented at the same time with the same group of actors, a concept known as a "repertory model," for the first time since 2020.
Monica Barbaro, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in "A Complete Unknown," will join the cast of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses."
Rubasingham will direct two upcoming productions: "Bacchae" by Nima Taleghani, and a new adaptation of "The Jungle Book."
A new musical called "Pride," based on the 2014 film, will tell the real-life story about lesbian and gay activists joining the miners' strike in 1984.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The English Football Association (FA) is reconsidering its recent decision to allow transgender women to participate in women's football, following a Supreme Court ruling that legally defines a woman based on biological sex. Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association is planning to ban transgender women from competing in women's football from next season.
Key Facts
The English Football Association recently decided to allow transgender women to play in women's football.
This decision is now being reconsidered due to a recent Supreme Court ruling.
The Scottish Football Association has decided to ban transgender women from playing women's football.
Both UK football bodies had been allowing transgender women to compete if their testosterone levels were low.
The Supreme Court ruling legally defines a woman based on biological sex.
The English FA may change its rules in response to this ruling.
Some other sports already restrict women's competition to those who have not undergone male puberty.
This includes sports like rugby, swimming, and athletics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kneecap, a rap group from West Belfast, have incited controversy with lyrics that some view as politically charged. Recently, their comments about political situations and support for certain banned groups have drawn criticism and increased scrutiny from fans and authorities.
Key Facts
Kneecap is a rave-rap group based in West Belfast.
They often intertwine their lyrics with political themes, including pushing for Northern Ireland's freedom from British rule.
Notable performances include the Coachella music festival, where they made controversial comments about Israel's military actions in Gaza, calling it a US-funded genocide.
Footage from two of Kneecap's performances is being examined by counter-terrorism police in the UK due to alleged support of banned groups.
In response to this, Kneecap has stated they don't support the banned groups and insisted some of their controversial comments were misunderstood.
Despite apologizing for some comments, they've been criticized for giving only a "half-hearted" apology.
Their urbane lyrical themes and latest controversies have put pressure on concert venues and festivals to cancel their gigs.
Kneecap was established in 2017 and has had run-ins with controversy before.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The boxing champions Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk had a meeting in London ahead of their rematch for the four world titles on July 19. The two athletes discussed a controversial incident in their previous match, in which Dubois’ punch was declared a low blow.
Key Facts
The two boxers met ahead of their rematch for all four world titles.
Their rematch is scheduled on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
In their last fight in August 2023, Usyk won by a ninth-round stoppage.
Dubois had landed a body shot on Usyk in the previous fight, which was declared a low blow.
There has been a controversy around the low blow incident with different perspectives presented by both sides.
During the news conference, Usyk presented photos showing the punch landing below the belt-line.
Dubois has had victories in his recent fights against Jarrel Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.
Usyk previously emerged as the first four-belt heavyweight champion when he defeated Tyson Fury in May 2024 and has remained unbeaten in 23 professional fights.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Gerry Adams, the former President of Sinn Féin, is accusing the BBC of damaging his reputation by incorrectly claiming he authorized the killing of informant Denis Donaldson in 2006. Adams claims the broadcaster relied on unconfirmed information from one anonymous source to make the report, and he is suing the BBC for defamation.
Key Facts
Gerry Adams, who led the Sinn Féin party until 2018, says the BBC wrongly suggested he had a part in Denis Donaldson's murder, an informer who was shot dead in 2006.
The accusation was based on an anonymous source and was reported in a 2016 program and online article, according to Adams.
Gerry Adams has sued the BBC for defamation, a legal term which refers to damaging someone's good reputation by spreading false information.
The Real IRA, a group unrelated to Adams, admitted in 2009 that they killed Donaldson.
BBC defended its reporting as responsible journalism based on careful investigation. They said the report was put forth in good faith and concerned a topic of public interest.
The court proceedings are expected to last for several weeks.
If he wins compensation from this lawsuit, Adams has announced he plans to donate the money to good causes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Kingdom could experience its warmest May start on record as temperatures may reach 29C (84F) this week. After a record-breaking warm day this Monday at St James's Park, London, the weather will gradually cool over the bank holiday weekend, staying mostly dry and sunny.
Key Facts
The highest temperature so far this year was recorded on Monday at St James's Park, London.
There's a possibility of the warmest start to May on record in the UK with temperatures potentially reaching 29C (84F).
The weather is expected to slowly cool over the bank holiday weekend, but most places will stay dry and sunny.
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will cool down first, with temperatures ranging from 13-16C.
The previous May 1 record was 27.4C (81.3F) at Lossiemouth in 1990.
Increased humidity on Thursday could bring heavy and potentially thundery showers across England and Wales.
Despite the warm start, this weather spell is not expected to qualify as a heatwave.
UV levels will be high across the UK, except for northern Scotland where they will be moderate which means there is an elevated risk of skin and eye problems.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mike Peters, the lead singer of the Welsh rock band The Alarm and advocate for cancer awareness, has passed away at age 66. He lived with blood cancer for 30 years and was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his contributions to cancer care.
Key Facts
Mike Peters, singer of the band The Alarm, died at age 66.
Peters dealt with blood cancer for three decades.
He formed The Alarm in 1981, which had a top 20 hit two years later called "Sixty Eight Guns".
Peters received an MBE award in 2019 due to his services to cancer care.
He was born in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, and lived in Dyserth with his wife and two sons.
The Alarm sold an estimated five million records and were successful in both the UK and America.
Peters reformed The Alarm in 2000 and also sang for the band Big Country between 2011-2013.
In addition to his music career, Peters also co-founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, which recruits bone marrow donors at music events.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, are spending their 14th wedding anniversary on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. They will visit community halls that their Royal Foundation is renovating and interact with local residents and children.
Key Facts
William and Kate are on the Isle of Mull to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary.
This visit marks Kate's first overnight engagement since her cancer treatment.
They are visiting community halls that their Royal Foundation is helping to update.
The couple greeted more than 200 locals and tourists during their visit.
They will also spend time at a self-catering cottage on Mull, chosen to support the local tourism industry.
Their visit started with a tour of Aros Hall, a community hub that includes a charity shop and children's indoor play area.
William and Kate are also planning private time at Pennyghael Community Hall and on the island of Iona.
The Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme is providing grants for renovation of facilities at Aros Hall in Tobermory and roof repairs at Pennyghael Community Hall.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hundreds of people attended a brief festival on the usually underwater channel between the islands of Tresco and Bryher in the Isles of Scilly. This festival, called the Low Tide Event, lasts for approximately 90 minutes during a period of low sea level.
Key Facts
The Low Tide Event is a festival taking place on a sandbar between the islands of Tresco and Bryher in the Isles of Scilly.
This channel is usually under 20ft (about 6 meters) of water.
The festival can be held when the sea level drops, revealing the sandbar.
The Low Tide Event lasts around 90 minutes.
People of diverse age ranges attended this event, from babies to elderly individuals.
The first Low Tide Event took place in 2015.
This event relies on "super low tides," which happen twice a year, and air pressure that influences how far the tide goes out.
The event includes food, drinks, and picnic benches, and it creates a sense of community among the attendees.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The sixth and final book of Philip Pullman's series about Lyra Silvertongue, called 'The Rose Field', is set to be published on October 23rd. Pullman has said the book will include current global events such as the impact of tech billionaires and the role of imagination.
Key Facts
'The Rose Field' is the sixth and final book in Philip Pullman's series about Lyra Silvertongue.
The book is set to be published on October 23rd.
Lyra Silvertongue was introduced as an 11-year-old in the first book, 'Northern Lights', in 1995.
'The Rose Field' will tell the story of Lyra into her early 20s.
The title 'The Rose Field' refers to a mysterious phenomenon called Dust, discussed in the first book of the series.
The book will include discussions of the nature of imagination.
Global events, including the rise of tech billionaires, influenced the book according to Pullman.
After 'The Rose Field', Pullman plans to write a memoir titled 'Before I Forget'.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Owen Lawrence, the person who allegedly carried out a crossbow attack in Leeds, had posted about his plans for violence online. Lawrence died in the hospital from self-inflicted wounds, after two women were injured in his attack.
Key Facts
Owen Lawrence, 38, was the main suspect in a crossbow attack in Leeds.
Before the attack, he posted online about his plans for violent actions, which he called the "The Otley Run Massacre".
He targeted students, nightclub goers, "neurotypicals" (people without mental illnesses), and police.
Lawrence died from self-inflicted wounds in the hospital after being arrested.
Two women were injured in the attack. One woman is in a stable condition after having surgery for life-threatening injuries. The other has been released from the hospital.
A crossbow and a firearm were found at the site of the attack.
The Counter Terrorism Policing North East believes Lawrence was acting on his own in the attack.
Police were first called to Otley Road on Saturday afternoon following reports of a man seen with weapons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two men are accused of cutting down the notable Sycamore Gap tree that had stood for over 100 years on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers deny doing harm to the tree and the surrounding Roman wall, though they allegedly kept a piece of the tree as a trophy.
Key Facts
The Sycamore Gap tree was cut down overnight on 27 September, 2023.
The accused men are 39-year-old Daniel Michael Graham from Carlisle and 32-year-old Adam Carruthers from Wigton in Cumbria.
They are charged with two counts of doing harm to the tree and the nearby Roman wall.
They purportedly drove from Cumbria to Northumberland to cut down the tree and filmed it using Mr. Graham's mobile phone.
After the tree was cut down, they allegedly kept a piece of the tree as a keepsake.
The next day, the men are accused of sharing news about the incident on social media.
Mobile phone data and camera footage hint they were near the site before and after the tree was cut.
Prosecutor, Richard Wright, says they were excited by the public response to their actions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In the World Championship quarter-final, John Higgins currently leads Mark Williams 5-3. Both players, known for their remarkable careers in snooker, received a warm welcome from the crowd. The match resumes Wednesday.
Key Facts
John Higgins and Mark Williams are playing in the World Championship quarter-final.
After the first session, Higgins is leading 5-3.
Both players are part of snooker's prominent 'Class of 92' trio.
Williams, at 50, is the oldest man to reach this stage since Steve Davis in 2010.
Higgins turns 50 on 18 May, shortly after the tournament's final.
The players received a standing ovation when introduced to the crowd.
Higgins could have further extended his lead being 5-1 up, but Williams made a comeback with scores of 104 and 59.
The match is set to finish on Wednesday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricket player from India, made history as the youngest person to score a century in men's T20 cricket. He achieved this while playing for Rajasthan Royals against the Gujarat Titans.
Key Facts
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a 14-year-old cricket player.
He recently became the youngest player to score a century (100 runs) in men's T20 cricket, a sped up version of cricket.
Suryavanshi accomplished this feat while playing for the team, Rajasthan Royals.
He scored his century against the Gujarat Titans.
The match included international bowlers such as Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, and Rashid Khan, whom Suryavanshi successfully scored against.
Suryavanshi began his career with an impressive performance, hitting a six (highest possible score in one play) on the first ball he faced and scoring a hundred in his third appearance.
He was born in Samastipur, a district in Bihar, India, and displayed his talent for cricket at a young age.
His father, a club-level cricketer, moved him to Patna city to receive proper coaching when he was eight years old.
Because of his talent, Vaibhav trained with senior players from a young age. He would practice daily, facing 450 balls each day.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, used her royal title 'HRH' in a private context, sparking discussion over whether it breaks the arrangement established when she and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties. This use of title occurred in a personal note on a gift for a friend, not in any commercial or public setting.
Key Facts
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, used her royal title 'HRH' on a card accompanying a personal gift.
This use of the 'HRH' title was for a private purpose and not for any public or commercial activity.
After stepping down from royal duties, Meghan and Prince Harry agreed to no longer publicly use 'HRH', which means Her/His Royal Highness, but they kept the titles.
The Netflix show and podcast featuring Meghan did not use the 'HRH' title as a promotional tool.
The gift mentioned was given to Jamie Kern Lima, a cosmetics entrepreneur.
Meghan and Prince Harry stopped receiving public funding and moved to the US in 2020 after leaving the UK.
Despite not using the 'HRH' title in public anymore, sources close to the couple indicate it is still used privately.
Another non-working royal, Prince Andrew, also possesses but does not publicly use the 'HRH' title .
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Professional ice hockey player Matt Petgrave will not face criminal charges in relation to the death of fellow player Adam Johnson, who died from a neck injury during a game in October 2023. The decision was made after a thorough review by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and South Yorkshire Police, who concluded that there isn't a realistic chance of a conviction.
Key Facts
Adam Johnson, a 29 year old ice hockey player for the Nottingham Panthers, died in October 2023.
Johnson received a fatal neck injury during a collision with Sheffield Steelers' player, Matt Petgrave.
Following an investigation, the CPS and South Yorkshire Police decided not to charge Petgrave with any criminal offences.
Petgrave spent 17 months on bail and was rebailed seven times during the investigation.
Johnson previously played professional ice hockey in the United States and Sweden. He moved to play for Nottingham Panthers in August 2023.
To honor Johnson, his number 47 jersey was retired by the Nottingham Panthers.
After Johnson's death, the Sheffield coroner recommended that ice hockey players wear neck guards to prevent future injuries.
The English Ice Hockey Association announced that neck guards will be mandatory from 2024 onwards. However, the Elite Ice Hockey League has not implemented this rule.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
People in some parts of England are preparing to vote for councilors and mayors on May 1. Voting rules vary, but all voters have to vote in their local polling station, can't take pictures inside the station, and must not reveal how others voted.
Key Facts
England's voters are set to elect councilors and mayors on May 1, and voters in Runcorn and Helsby will also choose their new MP.
Once registered, a voter receives a polling card with details on where and how to vote.
Photo ID is required at the polling station, and only the local polling station can be used for voting.
Staying in line even after the polling station has officially closed at 22:00 means you can still vote.
Writing tools are made available at the polling station, but you're allowed to bring your own.
It's illegal to take pictures inside polling stations to maintain voting secrecy. Doing so could result in a fine or jail time.
Discussions about candidates or political parties inside polling stations aren't allowed to maintain neutrality.
While voting isn't mandatory in the UK, some people choose to cast a 'spoilt vote' as a form of protest which is recorded but doesn't count towards any candidate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
