What Draper must do to bridge Sinner & Alcaraz gap

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Jack Draper, a British tennis player, was disappointed with his loss at the French Open, which ended his chance to compete against top-ranked players. Despite recent progress, he acknowledges the need to improve and gain more experience to keep up with top players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Key Facts:

• Jack Draper lost in the fourth round of the French Open to Alexander Bublik.
• This loss prevented Draper from facing world number one Jannik Sinner, whom he aims to compete against.
• Draper has shown significant progress over the past year, reaching the fourth round in recent Grand Slam tournaments.
• Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have won the last five Grand Slam titles.
• Draper has played fewer high-level matches compared to Sinner and Alcaraz, hindering his experience.
• Draper is set to improve his world ranking after the French Open and has surpassed American Taylor Fritz.
• Draper plans to focus on the grass-court season, especially aiming for success at Wimbledon.
• His strong serve and skills are seen as beneficial for his performance on grass courts.

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Chelsea to pay £5m Sancho penalty to Man Utd & are keen on Maignan

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Chelsea decided not to keep Jadon Sancho permanently and will pay a fee to return him to Manchester United. Instead, Chelsea is interested in signing French goalkeeper Mike Maignan from AC Milan.

Key Facts:

• Chelsea will pay £5 million to send Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United.
• Sancho joined Chelsea on loan after a fallout with Manchester United's former manager.
• Chelsea covered half of Sancho's reported £300,000 weekly wages.
• The deal included a fee obligation if Chelsea finished higher than 14th in the Premier League.
• Sancho has a year left on his contract with Manchester United, and they owe £17 million to his former club, Borussia Dortmund.
• Sancho scored five goals and provided 10 assists in 42 games for Chelsea last season.
• Chelsea is looking to sign Mike Maignan, AC Milan's goalkeeper, who is interested in the move.
• Maignan has been France's first-choice goalkeeper since 2023 after Hugo Lloris retired.

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A timeline of Madeleine McCann's disappearance as new search begins

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 when she was three years old, while on a family holiday in Portugal. A wide-ranging police investigation has continued for years, involving searches across Europe. Recently, German police have started new searches in Portugal to find more clues.

Key Facts:

• Madeleine McCann disappeared on May 3, 2007, from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
• Her parents were having dinner nearby when she went missing, and they organized a rota system to check on the children.
• Police and volunteers searched for her immediately after she went missing, and authorities believed she was abducted.
• Portuguese police initially named Madeleine's parents as suspects, but later lifted that status.
• In 2008, sketches of a possible suspect were released based on a witness description.
• By July 2008, Portuguese authorities shelved their investigation due to insufficient evidence.
• New images of how Madeleine might look were released in 2009 and 2010.
• German police are now conducting fresh searches in Portugal as part of the ongoing investigation.

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Jodie Marsh wins fight with council to keep lemurs

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Jodie Marsh won a legal battle to keep lemurs at her animal sanctuary after a judge ruled that she is a suitable person to care for them. The court ordered the local council to pay her legal costs after it refused her application for a wild animal license.

Key Facts:

• Jodie Marsh, a former model, went to court to fight Uttlesford District Council's decision not to let her keep lemurs.
• The council had refused her a license for wild animals at her animal sanctuary.
• A judge ruled in her favor, stating that Ms. Marsh cares deeply for her animals.
• The judge criticized the council for conflicting reports and inadequate evidence concerning the noise and care of the lemurs.
• The court ordered the council to pay Ms. Marsh £19,641 in legal costs.
• Neighbors of Ms. Marsh’s farm raised concerns and opposed her intentions to keep lemurs.
• The lemurs she wanted to adopt have been rehomed elsewhere.
• Ms. Marsh runs an animal sanctuary in Essex where she already cares for various animals like alpacas and reptiles.

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Mum must repay £50,000 she stole from daughters

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Katherine Hill and her father, Gerald Hill, were found guilty of stealing £50,000 from a trust fund set up for Hill's two daughters. A court has ordered Katherine Hill to repay the full amount, and both she and her father received prison sentences for their actions.

Key Facts:

• Katherine Hill took £50,000 from her daughters' trust fund, which was meant for their 25th birthdays.
• Hill's 93-year-old father, Gerald Hill, was also involved in the fraud.
• Katherine Hill was sentenced to 30 months in prison, while her father received a suspended sentence of 12 months that would come into effect if certain conditions were not met.
• The stolen £50,000 is now worth about £65,000 due to inflation.
• The fraud was discovered in 2018 when one daughter requested her share early to buy a house.
• Hill used the money to pay her partner's mortgage and household bills.
• Hill and her father are required to repay the money or face additional jail time.
• If the money is not paid back, their debts will remain even if they are jailed.

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Lady Gaga and Pulp rumoured for surprise Glastonbury sets as full line-up revealed

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Glastonbury Festival 2025 has released its full line-up and stage times, with major acts like The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo headlining. The event will feature both scheduled performances and surprise guests. The festival begins with two opening ceremonies on June 25, including a choir and fireworks display.

Key Facts:

• Glastonbury Festival 2025 will start on June 25 and run through June 29.
• Headliners include The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo on the Pyramid Stage.
• Other notable performers are Charli XCX, Doechii, Rod Stewart, The Prodigy, and Wolf Alice.
• Irish rap group Kneecap is still part of the line-up after being removed from another festival.
• There are slots labeled "TBA" for surprise acts, with rumors of Lady Gaga and Radiohead.
• The festival opens with a theatre and circus show, including a choir singing for peace.
• BBC will cover the event live on TV, radio, and online platforms, broadcasting over 100 performances.

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Fallen tree halts Glasgow to London train journeys

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Train journeys between Glasgow and London are disrupted because a tree fell and damaged overhead power lines in southern Scotland. Services are blocked between Lockerbie and Carstairs, and delays are expected until the afternoon. Passengers can use alternative routes or get a refund if they choose not to travel.

Key Facts:

• A fallen tree damaged overhead electric lines near Beattock, affecting trains between Glasgow and London.
• All lines are blocked between Lockerbie and Carstairs, causing delays or cancellations.
• Avanti West Coast says services may resume by about 11:30.
• Some Glasgow train services now start from Preston, causing several hours of delay.
• Passengers can use other train routes at no extra cost, including TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Northern, ScotRail, and LNER.
• ScotRail tickets are accepted on Stagecoach buses between Aberdeen and Inverurie due to a similar issue.
• Delayed trains south of Preston can take an additional two hours to reach their destination.
• Passengers can get compensation or a refund if their train is delayed or cancelled.

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New Madeleine McCann search under way

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Portuguese and German authorities have begun a new search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in 2007 during a family vacation in Portugal. The search involves areas around Praia da Luz, where Madeleine was last seen, with German police focusing on Christian Brückner, a suspect identified in 2020. The joint effort is expected to last until Friday.

Key Facts:

• A new search for Madeleine McCann is underway in Portugal.
• Madeleine disappeared on 3 May 2007 when she was three years old.
• Portuguese roads in the search area around Praia da Luz are currently closed.
• German police have joined the search, and they consider Christian Brückner a prime suspect.
• Brückner is in prison in Germany for a separate crime and has been named a suspect in Madeleine's case.
• Authorities suspect him of involvement but lack enough evidence for charges.
• The current search covers 21 plots of land around where Madeleine disappeared.
• A previous search two years ago focused on a nearby reservoir.

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Dive-bombing buzzard causes school playground ban

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

A primary school in east London has kept children inside because a buzzard has been swooping down in their playground, possibly protecting its nest. As a solution, local authorities suggested deterrents and even brought in a bird expert to educate students. The school has turned the experience into a learning opportunity for the students.

Key Facts:

• A buzzard is causing issues at Dame Tipping Primary School by dive-bombing in the playground.
• The buzzard's behavior is likely linked to protecting its nest or chicks.
• Buzzards are protected under UK law, limiting intervention options.
• Authorities advised the school on safety measures, including using legal deterrents.
• The school involved students in projects about the buzzard, promoting learning.
• A bird expert visited the school with a different bird of prey to teach students.
• Brenda, the buzzard, has become a subject for the students' art and stories.

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Dortmund confident of signing Jobe Bellingham

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Borussia Dortmund is close to signing Jobe Bellingham, a 19-year-old midfielder currently playing for Sunderland. Although Dortmund has not yet started talks with Sunderland, they believe Bellingham is interested in joining, partly because his brother Jude previously played for the club. Dortmund's strong finish in the Bundesliga may help in securing the deal.

Key Facts:

• Borussia Dortmund wants to sign Sunderland player Jobe Bellingham.
• Jobe Bellingham, 19, recently helped Sunderland return to the Premier League.
• Dortmund thinks Jobe Bellingham wants to join because his brother Jude played there.
• Dortmund finished fourth in the Bundesliga, earning them a Champions League spot.
• Jude Bellingham played for Dortmund from 2020 to 2023 before moving to Real Madrid.
• Jobe Bellingham was named the Championship's Young Player of the Year last month.
• If signed before June 10, Jobe could play in the Club World Cup, also featuring his brother's team, Real Madrid.
• Jobe has made four appearances for England's Under-21s and will play in the European Championship in Slovakia.

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Should F1's Verstappen have been given a bigger penalty for Spanish Grand Prix collision?

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix, earning his fifth victory of the season. During the race, Max Verstappen faced controversy for a collision with George Russell, leading to a 10-second penalty and three points on his licence. Verstappen, already close to a potential race ban, risks suspension if he commits another infraction in the next two races.

Key Facts:

• Oscar Piastri, a McLaren driver, won the Spanish Grand Prix.
• Piastri's teammate, Lando Norris, finished in second place.
• Max Verstappen was involved in a controversial incident with George Russell.
• Verstappen received a 10-second penalty and three points on his racing licence for colliding with Russell's car.
• This incident places Verstappen close to a suspension, as he is one point away from a ban.
• The stewards did not consider Verstappen's actions as serious as other infractions.
• Red Bull ordered Verstappen to give back a position to Russell during the race.
• Red Bull made this decision based on previous racing incidents and a lack of immediate feedback from race officials.

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Weaver earns US Open spot as Fowler and Homa denied

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Tyler Weaver, a 22-year-old English amateur golfer, will participate in his first US Open after qualifying on Monday. Several others, including professional players Rickie Fowler and Max Homa, did not qualify. The US Open will take place at Oakmont in Pennsylvania from June 12-15.

Key Facts:

• Tyler Weaver finished third at a qualifying event in Atlanta to secure his place in the US Open.
• Amateurs like Weaver and Mason Howell, aged 17, earned spots among professional golfers.
• Rickie Fowler and Max Homa, both PGA Tour players, did not qualify after a play-off in Columbus, Ohio.
• A total of 47 spots were available through qualifiers held at 10 venues in the US and Canada.
• Due to bad weather in Florida, some qualifying matches were postponed to resume on Tuesday.
• Four spots are available at West Palm Beach, with English amateur Luke Poulter currently in contention.
• Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open winner, played a strong first round but his compatriot Tom McKibbin did not qualify.
• The US Open will occur from June 12-15 at Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

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'I live in double-decker bus that's also a library'

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Lyndzi Hargrave bought a double-decker bus in August 2023 and converted it into a home and library by January 2024. She plans to take it to festivals to offer a library and book swap service while living in the bus, which features solar panels and off-grid facilities.

Key Facts:

• Lyndzi Hargrave converted a double-decker bus into her home and library.
• She purchased the bus on eBay in August 2023 for over £50,000, including conversion costs.
• The bus is equipped with solar panels, making it an off-grid home.
• The bus passed its MOT (a test of vehicle safety) and can now travel around the country.
• Inside, there is a library with books, a sliding purple ladder, and a log-burning stove.
• Hargrave plans to tour to festivals offering a free library and a community space.
• She uses eco-friendly features like a bucket bath and compost toilet on the bus.
• Hargrave also runs a podcast discussing ADHD and autism, focusing on well-being and mental health.

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Parents welcome probe into Nottingham baby deaths

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Nottinghamshire Police have started a manslaughter investigation into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. This follows concerns about how the trust handled the care of many babies, leading to deaths and injuries. Parents of affected children, like Wynter and Harriet, have expressed relief at the police action and hope it leads to accountability.

Key Facts:

• The investigation is focused on the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Concerns are about baby deaths and injuries due to poor care in maternity units.
• Wynter Andrews died shortly after birth in 2019 due to care failings.
• Harriet Hawkins was stillborn in 2016, with her death called "almost certainly preventable."
• The NHS trust was fined £800,000 in 2023 for failings in Wynter's care.
• Parents, including Sarah and Jack Hawkins, continue to seek accountability.
• Police are examining if the trust showed gross negligence leading to deaths.
• The investigation involves the Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital.

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'The abuse was almost daily' - grooming survivors share their stories

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Five women from England shared their stories of being groomed and abused as children or young adults by adult men, mainly from a British Asian background. This coincides with the government delaying a review on grooming gangs. The women describe the long-term effects of this abuse on their lives.

Key Facts:

• Five women spoke to BBC Newsnight about being abused as children or young adults.
• The abuse involved adult men, mostly of British Asian origin.
• The government has delayed a review into grooming gangs.
• Kate Elysia, a pseudonym for one victim, was raped by more than 70 men in Telford.
• Two of Kate's abusers, Mohammed Ali Sultan and Shahmeel Khan, were convicted of rape.
• Zara, another victim, was groomed by David Saynor using his limousine business in Rotherham.
• Saynor was sentenced to 24 years for multiple offenses against young girls.
• Zara also alleged abuse by another man from a British Pakistani background who is awaiting trial.

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'Remarkable' owl seen on Springwatch for first time

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

A family of short-eared owls was filmed for the first time on the BBC's Springwatch program in its 20-year history while located in the Peak District. The show features many animals from the National Trust-owned Longshaw Estate, with cameras capturing wildlife like badgers, foxes, and birds. Springwatch runs with a large team and uses extensive planning to showcase diverse wildlife and promote awareness about nature conservation.

Key Facts:

• Short-eared owls appeared on Springwatch for the first time in the show's 20 years.
• The program is being filmed at the Longshaw Estate in the Peak District National Park.
• Springwatch is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is broadcast live every night.
• Over 100 people work on the production, and planning starts a year in advance.
• Around 30 cameras are set up across the estate to capture wildlife.
• Hidden cameras were placed in gardens in Sheffield to show how residents help local wildlife.
• The show also filmed other animals like badgers, foxes, and various birds.
• Springwatch promotes wildlife awareness and conservation efforts.

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MI5 neo-Nazi spy: Judge had 'no confidence' in Security Service's account of false evidence

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

MI5 is under examination after a High Court judge expressed doubt over the truthfulness of a senior officer's testimony in the case of a neo-Nazi agent known as X, who was previously exposed by the BBC for coercive behavior. The judge has ordered MI5 to disclose secret documents, and a panel of judges is considering possible actions, including holding MI5 or its officers in contempt of court.

Key Facts:

• A High Court judge questioned the credibility of testimony given by MI5 in a case involving a violent neo-Nazi agent.
• MI5 has been ordered to provide secret documents related to this case.
• The agent, identified as X, used his position to intimidate his girlfriend, including attacking her with a machete.
• There is a possibility of contempt of court proceedings against MI5 or individual officers.
• The Attorney General, who usually handles such proceedings, is technically representing MI5 in this case.
• MI5 initially gave false evidence, stating they adhered to confidentiality policies, which the BBC later disproved.
• The judge's concerns relate to inconsistencies found in MI5's internal and external investigations.
• MI5 must disclose additional documents, including policy documents and interview notes, to the court.

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The Papers: Britain 'battle-ready' and 'new Maddie search'

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Britain plans to spend an additional £2 billion on drones and other defense upgrades to prepare for future threats. The country will introduce new weapons and tactics inspired by the war in Ukraine and grow the Army for the first time in a generation. Separately, German police will conduct a major new search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in Portugal in 2007.

Key Facts:

• Britain will spend an extra £2 billion to improve its defense capabilities.
• The government is looking at new tactics and weapons used in the Ukraine war.
• The British Army is set to grow for the first time in many years.
• The planned defense upgrades include 12 nuclear-powered submarines.
• A new search effort is underway for Madeleine McCann, focusing on more than 20 sites in Portugal.
• Germany is leading the investigation in this new search effort.
• The search for McCann involves radar and digging up to 15 feet deep in specific areas.
• Madeleine McCann disappeared at the age of three in 2007.

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Six families remember loved ones lost on Pan Am 103

BBC Top Stories • June 02, 2025 • Home

A new program called "Lockerbie: Our Story" shares the personal stories of six families and friends who lost loved ones in the Lockerbie bombing, the UK's worst terrorist attack. This program lasts 59 minutes and first aired on June 3, 2025. It will be available to watch for 11 months.

Key Facts:

• "Lockerbie: Our Story" tells the experiences of six families and friends affected by the Lockerbie bombing.
• The Lockerbie bombing is known as the UK's worst terrorist attack.
• The program first aired on June 3, 2025.
• It has a duration of 59 minutes.
• The program will be available to watch for 11 months.
• The show may contain scenes that some viewers find upsetting.

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Draper rues 'missed opportunity' after Bublik loss

BBC Top Stories • June 02, 2025 • Home

Jack Draper, a British tennis player, lost in the French Open to Alexander Bublik, ranked 62nd in the world. This unexpected defeat ended Draper's run before the quarter-finals, despite his recent rise in the tennis world. Bublik's strong performance, using effective drop-shots, was a decisive factor in the match.

Key Facts:

• Jack Draper lost in the fourth round of the French Open to Alexander Bublik.
• Draper is currently ranked number five in the world.
• This was Draper's first year winning a match at the French Open.
• Alexander Bublik is ranked number 62 in the world.
• Bublik's win ended British interest in the singles competition at the French Open after Cameron Norrie's loss.
• Draper aimed to reach the quarter-finals, with a possible match against top seed Jannik Sinner.
• Draper has improved his ranking and performance over the past year, including a semi-final run at the US Open.
• Bublik described the match as the best moment of his life.

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