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No assurances over England number three - Wright

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

England's cricket team has announced its squad for the first Test match against India. Jacob Bethell is included, creating competition for Ollie Pope's position. Jamie Overton also returns to the squad after three years, while Matthew Potts is left out.

Key Facts:

Jacob Bethell is back in the England squad for the first Test against India.
Bethell missed the previous Test against Zimbabwe to play in the Indian Premier League.
Ollie Pope recently scored a century in a match at Trent Bridge.
England selector Luke Wright did not confirm whether Pope will keep his place in the team.
Jamie Overton returns to the Test squad for the first time in three years.
Matthew Potts did not make the squad and has fallen behind Sam Cook as a new-ball bowler.
Jofra Archer aims to play for Sussex starting 22 June to prepare for possible selection in later Tests against India.

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Reform MP's burka ban call was dumb, says party chair

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Reform UK's MP Sarah Pochin asked the UK Prime Minister about banning the burka, similar to bans in some European countries, despite it not being her party's policy. Zia Yusuf, the party chairman, criticized this move, suggesting it was not a good choice for her first question as an MP.

Key Facts:

Sarah Pochin recently became an MP for Reform UK after a by-election win.
She asked the Prime Minister about banning the burka in her first question in the House of Commons.
The party chairman, Zia Yusuf, called her question "dumb," as it was not an official party stance.
The burka is a full-body veil worn by some Muslim women, covering the face and body.
Some European countries like France, Denmark, Belgium, and Austria have bans on veils that conceal the face in public.
Reform UK's chief whip supported Pochin's question, though a party spokesman noted it was not official party policy.
Nigel Farage, the party leader, said the question started an important debate about face coverings in public.

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Axed Love Islander says he wants to return to series as a bombshell

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Kyle Ashman was removed from the Love Island show after news surfaced about his arrest related to a funeral fight. Although police released him without charges, he expressed interest in returning to the show as a surprise guest. Professional rugby player Conor Phillips will replace him on the show.

Key Facts:

Kyle Ashman was removed from Love Island due to reports of an arrest related to a fight.
The incident occurred at a social club in Stafford in February.
Police released Kyle without taking further action.
Kyle stated on Instagram that he is not violent and hopes to rejoin the show.
ITV has not confirmed whether Kyle could return to the show.
Conor Phillips, a rugby player, will join the show as Kyle’s replacement.
Conor Phillips has been playing for the Munster rugby team since 2022.

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How do weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy work?

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Women using weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are advised to use effective contraception due to potential risks for unborn babies. These drugs help reduce appetite by mimicking hormones and are available through the NHS for people with severe obesity, but private purchase is possible. Trials show Mounjaro may lead to greater weight loss compared to Wegovy, though weight can be regained once treatment stops.

Key Facts:

Wegovy and Mounjaro are injectable drugs used to help people lose weight.
They work by mimicking a hormone that helps people feel full after eating.
Mounjaro affects another hormone that helps with metabolism.
Women using these drugs should use additional contraception, as the drugs may lower the effectiveness of the pill.
People generally start losing weight after a few weeks of starting these injections.
A trial showed that Mounjaro users lost about 20% of their weight, while Wegovy users lost about 14%.
The NHS offers these drugs to severely obese people with weight-related health issues.
Once users stop taking the drugs, they may regain the lost weight.

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England include Bethell and Overton in first India Test squad

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

England has brought back Jacob Bethell for the first Test match against India and included Jamie Overton in the squad due to several injuries among their fast bowlers. Bethell, who missed the last match because of his commitments to the Indian Premier League, might not play in the final lineup, while Jamie Overton returns after his last appearance in 2022.

Key Facts:

Jacob Bethell was recalled to the England Test squad for the match against India after missing the previous match.
Jamie Overton has been named in the squad because many fast bowlers are injured.
Injured players include Gus Atkinson, who has a hamstring injury, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Olly Stone.
Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have returned to the team, and Josh Tongue and Sam Cook are also in the squad.
Jamie Overton last played a Test match at the same ground in 2022.
Overton is recovering from a broken finger.
Injuries have affected other young bowlers, Josh Hull and Sonny Baker, keeping them out of upcoming games.
England's captain, Ben Stokes, decided not to play as he recovers from hamstring surgery.

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Battle of Ballon d'Or favourites - Yamal v Dembele in Nations League

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal will compete in the Nations League semi-final as France and Spain face off for a place in the final. Both players have had successful seasons and are considered top contenders for the Ballon d'Or, an award for the best football player of the year.

Key Facts:

Ousmane Dembele plays for France and Lamine Yamal represents Spain in the Nations League semi-final.
The match will decide who faces Portugal in the final.
Both players scored in their teams' Nations League quarter-final victories.
The Ballon d'Or is an individual football award announced on September 22 in Paris.
Dembele scored 33 goals this season, while Yamal scored 18 goals with more assists (21 to Dembele's 13).
Yamal played 4,548 minutes this season, exceeding Dembele's 3,286 minutes.
Yamal has better statistics for dribbling and winning possession and duels.
Both players won their domestic double (a major league and cup trophy) and their equivalent of the Community Shield.
Dembele also won the Champions League and was named Player of the Season in the competition.

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'I know the demands' - Martin confirmed as Rangers' head coach

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Russell Martin has been appointed as the new head coach of Rangers Football Club. The appointment comes after a US-led consortium took over the club. Martin, a former Scotland defender, signed a three-year deal and aims to bring success and trophies to the club.

Key Facts:

Russell Martin signed a three-year contract to become Rangers' head coach.
Martin previously managed Southampton and Swansea City.
A US-based group, including the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, recently took over the club.
Martin had a brief history with Rangers as a player on loan.
He will work with assistant Matt Gill and performance coach Rhys Owen.
The club considered several candidates, including Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard.
Rangers' chief executive called Martin the "standout candidate" for the role.
Martin has a managerial win record of 45.2% during his time at Southampton.

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'I slowly realised I was running two households as I cared for my elderly parents'

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Christine Bell regularly travels a long distance to take care of her elderly father while managing her business. Many adult children, like Christine, are helping their parents live independently as people live longer and the retirement age increases. Dr. Jackie Gray founded the Carents Room to support such individuals, noting that this role shift has grown due to longer lifespans and family members living apart.

Key Facts:

Christine Bell travels 400 miles for her father's appointments.
She cares for her father in London while running her business in Leeds.
Christine managed her mother's care until her death, which was challenging.
More adult children are caring for parents due to rising retirement ages and longer lifespans.
Dr. Jackie Gray notes a societal shift where adult children more often care for elderly parents.
The Carents Room is a support group for people helping their aging parents.
A report suggests 57% of unpaid carers in England care for parents or grandparents.
Many carers have reduced work hours to help their relatives, according to a survey.

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Retiring police dogs 'deserve to get pension'

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

A charity called Thin Blue Paw suggests that retired police dogs should receive a pension to help cover vet costs. Each year, 50 to 70 police dogs retire, often with health issues from their service, and are adopted by people like Laura Meller, who has spent significant money caring for them.

Key Facts:

Each year, 50 to 70 police dogs retire.
Retired police dogs often have medical needs due to their service.
Thin Blue Paw, a charity, is asking for a pension for these dogs to help with vet expenses.
Laura Meller has adopted three retired police dogs and spent around £12,000 on their care.
Marco, a retired police dog, helped find a man at night during his service.
Audi, another retired police dog, was stabbed while helping police restrain a suspect.
Looking after retired police dogs can be expensive due to their medical needs.
Retired police dogs have served in various challenging situations, including dealing with armed suspects.

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Greater awareness not more cases behind ADHD surge, study suggests

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

A study by King's College London found that the number of people diagnosed with ADHD is rising, but the actual number of people with the condition hasn't increased since 2020. The researchers suggest that better awareness and acceptance are prompting more people to seek help, rather than an increase in ADHD itself.

Key Facts:

Researchers from King's College London analyzed 40 studies from 17 countries to understand ADHD diagnosis trends.
The study found no increase in the true rate of ADHD, known as prevalence, since 2020, despite more diagnoses.
Greater awareness and acceptance are believed to be reasons for more people seeking ADHD diagnoses.
In the UK, around 3-4% of adults and 5% of children are estimated to have ADHD, but many remain undiagnosed.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects concentration, energy, and impulsiveness.
NHS England reports nearly 2.5 million people in England have ADHD, with over 550,000 waiting for assessment.
Healthwatch England and experts advocate for better support and quicker assessment processes.
The study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

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What we know about Trump's latest travel ban

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Donald Trump signed a new ban stopping people from 12 countries from traveling to the United States due to national security concerns. The ban will start on Monday and is similar to a ban he introduced in 2017. Some other countries will face partial travel restrictions.

Key Facts:

Trump signed a travel ban for people from 12 countries.
The countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Seven additional countries will face partial restrictions, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The ban will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.
Trump mentioned a recent attack in Colorado as a reason for the new ban.
The travel ban is expected to face legal challenges.
There was a similar travel ban in 2017, which faced criticism and legal issues.
President Biden removed the previous ban in 2021, calling it a negative mark on the country's reputation.

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Winter fuel 'U-turn' and immigration 'battle lines'

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

In a spending review on June 11, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to reverse winter fuel payment cuts, but higher taxes will recover these payments from wealthier pensioners. The reversal may affect 1.3 million more people. Separate reports discuss immigration challenges and potential policy changes, along with other domestic and international news stories.

Key Facts:

Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to restore winter fuel payments but will increase taxes on wealthier pensioners to recover funds.
About 1.3 million more people might receive the winter fuel payment this year.
Details of the Treasury's scheme to recover payments have not yet been announced.
A donation from a lobbying firm linked to a Thames Water bidder to the Chancellor was disclosed in line with rules.
Immigration policies are being debated, with opposing views from political leaders.
Plans for cutting the "net zero" strategy were dropped, maintaining the £13.2 billion warm homes plan.
The Daily Mirror reports 500,000 more children will receive free school meals.
There is a claim about a hidden religious artifact, the "Holy Grail," supposedly buried in the UK.

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First trailer for Wicked sequel released

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

The first trailer for "Wicked: For Good," the sequel to the movie "Wicked," has been released. This film, based on a popular musical and book, will be out on November 21. It continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda, with returning stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and includes new songs not featured in the first film.

Key Facts:

"Wicked: For Good" is the sequel to the movie "Wicked."
The film is based on a successful musical and Gregory Maguire's 2005 novel.
It will be released in theaters on November 21.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will reprise their roles as Elphaba and Glinda.
The two films were filmed together in Elstree Studios, UK, from December 2022 to January 2024.
Production was temporarily halted by a Hollywood actors' strike.
The first "Wicked" movie was a top-grossing film in the UK in 2024 and won two Oscars.
The sequel includes two new songs, as most popular songs were featured in the first movie.

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First bacteria we ever meet can keep us out of hospital

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

UK scientists found that the first bacteria newborns encounter can lower the chances of them needing hospital treatment for lung infections. They discovered that a specific bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum, seemed to offer protection, but this was most common in babies born through vaginal delivery.

Key Facts:

UK scientists studied the first bacteria that newborns encounter.
They collected stool samples from 1,082 newborns in their first week of life.
Researchers tracked these babies for two years to check infection rates.
Bifidobacterium longum, a type of bacteria, appeared to protect against lung infections.
Only 4% of babies with Bifidobacterium longum needed hospital treatment for lung infections.
These protective bacteria were mostly found in babies born vaginally, not by caesarean.
The study does not support the practice of vaginal seeding for caesarean-born babies.
Scientists aim to develop treatments, like probiotic yogurt, to build healthy microbiomes in babies.

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Pregnant women warned against using weight-loss jabs

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding are being advised by UK health experts to stop using weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro. There is concern these drugs might harm an unborn baby, and evidence on their effects during pregnancy is not clear.

Key Facts:

Pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant are advised to stop using weight-loss injections.
Medicines like Wegovy and Mounjaro could potentially harm an unborn baby, but effects on humans are not yet clear.
These drugs are designed to treat obesity and work by making people feel full and controlling appetite.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends using contraception while on these drugs and for a while after stopping.
There have been reports of unintended pregnancies linked to the use of these drugs, leading to new safety guidance.
Users are advised that weight-loss drugs may make contraceptive pills less effective, especially in those who are overweight or obese.
There is concern that many people are buying these injections from unregulated sources without proper medical advice.

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Badenoch launches review into possible ECHR exit

BBC Top Stories • June 05, 2025 • Home

Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, is starting a review to decide if the UK should leave several international legal agreements, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The review, chaired by Lord Wolfson, aims to understand how these agreements affect UK laws and immigration.

Key Facts:

Kemi Badenoch is launching a review to assess the UK’s involvement in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and other international agreements.
The review will be led by Lord Wolfson and is expected to finish by the autumn Conservative Party conference.
The ECHR, created in 1950, outlines rights and freedoms in 46 countries and is important in UK human rights law.
The ECHR has been used in cases to stop the deportation of some migrants and has influenced various legal decisions.
Some Conservative leaders argue that leaving the ECHR is necessary to better control UK immigration policies.
The review will also examine how the ECHR affects asylum claims and whether it hinders the deportation of foreign criminals.
Other UK laws, like the Climate Change Act and the Human Rights Act, might be reviewed to see if they need changes.
The government's recent immigration plans include potential legislation changes to ensure UK Parliament has more control over immigration.

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Little Simz delivers an electrifying Maida Vale performance

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Little Simz performed live at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios, featuring songs from her new album "Lotus" and some older hits. The show aired for 31 minutes on June 4, 2025, and is available to watch for 30 days.

Key Facts:

Little Simz is an artist who performed live at the BBC.
The performance took place at the Maida Vale Studios.
She played songs from her new album called "Lotus."
The show included some of her older popular tracks.
The live show first aired on June 4, 2025, at 11:40 pm.
The show lasts for 31 minutes.
It is available to watch for a period of 30 days after airing.

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Villa interested in Sancho - Thursday's gossip

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Aston Villa is interested in signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United. Newcastle United is targeting Burnley's goalkeeper James Trafford, while Liverpool considers Anthony Gordon from Newcastle if Luis Diaz leaves. Several clubs are involved in various transfer discussions.

Key Facts:

Aston Villa wants to sign Jadon Sancho, who previously played on loan at Chelsea.
Newcastle United considers James Trafford from Burnley as their main transfer target.
Liverpool has not received offers for Luis Diaz but may look at Anthony Gordon if Diaz departs.
Liverpool might compete with Arsenal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Harvey Elliott could move to a Serie A club if he leaves Liverpool.
Everton needs to pay €40m to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal.
Chelsea does not wish to pay £25m for AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Brentford might hire Ipswich's manager Kieran McKenna if their current manager leaves.

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Ronaldo ends Germany duck - where next in his 1,000 goals pursuit?

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Cristiano Ronaldo recently helped Portugal win against Germany in a Nations League semi-final, breaking his losing streak against them. At 40 years old, he has scored 137 international goals. Currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he might sign a new contract with the club. He needs 63 more goals to reach 1,000 career goals.

Key Facts:

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal for Portugal against Germany in a Nations League semi-final.
This win was Ronaldo's first against Germany after losing five previous encounters.
Ronaldo has 137 international goals and 937 career goals in total.
He has been playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, but his contract ends this summer.
There are reports Ronaldo may sign a new contract with Al-Nassr, possibly until he is 42 years old.
Ronaldo needs 63 more goals to become the first player with 1,000 official career goals.
Brazilian legends like Pele claimed to score over 1,000 goals, including unofficial matches, but these aren't recognized.
Ronaldo scored 35 goals last season, which means he could reach 1,000 goals in under two years at his current scoring rate.

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Free school meals to be extended to 500,000 more children

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Starting September 2026, all children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit can get free school meals. This change will include 500,000 more children and will help families save money. The government has allocated £1 billion for this program, and additional funds will support food charities.

Key Facts:

From September 2026, children in families receiving Universal Credit can get free school meals in England.
The program will reach about 500,000 more children than before.
Currently, only families earning less than £7,400 a year qualify, but the new rule removes the income cap.
The government has allocated £1 billion to fund this initiative until 2029.
An extra £13 million is pledged to food charities to reduce food waste and fight food poverty.
Ministers claim this change may help 100,000 children escape poverty and save families £500 a year.
The move has been positively received by education and child poverty organizations.
The decision is part of broader efforts to address child poverty, and the government is also considering changes to the two-child benefit cap.

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