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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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Chelsea sign Ipswich striker Delap in £30m deal

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Liam Delap has moved from Ipswich Town to Chelsea for £30 million. He agreed to a six-year contract, and Chelsea outbid several other teams to secure his transfer. Delap is a young striker who played in the Premier League and will now join Chelsea's squad.

Key Facts:

Liam Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town with a transfer fee of £30 million.
He signed a six-year contract with Chelsea.
Chelsea paid £20 million upfront, and Ipswich included a sell-on clause, which allows them to earn money if Delap is sold again.
Other teams like Manchester United and Newcastle were interested in Delap.
Delap is 22 years old and previously played for Manchester City's academy.
He scored 12 goals in 37 games for Ipswich last season.
Delap has played in European competitions and is eligible for the upcoming Club World Cup with Chelsea.
He was part of England’s Under-21 squad but might miss the tournament due to Chelsea's schedule.

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Dominant England seal series win over West Indies

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

England's women's cricket team defeated the West Indies by 143 runs in the second one-day international match in Leicester. Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont both scored centuries, leading England to a series-winning position of 2-0 in the three-match series. The West Indies, missing their captain Hayley Matthews due to injury, managed 223 runs in response to England's 366-6.

Key Facts:

England scored 366 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs.
Amy Jones scored 129 runs and Tammy Beaumont scored 106 runs.
The West Indies team scored 223 runs in 45.4 overs.
Realeanna Grimmond, on her ODI debut, scored 53 runs for the West Indies.
Alice Capsey took 3 wickets for England.
England leads the series 2-0 out of a three-match series.
The West Indies captain, Hayley Matthews, did not play due to a shoulder injury.
The third match of the series will take place in Taunton.

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Rangers on verge of Martin appointment - what can fans expect?

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Rangers are about to finalize a deal for Russell Martin to become their next manager. Martin is set to replace interim manager Barry Ferguson and is expected to bring his previous assistants to the team.

Key Facts:

Russell Martin is a 39-year-old manager considered for the Rangers' manager position.
He was recently the manager at MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton.
Martin will take over from Barry Ferguson, who is the interim manager.
Martin plans to bring assistants Matt Gill, Rhys Owens, and former Rangers defender Maurice Ross to the club.
The club considered other candidates like Davide Ancelotti and Brian Priske.
Russell Martin's style of play is described as fast and attacking.
Martin faced criticism for being too reliant on one style but is perceived by some as adaptable.
A big change in the Rangers squad is expected due to new investment in the club.

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New satellite images show Russian bombers destroyed in Ukraine attack

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

New satellite and drone footage reveal damage to Russian aircraft at several airbases following a Ukrainian drone attack. The attack impacted multiple bases, damaging or destroying 12 aircraft, with Ukraine claiming a total of 13 strategic bombers were destroyed.

Key Facts:

Satellite images show 12 Russian aircraft damaged or destroyed.
Ukraine claims it destroyed at least 13 strategic bombers.
The attack targeted Russian airbases in north-western and central Russia.
The drone strike took 18 months for Ukraine to plan.
Footage shows drones targeting airbases Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya.
Some aircraft at the bases appeared ready for operations, indicated by fires suggesting they were fueled.
Russian aircraft had been covered with tires, a tactic to protect against drone strikes.
Older aircraft models like the Tu-95 and Tu-22 were involved, making repairs difficult due to their age.

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All aboard the spending bus

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The Chancellor has announced that more people will get a winter fuel payment this year, which is financial assistance to help cover heating costs during colder months.

Key Facts:

The announcement was made by the Chancellor in 2025.
More individuals will qualify for the winter fuel payment.
The winter fuel payment helps people with heating expenses in winter.
The change aims to support more people during colder months.
The statement was released as part of a broader message on spending.

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