Liverpool has agreed to a £116 million deal to sign German midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The agreement makes it the highest transfer fee Liverpool has ever paid, with £100 million guaranteed and an additional £16 million in potential bonus payments.
Key Facts
Liverpool will pay a total of £116 million for Florian Wirtz.
The £116 million includes £100 million upfront and £16 million in bonus payments.
Wirtz is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Germany.
He joined Bayer Leverkusen at 16 and scored 57 goals in 197 games.
The deal is Liverpool's most expensive transfer yet.
Wirtz showed interest in moving to Liverpool, despite other clubs' interest.
Liverpool recently signed Jeremie Frimpong and is negotiating a deal with Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool sold goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.
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Three High Court judges dismissed a challenge against the UK government's decision to add VAT to private school fees. The court supported the government's plan, stating the policy was debated in Parliament and aims to raise funds for public schools.
Key Facts
The UK government imposed VAT on private school fees starting 1 January.
The policy is expected to generate £1.8 billion a year for state school improvements by 2029/30.
Families and private schools argued that the VAT was discriminatory and violated human rights.
Families with children having special educational needs (Send) claimed no alternative schooling options were available for them.
The court ruled that the decision was made by Parliament after full debate and is part of government commitments.
The judgment acknowledged that some families might struggle to afford fees but prioritized revenue for public services.
Some private schools and families plan to appeal the decision.
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A British man named Vishwashkumar Ramesh survived a deadly Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. He escaped by unbuckling his seatbelt and crawling out through an opening in the plane. Unfortunately, all other passengers and crew members, including 169 Indian and 52 British nationals, did not survive.
Key Facts
Vishwashkumar Ramesh was the only survivor of the Air India plane crash.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, western India.
Ramesh escaped from the wreckage by crawling through an opening in the fuselage.
The plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, hit a building used for doctor accommodation at a medical college.
Over 200 bodies have been recovered so far, but it's unclear how many were passengers versus people on the ground.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and the hospital where Ramesh is being treated.
Ramesh was concerned about his brother, Ajay, who was also on the flight.
Ramesh is a businessman living in the UK since 2003, with a wife and young son.
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A man named Jamie Varley has been charged with murder and several other serious crimes, including child cruelty and sexual offences, related to the death of a 13-month-old boy in Blackpool. Another man, John McGowan-Fazakerley, is accused of allowing the child's death and is also facing related charges. Both men are set to appear in court.
Key Facts
Police responded to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for an unresponsive baby on July 27, 2023.
The baby, 13 months old, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.
Jamie Varley, 36, faces multiple charges, including murder and child cruelty.
Varley's charges also include sexual offences, assault, and taking/distributing indecent images.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, is charged with allowing the child's death, child cruelty, and a sexual offence.
Both men lived in Grimsargh, near Preston, but were previously from Blackpool.
They are scheduled to appear before magistrates in Lancaster.
The charges involve the same victim, according to the police.
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Two women died after being found in a pool in Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, in Wales. North Wales Police and rescue services attended the scene, and an investigation is ongoing. The pool is located on the Watkin Path, a noted hiking route on Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales.
Key Facts
Two women were found dead in a pool at Eryri National Park in Wales.
Police were called to the Nant Gwynant area at 9:31 PM on Wednesday.
One woman was found in the pool and another was pulled out but did not survive.
An investigation is happening, and witnesses are asked to help.
Emergency services, including mountain rescue and helicopters, were deployed.
The Watkin Path, where the incident occurred, is popular and one of the routes to Yr Wyddfa's summit.
Social media has made the spot well-known, but recent rains have made the water dangerous.
Yr Wyddfa is the tallest mountain in Wales and attracts many visitors yearly.
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Families in Northern Ireland are seeking emergency help due to unrest in Ballymena. The violence followed a protest related to an alleged crime, injuring police officers and forcing some families to leave their homes for safety.
Key Facts
Around 50 households in Northern Ireland have received aid because of the unrest in Ballymena.
Fourteen families have been placed in emergency housing.
The unrest began on Monday after a protest over an alleged sexual assault.
Sixty-three police officers have been injured during four nights of violence.
NIHE expects more families to seek help due to safety concerns.
A racially motivated arson attack forced a family with young children to leave their home.
There is a high demand for emergency and temporary housing, but limited supply.
Violence has occurred for four nights, affecting various areas in Northern Ireland.
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Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland's first black professor, has died at age 85. He was a respected academic, known for his contributions to grain science and advocacy for human rights. Sir Geoff was also the chancellor of Heriot-Watt University and led important discussions about racial equality in Edinburgh.
Key Facts
Sir Geoff Palmer passed away at 85 years old.
He became Scotland's first black professor in 1989.
Sir Geoff moved from Jamaica to the UK as a teenager.
He completed his PhD in grain science and invented the barley abrasion process.
He was honored with the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction.
Sir Geoff was a human rights advocate, focusing on racial equality in Edinburgh.
He was knighted in 2014 for his contributions to science and human rights.
Sir Geoff served as chancellor at Heriot-Watt University from 2021.
He chaired a group reviewing Edinburgh's colonial history and its impact.
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Israel has launched extensive attacks against Iran, targeting missile bases and important leaders. These attacks are more widespread than previous operations and aim to weaken Iran's ability to respond effectively.
Key Facts
Israel's recent attacks on Iran are more intense than those conducted last year.
The Israeli strategy includes targeting Iran's missile bases to limit Iran's military response.
Key figures in Iran's leadership, like Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami, were targeted.
The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, was not targeted in the attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the attacks are a matter of Israel's national survival.
There are concerns that Iran could develop nuclear bombs shortly, increasing the urgency for action.
The attacks coincide with US-Iran talks on Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu aims to prevent an agreement he deems unacceptable from being made in these talks.
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British rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, is facing two new charges of sexual assault in Australia. He has not yet entered a plea for these charges, and a trial is set for July 2026.
Key Facts
Yung Filly has been charged with two more counts of sexual assault related to an incident in September.
He is already facing charges from previous allegations, including assault and sexual penetration without consent.
The alleged incident happened while he was on a music tour in Australia.
He appeared in Perth District Court regarding these charges.
Yung Filly has been on bail since October 2024 after earlier accusations.
A 10-day trial is planned to begin on July 20, 2026.
He admitted to reckless driving in December after being caught speeding in November.
Yung Filly is known for his work with the YouTube group Beta Squad and other media appearances.
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AJ Tracey is releasing a new album called "Don't Die Before You're Dead," his first in four years. This album will share more personal stories from his life, exploring themes like British identity and his journey in music. AJ is known for supporting young people and creating safe spaces through music and community projects.
Key Facts
AJ Tracey's real name is Ché Wolton Grant.
He released his first album in four years, titled "Don't Die Before You're Dead."
The album includes personal themes, like his experiences and British identity.
A single from the album, "3rd Time Lucky," talks about his relationship with his mother and her recovery from cancer.
AJ Tracey values safe spaces for youth and has partnered with organizations to support young people.
He performed songs from the new album at an intimate gig at Maida Vale Studios.
AJ Tracey emphasizes making music he's proud of rather than rushing releases.
His new album launch is featured in a BBC Sounds program and available on YouTube.
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North Korea successfully launched its new 5,000-ton naval destroyer after a failed attempt last month. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the launch and emphasized plans to expand the country's naval capabilities.
Key Facts
North Korea launched a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer named Kang Kon.
The first launch of the destroyer failed last month when it capsized.
Kim Jong Un ordered the ship to be quickly repaired, and four officials were reportedly arrested over the incident.
The ship was repaired and launched from Rajin Port in northern North Korea, with Kim Jong Un and his daughter present.
The destroyer is part of North Korea's plan to develop a navy capable of launching nuclear weapons.
Satellite images showed the ship's repair process before the successful relaunch.
Kim Jong Un stated that the failed launch did not affect North Korea's military modernization efforts.
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Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in Israeli attacks targeting military and nuclear sites in Iran. These attacks killed several high-ranking Iranian officials and prompted warnings from Iran against Israel and the US.
Key Facts
Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, died in Israeli strikes.
The attacks also killed other top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists.
Israel targeted Iran's nuclear and missile facilities during the strikes.
These events occurred despite warnings from the US against such attacks.
Iran has threatened consequences for Israel and the US, raising war concerns.
Salami had been sanctioned by the UN and US for his role in Iran's programs.
Before his death, Salami warned that Iran was ready for conflict and had military strength.
The Revolutionary Guards are powerful in Iran, focusing on protecting the regime.
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Sir Mel Stride was urged by the BBC to apologize for former Prime Minister Liz Truss's mini-budget, which included significant tax cuts. The budget had a negative impact on financial markets and contributed to Liz Truss's resignation in 2022.
Key Facts
Sir Mel Stride is a member of the Conservative Party.
The BBC's Nick Robinson pressed Stride to apologize for the mini-budget.
Liz Truss introduced a £45 billion package of tax cuts.
The tax cuts worried financial markets.
The impact of the mini-budget played a part in Liz Truss resigning as Prime Minister in 2022.
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Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour has earned over $150 million from ticket sales, with 64 sold-out shows across North and South America. The tour team works hard behind the scenes to ensure a seamless production, including washing costumes and checking equipment, while Shakira performs a demanding two-and-a-half-hour show featuring numerous costume changes and different dance styles.
Key Facts
Shakira's tour is called Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, based on her latest album.
The tour has earned more than $150 million in ticket sales.
Shakira has performed 64 sold-out shows across North and South America.
More than two million fans have attended these shows.
The production team manages tasks like refreshing costumes and checking equipment.
Shakira's concert lasts two and a half hours and includes various styles of dance and 13 costume changes.
The backstage environment is described as calm and professional despite the demanding schedule.
Shakira is hands-on and focused on every detail of her show, including sound, visuals, and lighting.
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Israel conducted a military strike against Iran, despite warnings from the U.S., particularly from former President Donald Trump, to hold off. The U.S. publicly stated it is not involved in the strikes and emphasized protecting its forces in the region.
Key Facts
Israel launched a military attack on Iran.
Former President Trump advised Israel to delay the attack due to ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. did not partake in the strikes and is prioritizing the safety of its forces.
Israel claims it coordinated with the U.S. before the attack, but this hasn't been confirmed by the U.S.
There were tensions between the positions of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The U.S. warned Iran against targeting American interests or personnel.
Sirens sounded in Israel, indicating potential Iranian counterstrikes.
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Israel carried out military strikes across Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders, including the late Hossein Salami. The attack, known as Operation Rising Lion, led to explosions in Iran's capital, Tehran, and other sites. The U.S. stated it was not involved, and Iran promised retaliation.
Key Facts
Israel launched strikes on Iran, naming the operation "Rising Lion."
Explosions occurred in Tehran and at the Natanz nuclear facility.
Hossein Salami, a high-ranking figure in Iran's military, was killed.
Israel claims Iran's nuclear program poses a threat to its survival.
Iran vowed to retaliate against the strikes.
The U.S. confirmed it did not assist in the attack.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported Iran breached nuclear obligations.
Iran enriched uranium up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels.
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The United States has stated it is not part of Israel's military strikes on Iran, which targeted nuclear sites and other military areas. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the attacks were necessary due to Iran's nuclear activities, while the U.S. emphasized that Iran should not retaliate against American interests.
Key Facts
The U.S. announced it was not involved in Israel's strikes against Iran.
Israel's military action targeted Iran's nuclear and military sites.
Iran accused the U.S. of being complicit in the attacks.
Israel's Prime Minister said the strikes were for Israel's survival.
Israel declared a state of emergency, expecting possible Iran retaliation.
US Secretary of State emphasized protecting U.S. forces in the region.
The US had partially evacuated embassy staff from Iraq for safety.
President Trump warned that Israeli action might impact U.S. negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
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Footage shows explosions and fires in Tehran, Iran, where Israel claims to have struck Iran's nuclear program. The visuals captured large blasts, with smoke rising and people gathering amidst debris in the city.
Key Facts
Israel reported carrying out attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Explosions were recorded and seen in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Security camera footage showed a bright explosion lighting up the city.
Iran's state media aired videos of burning buildings and smoke.
Crowds gathered on city streets, which were covered with debris.
The incident received wide media coverage.
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On the first day of the US Open at Oakmont Country Club, only 10 of the 156 players finished under par due to challenging course conditions. JJ Spaun leads at four under par, while Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler struggled, ending their rounds at four over and three over, respectively.
Key Facts
The US Open is taking place at Oakmont Country Club, known for its difficulty.
JJ Spaun leads the tournament at four under par with a bogey-free round.
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, both top players, faced challenges, finishing at four over and three over par.
South Africa's Thriston Lawrence is one shot behind Spaun.
Brooks Koepka, a past champion, is at two under par.
Patrick Reed made the fourth albatross in US Open history but finished three over par.
The course is expected to get tougher due to dry weather forecasted for the following day.
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A new cancer treatment called "Trojan horse" therapy is now available on the NHS in England for blood cancer known as myeloma. This treatment targets cancer cells directly, slows down the disease more effectively than previous methods, and has fewer side effects, although it can still cause some issues like dry eyes.
Key Facts
The "Trojan horse" therapy is a new treatment for the blood cancer myeloma.
It is available on the NHS in England and aims to treat patients when other therapies fail.
The therapy works by delivering toxic drugs directly inside cancer cells.
It is known as belantamab mafodotin, which combines chemotherapy with antibodies.
This approach stops cancer for up to three years, compared to 13 months with older treatments.
Around 1,500 patients could benefit from this therapy each year in the UK.
The drug is considered cost-effective by NICE for NHS use.
Possible side effects include dry eyes and blurred vision.
The drug infusion takes about 30 minutes and is typically given every two months.
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