Police in Northern Ireland have increased the number of officers in Ballymena due to two days of violent riots, which injured 32 officers and led to six arrests. The unrest started after a peaceful protest concerning an alleged sexual assault and targeted ethnic minorities and police officers. Extra officers from Police Scotland have been called in to help manage the situation.
Key Facts
Police in Ballymena faced two days of violent disorder after a protest about an alleged sexual assault.
32 police officers were injured, and six people were arrested during the violence.
The violence was described as racist and targeted both ethnic minorities and police officers.
Police Scotland sent additional officers to Northern Ireland to assist.
The police are reviewing all video footage of the incidents, and prosecutions are expected.
The protests began after two teenagers appeared in court on related charges.
Rioters attacked police with petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks.
Signs indicating the nationality of residents have appeared on homes, and some properties and vehicles were damaged.
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The UK has agreed to a £3.4 billion deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while keeping control of a military base on Diego Garcia. The deal, which involves financial payments to Mauritius and has been criticized by the Conservative leader, aims to ensure long-term access to the base for security reasons. Some Chagossians have opposed the deal due to concerns about their rights and lack of involvement in the decision-making process.
Key Facts
The UK will hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The UK will keep control of the military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
The UK will pay Mauritius £165 million annually for the first three years, then £120 million per year from years four to 13, with payments adjusted for inflation thereafter.
Mauritius plans to use the money from the deal to pay off public sector debt.
80% of workers in Mauritius will be exempt from income tax as part of a new Budget plan.
A panel of experts from the UN Human Rights Council criticized the deal for not fully considering the rights of Chagossians.
Sir Keir Starmer defended the deal for maintaining security and intelligence capabilities.
Some Chagossians were not fully involved in the deal process, leading to community division.
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In Ballymena, County Antrim, a peaceful protest turned violent, injuring 32 police officers. The unrest started after a protest related to an alleged assault, with police calling the violence racially motivated. The incident has raised concerns about racial tensions and community integration in Northern Ireland.
Key Facts
A peaceful protest in Ballymena, County Antrim, turned into violence within 36 hours.
32 police officers were injured during the unrest.
The violence was described by police as "racist thuggery," implying it was driven by racial hatred.
The protest followed an alleged serious sexual assault in the town.
Two teenage boys, aged 14, appeared in court denying charges related to the alleged assault.
A social media post helped gather a large crowd for the protest, which turned violent.
Bricks, masonry, and petrol bombs were thrown at police by masked individuals.
The violence is part of wider issues of racial tension and recent demographic changes in the area.
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Everton manager David Moyes was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by Prince William at a ceremony. Moyes has had a long career in football management, including successful periods at West Ham and Everton.
Key Facts
David Moyes received an OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle.
Moyes managed West Ham from 2017 to 2024 and won the Europa Conference League in 2023.
He has managed Everton twice, the first from 2002 to 2013 and again starting January of the current year.
Moyes returned to Everton when the team was close to the relegation zone, finishing in 13th place.
Prince William is an avid football fan and talked with Moyes about attending Aston Villa games.
Moyes learned about the OBE honor from the Home Office in December.
He is the third-most experienced manager in Premier League history, after Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
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The 125th US Open golf tournament will feature the longest par-three hole in major championship history at 301 yards, located at Oakmont Country Club. Players and commentators have expressed mixed views about the challenge of this long hole, with some seeing it as a tough test and others seeing it as excessive.
Key Facts
The US Open will have a par-three hole that is 301 yards long, making it the longest in major championship history.
The hole is located at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.
In past tournaments at Oakmont, the hole has been known for its difficulty and length, stirring discussion for over 70 years.
The average drive of a PGA Tour player, at 300.9 yards, is slightly shorter than this 301-yard hole.
Some golfers, like Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland, have expressed that the length of the hole feels excessive.
The hole is down on the US Open scorecard as 289 yards, but adjustments can extend it to 301 yards.
Golfers have to consider using longer clubs like a driver on this par-three, which is unusual for this type of hole.
Gil Hanse, a well-known golf course designer, has made changes to the hole for the 2025 tournament, including extending the ‘Sahara’ bunker.
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A police officer admitted she failed in her duties during a strip-search of a 15-year-old girl at a London school in 2020. The girl, suspected of carrying cannabis, was found to have no drugs. The officer and two colleagues are accused of misconduct related to the search.
Key Facts
A 15-year-old black girl, called Child Q, was strip-searched by police at her school in Hackney, London, in 2020.
The police suspected Child Q of having cannabis, but no drugs were found.
Det Con Kristina Linge, one of the officers involved, admitted she acted wrongly and apologized.
Two other officers, PC Victoria Wray and PC Rafal Szmydynski, are also accused of breaking professional standards.
All three officers deny serious misconduct charges.
Det Con Linge stated she made efforts to minimize embarrassment for the girl during the search.
The school's deputy safeguarding manager was present outside the room during the search.
Det Con Linge confessed that police training for such searches was not adequate.
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Marco Jansen, a cricketer from South Africa, caught the ball after juggling it to get Australia's Steve Smith out. This took place on the first day of the ICC Test Championship final at Lord's in London.
Key Facts
Marco Jansen is a South African cricketer.
He caught the ball to dismiss Steve Smith, an Australian cricketer.
Steve Smith scored 66 runs before getting out.
The match is part of the ICC Test Championship final.
The game is being played at Lord's in London.
The article specifically mentions day one of the match.
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The European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter spacecraft has sent the first video and images of the Sun's south pole back to Earth. These images will help scientists understand the Sun's magnetic fields and how they affect space weather, which can impact satellites and power grids on Earth.
Key Facts
The Solar Orbiter took the first-ever pictures of the Sun's south pole.
The images show the Sun's atmosphere at extremely high temperatures.
Scientists use these images to study the Sun's patterns of activity and calm periods.
The Sun has magnetic fields that cause solar storms, which can disrupt technology on Earth.
Every 11 years, the Sun's magnetic north and south poles flip, causing chaotic solar activity.
The Solar Orbiter's data will improve predictions of solar storms, helping protect satellites and power grids.
New data includes images of various chemical elements on the Sun, aiding in the study of its composition.
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Female tennis players who want to freeze their eggs or embryos can now keep their world ranking on the WTA Tour while they take a break from competitions. This new rule allows players ranked in the top 750 to take time off for fertility treatment without worrying about their rankings. They can also use a special ranking to join up to three tournaments when they return, though it's not allowed for the top-tier events.
Key Facts
The WTA Tour will protect the world rankings of female tennis players who take time off to freeze eggs or embryos.
This rule applies to players ranked in the top 750 who are out of competition for over 10 weeks.
Players can use a special ranking to enter three tournaments within 10 weeks after returning from fertility treatment.
They cannot use the special ranking to enter WTA's premier 1000 events.
The WTA Tour introduced paid maternity leave, with over 320 players eligible for up to 12 months of paid leave.
Players returning from maternity leave can use their previous ranking to enter up to 12 tournaments over three years.
The WTA offers a health team to support returning mothers with physical and mental health care.
Other sports, like the WNBA, also support egg freezing with financial reimbursements for players.
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The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, presented the Spending Review, announcing government department budgets. She stated there would be no austerity and confirmed that department spending will grow by 2.3% over inflation each year. NHS funding will rise by 3% in real terms annually, and £39 billion has been allocated for housing.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is the Chancellor.
The Spending Review explains future government budgets.
Department spending will grow by 2.3% above inflation every year.
The NHS budget will increase by 3% annually in real terms, meaning adjusted for inflation.
£39 billion is set aside for housing projects.
"Austerity", which means strict budget cuts, is not being followed.
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This week, Australia and South Africa are playing in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. The World Test Championship was created to make Test cricket more appealing by having teams compete over a series of games every two years. However, the format faces challenges like uneven play between teams and financial issues affecting its success.
Key Facts
Australia and South Africa are competing in the World Test Championship final at Lord's.
Test cricket is the longest form of the game but has lost popularity in some countries over the last 20 years.
The rise of shorter formats like T20 cricket has contributed to the decline in interest in Test cricket.
The World Test Championship (WTC) was introduced to revitalize interest in Test cricket.
Each WTC cycle lasts two years, with teams playing six series and points awarded for wins, ties, and draws.
Critics say the WTC format isn't perfect because teams play a different number of games.
Some teams, like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan, do not compete in the WTC.
Players often earn more in franchise cricket, which can impact their availability for Test matches.
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The UK has issued its first yellow heat-health alerts for 2025 because of an expected heatwave in eastern England, and potential thunderstorms in various regions. The Met Office forecasts frequent lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain, possibly causing flash floods.
Key Facts
Yellow heat-health alerts are in place for eastern England, London, East Midlands, and southeast England from Thursday night to Sunday morning.
Temperatures may reach 30C (86F), leading to increased risks for people over 65 and those with certain health issues.
The UK is experiencing a weather pattern with hot, humid air causing storms.
Thunderstorms may begin Wednesday night, with warnings for southwestern England and Wales.
Northern Ireland also has a thunderstorm warning for Thursday.
Some areas might see up to 50mm of rain in a short period, which could cause flash floods.
A phenomenon called a Spanish Plume is causing these storms, carrying warm air from Spain and France.
Weather warnings could change as storm forecasts are complex and unstable.
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The Coldstream Guards celebrated their 375th anniversary by travelling from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where they were originally formed in 1650. The regiment paraded through the town, attended a church service, and will later participate in Trooping the Colour in London.
Key Facts
The Coldstream Guards are the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army.
They were established in Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1650.
The regiment took a train from London to Berwick to mark their 375th anniversary.
They wore ceremonial uniforms and paraded through the town with the Band of the Coldstream Guards.
A church service was held at Berwick Parish Church following the parade.
Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall and the Mayor of Berwick attended an inspection and reception with the soldiers.
The regiment has earned 113 battle honours and 13 Victoria Crosses throughout its history.
After returning to London, they will receive new Colours and participate in Trooping the Colour for the King's official birthday.
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Jenni Hermoso, Spain's top goalscorer, will not be part of their team for the European Championships in Switzerland. Head coach Montse Tome explained that the decision was based on her performance and other player options.
Key Facts
Jenni Hermoso has scored 57 goals in 123 appearances for Spain.
She played in all six qualifiers but last appeared in October 2024.
Hermoso was one of 12 changes to Spain’s World Cup-winning squad.
Former football federation boss Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Hermoso.
Head coach Montse Tome discussed Hermoso's performance and other player roles.
Spain will begin their Euro 2025 campaign against Portugal on 3 July.
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Kagiso Rabada took two wickets in one over during the ICC World Test Championship final, leaving Australia at 16 runs for 2 wickets on the first day at Lord's.
Key Facts
Kagiso Rabada is a cricket player for South Africa.
He got two Australian players out in one over.
Usman Khawaja was dismissed without scoring any runs, which is called a "duck" in cricket.
Cameron Green was the second Australian player to be dismissed by Rabada.
The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship final.
The game is taking place at Lord's cricket ground.
These events happened on the first day of the match.
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The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, held talks in Gibraltar to discuss a potential post-Brexit agreement for the region. He met with Gibraltar's leaders and is moving on to Brussels for further discussions with EU and Spanish officials. These talks aim to resolve issues related to Gibraltar's border with Spain that have remained unresolved since Brexit.
Key Facts
David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, visited Gibraltar for talks about a future agreement after Brexit.
Gibraltar's border issues with Spain have been under discussion since the UK left the EU in 2020.
A deal has not been finalized yet, and some issues remain unresolved.
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, claimed by Spain, with about 15,000 people crossing its border with Spain daily.
Concerns exist that a new EU border system might cause delays at the Gibraltar-Spain border.
A potential deal could make Gibraltar an associate member of the Schengen zone, allowing easier border crossing.
The UK has held Gibraltar since 1713, and a 2002 referendum showed Gibraltar's population strongly supports staying under British control.
Negotiations involve the role of Spanish officials at Gibraltar's airport and port.
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England's national soccer team lost a friendly match 3-1 to Senegal, marking their first defeat under coach Thomas Tuchel. The match, held one year before the 2026 World Cup, led to concerns among fans and criticism from players, although Tuchel urged calm and said there is time to improve before the tournament.
Key Facts
England lost 3-1 to Senegal in a friendly soccer match at the City Ground.
This was Thomas Tuchel's first loss since taking over as England's coach.
Senegal's victory was the first win by an African team against England in 22 attempts.
England had previously won three matches under Tuchel without conceding a goal.
Tuchel became the coach after Gareth Southgate, who led England to several tournament finals.
Some fans and players expressed disappointment with the team's performance.
Tuchel picked a starting team with many changes to test different players.
The 2026 World Cup is one year away, giving Tuchel time to adjust the team.
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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for a vote of confidence in his government after the opposition-backed candidate won the presidential election. Tusk's coalition has enough seats to win the vote, which is scheduled for Wednesday. He also announced upcoming changes to his cabinet and emphasized his belief in the government's mandate.
Key Facts
Donald Tusk is the Prime Minister of Poland and has called for a vote of confidence in his government.
Tusk's coalition holds a 12-seat majority in Poland's lower house of parliament, the Sejm.
The recent presidential election was won by Karol Nawrocki, who is supported by the opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS).
The president in Poland can veto legislation, and Tusk's coalition does not have enough votes to overturn a veto.
Tusk announced a cabinet reshuffle planned for July.
He compared the government's situation to Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek's recent performance, emphasizing perseverance.
Key issues like legal abortion and judicial reform were not addressed in Tusk's speech due to expected opposition.
The European Commission had withheld EU funds over Poland's judicial reform but released them after Tusk's government's assurances.
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South Korea has stopped its loudspeaker broadcasts that send messages across the border to North Korea. This decision aims to improve relations between the two countries, following the election of South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung. The broadcasts were controversial, as they were considered hostile by North Korea and disruptive by South Korean border residents.
Key Facts
South Korea stopped loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea to improve trust between the countries.
The new president of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, supports better relations with North Korea.
North Korea had previously considered the broadcasts as acts of war.
These broadcasts were paused for six years but resumed last June in response to North Korean actions.
Loudspeakers broadcasted news and information about life in South Korea.
Human rights groups criticized the suspension, citing it as a loss for North Korean civilians' information access.
Some border residents welcomed the decision, as the broadcasts were noisy and disruptive.
The suspension does not permanently end the broadcasts, and they could resume if necessary.
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Stargazers in the UK can see a full Strawberry Moon tonight, along with a rare event called a lunar standstill. The Moon will appear lower and larger in the southern sky, and similar conditions won't happen again until 2043.
Key Facts
A full Strawberry Moon will be visible in the UK tonight.
A rare event called a "major lunar standstill" makes the Moon look larger.
The lunar standstill occurs every 18.6 years.
This event causes the Moon to rise and set at its most northerly and southerly points.
Clear skies are expected in parts of England and southern Scotland, making viewing easier.
Cloudy weather is predicted in Northern Ireland, north-west Scotland, and south-west England.
The Moon is called a Strawberry Moon because it aligns with the time Indigenous Americans would harvest wild strawberries.
The Moon might appear red due to its low position in the sky, which affects how light passes through Earth's atmosphere.
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