June 18, 2025

The Actual News

Just the Facts

Home News

Latest news and developments in Home

England thrash Windies to seal 3-0 series win

England thrash Windies to seal 3-0 series win

England won the third one-day international cricket match against the West Indies by seven wickets, completing a 3-0 series victory. Jamie Smith's fast scoring helped England reach their target quickly, while Adil Rashid took key wickets for England in bowling. Harry Brook, England's new captain, successfully led the team in his first series as leader.

Key Facts:

  • England defeated the West Indies by seven wickets in the third one-day international match at The Oval.
  • The victory secured England a 3-0 series win over the West Indies.
  • Jamie Smith scored 64 runs from 28 balls, his first half-century in a one-day international match.
  • England chased a target of 246 runs in just 29.4 overs.
  • Adil Rashid took three wickets, giving away 40 runs, to help limit the West Indies to 251-9 in 40 overs.
  • Gudakesh Motie scored 63 runs for the West Indies, supporting their struggling innings.
  • Harry Brook led England to their first one-day international series win since 2022, following changes in the team after recent tournament performances.

Source Information

Kirby announces England retirement before Euros

Kirby announces England retirement before Euros

Fran Kirby, an attacking midfielder for England, has retired from international football. She decided to retire before the European Championships and confirmed her decision in an interview with BBC Sport. Kirby, who has played in 77 international matches, is recognized for her significant contributions to England's Euro 2022 victory.

Key Facts:

  • Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football.
  • She has played 77 matches for the England women's national team, also known as the Lionesses.
  • Kirby was planning to retire after the upcoming European Championships but was not selected for the squad.
  • Her last appearance for England was in a 6-0 win over Portugal.
  • She has won numerous titles with Chelsea, including seven Women's Super League titles and five Women's FA Cups.
  • Kirby played a key role in England's Euro 2022 win, starting all the games and scoring twice.
  • Her career has been affected by injuries and health issues, including a knee injury that prevented her from playing in the 2023 World Cup.

Source Information

Suspended Met officer spent five years on full pay

Suspended Met officer spent five years on full pay

A senior officer from the Metropolitan Police, Cdr Julian Bennett, was dismissed after a nearly five-year process. He was suspended in July 2020 for refusing to take a drug test and later dismissed for gross misconduct.

Key Facts:

  • Cdr Julian Bennett was suspended from the Metropolitan Police from July 2020.
  • He was on full pay during his suspension.
  • He refused to take a required drug test.
  • He was initially dismissed in October 2023, but the decision was appealed.
  • The Police Appeals Tribunal ordered a new hearing, which found him guilty of gross misconduct.
  • Allegations that he used cannabis and gave false reasons for refusing the test were not proven.
  • Mr. Bennett was previously involved in writing a drug strategy for the Met.
  • Following his dismissal, he will be added to a list that bars employment in police-related roles.

Source Information

Major new search for Madeleine McCann

Major new search for Madeleine McCann

This article announces a major new search for Madeleine McCann, a girl who went missing years ago. It also mentions political changes happening in Poland and the Netherlands.

Key Facts:

  • Madeleine McCann is a girl who disappeared in 2007.
  • Authorities have started a new search to find her.
  • The search is happening as of June 2025.
  • Political changes are also occurring in Poland and the Netherlands.
  • The article is from BBC Sounds and was released on June 3, 2025.
  • The program is available to listen to for over a year.

Source Information

MI5 lied ‘deliberately and repeatedly’ in neo-Nazi spy case, BBC tells High Court

MI5 lied ‘deliberately and repeatedly’ in neo-Nazi spy case, BBC tells High Court

A BBC investigation claims that MI5 lied on purpose about their handling of a neo-Nazi agent who harmed women. The BBC is asking for contempt of court charges against MI5, despite MI5's apology and claims that any errors were not intentional. Judges are deciding on the case, which questions MI5's credibility and secrecy policy.

Key Facts:

  • MI5 is accused of lying about a neo-Nazi agent who misused his role.
  • The BBC presented evidence that MI5 gave false information to courts.
  • MI5 issued an apology but said the mistakes were not deliberate.
  • Judges are currently deciding on possible contempt of court charges.
  • The case involves MI5's secrecy policy, which usually keeps information confidential.
  • The woman affected by the agent's actions is pursuing a separate legal claim.
  • The case challenges how MI5's evidence is viewed by the courts.
  • Contempt of court can lead to fines or prison if it hinders justice.

Source Information

What we know about killings near US-Israeli backed Gaza aid site

What we know about killings near US-Israeli backed Gaza aid site

Over the last three days, several incidents near an aid distribution site in Gaza resulted in deaths. The site, managed by a group supported by the US and Israel, saw violence allegedly involving Israeli military fire. Israel has denied firing on civilians, stating only warning shots were fired.

Key Facts:

  • Three incidents occurred near a new aid site in southwest Gaza.
  • The first incident on Sunday resulted in 31 Palestinian deaths, according to local officials.
  • Two more incidents on Monday and Tuesday led to additional deaths.
  • Israel denies targeting civilians and claims only suspects were fired upon.
  • The aid site, SDS 1, started operating on May 26 but faced challenges, including site crowding and safety issues.
  • The aid system, led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is criticized for bypassing the UN.
  • The site directs civilians to approach via a specific road, raising safety concerns.

Source Information

Has good weather helped to fuel record small boat crossings?

Has good weather helped to fuel record small boat crossings?

The Home Office reported a record number of "red days" in 2024-25, indicating favorable weather for small boat crossings in the English Channel. Alongside weather conditions, overcrowding in small boats has increased, contributing to a rise in migrant crossings this year.

Key Facts:

  • In 2024-25, there were 190 "red days" that favored small boat crossings, marking an 80% increase from the previous year.
  • "Red days" are when the weather is likely or highly likely to support small boat crossings, as assessed by the Met Office.
  • So far in the current year, 14,812 people have crossed in small boats, about 40% more than in the same period last year.
  • Nearly 1,200 people crossed the Channel in small boats on one Saturday alone.
  • The government links good weather conditions to the increase in crossings.
  • Overcrowding on boats has increased, with 33 boats carrying 80 or more people in the year to April 2025, compared to 11 the previous year.
  • The total number of boats used for crossings dropped from 1,116 in 2021-22 to 738 last year.
  • The Home Office attributes the record number of deaths last year to overcrowding in unsafe boats orchestrated by people smugglers.

Source Information

House fire victims include former death row inmate

House fire victims include former death row inmate

A house fire in County Galway, Ireland, resulted in the deaths of Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs and Kevin Kelly. Ms. Jacobs was known for being wrongfully convicted and spending 17 years in prison in the U.S. for murders she did not commit.

Key Facts:

  • Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs and Kevin Kelly were found dead after a house fire in County Galway, Ireland.
  • The fire occurred in a rural area near Casla, Connemara, and started around 06:20 local time on Tuesday.
  • Ms. Jacobs was a U.S. woman who spent 17 years in prison after being wrongfully sentenced for killing two police officers in Florida in 1976.
  • Her death penalty was changed to a life sentence, and she was later released when evidence came to light.
  • After her release, she moved to Ireland, married Peter Pringle, who also had been wrongly convicted, and worked to support others in similar situations.
  • The house fire's cause is being investigated, but foul play is not suspected.
  • Gardaí (Irish police) are asking for witnesses to come forward with information about the fire.
  • The bodies have been sent to University Hospital Galway for post-mortem examinations.

Source Information

World Boxing sorry for naming Khelif in rule change

World Boxing sorry for naming Khelif in rule change

World Boxing apologized for publicly naming Olympic champion Imane Khelif in its announcement about mandatory sex testing. The organization stated that Khelif will not be able to compete in women's events until she completes the required testing but acknowledged that her privacy should have been protected.

Key Facts:

  • Imane Khelif, an Olympic boxing champion from Algeria, was mentioned in a new policy by World Boxing for mandatory sex testing.
  • Khelif won a gold medal in women's welterweight boxing at the Paris Olympics.
  • World Boxing apologized for not keeping Khelif's matter private, as it should have protected her privacy.
  • The organization stated that Khelif cannot compete in women's categories until she undergoes the required sex testing.
  • This decision follows past controversies where Khelif and another fighter were disqualified from a 2023 championship for failing gender eligibility tests.
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had allowed Khelif to compete in the Paris Olympics because her passport listed her as female.
  • World Boxing's new testing policy is intended to ensure fair competition and the safety of all participants.
  • The IOC noted that determining eligibility is the responsibility of each sport's international governing body.

Source Information

Two Scots were shot dead in a busy Spanish bar. Holidaymakers are frightened

Two Scots were shot dead in a busy Spanish bar. Holidaymakers are frightened

A double murder occurred in Fuengirola, Spain, at a busy bar where two Scottish men, Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr, were shot. Although there is no visible police presence at the crime scene, an elite anti-drug and organized crime unit is investigating the case.

Key Facts:

  • The shooting took place in a bar on the Costa Del Sol, a popular tourist area in Spain.
  • Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr, both from Scotland, were killed.
  • Witnesses included Scottish tourists who were at the bar watching a football match.
  • The bar was the only establishment closed the day after the shooting.
  • The Spanish police, who usually do not provide much information during active investigations, are handling the case.
  • The mayor of Fuengirola has stated that police need more resources to combat organized crime.
  • An elite anti-drug and organized crime unit is leading the investigation.

Source Information

Intruder arrested in Windsor Castle grounds

Intruder arrested in Windsor Castle grounds

An intruder was arrested after entering restricted grounds at Windsor Castle on Sunday afternoon. He was stopped by police before entering the inner parts of the castle and was later arrested for trespassing and possessing illegal drugs.

Key Facts:

  • An intruder entered restricted grounds at Windsor Castle on Sunday just after 1:00 PM.
  • He was quickly confronted by Metropolitan Police officers.
  • The man is in his 30s and did not reach the innermost areas of the castle.
  • He was arrested for suspicion of trespassing and having class A drugs.
  • Trespassing on a protected site is illegal under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act.
  • The man has been released on bail while police continue to investigate.

Source Information

Schoolgirl known as Child Q 'physically violated' in police strip search, hearing told

Schoolgirl known as Child Q 'physically violated' in police strip search, hearing told

A 15-year-old girl, referred to as Child Q, was strip-searched by police at her school in 2020 when she was suspected of carrying cannabis. No cannabis was found, and the search happened without an appropriate adult present. A misconduct hearing for the officers involved is underway, focusing on whether the search was inappropriate and influenced by racial bias.

Key Facts:

  • Child Q was strip-searched by police in her school in December 2020.
  • The search was conducted while she was on her period and without an appropriate adult.
  • No cannabis was found during the search.
  • The case is being reviewed by a tribunal in south-east London focusing on police conduct.
  • Officers involved deny claims of gross misconduct.
  • There are allegations that the officers gave a misleading account of the search.
  • The incident led to protests and raised concerns about racial bias, as Child Q is black.
  • The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is handling the case.

Source Information

Anger as Oxford rail line classed as England and Wales project

Anger as Oxford rail line classed as England and Wales project

A new railway line between Oxford and Cambridge, costing £6.6 billion, is categorized as an "England and Wales project," even though no tracks will be laid in Wales. This classification means Wales will not receive extra funding, leading to criticism from Welsh leaders who believe the system is unfair. The UK government states the project is financed through its rail network improvements, which also support schemes in Wales.

Key Facts:

  • The new railway line will cost £6.6 billion and will connect Oxford and Cambridge.
  • No part of the railway tracks will be laid in Wales.
  • The project is classified as an "England and Wales" initiative, affecting funding distribution.
  • This classification prevents Wales from receiving extra funding under the current rules.
  • Welsh leaders, including MP David Chadwick, expressed concern about the lack of funding for Wales.
  • The UK government uses the "rail network enhancements pipeline" to finance the project.
  • The Barnett Formula is a funding system for devolved nations like Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
  • Previous issues with HS2, a similar project, also led to Wales not receiving additional funds.

Source Information

Jeremy Bowen: Killings near aid centre will deepen criticism of Israel's new distribution system

Jeremy Bowen: Killings near aid centre will deepen criticism of Israel's new distribution system

Early on Tuesday, witnesses and medical teams reported violence when Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians near a new aid distribution center in southern Gaza. This new aid system, managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and backed by Israel and the United States, has faced criticism for its chaotic organization and the dangers it poses to civilians seeking food and aid.

Key Facts:

  • Israeli troops fired at Palestinians near a new aid site in southern Gaza.
  • An official Israeli military statement said the troops fired warning shots at "suspects" who approached Israeli forces.
  • The new aid distribution is managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which uses private security and operates under Israeli military control.
  • The system replaces a distribution method run by the UN and involves traveling through war-torn areas to receive aid.
  • Criticism of the system includes claims of chaos and danger, with stronger people often taking aid while weaker individuals may receive nothing.
  • UN officials and aid workers have expressed concerns about the system's effectiveness and fairness.
  • The head of the GHF resigned, citing challenges in adhering to humanitarian principles.
  • The situation highlights wider tensions around Israel's approach to aid distribution and its impact on civilians in Gaza.

Source Information

Dutch government collapses after far-right leader quits coalition

Dutch government collapses after far-right leader quits coalition

The Dutch government collapsed after Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Freedom Party, withdrew his support from the coalition. Prime Minister Dick Schoof resigned and plans to offer his cabinet's resignation to King Willem-Alexander. Schoof's ministers are expected to stay in temporary roles until a new election is scheduled.

Key Facts:

  • Geert Wilders leads the far-right, anti-immigration Freedom Party (PVV).
  • Wilders' withdrawal ended a governing coalition formed less than a year ago.
  • Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced his resignation following Wilders' decision.
  • Schoof and his ministers are expected to serve in caretaker roles until new elections.
  • Wilders demanded 10 extra asylum measures, which were not agreed upon by the coalition.
  • The coalition included the Freedom Party, conservative-liberal VVD, Farmers' Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist New Social Contract.
  • Wilders aims to make his party bigger in the upcoming elections, focusing on the asylum issue.
  • The current government had not made significant concrete plans, so immediate economic impacts are minimal.

Source Information

Sabalenka to face Swiatek in blockbuster semi-final

Sabalenka to face Swiatek in blockbuster semi-final

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one in tennis, will compete against Iga Swiatek in the French Open semi-finals. Sabalenka overcame Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals, while Swiatek defeated Elina Svitolina. Swiatek has won the French Open multiple times before, and this will be an important match for both players.

Key Facts:

  • Aryna Sabalenka is currently ranked world number one in women's tennis.
  • Iga Swiatek, from Poland, is a three-time defending champion at the French Open.
  • Sabalenka beat Zheng Qinwen with scores of 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.
  • Swiatek defeated Elina Svitolina with scores of 6-1, 7-5.
  • The semi-final match will be held at the French Open tournament in Paris.
  • Sabalenka aims to win her first French Open title.
  • Swiatek has a winning record against Sabalenka, leading 8-4 in their match history.
  • Aryna Sabalenka has won three titles this year, including one on clay in Madrid.

Source Information

'A clear idea' - what is Man Utd's transfer strategy?

'A clear idea' - what is Man Utd's transfer strategy?

In recent days, Manchester United has made moves to strengthen their team. They've agreed to sign Matheus Cunha and are in talks for Bryan Mbeumo, while Bruno Fernandes has decided to stay, and Jadon Sancho will return with a £5 million payment from Chelsea.

Key Facts:

  • Manchester United has agreed to sign Matheus Cunha.
  • The club is in discussions with Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo for a potential transfer.
  • Bruno Fernandes opted to stay with Manchester United instead of moving to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
  • Jadon Sancho will return to the team, along with a £5 million payment from Chelsea.
  • Manchester United is focusing on adding younger players who have Premier League experience.
  • Recent signings include Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and potential interest in Bryan Mbeumo.
  • The team aims to improve its attack, as stated by their head coach, Ruben Amorim.

Source Information

Brits accused of drug smuggling appear in Bali court

Brits accused of drug smuggling appear in Bali court

The trial of three British citizens accused of smuggling drugs in Indonesia has started. Jon Collyer, Lisa Stocker, and Phineas Float, who were arrested in Bali, could face the death penalty or long prison terms if found guilty. Balinese authorities say Collyer and Stocker were caught with cocaine worth around £300,000.

Key Facts:

  • Three British people are on trial in Indonesia for drug smuggling.
  • Jon Collyer and Lisa Stocker were arrested with 994 grams of cocaine.
  • Phineas Float was allegedly supposed to receive the drugs and was arrested later.
  • All three are from East Sussex, England.
  • They could face the death penalty under Indonesian law.
  • Indonesia has paused executions since 2017 but still gives severe punishments for drug crimes.
  • Lawyer Sheiny Pangkahila has been representing the defendants since February.
  • If convicted, they may face 15-20 years in prison.

Source Information

Driver who dragged police officers down road with car is jailed

Driver who dragged police officers down road with car is jailed

Lauren Baird from Aberdeen was sentenced to 18 months in jail after driving off with two police officers hanging on her car, causing them minor injuries. The incident happened after she was stopped for driving without insurance. Baird admitted to dangerous behavior and providing false information to the police.

Key Facts:

  • Lauren Baird is from Aberdeen and is 43 years old.
  • She drove away with two police officers hanging onto her car on July 10, 2023.
  • The incident occurred on the B9152 road between Kincraig and Rotheimurchas, near Aviemore.
  • Baird's actions were captured on dashcam footage.
  • She admitted to dangerous behavior and trying to mislead the police by giving false details.
  • The police officers involved avoided serious injuries but needed medical treatment.
  • Baird was also banned from driving for 43 months.
  • Police Scotland welcomed the conviction and highlighted the danger of the situation.

Source Information

What Draper must do to bridge Sinner & Alcaraz gap

What Draper must do to bridge Sinner & Alcaraz gap

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.

Source Information