July 14, 2025

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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

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Man dies and child injured in shopping centre shooting incident

Man dies and child injured in shopping centre shooting incident

An Irish man died, and a child was injured in a shooting at Fairgreen Shopping Centre in County Carlow. The incident prompted emergency services and bomb disposal teams to respond, and the area is currently secured by police.

Key Facts:

  • A man was killed, and a child was injured in the shooting.
  • The incident occurred at Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow.
  • Emergency services and an army bomb disposal team attended the scene.
  • The police were notified shortly after 6:15 PM local time.
  • The shopping centre was evacuated, and the area is cordoned off.
  • The police said there are no ongoing safety threats but advised against sharing incident footage online.
  • Gun violence is uncommon in Ireland, according to government officials.

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'Are you getting ready for UFC?' How super-fit Draper intimidates Bublik

'Are you getting ready for UFC?' How super-fit Draper intimidates Bublik

Jack Draper, a British tennis player, has quickly climbed the world rankings and is now on the brink of breaking into the top four. He reached the fourth round of the French Open 2025, facing Alexander Bublik. Draper's improvement on clay courts, a surface he previously struggled on, has been significant this year.

Key Facts:

  • Jack Draper is a British tennis player who has moved up the rankings rapidly, nearly reaching a top-four position.
  • He reached the US Open semi-finals last year and won his first ATP Masters title at Indian Wells in 2025.
  • Draper reached the fourth round of the French Open and faces Alexander Bublik, who won recent events in Phoenix and Turin.
  • Draper had never won a match at the French Open before this year but reached the clay final in Madrid.
  • Draper improved his fitness significantly by avoiding past injuries, helping his clay-court game.
  • Jack Draper is considered a potential Grand Slam contender by British tennis fans and former tennis player Tim Henman.
  • Alexander Bublik, Draper's opponent, previously fell in rankings and regained form after taking a break, which included a recreational trip to Las Vegas.
  • For the first time since 1963, two British men, Draper and Cameron Norrie, have reached the fourth round at Roland Garros. Norrie faces Novak Djokovic next.

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Root 'getting better with age' - the numbers behind his ODI brilliance

Root 'getting better with age' - the numbers behind his ODI brilliance

Joe Root became England's top run-scorer in one-day internationals (ODIs) by scoring 166 not out in a match against the West Indies. Root's performance helped England secure a series win despite early challenges in the game.

Key Facts:

  • Joe Root scored 166 not out against the West Indies during a one-day international cricket match.
  • With this score, Root surpassed Eoin Morgan as England's leading run-scorer in ODIs.
  • England faced difficulties at 133-5 while chasing a target of 309 runs but managed to win.
  • Root formed a crucial 143-run partnership with teammate Will Jacks.
  • Root reached his century from 98 balls and hit a six and a four to reach his milestone.
  • Despite England's early mistakes in fielding, Root's batting played a key role in their victory.
  • Root expressed his desire to continue playing as long as he can improve and contribute to the team.
  • Root has a high level of control while batting, with a low false-shot percentage compared to other players.

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Ukraine drones strike 40 bombers during major attack in Russia

Ukraine drones strike 40 bombers during major attack in Russia

Ukraine carried out a significant drone attack on Russian military bases, hitting 40 warplanes at four locations. The operation, called "Spider's Web," involved 117 drones and was organized by Ukraine's SBU security service over a year and a half. Russia labeled these attacks as a "terrorist act," while peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to continue in Istanbul.

Key Facts:

  • Ukraine conducted a large drone attack on Russian military facilities, targeting 40 Russian warplanes.
  • The operation, "Spider's Web," involved 117 drones and was planned by Ukraine's SBU security service.
  • Drones were smuggled into Russia hidden in wooden mobile cabins on trucks.
  • The strikes hit four Russian airbases, including ones in Siberia and north-west Russia.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
  • Ukraine and Russia are attending peace talks in Istanbul, but expectations for progress are low.
  • Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

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Katie Piper: 'Ageing can be compared to a bereavement'

Katie Piper: 'Ageing can be compared to a bereavement'

Katie Piper, a presenter and campaigner, spoke at the Hay Festival in Wales, comparing ageing to bereavement. She discussed her experiences following an acid attack in 2008 and the impact of ageing on perceptions of beauty and power. Piper's new book "Still Beautiful: On Age, Beauty and Owning Your Space" explores her journey and thoughts on embracing ageing.

Key Facts:

  • Katie Piper compared ageing to a form of bereavement during a talk at the Hay Festival in Wales.
  • Piper was attacked in 2008, resulting in numerous surgeries to repair damage to her face and eyesight.
  • Her new book, titled "Still Beautiful: On Age, Beauty and Owning Your Space," is being released this Friday.
  • Piper discussed how women "age out" of the male gaze, sharing that she felt invisible and targeted for derogatory remarks after her attack.
  • She explained that ageing can be a gradual process, similar to slowly losing someone or something.
  • Piper mentioned her experience with age discrimination, including incidents where her appearance led to negative treatment from strangers.
  • Despite challenges, Piper feels positive about ageing and believes it offers a chance to live more authentically, free from societal expectations.
  • Katie Piper mentors victims of acid attacks through the Katie Piper Foundation, helping others navigate similar challenges.

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'I'm over knife attack,' says Salman Rushdie

'I'm over knife attack,' says Salman Rushdie

Sir Salman Rushdie spoke about moving on from the knife attack he suffered in 2022, which left him with serious injuries. While he is preparing to release new works, tight security was present during his recent appearance at the Hay Festival. He discussed various topics, including free speech and events in the U.S., while maintaining a positive outlook for the future.

Key Facts:

  • Salman Rushdie was attacked with a knife in 2022 and his attacker, Hadi Matar, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted murder.
  • The attack left Rushdie with life-changing injuries, including blindness in one eye and damage to his liver and hand.
  • Rushdie recently appeared at the Hay Festival, where he expressed that he has moved on from the attack.
  • Security was heightened at the event with bag checks and sniffer dogs.
  • Rushdie plans to release a short story collection titled "The Eleventh Hour" in November.
  • Rushdie discussed the importance of free speech, and shared his views on the current state of U.S. politics.
  • He reflected on his experience with AI technology, remarking that it failed to replicate his writing style well.
  • Despite his international success, Rushdie humorously commented on authors' financial status, with an exception made for bestselling writers like JK Rowling.

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Root's sparkling 166* steers England to series win

Root's sparkling 166* steers England to series win

England won the second one-day international cricket match against the West Indies by three wickets, securing a series win. Joe Root played a key role by scoring an unbeaten 166, becoming England's top run-scorer in one-day internationals. West Indies scored 308 runs, led by Keacy Carty's 103, but England successfully chased the target with Root's help.

Key Facts:

  • Joe Root scored 166 not out, leading England to chase a target of 309 runs.
  • Root surpassed Eoin Morgan's record to become England's leading run-scorer in one-day internationals.
  • England's victory in Cardiff gave them a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
  • West Indies set a target of 308 runs, with Keacy Carty scoring 103.
  • England achieved the target with seven balls left, finishing at 312-7.
  • Adil Rashid took 4 wickets for 63 runs for England.
  • The West Indies had some fielding and batting struggles, losing their last five wickets for only 50 runs.
  • The final ODI match will be held at The Oval on Tuesday.

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Verstappen 'let himself down' with Russell collision

Verstappen 'let himself down' with Russell collision

During the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for a collision with George Russell, dropping him from fifth to tenth place in the race. Verstappen is now 49 points behind the championship leader, Oscar Piastri of McLaren. The incident led to discussions about driver conduct and race strategies.

Key Facts:

  • Max Verstappen received a 10-second penalty after colliding with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix.
  • The penalty pushed Verstappen from fifth place to tenth in the final standings of the race.
  • Oscar Piastri of McLaren won the race, and Verstappen is now 49 points behind him in the championship.
  • The collision occurred after Verstappen was said to have slowed down, allowing Russell to overtake before he accelerated again.
  • Verstappen was given three penalty points on his racing license, bringing him close to a race ban.
  • The incident happened during the last laps of the race, following a safety car period.
  • Verstappen's race strategy involved a three-stop plan compared to the two stops of the McLaren drivers.
  • Red Bull decided to switch Verstappen to hard tires during the safety car, a decision later questioned by Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner.

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Anderson stars for Lancs in first T20 since 2014

Anderson stars for Lancs in first T20 since 2014

James Anderson returned to T20 Blast cricket after nearly 11 years and helped Lancashire beat Durham with a career-best performance. Anderson's efforts included taking three wickets and contributing to restricting Durham's score. In other matches, Northants Steelbacks, Worcestershire, Somerset, and Sussex secured wins in their respective games.

Key Facts:

  • James Anderson played his first T20 Blast game in almost 11 years, taking 3 wickets for 17 runs.
  • Lancashire Lightning won against Durham by four wickets.
  • Northants Steelbacks defeated Leicestershire Foxes by five wickets.
  • Worcestershire beat Yorkshire by 60 runs, with Brett D'Oliveira scoring 79 runs.
  • In South Group, Glamorgan won against Middlesex, with Mason Crane taking 4 wickets for 28 runs.
  • Sussex defeated Gloucestershire by 80 runs, bowling them out for 93 runs.
  • The games mentioned involve teams from both the North and South Groups of the T20 Blast competition.

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Essex Boys killer Michael Steele released from jail

Essex Boys killer Michael Steele released from jail

Michael Steele, who was convicted of the 1995 murders of three men known as the Essex Boys, has been released from prison at the age of 82. The Parole Board approved his release after a risk assessment found he was no longer a threat to the public. Steele will remain under strict probation supervision for the rest of his life.

Key Facts:

  • Michael Steele, aged 82, was jailed for life in 1998 for the murder of three men: Tony Tucker, Pat Tate, and Craig Rolfe.
  • The murders occurred in 1995 when the three victims were shot in a Range Rover in Essex.
  • Steele has always denied committing these murders.
  • He was released from prison after the Parole Board determined he was not a risk to public safety.
  • Steele will be on a permanent licence and closely monitored, meaning he could return to prison if he breaks any rules.
  • His co-defendant, Jack Whomes, was also released from prison in 2021.
  • Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood initially challenged Steele's release, but the decision was upheld after further review.
  • The case has been widely covered in media and documentaries, examining its links to crime and rave culture in the 1990s.

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'I fought myself in the mind' - Alcaraz beats Shelton to reach quarters

'I fought myself in the mind' - Alcaraz beats Shelton to reach quarters

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the French Open quarter-finals after winning a four-set match against Ben Shelton. This win marked his 100th victory on a clay court in professional tournaments. He will face Tommy Paul next in the competition.

Key Facts:

  • Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion in the French Open 2025.
  • Alcaraz won against American player Ben Shelton in four sets: 7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
  • The match took place on Court Philippe Chatrier.
  • The match lasted three hours and 19 minutes.
  • Alcaraz reached his 100th win on a clay court in the ATP Tour with this match.
  • The 22-year-old Spaniard fought mental struggles during the match but managed to overcome them.
  • Alcaraz will play against Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals.
  • Frances Tiafoe, another American player, also advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Germany's Daniel Altmaier.

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Not redemption but release - how Yates finally conquered the Giro

Not redemption but release - how Yates finally conquered the Giro

Simon Yates won the Giro d'Italia in Rome, marking his second Grand Tour victory after facing several setbacks in previous races. Yates' strategic performance on the penultimate stage helped him secure the leader's pink jersey and ultimately the win.

Key Facts:

  • Simon Yates is a British cyclist.
  • Yates won the Giro d'Italia in 2023, which is part of the three major cycling races known as Grand Tours.
  • His victory follows a history of challenges in this race, including illness and injuries.
  • Yates first attempted to win the Giro in 2018 but faced a major setback before the finish.
  • Before his 2023 win, Yates had not been considered a top favorite.
  • Yates previously won the Vuelta a Espana, another Grand Tour, in 2018.
  • The Dutch team Visma-Lease a Bike supported his win, using strategic planning.
  • Yates rode for different teams since turning professional, joining Visma-Lease a Bike for this victory.

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Former Race Across the World contestant dies in crash

Former Race Across the World contestant dies in crash

Former Race Across the World contestant Sam Gardiner died following a car crash in Greater Manchester. The 24-year-old was driving when his car went off the road and overturned. He passed away in the hospital due to his injuries.

Key Facts:

  • Sam Gardiner, aged 24, died after a car crash on the A34 near Manchester.
  • He was the only person in the car when it went off the road and landed on its side.
  • Sam was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries on Thursday.
  • Sam participated in the BBC's Race Across the World show in 2020 with his mother, Jo.
  • On the show, they traveled across South America but did not compete in the final due to lack of funds.
  • Sam was a landscape gardener and had been working on the west coast of Scotland.
  • Family members described Sam as energetic, joyful, and loved by the public.
  • His family has asked for privacy to grieve his death.

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Britain's Yates seals first Giro title in Rome

Britain's Yates seals first Giro title in Rome

Simon Yates, a British cyclist, won his first Giro d'Italia title in Rome. He took the lead during the second-to-last stage and maintained it to the end. This victory marked his second Grand Tour win, making him the second British male cyclist to achieve this feat.

Key Facts:

  • Simon Yates won the Giro d'Italia by a margin of three minutes and 56 seconds.
  • This is Yates' second Grand Tour title; he previously won the Vuelta a España in 2018.
  • Yates became the third British rider to win the Giro, after Chris Froome and Tao Geoghegan Hart.
  • He regained the lead on the penultimate climb of stage 20, starting the day in third place.
  • The final stage included a special visit and address from the Pope to the cyclists.
  • Yates' team, Visma, celebrated their third stage win of the race.
  • This victory came seven years after Yates experienced a major setback in the 2018 Giro.
  • Yates plans to support his teammate Jonas Vingegaard at this year's Tour de France.

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'My mother killed my father, but I fought for nine years to get her freed'

'My mother killed my father, but I fought for nine years to get her freed'

David Challen successfully campaigned for the release of his mother, Sally Challen, who was imprisoned for killing his father. Sally's release was possible due to new laws recognizing "coercive control" as a form of domestic abuse, which was a key issue in their case.

Key Facts:

  • Sally Challen was jailed for life in 2011 for killing her husband, Richard.
  • She was freed in 2019 after her murder conviction was overturned.
  • The law recognizing coercive control as domestic abuse was passed in England and Wales in 2015.
  • Coercive control involves patterns of psychological manipulation or abuse.
  • David Challen now campaigns against domestic abuse and has written a book about his family's experiences.
  • The family lived in a seemingly normal suburban home in Claygate, Surrey, where abuse was hidden.
  • David said the term "coercive control" helped him and his mother understand their situation.

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John Wick spin-off Ballerina and Switch 2 launches - what's coming up this week

John Wick spin-off Ballerina and Switch 2 launches - what's coming up this week

This week, the new John Wick spin-off movie "Ballerina" releases, featuring a ballerina-turned-assassin. The Nintendo Switch 2 also debuts, bringing advanced features to gamers. Additionally, TikTok star Addison Rae releases her first music album titled "Addison."

Key Facts:

  • "Ballerina," a spin-off from the John Wick series, is out this Friday and follows a ballerina-turned-assassin named Eve.
  • The film is set during the events of "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" and is directed by Len Wiseman.
  • Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick, although his role may be limited.
  • The Nintendo Switch 2, a new gaming console with a brighter screen and more power, launches this week.
  • The Switch 2 controller can be used like a computer mouse, which enhances gaming experiences.
  • The console and its games are pricier, with games like Mario Kart World costing around £74.99.
  • Addison Rae, popular on TikTok, is releasing her debut album "Addison," which includes co-written songs inspired by artists Charli XCX and Madonna.
  • Five songs from Addison's album are already out, with "Diet Pepsi" reaching the UK Top 10 singles chart.

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PSG hold parade to mark Champions League victory

PSG hold parade to mark Champions League victory

Paris St-Germain (PSG) won their first Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan 5-0. The team celebrated with a parade in Paris, but this followed disturbances across France, including violent incidents that resulted in deaths and injuries. Despite these issues, PSG held their victory parade and were welcomed by France's president.

Key Facts:

  • PSG beat Inter Milan 5-0 to win their first Champions League title.
  • A parade took place in Paris, running from the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.
  • There was a strong police presence due to earlier unrest across France that left two people dead.
  • In the unrest, 192 people were injured and 491 people were arrested in Paris.
  • Twenty-two police officers and seven firefighters were injured; 264 vehicles were set on fire.
  • A car hit PSG fans in Grenoble, injuring four people from the same family.
  • PSG condemned the violence, stating it doesn't reflect the actions of most supporters.
  • The victory parade had a maximum attendance of 100,000 people and included a visit to meet France's president.

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Two Scots shot dead in Spain had criminal gang links

Two Scots shot dead in Spain had criminal gang links

Two Scottish men, Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan, were killed in a shooting at a bar in Spain. Both men had connections to a criminal gang in Glasgow. A masked gunman attacked the crowded bar and then escaped by car.

Key Facts:

  • Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan were shot dead at Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola, Spain.
  • The shooting occurred just after 11 PM on a Saturday night.
  • The gunman was masked and fled in a car after the attack.
  • Ross Monaghan had previously been linked to the murder of Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll, a notable gang figure, but was acquitted.
  • Monaghan had also been injured in a shooting in Glasgow in 2017.
  • Eddie Lyons Jr was wounded in a separate attack in 2006.
  • The Lyons and Daniel crime families have had a longstanding feud involving violent incidents.
  • Recent shootings in the Costa del Sol may be linked to drug-related crimes.

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'Like I was playing Sinner' - Swiatek battles to beat Rybakina

'Like I was playing Sinner' - Swiatek battles to beat Rybakina

Iga Swiatek won a hard-fought match against Elena Rybakina at the French Open to reach the quarter-finals. Swiatek, aiming for her fifth French Open win, will face Elina Svitolina next. Svitolina beat Jasmine Paolini to advance in the tournament.

Key Facts:

  • Iga Swiatek is the defending champion at the French Open.
  • Swiatek came from behind to beat Elena Rybakina with scores of 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.
  • Swiatek has won 25 consecutive matches at the French Open.
  • Swiatek will play against Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals.
  • Elina Svitolina won against Jasmine Paolini, overcoming three match points.
  • Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka also reached the quarter-finals, marking her 10th straight Grand Slam quarter-final appearance.
  • Swiatek has not won a title since her victory in Paris a year ago.

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Prison officers should be armed, say Conservatives

Prison officers should be armed, say Conservatives

The Conservative Party in the UK suggests that prison officers should be equipped with more protective gear, such as Tasers and baton rounds, to handle violent inmates. This proposal follows a review and aims to increase safety, while a trial for using Tasers is set to begin this summer in select prisons.

Key Facts:

  • The Conservative Party proposes that prison officers should have access to Tasers and baton rounds in high-security prisons.
  • These weapons are intended for use as a last resort to manage violent situations.
  • Prison officers currently carry an extendable baton and Pava spray, a type of pepper spray.
  • A trial to introduce Tasers to some prison officers is planned for the summer.
  • The Prison Officers' Association (POA) supports the call for stronger protection due to recent attacks on staff.
  • The Ministry of Justice argues against lethal weapons, saying they could increase risk to officers.
  • The Conservatives also propose providing high-collar stab vests to frontline officers.
  • Labour criticized the Conservatives, mentioning past reductions in prison places and increased assaults on staff during their time in office.

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