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UK sea temperatures soar after exceptionally warm Spring

May 22, 2025

Sea temperatures around the UK and Ireland have risen sharply, with some areas now 4°C warmer than normal. This increase is causing concerns about its effects on marine life and could impact people swimming in the area. Scientists link the warmer seas to climate change and expect such marine heatwaves to become more frequent and intense.

Key Facts:

Sea temperatures around the UK and Ireland are now about 4°C warmer than usual in some places.
The west coast of Ireland and parts of Cornwall and Devon are experiencing the most intense heat.
April and early May saw the highest sea temperatures recorded for those months since 45 years ago.
A marine heatwave happens when sea temperatures stay above the seasonal average for over five days.
The current marine heatwave around the UK has lasted about two and a half months, which is unusually long.
Warmer sea temperatures might disrupt marine life, affecting breeding patterns and possibly leading to more jellyfish and harmful algae blooms.
Higher sea temperatures can also increase land temperatures as the heat moves from the ocean to the shore.
In the past, marine heatwaves have brought fish like bluefin tuna into UK waters.

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'I'm a winner' - inside Postecoglou's second season at Tottenham

May 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League, ending a 17-year wait for a trophy. Their coach, Ange Postecoglou, fulfilled his promise to win a title in his second year. There is still uncertainty about whether Postecoglou will stay at the club.

Key Facts:

Tottenham won the Europa League, defeating Manchester United.
This victory ended a 17-year period without trophies for Tottenham.
Ange Postecoglou is Tottenham's head coach and promised to win a trophy in his second season.
Postecoglou hinted at wanting to stay with Tottenham after the win.
There are doubts about Postecoglou's future at the club, despite the victory.
Tottenham's domestic league performance suffered because of their focus on the Europa League.
The club had difficulty signing player Desire Doue, who later joined Paris St-Germain.
Disagreements within the club might affect Postecoglou's decision to stay or leave.

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The Papers: Starmer's 'U-turn' and Trump 'ambush'

May 22, 2025

Keir Starmer changed his decision on the winter fuel payments for pensioners after facing pressure from multiple sources. In a separate situation, there was a confrontation where former U.S. President Donald Trump showed a video to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa claiming that white farmers in South Africa were being harmed and losing their land.

Key Facts:

Keir Starmer decided to reverse cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners.
Pensioners might have to wait over a year for these payments to be restored.
The decision followed pressures after Labour’s poor performance in local elections.
Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with a video about land issues in South Africa.
Trump claimed the video showed white farmers were being harmed and their lands taken.
The issue led to headlines across multiple newspapers, highlighting political tensions.

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UK to sign Chagos deal with Mauritius

May 22, 2025

The UK plans to sign a deal with Mauritius, transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while allowing the UK and US to continue using a military base there for 99 years. The signing ceremony will be virtual, involving both governments, following negotiations that were previously delayed due to political changes in Mauritius and the US.

Key Facts:

The Chagos Islands will be given to Mauritius by the UK.
The UK and US will keep using a military base on the islands for 99 years.
A multi-billion-pound payment is part of the deal.
Political changes in Mauritius and the US delayed the deal.
The agreement aims to maintain UK and US national security interests.
The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius in 1965.
Mauritius has contended it was forced to give up the islands in exchange for independence.
The United Nations has supported Mauritius' claims to sovereignty recently.

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Scientists propose novel way of treating mosquitoes for malaria

May 21, 2025

Scientists at Harvard University have discovered a potential new method to prevent mosquitoes from spreading malaria by treating them with drugs that kill the malaria parasites. This approach involves coating bed nets with these drugs so mosquitoes absorb them through their legs, effectively stopping malaria transmission.

Key Facts:

Researchers at Harvard University propose giving mosquitoes drugs to stop them from spreading malaria.
Malaria is caused by parasites spread by female mosquitoes that drink blood.
Current methods focus on killing mosquitoes with insecticide, but many mosquitoes are now resistant.
The new method uses bed nets coated with drugs that mosquitoes absorb, killing the malaria parasites inside them.
Two drugs were found to kill 100% of malaria parasites in lab settings.
Bed nets treated with these drugs remain effective for a year, providing a cost-effective solution.
The approach is being further tested in Ethiopia, with full results expected in about six years.
The plan is to combine drug treatment with insecticides for a more effective defense against malaria.

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Women with dense breasts should have extra NHS cancer scans, researchers say

May 21, 2025

Researchers suggest that the NHS should offer extra scans for women with very dense breasts to find more cancers. A study by Cambridge University found that using special scans could increase the number of detected cancers in these women.

Key Facts:

Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer, but it’s harder to see these cancers using regular mammograms.
A study involved over 9,000 women and tested new scanning methods besides traditional mammograms.
Enhanced mammograms and fast MRI scans detected more cancers than regular mammograms.
Traditional mammograms find about 8 cancers per 1,000 women; the new methods found 17-19.
If used widely, these techniques could find 3,500 extra cases of cancer each year in the UK.
Women aged 50 to 71 are invited for breast screening every three years in the UK.
A new national cancer plan for England is expected to be released later this year.

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What has changed 10 years after Ireland's marriage referendum?

May 21, 2025

Ten years ago, on May 22, 2015, Ireland voted to legalize same-sex marriage through a national referendum. The vote had more than 62% in favor, leading to over 5,956 same-sex marriages since then. Only one area, Roscommon-South Leitrim, had a majority of "no" votes.

Key Facts:

The referendum to legalize same-sex marriage in Ireland took place on May 22, 2015.
Over 62% of voters supported the change in the constitution.
Ireland was the first country to approve same-sex marriage through a public vote.
More than 5,956 same-sex marriages have occurred since the referendum.
Before the referendum, civil partnerships for same-sex couples were legal in Ireland since 2010.
A total of 1,201,607 people voted "yes," and 734,300 voted "no."
Out of 43 voting areas, only Roscommon-South Leitrim had more "no" votes than "yes."
At the time of the vote, Ireland became the 20th country to legalize same-sex marriage, and now there are 38 countries where it is legal.

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Fans at Tottenham's stadium celebrate Europa League triumph

May 21, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League by defeating Manchester United 1-0. Fans celebrated on the field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after this victory.

Key Facts:

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United with a score of 1-0.
The match took place in Bilbao.
This victory ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a major trophy.
Fans celebrated on the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The event took place 11 hours ago.

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‘Smash the gangs' and end asylum hotels - are government promises being met?

May 21, 2025

The UK government has prioritized tackling illegal immigration and improving the asylum system. However, the number of small boat crossings is increasing, and the promises to end the use of asylum hotels and smash people-smuggling gangs face challenges. The government also struggles with clearing the backlog of asylum cases, even as decisions on applications have increased.

Key Facts:

The prime minister wants to tackle illegal immigration and fix the asylum system.
Small boat crossings by people entering the UK have reached record levels.
The UK government aims to stop using hotels for asylum seekers by 2029, but the numbers have increased.
Hotels are currently housing about 38,000 asylum seekers, costing £8 million daily.
The government promised to disrupt people-smuggling gangs but has not set clear goals or measures for success.
Data on anti-smuggling efforts may be published in the future.
About 43,000 people entered the UK illegally last year, compared to nearly one million legal entries.
The asylum backlog consists of pending claims, which have increased despite more decisions being made.

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Dunkley stars as England beat Windies in first T20

May 21, 2025

England won the first T20 cricket match against West Indies by eight wickets in Canterbury. Hayley Matthews scored an impressive 100 runs for West Indies, but England chased their target easily with Sophia Dunkley scoring 81 not out. This win marks the beginning of a new era for England under captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and coach Charlotte Edwards.

Key Facts:

England won the match by eight wickets.
West Indies scored 146-7 in their innings, with Hayley Matthews scoring 100 runs.
England achieved their target in 16.3 overs, with Sophia Dunkley scoring 81 not out.
Nat Sciver-Brunt is the new captain of the England team, while Charlotte Edwards is the new coach.
England's Heather Knight scored 43 not out, supporting Dunkley.
England bowler Lauren Bell achieved 2 wickets for 29 runs.
The match was part of a three-match T20 series, with the next game taking place in Hove.
West Indies struggled due to injuries to experienced players, putting pressure on Matthews.

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Starmer announces U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts

May 21, 2025

Sir Keir Starmer plans to reverse recent cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners in response to political pressure. These changes aim to expand the number of pensioners eligible for the payments, though the exact details and timeline are not yet clear.

Key Facts:

Sir Keir Starmer announced a reversal on cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners.
More than 10 million pensioners lost out on these payments last year when eligibility became linked to income.
The winter fuel payment originally provided £200 to households with a pensioner under 80 and £300 to those with a pensioner over 80.
Eligibility was previously universal but became limited to those qualifying for pension credit and other income-related benefits.
Political pressure to reverse the cuts has grown, with criticism from unions and party members.
The changes are expected to be part of the autumn Budget, but details on how many will benefit and when are still unknown.
The income threshold for pension credit is £11,800 for individuals and £18,023 for couples.
There are discussions on how to set a new income threshold for eligibility.

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Cross-sex hormones for under 18s could be restricted or banned

May 21, 2025

The UK Health Secretary is considering restricting or banning the private prescription of cross-sex hormones to people under 18. An expert panel will provide a report in July on this issue. A court has dismissed a call for a more extensive judicial review, noting that the government is already addressing the topic.

Key Facts:

The Health Secretary is looking into possible restrictions on private prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for those under 18.
An expert panel is expected to report on the use of these hormones in July.
The court dismissed a request for a full judicial review because the government is actively reviewing the situation.
Cross-sex hormones help people develop physical traits of their identified gender, different from their biological sex.
Current NHS rules allow prescribing these hormones to individuals aged 16 and over.
Puberty blockers, which are different from cross-sex hormones, stop the onset of puberty.
Campaigner Keira Bell, who once took cross-sex hormones, supports the potential ban on private prescriptions.
Government officials are exploring other legal approaches to address private and overseas hormone prescriptions for minors.

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'Lives at stake' in tower block with broken lifts

May 21, 2025

Residents of Balfron Tower in east London are stuck in their homes because the building's two lifts are not working. Some people, including those with disabilities, have difficulty leaving their apartments, which raises safety concerns. The property management company, Way of Life, is investigating the issue and has apologized to affected residents.

Key Facts:

Balfron Tower is a 26-storey building in east London with 146 homes.
The building's two lifts have stopped working, leaving residents stranded.
Some disabled residents cannot leave their homes safely due to the lift issue.
The property management company, Way of Life, is looking into the lift problem.
One resident shared concerns on social media but was asked to remove his post.
The lifts have been out of order for up to a week causing residents to climb many flights of stairs.
The building is known for its brutalist architecture, designed by Ernő Goldfinger.
Way of Life has issued an apology and is investigating staff conduct related to the incident.

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A unique perspective on a turbulent year in the Lake District

May 21, 2025

This BBC program features life in the Lake District as shepherds and sheepdogs manage flocks of pregnant sheep returning from the mountains. The show highlights the maintenance of the area's unique dry stone walls and other wildlife across different regions like the North York Moors and Pembrokeshire Coast.

Key Facts:

The program is part of a series called "A Wild Year - Shorts."
It focuses on shepherds and sheepdogs managing sheep in the Lake District.
The area's dry stone walls are also a focus of maintenance and care.
The episode discussing the Lake District is 9 minutes long.
The show initially aired on February 17, 2017.
This episode is available for viewing for 29 days on BBC iPlayer.
Other episodes in the series include features on the North York Moors and the Pembrokeshire Coast.

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Kneecap member charged with terror offence over display of flag in support of Hezbollah

May 21, 2025

A member of the Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap, known as Mo Chara, has been charged with a terrorism-related offense for allegedly showing a flag supporting the banned group Hezbollah at a London concert. The Metropolitan Police charged Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, and he is scheduled to appear in court in June.

Key Facts:

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, is part of the rap group Kneecap.
He was charged by the Metropolitan Police for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London.
Hezbollah is a banned organization in the UK, and showing support for it is illegal.
The incident took place on November 21, 2024, at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.
Mo Chara is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18.
Kneecap, controversial for their lyrics, maintains they do not support Hezbollah or incite violence.
Footage from Kneecap's past performances is under police review.
Kneecap has faced recent cancellations and criticism, including at the Coachella festival in April.

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'Oh goodness me!' - Grimmond run out in bizarre fashion

May 21, 2025

West Indies cricket player Realeanna Grimmond was out of the game in an unusual way during the first T20 match against England, leaving her team at 47 for 3.

Key Facts:

Realeanna Grimmond is a player for the West Indies women's cricket team.
She was run out in a strange way during a match.
The match was the first T20 game against England.
This game took place in Canterbury.
After her dismissal, West Indies' score was 47 for 3.
The article is about women’s cricket.
The match coverage was available only to UK users.

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Israel fires 'warning shots' near diplomats in West Bank

May 21, 2025

Israeli troops fired warning shots near a group of diplomats visiting the West Bank city of Jenin, leading to condemnations from several countries. The Israeli military stated the diplomats strayed from an approved route, and no injuries were reported. Countries involved, including Spain, France, and Turkey, are demanding an explanation and investigation from Israel.

Key Facts:

Israeli troops fired warning shots near diplomats in Jenin, West Bank.
The Israeli military claimed the diplomats left an approved route.
No one was injured during the incident.
Spain, Egypt, France, Turkey, Ireland, and Italy condemned the action.
Some countries will summon Israeli ambassadors for explanations.
The Palestinian Authority accused Israel of deliberately targeting the delegation.
Israel said it regrets the inconvenience and will investigate internally.
The incident is part of larger Israeli military operations in Jenin.

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Clownfish surprise scientists by shrinking to cope with ocean heat

May 21, 2025

Clownfish, known for their bright orange and white stripes, have been found to shrink in size during marine heatwaves. This size change helps them survive rising ocean temperatures, a phenomenon observed in a study conducted in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, during 2023.

Key Facts:

Clownfish are widely recognized due to their appearance in the film "Finding Nemo."
A study showed clownfish became smaller during heatwaves in 2023.
The study was conducted in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea.
Researchers found that clownfish lost weight and became shorter.
75% of the clownfish studied shrank at least once during the heatwave.
Shrinking helps the fish survive by needing less food and oxygen.
This response to heat is similar to changes seen in other animals due to climate change.
The study's findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

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Stokes hints at England return for Bethell

May 21, 2025

Jacob Bethell, a young cricketer, is likely to rejoin the England team for a series against India starting in June. Bethell impressed during his debut matches in New Zealand and is currently missing a test against Zimbabwe due to his participation in the Indian Premier League.

Key Facts:

Jacob Bethell is 21 years old and impressed in his debut series in New Zealand.
Bethell is currently playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
England captain Ben Stokes hinted that Bethell will be back for the India series starting on 20 June.
Bethell's return might replace either Zak Crawley or Ollie Pope in the England lineup.
Bethell scored half-centuries in each of the three Test matches in New Zealand.
England coach Brendon McCullum supports including young players like Bethell in the team.
Bethell is expected to improve from playing alongside experienced players, like Virat Kohli, in the IPL.
Difference in performance: Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope have average scores of 30.51 and 34.02 in their Test careers, respectively.

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Carapaz wins stage 11 of Giro with late attack

May 21, 2025

Richard Carapaz won stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia after a late attack. Isaac del Toro finished second and kept the overall lead. The stage involved challenging climbs and ended with Carapaz beating Del Toro by 10 seconds.

Key Facts:

Richard Carapaz won stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia.
The stage included a 186-kilometer (about 115 miles) ride from Viareggio to Castelnovo ne' Monti.
There was significant climbing involved, with slopes reaching up to 20%.
Isaac del Toro finished second in the stage and kept the leader's pink jersey.
Carapaz raced for the EF Education-EasyPost team and is the 2019 Giro winner and Tokyo Olympic champion.
Thursday's stage 12 will cover 172 kilometers (about 107 miles) and is mostly flat.
After stage 11, Del Toro leads the general classification, 31 seconds ahead of his teammate Juan Ayuso.

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