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Struggles down to off-field issues and injury - Foden

May 21, 2025

Phil Foden, a Manchester City soccer player, has struggled this season due to off-field issues and an ankle injury. Last season, he was very successful but this year, he has faced challenges and hasn't scored in his last 19 games. Foden is working on recovering both physically and mentally to get back to his best form.

Key Facts:

Phil Foden is a midfielder for Manchester City and is 24 years old.
He played very well last season, scoring 19 goals and winning many awards.
This season, Foden scored only 10 goals in all competitions.
He injured his ankle in a game against Manchester United in April and has been struggling since.
Foden experienced negative chants from fans and mentioned personal challenges affecting his performance.
Manchester City aims to secure a Champions League spot with their next match.
The team will compete in the Club World Cup in the US starting 14 June.
Foden is considering whether to rest his ankle during upcoming international games.

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Mark Gordon blames baby's death on police manhunt, court hears

May 21, 2025

The court heard that Mark Gordon blamed a police manhunt for the death of his baby, Victoria. He and his partner, Constance Marten, denied charges related to the baby's death. Victoria's body was found in a shed two months after Gordon and Marten went on the run.

Key Facts:

Mark Gordon testified in a London court and blamed police actions for his newborn's death.
Gordon and his partner, Constance Marten, are charged with manslaughter by gross negligence and related offenses.
Victoria's body was discovered in a Brighton shed in March 2023.
Gordon and Marten were previously found guilty of other charges in connection with the case.
Gordon claims that a police manhunt caused unexpected events leading to the baby's death.
Gordon believes the couple was unfairly targeted, describing the manhunt as unnecessary.
Victoria was the couple's fifth child, with their first four children being previously removed from their care.
The trial is ongoing, and Gordon asked for understanding of their mental state during the events.

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Tommy Robinson charged with harassment

May 21, 2025

Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been charged with harassment that caused fear of violence against two men in August of last year. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 5, 2025.

Key Facts:

Tommy Robinson is a far-right activist.
His real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
He is charged with harassment causing fear of violence.
The charges are related to an incident involving two men.
The incident occurred in August of the previous year.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges.
He is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court.
The court date is June 5, 2025.

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Has F1's iconic Monaco Grand Prix become boring?

May 21, 2025

The Monaco Grand Prix is a famous race known for its historic and glamorous setting, running since 1950. While it's an iconic event, criticism has grown about the lack of overtaking due to narrow streets and large modern cars, leading to talks about potentially dropping it from the schedule. However, officials extended its contract for another six years starting in 2024.

Key Facts:

The Monaco Grand Prix is considered one of the top events in motorsport, part of the unofficial triple crown, which also includes the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans.
The race takes place on narrow streets with tight turns, making overtaking very difficult.
In the 2024 race, there were only four overtakes during 78 laps, with the top 10 drivers finishing in the same order they started.
The event is usually more focused on Saturday's qualifying rather than the race itself due to the difficulty in passing.
The Monaco Grand Prix has been a part of the Formula 1 calendar permanently since 1955, except for 2020 due to coronavirus disruptions.
The race's contract was extended for another six years in 2024 after debates about its future.
Drivers express mixed feelings, acknowledging the race can be boring but still view it as a prestigious and meaningful event to win.

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Footballer admits plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis

May 21, 2025

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a professional footballer, admitted to being involved in a plan to smuggle cannabis worth £600,000 from Thailand to the UK. He was arrested after 60 kilograms of cannabis were found in suitcases at London Stansted Airport. He was later dismissed from his football club, and will be sentenced at a future date.

Key Facts:

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is a footballer who played for clubs like Arsenal and Aberdeen.
He was involved in a plan to smuggle cannabis from Thailand to the UK.
60 kilograms of cannabis were discovered at London Stansted Airport.
Emmanuel-Thomas was dismissed by Greenock Morton FC after his arrest.
The case investigation was carried out by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Charges against two other individuals were dropped after further investigation.
The maximum penalty for smuggling cannabis into the UK is 14 years in prison.

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Bella Culley not 'far from childhood', says lawyer

May 21, 2025

Bella Culley, an 18-year-old from the UK, is being held in a Georgian prison on drug-related charges. She is waiting for a trial while her lawyer, who specializes in juvenile law, communicates with her through a translator.

Key Facts:

Bella Culley is held in Georgia for allegedly possessing and importing a large amount of drugs.
Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, was appointed by her family and described her as "not far from childhood."
She is detained for 55 days while an investigation takes place.
Bella was found with 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish at Tbilisi International Airport.
She is currently imprisoned in Rustavi, awaiting trial.
Bella's family is in contact with the British Foreign Office for support.
If found guilty, she could face up to 20 years or life in prison.
The British Embassy has advised her family not to speak to the media.

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Archer ruled out of Windies ODIs through injury

May 21, 2025

Jofra Archer, a fast bowler for the England cricket team, will not play in the upcoming one-day international matches against the West Indies due to a thumb injury. Luke Wood will replace him in the squad. This series is also the first for Harry Brook as England's captain, and it is crucial for their World Cup qualification.

Key Facts:

Jofra Archer is out of the one-day series against West Indies because of a right thumb injury.
Archer got injured while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
Luke Wood, who has played two international one-day matches before, will replace Archer.
The one-day series starts on 29 May 2025.
England's new white-ball captain is Harry Brook.
The series results could affect England's qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Archer missed the squad for a three-match T20 series to play in four-day matches for England Lions.
Archer last played Test cricket in February 2021 and has dealt with back and elbow injuries since then.

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Starmer's winter fuel U-turn seeks to calm Labour nerves

May 21, 2025

Sir Keir Starmer has decided to change his plan about who gets the winter fuel payment, a type of financial help for heating bills. Originally, the plan meant only those with lower incomes would get it, but after facing criticism from many, including Labour Party members, the decision has been reversed to allow more pensioners to qualify.

Key Facts:

Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves originally decided to limit the winter fuel payment to those meeting specific income criteria.
The policy faced backlash and was believed to have contributed to poor results for the Labour Party in local elections.
Starmer announced a change to allow more pensioners to qualify for the winter fuel payment.
Some Labour Party members disagreed on whether the policy was inherently flawed or if it was communicated poorly.
The original policy aimed to show the seriousness of the government’s financial situation and willingness to make hard decisions.
The broader context includes other controversial economic policies, with growing discontent over welfare cuts.
Rachel Reeves’ decision to reverse the policy has faced internal criticism within the Labour Party.
This change aims to reassure Labour Party members that their concerns are being heard, even if not all issues can be addressed.

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Rain and showers for UK bank holiday weekend to mark end of warm spell

May 21, 2025

Recently, parts of the UK experienced record high temperatures for May, but now weather changes are expected. Rain and cooler conditions are forecast for the weekend as a weather system from the Atlantic moves in, affecting temperatures and bringing showers especially in the north and west.

Key Facts:

The UK experienced a record high temperature of 29.3°C at Kew Gardens on 1 May.
This spring has seen more sunshine than the entire previous summer in parts of the UK.
Some UK areas have gone three weeks without measurable rain.
The Environment Agency warns of a medium risk of drought without more rain.
Low pressure from the Atlantic is expected to bring rain and cooler weather this weekend.
Saturday will be cloudy with heavy rain and strong winds in north-west Scotland.
Sunday will have a mix of sunshine and showers, mainly in the north and west.
Bank holiday Monday will continue with showery weather and possibly heavy rain.
The weather pattern looks to remain changeable into early June with continued sunshine, showers, and winds.

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Friends with Jay Slater before Tenerife disappearance cannot be traced, inquest told

May 21, 2025

Jay Slater, a 19-year-old from Lancashire, went missing in Tenerife after attending a music festival. His body was found a month later in a remote part of the island. Police have been unable to locate witnesses who were with him at the time, and an inquest is ongoing to understand the circumstances of his disappearance and death.

Key Facts:

Jay Slater went missing on June 17, 2024, after attending a music festival in Tenerife.
His body was found on July 15, 2024, in a remote national park.
Police efforts to find Slater’s friends who were with him during the festival have not been successful.
Toxicology reports showed Jay had taken drugs like MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine.
Jay sent messages about being with "two kids" who had stolen a luxury watch.
He was last heard from at 8:30 AM on June 17, telling a friend he was lost.
The inquest heard from a witness who last saw him at a club on the night of June 16.
Jay was seen in a video showing he was in the mountains between 5:50 and 7:20 AM on June 17.

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Israel's Eurovision result prompts questions over voting

May 21, 2025

Concerns emerged after Israel won the public vote at the Eurovision Song Contest but finished second overall when jury scores were included. Several countries are questioning the fairness of the current voting system, prompting some to call for an investigation and review of the process.

Key Facts:

Israel's song "New Day Will Rise" topped the public vote but came second overall when jury votes were added.
Countries like Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain have asked for an investigation into the voting system.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) says the vote was checked and verified by an independent team.
Israel received high public votes from countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Some broadcasters are concerned that allowing people to vote up to 20 times each could lead to voting manipulation.
Finnish broadcasting company YLE suggested it might be time to update the voting rules.
A spokesperson for Eurovision said the voting system is advanced and designed to prevent irregular patterns.
Eurovision News reported that an Israeli government agency promoted the Israeli entry through ads and social media, which did not break rules according to contest organizers.

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Legal right to wild camp on Dartmoor upheld by judges

May 21, 2025

The Supreme Court has decided that wild camping is allowed on Dartmoor in England, supporting the idea that people can camp on this public land without needing permission from private landowners. This decision came after a legal challenge from landowners who wanted to stop public camping on their property.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing wild camping on Dartmoor.
Landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall appealed against this, but the judges did not support their view.
Normally, people cannot wild camp on private land in England, but Dartmoor is an exception.
A by-law says people can use Dartmoor for "open-air recreation," which the court decided includes camping.
The legal case started in 2022 when the Darwalls opposed the wild camping on their property.
Dartmoor National Park covers 368 square miles and includes private lands used for grazing livestock.
The Supreme Court noted the 1949 National Parks Act restricts some activities but does not mention camping.
Judges believe public regulation is better for protecting Dartmoor than private enforcement by landowners.

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How do you prepare for a cup final of this magnitude?

May 21, 2025

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to compete in the Europa League final in Bilbao. Both teams are near the bottom of the Premier League standings and are aiming to win the final to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, which could increase their revenue by £100 million. The managers of both teams are using different strategies to prepare for this important match.

Key Facts:

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face each other in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
Both teams are currently ranked 16th and 17th in the Premier League.
The winner of the final will gain a spot in next season's Champions League.
Winning the final is estimated to increase the club's revenue by £100 million.
Tottenham aims for their first trophy since 2008, while Manchester United seeks their first European trophy since 2017.
Managers Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham) and Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) are using different strategies to prepare for the final.
Tottenham held a team bonding event before arriving in Bilbao, arriving one day before Manchester United.
Manchester United chose to skip a final training session in the match stadium to maintain training privacy.

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Leaked memo reveals deputy PM Rayner called for tax rises

May 21, 2025

A leaked memo suggests that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner called for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to increase taxes by £3 billion to £4 billion before the Spring Statement, which did not happen. Instead of raising taxes, Reeves announced £5 billion in welfare cuts, sparking ongoing debate within the Labour Party about tax and spending decisions.

Key Facts:

The memo suggested increasing taxes by £3 billion to £4 billion, but this was not implemented.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves chose to cut £5 billion in welfare instead of raising taxes.
Discussions within the Labour Party continue about how to handle tax and spending decisions.
Some party members argue that wealth taxes or different borrowing rules could help avoid cuts.
The memo proposed tax changes like raising corporation tax on banks and reinstating the lifetime pensions allowance.
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan expressed concerns about the impact of welfare cuts on poverty levels.
There is consideration of reversing cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners.
The debate within the Labour Party continues, tying into broader concerns about government financial strategies.

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What makes a good clay-court player?

May 21, 2025

Jack Draper is having a successful clay-court season in tennis, reaching the final of the Madrid Open and becoming a prominent British player on clay. The French Open, traditionally difficult for British players, will see Draper as the fifth seed, and his fitness improvements have been a key factor in his recent success.

Key Facts:

Jack Draper reached the final of the Madrid Open but lost to Casper Ruud in three sets.
Draper will be the fifth seed at the French Open in 2025.
British players, historically, have not had much success in singles at the French Open.
Draper improved his fitness by hiring a physio and a fitness trainer who previously worked with Andy Murray.
Clay courts are slower than grass courts, requiring more running and endurance.
Draper managed to win despite showing signs of fatigue, indicating improved stamina.
Rafael Nadal's technique of hitting with heavy topspin is a key skill for success on clay courts.

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Third man charged over fires at homes linked to PM

May 21, 2025

A third man has been charged in connection with fires at properties tied to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Petro Pochynok, along with two other men, faces charges related to intentionally setting fires that could endanger lives. The incidents are part of a larger investigation led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.

Key Facts:

Petro Pochynok, a 34-year-old Ukrainian national from north London, has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson.
Two other men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, are also facing similar charges.
The charges relate to three fires: a vehicle in Kentish Town, the prime minister's private home, and a previous residence in north-west London.
Pochynok was arrested in Chelsea and is accused of planning arson with Lavrynovych, Carpiuc, and others.
Stanislav Carpiuc holds Romanian nationality but was born in Ukraine.
Roman Lavrynovych has been charged with three counts of arson and has denied the charges during police questioning.
All three men are in custody and will appear in court at the Old Bailey on 6 June.
The police are treating the incidents seriously because they involve a high-profile public figure.

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Is 'magic' Caldentey Arsenal's key in Champions League final?

May 21, 2025

Mariona Caldentey, a former Barcelona player, now plays for Arsenal and is preparing to face her old team in a Champions League final. After joining Arsenal, she quickly adapted and was awarded the Women's Super League Player of the Season, scoring nine goals and assisting five in 21 games.

Key Facts:

Mariona Caldentey played for Barcelona for ten seasons, scoring 114 goals in 302 games.
She left Barcelona to join Arsenal in the summer of 2024.
Arsenal aims to win its first European title since 2007, with Caldentey's help.
Caldentey won the Women's Super League Player of the Season after her debut season with Arsenal.
She scored nine goals and assisted five more in 21 games for Arsenal.
Caldentey's first goal for Arsenal ensured their progression in the Champions League group stages.
Arsenal's manager praised her as a complete footballer, highlighting her skills and intelligence.

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School bus attack kills at least five in Pakistan

May 21, 2025

A bomb attack on a school bus in the Balochistan region of Pakistan killed at least five people and injured many others. The attack occurred near the town of Khuzdar, and among those killed were three children. No group has claimed responsibility, and the area has a history of conflict and violence.

Key Facts:

A bomb exploded on a school bus in Balochistan, Pakistan.
The attack killed at least five people and injured dozens.
The bus was carrying around 40 children when it exploded.
Three of the deceased were children.
Balochistan has experienced ongoing violence and conflicts for many years.
No group has claimed responsibility for this attack.
The Pakistani military suspects involvement from neighboring India, but there is no evidence.
Previous attacks in Balochistan have been attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan and other countries.

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Kitchen knives trigger me, says Southport survivor

May 21, 2025

Leanne Lucas, a survivor of a July 2024 knife attack in Southport, is advocating for the use of safer, blunt-ended kitchen knives to prevent future injuries. She launched the "Let's Be Blunt" campaign to encourage a shift away from traditional pointed-tip knives, which she believes pose a higher risk of serious harm.

Key Facts:

Leanne Lucas survived a knife attack in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to others.
The attacker, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, has been sentenced to at least 52 years in prison for his actions.
After the incident, Lucas feels uneasy around knives and wants to promote the use of blunt-tip knives for safety.
Lucas launched the "Let's Be Blunt" campaign to encourage using blunt-ended knives instead of pointed ones.
Viners, a knife manufacturer, has been selling blunt-tip knives since 2020.
The rise in knife-related crimes is noted, with about 50,000 offenses involving sharp instruments in the year ending March 2024.
Knife crime figures showed a 4.4% increase from the previous year but slightly lower than in 2019-2020.
Lucas has been engaged with the Ben Kinsella Trust, a knife crime charity, to spread awareness and advocate for change.

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Both had terrible seasons. But now Tottenham and Man Utd face off in European final

May 21, 2025

Two out-of-form football teams, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, will face each other in the Europa League final. Both teams have struggled this season, sitting near the bottom of the Premier League standings, but the winner of the final will qualify for the Champions League next season.

Key Facts:

Manchester United is in 16th place in the Premier League, and Tottenham is in 17th.
The teams have a combined 39 league defeats this season.
The Europa League final winner will qualify for the next season's Champions League.
Manchester United changed managers mid-season, occurring during a transition period.
Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, may leave following a challenging season.
Both teams have primarily won against already relegated teams or each other since February.
Tottenham suffered from injuries to key players throughout the season.
Manchester United's management spent money on new signings but then changed coaches after a few games.

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