July 27, 2025

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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

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TikTok star Zoë Bread wins parking fine battle after campaign

TikTok star Zoë Bread wins parking fine battle after campaign

A woman named Zoë Bread successfully got a parking fine overturned in Manchester after highlighting unclear parking signs on TikTok. The local council agreed to cancel her fine and others like it, admitting the signs could be made clearer.

Key Facts:

  • Zoë Bread is a social media user who shares posts under the name "Zoë Bread."
  • She received a parking fine in Manchester due to confusing signs that led her to use the wrong ticket machine.
  • Zoë campaigned on TikTok and contacted officials, urging them to address the issue.
  • Manchester City Council agreed to cancel her fine and others issued over the past year.
  • The council leader said the signs on the street would be improved to reduce confusion.
  • Zoë's efforts included making a Freedom of Information request and reviewing council documents.
  • The council plans to refund anyone who believed they had paid for parking but received a fine.

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Henry Zeffman: Starmer banks on public being over Brexit with new UK-EU deal

Henry Zeffman: Starmer banks on public being over Brexit with new UK-EU deal

The UK government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has made a new deal with the EU. The aim is to move past old Brexit debates by making the UK-EU relationship smoother without reopening major Brexit questions.

Key Facts:

  • The UK reached a new deal with the European Union to improve their relationship.
  • The agreement includes a 12-year extension on fishing quotas.
  • The UK committed to following EU rules on agriculture.
  • The deal aims to minimize trade barriers, not to revisit major Brexit issues like single market membership.
  • Opposition parties have mixed reactions; some welcome the changes, others criticize the deal.
  • The Liberal Democrats support closer ties with the EU, suggesting rejoining the customs union.
  • The political focus is whether the public still cares about Brexit debates or prefers a smooth EU relationship.

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Lineker to leave BBC sooner than planned after antisemitism row

Lineker to leave BBC sooner than planned after antisemitism row

Gary Lineker will leave the BBC after presenting his final episode of Match of the Day. This decision follows controversy over a social media post he shared, which included an offensive image. Lineker apologized for the mistake and said he is stepping back as a responsible action.

Key Facts:

  • Gary Lineker will leave the BBC after presenting his last Match of the Day show.
  • The controversy involved a social media post with an image considered antisemitic.
  • Lineker stated he did not see the offensive part of the image and apologized.
  • BBC's director general announced the decision was mutual and based on the recent incident.
  • Lineker has been a prominent figure in BBC's football coverage for over 20 years.
  • He expressed regret for the hurt caused and emphasized his long-standing stance against racism.
  • BBC Sport director described the past week as difficult and praised Lineker's contributions.

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Gary Lineker could not keep quiet. In the end, it brought him down

Gary Lineker could not keep quiet. In the end, it brought him down

Gary Lineker, a well-known BBC presenter, is leaving the broadcaster after a social media incident involving a controversial video. This decision comes as he continues to share personal opinions online, causing tension with the BBC's goal for neutrality.

Key Facts:

  • Gary Lineker was one of the highest-paid presenters at the BBC.
  • His use of social media to express personal opinions has caused issues with BBC management.
  • A recent social media post involving a video and controversial imagery led to his departure.
  • Lineker has previously defended his right to express strong opinions but regrets the recent incident.
  • The BBC is dealing with other controversies, including a pulled documentary on Gaza.
  • Lineker owns shares in Goalhanger, a company known for popular podcasts.
  • Despite leaving the BBC, Lineker may continue his career in broadcasting elsewhere.

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Why Bilbao glory would cap Mount's road to recovery

Why Bilbao glory would cap Mount's road to recovery

Mason Mount scored two key goals for Manchester United during a crucial match at Old Trafford after recovering from multiple injuries. His performance helped secure the team's place in the Europa League final and marked a significant moment in Mount's challenging season since joining the team from Chelsea.

Key Facts:

  • Mason Mount joined Manchester United in June 2023 from Chelsea for £55 million.
  • Mount has faced several injuries, missing six periods due to these injuries.
  • He scored his first goal for Manchester United on May 8, 2023, at Old Trafford.
  • His second goal in the same match helped secure a spot in the Europa League final for Manchester United.
  • Mount wore the number 7 shirt at United, which has been worn by famous players like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.
  • Mount's persistence and work ethic were praised by Manchester United’s coach following his recovery and return to play.
  • He had been out due to a calf problem and a hamstring issue, both causing lengthy absences.

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Bowie one of seven uncapped players in Scotland squad

Bowie one of seven uncapped players in Scotland squad

Scotland's national football team has announced their squad for friendly matches against Iceland and Liechtenstein in June. The team includes several players who have not played at the senior level before. The matches will be broadcast live on the BBC.

Key Facts:

  • Kieron Bowie, a striker for Hibernian, is one of seven new players in the Scotland squad.
  • Manager Steve Clarke has also picked Josh Doig, Connor Barron, Andy Irving, and Lennon Miller, who have not played for the senior team before.
  • Goalkeepers Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker are also new to the senior squad.
  • Angus Gunn, who does not currently belong to a club, is recalled, and Nathan Patterson from Everton returns to the team.
  • Regular players Kenny McLean, Ryan Porteous, and Greg Taylor are not in the squad this time.
  • Iceland's team will play in Scotland on June 6, and Scotland will face Liechtenstein in Vaduz on June 9.
  • Scotland has won all previous games against both Iceland and Liechtenstein.
  • The Scotland squad includes players from various clubs, including Sassuolo, Rangers, West Ham United, and Hibernian.

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Thursday night blockbuster to start 2026 Six Nations

Thursday night blockbuster to start 2026 Six Nations

France will host Ireland in the first-ever Thursday night game in Six Nations history on February 5, 2026. This scheduling change is made to avoid overlapping with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The 2026 Six Nations tournament will have only one rest weekend, reducing it from two.

Key Facts:

  • The 2026 Six Nations tournament begins on February 5, 2026, with France vs. Ireland.
  • This is the first Six Nations match ever to be played on a Thursday night.
  • The schedule change prevents a conflict with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan.
  • France's last Six Nations game saw their highest audience of 9.5 million viewers.
  • The 2026 tournament will feature one rest weekend, unlike previous years which had two.
  • Match venues in France are yet to be confirmed, as the French Rugby Federation is exploring options.
  • The Women's Six Nations tournament will start in April 2026, three weeks later than in 2025.
  • The Stade de France in Paris is unavailable due to Olympic preparations, causing venue changes for some games.

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How Spence went from serial outcast to unlikely Spurs stalwart

How Spence went from serial outcast to unlikely Spurs stalwart

Djed Spence, a 24-year-old Tottenham Hotspur football player, has become a significant part of the team this season. Previously overlooked, he now regularly plays full matches, contributing more defensively than some peers considered for national team inclusion.

Key Facts:

  • Djed Spence traditionally plays on the right side but has recently been playing on the left.
  • He scored his first Premier League goal for Tottenham against Ipswich in February.
  • Spence has played 90 minutes in 19 out of 22 recent league games for Spurs.
  • He wasn't part of the Europa League group stage squad but joined for the knockout rounds.
  • Before rising to prominence at Spurs, Spence was loaned to Nottingham Forest, where he excelled.
  • Middlesbrough initially signed him from Fulham's academy, but he played more consistently after moving away on loan.
  • Despite his recent success, Spence was not selected for England's national team in favor of another player.

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Indian YouTuber arrested for allegedly 'spying' for Pakistan

Indian YouTuber arrested for allegedly 'spying' for Pakistan

Police in India have arrested an Indian YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, on suspicion of spying for Pakistan. She is alleged to have been in contact with a Pakistan High Commission official and traveled to Pakistan multiple times. Her father denies the allegations, stating she had the required permissions for her travels.

Key Facts:

  • Indian police arrested a YouTuber named Jyoti Malhotra for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
  • She allegedly met a Pakistan High Commission official, who was expelled from India in May 2025.
  • Jyoti Malhotra creates travel content and has many followers on YouTube and Instagram.
  • Police are unsure how she funded her international travels, given her known income sources.
  • She reportedly visited several countries and frequently traveled to Pakistan on sponsored trips.
  • Authorities are checking for any links between Jyoti and the Pahalgam attack in India.
  • Political tensions between India and Pakistan included recent military clashes earlier in May 2025, leading to a ceasefire announcement.

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Migrant dies in English Channel crossing attempt

Migrant dies in English Channel crossing attempt

A person died after a small, overloaded boat sank while trying to cross the English Channel. French authorities rescued 62 people from the water, including a mother and her baby who were taken to the hospital with hypothermia. This incident is part of a larger rise in English Channel crossings.

Key Facts:

  • A person died when a small boat sank in the English Channel.
  • The boat was overloaded and broke apart between Sunday night and Monday.
  • French authorities rescued 62 people from the water.
  • A French Navy helicopter found an unconscious person who was later declared dead.
  • A mother and her baby were treated for hypothermia in a hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
  • Rescued people were taken to safety by different rescue teams, including the French tug, RNLI, and Border Force Ranger.
  • More than 12,500 people have crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025.
  • Channel crossings have increased compared to previous years, with a significant rise in the first four months of 2025.

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'Octopus invasion is ruining our livelihoods'

'Octopus invasion is ruining our livelihoods'

Some fishermen in south-west England report finding many octopuses in their lobster and crab pots, which they say is harming the shellfish industry. An existing rule requires escape holes in pots to let young shellfish out, but these holes also let octopuses in to eat the shellfish. The local authority has allowed fishermen to temporarily close escape holes if they're only catching octopuses.

Key Facts:

  • Fishermen in south-west England say octopuses are damaging the local shellfish industry.
  • The octopuses are being found in lobster and crab pots off the Devon coastline.
  • A bylaw requires escape holes in these pots to help young shellfish escape, but octopuses also use them to enter.
  • Fishermen report catching between four and six tonnes of octopuses daily.
  • The octopuses are believed to be coming from Morocco, where fishermen report a shortage.
  • Local authorities permitted fishermen to close escape holes if they only target octopuses.
  • An emergency meeting was held to address the issue, with ongoing efforts to find a long-term solution.

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Will Red Roses have their Lionesses moment?

Will Red Roses have their Lionesses moment?

The article discusses the growth and rising popularity of women's sports in recent years, using the example of the Lionesses' win at Euro 2022. There is anticipation for the Women's Rugby World Cup taking place in England, which aims to further boost the visibility of women's sports.

Key Facts:

  • Seeing young girls play football locally was uncommon 12 years ago, but it is common now.
  • The BBC has played a significant role in promoting women's sports.
  • Over 11 million people watched England play the USA in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final.
  • England's women's team, known as the Lionesses, won the Euro 2022 tournament.
  • There's a push for people to attend Women's Super League games to continue supporting women's football.
  • BBC plans to cover various women's sports events this summer, including the Women's Euros and the Rugby World Cup.
  • The Women's Rugby World Cup is being held in England, highlighting its importance in promoting women's rugby.
  • England's women's rugby team, the Red Roses, recently tied a record by winning their seventh consecutive Six Nations championship.

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Wales to reveal Euro 2025 squad at summit of Yr Wyddfa

Wales to reveal Euro 2025 squad at summit of Yr Wyddfa

Wales' women's football team will announce their squad for the 2025 Women's European Championship on June 19 from Yr Wyddfa, Wales' highest summit. This marks Wales' first time competing in a major tournament, where they are in Group D with England, France, and the Netherlands.

Key Facts:

  • The squad announcement will happen on June 19 at the top of Yr Wyddfa, Wales' highest mountain.
  • Rhian Wilkinson is the coach of Wales' women's team.
  • This is the team's first major tournament appearance.
  • Wales is grouped with England, France, and the Netherlands for the competition.
  • Yr Wyddfa is the Welsh name for the mountain previously known as Snowdon.
  • The Euro 2025 finals will be held in Switzerland.
  • Wales is preparing with Nations League games against Denmark and Italy.
  • Wales has yet to win in their Nations League group but drew twice against Sweden.

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Man Utd, DJing and Fred the tortoise - meet Sam Cook

Man Utd, DJing and Fred the tortoise - meet Sam Cook

Sam Cook, a cricket player for Essex, is expected to make his debut for the England Test cricket team. Cook has been a successful bowler in domestic cricket and his debut comes after years of achievements, including taking 321 first-class wickets. Besides cricket, Cook is also a Manchester United fan and enjoys house music.

Key Facts:

  • Sam Cook is set to become the 719th man to play Test cricket for England.
  • He plays as a seam bowler for the Essex cricket team.
  • Cook has taken 227 County Championship wickets in the past five years.
  • His total first-class wickets amount to 321, with an average of 19.85.
  • Previously, opportunities were limited due to top players like James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
  • Cook is a Manchester United season-ticket holder and a big football fan.
  • He studied history and international relations at Loughborough University.
  • Cook has a passion for house music and has DJ'd in the past.

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Scientists try to solve mystery of mass dinosaur grave beneath lush Canadian forest

Scientists try to solve mystery of mass dinosaur grave beneath lush Canadian forest

A mass grave of thousands of Pachyrhinosaurus dinosaurs has been found in Pipestone Creek, Alberta, Canada, also known as the "River of Death." Scientists are studying the site to understand why so many dinosaurs died there at once, uncovering thousands of fossilized bones in the process.

Key Facts:

  • The mass grave is located under a forested area in Alberta, Canada.
  • Thousands of fossils from a dinosaur called Pachyrhinosaurus have been found.
  • Pachyrhinosaurus were large plant-eating dinosaurs, related to the Triceratops, with bumps on their noses called bosses.
  • The site has an extremely dense concentration of bones, with up to 300 bones per square meter.
  • The excavation currently covers an area the size of a tennis court, but the fossil bed extends for a kilometer.
  • Researchers believe the dinosaurs died together during a migration.
  • The site could be one of the largest dinosaur bone beds in North America.
  • The warmer climate of the past might have supported rich vegetation for these herds.

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Olympic gold swimmer left ‘broken’ by coach's harsh regime and weight comments

Olympic gold swimmer left ‘broken’ by coach's harsh regime and weight comments

A famous swimmer, Rūta Meilutytė, shared that she was negatively impacted by the intense training program of a well-known UK swim coach, Jon Rudd. She and other former swimmers described experiences of bullying and a harsh environment at the Plymouth Leander swimming club, but no action was taken by the sport's governing body at the time.

Key Facts:

  • Rūta Meilutytė is an Olympic gold medalist who spoke about her struggle with an eating disorder and depression due to Jon Rudd’s coaching methods.
  • 12 former swimmers reported bullying and a toxic training environment under Rudd at Plymouth Leander.
  • Swim England did not act on a 2012 investigation that recommended suspending Rudd after witness testimonies.
  • Swim England's current CEO apologized to the swimmers affected by the governing body's lack of action.
  • Jon Rudd did not respond to inquiries from the BBC.
  • After his tenure at Plymouth Leander, Rudd accepted a position as a high-performance director for Saudi Arabia's Olympic swimming team.
  • Antony James, an Olympic swimmer coached by Rudd, was later convicted of serious crimes involving minors he met at the club.
  • Rūta Meilutytė described Rudd's conduct as damaging, including his comments about her weight.

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Liberal mayor Dan beats nationalist in tense race for Romanian presidency

Liberal mayor Dan beats nationalist in tense race for Romanian presidency

Nicusor Dan, the liberal and pro-European Union mayor of Bucharest, won the Romanian presidency with 54% of the vote after a heated race against nationalist George Simion. Over 11.6 million Romanians voted, with Dan securing more than six million votes, marking a shift in the country amid political unrest.

Key Facts:

  • Nicusor Dan is the liberal mayor of Bucharest and supports the European Union.
  • Dan won the Romanian presidency by securing 54% of the vote.
  • More than 11.6 million Romanians participated in the election.
  • George Simion, a nationalist and leader of the far-right AUR party, won the first round earlier but lost in the second round.
  • Simion initially claimed victory, expecting support from Romanians living abroad.
  • The election followed a period of political instability, including an annulled presidential race due to alleged Russian interference.
  • Simion's first-round success involved heavy support from social media and alliance with Calin Georgescu.
  • Dan's supporters celebrated his victory, emphasizing a desire for change and alignment with European values.

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Analysis: Biden's cancer diagnosis is another formidable challenge

Analysis: Biden's cancer diagnosis is another formidable challenge

Joe Biden has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, four months after ending his term as president. This diagnosis draws attention to past voter concerns about his age and health when he was considering a second term in office.

Key Facts:

  • Joe Biden has been diagnosed with advanced and aggressive prostate cancer.
  • Biden is 82 years old and concluded his presidency four months ago.
  • Concerns about Biden's age and health were prevalent among voters during his presidency.
  • Biden had previously led efforts to find a cure for cancer, following his son Beau's death from brain cancer.
  • In 2016, President Obama asked Biden to lead a large research effort to find a cancer cure.
  • Biden's health issues have been a point of discussion, especially as he considered a second term.
  • Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race after challenges related to his debate performances.
  • Former President Donald Trump extended supportive wishes to Biden after the cancer diagnosis.

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British mountaineer sets record 19th Everest summit

British mountaineer sets record 19th Everest summit

British mountaineer Kenton Cool climbed Mount Everest for the 19th time, setting a new record for the most climbs by a non-sherpa. He reached the top with Nepali sherpa Dorji Gyaljen. At least two climbers died on the mountain this week.

Key Facts:

  • Kenton Cool is a British mountaineer who has climbed Mount Everest 19 times.
  • He broke his own record for the most Everest climbs by a non-sherpa.
  • Kenton Cool's climbing partner, Dorji Gyaljen, reached the summit for the 23rd time.
  • Kami Rita, a Nepali sherpa, holds the overall record with 30 climbs.
  • Two climbers recently died on Everest: Subrata Ghosh from India and Philipp Santiago II from the Philippines.
  • Kenton Cool first climbed Everest in 2004 and has done so nearly every year since.
  • Before this climb, Cool shared that he had a good weather forecast for the attempt.
  • Fellow climbers have praised Cool's experience and contributions to the Everest climbing community.

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GP patients to help NHS find more infected blood victims

GP patients to help NHS find more infected blood victims

GP practices in England will help identify people affected by the contaminated blood scandal by offering hepatitis C tests to anyone who received a blood transfusion before 1996. The program aims to find and treat those unknowingly infected due to blood transfusions during the 1970s to 1990s.

Key Facts:

  • The contaminated blood scandal involved blood transfusions that exposed thousands to hepatitis C in the UK during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
  • Patients signing up with a GP (general practitioner) will be asked about past blood transfusions and offered a hepatitis C test if necessary.
  • Up to 400,000 people annually, born before 1996, will be asked about their transfusion history during GP registration.
  • The Infected Blood Inquiry report recommended this proactive testing approach.
  • Hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage if undetected, but modern drugs can treat it effectively.
  • Many victims of the contaminated blood were haemophiliacs, and over 3,000 people have died from related infections, including HIV.
  • Maureen Arkley, a victim of the scandal, was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2023, 47 years after receiving tainted blood.
  • The charity Hepatitis C Trust is encouraging testing for anyone who had a blood transfusion before 1996.

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