July 28, 2025

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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

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No sequins or dancing at EU summit - but it'll be an extravaganza nonetheless

No sequins or dancing at EU summit - but it'll be an extravaganza nonetheless

May 17, 2025
The first major European summit after Brexit is taking place, with the UK hosting in hopes of improving relationships with EU countries. The summit aims to address issues like defense cooperation, trade, and migration, but significant new agreements are not expected.

Key Facts:

  • The UK is hosting a European summit at London's Lancaster House.
  • This is the first formal summit with European leaders since Brexit.
  • The goal is to improve long-term relationships between the UK and EU countries.
  • Main topics include defense cooperation, trade agreements, and easing administrative challenges from Brexit.
  • There is no expectation of a major new agreement; rather, they aim to adjust existing ones.
  • Potential agreements on new youth visas and easing trade restrictions are on the table.
  • Discussions include commitments on energy, migration, and data sharing.
  • The event is designed to show cooperation despite the UK leaving the EU.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Potter claims triathlon silver in Yokohama

Potter claims triathlon silver in Yokohama

May 17, 2025
Beth Potter, an Olympic bronze medallist for Great Britain, placed second in the World Triathlon Championship Series held in Yokohama. Luxembourg's Jeanne Lehair won the race, while Cassandre Beaugrand of France, the reigning Olympic champion, crashed during the bike leg.

Key Facts:

  • Beth Potter won bronze medals in individual and mixed relay events at last year's Olympics.
  • Potter finished second in the World Triathlon Championship in Yokohama, four seconds behind Jeanne Lehair.
  • Germany's Lisa Tertsch came in third place.
  • Cassandre Beaugrand, the Olympic and world champion, crashed on the bike part of the race.
  • Weather conditions changed the bike course layout.
  • Australia's Matt Hauser won the men's race, with Ben Dijkstra finishing eighth for Great Britain.
  • Lauren Steadman, a gold medallist from Tokyo, won the women's Para PT5 race.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Three Iranian men charged under National Security Act

Three Iranian men charged under National Security Act

May 17, 2025
Three Iranian men have been charged in the UK under the National Security Act. They are suspected of actions that could help Iran between August 2024 and February 2025. The men will appear in court soon.

Key Facts:

  • Three Iranian men were charged under the UK's National Security Act.
  • The men are suspected of aiding Iran.
  • Their names are Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori.
  • They were arrested on May 3, 2024.
  • The investigation covers the period between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025.
  • The charges come from a detailed and fast-moving investigation.
  • The men are in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
  • The case is handled by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Nine reported killed in Russian strike on civilian bus in Ukraine

Nine reported killed in Russian strike on civilian bus in Ukraine

May 17, 2025
A Russian drone strike hit a civilian bus in Bilopillia, Ukraine, killing nine people and injuring seven others. This incident occurred just after Ukraine and Russia held peace talks, which did not result in an agreement to end the war but included a prisoner swap of 1,000 prisoners each.

Key Facts:

  • Nine people died when a civilian bus was hit in a Russian drone attack in Bilopillia, north-eastern Ukraine.
  • Seven people were injured in the attack, according to local officials in the Sumy region.
  • The attack happened shortly after Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks since 2022, which did not achieve a ceasefire agreement.
  • A prisoner exchange was agreed upon during the talks, with each side set to release 1,000 prisoners of war.
  • Ukraine's national police called the bus attack a “cynical war crime.”
  • Russia has claimed it targeted a "military staging area" in Sumy, not commenting directly on the bus strike.
  • Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, and attacks have been more frequent recently.
  • Discussions for a ceasefire remain ongoing, with no resolution reached at the latest meeting.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Chelsea want treble as Man Utd eye back-to-back Women's FA Cups

Chelsea want treble as Man Utd eye back-to-back Women's FA Cups

May 17, 2025
Chelsea and Manchester United will meet in the Women's FA Cup final on May 18, with Chelsea seeking a third trophy this season and Manchester United aiming to win back-to-back FA Cup titles. Chelsea finished the Women's Super League season unbeaten, while Manchester United has reached the FA Cup final for three years in a row.

Key Facts:

  • The Women's FA Cup final is between Chelsea and Manchester United on May 18 at Wembley Stadium.
  • Chelsea aims to win all three major domestic trophies this season, having already claimed the Women's Super League and League Cup.
  • Manchester United seeks a second consecutive FA Cup win after defeating Tottenham last year.
  • Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, recently bought an 8-10% stake in Chelsea, aiming to boost the club's global brand.
  • Chelsea has completed an unbeaten season in the Women's Super League.
  • Manchester United has reached the FA Cup final stage for three consecutive years.
  • Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor is hoping to match her predecessor Emma Hayes by achieving a domestic treble in her first season.
  • Manchester United qualified for next season’s Champions League by finishing third in the Women's Super League.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Knicks crush Celtics to reach Conference Finals

Knicks crush Celtics to reach Conference Finals

May 17, 2025
The New York Knicks won against the Boston Celtics with a score of 119-81, earning a spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 23 points to help secure the victory, and the Knicks will face the Indiana Pacers next.

Key Facts:

  • The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in the play-offs with a score of 119-81.
  • Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 23 points for the Knicks.
  • This win allowed the Knicks to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.
  • The Knicks won the series 4-2 and will now play against the Indiana Pacers.
  • Six Knicks players scored in double figures, marking the largest play-off win margin in their history.
  • Boston Celtics' star Jayson Tatum was absent due to an Achilles tendon injury.
  • The game was attended by several celebrities, including Timothee Chalamet and Spike Lee.
  • Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team's performance against the Celtics.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Lowry and Hatton swear in outbursts at US PGA

Lowry and Hatton swear in outbursts at US PGA

May 17, 2025
Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton, two professional golfers, expressed frustration during the second round of the US PGA Championship. Lowry was upset over a ruling about his ball, while Hatton dealt with a challenging hole, resulting in angry reactions from both players.

Key Facts:

  • Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton showed anger during the US PGA Championship's second round.
  • Lowry was denied relief for a ball that landed in a divot, leading to a bogey.
  • Hatton swore after hitting a triple bogey on a difficult hole.
  • Both players may face fines for their behavior on the course.
  • Jhonattan Vegas led the tournament at the end of the second round.
  • Mud balls, where golf balls get covered in dirt, were a problem due to bad weather, but the PGA did not allow players to clean these balls.
  • Lowry criticized an ESPN reporter for getting involved in a rules decision on the course.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
'I don't blame my wife for ending her life'

'I don't blame my wife for ending her life'

May 17, 2025
In 2022, Peter Wilson's wife, Beverly Sand, ended her life after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Peter supports a proposed law that would allow terminally ill adults to get medical help to die, believing it could have given his wife a more dignified end. The proposed law passed an initial stage in Parliament but needs more debate.

Key Facts:

  • Beverly Sand had terminal oesophageal cancer and died by suicide in November 2022 at age 76.
  • Beverly's husband, Peter Wilson, supports a proposed law for assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
  • The law aims to allow terminally ill patients, with a prognosis of less than six months to live, to seek help to end their own life.
  • The bill passed the first stage in the House of Commons in November but has had many amendments and further debates.
  • MPs debated potential changes, such as preventing medical staff from discussing assisted dying with patients first.
  • More discussions and voting on the bill are set for 13 June.
  • Peter believes Beverly chose to end her life to protect him from seeing her health decline.
  • UK law currently does not allow people to ask for medical assistance to die.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
'You don't talk about the egg before the hen lays it'

'You don't talk about the egg before the hen lays it'

May 17, 2025
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is preparing his team for the FA Cup final against Manchester City. If Palace wins, it will be their first major trophy and secure a spot in a European competition. The team has shown strong improvement this season under Glasner's leadership.

Key Facts:

  • Oliver Glasner is the manager of Crystal Palace, a football team.
  • Crystal Palace will play in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
  • Winning the final would mark Crystal Palace's first major trophy.
  • Palace needs one more point from the remaining two games to achieve their best-ever Premier League score.
  • The team had a slow start this season but has improved significantly since October.
  • Glasner was appointed as manager in February 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson.
  • Glasner has the highest points-per-game record for a Crystal Palace manager in the Premier League era.
  • Under Glasner, Palace is performing well, and he has been linked to other clubs like RB Leipzig and Tottenham Hotspur.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Why Sean Diddy Combs's trial hinges on ex-girlfriend Cassie's testimony

Why Sean Diddy Combs's trial hinges on ex-girlfriend Cassie's testimony

May 17, 2025
Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial, and the testimony of his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, is a key part of the case. Cassie testified over four days, describing alleged abuse during their long relationship. Mr. Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and promoting prostitution, which he denies.

Key Facts:

  • Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial for racketeering, sex trafficking, and promoting prostitution.
  • His ex-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, testified for four days, describing alleged abuse.
  • Cassie claims the abuse happened over their 11-and-a-half-year relationship.
  • During her testimony, she described incidents of violence and control from Mr. Combs.
  • Cassie alleges Mr. Combs forced her into unwanted sexual activities.
  • A video reportedly showing Mr. Combs assaulting Cassie was viewed by the jury.
  • The trial is taking place in New York, and Ms. Ventura is the prosecution's key witness.
  • Mr. Combs has denied all the charges against him.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Vegas leads from Fitzpatrick as McIlroy makes US PGA cut

Vegas leads from Fitzpatrick as McIlroy makes US PGA cut

May 17, 2025
Jhonattan Vegas leads the US PGA Championship after the second round, with a score of eight under par. Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele made it to the weekend rounds, while Shane Lowry, Ludvig Aberg, and others missed the cut.

Key Facts:

  • Jhonattan Vegas is leading the tournament at Quail Hollow with an eight under par.
  • Vegas scored a one-under 70 in the second round but had a double-bogey on the 18th hole.
  • Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele continue to the weekend after just avoiding the cut.
  • Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau are three and five shots behind Vegas, respectively.
  • Rory McIlroy had to replace his usual driver due to regulatory issues.
  • Some notable players, including Shane Lowry and Justin Rose, did not make the cut.
  • Kim Si-woo recorded a 252-yard hole-in-one, the longest in a major tournament.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
'Teachers are having scissors thrown at them - we've had enough'

'Teachers are having scissors thrown at them - we've had enough'

May 17, 2025
Teachers at Westbourne Academy in Ipswich have gone on strike due to student behavior issues, which include throwing scissors and chairs, and disrupting classes. Educators are calling for better support from school leadership to manage these issues effectively, with some considering leaving teaching altogether.

Key Facts:

  • Teachers at Westbourne Academy walked out on strike over student behavior problems.
  • Incidents include students throwing scissors and chairs at teachers.
  • Some students are refusing to attend lessons and disrupting classes and exams.
  • The National Education Union representatives are involved in the strike.
  • School staff report a lack of consistent support from leadership to handle behavior issues.
  • Four experienced teachers have left the school in the last year.
  • The influence of social media and mobile phones is linked to poor student behavior.
  • Parents express concerns about how smaller rule violations are punished while serious incidents are not always addressed effectively.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Why youth mobility and fishing are key issues ahead of UK/EU summit

Why youth mobility and fishing are key issues ahead of UK/EU summit

May 17, 2025
The UK and EU are preparing for a summit in London to discuss two main issues: youth mobility and fishing rights. After Brexit, the freedom for young people to move between the UK and EU changed, and now there are talks about creating a new scheme for young people. Fishing rights are also up for negotiation, with the EU seeking to extend the current deal, while the UK has different demands.

Key Facts:

  • Before Brexit, people could move freely between the UK and EU. This is no longer the case.
  • The EU wants a new "youth mobility scheme" for people aged 18 to 30, allowing them to stay up to four years.
  • Currently, the UK has a Youth Mobility Scheme that doesn't include the EU and requires fees and savings for application.
  • The UK rejected an earlier EU proposal due to concerns about increasing immigration.
  • Fishing rights were part of the post-Brexit deal, set to expire in 2026, and are a point of negotiation.
  • The fishing sector was a significant topic in Brexit discussions but represents a small part of the UK economy.
  • Some EU countries wish to extend current fishing arrangements beyond 2026.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Doom: One of gaming's oldest series reckons with the challenges of 2025

Doom: One of gaming's oldest series reckons with the challenges of 2025

May 17, 2025
Doom, a longstanding video game series, is addressing new challenges as of 2025. The series aims to attract new players while competing with free-to-play games and managing rising production costs.

Key Facts:

  • Doom first launched in 1993 and remains a popular first-person shooter game.
  • The latest installment is called Doom: The Dark Ages.
  • The game industry faces competition from free-to-play games like Fortnite and Roblox.
  • Five of the top ten UK games in 2024 were free-to-play, with Fortnite leading in active users.
  • Doom's new setting and gameplay style aim to draw more first-time players.
  • Game customization options are a new feature in Doom: The Dark Ages.
  • The cost to produce and sell games is increasing, impacting companies' revenue.
  • Prices for new games have gradually increased, with Doom: The Dark Ages costing around £69.99.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
The 'peacock of Savile Row' on dressing stars for the Met Gala

The 'peacock of Savile Row' on dressing stars for the Met Gala

May 17, 2025
Ozwald Boateng, a British-Ghanaian designer, dressed several celebrities for this year's Met Gala in New York City. Known for using bold colors and patterns inspired by West Africa, Boateng brought his unique style to the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrating black cultural influence in fashion.

Key Facts:

  • Ozwald Boateng is a British-Ghanaian fashion designer with a career spanning 40 years.
  • This year, he dressed celebrities such as musicians Tems, Burna Boy, and Arya Starr, as well as actors Ncuti Gatwa and Jaden Smith, for the Met Gala.
  • The theme of the Met Gala was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," focusing on how style shapes black identities.
  • Boateng's designs often include bold colors and West African-inspired patterns.
  • He has a history of challenging the norms of men's tailoring with his unique, form-fitting suits.
  • Boateng was the first black designer to open a shop on London's famous tailoring street, Savile Row, in 1995.
  • He quickly altered Burna Boy's outfit just before the Met Gala, a red suit with a yellow shirt and eel-skin cape.
  • The eel-skin cape reflected Burna Boy’s Nigerian heritage, symbolizing survival and tradition.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Ros Atkins on... how world leaders are responding to Israel's blockade of Gaza

Ros Atkins on... how world leaders are responding to Israel's blockade of Gaza

May 17, 2025
US President Donald Trump has stated that the US will ensure the situation in Gaza is addressed, as Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade of food and supplies for 10 weeks. World leaders are responding to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.

Key Facts:

  • Gaza has been under a full blockade by Israel for 10 weeks, preventing food and other humanitarian supplies from entering.
  • President Trump mentioned that many people in Gaza are starving and promised US intervention to help.
  • The blockade situation in Gaza is considered a humanitarian crisis due to the lack of basic necessities.
  • US President Trump's comments were made during a diplomatic trip to the Middle East, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
  • The BBC's Ros Atkins examined how global leaders are reacting to the blockade's impact on Gaza.
  • The article briefly mentions unrelated events in the Middle East, such as a meeting with Netanyahu, explosions in Iran, and stories from Syria.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
'Better deal' ahead with EU and 'winter fuel U-turn'

'Better deal' ahead with EU and 'winter fuel U-turn'

May 16, 2025
Rachel Reeves talked about improving the UK's trade deal with the EU before a summit meeting. The UK is also discussing a plan that might let young Europeans live and work in Britain. Additionally, the prime minister may change a decision on cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Key Facts:

  • Rachel Reeves wants a better trade deal with the EU.
  • There are discussions about allowing young Europeans to live and work in the UK.
  • Some political parties think this new plan is like the old freedom of movement rules.
  • Novo Nordisk replaced its CEO, and its stock dropped over 50%.
  • The prime minister might change plans about reducing winter fuel payments.
  • Parking fines might increase by 75%, affecting many drivers.
  • Banks advised Rachel Reeves not to change a savings scheme called Isas.
  • Pub owners suggest a rule for a break in beer gardens when it gets warm.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Brits can be extradited over Tokyo jewellery heist

Brits can be extradited over Tokyo jewellery heist

May 16, 2025
Two British men, Kaine Wright and Joe Chappell, are set to be extradited to Japan, accused of stealing jewelry valued at £679,000 from a Harry Winston store in Tokyo in 2015. A UK judge ruled that their extradition to Japan is compatible with human rights, with the final decision now in the hands of the UK Home Secretary.

Key Facts:

  • Two British men, Kaine Wright and Joe Chappell, are accused of a jewelry heist in Tokyo in 2015.
  • They allegedly stole items worth £679,000 from a Harry Winston store.
  • A UK judge approved their extradition to Japan, despite no extradition treaty between the UK and Japan.
  • This will be the first extradition from the UK to Japan if it proceeds.
  • The men raised concerns about prison conditions in Japan, but these were deemed not sufficient to block extradition.
  • CCTV and other evidence, like DNA and glass shard matches, link the suspects to the scene.
  • The UK Home Secretary has 28 days to decide if the extradition will go forward.
  • Kaine Wright previously served prison time related to another theft involving a stolen Ming vase.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
I was on a flight - but British Airways told me I wasn't

I was on a flight - but British Airways told me I wasn't

May 16, 2025
A woman named Catherine Snowdon flew to Madrid but later found out her flight details had someone else's name. The airline, British Airways, claimed she hadn't flown, even though she was in Madrid, and had given a boarding pass with another person's name. Despite the error, she managed to board the flight due to a mix-up.

Key Facts:

  • Catherine Snowdon flew to Madrid but her boarding pass had the wrong name.
  • She boarded the flight using a boarding pass with the name "Huw H."
  • British Airways said there was no way she could have passed security with incorrect details, yet she did.
  • Her return flight was canceled because the airline thought she didn't fly to Madrid.
  • Catherine's employer had to book a new return ticket because of the mistake.
  • British Airways offered a £500 voucher and refunded the extra ticket cost.
  • The error happened because the names on her boarding pass and passport did not match.
  • Catherine tried to investigate who "Huw H" was but found no clear answers.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Record lows for Man Utd & Spurs - but who's in best shape for Bilbao?

Record lows for Man Utd & Spurs - but who's in best shape for Bilbao?

May 16, 2025
Manchester United and Tottenham will compete in the Europa League final on May 21, hoping to finish their season positively after disappointing performances in their domestic leagues. Both teams have performed well in the Europa League, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches and seeking a win to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Key Facts:

  • Manchester United and Tottenham are playing in the Europa League final on May 21.
  • Both teams have had poor seasons in their domestic leagues, with United losing 18 league games and Tottenham losing 25 games in all competitions.
  • Manchester United has not won a league match in their last eight attempts.
  • Tottenham has only won one of their last 11 Premier League games and has conceded in each of their last 12 league matches.
  • Both teams have been strong in the Europa League, staying unbeaten in their last five matches of the tournament.
  • Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim chose to play a strong team against Chelsea, while Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou rested key players against Aston Villa.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories