July 28, 2025

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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

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Frank Skinner gets married after four rejections from his now-wife

Frank Skinner gets married after four rejections from his now-wife

May 16, 2025
Frank Skinner, a comedian and presenter, married his girlfriend Cath Mason after being together for 24 years. Their wedding took place at Camden Town Hall with only their son as a witness.

Key Facts:

  • Frank Skinner married Cath Mason after 24 years together.
  • He announced the marriage on his podcast, Frank Off The Radio.
  • Skinner proposed to Mason four times before, but she had declined.
  • Their wedding had no guests except their son Buzz.
  • It took place at Camden Town Hall.
  • Cath Mason did not wear a traditional wedding dress or ring.
  • The couple walked down the aisle to a song by The Fall, a band important to them.
  • Skinner is known for his work in comedy, radio, and TV, including the football song "Three Lions."

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Man in court over fires at homes and car linked to Starmer

Man in court over fires at homes and car linked to Starmer

May 16, 2025
A 21-year-old Ukrainian man named Roman Lavrynovych appeared in court, charged with starting fires at two homes and a car connected to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He faces three charges of arson with the intent to endanger life and is in custody, awaiting a further hearing at the Old Bailey scheduled for June 6.

Key Facts:

  • Roman Lavrynovych, a builder and roofer, is charged with three counts of arson.
  • The charges relate to fires at two properties and a car linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • Lavrynovych did not enter a plea and will appear in court again on June 6.
  • He was assisted by an interpreter in court and confirmed his personal details.
  • Police say the fires involved a slow-burning accelerant.
  • The fires occurred in north London, with emergency services responding to each incident.
  • A fire at a home in Kentish Town caused damage but no injuries; the home is rented to the prime minister's sister-in-law.
  • A previously-owned car of Sir Keir, now sold to a neighbor, was set on fire on May 8.
  • The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terror Command is investigating due to the case's connection to a public figure.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Cows rescued from overturned lorry as motorway remains closed

Cows rescued from overturned lorry as motorway remains closed

May 16, 2025
Cows were rescued after a livestock lorry overturned on the M1 motorway in Northern Ireland. The road remains closed because some cows still need to be moved. A few cows had to be put down, and the driver is unharmed.

Key Facts:

  • A lorry carrying cows overturned on the M1 motorway.
  • Most cows were rescued, but a few were put down.
  • The motorway is closed in both directions while cows are being moved.
  • The lorry accident involved 40 cattle in total.
  • Firefighters, animal rescue teams, and vets are assisting at the scene.
  • The motorway closure affects travel between junctions 11 and 12.
  • Drivers are advised to use detours through Armagh and Portadown.
  • The driver of the lorry is safe and not injured.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Millions more counted as domestic abuse victims as definition widens

Millions more counted as domestic abuse victims as definition widens

May 16, 2025
Millions more adults in England and Wales are now recognized as victims of domestic abuse after the definition was broadened in a new survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This change highlights that over 12 million people have faced abusive behavior from family members or partners, significantly higher than previous estimates. The survey now includes questions on emotional and coercive behavior, giving a clearer picture of abuse.

Key Facts:

  • The ONS updated its crime survey to include new questions on controlling and coercive behavior.
  • More than 12 million people in England and Wales are thought to have experienced domestic abuse, up from 10 million in past data.
  • The survey shows that 18% of adults have experienced emotional abuse, and 12% have faced economic abuse.
  • The survey's updated approach aims to capture a broader scope of abusive behaviors.
  • The Public Accounts Committee called for better data on violence against women and girls (VAWG).
  • Women are more frequently the victims of repeated or severe abuse, accounting for most domestic homicide victims.
  • The Home Office emphasized the importance of the new data for understanding and reducing domestic abuse.
  • Answers in the survey were privately collected on tablets to enhance privacy, differing from traditional spoken interviews.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Ncuti Gatwa withdraws as UK's Eurovision jury announcer

Ncuti Gatwa withdraws as UK's Eurovision jury announcer

May 16, 2025
Ncuti Gatwa, originally scheduled to announce the UK's jury votes at Eurovision 2025, has been replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor due to "unforeseen circumstances." The BBC has not provided further details on why Gatwa withdrew from the role.

Key Facts:

  • Ncuti Gatwa was supposed to announce the UK's jury votes at Eurovision 2025.
  • He was replaced by Sophie Ellis-Bextor due to unspecified reasons.
  • The BBC announced Gatwa's withdrawal during the second Eurovision semi-final.
  • Sophie Ellis-Bextor expressed excitement about participating in the Eurovision event.
  • The UK entry, Remember Monday, did not face elimination due to automatic qualification.
  • Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta, and Greece qualified for the final on Thursday.
  • Israel qualified for the final despite protests at their rehearsal.
  • Ireland did not qualify for the final, while several other countries did.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
What is a mud ball? Scheffler frustrated at US PGA Championship

What is a mud ball? Scheffler frustrated at US PGA Championship

May 16, 2025
During the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, the main issue was "mud balls," where wet conditions caused golf balls to become coated in mud, leading to unpredictable shots. World-ranked golfers Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele experienced this problem but the PGA of America decided against allowing players to clean and reposition their balls.

Key Facts:

  • A "mud ball" happens when a golf ball gets covered in mud due to bad weather.
  • Mud on a ball can make its path unpredictable, leading to bad shots.
  • Heavy rain at Quail Hollow caused players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele to have trouble, resulting in worse scores.
  • The PGA of America chose not to use "preferred lies," a rule that allows golfers to clean their balls during wet conditions.
  • Scottie Scheffler ended day one tied for 20th place and Xander Schauffele tied for 60th.
  • Both players expressed frustration with the decision not to allow cleaning balls.
  • The PGA stated the weather improved, so they did not implement the rule change.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
How sports coaches are helping tackle toxic masculinity

How sports coaches are helping tackle toxic masculinity

May 16, 2025
Jordan Puente, once a troubled teen, turned his life around with the help of mentor Roddy Slater. Now 25, Jordan works with Slater to support young people facing difficulties, using sports as a positive influence. Their work highlights the importance of real-life role models for youth, especially in a digital age filled with online influences.

Key Facts:

  • Jordan Puente was expelled from school at age 13 and faced challenges with anger and behavior.
  • Roddy Slater, a sports coach, helped Jordan use weightlifting to improve his life.
  • Jordan now works as a mentor and coach for young people who face similar challenges.
  • The importance of positive role models is highlighted in discussions about toxic masculinity.
  • A survey by UK Coaching found sports coaches are trusted more than teachers, nurses, and social workers by young adults.
  • Slater’s mentoring program in Reading helps around 30 young people daily with sports and life guidance.
  • The program provides face-to-face interaction, which is seen as crucial to counter the harmful effects of online influences.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Billionaires fall as King rises in latest Sunday Times Rich List

Billionaires fall as King rises in latest Sunday Times Rich List

May 16, 2025
King's Charles' wealth has increased to £640 million, matching the wealth of Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, as detailed in the latest Sunday Times Rich List. The list also shows a decrease in the number of billionaires in the UK, marking the largest drop in the history of the list.

Key Facts:

  • King Charles' wealth has grown by £30 million in the past year to reach £640 million.
  • The King's wealth increase moved his rank up 20 places on the list, tied with Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty.
  • The number of billionaires in the UK has decreased from 165 to 156 this year.
  • The Hinduja family remains the richest in the UK, despite a dip in their fortune, estimated at over £35 billion.
  • The Rich List reflects a trend where fewer super-rich individuals are moving to the UK.
  • The Labour government recently abolished the non-dom tax status, which has caused concerns among wealthy individuals.
  • King Charles is now estimated to be worth £270 million more than his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
  • Dua Lipa and Harry Styles are notable entries among the richest young Britons, with fortunes of £115 million and £225 million, respectively.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
The team of the year with no games - Scotland women's 'helpless' situation

The team of the year with no games - Scotland women's 'helpless' situation

May 16, 2025
In 2024, the Scotland women's cricket team got recognized as the national team of the year after their first World Cup. However, they currently have no games planned, mainly due to high costs and insufficient funding, making it hard for them to keep up with other teams.

Key Facts:

  • Scotland women's cricket team played in their first World Cup in 2024.
  • The team was named Scotland's team of the year in December 2024.
  • They currently have no scheduled games and haven't played at home since 2023.
  • Funding issues prevent them from organizing matches easily.
  • Hosting a series can cost between £75,000 and £100,000, which is financially challenging.
  • Associate countries like Scotland have to arrange fixtures themselves, unlike Full Members.
  • Cricket Scotland receives about £1.3 million annually from the ICC, which is used for all their programs.
  • The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) receives over £30 million annually from the ICC.
  • ECB says they support Scotland by organizing junior fixtures but prioritize ICC Full Member obligations.
  • Scottish players express frustration due to lack of games and opportunities for growth.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Warning over 'unlicensed' nasal tanning sprays

Warning over 'unlicensed' nasal tanning sprays

May 16, 2025
Trading Standards has warned against using nasal tanning sprays that are not licensed, due to possible health risks such as difficulty breathing and high blood pressure. These sprays may contain a chemical called Melanotan II which is not approved for use in the UK as they are sold as cosmetics, not as medicines. A woman experienced a severe health reaction after using one of these sprays, prompting further warnings to avoid these products.

Key Facts:

  • Trading Standards warns about health risks from unlicensed nasal tanning sprays.
  • Nasal tanners may cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and mole changes.
  • Some sprays contain Melanotan II, not approved in the UK, which darkens skin.
  • The sprays are sold as cosmetics and aren't covered by usual safety regulations.
  • A woman was hospitalized after using them and advises against their use.
  • The public is urged to report adverse reactions to these products to Trading Standards.
  • Cancer charities worry these sprays might lead to skin cancer.
  • Sprays are easily purchased online and in some physical stores.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
From tears of rejection to 'peace' - Eze's story of resilience and faith

From tears of rejection to 'peace' - Eze's story of resilience and faith

May 16, 2025
Eberechi Eze, a football player who faced many early career setbacks with rejections from clubs like Arsenal and Millwall, is set to play in the FA Cup final for Crystal Palace. Despite the challenges, Eze continued to work hard, leading to his success in the Premier League and playing for England.

Key Facts:

  • Eberechi Eze was released by Arsenal, Fulham, and Reading early in his career.
  • He experienced several unsuccessful trials, including at Bristol City and Sunderland.
  • Queens Park Rangers gave him a chance, which led to his professional career.
  • Eze will play for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
  • He grew up playing football in south-east London using makeshift goals.
  • In the current season, he scored seven goals and made eight assists in the Premier League.
  • Eze attributes his perseverance and success to his faith and determination.
  • He was part of England's squad at Euro 2024.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
WHO declares polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea

WHO declares polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea

May 16, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea and urged for a quick vaccination drive. The virus was found in two children during health checks, and less than half of the population in the country is vaccinated against polio.

Key Facts:

  • WHO declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea.
  • The virus was detected in two healthy children during a health screening.
  • The country has low vaccination rates, with less than 50% of people immunized against polio.
  • Polio is a contagious disease that mainly affects young children and can cause paralysis.
  • The last polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea was in 2018.
  • The current virus strain is linked to one found in Indonesia, a neighboring country.
  • Efforts are being made to vaccinate all children under 10, aiming to cover 3.5 million people.
  • WHO, UNICEF, and Australia's government are helping with the vaccination efforts.
  • There is uneven vaccination coverage, with some areas having as low as 8% coverage.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
UK should learn from Dubai, says Reform MP Tice

UK should learn from Dubai, says Reform MP Tice

May 16, 2025
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice suggested the UK learn from Dubai's national pride and low crime rates. He noted that Dubai's culture encourages respect and safety, though he recognized that the UAE doesn't share all Western values. Tice's comments are part of a broader political discussion following Reform UK's recent local election successes.

Key Facts:

  • Richard Tice is the deputy leader of Reform UK and mentioned the UK could learn from Dubai's safety and national pride.
  • Tice mentioned that in Dubai, personal belongings can often be left unattended without being stolen.
  • Dubai is ruled by a hereditary royal family and has different values compared to the West, with restrictions on civil liberties.
  • Amnesty International has reported that political prisoners are jailed in the UAE.
  • Reform UK recently had significant success in local elections in England, winning many votes and council positions.
  • Tice expressed interest in becoming chancellor if Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage were to become prime minister.
  • Tice attended Uppingham School, an expensive private school, and acknowledged his privileged background.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Rise in disabled people facing homelessness in England

Rise in disabled people facing homelessness in England

May 16, 2025
More than 60,000 households with disabilities in England faced homelessness in the past year, a rise of nearly 75% since 2019, according to official data. During the same period, social housing available for disabled individuals decreased. The government stated it is providing £1 billion to local councils to help prevent homelessness.

Key Facts:

  • Over 60,000 disabled households in England faced homelessness last year.
  • This number represents a 75% increase since 2019.
  • Social housing for disabled people dropped from 20% to 16% between 2022/23 and 2023/24.
  • 21% of households facing homelessness had physical health issues or disabilities in the last part of 2023.
  • Government allocated £1 billion to councils to help stop homelessness.
  • Labour MPs have voiced concerns about cuts to disability benefits.
  • A welfare overhaul, including changes to a benefit called Pip, was announced in March.
  • Homelessness charity Crisis urges the government to build 90,000 new social homes each year.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
MPs to debate assisted dying bill again after major changes

MPs to debate assisted dying bill again after major changes

May 16, 2025
MPs in England and Wales will discuss an assisted dying bill that has undergone several changes since its initial approval in November. The bill, which would allow terminally ill adults to choose assisted death, will not be voted on until June. Recent changes include adjusting the number of expected assisted deaths and removing the need for a judge's approval for each case.

Key Facts:

  • MPs are debating a bill on assisted dying in England and Wales after significant changes.
  • The bill allows terminally ill adults to choose assisted death.
  • The initial approval vote passed 330 to 275 in November.
  • Changes removed the requirement for a High Court judge to approve requests, using a panel instead.
  • The government revised its estimate of assisted deaths from 787 to 647 in the first year.
  • A final vote on the bill is expected on or after 13 June.
  • MPs have a free vote, meaning they can decide based on personal belief rather than party policy.
  • The bill's impact report noted potential NHS savings between £919,000 and £10.3 million.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
MPs call for year-long delay to farm inheritance tax

MPs call for year-long delay to farm inheritance tax

May 16, 2025
A group of MPs is urging a delay in changes to farm inheritance taxes set to start in April 2026. They are concerned the tax could harm small family businesses without proper alternatives and consultation.

Key Facts:

  • MPs want a delay for one year on the planned farm inheritance tax changes.
  • The new policy plans to tax inherited farm assets over £1 million at a 20% rate.
  • Protests occurred across the UK in response to the tax changes announced in the Autumn Budget.
  • The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee criticized the lack of consultation and impact assessments.
  • The government assures that only the wealthiest farms will be impacted, affecting about 500 farms yearly.
  • The National Farmers' Union and other associations argue that up to 70,000 farms could feel the impact.
  • The sudden closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive program also shook farmers' trust in the government.
  • The government claims that most estates will pay no inheritance tax, and those affected can spread payments over ten years without interest.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
The Papers: Starmer's scramble after 'Albania snub'

The Papers: Starmer's scramble after 'Albania snub'

May 15, 2025
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's plan to send asylum seekers to Albania has failed, leading Britain to look for new agreements with other countries in the Balkans, like Bosnia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Meanwhile, Britain's economy grew at its fastest rate in a year, and the government is planning to stop bonuses for water company bosses due to a recent financial problem.

Key Facts:

  • Albania rejected an asylum seeker deal with the UK, causing the UK to seek new agreements with up to nine other countries.
  • These talks may include countries such as Bosnia, Serbia, and North Macedonia to return failed asylum seekers from the UK.
  • Britain's economy grew at its fastest rate in a year during the first quarter.
  • The Financial Times noted this economic growth could benefit the Labour Party.
  • The UK government plans to prevent Thames Water bosses from receiving large bonuses linked to a financial rescue.
  • Over £9 billion was overpaid in UK benefits, mostly due to fraud, according to the Metro.
  • A Ukrainian suspect has been charged with arson related to attacks on properties connected to the Prime Minister.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Aspinall wins in Aberdeen as Littler seals top spot

Aspinall wins in Aberdeen as Littler seals top spot

May 15, 2025
Nathan Aspinall moved closer to securing a spot in the Premier League Darts play-offs after winning in Aberdeen. He beat Chris Dobey 6-1, putting himself in a good position for the finals in London, while Luke Littler already secured his top spot.

Key Facts:

  • Nathan Aspinall won his match against Chris Dobey in Aberdeen with a 6-1 score.
  • Aspinall is close to qualifying for the play-offs and will secure his spot if Michael van Gerwen doesn’t win in Sheffield next week.
  • Luke Littler has already qualified for the play-offs and finished the league phase at the top.
  • Gerwyn Price scored a nine-darter but was eliminated by Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals.
  • Michael van Gerwen is at risk of not making the play-offs for only the second time in his career.
  • Rob Cross is out of play-off contention after losing 6-2 to Chris Dobey.
  • The finals are set to take place in London on 29 May.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Sport stars fear 'vile' abuse could cost a life

Sport stars fear 'vile' abuse could cost a life

May 15, 2025
In a report by Ofcom, sportspeople and broadcasters shared their experiences with severe online abuse. The report highlights fears that this abuse could lead to suicide and calls for social media platforms to enhance user protection.

Key Facts:

  • Ofcom is a UK regulator that studied online abuse against sportspeople.
  • Figures like Azeem Rafiq and Eni Aluko shared their experiences with abuse for the report.
  • Some interviewees reported mental health impacts like anxiety and fear from the abuse.
  • Ofcom's report suggests that current tools like blocking accounts are not sufficient.
  • The UK Online Safety Act requires social media companies to protect users from illegal abuse.
  • The new law became effective in October 2023, with some parts yet to be implemented.
  • Ofcom is developing a code of practice for social media companies to improve safety.
  • The report includes a fear that online abuse might lead to suicides in the sports sector.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Ronaldo tops Forbes highest-paid athlete list again

Ronaldo tops Forbes highest-paid athlete list again

May 15, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo is named the highest-paid athlete for the third year in a row, with earnings of $275 million. NBA player Stephen Curry is second with $156 million, and boxer Tyson Fury is third with $146 million. Ronaldo's income is boosted by endorsements and social media influence.

Key Facts:

  • Cristiano Ronaldo's income in 2025 is $275 million.
  • Stephen Curry earned $156 million, reaching second place on the list.
  • Tyson Fury is third with $146 million.
  • Ronaldo plays in the Saudi Pro League and gets extra income from endorsements.
  • Ronaldo has 939 million followers on social media.
  • Lionel Messi dropped from third to fifth place in earnings.
  • The Forbes list is an annual ranking of the highest-paid athletes.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories