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Liverpool trio among PL player of the season nominees

May 15, 2025

Eight players have been nominated for the Premier League's player of the season, including three Liverpool players, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Ryan Gravenberch. Five managers are up for the manager of the year award, with Vitor Pereira recognized for leading Wolves to safety and Liverpool's Arne Slot nominated for winning the league in his first season.

Key Facts:

Eight players are nominated for the Premier League player of the season award.
Liverpool players Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Ryan Gravenberch are on the shortlist.
Virgil van Dijk has played every game and helped Liverpool achieve 14 clean sheets.
Mohamed Salah has made 46 goal contributions, including 28 goals.
Nottingham Forest has two nominees: Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.
Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo are also nominated.
Declan Rice from Arsenal completes the list of nominees.
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira is nominated for the manager of the year award after guiding the team from 19th place to safety.
Liverpool's Arne Slot, Newcastle's Eddie Howe, Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo, and Brentford's Thomas Frank are also nominated for the manager award.

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Vardy to make final Leicester appearance on Sunday

May 15, 2025

Jamie Vardy will play his last game for Leicester City at their home stadium, the King Power Stadium, on Sunday. After 13 years with the club, he aims to score his 200th goal in his 500th game before he leaves at the end of the season.

Key Facts:

Jamie Vardy's final match for Leicester will be at home against Ipswich.
Vardy has played for Leicester City for 13 years and is their top Premier League scorer with 144 goals.
He joined Leicester in 2012 from Fleetwood Town, a non-league team, for £1 million.
Vardy scored 24 goals during Leicester's Premier League-winning season in 2015-16.
He also helped Leicester win the FA Cup in 2021.
This season, Vardy scored nine goals even though Leicester was relegated to the Championship.
Fans are encouraged to come early and stay late for his farewell match.

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'I had a criminal record for 56 years for being a lesbian - nobody told me'

May 15, 2025

Liz Stead, a 78-year-old woman, recently found out she had a criminal record for 56 years due to being a lesbian in the military, something she was never informed about. After being dismissed from the RAF in 1969, her record was finally cleared in 2023 when she applied for a government pardon. The UK's Disregards and Pardons Scheme now includes women and former military personnel affected by past laws against homosexuality.

Key Facts:

Liz Stead discovered she had a criminal record when applying for financial support for veterans sacked due to bans on homosexuality in the forces.
She was dismissed from the RAF in 1969 after a love letter from her girlfriend was found.
Her criminal record stemmed from "perceived same-sex sexual activity."
Liz's conviction was overturned in 2023 under the expanded Disregards and Pardons Scheme.
The scheme, expanded in 2023, allows people with past convictions for consensual same-sex activities to have their records cleared.
Since the expansion, 40 individuals, mostly former military personnel, have received pardons.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in the UK armed forces in 2000 following a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights.
Liz encourages others who faced similar issues to apply for pardons to check for any unknown convictions.

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Private schools say fees have gone up by 22% in last year

May 15, 2025

Private school fees in the UK increased by 22.6% in January compared to last year. This rise includes a new 20% VAT tax, which has led to concerns about fewer students attending private schools. Some schools have tried to lower fees, not counting the VAT, to help parents manage costs.

Key Facts:

Average private school fees in January were £7,382, including VAT, up from £6,021 the previous year.
The VAT on private school fees was introduced on January 1st across the UK.
The government expected fees to rise by about 10% due to the VAT change.
The ISC represents about 1,400 private schools in the UK and conducts an annual census on fees and pupil numbers.
The ISC and private schools are also dealing with changes in national insurance and the end of certain tax reliefs.
Some parents have removed their children from private schools due to increased costs.
The state school system is expected to accommodate more students if private school numbers decrease.

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'I'm overjoyed to be back': Syrians face daunting rebuild after years of war

May 15, 2025

Fatima Hazzouri has returned to Homs, Syria, after leaving during the civil war 13 years ago. She is part of a large group of displaced Syrians returning home, but they face challenges like destroyed homes and limited job opportunities as the country begins rebuilding.

Key Facts:

Fatima Hazzouri returned to her hometown, Homs, 13 years after leaving due to civil war.
Over 100 families traveled over eight hours to return to Homs from northern Syria.
The Syrian civil war began in 2011 and ended with a rebel victory in December 2024.
More than seven million Syrians were displaced within the country during the conflict.
Six million Syrians fled abroad during the war years.
Recent lifting of US sanctions on Syria offers hope for rebuilding efforts.
Essential services like electricity are still limited in many areas, including Homs.
Employment opportunities remain scarce for those returning, despite efforts to rebuild.

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Trial collapses in suitcase remains murder case

May 15, 2025

The trial of Yostin Mosquera, accused of murdering two men in London, has been stopped because of issues with the evidence. A new trial is planned, with a review scheduled for June 13 and a retrial expected on June 30.

Key Facts:

Yostin Mosquera is accused of murdering Albert Alfonso and Paul Longworth.
Some body parts were found in Shepherd's Bush, and others in a suitcase near Bristol.
The trial started at the Old Bailey, London's main criminal court.
The judge stopped the trial due to problems with evidence from Mr. Mosquera's laptop.
Mr. Mosquera admitted to manslaughter of Mr. Alfonso, citing loss of self-control.
A pre-trial review is set for June 13 at the Old Bailey.
The retrial is scheduled to begin on June 30 at Woolwich Crown Court.

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Times reporter who exposed grooming gangs dies

May 15, 2025

Andrew Norfolk, a former journalist for The Times, has died at the age of 60. He is best known for uncovering the Rotherham grooming gang scandal, where gangs targeted mainly white teenage girls from 1997 to 2013. His work helped change laws to convict more offenders involved in child exploitation.

Key Facts:

Andrew Norfolk, an ex-journalist with The Times, died at 60.
He exposed the Rotherham grooming gang scandal involving child exploitation.
His reporting led to a major investigation into child sexual exploitation between 1997 and 2013.
Around 1,400 children were estimated to have been exploited over that period.
Norfolk's work helped change laws to improve conviction rates for those involved.
He won several awards, including the Paul Foot Award and Orwell Prize.
Key figures like Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and others praised his commitment to justice.

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Buttler to skip IPL play-offs for England ODIs

May 15, 2025

Jos Buttler will miss the IPL play-offs if the Gujarat Titans qualify, as he will return to England for the one-day and T20 series against West Indies. Several other England players in the IPL are also returning for the same series, while a few will not return because their teams cannot make the play-offs.

Key Facts:

Jos Buttler is skipping the IPL play-offs to play for England against the West Indies.
Five England players in the IPL are part of the England one-day squad.
The IPL play-offs start on 29 May, and the final is on 3 June.
Buttler will return to England for the first ODI on 29 May.
Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton will not return to the IPL since their teams cannot qualify for the play-offs.
England will play three ODIs and a three-match T20 series against the West Indies.
Gujarat Titans need one more win to secure a play-off spot in the IPL.
Kusal Mendis from Sri Lanka is likely to replace Buttler in the Gujarat Titans if they enter the play-offs.

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Juror removed from mushroom lunch murder trial

May 15, 2025

A juror was removed from an Australian murder trial for possibly discussing the case outside the court. Erin Patterson is accused of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder another by serving them poisonous mushrooms.

Key Facts:

Erin Patterson is on trial for murder and attempted murder involving her relatives.
The case involves accusations of serving poisonous mushrooms during a meal.
A male juror was removed for potentially discussing the case with outsiders.
The judge found no definitive proof of the juror's discussions but took precautionary measures.
The trial started two weeks ago in Victoria and is expected to last six weeks.
Prosecutors say Ms. Patterson deliberately poisoned the guests.
Ms. Patterson's defense claims the poisoning was accidental and due to panic.

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'Real identity of Diane killer was known on estates'

May 15, 2025

Peter Sullivan was released from prison after nearly 40 years when new DNA evidence cleared him of the murder of Diane Sindall in 1986. A local charity claims that many people knew the real killer's identity but were afraid to inform the police. Now, the police are asking anyone with information about the true murderer to come forward.

Key Facts:

Diane Sindall was killed in 1986, and her murderer was unknown.
Peter Sullivan, originally convicted, has been acquitted due to new DNA evidence.
A charity called RASA Merseyside, set up in Sindall's memory, has received confidential tips from locals claiming the police had the wrong suspect.
People in the community were afraid to reveal what they knew due to close-knit local ties and fear of consequences.
Merseyside Police are actively seeking information from the public about any suspects from the 1986 case.
Over 260 men were tested and eliminated based on DNA evidence from the crime scene.
Peter Sullivan maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment.

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'Everyone hasn't been good enough' - Haaland on 'horrific' season

May 15, 2025

Manchester City aims to finish their season on a high note by winning the FA Cup after falling short in other competitions. They are set to play against Crystal Palace in the final, with Erling Haaland expressing the team's need to secure a trophy despite setbacks this season.

Key Facts:

Manchester City is in the FA Cup final and will face Crystal Palace on 17 May at Wembley.
The team did not win the Premier League this season, with Liverpool taking the title.
City failed to win the Champions League, being eliminated by Real Madrid.
Manchester City exited the Carabao Cup after losing to Tottenham in the fourth round.
Erling Haaland joined Manchester City in 2022 and has been a top scorer in previous seasons.
Haaland started the current season strong but struggled with fewer goals after the first few matches.
Haaland dealt with an ankle injury, recovering with the help of red-light therapy, a treatment using infrared light.

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How an Australian bar was saved by Wrexham's rise

May 15, 2025

A bar in Sydney, Australia, named York Lane has become a popular spot for Wrexham football club fans after adopting a Wrexham AFC theme. The bar, owned by Dieter Steinbusch, was inspired by the club's success under its Hollywood owners and has seen a boost in business as a result.

Key Facts:

York Lane is a bar in Sydney's Central Business District that adopted a Wrexham AFC theme.
The bar became popular with Wrexham fans and serves Wrexham Lager.
Wrexham's success story involves its Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham fans gather at York Lane, describing it as a 'home away from home.'
The television series "Welcome to Wrexham" inspired the bar's owner, Dieter, to adopt the theme.
Wrexham is scheduled to play three matches in Australia against A-League teams.
The bar has a mural of the Hollywood owners and various club memorabilia.
Bar owner Dieter has established a friendship with the landlord of The Turf, a bar near Wrexham's stadium.

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Police going door-to-door in DNA hunt for parents of abandoned baby Elsa and siblings

May 15, 2025

Police are trying to find the parents of three babies who were each abandoned shortly after their birth in east London. They are focusing their investigation on about 400 local homes and are using DNA samples to help identify the parents. The babies, found between 2017 and 2024, are believed to have the same parents.

Key Facts:

Police are searching for the parents of three abandoned babies in east London.
The babies were found in 2017, 2019, and 2024, abandoned shortly after birth.
DNA tests show the babies are siblings, with the same parents.
Officers are visiting around 400 homes in the area to collect DNA samples.
Police are contacting people from a national DNA database who may be related to the babies' mother.
The babies were left in places where they were likely to be found quickly.
Despite efforts, including a reward offer, the parents have not yet been identified.
Experts suggest the mother might have mental or physical health issues, affecting her ability to come forward.

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Pubs to stay open late if England or Wales make women's Euros semi-finals

May 15, 2025

Pubs in the UK will stay open until 1 a.m. if England or Wales make it to the semi-finals or finals of the Women's UEFA European Championships. This change, from the usual closing time of 11 p.m., aims to celebrate the tournament's significance and allow fans to enjoy watching the matches.

Key Facts:

Pubs in the UK will have extended hours until 1 a.m. if England or Wales reach the later stages of the Women's UEFA European Championships.
This change will occur if either team reaches the semi-finals or the final, taking place from July 2 to 27 in Switzerland.
England's team is the current champion, and Wales has qualified for the tournament for the first time.
The semi-finals are on July 22 and 23, with the final set for July 27 in Basel.
Wales will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 5, and England will play France on the same day.
Previously, pubs had extended hours for Victory in Europe Day's 80th anniversary and last year's men's Euros.
The decision aims to recognize the growing popularity of women's football in the UK and allow communities to gather and celebrate.

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Magna Carta 'copy' bought for $28 now believed to be genuine version

May 15, 2025

A document bought by Harvard Law School in 1946 for $27.50, previously thought to be an unofficial copy of the Magna Carta, is now believed by academics to be a genuine and rare original from the year 1300. This document is considered one of the most important legal documents in history and could be worth millions.

Key Facts:

Harvard Law School purchased the document in 1946 for $27.50.
Academics now believe it is a genuine Magna Carta from 1300.
The Magna Carta was first issued in 1215 and is a significant legal document that limited the power of the king and established certain rights.
The document was part of a series reissued by various kings until 1300.
Only 25 original Magna Carta documents from the editions between 1215 and 1300 are known to survive today.
The document was linked to the town of Appleby in Cumbria, UK.
The document was auctioned in 1945 and eventually sold to Harvard after changing several hands.
The 1297 version of the Magna Carta sold for $21 million in 2007, suggesting a high value for the Harvard document.

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Overhaul needed to prevent benefit claimants suffering harm, MPs say

May 15, 2025

MPs in the UK are calling for changes to laws and practices at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to better protect people receiving benefits after reports of harm and several deaths linked to DWP errors. A new law requiring better safeguarding of vulnerable individuals is proposed, alongside a cultural change within the DWP to prioritize support for these individuals.

Key Facts:

A cross-party group of MPs reviewed cases where people were harmed due to DWP errors.
The deaths of Errol Graham, Philippa Day, and Kevin Gale are highlighted as examples of such failures.
The Work and Pensions Select Committee investigated 274 cases where harm was reported since April 2015.
The DWP is consulting on a new safeguarding approach to better support vulnerable people.
MPs suggest a new law to make safeguarding vulnerable claimants a top priority for the DWP.
Testimonies indicate that some procedures may worsen mental health symptoms, like long forms and phone queues.
The committee notes that the DWP previously prioritized getting people back to work over support for vulnerable people.

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The Papers: Jails 'on brink' and 'stalling' post-Brexit talks with Brussels

May 15, 2025

The UK government announced plans to address overcrowded prisons by releasing some inmates early. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned that ignoring the problem could lead to a breakdown of the justice system. Talks between the UK and EU about post-Brexit matters are facing delays due to differences over fishing rights and student fees.

Key Facts:

The UK government plans to release some prisoners early to manage overcrowding.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed concerns about the justice system collapsing if prison overcrowding isn't tackled.
The Times reported that releasing sexual offenders early might endanger the public.
The Guardian covered issues about Science Secretary Peter Kyle's frequent meetings with US tech firms.
There is a delay in UK-EU talks related to post-Brexit agreements, mainly about fishing rights and student fees.
The daily papers touched on various issues like winter fuel payment cuts and discussions over food safety standards.
The NHS is treating young children who believe they are transgender, offering them counseling but no medication.
A drug dealer was sentenced for a factory explosion that resulted in a young boy's death.

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Mosquito-borne killer disease threatens blackbirds

May 14, 2025

A new disease carried by mosquitoes, called Usutu virus, is spreading in the UK and affects blackbirds, leading to a noticeable decline in their population. Scientists are studying how the disease spread rapidly across southern England and are concerned climate change might make these conditions worse.

Key Facts:

Usutu virus is spread by mosquitoes and has affected blackbirds in the UK since 2020.
The virus originally appeared around southern Africa and was first found in Europe about 30 years ago.
In the UK, it has spread across much of southern England, affecting areas as far west as Dorset and north to Cambridgeshire.
Researchers have observed a 40% decline in blackbird populations in some areas like Greater London since Usutu was found there.
Longer summers and hotter temperatures may allow mosquitoes to spread further, increasing the risk of diseases.
Although the virus can infect humans and horses, no human cases have been reported in the UK.
Scientists are working with the British Trust for Ornithology to gather data on blackbird numbers through volunteer birdwatching.

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Radio 2 breakfast audience drops after Zoe Ball's exit

May 14, 2025

BBC Radio 2 saw a drop of more than 360,000 listeners after Zoe Ball left the breakfast show in December, with Scott Mills taking over in January. Despite this drop, the station still has the UK's most popular breakfast show and an overall weekly audience of 13.11 million listeners.

Key Facts:

Zoe Ball left BBC Radio 2's breakfast show in December after six years.
After her departure, the breakfast show's audience decreased by over 360,000 listeners.
Scott Mills became the new host of the show at the end of January.
BBC Radio 2's breakfast show still has the largest audience in the UK with 6.45 million listeners.
Overall, the station's weekly audience fell from 13.65 million to 13.11 million.
Changes in the lineup included Trevor Nelson taking over Mills' afternoon slot and Vernon Kay continuing to host a popular mid-morning show.
Among commercial stations, Heart's breakfast show, led by Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, increased its audience by 250,000 to 4.3 million listeners.

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Forest's Awoniyi out of coma after surgery

May 14, 2025

Taiwo Awoniyi, a player for Nottingham Forest, was seriously injured during a match against Leicester City. After colliding with the goalpost, he had surgery for a ruptured intestine and was placed in an induced coma before waking up. Nottingham Forest is conducting a review to understand why he was allowed to continue playing after the injury.

Key Facts:

Taiwo Awoniyi is a forward for Nottingham Forest.
He collided with the goalpost during a match, leading to a ruptured intestine.
Awoniyi had surgery in two stages and was placed in an induced coma.
He woke up from the coma after the second surgery.
The club is reviewing the incident to understand medical team decisions.
Medical experts say the injury is rare and can be life-threatening.
Forest's owner expressed concern about injury management after the game.

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