Rangers on verge of Martin appointment - what can fans expect?

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Rangers are about to finalize a deal for Russell Martin to become their next manager. Martin is set to replace interim manager Barry Ferguson and is expected to bring his previous assistants to the team.

Key Facts:

• Russell Martin is a 39-year-old manager considered for the Rangers' manager position.
• He was recently the manager at MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton.
• Martin will take over from Barry Ferguson, who is the interim manager.
• Martin plans to bring assistants Matt Gill, Rhys Owens, and former Rangers defender Maurice Ross to the club.
• The club considered other candidates like Davide Ancelotti and Brian Priske.
• Russell Martin's style of play is described as fast and attacking.
• Martin faced criticism for being too reliant on one style but is perceived by some as adaptable.
• A big change in the Rangers squad is expected due to new investment in the club.

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New satellite images show Russian bombers destroyed in Ukraine attack

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

New satellite and drone footage reveal damage to Russian aircraft at several airbases following a Ukrainian drone attack. The attack impacted multiple bases, damaging or destroying 12 aircraft, with Ukraine claiming a total of 13 strategic bombers were destroyed.

Key Facts:

• Satellite images show 12 Russian aircraft damaged or destroyed.
• Ukraine claims it destroyed at least 13 strategic bombers.
• The attack targeted Russian airbases in north-western and central Russia.
• The drone strike took 18 months for Ukraine to plan.
• Footage shows drones targeting airbases Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya.
• Some aircraft at the bases appeared ready for operations, indicated by fires suggesting they were fueled.
• Russian aircraft had been covered with tires, a tactic to protect against drone strikes.
• Older aircraft models like the Tu-95 and Tu-22 were involved, making repairs difficult due to their age.

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All aboard the spending bus

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The Chancellor has announced that more people will get a winter fuel payment this year, which is financial assistance to help cover heating costs during colder months.

Key Facts:

• The announcement was made by the Chancellor in 2025.
• More individuals will qualify for the winter fuel payment.
• The winter fuel payment helps people with heating expenses in winter.
• The change aims to support more people during colder months.
• The statement was released as part of a broader message on spending.

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Elon Musk trashes Donald Trump's big tax bill

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Elon Musk criticized a new tax bill supported by Donald Trump. This bill is causing disagreements among members of the Republican Party.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk, a well-known business leader, made comments on Donald Trump's tax bill.
• The tax bill in question is called "The One Big Beautiful Bill."
• The bill is supported by Donald Trump, a former U.S. president.
• The bill is causing division within the Republican Party, meaning not all members agree on it.
• The broadcast discussing these issues was released on June 4, 2025.
• This content is available on BBC Sounds, which is an online audio platform by the BBC.

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Watch: Moment girl rescues sister from runaway vehicle in China

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A young girl in China saved her toddler sister from a runaway electric vehicle in Henan town. The vehicle crashed through a restaurant's glass doors but narrowly missed the toddler. The driver apologized and paid for the damages.

Key Facts:

• An 11-year-old girl saved her sister from being hit by an electric scooter.
• This incident happened in central China's Henan town.
• CCTV footage showed the vehicle breaking through a restaurant’s glass doors.
• The toddler was narrowly missed by the vehicle and was not harmed.
• The driver of the vehicle apologized for the incident.
• The driver paid for the damage done to the restaurant.

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How a chaotic 10 days unfolded for Lionesses as Euros loom

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Recently, England's women's soccer team faced disruptions as key players Mary Earps and Fran Kirby retired from international duties, while Millie Bright withdrew for personal reasons. These changes happened shortly before coach Sarina Wiegman was due to announce the Euro 2025 squad. England is preparing to compete in a challenging group in the tournament.

Key Facts:

• Mary Earps retired from England's international soccer team, surprising many.
• Fran Kirby also announced her retirement from international play shortly after a loss to Spain.
• Millie Bright withdrew from the squad for personal reasons and is focusing on her recovery.
• Coach Sarina Wiegman was preparing to select players for the Euro 2025 squad.
• The England team faces a difficult group in the upcoming Euros, playing against strong teams like the Netherlands, France, and Wales.
• Only two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals in the tournament.
• Mary Earps had dropped in team ranking after high performances in previous tournaments.
• Fran Kirby had considered retiring earlier due to ongoing injury issues.

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Where Swiatek v Sabalenka showdown will be decided

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, two leading women's tennis players, are set to face off in the semi-finals of the French Open. Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, aims to defend her title, while Sabalenka is looking for her first win at this tournament. Both players are in the spotlight due to their strong performances over the past few years.

Key Facts:

• Iga Swiatek is the current champion known as the "Queen of Clay."
• Aryna Sabalenka is the current world number one.
• They have won six out of the last ten Grand Slam titles between them.
• This match is their first meeting at the French Open.
• Swiatek has won eight out of their 12 head-to-head matches.
• Swiatek has improved throughout this tournament despite an earlier upset in the Italian Open.
• Sabalenka has had a strong season, with 39 wins out of 45 matches.
• Both players have shown distinct strengths: Swiatek with her forehand and Sabalenka with her powerful play style.

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Sinner into semi-finals with ruthless Bublik win

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Jannik Sinner advanced to the French Open semi-finals by defeating Alexander Bublik in straight sets. Sinner has not lost a set at the tournament and now has a chance to win his first major title on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Key Facts:

• Jannik Sinner progressed to the French Open semi-finals, beating Alexander Bublik 6-1, 7-5, 6-0.
• Sinner has not dropped a set in this year's French Open.
• He aims to win his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
• Alexander Bublik reached the quarter-finals for the first time and has returned to the top 50 in world rankings.
• Sinner's victory marked his 19th consecutive win at Grand Slam tournaments.
• Sinner will face either Novak Djokovic or Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
• The match took place on Court Philippe-Chatrier and lasted one hour and 51 minutes.

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Ros Atkins on... The White House claims on BBC Gaza coverage

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The White House Press Secretary criticized the BBC for allegedly removing a story about Israeli forces in Gaza, but the BBC denies this claim. The BBC stands by its reporting, asserting that their journalism maintains its integrity. A BBC journalist, Ros Atkins, examines the facts in this situation.

Key Facts:

• The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, criticized the BBC's reporting.
• The criticism involved BBC coverage of alleged killings by Israeli forces in Gaza.
• The BBC was accused of taking down a story after reviewing specific footage.
• The BBC stated this claim by the White House is incorrect.
• The BBC affirms its confidence in the accuracy of its reporting.
• BBC journalist Ros Atkins is analyzing the situation to clarify the facts.

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Men 'livestreamed' Russia-linked arson plot, court hears

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A court heard that two men admitted to starting a fire at a warehouse in Leyton, London, that supplied Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine. This act of arson, linked to the Russian group Wagner, caused about £1 million in damages. Several other individuals are on trial for their roles in the arson, which was allegedly planned by foreign agents.

Key Facts:

• Two men admitted to setting a fire at a warehouse in Leyton, east London, causing £1 million in damages.
• The warehouse supplied Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine.
• The individuals were allegedly recruited by the Russian mercenary group Wagner.
• CCTV and phone evidence tracked the movements of the accused men to the scene of the fire.
• During the attack, one individual livestreamed the arson using a mobile phone.
• The fire caused "extensive damage" and posed risks to nearby individuals.
• The incident has been linked to foreign influence and motives, potentially for financial gain or political reasons.
• Two other defendants are charged with failing to disclose information about terrorist acts related to the case.

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Strip search of girl known as Child Q surprised school, hearing told

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A school staff member called the police because she thought a student, known as Child Q, had cannabis. The police carried out a strip search on the 15-year-old girl without an adult present, but no drugs were found. A panel is reviewing the actions of the officers involved to see if they followed the rules.

Key Facts:

• Child Q is a 15-year-old student who was strip-searched by police at her school in east London in 2020.
• A school staff member reported Child Q to the police because she believed the girl smelled of cannabis.
• The police officers involved did not have permission from a higher-ranking officer to conduct the search and did not ensure an adult was present.
• No drugs were found during the search.
• Child Q felt "demeaned" and "physically violated" by the experience.
• The school staff member believed she was following procedures by contacting the police.
• The misconduct panel is examining whether the officers broke professional standards.
• If found guilty of gross misconduct, the officers may lose their jobs.

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NHS doctor who faked degree told to pay back £400k

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A woman named Zholia Alemi worked as a psychiatrist in the UK's NHS using a forged medical degree for over 20 years. She has been ordered by a judge to repay over £400,000 to the NHS or face additional jail time.

Key Facts:

• Zholia Alemi used a fake degree from the University of Auckland to get a job as a doctor in the UK.
• She was born in Iran and moved to Auckland in the early 1990s, where she failed a medical degree.
• Alemi was convicted of forgery and other crimes by a jury and sentenced to seven years in prison in 2023.
• A judge has now ordered her to repay £406,624 to the NHS.
• The General Medical Council registered Alemi as a doctor based on her fake documents.
• Alemi earned more than £1.3 million working for the NHS with the false qualifications.
• In 2018, Alemi was also jailed for five years for a separate fraud related to forging a will.
• The General Medical Council has since apologized for its inadequate checks in the 1990s.

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Body found in search for stag party Scot missing in Portugal

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A body was found in Portugal during the search for Greg Monks, a 38-year-old from Cambuslang, Scotland, who went missing last week while on a stag party. The body was discovered in the Cerro de Aguia area near Albufeira, where Mr. Monks was last seen.

Key Facts:

• Greg Monks, aged 38, went missing in Portugal during a stag party.
• He was last seen early in the morning after leaving the main strip in Albufeira.
• A body was found in the Cerro de Aguia area, about 3.1 miles from where he was last seen.
• The local police, Policia Judiciaria, are handling the case and have found the body on uneven land.
• The body has not yet been formally identified.
• An autopsy is planned to confirm the identity and cause of death.
• The UK Foreign Office is providing support to Mr. Monks' family.
• Friends and family have expressed their condolences on social media.

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A-ha star Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson's

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Morten Harket, the lead singer of the band A-ha, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has undergone brain surgery twice to manage symptoms and is open about his condition now, although it affects his singing career.

Key Facts:

• Morten Harket is the frontman of A-ha, known for their hit "Take On Me."
• He has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
• The diagnosis was announced on A-ha's official website.
• Parkinson's disease affects the brain and can cause shaking, slow movement, and stiff muscles.
• Harket has undergone surgeries known as deep brain stimulation to help manage symptoms.
• These surgeries took place in June 2023 and December 2024.
• Despite the treatment, Harket is uncertain about his future as a singer.
• Managing his condition involves balancing medications and other physical factors.

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Middlesbrough sack head coach Carrick

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Middlesbrough has dismissed Michael Carrick as head coach after two and a half years. Carrick, a former England player, helped the team reach play-offs in his first season, but they missed the top spots in the following years. His assistants have also left, and the club is looking for a new coach.

Key Facts:

• Michael Carrick was sacked after being Middlesbrough's head coach for two and a half years.
• He started coaching at Middlesbrough in October 2022.
• Carrick's team reached the play-offs in the 2022-23 season but failed in the next two seasons.
• Middlesbrough finished 10th in the 2024-25 season after losing to Coventry.
• During Carrick's tenure, Middlesbrough had 18 losses in the last season.
• Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick, Carrick's assistants, have also left the club.
• 17 out of 24 Championship teams have changed managers since August of the previous year.
• Middlesbrough is now looking for a new head coach, with Rob Edwards and Danny Rohl as potential candidates.

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Man accused of murdering 14-year-old in Hainault wanted to kill many, court hears

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A 37-year-old man named Marcus Monzo is on trial, accused of murdering a 14-year-old boy, Daniel Anjorin, in east London by attacking him with a sword as the boy walked to school. Monzo is also accused of attacking five others during a series of incidents on the same morning. He has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including murder and attempted murder.

Key Facts:

• Marcus Monzo allegedly killed Daniel Anjorin with a sword on April 30 of last year.
• Daniel Anjorin was 14 years old and was on his way to school when he was attacked.
• Monzo is accused of attacking five other people, resulting in serious injuries.
• He faces eight charges, including four counts of attempted murder, and denies all charges.
• The prosecution claims Monzo had a clear intent to kill, regardless of the victims' identities.
• On the same day, Monzo allegedly broke into a couple's home and threatened them with a sword.
• Monzo reportedly asked people if they believed in God during his attacks.
• After the attacks, when police tried to arrest him, Monzo made statements about God and Allah uniting everyone.
• During a police interview, Monzo said one of his personalities was a professional assassin. A later interview was cut short due to his confusion.

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New chair to do 'whatever it takes' to reform legal appeals body

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The new interim chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), Dame Vera Baird, is committed to reforming the organization. Her goal is to increase public confidence, especially after cases like Andrew Malkinson's wrongful conviction, which highlighted failures in the system. Dame Vera plans to conduct a thorough review and address any issues within the CCRC.

Key Facts:

• Dame Vera Baird is the new interim chair of the CCRC as of Tuesday.
• The CCRC reviews cases where there may have been a miscarriage of justice.
• Dame Vera aims to reform the CCRC and improve public trust in its work.
• Andrew Malkinson was wrongfully jailed for 17 years for rape; his case was mishandled by the CCRC.
• Malkinson's conviction was overturned in July 2023 after new evidence emerged.
• A review found the CCRC failed to act on Malkinson's case, potentially prolonging his imprisonment.
• Dame Vera plans to look into similar cases and communicate with the CCRC's chief executive.
• The CCRC is doing an internal review of cases involving DNA evidence to avoid similar issues.

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Gauff battles past Keys to reach semi-finals

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Coco Gauff reached the semi-finals of the French Open after defeating fellow American Madison Keys. Gauff won the match with scores of 6-7, 6-4, and 6-1, and she will face either Mirra Andreeva or Lois Boisson next.

Key Facts:

• Coco Gauff is the world number two tennis player.
• She beat Madison Keys to reach the French Open semi-finals with set scores of 6-7, 6-4, 6-1.
• Gauff found her rhythm in the second set, leading to her dominating the third.
• Madison Keys made 60 unforced errors compared to Gauff's 41.
• Gauff has beaten Keys three times in six meetings, including this victory on clay.
• She will face either Mirra Andreeva or Lois Boisson in the semi-finals.
• Gauff previously won the French Open doubles title in 2024.

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Teen TikTok star shot dead after man broke into her home, police say

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Police in Pakistan have arrested a 22-year-old man named Umar Hayat, who confessed to killing 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf in her home in Islamabad. Authorities believe the murder occurred after Ms. Yousaf rejected his advances, and he broke into her home, shot her, and escaped with her phone. Her death has sparked a national outcry and a wider debate about the safety of women on social media.

Key Facts:

• A 22-year-old man, Umar Hayat, was arrested in Pakistan and confessed to the murder.
• The victim, Sana Yousaf, was a 17-year-old social media influencer with many followers.
• Authorities say Hayat broke into Yousaf's home, shot her twice, and stole her phone.
• Sana Yousaf's family says she had not mentioned Hayat before the murder.
• Police have recovered the alleged murder weapon and the stolen phone.
• Sana Yousaf's death has caused widespread concern and was quickly disseminated in the media.
• The situation has led to discussions about women's safety on social media in Pakistan.
• Some online criticism of Ms. Yousaf's social media work has appeared, though authorities condemn the murder and support female influencers.

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National Trust covers artwork referencing JK Rowling after tampering

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The National Trust removed a textile artwork from display at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire after a person tampered with it by unpicking the stitching over JK Rowling's name. Between April and November 2024, people added names to the artwork, which was designed to honor admired women. The artwork, created by artist Layla Khoo, was inspired by a historical piece and is being investigated due to the incident.

Key Facts:

• The artwork allowed public contributions of women's names from April to November 2024.
• A participant had stitched over JK Rowling's name, which was later unpicked by activist Jean Hatchet.
• The National Trust manages Hardwick Hall and asked visitors not to tamper with art.
• The art piece is based on missing embroidery by Bess of Hardwick from the 16th century.
• Participants added names of admired women like Rosa Parks and Taylor Swift to the artwork.
• The National Trust stated that people who contributed did not represent their views or those of the University of Leeds.
• The artwork aimed to reflect virtues and was intended for display throughout 2025.

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