A British Airways plane aborted its take-off at Gatwick Airport after the co-pilot mixed up his left and right, causing the plane's brakes to catch fire. The incident resulted in a 50-minute closure of the runway but no injuries were reported.
Key Facts
The mistake happened on a British Airways flight to Vancouver on June 28.
The co-pilot wrongly moved a lever to the left instead of the right during take-off.
The error caused the plane's brakes to catch fire, leading to the take-off being abandoned.
A total of 23 flights were canceled at Gatwick Airport due to the incident.
The aircraft had 334 passengers and 13 crew members on board, but no injuries were reported.
A safety notice reminding pilots to focus on actions had been issued four days before the incident.
The co-pilot had over 6,100 hours of flying experience and was surprised by his mistake.
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Judith Robbins, who runs holiday apartments in Blackpool, is facing financial difficulties after her properties were reclassified as second homes under new tax rules. This change has increased her tax bills significantly, and now she owes more than she can afford to pay.
Key Facts
Judith Robbins manages eight self-catering holiday apartments in Blackpool.
In October, six of her apartments were reclassified as second homes, not holiday lets.
This reclassification increased her yearly payment from about £3,500 in business rates to £9,000 in council tax.
The change is part of a government effort to address housing shortages in coastal and rural areas.
More than 9,000 properties in England have been reclassified under these new rules.
Robbins is appealing the decision, which could take up to six months.
Other businesses in Blackpool are facing similar issues and are considering selling.
The Valuation Office Agency is responsible for the classification and is handling many cases currently.
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The new Pope, Leo XIV, is originally from Chicago but has strong ties to Peru, where he lived and worked for many years before becoming the Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014. Peruvians are celebrating his appointment as the first American Pope, with many considering him one of their own due to his deep connection to the country and his contributions to various charitable works there.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago in 1955 and moved to Peru in 1985.
He worked in Peru for nearly 30 years and became a Bishop in Chiclayo in 2014.
Leo XIV is the first American Pope and is celebrated in Peru as a symbol of pride.
Peru's president described him as Peruvian "by choice and conviction."
He has been involved in charitable work in Peru, including helping during floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leo XIV was instrumental in getting two oxygen-production plants for Peru during the pandemic.
He holds both American and Peruvian citizenship.
People in Peru regard his papal appointment as a significant event for the country.
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The UK plans to impose new sanctions on up to 100 Russian oil tankers that have been used to dodge existing sanctions on oil and gas exports. These measures aim to prevent the tankers from entering UK ports and could involve detaining them in UK waters. Leaders will discuss this at a meeting in Oslo, focusing on supporting Ukraine against Russia.
Key Facts
The new sanctions target a group of Russian oil tankers called the "shadow fleet."
These tankers have transported over £18 billion worth of cargo since 2024.
The announcement will be made at a summit of north European leaders called the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in Oslo, Norway.
The UK wants to stop the "shadow fleet" from funding Russia's activities in Ukraine.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many countries already imposed sanctions limiting Russian energy exports.
The new measures will prevent the sanctioned tankers from using British ports.
The Joint Expeditionary Force consists of ten countries, including the UK, Denmark, and Norway.
Additional support for Ukraine's war efforts is expected to be announced at the JEF summit.
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Newspapers report on a new trade deal between the US and the UK. This agreement aims to help the UK car industry by addressing American tariffs and includes changes for car and steel exports. Additionally, the article discusses the election of a new Pope from Chicago, named Leo XIV.
Key Facts
The US and UK have agreed on a new trade deal to help the British car industry.
The Financial Times notes that the UK secured concessions on car and steel exports.
A flat ten percent tariff remains on most goods between the US and UK.
The Daily Telegraph reports discussion over US objections to Chinese investments in the UK, but the UK government denies any formal "veto."
The I newspaper mentions ongoing questions about the impact of the deal on the pharmaceutical industry.
White smoke at the Vatican signifies a new Pope, Leo XIV, elected in a quick process.
Leo XIV is from Chicago and is the first American pope.
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Recent discussions have highlighted a rule in camogie, a women’s Irish sport, requiring players to wear skorts, which are shorts with a skirt-like covering. Many players and teams are pushing for the choice to wear either skorts or shorts, emphasizing comfort during play. The Camogie Association has organized a vote to decide on this matter soon.
Key Facts
A skort is clothing that looks like a skirt but has shorts underneath.
Camogie rules currently require players to wear a skirt, skort, or divided skirt.
In women's Gaelic football, players are allowed to wear shorts.
A survey showed that 70% of players feel uncomfortable in skorts, and 83% want an option to wear shorts.
Cork's camogie team plans to wear shorts in an upcoming final, refusing skorts even if it might lead to the match being canceled.
Players express that skorts can be uncomfortable and distracting, affecting their focus during games.
The Camogie Association is holding a special meeting on May 22 to vote on allowing shorts.
Some players say skorts can make them feel exposed and uncomfortable, especially during specific times like when they’re on their period.
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The Kooks and Hard-Fi, popular indie bands from the 2000s, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. They were initially part of a big indie music trend, but faded when musical tastes changed. Now, both bands are enjoying renewed interest from younger fans and planning new projects.
Key Facts
The Kooks and Hard-Fi were popular guitar bands in the 2000s, selling millions of records.
Both bands were part of a significant indie music wave that started around 2002.
By 2006, many of the top-selling albums in the UK were from guitar bands.
The indie music trend declined around 2008, with radio shifting focus to pop and hip-hop.
Hard-Fi guitarist Ross Phillips changed careers during the 2010s, becoming a tiler.
Hard-Fi reunited after a successful online performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kooks have remained active, experimenting with different music styles over the years.
Their older songs have gained popularity among younger audiences on TikTok.
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Moon dust samples from China's space mission have arrived in the UK for study. Professor Mahesh Anand and his team at the Open University will analyze these samples to learn about the Moon's formation and its relationship with Earth.
Key Facts
The Moon dust is part of China's Chang'e 5 mission conducted in 2020.
These are the first samples of Moon rock brought back to Earth in nearly 50 years.
The samples are stored in a high-security facility in Milton Keynes, UK.
Professor Mahesh Anand is the only UK scientist loaned these samples for study.
The analysis aims to understand how the Moon formed, possibly from debris when Earth collided with a Mars-sized planet.
China has shared Moon dust samples with seven international researchers for the first time.
The dust samples weigh 60 milligrams in total.
The study takes place under strict contamination prevention measures to protect the samples.
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Tottenham advanced to the Europa League final after defeating Bodo/Glimt with a total score of 5-1. They will play against Manchester United on May 21 in Bilbao. This is Tottenham's first major trophy chance since winning the Carabao Cup in 2008, despite a challenging domestic season.
Key Facts
Tottenham beat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 in Norway and 5-1 on aggregate to reach the Europa League final.
They will face Manchester United in the final on May 21 in Bilbao.
Tottenham is currently 16th in the English Premier League.
The team has not won a major trophy since the Carabao Cup in 2008.
Coach Ange Postecoglou has faced criticism due to the team’s poor league performance and injuries to key players.
This is Tottenham's sixth European final; they last reached the final in 2019.
Tottenham has not won the Europa League in 41 years.
Winning this final is seen as crucial for Postecoglou’s career at Tottenham.
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Health leaders in England plan significant cuts in NHS services and staff to manage budget issues. NHS officials expect a nearly £7 billion overspend, despite increased funding, leading to potential job losses and service reductions.
Key Facts
The NHS in England is planning cuts to services and staff to address budget concerns.
Services like diabetes care, rehab centers, and talking therapies may face cuts.
Some hospitals are stopping overtime for doctors, which could affect efforts to reduce hospital waiting lists.
NHS organizations are predicted to overspend by nearly £7 billion in 2025-26.
One large hospital is considering cutting 1,500 jobs, including doctors and nurses.
Some mental health services are not accepting new ADHD patients, with waits for therapy over a year.
Maternity units might close due to lower birth rates.
Over half of NHS trusts are cutting jobs or planning to cut services.
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Sharon Miller and Wayne Birkett were injured on June 13, 2023, when Valdo Calocane drove a van into them in Nottingham. Earlier that day, Calocane fatally stabbed three people. Sharon and Wayne shared their experiences and talked about feeling guilty for surviving.
Key Facts
Valdo Calocane drove a van into pedestrians, injuring Sharon Miller and Wayne Birkett.
Earlier, Calocane had fatally stabbed Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates.
Sharon suffered serious injuries, including broken ribs and a severe leg wound, and now uses a walking stick.
Wayne sustained complex brain and physical injuries, requiring him to relearn basic skills.
Both survivors expressed feelings of guilt for surviving the attacks.
Sharon and Wayne have not returned to work due to their injuries.
The incidents happened in Nottingham, England, in June 2023.
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In Hong Kong, Innes Tang has created a hotline to report people who might violate the city's national security law. This law, established by China, has led to more than 300 arrests and caused many people to leave the city.
Key Facts
Innes Tang started a hotline to report possible breaches of Hong Kong's national security law.
National security law was imposed after 2019 protests and targets actions like "secession" and "subversion."
Tang and his followers reported nearly 100 people and organizations to authorities.
He claims the reports have led to police cases and some arrests.
Hong Kong government has a separate hotline, receiving 890,000 tip-offs in about two years.
More than 300 people have been arrested under the security law since 2020.
Around 300,000 Hongkongers have left Hong Kong permanently in recent years.
Some individuals, like political activist Kenneth Chan, face social isolation due to their views.
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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is looking forward to facing Real Betis and their manager, Manuel Pellegrini, in the Conference League final. Maresca spoke about his connection to Pellegrini and the upcoming match, reflecting on his history with both Betis’s rivals and the city of Seville.
Key Facts
Enzo Maresca is the current manager of Chelsea.
Maresca has a personal and professional connection to Manuel Pellegrini, the Real Betis manager.
Chelsea won against Djurgarden, reaching the final with a 5-1 score on aggregate.
Real Betis defeated Fiorentina after extra time, winning 4-3 on aggregate.
Maresca has previously played for Sevilla, Betis’s rivals, which might affect how fans react to him.
The final match will take place in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28.
Maresca believes that winning the Conference League could help Chelsea build a winning mentality.
He has spent four years working with Pellegrini, both as a player and as an assistant coach.
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Luke Humphries won a close match against Luke Littler 6-5 in a Premier League darts final in Leeds. This victory marked Humphries' first win in ten weeks and secured his spot in the upcoming finals.
Key Facts
Luke Humphries defeated Luke Littler 6-5 in a darts final in Leeds.
Humphries came back from a 2-0 deficit to win the match.
Humphries had not won a final since competing against Littler earlier in the season.
Both players had high averages, with Humphries at 100.96 and Littler at 99.89.
The victory allows Humphries to compete in the Premier League finals on May 29 at the O2 Arena.
Littler previously secured his finals spot with a win in Birmingham.
The match featured several missed opportunities but ended with Humphries hitting double 10 for the win.
Humphries also won earlier matches against Michael van Gerwen and Stephen Bunting to reach the finals.
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Rory McIlroy finished five shots behind leader Keith Mitchell in the first round of the Truist Championship in Philadelphia. McIlroy scored six birdies and two bogeys, ending with a four-under-par 66, while Mitchell led with a nine-under-par 61.
Key Facts
Rory McIlroy is ranked second in the world behind Scottie Scheffler.
Keith Mitchell led the first round of the Truist Championship with a score of nine-under-par 61.
McIlroy finished his round with a score of four-under-par 66, placing him 25th.
McIlroy made six birdies and two bogeys during his round.
The Truist Championship serves as a warm-up for next week's US PGA Championship.
The event was formerly known as the Wells Fargo Championship.
McIlroy expressed he felt "a little rusty" as he hadn't practiced much lately.
Aaron Rai from England finished the round at five under par.
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The UK and the US have reached a trade deal that reduces tariffs on cars and metals, which were previously increased by former President Trump. This deal is timely for the UK car industry and improves trading conditions compared to recent times.
Key Facts
The UK and US have agreed on a deal that reduces tariffs on cars and metals.
The tariffs had been raised significantly by former President Trump, affecting the UK car industry.
The reduced tariffs aim to help the UK car sector and the broader regional economy.
The deal allows the UK to pursue a more significant trade agreement with the European Union.
The agreement does not require the UK to change its Digital Services Tax on big US tech companies.
Discussions continue about lowering the existing 10% tariff on most UK exports to the US.
The deal is not a deep and broad free trade agreement but focuses on recent tariff reductions.
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) and food standards are not part of this trade deal.
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The British and Irish Lions rugby team has announced its squad for the upcoming tour to Australia. Only two players from Wales are included, which is the lowest number in modern times, while Ireland contributes the most with 15 players.
Key Facts
Only two Welsh players, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, are in the Lions squad.
This is the lowest number of Welsh players in a Lions squad in the modern era.
Scotland increased its representation from two players in 2017 to eight players for the 2025 squad.
Ireland has the most players in the squad with 15 selections, coached by Andy Farrell.
The squad includes 38 players, featuring 26 first-time tourists.
Leinster rugby club contributes 12 players to the squad.
Blair Kinghorn, playing for French club Toulouse, is the only player from outside Britain and Ireland.
Clubs profit from a new sharing agreement, with Leinster earning over £1 million from player participation.
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Manchester United and Tottenham will compete in the Europa League final on May 21. United reached the final after defeating Athletic Bilbao, and Tottenham advanced by beating Bodo/Glimt. Both teams have had challenging seasons in the Premier League, but winning the Europa League would be a significant achievement.
Key Facts
Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in the semi-final.
Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate to reach the final.
This final will mark the sixth time an all-English final has occurred in a major European competition.
Manchester United previously won the Europa League in the 2016-17 season.
Tottenham last won a European trophy 41 years ago and is looking for their first trophy in 17 years.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham are currently in the bottom half of the Premier League standings.
The final in Bilbao is set for May 21, and data analysts have slightly favored United to win.
The winner of the Europa League will secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They have met many times, suggesting a close relationship, but there are important dynamics to consider during this state visit.
Key Facts
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have met in person over 40 times.
Xi is visiting Moscow for talks with Putin.
Their apparent friendship may involve complex underlying issues.
Laura Bicker from the BBC highlights three key points to watch during this visit.
This visit is part of ongoing relations between China and Russia.
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Newcastle will face Chelsea in an important Premier League match on Sunday. Chris Sutton, a BBC Sport expert, predicts that Chelsea's recent form and Cole Palmer ending his goal drought could influence the outcome. Football and music personalities Footsie and Strategy, both Manchester United fans, have also shared their insights on the game.
Key Facts
Newcastle and Chelsea will play a crucial match on Sunday that affects the race for the top five in the Premier League.
BBC Sport's Chris Sutton believes that both teams have good chances and that Chelsea's player Cole Palmer is back to scoring.
Sutton is making predictions for all Premier League matches this season, joined by guest predictors, this time the musicians Footsie and Strategy.
Footsie and Strategy, known for their grime music, released an album called "Theatre of Dreams."
Footsie played youth football for a team known for producing well-known players like Jermain Defoe and John Terry.
Strategy grew up near Manchester United's old training ground and has strong family ties to the club.
Both Footsie and Strategy are lifelong Manchester United fans with personal stories linked to the club.
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