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Watch: Second black smoke signal as conclave continues

Watch: Second black smoke signal as conclave continues

Summary

Black smoke was seen rising from the Sistine Chapel's chimney for the second time, indicating that the cardinals have not yet chosen a new pope to succeed Pope Francis. The next vote is scheduled for Thursday at 17:30 local time (16:30 BST). If the cardinals do make a decision, white smoke will be released.

Key Facts

  • Black smoke means no new pope has been selected yet.
  • Cardinals are meeting in a process called a conclave to elect the next pope.
  • The latest vote is planned for Thursday at 17:30 local time (16:30 BST).
  • White smoke will signal the selection of a new pope.
  • The process is taking place in Vatican City, specifically at the Sistine Chapel.
  • The public waits in St Peter's Square for news of the decision.
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'The league of farmers?' How PSG and Inter defied the odds

'The league of farmers?' How PSG and Inter defied the odds

Summary

Paris St-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan will meet in the Champions League final on May 31, marking the first time in 21 years that the final does not include a team from England, Germany, or Spain. PSG managed to reach the final by defeating multiple English teams, while Inter Milan defeated Barcelona in a memorable semi-final.

Key Facts

  • PSG and Inter Milan will play in the Champions League final on May 31.
  • This is the first time in 21 years that the final will not feature a team from the Premier League, Bundesliga, or La Liga.
  • PSG beat Arsenal in the semi-finals to advance to the final.
  • PSG's manager, Luis Enrique, moved away from relying on star players like Lionel Messi and Neymar, focusing instead on a strong team effort.
  • PSG performed strongly in their domestic league, winning Ligue 1 without losing any match.
  • Inter Milan defeated Barcelona in the semi-final, relying on the experience of older players.
  • A 37-year-old player from Inter Milan, Francesco Acerbi, scored a key goal in the semi-final against Barcelona.
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Rooney speaks of relief at end of Wagatha legal saga

Rooney speaks of relief at end of Wagatha legal saga

Summary

Coleen Rooney expressed relief after a judge ruled that Rebekah Vardy must pay over £1.4 million of Rooney's legal costs. This ruling follows their legal case, known as the "Wagatha Christie" trial, where Rooney had previously won after being sued by Vardy for libel.

Key Facts

  • Coleen Rooney was involved in a legal case with Rebekah Vardy, known as the "Wagatha Christie" trial.
  • A judge decided that Rebekah Vardy must pay more than £1.4 million of Rooney's legal costs.
  • The payment includes £1.19 million directly to Rooney and an additional £212,266 for assessment costs.
  • Rooney expressed that the court decision finally brings closure for her and her family.
  • The legal case began after Rooney accused someone using Vardy's Instagram account of leaking private information to the press.
  • The court found that Rooney's claims against Vardy were "substantially true."
  • Rooney thanked her legal team, family, and supporters for their help during the long legal process.
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3 Doors Down singer reveals stage four cancer

3 Doors Down singer reveals stage four cancer

Summary

Brad Arnold, the lead singer of the rock band 3 Doors Down, announced he has stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his lung. Due to his health condition, the band will cancel their summer tour.

Key Facts

  • Brad Arnold is the singer for the band 3 Doors Down.
  • He has been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer, specifically clear cell renal carcinoma.
  • This type of cancer is the most common kidney cancer and stage four means it has spread to another part of the body.
  • In Arnold's case, the cancer has spread to his lung.
  • 3 Doors Down became famous in 2000 with the song "Kryptonite."
  • The band has sold over 13 million albums in the United States.
  • Due to Arnold's health, the band will not be touring this summer.
  • 3 Doors Down performed at President Trump's first inauguration in 2017.
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The make-up artist using colours she can't see

The make-up artist using colours she can't see

Summary

Ailish McBride is a make-up artist with partial color blindness, who participated in Series 7 of the BBC Three show "Glow Up." Despite her condition, which makes it challenging to distinguish certain colors, she showcased her skills and creativity on the show, although she eventually got eliminated.

Key Facts

  • Ailish McBride is a 20-year-old make-up artist with partial color blindness.
  • She first learned about her color vision deficiency a few years ago.
  • The condition, called color blindness, affects her ability to distinguish colors like red, orange, and light blue.
  • Ailish appeared on the BBC Three's show "Glow Up," which is a competition for make-up artists.
  • The show involved creative assignments judged by industry professionals.
  • Ailish uses labeling on her make-up palettes to identify colors she struggles to see.
  • About 3 million people in the UK are affected by color blindness, which is more common in men.
  • There is no cure for color blindness, and it is often inherited from family members.
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Rew replaces injured Cox for England Test with Zimbabwe

Rew replaces injured Cox for England Test with Zimbabwe

Summary

James Rew, a 21-year-old cricketer from Somerset, has been added to the England cricket team for a Test match against Zimbabwe this month, replacing the injured Jordan Cox. The Test, taking place at Trent Bridge on May 22, will feature Rew, who has shown strong performance in the current County Championship season.

Key Facts

  • James Rew is 21 years old and plays for Somerset.
  • He is replacing Jordan Cox in the England squad due to Cox's injury.
  • Rew has an average score of 54.21 this season, with a top score of 152 in the County Championship.
  • He was on the England Under-19 team that reached the World Cup final in 2022.
  • The Test against Zimbabwe will be held on May 22 at Trent Bridge.
  • Jordan Cox was injured while playing for Essex and scored a century in a recent match.
  • Zimbabwe last played a Test in the UK in 2003.
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Henry Zeffman: Trump deal is a significant achievement for Starmer

Henry Zeffman: Trump deal is a significant achievement for Starmer

Summary

The UK and US reached a deal to lower some tariffs, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer playing a key role in the negotiations. This agreement comes shortly after the UK finalized a major trade deal with India, which is expected to boost trade and the UK economy.

Key Facts

  • The UK secured a deal with the US to reduce tariffs.
  • President Trump announced a trade agreement with a major country, hinting at the UK.
  • The UK-India trade deal is predicted to boost trade by £25.5 billion and increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion annually.
  • The US is the UK's largest trading partner, buying nearly £200 billion in British goods.
  • Current US tariffs on UK goods include a 10% general tariff, with 25% on steel, aluminium, cars, and car parts.
  • The UK wants to lower tariffs on its steel and car exports.
  • The US seeks benefits for its pharmaceuticals and technology sectors from the deal.
  • UK Parliament members want to review and vote on the agreement for potential benefits and drawbacks.
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More offenders could be tagged, as prison minister insists he's 'not soft on crime'

More offenders could be tagged, as prison minister insists he's 'not soft on crime'

Summary

Prisons minister James Timpson suggests that more offenders could be monitored with electronic tags instead of being sent to prison. He argues this approach could help reduce prison overcrowding and focus on rehabilitating criminals, although some critics doubt its effectiveness.

Key Facts

  • James Timpson is the Prisons minister in the UK and a former CEO of the Timpson Group.
  • He proposes using electronic tags as an alternative to imprisonment for more offenders.
  • Technology companies like Microsoft and Google are collaborating with the government to explore better ways to monitor offenders.
  • Timpson maintains that he is not lenient on crime and uses evidence to guide his decisions.
  • Around 26% of adult ex-offenders in England and Wales commit crimes again within a year of release.
  • Overcrowding in prisons is a major issue, with fewer than 1,000 spare places and more than 88,000 inmates in custody.
  • A new prison, HMP Millsike, opened in East Yorkshire with space for 1,500 inmates.
  • Violence in prisons is increasing, indicated by a rise in assaults on staff members.
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Sotheby's halts Buddha jewels auction after India threat

Sotheby's halts Buddha jewels auction after India threat

Summary

Sotheby's has postponed the auction of sacred jewels in Hong Kong after India threatened legal action. The gems, linked to Buddha's remains and found in India, are considered important religious and cultural heritage by India and the global Buddhist community.

Key Facts

  • Sotheby's planned to auction jewels in Hong Kong that are linked to Buddha's remains.
  • India threatened legal action, leading to the auction's postponement.
  • The jewels are part of an archaeological find known as the Piprahwa Gems.
  • William Claxton Peppé found these relics in northern India about 130 years ago.
  • India's government considers these gems an important part of cultural and religious heritage.
  • The auction was initially set for 7 May.
  • Notices of the sale were removed from Sotheby's website.
  • Sotheby's agreed to delay the sale to hold discussions with India.
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The choppy waters between North Sea oil and green energy revolution

The choppy waters between North Sea oil and green energy revolution

Summary

The transition from oil and gas to green energy is facing challenges in the UK. Job cuts in Aberdeen and delays in wind and hydro projects highlight struggles in moving to renewable energy sources.

Key Facts

  • Harbour Energy plans to cut 250 jobs in Aberdeen, citing better opportunities in other countries.
  • Delays by the UK government affect Harbour Energy's Viking carbon capture and the Acorn project.
  • Ørsted stopped development of the Hornsea 4 offshore wind farm due to financial challenges.
  • Drax postponed a £500 million hydro power expansion because of high costs.
  • The UK government aims for 95% clean energy generation in five years, but current projects face financial difficulties.
  • Without projects like pumped storage, other solutions like battery storage are needed to support a clean energy grid.
  • Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, is involved in pricing and auction decisions for clean energy projects.
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The Papers: 'Never forget' and Pakistan 'vows to strike back'

The Papers: 'Never forget' and Pakistan 'vows to strike back'

Summary

Several newspapers mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, with special editions and nostalgic stories about the celebrations in 1945. Other headlines report on conflicts between India and Pakistan following air strikes, as well as an alleged plot against the Israeli embassy in London. Additionally, UK papers cover changes to English language requirements for migrants and the rising costs of housing them.

Key Facts

  • Newspapers commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with special editions and stories.
  • Pakistan threatens retaliation after Indian air strikes, which reportedly killed dozens.
  • An alleged plot to attack the Israeli embassy in London led to the arrest of four men.
  • Upcoming UK immigration reforms may require work visa applicants to have advanced English skills.
  • The cost of housing migrants in the UK has reportedly increased significantly, reaching £1.67 billion last year.
  • Reports suggest a cyber attack affected supplies for Co-op stores in remote UK locations.
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Joe Biden, VE Day and the politics of nostalgia

Joe Biden, VE Day and the politics of nostalgia

Summary

Sure, here's the analysis based on the information provided: The Today Podcast discusses how people remember World War Two through the lens of nostalgia, focusing on President Joe Biden’s take on this topic. The show examines the significance of VE Day, which marks the end of World War Two in Europe, and how historical memories can influence politics.

Key Facts

  • The Today Podcast episode covers themes of nostalgia related to World War Two.
  • President Joe Biden’s perspective on remembering World War Two is featured.
  • VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of World War Two in Europe.
  • The podcast discusses how historical events can impact current political views.
  • The episode explores how societies choose to remember significant historical events.
  • The podcast was released on May 8, 2025.
  • The episode is available to listen to for over a year on the BBC Sounds platform.
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'Arsenal 100% the best team in competition' - Arteta

'Arsenal 100% the best team in competition' - Arteta

Summary

Arsenal lost to Paris St-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League semi-final, with PSG winning 2-1 in the second leg and 3-1 on aggregate. Arsenal created multiple chances but could not score enough goals to overcome PSG’s advantage.

Key Facts

  • Arsenal needed to overturn a 1-0 deficit from their first-leg loss to reach the final.
  • PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made several key saves.
  • Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi scored for PSG before Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka scored late in the game.
  • Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, praised his team but expressed disappointment over the defeat.
  • PSG manager Luis Enrique stated his team deserved the victory based on scoring more goals across both matches.
  • Arsenal has not reached a Champions League final since 2006.
  • Arsenal will end the season without a trophy for the fifth consecutive year.
  • Arsenal has finished second in the Premier League for the past two seasons.
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Clock ticking on Arsenal manager to prove he can be a winner after Champions league defeat

Clock ticking on Arsenal manager to prove he can be a winner after Champions league defeat

Summary

Arsenal was defeated by Paris St-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League semi-final, losing 2-1 in Paris. This extends Arsenal's streak to five years without winning a major trophy, despite good performances and having talented players.

Key Facts

  • Arsenal lost to PSG 2-1 in the semi-final of the Champions League.
  • Arsenal has not won a major trophy in five years; their last was the FA Cup in 2020.
  • Paris St-Germain will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
  • PSG scored through goals by Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi.
  • Arsenal's goal was scored by Bukayo Saka, but it was too late to change the outcome.
  • Arsenal's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, made important saves against Arsenal's shots.
  • Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta aimed to finish in the top five of the Premier League for future Champions League qualification.
  • This was Arsenal's fourth straight semi-final exit in the Champions League.
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Itoje set to be named British and Irish Lions captain

Itoje set to be named British and Irish Lions captain

Summary

Maro Itoje is expected to be announced as the captain of the British and Irish Lions for their tour of Australia. He will be the first Englishman to captain the Lions since 2001 and will lead around 40 players during the tour.

Key Facts

  • Maro Itoje will be named captain of the British and Irish Lions on Thursday.
  • He is the first English player to hold this position since Martin Johnson in 2001.
  • Itoje has participated in two previous Lions tours.
  • He became the England captain before the 2025 Six Nations, leading them to a second-place finish.
  • Irish captain Caelan Doris had shoulder surgery, which affected his chances for the Lions captaincy.
  • Itoje will be officially announced as captain at the O2 Arena.
  • This will be Itoje's third tour with the Lions.
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Soviet-era spacecraft likely to crash back to Earth

Soviet-era spacecraft likely to crash back to Earth

Summary

A part of the Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482 is expected to enter Earth's atmosphere around May 10, 2023, after over 50 years in orbit. Experts believe part of the spacecraft, built to withstand Venus's harsh conditions, might survive the re-entry, but the risk to people is low since most of Earth's surface is water.

Key Facts

  • Kosmos 482 was launched in 1972 to explore Venus but stayed in Earth's orbit.
  • The spacecraft broke into four pieces; one is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere.
  • The re-entry is predicted around May 10, 2023.
  • It's made to endure Venus's harsh environment, so it might survive re-entry.
  • Exact landing location is unknown but could be anywhere between 51.7° north and south latitude.
  • The chance of it harming people is low because 70% of Earth is ocean.
  • Uncontrolled re-entries of space debris are common and typically burn up in the atmosphere.
  • Future spacecraft should be designed for safe, controlled re-entry to prevent risks.
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Raducanu & Norrie claim Rome wins as Boulter beaten

Raducanu & Norrie claim Rome wins as Boulter beaten

Summary

Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie won their first-round matches at the Italian Open, while Katie Boulter did not advance. Raducanu will play Ekaterina Alexandrova next, and Norrie will face Daniil Medvedev. Both British players overcame challenges in their matches.

Key Facts

  • Emma Raducanu won against Maya Joint with scores of 7-5, 6-7 (1-7), 6-3.
  • Cameron Norrie defeated Christopher O'Connell 6-3, 6-2.
  • Katie Boulter lost to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, scoring 3-6, 3-6.
  • Raducanu will play against Russian second seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the next round.
  • Cameron Norrie's next match is against world number 11 Daniil Medvedev.
  • Raducanu returned to tennis in April after a one-month break.
  • Norrie entered the main draw as a "lucky loser" after losing in the qualifying round.
  • Boulter recently won her first WTA clay-court match in Madrid but couldn't maintain that form in Rome.
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Labour MPs signal rebellion over welfare cuts

Labour MPs signal rebellion over welfare cuts

Summary

Several Labour MPs plan to oppose UK government proposals to reduce disability benefits. These changes aim to save money but have faced criticism from those concerned about their impact on those with less severe conditions.

Key Facts

  • Nine Labour MPs have expressed their intention to vote against proposed cuts to disability benefits.
  • The government plans to change disability payments, specifically affecting personal independence payment (Pip) and universal credit (UC).
  • The changes are expected to save about £5 billion a year by 2030.
  • The government claims these reforms will encourage more people to work.
  • Critics argue the reforms will negatively impact 3.2 million families, while the government estimates 3.8 million families will benefit by 2030.
  • Some Labour MPs have used strong language to express their opposition to these changes.
  • The planned reforms are part of broader efforts to make welfare spending sustainable.
  • A new law is expected to bring these changes to a vote in the House of Commons in June.
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PSG beat Arsenal in Paris to reach Champions League final

PSG beat Arsenal in Paris to reach Champions League final

Summary

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Arsenal 2-1 in a match held in Paris. This victory allowed PSG to advance to the Champions League final with an overall score of 3-1.

Key Facts

  • PSG played against Arsenal in Paris.
  • PSG won the match with a score of 2-1.
  • The overall score, including previous matches, was 3-1 in favor of PSG.
  • This win qualified PSG for the Champions League final.
  • The match highlights were available for UK users only.
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Hakimi curls in 'beautiful' goal to end Arsenal hopes

Hakimi curls in 'beautiful' goal to end Arsenal hopes

Summary

Achraf Hakimi scored a goal for Paris Saint-Germain, helping his team in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

Key Facts

  • Achraf Hakimi plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
  • Hakimi scored during a Champions League semi-final match.
  • The match was against Arsenal.
  • The game was the second leg of the semi-final.
  • The goal helped PSG in their pursuit of advancing in the competition.
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