Covid inquiry: Government will 'probably lose legal case', says minister // The government is likely to lose its legal case against the Covid inquiry, a government minister has said. It comes after the government said it would seek a judicial review over the inquiry's demand that it submit Boris Johnson's unredacted WhatsApp messages. Speaking on BBC Question Time, science minister George Freeman said he had "very little doubt" a court would find it should hand over the documents.
Rishi Sunak prioritises illegal migration in European talks // Rishi Sunak has said he made cooperation on combating illegal migration a priority at a meeting of European leaders in Moldova. The prime minister said he was "putting tackling illegal migration top of the international agenda", and the UK was "taking the lead". The main focus of the European Political Community (EPC) summit was the Ukraine war.
Is glass important to Scotland's deposit return scheme? // The Scottish government's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) could be scrapped after Westminster refused to give the green light for glass to be included. The DRS will see a surcharge added to the price of single-use products such as glass, which will be refunded when they are recycled. However, the UK government said this would differ too much from their scheme which is set to be rolled out in 2025.
Across the Spider-Verse opens ground-breaking franchise to female fans // For the first time in many years, in an alternate universe known as Earth-65, Gwen Stacey is taking centre stage. Her introduction as Spider-Woman, also known as Ghost Spider or Spider-Gwen, breaks new ground in one of the world's most successful superhero franchises.
Tupac Shakur: Rapper 2Pac to get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame // Tupac Shakur is to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 26 years after the rapper's death. The hip-hop star will be honoured with a ceremony on the prestigious Los Angeles walkway on 7 June. Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, Tupac's sister, will accept the honour on his behalf during the formal opening ceremony for the star.
Ama Ata Aidoo: Ghana's famous author and feminist dies // One of Africa's most-celebrated authors and playwrights, Ghanaian Ama Ata Aidoo, has died aged 81. A renowned feminist, she depicted and celebrated the condition of African women in works such as The Dilemma of a Ghost, Our Sister Killjoy and Changes. In a statement, her family said "our beloved relative and writer" passed away after a short illness, requesting privacy to allow them to grieve.
Lionel Messi: PSG manager Christophe Galtier confirms forward's departure // Lionel Messi will play his final game for Paris St-Germain against Clermont on Saturday, says manager Christophe Galtier. BBC Sport reported in May that the 35-year-old Argentina forward would leave when his contract ends this summer. Messi, who joined on a free transfer from Barcelona in July 2021, helped PSG win two successive Ligue 1 titles.
Daniel Anderson: Former St Helens coach left paralysed after surfing accident // Former St Helens coach Daniel Anderson says he is fortunate to be alive after being left a quadriplegic in a bodysurfing accident in Australia in December. The 56-year-old went into cardiac arrest after the incident and had to be dragged from the water. His life was saved by two off-duty paramedics who were on the beach in Central Coast, New South Wales.
Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua: Eddie Hearn says no contract sent from Fury for September fight // Britain's world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has not sent a contract to Anthony Joshua lining up a September fight. Fury, 34, said on Friday he wanted to meet Joshua at Wembley and had already sent a draft contract. But promoter Eddie Hearn said Fury's team had only "reached out" and no contract was sent. Queensberry promoter George Warren then clarified a "formal offer" had been sent to Team Joshua via email. Hearn added he was trying to set up a fight for Joshua in August, then one with Deontay Wilder in December and was "not willing to alter those plans".
Asda boss warns over food price caps as EG Group deal sealed // The Asda chairman has warned of "unintended consequences" if the government asks supermarkets to impose price caps on basic food. Stuart Rose told the BBC any such move could be "counterproductive", and that shoppers face the possibility of missing out on better deals. His comments came as Asda agreed to buy the UK and Ireland business of petrol station giant EG Group for £2.27bn. The deal will see Asda step up its growth in the convenience food sector.
House prices fall at fastest pace in nearly 14 years, says Nationwide // UK house prices fell at their fastest annual pace for nearly 14 years in May, the Nationwide has said. The building society said prices in the year to May dropped by 3.4%, the biggest decline since July 2009. It also warned that more rises in mortgage interest rates could hit the housing market. Mortgage rates have risen recently on expectations that the Bank of England will have to lift interest rates again because of stubbornly high inflation.
Debt advisor referral fees banned by regulator // Debt advisors will no longer be allowed to receive a fee for referring people to debt solution companies. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned the fees after finding some companies were putting them ahead of customers' best interests. The average fee advisors received for an individual voluntary arrangement (IVAs) referral in 2019-2020 was £940. A homeless client was recommended an IVA costing £6,000, but could have been debt-free for £90, the FCA found. Citizens Advice said banning referral fees was "a big step towards tackling the way some firms prey on and profit from people struggling with debt".