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Archive May 1, 2025

Five unsung heroes of Chelsea’s WSL title success

Images courtesy of Getty
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Chelsea won their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title on Wednesday, continuing their dominance over English women’s football.

In Sonia Bompastor’s first year in charge, Chelsea showed they still excel in a league above the rest with the help of some of the best players in the world.

Who has gone under the radar in yet another memorable WSL campaign despite the superstar players’ dominance in their title victory?

Baltimore, Sandy

Summer signing Baltimore, Sandy arrived in London from Paris St-Germain with bags of experience in the French league and in Europe.

Few could have predicted the 25-year-old’s impressive debut season at Chelsea.

Bompastor, who played as a left-winger for PSG, raised questions when she played Baltimore.

Baltimore, who made 14 starts in her final four games in the WSL, and scored four goals in those four starts, was unfazed by that.

In January, she told BBC Sport, “I have more responsibility defensively. I’m happy to play anywhere because I enjoy football.

I have a reputation for attacking. I enjoy making runs and dribbling in the direction of their goal. But because it’s football, I’m having fun.

England left-back Niamh Charles was kept out of the team thanks to Baltimore’s impressive form and consistency.

She can defend well and also contribute to the team’s expansion of opportunities in the box. It’s really nice to have someone like her, Bompastor said.

She’s really performing and assisting the team, even though I know there are other players competing for that left-back position.

Nathalie Bjorn

Naomi Girma’s signing by Chelsea broke the transfer fee record in January.

Nathalie Bjorn must have known that her position in the team was in danger, but that only seemed to be motivated by that.

With only Manchester United conceding fewer goals overall than Millie Bright, Bjorn has provided stability to Chelsea’s defense.

When asked if she had undergone any changes this season, Bright responded, “Yes, definitely. She has made a huge difference in our changing room and has been incredibly supportive.

She maintains unity throughout, and occasionally that is overlooked. She is so simple to play alongside and has a fantastic season.

Wieke Kaptein

Wieke KapteinImages courtesy of Getty

Wieke Kaptein, who left FC Twente in 2023 and spent the rest of the season on loan, is one of Chelsea’s brightest youngsters.

The 19-year-old has excelled under Bompastor, who frequently praised her off-the-ball performance and game comprehension.

She has been trusted throughout significant matches and given responsibility in crucial games against Barcelona, Manchester City, and Manchester United.

Bompastor stated in an October interview that he is “so happy to have her in my squad.” Both as a player and as a person, she is very energetic.

She always wants to hear from the coaches and staff. She is speaking to us.

Hannah Hampton

A consistent number one has been one of the biggest changes to the Chelsea side under Bompastor.

Hannah Hampton, the team’s goalkeeper, excelled in their title-winning encounter with Manchester United, earning the Player of the Match award when it matters.

Hampton’s distribution has proven to be crucial in that regard because Bompastor has encouraged her side to play from the back and take a less direct approach.

With the ball at her feet, Hampton is probably the best keeper. She technically begins much of Chelsea’s attacking play, according to Natasha Dowie, a former England international.

Jen Beattie, an ex-Scotland defender, continued: “She’s been incredible. Chelsea has a long history of victories, but this is Hannah Hampton’s first successful season.

Erin Cuthbert

Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert, who is a constant fixture in Chelsea’s success, is a key member of the squad even though she isn’t always in the spotlight.

The 26-year-old has made almost 150 appearances for Chelsea and has participated in all six of the club’s successive title victories.

She frequently appears in the big games, scoring in their Women’s FA Cup victory over Liverpool and providing the stoppage-time winner that gave Manchester City the 2-1 lead in March.

She was soaking up her success after Wednesday’s most recent title win, and her leadership and experience have been present once more this year.

What distinguishes her from others?

She mentality is it. I remember seeing Cuthbert crying on the pitch last season when they lost to Liverpool, and they believed they had won the league title.

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Kenya’s pact of silence with its military is breaking

More than just censorship was the topic when the Kenyan government blocked a BBC documentary’s public viewing of the investigation into the military’s involvement in the killing of protesters. The army stays out of obvious politics, and no one looks too closely at what it’s doing, as it was about protecting a decades-old pact between the military, the state, the media, and the general public.

The backlash has been severe, and that pact is now in danger.

MPs opposed to the BBC’s operations in Kenya have filed complaints that it incites instability. Journalism has been framed as sabotage by hashtags like #BBCforChaos, which have been used in social media campaigns. However, Kenya’s military has been subject to scrutiny because of its manicured silence, which is not what is actually being defended.

Since independence, this decades-long silence has been carefully maintained. A persistent fear of soldiers as political actors was engrained by two failed military coups in 1971 and 1982 and by the terrible records of military dictatorships throughout the continent. Successive governments kept the army well-fed, well-maintained, and out of the news to prevent future uprisings. The media, in turn, turned their backs on the general public.

No coup, no see.

However, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were gaining ground in the background. They expanded their capabilities, bought new hardware, and spread a false sense of professionalism throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

The KDF emerged from the shadows after the 2011 invasion of Somalia. The military is now a force in the spotlight as it fights terrorism and instills discipline in the notoriously corrupt civilian public service. The then-defence forces chief was one of the ten appointed members of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration to a variety of civilian leadership positions. However, the public’s oversight and scrutiny declined as the military’s authority and visibility increased.

Despite the widespread failures that resulted from the poorly planned invasion, which destroyed the notion of integrity and competence, this is true. Soon after the invasion, which was greeted with great media support, came to an end. Kenyan troops were almost immediately implicated in a smuggling racket, trafficking charcoal and sugar in concert with al-Shabab, the very enemy they were ordered to fight after a yearlong journey to the Somali port of Kismayo. In El Adde, Kenya’s most fatal battlefield loss, at least 140 soldiers were killed in a single al-Shabab attack on the KDF base in 2016.

Things weren’t going very well back home. A wave of terrorism was sparked by the invasion. The Westgate mall attack in downtown Nairobi, which the KDF bungled and carried out in 2013, was badly exposed by the KDF. Soldiers purposefully robbed the mall while posing as terrorists. Less than two years later, the military was once again mentioned in the media after the Garissa University College attack, which claimed the lives of 147 people.

The military responded with silence and spin throughout all of this. No inquiry into the public was conducted. No calculation. No justification. Similar to the KDF’s use of Lenana Road, a significant thoroughfare in Nairobi, to expand its headquarters, or when its top brass were linked to attempts to influence the 2022 presidential election, there were few calls for accountability. None of these incidents sparked a heated debate about the military’s role in the media.

The pact’s terms have largely been internalized by Kenya’s mainstream media. Defense reporters publish little to no criticism of the army. Many serve more as independent journalists than as a conduit for press releases from the military. In reality, the KDF has a veto over how it is presented.

The BBC documentary is dangerous because it actually threatens stability, not because it disrupts the silence performance. It challenges the notion that the military cannot be manipulated and that the military’s actions must be censored in order to advance society.

However, fear cannot be the foundation of a viable democracy. One of its most powerful institutions must be kept under the watchful eye of the public, so Kenya cannot prosper. The line between military impunity and civilian rule is already dangerously thin if journalists are deceived into telling the truth and if media outlets censor themselves to support generals.

Not the BBC, which poses a real threat to national security. It is the unwillingness to face the army’s failures and abuses, as well as the willingness of so many to remain silent about them.

The pact must be broken by Kenya. The military must hold the people accountable, not just its commanders. And even when it uneasys the people who use guns, journalism must be free to expose the truth.

Sir David Attenborough’s ’10-minute practice’ could boost your health

In a Call of the Wild episode, the 98-year-old naturalist and broadcaster shared his wisdom.

David Attenborough previously advised fans to explore one 10-minute practice(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

One piece of advice from Sir David Attenborough for those looking to reconnect with nature may be beneficial for your health. In a 10-minute episode of Call of the Wild, the 98-year-old naturalist shared his wisdom.

“Sit down. Don’t move,” he told podcast host Cel Spellman in 2021. “Keep quiet. Wait ten minutes. You’ll be very surprised if something pretty interesting didn’t happen.

If you haven’t done it, it’s extraordinary to do it in a forest. Don’t be too patient either. Although Attenborough’s trick may seem too simple, recent research supports its claim.

READ MORE: Sir David Attenborough says ‘the end is near’ as he delivers devastating confessionREAD MORE: Sir David Attenborough’s health woes in full as BBC icon ‘approaches end of life’

This includes a 2020 study from Cornell University, which found that students who spent as little as 10 minutes in the natural world daily were less affected by physical and mental stress. In turn, ‘nature therapy’ is being increasingly praised as an alternative tool to help prevent anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

We’re talking 10 minutes outside in a space with nature, according to Associate Professor Gen Meredith at the time; it doesn’t take long for the benefits to start to manifest. Every student, regardless of their subject or level of workload, has that much discretionary time each day, or at least once a week, in our opinion.

She then continued, “This is an opportunity to challenge our perceptions of what nature can be.” Trees, a planter with flowers, a grassy quad or a wooded area are really all that we have around us.

Continue reading the article.
Sir David Attenborough
The 98-year-old naturalist shared his wisdom in an episode of Call Of The Wild (Image: PA)

Reducing stress not only improves an individual’s mental health but is also associated with lowered blood pressure, better sleep quality, and a bolstered immune system. According to Professor Heather Eliassen of Harvard University, this can potentially slash the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, too.

The British Heart Foundation estimates that one life every three minutes is lost in the UK due to heart and circulatory diseases, which accounts for a quarter of all deaths. According to Professor Eliassen, “Research is also accumulating that green space exposure is associated with lower overall mortality.”

She then continued, “With more exposure to green space, both children and adults, have better mental health and lower risk of psychiatric disorders.

Happy young woman sitting outdoors in yoga position
A 2020 study found that students who spent as little as 10 minutes in the natural world daily were less affected by physical and mental stress(Image: Getty Images)
Continue reading the article.

Attenborough has significantly reduced his red meat consumption over the years and maintains a predominantly plant-based diet in addition to his 10-minute wellness routine.

His efforts coincide with growing scientific concern about the link between consuming red meat and serious health conditions. He stated in a 2017 interview with The Sun, “I have undoubtedly changed my diet. Not particularly dramatic. However, I don’t believe I’ve had red meat in a while.

Sir David Attenborough’s ’10-minute practice’ could boost your health

In a Call of the Wild episode, the 98-year-old naturalist and broadcaster shared his wisdom.

David Attenborough previously advised fans to explore one 10-minute practice(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

One piece of advice from Sir David Attenborough for those looking to reconnect with nature may be beneficial for your health. In a 10-minute episode of Call of the Wild, the 98-year-old naturalist shared his wisdom.

“Sit down. Don’t move,” he told podcast host Cel Spellman in 2021. “Keep quiet. Wait ten minutes. You’ll be very surprised if something pretty interesting didn’t happen.

If you haven’t done it, it’s extraordinary to do it in a forest. Don’t be too patient either. Although Attenborough’s trick may seem too simple, recent research supports its claim.

READ MORE: Sir David Attenborough says ‘the end is near’ as he delivers devastating confessionREAD MORE: Sir David Attenborough’s health woes in full as BBC icon ‘approaches end of life’

This includes a 2020 study from Cornell University, which found that students who spent as little as 10 minutes in the natural world daily were less affected by physical and mental stress. In turn, ‘nature therapy’ is being increasingly praised as an alternative tool to help prevent anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

We’re talking 10 minutes outside in a space with nature, according to Associate Professor Gen Meredith at the time; it doesn’t take long for the benefits to start to manifest. Every student, regardless of their subject or level of workload, has that much discretionary time each day, or at least once a week, in our opinion.

She then continued, “This is an opportunity to challenge our perceptions of what nature can be.” Trees, a planter with flowers, a grassy quad or a wooded area are really all that we have around us.

Continue reading the article.
Sir David Attenborough
The 98-year-old naturalist shared his wisdom in an episode of Call Of The Wild (Image: PA)

Reducing stress not only improves an individual’s mental health but is also associated with lowered blood pressure, better sleep quality, and a bolstered immune system. According to Professor Heather Eliassen of Harvard University, this can potentially slash the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, too.

The British Heart Foundation estimates that one life every three minutes is lost in the UK due to heart and circulatory diseases, which accounts for a quarter of all deaths. According to Professor Eliassen, “Research is also accumulating that green space exposure is associated with lower overall mortality.”

She then continued, “With more exposure to green space, both children and adults, have better mental health and lower risk of psychiatric disorders.

Happy young woman sitting outdoors in yoga position
A 2020 study found that students who spent as little as 10 minutes in the natural world daily were less affected by physical and mental stress(Image: Getty Images)
Continue reading the article.

Attenborough has significantly reduced his red meat consumption over the years and maintains a predominantly plant-based diet in addition to his 10-minute wellness routine.

His efforts coincide with growing scientific concern about the link between consuming red meat and serious health conditions. He stated in a 2017 interview with The Sun, “I have undoubtedly changed my diet. Not particularly dramatic. However, I don’t believe I’ve had red meat in a while.

David Attenborough’s heartbreaking end of life message in full as he makes emotional plea

David Attenborough has entertained and informed fans for over 70 years, but he has made a sharp admission as he approaches his 99th birthday.

David Attenborough made an emotional plea with the world as he admits he is nearing the end of his life. The wildlife expert has thrilled nature lovers for seven decades as he captured the essence of every corner of the globe.

However, the legendary broadcaster made a stern statement at the age of 98. As he admitted that he is “approaching the end of his life,” and opened up about his mortality as he waited to celebrate his 99th birthday on May 1, he made the heartbreaking confession.

In his new feature, Ocean with David Attenborough, he made an admission. He said: “When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity.

David Attenborough has graced the screens for over 70 years(Image: BBC Copyright Picture – No fee payable at time of use. No Re-Sale without clearance from BBC Photo Archives. Artists Rights may need to be cleared. To clear rights to an image in the Photo Library collection, please call 0269669. To clear rights to an image in the News Stills collection, please call 0260690. BBC Copyright Picture – No fee payable at time of use. No Re-Sale without clearance from BBC Photo Archives. Artists Rights may need to be cleared. To clear rights to an image in the Photo Library collection, please call 0269669. To clear rights to an image in the News Stills collection, please call 0260690.)

We are aware that the opposite is true as I near the end of my life. I now understand that the most significant location on Earth is at sea, not on land, after nearly a hundred years of living here.

“Today, it is in such poor health I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all. If we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure nothing is more important.”

Continue reading the article.

The great age of ocean discovery has also occurred in my lifetime, he continued. Scientists and explorers have discovered remarkable new species, epic migrations, and dazzling, complex ecosystems that were previously unimaginable for a young man over the course of the last hundred years.

We discuss some of those wonderful discoveries, explain why our ocean is in such poor health, and, most importantly, demonstrate how to restore health to the ocean. The moment might be different at this.

David Attenborough
The broadcaster informs fans on all parts of the world(Image: BBC)

“On paper, nearly every nation on Earth has agreed to do the bare minimum and protect a third of the ocean.” We now have to work together to make it happen.

Sir David has been fascinated by nature since ever since childhood. He studied natural sciences at Cambridge University before later joining the BBC.

1954 saw his first TV performance. Initial impressions had been made that he couldn’t be a presenter because his teeth were “too big.”

His work is unmatched, though. He has now, however, sadly stated to his fans that he doesn’t anticipate living too long.

Sir David has long focused on the issues that the environment faces around the world through his documentaries. He has also contributed significantly to the development of initiatives aimed at preserving endangered species.

Continue reading the article.

READ MORE: Award-winning teeth whitening powder that makes ‘huge difference’ to tea stains is now £17

Fears of attack in Pakistan-administered Kashmir amid acute India tensions

As tensions rise between the nuclear-armed neighbors, authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have ordered the closure of more than 1, 000 religious schools out of concern about possible retaliatory military action from India following last week’s deadly attack in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his military “complete operational freedom” on April 22 in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, giving India responsibility for the deadly shooting that claimed 26 lives.

Pakistan, which denies any involvement in the attack, has asserted that it has “credible evidence” that India is planning a military strike and has promised that “any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response.”

Attaullah Tarar, the information minister of Pakistan, stated in a televised statement early on Wednesday that the attack might occur within the “next 24 to 36 hours.”

“Reading underground bunkers”

Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have shut down more than 1, 000 religious schools in the fear of an uprising.

The local religious affairs department’s head, Hafiz Nazeer Ahmed, told the AFP news agency, “We have announced a 10-day break for all madrassas in Kashmir.”

It was “due to the border’s tensions and the potential for conflict,” according to a source within the organization.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where 1.5 million people reside close to the Line of Control (LoC), where they can also afford to build basic, mud-walled underground bunkers that can be reinforced with concrete.

Iftikhar Ahmad Mir, a 44-year-old shopkeeper in Chakothi near the LoC, told AFP, “For one week we have been living in constant fear, especially regarding the safety of our children.”

After finishing their education, “we make sure they don’t wander around and return home.”

In Muzaffarabad, the main city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, emergency services have also begun teaching students what to do in an attack-force situation.

Ali Raza, 11, said, “We have learned how to dress a wounded person, how to carry someone on a stretcher, and how to start a fire.”

India: Will it attack?

The state-run Doordarshan broadcaster reported that Modi presided over a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Wednesday, which was the second one since the Pahalgam attack.

Other world leaders stepped up diplomacy in an effort to lower the tensions as the neighbours continued to exchange and shoot gunfire along the LoC dividing India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

After Pakistan forbade Indian aircraft from overflying, India on Wednesday closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft.

Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, has urged the US to “dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly” in a letter to India.

A State Department spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked both countries to “de-escalate tensions.”

According to White House spokesman Tammy Bruce, Rubio “urged Pakistani officials to cooperate in the investigation of this unacceptable attack.”

Additionally, on Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Antonio Guterres, stated that he had spoken with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the prime minister of India, and to offer his assistance in “de-escalation.”

India has previously used a variety of military strategies, including covert military operations, publicized surgical strikes, aerial strikes, attempts to overtake Pakistan-controlled land, naval missions, and a full-fledged military conflict, despite it being uncertain what course of action it might take.

Since the bloody demise of British rule in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged in territorial disputes in the Himalayas.

Since 1989, rebels in the Indian-run Kashmir region have been fighting armed for independence or a fusion with Pakistan.

In India-run Kashmir, a suicide bomber threw a car full of explosives into a security forces convoy in 2019, causing the death of 40 people and injuring 35 others in Pulwama, which was the worst attack in recent years.