Briefings
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European football
After some quiet years, English football clubs are once again dominating the European scene. How is the sport played across Europe, and is this a golden age for English football?
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Exoplanets
Scientists are about to confirm the discovery of the 4,000th planet outside of our own solar system. What are these mysterious worlds, and will we find alien life on them?
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Endangered languages
Over 2,000 languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers. More than half of the world’s languages are in danger of dying out by the end of the century. What are they and how can we save them?
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The secrets of the Moon
In January, China became the first nation to land a probe on the mysterious “dark side” of the Moon. Now, it says it is planning to build a research base on the Moon’s South Pole.
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The story of the NHS
The NHS is celebrating its birthday next week. It has been 71 years since it was founded in the spirit of post-war optimism, making health care free for all UK citizens. How did it happen?
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Air pollution
Seven million people die from air pollution every year. It has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. What is it, how does it work, and what is being done to reduce it?
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The future of English
Will English always be the language of the world? It is thought that 1.5 billion people around the world speak some English. But that number may start shrinking, for various reasons…
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The origins of humanity
Scientists believe they have found a new type of ancient human. The discovery partly rewrites the history of our species — a story that stretches back millions of years.
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What is Islamophobia?
All week, calls have been mounting for a clampdown on racist attacks against Muslims. What is driving hate against Islam in Western countries, and especially in Europe, and how can we stop it?
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A simple guide to Brexit
This week, Parliament will vote on Brexit. The decision could shape the UK’s future for a long time. What exactly is Brexit and why does everyone keep talking about it?
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Donald Trump: true or false?
Donald Trump has given the annual State of the Union address, in which he boasted of a soaring economy and urged citizens to unite behind him. But how many of his key claims were true?
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The Irish border
Why is everyone talking about the border in Ireland? Could it decide the future of the UK? Why does Ireland have a border anyway? The story starts over 100 years ago…
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Refugees around the world
In his latest restriction on refugee admissions to the US, President Donald Trump is considering introducing a fee for asylum seekers. Who are the world’s refugees? And where do they flee to?
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The hyperloop
Want to be whisked down a tube at near-supersonic speeds — for the price of a train ticket? Enter the hyperloop. Elon Musk says his test track will be completed next month. But can it work?
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The history of clocks
Many schools are dropping analogue clocks in favour of digital clocks as more young people do not know how to read them. Here is a look at how, through history, people have told the time.