Scientists issue urgent warning to festivalgoers over terrifying new drug that's 500 TIMES stronger than heroin – as two people die from suspected overdoses in Britain
Scientists have issued an urgent warning to festivalgoers over a terrifying new drug that is sweeping the country. Nitazenes are ultra-powerful synthetic opioids, similar to fentanyl, which can be up to 500 times stronger than heroin. Originally used by criminals to supercharge weak heroin, nitazenes are now being cut into common party drugs and even pharmaceuticals. However, the big difference between nitazenes and heroin is that the synthetic variants are significantly stronger and much more deadly. This service was entirely legal until 2023 when the Conservative-led Home Office suddenly moved to block festivals from testing drugs.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 16:05 UTC
All the times Meghan has been a real Copy-Kate revealed: Outrageous style twinning moments uncover the Duchess's uncanny transformation from red-carpet ready to rip off regal
From buttoned-up coats to modest midi dresses, and classic checks to elegant evening gowns, Meghan appears to be borrowing liberally from Kate’s style playbook, in a game of royal fashion déjà vu. Gone are the days of floppy fedoras and trilbies, in their place are elegant fascinators, structured pillboxes and tilted brims, staples of Kate’s royal wardrobe. We saw this look before when the Princess of Wales wore a similar style from Smythe during a royal visit to Essex in 2018. Dressed down in white shirts, belted bootcut jeans and flowing wavy hairstyles, both Meghan and Kate channeled western chic. In 2016 Meghan wore her own version of the style to an Instagram dinner in Toronto.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 15:24 UTC
Pope criticises nationalism and prays for reconciliation
The Pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square in front of tens of thousands of faithful, and asked the Holy Spirit to “break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred”. The Pope also condemned wars which “are plaguing our world”, and asked the Holy Spirit for “the gift of peace”. Soon after becoming Pope, Leo pledged to work for unity and peace. His first message: “Peace be with you all,” set the importance of peace as a pillar of his papacy. He has also appealed for a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 13:53 UTC
EastEnders' Bobby Brazier to leave soap after 4 years
The actor, who is the son of late reality star Jade Goody and former footballer Jeff Brazier, was named runner up of Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. Brazier, who plays Freddie Slater in the BBC soap, will leave Albert Square by the end of this year, reports The Sun. A BBC spokesperson told Newsquest: “We can confirm Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”Bobby Brazier to leave EastEnders role after 4 yearsA TV insider told The Sun that EastEnders bosses met with Bobby at a time when he was already thinking about making his exit. They added: “The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet. Ahead of last year's Soccer Aid football match, Bobby trained with his dad Jeff but he won't be taking part in the charity event this year.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 12:57 UTC
Zia Yusuf’s return to Reform UK ‘great news’, says deputy leader
Mr Yusuf said his decision to stand down had been the result of “exhaustion” and working for 11 months “without a day off”. Party leader Nigel Farage, speaking to the Sunday Times newspaper alongside Mr Yusuf, said the former chairman will now effectively be doing “four jobs”, though his title has not yet been decided. Mr Yusuf said he was quitting Reform following the latest in a series of internal rows, in which he described a question to the Prime Minister concerning a ban on burkas from his party’s newest MP as “dumb”. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said Zia Yusuf has done a ‘brilliant job’ for the party (Jonathan Brady/PA)On Sunday, it was put to Mr Tice that it does not look very professional for Reform’s chairman to be in, out, then back in again. So it’s great news he’s with us.”Meanwhile, shadow home secretary Chris Philp called Reform UK a “protest party” and said it is offering “populist policies that are essentially Liz Truss on steroids”.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 12:52 UTC
‘Gut feeling more important than social media likes’, says festival promoter
John Giddings, who has run the Isle of Wight Festival since it restarted in 2002, said performers need to be able to “deliver” to a crowd and not just keep their attention on a phone screen. The 72-year-old, who represents artists ranging from Blondie to Phil Collins, told the PA news agency: “It’s gut feeling, really. “But you’ve got to be prepared for everything and it’s quality of performance, really. “I do know artists who’ve had a million views on TikTok who can’t sell 300 tickets at a club in London. “It’s the most satisfying thing ever to provide entertainment for people.”The Isle of Wight Festival 2025, which is being headlined by Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake, runs from June 19 to 22 at Seaclose Park, Newport.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 11:22 UTC
All UK drivers issued £1000 warning over simple mistake
Not only does this minimise the risk of accidents, but incorrectly letting an ambulance pass could result in a fine of up to £1,000. The Highway Code instructs motorists to give way to vehicles with flashing lights, including police cars, fire engines, ambulances and emergency doctors. But if you break the law while doing so, for example by entering a yellow box junction or bus lane, or by driving through a red light, penalties may be severe. Not only can you be fined, but some offences can also add three penalty points to your licence. The Highway Codes states: "You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens, or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights."
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 10:52 UTC
Eng vs WI 2nd T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch England vs West Indies in India
Eng vs WI: When and where to watch in India? Liam Dawson bowled a Player of the Match spell and scalped 4 wickets for 20 runs in his four overs. England won the next two games by three and seven wickets, respectively.The second T20I between England and West Indies will be broadcast live Sony Sports 1. The fixture will be streamed live on SonyLiv and FanCode apps.The match will start at 7:00 pm IST. The toss will take place at 6:30 pm IST.From Bristol, the action will move to Southampton for the third T20I.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 10:39 UTC
Self Portrait remains a powerful blueprint for Bob Dylan in modern times
Self Portrait blew what little goodwill listeners had left for Dylan out of the water. Self Portrait started it all. Every release Dylan has made since Self Portrait has served the self, not the audience, not the message of the times, but the pursuit of completing Dylan. Those little flickers of the past, the slight connections, are what keep Self Portrait frustratingly relevant for Dylan. They spoke with their cash, catapulting Self Portrait to the top of the charts in the UK and fourth, close enough, in the United States.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 08:02 UTC
Bruce Springsteen joined by Paul McCartney at Liverpool concert
The American musician was joined on stage by the 82-year-old Beatles star during the second of two shows at Anfield stadium on Saturday, with Sir Paul then providing vocals as the pair played the band’s Can’t Buy Me Love. Sir Paul McCartney previously performed with Bruce Springsteen at Glastonbury in 2022 (Danny Lawson/PA)Footage shared on social media showed the surprised crowd cheering loudly as Sir Paul was introduced, before he then playfully pointed at Springsteen and the pair shared an embrace. Before he left the stage after their performance, Sir Paul addressed the crowd and reportedly said: “Thank you, Scousers.”The two men have previously performed together on several occasions, most notably when Sir Paul delivered a headline set at Glastonbury in 2022. Announced as a surprise all the way from the east coast of America, Springsteen joined Sir Paul, who became the festival’s oldest solo headliner, as they played hits Glory Days and I Wanna Be Your Man on the Pyramid Stage. In 2012, Sir Paul had joined Springsteen on stage at the end of the singer’s headline slot at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park, London, but both stars found their microphones cut off before they could address the crowds after exceeding the curfew.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 04:30 UTC
Award launched to celebrate the over 60s in Cumbria
With just two weeks to go until nominations close, Churchill Living is encouraging people in Cumbria to shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes over 60 who are making a real difference in their communities. The Churchill Living Local Hero Awards were launched earlier this spring to celebrate the positive contribution of older people, from tireless volunteers and fundraising champions to those who simply show up day after day with kindness, compassion and care. Anyone aged over 60 can be nominated, or nominate themselves, for going above and beyond in their local area. Finalists will be invited to a special ceremony at a Churchill Living Lodge this summer, where the overall winner will receive a donation of up to £1,000 to give to a charity of their choice. Make sure you get your nomination in before June 16th to be in with a chance!”Nominations can be made online at: www.churchill-living.co.uk/local-hero-nomination or by emailing: ChurchillHeroAwards@crl.co.uk
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 04:03 UTC
Body found by police investigating disappearance of woman
Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing to the Metropolitan Police on May 31 having left her home in Ilford on the morning of May 29. Her family has been told about the discovery of the body, which was found during searches in Hampshire’s Bolderwood area on Saturday, but formal identification has yet to be made. The police said a man who was known to Ms Castro Mendez appeared in court on Friday charged with her murder and was remanded into custody. Her disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. Police were at a scene in Gray’s Inn Road, Camden, on Friday as part of their investigation.
Source:The Times
June 08, 2025 00:23 UTC
Judge in Britain warns of risk to justice after lawyers cited fake AI-generated cases in court
Lawyers have cited fake cases generated by artificial intelligence in court proceedings in England, a judge has said — warning that attorneys could be prosecuted if they don’t check the accuracy of their research. In a ruling written by Sharp, the judges said that in a $120-million lawsuit over an alleged breach of a financing agreement involving the Qatar National Bank, a lawyer cited 18 cases that did not exist. The client in the case, Hamad Al-Haroun, apologized for unintentionally misleading the court with false information produced by publicly available AI tools, and said he was responsible, rather than his solicitor Abid Hussain. She said in the judgment that AI is a “powerful technology” and a “useful tool” for the law. “Artificial intelligence is a tool that carries with it risks as well as opportunities,” the judge said.
Source:The Times
June 07, 2025 23:12 UTC
What we’d do in Reeves’s shoes — by Hunt, Zahawi and Mel Stride
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Source:The Times
June 07, 2025 22:31 UTC
Murdered sheep farmer remembered as loving relative and proud Kerry man
Speaking on behalf of the family ahead of the funeral service, Mr Gaine’s cousin Eoghan Clarke remembered him as a “proud Kerry man and an even prouder Kenmare man”. “But in the best tradition of Irish funerals, today is a day for recovering the dignity of Michael Gaine. Eoghan Clarke speaking at his funeral of his cousin Michael Gaine at the Holy Cross Church in Kenmare (Niall Carson/PA)“We will all miss Michael terribly. Partial human remains were found on Mr Gaine’s land on May 17 which were identified as belonging to the missing farmer. A man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaine’s murder on May 19.
Source:The Times
June 07, 2025 21:50 UTC