John Lithgow Says He Was Surprised by Backlash Over Joining ‘Harry Potter’ Series
John Lithgow is brushing aside concerns about his playing Albus Dumbledore in HBO‘s upcoming Harry Potter series despite anti-trans rhetoric made by author J.K. Rowling, who also serves as an executive producer on the show. “No one complained when I agreed to play Dahl, but I’ve received so many messages about J.K. Rowling,” he said. “Isn’t that odd?”When the Harry Potter series was announced in April 2023, the reaction was immediate, with outrage over Rowling’s involvement. “We are in the Harry Potter business. The TV show is new and exciting, but we’ve been in the Harry Potter business for 20 years; this isn’t a new decision.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 11:12 UTC
Revealed: Saudi Arabia's blueprint for a 'full takeover' of Times Square for historic night of boxing
It was in December when Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi royal adviser-turned kingmaker of professional boxing, first floated his latest brainchild: a ‘full takeover’ of Times Square for a historic fight night in New York. And the Times Square Alliance, which helps look after the pedestrian plazas and sky-scraping billboards. ‘Times Square is going to be open all the way through.’ The only difference? It does not require the sharpest business mind to foresee that working in Times Square will come with some logistical challenges. Funnily enough, there aren’t many places to fix guide ropes in Times Square.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 11:10 UTC
Donald Trump’s tariffs are set to drive down UK economic growth
Disruption to global trade and market uncertainty from President Trump’s tariff wars will drive down UK economic growth this year and next, according to new forecasts. The economy is predicted to grow 0.8 per cent this year, down from the 1 per cent forecast in February, before Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs, and the outlook for 2026 has also been cut to 0.9 per cent from 1.6 per cent by EY Item Club, a forecaster. Businesses and consumers are expected to become more cautious, and reduce their spending, during the second and third quarters of this year, after Trump imposed tariffs of 10 per cent on all British exports to the United States and 25 per cent on steel, aluminium and cars. The forecasts are weaker
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 11:02 UTC
Indian-origin man arrested for allegedly smashing windows of Pakistan high commission in London
File photo of members of the Indian community holding a protest condemning the Pahalgam terror attack outside the India High Commission, in London. No, not in this case Yes, alwaysTensions between India and Pakistan have now extended to London, where diaspora members of both countries are demonstrating against each other. Meanwhile, an Indian-origin man has been arrested for allegedly smashing windows of Pakistan's high commission in UK's capital.Following the horrific April 22 terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, the tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated.According to the Metropolitan police , 41-year-old Ankit Love was arrested and charged with criminal damage. The arrest came after police were informed of a man allegedly smashing windows of the diplomatic mission in the early hours of Sunday.Love is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday. "Ankit Love, 41 (07.08.83) of no fixed address was charged with criminal damage on Sunday, 27 April," a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 09:55 UTC
Newspaper headlines: Election 'shake up' and 'deadly toll' from ultra-processed foods
The Times, external leads on a recommended pay rise for public sector workers, which it warns "piles pressure" on the chancellor. The government is expected to accept the proposals, according to the paper, but the report notes it still faces the prospect of industrial action. Sir Keir Starmer will announce plans to tighten legal migration laws, according to the Daily Telegraph, external. The Financial Times, external says US ports are beginning to report a sharp drop in cargo as a result of President Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports. All children who believe they are transgender will be tested by the NHS for autism, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph, external.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 09:30 UTC
UK's Deliveroo suspends share buyback after DoorDash buyout offer
Live EventsBritish meal delivery company Deliveroo suspended its £100 million ($133.13 million) share buyback program on Monday, days after it said it had received a proposal from US peer DoorDash On Friday, Deliveroo said it had received a £2.7 billion takeover proposal from DoorDash on April 5 and would likely recommend the 180 pence-per-share offer to shareholders, subject to agreement on other terms.The deal is expected to face no regulatory hurdles, as it provides DoorDash access to 10 new markets where it currently has no presence, creating a highly complementary footprint — other competitors might encounter more antitrust issues, a source told Reuters on Friday.On Monday, Deliveroo said its buyback was suspended with immediate effect and any recommencement of the programme will be announced to the market, and did not provide any other detail. ($1 = £0.7511)
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 07:07 UTC
Titanic survivor’s rare letter sells for record £300,000 at UK auction
What is written in the Prophetic Titanic letter that sold for a record £300,000A letter steeped in tragedy and survival120697181A historic record brokenA rare and chilling piece of Titanic history has fetched a record-breaking £300,000 at a UK auction. The letter, written by Colonel Archibald Gracie , a high-profile survivor of the 1912 maritime disaster, offers a haunting glimpse into the days before tragedy struck. Gracie's words, penned on Titanic letterhead from his first-class cabin, contain a prophetic note of caution about the ship's fate. The piece was written on a rare Titanic letter card, making it even more valuable to collectors and historians. The emotional weight of Gracie's prophetic words and the rarity of survivor correspondence combined to create intense bidding.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 06:17 UTC
Musk should consider resigning from UK Royal Society, new president says
Elon Musk’s “massive attacks” on publicly funded scientific research make his position as a member of Britain’s Royal Society increasingly difficult and he should consider resigning his fellowship, its incoming president has said. Sir Paul Nurse said the institution should not be afraid to criticise Musk, who was made a fellow for his work with SpaceX and Tesla. He added that the centuries-old society was in an unprecedented situation in having one of its own members “attacking the scientific community” in this way. which are destroying great universities in the US, destroying science, destroying people’s careers,” Nurse said. “He has behaved in ways that have really damaged the scientific endeavour in the United States.”Sir Paul Nurse said the institution should not be afraid to criticise Musk DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGESNurse,
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 01:46 UTC
Scotland's best secondary schools ranked in 2025 league table as full list revealed
Scotland's best secondary schools ranked in 2025 league table as full list revealedOne school's relentless run has sparked calls for a review of school governance in ScotlandJordanhill School takes the top spot for the ninth consecutive year (Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images )Scotland's best secondary schools have been unveiled in the Times and Sunday Times Scotland High School League Table. Jordanhill School has been named the best high school in the country for the ninth year in a row, according to the ranking. Mearns Castle High School, East Renfrewshire3. Woodfarm High School, East Renfrewshire4. Williamwood High School, East Renfrewshire9.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 00:04 UTC
Mini drink driver who fled scene of B4355 accident banned
Ryan Mellings’ car suffered “significant damage” following the crash, which occurred in Knighton on April 6. The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to drink driving at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 22. Mellings, of Noble Court, Knighton, was not at the scene when police officers arrived, but witnesses confirmed he had been the person driving the Mini Cooper. Samples at the police station showed Mellings had 51 micrograms of alcohol in his system – the legal limit is 35mcgs. “He has not been in court before and is ashamed.”Magistrates banned Mellings from driving for 14 months – a ban he can reduce by completing a drink-driving awareness course.
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 23:57 UTC
Political parties enter final campaign push ahead of local elections
Voters will go to the polls in 23 areas across England on Thursday May 1 to choose new councillors. At the general election, Mr Amesbury won a clear majority for Labour over his closest opponent in the traditionally safe region for the party. The Government is already planning how to counter Reform in the aftermath of the elections, according to the Telegraph. Public sector pay review bodies are recommending pay rises of as much as 4% for teachers, and 3% for NHS workers, the newspaper reported. Schools and hospitals could be told to make cuts as a result of the pay increases, the Times said.
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 23:17 UTC
Bharat Mata Ki Jai drowns Pakistan Zindabad in London
TOI Correspondent from London:Poll Do you believe that the protests outside the Indian high commission in London were justified? The Indian side, separated by police barricades, displayed a massive Tricolour on the building and used a loudspeaker to outvoice the Pakistani protesters, singing the national anthem and chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Some could be seen shaking water bottles.The Pakistani protesters raised slogans against PM Narendra Modi and shouted “Pakistan Zindabad”, but lacked placards and enthusiasm. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, shared a video of the confrontation, writing: “If it's not Gaza it’s India v Pakistan sectarian politics being fought on our London streets. UK multiculturalism has been a DISASTER!” GB News aired a segment titled “Has multiculturalism failed?” focusing on the protest.
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 19:53 UTC
Two Highland secondary schools make top 3 of ‘most improved’ in Scotland according to The Times 2025 Scottish High School league table
Plockton High School and Primary School locator. Picture: James MackenzieTwo Highland secondary schools were among the most improved in ranking across Scotland, according to a list published by the Times today. Plockton High School skyrocketed from the 224th position in 2024 to 26 in 2025 — becoming the overall highest-ranking secondary school in the region, and the second most improved in the country. Thurso High School was among the most improved schools in the ranking. The worst performing schools according to the league tables, on a total of 359 schools across Scotland, were Kinlochbervie High School (354th), Kilchuimen Academy (343rd) and Kinlochleven High School (342nd).
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 19:16 UTC
Pat McFadden casts doubt on UK-US trade deal as EU beckons
A senior cabinet minister has cast doubt on whether Britain will secure a trade deal with the US amid mounting concern that President Trump’s tariffs will lead to job losses. Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said that while an agreement was possible, “I don’t think it’s certain”. He said that the government would not rush into an agreement. Ministers hope to secure a deal with the US by May 19, when Sir Keir Starmer hosts European leaders for a Lancaster House summit at which the UK will sign an agreement with Brussels on trade, agriculture, security and fishing. President Trump meets with Starmer in the Oval Office in February JIM WATSON/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGESThere are concerns that if a deal with the US is not reached by then, Trump could take offence at the UK’s move
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 18:59 UTC
Revealed: how Qatar invested in £100 billion of British assets
As a chill wind blew into the Welsh port of Milford Haven last week, the 294-metre long Minerva Psara pulled up to one of the long, spindly jetties and unloaded her cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Her load was carefully pumped ashore to the sprawling South Hook terminal, to be turned from liquid into gas that will be fed into the national grid. Some 250 miles away, on The Strand in London, the classic beef Wellington was proving as popular as ever at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill, despite the £65 price tag. The connection between the two businesses, other than the chance that the burners on Ramsay’s stoves are running on South Hook’s gas, is that the Pembrokeshire terminal and London’s famous five-star hotel
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 18:35 UTC