U.K. Announces Rapid Review Into Scale of Child Sexual Abuse by Grooming Gangs
Britain’s government on Thursday bowed to pressure and announced new investigations into child sexual exploitation and abuse, less than a month after Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul, used his social media platform X to highlight the issue in a series of vitriolic posts. Speaking in Parliament, Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, said she had commissioned a rapid three-month audit into the “current scale and nature of gang-based exploitation across the country” that would examine data on the ethnicity of perpetrators. She also said that the government would support and help fund up to five local inquiries into the issue of so-called grooming gangs — groups of men who were found to have sexually exploited thousands of girls in Britain, some as young as 11, in the 2000s and early 2010s. Most of the perpetrators were of British Pakistani heritage. The scandal, which was widely covered in the British media in the 2010s and has already been the subject of local and national inquiries, spanned a number of towns and cities in which mostly white girls were exploited, assaulted and raped by groups of men.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 21:31 UTC
UK has this deadline for all adult websites, 3 key things they are required to do
That means companies have effectively been treating all users as if they’re adults, leaving children potentially exposed to porn and other types of harmful content. Services that are likely to be accessed by children must comply with children's risk assessment duties and children's safety duties.Ofcom will publish Protection of Children Codes and children's risk assessment guidance in April 2025. Services likely to be accessed by children must conduct a children's risk assessment within three months of the guidance publication (by July 2025). Based on the risk assessment, services must implement measures to protect children, such as introducing age checks.All services that allow pornography must have highly effective age assurance processes in place by July 2025. Services that publish their own pornographic content, including certain Generative AI tools, must begin implementing robust age checks immediately.“As age checks start to roll out in the coming months, adults will start to notice a difference in how they access certain online services.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 20:46 UTC
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds sued for $400m as film feud escalates
Justin Baldoni has sued his It Ends with Us co-star Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million in the latest escalation of a bitter legal dispute that arose from the film. The lawsuit filed in New York on Thursday alleges that the Hollywood power couple and Leslie Sloane, a publicist, attempted to hijack the film and made false claims of sexual harassment against Baldoni, who served as director as well as playing a lead role. Lively, 37, had earlier accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set and of trying to destroy her reputation in a lawsuit filed on January 1. In response to that, Baldoni sued The New York Times, which first reported Lively’s allegations, for libel for allegedly working
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 20:41 UTC
JK Rowling on Neil Gaiman's rape denial
JK Rowling criticised Neil Gaiman after he denied sexual harassment allegations. Gaiman released a statement refuting accusations of non-consensual sex, expressing regret over past behavior. The accusations span several years and locations, including New Zealand. The allegations first emerged in a podcast and a police report has been filed against Gaiman.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 16:55 UTC
Who is Mark Dawes? Meet the four times world indoor bowls champion
MARK DAWES is one of the most exciting players in indoor bowls, having won four world champion titles in his career. He will be competing at the 2025 World Indoor Bowls Competition, where he hopes to win yet another medal. 3 Mark Dawes is a four-time World Champion Credit: YouTube/@World Bowls Tour3 Mark is a fearsome bowler Credit: YouTube/@World Bowls TourBowls prodigyMark was born on January 7, 1983. It has been used by seven different players in winning 11 World Indoor Singles Championships. Mark will be facing off with Ronnie Duncan at the World Indoor Bowls Championships on January 16, 2025.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 16:55 UTC
Yes, parents do have favourites — and it’s good news for girls
They may claim to love their children equally but parents often have favourites, a study has found, with daughters and more agreeable offspring more likely to get preferential treatment. Decades of research points to less-favoured siblings experiencing poorer mental health, less academic success and unhealthier adult relationships. However, much less is known about which children tend to be preferred in the first place. The study, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, combined the findings of dozens of previous pieces of research. Children who were conscientious, meaning they were responsible and organised, were more likely to get more
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 16:52 UTC
Boy, 14, ‘died after being stabbed 27 times on bus by two teens as he made way home from school’
Kelyan Bokassa suffered fatal blow to his leg in horrorBUS 'MURDER' Boy, 14, ‘died after being stabbed 27 times on bus by two teens as he made way home from school’A TRAGIC 14-year-old boy died after he was stabbed 27 times on a bus as he made his way home from school, a court heard. Kelyan Bokassa suffered a fatal blow to his leg that severed his femoral artery during the horror in Woolwich, South East London. 6 Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed on a bus on the way home from school Credit: PA6 Forensics officers on the bus following the incident Credit: Peter Jordan6Two boys aged 15 and 16 have been charged with his murder. The court was told Kelyan was attacked on on the Route 472 bus with large knives, which were “used to stab him approximately 27 times”. 6 Kelyan's mother Mary has spoken of her battle to keep him safe Credit: Peter Jordan6 A photo of Kelyan framed at his mum's home Credit: Peter Jordan
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 15:36 UTC
Pakistani Grooming Gangs: After global outrage, UK Home Secretary to announce 'new measures'
The investigation also highlighted the tragic death of Victoria Agoglia, who had reported abuse before her death in care. Oldham (2022): An inquiry by Oldham Council found that agencies responsible for safeguarding children had failed to protect them from sexual abuse. An inquiry by Oldham Council found that agencies responsible for safeguarding children had failed to protect them from sexual abuse. Telford (2022): A local inquiry uncovered decades of ignored evidence, revealing over 1,000 girls were abused in Telford since the 1980s. A local inquiry uncovered decades of ignored evidence, revealing over 1,000 girls were abused in Telford since the 1980s.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 15:31 UTC
UK's Starmer in Kyiv for security talks with a pledge for a '100-year partnership' with Ukraine
Cumberland, MD (21502)TodaySnow this evening will give way to partly cloudy conditions late. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Snow accumulations less than one inch..TonightSnow this evening will give way to partly cloudy conditions late. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 15:20 UTC
UK Inflation: UK economy rebounds but headwinds remain for government
"I am determined to go further and faster to kickstart economic growth, which is the number one priority in our plan for change," Reeves said in a statement following the latest GDP data. "That means generating investment, driving reform and a relentless commitment to root out waste in public spending. "She added: "I will fight every day to deliver that growth and put more money into working people's pockets. "With inflation easing and sluggish economic growth, a 25 basis points rate cut by the Bank of England in February seems increasingly likely," noted Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "UK government bond yields have felt an immediate impact, pulling back yesterday from multi-decade highs, offering some relief to risk-on investors and borrowers alike.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 13:49 UTC
Join the world’s largest garden wildlife survey
The RSPB is asking local residents to take part in its annual Big Garden Birdwatch weekend, which takes place on the 24, 25, and 26 January. Now in its 46th year, the Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world. But sadly, while species like the starling is currently at number two in the Big Garden Birdwatch charts, its numbers have dropped by more than 80% since 1979. “Whether you live in a town or the countryside, anyone, anywhere can take part in Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 and together let’s take action to help birds and other wildlife thrive for generations to come.”Top five birds spotted UK wide in the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch were house sparrow, starling, blue tit, woodpigeon and blackbird.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 13:38 UTC
Art adventures at Frome Library this winter
Frome Library is currently offering free creative activities for children until 15th February. Frome Library is already an official warm space for anyone looking to keep warm this winter; however, Terrestrial has secured a grant from Somerset Community Foundation’s ‘Help Through Winter’ fund to provide extra events and activities to make the library more welcoming. “We’re thrilled to have this chance to programme an exciting range of events to make Frome Library feel extra special for a few weeks. The organisation has programmed several weekly workshops, such as Story Inventors and Young Illustrators, specifically for 8- to 13-year-olds. All events are free to attend, and the full programme is available at www.terrestrial.org.ukPictured: Creative events at the library (Photo by Paul Blakemore)
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 11:33 UTC
Submit your events ideas for this year’s Frome Festival
Frome Festival is inviting individuals, promoters, community groups and local organisations to submit their independent event ideas for this year’s festival. Taking place from 4th July to 13th July, the Frome Festival is a celebration of arts, culture and community across a broad 10-day programme of activities. More detailed information can be found on the Frome Festival website. Businesses can also get involved with Frome Festival through sponsorship and partnership opportunities, more information is available on www.fromefestival.co.uk. Cover image: The Story Explorers at Frome Festival 2024 (Photo credit Julian Sandoe)Below: SATCO (Photo credit David Chedgy)
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 11:33 UTC
Former Tipton Times collator remains active in community
Sue Kensdale, a resident at Sundial Care Home in Tipton St John, was a volunteer collator for the Tipton Times for 12 years until 2021. She moved to Tipton St John in 2006 after retiring from a 24-year career as a legal cashier in Sidmouth. Sue was recruited by her next-door neighbour, one of the Tipton Times editors, shortly after moving to Tipton St John. The opportunity to meet people and be part of the community spirit was what she loved most about her role at the Tipton Times. While Ms Kensdale's work with the Tipton Times may be behind her, her contributions to the community remain an important part of her life.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 11:08 UTC
Kate McCann named new co-presenter of Times Radio Breakfast
Kate McCann is a highly respected political journalist and broadcaster, and has been political editor of Times Radio since 2023. McCann is taking over from Aasmah Mir, who was at the helm of Times Radio Breakfast since the station’s launch and announced her departure in November. Broadcast heavyweight Andrew Neil will return to Times Radio to present Times at One for one week every month throughout 2025. Kate is the perfect choice to make Times Radio Breakfast agenda-setting and must-listen. “In 2025, Times Radio is committed to being the voice of The Times, delivering intelligent, insightful and engaging news coverage and debate.
Source:The Times
January 16, 2025 09:54 UTC