Latest Episode
London nightlife under scrutiny as unlicensed East End raves and 28,000 drug seizures hit the spotlight; Bayeux Tapestry set for British Museum return; Golden Globes race heats up; ICE and Iran protests escalate; Bob Weir dies at 78; Dalton Smith wins WBC title; plus Jan. 11 birthdays, 1964 smoking warning, and poet Rhian Elizabeth relearns Welsh
East London nightclub runs rave nights for months without permission
A nightclub on an industrial estate in Barking has apparently been throwing rave parties since June without planning permission. Nothing says “community consultation” like basslines at 3 a.m. and a paperwork allergy.
Famous birthdays, Jan. 11
Actor Kyle Richards turns 57, and model Yolanda Hadid turns 62. The annual reminder that time is undefeated, even when you have a glam squad and excellent lighting.
This day in history, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General links smoking to serious harm
On Jan. 11, 1964, Surgeon General Luther Terry released the report stating cigarette smoking is a definite health hazard. A landmark moment in public health, followed by decades of tobacco executives doing Olympic level mental gymnastics on live television.
Award-winning poet Rhian Elizabeth starts learning Welsh to reconnect with heritage
Wales Book of the Year 2025 winner Rhian Elizabeth has decided to learn Welsh (Cymraeg), driven by identity, family research, and a genealogy TV show that unearthed relatives who gave up the language to assimilate. She hopes it will reconnect her to her grandmother and her roots, help her counsel Welsh-speaking clients in their own language, and she is honest about the challenge and doubts about ever writing poetry in Welsh. She is also lining up a busy year with a Royal Literary Fund grant, research trips, readings, and co-curating an anthology of queer Welsh writing.
London drug use mapped as police log over 28,000 seizures
A new map outlines the illegal substances most commonly taken by Londoners, alongside Metropolitan Police figures showing more than 28,000 drug seizures. If nothing else, it is nice to see data science being used for something other than optimising how quickly you can be sold nonsense online.
Bayeux Tapestry expected to travel to British Museum for September exhibition
The 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry is expected to travel from Normandy to the British Museum for a major exhibition in September, which would be its first time leaving France. Planners are considering an overnight move and heavy-duty protections against vibration, climate shifts, and potential paint attacks, with vibration-dampening transport, strict limits, an £800 million UK government indemnity, and a custom climate-controlled secure display case being prepared.
Golden Globes preview, contenders include Marty Supreme, Sinners, One Battle After Another
A look ahead at the Golden Globes, with this year’s film contenders including Marty Supreme, Sinners, and One Battle After Another. Awards season returns, Hollywood’s annual ritual of self-congratulation, strategically timed vulnerability, and speeches that thank “the journey” like it is a person with an agent.
Minneapolis ICE protest draws thousands, dozens arrested
Thousands marched in Minneapolis to protest ICE, and police arrested dozens. Demonstrations have continued for days after the death of Renee Good and have spread to other U.S. cities.
Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, dies at 78
Bob Weir, guitarist and singer who helped found the Grateful Dead, has died at age 78. A major figure in American music whose influence sprawled far beyond the band’s devoted following.
Dalton Smith wins WBC light-welterweight world title
Britain’s Dalton Smith stopped defending champion Subriel Matias in the fifth round in New York to win the WBC light-welterweight world championship. Efficient, decisive, and a strong night for anyone who likes their narratives settled by fists instead of hot takes.
Iran protests continue despite crackdown, reports of deaths, injuries, detentions
Protesters in Iran are continuing demonstrations despite a government crackdown, with videos showing violent clashes. Hundreds are believed to have been killed or injured, and many more detained.
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