Japan’s rise a warning to the world?
BBC Japan reports suicides faster and more accurately than anywhere else in the world. Unlike most countries, here they are compiled at the end of every month. During the Covid pandemic the numbers have told a disturbing story. In 2020, for the first time in 11 years, suicide rates in Japan went up. Most surprising, […]
Facebook investigates data firm Crimson Hexagon
Getty Images Facebook said it had found no evidence data was improperly obtained – but would suspend Crimson Hexagon while it investigated Facebook has suspended a US-based analytics firm while it investigates concerns about the collection and sharing of user data. Crimson Hexagon, based in Boston, describes itself as offering “consumer insights” and has contracts […]
Rock band to headline summer open-air concert
Rock band Texas has been announced as a headliner at an open-air concert next summer. The group, whose hits include I Don’t Want a Lover, Say What You Want and Inner Smile, will perform at Lloyd’s Amphitheatre in Bristol on 27 June. They join previously announced headliners, Olly Murs, Kaiser Chiefs and Supergrass. Hundreds of […]
Scottish salmon farming petition signed by 30,500
Getty Images Campaigners want to see waste water tested as a matter of routine More than 30,500 people have signed a petition urging the Scottish government to routinely test effluent from salmon processing plants for diseases. Campaigners claimed that some polluted waste water contained pathogens that could “threaten” wild salmon stocks. The Scottish government said […]
Women’s FA Cup final: Chloe Kelly says no WSL team can match Man City
A year ago, playing in an FA Cup final was something Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly could only dream of after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, after 11 months on the sidelines, the 24-year-old has now returned to the pitch “hungry” for success and still hopeful of making a late claim for a […]
What’s eating the restaurant trade?
Getty Images The restaurant sector is hardly sizzling at the moment. Last month burger chain Byron agreed a rescue plan with lenders and landlords which could lead to the closure of up to 20 restaurants. Also in January, Jamie Oliver’s restaurant group said 12 of its 37 outlets would shut their doors – the second […]
Hong Kong protests and Tory pledges
Reuters Hong Kong: Protests mark handover anniversary It’s 22 years since Hong Kong moved from British to Chinese rule and, to mark the anniversary, thousands of people worried about the future of freedom in the city have been holding protests. They’re calling for city chief Carrie Lam to resign and a complete withdrawal of plans […]
Asisat Oshoala: Nigerian is hungry for more Barcelona success
Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala is hungry for more success with Barcelona Femenino after winning her first major trophy in Spanish football. The 25-year-old scored a brace on Sunday as Barcelona thrashed Real Sociedad 10-1 to clinch the maiden Spanish Women’s Super Cup in Salamanca. “To add the Super Cup to last year’s Copa Catalunya was a […]
so is it still a new town?
Gavin Dickson Telford turns 50 this year When is a ‘new town’ not a new town? If one possible answer to this question is “when it’s 50 years old”, then Telford in Shropshire is indeed no longer a new town. But, fundamentally, it always will be. It was part of the post-war reconstruction of Britain […]
‘The best way to effect change is through music’
Beyond Skin/ Smack Jay Smack Jay filming a music video in Belfast Zambian rapper and human rights activist Samuel Miyoba, known by his stage name Smack Jay, believes that a country’s music reveals a lot about its character and culture. He is visiting Northern Ireland in partnership with the peacebuilding charity Beyond Skin and its […]