I hear that Epstein’s pal, Donald, is in the news.

‘Damning new emails that suggest Donald Trump knew about the conduct of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released Wednesday, including one in which Epstein said “of course [Trump] knew about the girls” that were procured for his sex-trafficking ring.’

New book, new on the desk

Good news from the US

The BBC has many flaws. “Anti-Trump bias” is not one of them.

James Watson | 1928-2025

Please sign this petition against the further diminishment of Nottingham University, which seems not to appreciate what makes for a university.

Last night to Theatre Royal (and its amazingly uncomfortable seats) to see Opera North's wonderful production of Handel's Susanna. With Anna Dennis as Susanna and James Hall as Joacim, and of course the superlative chorus and orchestra, conducted by Johanna Soller.

“He promised things that Europeans take for granted, but Americans are told are impossible” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Diane Ladd | 1935-2025

Hope for America

Peter Watkins | 1935-2025

Obama: "The weird videos of a US president with a crown on his head flying a fighter jet & dumping poop on American citizens - that's not even worth booing about. Because all of that is a distraction from the fact that your situation, your life has not gotten better. They do it so you won't notice"

‘Antoni Gaudí’s masterwork is still under construction but now stands taller than Ulm Minster in southern Germany.’

Newish book, new on the desk

Prunella Scales | 1932-2025

Björn Andrésen | 1955-2025

New book, new on the desk

June Lockhart | 1925-2025

Dave Ball | 1959-2025

Catherine Connolly wins Ireland presidential election by landslide

Samantha Eggar | 1939-2025

No doubt this is the least of the evils Trump is visiting on the US, but it is a good symbol for the rest.

After Trump directive, Florida removed rainbow crosswalk that honors the 49 people killed at Pulse. Demand the crosswalk be restored and protected! Sign now! a.allout.org/s/P8Egz/

John Woodvine | 1929-2025

Diane Keaton | 1946-2025

MP defends government plans to restrict repeated protests.

María Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize for work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela

John Russell Taylor | 1935-2025

So-called conversion therapy is an evil, and so it is sad but no great surprised to find it being defended by the USCCB.

John Searle | 1932-2025

There’s still some justice in the world. Tom Skinner off Strictly in the first week. Useless dancer and useless at everything else. How he got on the show is the real mystery. Completely charmless and talentless. Some fascists at the BBC no doubt.

Tories pledge to create immigration taskforce modelled on Trump’s gestapo

Tories to pledge to create a police state, just like Trump’s dictatorship

Starmer madness

Dame Patricia Routledge | 1929-2025

For the first time ever, I’ve joined a political party.

Indonesia is moving to ban LGBT+ content across digital platforms. Activists warn this will fuel harassment and arrests. Urge lawmakers to reject the Broadcasting Bill and defend free expression – censorship is not protection.

Dame Jane Goodall | 1934-2025

Colleagues at Aberdeen are working to support students arriving from Gaza to the university. We would be grateful for signatories to this petition asking for the UK govt to allow over 100 students with offers to take up their places safely. eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...

Sir Terry Farrell | 1938-2025

Stephenson

Tony Harrison | 1937-2025

Keir Starmer's aides are reportedly telling him not to go to the COP30 climate conference, because Reform would attack him for it. Yes, they might. And he should wear it as a badge of honour. Standing up for humanity, for science and a habitable planet. Where's the hazard in that?

Old book, new on the desk

Cold War Steve

Claudia Cardinale | 1938-2025

Antony Maitland | 1935-2025

Sir Nicholas Grimshaw | 1939-2025