Photo from 2017. Manchester again in my thoughts.

Dystopian, yes, but also a really fun book, sprinkled with asides on everything from poetry to snake surgery. apnews.com/article/ian-...

A vintage rock 'n' roller who wrote both the rebel anthem "I Fought the Law" and the theme to "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," Sonny Curtis has died at 88.

At last Canada’s culinary greatness is recognized by the British media.

After 26 years and more than 1,000 episodes. One of the great radio shows.

The rather impressive temporary Canadian House of Commons chamber — the old one is being restored and renewed. Will British parliamentarians ever do the same?

DAME CHLOE KELLY

“Monster soup, commonly called Thames Water.” Timely cartoon from 1828 at @wellcomecollection.bsky.social

BBC Two is repeating Live Aid and there’s a disclaimer not to donate to the number onscreen given throughout the show. Live Aid was on 40 years ago.

Guys, the final deadline for being shocked that Mamdani’s mom is Mira Nair is next Monday, June 30th, write it down

In honor of Brian Wilson's passing, here are the four categories of Beach Boys songs: 1. surfing is great, you should try it 2. I have a good vehicle 3. I reach beyond myself into the ineffable, and that's where I find you, my love 4. sloop john b

Incredible news out of Canada, where the liberals have won a seat off the bloc Quebecois, after a recount, by *one vote* www.cbc.ca/news/politic...

The Associated Press wins reinstatement to White House events after judge rules government can’t bar its journalists, citing the 1st Amendment.

AP wins reinstatement to White House events after judge rules government can’t bar its journalists

Finding the local angle: I saw a headline saying “Trump branded ‘America’s Liz Truss.’”

A fascinating story to report. apnews.com/article/wres...

apnews.com/article/mi5-... Secrets, spy tools and a 110-year-old lemon are on show in an exhibition from Britain's MI5

Storm clouds over the White House. I took this on Thursday.

Big week ahead. apnews.com/article/star... The leaders of France and Britain head to Washington to urge Trump not to abandon Ukraine

I doubt the makers of the new Bridget Jones movie intended Mark Darcy to serve as poignant metaphor for the passing of rules-based international order and dissolution of world that those of us who came of age in 1990s took for granted, but it kind of works on that level.

Britain navigates rough transatlantic waters as Trump roils the “special relationship.” apnews.com/article/trum...

Crescent moon.

Hard to believe it’s been five years since Brexit. Relive it all here: apnews.com/article/brex... 5 years after Britain left the EU, the full impact of Brexit is still emerging

💔 youtu.be/0TNUDBXjnZM?...

#BurnsNight (I am a fan of haggis and tatties but not neeps, so substituted).

My dispatch from a day in Kyiv with the British PM. apnews.com/article/russ... UK leader Starmer signs '100-year partnership' agreement with Ukraine during trip to Kyiv

Happy New Year to friends far and wide. 🥳

As we enter 2025, a lesson from the past mega-year of elections is: Brace for turbulence. apnews.com/article/glob... Lessons from the elections held in 70 countries in 2024

Merry Christmas! 🎄📺

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Here’s to a portion of comfort and joy.

In Our Time is just the best radio. A new topic every week, completely unpredictable.

Just a reminder, as you look outside and notice it's already getting dark 😱, that today is the earliest sunset of the year (15:51 in London). From tomorrow the sunsets slowwwwly start getting later again. (Sunrises don't start getting earlier until Dec 30th hence solstice on 21st.) YOU ARE WELCOME.

apnews.com/article/uk-g... a Christmas cypher: UK spy agency releases annual Christmas card puzzle to uncover future codebreakers

Moments in British politics: Keir Starmer declares war on bat tunnels.

My Associated Press colleague @mrsmithap.bsky.social has made a very useful starter pack of AP journalists bsky.app/starter-pack...

The 'super year' of elections has been super bad for incumbents as voters punish them in droves apnews.com/article/c80f...

Supermoon!

Exclusive: Jeff Beck was one of rock's greatest guitarists. Now his instruments are up for auction apnews.com/article/0a26...

It was a pleasure speaking to Nick Harkaway about taking up the torch from his father John le Carré with spy thriller 'Karla's Choice' apnews.com/article/02f1...

Spotted today.

Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #1,403,426!

Good morning, London

It’s a heavy blow to lose both Linda Deutsch and Stevie Cameron. Icons and inspiring journalists.

Antony Gormley’s work is so relatable.

North London’s majestic Mandarin duck.

Now that’s what I call a river.