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Manchester synagogue attack leaves Jewish community feeling more exposed than a year ago
1 day ago•Source: BBC
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126.83 min•2 days ago
Viral pranks go too far: Long Island influencer convicted
An influencer from Long Island was convicted after a series of viral prank videos, including stunts at eateries and dumping food on people, underscoring that outrageous online content can carry real-world legal consequences; experts advise creators to pair humor with empathy and responsibility.
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California couple's surrogate custody dispute unfurls in Texas court
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Mass rally backs Lindsay Clancy, spotlighting postpartum psychosis at trial
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside a Plymouth courthouse as Lindsay Clancy stands trial for the killings of her three children, with her defense arguing postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder meant she wasn’t criminally responsible. The rally underscored concerns about how the mental health system treats women, while prosecutors say she planned the murders. Testimony included a hospital chaplain’s account of Clancy’s condition and communications during her hospital stay, and the case has fueled broader discussions about postpartum mental health awareness.
Jeers greet Cambridge vice-chancellor at Jason Arday vigil
At a Cambridge vigil for Jason Arday, the university’s vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice was heckled by attendees; supporters say the incident reflects intense media scrutiny and racism surrounding Arday’s death and plagiarism row. Cambridge said she attended to pay respects and extended condolences, while Stand Up to Racism highlighted concerns about press coverage and the treatment of academics of colour, as Cambridge also announced an independent investigation into Arday’s appointment.
Gen Z and Millennials Flock to IRL Meetups for Birding, Mahjong, and Silent Reading
Amid a loneliness epidemic, younger Americans are increasingly leaving screens for in-person, activity-based meetups—ranging from birdwatching and silent reading to Mahjong and puzzle contests—seeking ‘soft socializing’ and authentic connection. Data show sharp rises in related events, while romance-minded meetups and dinner clubs are also gaining traction, with Axios launching its own IRL dinner series to foster real-world connections.
Cambridge gathers in emotional vigil to honor Jason Arday
Over 200 people gathered in Cambridge for an emotional vigil honoring Jason Arday, the former Cambridge sociology professor found dead in Battersea, south London; his family have described a 'campaign of misinformation' surrounding plagiarism allegations he denied, and attendees celebrated his impact while pledging justice as further vigils were planned in Cambridge and London.
Cambridge linguist breaks silence on Tourette's to teach openly
A Cambridge assistant professor of sociolinguistics, Amanda Cole, reveals she has Tourette's syndrome after years of hiding it. After a Bafta incident, she begins telling colleagues and students about her condition, arguing for a better understanding of tics and the strengths of neurodiversity in academia, and noting how few UK academics disclose developmental conditions (about 0.03%).
Tehran rents surge to triple workers’ pay, widening the housing gap
Average advertised monthly rent in Tehran sits around 723 million rials (about $389), roughly three times the typical Iranian worker’s 200–250 million rial salary, with some increases up to 100%. The data—based on advertised listings, not completed leases—highlights a widening affordability gap as rent controls are widely ignored, pushing tenants toward outer suburbs, shared housing, or relocation.
NJ Bans Automatic Utensils to Cut Plastic Waste
New Jersey’s Skip the Stuff law takes effect, ending automatic inclusion of plastic utensils, condiments, straws, and napkins across dine-in, takeout, delivery and drive-thru orders. Customers must request these items, and major delivery apps will update defaults accordingly. The law aims to cut plastic waste and requires reusable silverware in many sit-down settings; first warnings, then fines starting at $100 (up to $250) for repeat violations. Some exemptions apply, including a two-year window for food court restaurants.
Baron Cohen’s Satirical Arday Controversy Exposes Academic Double Standards
An opinion column argues that Cambridge sociology professor Jason Arday’s celebrated backstory and alleged plagiarism are part of a satirical project by Sacha Baron Cohen to test liberal reactions, detailing Arday’s claimed feats, the plagiarism allegations (cited by Nathan Cofnas and corroborated by the Times), and responses from Cambridge and Liverpool John Moores University. The piece uses the controversy to critique perceived double standards in academia related to race and accountability, suggesting the satire aims to reveal how quickly defenders justify extraordinary claims when the subject is Black and neurodivergent.
Inside the Agapemonites: A Victorian cult that barred leaving and profited from devotion
The Agapemonites, a little-known Victorian sect based at a Spaxton chapel near Bridgwater, forced members to remain within the group, had them hand over fortunes, and staged sex ceremonies under leader Henry James Prince, who claimed to be the Holy Spirit; inquests documented the cult’s strict control and several suicides. After Prince’s death in 1899, his successor John Hugh Smyth-Piggott proclaimed himself Jesus, triggering riots before the cult faded; the chapel later became a TV studio and is now an Airbnb frequented by visitors.
Londoners recount racist abuse as hate crime figures climb
Londoners share personal encounters with racist abuse—from a Walthamstow restaurant to a Wembley FA Cup incident—as Met Police data show racist hate crimes in London rose about 9% to nearly 18,000 in the last year; victims describe lasting impacts, including identity crises and fear, with communities offering support; police say they’re forming a detective-led hate crime team to improve investigations, though many incidents go unreported.