James_Smith

Total Post: 1269

Lloyds Warns of Rising Fraud as Taylor Swift Ticket Scams Target Fans

Lloyds Warns of Rising Fraud as Taylor Swift Ticket Scams Target Fans

The Bank’s Swift Response to Ticket Scams Amid Growing Fraud Threats

When you bank with a 258-year-old institution like Lloyds, you can be sure they know what they’re doing. The firm has a centuries-old reputation of looking after its customers, ensuring they are protected against fraud and financial crime as soon as it is discovered.

To that end, one morning last week, the bank sent the Standard City desk an “urgent warning over Taylor Swift ticket scams.”
“Thousands have fallen victim, losing an average of £332 each,” the bank said. “Many more fans are likely to fall victim.”

Good grief, Spy thought, we must alert readers immediately. The only problem? We weren’t allowed to. The “urgent warning” was under embargo until the following day.

Fashion Show Celebrates 24 People Living with and Beyond Breast Cancer

Fashion Show Celebrates 24 People Living with and Beyond Breast Cancer

The Group Took to the Catwalk of a Fashion Show Organised by the Charity Breast Cancer Now

A group of people living with or beyond breast cancer took to the catwalk of a fashion show to celebrate who they have become and to reflect on their experience with the disease.
The 22 women and two men strutted their stuff on the runway of The Show by Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s largest breast cancer charity providing research, support, and care to individuals.
The annual event in central London, which featured both an afternoon and evening show on Thursday, was hosted by TV presenter Lisa Snowdon, who has been an ambassador for the charity since 2005.
Snowdon, whose grandmother died from breast cancer when she was a child, told the PA news agency that early detection and seeking help is “key to survival.”
“I’ve always known that early detection is key,” she said.
“Asking for help, seeking medical advice, understanding your body and recognising when something doesn’t feel right is key to survival.”
She added that it was “unbelievable” to see the way the models in the show were “putting what they are feeling behind them” and “owning it.”
“Our models are smiling from ear to ear and it’s like they are levitating down the catwalk,” she said.
“I have such huge admiration for every single model that’s walking out on the catwalk, all living with breast cancer and beyond.
“They inspire me, they are incredibly brave, so positive and they have such courage and such positivity, it’s infectious – it really is.”
During the afternoon showing, the models wore three different outfits as they took to the catwalk amid the sounds of cheering and clapping and they ended the show by dancing together on the runway.
Kendra Schneller, a 51-year-old nurse from south-east London, told PA how modelling in the fashion show made her feel “confident” and “full of joy and happiness.”
“It’s also a little bit sad because we’ve all been talking about our journeys, which can be quite triggering, but I’m amongst some amazing people and I’ve got such hope for the future,” Ms Schneller, a mother of three, said.
“This is my way of showing everyone that you don’t have to be perfect, you can just be who you are and you can still be beautiful and you can still shine.”
Ms Schneller was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and had a mastectomy.
She recalled that when she learned the news of her diagnosis, she rang her husband and told him, “I’m going to die.”
“It’s just the thought of not being around for my children,” she said.
“I’ve come so far and I’m so pleased to still be here and share my journey and share my story.”
Ms Schneller, who modelled in the show and represented players of People’s Postcode Lottery who have raised more than £11 million for the charity to date, added: “Breast Cancer Now have been absolutely brilliant in terms of their support.
“I haven’t stopped using their services and I value them so much.”
Mark Winter, one of the two male models at the fashion show, highlighted the importance of men getting themselves checked for breast cancer because “they don’t know they can get it.”
Mr Winter, 59 from Polegate, East Sussex, told PA: “We don’t know we can get (breast cancer), I didn’t know I could get it, and you’re more likely to pass away because you ignore it.
“Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone, speak to your doctor and get it checked.”
Mr Winter, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during lockdown and underwent surgery as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, said he felt “embarrassment” around his diagnosis.
“I was lucky because I caught it early and I didn’t have any major issues with sickness,” he said.
“The only thing I felt, because I’m a bloke, was embarrassment because I had a woman’s thing.
“It’s still a little bit embarrassing but it’s lovely to get my head around it with all the ladies at the show.”
He added: “It’s amazing because we’ve all been through the same, but it’s all been completely different so you get the good, the bad, and the ugly.
“It’s lovely to speak to everybody and just doing this is amazing.”

Arne Slot ‘Confident’ of Liverpool Move as Feyenoord Manager Confirms Desire to Replace Jurgen Klopp

Arne Slot ‘Confident’ of Liverpool Move as Feyenoord Manager Confirms Desire to Replace Jurgen Klopp

Reds in Talks with Rotterdam Club Over Jurgen Klopp Replacement

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has confirmed he wants to move to Liverpool.
The Dutchman has emerged as a leading target for the Anfield giants as they prepare for life without Jurgen Klopp, who is gearing up for his final few games in charge of the club.
Despite frequent links with Xabi Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi, and Ruben Amorim, Slot is believed to be Liverpool’s leading choice to replace their iconic German manager, and talks are underway.
Feyenoord, though, do not want to lose their manager and are expected to demand significant compensation for the man who guided them to a first Eredivisie title in six years last season.
Speaking ahead of Feyenoord’s match at Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday night, Slot told ESPN: “The only thing I can say about it is that the clubs are in negotiations – and then you sit in the waiting room and wait for what will come out.
“It seems clear to me that I would like to go to Liverpool.
“Now I am waiting to see whether the clubs reach an agreement. I have every confidence in that.”
Slot added: “The clubs have to do their job and then I am waiting, and as the ‘main character’ I have to respect that.
“It will undoubtedly become clear in the coming days.”
Feyenoord – second in the Eredivisie table, with PSV Eindhoven clear at the top – won the Dutch Cup at the weekend and last summer extended Slot’s contract until 2026.
As such, Liverpool can expect Feyenoord to take a tough stance in the negotiations, with Slot likely to want to take some of his backroom staff with him to the Premier League.
It has been reported that Liverpool will have to pay “considerably more than 10 million euros” if they are to land their man.
Slot has turned down previous offers to work in the Premier League, the Dutchman opting not to take on the Leeds job after they sacked Jesse Marsch in February last year.
It has also been reported Slot ruled himself out of the running for the vacancy at Tottenham before Ange Postecoglou was appointed last summer.
Michael Edwards – who recently returned to the fold as the chief executive of football for Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group, having previously been the club’s sporting director – and incoming sporting director Richard Hughes have been tasked with the unenviable task of finding Klopp’s replacement.
It is understood Liverpool consider Slot to fit all the criteria set out in their recruitment process, although they are still looking at other contenders.

Brighton 0-4 Man City: Phil Foden Bags Brace as Champions Respond to Arsenal in Premier League Title Race

Brighton 0-4 Man City: Phil Foden Bags Brace as Champions Respond to Arsenal in Premier League Title Race

Kevin De Bruyne Opens Scoring with Brilliant Header

Manchester City ensured they responded to Arsenal in the Premier League title race with a dominant 4-0 victory at Brighton.
The Gunners have won twice since the champions beat Luton earlier this month to reclaim top spot and briefly opened up a four-point gap.
Still, a fine Kevin De Bruyne header set City on their way to cutting that down to just one point while also boasting a game in hand.
Phil Foden’s excellent season continued with a brace. The first of his goals came from a deflected free-kick sprung from a foul he won himself just outside the box before the England international punished the hosts for their sloppy passing in their own penalty area by rolling in a quick-fire third.
Julian Alvarez, deputising for the injured Erling Haaland, added a fourth.
Roberto De Zerbi’s 11th-placed hosts could have few complaints about their winless run stretching to five games as City deservedly leapfrogged Liverpool into second spot and moved within touching distance of Arsenal, while giving their goal difference a timely boost.
City resumed their title defence after scraping past Chelsea to reach the FA Cup final on the back of crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid.
Manager Guardiola warned his title-chasing side faced one of their toughest tests of the seasons in Sussex and, with top scorer Erling Haaland once again unavailable due to injury, made three changes.
The visitors eased their way into the contest before edging ahead in the 17th minute thanks to a moment of magic.
Kyle Walker was released down the right by Foden and his cross was superbly headed into the top right corner from level with the penalty spot by the flying De Bruyne.
Brighton, seeking to revive their floundering European push, showed glimpses of attacking enterprise to give their title-chasing opponents something to think about.
Former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck and captain Dunk each tested City goalkeeper Ederson in the early stages before the Seagulls slipped further behind in contentious circumstances in the 26th minute.
Home fans were angered by referee Jarred Gillett’s decision to award City a free-kick on the edge of the box and Foden, who appeared to slip before hitting the deck, duly fired home a landmark strike with the aid of hefty deflection off Pascal Gross.
Brighton were swiftly staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat.
Risky attempts to play out from the back were seized on by City and, after Bernardo Silva intercepted a pass from full Premier League debutant Valentin Barco on the edge of the hosts’ penalty area, Foden calmly slotted his 16th league goal of the season into the bottom left corner.
Brighton boss De Zerbi responded to a dismal opening period by replacing Joel Veltman and Adam Lallana with young defender Odeluga Offiah and forward Simon Adingra.
Seagulls supporters were frustrated to be denied a penalty a minute after the restart when Gross tumbled under pressure from Rodri.
Any hopes of an unlikely Albion fightback were extinguished in the 62nd minute.
Roving City captain Walker was released down the right and, having cut inside Barco, he slid in to divert the ball away from Brighton keeper Jason Steele, allowing Alvarez to sweep into the unguarded net.
Match official Gillett prompted further ire from the terraces 20 minutes from time when he waved play on after Joao Pedro appeared to be bundled over in the box by Josko Gvardiol.
Pedro later slotted wide from close range before City comfortably saw out the contest to make an ominous statement of intent ahead of continuing their quest for a sixth title in seven years on Sunday at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.

Which? Urges Banks to Address Online Security Loopholes

Which? Urges Banks to Address Online Security Loopholes

Consumer group calls for improvements in bank security following an investigation into potential vulnerabilities.

Which? has called on banks to urgently address online security vulnerabilities that could leave customers vulnerable to scammers. The consumer group conducted a security assessment of the mobile apps and websites of 13 current account providers, highlighting concerns in several banks’ security arrangements.

In particular, TSB and the Co-operative Bank were found to have significant gaps in security. TSB received the lowest score for mobile app security (54%) due to issues with how sensitive data is handled, including storing user credentials in ways that could make them accessible to other apps. The Co-operative Bank also showed weaknesses, such as failing to require two-factor authentication and allowing weak passwords.

While banks like Starling Bank and NatWest/RBS scored highest in the security rankings, Which? emphasized the need for all banks to enhance their security measures to prevent fraud, particularly as online banking becomes more widespread.

Which? is urging banks to fix these vulnerabilities to protect customers from scams and ensure the security of online banking services.

New Targeted Treatment for Children with Brain Cancer Approved by NHS

New Targeted Treatment for Children with Brain Cancer Approved by NHS

The combination therapy offers a less harsh treatment option and improves survival rates for children with gliomas.

A new targeted treatment for children with brain cancer has been approved for use on the NHS, offering hope for families affected by gliomas. The combination of dabrafenib and trametinib is now available for patients aged one and over who have low-grade or high-grade gliomas with the BRAF V600E genetic mutation.

Studies show that the treatment improves response rates, extends progression-free survival, and lessens the side effects typically associated with chemotherapy. For children with low-grade gliomas, progression-free survival has increased from 7.2 months with chemotherapy to 24.9 months with the new therapy. The treatment can be taken at home, making it easier for children to receive care while maintaining a better quality of life.

This approval marks a significant advancement for pediatric brain cancer treatment, with the new therapy expected to benefit around 30 children each year.

Gardening and Moderate Exercise May Reduce Depression Risk by 23%

Gardening and Moderate Exercise May Reduce Depression Risk by 23%

New study highlights the mental health benefits of low-intensity activities like gardening and walking.Moderate physical activities, including gardening, walking, and golf, have been linked to a 23% lower risk of depression, according to new research. The umbrella review, which examined data from over four million people, found that low to moderate-intensity exercise can significantly reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

Published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, the study also suggests that while moderate physical activity promotes mental well-being, high-intensity exercise could worsen stress-related responses in some individuals. The research, led by Professor Lee Smith from Anglia Ruskin University, underscores the importance of precise exercise guidelines tailored to individual needs.

The findings, consistent across gender and age groups, suggest that even small lifestyle changes involving moderate exercise can have a significant impact on mental health, providing a more accessible approach for those not ready to commit to high-intensity workouts.

NAO Warns Government Target to Cut Crown Court Backlogs Unattainable

NAO Warns Government Target to Cut Crown Court Backlogs Unattainable

Court Delays Persist as Ministry of Justice Struggles to Meet Caseload Goals

The National Audit Office (NAO) has declared that the Government’s objective to reduce the backlog in crown court cases is now out of reach. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) had aimed to decrease the number of outstanding cases to 53,000 by March 2025, but according to the NAO, this target is unlikely to be achieved. Instead, estimates suggest the figure will be closer to 64,000.

Delays have already forced some trials set for this week to be postponed until 2026. More than 25% of crown court cases have been waiting over a year to be heard, further exacerbating the trauma experienced by victims awaiting justice. The backlog, currently standing at 67,492 cases as of March, is higher than it was a year ago despite the Government’s £477 million allocation to help tackle it as part of a 2021 spending review.

One major obstacle to reducing the backlog, according to the report, is overcrowding in prisons, while deteriorating court infrastructure has further compounded issues. The MoJ has reported that half of all crown courtrooms could face sudden closure due to persistent issues like leaks and heating failures.

The crisis has drawn pointed criticism from legal experts. Tana Adkin KC of the Criminal Bar Association highlighted the systemic failures laid bare by the report and reiterated longstanding calls for strategic investment. Sam Townend KC, representing the Bar Council, warned that without sufficient personnel, the justice system risks collapse, urging the Government to allocate necessary resources to ensure each case has proper legal representation.

The Law Society echoed these concerns, pointing to years of underfunding as a root cause of shortages in judges, lawyers, and crumbling facilities. Nick Emmerson, its president, stressed the urgency for meaningful investment across the system to guarantee timely justice.

In response, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated that crown courts conducted over 107,000 sitting days last year, the highest in seven years. The Government is working on solutions, including expanded use of Nightingale courts, remote hearings, and a significant expansion of prison capacity to accommodate the increased caseload.

Kym Marsh’s Son-in-Law Among London Marathon Runners Supporting Charity

Kym Marsh’s Son-in-Law Among London Marathon Runners Supporting Charity

Mikey Hoszowskyj joins 190 runners to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK

Mikey Hoszowskyj, son-in-law of TV presenter and actress Kym Marsh, is among the runners participating in this year’s London Marathon in support of Prostate Cancer UK. Mikey, 31, is running in honor of his wife Emilie’s grandfather, Dave Marsh, who passed away earlier this year after a battle with prostate cancer. He was deeply committed to raising awareness of the disease throughout his illness.

Mikey will be joined by 190 other runners aiming to raise approximately £375,000 for the charity. Also among the participants is Anoosheh Ashoori, a former hostage in Iran, who is running his third marathon since his release in March 2022. Ashoori is fundraising for Hostage International and is eager to honor the friends he ran with during his captivity in Evin prison.

Other notable runners include Ted Lasso actor Phil Dunster, who is running in memory of his cousin’s young son, Rory, who tragically passed away from a brain tumor. Dunster is raising funds for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity that supported his family during Rory’s illness.

The marathon will also see contributions from individuals like Sam Hull, who aims to break a world record for the fastest marathon dressed as a tennis player while raising money for Sue Ryder. Edward Ndiritu, a wildlife ranger from Kenya, will run to support wildlife conservation through Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Sasha Sargent is raising funds for Anthony Nolan, a charity she has supported through stem cell donations.

Additionally, the Refugee Run Club will have five members participating, aiming to support refugees and asylum seekers through running communities.

Post Malone Expresses Gratitude for Collaboration with Taylor Swift

Post Malone Expresses Gratitude for Collaboration with Taylor Swift

Fortnight becomes Spotify’s most-streamed song in a single day

American rapper and singer Post Malone has expressed his deep appreciation for working with Taylor Swift on her latest album The Tortured Poets Department. The duo collaborated on the single Fortnight, which shattered records by becoming Spotify’s most-streamed song in a single day after its release.

Malone, whose real name is Austin Richard Post, shared his gratitude on social media, saying: “It’s once in a lifetime that someone like @taylorswift13 comes into this world. I am floored by your heart and your mind, and I am beyond honored to have been asked to help you with your journey. I love you so much. Thank you Tay.”

Swift, 34, announced Fortnight as the first single from her album on April 18, also revealing that a music video featuring Dead Poets Society stars Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles would accompany the song. Malone also makes an appearance in the dystopian romance-themed video.

The album, which features a collaboration with Florence and the Machine, became a massive hit, racking up over 300 million streams on its first day on Spotify. In addition, Swift released an expanded edition of the album, The Anthology, including an extra 15 tracks.

Swift’s latest album has sparked intense speculation among fans, particularly with the track So Long, London, which is believed to reflect on her breakup with actor Joe Alwyn after six years together. The album’s title also fueled further rumors, leading some to question if it references Alwyn, especially after a mention of The Tortured Man Club in a WhatsApp group chat involving Alwyn and Paul Mescal. Fans also speculated that some of the tracks allude to Swift’s current relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce.