News

James Earl Jones, the American actor known for being the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, has died at the age of 93. The Hollywood star’s voice was also lent to the likes of Mufasa in Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King, various audiobooks and to CNN for its “This is CNN” tagline. During his career, he won a host of awards including Emmys, Tony Awards, a Grammy and he was given an honorary Oscar. On Monday, his long time agent Barry McPherson confirmed the veteran actor had died. Jones was already an award-winning star of stage and screen when the original Star Wars movie was being developed by George Lucas in the 1970s. He had wowed critics with his Tony Award-winning performance as a boxer in 1968 play The Great White Hope, later taking on the lead in the 1970 movie adaptation, for which he picked up a Golden Globe. The actor demonstrated his versatility in everything from Shakespearean epics to television dramas and comedies. He played memorable film roles including reclusive writer Terence Mann in 1989’s Field Of Dreams and a South African minister in Cry, The Beloved Country. In 2005, the veteran star reprised Vader for Revenge Of The Sith and he returned to the role nine years later in the first episode of Star Wars Rebels, and in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Hollywood stars are among those who have paid tribute, including Stars Wars actor Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker, writing on social media “#RIP dad” with a broken heart emoji. Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Apple has unveiled the new iPhone 16 range – the company’s first devices powered by its new artificial intelligence tools it claims will have a “profound impact” on users. The four new smartphones will go on sale on September 20 and come with Apple Intelligence built in, a set of tools which use generative AI to help users with every day administrative tasks as well as offer text and image editing capabilities – following similar tools already launched by rivals Google and Samsung on their flagship phones. The design changes to the handsets themselves are incremental, but Apple has added a new Camera Control button to the phones, from which users will be able to instantly launch the camera app, take photos and videos or select different capturing tools and options. The button can also be used to access another new AI-powered tool, called Visual Intelligence, which enables users to carry out image-based searches on places or objects by capturing an photo of them. Speaking at the event to unveil the new devices, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said these were the first iPhones to be designed “from the ground up for Apple Intelligence” and that the new “personal intelligence system” would have a “profound impact” for users. “The innovation and invention these products deliver will continue to deepen the meaningful impact they have on all of our lives,” Mr Cook said. “I’m proud of our teams and what they’ve accomplished and I can’t wait for you to experience these amazing products.” The AI-powered tools use “personal context” to provide help, Apple said, for example offering edits to writing or notes made in almost any app, or being able to quickly find a specific photo or moment within a video based on a typed description. The tools can also be used to find specific emails, flight details and other personal information instantly, as well as offer email summaries and prioritise certain notifications and enable users to create their own emoji or new image. The tech giant confirmed the new devices would go on sale on September 20, with Apple Intelligence tools rolling out in a software update later. Ben Wood, smartphone expert and chief analyst at CCS Insight, said although Apple had not entirely shaken the perception that its phone launches were becoming more low-key, its new AI tools were still eye-catching. “There is a growing feeling that smartphone updates have become a bit boring. Apple is not immune to this trend and is betting on software and AI to breathe new life into its most important product to reignite consumer interest and drive upgrade purchases,” he said. “As expected, Apple Intelligence features will roll out progressively over the next few months and years. However, at present, a notable exclusion is the EU, where Apple is in a stand-off over compliance with the Digital Markets Act. “We will be watching closely to see how European consumers react to missing out on the new Apple Intelligence features and whether it affects demand for the iPhone 16. “We note with interest that Apple Intelligence will be available in the UK — which, since Brexit, falls outside the EU. Historically Apple has treated the region with a consistent approach since the UK’s departure from the trade bloc so this is a notable change. “Many of the features being offered by Apple Intelligence, such as summarising emails and editing photos, are similar to those previously showcased by Google and Samsung. “However, as it has done in the past, Apple put a heavy focus on privacy as a differentiator — this aligns well with CCS Insight’s research, which indicates that despite the enthusiasm for AI, about 43% of UK consumers surveyed expressed concerns about privacy and data security.” Fellow smartphone expert Ernest Doku, from Uswitch.com, agreed that the AI tools were the main notable change in an otherwise incremental iPhone update. “Last year’s iPhone launch left some a little disappointed by Apple’s strategy of ‘evolution not revolution’, and many feel that Android devices have pulled ahead in the last 12 months,” he said. “Apple’s latest launch may not have entirely changed this perception, but there are still some innovative features worth calling out on its new flagship smartphone. Although the new camera updates and Camera Control button are impressive, the biggest development is the new handsets’ Apple Intelligence compatibility. “This unique delivery of deep AI integration into every aspect of the phone ensures Apple’s refresh can keep pace with key features touted at recent releases of Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy devices alike. “An exciting development is Apple’s focus on personal data security when it comes to using generative AI, with nothing shared with Apple while using Apple Intelligence. This could set its AI technology apart, as consumers continue to prioritise their digital privacy.” Elsewhere, the technology giant unveiled the redesigned and update Apple Watch Series 10, which will include the ability to detect sleep apnea for the first time. In addition, a software update to the firm’s existing AirPods Pro 2 will enable wearers to use them as a clinical-grade hearing aid. Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Disgraced former film producer Harvey Weinstein has been rushed to a hospital for emergency heart surgery. The 72-year-old was taken to the hospital from the Rikers Island jail in New York, where he is being held in custody, a spokesperson for his attorney Arthur Aidala told the PA news agency. The former film mogul had been experiencing experiencing chest pains, according to US outlets. Weinstein is serving a prison sentence following a rape and sexual misconduct conviction in Los Angeles related to an incident in 2013 where he appeared uninvited in a woman’s hotel room during a Los Angeles film festival. He was sentenced to 16 years’ prison in February 2023. He is currently in custody in Rikers Island jail complex while awaiting a retrial in Manhattan after a 2020 conviction for rape was overturned earlier this year in a majority decision from the Court of Appeal in New York. Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Government plans to give local authorities the power to take over the running of bus services may need “enormous” levels of subsidy, the Conservatives have warned. Shadow transport minister Kieran Mullan said moves to reverse Margaret Thatcher’s deregulation of the bus services could prove costly, and that the announcement in the Commons on Monday afternoon did not mention any new funding. Transport minister Simon Lightwood said “enough is enough” over the country’s declining bus services as the Government laid regulations in Parliament to give transport authorities and councils the ability to run their own bus services for the first time since 1986. Currently only metro mayors can control services this way, including in Manchester and London. Dr Mullan told the Commons: “We know there are a number of local authorities facing financial and organisational challenges, and whilst I don’t doubt there will be enthusiasm to make use of these new powers, running any form of public transport brings with it real challenges.” He added: “Depending on the number of local authorities that chose to take up franchising, that could mean significant central Government resources are required. “Unless I’ve missed it, today’s announcement looks to include absolutely no funding to pay for increased capacity at the department.” Transport Secretary Louise Haigh called the reforms a “bus revolution” that could save vital routes nationwide. The Government has also launched a consultation on new, simplified guidance speeding up processes and reducing costs for local leaders looking to bring services into public control. Mr Lightwood said an announcement on funding would follow in the Buses Bill that will be announced later this year. He told MPs: “(It will) deliver further measures on issues such as funding, despite the challenging financial circumstances we find ourselves in, inherited from the previous government.” There are concerns that rural bus services, which are sometimes run at a loss and require funding from local councils to get private operators to run them, could make running routes more costlier than thought for some authorities. Without funding, some are cut. MPs were told by Mr Lightwood there are now 300 million fewer miles of bus journeys driven a year since 2010. Overall 1.5 billion fewer journeys took place in 2019 compared to 1985, the final year before deregulation ended. Dr Mullan said: “Many bus routes, especially the rural services are themselves loss making, and that’s before you account for additional resources that local authorities will presumably need to operate.” His Conservative Party colleague Simon Hoare said: “The delivery of services in rural areas is much more costly than it is in the Manchesters and the Nottinghams and the Londons. That’s just a geographical fact which I think we all accept.” The North Dorset MP added: “If this is to work in rural areas for all the good reasons which he sets out about social mobility and access to work and education, this is going to require some extra money for rural councils if they are to deliver what I think we all probably want to see achieved.” Mr Lightwood said that funding would be considered as part of the spending review. It comes as ministers are “urgently” considering whether to continue a scheme which capped local bus fares at £2. The measure was introduced in September 2022 during the cost-of-living crisis to help people travel despite the rising price of fuel and goods. It was later extended until November this year, although the fare has since risen to £2.50. Mr Lightwood said: “We’re looking at the future of the £2 fare cap as a matter of urgency, and we’re considering the most appropriate and affordable approach, and we’ll update the House in due course.” Conservative former transport minister Richard Holden said: “(It) has been a real success, particularly for access to education opportunities and those in lower-paid work in rural areas, because I think it’s something that has really helped drive bus passenger numbers since the end of the pandemic upwards.” Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Some council tax collection practices “couldn’t have been designed better” to accelerate people’s distress and are like a caricature of loan sharks, consumer champion Martin Lewis has said. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, a charity founded by Mr Lewis, said processes are driving unacceptable harms that disproportionately affect people with mental health problems. Mr Lewis said: “Council tax collection practices are so aggressive they’d make the banks blush. The grotesque process couldn’t have been designed better to accelerate distress for people in council tax debt, especially those with mental health problems. “When someone misses a monthly payment, rather than asking: ‘How can we help?’, many councils say: ‘Now you have to pay 12 times that’ – it’s like a caricature of the worst loan sharks.” The research, funded by abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, indicated that around two million people with mental health problems in the UK have fallen into a council tax “trap” – missing one payment and then potentially facing rapidly escalating debt collection activity, fees and charges when some people may be too unwell even to open their post. Money and Mental Health said that, within three weeks of missing just one council tax payment, people may find themselves being hit with a final notice from a local authority requiring them to pay a full annual council tax bill within seven days. For an average UK household, this could mean a missed £140 payment results in a bill of around £1,600 three weeks later, the charity said. People who fail to pay their full annual bills could also be hit with a liability order – a letter that lets councils step up debt collection, including potentially sending in bailiffs. Debts can potentially be passed onto bailiffs just six weeks after the first missed payment, the charity said. Money and Mental Health’s analysis indicates that people with mental health problems are more than twice as likely to be in council tax arrears than those without mental health issues. The charity highlighted the case of a 55-year-old woman who has borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. She described to researchers how she received a letter on Christmas Eve – which had arrived late because of postal delays – saying that she needed to pay her council tax bill by Christmas Day. She said: “I was in meltdown. I ended up taking out more credit and took out a credit card with 40% interest just to be able to pay it off.” The woman added: “I was a mess, I couldn’t do anything. I’d already bought Christmas presents for the grandkids, but I couldn’t spend any time with other family because I was so stressed.” Money and Mental Health is campaigning for central Government to end the “council tax trap” and make collections fairer and more consistent. It wants the Government to change regulations which dictate how quickly local authorities chase missed payments. Council tax debt collection should be brought at least in line with consumer creditors, who often wait three to six months before demanding full repayment of an overdue debt, the charity said. The report added that the Welsh Government has capped charges for issuing liability orders at £70, but while welcome it is still too high, given that a third (34%) of people behind on council tax payments say they could not afford to pay any unexpected bill. It said local authorities should urgently look at their own debt collection practices. Some councils are already taking steps, for example by focusing on providing more support and advice to people in arrears. Mr Lewis added: “Rapidly piling on payment demands, court threats, charges and bailiff action isn’t a fair or productive way to respond to someone missing a payment, either through limited funds, or personal life crisis. “It’s like councils are setting a trap for people who miss a payment that they have no hope of escaping from, and that needs to stop. Councils will recover just as much money, and keep their constituents financially and mentally healthier, by working with those who are struggling, signposting them to help, and working on repayment plans. “Of course, councils have faced major budget cuts, and some are struggling to survive – a policy challenge the new Government must address. “Yet plugging budget gaps by ramping up punitive action on people in debt, a significant majority of whom have mental health problems, won’t fix that. That’s why we also need central Government to change the rules and stop allowing councils to behave in a way no commercial lender would ever be allowed to. “It is ironic that some of the council leaders who are ultimately responsible for overseeing this process, are likely among the most vociferous protesters against the harms of dodgy private sector debt practices and big financial institutions. “So I’d ask them to turn that focus on their own organisations. While central Government action is needed, while we wait for that, councils need to take a hard look at what they are doing and to mitigate the harms some are causing.” Mubin Haq, chief executive of abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, an independent charitable trust, said: “Piling debt onto people who are financially struggling not only risks further harm to their health and wellbeing, it may ultimately put further pressure on other parts of local authorities’ budgets, such as emergency discretionary assistance funds. “The safeguards we have in place for mainstream lenders needs to be mirrored in the collection of council tax debt.” A spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents 350 councils across England, said: “Councils strive to ensure they have fair council tax collection policies and should always try to work with people who are struggling to meet their council tax bills. “We agree that bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort and anyone having trouble paying their council bills should get in touch with their local authority for financial help and advice. “Councils do have a duty to their residents

Kate has confirmed she has completed her chemotherapy, and her focus now is to do what she can to ‘stay cancer-free’ The Princess of Wales has appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm she will return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy course. Kate’s heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands. She describes the past nine months since her serious health issues began as “incredibly tough for us as a family” and how the “cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone”, with the experience giving her a “new perspective on everything.” In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. “I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. “Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.” Kate, who is continuing to work from home, is hoping to return to a light programme of public duties for the remainder of the year, reflecting her need to make a full recovery, and aims for a handful of engagements in the coming months. She is also working towards appearing with the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday service staged at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The princess’ Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey has become a firm fixture in the royal calendar in recent years and she has begun working with her team on the project. Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub

The chairwoman of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry has begun to hear evidence relating to the impact of the pandemic on patients and the NHS. Baroness Heather Hallett told the inquiry on Monday morning that she understood people’s concerns over how much evidence would be heard but argued the hearing needed to stick to its timescale. It comes after the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK campaign group said only two of the 23 witnesses it put forward for module three of the inquiry would be heard. Lady Hallett said: “I apologise in advance to those who would like us to spend more time examining particular issues in these hearings. “I understand their concerns and, as I have said before, the longer any set of hearings take, the longer the delay in making recommendations and the longer the delay in investigating other important modules, such as the impact on the care sector and children and young people.” Module three of the inquiry began on Monday with a film showing patients and NHS workers speaking about working on the frontline during the pandemic. Writer and broadcaster Michael Rosen is seen discussing his treatment in intensive care when he was struck by Covid-19. He said he was asked by staff to sign a form authorising him to be put “to sleep”. When he asked whether he would wake up, he was told he would have a “50/50” chance, he said. This part of the inquiry is looking at the governmental and societal response to Covid-19 by assessing the impact of the pandemic on how NHS services were delivered. This will include how managers led the pandemic response, the role of primary care and GPs, NHS backlogs and how the vaccine programme was integrated. The diagnosis of long Covid and the support offered to those affected will also be examined. Evidence this week will come from Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice; Dr Barry Jones, chairman of the Covid-19 Airborne Transmission Alliance; Richard Brunt, director of engagement and policy division at the Health and Safety Executive; and Sara Gorton, head of health at Unison. Jacqueline Carey KC, counsel to the inquiry, told the hearing on Monday there was a “lack of scientific consensus” about the transmission of Covid-19 during the pandemic, which may not yet have been resolved. She also said there were not enough GPs to meet demand, while one practice nurse described having up to 20 different guidelines to read daily which took away from patient care. The NHS 111 services and 999 also came under intense pressure, the inquiry heard. Nicola Brook, solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter, which represents more than 7,000 families from the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK group, said before the hearing: “This module of the inquiry is one of the most important in understanding the true horrors of the pandemic. “It will reveal some of the most shocking details, distressing stories and outrageous scandals that took place. “Despite the narrative pedalled by those in charge that the UK coped, the sad fact is people died unnecessarily. “Groups like the disabled and the elderly were written off because it was considered that their lives were not worth saving.” In July, the inquiry’s first report into preparedness for a pandemic found the UK Government and the civil service “failed” the public due to “significant flaws”. It said there was a “damaging absence of focus” on the measures and infrastructure that would be needed to deal with a fast-spreading disease, even though a coronavirus outbreak at pandemic scale “was foreseeable”. The public hearings for module three are expected to run for 10 weeks. Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub

The number of people killed in overnight Israeli strikes in Syria has risen to 14 with more than 40 wounded, Syrian state media said. Israeli strikes hit several areas in central Syria late on Sunday, damaging a highway in Hama province and sparking fires, Syrian state news agency SANA said. The initial death count reported by the Masyaf National Hospital in western Hama province was four. SANA, citing hospital head Faysal Haydar, said 14 people were killed and 43 wounded. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, said at least four of those killed were civilians. One of the strikes targeted a scientific research centre in Masyaf and others struck sites where “Iranian militias and experts are stationed to develop weapons in Syria”, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Local media also reported strikes around the coastal city of Tartous. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years, but it rarely acknowledges or discusses the operations. The strikes often target Syrian forces or Iranian-backed groups. Israel has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment in Syria, particularly since Syria is a key route for Iran to send weapons to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Hezbollah has been clashing with Israeli forces for the past 11 months against the backdrop of Israel’s war against Hamas – an ally of Hezbollah – in Gaza. Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Sir Keir Starmer has promised action to tackle the online sale of deadly weapons as he hosted a summit with knife crime campaigners including Luther star Idris Elba and victims’ families. The Prime Minister promised to “double down” on commitments made before the general election on tackling knife violence. Elba told the summit “talk is good, but action is important” and said he hoped the work done by a coalition of organisations and campaigners could prevent younger generations being involved in knife crime. Sir Keir said: “Far too many knives are too easily available, whether that’s online, whether that’s through the post.” There are examples of knives “bought online being posted through without any markings, and then people picking them up without any identification, and then those knives being used”. It is “just too shocking – that needs to be dealt with”, he said. Sir Keir suggested ministers will look at the punishments for those caught with knives. The Prime Minister told the knife crime summit in Downing Street: “We also need to deal with the sanctions for those that are found with knives.” But there is also a need to “try to reach into the lives of young people who may be going off the tracks and trying to bring them back before they do so”. Pooja Kanda, whose son Ronan was murdered in 2022 with a zombie knife bought online, told the No 10 summit she was “horrified, absolutely horrified” by what was available to her son’s killer. “It was as easy as picking up a loaf of bread from a supermarket,” she said. Calling for action, she said: “I’m not a policy expert in reducing crime. I’m a grieving mother. “But I will do all I can to ensure that the failings that led to my son’s murder are corrected.” She added: “It blows my mind at how easy it is to purchase these weapons and have them delivered to your door with absolutely no checks or accountability held.” Elba, who met Sir Keir during the election campaign to push for action on knife crime, said it was important there was a coalition of interests involved in the first summit, which is expected to become an annual event. He said: “We needed joined-up thinking, we needed so many different perspectives: parents’ perspectives, youth workers’ perspectives, charity organisations, governance, policing. “We need all of these perspectives to sit around the table when you think about this. “We aren’t going to end knife crime. We can’t, that’s not realistic. “But we can tackle the attributes towards it. At the centre of it is obviously young people – my son’s 10, and I’m hoping the work that we do annually, keep pushing, (can) help him by the time he’s 16. “There are kids right now that are 16 to 24, they’re in that cycle right now that we might not be able to help, but with our joined-up thinking we can help future generations.” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood were at the Downing Street meeting and the new coalition to tackle knife crime will also include technology companies, sport organisations and representatives from the police and the NHS. Published: 09/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub