49 m. ago Reciting the names of the dead: how Australia’s response to HIV/Aids was emotionally – and politically – powerful | Leigh Boucher

Researchers now describe it as both historical phenomenon and public health model. Its success was remarkablePast/Present is a column which places current events in historical contextAids has always been laden with political and emotional volatilities. The possibility of blood or sex based transmission combined with its first emergence among marginalised and criminalised populations created a potent mix of primal terror and terrifying prejudice.It can sometimes be difficult to remember just how potently misinformation, fear and outright hostility framed the knowledge and experience of Aids in the first decade or so of the pandemic. In this period, a positive result on an HIV test was a terminal diagnosis and medical knowledge about transmission and treatment was still cloudy.Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Continue reading...

Politics

66 m. ago Sydney police charge four men over alleged ‘international satanic child sex abuse material ring’

Detectives claim to have uncovered Sydney-based network involving online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNSW police say they have uncovered an “international satanic child sex abuse material ring” and charged four Australians for their alleged involvement.Detectives from the sex crimes squad said that as part of Strike Force Constantine, an investigation into the online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themes, they disrupted a Sydney-based network. Continue reading...

Events

6 h. ago Urgent review ordered after HMP Styal inmate treated like 'feral dog' before death

Alex Davies, 25, died in custody on Christmas Eve. An investigation has found 'systemic failings' in her treatment

Events

7 h. ago 'I brought my whole family on my honeymoon and it was a terrible mistake'

A woman has reflected on her decision to bring her and her husband's families with them on their honeymoon - but now has some advice for those considering to do the same

Events

8 h. ago Police Scotland urged to reopen probe into sex claims against Al Fayed

Police previously closed an investigation into a ‘non-recent sexual assault’.

Events

8 h. ago Met Office issues heavy rain weather warning for large parts of Scotland

Scots are warned flooding is likely and disruption is expected on roads. Bus and train services could be affected by the rain, with journey times taking longer.

Events

9 h. ago Aldi recalls 'dangerous' chocolate snack as shoppers warned 'do not eat'

If you have a peanut allergy and shop at Aldi, you need to check your shopping right away or you could be in danger, the discount supermakert has issued an urgent recalling

Events

10 h. ago Teen handed blackened pieces of his own lungs in a bag after vaping 'all day every day'

Teenager LeeRay King was handed a bag full of blackened pieces of his own lungs after vaping 'all day everyday' for three years left him in agony and needing urgent surgery

Politics

11 h. ago Woman spotted 'clearly having sex' in front of shoppers is jailed

A delivery driver spotted a couple engaging in the intimidate act

Events

11 h. ago This is how we do it: ‘I have an urgent desire to have group sex – and I want Sophie to join me on this journey’

For John, group sex is a fantasy he wants to make reality. For Sophie, it is a mistake she does not want to repeat• How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, anonymouslyThere’s still so much I want to do sexually, and I want to do it now while I still can Continue reading...

Politics

12 h. ago Strictly's George Clarke speaks out on 'biggest challenge' as fans say same thing about performance

The YouTube star and his professional dance partner Alexis Warr continued their journey in the BBC One dance contest

Politics

12 h. ago 'I'm a kinky spanking model and have no regrets – it was my top career choice'

A 'spanking model' from Kent insists that her chosen career as a sex worker has made her 'happy and rich' without a single 'dangerous or traumatic' experience

Politics

13 h. ago ‘I sang karaoke with Novak Djokovic – a surreal experience’: Jacob Collier’s honest playlist

The musical prodigy discovered Stevie Wonder aged two and danced to Brazilian jazz at a Grammys afterparty. But what song does he think is the best in the world?The first song I fell in love withSo many songs hit me as a child, they were like windows opening up new worlds. But the first I truly loved was Did I Hear You Say You Love Me, by Stevie Wonder, which I remember clearly when I was around two years old.The first single I boughtI bought an iTunes single by Take 6 when I was 13. They are a six-part a cappella, gospel, jazz group, and they completely exploded my creative imagination. The song, He Never Sleeps, has the most unbelievable harmonic journey. Continue reading...

Politics

14 h. ago ‘The town has lost it’: Viking’s journey from the abyss to the verge of glory

Not long ago the Norwegian giants were relegated and almost bankrupt – now a first title in 34 years is in reachThere were moments last weekend when Viking’s latest must-win game at Fredrikstad seemed to turn on a coin toss. The chances came thick and fast; both goalkeepers were forced into acrobatic saves; on the stroke of half-time, the Fredrikstad forward Henrik Skogvold unleashed a shot that cracked the underside of the bar and seemed to defy the laws of physics by spinning away.Viking knew anything other than a win would allow Bodø/Glimt, Norwegian champions in four of the past five seasons, to dethrone them at the top. In the 71st minute, as the massed ranks of away fans in dark blue held their breath, the odds finally went in their favour: Zlatko Tripic, the captain, arced an inch-perfect cross to the back post, where Henrik Falchener, Viking’s towering centre-back, nodded in to set off an explosion of noise and send thousands of fists into the air in unison. Continue reading...

Politics

14 h. ago Strictly Come Dancing star opens up on huge 'gift' in emotional exit admission

Strictly Come Dancing star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has reflected on his dancing journey

Events

14 h. ago Serial killer with horror method for killing women with same name still walking free

In 1990s Lisbon, Portugal, police were baffled when three sex workers all called Maria were killed with the same brutal pattern - and the killer was never caught

Events

14 h. ago 'Ripper' serial killer who disembowelled women with chilling thing in common still walks free

Three women named Maria were murdered in 1990s Lisbon by a serial killer who was never caught. All victims were sex workers in their twenties with brown hair who were strangled, disembowelled and had organs removed.

Events

16 h. ago Urgent winter warning for dog owners as RSPCA says 'never' do this

You must "never" do this no matter the circumstances, the RSPCA said

Events

16 h. ago Naughty or nice? The best sexy gifts in the UK for Christmas

Our sex expert unwraps her favourite risque Christmas gifts – from cheeky stocking thrillers to mini massagers and toys• The best self-care gifts for ChristmasGiving a sexy present requires careful consideration. If you proffer a heavy-duty vibrator, piece of bondage gear or other bit of “serious” kit, the recipient may feel obliged to use it with you straight away so as not to look ungrateful – even if they’re secretly a tad intimidated, or aren’t ready to get freaky before the leftover turkey’s been turned into stir-fry.I advise bundling risque gifts with softer playthings such as a bath bomb (try Lush’s Sex Bomb), or a massage candle (I love Neom’s treatment candle). Continue reading...

Politics

16 h. ago I want be a single mum, but feel envious of peers with partners | Annalisa Barbieri

It is good that you are getting expert counselling, but seeking support from other solo mums might be helpful tooI am a very lucky person who has a huge amount to be happy and grateful for. But although I have many excellent friendships, I have had very few romantic relationships. I am now 36 and after 10 years of giving dating a real “go”, I have decided to become a single mum by choice. This has been a very positive decision for me and I am excited about the journey. During a pre-screening psychological counselling session, the psychologist spoke about the grief many women in my shoes experience as a result of not having the family they’d hoped for. Although I was aware of this and have worked extensively on self-acceptance with my own therapist, I now feel deep sadness and regret at being unable to have formed a relationship with someone who wanted to have children with me. In my friends and colleagues groups, this sets me apart from most women my age. I am envious...

Politics