River
@riverlorien.bsky.social
Happy escapee from the other place. Mix of interests inc health, welfare & disability policy, media, hospice/palliative care, the environment & animal welfare
Reposted by River
Over-60s are facing rising homelessness.
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Growing numbers of over-60s facing homelessness, charities warn
Housing crisis reaches UK’s oldest generations as high private rents and lack of social housing hits pensioners
www.theguardian.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Over-60s are facing rising homelessness.
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Reposted by River
So the crime, corruption & human rights abuses will continue (in Venezuela, just to be clear - though presumably also in the US), but the Trump administration will now be getting a cut. There's not much European leaders can do to stop this, but they shdn't act as though it's just business as usual.
"his [Trump's] plan appears to be for Venezuela to remain under the day-to-day rule of a senior chavista, with its democratically elected leaders excluded and its wealth controlled by American corporations." www.economist.com/the-americas...
Donald Trump wants to run Venezuela, and dominate the western hemisphere
Snatching Nicolás Maduro and attempting to take control of Venezuela and its oil is an extraordinary display of the new “Donroe doctrine”
www.economist.com
January 4, 2026 at 12:20 PM
So the crime, corruption & human rights abuses will continue (in Venezuela, just to be clear - though presumably also in the US), but the Trump administration will now be getting a cut. There's not much European leaders can do to stop this, but they shdn't act as though it's just business as usual.
Spycops 'clandestine reports were sent to MI5, helping the Security Service to build up large files on peaceful protesters'
'Their reports logged personal information...including their marriages, sexuality, holiday plans and bank accounts'
'MI5 still retains these surveillance reports'
'Their reports logged personal information...including their marriages, sexuality, holiday plans and bank accounts'
'MI5 still retains these surveillance reports'
Spycops sent thousands of surveillance reports to MI5, inquiry documents reveal
Spycops sent thousands of surveillance reports to MI5, inquiry documents reveal
Security Service was able to compile detailed files on members of legitimate protest groups infiltrated by undercover police officers
Thousands of surveillance reports compiled by undercover police officers who spied on political campaigners were routinely passed to MI5, documents obtained by the spycops inquiry have revealed.
Police sent undercover officers on long-term deployments to infiltrate mainly leftwing protest groups and gather enormous quantities of information about their political and personal activities. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 4, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Spycops 'clandestine reports were sent to MI5, helping the Security Service to build up large files on peaceful protesters'
'Their reports logged personal information...including their marriages, sexuality, holiday plans and bank accounts'
'MI5 still retains these surveillance reports'
'Their reports logged personal information...including their marriages, sexuality, holiday plans and bank accounts'
'MI5 still retains these surveillance reports'
Reposted by River
So, in stark contrast to everything else that’s going on today, I’m delighted to announce I’ll be with this joyous bunch of people in the next #Taskmaster. Let Counting-Backwards-From-Fifty-While-Miming -Your-Least-Favourite -Farm-Animal Commence! youtu.be/1OP6DuihCnk?...
Taskmaster Season 21 - Coming Soon | Line-Up Reveal
YouTube video by Taskmaster
youtu.be
January 4, 2026 at 10:14 AM
So, in stark contrast to everything else that’s going on today, I’m delighted to announce I’ll be with this joyous bunch of people in the next #Taskmaster. Let Counting-Backwards-From-Fifty-While-Miming -Your-Least-Favourite -Farm-Animal Commence! youtu.be/1OP6DuihCnk?...
Reposted by River
During Fiona Hill's testimony to Congress on Oct 14, 2019, she described how Trump and Putin discussed exchanging Ukraine for Venezuela. The quid pro quo was if Trump refuses to help Ukraine fight off a Russian invasion, Putin would not help Venezuela (a Russian ally) resist a US takeover.
January 4, 2026 at 2:36 AM
During Fiona Hill's testimony to Congress on Oct 14, 2019, she described how Trump and Putin discussed exchanging Ukraine for Venezuela. The quid pro quo was if Trump refuses to help Ukraine fight off a Russian invasion, Putin would not help Venezuela (a Russian ally) resist a US takeover.
Reposted by River
So the weather is crap and it looks like snow is on the way, a nightmare for rough sleepers.
StreetLink is an org that helps people sleeping rough, often finding them somewhere to rest for a night. If you see someone who needs help, just ring them and they’ll do rest.
thestreetlink.org.uk/start
StreetLink is an org that helps people sleeping rough, often finding them somewhere to rest for a night. If you see someone who needs help, just ring them and they’ll do rest.
thestreetlink.org.uk/start
Tell us about someone sleeping rough - StreetLink
StreetLink can be used by anyone in England & Wales. Alerts are sent to outreach teams. Call 999 if the person needs emergency help or is under 18.
thestreetlink.org.uk
January 3, 2026 at 6:27 PM
So the weather is crap and it looks like snow is on the way, a nightmare for rough sleepers.
StreetLink is an org that helps people sleeping rough, often finding them somewhere to rest for a night. If you see someone who needs help, just ring them and they’ll do rest.
thestreetlink.org.uk/start
StreetLink is an org that helps people sleeping rough, often finding them somewhere to rest for a night. If you see someone who needs help, just ring them and they’ll do rest.
thestreetlink.org.uk/start
Over-60s are facing rising homelessness.
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Growing numbers of over-60s facing homelessness, charities warn
Housing crisis reaches UK’s oldest generations as high private rents and lack of social housing hits pensioners
www.theguardian.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Over-60s are facing rising homelessness.
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Many are relying on housing benefit - which has been frozen.
“Soaring rents were locking people into renting for decades, forcing older people to live in homes unsuitable for their needs and damaging to their health, while pushing some into homelessness.”
Reposted by River
With impeccable timing, the Maybe I'm Amazed Substack is back, and it's free maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/and-so-it-...
And so it begins: 2026 will be the year of a huge Special Needs battle, and this is why
Amid briefings, whispers and rumours, off we go: in an increasingly toxic atmosphere, basic educational rights look set to be one of this year's biggest issues
maybeimamazed.substack.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:21 PM
With impeccable timing, the Maybe I'm Amazed Substack is back, and it's free maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/and-so-it-...
Reposted by River
We should be all extremely concerned that Gaza and the West Bank has fallen off the news agenda.
Since the so called ceasefire Israel has killed 1000 Palestinians and banned over 30 well respected humanitarian orgs. Gaza is also grappling with flooding, high winds & extreme cold.
Since the so called ceasefire Israel has killed 1000 Palestinians and banned over 30 well respected humanitarian orgs. Gaza is also grappling with flooding, high winds & extreme cold.
January 3, 2026 at 5:33 AM
We should be all extremely concerned that Gaza and the West Bank has fallen off the news agenda.
Since the so called ceasefire Israel has killed 1000 Palestinians and banned over 30 well respected humanitarian orgs. Gaza is also grappling with flooding, high winds & extreme cold.
Since the so called ceasefire Israel has killed 1000 Palestinians and banned over 30 well respected humanitarian orgs. Gaza is also grappling with flooding, high winds & extreme cold.
Reposted by River
I've been tracking the spread of nonconsensual deepfakes on X for more than two years. Here's a timeline of how Musk's leadership allowed the practice to flourish from a once-underground market to a viral trend, with little recourse for victims or legal enforcement.
spitfirenews.com/p/grok-csam-...
spitfirenews.com/p/grok-csam-...
How Grok's sexual abuse hit a tipping point
Nonconsensual deepfakes on X are nothing new, but now it's built into the platform.
spitfirenews.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:47 PM
I've been tracking the spread of nonconsensual deepfakes on X for more than two years. Here's a timeline of how Musk's leadership allowed the practice to flourish from a once-underground market to a viral trend, with little recourse for victims or legal enforcement.
spitfirenews.com/p/grok-csam-...
spitfirenews.com/p/grok-csam-...
'In one case that experts described as “really dangerous”, Google [AI overview] wrongly advised people with pancreatic cancer to avoid high-fat foods.'
'Experts said this was the exact opposite of what should be recommended, and may increase the risk of patients dying from the disease.'
'Experts said this was the exact opposite of what should be recommended, and may increase the risk of patients dying from the disease.'
Google AI Overviews put people at risk of harm with misleading health advice
Exclusive: Inaccurate information presented in summaries, Guardian investigation finds
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:13 PM
'In one case that experts described as “really dangerous”, Google [AI overview] wrongly advised people with pancreatic cancer to avoid high-fat foods.'
'Experts said this was the exact opposite of what should be recommended, and may increase the risk of patients dying from the disease.'
'Experts said this was the exact opposite of what should be recommended, and may increase the risk of patients dying from the disease.'
Reposted by River
'According to OxFam, a global confederation of non-government organizations, the $2.2tn growth in net worth for the world’s wealthiest 500 individuals would have been enough to lift 3.8 billion people out of poverty.'
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
Billionaires added record $2.2tn in wealth in 2025
Just eight billionaires accounted for a quarter of the gains, led by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison and Larry Page
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
'According to OxFam, a global confederation of non-government organizations, the $2.2tn growth in net worth for the world’s wealthiest 500 individuals would have been enough to lift 3.8 billion people out of poverty.'
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
Reposted by River
this is such an important thing to recognize and call out
the fascism is mostly done being nice at this point, but it got here through well dressed men politely asking questions while the rest of us were scolded for pointing out where those questions led
the fascism is mostly done being nice at this point, but it got here through well dressed men politely asking questions while the rest of us were scolded for pointing out where those questions led
Mamdani: For too long, those fluent in the good grammar of civility have deployed decorum to mask agendas of cruelty
January 1, 2026 at 8:35 PM
this is such an important thing to recognize and call out
the fascism is mostly done being nice at this point, but it got here through well dressed men politely asking questions while the rest of us were scolded for pointing out where those questions led
the fascism is mostly done being nice at this point, but it got here through well dressed men politely asking questions while the rest of us were scolded for pointing out where those questions led
Why hasn't this abuse been ended?
Thomas 'had spent 13 years trapped in prison with no hope of release.'
'Under an abolished indefinite jail term – recognised as “psychological torture” by the UN – which he was sentenced to after stealing a mobile phone, Thomas had spiralled into psychosis'
Thomas 'had spent 13 years trapped in prison with no hope of release.'
'Under an abolished indefinite jail term – recognised as “psychological torture” by the UN – which he was sentenced to after stealing a mobile phone, Thomas had spiralled into psychosis'
Driven to mental ill-health: The 233 IPP prisoners in secure hospitals
Exclusive: After years languishing on indefinite jail terms, hundreds of prisoners have experienced a deterioration in their mental health to the point where they need hospital care. But when they get...
www.independent.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Why hasn't this abuse been ended?
Thomas 'had spent 13 years trapped in prison with no hope of release.'
'Under an abolished indefinite jail term – recognised as “psychological torture” by the UN – which he was sentenced to after stealing a mobile phone, Thomas had spiralled into psychosis'
Thomas 'had spent 13 years trapped in prison with no hope of release.'
'Under an abolished indefinite jail term – recognised as “psychological torture” by the UN – which he was sentenced to after stealing a mobile phone, Thomas had spiralled into psychosis'
Reposted by River
#OtD 1 Jan 1934 Nazi Germany enacted a law which forcibly sterilised more than 400,000 disabled people. Later they began murdering them, killing 250,000. Their rhetoric about disabled and ill people being a burden on workers is still widespread today stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/8069...
January 1, 2026 at 11:10 PM
#OtD 1 Jan 1934 Nazi Germany enacted a law which forcibly sterilised more than 400,000 disabled people. Later they began murdering them, killing 250,000. Their rhetoric about disabled and ill people being a burden on workers is still widespread today stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/8069...
No, the Home Office framing of genuine refugees who lack safe, legal routes is shameful...
‘Shameful’ 41,000 people reached UK by small boat last year, says Home Office
‘Shameful’ 41,000 people reached UK by small boat last year, says Home Office
Second highest annual number of irregular arrivals on record reached British shores in 2025
More than 41,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats last year, figures branded “shameful” by the Home Office have revealed.
The government said 41,472 people arrived in the UK by crossing the Channel in 2025 – the second highest number on record after 45,774 made the journey in 2022. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 6:28 PM
No, the Home Office framing of genuine refugees who lack safe, legal routes is shameful...
Reposted by River
“It’s having zero effect. It’s maybe solidifying our core support" says Nigel Farage of the media scrutiny of the testimony of fellow Dulwich College pupils recalling antisemitic and racist abuse from Farage as a teenager
January 1, 2026 at 2:27 PM
“It’s having zero effect. It’s maybe solidifying our core support" says Nigel Farage of the media scrutiny of the testimony of fellow Dulwich College pupils recalling antisemitic and racist abuse from Farage as a teenager
Reposted by River
For me, 2025 was the year of the fox and the silent communication exchanges in the cemetery. Have a great New Year however you decide to spend it. Thanks so much for reposts, likes and conversation. Now for a trip Hertford for the New Year!
#MyBest2025 #FoxofTheDay #UKWildlife #WildlifePhotography
#MyBest2025 #FoxofTheDay #UKWildlife #WildlifePhotography
December 31, 2025 at 11:28 AM
For me, 2025 was the year of the fox and the silent communication exchanges in the cemetery. Have a great New Year however you decide to spend it. Thanks so much for reposts, likes and conversation. Now for a trip Hertford for the New Year!
#MyBest2025 #FoxofTheDay #UKWildlife #WildlifePhotography
#MyBest2025 #FoxofTheDay #UKWildlife #WildlifePhotography
Reposted by River
Reposted by River
🚨 “Can I tell you how many times in the last 45 years the European Court of Human Rights has ruled against the UK when it comes to deporting people from this country - only 13 times - in 45 years”
Please remember this in 2026 when Nigel Farage tells you we must leave the ECHR to control our borders
Please remember this in 2026 when Nigel Farage tells you we must leave the ECHR to control our borders
Human rights are universal - politicians may not always find them politically convenient but it shouldn’t fall to any government to say who those rights should & should not apply to. Because none of us then has rights, just privileges that can be taken away by those in power
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
The government won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
December 31, 2025 at 5:52 PM
🚨 “Can I tell you how many times in the last 45 years the European Court of Human Rights has ruled against the UK when it comes to deporting people from this country - only 13 times - in 45 years”
Please remember this in 2026 when Nigel Farage tells you we must leave the ECHR to control our borders
Please remember this in 2026 when Nigel Farage tells you we must leave the ECHR to control our borders
Vaccinating children at home is a great policy initiative, but it will need to be securely funded and staffed...
January 1, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Vaccinating children at home is a great policy initiative, but it will need to be securely funded and staffed...
Reposted by River
My fav part of London's New Year's Eve 2026 celebration was the scene with The Lionesses 👏
Followed by: This Is England
"Caribbean barbers with the sharpest trims
Christian neighbours saying happy Hannukah mate
And Muslim mums saying merry Christmas love"
"England is about loving each other"
Followed by: This Is England
"Caribbean barbers with the sharpest trims
Christian neighbours saying happy Hannukah mate
And Muslim mums saying merry Christmas love"
"England is about loving each other"
January 1, 2026 at 12:29 AM
My fav part of London's New Year's Eve 2026 celebration was the scene with The Lionesses 👏
Followed by: This Is England
"Caribbean barbers with the sharpest trims
Christian neighbours saying happy Hannukah mate
And Muslim mums saying merry Christmas love"
"England is about loving each other"
Followed by: This Is England
"Caribbean barbers with the sharpest trims
Christian neighbours saying happy Hannukah mate
And Muslim mums saying merry Christmas love"
"England is about loving each other"
'According to OxFam, a global confederation of non-government organizations, the $2.2tn growth in net worth for the world’s wealthiest 500 individuals would have been enough to lift 3.8 billion people out of poverty.'
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
Billionaires added record $2.2tn in wealth in 2025
Just eight billionaires accounted for a quarter of the gains, led by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison and Larry Page
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
'According to OxFam, a global confederation of non-government organizations, the $2.2tn growth in net worth for the world’s wealthiest 500 individuals would have been enough to lift 3.8 billion people out of poverty.'
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
“Inequality is a deliberate policy choice."
Wishing everyone a very happy new year!
Sending love especially to anyone who's finding life tough at the moment x
Sending love especially to anyone who's finding life tough at the moment x
December 31, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Wishing everyone a very happy new year!
Sending love especially to anyone who's finding life tough at the moment x
Sending love especially to anyone who's finding life tough at the moment x
Reposted by River
Tonight, 7pm - a new @timeteam.bsky.social feature length programme on their work @nationaltrust.org.uk Sutton Hoo. Trailer: youtu.be/ovPuXeqNGhAs...
The Sutton Hoo Dig Series 1| Time Team | Feature Length
YouTube video by Time Team Official
youtu.be
December 31, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Tonight, 7pm - a new @timeteam.bsky.social feature length programme on their work @nationaltrust.org.uk Sutton Hoo. Trailer: youtu.be/ovPuXeqNGhAs...