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What happened to Rock n Roll
Hello? Listen to The Ike and Tina Turner Revue where she started. That was rock and R&B. Example, Nutbush City Limit. Man, Ike played a mean guitar. -
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UK Prison Staff Warn Early Release Schemes Chaotic
Prison Staff Warn Chaotic Early Release Schemes Risk Public Safety and Collapse of Probation Services An overwhelming majority of prison and probation officers have condemned government emergency early release schemes, warning that hasty and poorly managed decisions are jeopardizing public safety and pushing the criminal justice system toward collapse. A major survey of nearly 500 prison and probation staff across England and Wales, conducted by the Skills for Justice organisation, found that 80 percent of workers disapprove of early release initiatives introduced to relieve prison overcrowding. Staff described the release schemes as “a shambles,” claiming they led to offenders being freed without tagging, supervision, or access to rehabilitation programmes. “They just viewed it as a fun ‘bonus’ of being out for a few weeks and unlawfully at large,” one prison officer said, recalling three offenders they had seen recalled to custody within days of release. The emergency measures began under the Conservative government in autumn 2023, allowing over 10,000 inmates to be released up to 70 days before their sentence’s end. The Labour government replaced this with a new plan allowing inmates to be released after just 40 percent of their sentence. By March this year, more than 26,000 offenders had been released under the updated scheme. Timetables for implementation were reportedly rushed, with serious consequences. One probation officer commented, “It was too rushed. It did not allow sufficient time or resources for prisoners to be released safely. People were not being tagged or monitored. The whole thing was a shambles.” The strain placed on frontline staff was evident. Eighty percent of respondents reported increased stress since the rollout of the schemes, with many warning that insufficient resources, mounting caseloads, and lack of planning had led to dangerous situations. “Workload pressures on probation are immense, and without the appropriate resources to manage all the prison releases, something will go wrong, and the public are at risk of serious harm,” another officer warned. More than 87 percent of those surveyed said the release policies had derailed vital rehabilitation and training activities inside prisons, weakening efforts to reduce reoffending. “This has produced a revolving door of offenders not adequately prepared for release and who reoffend at a higher rate,” a prison worker noted. There was some support for reforms modeled on the U.S. system, with 60 percent backing proposals to tie early release to good behaviour and participation in rehabilitation or training. These plans, inspired by Texas’s prison model, would allow release after serving a third of a sentence for compliant, non-violent inmates. Staff said such a system would help them better plan for inmate reintegration. However, 40 percent wanted early release measures abolished altogether, citing the demoralizing effect on probation workers. “I started this role motivated and ready to do my job but as more and more pressure is placed on us, I feel myself breaking,” one officer said. “Numerous staff members are having to take stress-related sick leave, and I feel the organisation as a whole will collapse should this continue.” Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors’ Association, urged the government to rethink its long-term strategy. “Successive governments have failed to invest in probation in the same way that they have failed to invest in prisons,” he said. “Recruitment and retention policies need to offer pay and conditions of service... that will not only attract high quality recruits but will also encourage them to stay.” Ian Lawrence, general secretary of Napo, echoed the sentiment, saying decades of neglect had left probation services carrying an unfair burden. “We cannot keep expecting probation officers to pick up the pieces,” he said. “We therefore need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the workforce by ensuring people are properly rewarded and supported to do their jobs.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source The Times 2025-08-08 -
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UK Bank of England's Big Decision: Interest Rate Slash Predicted
File photo The Bank of England is gearing up for a dramatic cut in interest rates this Thursday, bringing borrowing costs to their lowest in over two years. Financial experts forecast a reduction from 4.25% to 4%, marking the fifth cut since last August. This move comes despite a stagnant UK economy, which showed no growth in April and May. While a lower base rate can reduce monthly mortgage payments for homeowners, it might also lead to diminished returns for savers. The central bank's decision coincides with concerns about a potential gap in consumer spending, with government responses possibly including tax hikes in the upcoming Autumn Budget. As the economy is scrutinised, the Office for National Statistics is set to release its report on economic performance from April to June next week. Earlier this year, the economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter. If the anticipated rate cut goes ahead, savings on mortgages could be significant. For instance, a typical £250,000 mortgage over 25 years may see monthly payments drop by around ฿1,760. However, savers will face dwindling returns, with rates potentially decreasing from 3.9% last August to 3.5%, as reported by financial experts Moneyfacts. Rachel Springall from Moneyfacts warns, "Savings rates are getting worse, and any base rate reductions will spell further misery for savers." Despite inflation rates climbing above the Bank's 2% target, a cut is still on the cards. Inflation surged to 3.6% by June, driven by rising costs in food, clothing, and travel. However, the cooling employment market in the UK could influence inflation. Data reveals payroll numbers are dropping, job vacancies are lower, and unemployment rates are inching up. Growth in regular wage earnings, excluding bonuses, also slowed to 5% between March and May, adding pressure on employers adjusting to rising National Insurance Contributions and minimum wage increases, reported the BBC. Readers are eagerly watching as the Bank of England navigates economic challenges. Interest rates impact multiple facets of financial life, from mortgages to savings. The Bank's forthcoming decision might balance inflation concerns with sustaining economic momentum, a challenging task as pressures mount both in the UK and globally. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-07 -
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USA Trump Slaps India with 50% Tariff for Russian Oil Buys
video screenshot US President Donald Trump has enacted a new executive order imposing a hefty 50% tariff on Indian imports due to its continued purchases of Russian oil. Global markets have been shaken by this decision, which represents one of the highest tariff increases imposed by the US. The new rate is set to take effect on 27 August, just 21 days from now. India's foreign ministry has expressed strong opposition, labelling the tariff as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." In a statement, New Delhi's government emphasised its commitment to protecting national interests and criticised the US for targeting India while ignoring similar actions by other nations. Trump's administration has justified the tariff by claiming India's oil imports undermine US efforts to counter Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The tariff hike represents a significant escalation, potentially stifling key Indian exports like textiles, gems, and auto parts, although electronics and pharmaceuticals remain exempt for the moment. India argues that its oil imports from Russia began as a response to shifting global energy supplies after European nations diverted their traditional sources. The US has also indicated that it will take further action against nations purchasing Russian oil, signalling a broader strategy aimed at countries perceived as not aligned with American foreign policy objectives. This move, while not unexpected given Trump’s previous threats, demonstrates the potential strain on US-India relations, reported the BBC. As the largest buyer of Russian oil, India currently imports about 1.75 million barrels a day from Russia, which accounts for more than 35% of its total oil imports. This reliance poses a complicated scenario for India, balancing economic needs with geopolitical dynamics. Despite past camaraderie between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new tariffs highlight diverging national interests. The Federation of Indian Exports Organisations has expressed shock, warning of a 40–50% drop in US-bound Indian exports, which could significantly impact the economy. Analysts urge India to approach the situation with caution, advising against retaliation and advocating for diplomatic negotiations without succumbing to coercive trade pressures. As the situation develops, the world watches closely, awaiting India's next move in this unfolding trade saga. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-08 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 8 August 2025
French Fugitive Busted in Samui After Year-Long Overstay Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 36-year-old French man wanted on drug trafficking charges in France has been arrested on Koh Samui, after overstaying his visa by a full year. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1369125-french-fugitive-busted-in-samui-after-year-long-overstay/ -
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Crime French Fugitive Busted in Samui After Year-Long Overstay
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 36-year-old French man wanted on drug trafficking charges in France has been arrested on Koh Samui, after overstaying his visa by a full year. The fugitive, identified only as Jordan, was apprehended by immigration officers in Surat Thani Province on August 6, following a coordinated effort between the The Immigration Bureau and the French Embassy. French authorities had requested Thailand’s assistance in locating Jordan, who had fled to the country to avoid prosecution. Immigration officials launched an investigation, reviewing accommodation records in accordance with the Immigration Act, which requires landlords and hotel operators to report foreign guests within 24 hours of arrival. Officers traced the suspect to a rented room in Ban Lamai, located in Maret subdistrict of Koh Samui. However, upon noticing police activity, Jordan fled the property. Authorities then conducted a multi-day surveillance operation, eventually catching him when he returned to the premises. Upon arrest, Jordan was found without a passport. Biometric checks confirmed that his permission to remain in Thailand had expired on August 5, 2024, exactly 365 days before his arrest. He was taken into custody at Bo Phut Police Station and is now facing charges for his immigration violation. Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonlaksa, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, confirmed that Jordan will be blacklisted from re-entering Thailand and extradited to France once legal proceedings in Thailand are complete. Lt Gen Phanumas further stated that immigration authorities have intensified monitoring of foreign nationals in Thailand. The bureau works closely with international counterparts to locate individuals using Thailand as a hiding place, criminal base, or laundering ground, allowing for quicker arrests of those fleeing justice. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-08
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