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Finley Boden: The tragic murder of a baby
The parents who murdered their 10 month old baby, Finley Boden, will be sentenced on Friday. Key documents which led to a court agreeing to return Finley to his parents in 2020, who then murdered him 39 days later, have been obtained by the BBC. One of the journalists that pushed for access to the court, and obtained transcripts of the case, is BBC Correspondent Sanchia Berg.
Today’s Amol Rajan then spoke to Josh MacAlister, the Chair of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, and to Toby Perkins, the Labour MP for Chesterfield, where Finely Boden spent his brief life. They discussed whether greater transparency is something family courts should strive towards, and what went so badly wrong in this case?
Image Credit: Derbyshire Police
26/05/2023
11:57
'Inspirational' Tina Turner dies aged 83
Tina Turner, the soul star behind hits like The Best and What's Love Got to Do With It, has died aged 83. She overcame abuse by her first husband and her decision to speak out about that violent marriage still inspires other women today.
The singer went on to become a global star with her combination of R&B, funk, rock and pop. Today's Amol Rajan speaks to Spice Girl and Women's Aid patron Mel B, and the singer and actress Mica Paris. Nick Robinson speaks to Liz Mitchell, lead singer of Boney M.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Rose Prouser)
25/05/2023
11:01
Latest inflation figures 'disappointing'
Inflation has fallen below 10 per cent for the first time since August - but the speed at which prices are rising has slowed less than expected. The Office for National Statistics says the annual rate at which the cost of living is rising fell to 8.7% in April, from 10.1% in March.
A slower rate of inflation does not mean prices are coming down, rather that they are not going up so quickly, and food costs are still 19.1% higher than a year ago, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Today's Martha Kearney speaks to Dr Sushil Wadhwani, a former member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee who sits on the Chancellor’s Economy Advisory Council, and to Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation.
(Image credit: Andy Rain/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
24/05/2023
12:23
What are the dangers of teen vaping?
Vapes confiscated from school pupils contain high levels of lead, nickel and chromium, an investigation by BBC News finds. NHS data from September 2022 shows that vape usage among 15-year-olds has risen to 18%.
We hear from listeners concerned about their children vaping and the easy accessibility of vape products.
Today's Justin Webb also speaks to John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association, and Alice Wiseman, Addiction Policy Lead for Association of Directors of Public Health.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
23/05/2023
9:50
Ian McEwan remembers author Martin Amis
Martin Amis, one of the most celebrated British authors of his generation, has died aged 73.
He died of oesophageal cancer at his Florida home, the New York Times said, quoting his wife, the writer Isabel Fonseca.
Amis is best known for his 1984 novel Money, the 1989 work London Fields and 1995's The Information, and authored 14 novels, several non-fiction books and a memoir in a career spanning 50 years.
Speaking to Today's Justin Webb, author Ian McEwan and longtime friend of Mr Amis reflects on the life and legacy of the celebrated novelist.