Latest news with #BornFree
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kid Rock and Lauren Boebert dating rumors renewed as pair seen together
Kid Rock and Lauren Boebert have sparked dating rumors once again. The Colorado Republican was at the 'Born Free' singer's Rock N Rodeo on Saturday, according to an X post from radio show host Dana Loesch. Rock had his arms around the two women in the photo, which also featured Dana's husband, Chris. 'Last night at the @KidRockRNR @laurenboebert @ChrisLoesch,' she captioned the post. The Independent has reached out to representatives for both Rock and Boebert for comment. Rock was previously engaged to Audrey Berry for seven years before it was reported in February that they were no longer together. He proposed to Berry in April 2017, six years after they quietly started dating. A source who spoke to Us Weekly at the time said that the couple broke up late last year, and the singer has now moved on. 'He is venturing into the dating pool,' the source told the publication. Last night at the @KidRockRNR @laurenboebert @ChrisLoesch — Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) May 18, 2025 Rumors of romance circulated for weeks after 54-year-old Rock and 38-year-old Boebert were seen talking at one of Donald Trump's inaugural parties. The singer was then seen getting into a cab with the congresswoman at 2:30 a.m. 'Lauren was totally transfixed by the rock star, yapping away, doing a little dance, and clapping like she was front row at his concert — basically giving Kid Rock all the hype he needed,' TMZ noted. Rumors about Rock's dating life came a few days after he lashed out at Bruce Springsteen over the 'Born in the U.S.A.' singer's recent tirade against Trump. Appearing on FOX & Friends on Friday, he accused Springsteen, 75, of trying to cosy up to the 'Hollywood elite' with his rant. 'Just another person with TDS [Trump derangement syndrome] at the highest levels,' Rock told Steve Doocy on Friday. 'To be in Europe talking junk about our president who gets up and works his ass off for this country, every day, and his administration is doing such great things… Thank God for him. But to do that in Europe… what a punk move.' 'This guy's got, what, 500 million, a billion dollars… and is out there playing like he's a working-class hero,' he added of Springsteen. 'And really, to me, just wants to be… in good standings with the Hollywood elite… and I'm proud to say that I'm more of Hollywood's kryptonite.'
Mail & Guardian
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Born Free: South Africa's political future: GNU, budget 3.0 & 2026/2027 party elections?
This Week on the Born Free Podcast: South African politics is at a crossroads—and Budget 3.0 may be the tipping point. Khumo Kumalo and Otsile Nkadimeng sit down with political journalist Lunga Mzangwe to unpack the turbulent road to a functioning Government of National Unity. Why did the original budget fail? Can the ANC and DA truly find common ground—or is a formal coalition agreement now inevitable? The conversation also looks ahead: both parties are facing critical internal leadership transitions, with the DA's elective conference in 2026 and the ANC's in 2027. What do these power shifts mean for the country's future? Who will shape the next chapter of South African governance? This episode dives deep into the political fault lines, ambitions, and uncertainties defining the moment. 🎙️ Don't miss this essential listen—where South Africa's political future is unpacked, challenged, and pushed forward. Khumo Kumalo is the visionary behind Misunderstood and the dynamic co-host of Born Free . Named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024 , he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse. As the author of Newsletter 94 (formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at St John's College , later taking him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia , where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change. Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be Born Free . Otsile Nkadimeng is a published author, policy writer, and changemaker , balancing his role as a second-year university student with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by News24 for his impact and awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023 , he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability. As the Executive Director of SoWeVote , a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria and is a fellow at the International Youth Think Tank , where he contributes to global youth policy discussions. Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it. Disclaimer: 'Born Free' is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Monkey addicted to marshmallows saved from pet trade
Charities have warned of a growing trade in wild animals across Scotland after a monkey was discovered in a bird cage in East Lothian with a marshmallow addiction. They are calling on the Scottish government to introduce a permitted list of animals that can be legally kept as pets. OneKind, the Scottish SPCA and Born Free say there are currently very few restrictions, which has led to many creatures suffering in unsuitable conditions. The young marmoset monkey - called Steve - was taken in by the Scottish SPCA after neighbours spotted him in a living room window in March. The charity said the four-year-old monkey was underweight and "stressed out" from constant handling. He had developed an addiction to sugary marshmallows after being repeatedly fed them as a treat. After six weeks in the charity's care, Steve made a full recovery and was moved to a permanent home in a monkey sanctuary in England. Gilly Mendes Ferreira, the Scottish SPCA's strategic communications director, said people were unaware of the scale of wild animal keeping in Scotland. "It's a growing and worrying trend," she said. "Animals like Steve being bought and sold as novelty pets, often on impulse, with little understanding of the complex care they require." She added: "Marmosets are highly intelligent, social primates that need space, stimulation, and the companionship of their own kind. "No domestic setting - no matter how well-meaning - can truly meet those needs. " The Scottish government said it was committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and understood public health and conservation concerns around the keeping of exotic pets. Research by the animal charities for their new Don't Pet Me campaign suggested requests from children may persuade people to acquire novelty pets. External influences like social media, films and games such as Pokémon and Minecraft have also been linked to the trade of wild animals. Researchers from the charities found that over a 16-week period, creatures from more than 300 species were advertised for sale in Scotland. They said the trade was an international business with some animals transported by couriers in inappropriate containers - sometimes without any indication a live animal is inside. A Scottish government spokesperson said: "We welcome the work of groups in dealing with the welfare problems caused by irresponsible owners and the campaign for raising awareness of this important issue. "The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has explored the issues surrounding the keeping of exotic pets and we will continue to consider the steps that could be taken in this area." Cat found in illegal trap had to be euthanised 'Unprecedented' number of dogs rescued from 'squalid' conditions
BBC News
01-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Monkey addicted to marshmallows saved from exotic pet trade
Charities have warned of a growing trade in wild animals across Scotland after a monkey was discovered in a bird cage in East Lothian with a marshmallow are calling on the Scottish government to introduce a permitted list of animals that can be legally kept as the Scottish SPCA and Born Free say there are currently very few restrictions, which has led to many creatures suffering in unsuitable young marmoset monkey - called Steve - was taken in by the Scottish SPCA after neighbours spotted him in a living room window in March. The charity said the four-year-old monkey was underweight and "stressed out" from constant had developed an addiction to sugary marshmallows after being repeatedly fed them as a six weeks in the charity's care, Steve made a full recovery and was moved to a permanent home in a monkey sanctuary in England. 'Growing trend' Gilly Mendes Ferreira, the Scottish SPCA's strategic communications director, said people were unaware of the scale of wild animal keeping in Scotland."It's a growing and worrying trend," she said. "Animals like Steve being bought and sold as novelty pets, often on impulse, with little understanding of the complex care they require."She added: "Marmosets are highly intelligent, social primates that need space, stimulation, and the companionship of their own kind."No domestic setting - no matter how well-meaning - can truly meet those needs. "The Scottish government said it was committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and understood public health and conservation concerns around the keeping of exotic by the animal charities for their new Don't Pet Me campaign suggested requests from children may persuade people to acquire novelty pets. External influences like social media, films and games such as Pokémon and Minecraft have also been linked to the trade of wild animals. Researchers from the charities found that over a 16-week period, creatures from more than 300 species were advertised for sale in said the trade was an international business with some animals transported by couriers in inappropriate containers - sometimes without any indication a live animal is inside.A Scottish government spokesperson said: "We welcome the work of groups in dealing with the welfare problems caused by irresponsible owners and the campaign for raising awareness of this important issue."The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has explored the issues surrounding the keeping of exotic pets and we will continue to consider the steps that could be taken in this area."
STV News
01-05-2025
- General
- STV News
'Stressed' monkey with 'addiction to marshmallows' rescued from bird cage
A young monkey was rescued from a bird cage after being found 'stressed' and with an 'addiction to marshmallows'. Scottish SPCA officers were called out after neighbours in East Lothian spotted a young marmoset in a large bird cage in a living room window in March. The four-year-old monkey, named Steve, was found underweight and stressed out from constant handling. Officers said he had developed an addiction to sugary marshmallows after being constantly fed them. The SSPCA inspectors took Steve into their care, and after six weeks, he made a full recovery. He has since been transferred to his home in a monkey sanctuary in England. SSPCA shared the 'harrowing' story as part of it's campaign Don't Pet Me in collaboration with Born Free to raise awareness of the widespread trade in wild animals as pets in Scotland. Scottish SPCA director of Strategic Communications & Partnership Engagement, Gilly Mendes Ferreira, said many people are unaware of the 'growing and worrying trend' of keeping wild animal keeping in Scotland. 'Animals like Steve being bought and sold as novelty pets, often on impulse, with little understanding of the complex care they require,' she said. She added that although the animals may look cute they are 'anything but easy' to look after. 'Marmosets are highly intelligent, social primates that need space, stimulation, and the companionship of their own kind,' she said. 'No domestic setting, no matter how well-meaning, can truly meet those needs. Thankfully Steve's story has a happy ending but not every animal will be so lucky.' The charities joint research involved monitoring online sales of wild animals and visiting pet shops, plus commissioning research exploring the motivations, behaviours and experiences of people who keep wild animals at home. It found that animals belonging to an estimated 300 different species were available to purchase online in Scotland over a 16-week period. Results showed that hundreds of exotic species, including snakes, tortoises, birds, and exotic fish, are being bought and sold for private keeping, often with little oversight or regulation. The study also found that up to 90% of marine tropical fish and 19% of reptiles and amphibians sold in pet shops are taken from the wild, raising welfare and conservation concerns. Some species are bred for appearance rather than health, leading to genetic disorders that affect their welfare. The charity is urging the Scottish Government to introduce a permitted list of animals that can be legally kept as pets as at present there are very few restrictions on what animals can be owned. Born Free's captivity research and policy manager, Chris Lewis said the campaign highlights the distressing number and variety of wild animals for sale in Scotland and the lack of regulatory oversight. 'This should be a major cause for concern for the Scottish Government, legislators, animal-lovers and the public in general,' he said. 'Worryingly, the data and stories of individual animals included in the report may only be the tip of the iceberg. The existing legislation is inappropriate and outdated, it is unable to keep up with ever changing trends and demand for wild animals as pets.' He added: 'Most tragically though it is failing to protect the animals sadly caught up in this trade. 'Something needs to change. In the lead up to the next Scottish election, Born Free is calling on all political parties in Scotland to commit to comprehensive changes to the laws around the buying, selling and keeping of wild animals as pets.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
