Councils in the south say budget fails to address SEND ‘crisis’

Post published:November 27, 2025
Post category:BBC Dorset
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Curtis LancasterSouth of EnglandGetty ImagesThe government's spending plan was outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on WednesdayCouncillors have criticised the government's autumn budget for failing to address "unsustainable pressure" on special educational needs and disability (SEND) support.Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Cox, from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, said he was "disappointed" the "crisis" was not mentioned.It comes after the government's spending plan was outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday.The government has announced that SEND provision will be…

“Exploitative” online money gaming in India causing financial, health and social harm, analysis shows

Post published:November 27, 2025
Post category:Exeter Uni News
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“Exploitative” online money gaming in India is harming people’s financial and mental health and causing deep social problems, a new study shows. The analysis says new legislation which bans these games is constitutionally defensible and justified. It highlights how the business models of companies running the games are designed to exploit users through aggressive promotional spending and addictive design features. The study alleges some companies are spending up to 70 per cent of revenue on promotional activities designed…

Truro traders ‘affected’ by part-closure of car park

Post published:November 27, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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Lee TrewhelaLocal Democracy Reporting Service, TruroLee Trewhela/LDRSUpper sections of Moorfield car park, in Truro, were closed by Cornwall Council in 2024A multi-storey car park, which has been closed for 18 months, after "concerns" were raised during an inspection, is affecting trade in a city, a politician has claimed.Upper sections of Moorfield car park, in Truro, were closed by Cornwall Council after an engineering inspection in May 2024.It resulted in the loss of more than 400 spaces in the…

Rare ‘hair ice’ formations found in Gloucestershire and Somerset

Post published:November 27, 2025
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Cynthia DallowThe natural phenomena was discovered in Gloucestershire and SomersetRare candy floss-like ice formations known as hair ice have been spotted in woodlands.The phenomena was discovered by walker Cynthia Dallow in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, on Wednesday and by a visitor to Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor, Somerset, at the weekend.The rare-type of ice only forms on rotting wood in below zero temperatures at latitudes between 45°N and 55°N, according to the Met Office.Ms Dallow said: "I thought…

Transatlantic philanthropy secures renowned scholar at the University of Exeter

Post published:November 27, 2025
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A prestigious new academic position has been founded at the University of Exeter thanks to a significant act of philanthropy. A donation by Canadian philanthropist Sajjad Ebrahim has enabled the University to establish the Imam Sajjad Chair in Shi‘i Studies in perpetuity. The role, based in the University’s renowned Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, will lead research in the field of Twelver Shi‘i Islam. Following a competitive recruitment process, Dr Kumail Rajani has been appointed as the…

US teen Mohammed Ibrahim released from Israeli prison after nine months | Human Rights News

Post published:November 27, 2025
Post category:Al Jazeera
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Advocates say the 16-year-old’s health had been in decline since his arrest in February for allegedly throwing rocks.Published On 27 Nov 202527 Nov 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareIsraeli authorities have freed Palestinian American teenager Mohammed Ibrahim after more than nine months of detention, in a case that advocates say embodies Israeli abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.Mohammed’s release on Thursday came after a months-long pressure campaign from United States lawmakers and civil rights groups.Recommended…

Ukraine aid worker Chris Parry’s story wins Emmy

Post published:November 27, 2025
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A producer of an award-winning film about a man who was killed in Ukraine after he helped rescue hundreds of people said audiences had been moved by themes of "courage, loss and friendship".The documentary Hell Jumper, depicting aid worker Chris Parry, from Truro, won the International Emmy Award for Best Documentary earlier in November.Producer Colin Barr said: "People are genuinely just absolutely stunned by the selflessness" of the 28-year-old who shot footage as he evacuated civilians and travelled…

Drag artists ‘shocked’ as gig posters vandalised in Somerset

Post published:November 27, 2025
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A drag act say they are shocked and hurt after promotional posters of an upcoming gig were vandalised with their faces cut out. The posters promoting Absolutely Dragulous, a drag performance by George and Jason Talbot-Sullovan, were targeted in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.The married couple from Bournemouth said since posting what had happened on Facebook they had received further abuse."It is very hurtful. It's made me feel very down and depressed," said George."You get abused in the streets, sometimes…

Woman in her 70s dies from injuries suffered in A390 crash

Post published:November 27, 2025
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A woman in her 70s has died from injuries she sustained in a crash on a Cornish road, police have said.The incident which involved a yellow Fiat Panda and a black Nissan Qashqai happened on the Truro-bound A390 near Chiverton Cross at about 13:45 GMT on 18 November.In an update on Thursday, Devon and Cornwall Police said a woman who lived locally and was driving one of the vehicles had died.A man in his 80s, who was the…

Former Dorset PC’s failures ‘put victims at risk’, hearing told

Post published:November 27, 2025
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Sarah Spina-MatthewsSouth of EnglandDorset PoliceA misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police's headquartersA former police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct for recording inaccurate details in safeguarding notices, placing victims and potential victims at "significant risk".Mike Gardiner, who resigned as a PC from Dorset Police in December 2023, was the subject of a misconduct hearing at the force's headquarters in Winfrith this week. The force said that on three occasions in August 2023, Mr Gardiner completed…

Torquay taxi driver suspended after conduct complaints

Post published:November 27, 2025
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A taxi driver has had her licence suspended with immediate effect following a series of complaints.Torbay Council's regulatory sub-committee made the decision after viewing CCTV footage of two traffic incidents, including the driver reversing into oncoming traffic at a Torquay taxi rank and a near-miss at Paignton railway station, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.Other allegations included sleeping in her cab while on duty, refusing card payments, failing to queue properly, and aggressive behaviour.The unnamed driver, who denied…

Experts analyse extraordinary wartime career of Winston Churchill in new podcast

Post published:November 27, 2025
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The extraordinary career of Winston Churchill and the events which led to him becoming Britain’s leader during World War Two are the focus of a fascinating new podcast. Churchill: The Finest Half Hour brings together two leading international academic experts on the politician Professor Richard Toye and Dr Warren Dockter. They analyse in detail Churchill’s dramatic rise to power and bring global audiences fascinating facts and fresh insights into the career of one of the most remarkable figures…