Train Drivers to Stage Fresh Strikes in Pay Dispute Over Bank Holiday Week

Train Drivers to Stage Fresh Strikes in Pay Dispute Over Bank Holiday Week

Aslef announces strike action from May 7 to 9, following years of unresolved pay issues for train drivers.

Train drivers at 16 rail companies are set to walk out on strike between May 7 and May 9 in an ongoing pay dispute, Aslef has confirmed. The disruption is expected to cause significant inconvenience for commuters, especially with the strikes scheduled just after the early May Bank Holiday on May 6.

The action includes a series of one-day strikes, in addition to a six-day overtime ban from May 6 to May 11, affecting multiple services. Aslef, the union representing the drivers, said the strike was a response to the lack of a pay increase for train drivers since their last pay deal expired in 2019. Despite rising living costs over the past five years, no substantial salary increase has been offered, prompting the ongoing dispute.

On May 7, members will strike at rail companies including c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, and Gatwick Express, alongside South Western Railway’s mainline and depot drivers, as well as drivers on the SWR Island Line.

On May 8, strike action will expand to Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, and West Midlands Trains. The final day of the strikes, May 9, will see drivers at LNER, Northern Trains, and TransPennine Express join the picket lines.

The union’s members voted overwhelmingly to continue industrial action in February, prompting Aslef to call for further negotiations with the train operating companies. Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, expressed frustration with the lack of progress, stating that the most recent offer from train companies had been “designed to be rejected” and did not meet the needs of train drivers.

“We have been fighting for fair pay for over a year now,” Whelan said. “Train drivers would not continue to strike if we thought any offer was acceptable.”

The dispute stems from an offer made over a year ago, which proposed a four per cent pay rise followed by a second four per cent increase. According to Whelan, this proposal is no longer viable.

The Department for Transport has accused Aslef of refusing to put a “fair and reasonable” pay offer to its members, despite the government facilitating the deal. A spokesperson for the department pointed out that the latest offer would raise train drivers’ salaries to an average of £65,000, nearly double the UK’s average salary. They also urged Aslef to follow the example of other rail unions and present the offer to their members, criticising the union’s stance for causing continued disruption for passengers.

MPs Criticise Reliance on Charity for Hospice Funding Amid Growing Pressures

MPs Criticise Reliance on Charity for Hospice Funding Amid Growing Pressures

Lack of consistent government support leaves hospices struggling with funding deficits and creating disparities in palliative care access.

Members of Parliament have raised concerns over the increasing dependence of hospices on charity donations, with little backing from government funding, leading to growing financial strains and a “postcode lottery” for palliative care. MPs on both sides of the House of Commons expressed alarm over the situation, highlighting the uncertainty and challenges faced by hospices in providing essential services.

Richard Drax, Conservative MP for South Dorset, who has personal ties to the hospice sector, stated that hospices are excessively reliant on public generosity to survive. He explained that approximately two-thirds of adult hospice services’ funding comes from charitable fundraising, with a staggering four-fifths of funds for children’s services also relying on donations. Drax called for a well-funded, sustainable funding model to ensure hospices could continue offering crucial care without relying on charity.

Sally-Ann Hart, Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye, also stressed that the current funding model is unsustainable, placing unnecessary pressure on hospices. She explained that hospices rely heavily on the generosity of local donors, but this model is neither reliable nor scalable, and it jeopardises the sector’s long-term viability. Hart emphasised the need for better end-of-life care and highlighted the increasing strain on services due to rising operational costs.

Labour MP Colleen Fletcher from Coventry North East called for more sustainable and resilient funding to address the inequality and lack of access to hospice services, which vary significantly across different regions. Fletcher argued that fair and sufficient funding is essential for meeting the demand for hospice care, whether in inpatient units or at-home services.

Peter Gibson, Conservative MP for Darlington, described the funding issue as “a matter of life and death,” noting that while the government provided substantial financial support to hospices during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have since failed to secure increased funding to cope with rising operational costs.

Former Conservative minister Dame Maria Miller raised concerns about the potential for hospices to be absorbed by the NHS, which could undermine their independence and their ability to provide flexible, personalised care. She called for longer-term contracts and more certainty in funding for hospices, ensuring they can plan effectively for the future.

Health Minister Helen Whately responded by reiterating the government’s commitment to a “localised approach” through integrated care boards (ICBs), which are responsible for commissioning healthcare services. While acknowledging the challenges, Whately stated that there are no easy solutions and promised continued efforts to ensure that palliative and end-of-life care receives the attention and support it requires.

Investigation Launched After Video Shows Bear Cubs Being Pulled From Tree in North Carolina

Investigation Launched After Video Shows Bear Cubs Being Pulled From Tree in North Carolina

No charges will be filed despite a video showing people handling bear cubs in an Asheville apartment complex.

A recent video showing two bear cubs being pulled from a tree in Asheville, North Carolina, has prompted an investigation, although no charges will be filed, according to a state wildlife official. The footage, which was posted online, depicts individuals handling the cubs, one of whom even posed for a photo with the animal before it was dropped after a loud screech.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a report to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) about people harassing bear cubs. The commission’s response indicated that one of the cubs had bitten someone, prompting its escape. The second cub was later found in a retention pond, while the first was in poor condition and taken to a rehabilitation centre.

The NCWRC made it clear that capturing and keeping black bears is illegal in the state. However, after the cubs were released, officers decided that no charges should be pursued. NCWRC spokesperson Anna Gurney stated that the event appeared isolated, though officers and biologists spoke to the individuals involved about the importance of respecting wildlife.

Ashley Hobbs, the BearWise coordinator for the commission, reported that the cub was in poor condition, lethargic, and appeared to be injured. The cub was placed in a rehabilitation facility with the aim of releasing it back into the wild later this year.

Efforts to locate the second cub were unsuccessful, but officials remain hopeful that it managed to reunite with its mother. At this time of year, young cubs are dependent on their mothers, and they are particularly vulnerable without her protection.

The NCWRC urged residents to avoid attempting to handle bear cubs, as it can endanger both the cub and individuals if the mother bear is nearby. The incident was witnessed and recorded by a local resident, Rachel Staudt, who expressed her concern about the situation and the safety of the cubs.

Ashley Hobbs conveyed her frustration with the actions of those involved, emphasising the importance of giving wildlife the space they need to thrive. She added that the irresponsible handling of the cubs could have been potentially fatal, not just for the cubs but also for the people involved.

Huddersfield Stuns Leeds with Thrilling Comeback Victory at Headingley

Huddersfield Stuns Leeds with Thrilling Comeback Victory at Headingley

Leeds falter again at home, surrendering a double-figure lead as Huddersfield secures a dramatic 30-24 win.

Leeds Rhinos’ struggles continued at Headingley as they threw away a double-figure lead, allowing Huddersfield Giants to claim a sensational 30-24 victory in the Betfred Super League. This defeat marks Leeds’ fourth consecutive home loss, increasing the pressure on head coach Rohan Smith.

The Rhinos appeared to be in control at halftime, leading 12-2 after a rather uneventful first half. Tries from Paul Momirovski and the returning David Fusitu’a provided Leeds with a comfortable advantage, while Huddersfield’s only points came from Jake Connor’s kick. However, the second half saw a complete shift in momentum.

Huddersfield came out firing after the break, with Esan Marsters powering through weak Leeds defence to score the first try of the second half. Three minutes later, Adam Swift exploited more defensive lapses to set up Elliot Wallis, who dived over in the corner to level the score. Despite a poor kicking display from Connor, who converted just one of his six attempts, Huddersfield remained within touching distance.

Leeds regained their composure temporarily, with Momirovski securing his second try and Jarrod O’Connor charging through for another to extend their lead to 12 points. However, the Rhinos’ defensive frailties resurfaced, and Swift powered over from dummy-half to bring Huddersfield back into contention.

Huddersfield’s persistence paid off. Within three minutes, they had reduced the deficit further, with Swift again breaking through to assist Harvey Livett’s try. In the 70th minute, a brilliant pass from Adam Clune found Kevin Naiqama to score, though Connor’s continued struggles with the boot left the game tied at 24-24.

With the score level, Leeds’ defence capitulated once more, and a failed drop-out from the Rhinos’ Danny Miller gave Huddersfield the opportunity to edge ahead with a simple penalty goal in front of the posts. The final blow came when Naiqama intercepted a pass from Cameron Smith, and after a brief juggling act, passed to Adam Clune, who sealed the win in dramatic fashion.

Headteacher Accuses Suella Braverman of Exploiting Michaela School for Political Gain

Headteacher Accuses Suella Braverman of Exploiting Michaela School for Political Gain

Katherine Birbalsingh slams the Home Secretary for using her school’s legal case to further her career ambitions.

Katherine Birbalsingh, the headteacher of Michaela Community School in Brent, has criticised Suella Braverman for turning the school into a “political football” after the former Home Secretary’s public support for the institution. The criticism follows a recent High Court case in which Michaela School successfully defended its policy that bans prayer rituals on the premises, a stance that had been challenged by a student claiming it violated her right to religious freedom.

Braverman, a Conservative MP, was one of the co-founders of Michaela alongside Birbalsingh. She had also chaired the school’s board of governors until 2018. In a recent statement, Braverman praised Michaela, calling it “one of the best schools in the country” and attributed its existence to the Conservative government’s Free School policy.

However, Birbalsingh has now accused Braverman of exploiting the school’s legal victory to boost her own political career. On social media platform X, Birbalsingh wrote: “I really am not happy with Suella Braverman using our school as a political football to enhance her political career. It is as unacceptable as the BBC doing their best to smear us.” She also criticised the BBC’s coverage of the case, adding, “Everyone seems to have an agenda. Both Braverman and the BBC can take a hike.”

The dispute arose after a student challenged the school’s policy that bans prayer rituals, including during lunch breaks, on the grounds of discrimination against her Islamic faith. Her legal team argued that allowing a brief prayer session at lunchtime would not disrupt lessons and would respect her religious obligations. The school, however, justified the ban by saying that it sought to maintain social cohesion and avoid logistical complications.

In a judgment handed down earlier this week, the High Court ruled that the ban did not infringe on the student’s rights and deemed it “proportionate” in light of the school’s aim to foster an inclusive environment.

Braverman has yet to respond to Birbalsingh’s remarks.

James Whale Reflects on His Cancer Battle After Receiving MBE

James Whale Reflects on His Cancer Battle After Receiving MBE

The veteran broadcaster shares uncertainty about his future as he continues to fight stage four kidney cancer, but remains positive about his life’s achievements.

James Whale, the veteran broadcaster, has expressed uncertainty about how much longer he has to live as he continues his battle with stage four kidney cancer. Speaking after being honoured with an MBE for his services to broadcasting and charity, the 72-year-old admitted he might not make it through the end of the year, despite having already defied doctors’ expectations for several years.

Whale, who was first diagnosed with cancer back in 2000 and underwent the removal of one of his kidneys, revealed in 2020 that the illness had returned and spread to his spine, brain, and lungs. Reflecting on his journey during the ceremony at Windsor Castle, Whale said: “I didn’t think I’d be here to receive this. But who knows? I’ve been terminally ill for nearly four years now. I might make the end of this year, or I might not. I could still be around next year.”

Despite the gravity of his condition, Whale remains optimistic. He continued, “One in two people will eventually face this journey until a cure is found. I believe a cure will come, but in the meantime, you have to make the most of it. When you reach my age, and you’ve lived a good life, you start to think that maybe you only have another year left. Four years ago, we thought I had just months.”

Having spent five decades in broadcasting, Whale is best known for his no-holds-barred approach, which earned him loyal followers and widespread recognition. His MBE is the culmination of his career, something that Whale described as a significant achievement. “It’s a great honour at the end of your life,” he said.

Starting his career at 22 with a radio show in the north-east of England, Whale never imagined that he would make a career out of entertaining people. “I thought I’d have to look for a proper job eventually,” he admitted. “But so far, I haven’t had to, and it’s been a good life.”

Whale also expressed how much the recognition meant to him, particularly for the people who supported him throughout his career. “I never thought I’d get letters after my name. All the people who stuck with me over the years, this is for them too.”

Tesla Shareholders Urged to Support Elon Musk’s $56bn Pay Package, Despite Legal Setback

Tesla Shareholders Urged to Support Elon Musk’s $56bn Pay Package, Despite Legal Setback

Tesla appeals a court ruling rejecting Musk’s substantial compensation plan while pushing for a new vote.

Tesla’s board is asking shareholders to back Elon Musk’s ambitious $56 billion pay package, which was previously deemed excessive by a Delaware judge. The decision to seek a new vote on the issue comes after Chancellor Kathaleen St Jude McCormick ruled that the pay package, the largest in corporate America, was too generous and not in the best interests of Tesla’s shareholders.

The compensation plan, awarded to Musk in 2018, could be worth approximately $55.8 billion over 10 years, contingent on achieving certain company milestones. However, in her January ruling, McCormick described the package as “unfathomable” and declared it was unfair to the shareholders. Musk, 52, has since argued that he has not been paid for the past six years, despite his leadership driving significant growth at the electric vehicle manufacturer.

In an official filing with federal regulators earlier this week, Tesla stated its intention to push forward with a proposal to relocate the company’s corporate headquarters from Delaware to Texas, another issue that will be presented to shareholders for approval at Tesla’s annual meeting on June 13.

Chairperson Robyn Denholm expressed strong disagreement with the Delaware court’s ruling, stating in the filing, “We do not agree with what the Delaware court decided, and we do not think that what the Delaware court said is how corporate law should or does work.” She further emphasised to shareholders that Musk has not received compensation for the past six years, despite overseeing remarkable growth and increasing shareholder value. This, Denholm argued, was “fundamentally unfair” and against the wishes of the shareholders who had previously voted for the package.

Alongside the ongoing compensation dispute, Tesla also informed its employees this week that it plans to lay off approximately 14,000 workers globally, accounting for 10% of its workforce. This announcement follows a decline in vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of 2024, marking Tesla’s first drop in deliveries in four years.

Must-Read Books on Space and Astronomy for 2024

Must-Read Books on Space and Astronomy for 2024

Explore the cosmos through these mind-expanding reads from top experts in the field.

If you think the human journey into space has reached its peak, think again. In the mere 66 years since NASA was established, and just 121 years after the first human-piloted flight, our understanding of space has evolved tremendously. Yet, there is still so much we don’t know, which is what makes the study of space so captivating.

Space can leave your mind reeling with its complexities, but don’t worry—this feeling is part of its allure. If you’re only familiar with space through media snippets, you’re missing out on the vast expanse of knowledge shared by scientists and cosmologists. They can tell you about the universe’s unknowns, much of which may never be revealed to us.

But why not try your hand at delving deeper? Start by adding some of the best non-fiction books on space and astronomy to your collection. These books offer clear, engaging, and often humorous explanations that unpack the mysteries of the universe. From the groundbreaking Apollo missions to life aboard the ISS, and even speculations on the universe’s eventual fate, these titles are guaranteed to stretch your understanding in ways you never thought possible.

Featuring insights from some of the most renowned space communicators—like Prof Brian Cox, Tim Peake, and Carl Sagan—these books offer reliable knowledge while keeping you hooked on the wonders of space exploration.

Here’s a selection of the top space and astronomy books to broaden your horizons in 2024:

1. Space: A Thrilling Human History
By Tim Peake
Explore the courageous astronauts who have paved the way for space exploration in this captivating book by Tim Peake. With entertaining anecdotes on famous figures like Yuri Gagarin and Neil Armstrong, Peake shares his own experiences and reflections from his time as an astronaut. The book also looks at the future of human space travel.

2. Pale Blue Dot: Vision of the Human Future in Space
By Carl Sagan
Written after the Voyager I spacecraft captured the famous ‘Pale Blue Dot’ image, Sagan’s work blends philosophy and scientific facts about our solar system. This sequel to his earlier work Cosmos continues to inspire readers, offering a profound view of humanity’s place in the vastness of space.

3. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Universe: And Our Place Within It
By Andrew Newsam
In this accessible guide, astronomer Andrew Newsam tackles the most intriguing questions about the universe, from black holes to the possibility of life beyond Earth. Clear and engaging, the book is ideal for anyone eager to grasp the universe’s most complex concepts.

4. The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)
By Katie Mack
Astrophysicist Katie Mack guides readers through various potential scenarios for the end of the universe, from the collapse of stars to the mysteries of quantum mechanics. Despite the heavy topic, Mack’s witty and engaging writing style makes for an entertaining exploration of space’s most final mysteries.

5. The Planets
By Prof Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen
Discover the wonders of our solar system in this richly illustrated book by Prof Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen. From the giant planet Jupiter to the icy world of Uranus, this book provides a fresh perspective on our celestial neighbours, packed with awe-inspiring facts and imagery.

6. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
By Neil deGrasse Tyson
If you’re short on time but long on curiosity, Neil deGrasse Tyson’s compact introduction to astrophysics is perfect. In just 12 concise chapters, Tyson unpacks some of the most mind-bending concepts in the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes.

7. The NASA Archives (40th Edition)
By Taschen
A must-have for space enthusiasts, this comprehensive collection from Taschen showcases NASA’s most significant achievements over the last 66 years. Filled with stunning photography and details on iconic missions, including the Moon Landings and the creation of the ISS, this book is a tribute to human exploration.

8. Before the Big Bang: Our Origins in the Multiverse
By Laura Mersini-Houghton
Cosmologist Laura Mersini-Houghton presents an intriguing theory on the multiverse, suggesting that our universe is just one among many. Her personal narrative and deep dive into cosmology make this an engaging read for anyone interested in the origins of the universe.

These books not only deepen your understanding of space science but also encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos. So, if you’re looking to expand your mind in 2024, these titles are the perfect place to start.

Idaho’s Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Trans Youth to Be Enforced, Supreme Court Rules

Idaho’s Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Trans Youth to Be Enforced, Supreme Court Rules

The US Supreme Court allows the state to implement its controversial 2023 law while legal challenges continue.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that Idaho can enforce its 2023 law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, even as legal challenges to the legislation remain ongoing. The court’s decision, issued on Monday, permits the state to proceed with a law that imposes severe penalties on healthcare providers—up to 10 years in prison—if they administer hormone treatments, puberty blockers, or other forms of gender-affirming care to individuals under 18.

This order overturns previous decisions by lower courts, including a federal judge in Idaho who had previously blocked the law to protect transgender youths. Despite the ruling, the two transgender teens who filed the lawsuit challenging the ban will still be able to receive gender-affirming care, as stipulated by the court’s decision.

In dissent, the court’s three liberal justices expressed their opposition to lifting the block on the law, arguing that the ban should remain suspended during the legal proceedings.

The controversial law remains subject to further legal scrutiny, and the final outcome will depend on future court rulings.

New York’s Historic Abyssinian Church Selects Male Pastor Amid Gender Bias Lawsuit

New York’s Historic Abyssinian Church Selects Male Pastor Amid Gender Bias Lawsuit

The search committee, previously accused of gender discrimination, moves forward with recommending Kevin R. Johnson to lead the iconic congregation.

A prominent New York City church, recently embroiled in a gender discrimination lawsuit over its hiring process, has moved ahead with the selection of its next senior pastor. The Abyssinian Baptist Church, considered a cornerstone of the Black church in America, has chosen Kevin R. Johnson, the founding pastor of Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia, as its candidate for approval.

In an internal memo, which was obtained by The Associated Press, the church’s Pulpit Search Committee expressed confidence in Johnson’s ability to lead the congregation. “The Pulpit Search Committee is confident in Rev. Johnson’s ability to lead and uphold the history and legacy of our institution of faith,” the memo, dated April 13, reads. The memo further notes that the final candidate will soon be presented to the congregation for a vote.

If chosen, Johnson, 50, will continue a longstanding tradition, as no woman has ever served as Abyssinian’s senior pastor. The church, based in Harlem, gained fame through the leadership of Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a political figure who served as pastor from 1937 to 1972 and later served in Congress for 26 years.

The vacancy was created after the death of Calvin O. Butts III, who had served as senior pastor for several decades before passing in 2022. Johnson, who had worked under Butts as an intern and assistant pastor, is expected to fill the top position, though the final decision is still contingent on a vote by the congregation.

Johnson’s selection has stirred controversy, particularly after the Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, a former assistant pastor of Butts, was among the interviewees. Marshall Turman, who was not chosen as a finalist, filed a federal lawsuit against the church and the search committee, claiming gender discrimination. The church has denied the allegations.

Marshall Turman responded to the church’s decision by saying, “The blessing of Baptist polity is that we ascribe to the distinctive of the ‘priesthood of all believers’… With the help of God, the power to call a pastor ultimately rests with the congregation.”

Johnson holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University, and is a 1996 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta. His candidacy follows a controversial resignation from Bright Hope Baptist Church in 2014, after which he founded Dare to Imagine Church.