Some question if school phone ‘ban’ is a waste of teachers’ time
@Mrsfairylights on X questions whether teachers' removing students' phones is a waste of teaching time.
“It’s nothing new” – Phone ban already in place in most schools.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said "Most schools already forbid the use of mobile phones during the school day or allow their use only in limited and stipulated circumstances.
@ChirpyChet on X agrees, saying "It's nothing new."
One dead after car ploughed into six vehicles at high speed in Birmingham
The Audi, which was going at ridiculous speeds, crashed into six cars at around 8.20pm on Soho road last night .
A man, believed to be in his 30s, has tragically died after sustaining serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 25-year-old man, who was driving one of the cars, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Police have secured CCTV footage but are keen to speak to anyone with information who can assist the investigation.
Junior doctors strike – “You guys need to walk out & return only when a deal is done”
Dr Irfan Malik called for junior doctors to walk out until "a deal is done", as they "are not really affecting" the government.
Public call for policies to ‘fix’ NHS problem
Nicholas Grundy expressed his thoughts on the upcoming junior doctor strike on X, calling for "actual policies" to fix issues concerning strikes and NHS wait times.
Millwall vs Sheffield Wednesday match report: Owls survival hopes remain lit
In a crucial clash between relegation-threatened teams, Sheffield Wednesday secured a vital 2-0 victory against Millwall on Saturday.
The breakthrough for Sheffield Wednesday came in the 31st minute when striker Ike Ugbo showcased his goal-scoring abilities, finding the back of the net for the sixth time this season.
The lead was extended just 10 minutes later, with Anthony Musaba confidently slotting home in the 41st minute. Musaba's clinical finish added to the newfound attacking repertoire of Danny Rohl’s Wednesday and solidified their advantage.
Assists for the goals came from the creative contributions of Anthony Musaba and Barry Bannan, emphasising the team's ability to capitalise on key moments.
The partnership between the goal scorers and the providers showcased the cohesion within the Sheffield Wednesday attacking unit.
Just like in recent weeks, Millwall started the match brighter, creating clear chances that tested Wednesday's defence. However, they couldn’t find the necessary edge needed to topple their opponents.
Despite The Lions finishing the match with the kings share of possession, it was their lack of efficiency in front of goal that ultimately made the difference.
As the second half unfolded, Zian Flemming and substitute Duncan Watmore went close for the home side, attempting to reclaim any likelihood of the points being shared.
However, the home side found Wednesday’s goalkeeper, James Beadle, in fine form, as he thwarted their attempts to find the back of the net.
In a dramatic turn of events, Sheffield Wednesday's joy was tempered by the late dismissal of Ashley Fletcher. The forward received his second yellow card in injury time, just 13 minutes after coming off the bench, leaving his team to finish the game with 10 men.
Fletcher's untimely exit added an element of tension in the dying moments, but the away side managed to hold on to their lead, rounding off a successful trip for the travelling fans.
With this crucial victory, Sheffield Wednesday remain second from bottom in the Championship table. However, the three points gained have narrowed the gap to 22nd placed QPR to just three points.
Lifelong Owl’s fan Daniel Bryan, 25, remains positive about his side’s chances for the remainder of the season.
He said: “I’m hopeful, like most Wednesday fans, I think the manager is the man to keep us up and just hope he’s with us next year with a full preseason and his own signings through the door.
“We [Sheffield Wednesday] have a good run of games where we should pick points up and plenty of six pointers into the end of the season.”
The win provides a glimmer of hope for Sheffield Wednesday in their battle to avoid relegation, while Millwall faces increased pressure in their bid to stay clear of the bottom three.
Worry looms as junior doctors strike again
Members of the public are "unsure what to expect" during the second junior doctors' strike.
@RoseAnnieFlor expressed her worry about attending appointments on X -
“Much of the British public is still ignorant,” says Chairman of Sheffield Palestine Campaign
Further pro-Palestinian protests took place this weekend at Sheffield Town Hall.
The Sheffield Palestine Campaign has demonstrated weekly since the 7 October 2023 Hamas terror attack and subsequent situation in Gaza.
Saturday's protest began with a vehicle convoy from Meadowhall shopping centre, before a gathering outside the Town Hall in Arundel Gate.
A street band played as various speakers and protestors sang and chanted for peace as they demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Musheir El-Farra, who was born in Khan Yunis, Palestine, is an author and filmmaker as well as the chairman of the Sheffield Palestine Campaign.
He said: "It's still extremely important to raise awareness among the British Public of what's going on in Palestine.
"Much of the British public is still ignorant of the situation - this genocide that is taking place by the Israelis."
Mr El-Farra also highlighted the diversity of ethnicities and religious backgrounds that took part in the rally.
Pro-Palestinian campaigners have sometimes faced accusations of antisemitism. However, Leni Solinger, a Jewish activist, does not agree.
"I feel like the press try to say that the Jewish community is all completely behind Israel, and they try to equate anti-Semitism with criticism of Israel," she said.
"I feel absolutely compelled to speak out as a Jewish person. Stop the genocide and stop trying to ethnically cleanse. You come from a people who went through the Holocaust. You should know better."
John Smith is a member of the Sheffield Street Band who performed during the demonstrations, he is also a University lecturer in Genocide Studies.
Mr Smith believes the 7 October attack simply triggered Israel's subsequent actions in Gaza.
He said: "The Israeli government says you are a conspiracy theorist and you're also anti-Semite if you go against them. I think there's so much evidence that just as George Bush needed 9/11 the attack on the twin towers in order to justify the invasion of Iraq, Netanyahu needed October 7th in order to justify what they're now doing."
On 16 November 2023, MPs across the country voted on the notion of a ceasefire.
Sheffield MPs Paul Bloomfield and Clive Betts voted for the notion whereas Gill Furniss, Louise Hague, and Olivia Blake abstained.
Teaching unions dismiss phone ‘ban’ as a “non-policy for a non-problem”
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Most schools already forbid the use of mobile phones during the school day or allow their use only in limited and stipulated circumstances.
"We have lost count of the number of times that ministers have now announced a crackdown on mobile phones in schools. It is a non-policy for a non-problem.
"The government would be far better off putting its energies into bringing to heel the online platforms via which children are able to access disturbing and extreme content."
42-year-old woman arrested over death of three children
A 42-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of three children at a house in Bristol.
A police cordon has closed off Blaise Walk, Bristol, with two rows of police tape and a police car blocking entry to the road.
Officers are making house-to-house inquiries nearby.
Sheffield Council approves 20mph zones in High Green and Fulwood
New 20mph zones are to be introduced in Fulwood and High Green following a public consultation.
Sheffield Council's transport, regeneration and climate committee have said the changes should improve road safety and encourage "sustainable" travel.
Police target sexual harassment and assault on trains
A campaign from the British Transport Police has encouraged passengers to report sexual offences in hopes that it will help convict offenders.
A survey conducted by BTP showed that over a third of women have been victims of sexual offences while commuting on a train or Underground.
It is hoped that the campaign, called 'Your Piece of the Puzzle', helps victims speak up and hold offenders accountable.