News & Blog

Why Deon Barrett wants to be one of the first black Britons to climb Everest

 

A serving soldier in the Royal Logistic Corps, Barrett is now attempting to become the first black Englishman to scale Mount Everest. At the same time, he’s spreading the word about the mental health benefits of adventure – particularly for under-represented minority communities. Read more here.

 

 

Splitting York autistic twins may have unwanted outcome - charity

 

A charity has warned of possible "unwanted outcomes" after autistic twin brothers were allocated places at two different schools. Read more here.

 

 

Costa Coffee defends trans mural image that 'celebrates diversity' after calls for boycott

 

The image is from a design made for the company's Brighton and Hove store for LGBT+ Pride last year. Read more here.

 

 

George Floyd killing: Last Minneapolis police officer sentenced to nearly five years

 

In his 177-page ruling, the judge said Thao's actions separated Chauvin and two other officers from the crowd, including an emergency medical technician, allowing his colleagues to continue restraining Mr Floyd and preventing bystanders from providing medical aid. Read more here.

 

 

Forget Instagram influencers, Sinéad O’Connor showed mental illness as it truly is

 

Everything the mainstream debate shrinks from, O’Connor put front and centre. Her unmitigated candour made a difference, writes Hannah Jane Parkinson here.

 

 

Taliban repression of women a crime against humanity, says Gordon Brown

 

The former prime minister is calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute those responsible for the "vicious" abuse of human rights. Read more here.

 

 

Sunscreen: Tackling myths around darker skin and SPF

 

BBC Newsbeat looks at some of the myths behind the reluctance of some communities to use sunscreen. Read more here.

 

 

Ohio vote delivers victory for abortion rights

 

Voters in Ohio have roundly defeated a proposal which would have made it more difficult to enshrine abortion rights into the US state’s constitution. Watch here.

 

 

Malaysia bans Swatch LGBT products including watches

 

Watches, wrappers and boxes are banned, with authorities warning anyone found with one promoting LGBTQ rights could be jailed or fined. Read more here.

 

Events for your calendar

 

3 are coming up later this month:

 

Janmashtami – Birthday of Lord Krishna - 19th August

Women's Equality Day (USA) - 26th August

International Day of People of African Descent - 31st August