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Nova Sports Secures Funding to Support Sports for Children with Disabilities A non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports sessions for children with disabilities has received funding through Children in Need. Nova Sports, founded seven years ago in Bath by husband and wife Jenny and Alex Johnson, was born from their shared passion for helping children and their background as students at the University of Bath.Jenny Johnson expressed her pride in the work Nova does, saying, “Every single day I go home and feel like I've made an important difference. I grew up playing sport without a disability, and it gave me so much. I believe every child should have the same opportunity.”Nova Sports has been awarded three years' worth of funding from Children in Need, which will support a variety of sports activities for children with disabilities across Bath, Somerset, and Bristol. The funding will help the organization continue to expand its reach, providing inclusive sports sessions designed to encourage physical activity and foster a sense of achievement for all participants.The support from Children in Need marks a significant milestone for Nova Sports, helping to ensure its continued impact in the local community. Through its programs, the organization strives to create a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities, promoting well-being, confidence, and social interaction through sport.
Celebrating Resilience: Portrait Exhibition Honors Addiction Survivors In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Developing Health & Independence (DHI), a charity based in Bath, is hosting a powerful portrait exhibition to honor those who have overcome addiction. The exhibition, held at the Museum of Bath at Work from November 5-8, presents the stories of people who have utilized DHI’s services, each photograph capturing their journey from darkness into light.A Personal Journey Captured in PortraitsThe photographs, taken by Darius Jéan, who himself is a DHI alumnus, reveal moments of resilience, growth, and newfound purpose. Jean explained his vision: “I wanted to show people coming out of the darkness and into the light,” reflecting the hard-won journeys of the individuals in each frame.Jean credits DHI with providing him stability and support at a critical time in his life, ultimately helping him pursue an honors degree from Bath Spa University. Inspired by his experience, he is now working on a coffee table book featuring 25 individuals, each representing a year of DHI’s work.Stories of TransformationAmong those featured is Laura, whose struggle with crack, heroin, and spice addiction once led to a life-altering explosion in her home and a prison sentence. With the guidance of DHI’s criminal justice team, she overcame her addiction, re-entered society, and is now a Peer Mentor, leading support groups for others in recovery.A Legacy of Compassion and EmpowermentFounded in 1999 by Rosie Phillips, DHI has dedicated itself to helping individuals across Somerset and Bristol rebuild their lives through housing, education, and substance abuse treatment. Phillips expressed her commitment, saying, “I love seeing people gain their sense of place in the world, and get their self-esteem back.”This exhibition not only celebrates DHI’s impact but also highlights the courage of those who have embraced the journey to recovery, each portrait a testament to hope and resilience.
Obituary: Ratan Tata, the Modest Tycoon Who Transformed Indian Business Ratan Tata, one of India's most esteemed business leaders, passed away at the age of 86. He was at the helm of the Tata Group—a vast conglomerate known as a "salt-to-software" empire, comprising over 100 companies and employing approximately 660,000 individuals. Under his leadership, the group's annual revenues exceeded $100 billion (£76.5 billion).Founded by Jamsetji Tata, a pioneer of Indian entrepreneurship, the Tata Group has a storied history spanning 155 years. Its diverse portfolio includes well-known brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel, and ventures in aviation and consumer goods. According to Peter Casey, author of The Story of Tata, the company's ethos integrates capitalism with philanthropy, aiming to improve lives through its business practices.Early Life and EducationRatan Tata was born in 1937 into a traditional Parsi family—an educated and prosperous community that traces its roots to Zoroastrian refugees in India. His parents separated when he was young, and he later pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University. During his time there, he also learned to drive and fly. However, he faced several close calls, including engine failures while flying, which he recounted in interviews.After his grandmother, Lady Navajbai, fell ill, Tata returned to India in 1962. It was during this time that JRD Tata, a relative and a key figure in the family business, invited him to join the Tata Group. Ratan Tata regarded JRD as his greatest mentor, describing him as a father and brother figure.Rise within the Tata GroupTata began his career on the factory floor at a steel plant in Jamshedpur, where he worked for several years before becoming the technical assistant to the manager. In the early 1970s, he took on the challenge of reviving two struggling group companies—one producing radios and televisions and the other focused on textiles. His efforts to turn around the electronics firm were successful, while the textile company yielded mixed results.In 1991, JRD Tata appointed Ratan as his successor, a decision met with skepticism due to accusations of nepotism. Reflecting on this period, Ratan Tata later stated that he faced significant criticism but was determined to prove his worth.Under Ratan Tata's leadership, the Tata Group transitioned from a traditional manufacturer to a global brand with a strong emphasis on consumer goods. His tenure was marked by bold acquisitions, including t
Inclusive Fashion: Stylish Items Designed for People with Disabilities Destiny Pinto, a woman from Crawley, West Sussex, was inspired to create a line of stylish fashion accessories after struggling to find attractive options for her compression gloves due to rheumatoid arthritis. Her collection includes glamorous items designed to complement hearing aids and stoma bags, addressing a gap in the fashion industry."It's almost like everyone forgot about these devices in fashion," Destiny remarked. Her designs have gained millions of views on social media, attracting attention from notable figures like Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and singer Sza.Destiny’s best friend, Nikola, who wears a stoma bag following life-saving surgery, highlighted the challenges of finding fashionable clothing. "Anything tight causes leaks, so I have to wear baggy clothes," she explained. Nikola appreciates Destiny's designs, which allow her to feel confident and stylish.Libby Herbert, CEO of Colostomy UK, emphasized the importance of accessible fashion, noting its positive impact on mental health and social interactions. Ms. Pinto aims to create a community around her project, providing support for those facing similar challenges. "I want it to be more than just a shop," she stated, seeking to foster a platform that was lacking during her diagnosis and Nikola's journey.
Anna Delvey’s Dancing With the Stars Debut: A Legal and Cultural Controversy Anna Delvey, also known as Anna Sorokin, has sparked controversy with her upcoming appearance on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). Convicted in 2019 for fraud, Sorokin's rise to infamy involved posing as a wealthy heiress to scam individuals, hotels, and financial institutions out of over $200,000. After serving time in prison and later fighting deportation from the U.S., her participation in the popular dance show has drawn both criticism and legal intrigue.One of the key points of contention is her ability to remain in the U.S. and work, as Sorokin is a German-Russian citizen who overstayed her visa. She currently wears an ankle monitor while under house arrest, and her immigration case remains unresolved. Her lawyer, John Sandweg, confirmed that her bond conditions had been relaxed, allowing her to travel to Los Angeles for the show.Critics argue that DWTS is glamorizing Sorokin's criminal past. Publications like The New York Post and individuals like Rachel Williams, one of Sorokin’s victims, have spoken out against the show, calling it irresponsible. Williams, who has written a book about her experience and is involved in a defamation lawsuit against Netflix’s portrayal of her in Inventing Anna, said the DWTS appearance minimizes the impact of Sorokin's crimes.Supporters of Sorokin, on the other hand, frame her as a symbol of ambition, even admiring her audacity and self-promotion. Others see her participation in DWTS as part of the broader trend of rehabilitating public figures after their legal battles. DWTS producer Conrad Green defended Sorokin's involvement, pointing out that other contestants have also had criminal pasts but served their time.The legal and ethical complexities surrounding Sorokin’s re-emergence in pop culture raise questions about the societal boundaries of fame, redemption, and accountability.
Leeds West Indian Carnival Celebrates Unity and Diversity Thousands of people gathered to celebrate the Leeds West Indian Carnival, the largest Caribbean carnival in the UK outside London. Known for its vibrant parade and lively atmosphere, the event took place on Monday, with road closures in effect from 14:00 to 22:00 BST.A Celebration of Diversity and HarmonyThe carnival's founder, Dr. Arthur France MBE, highlighted the event's power to bring people from all backgrounds together. Speaking to BBC Look North, he remarked, "The carnival does what the government cannot do. It brings people of all races, colour, class, and creed together in harmony."This year's parade followed a new route designed to minimize traffic disruption, with troupes performing two laps. The first lap was for judges to evaluate the elaborate costumes, while the second lap allowed the participants to fully enjoy the celebrations before returning to the park for a final performance.A Rich History of Celebration and ProtestKearn Williams, a trustee of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the event. "We are here to make music, we are here to be merry, we are here to celebrate," Williams said. He explained that carnivals have long been a space for ethnic minority communities to celebrate their culture and heritage, dating back to 1834 when slavery was abolished in most British colonies, including South Africa and the Caribbean.He further explained that carnivals have historically served as a form of protest against racism and a means to "reclaim space." Williams noted, "Carnival's history, even beyond the UK, has always had this space of revelry and rebellion. It was always used as a space to enjoy their freedoms but also to rebel against the systems that had been."Fostering Community and Future GrowthThe carnival also focuses on community engagement, with costume designer Tashi Brown underscoring its importance in fostering unity. "It is now becoming more about unity, bringing the community together, and celebrating everyone's differences," she said.Looking ahead, the organizers hope to expand the event. Williams expressed optimism for the future, stating, "It is hoped next year's route will be bigger and better."Supporting the Carnival’s FutureLeeds City Council has called on the public to help "keep Carnival alive" by donating to ensure the event can continue in the future. The council recognizes the significance of the carnival in promoting diversity, cultural expression, and community cohe
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Calls Arrest Over Platform Misuse 'Misguided' Amid Growing Scrutiny Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has openly criticized French authorities for his recent arrest, describing the legal action as "misguided." Durov, who was detained on August 25 at an airport north of Paris, faced allegations related to insufficient moderation on his messaging platform. The charges include suspected complicity in allowing illicit transactions, drug trafficking, and and fraud on Telegram.Durov's Defense: An Outdated Approach to Internet RegulationIn his first public statement since the arrest, Durov argued that holding him personally accountable for crimes committed by third parties on the platform is both "surprising" and an "outdated approach." He stressed that the established legal precedent for regulating internet services involves taking action against the service itself, not the individuals managing it. “Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach,” said Durov.Durov’s statement, published on Telegram, comes amid increasing scrutiny of the platform’s content moderation practices. Critics claim that Telegram has become a haven for the spread of illegal and harmful content due to its lenient moderation policies. The platform allows groups of up to 200,000 members, which some argue facilitates the spread of misinformation, extremist content, and illegal activities.Telegram's Moderation ChallengesDurov conceded that while Telegram is not without its flaws, the company has taken significant steps to moderate harmful content. He emphasized that Telegram removes millions of harmful posts and channels daily and is committed to enhancing its moderation efforts. He described the idea that Telegram is an "anarchic paradise" as “absolutely untrue,” refuting claims that the platform does not take its responsibility seriously.However, Durov acknowledged that the rapid growth of Telegram, which he claims now has 950 million users, has created "growing pains" that have made it easier for criminals to exploit the platform. This growth has presented challenges in maintaining robust moderation systems, especially when compared to other social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, which have more stringent controls.Regulatory Pressure and ReactionsThe arrest of Durov marks a notable shift in how governments are approaching the regulation of digital platforms, especially those that prioritize privacy and encryption. French au
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