Hannah and I wouldn't say we are bestie besties who stay up late into the nights whispering secrets. But I can confidently say that Hannah knows me more than any friend, and is my most loyal, faithful friend. www.businessinsider.com/how-adulthoo...

It's been just about a month since The Valleys Lead lauched (!!!!) and we're really chuffed about the feedback we've had from readers all around the south Wales valleys. @theleaduk.bsky.social (next)

Let's talk stress, and cold water. For the last four days, my tight chest and unsettled stomach has returned for the first time in over a year, since I started on HRT. I haven't been able to shake it, not with sleep, not with food, not with rest, not with running. (next)

Happy pup post incoming! Are street dogs happier than pet dogs? www.kinship.com/uk/dog-lifes...

The joys of Brexit - Sheona told me about how getting her British pension has been more difficult than it used to be, when the UK was part of the EU. For @theipaper.com inews.co.uk/news/world/b...

I couldn't believe some of the comments and messages these three female politicians in the south Wales valleys described to me. Interestingly, for two of these women, the online abuse ramped up last summer, with the rise of Reform UK. @theleaduk.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/valleysl...

I crave, like actually crave, this kind of close friendship. Sarai bought a house with her best friend, another mum, and has absolutely no regrets. For @businessinsider.com www.businessinsider.com/buying-a-hou...

I have often heard it said that the south Wales valleys have been forgotten in politics. So thought it necessary to speak to the leader of the party ahead in the polls to know how he plans to remember us in his plans. @theleaduk.bsky.social thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/plaid-cymr...

Six years ago, residents on a street in the south Wales valleys had their houses flooded from floor to ceiling. They've been petrified every time it rains. One resident told me about what happened, and how he feels about the solution. @theleaduk.bsky.social thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/finally-fr...

I wonder how much you might suspect US Olympians make while training and competing? Let me give you a sneak peak into the "ruined credit score" of one Bronze-medal Olympian. For @businessinsider.com www.businessinsider.com/monica-aksam...

The woman responsible for education in Merthyr has been forced to apologise for the wording of a letter sent to parents of children with additional learning needs, @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social reports

A letter sent by Merthyr Tydfil's Director of Education regarding ALN children sparked an outcry last week. Here, I spoke with parents about their responses for The Valleys Lead. Even if you aren't from this valley in south Wales, you'll want to read this. thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/merthyr-ty...

Free school transport for hundreds of children in RCT has been cut since September. I heard from two parents whose families have been impacted, the campaigners calling for change, and the politicians supporting them. @theleaduk.bsky.social thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/my-child-i...

Looking to speak to a dog trainer/behaviourist for Kinship UK about whether street dogs are happier than pet dogs, based on this post: www.linkedin.com/in/sally-dea... If you can answer some questions, could you send me a quick email? [email protected] #journorequest

Good evening and hope you've had a good Sunday, our latest Lead Local editions landed in inboxes this morning. Kicking off with the first edition of The Valleys Lead with @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social on the case of how fly-tipping is a blight on communities

Fly-tipping isn't unique to Nelson, a town in the south Wales valleys, but as with widespread issues, the impact on locals is no less disappointing. The latest long read for The Valleys Lead. thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/fly-tippin...

Freelance isn't easy. There are so so many lovely positives about freelancing, but don't let those fool you into thinking it's the easy option. Katie spoke to me all about it for @businessinsider.com www.businessinsider.com/why-freelanc...

Two residents in Maine told me of what's happening in Maine right now, because ICE isn't just in Minneapolis, and what they're doing to help support those who are targeted. metro.co.uk/2026/01/30/i...

Good morning - and here's the latest from our Lead Local titles, with some big news that we're now operating in the Valleys of South Wales. @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social writes in the first ever edition of The Valleys Lead

The Valleys Lead has launched (!!!!!!!) and we at @theleaduk.bsky.social are over the moon to start sharing stories from the South Wales Valleys. If you've got a story for us, please do send a message here or email [email protected]. open.substack.com/pub/valleysl...

I spoke with Andrew Volk, who owns a restaurant in Portland, Maine. The city has seen an increased ICE presence, and he says it's already dampening the local business. www.businessinsider.com/portland-mai...

For a UK newspaper, I'm looking to pitch an editor the following types of untold stories (need photos/to be named): -Powerful relationships -Triumph over tragedy -Shocking health stories -Revisits to old, wild, shocking news -True crime Email: [email protected] #journorequest

Are you/were you a British expat who can talk to me about personal experiences of: -Pensions/retirement -Child free decisions/regrets -Relationship regrets -Childcare costs -Asylum -Education/private schools Get in touch: [email protected] #journorequest

Ruth was so open, speaking with me about the cost of living far away from her dad. Have a read, maybe even a little cry. www.businessinsider.com/moving-away-...

I spoke with Nicola at a point when I myself was sacrificing everything for my job too, so I totally, completely, entirely appreciated this interview. I think you will too. www.stylist.co.uk/life/careers...

15 years ago, I left America to be with my Welsh love. I didn't, couldn't, really understand what the move would mean for missing my mom. A little personal essay featuring one of my most faithful, favourite friends, my mom. www.businessinsider.com/what-its-lik...

And we're expanding from our Northern climes soon too, @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social is preparing to take our award-winning local journalism into the Valleys of South Wales. You can get yourself subscribed here and be one of the first onto the mailing list

🗞️ The Valleys Lead is coming - led by the fantastic @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social Sign up early here: thevalleys.thelead.uk

If you live in the South #Wales Valleys and can talk to me about recent personal experiences of: -ambulance wait times -PCH A&E wait times -lack of bus routes -lack of SEND provision -fly tipping/poor recycling collection -food bank -poor housing associations Email: [email protected]

Seven years after legalisation, medical cannabis users are still facing stigma in healthcare settings. I spoke to patients and experts at the heart of the story. For @teamleafie.bsky.social www.leafie.co.uk/cannabis/can...

There is a lot of horrible stuff in the news right now, it's a lot, I know. This story I interviewed for and wrote reminded me of humanity's goodness. For @businessinsider.com www.businessinsider.com/friend-texts...

Forget giving traditional presents, Madi tattoos her friends and families instead. My latest happy story for @businessinsider.com www.businessinsider.com/tattooing-my...

Love home in the South Wales Valleys. And so it gives me so much happiness to announce I am going to be doing local reporting on them for @theleaduk. If you want to be part of shining a light on these valleys, just get in touch ([email protected]) and I'll add you to our list! Link in comments!

Are presentation nights the trendiest, most effective way to get to know new people as busy adults in a modern era? This interview made me think, yes. www.businessinsider.com/adult-friend...

For I Paper, looking to speak to people working in France (employed), ideally part-time, to talk about work productivity in France. If you know of anyone, would you mind checking if they'd be up for being connected with me? My email is [email protected] #journorequest

Yesterday, I spoke with a family (with two young kids) stranded in Puerto Rico following the news out of Venezuela. "It's having a massive impact on our finances," the parents told me. www.businessinsider.com/a-canceled-f...

Are you a local news reporter covering environment, housing, social affairs, poverty, and/or similar subjects? I'd love to ask you a few questions, a bit of advice, and I promise it won't take more than ten minutes. Comment here or send me an email? [email protected]. Thank you!

After the death of a family member, Gaynor and her family of four moved to Spain's east coast to heal. But now, they won't be leaving after falling in love with the culture, routine, and weather. inews.co.uk/news/world/m...

Natalie's husband was killed by a drunk driver six years ago. She talked to me about how grateful she is that she took so many photos and videos of her family of four prior to his death, so she could remember him forever. www.businessinsider.com/take-the-pho...

Emmerdale has been shining a light on modern slavery in the UK. For people who can't quite believe it exists, here's your proof that it does. My latest for @metrouk.bsky.social. @salvationarmyuk.bsky.social metro.co.uk/2025/12/20/i...

Are you employed part-time in France? I would LOVE to hear from you for an article I am writing for a British broadsheet on French v British productivity. Please get in touch! Email: [email protected] #journorequest @getqwoted.bsky.social

International aid cuts (UK ones too) are having a huge impact in the world's largest refugee camp,Cox’s Bazar. The Rohingya,who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar,face deteriorating conditions and food shortages in the camp. @islamicreliefuk.bsky.social www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-a...

In 2025, my last year of full-time #freelancing, I've sent 175 (!!!!!!!!) invoices for work completed (primarily articles written, but also includes a bit of copywriting and online sessions). A thread on leaving full-time freelancing.

Looking to speak to a professional in France who works very hard in their job, and is only part-time. Ideally a British person, but open to others. Can be someone who lived in France, working part-time, and has since moved back to the UK. Email: [email protected] #journorequest

New Zealand contacts! I need to speak to animal rights experts (or similar) about the feral cat culling in the country. Please could you email me at [email protected] if you know of someone who could help? #journorequest

There are stories I write that I just fall in love with. This was one of them. Every Friday, this family homeschools their six-year-old daughter, who is in a classroom from Monday to Thursday. Everyone is benefitting, because the balance is perfect. inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...

Is Austria a generally happier and healthier place to live, as compared to the UK? I'm looking to speak to Austrians, and Brits in Austria to hear why and how. If you have any suggestions of who to contact, please email [email protected] #journorequest

Are you a Brit in France who had phenomenal care post acute care? Perhaps spa treatments funded after cancer treatment, or something similar? Would love to hear from you for The I Paper. Email is [email protected] #journorequest

For Fabulous Daily, looking for female focused, strong real life stories with great clickable top lines, with a unique tale to tell, or a really interesting personal story combined with a unexpected opinion that goes against the grain of what women think. Need to be named/pictured. #journorequest

Looking at what specific countries offer when it comes to general wellbeing, or a particular country that offers something amazing for the people living there. Get in touch with ideas, and if you're living there and can talk about it! E: [email protected] #journorequest