Pictures and words in the Cardiffian today on the closure of Cardiff University’s School of Music #cardiffuni #cardiffunicuts

“I felt absolute joy when I crossed the finish line,” said Sam Humphrey from #Penarth - winner of the Run, walk, crawl #Brecon to #Cardiff #Ultramarathon. By @bessantdavies.bsky.social Read here: cardiffjournalism.co.uk/thecardiffia...

Heartbreaking (and heartwarming) coverage of the fightback against plans to axe the School of Music by Cardiff University bosses. Produced by student journalist (and CU Music allum) @bessantdavies.bsky.social: youtu.be/KWS0fwn267c

Students #protest the proposed closure to Cardiff music school by public busking protest By @bessantdavies.bsky.social #music #cardiff #cardiffmusicscene

@transportforwales.bsky.social passengers travelling from #Penarth are facing up to four cancelled trains a day. By @bessantdavies.bsky.social

Chris Booth shares his experiences in Moscow, Chechnya, and Iraq—along with the internal struggles that led to his detainment in a UK psychiatric ward. Considered, kind, and deeply purposeful, Chris is an infectious person to be around. Give it a listen. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct5pdm

Charities are warning that NHS #mentalhealth funding and the #MHIS could be at risk Secretary for Health and Social Care #WesStreeting has stated he is “committed to the MHIS,” with full financial allocations releasing in the new year. But what is the #MHIS, and why are charities still concerned?

Reform UK has today visited the US and met Elon Musk. Two critical points: 1. UK Govt needs to act NOW to limit political donations before Musk tries to buy UK politics like he has in the US. 2. That painting behind them is the funniest crime ever committed in the world of art.

Ever fancied giving #Bellringing a try? Or wondered what it is to be a #Bell-Ringer? Go along to a session in #Penarth in the New Year. My words and photos in @thecardiffian.bsky.social #Cardiff #Christmas cardiffjournalism.co.uk/thecardiffia...

Great piece by my colleague @bessantdavies.bsky.social on his harrowing ordeal of being detained in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley while doing humanitrian work www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...

I spent a month detained in #Lebanon this summer. I was held in appalling conditions in a detention centre with #Syrian refugees, many of whom children. I got out. Others are still trapped in a system designed to harass refugees, forcing them across the border. www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...

Triumphant scenes in #Cardiff as Syrians celebrate the capture of #Damascus by rebel groups

For an in-depth and current insight into Georgia’s recent demonstrations - see this piece by Chris Booth. open.substack.com/pub/newnotes...

Beirut - Aug 24

Blimey. Barn Cymru poll by YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales/ @walesgovernance.bsky.social Puts Plaid Cymru ahead of Labour. Reform joint 2nd. Senedd voting intention: - Plaid Cymru - 24% (+1) - Labour - 23% (-4) - Reform UK - 23% (+5) - Con - 19% (+1) - Lib Dem - 5% (-1) - Green - 6% (+1)

When Russian missiles hurtle towards the Ukrainian power plant and employees scramble for the bomb shelter, a handful of workers stay above ground in a control room protected by sandbags to keep the system running manually reut.rs/3OvEP7J