Kayla Harrison has opened up about sparring with Amanda Nunes before even having her first MMA fight, describing the experience as “sketchy.” The two former teammates at American Top Team now stand on a collision course for what could be one of the biggest women’s fights in UFC history. Harrison, who captured the UFC bantamweight title in June by submitting Julianna Pena, recalled meeting Nunes on her second day at a Florida gym under Mike Brown. “I sparred her and I was like, ‘Holy s—,’” Harrison said. “I hadn’t had an MMA fight yet… yeah, it was sketchy, but ok.”…
Author: OMN AI
Authorities have launched an investigation after 51-year-old Chris Harpin died in Alicante on June 23.Harpin worked as a beloved coach at Eastwood Amateur Boxing Club in Eastwood.Coroner Sarah Wood opened an inquest at Nottingham Coroner’s Court on September 17 to examine his death.A post-mortem report identified a provisional cause of death as a traumatic chest injury.Coroner Wood said she opened the inquest “in accordance with my statutory duty” and will continue inquiries.She adjourned the hearing to allow further investigation and will set a new date.Wood offered condolences to Mr Harpin’s family and friends. Community Rallies to Support Family Following Harpin’s…
Prisons across England and Wales are planning to cut spending on education courses by up to 50%, according to officials. The move is expected to affect vocational training, literacy programs, and other learning opportunities for inmates, raising concerns among campaigners and experts about the impact on rehabilitation. Education in prisons has long been recognised as a key factor in reducing reoffending. Studies show that inmates who participate in educational programs are significantly less likely to return to crime after release. Critics warn that drastic cuts could undermine these efforts and hinder successful reintegration into society. The Ministry of Justice has…
As the Labour deputy leadership contest heats up, one candidate has urged the party to lift the two-child benefit cap, arguing that it exacerbates financial hardship for many UK families. The call has reignited debate over welfare policy and the role of government in supporting children. The two-child benefit cap, introduced in 2017, limits certain child tax credits and universal credit payments to two children per household. Families with more than two children may face reduced support, which critics say disproportionately affects low-income households. The Labour contender highlighted cases of families struggling to meet basic needs, including food, clothing, and…
Privately educated Britons are significantly more likely than their state-educated peers to hold senior positions in business, government, and other high-profile sectors, according to new research. The findings underline longstanding debates over social mobility, educational privilege, and inequality in the UK. The study, conducted by a leading educational think tank, analysed the backgrounds of thousands of executives, senior civil servants, and political leaders. It found that graduates from private schools are disproportionately represented in top-tier roles, despite making up less than 7% of the population. In business, privately educated individuals dominate senior management and board positions in major companies. Analysts…
The head of Ofsted has called for schools across the UK to “ban, ban, ban” smartphones, arguing that mobile devices are undermining education and negatively affecting student wellbeing. Speaking at a recent education conference, the Ofsted chief emphasised that smartphones are a growing distraction in classrooms. Teachers report that constant notifications, social media use, and gaming interfere with learning, reduce attention spans, and disrupt teaching routines. Ofsted inspectors have increasingly noted that mobile phone use in schools is linked to lower academic focus and engagement. While some schools have introduced partial bans or restrictions, the chief argues that only a…
A new survey has found that around one-third of UK parents have requested a special needs assessment for their child, reflecting rising concerns about learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, and access to tailored educational support. The survey, conducted by an independent research organisation, gathered responses from thousands of parents across the UK. It found that many parents pursue assessments to better understand their child’s needs, access specialist support, and secure resources within schools. Special needs assessments are designed to identify conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other learning or behavioural difficulties. Once identified, children…
The redevelopment of Earls Court, one of London’s most iconic areas, is expected to generate £3 billion annually for the UK economy, according to new projections from developers and urban planners. The ambitious project aims to transform the site into a mixed-use district featuring residential, commercial, and leisure facilities. Developers say the project will create thousands of construction jobs during the building phase and sustain long-term employment across retail, hospitality, and service sectors. Local businesses could also benefit from increased footfall, tourism, and commercial activity, boosting the area’s economic vitality. Housing is a major focus of the redevelopment. Planners have…
Environmental campaigners along the River Thames are calling for a ban on flimsy plastic pint cups, citing growing concerns about pollution, wildlife harm, and litter in London’s waterways. The campaign has gained momentum as summer events and riverside gatherings continue to generate significant plastic waste. Plastic pint cups, commonly used at festivals, pubs, and outdoor events, are lightweight and often discarded carelessly. Campaigners argue that they are difficult to recycle, frequently ending up in rivers, streets, and parks. Wildlife, including birds, fish, and small mammals, can mistake the cups for food or become entangled, resulting in injury or death. The…
UK-based environmental charity has urged the government to ban plastic packaging on fruit and vegetables, citing its contribution to plastic pollution and environmental degradation. The campaign has gained traction among Labour policymakers, who are reportedly listening closely to the recommendations. Plastic waste continues to be a major environmental concern. Single-use packaging, including the wrap on fresh produce, contributes significantly to land and ocean pollution. The charity highlights that alternatives such as paper, cardboard, or compostable materials are readily available and can reduce the ecological footprint of everyday groceries. The charity’s report warns that millions of tons of plastic packaging enter…