Latest news with #Afro
Otago Daily Times
4 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Bank robber said he had gun in bag
A heavily disguised man robbed a bank with a hammer and passed a threatening note to the teller telling her he had a gun in his bag. Joshua Shane Evans Costigan, 24, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after earlier pleading guilty to robbery and possessing a weapon. The court heard that after days of planning and scouting out potential targets, the defendant selected a Kiwibank in central Christchurch to rob. On October 4, he went there disguised in a large black Afro wig, a surgical mask, a puffer jacket and dark sunglasses and had a backpack on the front of his body with a hammer in it. Costigan slipped the teller a note that read: "I have a gun in my bag. Hand me all the money from the till." Fearing for her safety, the woman handed over the cash. As the defendant left, he was tackled to the ground by a security guard, who restrained him until police arrived. Police discovered he had a hammer with him, but did not have a gun. Costigan told officers he had been planning the crime for the previous five days and chose this particular bank because of its proximity to his escape route. He confessed his motivation to steal the money was so he did not have to work and that during the robbery he held his vape near his bag to give the impression he had a gun. Costigan also revealed his plans to rob a Michael Hill Jeweller store using the hammer to smash glass cabinets. Yesterday, the court heard the bank employee was glad the defendant was arrested but thought it was "crazy" the offence occurred so close to a police station. After the incident, seeing people of a similar build to Costigan put her on edge and the impact of the offending would stay with her forever, she said. Yesterday, counsel Brendan Stephenson said his client had committed the offence at a "particularly low point" in his life, but had been honest about his wrong-doing since his arrest. "He's given a very full and frank interview where he's essentially volunteered to the police the extent of the planning," Mr Stephenson said. He said Costigan was coming down from methamphetamine when he robbed the bank and was seeking help for his addiction. "His priority is to never touch methamphetamine again because it causes disaster in his life and other people's lives and that is something he's keenly aware of," Mr Stephenson said. The defendant told a Probation officer the crime was "a cry for help". He said he was "paranoid and delusional" and his "brain was scrambled" because he was coming down from methamphetamine. Judge David Robinson noted the defendant's disadvantaged background and addiction issues but also highlighted the risk he posed when committing the crime in his unpredictable state. The judge sentenced Costigan to two years and four months' imprisonment and ordered the disguise and the hammer be destroyed.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
NHS trusts budget nearly £2million for 'woke' staff events including 'International Pronouns Day' and talks on 'embracing your Afro hair' and 'breaking the rainbow ceiling'
The NHS has allowed trusts to spend almost £2million on 'staff networks' which have hosted a series of ' woke ' events over the past two years, the Mail can reveal. New figures show the health service budgeted more than £1.8million for the internal staff groupings, which are usually linked to race, sexuality, gender, disability or religion. More than 154 NHS Trusts responded to Freedom of Information requests from the TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) revealing how the networks have hosted hundreds of events between 2022 and 2024. They included a Eurovision Viewing Party at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and an event on 'Embracing Asexuality' at the The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Essex. NHS staff also attended a talk on 'Embracing your Afro/Curly hair' at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and another on 'International Pronouns Day' at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. A talk on 'Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling' was held at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust, while King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust hosted an event on 'pride crafting'. The NHS said many of the events are run at 'no or very low cost', but the TPA said it was 'astonishing' to see staff spending their time at such events instead of focusing on frontline care. It comes after thousands of junior doctors carried out a five-day walkout, after talks between the Government and British Medical Association (BMA) soured over a dispute about pay. The BMA is demanding a 29.2per cent pay rise. More than 1,000 events were held by staff networks between 2022 and 2024, the FOI revealed, at 80 trusts. In total, £1,834,005.6 was provided to the networks in funding, but it is not clear how much was actually spent over the period. Joanna Marchong, investigations campaign manager of the TPA, said: 'Taxpayers will be dismayed to see NHS trusts pouring more money into staff networks year after year, while waiting lists spiral and junior doctors strike over pay. 'With patients on waiting lists, it's astonishing to see staff spending their working hours at Eurovision parties, open mic nights and summer picnics. 'There is a time and a place for staff engagement and with resident doctors walking out and the NHS haemorrhaging money, now isn't the time. Ministers must get a grip and put patients before perks.' Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice told the Mail: 'Herein lies the problem with our NHS: wasteful spending on pointless woke activities and a bloated middle management, meanwhile frontline services are left underfunded and struggling. 'Reform UK would cut waste and unnecessary management, as well as purposeless DEI initiatives, and pump every penny straight into frontline care where it belongs.' Tory shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew said the figures were 'alarming', adding: 'The first priority of the NHS should be to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients, and taxpayer's cash should be spent on improving that - not splashing hundreds of thousands of pounds on sideshows and distractions. 'The Conservatives - under Kemi Badenoch's leadership - are the only party that are serious about delivering the reform the NHS needs, from our common sense proposals to ban doctors from striking, to pushing for improvements in productivity and innovation.' [must keep] An NHS spokesman said: 'Staff networks can play an important role in retaining staff and reducing absenteeism, improving care and savings costs. 'Many staff events – including ones highlighted here – are run at no or very low cost, but where employers do invest in staff it is important that care is taken to ensure it represents good value for taxpayers' money.' NHS England describes staff networks as 'an important mechanism' to 'help us to shape our organisational culture to create a fairer and inclusive work environments for all'. Many NHS trusts have staff networks representing those who are BAME (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic), LGBT+, women, or who have a particular religion or belief.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
28 Backyard Upgrades That'll Have You Deciding It's Time For "Homebody Summer"
An inflatable pool if you're anything like me and ready to bust out the swimsuit as soon as the temperature hits 65 degrees. Now you can kick back and sip on a glass of lemonade while cooling off, even if you've only got a tiny backyard. Or for those cool summer evenings, an inflatable hot tub because what's better than a cozy evening under the stars, surrounded by bubbles and soothing warm water? I'll wait. This fabulous addition will transform your space into a luxurious spa retreat without the eye-watering price tag. It's easy to set up and take down, making it ideal for renters or anyone who doesn't want the year-round commitment of a permanent hot tub. An outdoor fan just waiting to be mounted in a corner of your deck, sending the perfect breeze your way. Someone's asking if you want to hit up that crowded rooftop bar? Just say, "Nah, I'm good right here," and keep enjoying your chill vibes. A set of waterproof, rechargeable "flaming" Bluetooth speakers perfect for pumping out Afro house beats and bringing the Ibiza vibes to your outdoor space — they even have a flame lighting mode that makes them flicker like real torches. You can place them on your table, dangle from a ceiling or tree, or stake them into the ground. An LED light net to give your pergola, deck, carport, or gazebo the magical effect of a starry night sky. With eight different lighting modes available, you can switch up the atmosphere to suit your mood. Plus, the timer and memory functions mean you can set it up once and let it do its thing — it'll operate on a schedule using your preferred setting. Or some solar-powered outdoor string lights to create a dreamy atmosphere in your yard without being confined to the nearest outlet. When draped over trees or around railings, these elegant lights mimic a twinkling night sky, offering a soft, romantic glow that's perfect for any outdoor occasion. An automatic ball launcher so you can get some practice in and earn bragging rights of being the best pickleball player around ( least in your neighborhood Facebook group). With three adjustable angles and four different speeds, plus an oscillating feature, this gadget is like your personal coach, ready to help you master those forehands and backhands. It releases a ball every four seconds and can hold up to 19 balls. A padded chaise lounge chair equipped with a genius "face cavity" that lets you lie flat on your belly so you can sunbathe comfortably. There's five adjustable back positions and three footrest settings, ensuring you find your *perfect* lounge angle, plus a handy cup holder and zippered side pocket for stashing items. Along with an adjustable mister made to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease. A rainbow collection of flower pots so you can transform your fences and railings into a vibrant oasis. Equipped with handy draining holes and hooks so they can be hung just about anywhere, these pots aren't just eye candy — they're the perfect blend of aesthetic and function. A portable high-top bar table complete with a hidden storage shelf to stash water, beer, soda, and other supplies to keep the party flowing smoothly. The water-resistant tabletop makes it a breeze to clean up any spills made while practicing that new move you learned from TikTok University. It's easy to assemble and lightweight so you can move it around effortlessly, and when the fun's over, it folds up neatly for easy storage! A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality. A pack of motion-activated lights, because the fun doesn't have to stop just because the sun went down. They come equipped with solar panels, letting you light up all those shadowy corners without adding a cent to your electricity bill. A box of mosquito-repellent incense sticks so you can reclaim your outdoor space without the constant buzzing of unwanted guests. They're made with a blend of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, cedarwood, and bamboo, so they actually smell good. Or a high-voltage bug zapper ridding your yard of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies (oh my!) in an impressive half-acre range, making your outdoor gatherings more enjoyable and hassle free. And a garbage guard for when you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your all of a sudden, you hear this agitating, grating noise of flies buzzing around the garbage can. This little gizmo sticks inside your garbage can and releases an odorless vapor that keeps bugs at bay for a whopping four months. A portable 120-inch screen bringing the cinematic experience of a drive-in to you . Set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector (compatible with TV sticks, your phone, and more) and enjoy entertainment under the stars with family and friends (or solo). A discreet outdoor Wi-Fi extender that attaches to a wall or pole to instantly expand your network's reach. Now you can stream your favorite movies, groove to playlists, or scroll through TikTok while soaking up some sun — *without* having to run up your data. A slatted 6-foot-tall privacy screen equipped with built-in planters, giving you your own secluded nook while blocking out the less-than-pleasant views of your neighbor's tool shed, garbage cans, and AC units. Or a roll of faux ivy to give your fence a makeover, creating a lush green barrier to keep nosy neighbors out of your business. Or! You can drape these vibrant vines over your pergola — as the sun plays peek-a-boo through the leaves, your space will be bathed in a soft, dappled light, creating an enchanting atmosphere. An inflatable pool cooler if you've ever been lounging in your pool on a hot day, only to realize you have to get out and trudge back to the house to grab a cold drink or snack. This cute, nifty thing will keep all your essentials chilled *and* afloat so you can continue relaxing in your pool without a care in the world. An outdoor drink stakes set here to secure a spot for your cold drinks if your chair lacks a cup holder. (Like come on, reeeally?!) No more worrying about spills or having to awkwardly hold onto your beverage when you need to stand up. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, making it easy for everyone to remember which drink is theirs. An adjustable gardening bench designed to make your time among the blooms and greens even more enjoyable. You can sit on it comfortably like a regular seat, then flip it over to kneel on its cushy pad, all without the usual knee pain that comes from sowing seeds and battling relentless weeds. A two-burner griddle grill so you can cook several dishes at once, keeping everyone happy and well-fed without the usual hosting stress. Instead of juggling pans and dashing back and forth to the kitchen, you can stay outside, chatting with friends while listening to the gentle sizzle of burgers for dinner or waiting for the right moment to flip your pancakes for brunch. Plus, a strong and bright magnetic barbecue light designed to stick right onto your grill, shedding light exactly where you need it. Whether you're flipping burgers, toasting buns, or making sure those ribs are perfectly glazed, this light ensures you do it all with precision and style. Bamboo wind chimes, aka your perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, offering a tranquil soundtrack that effortlessly complements the sounds of nature. No need for electricity or a playlist — just pure, organic harmony. A pack of solar-powered garden lights so your outdoor space can feel like a magical wonderland with tiny little fairies dancing in the breeze. With bendy stems and weighted bases, they're designed to sway gracefully, creating a mesmerizing display without the hassle of plugs or switches. An inflatable water play center (with over 19,000 5-star ratings) so you and the kiddo can skip out on the crowded waterpark, transforming your backyard into your own personal one. They can splash through a candy arch that gently sprays water and glide down a chocolate slide onto a soft landing pad. This playful set also includes two giant inflatable lollipops and a built-in game activity with colorful balls, ensuring endless fun.
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Afro hair is still discriminated against in the UK - but the Halo Code calls for change
Black people are still being discriminated against simply for their hair texture and majority are unaware about the halo code - a code to help stop discrimination; but we need more to make a true difference. For years, Black individuals have faced discrimination for something beyond their control - their hair. Despite race discrimination being outlawed for over a decade, people continue to face discrimination because of their hair and, in turn, feel confined by the stigma. In September 2024, Spice Girl Mel B supported the "Fix the Law, not our hair" campaign, led by World Afro Day, to revise the country's equality laws and ban Afro hair discrimination by recognising Afro hair as a protected characteristic. Alongside this, an open letter called the '100 Voices, 100 Words Campaign' was sent to the UK Government and had been signed by 100 influential supporters, including Mel B, Beverley Knight, Fleur East, Sarah-Jane Crawford and many more. The letter called on MPs of all parties to vote for the recognition and prevention of Afro hair discrimination by updating the 2010 Equality Act. Despite these efforts, and the introduction of the Halo Code in 2020, why does hair discrimination persist in 2025? What is the Halo Code? The Halo Code was created by the Halo Collective, a group of 30 young Black campaigners who united through the Advocacy Academy, a social justice leadership charity, after repeatedly witnessing hair discrimination in the UK - especially in schools. The Halo Code is the UK's first explicit policy pledge that safeguards Black individuals from discrimination over their hair. It was established in 2020, specifically to address the fact that even though race discrimination has been illegal under the Equality Act 2010, many Black students and workers were still being penalised, excluded, or judged because of their natural Afro hair or protective hairstyles - missing out on job opportunities and even being expelled from school. The collective emerged in response to the hair discrimination observed across the UK, particularly in educational settings. They aimed to devise a clear, practical solution that would compel institutions to accept accountability. Their investigations revealed that 46% of parents reported their child's school policy penalised Afro hair. Additionally, 58% of Black students have been subjected to name-calling or uncomfortable questions about their hair at school and, for Black women at work, 1 in 5 feel compelled to straighten their hair for the office. They also found that numerous young Black girls found themselves excluded from school or pressured to alter their hair to conform with "uniform" rules. While the code has helped influence changes in workplaces and schools, with backing from major brands like Dove, the code is not part of UK law or government legislation - it is a voluntary code of conduct. Organisations and schools can opt to adopt this code to show their commitment to racial equity and inclusivity. By signing up, they publicly pledge to eradicate hair-based discrimination and revise policies to reflect this commitment. Why is Black hair still being policed? Despite the progress made by the Halo code, the European standard of beauty and professionalism continues to be deeply rooted in British schools and workplaces, with Afro hair frequently suffering from these prejudices. Even school uniform rules often ban natural textures or protective hairstyles, using terms such as "extreme" or "distracting" to describe such hair. For Black children, this can mean being excluded, sent home, humiliated just for showing up as themselves - and it doesn't end there. In workplaces, Black people often face remarks such as "your hair is too big," "unprofessional" or even suggestions to "tone it down", subtly pressuring Black employees to either straighten their hair or choose so-called acceptable styles to blend in. The Halo Code is a step forward The introduction of the Halo Code has been a significant step forward, granting Black people the freedom to style their hair as they wish. However, the reality is that it's not mandatory and many schools and workplaces have yet to adopt it, with many still enforcing unspoken rules about what constitutes "neat" or "presentable". Embracing the Halo Code isn't just a ticking a box - it's a clear indication that inclusion, fairness, and respect are valued in every environment. When schools and workplaces actively support the Halo Code, it communicates to Black students and employees that they are accepted just as they are, without having to sacrifice a part of their identity. But real change cannot be limited to a written policy alone. What we need is for the Equality Act 2010 to explicitly recognise hair as a characteristic warranting the much-needed protection for those with afro hair, and a cultural shift - challenging and unlearning the ingrained biases that still perceive Black hair as "too much" or "unprofessional."
Business Insider
18-07-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
Best Afro Hair transplant clinics in Turkey – Top 5 for 2025
Hair loss is still the biggest cause of stress for middle-aged men and women, and sometimes even those in their mid-twenties. However, while there are not many hair restoration options, one of the most frequently asked questions is: 'What about Afro type hair?' To give you a clear answer, we first have to delve a bit deeper into the what, why, and how of hair restoration and the different types of hair. We will give you a look at a few clinics where you can get the best Afro Hair transplant in Turkey, and go into more detail on how it differs from other methods. Things You Should Know About Procedures for Afro Hair The main difference between straight and Afro hair is that the latter has a tightly curled structure that reaches all the way down into the root of the hair follicles. This means that the surgeon has to take extra care when removing grafts from the donor area, as standard tools like micro punches can damage the root if they just go straight in. Apart from accounting for the angle, curvature, and direction of growth, the person handling the grafts has to be careful not to break the strands, which tend to be more brittle and fragile than straight ones. The type of hair you have will also determine what method works best, and Follicular Unit Extraction is often advised for very curly Afro hair, as the Choi Pen used in DHI may not be able to properly fit the follicles without damaging them. Of course, a good clinic will provide you with the best advice for your circumstances right on the spot, but how do you find one? Well, you should be looking at the type of hair transplant result they offer, based on images of patients, as well as online reviews, experience, and whether they offer full travel packages. The Best Clinics in Turkey for Afro Textured Hair We've covered all the basics that can help you see why it's important to have a skilled and experienced surgeon if you want your Afro hair transplant to look great and natural, but we also need to mention a few of the most popular names in the business. Here are the best Turkish clinics operating today. 1. Asli Tarcan Clinic Whether you need a convenient all-inclusive travel package, an expert hair analysis, or high-quality results, the Asli Tarcan Clinic has something for you. The team of skilled specialists is well-versed in performing procedures on Afro hair, which you can see from the hair transplant before and after images of patients, some of whom are celebrities who wholeheartedly endorse the clinic. Being a member of TURSAB, the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, Asli Tarcan also offers incredibly competitive prices that include the procedure, a room at a 5-star hotel, VIP transfer to and from the airport, and a goodie bag with all the aftercare items you need for an optimal recovery. With 50,000+ happy patients over the last decade, and lots of glowing reviews on different online platforms, this clinic has truly cemented its reputation as one of the best in all of Turkey. It offers an exceptional service to both men and women of African descent, with the Sapphire FUE method and the no-shave option, but you can also get a beard and eyebrow transplant. 2. Medhair Clinic Another Afro hair specialist clinic that offers extensive hair transplant work, as well as eyebrow and no-shave procedures geared toward women. The site features several high-quality images showcasing the kind of results you can expect with different numbers of grafts. The team at Medhair has seen its fair share of work, having successfully performed over 14,000 operations in the last 10 years, and they also have JCI and ISO 9001 certificates. 3. Cosmedica Clinic Dr. Levent Acar is a true professional and is fluent in English, which makes the initial consultation and post-op follow-ups much simpler. He and his team also have a good deal of experience, with 16+ years in the industry and over 20,000 surgeries under their belt. The clinic has also earned more than 30 different certificates and awards during this time and promises a 98% success rate, with a special focus on Afro-style hair and eyebrow procedures. 4. EsteFavor If you are looking for a quality hair transplant procedure for Afro hair, this clinic is another good contender for your go-to choice. When you go to the website, you can immediately see several images showing the process of creating a new, natural-looking hairline and a couple of video testimonials from some satisfied patients. They primarily use the FUE method for both men and women, though DHI is available under some circumstances and for less severe hair loss. 5. Estetik International With a big team and a globe-spanning network of seven clinics, Estetik International offers a much broader set of aesthetic services. Even though they are not as specialized as other options on this list, they still have a comprehensive eyebrow, beard, and hair transplant offer, with a focus on Sapphire FUE, female pattern baldness, and Afro hair. They have plenty of patient testimonials on their website, as well as detailed information about their services and all their doctors. Don't Wait, Get the Best Afro Transplant Today Hair thinning and baldness are a big problem for many people past the age of 30, and it can be brought on by genetics or even hairstyles like tight braids, which cause traction alopecia, but there is a simple solution even for curly hair. While working with the tightly coiled structure of Afro-style hair requires more finesse than with straight hair, there are now plenty of options to get a high-quality hair transplant in Turkey. All the names on this list were vetted for their transparency, reliability, experience, results, and quality of care, but one stands a bit above the rest. Asli Tarkan meets all the criteria for a top-level clinic and is an excellent choice for anyone with Afro hair.
