Latest news with #DavidRees
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Senior Labour figure comes third in selection contest
A senior Labour politician has come third in a selection for the new Senedd constituency of Afan Ogwr Rhondda, making it harder for him to return at the next Rees, who is the Welsh Parliament's deputy presiding officer, came last in a ballot of members to decide the order of the party's list in the Huw Irranca-Davies came first, while Rhondda's Buffy Williams was placed three of the six seats in any given area would require roughly around 36% of the vote - the most recent Wales-wide opinion poll put Labour at 18%. Rees told BBC Wales the group of three "strongly believe that it's possible to get three seats" in the constituency. Rees has been MS for Aberavon since 2011 and deputy presiding officer for the past four Labour have declined to comment on their party's selection procedures. The seat is one of 16 constituencies for the enlarged Welsh Parliament, spanning Port Talbot, the Rhondda and the Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore year's parliament will elect its politicians through a system of party lists. The better a party does, the more people on its list will become Members of the Senedd (MSs), with politicians elected in the order they are placed on that a party gets enough votes for three seats, then the three top placed individuals will be elected. If there's enough for two, then the two will become MSs. In total six MSs will be elected in each seat from across the parties drop in the polls since the general election has raised questions as to whether the party can win three seats in some of its Welsh heartlands, with both Plaid Cymru and Reform performing well in new system has also created a dilemma for all established Senedd political parties over whether to allow existing MSs privileged positions on party lists, and how exactly to do Labour, which had a large number of Senedd members elected under the old first past the post system, some politicians have been competing for prime spots on constituency Cymru fully opened its selection contests, leading to former leader Adam Price coming third in Sir Gaerfyrddin. Rees is a former school teacher, lecturer and assistant dean of faculty at the former Swansea Metropolitan University, and has chaired several committees in the Senedd."All three of us will be fighting very hard because we strongly believe it is possible to get three seats in that new constituency," Mr Rees told BBC Wales."We need to ensure that the message is given to people about how we are working on their behalf and what the Welsh government is delivering."Asked if the polling made that difficult, he said: "Yes, the polls today are not the same as what they were 12 months ago."We understand the changes people are seeing, the frustrations people have. But you still have 11 months to go - polls will change between now and then."Huw Irranca-Davies, who topped the list, is the current deputy first minister, leading the administration with Eluned Morgan as part of an uncontested "joint-ticket" last summer. The rural affairs secretary served as a UK government minister when he was an MP during the years that Gordon Brown was prime Williams won the Senedd seat of the Rhondda back from Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood in sources indicated there would have been an angry reaction had Williams, one of Welsh Labour's most high-profile women, missed out in the posted a picture of the three smiling together on the social media network Bluesky. She wrote: "Communities across Afon, Ogwr, Rhondda, were built on hard graft and labour values - stronger together and united against injustice, so I'm pleased to be standing as part of a team who's life's work truly reflect these values in the 2026 Senedd election."Irranca-Davies added: "Looking forward to campaigning with Buffy and David." In Clwyd, it is understood that the former minister Hannah Blythyn has come first in a ballot for the seat of Clwyd, with North Wales MS Carolyn Thomas being placed had a significant role in the crisis around the former first minister Vaughan Gething last year, after he sacked her over a leak of text messages from the pandemic. Blythyn denied having anything to do with it, and went on to attack the then-first minister reporting by Elliw Gwawr
Elle
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The 5 Biggest Trends From the 2025 Couture Jewelry Show in Las Vegas
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Experiencing the creations of independent jewelers at the Couture Jewelry Show in Las Vegas this past week was nothing short of inspiring. Though there were many microtrends on offer, these five stood out as the ones to shop this year. After meeting with so many designers and artisans, I felt inspired to up my jewelry game yet again. With gold prices at an all-time high, designers have shifted toward using stones and alternative materials, sparking a renewed wave of creativity. Leather cord necklaces provided a place to hang playful pendants and substantial gems, like the diamond solitaire from Dezso. As summer approaches, sea motifs become omnipresent, and Violette Jewelry makes some of my personal favorites. Though the brand has been around for several years, this was its Vegas debut. A staple of the collection is the hand-carved fish made from the many shades of tourmaline. The attention to detail, like the delicate scales and fins, makes each pendant one of a kind. Ron Anderson and David Rees of Ten Thousand Things travel to Jaipur, India, every year to source stones and work with artisans on beautiful, organic creations. This year was no exception—some of the standouts to me are were multi-tiered gold pendants surrounding smooth aquamarine and citrine stones. Renna Jewels crafted elegant shoulder-duster earrings from multicolored stones, featuring faceted rock crystal backed by luminous layers of mother-of-pearl, chrysoprase, labradorite, and lapis lazuli. Each strand is encircled by diamond-studded sunbursts, creating a radiant, ethereal effect. Bold pieces and saturated colors were everywhere as well. Selim Mouzannar enhanced the vibrancy of his pieces by layering seven coats of enamel over 18-karat gold, making each piece burst with rich, luminous color.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Out in Ohio: How Granville, Grove City and Gahanna are celebrating Pride 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Organizers behind Pride Month festivals in Granville, Grove City and Gahanna join NBC4's LGBTQ+ show 'Out in Ohio' to talk about how they're bringing the celebration to your neighborhood. Digital Reporter David Rees hosts 'Out in Ohio' and chats with Granville Pride president Mark Carr, Pride in Grove City board chair Leslie Anderson, and Gahanna Pride founder Katie McBroom. 'Pride Act' aims to protect Ohio parents with LGBTQ+ children Carr explains that Granville Pride grew from a 2021 resolution passed by the village council denouncing discrimination based on sexual orientation. But, that effort was met with resistance from certain residents and business owners who protested the village's first Pride festival that year. 'It was a positive thing that the village had done, but it really did then allow the other side of the coin to come out as well,' Carr said. 'We've had protestors every single year, but the majority of Granville believes in equality for all.' Since then, Granville Pride has only grown. While that first year drew about 700 attendees, the festival has steadily increased, with more than 1,000 participants in 2022 and about 2,000 in 2023 and 2024. This year's festival on Denison's front lawn on June 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. is expected to be Granville's biggest yet, Carr said. 'I believe that Granville was waiting for the opportunity to show their support,' Carr said. 'Pride actually gives many, many in Granville and the surrounding counties a place to come and support people like me and my husband and my family.' Beyond the festival, Granville Pride also facilitates an 'allies directory' that Carr said makes it easier for LGBTQ+ Ohioans to decide where to shop, eat and visit when they're in the village. If they see an 'ally' sticker on the door or on a business website, visitors can trust they are entering a LGBTQ-safe environment. Nissan, Walmart dial back Stonewall Columbus sponsorships for Pride 2025 '[It] came out of, again, that very first negative reaction [in 2021] that we got from a business owner in the village, and so we said, we're no longer going to spend our dollar at establishments that don't support us,' Carr said. 'So, we developed the Granville Pride business ally and it is a large, large list and growing every single day.' Like many other Pride organizers in central Ohio, Granville Pride has experienced a change in sponsorships as corporations reevaluate donations related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Still, Carr said the festival has received increased funding from first-time sponsors. 'We have new people who are stepping up because they see the increased need,' Carr said. 'As I converse with other Pride organizers, it's sorta the same thing, where some of the old sponsors are no longer there, the bigger corporate ones, but the local-owned businesses are stepping up to fill in that gap.' Anderson explains that Pride in Grove City is also young and grew as other central Ohio suburbs established their own festivals after the COVID-19 pandemic. While Grove City's past three festivals were held in October or September to allow for more flexibility with vendors and other resources, the organization has moved the celebration to June this year. 'Switching to June this year felt like the right time to make that shift and align with national Pride Month and be more a part of the boarder celebration,' Anderson said. Stonewall Columbus gets ready for Pride 2025 Anderson said this year's festival on June 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Town Center Park will be 'a vibrant Pride fest with something for everyone,' including a live DJ, local performers, a special appearance from the gay men's chorus, food trucks and an expanded resource fair. Anderson noted that a protest by a hate group at last year's Pride festival was difficult for Grove City's LGBTQ+ community, but an outpouring of support strengthened the organization's commitment to foster a safe and joyful space, she said. 'The overwhelming support from the community showed that hate doesn't have a place here in Grove City,' Anderson said. 'With the changes we're facing this year in national politics, uniting with our allies feels more important than ever this year.' A member of the Gahanna community for years, McBroom said she wanted to create Gahanna Pride after she saw a need for 'visibility, celebration, and a safe space for residents and youth.' What started as a small effort has grown into a city-wide event, she said. 'We have a huge outpouring of support of local businesses, families, allies that really affirmed Gahanna really needs this and we're ready for this,' McBroom said. 'It's about building the community and showing that inclusion and love really is what we have here in Gahanna.' List: 2025 Pride Month events, festivals in central Ohio This year's festival on June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Headley Park features live drag shows, a DJ, food trucks, various vendors, family-friendly games, a bounce house, face painting and more. Like other central Ohio Pride festivals, Gahanna has also felt hesitation from some sponsors this year. McBroom said it's pushed the organization to be 'more intentional and bold about how we show up.' 'We really just wanna show up about love, support, joy for everybody,' McBroom said. 'Pride's about visibility and resilience, and that's especially important for us this year, and that's how we're gonna show up.' While McBroom didn't set out to be a driving force for Gahanna Pride, she said organizing the festival has been one of the most fulfilling things she's ever done. 'To know that I have helped to create a safe space, it's kind of emotional to think about it,' McBroom said. 'It's been really incredible and I'm super excited to see what's to come.' NBC4's 'Out in Ohio' amplifies the voices, stories and work of Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. Watch this and future 'Out in Ohio' episodes on and the 'NBC4 Columbus' streaming app on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
02-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Senior Labour MSs face three-way selection fight
Welsh Labour risks losing at least one more big hitter at next year's Senedd election because of a three-way fight for selection in a south Wales for the new Afan Ogwr Rhondda constituency mean three significant figures are being pitched against each other, including the deputy first minister and the woman that won Rhonnda for Labour in Irranca-Davies and Buffy Williams will also face the deputy presiding officer David Rees in the party ballot to decide who will get the best spots on the area's Labour Labour said it would not comment on the selection battle. Labour is already facing a major shake-up after the next Senedd election, with more than a third of current Labour MSs having made the decision not to stand for re-election next first ministers Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething are among those standing down. Parties are currently in the process of drawing up lists for each of the 16 new constituencies for the next Senedd can nominate up to eight candidates per constituency, with parties to be rewarded with seats according to the percentage of the vote they Labour would expect to win two of the six seats available in Afan Ogwr Rhondda, it might struggle to win a three of the six seats in any given constituency would roughly require around 36% of the party members will now vote again to decide who will take the first, second and third place on the list in the constituency, with a result is expected in the coming are already indications from some within the party of a degree of anger were Williams, one of the party's highest profile women politicians – to miss would be "fury", said one source. Williams claimed one of the biggest scalps of the 2021 Senedd election, winning Rhondda back from the former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood with a 19% vote previous year she had been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to communities in Welsh Labour said it was committed to a "diverse slate of candidates" in its selection across Wales's 16 new Senedd constituencies, the Welsh Labour government abandoned plans last September to force parties to ensure at least 50% of candidates were were concerns about their lawfulness and whether the Senedd had the power to make the MS Irranca-Davies has emerged as an important figure in the current government set up, taking on not only the duties of deputy first minister under the leadership of Eluned Morgan, but also the rural affairs brief in which he has sought to placate protesting said last November that he had "listened" after making changes to controversial tree-cover requirements to qualify for subsidies. A former MP, he has served as a minister at Westminster. Rees has been MS for Aberavon since 2011 and deputy presiding officer for the past four years. His current constituency contains the Port Talbot normal circumstances Labour would have realistic hopes of winning three seats in the constituency, but as another source put it: "These are not normal circumstances."Senior figures in Welsh Labour are very concerned about losing voters to Plaid Cymru, while some of the recent announcements from Reform leader Nigel Farage suggested they were now also turning their attention to wooing traditional Labour supporters. A poll last month suggested that Labour had fallen to third behind Plaid Cymru and polls had suggested the three parties were neck and neck. At the next election there will be 16 new constituencies made of up of mergers of existing seats and a system of proportional Ogwr Rhondda takes in the former Aberavon, Ogmore and Rhonnda constituency party of the three MSs are on the party ballot because they were nominated by their respective areas: Rees in Aberavon, Irranca-Davies in Ogmore and Williams in Rhondda. A Labour party spokesperson said: "Welsh Labour has committed to putting forward a diverse slate of candidates, including women, people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and Welsh speakers amongst other underrepresented communities."
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS Rolls Out £1.7 Million Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease
(Bloomberg) -- One of the world's most expensive medicines will be used to treat some patients with sickle cell disease in England using the state-funded National Health Service. Manhattan's Morning Commute Time Drops With New Congestion Toll Trump Paves the Way to Deputize Local Police on Immigration Housing Aid Uncertain After Trump's Spending Freeze Memo Trump's Federal Funding Pause Threatens State Financials How the 2025 Catholic Jubilee Is Reshaping Rome The one-time gene-editing therapy Casgevy, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Crispr Therapeutics AG, has a list price of £1.7 million ($2.1 million), but England's drug cost regulator said it has negotiated a lower, undisclosed price. About 1,700 people could be eligible for the therapy, which aims to repair genetic code, although it's likely only about 50 patients a year will receive it given the complexity of the treatment. Sickle cell disease affects the red blood cells and causes extreme pain, organ damage and can shorten a patient's life. Only some patients with the disease will be eligible to receive Casgevy. The treatment is designed to work by editing the faulty gene in a patient's bone marrow stem cells. The cells are taken out of the bone marrow, edited in a laboratory and infused back into the patient — after which the results have the potential to be life-long. Since it's discovery more than a decade ago, Crispr technology has been expected to bring about a revolution in medicine. The decision announced Friday reverses an earlier rejection in draft guidance from the regulator. The treatment will be rolled out under a so-called managed access program, where more data is collected to help the regulator — the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence — understand the longer-term benefits before it re-assesses the drug. England has a stringent process to assess the cost-effectiveness of new medicines, and NICE decides which drugs will be available free to patients on the NHS. With the health service under growing financial pressure, the regulator has faced recent criticism over its refusal to accept some cancer medicines. Still, the UK was the first country to approve Casgevy in 2023 and the treatment is already available to a smaller group of patients with a serious form of beta-thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder that requires repeated transfusions. The treatment for sickle cell requires chemotherapy, meaning it's likely only patients with the most severe and progressive problems will benefit, said David Rees, professor of pediatric sickle cell disease at King's College London. Despite his concerns, he said it 'offers a really important new treatment option.' 'Excitingly, advances in gene editing are happening very rapidly at the moment and it seems likely that cheaper, safer and more effective forms of gene editing will emerge for sickle cell disease over the coming years,' he said. Indy Pass, the Anti-Vail Seasonal Ski Ticket, Is Gaining Fans The Internet Almost Killed Barnes & Noble, Then Saved It What America's Tech Billionaires Really Bought When They Backed Donald Trump Musk Pitches New Narrative as Tesla Sales Fall Forget Factories, Small US Towns Want Buc-ee's Gas Stations ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
