www.theguardian.com/environment/... We can learn a lot from the Netherlands approach.

‘The danger and value of water are in my blood’: how rain fences are making Dutch homes more climate resilient

Housing corporations are adopting rainwater storage in garden fences, reducing pressure during downpours and preserving water for times of drought

theguardian.com

...and Andrew going down for misconduct in public office is bit like Al Capone going down for tax evasion?

When lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content." #independentlens #PBS

Ooopsie.

We should be alarmed at the popularisation by Trump of the use of legal term 'alien' to insult immigrants. We in the UK should also look out for echoes in Reform speeches citing 'alien cultures'. Words matter.

If you are asking yourself 'what can I do to make things better?' start by reading this! We all have useful skills - for me what resonated was 'Coaching, mentoring and professional networks treated as civic infrastructure'. There were examples of this during covid. Are any still active?

Polly Mackenzie@pollymackenzie.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Having spent the weekend feeling rather paralysed by the moment, I wrote something. A voice is not enough. What can I do? Isn't that the question we all face? howtorunacountry.substack.com/p/an-inflect...

A reflective piece on the sad state of Welsh rugby. Neath is my home club with a beautiful ground, proud history and indomitable spirit.

Paul Hayward@paulhayward.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Part 2 of my report on Welsh rugby's crisis - Neath, still strong in spirit, but cut adrift by regionalisation and WRU culls. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... Great article. J G Ballard wrote so well about societal collapse and how we collude by gradual acceptance of dangerous evil.

Want to understand the sickness of Britain today? Look no further – a novel explained it all 20 years ago | Aditya Chakrabortty

The racism, the predatory politics, the banality and cruelty: we struggle to make sense of it, but JG Ballard foretold everything we are living through now, says Guardian columnist Aditya Chakrabortty

theguardian.com

Asylum seekers, housed in hotels in Manchester, are reaching out in their own words to address the concerns of the local community. Please take a minute to read their letter, & share it with the people in your life who need to hear the truth about the people they are protesting.

This investigation from the @sheffieldtribune.bsky.social is absolutely staggering. It is very common in Sheffield (I live in this bit) to have a leasehold, often with hundreds of years left on and pennies in ground rent. This is extortion pure and simple. www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...

A London lawyer bought hundreds of Sheffield freeholds. Then the ‘very aggressive’ letters arrived

Exclusive: The Tribune can reveal that Andrew Milne has threatened leaseholders with high court action. It ‘broke my heart’ one woman says

sheffieldtribune.co.uk

Great edition of #Screenshot on Radio,4 just now. I've admired David Lynch's films (loved Blue Velvet, nightmares from Eraserhead) but not watched #TwinPeaks. That may well have to change. Thanks @ellenejones.bsky.social for and @kermodemovie.bsky.social

www.theguardian.com/music/2025/a.... Using influence for good. And the music is brilliant too. Well picked up by @adrianhorton.bsky.social

Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency is a rare example of fame used for good | Adrian Horton

The megastar’s unprecedented 21-date residency is estimated to bring $200m into the local economy with early tickets exclusively reserved for locals

theguardian.com

Thank you @leighturnerwriter.bsky.social for posting this. I've always found Trollope's female characters interesting. I haven't read Lady Anna but will put that right very soon!

Leigh Turner Diplomacy@leighturnerwriter.bsky.social · last yr.

Cruelty, feminism and power: “Lady Anna” is typical of forgotten 19th Century literature. Despite its unappealing title, it in fact shows how the struggle for #feminism, #power and women’s rights is eternal. buff.ly/7qc1TNF#women #books #literature #trollope

Join us on 29 June to celebrate 50 years of the Brent River Park. www.brentriverpark.org/our-brent-ri...

Fascinating stuff. An early example of Catch 22.

Rick@flipchartrick.bsky.social · last yr.

Until 1867, quitting your job before the end of your contract was a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment. An employer sacking was only a civil offence. You couldn’t give evidence against your ‘master’ so good luck with that! flipchartfairytales.wordpress.com/2017/06/23/w...