New Works by Val Maclean will be at the Under Ground Theatre from September 2-24.
Val has lived in Sussex from the age of 20. After training to teach children with special needs she felt the desire to travel and see the world. She spent 14 years working for a travel company, which took her to many exotic places, including the West Indies and the Far East. When she retired in 1998, Val concentrated on and developed her artistic practice.
Receiving education from Eastbourne College of Arts & Technology, Val went on to form a group with her fellow students, ART22, meeting every month to discuss work and exhibiting together.
She is a natural and intuitive artist whose creative process is considered and experimental, and her practice continues to evolve and adapt alongside her changing choice of medium. The show can be viewed 10-12.30pm on Fridays, and 10-4pm on Saturdays.


New Works by Val Maclean will be at the Under Ground Theatre from September 2-24.


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.
Happy 25th birthday to the internet! In August 1991, British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee published the first web page.
And on August 23, 1991, he gave the public access to it.
Handily, the page told readers how they could set up their own website, whatever the heck a website was.
You can view a version of that original web page here. Compared to what we have now obviously it is very basic but will go down in history as one of the most important developments of all time.

The World Wide Web is 25 today: Here’s 25 things the internet changed forever


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.
Passengers traveling with British Airways, easyJet and Thomas Cook will be charged £25 if any claim they make is unsuccessful, as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will no longer mediate between customers and airlines.
Previously, the CAA would act as the ‘middleman’ in negotiations between customer and airlines in disputes regarding flight delays and cancellations or missing or damaged luggage.
British Airways, along with easyJet and Thomas Cook, have signed up to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), which charges customers a £25 fee for unsuccessful claims for compensation.
However, passengers with other airlines, including Flybe and Ryanair will be able to pursue complaints without fear of financial loss as these airlines have signed up with the Retail Ombudsman which does not charge customers to use the service.
Also, Eurowings and Lufthansa will use German company Söp, which similarly does not charge a fee.

BA and easyJet passengers could pay £25 charge for flight delay complaints


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.


Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.
The study shows exposure to traffic pollution is a trigger for daytime sleepiness - and may also trigger SNORING.
More than 12,000 adults were included in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study.
The findings show that people exposed to high levels of pollution had a 65 per cent greater chance of suffering from daytime sleepiness, compared to those who had no exposure.
Traffic noise in the bedroom was also a trigger - with people 46 per cent more likely to feel sleepy in the day if exposed.
And the research also suggests that people are also 29 per cent more likely to be a habitual snorer if they are exposed to traffic noise while they sleep.
Daytime sleepiness affected one in five people involved in the study, while one in four reported habitual snoring.
Ane Johannessen, an epidemiologist at Bergen University in Norway, wrote the study together with Professor Thorarinn Gislason and other Northern European researchers.
She said: “Exposure to traffic should be taken into account when planning treatment for patients with sleep disturbances, because reducing noise and pollution exposure in the bedroom may have a beneficial effect.
“Reducing exposure through relocating the bedroom away from pollution sources or making the bedroom more soundproof to protect against traffic noise, as well as mapping alternative and less polluted outdoor everyday routes may help patients with their sleep disorders.”
The study also showed that men, older subjects, smokers and those with lower education were more likely to report habitual snoring.
They were usually less physically active, with a higher BMI, and more likely to have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Women, older people, smokers, and those with lower education were more likely to report daytime sleepiness.
The new research is due to be presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in London next month.
Professor Jorgen Vestbo, President of ERS and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The question of who snores may be a running joke in some households but for many snoring is a serious issue, with direct links to physical and mental well being and the same is true for daytime sleepiness.
“We want people to think more about the environment around them and the impact it can have - from the way they sleep to the air they breathe.”
To coincide with Congress, the ERS will be holding some free public lung function testing, starting in Trafalgar Square on September 2 and 3.

Sleepiness linked to traffic noise and pollution


Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.


Minding your manners, avoiding emotional Facebook rants and knowing what cutlery to use are the modern day signs of class, according to new research.
A study of 2,000 Britons for fashion brand Peter Hahn identified the markers that separate the classy from the hoi polloi and they also include not showing too much cleavage, holding the door for others and speaking more than one language.
So how classy are you? Take our quiz to find out.


Minding your manners, avoiding emotional Facebook rants and knowing what cutlery to use are the modern day signs of class, according to new research.


Fertility experts are calling for tougher regulations around IVF treatment because the solutions used to grow embryos can influence the birthweight and health of babies.
They want firms a clear list of ingredients for the solutions like those used to regulate food such as peanut butter.
The demand follows the results of a trial that shows that the composition of these laboratory cultures influence the health of the resulting embryos and babies.
The trial found that they affected the numbers of viable embryos created, the rates of successful implantation in the womb, the pregnancy rates and the babies’ birthweights.
The findings were published in the journal Human Reproduction, together with a second paper that reviews what is currently known about embryo culture media.
The second paper concludes: “There is a strong case for demanding full transparency concerning the compositions of and scientific rationale behind the composition of embryo culture media”.
The journal’s editor-in-chief, Professor Hans Evers, called for “urgent action” by industry and regulators in the wake of the findings, saying that, just as with foods such as peanut butter, the exact composition of the culture media should be listed.
He said: “Floating an embryo for only a few days in a culture medium affects the birthweight of IVF children nine months later.
“Small differences in birthweight may reflect more subtle disturbances that only will manifest themselves later in life.
“As of today, not knowing the exact composition of their IVF culture media is no longer an option for clinical embryologists.”
Dr John Dumoulin, the IVF laboratory director at Maastricht University Medical Centre in The Netherlands, and his colleagues recruited 836 couples who were scheduled for IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment at one of 10 IVF centres.
Dr Dumoulin said: “For the first time, by means of a large randomised controlled trial, we have shown that human embryos that are cultured in vivo are sensitive to their environment and that something is programmed into these embryos during those few days before transfer to the womb that still has an effect nine months later.
“This being the case, we must be aware that David Barker hypothesised that the environment in early life, from foetus to the first two years of life, can have a significant effect on long-term health.
“This means that we should be careful and we should no longer blindly accept new culture media, or other alterations in laboratory or clinical procedures, without first rigorously studying effectiveness and safety.”
In the second paper, a working group of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, led by Professor Arne Sunde, of the University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, made the same recommendations.
Their research showed that culture media vary widely, their composition is usually unknown by the embryologists, doctors and patients, and figures about the influence of the media on outcomes are conflicting.
Prof Sunde said: “The key issue is that we must know the composition of the culture media we use, since it seems to induce differences in the make-up of the children born.
“We have no information about long-term consequences of this, but we cannot rule out that the composition of the culture media may affect the health of children as they grow up and become adults.”
At present, there is no uniform regulation of embryo culture media. In Europe, the majority of media approved for use carry the CE mark, but other non-CE media can still be used.
Prof Sunde added: “It is not obligatory to declare changes and the information we might get is far from sufficient.
“We want to know in detail what changes have been made and the scientific basis for the changes, including animal and human clinical data backing the change.”


Fertility experts are calling for tougher regulations around IVF treatment because the solutions used to grow embryos can influence the birthweight and health of babies.


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.
A study of 1,500 Brits exploring the influence of packaging and branding on shopping habits found that one in six people thought the Coca-Cola bottle was the most identifiable in terms of packaging.
Indeed, it was deemed to be just as recognisable without its logo or the product itself.
The research, commissioned by Easyfairs, organisers of Packing Innovations and Luxury Packaging London, found the Toblerone triangular chocolate bar finished as a close runner up, with Marmite’s glass jar rated as third-best-loved product packaging.
Beauty brands, such as the Tiffany Box and the Chanel No.5 Bottle just missed out on the top ten.
Coke’s success has been attributed to its targeting younger audience, with one in five Millennials selecting the bottle as the most recognisable pack product.Pringles’ iconic cylinder tube, fourth on the overall list, was the Millennial’s second favourite.
The study also revealed barcodes as the greatest packaging invention, ahead of more traditional items such as the cardboard box (21 per cent) - although the younger generation, 18-34 years, voted for 3D printing and re-sealable zips as its top two.
Gerry Sherwood, Event Director for the Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio, who commissioned the survey, said: “Millennials have officially passed Baby Boomers as the largest generation in history, and are more personally connected to their favourite brands than ever before. It is therefore not surprising to see 3D printing come out top in our poll for this age group.”
Top Ten Most Recognisable Brand’s Packaging
1. Coca-Cola Bottle
2. Toblerone Triangle
3. Marmite Jar
4. Pringles Tube
5. KFC Bucket
6. Heinz Ketchup Bottle
7. Fairy Liquid Bottle
8. Apple’s iPhone Box
9. Walkers Crisp Packet
10. Amazon Box

Coca-Cola bottle ‘most iconic packaging’


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.


Ambulance staff and volunteers have been thanked for their hard work during another busy bank holiday weekend.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) received more than 9,100 emergency calls during the long weekend (27th – 29th August) – 9% more than the 2015 August bank holiday weekend.
The busiest day of the weekend was Saturday with 3,299 calls across the East. The Trust received 2,776 calls on bank holiday Monday.
Community first responders attended almost 300 medical emergencies over the weekend.
Sandy Brown, Director of Nursing and Clinical Quality, said: “Whilst most people were enjoying a long weekend in the sun, our staff and volunteers were working hard to help patients across the East of England.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their efforts over the weekend.
“We continue to experience an increase in demand, but we coped well to provide the best possible care to patients over the bank holiday.”
County breakdown of number of calls over the bank holiday weekend compared with 2015:
Bedfordshire – 873 (849)
Cambridgeshire – 1,123 (1,095)
Essex – 2,992 (2,626)
Hertfordshire – 1,463 (1,491)
Norfolk – 1,444 (1,301)
Suffolk – 1,276 (1,019)

More than 9,100 calls to ambulance service over Bank Holiday weekend


Ambulance staff and volunteers have been thanked for their hard work during another busy bank holiday weekend.


This weekend the Rye Jazz and Blues Festival will delight music lovers from across the South East with a feast of top class ticketed and free music performances.
The headline concert on Saturday August 27 with UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris has been in high demand and organisers have announced additional standing tickets for this concert at £15.
Acclaimed Jazz singers Liane Carroll and Joe Stilgoe perform together on Monday August 29 and there are a handful of seats still available plus standing tickets just released at £10.
Book through the festival website and tickets may be also available on the door.
Friday August 26 sees Sky Arts guitar stars, Zayn Mohammed and Steve Morrison perform on the outdoor performance stage at the Kino Cinema from 7pm - one of many free events that take place at the festival.
On Friday night you can also experience the coolest Latin Jazz with Hastings-based Jazz Train at the Grapevine Champagne and Jazz Bar from 8pm and Andy Williams performs at La Maison store from 6pm. The Rye Bay Crew swing into the weekend at the Queens Head Rye from 8.30pm.
Saturday August 27 sees a free performance from midday at the Kino outside stage from the Fabulous Brass Funkeys who will play at various locations in Rye. The amazing Brillos take to the Kino stage from 1.30pm and Louis Turpin and his Trio play blues at the Butter Market from 3pm.
Saturday’s feast of vibrant free music continues with Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion at the Kino stage from 5pm. Free music across both Sunday and Monday takes place at these venues with Cuban band Kandela Mi Son, The Fabulous Red Diesel, Dom Pipkin’s New Orleans edgy band the Ikos and Rod Pooley’s Funky Organ Trio. King Size Slim perform at a free event at the Standard Inn from 4pm.
On Sunday the Rye Lodge Hotel hosts a stunning jazz and champagne event on the terrace from 1-3pm with the superb Dave Barrett Jazz Trio. To book tickets for this event please call 01797 223838 or go to www.ryelodge.co.uk
Wrapping up this amazing weekend of music, on Monday Paul Richards and his Latin Trio perform the coolest Bossa Nova’s and Samba rhythms from midday at the Butter Market. The achingly cool Violet Jive perform outside the Kino and the jazz Funk Giants perform outside Simply Italian both from 3pm.
The old Borough Arms host the Paul Richards Latin Duo at 3.00pm and the Turpin Hubbard Blues Duo see out the weekend in style at the Ship Inn from 4pm.
For more updates or to book go to www.ryejazz.com.


This weekend the Rye Jazz and Blues Festival will delight music lovers from across the South East with a feast of top class ticketed and free music performances.


A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.
And, perhaps more worryingly, one in 10 respondents to the Churchill Home Insurance survey allow children between the ages of five and seven to drink alcohol.
While it is not illegal for a child between the age of five and 16 to drink alcohol on private premises, it flies in the face of advice from the Chief Medical Officer whose official advice warns: “Children and their parents or carers are advised that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. However, if children drink alcohol underage, it should not be until at least the age of 15 years.
“Parents and young people should be aware that drinking, even at age 15 or older, can be hazardous to health and that not drinking is the healthiest option for young people.”

Do you think it’s okay to allow children to drink some alcohol at home?


A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.


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Are you a drill sergeant, a worshipper, a skipper or a teammate? Experts have identified four types of parent when it comes to teaching their children how to DRIVE.


Grove House Gardens rocked on Saturday to the annual Dunstable Rocks event.


QUIZ: How well do you know your retro games?


Can you get 10/10 in our retro games quiz?


Video game escapism in its purest form.
No Man’s Sky in undeniably a work of art, but have you got time to look around the whole gallery?
No Man’s Sky launched last week after much hype and billed as quite literally the biggest video game ever made.
The self-perpetuating game, which promises to be potentially endless, was four years in the making by a tiny team in game production terms. And you can tell as it will instantly take your breath away.
Make no mistake there has never been anything like this before. As you fly ever deeper into the universe, new planets and solar systems roll silently into view – some will have been seen before, others discovered for the very first time. And you have 18 quintillion of them to choose from...
Each has its own set of flora, fauna and inhabitants. By exploring, players gain information about the planets that they can submit to The Atlas, a universal database that can be shared with other players of the game and for which they are rewarded in currency each time.
Each planet is a work of art you could spend hours studying, analysing and dissecting. These works of art are housed in an endless gallery and for art connoisseurs it will be Manna from heaven.
However, most people’s playing time will be finite.... unless you’re at university and can afford to miss the odd class here and there to squeeze in just one more exploration of a peculiar alien planet.
And that is where one of the game’s key sticking points comes in. As much as No Man’s Sky takes us to Infinity and leaves us wondering what waits beyond, there is also an almost irresistible itch which you can’t scratch because you can never truly “complete” this game in the traditional sense.
But that is very much a personal take on NMS, many people might enjoy jumping on for a couple of hours here and there, discovering lots of different things and logging it to the Atlas, if anything it could be cathartic but many people like a beginning, a middle and an end to their games.
No Mans Sky is undeniably a work of art
The care, thought, time and brilliance that has gone into this utterly original video game is mindblowing and deserves to be experienced by PlayStation gamers.
It is the purest form of video game escapism we have ever seen and should be celebrated as such.
But it will more likely go down as a cult classic than the blockbuster success it’s craft deserves.


Pokemon GO players who are found to be cheating will have a permanent ban slapped on them, it has been announced.
The game’s developer, Niantic, has altered the terms and conditions to include the condition that a life ban will ensue for anyone caught using trickery to bag Pokemon.
The new clause prohibits: “Falsifying your location, using emulators, modified or unofficial software and/or accessing Pokemon GO clients or backends in an unauthorized manner including through the use of third party software.”
It has been reported that some users have managed to fool the app into thinking they were at a different location. Some Pokemon are region-specific, although taken to extremes, a player could play the game without leaving their home.
“Our goal is to provide a fair, fun and legitimate game experience for everyone,” Niantic said:
“We will continue to work with all of you to improve the quality of the gameplay, including ongoing optimization and fine tuning of our anti-cheat system.”
Anyone believing that have been unfairly banned can access an appeals system.


Pokemon GO players who are found to be cheating will have a permanent ban slapped on them, it has been announced.


The choice of leaf-based beverages on offer has mushroomed in recent years, from builder’s tea or nothing, to every flavour from peppermint to rhubarb & ginger.
Now, a third generation of teas is brewing. This will concentrate less on exotic new flavours and more on health benefits as producers look to capitalise on a market that remains huge – with 165 million cups of tea consumed in Britain every day – but faces growing competition from coffee.
Tetley has looked into the tea leaves and predicts we are in for a range of “remedy” teas – enriched with medicines, from painkillers to antibiotics – some of which may even be offered as cures for hangovers and remedies for tiredness, the report suggested.
We can also expect tea to be consumed through an array of alternative “delivery mechanisms” such as tablets, jellies, sprays and sorbets, according to a new report Tetley has done with so-called futurologist consultancy Future Foundation.
“Britain’s love affair with tea is enduring. The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th century, but now we are entering a period of rapid change,” said Laurent Sagarra, head of product innovation at Tetley.
“The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th Century, but we are now entering a period of rapid change,” she said.
“We’re constantly innovating, grading, blending and tasting and now’s the time to see what’s next for the iconic British cuppa,” she added.
The proliferation of teas will give High street coffee shops a run for their month, the report suggests, with “tea-total” outlets offering a range of exotic tastes and flavours.
Nick Chiarelli, director of the Future Foundation, said: “Our report predicts that exciting and satisfying new tea formats will develop, and that tea will evolve to deliver personalised health benefits.”

New generation of teas could cure hangovers, report suggests


The choice of leaf-based beverages on offer has mushroomed in recent years, from builder’s tea or nothing, to every flavour from peppermint to rhubarb & ginger.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.
Having an unrewarding job as you start out on the career ladder makes you more depressed, worried and had more trouble sleeping.
And if you stay stuck in positions with low levels of job satisfaction it affects you not just you mentally but physically too, including catching more colds, having a bad back and poor heart health.
But if you are happy in your job or finally get your dream job as your career progresses your overall health gets a boost.
The study by Ohio State University sociologists found job satisfaction in your late 20s and 30s has a link to overall health in your early 40s.
While it impacts on physical health, its effect was particularly strong for mental health.
Lead author and doctoral student Jonathan Dirlam said: “We found that there is a cumulative effect of job satisfaction on health that appears as early as your 40s.”
The study highlighted the importance that early jobs have on people’s lives.
Associate professor of sociology Dr Hui Zheng said: “You don’t have to be near the end of your career to see the health impact of job satisfaction, particularly on your mental health.
“The higher levels of mental health problems for those with low job satisfaction may be a precursor to future physical problems.
“Increased anxiety and depression could lead to cardiovascular or other health problems that won’t show up until they are older.”
He added the study was carried out before the credit crunch and said: “The recession almost certainly increased job insecurity and dissatisfaction, and that could have resulted in more negative health effects.”
The study used data from 6,432 Americans followed from the ages of 14 to 22 as part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979.
Researchers examined job satisfaction trajectories for people from age 25 to 39 and their health on turning 40.
Participants rated how much they liked their jobs from 1 - dislike very much - to 4 -like very much.
They were then divided into four groups: consistently low and consistently high job satisfaction, those whose satisfaction started high but was trending down and those who started low but were trending higher.
About 45 per cent of participants had consistently low job satisfaction, while another 23 per cent had levels that were trending downward through their early career.
About 15 per cent of people were consistently happy at their jobs and about 17 per cent were trending upward.
Mental health was most affected by people’s feelings about their jobs with those in the low job satisfaction group throughout their early careers scored worse on all five of the mental health measures studied.
They reported higher levels of depression, sleep problems and excessive worry and were more likely to have been diagnosed with emotional problems and scored lower on a test of overall mental health.
Those whose job satisfaction decreased were more likely than those with consistently high satisfaction to have frequent trouble sleeping and excessive worry, and had lower scores for overall mental health.
But they didn’t see an impact on depression scores or their probability of being diagnosed with emotional problems.
Those whose scores went up through the early career years did not see any comparative health problems.
Those in the low satisfaction group and those who were trending downwards reported poorer overall health and more problems like back pain and frequent colds compared to the high satisfaction group.
But they weren’t different in physical functioning and in doctor-diagnosed health problems such as diabetes and cancer.
As with mental health, no effects were seen on physical health for those trending upward.
The findings was presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Seattle.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.


Just as the nation is ready to be gripped again by Strictly Come Dancing, the Royal Hippodrome Theatre is preparing to welcome former champion Pasha Kovalev on his return to Eastbourne.
He will perform in new live show Let’s Dance the Night Away on Saturday April 29. Expect all your favourite dances, stunning costumes, great music, chat and fun for all the family.
Pasha won Strictly Come Dancing with Caroline Flack in 2014 and has scored more 10’s than any other professional dancer since the series began. The theatre has announced a special deal for audience members because with a first time Early Bird purchase offer. For all patrons who purchase their tickets before December 31, their tickets will include early admission on the night for a special 20 minutes of Q&A with Pasha.
There are also special VIP tickets available which includes a special meet and greet with Pasha after the show.
Pasha last appeared at the Hippodrome in 2015 to a sell out crowd just after he won Strictly. He is soon to be featured on a special mural that is being painted celebrating the stars of the Hippodrome’s past and present. He has over the years partnered Rachel Riley, Chelsee Healey, Kimberley Walsh, and of course the viewers’ favourite Carol Kirkwood. You can purchase tickets early by calling 01323 80 20 20 or online www.royalhippodrome.com. Ticket prices start from £24.

Form an orderly queue for a chance to meet lovely Pasha


Just as the nation is ready to be gripped again by Strictly Come Dancing, the Royal Hippodrome Theatre is preparing to welcome former champion Pasha Kovalev on his return to Eastbourne.


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.
The average driver now pays £715 a year for fully comprehensive cover, up 19 per cent on the same time last year.
The figures were revealed by the Confused.com car insurance price index, which tracks quarterly and annual trends.
After dropping for several years from a high of £843 in 2011, insurance costs have been rising since the start of 2015. The latest figures, for the period from April to June 2016 show that costs have risen by 6 per cent since the start of the year and drivers are paying an average of £115 more for their insurance than they were in the same period last year.
Northern Irish drivers have been worst hit by the latest rises, seeing their premiums climb 25 per cent year-on-year. They now face an average premium of £863.
Also feeling the impact badly are motorists in parts of Scotland - the Highlands and Islands saw rises of 24 per cent and drivers in the Hebrides were hit with a staggering 42 per cent annual increase.
Conversely, Orkney’s capital - Kirkwall - was one of only two places to see a drop in costs, with a quarterly fall of four per cent. Hereford, in the West Midlands, was the only other place to see a fall in quarterly premiums - down two per cent on the first three months of the year.
While younger drivers might face the highest premiums overall, they have actually escaped the worst of the rises. Drivers aged 17 saw an annual rise of just eight per cent - the lowest of any age bracket - but still face average premiums of £2,013. A the opposite end, 61-year-old drivers saw a 24 per cent rise - the highest of any age group - but still only pay £418 a year.
And the gender gap persists, with male drivers facing annual rises of 21 per cent in comparison with the 18 per cent faced by women. This continued difference means the gap between the sexes is growing as men pay an average of £92 a year more - up from £27 in 2013.
Confused’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “We’ve not seen price rises of this magnitude for five years - a 19 per cent annual increase is substantial to say the least. And these price rises are being felt across the board, for drivers of all ages and genders, across all UK regions.
“If prices continues to rise at the rate we’ve been seeing, we could be facing the possibility of average comprehensive premiums reaching a high not seen since 2011. This, combined with rising fuel prices and increased motoring costs across the board, could result in a sizeable dent in drivers’ pockets.”

Car insurance costs soar nearly 20 per cent in 12 months


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)
“I’m gonna roll you over, and rock you stupid, and leave you there just humming...”
David Brent is back. I never thought I’d write those words but here is the middle-aged master loser – on the big screen as a documentary team follow his dream of a ‘rock tour’ to save him from life as a sanitary products sales rep.
The Office was incredible TV, that made you wince and laugh in equal measure, the likes of which we haven’t fully seen since.
David Brent: Life On The Road picks up the potent unfulfilled dreams of Slough’s favourite office manager and presents the full horror of what happens when Brent cashes in his life savings and pensions to finance a tour for his band Foregone Conclusion. The good news is that this the best Gervais has been in years – capturing the brilliant comedy/pathos at the heart of The Office and delivering big time both in the laughs and the cringe inducing awfulness of Brent’s socially awkward overdrive.
This isn’t for those who are easily offended or just after some gentle humour – Life On The Road is a comedy-tragic-em-up that will rip your heart out even while you’re spitting popcorn.
This older Brent is a lonelier than ever, his hired bandmates won’t socialise with him or even let him on the expensive tour bus he’s shelled out for; he even has to pay them to have an after show drink with him at one point.
The expected adoring crowds don’t exactly turn up and the record company scouts are more interested in the genuinely talented aspiring rapper Dom Johnson (Doc Brown) who Brent has guest rap on some of his songs in an effort to make them both ethically friendly and youthful.
The excellent Tom ‘Love & Friendship’ Bennett is great as Brent’s one Lavichem office pal and Diane ‘Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe’ Morgan has a fun cameo as a PR tasked with the impossible job of making Brent ‘cool’.
Doc Brown, though, steals all his scenes with looks to camera of such sheer uncomfortableness that I’d love to see him get his own spin-off movie.
Life On The Road takes mid-life desperation and blows the door off it in fine comic style.
You’ll laugh, you might even cry but be warned you might also very well hurt yourself due to the unsafe levels of cringe.

Review: Cringeworthy David Brent brings tragedy to comedy


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple

Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.


A look back at players in the aborted 2010 sting


Court denies request to list Johnson as Libertarian in Ohio


Officer cleared in shooting of man holding worker with knife


GOP to revisit 2010 sting in anti-Strickland web push


Abercrombie reports wider 2Q loss on sales decline


Justice Dept. focuses on police treatment of mentally ill


Ohio Lottery Results for Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016


Associated Press Ohio Daybook for Sunday, Aug. 28.
The daybook is for planning purposes only and is not intended for publication or broadcast. You should verify any event you plan to cover.
Please keep the AP in mind when news develops. The Columbus bureau is reachable at 614-885-2727. Send daybook items to [email protected]
——————–
Sunday, Aug. 28 1:00 PM Interfaith Association of Central Ohio 24th Annual Main Event Luncheon
Location: Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH Columbus http://iaco.org/
Contacts: Interfaith Association of Central Ohio [email protected] 1 614 849 0290
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Sunday, Aug. 28 – Wednesday, Aug. 31 American Probation and Parole Association Annual Training Institute
Location: Cleveland, OH Cleveland http://www.appa-net.org
Contacts: Diane Kincaid APPA press [email protected] 1 859 244 8196
——————–
Monday, Aug. 29 10:00 AM OHROC and Ohio GOP highlight Ohio state Rep. Jeff Rezabek’s ‘accomplishments in the House’ – Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee and Ohio Republican Party hold press conference to ‘highlight the stark contrast between Ohio state Rep. Jeff Rezabek and his challenger David Sparks’, and ‘call attention to past comments by Sparks that include lewd and sexually explicit language toward women, as well as comments about drug use.’ Participants include Ohio state Rep. Jeff Rezabek, Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges, Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald, and Ohio House Republican members
Location: Dayton Racquet Club, 40 N. Main Street, Dayton, OH Dayton http://www.ohroc.com/ https://twitter.com/OhioHouseGOP
Contacts: OHROC [email protected]
——————–
Monday, Aug. 29 6:00 PM Hillary for Ohio opens new organizing office – Hillary for Ohio opens new organizing office, where supporters discuss Hillary Clinton’s ‘agenda for supporting the local economy compared with Donald Trump’s plan to give large tax breaks to the wealthy’
Location: 224 Park Ave., Hamilton, OH Hamilton www.hillaryclinton.com https://twitter.com/hillaryclinton #OHHillYes
Contacts: Rachel Harvey Katz Hillary for America [email protected]
——————–
Tuesday, Aug. 30 8:30 AM Abercrombie & Fitch: Q2 2016 Earning conference call / Webcast
Location: TBD http://www.abercrombie.co.uk/anf/lifestyles/html/investorrelations.html https://twitter.com/Abercrombie
Contacts: Hampton Carney Paul Wilmot Communications [email protected] 1 212 206 7447
——————–
Tuesday, Aug. 30 The Wendy’s Company: Q3 2016 Ex-dividend date
Location: TBD http://www.aboutwendys.com/Investors/ https://twitter.com/Wendys
Contacts: David D. Poplar Wendy’s Investor Relations [email protected] 1 614 764 3311
——————–
Tuesday, Aug. 30 Abercrombie & Fitch: Q2 2016 Results
Location: TBD http://www.abercrombie.co.uk/anf/lifestyles/html/investorrelations.html https://twitter.com/Abercrombie
Contacts: Hampton Carney Paul Wilmot Communications [email protected] 1 212 206 7447
_____
Keywords: Daybook, Ohio


Ohio Lottery Results for Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016


Man charged in fatal hit-and-run in northeast Ohio


Police: Officer, civilian hurt following crash in Cleveland


Under Armour warehouse to employ 1,000 at steel mill site


LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two defendants became the first to plead guilty Thursday to federal charges in an armed confrontation with U.S. officials over grazing rights near cattleman and open-range advocate Cliven Bundy’s ranch in Nevada.
Gerald “Jerry” DeLemus and Blaine Cooper each admitted to conspiring with others who engaged in a tense gunpoint standoff with federal Bureau of Land Management agents in April 2014 near Bundy’s property about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Both told U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro they weren’t physically present for the standoff.
But they acknowledged interfering with the execution of federal court orders by recruiting and organizing armed gunmen to support Bundy and sons Ammon, Ryan, Mel and Dave Bundy in efforts to prevent the roundup of Bundy cattle from the scenic Gold Butte area.
Their plea deals call for sentences of six years in federal prison, although their defense attorneys can seek leniency at sentencing Dec. 1. Each also could be fined up to $500,000 and be subject to up to three years of government supervision after prison.
Cooper, 37, from Humboldt, Arizona, also pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
DeLemus, 61, of Rochester, New Hampshire, arrived in Nevada hours after the confrontation started. His second felony plea was to an interstate extortion charge, admitting he drove cross-country with guns with an intent to display “force and aggression” to stop the roundup.
DeLemus, a former U.S. Marine, spent weeks afterward living in a tent and organizing armed patrols near the Bundy ranch outside Bunkerville.
DeLemus was also politically active at home in New Hampshire, where his wife, Susan DeLemus, is a Republican state assemblywoman. He stopped several times Thursday to confer with his attorney while entering his guilty pleas.
“I don’t know that I threatened anyone,” DeLemus told the judge at one point, “but I made public statements hoping it would end peacefully.”
Prosecutors characterized DeLemus and Cooper as “mid-level organizers” and leaders of the conspiracy to prevent federal agents and contract cowboys from rounding up Bundy cattle that federal officials said were trespassing on public land.
“Federal law enforcement officers must be able to engage in their official duties, including executing federal court orders, without fear of assault or losing their lives,” U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said in a statement after the pleas.
DeLemus and Cooper became the first among 19 defendants to take plea deals in the case in Las Vegas.
Trial for some of the remaining 17 defendants is scheduled to begin Feb. 2 on charges including threatening a federal officer, carrying a firearm in a crime of violence and obstruction.
Seven defendants in the Nevada case, including Cooper and Bundy’s sons Ammon and Ryan Bundy, are also among 26 people charged in Portland, Oregon, in connection with a 41-day occupation of a wildlife refuge earlier this year.
Eleven people have taken plea deals in the Oregon case, including Cooper. The Oregon trial is scheduled to begin next month.

2 men in Nevada standoff case plead guilty in federal court


WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department lawyers investigating police agencies for claims of racial discrimination and excessive force are increasingly turning up a different problem: officers’ interactions with the mentally ill.
The latest example came in Baltimore, where a critical report on that department’s policies found that officers end up in unnecessarily violent confrontations with mentally disabled people who in many instances haven’t even committed crimes. The report cited instances of officers using a stun gun to subdue an agitated man who refused to leave a vacant building and of spraying mace to force a troubled person — said by his father to be unarmed and off his medications — out of an apartment.
Though past federal investigations have addressed the problem, the Baltimore report went a step further: It was the first time the Justice Department has explicitly found that a police department’s policies violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. The finding is intended to chart a path to what federal officials hope will be far-reaching improvements, including better training for dispatchers and officers, diversion of more people to treatment rather than jail and stronger relationships with mental health specialists.
“Through the course of our work in the last several years on this bucket of issues, we’ve seen how important it is to get at the mental health issues as early in the system as possible,” Vanita Gupta, head of the department’s Civil Rights Division, said in an interview.
Civil rights officials say the Baltimore report builds on work they’ve done in investigating the treatment of the mentally ill in various settings. In Mississippi, the Hinds County Jail in June recently agreed to better screening for mental illness and to provide individualized treatment for those with serious disabilities, and the Justice Department sued the state as a whole this month, saying it was illegally making mentally ill people go into state-run psychiatric hospitals
But it’s the work with police departments that often attracts the most attention. Even as police forces improve training and develop intervention teams to respond to individuals in the throes of a crisis, concerns remain that officers aren’t adequately equipped for the situations and are being forced to fill the void of a resource-starved mental health infrastructure. More than 14 percent of male jail inmates and 31 percent of female inmates are affected by serious mental illness, according to a July speech by Justice Department official Eve Hill, who said society has for too long relied on arrests and jail rather than treatment for the mentally ill.
“From the standpoint of police, they are somewhat frustrated because many of the people who are walking the streets and who are in need of help are not getting it,” said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum. “They have been out on the streets, they can’t afford medication, and so the police wind up being the only one they come in contact with.”
The Justice Department has incorporated treatment of the mentally ill into several of its wide-ranging civil rights investigations of troubled police departments.
“I think some police departments have really made it a priority and are doing quite a bit. I don’t know that that’s consistent across all the departments,” said Amy Watson, a mental health policy professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
A 2011 Justice Department report on Seattle criticized officers for too quickly resorting to force when encountering people with mental illness or under the influence of drugs. In Cleveland, officers were found to use stun guns against people with limited cognitive abilities, and in one case used one on a suicidal deaf man who may not have understood their commands, according to a 2014 report. Albuquerque, New Mexico officers responding to a domestic violence complaint used the same tactic on a man who had doused himself with gasoline, the Justice Department said.
Those cities have since reached court-enforceable consent decrees aimed at overhauling practices.
The Portland police department, which also came under investigation, agreed to new training and accountability measures under a settlement. A federal monitor in February found the Seattle police department was sending trained crisis intervention officers to “crisis events in the great majority of instances” and had given some level of training to all officers in the last two years. A report this month from the Seattle police found that only 1.6 percent of crisis reported during the past year involved any reportable use of force.
Federal officials hope for a similar resolution in Baltimore, where the Justice Department says police have provided minimal training on responding to mental health crises. Under an agreement in principle, Baltimore has pledged to work more closely with disability organizations and mental health providers.
But, Gupta said, improvements can occur only if there’s a system with resources in place to help the police.
“It’s not about casting blame on specific actors. It’s about making sure that there is adequate support for community-based mental health services in compliance with federal law,” she said.
Ray Kelly, co-director of the No Boundaries Coalition, a Baltimore advocacy group, said he didn’t believe Baltimore police have succeeded in separating law-abiding citizens from criminal suspects, “so they definitely don’t take the time to separate the mentally ill from the criminal element or the average Joe buying drugs on one of our corners.”
He said he hoped the report would foster better collaboration between police and mental health experts, so that if there’s a possibility that officers are dealing with someone who’s disabled, they “would call a professional that’s prepared to work with this instead of using aggressive manhandling tactics like they’ve used in the past.”
____
Follow Eric Tucker: http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP


Cleveland schools, teachers agree on tentative contract


AP-OH-Ohio News Coverage Advisory 9:00 am, OH


Ohio court rules that immunity law covers non-medical help


It's fair to say Beyonce stole the MTV VMAs with an extended performance inspired by "Lemonade." It was also a special evening for Rihanna, who performed throughout the night before Drake presented the Vanguard award to the woman he's "been in love with since [he] was 22 years old." And Britney Spears returned to the VMAs stage; it was an admirable effort, but even those shadow fingers couldn't come close to topping Beyonce.

Did Beyoncé pay tribute to Prince or uplift feminism?


Donald Trump tours on the West Coast Tuesday, with a stop in Washington State. Tim Kaine campaigns for Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania.
Marco Rubio, John McCain face pro-Trump challengers in Tuesday's primaries
face pro-Trump challengers in Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin splits from husband Anthony Weiner after latest sexting scandal
aide splits from husband after latest sexting scandal Clinton wonders which of Donald Trump's personalities will appear in the September debates
wonders which of personalities will appear in the September debates Trump's latest ad borrows phrase from Democrat John Edwards

When politics and entertainment collide: Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry joins 'Dancing with the Stars'


Beyoncé wins video of the year for 'Formation'


Stephen Bannon, Trump's new campaign chief executive officer, was arrested for domestic violence in 1996. The charges were dropped.
Stephen Bannon, the newly minted chief of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, was arrested on domestic violence charges two decades ago, according to a report in the New York Post.
A fight between Bannon and his then-wife occurred on New Year’s Day 1996 after an argument over finances, according to the Post and other published reports. Police in Santa Monica responded to the couple’s house and found Bannon’s wife with bruising on her neck and wrist, the reports said.
Bannon, who has taken a leave as the head of Breitbart News to become the Trump campaign's chief executive officer, was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence, battery and dissuading a witness, according to the reports. The charges were dropped when Bannon’s wife did not appear in court, they said, and the couple, parents of twin infants, divorced the following year.
"The bottom line is he has a great relationship with the twins, he has a great relationship with the ex-wife, he still supports them," Alexandra Preate, Bannon's spokeswoman, told Politico.
Bannon was brought on to lead Trump’s White House effort last week after turmoil in the campaign.
The investment-banker-turned-Hollywood-producer has no experience leading a political campaign, but he is known for his pugilistic style and his conservative news organization has long been pro-Trump.

Trump's new campaign chief arrested for domestic violence in 1996, according to reports


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Guy Pearce and Carice van Houten are now parents, The Times has confirmed — and their first-time baby announcement is equal parts cute and quirky.
“A cute little package arrived and told us his name's Monte Pearce,” the “Memento” actor tweeted Monday. “We think we're gonna keep him. Placenta smoothie anyone?”
Aww! And, um, eww …
“Both Carice and Monte are doing very well,” said a rep for Van Houten, the Dutch actress who plays Melisandre on “Game of Thrones. The baby was born last week, though they’re keeping the exact birth date “L.A. Confidential” for now.
Cute fact: When the couple announced in March that they were expecting a child, they were already anticipating some “shadowbaby” jokes. “GoT” fans will understand why.
Aussie actor Pearce, 48, and Van Houten, who turns 40 next week, worked together on the Western thriller "Brimstone,” which will premiere next month at the Venice Film Festival.
They sparked relationship rumors early this year when were photographed grocery shopping together in Los Angeles, E! News reported. In January 2015, Pearce split from Kate Mestitz, his high school sweetheart, following 18 years of marriage. That couple announced their divorce last October.
Follow Christie D’Zurilla on Twitter @theCDZ.
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Donald Trump travels to Mexico to meet with President Enrique Peña Nieto ahead of his immigration speech Wednesday.
Donald Trump glossed over immigration the day before his plans to meet with the Mexican president
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On Sept. 8, the 40th Toronto International Film Festival will kick off, and with it the annual awards-season derby that will end with the Academy Awards next February. Over the course of 10 days, Times journalists will be on the ground in Canada, bringing us their first impressions of many of the films that will shape the Oscar race, as well as exclusive interviews, videos and photo shoots with their writers, directors and stars. Toronto is where the awards race picture begins to take shape – we'll help bring it into focus.

'Snowden,' 'Denial,' and 'Deepwater Horizon' among this year's newsy films at TIFF


Guy Pearce and Carice van Houten are now parents, The Times has confirmed — and their first-time baby announcement is equal parts cute and quirky.
“A cute little package arrived and told us his name's Monte Pearce,” the “Memento” actor tweeted Monday. “We think we're gonna keep him. Placenta smoothie anyone?”
Aww! And, um, eww …
“Both Carice and Monte are doing very well,” said a rep for Van Houten, the Dutch actress who plays Melisandre on “Game of Thrones.” The baby was born last week, though they’re keeping the exact birth date “L.A. Confidential” for now.
Cute fact: When the couple announced in March that they were expecting a child, they were already anticipating some “shadowbaby” jokes. “GoT” fans will understand why.
Aussie actor Pearce, 48, and Van Houten, who turns 40 next week, worked together in 2015 on the western thriller "Brimstone.”
They sparked relationship rumors early this year when they were photographed grocery shopping together in Los Angeles, E! News reported. The romance apparently started about a year after Pearce’s January 2014 split with Kate Mestitz, his high school sweetheart, following 18 years of marriage.
Follow Christie D’Zurilla on Twitter @theCDZ.
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Anna Chlumsky welcomes her second daughter with husband Shaun So
Homeland Security is investigating nude-photo cyberattack on Leslie Jones
Teyana Taylor is the star of Kanye West's 'Fade' video — and a whole lot more


The Rams will play the Broncos today in Denver at Sports Authority Field at 6 p.m. on CBS in their third exhibition game. Quarterback Case Keenum is expected to play at least three or for series against the Broncos with rookie Jared Goff taking over after that.


Now that's something you don't see every day: A mini Sports Authority Field


MTV's VMAs are here! But we may as well call them the Beyonce awards with how many awards she's nominated for. That would be a whopping 11. Adele comes in next with seven nominations. Drake, Kanye West and Justin Bieber are also vying for the top prize. Rihanna will receive the Vanguard Award, the VMAs' most prestigious award, which has previously been given to Michael Jackson, Madonna, and David Bowie. And while we're talking about flashback artists: Britney Spears is performing! Stay with us as we report all of the play-by-plays.

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Beyonce goes full angel wings and daughter Blue Ivy is dressed as a priceless princess -- in pale peach sneakers, no less -- on the 2016 VMAs red carpet on Sunday.
The dresses aren't the only fairy-tale part of the looks, both are clad in Lorraine Schwartz jewelry -- Queen Bey in some $13 million all by herself.
We haven't received official word on the provenance of Beyonce's dress, but according to the interwebs it is Francesco Scognamiglio F/W 2016 couture.

Live updates from the MTV VMAs: Beyonce and Blu Ivy slay on the red carpet and Drake shares Billboard-size love of Rihanna


It's fair to say Beyonce stole the MTV VMAs with an extended performance inspired by "Lemonade." It was also a special evening for Rihanna, who performed throughout the night before Drake presented the Vanguard award to the woman he's "been in love with since [he] was 22 years old." And Britney Spears returned to the VMAs stage; it was an admirable effort, but even those shadow fingers couldn't come close to topping Beyonce.

Beyoncé wins breakthrough long-form video award for 'Lemonade'


Watch live: The MTV VMAs are streaming here


Welcome to Essential Politics, our daily feed on California government and politics news. We've got a number of big stories that we're following:
We've also got a new bill tracking page for some of this month's biggest state Capitol debates.
Find the July Essential Politics archives here.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter for more, or subscribe to our free daily newsletter and the California Politics Podcast

Santa Ana police officers switch to 'dual endorsement,' now support Loretta Sanchez and Kamala Harris for Senate


Drake wins hip-hop video award for 'Hotline Bling'


Beyoncé's 'Formation' wins editing award


Beyoncé's 'Formation' wins cinematography award


Nick Cannon turns out to the VMAs looking ....freshly showered?


Beyoncé delivers show-stopping performance; everyone reacts


The Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies now view Islamic State as a shrinking and increasingly demoralized military force, a sharp shift from the seemingly invincible extremist army that declared an Islamist caliphate two years ago.
The revised assessment comes after surprisingly swift and relatively bloodless victories this summer near Syria’s border with Turkey and in the Sunni heartland of Iraq, two areas where Islamic State had appeared entrenched.
The rapid recapture this week of Jarabulus, the militants’ last garrison by the Turkish border, helped close off a boundary region that was crucial for movement of recruits, supplies and money in and out of the group’s quasi-state.
It also was the latest fight to suggest the Sunni militants no longer are willing to fight to hold territory against a sustained assault. Only one fighter was reported killed in the assault led by Turkish tanks. Several hundred others apparently fled.
Partly as a result, U.S. officials have hinted that the long-delayed assault on Mosul, Islamic State’s self-declared capital in Iraq, may be launched this fall. The city of 1 million has been increasingly cut off by advancing Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces.
Michael Knights, Iraq fellow at the nonpartisan Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said taking back Mosul. along with the Syrian towns of Deir ez Zour and Raqqah, will mark the end of the caliphate.
“After the fall of those cities, [Islamic State] will be just another terror group,” he said. “They might be able to throw a couple car bombs in city centers and mount small arms attacks, but they will no longer engage in heavy fighting on a daily basis. In other words, we’ll be back to where we were in 2013.”
But most experts, including U.S. intelligence officials, warn that Islamic State’s ability to inspire or organize terrorist attacks abroad is unimpaired — and may be even pose a greater threat as foreign sympathizers are unable to reach the cut-off caliphate.
“Despite the progress, it is our judgment that [the group’s] ability to carry out terrorist attacks… has not to date been significantly diminished,” Nicholas Rasmussen, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, told the House Homeland Security Committee recently.
Militants still detonate car bombs or launch suicide attacks each night in Baghdad. They could devolve into the kind of sectarian insurgency that turned Iraq into a slaughterhouse after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, or morph into a stateless global terrorist network like Al Qaeda became after 2001.
“I don’t think we’ll ever be able to get rid of their ability to inspire attacks abroad just because they lose territory,” cautioned a U.S. defense official, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. “They will continue to operate in the shadows and cause problems.”
As in other insurgencies, militants may be running away from battles now to survive and fight again — at a time and place of their choosing, experts warn. They could be sent to other battles or used as suicide bombers.
Moreover, Islamic State still has vast sway. It controls half the area it seized in Iraq in 2014 and 70% of its territory in Syria, according to U.S. estimates, and continues to haul in millions of dollars from taxes, fees and extortion.
Current U.S. intelligence estimates say the group now fields as few as 16,000 fighters — half its army of a year or so ago, but still a potent force.
But U.S. officials point to undeniable progress two years and more than 14,000 airstrikes after President Obama first ordered a bombing campaign against Islamic State targets.
“The number of fighters on the front line has diminished,” Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, commander of U.S. forces against Islamic State until this week, said in a teleconference from Baghdad. “They've diminished not only in quantity, but also in quality.”
He added, “All I know is when we go someplace, it's easier to go there now than it was a year ago. And the enemy doesn't put up as much of a fight.”
As an example, he said that after U.S.-backed Iraqi forces recaptured Fallouja, key to the Sunni heartland west of Baghdad, in late June, militants fled their former stronghold in a large convoy that coalition aircraft quickly spotted and destroyed.
“They kind of made themselves easy targets for us,” MacFarland said. “I don't think they would have made that mistake a year or two ago.”
Each defeat has added pressure on the militants by cutting off routes used to move arms, supplies and reinforcements. That affects command, unit cohesion and efficiency.
“Now they have to go get somebody and bring them all the way across the desert to reconstitute somebody who gets killed fighting near Ramadi or Haditha or someplace like that,” he said. ”And there's a good chance we'll spot them long before they get there.”
In addition to losing the border towns of Jarabulus and Manbij in northern Syria, the militants have been routed this month in Khalidiyah and Qayyarah in western Iraq. They previously were ousted from Hit, Al Hawl and Rutbah in Iraq.
Islamic State’s overseas operations also are under siege.
Fighting raged from mid-May until last week in Sirte, the group’s stronghold on the coast of Libya. U.S. airstrikes and British commando raids helped Libyan government forces finally retake the battered city.
Elsewhere, Boko Haram, the group’s affiliate in Nigeria, has lost territory to government troops. Islamic State branches in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and in eastern Afghanistan, also have suffered sharp defeats.
“The evidence across the board is the decline of territorial control,” said Seth Jones, a former U.S. counter-terrorism official now with Rand Corp., a nonpartisan think tank based in Santa Monica.
The group “appears to be losing steam on a number of fronts,” he added. “It has impacted recruits, finance and the broader narrative that it is winning.”
But he warned that Islamic State could make a vicious resurgence, much as Al Qaeda did in Iraq, especially if the U.S.-led coalition eases pressure.
“I take this with a huge grain of salt,” he said.
william.hennigan@latimes.com
Twitter: @wjhenn

U.S. intelligence says Islamic State is weakening after series of defeats


Donald Trump travels to Iowa, where he'll attend Sen. Joni Ernst's second annual "Roast and Ride," an event that combines motorcycles, food and politics.

Watch: Donald Trump speaks to supporters in Iowa


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Marco Rubio, John McCain face pro-Trump challengers in Tuesday's primaries
face pro-Trump challengers in Clinton continues to outpace Trump on ad spending
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Meg Whitman, a Republican, who ran for California governor in 2010, stumps for Clinton in Colorado

Watch live: Donald Trump rallies supporters in Everett, Wash.


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Expansion of farmworker overtime goes to Gov. Jerry Brown


Welcome to Essential Politics, our daily feed on California government and politics news. Between now and Wednesday night, the big focus will be on the last hours of this year's legislative session in Sacramento.
Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a ban on using bullhooks to control elephants, a bill he vetoed in 2015.
An expansion of existing rules requiring equal pay, regardless of gender, is headed to Brown's desk.
Lawmakers approved a bill Monday requiring county jails to provide in-person visits for the families of inmates.
We're also tracking key bills and policy debateshere as the Legislature wraps up its work.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter for more, or subscribe to our free daily newsletter and the California Politics Podcast


It's fair to say Beyonce stole the MTV VMAs with an extended performance inspired by "Lemonade." It was also a special evening for Rihanna, who performed throughout the night before Drake presented the Vanguard award to the woman he's "been in love with since [he] was 22 years old." And Britney Spears returned to the VMAs stage; it was an admirable effort, but even those shadow fingers couldn't come close to topping Beyonce.

Beyoncé's 'Formation' wins direction award


The Adobe Walls TSM is helping the American Legion raise funds for a new air conditioner unit by bringing a flea market to town.
Once a month out of state vendors will bring their items to Borger to sell. Located at the American Legion (across the parking lot from the Dome), the flea market starts this Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Homemade goods, crafts, and knick knacks can all be expected.
TSM will provide concessions for the occasion.

Adobe Walls TSM brings Flea Market to Borger


Having risen through the ranks of the UK indie world, championed by pop stars and indie icons and collaborated with Suede legend Bernard Butler on her 2013 self-titled album, Natalie McCool returns with brand new album ‘The Great Unknown’ and a tour that includes a date in Leeds.
McCool’s breed of slick alternative pop has won her acclaim from the like of Huw Stephens and Alice Levine, while BBC Introducing described the edgy artist as“one of the finest emerging songwriters around”.
The singer-songwriter’s debut was built on a foundation of deliciously dark, gloomy indie-pop, but follow-up ‘The Great Unknown’ - available through Pledge Music exclusively from September 9 - is an awakening – emerging from the shadows with a number of prickly pop tunes.
Fans can hear the new material for themselves when the BBC Radio 1 play-listed McCool embarks on ‘The Great Unknown’ tour next month and will be in Leeds at the Brudenell Social Club on Sunday, September 18.

Natalie McCool brings ‘Great Unknown’ to Leeds


Having risen through the ranks of the UK indie world, championed by pop stars and indie icons and collaborated with Suede legend Bernard Butler on her 2013 self-titled album, Natalie McCool returns with brand new album ‘The Great Unknown’ and a tour that includes a date in Leeds.


FOR much of the night, a group of individuals beneath the lime tree at the St Lawrence ground taunted the Yorkshire pace bowler Liam Plunkett.
Their witless chanting echoed around the stands in a manner that reflected poorly on Kent and their stewarding operation, such as it was.
Yorkshire's Liam Plunkett celebrates his caught and bowled of Kent's Will Gidman at The Spitfire Ground. Picture: Adam Davy/PA.
It is not known what prompted the abuse, or why Kent did nothing to eject these people.
Plunkett simply responded in the best way possible.
For a second year running, he produced a match-winning performance at the quarter-final stage, earning Yorkshire an 11-run win and a semi-final against Surrey at Headingley on August 28.
Last year, it was Essex who felt the force of Plunkett’s power in the quarter-finals, the all-rounder scoring an unbeaten 49 from 32 balls to lead them to an unlikely par total at Chelmsford.
Yorkshire's Adam Lyth led the way with the bat for Yorkshire at Kent on Thursday. Picture: Adam Davy/PA.
He followed that up with his side’s best figures of 3-58 as Yorkshire won by 20 runs.
Last night, after Yorkshire scored 256-9 from their 50 overs, Adam Lyth top-scoring with 88 and England vice-captain Joe Root contributing 45, Plunkett returned 4-52 from 10 overs in another decisive intervention.
He began with the wicket of Sam Northeast, caught at mid-wicket to end a dangerous stand of 50 with Joe Denly for the second wicket after David Willey trapped Daniel Bell-Drummond in the second over of Kent’s reply.
After Steve Patterson got Sam Billings lbw, Plunkett followed up by removing Denly, who skied to Willey in the mid-wicket region.
Darren Stevens, playing his 500th match for Kent, and Alex Blake added 86 in a fifth-wicket stand that looked to be putting the hosts on course for victory before Willey had Blake caught behind for 50.
But the key moment of the night came with the total on 180-5 in the 37th over when Plunkett produced a remarkable catch, diving one-handed to his left, to remove Stevens for 54 off his own bowling.
Plunkett took a simpler caught-and-bowled to dismiss Will Gidman before Adil Rashid and Willey closed out the match.
Victory kept Yorkshire on course for an historic treble of County Championship, Royal London Cup and NatWest T20 Blast and delighted their one-day captain, Alex Lees.
“We knew this was going to be a real tough game,” he said.
“Kent had a home quarter-final for a reason, and I thought Adam and Joe played brilliantly with the bat. We battled really hard to get a good score, and our bowling was exceptional. The match-winning performance was Liam’s. He was brilliant.”
Before a near-capacity crowd of 6,000, who watched in glorious weather, Lyth got Yorkshire off to a flier after the visitors lost the toss.
Lyth flicked former Yorkshire pace bowler Mitch Claydon to the mid-wicket boundary and square-drove his next ball to the backward-point rope.
He also lofted Claydon for six over long-off and Lees hammered him for a straight boundary before the captain was first out to the final ball of the fifth over.
Claydon dropped short and Lees pulled down the throat of Blake on the mid-wicket rope.
Lyth and Root ticked along in seemingly effortless manner, scoring at just under five an over without the hint of risk.
Root worked the ball around unfussily and it came as a surprise when he was second out with the score on 117 in the 24th over, the victim of another catch at deep mid-wicket by Blake, this time off Charlie Hartley.
Hartley, a 22-year-old right-arm pace bowler, was playing only his fourth List A game. He completed a notable double when he followed the wicket of Root with that of Bairstow, who went for nine when he chipped to Bell-Drummond at mid-on.
Lyth looked set for his third century in the competition but flirted at one outside off stump from Coles and was caught behind.
Yorkshire lost two wickets with the score on 191 in the 39th over, bowled by Will Gidman, when Tim Bresnan picked out cover and Willey was strangled for a golden duck.
Plunkett sliced Coles to cover, Gary Ballance was run-out for 37 after a mix-up with Rashid when considering a third run, and Azeem Rafiq was bowled by Coles, who ended with 3-39.
Rashid hit a six and a four in the last over, bowled by Claydon, as Yorkshire achieved an advance of four on the total of 252-9 they made in last year’s quarter-final.
Even after Stevens’s departure, Yorkshire could never feel that they had the match won.
Coles swung productively before being smartly stumped by Bairstow off Rashid, who took the ninth wicket to have Hartley lbw.
Willey ended things by pinning James Tredwell, much to the frustration of the individuals beneath the lime tree.

Liam Plunkett silences abusive spectators by leading Yorkshire to Royal London semi-finals


FOR much of the night, a group of individuals beneath the lime tree at the St Lawrence ground taunted the Yorkshire pace bowler Liam Plunkett.


Yorkshire moved to within five points of County Championship leaders Middlesex after wrapping up a resounding 305-run victory over Nottinghamshire at Scarborough.
Knowing a victory was needed to keep pace at the top of the table in what was their game in hand on their main title rivals, the White Rose county backed up Gary Ballance’s decision not to follow-on on Wednesday by securing the win early in the afternoon session.
They needed just 34.3 overs to claim the final seven wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 146 chasing 452 to win and leave their own hopes of survival in Division One hanging in the balance.
They remain rooted bottom to the bottom of the table with three matches to play while Yorkshire stay second and well in the hunt for a third successive Championship title.
Despite heavy rain for much of the evening on the east coast, play got under way on time thanks in no part to the decision to transport the club’s ‘Blotter’ from Headingley to North Marine Road in the early hours of the morning.
The machine spent two hours drying the outfield, and Tim Bresnan was soon reaping the rewards as he had Tom Moores (41) caught by Adam Lyth at second slip from just the fourth ball of the morning.
GOT HIM: Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan celebrates dismissing Nottinghamshire's Chris Read for his fifth wicket of the innings. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Having taken two wickets in an over on the previous day, Bresnan continued his fine form with the ball, with Samit Patel the next to succumb to the England all-rounder as he feathered an edge through to wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd.
Notts captain Chris Read fared little better as Bresnan picked up his fifth wicket, Jake Lehman the catcher at fourth slip, but Brendan Taylor and Brett Hutton were able to forge a partnership to see Notts through to lunch.
The pair added 47 for the seventh wicket, but just three balls after the interval they were parted as Ryan Sidebottom found Hutton’s outside edge and Hodd took the simplest of catches.
That sparked a lower order collapse, as Brendan Taylor (38) pushed a wide ball from Jack Brooks to Alex Lees at cover and Luke Fletcher was bowled from the very next ball to leave Notts on the brink of defeat.
People had a pop at us for not enforcing the follow-on but it shows the strength of our team and we stick by what we believe gives us the best opportunity to win a game of cricket. Yorkshire head coach, Jason Gillespie.
Imran Tahir was able to survive the hat-trick delivery, but he faced just three more deliveries before fending Brooks off to Lees at short-leg as the final four wickets fell in just three-and-a-half overs after lunch.
Bresnan finished with career best figures of 5-36 and his best in any first-class match across the two innings of 8-51.
Afterwards, Jason Gillespie said the result vindicated the decision not to enforce the follow-on.
“It was the right call,” he said. “People had a pop at us for not enforcing the follow-on but it shows the strength of our team and we stick by what we believe gives us the best opportunity to win a game of cricket. We’ve been vindicated in it.
Yorkshire come out to field against Nottinghamshire on the final day of the match at Scarborough. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
“It’s a very important result against a very good side. Obviously Notts didn’t play their best cricket but we knew they were going to be a good challenge. We’re pleased as punch. To go from 51 for six on the first day to win by 300 runs – this team never ceases to amaze me. It’s important how you respond to the positions we find ourselves in at times, but I couldn’t be any more proud of them. There’s no words to describe it.
“You can point to a number of individual performances this game that were wonderful performances, but with the team collective there was no panic. There was a real calmness in the dressing room even when we found ourselves in a spot of bother. That is a hallmark of a decent side and a side that backs their ability, trusts their game and believes.
“That’s fantastic for us going into these last four games but we know we just have to control what we can and keep level-headed. Hopefully, that will give us a chance to compete and put us somewhere near the top at the end of the season.”
Yorkshire celebrate victory over Nottinghamshire at Scarborough and thank the fans and supporters for their support. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan celebrates dismissing Nottinghamshire's Tom Moores at Scarborough. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Nottinghamshire's Brett Hutton narrowly avoids being run out against Yorkshire. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Injured captain Andrew Gale watches on at Scarborough on day four as his team clinch victory against Nottinghamshire. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Yorkshire's Jack Brooks takes the final wicket of Nottinghamshire's Imran Tahir to give them victoryat Scarborough on Friday. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

GALLERY: Yorkshire v Nottinghamshire - Tim Bresnan’s career-best return seals White Rose victory


Yorkshire moved to within five points of County Championship leaders Middlesex after wrapping up a resounding 305-run victory over Nottinghamshire at Scarborough.


Punk duo Slaves say they may be unable to live up to the name of their forthcoming album and Take Control of the 'wild' Leeds Festival crowd this weekend.
Drummer vocalist Isaac Holman and band mate Laurie Vincent, on guitar and vocals, play Leeds Festival main stage on Sunday after Reading Festival on Saturday.
And they say northern fans are often more wild than anywhere else in the country.
"I don't know if we can take control of the Leeds crowd but I'll give it a good old go," laughed Isaac, promising fans 'blood, sweat and laughs'.
AUDIO: Listen to Slaves star Isaac Holman's exclusive chat with Graham Walker - CLICK HERE.
"We are a southern band so we did a bit better down south at first. But the northern crowds are even more wild for us now than down south sometimes. I think Leeds is going to go off.
"It's completely what I live for. I love playing live. It's the only time my mind goes quiet and I feel comfortable when I step out on stage. The more people there the merrier."
GET LEEDS AND READING FESTIVAL APP: Daily set times for Reading and Leeds Festivals are now live on the R&L App - iTunes and Android.
Slaves are on the same bill as Red Hot Chili Peppers. Imagine Dragons and Courteeners.
Other superstar bands playing this weekends include Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy, Foals, Disclosure, The Vaccines and Chvrches - along with rising local stars, such as South Yorkshire's own Radio 1 hitmakers The Sherlocks. Leeds Festival is set to attract around 80,000 people.
Isaac, who also revealed they still get starstruck, said it will be a highlight of their year which also includes a 15 date UK headline tour in November and the release of next album Take Control on September 30.
Isaac added: "Sometimes you get starstruck. Me and Laurie definitely do fanboy some people we meet. But the more you get into the scene you realise everyone is just a person and it becomes a little bit more normal.
"We've worked our way up through the stages. Being main stage is like another level - Leeds and Reading were the festivals we went to when we were younger and I don't think we ever imagined we would be on the bill let alone on the main stage. It's brilliant."
Slaves, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, will be laying waste to venues across the country as they launch into a full UK tour in November. Yorkshire dates include Leeds O2 Academy on Tuesday, November 15 and Sheffield O2 Academy, on Friday, November 25.
See full tour, ticket details and album download links links below.
Slaves earned a reputation for themselves as one of the UK’s fiercest live acts with their constant touring and festival appearances off the back of last year's debut album, Are you Satisfied?
Their next hit album in waiting was part recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio in Santa Monica, California.
Take Control was produced by one of the legends of early hip hop and New York punk, Mike D who, says Laurie, “Became like another member of our band – we can safely call him our friend, which is just surreal!”
The album finds the young pair sharpening up their skills, both in songwriting and in execution and sounding heavier in places.
Several tracks on the album were recorded on vintage equipment used by the Beastie Boys on their classic records, Including STD’s PhD’s, Angelica and Consume Or Be Consumed.
Recorded back home in London, Steer Clear was a collaboration with another hero, Baxter Dury, who lent his distinctive vocals to a duet with Isaac.
Slaves first emerged in 2012, working their way up through the local toilet-venue circuit to become one of the success stories of 2015.
The band’s debut album Are You Satisfied? smashed in to the UK top 10 and earned the band huge critical acclaim. Thanks to their charismatic mash-up of punky urgency and silly humour, they bagged Kerrang!’s Spirit Of Punk award and NME’s Best Video award (for Cheer Up London), while also securing nominations for the Mercury Music Prize, and for Best New Band at Q and NME.
Along the way, they’ve won the hearts of The Streets’ Mike Skinner, stolen the show on last year’s NME tour, had Skepta join them on stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and toured with Jamie T and Wolf Alice – the latter in America in March, after which Wolf Alice’s drummer Joel Amey bunked off to California to play on new track People That You Meet.
Pre-order new the album now to get a free download of Spit It Out, first single from the album, at youareallslaves.com - you can also order at iTunes, Amazon or Google Play.
VIDEO: Check out Spit It Out, the first single off the album - a snapshot of their manic daily lives in Tunbridge Wells and New Cross - CLICK HERE.
Leeds Festival Ticket Information
Weekend tickets are £205 + £8 booking fee = £213 total Day tickets are £59.50 + £7 booking fee Early entry permits - £20 (No booking fee) Campervan permits - £75 (No booking fee) Lockers - £16 (No booking fee)
Slaves 2016 UK Tour dates (All shows 14 +)
Thu 10 Nov 2016 – Bexhill - De La Warr Pavillion - UK
Fri 11 Nov 2016 – Truro - Hall for Cornwall - UK
Sun 13 Nov 2016 – Cardiff - University Great Hall - UK
Mon 14 Nov 2016 – Cambridge - Corn Exchange - UK
Tue 15 Nov 2016 – Leeds – O2 Academy - UK
Thu 17 Nov 2016 – Newcastle – O2 Academy - UK
Fri 18 Nov 2016 - Glasgow – Barrowland - UK
Sat 19 Nov 2016 – Birmingham – O2 Academy - UK
Mon 21 Nov 2016 – Bristol – O2 Academy - UK
Tue 22 Nov 2016 – Leicester - O2 Academy - UK
Wed 23 Nov 2016 – Nottingham - Rock City - UK
Fri 25 Nov 2016 – Sheffield – O2 Academy - UK
Sat 26 Nov 2016 – Manchester - Albert Hall - UK
Tue 29 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
Wed 30 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
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VIDEO: Leeds Festival preview
AUDIO: Take plenty of wet wipes, says 'Mr Leeds Festival' Frank Turner
Leeds Festival 2016: What we know so far about this year’s line-up

AUDIO: 'I don't know if we can Take Control of wild Leeds Festival crowd', jokes punk stars Slaves


Punk duo Slaves say they may be unable to live up to the name of their forthcoming album and Take Control of the


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Child’s Play Day Nursery in Dewsbury held a special graduation-style party for children leaving for school recently.


Devoted dad Steven Scaddan is calling for speed limits to be lowered on a main road connecting Dewsbury and Morley, after his wife and daughter were involved in a “terrifying” collision.
The car Tracey Scaddan and the couple’s two-year-old daughter Caitlin were travelling in was hit, by a “recklessly” driven stolen vehicle, as it reversed into their driveway on Leeds Road, in Dewsbury last month.
Their car was sent spinning and 36-year-old Mr Scaddan, who was notified of the accident by a family member, feared his family had been “left for dead”.
He said: “They are both to this day still recovering and we were informed by the police and fire brigade that if we had a smaller car they would both be dead.”
Mr Scaddan, who has lived on Leeds Road for more than a decade, said the crash had left his daughter unable to sleep through night and his wife is struggling to come to terms with the shock of what has happened.
“I just wish I could swap positions with her,” he said. “I wish I could have been in that car instead of her. It is really distressing thinking about what could have been.”
Mr Scaddan has set up a petition calling for action to make the road safer.
And it has gained nearly 1,000 signatures in just over a week. He said: “I am campaigning for a safe road, for the lowering of the speed limit to 30mph, for putting permanent speed cameras along the road and if another pedestrian crossing was put in, it would be brilliant.
“Just anything that will bring the speed down and make the road safer for the young families and older generation that live here.
“At the moment the road is a death trap, it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
There has already been several fatalities on the street, also known as the A653.
And Mr Scaddan said it was only a matter of time “before someone else gets killed”.
“I am extremely lucky to have my family still,” he said. “But this could have been a completely different story.
“I don’t want any one else to go though what my family has and still is going through.”
The petition will be delivered to Kirkless Council’s Director of Place for consideration.
It has been backed by Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Paula Sherriff.
She said: “I’m very sorry to hear of the terrifying traffic incident involving a family on Leeds Road, Dewsbury.
“The two men left the scene and the stolen vehicle they were driving without any apparent concern for the safety of Mrs Scaddan and her little girl.
“I fully appreciate the serious concerns with traffic safety on Leeds Road and I have contacted Kirklees Council to ask that this is appropriately reviewed and careful consideration is given to the family’s requests.”

Dad calls for lowering of speed limits after ‘terrifying’ crash


Devoted dad Steven Scaddan is calling for speed limits to be lowered on a main road connecting Dewsbury and Morley, after his wife and daughter were involved in a “terrifying” collision.


Award winning comedy company Laugh and Let Die will be hoping to make a killing for the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust at a fundraising event in October.
The murder mystery night dinner will take place at the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield.
The event is part of a series of fundraising efforts by staff at Dewsbury and District Hospital to raise money for the Neuro Rehab ward.
Kathryn Fishwick, a Consultant from the hospital said: “Money raised from all our events is being used to fund everything from physio equipment to music therapy sessions.
“All of which help patients on the Neuro Rehab ward recovering from a stroke, traumatic injury or viral illness to get back to being who they once were.
“The funds we receive will enable us to support them back to being able to do all the things that we take for granted such as boiling a kettle or handling money.”
The event will take place at the National Coal Mining Museum, Caphouse Colliery, in Wakefield on Saturday 8 October from 7pm.
There will be a three-course meal, entertainment and Halloween disco until after midnight, with Halloween fancy dress optional.
Kathryn said: “I’m delighted with the support we are receiving for all our fundraising events and am grateful to everyone who puts in the time and effort to help them to be such successful occasions.”
Laugh and Let Die perform murder mystery nights across the North and they also perform their own shows.
The Neuro Rehabilitation Ward which helps people with complex neurological disabilities resulting from stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal paralysis, peripheral nerve and muscle diseases and conditions such as motor neurone disease.
Tickets for the event cost £30 and can be purchased from mostspooked@sent.com.


Award winning comedy company Laugh and Let Die will be hoping to make a killing for the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust at a fundraising event in October.


Acclaimed indie guitar rockers Sundara Karma are set to give their Leeds fans a double chance to catch their exciting live show in the next few weeks.
The Reading band are building their fanbase with their ability to build arena sized, widescreen rock songs and are about to release new single ‘She Said’.
Previous single ‘Loveblood’ was an explosive guitar driven anthem that was Annie Mac’s ‘Hottest Record In The World’ on Radio 1 while their ‘In New Music We Trust’ playlisted single ‘A Young Understanding’ also won them plenty of fans.
Led by charismatic frontman Oscar Lulu, Sundara Karma are crafting bright, panoramic indie rock whose bruised-heart lyrics deal with young romance and a yearning to escape small town mundanity.
They have been compared to early Bruce Springsteen and with their intense live shows are building a dedicated cult teenage fan base.
Leeds music fans can find out for themselves what all the fuss is about as Sundara Karma are heading out on an eagerly anticipated tour, which includes a headline date at the Brudenell Social Club, in Leeds, on Monday, September 26 and an appearance at the Leeds Festival, at Bramham Park on Sunday, August 28.


Acclaimed indie guitar rockers Sundara Karma are set to give their Leeds fans a double chance to catch their exciting live show in the next few weeks.