Sean Brady
@formbyjournal.bsky.social
Micro-stories
Comments, snippets, and stories close to home and across the world to prompt your interest.
Comments, snippets, and stories close to home and across the world to prompt your interest.
From department stores to discount shops, bookmakers to beauty salons, the makeup of Britain’s high streets has shifted dramatically since 2019.
January 29, 2026 at 9:00 AM
From department stores to discount shops, bookmakers to beauty salons, the makeup of Britain’s high streets has shifted dramatically since 2019.
In England, 73% live within a 15-minute walk of green space, but 27% do not. This gap affects Black and Black British adults, who have less access than White adults to nearby green spaces.
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/27/...
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/27/...
Why Nature Close to Home Matters: Evidence from the People and Nature Survey
By Lydia Dixon, People and Nature Deputy Director, Natural England A daily dose of nature boosts physical and mental health, strengthens communities, and can save the NHS millions every year. These benefits are often greatest for people in nature-deprived communities, who gain disproportionately from …
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk
January 29, 2026 at 8:45 AM
In England, 73% live within a 15-minute walk of green space, but 27% do not. This gap affects Black and Black British adults, who have less access than White adults to nearby green spaces.
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/27/...
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/27/...
YOUR CHOICE COUNTS! Pick from a menu of creative and digital activities.
Set achievable goals based on what interests you most.
Work with mentors who act like personal trainers for your
progress.
Set achievable goals based on what interests you most.
Work with mentors who act like personal trainers for your
progress.
January 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
YOUR CHOICE COUNTS! Pick from a menu of creative and digital activities.
Set achievable goals based on what interests you most.
Work with mentors who act like personal trainers for your
progress.
Set achievable goals based on what interests you most.
Work with mentors who act like personal trainers for your
progress.
Most of the impacts will be felt early on as the world passes the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, the authors warn. In 2010, 23% of the world's population lived with extreme heat, and this is set to grow to 41% over the next decades.
www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-0...
www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-0...
Global population living with extreme heat to double by 2050 |
A new University of Oxford study finds that almost half of the global population (3.79 billion) will be living with extreme heat by 2050 if the world reaches 2.0°C of global warming above
www.ox.ac.uk
January 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Most of the impacts will be felt early on as the world passes the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, the authors warn. In 2010, 23% of the world's population lived with extreme heat, and this is set to grow to 41% over the next decades.
www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-0...
www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-0...
Sefton council has identified 18 areas of Southport which will be subject to the reduction in speed limits, including Bispham Road and Old Park Lane.
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/traffi...
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/traffi...
18 roads getting new 20mph speed limits to put drivers off using them as rat-runs
Speed limits are set to be reduced to 20mph in parts of one Merseyside town, according to a Sefton Council report, which aims to promote ‘traffic calming’ and increase neighbourhood safety. The council has identified 18 areas of Southport which will be subject to the reduction in speed limits, including Bispham Road and Old Park Lane.
www.liverpoolworld.uk
January 28, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Sefton council has identified 18 areas of Southport which will be subject to the reduction in speed limits, including Bispham Road and Old Park Lane.
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/traffi...
www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/traffi...
Wildlife is in a worrying decline.
By becoming a member, you'll be joining 29,000 of your fellow wildlife lovers in directly funding our work on the ground to safeguard wildlife for the future across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
www.lancswt.org.uk/become-member
By becoming a member, you'll be joining 29,000 of your fellow wildlife lovers in directly funding our work on the ground to safeguard wildlife for the future across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
www.lancswt.org.uk/become-member
Become a member | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside
Help us protect the precious wildlife and wild places on your doorstep by becoming a member.
www.lancswt.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Wildlife is in a worrying decline.
By becoming a member, you'll be joining 29,000 of your fellow wildlife lovers in directly funding our work on the ground to safeguard wildlife for the future across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
www.lancswt.org.uk/become-member
By becoming a member, you'll be joining 29,000 of your fellow wildlife lovers in directly funding our work on the ground to safeguard wildlife for the future across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
www.lancswt.org.uk/become-member
Like many of our native wildflowers, snowdrops have been given lots of different names over the years. Galanthus translates as 'milk flower' in Latin, but other names include 'common bells', 'fair maids of February', 'snow-piercer' and 'dingle-dangle'.
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/sn...
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/sn...
Snowdrops | Little Green Space
littlegreenspace.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Like many of our native wildflowers, snowdrops have been given lots of different names over the years. Galanthus translates as 'milk flower' in Latin, but other names include 'common bells', 'fair maids of February', 'snow-piercer' and 'dingle-dangle'.
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/sn...
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/sn...
We believe a better world is one that's good for everyone. We collaborate with local experts and leaders to create a world free from the limits of poverty, conflict, or the climate crisis. #cafod
cafod.org.uk/about-us
cafod.org.uk/about-us
About us
CAFOD is the Catholic aid agency for England and Wales. It is an international aid agency working to alleviate poverty and suffering in developing countries
cafod.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 11:30 AM
We believe a better world is one that's good for everyone. We collaborate with local experts and leaders to create a world free from the limits of poverty, conflict, or the climate crisis. #cafod
cafod.org.uk/about-us
cafod.org.uk/about-us
Research published alongside the announcement shows only 21% of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, while just one in six businesses currently use the technology.
news.sky.com/story/uk-ro...
news.sky.com/story/uk-ro...
UK rolls out free AI training, but will it save your job?
The technology secretary, Liz Kendall, said the government's aim was to ensure people benefit from AI rather than being left behind by it.
news.sky.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Research published alongside the announcement shows only 21% of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, while just one in six businesses currently use the technology.
news.sky.com/story/uk-ro...
news.sky.com/story/uk-ro...
Government backs British pubs with a major package of support on business rates and licensing reform, recognising the challenges they face and important role they play in local communities.
www.gov.uk/government/...
www.gov.uk/government/...
Government announces support package that backs British pubs
The Chancellor is backing British pubs with a major support package, as the government recognises the challenges facing the industry and the vital role they play in building strong local communities.
www.gov.uk
January 27, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Government backs British pubs with a major package of support on business rates and licensing reform, recognising the challenges they face and important role they play in local communities.
www.gov.uk/government/...
www.gov.uk/government/...
A year ago, we warned that the world
was perilously close to global disaster
and that any delay in reversing course
increased the probability of catastrophe.
It's now 85 seconds to midnight.
thebulletin.org/wp-content/...
was perilously close to global disaster
and that any delay in reversing course
increased the probability of catastrophe.
It's now 85 seconds to midnight.
thebulletin.org/wp-content/...
January 27, 2026 at 3:50 PM
A year ago, we warned that the world
was perilously close to global disaster
and that any delay in reversing course
increased the probability of catastrophe.
It's now 85 seconds to midnight.
thebulletin.org/wp-content/...
was perilously close to global disaster
and that any delay in reversing course
increased the probability of catastrophe.
It's now 85 seconds to midnight.
thebulletin.org/wp-content/...
Compared to his predecessors, Leo XIV is more engaged with the digital world. As a bishop and cardinal, he had an X account, and as pope he wears what appears to be an Apple watch or other smart watch.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/24/...
www.cnn.com/2026/01/24/...
Pope Leo warns of ‘overly affectionate’ AI chatbots | CNN
Beware of the AI chatbot that becomes more than just a friend, or worse, an emotional crutch. Pope Leo XIV has warned about overly “affectionate” chatbots, urging regulation to prevent humans from forming serious emotional bonds with their AI companions.
www.cnn.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Compared to his predecessors, Leo XIV is more engaged with the digital world. As a bishop and cardinal, he had an X account, and as pope he wears what appears to be an Apple watch or other smart watch.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/24/...
www.cnn.com/2026/01/24/...
Capitalism is the social and economic system which is destroying our natural environment. It is a system which has propelled us into two devastating world wars and threatens a third.
theecologist.org/2026/jan/23...
theecologist.org/2026/jan/23...
Bunker billionaires on a burning planet
Capitalism is driving ecological destruction and social upheaval. Is it a death cult, and can we escape it?
theecologist.org
January 27, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Capitalism is the social and economic system which is destroying our natural environment. It is a system which has propelled us into two devastating world wars and threatens a third.
theecologist.org/2026/jan/23...
theecologist.org/2026/jan/23...
These ten British ceramicists represent some of the key players in the ceramic movement, both past and present - some of whom are still alive and still making today.
www.roseberys.co.uk/news/10-bri...,Father%20of%20British%20studio%20pottery%22.
www.roseberys.co.uk/news/10-bri...,Father%20of%20British%20studio%20pottery%22.
Roseberys London - 10 British Ceramicists you need to know
Ceramicists have contributed to the art world for centuries. Today the lines of ceramics and fine art are inseparably i
www.roseberys.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM
These ten British ceramicists represent some of the key players in the ceramic movement, both past and present - some of whom are still alive and still making today.
www.roseberys.co.uk/news/10-bri...,Father%20of%20British%20studio%20pottery%22.
www.roseberys.co.uk/news/10-bri...,Father%20of%20British%20studio%20pottery%22.
For populations without clean energy access, the lack of reliable power hinders education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and many of these developing regions still rely heavily on polluting fossil fuels for their daily life, perpetuating poverty.
www.un.org/en/observan...
www.un.org/en/observan...
International Day of Clean Energy | United Nations
International Day of Clean Energy is a platform to drive the adoption of policies and practices to promote awareness on the sustainable use of energy resources and to strengthen collaboration and cooperation to promote the global energy transition.
www.un.org
January 26, 2026 at 3:45 PM
For populations without clean energy access, the lack of reliable power hinders education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and many of these developing regions still rely heavily on polluting fossil fuels for their daily life, perpetuating poverty.
www.un.org/en/observan...
www.un.org/en/observan...
Former president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, called the killing “a heartbreaking tragedy” and “a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault”.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
Obamas say Alex Pretti killing a ‘tragedy’ as calls mount for full investigation
Former president and first lady say killing should be ‘wake-up call’ and federal agents are not operating in lawful way
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Former president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, called the killing “a heartbreaking tragedy” and “a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault”.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
Each month we are giving you the opportunity to enter your wonderful photographs into our competition where you will be in with a chance of featuring in our new wildlife calendar and receive your very own copy.
www.lancswt.org.uk/photo-comp
www.lancswt.org.uk/photo-comp
Photography Competition | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside
Snapped some amazing #naturemoments on your adventures at our reserves? Enter our photo competition and you could feature in our wildlife calendar!
www.lancswt.org.uk
January 26, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Each month we are giving you the opportunity to enter your wonderful photographs into our competition where you will be in with a chance of featuring in our new wildlife calendar and receive your very own copy.
www.lancswt.org.uk/photo-comp
www.lancswt.org.uk/photo-comp
Last week Jamie Dimon, the boss of the US bank JP Morgan, told the World Economic Forum in Davos that governments and businesses would have to step in to help workers whose roles were displaced by the technology, or risk civil unrest.
www.theguardian.com/technology/...
www.theguardian.com/technology/...
AI is hitting UK harder than other big economies, study finds
Britain is losing more jobs than it creates owing to artificial intelligence, Morgan Stanley research suggests
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Last week Jamie Dimon, the boss of the US bank JP Morgan, told the World Economic Forum in Davos that governments and businesses would have to step in to help workers whose roles were displaced by the technology, or risk civil unrest.
www.theguardian.com/technology/...
www.theguardian.com/technology/...
Every young person should have the chance to succeed.
We know how hard it can be to get started in life. Whatever challenges you’re facing, if you’re aged 16 to 30, The King’s Trust (formerly known as The Prince's Trust) is here for you.
www.kingstrust.org.uk/
We know how hard it can be to get started in life. Whatever challenges you’re facing, if you’re aged 16 to 30, The King’s Trust (formerly known as The Prince's Trust) is here for you.
www.kingstrust.org.uk/
The King's Trust | Confidence, courses, careers
The King's Trust helps people aged 11 to 30 to build confidence, get a job or launch a business. Start something today.
www.kingstrust.org.uk
January 25, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Every young person should have the chance to succeed.
We know how hard it can be to get started in life. Whatever challenges you’re facing, if you’re aged 16 to 30, The King’s Trust (formerly known as The Prince's Trust) is here for you.
www.kingstrust.org.uk/
We know how hard it can be to get started in life. Whatever challenges you’re facing, if you’re aged 16 to 30, The King’s Trust (formerly known as The Prince's Trust) is here for you.
www.kingstrust.org.uk/
Of the 10-strong “officers’ group” of the NEC, the vote went eight to one against Burnham, a Labour source said. The chair, the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, abstained.
www.theguardian.com/politics/20...
www.theguardian.com/politics/20...
Andy Burnham blocked from byelection race by Labour ruling committee
Decision likely to set off ferocious row between Keir Starmer loyalists and allies of Greater Manchester mayor
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Of the 10-strong “officers’ group” of the NEC, the vote went eight to one against Burnham, a Labour source said. The chair, the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, abstained.
www.theguardian.com/politics/20...
www.theguardian.com/politics/20...
Did you know that Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759? Each year, we celebrate Burns Night on 25 January and pay tribute to Scotland's National Bard.
www.scotland.org/events/burn...
www.scotland.org/events/burn...
Burns Night | Traditions and Robert Burns Information | Scotland.org
Find out about the life and poetry of Robert Burns, as well as Burns Night celebrations and events in 2026.
www.scotland.org
January 25, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Did you know that Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759? Each year, we celebrate Burns Night on 25 January and pay tribute to Scotland's National Bard.
www.scotland.org/events/burn...
www.scotland.org/events/burn...
Well done.
"The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status. Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Scheme".
theatkinson.co.uk/news/museum...
"The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status. Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Scheme".
theatkinson.co.uk/news/museum...
The Atkinson Awarded Museum Accreditation - The Atkinson
The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status administered by Arts Council England.
theatkinson.co.uk
January 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Well done.
"The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status. Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Scheme".
theatkinson.co.uk/news/museum...
"The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status. Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Scheme".
theatkinson.co.uk/news/museum...
"Over time, the Arctic melting is expected to reveal under-water resources and new shipping opportunities, which led to a fear of inter-state hostility in a scramble for new territories...."
It's time to pay attention to the potentialities of new dangers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopol...
It's time to pay attention to the potentialities of new dangers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopol...
Geopolitics of the Arctic - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM
"Over time, the Arctic melting is expected to reveal under-water resources and new shipping opportunities, which led to a fear of inter-state hostility in a scramble for new territories...."
It's time to pay attention to the potentialities of new dangers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopol...
It's time to pay attention to the potentialities of new dangers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopol...
Remember John Connolly, Everton FC?
He used to live opposite us.
A neighbour plus his mates and I went to watch him and the team play at Aston Villa.
Afterwards because I'm a Brummie I bought everyone some caviar, actually battered Cod Roe. Didn't go well!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C...
He used to live opposite us.
A neighbour plus his mates and I went to watch him and the team play at Aston Villa.
Afterwards because I'm a Brummie I bought everyone some caviar, actually battered Cod Roe. Didn't go well!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C...
John Connolly (Scottish footballer) - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 24, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Remember John Connolly, Everton FC?
He used to live opposite us.
A neighbour plus his mates and I went to watch him and the team play at Aston Villa.
Afterwards because I'm a Brummie I bought everyone some caviar, actually battered Cod Roe. Didn't go well!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C...
He used to live opposite us.
A neighbour plus his mates and I went to watch him and the team play at Aston Villa.
Afterwards because I'm a Brummie I bought everyone some caviar, actually battered Cod Roe. Didn't go well!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C...
"Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining," Trump said on Truth Social in a post addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
You're better off not becoming his puppet!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
You're better off not becoming his puppet!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
Trump withdraws Canada's invite to join Board of Peace
Trump did not provide a reason for the decision, which comes after Canada's PM Mark Carney warned of a "rupture" in the US-led global order.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM
"Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining," Trump said on Truth Social in a post addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
You're better off not becoming his puppet!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
You're better off not becoming his puppet!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...