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TODAY’S INSTALMENT (19 October) of the CommonSpace daily news roundup includes the battle for Mosul, thousands call on Abellio to be stripped of Scotrail contracts, and Donald Trumps tiny handwriting.
News: Thousands flee Mosul ahead of Battle
Battle for Northern Iraqi city expected to see Daesh driven out of the country
More than 5000 refugees have fled to Syria as Iraqi forces close in on the Northern Iraqi city of Mosul, the last stronghold of Daesh (so called Islamic State) in the country. Over 50,000 Iraqi and Kurdish troops are expected to begin their assault on the city proper in coming days, having already reclaimed dozens of surrounding towns and villages over the last 48 hours. They will face around 5,000 Daesh fighters, who are dug-in to defensive positons in Iraq’s second largest city. Anywhere between 750,000 and 1.5 million civilians are thought to be trapped in the firing line.
Politics: Scottish Government called on to strip Abellio of its Scotrail contract
Petitioners meet with Humza Yousaf to deliver 20,000 strong petition
Petitioners calling for Abellio to be stripped of their control of Scotland’s railways have met with Scottish Government transport minister Humza Yousaf. Campaigners from 38 degrees presented Yousaf with a petition with 20,000 signatories calling for the Dutch company to lose their contract to run Scotrail. The company has been involved in a months-long dispute with its workforce over train safety.
Sport: Labour MSP James Kelly Welcomes Celtic living wage decision
New £8.25 per hour pay to be implemented at the club
Campaigning Labour MSP James Kelly has congratulated Cletic supporters groups for pushing for the implementation of an £8.25 living wage at the club. The new wage will be implemented retrospectively from 1 July 2016.
Culture: Ken Loach to receive Scottish Bafta for outstanding achievements
Renowned film maker has recently released final film on barriers faced by benefit claimants
Renowned film maker Ken Loach is set for a Scottish Bafta outstanding achievement award. The director, who came out of retirement to make on final film looking at the daily struggles of people who face welfare payment sanctions has made a number of films examinig Scottish working class life.
Weather: Winter is upon us
Severe dip in temperature
There is a new frostiness to the Glasgow air, and across Scotland, as the first chills if winter hit us. Ach well, there’s always next year.
And another thing: All future CommonSpace articles to be written by Trumps Tiny Hand
The Donald’s hand writing captured for new font
Buzzfeed have created a new font, modelled on Donald Trump’s own hand writing. Look forward to reading future CommonSpace articles in aggressive scrawl.
Picture courtesy of Kurdishstruggle, opus moreschi, EDDIE, Shaun Wong, Cornerhouse, grahamvphoto
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