Category: News

Despite plans to open new special schools in Cork City and Tipperary, she has been told that all special schools in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Tipperary, Clare and Galway are full for this September.

She has been contacting her local TD, Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan, now the minister of state at the Department of Education to highlight her situation.

“Patrick has limited speech and he’s asking where he’s going to big school. He hates school, he has huge anxiety about going to school, but he wants to go to big school and I can’t tell him. I have no answer for him, and he’s stressed then. It is affecting his health, and it is taking a toll on the family.”

Ms Casey Jones had already been considering moving to a different county after receiving 29 rejections for a special class placement from mainstream schools for Patrick.

However, in January of this year, a clinical psychologist attached to the Children’s Network Disability Team (CDNT) in Mallow recommended that Patrick would be better suited to attending a special school.

Just before Patrick’s second birthday, he was diagnosed with autism, a severe language delay and a mild learning disability.

He currently attends a mainstream primary school in an ASD class, in Ballyclough, Mallow, but is finding it difficult.

“It doesn’t suit him, he’s really struggling,” his mother said.

Her youngest son Adam is also on the waiting list locally for an autism assessment through the local primary care system.

Planning the family’s move is proving next to impossible without an offer of a school place. The family needs a spot within a commutable distance as Patrick can’t use school transport.

“We’ve used it before and he can’t do it, we’ve had big issues. We have to travel and I have to carry him.” 

Both boys also access therapies and services locally. “I’m worried that if I relocate my little boy, we’ve been waiting two years for him to be assessed and we’ll go to the bottom of the list.”

Before December, Sheila had applied to mainstream schools with special classes open for a place for Patrick, and received 25 automatic rejection letters on the basis that waiting lists were full.

They were also placed on four waiting lists. “We were hitting a lot of brick walls. With the four remaining schools, we eventually received no’s as well because we were too far down the list.

“I knew it was bad enough with mainstream and the ASD classes but we’re hitting the special school system now and it’s heartbreaking because there is just nothing there,” Ms Casey Jones said.

“It’s brick wall after brick wall. All the special schools I have applied to in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Tipperary, Clare and Galway are full and I’ve been told to contact my SENO (special educational needs organiser). All I’m going on is this apparent special school that’s due to open up on the northside of Cork City.

“I have no choice really, this is what it has come down. I’ve looked at schools in Donegal. I don’t want to move, because they are both in services and it would involve pulling [the boys] out of services and putting them into new services.” 

Last October, the Department of Education announced that five new special schools are to open this year as expanding places in existing schools will not meet the level of need.

The schools, to be based in Cork, Dublin, Tipperary, and Monaghan, are expected to open in existing buildings which will be repurposed for the 2025/26 school year.

“If Patrick could get a place in this school they announced in November for the north side of Cork City, that would be amazing. I think I could work it so that Adam could stay where he is and we’d still be in commutable distance. But no one knows about this school, or where it is.” 

On Tuesday, the Dáil heard how five months on from when it was first announced, no progress has been made on acquiring the site for the new special school due to open in Cork in September. 

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central Padraig O’Sullivan raised the issue with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. “We gave people that commitment that a special school would open in September of 2025 unfortunately, I just can’t see at this point in time how it’s going to be done.”

“I’m asking that this will be treated with urgency, that the Department of Education will be told to get their act together to source the building or the site, and to just get on delivering the special school.” 

In a recently released film, Mrs, on an OTT platform, a mother suggests that her daughter ‘adjust’ in her in-laws’ home, where she is unappreciated, because it is socially acceptable. Her daughter cooks, cleans and takes care of her husband’s family as it is her duty, only to realise that she is forgotten in the grand scheme of things. The film is a reminder that most of us are caught in a bind, trying to follow our parents’ advice, fulfilling familial duties, and social obligations, forgetting that we are souls on a spiritual journey, and can get Home only through a spiritual preceptor’s mentorship.
Yet another film, Three Idiots, depicts how parents’ intentions, even though well-meaning, could be detrimental to children’s growth. In the film, while Rancho is epitome of liberation, Farhan and Raju are burdened by familial expectations. Farhan wants to be a wildlife photographer, but his father forces him to become an engineer. When a child is born, parents are the first and most natural mentors – hence family comes first.

While parents are innate guides, their mentorship styles can sometimes inhibit their grown-up children’s progress towards becoming a jivanmukt. Often, parents forget that their children are adults – individuals seeking moksh – and burden them with social obligations. Kahlil Gibran offers wisdom to such parents: “Your children are not your children…They come through you but not from you. They are sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you,” he says.

In Bhagwad Gita, Krishn instructs Arjun to act in accordance with his role, emphasising Self-awareness over external validation for even a mother’s love could be selfish. For instance, Mahabharat’s Gandhari, mother of Kauravs, passively wanted her son Duryodhan to succeed as King of Hastinapur, although she didn’t voice her opinion openly, but just before the final battle, she tried to safeguard her son by blessing his unclothed body. Eventually, Duryodhan dies, Gandhari could have stopped him, but she did not.

Ramayan’s Kaikeyi had a burning desire to see her son Bharat as King of Ayodhya; she asked Dashrath to send his eldest son Ram into exile for 14 years, causing great emotional pain to Bharat.

Just as Krishn mentors Arjun, true mentors or spiritual preceptors teach their mentee that real wisdom lies in focusing on one’s path while maintaining clarity of purpose and detachment from unnecessary obligations. Gita’s verse 3.17 says, ‘But one who takes delight in the Self alone, and is content in the Self only, has no duty.’ In Chapter 18, Krishn makes it clear that we do not have any duties except towards Him. He asks Arjun, ‘To abandon all forms of duty and surrender unto Me alone. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.’

Therefore, one must be vigilant against those who preach fulfilling one’s duties and obligations towards family, society, company, nation and the world. Moms can take a leaf out of Maiya Yashoda’s parenting playbook. She raised Krishn with unconditional love and devotion, only to let him go when destiny called. We could also follow little Nachiketa’s example. He confronted his father, Vajashrava, for giving away old and sick cows to brahmins in Kathopanishad. Likewise, we should stay alert on our spiritual journey and take delight in the Self alone.

END OF ARTICLE

Last Updated:March 04, 2025, 15:36 IST

The sister of the groom, whose wife gave birth two days after marriage, claimed that the bride wore her lehenga in a way that concealed her baby bump, making it impossible for them to notice.

A groom from Uttar Pradesh was in for a shock after his wife of two days went into labour and he rushed her to the hospital. The groom’s family has now alleged that the bride strategically wore her lehenga in a way that hid her baby bump, making it impossible for them to notice. The family is now demanding answers, insisting that the woman reveal the identity of the child’s father.

“She was wearing a lehenga from her waist up. So tell me, if she wears a lehenga so high, how would anyone understand? We thought maybe she was feeling cold, so she wore it that way. How were we supposed to know what she was hiding?” the groom’s sister can be heard saying in the video.

She went on to say, “The stage was far away, and we were standing below. The cameraman was telling us not to stand up.”

Read| UP Bride Suddenly Gives Birth 2 Days After Wedding Night; Groom Cries Foul, Says Baby Not His

The cameraman then asks, “The wedding procession leaves on the 24th, and the bride departs with the groom on the 25th. So, are you saying that even on the 25th, your brother didn’t find out?”

To this she responds, “No,” and explains that she told her brother to stay away from her. “Don’t talk. They slept separately, not together. Brother told me that nothing has happened between them. They did not engage in any sexual activities.”

“Now, whoever the child’s father is, the woman should reveal his name,” she further says.

The incident took place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where a wedding that began with grand celebrations took an unexpected turn when the bride gave birth just two days after the ceremony.

The couple got married on February 24, and the bride moved to her in-laws’ house the next day, where the traditional ‘Muh Dikhai’ ceremony took place. On the morning of February 26, the bride served tea to the family in the morning. However, by evening, she started experiencing intense stomach pain and was rushed to the hospital.

Upon examination, doctors confirmed that she was pregnant and in labour. The in-laws, who were in shock, were asked to sign medical consent forms. Two hours after she was rushed to the hospital, she gave birth.

When questioned, the bride’s parents claimed that she and the groom had been in contact before marriage, as the wedding had been arranged in May the previous year. The groom denied this, stating that the marriage was only finalised in October. He rejected the bride and demanded an investigation, declaring, “I will not accept this girl now.”

BBC

‘That is an insult’

BBC/Brendon Williams

£10bn in unpaid care

A 42-year-old woman is due in court charged with the murder of her two-year-old daughter, who died after being found in a pond.

Police were called on September 10 2023 after Annabel Mackey went missing from her home in Forge Road, Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire.

The youngster was found a short time later at Kingsley Pond and was taken to hospital in a serious condition, but died the following afternoon.

Alice Mackey, 42, of Gibbs Lane in Oakhanger was charged with her murder on Tuesday and has been remanded into custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Alice Mackey, 42, of Gibbs Lane in Oakhanger, has been remanded into custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday March 5 2025.

“We were called at 5.02pm on Sunday September 10 2023 to a report that two-year-old Annabel Mackey had gone missing from her home on Forge Road in Kingsley.

“Annabel was found a short time later, unresponsive, at Kingsley Pond. She was taken to hospital in a serious condition, where she died on the afternoon of Monday September 11.

“Detectives from the Major Crime Team carried out the investigation into Annabel’s death and her movements before she was located at Kingsley Pond.”

In a statement released through police, Annabel’s father said: “Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl.

“She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved story time, dogs and her dolly.

“She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes and had a very sweet tooth.”

He continued: “Annabel loved to laugh, she brought so much happiness into our lives. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

“Thank you to everyone who was a positive influence in her life. Please continue Annabel’s legacy by remembering her and caring for others as much as she did.

“The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness.

“Annabel, I love you so much, you are a shining star and you will be loved forever x.”

Parents are spending nearly £20 per child on average on costumes to celebrate World Book Day this year, a survey indicates.

The event, held on Thursday March 6 2025, helps to embed reading as a lifelong habit, with children being inspired to celebrate their favourite books, authors and illustrators.

According to research commissioned by cashback service Rakuten, parents estimate they will spend £19 per child this World Book Day on average – £2 more than the average of £17 per child that they typically spent last year.

The event also appears to bring out a competitive element in some parents, with just over a fifth (22%) feeling the need to impress, according to the Opinium survey of 2,000 people across the UK in February.

Some 11% of parents surveyed said they spend upwards of £50 per child on costumes.

Parents may potentially be able to keep their costs down by checking supermarket aisles for costumes, looking out for discounts, vouchers and cashback and “re-purposing” costumes for events and different times of the year when children need to dress up, such as parties, Christmas events and Halloween.

Passing costumes down from older siblings, swapping costumes that children have grown out of with other families, making home-made costumes, and asking the school whether they know of any local exchange schemes could be other ways for parents to save money.

Some families may also find it useful to set a spending limit, to avoid going over budget.

A Kiwi man living in the UK, described as a “devoted” father and grandfather and a “well respected” member of the rugby league community, has been killed in a tragic accident on a UK motorway.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Cliff Tamou, who moved to the UK over 30 years ago, was killed after the truck he was driving broke down on the M6 in Staffordshire, south of Manchester.

The 58-year-old was outside the vehicle when a collision involving another vehicle took place. Tamou suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

Following his death, tributes from Tamou’s friends, family, and the greater Manchester rugby league community have started to flow in.

In a statement from his family via the Staffordshire Police, Tamou’s family described him as a “devoted husband, father to six children and five grandchildren”.

“He was a lorry driver for many years and loved playing, refereeing and coaching rugby.”

The rugby league community has also paid its respects.

A spokesperson for Salford Red Devils Women, who Tamou’s daughter played for, said the club was “saddened” to hear about his death.

“A well-respected referee, Cliff was an avid supporter of our women’s side, with his daughter, Sarina a big part of our team. The club sends their love and support to his family at such a difficult time.”

A Leigh Miners Rangers RL spokesperson said Tamou was “highly respected across the game both as a referee and coach”.

“Cliff was a wonderful gentleman, who will be missed by all that knew him, on the field, he was well liked by players, coaches and spectators, due mainly to the way he refereed the games, the clarity of his decisions was clearly heard by everyone on the pitch.

“Once the game had finished, Cliff was always happy to discuss any aspect of our great game over a pint. We send our love and prayers to Cliff’s family, friends and colleagues are in our thoughts at this difficult time.”

Tamou had been living in Wigan at the time of his death and worked as a truck driver for SSO logistics.

The company said it was “heartbroken” to hear about the accident, and set up a GoFundMe page to support Tamou’s family.

“He was universally liked and well-respected, not only within our team but also throughout the wider community as a dedicated rugby league referee and coach,” the company said.

“Cliff leaves behind a loving wife and children. To support his family during this incredibly difficult time, we are raising funds to provide comfort and assistance.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Cliff’s family, friends, and colleagues. Together, we can show our love and support for those he cherished most.”

A 22-year-old man was arrested in relation to the crash on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A How I Met Your Mother star has officially joined the cast of Showtime’s highly anticipated Dexter: Resurrection as a guest star. The new Dexter series, set to debut this summer on Paramount+ with Showtime, began production in January in New York. It will see Michael C. Hall reprising his iconic role as Dexter Morgan, the beloved serial killer with a code.

Dexter: Resurrection boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Uma Thurman as Charley, David Zayas returning as Detective Angel Batista, Jack Alcott as Dexter’s son Harrison Morgan, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Blessing Kamara, Kadia Saraf as Detective Claudette Wallace, Dominic Fumusa as Detective Melvin Oliva, Emilia Suárez as Elsa Rivera, James Remar as Dexter’s father Harry Morgan, and Peter Dinklage as Leon Prater. Krysten Ritter has also been announced as a guest star. However, Jennifer Carpenter won’t be returning as Debra Morgan in the upcoming Dexter sequel series.

A star of stage and screen for decades now, Neil Patrick Harris is best known for his iconic role as Barney Stinson on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother and for portraying the mischievous Count Olaf in Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. He first rose to fame at just 16 years old, playing the title character in Doogie Howser, M.D. More recently, Harris has appeared in notable television projects such as Uncoupled, Doctor Who, and How I Met Your Father. While details about his role remain under wraps, Neil Patrick Harris’ character’s name has been confirmed. According to Variety, he will play a character named Lowell in the upcoming Dexter series.

Dexter: Resurrection Sees Both New and Returning Characters

The Dexter franchise began in 2006 and starred Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who led a double life as a vigilante serial killer. The series aired until 2013 and received widespread acclaim, garnering numerous awards, including Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The new sequel series is executive produced by Dexter veteran Clyde Phillips, who also returns as showrunner. Hall himself is an executive producer, alongside Scott Reynolds, Tony Hernandez, and Lilly Burns. Marcos Siega will serve as the producing director, with Monica Raymund set to direct four episodes and Siega helming six. The series is produced by Showtime Studios and Counterpart Studios and will be distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Dexter: Resurrection is one of several spinoffs expanding the Dexter universe. It is distinct from Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel series that focused on a young Dexter, played by Patrick Gibson, during his early transition into a serial killer. Michael C. Hall lent his voice to that series as Dexter’s inner monologue. The franchise also released Dexter: New Blood, which ran from November 2021 to January 2022.

Dexter

Release Date

2006 – 2012

Showrunner

Clyde Phillips

Directors

Clyde Phillips

Writers

Jeff Lindsay, Scott Buck, Scott Reynolds, Tim Schlattmann, Karen Campbell, Melissa Rosenberg, Kevin Maynard, Wendy West, Manny Coto, Daniel Cerone, Jace Richdale, Drew Z. Greenberg, Chip Johannessen, Adam Fierro, Jim Leonard

Source: Variety

By JACK BEZANTS

Published: 22:13 GMT, 4 March 2025 | Updated: 22:44 GMT, 4 March 2025

Maxim Naumov, the figure skater who lost both of his parents in the DC plane crash earlier this year, has broken his silence in what happened with a heartbreaking statement on social media.

The 23-year-old’s parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among the fatalities when an American Airlines plane crashed with an army helicopter back in January.

Maxim participated in the Legacy on Ice event on March 2, honoring all 67 who died, and after the event took to Instagram to reflect on how his life has changed since that day.

Sharing pictures from his emotional Legacy on Ice performance, Maxim said: ‘I am truly at a loss for words to express the depth of my gratitude and love for each and every one of you.

‘Every embrace, message, call, and prayer has touched me in ways I can’t fully describe, and I am beyond grateful for your kindness and support.

‘Your love has filled my heart so profoundly that it brings tears to my eyes. The generosity and compassion you have shown have given me the strength to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

Maxim Naumov has thanked people for the support he has received since his parents died 

Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov died in the DC tragedy

‘This means more to me than I could ever put into words. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing by me during the most difficult time of my life.’

Naumov performed a solo to ‘Ave Maria’ on the night in tribute to his parents, who were both former World Champions in figure skating.

At the end of his performance, Maxim dropped to his knees and began to sob, covering his face as he received a standing ovation from the crowd in immensely moving scenes. 

The January 29 crash in DC saw a plane that had flown from Witchita, Kansas City, collide with a Black Hawk helicopter.

The plane and the helicopter crashed into the Potomac River.

An investigation into the tragedy is still ongoing but the National Transportation Safety Board has said that the helicopter appeared to have been flying higher than it was allowed to be.

Overall, 28 American figure skaters died in the incident – they were returning from an event in Witchita when disaster struck. 

According to a report in Moscow, Evgenia and Vadim told Maxim that were ‘proud’ of him after he took fourth place in the competition a couple of days prior to the crash. 

Naumov said the outpouring of support ‘has touched me in ways I can’t fully describe’

‘We are proud of you, Maxim,’ the couple said in a social media post shared by Sankt-Peterburgskie Vedomosti, Russia’s oldest newspaper. 

‘He climbed to the podium at the Nationals after seventh place in the short program. This beautiful and emotional performance is the result of teamwork. Maxim has earned his place in the team of champions of four continents.’

Evgenia and Vadim were born in Leningrad and competed in pairs skating for the national teams of the USSR and Russia, winning the World Championship in 1994.

They moved to the US in 1998 and worked as coaches.