School disruption in Northern Ireland as Unite strike begins

  • The Education Authority (EA) reports that approximately 300 school bus routes are expected to be affected by the Unite union strike starting today.
  • Special schools are likely to be affected and at least 1 has confirmed that in-school teaching cannot continue.
  • The EA has published information on the routes and school affected on its website and remain concerned about the disproportionate impact children with special educational needs and those entitled to free school meals.
  • You can read the full story on BBC’s website.

Twitter Spaces hosts will be able to share clips from recordings

  • Twitter is testing a new feature for Spaces (Twitter’s audio rooms) that will allow hosts to share a clip of recorded audio from Spaces on their own timeline.
  • The feature is currently available to some iOS users, due to expand to Android soon.
  • Everyone on iOS will be able to see and listen to the clips for 30 days.
  • You can read the full story on the The Verge’s website.

Facebook is developing ‘reactions’ for Reels

  • Facebook is developing reactions for Reels which will provide users with another way to interact with the short-form video content.
  • Reactions will enable users to use one of seven emoji responses to a Reels clip.
  • Currently users can only ‘Like’ or comment on a Reel.
  • You can read the full story on the Social Media Today’s website.

Mother of murdered toddler Star Hobson has sentence increased

  • The mother of Star Hobson has had her prison sentence for her role in the toddler’s death increased by four years.
  • She had been jailed at Bradford crown court in December for causing or allowing the death of her 16-month-old daughter.
  • Her initial sentence was reduced based on mitigations, including the loss of her daughter but this was considered too lenient.
  • You can read the full story on the The Guardian’s website.

Masks no longer required in NI post-primary schools

  • Pupils in Northern Ireland will no longer be required to wear face coverings in classrooms.
  • This brings NI in line with the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
  • Wearing of face coverings will be recommended in corridors, communal areas and on public and school transports.
  • You can read the full story on BBC’s website.