Sam Volpe
@samuelevolpe.bsky.social
Health reporter at Chronicle Live in Newcastle|| NUJ || ex-Ham&High || DM me or Sam.Volpe@reachplc.com to chat all things NHS and social care
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Sometimes in this job you pick up a story that just hits you - I'll have Bruce in my mind for some time. A quietly remarkable man that the North East should be very proud of.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@cern.bsky.social
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@cern.bsky.social
'World expert' physicist from Morpeth died in French climbing accident
Northumberland-raised Bruce Marsh worked at CERN in Geneva and had just become a dad when he died climbing in 2023.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
February 8, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Sometimes in this job you pick up a story that just hits you - I'll have Bruce in my mind for some time. A quietly remarkable man that the North East should be very proud of.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@cern.bsky.social
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@cern.bsky.social
Reposted by Sam Volpe
This is a big deal, y'all. Federal health websites are being stripped of content or removed in their entirety. Stick with this thread for a look at what's disappeared so far! 1/x
January 31, 2025 at 7:28 PM
This is a big deal, y'all. Federal health websites are being stripped of content or removed in their entirety. Stick with this thread for a look at what's disappeared so far! 1/x
Reposted by Sam Volpe
This is infuriating. If the government want an easy win for growth and to support pubs, they should change the licensing laws to make noise complaints much harder.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/noise-compla...
www.the-londoner.co.uk/noise-compla...
Noise complaints are killing London’s pubs
We mapped the dozens of pubs forced to shut early or that faced closure last year due to everything from “faint giggles” to “constant honking” from cars.
www.the-londoner.co.uk
February 1, 2025 at 8:37 AM
This is infuriating. If the government want an easy win for growth and to support pubs, they should change the licensing laws to make noise complaints much harder.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/noise-compla...
www.the-londoner.co.uk/noise-compla...
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Waiting to see what comes out of today’s speech but v brief thoughts from this end of the country
- optics very south east whichever way you cut it
- Old Trafford gets backing but with no commitment yet to anything specific: as I understand main ask of govt is for rerouting freight services
1/
- optics very south east whichever way you cut it
- Old Trafford gets backing but with no commitment yet to anything specific: as I understand main ask of govt is for rerouting freight services
1/
January 29, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Waiting to see what comes out of today’s speech but v brief thoughts from this end of the country
- optics very south east whichever way you cut it
- Old Trafford gets backing but with no commitment yet to anything specific: as I understand main ask of govt is for rerouting freight services
1/
- optics very south east whichever way you cut it
- Old Trafford gets backing but with no commitment yet to anything specific: as I understand main ask of govt is for rerouting freight services
1/
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Said this re the grooming gangs and we’re back to the same thing. Unclear what *exactly* failed in social services/how, bc they’ve been scant with info. But Britain does expect children’s services to be a firewall vs threats it’s appalled by, while entirely deprioritising them the rest of the time
Local government theory of everything strikes again
'The home secretary also said there was a “serious problem” when cases did not pass the Prevent threshold but other agencies, such as social services and mental health, failed to step in.'
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
January 26, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Said this re the grooming gangs and we’re back to the same thing. Unclear what *exactly* failed in social services/how, bc they’ve been scant with info. But Britain does expect children’s services to be a firewall vs threats it’s appalled by, while entirely deprioritising them the rest of the time
Reposted by Sam Volpe
I lobbied for DCRs when I was cabinet member for public health in Newcastle.
Good to see @richardbranson.bsky.social advocating too.
@samuelevolpe.bsky.social
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
Good to see @richardbranson.bsky.social advocating too.
@samuelevolpe.bsky.social
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
January 13, 2025 at 12:08 PM
I lobbied for DCRs when I was cabinet member for public health in Newcastle.
Good to see @richardbranson.bsky.social advocating too.
@samuelevolpe.bsky.social
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
Good to see @richardbranson.bsky.social advocating too.
@samuelevolpe.bsky.social
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Amid all the noise, some key quotes from Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the inquiry into child sex abuse. She said she was "very unhappy with the politicisation of child sexual exploitation", that it was being done in a "very uninformed way", and "risks distracting from the issue"
January 7, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Amid all the noise, some key quotes from Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the inquiry into child sex abuse. She said she was "very unhappy with the politicisation of child sexual exploitation", that it was being done in a "very uninformed way", and "risks distracting from the issue"
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Back in't day, policemen, teachers and nurses earned about double the minimum wage at starting salary. Now they enjoy a premium of about 20-30%. Squish!
A point @duncanrobinson.bsky.social also made, in inimitable style, earlier this year.
www.economist.com/britain/2024...
www.economist.com/britain/2024...
December 30, 2024 at 1:34 PM
Back in't day, policemen, teachers and nurses earned about double the minimum wage at starting salary. Now they enjoy a premium of about 20-30%. Squish!
Reposted by Sam Volpe
there are no consumer-facing use cases for AI, and i fucking hate that it's being pushed as the next big thing. it's not a search engine, it's not a personal assistant, it's not helpful. it's a hole in the ground that we're all being asked to throw flaming piles of money into
"A request made through ChatGPT, an AI-based virtual assistant, consumes 10 times the electricity of a Google Search"
This isn't a game. This is accelerated destruction via huge usage of power, water, resources etc. Stop using it - especially for messing about!!
www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
This isn't a game. This is accelerated destruction via huge usage of power, water, resources etc. Stop using it - especially for messing about!!
www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
AI has an environmental problem. Here’s what the world can do about that.
The sprawling data centres that house AI servers churn out toxic electronic waste and are voracious consumers of electricity, which in most places is still produced from fossil fuels.
www.unep.org
December 28, 2024 at 4:34 PM
there are no consumer-facing use cases for AI, and i fucking hate that it's being pushed as the next big thing. it's not a search engine, it's not a personal assistant, it's not helpful. it's a hole in the ground that we're all being asked to throw flaming piles of money into
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Father Christmas doesn’t just travel by sleigh 🎄🎅🏻
He’s also taking his chances on the UK rail network tonight: www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-n...
He’s also taking his chances on the UK rail network tonight: www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-n...
Realtime Trains | 2345 North Pole International to North Pole International | 24/12/2024
Real-time train running information for 2345 departure from North Pole International to North Pole International on 24/12/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Gr...
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
December 24, 2024 at 10:03 PM
Father Christmas doesn’t just travel by sleigh 🎄🎅🏻
He’s also taking his chances on the UK rail network tonight: www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-n...
He’s also taking his chances on the UK rail network tonight: www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-n...
Reposted by Sam Volpe
GATESHEAD FLYOVER / METRO LATEST:
Metro suspensions expected to be in place until 'early in new year' as engineers try to shore up the flyover so it is safe to run trains underneath.
@kimmcguinness.bsky.social says Gateshead Council 'must get on' with repairs now to end this situation.
Metro suspensions expected to be in place until 'early in new year' as engineers try to shore up the flyover so it is safe to run trains underneath.
@kimmcguinness.bsky.social says Gateshead Council 'must get on' with repairs now to end this situation.
December 20, 2024 at 4:04 PM
GATESHEAD FLYOVER / METRO LATEST:
Metro suspensions expected to be in place until 'early in new year' as engineers try to shore up the flyover so it is safe to run trains underneath.
@kimmcguinness.bsky.social says Gateshead Council 'must get on' with repairs now to end this situation.
Metro suspensions expected to be in place until 'early in new year' as engineers try to shore up the flyover so it is safe to run trains underneath.
@kimmcguinness.bsky.social says Gateshead Council 'must get on' with repairs now to end this situation.
Genuinely should be a huge national story - www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@chroniclelive.co.uk
Gateshead Flyover and Metro closure update with services set to be off into 2025
Tyne and Wear Metro services across the Tyne look set to remain suspended until early in the new year, as Gateshead Council has been told that it must get on with emergency flyover repairs now
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
December 20, 2024 at 4:21 PM
Genuinely should be a huge national story - www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@chroniclelive.co.uk
Reposted by Sam Volpe
What a day. Brilliant to be on board the first of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s shiny new trains as it entered passenger service.
A very long time coming, but hopefully the start of a brighter future for the Metro.
A very long time coming, but hopefully the start of a brighter future for the Metro.
December 18, 2024 at 12:47 PM
What a day. Brilliant to be on board the first of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s shiny new trains as it entered passenger service.
A very long time coming, but hopefully the start of a brighter future for the Metro.
A very long time coming, but hopefully the start of a brighter future for the Metro.
Reposted by Sam Volpe
The Land Registry putting up fees for finding out the true owner of a property by 133% is a proper financial hit if you're running a small investigative news outlet! (Related: I've always thought if you wanted to start a revolution in the UK, make the Land Registry free and searchable on Google.)
December 12, 2024 at 8:47 AM
The Land Registry putting up fees for finding out the true owner of a property by 133% is a proper financial hit if you're running a small investigative news outlet! (Related: I've always thought if you wanted to start a revolution in the UK, make the Land Registry free and searchable on Google.)
Reposted by Sam Volpe
"Nick Candy has not yet secured a meeting with Elon Musk but he would very much like to & is rather hopeful that he might get one in the coming weeks & would be ready to travel at short notice if he did" does seem to set a remarkably low bar for this page one news report headline in the Sunday Times
December 15, 2024 at 7:56 PM
"Nick Candy has not yet secured a meeting with Elon Musk but he would very much like to & is rather hopeful that he might get one in the coming weeks & would be ready to travel at short notice if he did" does seem to set a remarkably low bar for this page one news report headline in the Sunday Times
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Sadly, it’s a good time to once again share this amazing infographic that we ran at @science.org more than 7 years ago
🧪 #IDsky
www.science.org/content/arti...
🧪 #IDsky
www.science.org/content/arti...
Here's the visual proof of why vaccines do more good than harm
See year by year how vaccines beat back nine dangerous infectious diseases
www.science.org
December 14, 2024 at 9:10 PM
Sadly, it’s a good time to once again share this amazing infographic that we ran at @science.org more than 7 years ago
🧪 #IDsky
www.science.org/content/arti...
🧪 #IDsky
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Sam Volpe
And speaking of journalism that matters - was really heartbreaking to speak to Joe about little Fatima.
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
Dad says tot, 2, with heart failure has been 'hung out to dry'
A two-year-old girl is desperately waiting in hospital for space at the Freeman Hospital to become available so she can get the lifesaving care she needs
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
December 13, 2024 at 10:07 PM
And speaking of journalism that matters - was really heartbreaking to speak to Joe about little Fatima.
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
And speaking of journalism that matters - was really heartbreaking to speak to Joe about little Fatima.
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
Dad says tot, 2, with heart failure has been 'hung out to dry'
A two-year-old girl is desperately waiting in hospital for space at the Freeman Hospital to become available so she can get the lifesaving care she needs
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
December 13, 2024 at 10:07 PM
And speaking of journalism that matters - was really heartbreaking to speak to Joe about little Fatima.
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
They were told she'd be transferred to the specialist Freeman children's heart unit three weeks ago. They're still waiting.
-->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/...
@chroniclelive.co.uk
Belated, but really pleased that our @chroniclelive.co.uk work covering the infected blood scandal has been nominated for campaign of the year at the regional press awards. (Along with a second Chron campaign!)
Shows that when you do journalism that with bit of fight, it matters to people.
Shows that when you do journalism that with bit of fight, it matters to people.
December 13, 2024 at 9:54 PM
Belated, but really pleased that our @chroniclelive.co.uk work covering the infected blood scandal has been nominated for campaign of the year at the regional press awards. (Along with a second Chron campaign!)
Shows that when you do journalism that with bit of fight, it matters to people.
Shows that when you do journalism that with bit of fight, it matters to people.
Was really pleased to contribute to @chroniclelive.co.uk 's #IDPD2024 coverage with three pieces today - two about admirable local organisations that need a helping hand, and this insightful interview with Lost Voice Guy who was very generous with his time ->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
'For many people, winning a TV talent show isn't an option'
As part of ChronicleLive's drive to support International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Lost Voice Guy Lee Ridley told us about how society treats people with disabilities - for good and for ill.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
December 3, 2024 at 9:49 PM
Was really pleased to contribute to @chroniclelive.co.uk 's #IDPD2024 coverage with three pieces today - two about admirable local organisations that need a helping hand, and this insightful interview with Lost Voice Guy who was very generous with his time ->
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Guardian and Observer journalists have asked people not to share Guardian stories for 48 hours from midnight tonight (Tues), to respect their strike and the virtual picket line
December 3, 2024 at 3:23 PM
Guardian and Observer journalists have asked people not to share Guardian stories for 48 hours from midnight tonight (Tues), to respect their strike and the virtual picket line
Reposted by Sam Volpe
Bleak account of working in local papers for Newsquest, which continues to send millions of pounds a year to its US private equity owners, while producing "cheap, synthetic, low-quality fare" and using AI reporters to cover councils. westcountryvoices.co.uk/ultra-proces...
December 3, 2024 at 10:51 AM
Bleak account of working in local papers for Newsquest, which continues to send millions of pounds a year to its US private equity owners, while producing "cheap, synthetic, low-quality fare" and using AI reporters to cover councils. westcountryvoices.co.uk/ultra-proces...
Full report from the demolition of Hexham House this morning - it was an incredible thing to see. Now to see what the regeneration looks like! @chroniclelive.co.uk
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
See the 'overwhelming' moment a Newcastle tower block was blown up
A leading councillor said it had been "overwhelming" to watch Hexham House demolished - and that it would pave the way for regeneration plans.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
November 30, 2024 at 4:58 PM
Full report from the demolition of Hexham House this morning - it was an incredible thing to see. Now to see what the regeneration looks like! @chroniclelive.co.uk
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
Waiting for the five minute warning we have been told to expect. Shouldn't be long now.
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@chroniclelive.co.uk
November 30, 2024 at 11:05 AM
Waiting for the five minute warning we have been told to expect. Shouldn't be long now.
@chroniclelive.co.uk
@chroniclelive.co.uk