Mary Isokariari

BBC World Service - What in the World, How dangerous are chemical hair straighteners and relaxers?

And why is the US talking about banning them?

Are Xmas doctor's strike betraying patients?

Should councils pay heating bills for staff who work from home?

Political commentator Marina Purkiss doesn't believe Baroness Michelle Mone is a "scapegoat" in...

Political commentator Marina Purkiss doesn't believe Baroness Michelle Mone is a "scapegoat" in the PPE scandal. "She is one of many. That whole VIP line that was set up, the whole setting up of it is unlawful."

Nadia's Initiative on Instagram: "More must be done to help #Yazidi #survivors recover from...

More must be done to help Yazidi survivors recover from genocide. Listen to Nadia Murad address the inauguration ceremony of the Yazidi Genocide Memorial.

North Korea spy satellite launch ends in failure

North Korea has said an accident happened as it planned to send up its first space satellite, causing it to crash into the sea.

Australia to ban recreational vaping

Australia is set to ban recreational vaping as part of major crackdown amid what experts say is an "epidemic".

Covid-19: 'Don't rule out lab leak', says former Chinese scientist

The possibility of the Covid-19 virus leaked from a laboratory should not be ruled out, according to Prof George Gao.

Uganda approves tough new anti-gay law

A new anti-gay law, one of the harshest laws of its kind in the world, has been singed into law in Uganda.

Ukraine 'shifting towards offensive actions' against Russia

Ukrainian forces are "shifting to offensive actions" in some areas, the country's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar has said.

Malaria spike in Pakistan and Mozambique due to climate change, report says

Climate change is driving up the number of malaria cases in Pakistan and Mozambique, according to a new report.

BBC News on Instagram: "A leader of an indigenous community in Brazil has been recognised for her...

94K likes, 722 comments - BBC News (@bbcnews) on Instagram: "A leader of an indigenous community in Brazil has been recognised for her successful fight agains..."

BBC London on Instagram: "Meet the oldest @LondonMarathon runner this year, David Picksely. He...

431 likes, 10 comments - BBC London (@bbclondon) on Instagram: "Meet the oldest @LondonMarathon runner this year, David Picksely. He expects to take around 7 ..."

Ghana Independence Day: Capturing a new nation coming to life

Ghana Independence Day

Ghana Independence Day: Capturing a new nation coming to life.

We take pride speaking our mother tongue

What’s your mother tongue? Today is #InternationalMotherLanguageDay, which aims to promote linguistic and cultural diversity as well as multilingualism.

World Hijab Day

Many Muslim women and girls face discrimination for wearing the hijab worldwide. We spoke to various women including @nizars_kingdom and @hijabeefied, who explain why they choose to wear a hijab every day and what it means to them.

How did Afrobeats star CKay make history?

Nigerian High School drama 'Far from Home' premieres on Netflix

Classes are officially in session at Wilmer Academy 🥳. ‘Far From Home’, the new Nigerian high school series, is now available to stream on @naijaonnetflix just in time for a weekend binge.

Wise on TikTok

Happy Birthday Your Majesty The Queen! This neon green colour on you is a Wise choice 😉 and really suits you by the way! #fyp #foryoupage #viral #queen #royalty #happybirthday #queenelizabeth #hermajesty #royalfamily #london #royalfashion #royalfamily #uk #england #royalty #royals #hermajesty #britishroyalfamily #britishroyals #godsavethequeen #british

TikTok - Make Your Day

Instagram GIF

Earth Day Instagram Story Quiz

Share status of transfers | You can share your journey in a Bolt 🚖, You can share your last slice...

7,743 views, 121 likes, 4 loves, 509 comments, 11 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Wise: You can share your journey in a Bolt 🚖, You can share your last slice of pizza 🍕 (or not), And you can...

Animation video

Valentine's Day Competition

Max Whitlock surprised by daughter in emotional Olympic homecoming

Jodie Comer still lives at home with her parents (story went viral)

I'm A Celebrity 2019 rumoured line-up as bosses confirm who they want

Seville and the journey of strawberry gin

Famous for its juicy oranges and colourful flamenco dancing, Seville is the perfect destination for a long weekend or short trip. Perched in the Andalusia region, this southern capital combines exquisite culinary experiences tapas style with historical monuments and fascinating history against the backdrop of warm temperatures and blue skies all year around.

Getting a good night's sleep at a hotel shouldn't be a luxury, it's a necessity

As someone who worked shifts for more than three years, my sleep has often been disrupted. At times, I would struggle to wind down and ease my overactive mind or I would wake up hours before my alarm clock, leaving me exhausted for the day ahead.

Travel back to Victorian times with a fun trip to Ironbridge

It felt like I had stepped into an immersive history lesson as I wandered around Blists Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge, Shropshire. As Covid travel restrictions continue to change and UK staycations remain popular, Ironbridge is like no other place I have ever been before.

Tis' the season to get fit and healthy

I have a confession to make... I hate the gym. I've tried numerous ones over the years but I prefer walking, hiking and cycling while breathing in the country air.

Meet the Black schoolboy who beat International Chess Grandmaster aged just 12

Brian Lewis is telling his incredible story in a new book, Checkmate, to coincide with Black History Month Brian Lewis didn't have an ordinary childhood. While kids were playing outside with their friends, he dedicated all his spare time to playing chess.

Going out again has never felt so good

It has been over a month since Covid restrictions were lifted in the UK and I've had to adapt to re-socialising: ordering drinks from an actual bar, no limits to how many people I'm allowed to meet up outside and of course, hitting the dancefloor all feel new.

Level up your health: 'I tried cryotherapy for the first time and survived'

I tried cryotherapy during an Eccleston Yards Wellness Weekenders pre-event, a new festival that took place on 14 and 15 August and is continuing on 21 and 22 August, in Belgravia. The ticketed event features popular fitness trends such as hula hooping and puppy yoga.

Nokia's new 5G 'indestructible' smartphone packs a punch

Hands up, who has dropped their phone in water or have smashed their screen? I'm not afraid to admit, I can be clumsy at times, so when I was invited to take part in a series of football challenges with Arsenal legend Ray Parlour to test out the new Nokia smartphone XR20, I jumped at the chance.

So Solid Crew's Swiss urges firms to address pay gap amid Black Pound Day

Black Pound Day, described as a 'solution-based approach to support the growth of the UK Black economy', is flourishing five months after its initial launch on the 27th of June. Taking place on the first Saturday of every month, it has inspired other black-owned campaigns such as #IAMBOB, a week-long Twitter campaign, launched by the Daily Mirror and other Reach titles to highlight black-owned businesses up and down the country.

Does 24 Carat Gin measure up to its £1,200 price tag?

As a big gin fan, I didn't know what to think when I was approached to try 24 Carat Gin, a new premium brand priced at a whopping £1,200. The idea of mixing gold with gin was mind-boggling. Was it real gold? Would it taste nice?

With more restrictions rolled out across the UK - what is it really like to dine out now?

THE WEST END felt like a ghost town on a Friday evening. Gone was the hustle and bustle of city life; instead I could walk down the streets without people bumping into me. It was a stark reminder that life hadn't gone back to normal following lockdown.

Kokoon Headphones Review: Buying a good night's sleep doesn't come cheap

Getting a good night's sleep has been shown to help keep you healthy, and reduce stress. However, current figures show that 1 in 3 people in the UK is having trouble sleeping and needing treatment. Unsurprisingly given the current climate - the coronavirus pandemic has brought countries to a standstill.

Put your wilderness survival skills to the test at the Bear Grylls Adventure

So, I had no idea what to expect when I was invited to spend a day at Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC in Birmingham, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments whose main UK attractions portfolio also includes Alton Towers and Thorpe Park.

Party Playas - review

Stay where Ibiza rocks hard and grown-ups groove to epic 80s tunes, indulging in a music legend lifestyle

International Women's Day

International Women's Day on the 8th March is a worldwide event that celebrates women's achievements - from the political to the social - while calling for gender equality. This year, International Women's Day comes on the heels of unprecedented global movement for women's rights, equality, and justice.

Kitchen Sink to Catwalk: Being over 40 and fabulous

If anyone ever tells you that it's too late for you to do anything in life, then wait until you watch Together's brand new TV show Kitchen Sink to Catwalk. A reality contest with a difference, the programme follows six middle-aged women who have travelled to London to take part in one of the biggest challenges of their lives.

Meet Stephen Yellowhawk: Keeping His Native American Heritage Alive

Meet Stephen Yellowhawk, a South Dakota performer who's undeniable passion for dance helps keep his Native American heritage alive

The best cultural festivals around the world

Carnivals are a great way to experience a destination. Here are some of the world's most vibrant and breathtaking cultural festivals...

How schools can support pupils with sickle cell disease

As Sickle Cell Awareness Month (September) draws to a close, school leaders need to understand how the condition can affect pupils at school, and make sure that their policies are offering the right support.

How can managers be trained to support staff with mental health at work?

Employers across the UK are failing to provide adequate support to employees or equip managers with the skills to help them, according to new research. A by the charity Business in the Community suggests more than three quarters of workers aged 16 to 64 have experienced symptoms of poor mental health, and nearly two thirds of those with mental health problems believe work was a contributing factor.

Sickle cell disease: Do nurses and teachers need better training and education?

Red blood cells with sickle cell disease contain an abnormal form of haemoglobin - the blood's oxygen-carrying pigment - that makes them sickle-shaped. Photo credit: Fotolia The number of people with sickle cell has more than doubled in the capital within the past five years.

Living on the edge | Training Journal

Preseli Venture, right on the coast, is the perfect venue for corporate retreats and ideal for businesses looking for team-building away days. The newly launched 'Resilience in the Workplace' programme aims to boost resilience in mind, body and spirit. It combines coasteering, sea kayaking and surfing, with team challenges and focused mindfulness, communication and stress management workshops.

The exciting events bringing hip hop to the forefront of London's club scene

London's hip-hop scene is ever evolving with more clubs and venues hosting old skool nights and fun events in various formats across the city. Hip Hop Brunch LDN, a weekly party, is flying high as one of London's most popular daytime events.

Training farmers to lift themselves out of poverty

Poverty in Africa is predominantly rural. More than 70 per cent of the continent's poor people depend on agriculture to feed their families and make a living. In Sub-Saharan Africa, around 218 million adults and children are undernourished. It is the only region where extreme poverty and hunger continues to rise.

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination forces thousands of new mothers out of their jobs

Working mothers are still being penalised for having children according to new research from Equality and Human Rights Commission. The data, which is based on a survey of over 3,200 women, suggests around 54,000 new mothers may be forced out of their jobs in Britain each year after having a baby.

Manufacturer slams proposed sugar tax

Global drinks brand has criticised the proposed “sugar tax” for prevent- ing consumers from making their own lifestyle decisions.

E-cigarettes: Healthy or not?

The controversy surrounding e-cigarettes has been fuelled by public concern and media speculation over the health risks and regulation of these products.

What Now For Nigeria’s ‘Forced Marriage?'

THE LATE Nigerian political leader, Sir Ahmadu Bello, famously branded the unification of his country’s Northern and Southern provinces as “the mistake of 1914.”

Congo: The silent crisis | The Voice Online

It has been 53 years since the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) first legally elected prime minister, an event which many have argued contributed to the country's current economical and political crisis. Lumumba founded the National Congolese Movement (MNC) in 1958, and believed in the need for social and economic changes in the country.

Uni, or not uni? With rising fees and an uncertain jobs market, will it still pay to get a degree?

Uni, or not uni? That is the question for young people as the financial benefits of having a degree become less certain. We examine the challenges and talk to multi-millionaire entrepreneur Simon Dolan who says university makes no sense for most students...

High childcare costs putting parents off working, as prices rise twice as fast as wages

Childcare costs are rising more than twice as fast as wages, leaving more families questioning whether it is worthwhile both partners working, according to a report. In England, the cost of a nursery place for a child of two or over has increased by 4.8% in the past year - far exceeding the 2.1 per cent rise in the average wage in the same period, the study by insurer Aviva has claimed.

Should you tell your daughter she's pretty?

Some parents may do it every day, but Ben Fogle's wife Marina has insisted she'll never tell her seven-year-old daughter she's pretty... because she thinks parents should praise effort rather than the result. She says, "By praising them for something over which they have no influence reinforces the idea that how a woman or girl looks is her crowning achievement."

Fair pay campaigner accuses government of failing to protect young workers

Tanya de Grunwald, founder of careers blog Graduate Fog , said employers had a responsibility to nurture and train young staff and not take advantage of their desperation for experience. This comes after a Department for Work and Pensions minister confirmed the government would be reviewing options for work placements as part of Prime Minister Theresa May's pledge to "make Britain work for all, not just the rich."

Maternity leave sackings are costing British businesses £280m a year, says equality watchdog

The costs of hiring and training new staff, redundancy payouts and lost productivity after a woman is forced to leave amounted to £280m annually. However, women were more likely to leave their employer due to negative or possibly discriminatory experiences when they returned to work, rather than when pregnant, or on maternity leave.

Suzy Lamplugh's father urges employers to prioritise personal safety in the workplace

Violence and aggression in the workplace and personal safety of young people inspired Paul and Diana to set up Trust in Suzy's name: Credit: Bill Knight Speaking at the 30th anniversary event of the charity Trust last Thursday, 28th July, Paul Lamplugh 85, said personal safety at work was just as important now than it was when his daughter disappeared 30 years ago.

Terror of tourists stuck 65ft in the air on Southbank Starflyer ride

Tourists today told of their terror after being left dangling 65ft up for more than three hours after a fairground ride on the South Bank broke down. Fire crews plucked 19 stuck passengers, including six children, from 10 hanging capsules after the 260ft-high Starflyer swing-ride suffered a "technical malfunction".

Watch this junior doctor resign live on TV

A junior doctor announced his resignation live on TV today ahead of the start of all-out strikes by medics. Dr Ben White told ITV's Good Morning Britain that he would be leaving his post with Barts Health NHS Trust after insisting he and his colleagues have been "backed into a corner" by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

'I don't want to retire', says British Gas' oldest apprentice

While nearly half of British people mistakenly believe apprenticeships are just for school leavers, not everyone shares this misconception.

Big Shaun's whopping weight loss

What's your favourite advert and why?

Six-Year-Old Boy Saved His Pregnant Mum's Life

Tunisia hotel attack: Tributes paid to victims as injured Brits fly back home

Tributes are being paid to the 38 people, including at least 15 Britons, killed in Tunisia in an attack near Sousse. Tunisian student Seifeddine Rezgui, 23, who had links with Islamic State, opened fire on holidaymakers at midday on Friday. He then entered at least one of the hotel lobbies, where grenades were also detonated.

Cyclist 'lost control on steep descent before he crashed and died in freak accident'

A passing doctor put the 40-year-old man into the recovery position after he lost control on the circuit in Richmond Park and skidded at high speed on gravel while descending Broomfield Hill. The man was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital in a critical condition at 9.30am on Sunday and was pronounced dead several hours later.

Tiny flat with kitchen sink inches from the bed rented within hours... for £750 a month

The property in Kember Street, Islington, is described as a "fully furnished... modern studio apartment [which] comes complete and fully self contained" with "neutral deco and laminated floorboards throughout." Though no dimensions are included in the advertised details, there appears to be barely enough room to open the front door fully or walk around the bed.

Job-hunter 'goes the extra mile' with sandwich board on bridge

Britain's most dedicated job-hunter has taken to the streets with a sandwich board asking for work after more than 1,000 failed applications in three months. Gerri Spiers, a 50-year-old secretary from Woolwich who was made redundant in February, turned herself into a walking advertisement after other approaches proved unsuccessful.

The moment man rides rare £2,000 bike stolen from cyclist's shed

Vernon Thomas, 69, was set to compete in the World Champion Duathlon in Spain at the end of the month when he discovered three custom made bikes had vanished from his home in Blackheath, south east London. The father-of-two told the Standard the theft of the bikes was "a real hammerblow."

A night in the cells...squatters take over empty police station

Audacious squatters have set up home in an abandoned police station. The 15 east Europeans entered the boarded-up building in Norbury, and told officers who arrived five minutes later they would not leave until served with an eviction notice.

Get rid of lines that are killing my business

A patisserie owner who says double yellow lines outside her shop are “killing her business” has launched a petition calling for parking restrictions to be scrapped.

Teenager dies in climbing tragedy

The friends and teachers of a Hackney teenager who fell to his death while rock climbing in Costa Rica have been paying tribute to a “popular” and “inspirational” student. Lucas Drummond, 16, from Meynell Crescent, the son of former Hackney councillor John Drummond, died at the weekend following the tragic accident

Mutilated Swan's Body Discovered

An environmentalist is fearful that bird slaughtering is on the rise after a carcass was discovered at a reservoir last week

Jealousy Leads To Friend's Acid Attack

A UNIVERSITY student disguised herself in a niqab and threw acid on her friend Naomi Oni’s face because she was jealous of her good looks, a court heard earlier this week.

Desmond Tutu: 'Inspiration' To Mankind

DURING THE apartheid regime in South Africa, Desmond Tutu stood as a beacon of hope, forgiveness and reconciliation for his country. The Templeton Prize has recognised this, and on May 21, the former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town was honoured at London's Guildhall for his lifetime achievements.

Inquiry Demanded For Met’s ‘Dirty Tricks’ With Murdered Teen’s Family

DIANE ABBOTT has warned the Home Secretary that she will have a fight on her hands if she allows allega- tions that the Met Police spied on the family of Stephen Lawrence in their time of grief to be swept under the carpet.

Beyoncé shows that women really do run the world

IT WAS certainly a star-studded day to remember. An almost unbelievable line-up of celebrities from Beyonce and J-Lo to John Legend, Timbaland and a surprise appearance from Mary J Blige all on the same bill. They had given their time to support the Sound of Change Live charity concert on Saturday (June 1).

For an authentic take on Chinese food head to Yipin China

And let's face it, a girl's night in wouldn't feel complete without a dose of crispy seaweed, duck spring rolls and some crunchy prawn crackers. So, when I read that a new Hunanese restaurant called Yipin China had opened in the vibrant area of Islington, I was intrigued.

From Lima to the streets of Soho, Ceviche arrives with a bang

Having spent some time in Peru, I was ecstatic to hear about Ceviche, a new Peruvian restaurant which had opened in the heart of Soho, owned by restaurateur Martin Morales and Chef Alejandro Bello. With Peruvian restaurants being a rarity in London, Ceviche signifies the unknown, one of its greatest strengths.

Vine times in Rioja, where bucolic Basque Country meets astounding architecture

There is something distinctly Famous Five about this dark cave. I shiver as I spot cobwebs stretched across metal cages and struggle to stifle a yelp when something brushes past my face. But I needn't worry about catching baddies or finding treasure, the worst that can happen to me is a very bad hangover in this cool underbelly of a La Rioja vineyard.