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Devolution deal confirmed for South Yorkshire

The government has given the green light to the long-awaited South Yorkshire devolution deal after accepting the latest proposal from the four local authorities. James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, confirmed the agreement in a letter to Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis and the leaders of Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils. The deal could bring up to £30m per annum in government cash for the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and see the devolution of transport, housing and skills provision for as long as the combined authority is in existence. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Canadian wins Sheffield breakdancing competition

Canadian Jayson Patrick Collantes, who is studying in Sheffield, won top honours in a national breakdancing competition hosted by the city’s two universities. Break the System Volume 2 brought dozens of breakdancers to the event held in the Hubs building, with the sport having gained profile from its consideration for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

May Day rally returns to Sheffield

Hundreds of labour activists joined a Sheffield Trades Council organised May Day celebration on Saturday, with a march through Sheffield city centre and a rally at Barkers Pool. The event is the first organised May Day labour movement parade to be held in Sheffield for at least 20 years. Len McCluskey, General Secretary of Unite the union, joined the speakers platform for the rally outside Sheffield City Hall. Later he spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh.

Places still open on Jessica Ennis-Hill backed sports course

A new programme launched by retired Olympic gold medallist Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill in partnership with Notre Dame High School has had its second open day. The Institute of Sporting Futures programme aims to fast track young people into sporting careers and is seeking to recruit a further 12 students before its launch in September. The course is an alternative to ‘A’ levels and will offer a Level Three diploma in sport and physical activities including three days per week in a work placement. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Peace activist play comes to Sheffield

Theatre Deli is hosting a play about the life of activist Rachel Corrie who died while protesting the demolition of Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip. The 23-year old travelled to Gaza to join other peace activists in March 2003 and was crushed to death two months later by an Israeli bulldozer. Sheffield Live! reporter baillor Jalloh spoke to director Hassun Zafar and actress Ella Dunlop.

Hundreds back strip club to stay open

A petition supporting workers at Spearmint Rhino night club has gathered hundreds of supporters just weeks after calls for its licence to be revoked. Campaigners opposed to the club have claimed private investigators saw dancers performing sex acts at the Brown Street club on two undercover visits. Responding to the allegations Shiri Shalmy from United Voices of the World, the union that represents the dancers, said campaigners are trying to put women out of work. The club is due to have its licence reviewed by Sheffield Council. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Karate youngster hits crowdfunding target

Eleven-year-old Asher Walton-Mitchell raised over £1,250 in a karate challenge to enable a wheelchair bound neighbour to get a lift installed in his home. Karate enthusiast Asher launched a successful sponsorship appeal to perform 50 katas in an hour to raise funds to support his friend Phil, who has a severe form of multiple sclerosis.

School students launch youth rights campaign

A group of Sheffield students from King Edward VII school have launched a campaign under the banner Our Own Rights with a demonstration outside the Town Hall. The campaigners are calling for young people’s views to be heard on issues and decisions affecting their lives. Baillor jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Vigil held for those who have died at work

Trades unionists, MPs and councillors were among those taking part in an International Workers’ Memorial Day event outside Sheffield Town Hall to remember those who have died or sustained injuries at work. Those present observed a minute’s silence and the laying of a wreath at the Memorial Tree. The TUC theme for the 2019 memorial is “dangerous substances – get them out of the workplace”. Similar events have been held in towns and cities across the world. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!