Tony Cascarino, former Aston Villa and Ireland player, expressed concern over the financial troubles at Aston Villa, suggesting a German-style ownership model to prevent such crises. He criticized the club's past ownership and the ineffective 'fit and proper' test for new owners. Cascarino also commented on the uncertain situation at Chelsea, hinting at possible ownership changes and the odd behavior of players like Willian. He recounted memories from the 1990 World Cup, including anecdotes about the Pope and Packie Bonner. Cascarino revealed he is scheduled for surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, urging men to not ignore health symptoms and seek medical attention promptly.

During a performance in the Karelia region of northwest Russia, a bear mauled its trainer, Ruslan Solodyuk, causing panic among the audience who fled the Anshlag Tent Circus, which lacked safety barriers. The bear, Yashka, attacked after Solodyuk grabbed a chain around its neck. Despite an assistant's intervention, the bear was only subdued by electric shock. Witness Galina Gurieva expressed shock at the absence of safety measures. Circus manager Lyudmila Misnik suggested the bear was provoked by flash photography, which was against the rules. Solodyuk attributed the bear's aggression to old age and joint pain. Russian police and safety officials are investigating the incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about live animal performances in Russian circuses.

Niall Quinn, an Ireland football legend and former chairman of Sunderland, has commented on James McClean's behavior, suggesting that the Stoke City winger needs to control his temper to avoid negatively impacting his career. McClean was involved in a half-time altercation during Stoke's 3-0 loss to Wigan. Quinn emphasized the importance of McClean focusing on his strengths on the field, warning that continued incidents could overshadow his abilities. Additionally, former Ireland international Liam Lawrence, who played for Stoke, highlighted a lack of leadership within the team, attributing it to their struggles in adapting to life in the Championship following their relegation.

Katie-George Dunlevy, a double World Champion cyclist and Paralympic medalist, shares her journey and aspirations in cycling. Despite being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 11, Dunlevy's determination led her to excel in sports, transitioning from athletics to cycling. With her pilot, Eve McCrystal, she has achieved significant success, including World Cup medals. The duo trains rigorously, facing challenges such as Ireland's lack of suitable track facilities, which has necessitated training camps abroad. However, with the Irish government's commitment to building a new velodrome in Dublin by 2021, the future looks promising. Dunlevy and McCrystal are focused on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, aiming to defend their title amidst fierce international competition.

Irish Olympic boxing veteran Wayne McCullough praises the potential of current Irish boxers Carl Frampton, Aaron McKenna, and Jason Quigley. Frampton recently won a fight in Belfast, while McKenna secured a victory in Los Angeles. Both are part of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy promotions, which McCullough sees as beneficial for their exposure. McCullough, who has lived in the States for 25 years, empathizes with the challenges faced by boxers moving abroad for their careers. He reflects on his own experiences and the importance of support systems. McCullough also reminisces about his Olympic success and the evolution of Irish boxing, crediting increased funding for recent Olympic medals. Despite his boxing background, McCullough has become an advocate for MMA, noting its incentives and competitive matchmaking as areas where boxing could improve.

Joe Delaney, an Irishman affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, shares the ongoing struggles faced by the community six months after the tragedy. Despite the initial unity, the long-term trauma is taking a toll, with fatigue, funerals, and suicides marking the aftermath. Delaney criticizes the Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council for their perceived indifference and inadequate response. The council claims progress in rehousing and financial commitment, but many remain in temporary accommodations. The article also references Francis O’Connor, who warned of safety issues years before the fire. The community continues to deal with the physical and psychological impacts, including the lack of basic utilities and the constant reminder of the tragedy.

Graham and Stuart, two of Scotland's most outspoken commentators on Scottish football, will be touring theatres to discuss challenges facing the national game, including the impact of television, social media, and the national team. Stuart Cosgrove, part of BBC Scotland's 'Off the Ball' and a St Johnstone fan, will argue on behalf of smaller clubs, while Graham Spiers, a renowned journalist, will offer his insights. The show promises candid opinions and is scheduled at Mac Arts in Galashiels.

Earth Hour, scheduled for 8.30pm on March 19, aims to raise awareness about environmental issues through an hour of energy saving. Scottish Borders Council is backing the initiative, encouraging public participation and implementing an hour of lights-off in their offices on March 18. Councillor Ron Smith highlights the importance of individual contributions to planet protection. The event has seen global participation, with a record 172 countries in 2015, iconic landmarks, and millions of individuals, schools, and businesses joining.

A bus driver and a passenger were injured when a tree fell on their bus on the A7 road south of Galashiels. The driver, 57, sustained serious leg injuries, and a 27-year-old male passenger had minor injuries. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on Wednesday amid high winds that caused widespread disruption in the region. Both injured were taken to Borders General Hospital, and emergency services worked to make the area safe. The road was closed, and surrounding trees were cut down to prevent further incidents.

Off The Record, an event at the MacArts centre in Galashiels, will offer advice sessions on the music industry, including releasing music, organizing gigs, and promotion. Open to individuals aged 14-25, it features speakers from the BBC, Soma Records, and other music industry professionals. The event aims to provide basic knowledge and avoid common mistakes for those interested in music careers. It is organized in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, Youth Borders, and Creative Arts & Business Network, and will run from 10.30am to 5pm on December 5, with tickets priced at £2.

A conference titled 'Turning up the heat on fuel poverty' focused on addressing the issue of fuel poverty and assisting vulnerable individuals in Scotland. Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess highlighted the Scottish Government's commitment to equality and the new Warmer Homes Scotland scheme, which aims to help 28,000 Scots. Energy Action Scotland's Director, Norman Kerr, emphasized the importance of affordable warm housing and invited government collaboration. David Manning from SGN discussed the company's initiatives to alleviate fuel poverty.

Carris Donaldson from the Bridge Inn won Bartender of the Year at the Scottish Licensed Trade Association's awards in Glasgow, with the pub also placing second in the Community Pub of the Year category. The Bridge Inn is known for its community involvement, hosting events like trips, brewery tasting sessions, and 'Techie Tuesday' nights to assist older customers with technology. They also support local charities, raising funds for Hay Lodge Hospital and the Peebles Christmas Lights Association. Bar manager Nikki Cassidy expressed pride in the pub's recognition and community service.

Scottish Labour is organizing a campaign in Galashiels to protest against the Conservative government's proposed cuts to working tax credits. The event will take place at Market Square from 11am till 1.30pm. Local Labour spokesperson Barrie Cunning criticizes the government for attempting to dismantle the welfare state and negatively impacting those in need. He highlights that the cuts will affect 370,000 households in Scotland, including over 140,000 single parent families. A Borders family with three children earning £20,000 will lose £2,184.20 annually. Cunning urges public support to prevent the cuts and emphasizes that Scottish Labour is the only party defending working families in the Borders.

The A7 Action Group, consisting of community representatives, MPs, and councillors, celebrates its 25th anniversary by launching a new action plan for the A7 route from Carlisle to Edinburgh. The plan, developed after consulting with nine community councils, aims to enhance road safety and support economic development in the region, coinciding with the opening of the new Borders Railway. The group has a history of securing road improvements, including a £12.5million upgrade agreed upon by the Scottish Office.

The Souter Stormers, a group of knitters, supported the launch of fibre broadband in Selkirk by yarn-bombing over 40 landmarks during the YES arts festival. With the help of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme, almost 3,400 homes and businesses in Selkirk can now connect to fibre broadband, joining over 17,500 in the Scottish Borders. BT Scotland Director Brendan Dick commented on the improved broadband speeds and the group's creative launch event.