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Articles by Jess Mooney
The Watchdog Role: how journalism holds power to account
From the offset, the panel concurred that the role of the watchdog journalist is to scrutinise and hold power to account through accurate reporting that aims to serve the public above anything else. As journalists, we must be ‘astutely aware of who reads, who listens, who watches’, according to Kate Adie, a groundbreaking journalist and Newcastle University graduate who pioneered global conflict coverage on both Gulf Wars and the Iranian Embassy siege.
pippa crerar - The Courier Online
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kayleigh fraser - The Courier Online
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libby griffiths - The Courier Online
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ruth sunderland - The Courier Online
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Jack Anderton's 'A New Dawn Tour' comes to Newcastle
On Thursday night, Newcastle University’s Conservative Society hosted one of Britain’s most prominent young right-wing political voices as part of a national university tour focused on the political direction of younger voters. Jack Anderton arrived in Newcastle as part of his “A New Dawn” tour - a series of campus events examining why increasing numbers of young people are turning towards Reform UK.
‘Engage, don’t withdraw’: Remain campaigners urge students to back National Union of Students
One student involved in the Remain campaign told The Courier that for them, the debate is personal. "I come from a low income, single parent household, and have been a carer," they said. "Because of this, the campaign work NUS does for better government support feels very close to home.
Students launch ‘Leave’ campaign as debate over National Union of Students affiliation heats up ahead of referendum
One Leave campaigner said they believe the organisation does not deliver enough results to justify its cost: "I feel like as an organisation, they don't do enough to benefit students on the day to day. It is too expensive for what we get in return." I feel like during last year’s debates, there was a clear lack of representation for the Leave campaign, meaning the result was an uninformed one.
NUS launch 'Don't Freeze Our Futures' in an attempt to reform the student loan system
The National Union of Students has launched “Don’t Freeze Our Futures”, a nationwide push to reform the student loan system, alongside plans for a mass Lobby Day in Parliament on March 11th. The campaign comes at a time when student finance is once again dominating headlines, with growing concern over frozen repayment thresholds, rising interest, and the long-term burden placed on graduates. Campaigners argue that the current system is failing students, parents, and graduates alike.
North East Students’ Unions share support for the Student Finance Bill
The bill calls for a government review of the current termly student finance system, with the aim of moving towards monthly maintenance loan payments and allowing students to access part of their funding in advance for major upfront costs. At present, most students receive their maintenance loan in three large installments across the academic year, a structure designed around university terms rather than the realities of modern living.
North East campaigners warn of gaps in new VAWG strategy
Eighteen months into its time in power, the government has outlined what it means by its pledge to halve VAWG within a decade. Under a strategy titled Freedom From Violence and Abuse, the Home Office has worked with the Office for National Statistics to define a new national measure of VAWG, bringing together crimes ranging from domestic abuse and stalking to sexual violence, online abuse, spiking and fatal violence such as domestic homicide.
NUS President Amira Campbell defends the organisations values ahead of 2026 referendum
Speaking amid accusations that NUS UK does not represent student interests or provide value for money, Amira outlined what she described as a series of recent “wins” delivered through national campaigning: “Just this week we’ve seen a massive expansion to youth mobility,” she said.
Student Council vote triggers early referendum on NUS UK affiliation
At the November council, the motion “Should our Students’ Union Disaffiliate from NUS UK?” passed with 86% in favour. While the Students’ Union is only required to hold a referendum on its affiliation with the National Union of Students (NUS) every three years, passing the motion has triggered an early vote, scheduled to take place during the annual Student Elections in March 2026.
Newcastle University Honoured with Top UK Prize for Groundbreaking Dementia Research
The prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education, bestowed by the monarch every two years, celebrate world-class excellence across UK institutions. This year marks Newcastle’s second consecutive success, following its 2023 award for water research, and the fifth such honour in the University’s history. DLB is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting an estimated 130,000 people in the UK.
The 'lone girl' theory: why women in film are always alone
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image source: Rubén Bagüés, Unsplash Movies marketed 'for men' are often treated as movies for everyone. Their heroes are universal symbols of bravery, ambition, or rebellion. By contrast, movies 'for women' are dismissed as niche rom-coms, family dramas, or chick flicks. The difference lies not only in marketing, but in how womanhood itself is imagined.
Final Year Bucket List: Making the Most of the Newcastle Student Experience
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image Credits: Kayla (Dupe Photos) As I step into my final year in Newcastle, I can’t help but feel drawn to the experiences that define student life here, the little rites of passage that make this city, and this chapter, feel uniquely ours.
The perfect wine night in
Every perfect evening needs the right soundtrack. Think mellow, vibey tunes that set the tone without stealing the spotlight, a mix of Fleetwood Mac, Lizzy McAlpine, Hozier, or anything that makes the room feel warm and full. The aim isn’t perfection, it’s creating that effortless backdrop that makes the room feel warm and alive. And, truthfully, as the night goes on, the wine will probably end up choosing the songs for you anyway.
Lights, camera, cha-cha! Newcastle Come Dancing returns for a night of glamour
After months of anticipation, NCL Dance’s flagship charity event is set to return on Friday 5th December, promising an evening of elegance, entertainment, and community spirit.
Public art, protest, and the politics of Banksy’s latest mural
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Art has always been political. From Renaissance frescoes loaded with symbols of power to Picasso’s Guernica or the protest posters of 1968 Paris, artists have long reflected and resisted authority. In the 21st century, few have done this as consistently, and as provocatively, as Banksy. His latest mural, which appeared on the exterior wall of London’s Royal Courts of Justice, may be one of his most politically charged.
Hello Kitty on the grid: A new era for F1 Academy and the face of women’s motorsport
This season, F1 Academy, the all-female, single-seater development series, is teaming up with pop culture icon Hello Kitty. Set to debut at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the collaboration between F1 Academy and Sanrio, Hello Kitty’s parent company, includes a 36-piece merchandise collection, themed fan activations, a Hello Kitty Café, and even dedicated Hello Kitty grandstands.
Food & Drink - The Courier Online
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Libby Griffiths & Jess Mooney
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The best pubs, restaurants, and cafés to impress your flatmates this week
Source: Geograph Britain and Ireland & Geoff Holland, Wikimedia Commons Tyne Bar - NE6 1LP Quite possibly the best drinking spot in the city. Tucked under the bridge in Ouseburn, Tyne Bar has outdoor seating by the river, regular live music, and a buzzing, friendly atmosphere that feels exactly how you imagined uni life would be. Perfect for that first flat trip out when everyone’s still figuring each other out - cheap drinks, good vibes, no notes.
olivia rodrigo - The Courier Online
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Local Arts News - The Courier Online
Mali Morris's 'Returning' is exhibited in The Hatton Gallery from the 14th of September to the 11th of January. One of our sub-editors had the opportunity of speaking to Morris... ...
Quick Meal series: creamy roasted Mediterranean veg pasta
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Source: Nerfee Mirandilla, Unsplash 1 red pepper 1 white onion 1 courgette 1 aubergine A generous handful of cherry tomatoes As many garlic cloves as you can reasonably get away with Tomato paste A tub of cream (any kind, but double cream = maximum richness) 1 chicken or vegetable stock cube Olive oil Salt & pepper Optional: Chicken thigh (skinless, boneless, diced) Pasta of your choice (but let’s be honest, it should be...
Are Half-Time Shows in Football Necessary?
When thinking about football, most fans picture thrilling goals, dramatic tackles, and the emotional rollercoaster of a 90-minute match. But in recent years, a new tradition has started to wedge its way into the beautiful game - elaborate half-time shows. Once the realm of American sports like the Super Bowl, entertainment spectacles are becoming more common in football, such as during the FIFA Club World Cup or even select domestic fixtures. But the question remains: are they actually necessary?
The hot girl summer of staying in: Why everyone’s obsessed with DIY fridge magnets right now
Let’s take a quick look back. In 2021, it was all about crochet. Then came the foam mirror DIY phase in 2022, with glue guns becoming household staples. By 2023, poetry notebooks took over our nightstands, and in 2024, junk journaling gave us the perfect excuse to save every receipt in the name of art. 2025 is no different.
St George’s Flags appear across Newcastle and beyond
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image Credit: ReeSaunders, Flickr (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/) Rows of St George’s and United Kingdom flags have been spotted across Newcastle and other UK cities this August, with many attached to lampposts and rooftops. While some initially appeared during the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 campaign, thousands more have gone up in recent weeks under a grassroots movement known online as Operation Raise the Colours.
The Complicated Geography of Northern Identity at University
For those raised with a strong sense of Northern-ness, university life often prompts a quiet reckoning. You arrive thinking you know who you are, shaped by mill towns, council estates, bus routes that run more in theory than in practice, and a political memory that still side-eyes Thatcher. You come with the accent, the humour, the hard edges and soft loyalties. But then, suddenly, you're surrounded by others with their own versions of what it means to be Northern.
Souvenir Stash: a deck of memories
Growing up, my family was never particularly sentimental about things. We didn’t collect fridge magnets or display little figurines on shelves. Nobody I knew was ever the “souvenir type,” and those shops crammed with “I ♥ [insert destination]” trinkets felt like tourist traps designed to relieve you of your last few coins before the flight home.
Newcastle Students’ Union Restructure Aims to Boost Opportunities for All
Image Credit (NUSU Website, https://nusu.co.uk/activities/giveitago/about/book) Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) has undergone a major internal restructure in a bid to tackle a projected £164,000 deficit by the 2026/27 academic year - but leaders are confident the student experience will be protected and even enhanced as a result.
'Real legend' retires after nearly 50 years at Bradford firm
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Man's touching ode to Bradford during City of Culture year
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
social media trends
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Gift Wrapped Struggle: How Food Gifting Signals a Hidden Economic Crisis
Welcome to the era of food as a love language - and maybe a financial coping mechanism. Scroll through TikTok, Instagram or wait for your next celebration and you’ll spot it: people gifting snack boxes like they’re gold bars. From Fenwick hampers, homemade oat cookie kits or the subtle M&S sweet treat, food gifting isn’t just trending - it's telling.
Forecasting with fashion: how trends react to the economy
But this isn’t the first time that economic hardship has given rise to distinct fashion trends. In the pages of Vouge, Christian Allaire suggests that just as ‘recession core’ gains traction in 2025, we may also witness the unexpected resurgence of ‘indie-sleaze’. Influenced by the likes of Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, who are making appearances on the 2025 fall runways, the era of grunge and untamed, black leather looks is coming back into fashion.
Ghost-writing: Has AI become our wingman?
The idea of using AI to assist with writing is hardly revolutionary. As far back as the 1960s, innovators explored the potential for algorithms and rule-based systems to generate coherent narratives. But these early attempts were primitive, limited in scope, and inaccessible to the general public. It wasn’t until the rise of machine learning and neural networks in the 2010s that AI started to show real promise, generating increasingly human-like text.
Andrew Cushin: Newcastle’s rising star set to share the stage with Robbie Williams
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image credit: Bertie Kirkwood Andrew Cushin is no stranger to success. With a songwriting career that took off at a young age, including a 2020 collaboration with Noel Gallagher and securing a record deal at just 18, he has quickly become a respected name in the indie rock scene.
It's a happy nifty review of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl!
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image source: IMDb In this latest adventure, the stakes are raised as one of cinema’s most menacing villains makes a return: Feathers McGraw, the cold-blooded penguin who once masterminded a daring heist using Wallace’s malfunctioning trousers in The Wrong Trousers. With his chilling, unblinking stare and emotionless demeanour, Feathers was locked up in the zoo after the robbery.
21st Century Witch-Hunts: Why do we hate the women of Hollywood?
Gender inequality in Hollywood is a long-established issue. The expectations we hold for men and women in Hollywood are very different and the reasons we hate them even more so. Whether it’s Miley and her controversial AMA performance, Taylor’s love and anti-love songs, or Kim Kardashian’s body modifications, all of them have broken the rules of how we think a woman should act. Women are not expected to act provocatively, play on their sexuality or benefit from their natural or enhanced beauty.
Women in male fields: a trending discourse
This continues into professional spaces, where just 8% of working women in Europe are in male-dominated industries, dropping as low as 6.5% in the United States. Globally, women’s share of leadership and management roles has been steadily increasing. However, this has largely been in industries dominated by women, where they are already accepted, and rarely transcends into those dominated by men. When women are rewarded with success in male fields, they face increased harassment and discrimination.
How do Video Games Teach Us Real Life Lessons?
Sign up to our mailing list so you never miss any future updates Image Source: Pixabay, WebTechExperts Video games serve many different purposes in our life. They can entertain us, help us relax, develop and strengthen friendships and, most importantly, teach us valuable life lessons. While most of the time, these virtual worlds are dismissed as a mere pastime for the young or immature, the lessons they teach us can mark the lives of those who play them. Perseverance.
Poly Vs Posh : Is the Newcastle-Northumbria Rivalry Banter or Classism?
Beyond sports results, entry requirements and location, it is ultimately about which student cohort belongs to a higher class. At Northumbria, 30% of students come from a household where the main breadwinner is of a working-class, manual occupation. At Newcastle, this figure drops to 20%. Along with most Russell Group universities, Newcastle has faced criticism for admitting very few working-class students in favour of those privately educated.
Rats in Vests and The Power of Nature: Five Positive Things Happening in Science Right Now
WikimediaCommons: AnemoneProjectors, Bull (Bos taurus) 1. The Prescription is Nature: Numerous studies over the years have shown that immersing ourselves in the natural world may have significant health benefits, but could we ever bring this practice into a clinical setting? Kathy Wills, in her new book, "Good Nature," argues yes and suggests there is "a direct relationship between your sense of sight and recovery rate".
Why Yorkshire is the creative powerhouse of The North
With the recent emergence of major acts like Nia Archives, Yard Act, and Corinne Bailey-Rae, all born and bred in Yorkshire, the Northern region is beginning to be recognised as an authentic place where modern talent can originate and develop. Much of this development can be traced back to the current Mayor, to her ‘You Can Make It Here’ program, which aims to support and grow the region's creative sector through a range of training and investment opportunities.
jess mooney - The Courier Online
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Gone Too Soon: Why are so many shows being cancelled?
A key issue is that streaming platforms are increasingly concerned with performance-based and statistical success which allows them to roll out highly paid advertisement schemes rather than caring about the writing, production, and casting process, sacrificing the curation of an authentic, slow-profit fanbase for convenient money grabs. Most importantly, producers are failing to give shows the time and chance to find their audience.
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