h2g2bob @h2g2bob@mastodon.dbatley.com

"The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill became law on 27th October, enabling local transport authorities to implement franchising schemes for bus services in England – reversing the deregulation of buses which has contributed to spiralling prices and worsening, reduced services while transport firms pay millions to shareholders.

It will also end the ban on councils setting up their own bus companies to directly compete with private firms."

Hurrah for big, quiet wins!

https://bylinetimes.com/2025/10/28/all-the-big-government-reforms-the-media-hasnt-been-telling-you-about/

TLDR; The PSF has made the decision to put our community and our shared diversity, equity, and inclusion values ahead of seeking $1.5M in new revenue. Please read and share. https://pyfound.blogspot.com/2025/10/NSF-funding-statement.html
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https://www.python.org/sponsors/application/

It's not all democratic backsliding. 2024's elections in Southern Africa suggest a maturing of democracy in the region.

In Botswana, the party which had governed the country since independence graciously accepted defeat and ensured a peaceful transition of power. In South Africa, the coalition Government of National Unity has increased public trust in governance (when was the last time you heard that?!).

https://europeandemocracyhub.epd.eu/democratic-shockwaves-in-southern-africa/

*** New blog post ***

Back in July, I went for a cycle around Leicester, 10 years after the last time I cycled around Leicester.

Here's my write up, with thanks to Leicester Cycling Campaign Group.

https://therantyhighwayman.blogspot.com/2025/10/liveable-leicester-redux.html

Microsoft are rolling out Gaming Copilot to all Windows 11 PCs (excluding in China).

Enabled by default, silent install, takes screenshots and trains MS AI by default.

It installed on my Windows 11 Professional PC 🫡 it’s also not dependent on an NPU or Copilot+

https://doublepulsar.com/microsoft-builds-on-recall-with-gaming-copilot-fails-basic-privacy-tests-52988576bcc8