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Featured

• Andy Burnham says Labour got it wrong as he unveils business rates shake up for pubs and small firms

  Andy Burnham has called for major changes to business rates, including a 20 per cent cut for pubs and music venues and the removal of business rates for thousands of small family run high street firms.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

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Local News

• Government plans longer closures for illegal shops after Rochdale campaign

  Shops linked to the sale of illegal tobacco, banned vapes and counterfeit goods could face closure for up to a year under proposed government changes welcomed by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh.

• Thousands enjoy food, music and sunshine as Street Eat returns to Rochdale

  More than 3,000 people attended Rochdale's Street Eat food and drink festival as the event returned to Town Hall Square with a day of international cuisine, live entertainment and family activities.

• Number of businesses forced to close over flooding

  A flood at an old mill in Rochdale has left several businesses facing financial ruin – with no choice but to close.

• The housing estate with a parking nightmare about to be sorted

  A housing estate in Rochdale has been overrun by cars for years, according to members of the community. But that is all about to change following a successful campaign to find an alternative to cars clogging up the pavements.

• Quick thinking PCSO praised after saving man’s life

  A Greater Manchester Police community support officer has been praised after helping save the life of a man found unconscious in a van while on patrol in Saddleworth.

• Rochdale Masters launches women’s section as club continues to grow

  Rochdale Masters Rugby League has announced the creation of a Women’s Masters Section as the club continues to expand and encourage greater participation in the sport.

• Rochdale Sea Cadet returns from Royal Navy training camp in Cornwall

  Able Cadet Olivia Mason enjoying the District Camp at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall

• Forty unclaimed and seized bicycles donated to youth cycling project in Bury

  Forty bicycles previously held by Greater Manchester Police have been donated to a Bury cycling project that teaches young people bike repair skills and encourages healthy activity.

• Andy Burnham pledges more powers for councils to tackle anti social behaviour

  Andy Burnham has said local councils should be given greater powers and resources to tackle anti social behaviour and regain control over the future of high streets.

• The dangerous road everyone wants safety improvements on

  Cars hurtle down Grimshaw Lane at ‘breakneck’ speeds with a ‘woosh’ and a ‘zumph’. And according to locals, it’s hard to believe the speed limit here is 30mph.

• Rochdale Pride returns on 18 July as we invite the community to get involved

  Rochdale’s annual Pride celebration will return on Saturday 18 July, and we're inviting local people, groups and businesses to get involved in this year’s event.

• Political expert says by-election could define Andy Burnham’s 25 years in politics

  A leading political scientist has said an upcoming by-election could determine how Andy Burnham’s quarter-century in politics is remembered.

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Local Sports

• Rochdale Masters launches women’s section as club continues to grow

  Rochdale Masters Rugby League has announced the creation of a Women’s Masters Section as the club continues to expand and encourage greater participation in the sport.

• Jimmy McNulty leaves Rochdale to join Stockport County

  Rochdale have confirmed Head Coach Jimmy McNulty has left the club to join League One side Stockport County.

• Donation boost for Rochdale Mayfield from local business and charity

  Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC has received a donation from a local retailer and charitable organisation to help support players, equipment, and community programmes.

• Jos Buttler signs new three year Lancashire Lightning deal

  England white ball star Jos Buttler has signed a new three year Vitality Blast contract extension with Lancashire Lightning. The agreement keeps him linked with the club through to the end of the 2028 season alongside his existing ECB central contract.

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Lifestyle

• Thousands enjoy food, music and sunshine as Street Eat returns to Rochdale

  More than 3,000 people attended Rochdale's Street Eat food and drink festival as the event returned to Town Hall Square with a day of international cuisine, live entertainment and family activities.

• Rochdale Masters launches women’s section as club continues to grow

  Rochdale Masters Rugby League has announced the creation of a Women’s Masters Section as the club continues to expand and encourage greater participation in the sport.

• Littleborough Band celebrates prize winning Whit Friday performances

  Littleborough Band enjoyed a successful Whit Friday, collecting five prizes across a series of contests in Saddleworth.

• La Latte Lounge opens new community space and women’s workshop

  La Latte Lounge Community Cafe CIC has opened a new community space and women’s workshop on Bank Street aimed at supporting people facing isolation, mental health challenges and abuse.

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

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Greater Manchester

• Andy Burnham says Labour got it wrong as he unveils business rates shake up for pubs and small firms

  Andy Burnham has called for major changes to business rates, including a 20 per cent cut for pubs and music venues and the removal of business rates for thousands of small family run high street firms.

• Massive Simister Island M60 upgrade gets started

  Work on a major M60 motorway upgrade at the notorious Simister Island junction has started.

• Newly elected Reform councillor defends historic black face make up photograph

  A newly-elected councillor has defended a decades old picture of him in ‘black face’ make-up as part of a musical performance.

• Burnham calls water industry 'broken'

  Andy Burnham, the Labour Candidate for the Makerfield By-Election, has called the Water industry 'broken' but fell short of calling for the nationalisation of United Utilities, following a discussion with local residents about how they have been affected by flooding in their local area.

• Who is keeping the lights on at Oldham council?

  A top boss is keeping the lights on at Oldham Council while councillors work out who is going to take over.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

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Local Entertainment

• Thousands enjoy food, music and sunshine as Street Eat returns to Rochdale

  More than 3,000 people attended Rochdale's Street Eat food and drink festival as the event returned to Town Hall Square with a day of international cuisine, live entertainment and family activities.

• Littleborough Band celebrates prize winning Whit Friday performances

  Littleborough Band enjoyed a successful Whit Friday, collecting five prizes across a series of contests in Saddleworth.

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend

  Vintage Vibes is returning to the East Lancashire Railway this weekend with live tribute acts, Northern Soul favourites and all day heritage rail travel included in ticket prices across Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May.

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Elections

• Andy Burnham pledges more powers for councils to tackle anti social behaviour

  Andy Burnham has said local councils should be given greater powers and resources to tackle anti social behaviour and regain control over the future of high streets.

• Andy Burnham says Labour got it wrong as he unveils business rates shake up for pubs and small firms

  Andy Burnham has called for major changes to business rates, including a 20 per cent cut for pubs and music venues and the removal of business rates for thousands of small family run high street firms.

• Makerfield residents voice frustration and excitement as by election campaign intensifies

  People in Ashton-in-Makerfield are starting to get fed up.

• Burnham calls water industry 'broken'

  Andy Burnham, the Labour Candidate for the Makerfield By-Election, has called the Water industry 'broken' but fell short of calling for the nationalisation of United Utilities, following a discussion with local residents about how they have been affected by flooding in their local area.

• Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield

  Audio

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UK

• Meningitis B jab to be offered to one million young people

  Around a million Year 13 pupils and those under 25 starting university this autumn will be offered the meningitis B (menB) vaccine.

• Girl charged with attempted murder over school stabbing that left three injured - as counter-terror police lead probe

  A schoolgirl has been charged over a school stabbing in Manchester that left two 14-year-olds and a 27-year-old man with knife wounds.

• UK economy contracts as Iran war bites

  The UK economy shrank slightly, as fuel price rises caused by the Iran war hit spending, new official figures show.

• Why football legend hit out at 'arrogant' Three Lions song - as it's re-released (again)

  It's three decades since Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds famously sang that football was "coming home" at Euro 96.

• World Cup tracker: What chance do England and Scotland have of winning, and how does that compare with previous tournaments?

  Every World Cup is big, but this year's is quite literally bigger than ever.

• Child killer Kyle Bevan 'looked asleep' after stabbing at HMP Wakefield, prison officer tells murder trial

  A child killer, stabbed 25 times in his prison cell, "looked like he was sleeping" when staff went to check on him the next morning, a jury has been told.

• Police officer, 19, dies after being hit by car, while attending another collision

  A 19-year-old female police officer has died after being hit by a car while responding to another collision.

• First tablet version of weight-loss jabs to be available in UK in weeks

  The first tablet version of the blockbuster weight-loss jabs will be available in the UK within weeks, following approval by the medicines regulator.

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Entertainment

• Doctor Who Christmas special cancelled as showrunner leaves sci-fi programme

  The Doctor Who special planned for this Christmas has been cancelled and Russell T Davies is leaving the long-running sci-fi series.

• Why football legend hit out at 'arrogant' Three Lions song - as it's re-released (again)

  It's three decades since Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds famously sang that football was "coming home" at Euro 96.

• Singer-songwriter to the stars Talay Riley stabbed to death in London

  A singer-songwriter who worked with Dua Lipa, Britney Spears and Zendaya has died aged 35 after he was stabbed in east London.

• Former Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow reveals Alzheimer's disease diagnosis

  Former Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow has revealed his Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.

• Anthony Head: Actor who starred in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso and Little Britain dies

  Anthony Head, the British actor best known for his roles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has died at the age of 72.

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Sport

• Jude Bellingham over Morgan Rogers at No 10? What we've learned from England's World Cup training camp in Florida

  England's preparation camp is drawing to a close.

• World Cup controversy cannot take the shine off the greatest show on earth as football takes centre-stage in Mexico

  And we are off. Three red cards including a VAR intervention. Two goals for co-hosts Mexico in the Estadio Azteca. One nightmare start for South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole. And an emotional first World Cup goal for Raul Jimenez at the age of 35.

• 2026 Womens' T20 World Cup pundit predictions: How far will England go, who will be their star player and which other nations could spring a surprise?

  Who will win the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup? How will England fare? And who will finish as the leading wicket-taker and top run-scorer?

• RBC Canadian Open: Shane Lowry a shot off lead in Toronto after opening round as Brooks Koepka fires eight birdies

  Brooks Koepka made one of his strongest starts since his return to the PGA Tour, making eight birdies and two bogeys to earn a share of the lead with a six-under 64 at the Canadian Open.

• Kieran McKenna stepping down as Ipswich boss to take a break from football amid Fulham interest

  Kieran McKenna is stepping down as Ipswich manager to take a break from football.

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Strange

• Wild black bear captured in Japan after multi-day hunt through major city

  Japanese authorities have captured a bear following a multi-day search that saw nearly 100 schools close.

• Viral 'Donald Trump' buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice in Bangladesh

  A viral buffalo nicknamed "Donald Trump" for its blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention.

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

  The Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest's most successful ever competitor has been beaten by a German YouTuber. 

• Driver filmed with football net on top of car

  Police say a driver made an "own goal" by dangerously driving with an unsecured football net on top of their car.

• Monkeys eating soil to settle upset stomachs from junk food, says research

  Monkeys in Gibraltar have learned to eat soil to settle their stomachs from all the junk food they consume, research suggests.

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Videos

• Police officer, 19, dies after being hit by car, while attending another collision

  A 19-year-old female police officer has died after being hit by a car while responding to another collision.

• Four-man crew named for NASA's next mission in Artemis moon programme

  Three Americans and an Italian have been named as the crew members for NASA's next mission in the Artemis moon programme.

• Prince William tells tech industry it could help prevent homelessness

  Prince William has told the tech industry that homelessness rarely happens without warning - and technology could help to solve the issue.

• Ukrainian strikes hit arms factory and oil refinery deep inside Russia

  Ukraine says an arms factory and an oil refinery deep inside Russia are among the targets it has hit in a fresh wave of attacks.

• Water firm faces £44.7m 'enforcement package' for sewage failings

  Welsh Water has become the latest major utility firm to face financial sanctions over wastewater failings, with a £44.7m "enforcement package" proposed by the industry regulator.

• Meningitis B jab to be offered to one million young people

  Around a million Year 13 pupils and those under 25 starting university this autumn will be offered the meningitis B (menB) vaccine.

• Norwegian teen accused of UK assassination plot says 'I'm no cold-blooded professional hitman'

  A Norwegian teenager accused of flying to the UK to assassinate a stranger for money has told a court he's "no cold-blooded professional hitman".

• Ryanair investigated over charging parents to sit with their children

  Europe's largest airline is being investigated by the UK's competition watchdog over its policy of charging parents to sit with their children.

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Politics

• More resignations for Keir Starmer: Can it get any worse?

  ? Tap here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app ?

• UK military chief writes to PM amid worry over defence spending plan

  The UK's military chief has written to the prime minister amid concerns that an offer of around an extra £13bn to fund a major investment plan for defence is not enough, Sky News understands.

• Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says he is 'crystal clear' rape allegation is false

  Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he is "crystal clear" that an allegation he raped a woman when she was a child is "simply not true".

• The ghosts of Burnham past haunt his campaign

  ?Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app?

• Growing unease over UK's stuttering efforts to rearm

  The UK could yet unveil all – or parts – of a long-delayed investment plan for defence by Friday, but a disagreement on funding is still unresolved, it is understood.

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Technology

• First tablet version of weight-loss jabs to be available in UK in weeks

  The first tablet version of the blockbuster weight-loss jabs will be available in the UK within weeks, following approval by the medicines regulator.

• Risk of 'very strong' El Nino raising global temperatures, scientists warn

  Forecasters say there is a risk of a "very strong" El Nino, which typically leads to higher global temperatures and drought in some areas, but heavy rainfall in others.

• Prince William tells tech industry it could help prevent homelessness

  Prince William has told the tech industry that homelessness rarely happens without warning - and technology could help to solve the issue.

• 'Cutting-edge' prostate cancer treatment to be rolled out by NHS from next week

  Thousands of men with prostate cancer will be offered a more targeted radiotherapy by the NHS which requires just five doses.

• Four-man crew named for NASA's next mission in Artemis moon programme

  Three Americans and an Italian have been named as the crew members for NASA's next mission in the Artemis moon programme.

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World

• Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies aged 47

  Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha has died after nearly four years in a coma, aged 47.

• Risk of 'very strong' El Nino raising global temperatures, scientists warn

  Forecasters say there is a risk of a "very strong" El Nino, which typically leads to higher global temperatures and drought in some areas, but heavy rainfall in others.

• Five claims from former Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and why they matter

  We spent an hour talking to former Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who is one of the most influential voices in the West Bank.

• Fuel running dry in Russian-held Crimea as Ukraine steps up attacks

  Petrol stations in the Russian-held ‌Crimea had run dry on Thursday, witnesses said, after Ukraine stepped up drone strikes on supply lines to the peninsula.

• Trump's World Cup: The worst one ever?

  ? Follow Trump100 on your podcast app ?           

• Norwegian teen accused of UK assassination plot says 'I'm no cold-blooded professional hitman'

  A Norwegian teenager accused of flying to the UK to assassinate a stranger for money has told a court he's "no cold-blooded professional hitman".

• Air India crash report delay expected over unfinished engine analysis - Reuters

  A final report into a deadly Air India Boeing 787 crash is expected to be delayed past the one-year anniversary on Friday, a source has told Reuters.

• Ukrainian strikes hit arms factory and oil refinery deep inside Russia

  Ukraine says an arms factory and an oil refinery deep inside Russia are among the targets it has hit in a fresh wave of attacks.

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Business

• UK economy contracts as Iran war bites

  The UK economy shrank slightly, as fuel price rises caused by the Iran war hit spending, new official figures show.

• Ryanair investigated over charging parents to sit with their children

  Europe's largest airline is being investigated by the UK's competition watchdog over its policy of charging parents to sit with their children.

• Waterstones owner plots £2bn Very Group deal | Mark Kleinman blog

• Police push tech firms to make stolen phones unusable for thieves

  The Metropolitan Police are pushing for tech firms to make stolen phones unusable for thieves.

• Sports Direct owner launches takeover offer for Hugo Boss

  Mike Ashley's retail empire has launched a takeover offer for fashion brand Hugo Boss.

• Americans are paying a growing financial price for Iran war

  The start of the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran on 28 February seem a long time ago now but the impact on people's pockets is only now starting to fully filter through.

• Prince William tells tech industry it could help prevent homelessness

  Prince William has told the tech industry that homelessness rarely happens without warning - and technology could help to solve the issue.

• Neil Woodford facing City watchdog injunction

  The City regulator is seeking an injunction against the former star fund manager Neil Woodford, claiming he is breaking the terms of a ban related to the collapse of his flagship fund in 2019.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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