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Featured

• Bury widow shares loneliness struggle as referrals rise for social prescribing support

  A Bury woman has spoken about the devastating impact loneliness had on her life after the death of her husband, as new figures show more than a third of referrals to social prescribing services in the borough are linked to loneliness.

• 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

• Bury widow shares loneliness struggle as referrals rise for social prescribing support

  A Bury woman has spoken about the devastating impact loneliness had on her life after the death of her husband, as new figures show more than a third of referrals to social prescribing services in the borough are linked to loneliness.

• CQC rates Rochdale adult social care services as 'good'

  Rochdale Borough Council has been rated good by the Care Quality Commission following an assessment of its adult social care services under the Care Act 2014.

• Three MPs return to Rochdale school as pupils make major progress

  Elsie Blundell MP has praised staff and pupils at Oulder Hill Leadership Academy after a visit with education minister Josh MacAlister.

• The ‘running sore’ arson hit pub where kids use power tools to break in

  A possible pathway to improve a trespass, vandalism and fire hit former pub has been suggested.

• Council tax shortfall in Rochdale of almost £20m in 10 years

  Almost £20m of council tax in Rochdale has gone unpaid in the last decade.

• 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

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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

• Bury widow shares loneliness struggle as referrals rise for social prescribing support

  A Bury woman has spoken about the devastating impact loneliness had on her life after the death of her husband, as new figures show more than a third of referrals to social prescribing services in the borough are linked to loneliness.

• 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.

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Greater Manchester

• The ‘running sore’ arson hit pub where kids use power tools to break in

  A possible pathway to improve a trespass, vandalism and fire hit former pub has been suggested.

• 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.

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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.

• Cancer choir calls for new members as rehearsals resume in Bolton

  A Bolton choir for people affected by cancer is inviting new singers to join as it begins rehearsals for the new year.

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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.

• Tottington by-election Results

  Voters across Tottington, Walshaw and Affetside went to the polls today, Thursday 2nd April, to elect a new representative to Bury Council following the resignation of former councillor Luis McBriar.

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UK

• Kevin Sinfield knighted in King's Birthday Honours - as Helen Mirren and England's Lionesses receive awards

  Rugby league star Kevin Sinfield has been knighted in the King's Birthday Honours, with Dame Helen Mirren and members of the England women's football team among those receiving awards.

• Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after 17-year-old girl stabbed in neck

  A 17-year-old girl has been stabbed in the neck and taken to hospital.

• Sainsbury’s goes shopping for new chair: Mark Kleinman blog

• Body found in former TGI Fridays restaurant in Sheffield - as two women arrested

  Two women have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man's body was found in a former TGI Fridays restaurant.

• British man jailed for encouraging American to take his own life on video call

  A British man has been jailed for more than six years for encouraging a 21-year-old American to take his own life with a shotgun during a video call.

• 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.

• Why you shouldn't pay for passport photos | Money newsletter

  More than 200,000 people have now signed up to our free Money newsletter, which brings the kind of content you enjoy in the award-winning Money blog directly to your inbox every week.

• Man pleads guilty after 'launching frying pan' at police during Southampton protest over Henry Nowak murder

  A 36-year-old man has pleaded guilty to violent disorder after a protest in Southampton over the murder of Henry Nowak led to clashes with police.

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Entertainment

• Paramount takeover of Warner Bros won't harm competition or consumers, DOJ says

  A US Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the proposed Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has determined the merger is not likely to harm competition in the industry or be harmful to consumers.

• Taylor Swift makes musical history - again

  Taylor Swift has become the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, aged 36.

• 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 TV 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.

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Sport

• Ryan Moore: Legendary jockey awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours

  Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE for his services to racing and British sport in the King’s birthday honours list.

• Neymar's Brazil return under Carlo Ancelotti: World Cup recall owes more to faith than reason but a nation still dreams

  “Neymar can be important for any team,” Cafu, the last man to captain Brazil to World Cup glory, tells Sky Sports. “Seeing Neymar playing well, physically and technically, that can help the Brazil team a lot.” It has just been a long time since anyone saw it.

• World Cup of Darts: Gian van Veen living out 'childhood dream' playing alongside Michael van Gerwen for Netherlands

  As the current world No 3 and world No 4, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen represent the Netherlands' strongest ever partnership at the World Cup of Darts.

• Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Eddie Hearn confident fight will take place in the UK this November with Wembley a 'clear favourite'

  "The fight can take place in the snow. I don't really care, so long as it takes place."

• Northampton reach Gallagher Prem final with fine win over East Midlands rivals Leicester at Franklin's Gardens

  Northampton claimed East Midlands bragging rights and a place in the Gallagher Prem final after eventually subduing Leicester in a thrilling 45-31 victory at Franklin's Gardens.

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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

• 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.

• Leader of Venezuelan gang killed in US military strike, Trump says

  President Donald Trump has said a "swift and lethal kinetic" US military strike has killed "the infamous leader" of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua street gang.

• Kevin Sinfield knighted in King's Birthday Honours - as Helen Mirren and England's Lionesses receive awards

  Rugby league star Kevin Sinfield has been knighted in the King's Birthday Honours, with Dame Helen Mirren and members of the England women's football team among those receiving awards.

• Little love lost for Labour government among focus group of Makerfield voters

  Andy Burnham makes a lot of the Westminster political class being out of touch with the places and the people beyond its tight boundaries of the Palace of Westminster and Whitehall, and the sense it's populated by people of privilege who attended private schools and Oxbridge and who hail from the capital or the shires of the south.

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

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

• Military chief writes to PM in unusual move - as hopes of major defence announcement this week dashed

  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.

• 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.

• 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".

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Politics

• Little love lost for Labour government among focus group of Makerfield voters

  Andy Burnham makes a lot of the Westminster political class being out of touch with the places and the people beyond its tight boundaries of the Palace of Westminster and Whitehall, and the sense it's populated by people of privilege who attended private schools and Oxbridge and who hail from the capital or the shires of the south.

• Sir Jeffrey Donaldson denies apology to alleged victim was about abuse

  Sir Jeffrey Donaldson confirmed he apologised to an alleged abuse victim, but denied it was because of any offences committed against her.

• 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.

• The ghosts of Burnham past haunt his campaign

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

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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

• Leader of Venezuelan gang killed in US military strike, Trump says

  President Donald Trump has said a "swift and lethal kinetic" US military strike has killed "the infamous leader" of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua street gang.

• Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies aged 47

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

• Ukraine's strikes on Crimea refineries and pipelines spark worst fuel crisis on peninsula since 2014

  Ukraine's continued strikes on fuel supplies to Crimea have sparked the worst fuel crisis on the Russian-held peninsula since it was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

• Woman in Sydney seriously injured in fourth Australia shark attack in recent weeks

  A woman has been seriously injured in a shark attack off a Sydney beach in the fourth incident of its kind in recent weeks.

• 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 ?           

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Business

• Sainsbury’s goes shopping for new chair: Mark Kleinman blog

• Paramount takeover of Warner Bros won't harm competition or consumers, DOJ says

  A US Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the proposed Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has determined the merger is not likely to harm competition in the industry or be harmful to consumers.

• 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.

• Why you shouldn't pay for passport photos | Money newsletter

  More than 200,000 people have now signed up to our free Money newsletter, which brings the kind of content you enjoy in the award-winning Money blog directly to your inbox every week.

• 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.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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