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Featured

• 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.

• 🟥 LIVE Eurovision 2026 and what we all think during the final

  Live commentary on tonight’s Eurovision

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Local News

• EdStart Schools Oldham and Rochdale praised in first Ofsted inspection after opening year

  EdStart Schools Oldham and Rochdale has been praised by Ofsted in its first inspection, with inspectors highlighting improvements in attendance, pupil engagement and progression into further education, employment and training.

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

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

• 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.

• Oldham specialist school praised after unannounced exam inspection

  A specialist school in Chadderton that supports vulnerable young people has successfully passed an unannounced inspection by the Joint Council for Qualifications.

• Work begins on 302 new homes at Cowm Top in Castleton

  Construction has officially started on a new housing development in Castleton that will deliver 302 homes.

• 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.

• Kyle Howard charged with murder after woman found dead in Rochdale

  Kyle Howard, whose date of birth is 13 June 2000 and who is of Tweedale Street, Rochdale, has been charged with murder.

• Woman charged after repeated incidents at The Rock's Car Park

  A woman has been charged following a series of incidents at The Rock car park in Bury during May.

• 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.

• Metal recycling scheme provides £17,000 boost for Andy’s Man Club

  A national metal recycling scheme has generated a £17,000 donation for Andy’s Man Club from cremations carried out at Rochdale Borough Council crematoria.

• 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.

• Closure notice issued for Boro General Store on Church Street

  A property on Church Street in Rochdale has been served with a Closure Notice by Rochdale Borough Council following concerns linked to nuisance and disorder at the address.

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Local Sports

• 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.

• High school student helps footballers net second title

  FOOTBALLER Summer Taylor helped her team to add the Manchester FA Girls Cup to their Bolton and Bury League title and now she hopes they win the treble.

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Lifestyle

• 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.

• 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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Greater Manchester

• 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.

• 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.

• Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events

  Community groups across Oldham held activities this week to mark World Bee Day after receiving funding from First Choice Homes Oldham to support events focused on biodiversity and pollinators.

• Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal

  Students from Oldham College are preparing to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital Children's Unit through the Sunshine Appeal.

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Local Entertainment

• 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.

• Parklife transport plans changed as festival travel pick up points move for 2026 event

  People travelling to Parklife 2026 are being urged to check updated transport arrangements after organisers confirmed changes to pick up and drop off locations around Heaton Park.

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Elections

• 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

• Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward

  Six candidates will go head-to-head to secure the final seat on Bury council. 

• Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour’s Candidate for Makerfield by-election

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UK

• Three Royal Navy members who died in helicopter crash in Devon named

  The three Royal Navy service members who died in a helicopter crash in Devon on Wednesday have been named.

• Andoni Iraola named as Liverpool's new head coach

  Andoni Iraola has been named Liverpool's new head coach, replacing Arne Slot.

• Man in his 50s taken to hospital after crossbow shooting at University of Surrey accommodation

  A man in his 50s is in a serious condition in hospital after being shot with a crossbow on a University of Surrey student accommodation site.

• Labour row breaks out as prime minister's top aide meets female MPs over Mandelson messages

  Labour infighting has broken out over the future of Sir Keir Starmer's closest aide after he sent consoling messages to Peter Mandelson following his sacking as US ambassador. 

• Landlord slams 'unacceptable' TG Jones rescue | Mark Kleinman blog

• Brothers jailed after teenage boy run down and killed

  A driver who hit and killed a teenage boy while targeting e-bike riders has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 30 years.

• British 'mafia boss' Steven Lyons kidnapped by law enforcement, lawyer claims, after capture in Bali and deportation to Amsterdam

  Lawyers for one of Europe's top "mafia bosses" have accused law enforcement of "kidnapping" the fugitive as part of an international underworld extradition saga.

• Sighting of Northern Lights possible across the UK tonight - these are the best places to see them

  People across the UK could be in with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights today and tomorrow following solar activity yesterday.

• More from UK

Entertainment

• Judge blocks Jewish group's attempt to stop Kanye West gigs

  Kanye West will be allowed to perform two gigs in the Netherlands after a judge shot down a Jewish group's attempt to block them.

• Actor Shia LaBeouf sentenced after pleading guilty to simple battery during Mardi Gras festival

  Actor Shia LaBeouf has pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery and was sentenced to probation for punching people outside a New Orleans bar in February during the Mardi Gras festival.

• Donald Trump makes Elvis Presley claim as he floats 'major speech' after artists pull out of birthday concerts

  Donald Trump is considering cancelling a series of concerts after a number of artists pulled out - and holding a political-style rally instead.

• Oscar-winning editor of original Star Wars films Marcia Lucas dies at 80

  The Oscar-winning editor of the original Star Wars films, Marcia Lucas, has died aged 80.

• Donald Trump lashes out after judge orders removal of his name from Kennedy Center

  President Donald Trump has lashed out after a judge ordered the removal of his name from the Kennedy Center.

• More from Entertainment

Sport

• England vs New Zealand: Ollie Robinson bags three wickets in over as Test summer begins in breathless fashion at Lord's

  Ollie Robinson began his England Test comeback in stunning style with three wickets in his first over as New Zealand closed on 61-6 in reply to the hosts' 140 all out on a breathless, rain-affected opening day of the men's international summer at Lord's.

• Erling Haaland: Man City threaten legal action over Real Madrid presidential candidate's pledge to sign striker

  Man City are considering taking legal action after a Real Madrid presedential candidate said he would sign Erling Haaland, if elected.

• Andoni Iraola: What's on new Liverpool head coach's to-do list at Anfield following Reds' disappointing season?

  Andoni Iraola has been appointed Liverpool head coach after Arne Slot's sudden departure from Anfield and he has a whole host of issues to find answers to before the start of the next campaign.

• Robbie Keane to Celtic: Fan groups sign letter opposing appointment due to Maccabi Tel Aviv links

  Dozens of Celtic supporters clubs have put their names to a statement opposing the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager over his previous role with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

• French Open: Maja Chwalinska to face Mirra Andreeva, 19, in Roland-Garros final as world No 114 stuns Diana Shnaider

  Maja Chwalinska became the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Emma Raducanu's famous US Open triumph in 2021 as the world No 114 stunned 25th seed Diana Shnaider in their French Open semi-final.

• More from Sport

Strange

• 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.

• The robot that can outplay elite table tennis players

  A robot has become so good at playing table tennis that at times it defeated elite human players, in what has been hailed as "a longstanding milestone for AI".

• 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.

• More from Strange

Videos

• SpaceX stock market debut set to make Elon Musk a trillionaire

  SpaceX plans to raise up to $75bn (£56bn) when it goes public this month – putting Elon Musk on course to become the world's first trillionaire.

• British 'mafia boss' Steven Lyons kidnapped by law enforcement, lawyer claims, after capture in Bali and deportation to Amsterdam

  Lawyers for one of Europe's top "mafia bosses" have accused law enforcement of "kidnapping" the fugitive as part of an international underworld extradition saga.

• Three Royal Navy members who died in helicopter crash in Devon named

  The three Royal Navy service members who died in a helicopter crash in Devon on Wednesday have been named.

• Palantir's role in UK public services branded 'unacceptable' by committee report

  Britain's reliance on US tech firm Palantir in transforming public services is an "unacceptable point of weakness" that could leave people's private information "at the mercy" of foreign actors, MPs have warned.

• Andoni Iraola named as Liverpool's new head coach

  Andoni Iraola has been named Liverpool's new head coach, replacing Arne Slot.

• The robot that can outplay elite table tennis players

  A robot has become so good at playing table tennis that at times it defeated elite human players, in what has been hailed as "a longstanding milestone for AI".

• Gaza boys evacuated to Britain for NHS treatment say Starmer has 'broken promises'

  Two boys from Gaza who received medical treatment in the UK have said the prime minister has "broken a promise" to reunite them with their families and bring over hundreds of injured children.

• At least 21 killed in New Delhi hotel fire

  At least 21 people have been killed after a fire tore through a hotel in the Indian capital New Delhi.

• More from Videos

Politics

• Labour row breaks out as prime minister's top aide meets female MPs over Mandelson messages

  Labour infighting has broken out over the future of Sir Keir Starmer's closest aide after he sent consoling messages to Peter Mandelson following his sacking as US ambassador. 

• Starmer backs Labour MP Jess Asato suing Elon Musk's xAI over deepfakes of her in a bikini

  Sir Keir Starmer has backed a Labour MP who is suing Elon Musk's xAI, saying the Grok chatbot was used to create fake images of her in a bikini.

• Former victims minister urges PM to meet Epstein survivors after latest Mandelson files release

  Former victims minister Alex Davies-Jones has urged Sir Keir Starmer to meet survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, warning they risk being forgotten as MPs debate the latest files relating to Peter Mandelson.

• Gaza boys evacuated to Britain for NHS treatment say Starmer has 'broken promises'

  Two boys from Gaza who received medical treatment in the UK have said the prime minister has "broken a promise" to reunite them with their families and bring over hundreds of injured children.

• SNP in talks with HMRC over potential illegal VAT claims linked to Peter Murrell embezzlement

  The SNP has "opened up discussions" with HM Revenue and Customs amid concerns Peter Murrell's embezzlement may have led to illegal VAT claims, John Swinney has confirmed.

• More from Politics

Technology

• SpaceX stock market debut set to make Elon Musk a trillionaire

  SpaceX plans to raise up to $75bn (£56bn) when it goes public this month – putting Elon Musk on course to become the world's first trillionaire.

• Starmer backs Labour MP Jess Asato suing Elon Musk's xAI over deepfakes of her in a bikini

  Sir Keir Starmer has backed a Labour MP who is suing Elon Musk's xAI, saying the Grok chatbot was used to create fake images of her in a bikini.

• 'Good news' for space travel as Blue Origin deals with aftermath of huge rocket explosion

  Blue Origin will try to relaunch New Glenn, its huge rocket that exploded spectacularly last week, within the year.

• Do you even lift? It turns out you probably should

  Finding time to pump some iron a few times per week can help you live longer, experts have found.

• Google search given nine months to implement UK 'conduct requirement'

  Google search is facing a series of targeted rules that a UK regulator says will secure a fairer deal for publishers and consumers, and improve its services at the same time.

• More from Technology

World

• FIFA 'regrets' free World Cup tickets and demands fans pay up

  FIFA has confirmed a website glitch has left dozens of fans getting free tickets for the World Cup 2026.

• British 'mafia boss' Steven Lyons kidnapped by law enforcement, lawyer claims, after capture in Bali and deportation to Amsterdam

  Lawyers for one of Europe's top "mafia bosses" have accused law enforcement of "kidnapping" the fugitive as part of an international underworld extradition saga.

• US secretary of state Marco Rubio says Greenland is part of Denmark 'for now'

  "For now."

• Sherpa guide missing for a week crawls back to Mount Everest base camp

  A Sherpa guide has crawled back to base camp on Mount Everest a week after going missing.

• Judge blocks Jewish group's attempt to stop Kanye West gigs

  Kanye West will be allowed to perform two gigs in the Netherlands after a judge shot down a Jewish group's attempt to block them.

• At least 21 killed in New Delhi hotel fire

  At least 21 people have been killed after a fire tore through a hotel in the Indian capital New Delhi.

• More from World

Business

• Lex Greensill handed nine-year UK directorship ban

  Lex Greensill has agreed to a UK directorship ban of nine years following the 2021 collapse of the financing firm he ran that suffered massive losses.

• Landlord slams 'unacceptable' TG Jones rescue | Mark Kleinman blog

• SpaceX stock market debut set to make Elon Musk a trillionaire

  SpaceX plans to raise up to $75bn (£56bn) when it goes public this month – putting Elon Musk on course to become the world's first trillionaire.

• Car sales: Electric vehicle uptake target remains distant despite fuel price spike

  Government targets for sales of new electric cars are still far from being met, despite a leap in demand likely helped by the Iran war fuel price surge.

• Universal theme park gets £1.3bn taxpayer support - as name is revealed

  Europe's first Universal theme park is being built in the UK with £1.3bn in taxpayer support, it has been announced.

• Tube strikes: Full list of lines affected in latest walkout on London Underground

  London Underground drivers are on strike again today.

• Google search given nine months to implement UK 'conduct requirement'

  Google search is facing a series of targeted rules that a UK regulator says will secure a fairer deal for publishers and consumers, and improve its services at the same time.

• Palantir's role in UK public services branded 'unacceptable' by committee report

  Britain's reliance on US tech firm Palantir in transforming public services is an "unacceptable point of weakness" that could leave people's private information "at the mercy" of foreign actors, MPs have warned.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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