News

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

• Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win

  Rochdale are back in the Football League after beating Boreham Wood on penalties at Wembley following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time.

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Local News

• 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.

• Huge Medieval fair to bring Rochdale’s history to life this summer

  Rochdale town centre will be transformed into a Medieval village this June as a large scale event featuring combat displays, music, activities and historical reenactments takes over the area.

• 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.

• Community spirit stitched into new Rochdale banner celebrating unity and heritage

  A new embroidered banner created by women from communities across Rochdale is set to go on public display after months of collaborative work celebrating the borough’s history and identity.

• Rochdale sewer heat project could warm hospital, schools and homes

  Wastewater flowing beneath Rochdale could soon be used to heat public buildings and homes under plans backed by £1 million in government funding.

• New speed camera vans to target Greater Manchester speeding hotspots

  Greater Manchester Police has increased its speed enforcement capability with the introduction of two new vehicles aimed at tackling dangerous driving across the region.

• Housebuilders join Queensway litter pick as concerns remain over Cowm Top fly-tipping

  Two Greater Manchester housebuilders joined Rochdale’s Mayor and a litter picking charity for a community cleanup on Queensway amid continuing concerns over fly tipping and littering around Cowm Top Lane.

• Man arrested in Salford over synagogue terror attack investigation

  Counter Terrorism Policing North West officers have arrested a man in Salford as part of an ongoing investigation into the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue last year.

• Family pay tribute to woman found dead at Freehold flats

  The family of a woman found dead at a property in Rochdale have paid tribute to her after she was formally identified by police.

• Second arrest made after Whitefield incident investigation

  A second man has been arrested as part of an investigation into an incident in Whitefield last week.

• Woman found dead at Freehold Flats in Rochdale as murder investigation begins

  A woman believed to be in her 40s has died after officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare at Freehold Flats on Tweedale Street in Rochdale on Sunday afternoon.

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Local Sports

• 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.

• Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams steps back after 60 years at the club

  Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams has announced he is stepping back after six decades leading the club he helped establish in 1966.

• Rob Henry appointed new Ramsbottom United manager after Steve Wilkes retirement

  Ramsbottom United have confirmed Rob Henry as the club’s new manager following the retirement of Steve Wilkes at the end of last season.

• Rochdale AFC promotion heroes welcomed home after Wembley triumph

  Hundreds of Rochdale AFC fans gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate the club’s return to the Football League.

• Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win

  Rochdale are back in the Football League after beating Boreham Wood on penalties at Wembley following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time.

• Paul Waugh says Rochdale have put town in national spotlight ahead of Wembley trip

  Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has praised Rochdale AFC’s “never say die spirit” ahead of the club’s trip to Wembley.

• RECAP: Follow Rochdale AFC’s Wembley journey against Boreham Wood

  Dale head to the national stadium today, Sunday 10 May, for a place in the English Football League as they face Boreham Wood.

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Lifestyle

• 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.

• 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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Greater Manchester

• 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.

• Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days

  Oldham College and Oldham Council have launched a campaign encouraging employers to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days to help more young people into work, training and education. The initiative launched on 21 May and will run throughout the summer recruitment period.

• 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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Local Entertainment

• 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.

• Rochdale dancer wins national Anna Jones award at IDTA scholarships

  A young dancer from Rochdale has won a prestigious national award after being nominated among more than 5,000 children from across the country.

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Elections

• 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

• Reform's new Rochdale boss - who might be gone in 12 months - on immigration, the cost of living crisis and housing

  Reform UK has a new leader in Rochdale and he believes his party can be an effective opposition in the town hall

• Reform UK surge in Bolton as seismic shift sees council leader lose his seat

  Reform UK surge in Bolton as seismic shift sees council leader lose his seat

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UK

• Crystal Palace make history after winning first European trophy

  Crystal Palace have won won the UEFA Conference League to claim a first European trophy in the club's history.

• Boy, 12, named as one of seven youngsters to have drowned during UK heatwave

  A child who died after getting into difficulty in the River Ribble at Ribchester has been named as 12-year-old Junior Slater.

• Prosecution opens case against ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson

  Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been accused by two women of sexually abusing them when they were children, his trial has heard.

• Mum-of-one named as victim of Bank Holiday shooting outside bar

  The woman who was shot dead outside a city centre bar in Sheffield in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday has been named as Shanice Brookes.

• Government gave 'misleading' information about student loans, senior committee chair tells Sky News

  Students received "misleading" advice from the government about loans to pay for their university education, the chair of a top parliamentary committee has told Sky News.

• Thunderstorms warning issued for parts of England and Wales

  A yellow weather warning has been issued for thunderstorms in parts of south-west England and much of Wales, the Met Office said.

• Resident doctors announce four-day strike in June

  Resident doctors will strike for four days in June, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced.

• Construction worker accused of Starmer arson claims he was at pub during attacks

  A construction worker accused of acting as the co-ordinator of an arson plot targeting the prime minister has told a court that he was drinking at a pub during the attacks.

• More from UK

Entertainment

• Matthew Perry's assistant jailed for three years and five months over star's death from ketamine

  Matthew Perry's personal assistant, who bought ketamine for the Friends star and injected the dose that killed him, has been jailed for three years and five months.

• Jazz legend Sonny Rollins dies

  Jazz musician Sonny Rollins, known as the "saxophone colossus", has died aged 95.

• Kylie Minogue surprises fan with 'magical' singalong

  Kylie Minogue surprised a fan by joining him for a "magical" singalong at the London premiere of her new Netflix docuseries earlier this week.

• TV presenter Judith Chalmers, who hosted Wish You Were Here, has died

  TV presenter Judith Chalmers - best known for hosting Wish You Were Here...? - has died, her family has said.

• King surprises audience at production of Shakespeare's The Tempest

  The King delighted the audience at a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest by taking a seat near members of the public to watch the play.

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Sport

• Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss named Premier League Manager of the Season after leading Gunners to first title in 22 years

  Mikel Arteta has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season.

• Enzo Maresca to Man City: Talks continue over hiring former Chelsea boss as Pep Guardiola's replacement

  Manchester City are continuing talks with Enzo Maresca this week about succeeding Pep Guardiola.

• Kasper Schmeichel: Celtic goalkeeper and former Leicester Premier League winner retires from football

  Kasper Schmeichel has announced his retirement at the age of 39.

• Jacob Bethell: England all-rounder expected to be fit to play in first Test against New Zealand, despite finger injury

  Jacob Bethell is expected to be fit to play in England's first Test match of the summer against New Zealand, starting on June 4, after the all-rounder sustained a left ring finger injury while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League.

• French Open: Jakub Mensik fumes at 'insane' playing conditions after collapsing at scorching Roland-Garros

  Jakub Mensik branded playing conditions at the French Open "insane" after he collapsed on court in distressing scenes at Roland-Garros.

• 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

• Morrisons to shut 100 'loss-making' stores blaming surge in costs

  Morrisons says it is to shut "loss-making" convenience stores, placing hundreds of jobs at risk.

• Matthew Perry's assistant jailed for three years and five months over star's death from ketamine

  Matthew Perry's personal assistant, who bought ketamine for the Friends star and injected the dose that killed him, has been jailed for three years and five months.

• Government gave 'misleading' information about student loans, senior committee chair tells Sky News

  Students received "misleading" advice from the government about loans to pay for their university education, the chair of a top parliamentary committee has told Sky News.

• Britain's gaming boom faces uncertain future

  When we talk about the value of the video games industry in the UK, it's usually in terms of money. 

• Resident doctors announce four-day strike in June

  Resident doctors will strike for four days in June, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced.

• Boy, 12, named as one of seven youngsters to have drowned during UK heatwave

  A child who died after getting into difficulty in the River Ribble at Ribchester has been named as 12-year-old Junior Slater.

• This illegal casino exposed itself... and in a very surprising way

  It's not every day the organisation you investigated over a year ago emails you to announce it is back to its old ways. 

• Court of Appeal to decide if teenage rapists' sentences were unduly lenient

  The attorney general has asked the Court of Appeal to review the case of three teenagers who avoided jail over the rape of two girls.

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Politics

• Government gave 'misleading' information about student loans, senior committee chair tells Sky News

  Students received "misleading" advice from the government about loans to pay for their university education, the chair of a top parliamentary committee has told Sky News.

• Labour MPs report Reform UK to equalities watchdog for alleged Islamophobia

  A group of MPs has written to the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) demanding a probe into Reform UK regarding allegations of Islamophobia.

• Nicola Sturgeon defends 'no comment' stance during Operation Branchform police interview

  Nicola Sturgeon has defended her reported decision to give "no comment" answers while being interviewed by police following her arrest.

• Morgan McSweeney on voters and discontent

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

• Court of Appeal to decide if teenage rapists' sentences were unduly lenient

  The attorney general has asked the Court of Appeal to review the case of three teenagers who avoided jail over the rape of two girls.

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Technology

• This illegal casino exposed itself... and in a very surprising way

  It's not every day the organisation you investigated over a year ago emails you to announce it is back to its old ways. 

• Pope Leo warns about AI and calls for regulation as he quotes from The Lord Of The Rings

  Pope Leo has called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humankind.

• Why an industry that brought £8.8bn to UK economy last year faces uncertain future

  When we talk about the value of the video games industry in the UK, it's usually in terms of money. 

• China launches three-astronaut rocket into space as new lunar race intensifies

  China has launched the Shenzhou 23 rocket into space carrying three astronauts, in a mission that will take Beijing closer to its ambition for a moon landing in 2030.

• Three new Ebola cases declared in Uganda - as DR Congo's World Cup team told to isolate

  Three new cases of Ebola have been declared in Uganda, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the current outbreak there to five.

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World

• Former Baader-Meinhof gang member Daniela Klette, 67, jailed for armed robberies after decades on the run

  A former member of the notorious Baader-Meinhof gang has been jailed for a string of armed robberies after decades on the run.

• One killed, nine presumed dead after 3.4m-litre chemical tank implodes in Washington

  Authorities say there is no hope of finding any survivors after a chemical tank imploded in the US.

• Spanish police search prime minister's party headquarters in Madrid over corruption allegations

  Police have searched the Madrid headquarters of Spain's ruling Socialist Party over a potential illegal payments scheme.

• 'Catastrophic collision' of Ebola and conflict, WHO head says in ceasefire plea as Uganda closes border

  The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) "faces a catastrophic collision of disease and conflict" as the Ebola outbreak continues, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

• 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.

• Five people stuck in flooded cave in Laos for week found alive, rescuers say

  Five people who were stuck in a flooded cave in central Laos for more than a week have been found alive, but two others are still missing, rescuers say.

• North Korea tests AI-guided missiles for the first time

  North Korea has tested missiles guided by artificial intelligence for the first time, according to state media.

• Why Russia is 'relentlessly targeting' the UK

  ? Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app ?

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Business

• Ousted BP chief hires feared law firm Mishcon in row over his sacking | Mark Kleinman blog

• The escalating energy debt crisis as price cap set for rare summer hike

  There is alarm over growing household energy debts as we learn the price cap is going up 13% this summer, with the potential for further hikes ahead.

• Buying a new fan? These are the models experts have at home

  A scorching bank holiday, and more sweltering weather forecast this week, has likely got many Britons thinking of investing in a new fan. 

• Horizon Post Office scandal victims 'don't have luxury of time', inquiry commander warns

  Police have warned that time is running out for the victims of the Horizon Post Office scandal to receive justice, unless millions of pounds are funnelled into the criminal investigation.

• Why an industry that brought £8.8bn to UK economy last year faces uncertain future

  When we talk about the value of the video games industry in the UK, it's usually in terms of money. 

• Homes across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire without water during heatwave

  Water supply issues are currently affecting about 700 customers of South East Water and Anglian Water across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire, leaving them without water on the hottest day of the year.

• Starbucks Korea boss apologises after advert sparks big backlash

  A billionaire whose company runs Starbucks in South Korea has publicly apologised for a controversial marketing campaign.

• BP shares plunge after chairman ousted

  Oil giant BP has suffered a sharp fall in its share price following the shock announcement that its chairman had been removed by the company's board.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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