News

Featured

• Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election

  The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will soon head to Westminster after winning Makerfield by-election overnight.

• New leadership appointments mark next stage of growth for Roch Valley Radio

  We are pleased to announce the appointment of two new co-station managers as Roch Valley Radio continues to grow across Greater Manchester.

• Hundred year old Rochdale care home resident dances on TikTok to raise money for children in Sri Lanka

  A 100 year old resident living at Half Acre House Residential Care Home in Rochdale is capturing hearts on TikTok while raising money for a cause that has been close to her heart for many years.

• Operation Tetbury helping transform Rochdale town centre as crime falls by more than 25 per cent

  Crime and anti social behaviour in Rochdale town centre have fallen significantly during the first year of Operation Tetbury, with police saying the project is helping to change perceptions of the town while supporting wider regeneration.

• 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.

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Local News

• The cost of George Galloway for four months

  George Galloway spent more than £150,000 in expenses during his four months as Rochdale MP, official documents show.

• Bury adult social care services awarded Good rating by CQC

  Bury Council's adult social care services have been rated Good by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection of how the authority meets its duties under the Care Act 2014.

• More than 100 students take part in annual SEND Rugby Festival at Hopwood Hall

  More than 100 students from across Greater Manchester attended the annual SEND Rugby Festival at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre.

• Rochdale AFC and council unveil plans for Bowlee football and community wellbeing hub

  Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Borough Council have revealed proposals for a new Football and Community Wellbeing Hub at Bowlee Playing Fields in Middleton.

• Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election

  The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will soon head to Westminster after winning Makerfield by-election overnight.

• Labour hold key Moorside seat on Bury Council

  Labour has held a key seat on Bury Council this evening, with a win in Moorside.

• Police prepare major operation as Parklife and other events draw crowds across Greater Manchester

  Greater Manchester Police will deploy extra officers this weekend as Parklife returns to Heaton Park alongside several other major events across the city region.

• Blossoms announce sixth album Songs From The Wedding Cake and UK arena tour

  Stockport band Blossoms have announced their sixth studio album Songs From The Wedding Cake, set for release on 2nd October via ODD SK and Distiller Records. The announcement comes alongside new single Meet Me In Love and details of a UK arena tour in 2026.

• Jamie Varley given whole life order for murder of toddler Preston Davey

  A former teacher has been told he will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of murdering 13 month old Preston Davey and a series of child sexual offences.

• New leadership appointments mark next stage of growth for Roch Valley Radio

  We are pleased to announce the appointment of two new co-station managers as Roch Valley Radio continues to grow across Greater Manchester.

• Award winning Darnhill Festival returns with free day of family entertainment

  The Darnhill Festival will return on Saturday 4 July with a packed programme of performances, creative activities and family entertainment.

• Rochdale mental health arts group shortlisted for national exhibition prize

  A textile artwork created by members of Cartwheel Arts' Art & Soul group in Rochdale has been selected for a national online exhibition.

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Local Sports

• More than 100 students take part in annual SEND Rugby Festival at Hopwood Hall

  More than 100 students from across Greater Manchester attended the annual SEND Rugby Festival at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre.

• Rochdale AFC and council unveil plans for Bowlee football and community wellbeing hub

  Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Borough Council have revealed proposals for a new Football and Community Wellbeing Hub at Bowlee Playing Fields in Middleton.

• Rochdale Hornets suffer heavy defeat as Widnes reach 1895 Cup final

  Rochdale Hornets saw their 1895 Cup campaign come to an end after a 52-0 defeat against Widnes Vikings, who booked their place in the final with a dominant performance.

• 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.

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Lifestyle

• Police prepare major operation as Parklife and other events draw crowds across Greater Manchester

  Greater Manchester Police will deploy extra officers this weekend as Parklife returns to Heaton Park alongside several other major events across the city region.

• Blossoms announce sixth album Songs From The Wedding Cake and UK arena tour

  Stockport band Blossoms have announced their sixth studio album Songs From The Wedding Cake, set for release on 2nd October via ODD SK and Distiller Records. The announcement comes alongside new single Meet Me In Love and details of a UK arena tour in 2026.

• Award winning Darnhill Festival returns with free day of family entertainment

  The Darnhill Festival will return on Saturday 4 July with a packed programme of performances, creative activities and family entertainment.

• Rochdale mental health arts group shortlisted for national exhibition prize

  A textile artwork created by members of Cartwheel Arts' Art & Soul group in Rochdale has been selected for a national online exhibition.

• 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.

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Greater Manchester

• Police prepare major operation as Parklife and other events draw crowds across Greater Manchester

  Greater Manchester Police will deploy extra officers this weekend as Parklife returns to Heaton Park alongside several other major events across the city region.

• Operation Tetbury helping transform Rochdale town centre as crime falls by more than 25 per cent

  Crime and anti social behaviour in Rochdale town centre have fallen significantly during the first year of Operation Tetbury, with police saying the project is helping to change perceptions of the town while supporting wider regeneration.

• Thirty years on, the bomb that changed Manchester forever

  At 11.17am on Saturday 15 June 1996, Manchester changed forever.

• 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.

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Local Entertainment

• Police prepare major operation as Parklife and other events draw crowds across Greater Manchester

  Greater Manchester Police will deploy extra officers this weekend as Parklife returns to Heaton Park alongside several other major events across the city region.

• New leadership appointments mark next stage of growth for Roch Valley Radio

  We are pleased to announce the appointment of two new co-station managers as Roch Valley Radio continues to grow across Greater Manchester.

• Award winning Darnhill Festival returns with free day of family entertainment

  The Darnhill Festival will return on Saturday 4 July with a packed programme of performances, creative activities and family 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.

• 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.

• 🟥 RECAP: Glaston-BURY live updates, photos, interviews and more

  Thousands of music lovers descended on Bury during Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August 2025, for Glaston-Bury, the annual one day music festival in aid of Bury Hospice and other local causes. Since it began in 2008, the event has raised over £300,000 and has become one of the town’s biggest highlights of the year.

• RECAP: Parklife 2025 Day Two - updates, photos & travel news

  Day One at Parklife 2025 is done, and what a day it was. Over 50,000 people packed into Heaton Park for a massive Saturday, with sets from FLO, Rudimental and a huge headline performance by 50 Cent.

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Elections

• Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election

  The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will soon head to Westminster after winning Makerfield by-election overnight.

• 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.

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UK

• Three prisoners given whole life orders for murder of child-killer inmate

  Three prisoners will never be released from jail after the murder of a fellow inmate.

• Need for 'genuine human connection' has never been greater, says Kate

  The Princess of Wales said the need for "genuine human connection" has never been greater.

• Burnham 'going to be PM' as 'herd is stampeding' against Starmer, says Harriet Harman

  Andy Burnham will become prime minister as the herd is "not just moving" against Sir Keir Starmer "it's stampeding", Harriet Harman told Sky News.

• Rioters jailed over disorder sparked by deaths of two teenagers

  Thirty people have been sentenced after the deaths of two teenagers in an e-bike crash sparked riots in Cardiff.

• Man jailed for 16 years in 'sextortion' case as police appeal for victims

  A 31-year-old man has been jailed for 16 years after sexually assaulting and blackmailing multiple young men, including two teenagers.

• Janice Nix jailed for 12 years for killing Andrea Bernard in scalding bath in 1978

  A woman who killed her five-year-old stepdaughter by scalding her in a hot bath as punishment has been jailed for 12 years.

• Woman, 18, dies after group took 'unauthorised control' of loading vehicle

  A woman has died from her injuries after a group of people took "unauthorised control" of a loading vehicle in Essex.

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Entertainment

• Daveigh Chase, star of Lilo & Stitch and The Ring, dies aged 35

  Daveigh Chase, the voice of Lilo in Disney's animated film Lilo & Stitch, has died aged 35. 

• Rap producer Tay Keith, who worked with Travis Scott, Drake and Beyonce, dies aged 29

  Grammy-nominated rap producer Tay Keith, who worked with artists including Beyonce, Travis Scott and Future, has died aged 29.

• BBC to cut hundreds of jobs and review programmes as part of major downsizing

  The BBC is to cut about 550 roles and review broadcast TV and radio programmes - as well as the positions of its chief news presenters - in the first phase of a major downsizing plan.

• Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' prostate cancer diagnosis

  Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

• Naomi Campbell asks for 'respect' at hearing to appeal her charity ban

  Naomi Campbell says she had been "deceived" as she gave evidence to appeal a five-year ban on being a charity trustee.

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Sport

• Luka Vuskovic: Brighton make improved £45m bid for Tottenham defender

  Brighton have made an improved offer to Tottenham Hotspur for centre-back Luka Vuskovic.

• Ellie Kildunne: England star joins Bristol Bears for 2026/27 season after leaving Harlequins

  Bristol Bears have announced the signing of England star Ellie Kildunne following her departure from Harlequins at the end of the 2026 season.

• France 35-19 England: Benhard Janse van Rensburg makes debut for uncapped XV as costly errors lead to defeat

  Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s hopes of a try-scoring England debut were dashed by fumbling hands as France emerged conclusive 35-19 winners in their non-cap international in Vannes.

• Super League: Champions Hull KR beat Leigh Leopards while Wakefield Trinity rout Hull FC

  Hull KR did enough to strengthen their grip on third place in the Betfred Super League after beating Leigh 22-8 in an error-strewn and largely forgettable encounter at Sewell Group Craven Park.

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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

• A Bank of England rate hike is still possible despite easing inflation outlook

  Announcing its latest interest rates decision the morning after a thrilling England World Cup win, the Bank of England continues to put its foot on the ball.

• Burnham 'going to be PM' as 'herd is stampeding' against Starmer, says Harriet Harman

  Andy Burnham will become prime minister as the herd is "not just moving" against Sir Keir Starmer "it's stampeding", Harriet Harman told Sky News.

• Britain facing 'tropical night' temperatures as extreme heat warning issued

  An extreme heat warning is in force for early next week as a high-humidity heatwave builds to a peak that could see temperatures top 34C (93F).

• Makerfield by-election: Crunching the numbers - why Burnham's win is so significant

  The result lived up to the hype. An unprecedented contest ended in a seismic result, as Andy Burnham was announced as the new Labour MP for Makerfield with 55% of the vote, more than 20 points ahead of his defeated Reform opponent Robert Kenyon.

• Tories and SNP win Scottish by-elections - as Labour come fourth in both races

  The Scottish Conservatives have won the Aberdeen South by-election - taking the seat from the SNP.

• BBC to cut hundreds of jobs and review programmes as part of major downsizing

  The BBC is to cut about 550 roles and review broadcast TV and radio programmes - as well as the positions of its chief news presenters - in the first phase of a major downsizing plan.

• Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' prostate cancer diagnosis

  Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

• Threat of social media ban jolted tech giants into action before it was even announced

  Roblox has revealed new safety measures, just as the government announces it will ban under-16s from social media and potentially some gaming platforms… like Roblox. 

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Politics

• Burnham 'going to be PM' as 'herd is stampeding' against Starmer, says Harriet Harman

  Andy Burnham will become prime minister as the herd is "not just moving" against Sir Keir Starmer "it's stampeding", Harriet Harman told Sky News.

• Epstein survivor to meet Starmer's chief secretary Darren Jones as PM says his 'door is open'

  Sir Keir Starmer has told a Jeffrey Epstein survivor his "door is open" but stopped short of agreeing to meet Lisa Phillips, directing her to a more junior government minister.

• Makerfield by-election: Crunching the numbers - why Burnham's win is so significant

  The result lived up to the hype. An unprecedented contest ended in a seismic result, as Andy Burnham was announced as the new Labour MP for Makerfield with 55% of the vote, more than 20 points ahead of his defeated Reform opponent Robert Kenyon.

• Why the Conservatives' by-election win over the SNP in Aberdeen South is significant

  The SNP defended two Westminster seats vacated by politicians joining Holyrood this week.

• Tories and SNP win Scottish by-elections - as Labour come fourth in both races

  The Scottish Conservatives have won the Aberdeen South by-election - taking the seat from the SNP.

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Technology

• Children vaccinated for HPV have close to zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before age 30, study suggests

  Children who are vaccinated for HPV at age 12-13 have close to zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before they are 30, a study estimates.

• AI's most powerful bosses deliver message to world leaders - and it's not very reassuring

  The bosses of the world's leading AI companies have a clear ask for the leaders of the G7: you have to come up with a way to govern artificial intelligence.

• Threat of social media ban jolted tech giants into action before it was even announced

  Roblox has revealed new safety measures, just as the government announces it will ban under-16s from social media and potentially some gaming platforms… like Roblox. 

• Shares of Elon Musk's SpaceX soar past Amazon

  Shares of Elon Musk's SpaceX soared more than 14% on Tuesday, lifting its value higher than Amazon and briefly Microsoft just days after its debut.

• 'Horses**t': Campaigners and government reject claims of forced Dartmoor pony 'cull'

  A row has broken out over the future of Dartmoor's ponies, with warnings livestock owners may be forced to cull them to hit biodiversity goals.

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World

• Rap producer Tay Keith, who worked with Travis Scott, Drake and Beyonce, dies aged 29

  Grammy-nominated rap producer Tay Keith, who worked with artists including Beyonce, Travis Scott and Future, has died aged 29.

• Italy's Meloni 'astonished' over Trump's claim she begged him for photo

  Italian Prime ​Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused Donald Trump of making up a story about her, after ‌the US president told an Italian TV channel that she had "begged" him to take a picture with her at the G7 summit in France.

• At least 24 killed in Pakistani Kashmir protests as roads closed, shops shut and internet turned off

  At least 24 people in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have been killed in nearly two weeks of protests that have sparked a territory-wide shutdown.

• Ebola outbreak: 17 medics dead as Chinese medical team arrives in Democratic Republic of Congo

  Seventeen healthcare workers have died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a World Health Organisation official has said.

• ICC prosecutor Karim Khan suspended by UK's Bar Standards Board ‌

  The ​UK's Bar Standards Board (BSB) said it has imposed an interim suspension ​on Karim Khan, ​chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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Business

• Asda losses grow to almost £1bn as it fends off Aldi

  Asda slumped deeper into the red last year, according to accounts showing hits from price cuts to lure back shoppers and one-off costs.

• Former F1 owner CVC Capital among suitors for Berlin NBA Europe franchise | Mark Kleinman blog

• A Bank of England rate hike is still possible despite easing inflation outlook

  Announcing its latest interest rates decision the morning after a thrilling England World Cup win, the Bank of England continues to put its foot on the ball.

• Unemployment rate falls but private sector wage growth suffers

  There has been an unexpected dip in the UK's unemployment rate in official figures also showing new recruits in payrolled work at their lowest level for five years and private sector basic pay awards struggling.

• Oil price hovers just above pre-war levels but future is uncertain

• AI's most powerful bosses deliver message to world leaders - and it's not very reassuring

  The bosses of the world's leading AI companies have a clear ask for the leaders of the G7: you have to come up with a way to govern artificial intelligence.

• Thames Water rescue in peril as government opposes 'weak' deal

  Cash-strapped Thames Water is again facing down the prospect of being placed in temporary public ownership after the government raised objections to a proposed £10bn rescue by its lenders.

• Former Microsoft chief Barclay joins British fintech unicorn Zilch

  One of Britain's leading fintech unicorns will this week name Microsoft's former UK boss to its board as it continues to seek acquisition targets ahead of an eventual public listing.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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