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• Bury Lecturer urges Oldham MPs to attend debate on sick pay for women with endometriosis

  A lecturer is urging Oldham MPs to attend a parliamentary debate on statutory sick pay for women with endometriosis.

• Winners at Rochdale Culture Awards ceremony

  Artists, organisations and community groups have been recognised at the Rochdale Culture Awards held at Rochdale Town Hall. Seven winners were selected from 19 finalists during the borough’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme.

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Local News

• IN PHOTOS as Firefighters tackle major blaze at derelict building in Radcliffe

  Emergency services are dealing with a large fire on Milltown Street in Radcliffe, with residents urged to stay away and keep windows and doors closed.

• Strike action begins again at St Cuthbert's High School over staffing concerns

  Teachers and support staff at St Cuthbert’s High School in Rochdale have begun strike action in a dispute over proposed job cuts and staffing levels.

• Middleton set to feature in Tour de France Femmes route through Greater Manchester

  Elite cyclists will pass through Middleton when the Tour de France Femmes arrives in Greater Manchester in 2027. The route has now been confirmed, placing the town on the opening stage of the race.

• Local chef lands role at Gordon Ramsay restaurant after training in Rochdale

  A chef from Greater Manchester has secured a senior role at one of Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurants after training at Hopwood Hall College.

• Bury Pride's Rainbow Train returns in style

  The Rainbow Train made a welcome return on Sunday 19th April, bringing together over 170 passengers for a fantastic evening of celebration, community spirit and entertainment.

• Skylight Circus Arts secures £125990 to upgrade Rochdale base and expand community access

  A Rochdale based circus organisation has been awarded £125990 to improve its facilities and widen access to creative activities across the borough and Greater Manchester.

• The Allergies and Alex Spencer added to Rochdale Feel Good Festival line up

  Two more acts have been confirmed for Rochdale Feel Good Festival, with The Allergies and Alex Spencer set to perform on Saturday 8 August. They join previously announced headliners Gabrielle, Ash and Starsailor.

• Rochdale development agency delivers £14.30 return for every £1 invested

  An independent report has found Rochdale Development Agency generates £14.30 for every £1 spent, significantly exceeding national value for money benchmarks.

• Dad of two completes 100km run to support local hospices

  A Greater Manchester father has raised nearly £5,000 after running 100 kilometres in a single day to support hospice care across the region.

• Moorside election in May cancelled following death of Reform UK candidate

  The Moorside ward election in Bury has been cancelled after the death of a candidate standing in the poll. A new date will now be arranged within the legal timeframe.

• Highest paid council bosses in Greater Manchester revealed in ‘town hall rich list’

  More than 170 council staff across Greater Manchester have six-figure salaries, according to a new town-hall ‘rich list’.

• Oldham Coliseum refurbishment delayed as more asbestos discovered during works

  Construction workers are still finding ‘pockets of asbestos’ at Oldham Coliseum as renovation work continues.

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Local Sports

• Rochdale Hornets fight back to beat Sheffield Eagles and reach cup quarter finals

  Rochdale Hornets came from behind to secure a 32 18 win over Sheffield Eagles and book a place in the 1895 Cup quarter finals. The home side overturned an early deficit with a dominant second half performance.

• Middleton set to feature in Tour de France Femmes route through Greater Manchester

  Elite cyclists will pass through Middleton when the Tour de France Femmes arrives in Greater Manchester in 2027. The route has now been confirmed, placing the town on the opening stage of the race.

• Rochdale AFC appoints Laura Thomas as new chief executive

  Rochdale AFC has appointed Laura Thomas as its new chief executive officer, marking a leadership change at the club.

• Late comeback keeps Rochdale in title race after win over Wealdstone

  Rochdale came from behind to beat Wealdstone 2 to 1 and remain two points behind York City at the top of the National League. Late goals from Ian Henderson and Luke Hannant secured the turnaround at the Crown Oil Arena.

• Harvey Gilmour and Kyron Gordon lead Rochdale AFC end of season award winners

  Rochdale AFC presented their end of season awards after Saturday’s 2 to 1 win over Wealdstone at the Crown Oil Arena. Harvey Gilmour, Kyron Gordon, Casey Pettit and Sophie Coates were among the main winners.

• Shakers two points clear at the top after narrow win over Nantwich Town

  Tom Carr picked the perfect time to score his first Bury goal as the Shakers emerged victorious over Nantwich Town 1-0 at Gigg Lane.

• Rochdale AFC Colour Dash brings crowds together for community event

  Hundreds of people took part in the Rochdale AFC Colour Dash, with families and supporters coming together for a day of colour, activity and community spirit. The event took place near the Crown Oil Arena ahead of the club’s fixture against Wealdstone.

• Rochdale Mayfield announces Joseph Parr as main advertising board sponsor

  Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC has confirmed a new partnership with Joseph Parr, which will see one of the club’s stands renamed as part of the agreement.

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Lifestyle

• Local chef lands role at Gordon Ramsay restaurant after training in Rochdale

  A chef from Greater Manchester has secured a senior role at one of Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurants after training at Hopwood Hall College.

• Bury Pride's Rainbow Train returns in style

  The Rainbow Train made a welcome return on Sunday 19th April, bringing together over 170 passengers for a fantastic evening of celebration, community spirit and entertainment.

• Skylight Circus Arts secures £125990 to upgrade Rochdale base and expand community access

  A Rochdale based circus organisation has been awarded £125990 to improve its facilities and widen access to creative activities across the borough and Greater Manchester.

• Rochdale AFC Colour Dash brings crowds together for community event

  Hundreds of people took part in the Rochdale AFC Colour Dash, with families and supporters coming together for a day of colour, activity and community spirit. The event took place near the Crown Oil Arena ahead of the club’s fixture against Wealdstone.

• Hopwood Hall College students support Rochdale families with Easter food drive

  Students who are part of the Friendship Group at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale organised a food drive to support residents in need over the Easter period.

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Greater Manchester

• City centre brought to standstill as major police operation surrounds Britain First far-right protest

  Hundreds of police officers were deployed across Manchester city centre as rival protest groups gathered on Saturday. Three arrests were made during the operation.

• Rochdale development agency delivers £14.30 return for every £1 invested

  An independent report has found Rochdale Development Agency generates £14.30 for every £1 spent, significantly exceeding national value for money benchmarks.

• Dad of two completes 100km run to support local hospices

  A Greater Manchester father has raised nearly £5,000 after running 100 kilometres in a single day to support hospice care across the region.

• Fire service rolls out body worn cameras after Arena Inquiry recommendations

  Firefighters across Greater Manchester are now being equipped with body worn cameras following recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry. The rollout aims to improve decision making, safety and transparency during incidents.

• Kilfest returns to Bolton with three day festival supporting anti hate charity

  The alternative community have been rocking out in Bolton this weekend, all in aid of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

• Garden centre event brings together women in horticulture across Greater Manchester

  More than 40 people attended a community event at a garden centre in Failsworth celebrating women working in and entering the horticulture sector.

• Three arrested after police find suspected theft equipment in early morning stop in Royton

  Three men have been arrested on suspicion of going equipped after officers stopped a vehicle and recovered suspected theft equipment in Royton.

• Six jailed for major drug import plot after claiming money was for goats

  Six people have been sentenced to more than 60 years in prison following a Greater Manchester Police investigation into a drug importation conspiracy worth over £1 million.

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Local Entertainment

• Skylight Circus Arts secures £125990 to upgrade Rochdale base and expand community access

  A Rochdale based circus organisation has been awarded £125990 to improve its facilities and widen access to creative activities across the borough and Greater Manchester.

• The Allergies and Alex Spencer added to Rochdale Feel Good Festival line up

  Two more acts have been confirmed for Rochdale Feel Good Festival, with The Allergies and Alex Spencer set to perform on Saturday 8 August. They join previously announced headliners Gabrielle, Ash and Starsailor.

• Oldham Coliseum refurbishment delayed as more asbestos discovered during works

  Construction workers are still finding ‘pockets of asbestos’ at Oldham Coliseum as renovation work continues.

• Kilfest returns to Bolton with three day festival supporting anti hate charity

  The alternative community have been rocking out in Bolton this weekend, all in aid of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

• Community run theatre will get makeover

  A theatre in Rochdale will get a revamp to mark its centenary. The Curtain Theatre will get a new design for the building’s façade, inspired by its signature red colour.

• Snooker club must tighten rules after assault

  Bosses at a Bury snooker club were hauled before councillors after a customer was knocked unconscious after hours.

• Organists at large … in Middleton

  In a week when there was much media attention to pipe organs becoming an endangered species, organists were at large in the borough - Middleton to be precise.

• 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

• All candidates for Bury local election 2026

  In less than a month, Bury locals will be called to polling stations to vote in new council representatives for their local areas. Exactly 17 of the 51 seats in the borough’s wards are up for grabs in the poll on May 7. 

• All the candidates standing in the local elections in Rochdale

  Rochdalians will head to the polls on Thursday, May 7 with a total 120 candidates vying for a position on the council.

• Reform UK wins Tottington by-election

  Reform UK has secured victory in the Tottington by-election, gaining a seat on Bury Council. 

• LIVE from Tottington as by election result expected overnight

  Polling stations in the Tottington by election closed at 10pm, with counting getting under-way and a result expected we believe at about 1.30am.

• 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

• Children subjected to 'intrusive and traumatic' strip searches

  Too many children are still being subjected to "intrusive and traumatic" strip searches, the Children's Commissioner has warned.

• Pet owners warned of new EU travel rules

  Some pet passports become invalid today due to new EU travel rules.

• Hay fever sufferers have it worse today than in 1990s - here's why

  If it feels like hay fever is hitting harder every year, you're not imagining it.

• Facial recognition to be 'rolled out' across UK after human rights challenge fails

  Facial recognition systems will be introduced across the country, the government has said as it welcomed the failure of a legal challenge to the technology.

• How Leicester City went from Premier League champions to the third tier in a decade

  In May 2016, Leicester City held aloft the Premier League trophy, defying 5,000/1 odds in what was one of the most extraordinary underdog stories in the history of English football.

• EFL clubs reject VAR system

  English Football League (EFL) clubs have opposed bringing in a VAR challenge system for managers in the Championship.

• Everyone born after 2008 to be banned from smoking

  Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed a "historic moment for the nation's health" after a law to create a "smoke-free generation" cleared parliament.

• Two UK ticket-holders each win £41.8m share of EuroMillions jackpot

  Two UK ticket-holders have scooped a third of the Euromillions jackpot winning more than £41million each, National Lottery operator Allwyn has said.

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Entertainment

• Harvey Weinstein 'did what he wanted', says prosecutor as rape retrial begins

  Harvey Weinstein used his influence in Hollywood to prey on women, a prosecutor has told a New York jury as a rape charge returned to court for a third time.

• The Osmonds singer Alan Osmond dies aged 76

  Alan Osmond, the oldest member of family pop group The Osmonds, one of the most successful groups of the 1970s has died, his family has said.

• D4vd: Singer pleads not guilty to murder of 14-year-old girl found dead in his car

  US singer D4vd has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 14-year-old girl, who was found dismembered in his Tesla.

• Amy Winehouse's father loses High Court challenge over daughter's former belongings

  Amy Winehouse's father has lost a High Court claim against two of the star's friends over the sale of items she once owned.

• Zoologist, TV presenter and author Desmond Morris dies aged 98

  Zoologist, TV presenter and author Desmond Morris has died at the age of 98.

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Sport

• Arne Slot future: Liverpool boss expected to stay at Anfield next season as club close in on Champions League qualification

  Arne Slot is expected to continue as Liverpool head coach next season, Sky Sports News understands, as the club close in on Champions League qualification.

• Women's Six Nations: England's Red Roses still dominating and building depth despite absentees - 'Rugby doesn't care what you did last week'

  The question before the Women's Six Nations was whether anyone could break England's stranglehold on world rugby. Two games in, and the Red Roses simply haven't missed a beat.

• Richard Riakporhe: 'You can see in my aura I’m very serious about doing real damage in the heavyweight division'

  Richard Riakporhe will push for a world title shot at heavyweight.

• Brighton 3-0 Chelsea: Every word from Liam Rosenior's explosive interview to Sky Sports after embarrassing Premier League defeat

  Liam Rosenior hit out at the "indefensible", "unacceptable" and "unprofessional" performance of his Chelsea players in two separate interviews after their 3-0 defeat at Brighton.

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Strange

• Trio sentenced over 'bear costume' insurance fraud scam in California

  Three people have been jailed for insurance fraud after claiming their cars were damaged by a bear - only for the assailant to be somebody dressed in a bear costume. 

• Chinese man jailed after trying to smuggle 2,000 live ants out of Kenya

  A Chinese man has been jailed after trying to smuggle more than 2,000 live ants out of Kenya.

• Woman given 14 shots of tequila on Carnival cruise awarded £220,000 in damages

  A cruise passenger who was overserved alcohol and suffered a possible traumatic brain injury after falling down some stairs has been awarded £220,000 in damages.

• Jonathan, the giant tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal 'is alive' after getting caught up in alleged crypto scam

  A giant Seychelles tortoise, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, is alive and well after claims he had died turned out to be part of an alleged crypto scam.

• Barbie event issues refunds after comparison with infamous Glasgow convention

  The organiser of a Barbie event in Florida is issuing refunds after photos from attendees drew mockery on social media – and a very unflattering comparison.

• Masked fan unplugs VAR monitor during German football match

  A masked fan unplugged a VAR monitor during ‌a German second division football match.

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Videos

• Mandelson drama turns 'high stakes' debate on economy into sideshow

  An important debate happened in Westminster this week.

• Man charged with racially aggravated rape changes plea after being sworn at in court

  A man who admitted the religiously aggravated rape of a Sikh woman has been warned he could face life in jail.

• Benjamin Netanyahu condemns Israeli soldier seen vandalising Jesus statue with a sledgehammer in Lebanon

  Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned "in the strongest terms" images of an Israeli soldier damaging a statue of Jesus.

• Rebuilding Gaza will cost more than £50bn, says UN and EU

  While the focus of many in the Middle East has been on conflicts in Lebanon and Iran, the scale of damage in Gaza is also back under scrutiny. 

• Children subjected to 'intrusive and traumatic' strip searches

  Too many children are still being subjected to "intrusive and traumatic" strip searches, the Children's Commissioner has warned.

• Ofcom investigating alleged sharing of child sexual abuse material on Telegram

  Ofcom is investigating encrypted messaging app Telegram having received evidence suggesting child sexual abuse material has been shared on the platform.

• Two Israeli soldiers jailed over smashing of Jesus statue in Lebanon

  Two Israeli soldiers have been jailed for 30 days and removed from combat duty after a statue of Jesus was destroyed. 

• Canadian woman killed after gunman opens fire at Mexico's Teotihuacan pyramids

  A gunman has killed a Canadian woman and more than a dozen others were injured in a shooting at one of Mexico's most popular tourist sites.

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Politics

• Mandelson drama turns 'high stakes' debate on economy into sideshow

  An important debate happened in Westminster this week.

• The Cathy Newman Show to launch on Sky News

  Award-winning journalist Cathy Newman is bringing her own style of friendly, but forensic, political journalism to Sky News.

• Reform's Richard Tice responds to reported failure to pay £100,000 tax

  Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said he is "always happy to put things right" if he hasn't paid the right amount of tax.

• Louise Haigh to set out economic policies that can 'unite Labour' in new intervention

  Former transport secretary Louise Haigh will outline an economic agenda to help voters with the cost of living in one of her most significant interventions since being forced out of cabinet 18 months ago.

• Senior civil servants knew weeks ago that Mandelson had failed security vetting

  At least two senior civil servants knew weeks ago that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting for his US ambassador role, Sky News understands.

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Technology

• Hay fever sufferers have it worse today than in 1990s - here's why

  If it feels like hay fever is hitting harder every year, you're not imagining it.

• Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO - as tech giant names successor

  Tim Cook is to step down from his role as Apple CEO, to be replaced by John Ternus, the company has announced.

• Schools in England could be forced to ban mobile phones

  Schools in England would be forced to ban mobile phones under government plans.

• Greenpeace activists stage demonstration at Trump Turnberry golf course in Scotland

  Environmental activists staged a renewable energy demonstration at one of US President Donald Trump's golf courses in Scotland.

• Briton admits role in plot to steal $8m in virtual currency

  A British man has pleaded guilty to plotting to hack into the computer systems of 12 companies to steal at least $8m (£5.9m) in virtual currency from US victims.

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World

• Pope warns humanity's destiny could be 'tragically compromised' and calls on politicians to respect international law

  The Pope has warned humanity's future risks being "tragically compromised" due to a breakdown of international law and political responsibility.

• Two Israeli soldiers jailed over smashing of Jesus statue in Lebanon

  Two Israeli soldiers have been jailed for 30 days and removed from combat duty after a statue of Jesus was destroyed. 

• Hundreds of MS-13 gang members in El Salvador mass trial accused of more than 47,000 crimes

  Hundreds of MS-13 gang members accused of homicides, drug and arms trafficking, and disappearances are the subject of a mass trial in El Salvador.

• Lufthansa cuts 20,000 flights amid soaring jet fuel costs

  Lufthansa has said 20,000 short-haul flights are being cut from its schedule this summer, allowing it to save on the soaring cost of jet fuel.

• Canadian woman killed after gunman opens fire at Mexico's Teotihuacan pyramids

  A gunman has killed a Canadian woman and more than a dozen others were injured in a shooting at one of Mexico's most popular tourist sites.

• We would arrest Netanyahu, says Hungary's incoming PM

  Hungary's incoming prime minister has said he'll stop the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

• Rebuilding Gaza will cost more than £50bn, says UN and EU

  While the focus of many in the Middle East has been on conflicts in Lebanon and Iran, the scale of damage in Gaza is also back under scrutiny. 

• Migrants in Spain queue to apply for mass legalisation programme

  Migrants in Spain have queued up to apply for the country's mass legalisation programme on Monday.

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Business

• Lufthansa cuts 20,000 flights amid soaring jet fuel costs

  Lufthansa has said 20,000 short-haul flights are being cut from its schedule this summer, allowing it to save on the soaring cost of jet fuel.

• UK economy: Surprise fall in unemployment rate to 4.9%

  The UK's unemployment rate has taken a surprise fall, according to official figures, released amid warnings of a spike in job losses to come.

• How Leicester City went from Premier League champions to the third tier in a decade

  In May 2016, Leicester City held aloft the Premier League trophy, defying 5,000/1 odds in what was one of the most extraordinary underdog stories in the history of English football.

• Mark Kleinman blog | Retail veteran Higginson in shock exit as JD Sports Fashion chairman

• Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO - as tech giant names successor

  Tim Cook is to step down from his role as Apple CEO, to be replaced by John Ternus, the company has announced.

• Primark demerger aims to maximise potential after successive shocks

  It hardly inspires confidence when a company's share price falls sharply as it announces a demerger aimed at maximising shareholder value.

• Tube strikes: Full list of dates and lines affected in walkout

  Heavy disruption is expected on the Tube this week as train drivers go on strike over changes to their working conditions.

• UK to 'flirt' with recession as Iran war oil shock bites, report warns

  The UK economy will "flirt" with recession this year and almost 250,000 people could lose their jobs due to the effects of the Iran war oil price shock, according to a respected independent forecaster.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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