News

Featured

• Famous Toad Lane Pioneers Museum at risk of closure without urgent funding

  The trust responsible for Rochdale Pioneers Museum has warned the birthplace of the modern co operative movement could close within two years unless a long term funding solution is found.

• Nominations now open for the Roch Valley Radio Community Hero Awards 2026 to honour local legends

  Roch Valley Radio has officially opened this year's nominations for our Community Heroes Awards, celebrating the everyday people, groups and organisations going above and beyond to make Rochdale and Bury a better place to live.

• How many of Parklife’s biggest Sunday artists do you know

  Parklife Festival brings together some of the biggest names in dance, pop and electronic music each year.

• Parklife Festival Sunday set times released as crowds return to Heaton Park

  Thousands of music fans are expected at Heaton Park today for the second day of Parklife Festival.

• St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Heywood opens new library after community fundraising effort

  Pupils at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Heywood have celebrated the opening of a new library after staff, families and supporters helped raise thousands of pounds to create the space.

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Local News

• Man jailed for 26 years after decades of sexual abuse against five children

  A man has been jailed for 26 years after being convicted of 31 offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against five children over a period spanning more than two decades.

• Four more Bury North schools to offer free breakfast clubs from September

  Four primary schools in Bury North will begin offering free breakfast clubs from September under the government’s expansion of its Best Start programme.

• Poll suggests Rochdale shoppers see themselves as big spenders

  A poll carried out at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre found that six in ten people who took part described themselves as big spenders rather than savers.

• Housebuilder raises more than £21000 for hospital charity after Three Peaks Challenge

  Fourteen employees from Barratt Homes have raised £21820 for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity after completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 hours.

• Police announce drink and drug driving checks after England match

  Greater Manchester Police has warned football supporters not to get behind the wheel if they could still be over the drink drive limit following England's match.

• Prestwich Community Picnic celebrates the town’s community spirit

  The Prestwich Community Picnic is taking place today, bringing residents together for an afternoon in the park.

• Edgar Wood Academy celebrates first GCSE cohort as Ofsted praises school’s transformation

  Edgar Wood Academy is celebrating a major milestone after its first ever Year 11 students completed their GCSEs just weeks after the school received a highly positive Ofsted report.

• Fly tippers hit with £800 fines as Bury Council steps up crackdown

  Three more Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued by Bury Council as part of its ongoing crackdown on fly tipping and littering.

• Bolton man, Sultani Bakatash found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls

  A Bolton man has been found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls after a trial at Bolton Crown Court.

• Shaw volunteer recognised as Hidden Hero for dedication to Dunwood Park

  A Shaw volunteer has been recognised as First Choice Homes Oldham’s Hidden Hero for June after being praised for her commitment to the Friends of Dunwood Park.

• Joseph Holt launches £1 children’s meals and £20,000 summer charity appeal

  Joseph Holt has reduced the price of children’s meals to £1 across its pubs, including those in Bury, as part of a summer initiative to help families during the school holidays.

• Award winning Trainspotting production returns to Ramsbottom after record breaking ticket demand

  An award winning production of Trainspotting is returning to the Geoffrey Sword Studio from 12 July to 18 July after record breaking demand saw some performances sell out.

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Local Sports

• Police announce drink and drug driving checks after England match

  Greater Manchester Police has warned football supporters not to get behind the wheel if they could still be over the drink drive limit following England's match.

• Rochdale Masters complete first international rugby league tour in Perpignan

  Rochdale Masters has marked a major milestone after completing its first international tour with a visit to Perpignan in southern France.

• 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.

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Lifestyle

• Poll suggests Rochdale shoppers see themselves as big spenders

  A poll carried out at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre found that six in ten people who took part described themselves as big spenders rather than savers.

• Prestwich Community Picnic celebrates the town’s community spirit

  The Prestwich Community Picnic is taking place today, bringing residents together for an afternoon in the park.

• Fully funded music programme launched to support Rochdale Music Artists

  A new fully funded music development programme has been launched in Rochdale to help emerging artists and aspiring sound engineers develop their skills and gain industry experience.

• Joseph Holt launches £1 children’s meals and £20,000 summer charity appeal

  Joseph Holt has reduced the price of children’s meals to £1 across its pubs, including those in Bury, as part of a summer initiative to help families during the school holidays.

• Kirkholt Pantry celebrates 10 years of supporting local families

  The Kirkholt Pantry has marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration at The Strand, recognising a decade of providing affordable food and support to residents across the Kirkholt community.

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Greater Manchester

• Housebuilder raises more than £21000 for hospital charity after Three Peaks Challenge

  Fourteen employees from Barratt Homes have raised £21820 for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity after completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 hours.

• Bolton man, Sultani Bakatash found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls

  A Bolton man has been found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls after a trial at Bolton Crown Court.

• Joseph Holt launches £1 children’s meals and £20,000 summer charity appeal

  Joseph Holt has reduced the price of children’s meals to £1 across its pubs, including those in Bury, as part of a summer initiative to help families during the school holidays.

• Football helps foster family create a sense of belonging for children in their care

  A foster family from Heywood have shared how their love of football has helped build strong relationships and a sense of belonging for the young people they care for.

• The Green Party pledges 20,000 homes for Greater Manchester – but is it realistic?

  From the streets of Hulme, Greater Manchester’s housing problems are glaringly obvious. Standing here, the glass skyscrapers towering above the region come into view. Many of these buildings went up thanks to loans from taxpayers.

• Andy Burnham's devolution plans supported by the Leader of Devon County Council

  Andy Burnham's devolution plans move forward despite him not yet being Prime Minister as Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council 'strongly supports' extended devolution to the South West county.

• Grieving mother's campaign continues as teenager sentenced following e-scooter collsion death

  A 15-year-old boy has received a youth referral order and a driving ban, after earlier pleading guilty to causing the death of a 14-year-old passenger on his e-scooter when it collided with a car.

• Manchester Kimpton Clocktower staff to strike over union busting

  Workers to walk out tomorrow after hotel chain IHG fails to recognise Unite

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Local Entertainment

• Prestwich Community Picnic celebrates the town’s community spirit

  The Prestwich Community Picnic is taking place today, bringing residents together for an afternoon in the park.

• Fully funded music programme launched to support Rochdale Music Artists

  A new fully funded music development programme has been launched in Rochdale to help emerging artists and aspiring sound engineers develop their skills and gain industry experience.

• Award winning Trainspotting production returns to Ramsbottom after record breaking ticket demand

  An award winning production of Trainspotting is returning to the Geoffrey Sword Studio from 12 July to 18 July after record breaking demand saw some performances sell out.

• Local Arts champion to help lead £20m regeneration of Smallbridge, Hurstead, and Belfield

  Managing director of M6 Theatre Company, Laura Rodwell, has been chosen to chair the board of a £20m initiative as part of Rochdale Borough Council's plans to boost regeneration in the local area

• Something Rotten! is a hilarious love letter to musical theatre at Manchester Opera House

  If you've ever watched one of Neil Patrick Harris's unforgettable opening performances at The Tony Awards, you'll already have a sense of what Something Rotten! has in store.

• More than 220 young musicians perform at Rochdale Music Service Summer Sizzler

  More than 220 young musicians took to the stage at Middleton Arena as part of Rochdale Music Service’s annual Summer Sizzler event.

• Parklife’s new Panorama Stage is winning over festival goers at Heaton Park

  A new stage experience has made its debut at Parklife Festival this weekend, giving music fans a completely different way to enjoy some of the event’s biggest electronic acts.

• How many of Parklife’s biggest Sunday artists do you know

  Parklife Festival brings together some of the biggest names in dance, pop and electronic music each year.

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Elections

• The Green Party pledges 20,000 homes for Greater Manchester – but is it realistic?

  From the streets of Hulme, Greater Manchester’s housing problems are glaringly obvious. Standing here, the glass skyscrapers towering above the region come into view. Many of these buildings went up thanks to loans from taxpayers.

• Bev Craig pledges Bee Network expansion and fare freeze in Greater Manchester mayoral campaign

  Labour's candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, has announced plans to expand the Bee Network, freeze bus fares and introduce more free public transport as part of her election campaign.

• Conservatives and Liberal Democrats announce their candidates for mayoral by-election

  The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have confirmed who will be standing for each respective party at the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.

• Reform UK selects Sian Astley as Greater Manchester mayoral candidate

  Reform UK has announced Sian Astley as its candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election next month.

• Bev Craig launches Greater Manchester mayoral campaign with pledge for free bus travel for every 11 to 18 year old

  Labour's candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor, Bev Craig, has launched her campaign with a pledge to provide free Bee Network bus travel for every young person aged 11 to 18 if elected.

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UK

• Triple murder investigation launched after three people found dead at home

  A murder investigation has been launched after a mother and her two children were found dead at a home.

• Teacher 'stabbed in the head by pupil' relives moment every day, court hears

  A teacher who was allegedly stabbed in the head by a pupil in class relives the moment she thought she would die every day, a jury heard.

• CCTV captures moment woman last seen with accused double killer

  A jury has been shown CCTV footage of the last moment a woman was seen alive before she went behind a car park wall with an alleged double murderer. 

• UK enters third heatwave - with temperatures set to hit 35C

  The UK has entered its third heatwave so far this year, with temperatures predicted to climb as high as 35C in some parts of the country later this week.

• Man admits trying to murder estranged wife in Edinburgh knife attack in front of daughter

  A man has admitted trying to murder his estranged wife in a knife attack as she made her way to a doctor's appointment with their daughter in a buggy.

• Thousands more women admitted to mother and baby institutions than estimated, report finds

  Around 2,000 more women were admitted to mother and baby homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland than previously estimated, a report has found.

• Prisons watchdog to keep close eye on criminals released early - amid concerns rapists could be among them

  The prisons watchdog has said it will keep a close eye on criminals released early from jail under a government scheme, amid concerns that rapists could be among them.

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

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Entertainment

• Top Boy actor denies he was 'bent on' getting his way with alleged rape victim

  Top Boy actor Micheal Ward denied he was "bent on" getting his own way when he allegedly raped a woman in the back of a car, a court has heard.

• Sky to pay £1.6bn for ITV's broadcast and streaming division

  ITV has agreed a £1.6bn deal with Sky, the owner of Sky News, for its media and entertainment arm following months of talks.

• So, what does Sky's £1.6bn deal with ITV mean for viewers? For now, not much

  The residents of Coronation Street might have survived serial killers and tram crashes, but the biggest ITV plot twist has been unfolding in the boardroom.

• A 'pinch me moment': Details emerge from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's New York wedding

  Details are starting to emerge about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

• Harry Potter fans warned to stay off tracks at Glenfinnan Viaduct as 'Hogwarts Express' returns to service

  Tourists determined to get a good view of a steam train made famous by the Harry Potter films are being warned to stay off the tracks at a beauty hotspot.

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Sport

• England hand India their biggest defeat in T20 internationals to take 2-0 series lead at Trent Bridge

  England handed an abject India their record defeat in T20 internationals as they won the third T20I at Trent Bridge by 125 runs to storm into a 2-0 series lead.

• Argentina 3-2 Egypt: Hossam Hassan says officiating 'unfair' and World Cup 'directed towards' reigning champions

  Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan said the referee was "unfair" and claimed the World Cup was "directed towards Argentina" following their dramatic 3-2 defeat in the last 16.

• Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic ekes out epic fifth-set tiebreak win over Felix Auger-Aliassime to set up Jannik Sinner semi-final

  Novak Djokovic won a gruelling five-set battle with Felix Auger-Aliassime to set up a semi-final with reigning Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner.

• Lionel Messi helped save Argentina's World Cup dream against Egypt as he defied time - and his own struggles

  Lionel Messi's career has been intertwined with that of Cristiano Ronaldo for what must seem like forever for the pair. For much of the game against Egypt, Argentina's captain had looked set to follow his old rival out of this World Cup. A sad end loomed.

• World Cup 2026 bracket and knockout fixtures - who's facing who in the last 16 and route to final

  The World Cup enters the quarter-final stages - so how is the route to the final on July 19 now shaping up?

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Strange

• Trump's AI plan has governments and tech firms panicking

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Videos

• Man shot dead by ICE officer during vehicle stop in Houston

  A man has died after being shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Houston, Texas.

• UK enters third heatwave - with temperatures set to hit 35C

  The UK has entered its third heatwave so far this year, with temperatures predicted to climb as high as 35C in some parts of the country later this week.

• Sky to pay £1.6bn for ITV's broadcast and streaming division

  ITV has agreed a £1.6bn deal with Sky, the owner of Sky News, for its media and entertainment arm following months of talks.

• Triple murder investigation launched after three people found dead at home

  A murder investigation has been launched after a mother and her two children were found dead at a home.

• Cuba suffers nationwide blackout affecting millions

  Cuba has suffered a nationwide blackout after the country's electricity grid collapsed.

• Prisons watchdog to keep close eye on criminals released early - amid concerns rapists could be among them

  The prisons watchdog has said it will keep a close eye on criminals released early from jail under a government scheme, amid concerns that rapists could be among them.

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

• FIFA to discuss lifting ban on Russian teams after IOC urged sports to end war-related sanctions

  FIFA will formally discuss lifting the ban on all Russian teams after the International Olympic Committee urged all sports to end war-related sanctions, Sky News can reveal.

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Politics

• Prisons watchdog to keep close eye on criminals released early - amid concerns rapists could be among them

  The prisons watchdog has said it will keep a close eye on criminals released early from jail under a government scheme, amid concerns that rapists could be among them.

• Number of women in Burnham's cabinet 'a central issue' for female Labour MPs, says Harriet Harman

  The representation of women in Andy Burnham's cabinet is a "central issue" for female Labour MPs, the party's former deputy leader has said.

• Will women get a seat at Andy Burnham's table?

  👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈

• Lydia Suffield avoids jail for stalking George Osborne and his wife Thea Rogers

  A woman who stalked former Tory chancellor George Osborne and his wife, including reporting them to social services, has been spared jail.

• Calls for Israeli PM Netanyahu and his justice minister to be sanctioned by UK

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his justice minister should be sanctioned by the British government, dozens of MPs have urged the UK foreign secretary.

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Technology

• New endometriosis tests set to dramatically speed up diagnosis

  Women with suspected endometriosis will be able to get a much quicker diagnosis with new tests at their GP surgery - rather than take the "best part of a decade" for the condition to be detected.

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

• Car seats: The mystery of our depopulating planet

  👉Listen to Stuff Matters on your podcast app👈

• Spacecraft launches to rescue NASA telescope before it crashes back to Earth

  A spacecraft has blasted into orbit on a mission to rescue a NASA telescope that is at risk of crashing back to Earth.

• Google must pay record €4.1bn fine over antitrust issues

  Google will have to pay a record €4.1bn (£3.5bn) fine after it lost its fight against EU antitrust regulators. 

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World

• Man shot dead by ICE officer during vehicle stop in Houston

  A man has died after being shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Houston, Texas.

• FIFA to discuss lifting ban on Russian teams after IOC urged sports to end war-related sanctions

  FIFA will formally discuss lifting the ban on all Russian teams after the International Olympic Committee urged all sports to end war-related sanctions, Sky News can reveal.

• Far-right French leader Le Pen to run in next presidential election after court ruling

  Far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she’ll run for the French presidency next year after the decision of an appeals court cleared her way.

• Woman suspected of carrying out Monaco bombing of Ukrainian tycoon found dead

  A Ukrainian woman believed to have set off a bomb targeting a tycoon with links to Russia has been found dead with gunshot wounds in a killing apparently carried out by a Ukrainian spy, it is claimed.

• Cuba suffers nationwide blackout affecting millions

  Cuba has suffered a nationwide blackout after the country's electricity grid collapsed.

• Qatari tanker hit as it travelled through Strait of Hormuz

  A Qatari tanker has been hit as it travelled through the Strait of Hormuz, suffering significant damage, Qatar's foreign ministry has said.

• Explosions heard near hotel where President Macron staying in Syria

  A series of explosions have been heard near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is due to stay in Syria.

• China landslide leaves at least five dead with 12 more trapped

  Five people have been killed and 12 others are trapped after a landslide in northern China.

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Business

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

• Lender to housebuilder Henry Boot calls in advisers | Mark Kleinman blog

• Sky to pay £1.6bn for ITV's broadcast and streaming division

  ITV has agreed a £1.6bn deal with Sky, the owner of Sky News, for its media and entertainment arm following months of talks.

• So, what does Sky's £1.6bn deal with ITV mean for viewers? For now, not much

  The residents of Coronation Street might have survived serial killers and tram crashes, but the biggest ITV plot twist has been unfolding in the boardroom.

• Xbox 'reset' as Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs

  Microsoft has revealed 4,800 job losses globally, with the bulk of the pain to be felt at its struggling Xbox gaming unit where a fifth of its workforce is facing the axe.

• Evri suing BBC for £1.2m over Panorama programme

  Delivery company Evri is suing the BBC for about £1.2m over a Panorama programme featuring complaints by drivers and customers.

• How UK state pension compares with other countries | Money newsletter

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

• UK-US pharmaceuticals deal will divert £45bn from essential NHS services, says doctors' union

  The NHS will be forced to divert around £45bn from essential services under a UK-US pharmaceuticals deal, increasing potentially preventable deaths by 229,000, analysis from a doctors' union has found.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

• Mayor Faisal Rana shares the personal reasons behind his five chosen charities

  It has been a few weeks since I had the great honour of becoming Mayor of Rochdale. It is a huge privilege to serve the community, along with my wife, Mayoress of Rochdale Iram Faisal.

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