News
Local News
-
Firefighters tackle Whitefield house blaze as five taken to hospital
A serious house fire in Whitefield on Sunday evening has left five people in hospital, with emergency services remaining at the scene.
-
Man arrested over indecent exposure incidents near Wardle parks
A 20-year-old man is in custody after women and girls were reportedly exposed to in Rochdale earlier this week.
-
'You've got a friend in me' as Whitworth wind band hits new high with over 40 players from across the school community
More than 40 students, staff and former pupils are making music together every week at Whitworth Community High School, as the school’s wind band grows from strength to strength.
-
'Heywood is leading the way' as minister hails £20m regeneration plan as town becomes national model
Government local growth minister Alex Norris MP visited Heywood this week to praise the town’s rapid progress and successful community engagement on a major neighbourhood investment plan.
-
“We’re in this together” as Bury unites for first suicide prevention conference
Mental health professionals, advocates and leaders came together in Bury on Wednesday, 18 June for the town’s first ever Suicide Prevention Conference, a powerful event focused on saving lives through support, collaboration and compassion.
-
Teen jiu jitsu champion brings home European gold to Rochdale
A 14 year old from Rochdale has made his mark on the international stage after winning gold at a major Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament in Italy.
-
Rochdale fans invited to join Her Game Too as club strengthens anti-sexism drive
Rochdale AFC is looking for more supporters to become advocates for its Her Game Too campaign ahead of the 2025–26 football season.
-
Middleton Arena shut by warehouse fire but members can still swim and gym at no extra cost
Middleton Arena remains closed after a major fire broke out at a neighbouring commercial warehouse on Wednesday afternoon, forcing emergency services to cordon off the area.
-
THREE days on, Middleton fire still burning as crews forced to TEAR DOWN building
A commercial storage facility in Middleton is being demolished as fire crews work to extinguish a major blaze that broke out on Wednesday afternoon.
-
Hopwood Hall College unveils plans for new four-storey building in Rochdale
Hopwood Hall College is set to have a huge campus overhaul after revealing plans to replace a teaching block.
-
Fire guts Middleton storage building as roof collapses during second day blaze
Firefighters remain on scene for second day as smoke billows and structure is left severely damaged
-
Fire crews battle second day of Middleton storage blaze while customers fear everything is lost
Storage unit users in Middleton have been left fearing the worst as a major fire involving lithium ion batteries continues to burn through a commercial building, with thick smoke, water, and fire damage expected to have affected much of the site.
Greater Manchester
-
Heritage tramline in Heaton Park could soon be back on track
A major boost from TfGM and VolkerRail has taken the historic Heaton Park Tramway a step nearer to welcoming passengers again after over a year out of service.
-
Chaos at Parklife as Matinee stage shut down over safety fears
DJs axed and fans evacuated after 'overcrowding' prompts emergency response at Heaton Park
-
Warning issued over triple-strength MDMA pills found at Parklife
A charity has issued an alert after dangerous 'Dior' and 'Pop Smoke' ecstasy tablets were tested at the Heaton Park event.
-
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.
-
What you can expect to pay for drinks at Parklife 2025
Parklife is back at Heaton Park this weekend with a buzzing crowd, booming stages, and bars and street vendors offering a huge range of drinks to suit every taste, whether you’re after a refreshing lager or a cocktail.
-
RECAP : Parklife 2025 Day One - updates, photos & travel news
Tens of thousands of music fans are pouring into Parklife, as the day one of the festival gets underway.
-
Parklife's hidden heroes show how one team makes big events work for residents
Roch Valley Radio visited the Maccabi Community Centre in Prestwich, where the Community Impact Team is operating from to support local residents during Parklife and Oasis
-
He faced four charges of child sex abuse and then vanished the day court began
One of the seven men convicted for child sex offences in Rochdale has gone on the run after failing to attend court, prompting a nationwide manhunt led by Greater Manchester Police.
Local Entertainment
-
'You've got a friend in me' as Whitworth wind band hits new high with over 40 players from across the school community
More than 40 students, staff and former pupils are making music together every week at Whitworth Community High School, as the school’s wind band grows from strength to strength.
-
Dig deep into Rochdale’s past at Broadfield Park this July
Locals of all ages invited to join free archaeological dig and discover the town’s industrial roots.
-
Bury flies Purple Flag for tenth year with focus on safety and evening economy
Bury celebrates a decade of Purple Flag accreditation as new measures are introduced to boost town centre safety and nightlife
-
Littleborough Brass Band hits the right notes with Whit Friday contest wins
Littleborough Brass Band brought rhythm and revelry to Saddleworth’s streets with a crowd pleasing twist at the 2025 Whit Friday March Contests, bagging a string of fourth section prizes while donning cowboy hats and playing a pop hit.
-
Rochdale in Rainbows returns this Sunday with a Pride Parade and celebration at Town Hall
Rochdale Pride is making a vibrant return this Sunday, 22nd June, with a community celebration and colourful parade.
-
Superheroes, stormtroopers and sci-fi stars to take over Bury town centre for Comic Con 2025
Comic Con returns to Bury with dinosaurs, dancing stormtroopers and Doctor Who stars in an all day, free family event on Sunday 29 June.
-
Bury shopping centre marks 15 years with £1,500 summer giveaway
Shoppers at The Rock could win a £1,500 spending spree as part of birthday celebrations
-
Hundreds fined as drivers swamp Bury streets without permits during Parklife and Catfish concert
It has been revealed that Bury Council issued 456 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) over one busy weekend, as music fans attending the Parklife Festival and a Catfish and the Bottlemen concert parked illegally in residential areas.
Local Sports
-
Rochdale fans invited to join Her Game Too as club strengthens anti-sexism drive
Rochdale AFC is looking for more supporters to become advocates for its Her Game Too campaign ahead of the 2025–26 football season.
-
Rochdale AFC co-chair issues summer update as club prepares for new season
Rochdale AFC co-chairman Cameron Ogden says fans have strong reasons to be optimistic ahead of the 2025/26 season, after a year of big improvements on and off the pitch.
-
Former England cricketer to attend historic international match in Bury thanks to Rome encounter
A cricket match sparked by a chance meeting in Vatican City will see Elton Cricket Club host its first ever international fixture this Fathers’ Day.
UK
-
The telling words that Starmer could - and couldn't - say about US strikes on Iran
When I got to Chequers on Sunday, the prime minister had clearly been up for most of the night and hitting the phones all morning with calls to fellow leaders in Europe and the Middle East, as he and others scrambled to try to contain a very dangerous situation.
-
Annabel Rook death: Man charged with murder of woman found stabbed after gas explosion
A man has been charged with the murder of a 46-year-old woman found stabbed following a gas explosion at a house in London.
-
GPs can prescribe weight loss jabs on the NHS from today - but strict eligibility criteria in place
GPs will be able to prescribe weight loss jabs on the NHS from today.
-
Met Police chief 'frustrated' at planned protest to support Palestine Action - as government moves to ban the group
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley says he is "shocked and frustrated" at a planned protest in support of Palestine Action.
-
UK weather: 'Fresher' conditions for much of country after hottest day of year so far
Much of the UK had cooler temperatures on Sunday with "fresher" conditions - apart from the South East - after thunderstorms swept through parts of the country overnight.
-
Festival season is here, but does politics have a place on the stage?
Festival season is under way, and leading the charge: the Isle of Wight Festival - dubbed "Europe's Woodstock" - with headliners including Sting and the Stereophonics.
-
UK and NATO allies agree to boost spending on defence and related areas to 5% of GDP by 2035
The UK and its NATO allies have agreed to increase spending on defence and related areas to 5% of GDP by 2035, two diplomatic sources with knowledge of the deal have told Sky News.
-
Iranian threat to UK could increase after US strikes, says cabinet minister
The threat to the UK from Iran is already at a "significant level" and could increase following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a cabinet minister has told Sky News.
Entertainment
-
Why are activists protesting against Jeff Bezos's Venice wedding?
Billionaire Jeff Bezos is marrying Lauren Sanchez, a former TV journalist, in a glitzy multi-day event in Venice.
-
Festival season is here, but does politics have a place on the stage?
Festival season is under way, and leading the charge: the Isle of Wight Festival - dubbed "Europe's Woodstock" - with headliners including Sting and the Stereophonics.
-
From niche to a billion pound industry: How immersive events have taken over
While cinemas are struggling and London's West End has witnessed a significant escalation in ticket prices, creatives behind immersive experiences say their sector is experiencing "a gold rush moment".
-
Final BTS member discharged from military service, sparking reunion hopes
K-pop star Suga, a rapper and songwriter from global sensation BTS, has been discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service.
-
US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to attempting to cause GBH
Singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm over an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub two years ago.
Sport
-
England vs India: First Test hangs in the balance as visitors rue missed opportunities
A shock decision at the toss, an India batting collapse, a Jasprit Bumrah masterclass, an Ollie Pope century and some Harry Brook heartbreak later, we are no closer to knowing who is going to win the first Test between England and India at Headingley.
-
England vs India: Ben Stokes strikes late on day three after Harry Brook earlier falls one short of a ninth Test ton
India are two down, leading England by 96, going into the fourth morning of the first Test at Headingley after another hugely-absorbing day's play on Sunday.
-
PGA Tour golf: Keegan Bradley snatches Travelers Championship victory from Tommy Fleetwood after final-hole drama
Keegan Bradley extended Tommy Fleetwood’s wait for a maiden PGA Tour title after snatching a dramatic victory in a thrilling finish to the Travelers Championship.
-
England vs India: Ollie Pope's century gave me 'goosebumps' says Ben Duckett, as Jasprit Bumrah shines for visitors
Ben Duckett admitted he had "goosebumps" watching under-pressure Ollie Pope score a century on day two of the first Test between England and India at Headingley.
-
England vs India: Ollie Pope hits ninth Test hundred as hosts fight back into first Test on day two at Headingley
Ollie Pope struck a ninth Test century as part of a stirring England fightback on day two of the first Test at Headingley, the hosts closing on 209-3 in reply to India's first-innings 471.
Strange
-
Police issue mosh pit warning ahead of Download festival in Leicestershire this weekend
Police are warning rock fans at this weekend's Download festival about the potential for accidental calls while in the mosh pit.
-
Syrian contractor discovers ancient Byzantine tomb complex during construction
A Syrian contractor made a historic discovery when clearing the rubble of a destroyed home, stumbling upon remains of an underground Byzantine tomb complex.
-
Display of saint's remains draws huge crowds - but bishop says it 'encourages morbid curiosity'
Tens of thousands of people have flocked to see the remains of a revered Spanish saint, more than 440 years after her death, prompting debate over whether such displays "encourage morbid curiosity".
-
Cheese-loving daredevils hurl themselves down Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire for famous race
Dairy-loving daredevils from around the world have descended on Gloucestershire and thrown themselves down Cooper's Hill in the annual cheese-rolling race.
-
What we know from mushroom poisoning trial: Death cap traces in dehydrator, faked cancer and accused in tears
An Australian woman accused of murdering her estranged husband's parents and an aunt by serving them a beef wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms has given evidence in court.
Videos
-
Post Office scandal: 'Hugely significant' evidence unearthed in computer expert's garage
A damning report into the faulty Post Office IT system that preceded Horizon has been unearthed after nearly 30 years - and it could help overturn criminal convictions.
-
Bank of England holds rate but eyes cuts ahead despite global risks
The Bank of England has signalled that a weakening labour market could yet trump rising global challenges to allow for more interest rate cuts in the near term.
-
Government considering measure to slash industrial energy prices
Ministers are considering a commitment to cut soaring industrial energy prices for British companies to the same level enjoyed by competitors in France and Germany as part of its industrial strategy.
-
US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to attempting to cause GBH
Singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm over an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub two years ago.
-
Why are UK industrial electricity prices so high - and what can be done about it?
Britain has the highest industrial electricity prices in the G7, a cost businesses say makes it impossible to compete internationally and risks "deindustrialising" the UK.
-
Post Office Capture scandal: Sir Alan Bates calls for those responsible for wrongful convictions to be 'brought to account'
Sir Alan Bates has called for those responsible for the wrongful convictions of sub postmasters in the Capture IT scandal to be "brought to account".
-
'Inflation and customer cutbacks' blamed for big dive in retail sales
Retail sales volumes suffered their largest monthly fall since December 2023 last month, according to official figures which suggest a link to rising bills.
-
The telling words that Starmer could - and couldn't - say about US strikes on Iran
When I got to Chequers on Sunday, the prime minister had clearly been up for most of the night and hitting the phones all morning with calls to fellow leaders in Europe and the Middle East, as he and others scrambled to try to contain a very dangerous situation.
Politics
-
The four questions Starmer will be asking on Iran
?Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app?
-
Met Police chief 'frustrated' at planned protest to support Palestine Action - as government moves to ban the group
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley says he is "shocked and frustrated" at a planned protest in support of Palestine Action.
-
The telling words that Starmer could - and couldn't - say about US strikes on Iran
When I got to Chequers on Sunday, the prime minister had clearly been up for most of the night and hitting the phones all morning with calls to fellow leaders in Europe and the Middle East, as he and others scrambled to try to contain a very dangerous situation.
-
'Stability in Middle East is priority,' says Starmer - as world reacts to strikes
Sir Keir Starmer has said stability in the Middle East is "a priority" following US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, as the world reacted to the attack.
-
Latest polling says if an election was held tomorrow Reform UK would win a majority
Since the local elections Reform UK has had no shortage of good polls.
Technology
-
Every baby in the UK to receive DNA testing
Every baby in the UK will have their DNA tested under a new 10-year plan for the NHS.
-
Minecraft users targeted by criminals posing as game coders
Minecraft users are being targeted by criminals posing as game coders online.
-
SpaceX rocket being tested explodes into giant fireball before launch in Texas
A SpaceX rocket has exploded before launch - sending a dramatic fireball high into the sky.
-
'Pioneering' new scanner used for brain tumour patients trialled in world-first
A "pioneering" new scanner derived from MRI technology could be used to track brain cancer spread and lead to improved treatment for patients, scientists have said.
-
Sharing deepfake pornography 'the next sexual violence epidemic facing schools'
Sharing deepfake pornography is "the next sexual violence epidemic" facing schools, the author of a book on the spread of online misogyny has told MPs.
World
-
Why Israel has long been believed to have a nuclear weapons programme
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long warned that Iran is secretly looking to develop a nuclear bomb - but for decades there have also been suspicions about Israel's own nuclear programme.
-
Bride shot dead on wedding day in south of France, reports say
A bride was shot dead on her wedding day in the south of France after she and her groom were targeted by hooded and armed attackers, according to local media.
-
Bonus episode: Trump bombs Iran
?Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim on your podcast app?
-
22 killed after suicide bomber opens fire at church in Syria - and then detonates explosive vest
At least 22 people have been killed after a suicide bomber opened fire at a church in Syria - and then detonated an explosive vest.
-
Iraq's delicate balancing act - where Iran-aligned militia have vowed to attack Americans
Iraq is no different to any other country in the region - anxiously waiting to see what happens next after America's multiple bomb strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
-
UK and NATO allies agree to boost spending on defence and related areas to 5% of GDP by 2035
The UK and its NATO allies have agreed to increase spending on defence and related areas to 5% of GDP by 2035, two diplomatic sources with knowledge of the deal have told Sky News.
-
Iran has little choice but to retaliate against US - as Russia faces urgent decision on how to back Tehran
Donald Trump's decision to attack Iran could trigger a wider regional or even global war, but much will hinge on how Russia and China - Tehran's most powerful allies - respond.
-
What happens next after US strikes is largely in Iran's control - but there are no good choices
As the sun rises above Jerusalem this morning, Israelis will be waking to the news that America has joined their war and attacked Iran. It will be met with mixed feelings.
Business
-
Former Centrica chief Laidlaw in frame to chair embattled BP
Sam Laidlaw, the former boss of Centrica, is among the candidates being considered as the next chairman of BP, Britain’s besieged oil and gas exploration giant.
-
Hundreds of jobs at risk as River Island takes axe to store base
Hundreds more high street jobs are being put at risk as part of a sweeping overhaul of the family-owned fashion retailer River Island.
-
Post Office Capture scandal: Sir Alan Bates calls for those responsible for wrongful convictions to be 'brought to account'
Sir Alan Bates has called for those responsible for the wrongful convictions of sub postmasters in the Capture IT scandal to be "brought to account".
-
'Inflation and customer cutbacks' blamed for big dive in retail sales
Retail sales volumes suffered their largest monthly fall since December 2023 last month, according to official figures which suggest a link to rising bills.
-
TalkTalk plots break-up of telecoms and broadband group
TalkTalk, the telecoms and broadband group founded by Sir Charles Dunstone, is preparing to hire City advisers to oversee a break-up of the company.
-
Apollo-backed Athora eyes £5bn deal for Pension Insurance Corporation
A savings and retirement services group backed by Apollo Global Management is plotting a multibillion pound takeover of Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), one of the City's biggest specialist insurers.
-
Government considering measure to slash industrial energy prices
Ministers are considering a commitment to cut soaring industrial energy prices for British companies to the same level enjoyed by competitors in France and Germany as part of its industrial strategy.
-
Why are UK industrial electricity prices so high - and what can be done about it?
Britain has the highest industrial electricity prices in the G7, a cost businesses say makes it impossible to compete internationally and risks "deindustrialising" the UK.