Manx Newscast

Manx veteran Christopher Garrett has been described by colleagues in Ukraine as a 'lovable guy, completely dedicated to his work'. The bomb disposal expert, from Peel, was killed yesterday (6 May). The charity he co-founded, Prevail Together, says he and two other team members were seriously injured in an incident in Izyum in eastern Ukraine. Board Member and Ambassador Shaun Pinner later con...

Businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of government schemes and expand their offerings as visitor numbers decline in Douglas city centre. In a post on social media, city centre management asked users to offer their suggestions as to what might improve footfall on the high street. A common suggestion was for the introduction of cheaper, or free parking. Others suggested a Primark store...

Manx Loaghtan Sheep have been added to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's 'red priority watch list' because of dwindling numbers. So what can we do to try and help them thrive for generations to come? Jenny Shepherd has the Island's largest flock of Loaghtans and has been telling Amy Griffiths about some of the commercial opportunities they present:

The education minister says a newly published report assessing Manx schools looks as the 'education system as a whole' and isn't about shaming particular schools. The 'annual overview' is the first of three publications produced by Etio expected over the course of a three-year 'external validation' contract between October 2023 and July 2026. It's based on the external validati...

All the results are in after local authority elections were held across the Isle of Man on Thursday (24 April). There were 28 seats up for grabs across five local authorities. Siobhán Fletcher runs us through the winners (and the losers) from the night, plus we have exclusive interviews from all the counts!

The infrastructure minister says she 'regrets' how plans to implement 20mph speed limits in the Island's towns and villages have been communicated. Earlier this week, Michelle Haywood confirmed there would be more opportunities for feedback on the proposals following backlash from the public. She's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:

On the 23 April 1945, 31 men were killed when a US military aircraft crashed into the side of North Barrule. Some of their relatives have now travelled from the US to pay their respects at the place where their loved ones died to mark the 80th anniversary of the deadliest aviation accident in Manx history. Amy Griffiths has been speaking to Ivor Ramsden from the Manx Aviation and Military Museum a...

Are you ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive...and dodge? A new community sporting event is being launched by Isle Listen as part of Mental Health Awareness Week in May. The inaugural Isle of Man Dodgeball Championship will take place on 16 May in the National Sports Centre’s main hall, open to teams of six to nine players. The charity hopes the event will promote mental wellbeing through physical acti...

In Tynwald this week, the infrastructure minister announced a significant change in direction for the Island’s housing strategy. Michelle Haywood confirmed proposals to establish a Housing Association have been shelved in favour of a new government-led Housing Agency. She's been speaking to Ben and Sian:

A record-breaking ultra long-distance runner will be taking part in a Q&A session tomorrow night (18 April) in support of Hospice Isle of Man and Motiv8 Addiction Services. Jack Scott holds the record for the fastest time to complete the 268-mile Montane Spine Race, finishing in 72hrs 55mins 5secs and beating the previous course record set by Jasmin Paris (2019) by more than 10...

Parents are being urged to keep a close eye on their children's whereabouts following a recent spate of antisocial behaviour. Police across the Island have reported incidents of doors being banged or kicked late at night and eggs being thrown at houses. In this edition of Newscast, Manx Radio speaks to Sergeant Steve Gorry from Castletown Police Station.

Last month we heard that Leigh Morris was going to be stepping down as CEO of the Manx Wildlife Trust after five years in the role. He's sat down with Amy Griffiths to reflect on his time with the charity and offer advice to his successor:

April marks Autism Acceptance Month and it's been revealed a sub-working group will be formed to assist autistic people in getting into the workplace. So says a lay member of the Autism Spectrum Strategy Steering Group. In the UK, one in five people with the disorder is in employment but it's not known what the statistic is here on the Island. Chanelle Sukhoo spoke to members of the group, MHK Jon...

Louise Thomas is part of an all-women team taking part in the Proflex Manx Rally this weekend (11-12 April). But how common is that in the sport? She's been telling Amy Griffiths more about that and why she's supporting the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group in this year's event:

New research by population analyst and Member of the Legislative Council Paul Craine has revealed that the Isle of Man recorded its lowest number of births in more than 100 years in 2024, raising questions over the Island’s long-term demographic outlook.

The treasury minister says changes to the child benefit are about 'putting money back into the pockets of working families'. A 2.2 percent uplift comes into effect from today (7 April), whilst income thresholds are increasing for the first time in a decade. Those with a household income between: • £50,000 and £60,000 are eligible for the full amount of £28.65, worth an extra £7.61 a week for each...

The RNLI has released its annual rescue figures, showing crews on the Isle of Man were called out 40 times last year. That's an increase on 2023, during which lifeboats were launched 31 times. During last year's callouts four lives were saved - double the figure from 2023. The number of people aided rose from 27 in 2023 to 53 in 2024. In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster catche...

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and on 15 May the Isle of Man mental health training business Manx Minds will be hosting its annual conference. Taking place at Babagge's at the Mountain View Innovation Centre, it's open to anyone interested in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. It's described as a 'chance to learn, connect, and share ideas with others who care about making a d...

'We all have a stake in our health and social care on the Island' - that's the message from the health minister, who says 'this is the right time' to review the working arrangements between her department and Manx Care. Later this month, Claire Christian will ask Tynwald to support her motion to  form a committee of five members  to take evidence and review the govern...

A number of changes come into force today concerning employment rights on the Isle of Man. Written statements are becoming a 'day one right', partners will be granted time off for antenatal appointments, and people going through the adoption process will have the right to leave to attend appointments. There are also new rights for people taking time off to care for dependents, and changes to the I...

A number of changes come into force today concerning employment rights on the Isle of Man. Written statements are becoming a 'day one right', partners will be granted time off for antenatal appointments, and people going through the adoption process will have the right to leave to attend appointments. There are also new rights for people taking time off to care for dependents, and changes to the I...

March marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it's the fifth most common cancer in women, with one in 50 in the UK diagnosed with it.  Sarah Jarvis, who found out about it in May 2023 says it's difficult to detect it as initial tests won't pick up the form of cancer, but symptoms will be able to give medical professionals a clue of what it could be.  Joined by her consultant, Tony Stoc...

Earlier this week, the Isle of Man became the first place in the British Isles to approve assisted dying legislation. On Tuesday (25 March), the Legislative Council voted to accept the House of Keys' changes to Dr Alex Allinson's proposals. In this special Newscast, we hear from campaigners Vicky Christian - Chair of the Isle of Man branch of My Death, My Decision - and Sue Biggerst...

The Department of Infrastructure has opened a consultation for local authorities to have their say on new clauses in the Local Government Amendment Bill.  It follows widespread criticism about the potential impact one of the new clauses could have - including mandating new functions without providing extra money and introducing 'standards' for work carried out.  The bill was first introd...

An endometriosis sufferer says more needs to be done to help women like her with the condition. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and one in ten ladies have the disease - which causes severe pelvic pain, heavy periods and infertility.  Chloe Love has suffered from the condition since she the age of 12.