Digital access to over 150 years of historical Isle of Man newspapers is ending as the software and server supporting the iMuseum archive become obsolete. Manx National Heritage (MNH) stated that the service provider is moving away from this type of archive, leaving the system unsupported. While MNH is exploring options for a future replacement, users will temporarily need to view the records in person using microfilm in the library and archives.
Summary headline: Online access to historical Manx newspapers via iMuseum to end
Eight poodle-cross dogs that were among 250 animals found crammed into a single home in January have been reunited with their RSPCA carers at a special 'Poodle Party' hosted by the West Norfolk RSPCA Eau Brink rehoming centre.
Redcar and Cleveland Mayor Ceri Cawley, along with former mayor Barry Hunt and deputy mayor Adam Brook, spent the night sleeping outside Boosbeck Village Hall in Saltburn to experience rough sleeping and raise funds for the Healthier Heroes charity and The Chris Cave Foundation. They were joined by four formerly homeless veterans who shared their personal experiences.
Summary headline: Redcar and Cleveland mayor sleeps rough to support veterans charity
A Kent farmer has compared applying for government environmental farming grants to a lottery after a funding scheme closed in under six hours. George Holdstock missed out on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) funding for his environmental plans, arguing that the first-come, first-served application process is unfair and creates uncertainty. Farming Minister Stephen Morgan acknowledged the disappointment and stated that the government is exploring alternatives for future application processes.
Summary headline: Kent farmer criticises government's fast-closing farm funding scheme
A photo round-up capturing events across the West of England, including Prince William and Ross Kemp launching an emergency preparedness campaign in Somerset, the UK's largest dairy show at Shepton Mallet, the completion of the Clifton Suspension Bridge refurbishment, and various regional stories from Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
Residents and local leaders in Bridgwater and Hartcliffe are figuring out how to spend £20m each awarded from the government's Pride in Place programme. While locals welcome the funding to improve youth services, green spaces, and community projects, many question whether the investment can deliver lasting change once the money runs out.
Summary headline: What could £20m Pride in Place cash do for Hartcliffe and Bridgwater?
Seven artists have been selected to create new commissions for an upcoming exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of the late entertainer Paul O'Grady. Titled 'You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O'Grady Story', the exhibition will open on 11 December at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum in Birkenhead. The new artworks, which include portraits of Lily Savage and Buster the dog alongside ceramic figurines, will become part of the gallery's permanent collection.
Summary headline: Seven artists chosen for Paul O'Grady exhibition in Birkenhead
Historian Dr Louise Ryland-Epton has spent three years transcribing John Aubrey's 17th-century manuscript, The Natural History of Wiltshire, revealing radical ideas omitted from an incomplete 19th-century edition. Written over nearly 40 години, the original text challenged the biblical timeframe, identified fossils as ancient living creatures, and discussed environmental issues, superstitions, and local remedies.
Summary headline: 17th-century Wiltshire naturalist John Aubrey's radical book fully transcribed after 400 years
Danielle Cooper, a 44-year-old mother of two and business owner from the UK, took up bodybuilding at age 40 and has since won two British titles and five gold medals. Initially preparing for her first show in secret, she now advocates for the sport, emphasizing strong mindset, proper nutrition, and consistency.
Summary headline: Mother of two becomes successful competitive bodybuilder after starting at age 40
Dermot Gethings, a 16-year-old schoolboy from Preston, was selected by NASA and the US Embassy in 1972 to witness the Apollo 17 launch. During the trip, he met Neil Armstrong, toured US bases, and later became the custodian of the UK's Apollo 17 Goodwill Moon Rock, presenting it to Prime Minister Edward Heath. His story is now the subject of a new documentary.
Summary headline: Preston teenager Dermot Gethings watched Apollo 17 launch with Neil Armstrong
Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) gathered outside Leicestershire County Council's offices to protest against a system they say is failing their children. Families highlighted issues including children being out of school for months or years, long waiting times for specialist placements, and a lack of adequate support. Leicestershire County Council stated that it recognises the difficulties faced by families, noted that government funding has not kept pace with rising demand, and outlined plans to increase capacity through new specialist bases and a planned special school in Harborough.
Summary headline: Leicestershire parents protest over failing SEND system and lack of specialist school places
BBC News has published an image gallery featuring photographs taken by BBC Weather Watchers across the West Midlands. The collection captures seasonal highlights including autumn foliage, canal scenes, striking sunsets, pumpkin patches, fungi, and local wildlife such as a curious cow in Warwickshire.
Summary headline: A selection of reader photographs showcasing autumn scenery and wildlife across the West Midlands
Nine-time world champion kayaker Ottilie Robinson-Shaw has expressed disgust and reached breaking point after encountering human faeces and toilet paper while paddling at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. The incident has intensified local concerns regarding water quality in the River Trent, prompting parliamentary debate and responses from facility operators and Severn Trent Water.
Summary headline: Champion kayaker Ottilie Robinson-Shaw speaks out over human waste pollution in River Trent
Barbara Gould, a well-known lollipop lady in the Middleton area of Rochdale, has retired after 37 years of service. Throughout her career, she worked at various schools including St Thomas More Primary, St Michael's Primary, Alkrington Primary, and St Peter's Primary, eventually helping multiple generations of families. Local officials and parents praised her dedication and the positive impact she had on children's safety and wellbeing.
Summary headline: Lollipop lady Barbara Gould retires after 37 years of service in Middleton
Leen Mills Primary School in Hucknall has officially opened a new permanent building featuring two modern classrooms as part of a £1.6m investment funded by Nottinghamshire County Council. The project replaces ageing mobile classrooms and incorporates energy-efficient features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, and a linked fire alarm.
Summary headline: Hucknall primary school opens new classrooms in £1.6m revamp
A round-up of positive and feel-good stories from across Yorkshire includes Kevin Sinfield receiving a knighthood for his charity work, adventurer Karl Bushby returning to the UK after 28 years, a new red squirrel joining a conservation breeding programme, a rescued springer spaniel finding a new home, and a new community mural unveiled in Sheffield.
Summary headline: Uplifting stories from across Yorkshire featuring knighthoods, conservation and adventurous journeys
RAF veteran Colin Bargh celebrated his 100th birthday at Riverdale Care Home in Chesterfield with a belly dancing performance by Julia Bisby and a ride in a World War Two jeep provided by the Royal Air Force Military Police. Staff, family, and fellow residents joined in the celebrations, which also included receiving birthday cards from local school children and neighbours.
Summary headline: RAF veteran Colin Bargh celebrates 100th birthday with a belly dancer and WW2 jeep
Charnwood Borough Council is offering free parking for up to two hours at two council-owned car parks in Loughborough town centre from 2 November to 3 January 2027, aimed at supporting local businesses during the festive period.
Summary headline: Charnwood Borough Council announces free Christmas parking scheme in Loughborough
Across the West Midlands, nearly 80,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are not in employment, education, or training (Neets), with Birmingham housing six of the top ten constituencies for youth unemployment claims. Young jobseekers highlight barriers such as automated AI rejections and difficulties finding entry-level work. In response, various political parties have proposed measures: Reform UK promises to subsidise apprentice wages for small and medium-sized firms, the Liberal Democrats aim to end lower minimum wages for apprentices, Labour plans to expand its jobs guarantee programme, the Green Party proposes two-year government-backed jobs, and the Conservatives propose tougher support for long-term claimants alongside halved national insurance for businesses employing young adults.
Summary headline: Political parties outline pledges to tackle youth unemployment in the West Midlands
A summary of five key news stories from Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Berkshire and Oxfordshire over the past week, covering a deaf couple's emotional DIY SOS reveal, water safety concerns at a beach, debate over rural self-driving cars, plans for a new data centre, and rejected chain ferry price rises.
Summary headline: Weekly round-up: Five top stories from the south of England
