NEWS

easyJet’s new ultra-lightweight “Kestrel” seats on incoming Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft easyJet has announced a major cabin upgrade that promises more legroom for passengers while cutting tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions each year — a move the airline says will reshape both comfort and efficiency across its future fleet. From 2028, the airline will begin installing new ultra-lightweight “Kestrel” seats on incoming Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, of

Murder victim: 28-year-old Amy Doherty. (Photo ptovided by Amy’s family) A 28-year-old woman who died after being found seriously injured in a house in Derry/Londonderry has been named by police as Amy Doherty, as detectives continue a murder investigation. Amy was discovered at a property in the Summer Meadows Mews area on the morning of Saturday, 21 March. Emergency services attended the scene, but despite efforts to save her, she died a short time later in hospital. Detect

Shoppers are being warned to check their cupboards after a wide range of popular porridge products were urgently recalled due to a potential contamination risk. The recall, issued on 22 March 2026, affects multiple porridge pots and sachets made by sold through Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores, with customers advised not to eat the products under any circumstances. Contamination concern prompts action The recall has been triggered due to concerns over possible mouse contaminatio

Motorists across the UK are facing a sharp rise in fuel costs, with diesel prices climbing to their highest level in more than three years and further increases expected in the days ahead. The latest data and analysis from the RAC paints a stark picture for drivers, particularly as households prepare for the busy Easter travel period. Diesel drivers hit hardest According to RAC head of policy Simon Williams , diesel users are bearing the brunt of the surge. “Given how many re

A newly refurbished luxury bathroom showroom has opened its doors in Antrim, offering homeowners and trade professionals a fresh wave of inspiration — and time-limited deals to match. Watershed, part of leading builders’ merchant MacBlair, has officially unveiled its upgraded showroom within the MacBlair Antrim branch, showcasing modern design trends and practical solutions for bathroom projects of all sizes. To mark the relaunch, customers can take advantage of exclusive in-

Senior health officials are being hauled back before a Stormont committee this week after what has been branded an “unacceptable” response to mounting concerns over access to GP services in Northern Ireland. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will question Department of Health officials on Thursday, 26 March, following sharp criticism that progress on fixing the struggling primary care system lacks urgency, clarity and credible delivery timelines. “Deeply disappointed” by la

Inset: South Antrim UUP MP Robin Swann A move to reduce the impact of fireworks on communities and animals has been welcomed as a “step in the right direction” by South Antrim MP Robin Swann , following a positive response from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The council has confirmed it will now consider using silent or low-noise fireworks at future public events, after adopting a motion on the issue and reviewing its approach to event planning. Council commits to r

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured with staff at Meharry Medical School in Nashville. Northern Ireland’s Health Minister has said a high-profile visit to the United States has opened new doors for innovation, partnerships and global collaboration in healthcare. Mike Nesbitt’s trip, which ran from 16–21 March and coincided with St Patrick’s Day engagements, took in Washington DC and Nashville, where he met leading figures in health and social care to explore new ways of im

The new Northern Quarter officially opens after a £1 million investment at Belfast International Airport A major transformation of the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport has been unveiled, with the official opening of the new Northern Quarter following a £1 million investment that has also created 40 new jobs. The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen replaces the airport’s former food court with a modern, single 180-seat restaurant and bar, alongside a dedica

12-year-old Ballymena fighter Lacey Stewart A 12-year-old Ballymena fighter is rapidly becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young combat sports prospects after claiming gold at one of the region’s top competitions. Lacey Stewart, a Year 8 pupil at Dunclug College , delivered a standout performance at the Battle of the North tournament at Templemore Sports Complex, securing a unanimous decision victory in the 11–12 years novice category. Her latest triumph builds o

A major €40million funding programme aimed at transforming communities and strengthening relationships in Mid and East Antrim, across Northern Ireland and border regions is now fully open — offering local groups a rare chance to turn ideas into real-world impact. The PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme will provide grants of up to €100,000 for grassroots initiatives designed to bring people together across communities and borders, with a strong focus on building lasting

Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards winners are pictured with our sponsors, Mayoress Mrs Allison Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, Communities Minister Lyons and Claire McCollum. Impressive achievements, a historic first, and even a world record set the tone for a standout night as Mid and East Antrim’s finest athletes were celebrated at the 2026 Sports Awards. Held at the Galgorm Resort in Ballymena and hosted by Claire McCollum, the event brou

On Your Marks… launching the 2026 Larne AC 10 Mile Race is Kathryn Douglas of headline sponsor Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions alongside Larne AC Co-Chairs Paul Tilson and Diane Hawthorne, and Larne AC athlete Jordan Heron. The much-loved Larne 10 Mile Race is set to make a powerful return this spring, with a new sponsor and growing momentum cementing its place as one of Northern Ireland’s standout road running events. Organised by Larne Athletic Club, the race will take plac

Kevin Traynor, celebrating 45 years with Pilgrim’s Europe pictured at the company’s 2026 Long Service Celebration event in Belfast. A County Antrim lorry driver with 45 years of service has taken centre stage at a major celebration honouring decades of dedication across Pilgrim’s Europe sites in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Kevin Traynor, from Ballymoney, was among 90 employees recognised at the company’s 2026 Long Service Celebration, held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. To

A vital community lifeline in Cushendun has been safeguarded for the year ahead after a major funding boost of nearly £20,000 was awarded to support its future. Cushendun Building Preservation Trust (CBPT) has secured £19,997 from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All programme, ensuring the Old Church Centre — now the village’s only year-round accessible community venue — can continue to thrive throughout 2026. With the recent closure of the Parochial Hall, t

Lisa Barclay and Alison Cook look on as Fiona O'Neill cuts the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new Sensory Room in Causeway Hospital with help from her daughter Gracie. A new sensory room has opened within Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department, offering a calmer, more supportive environment for patients with additional needs — and marking a significant step forward in inclusive healthcare locally. Designed to provide relief from the noise, crowds and bright ligh

A major fundraising walk along Northern Ireland’s iconic Causeway Coast is set to return this summer, as AWARE NI launches its flagship Giant Steps event for 2026 — at a time when demand for mental health support has never been greater. Taking place on Saturday, 6 June, the popular event — now in its fifth year — has already raised more than £200,000 to sustain frontline services, with organisers hoping for another strong turnout from communities across the region. A walk wi

Saoirse Stacey and Oran Masterson with Irish Minister Michael Healy-Rae at Carrigduff National School, Bunclody, Wexford at the launch of the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme. Primary schools across County Antrim are being urged to step beyond the classroom and become leaders in farm safety, as a nationwide initiative opens for enrolment ahead of an April deadline. Irish Rural Link has launched its AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme, inviting sch

Northern Ireland’s overall sense of wellbeing has remained steady over the past year — but beneath the surface, new figures reveal a stubborn undercurrent of anxiety and loneliness affecting thousands of people. Fresh data published recently by The Executive Office shows that while life satisfaction, happiness and feelings of purpose remain high, around one in five people continue to experience high levels of anxiety , and nearly 18% report feeling lonely at least some of the

The newly discovered seagrass (known as eelgrass) meadow – Zostera marina A remarkable environmental discovery has been made in Northern Ireland’s waters, as a previously unrecorded seagrass meadow has been identified in Strangford Lough — offering fresh hope for climate action and marine conservation. The find was made by Queen’s University Belfast PhD student Rebekah Bajkó , who used innovative technology from DAERA’s Coastal Observatory to spot unusual patterns beneath the