NEWS

Ulster Unionist Party Leader and Education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA   Fresh pressure is mounting on the Education Authority after the Ulster Unionist Party warned the cancellation of special school summer schemes raises “serious questions” — including whether the decision was justified at all. Ulster Unionist Party Leader and Education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA has criticised the move by the Education Authority (EA), describing it as “deeply alarming” for children a

A man in his 40s has died following an altercation at a property in Portadown, prompting a murder investigation and the arrest of two suspects. Police were called to the incident in the Ranfurley Road area late on Thursday night, where emergency services attended the scene. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead. Detectives say the investigation is now underway as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Two men arrested as police la

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson And North Antrim TUV MLA Timothy Gaston The sudden cancellation of special school summer schemes has sparked a political backlash, with calls to urgently recall the Northern Ireland Assembly as families face losing what many describe as a “lifeline” service. The Alliance Party has formally tabled a recall petition, aiming to force ministers back into the chamber during Easter recess to answer for a decision that has left parents scramblin

The UK Government has issued its first national guidance on screen use for children under five — as mounting evidence suggests early childhood is being reshaped by digital habits long before many children reach school. The scale of change is striking — and accelerating. Children are now typically introduced to screens by around nine months old. By age two, daily use has surged to an average of 127 minutes — more than double the recommended maximum of one hour. And the consequ

Families planning Easter getaways are being urged to plan ahead as Translink confirms timetable changes — alongside special seaside trains and discounted travel offers across Northern Ireland. With thousands expected to take advantage of the holiday break, the public transport provider says it is gearing up to offer “comfortable, affordable and hassle-free” journeys for both local trips and longer days out. Holiday timetable changes confirmed Passengers should expect changes

Current Harper Ireland Chairman Liam McKenna (left) with the evening's speaker, the President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster – and Harper Adams University alumnus – Richard Beattie, A young farmer from Dunloy has delivered a powerful message to the next generation of agricultural leaders — telling students they are not just entering the industry, but shaping its future. Richard Beattie, President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) , returned to Harper Adams U

“Outrageous” and “a failure” — political anger is mounting after the cancellation of special school summer schemes across Northern Ireland, as a sharp divide between departments raises new questions over what really drove the decision. While the Education Authority insists the schemes could not safely proceed without on-site nursing cover, the Department of Health has publicly challenged that position — saying such provision is not required in every case. The clash has left

Summer schemes for children attending special schools across Northern Ireland have been cancelled this year, in a decision described by the Education Authority (EA) as “deeply regrettable” but necessary to protect vulnerable young people. EA confirmed on Thursday (March 26) that the schemes will not go ahead due to the absence of adequate healthcare provision — specifically, the lack of on-site nursing cover required to safely support children with complex medical needs. Fo

Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department (ED) Body-worn cameras will now become a permanent feature in the Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital, following what health officials have described as a “meaningful and constructive” pilot scheme. The decision, approved today (Thursday, March 26) by the Board of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, also paves the way for the technology to be introduced at Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department in the near future.

Drivers in Northern Ireland could soon be banned from overtaking stopped buses — and may even be required to slow dramatically or stop — under new proposals aimed at protecting children during one of the most dangerous moments of their school journey. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins  has launched a public consultation exploring sweeping changes to how motorists behave when passengers, particularly schoolchildren, are getting on or off buses. The proposals come in response

Local residents in Ballymena are being urged to stay vigilant after a series of suspected distraction burglaries led to three arrests this week. Detectives say the incidents, which involved men offering bogus cleaning services before taking money from householders, have sparked concern in the local community. How the incidents unfolded According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), officers received a report at around 4pm on Monday, March 23, that a number of men

Local sports clubs across Mid and East Antrim are being urged to seize a fresh funding opportunity that could transform facilities, boost participation, and strengthen community wellbeing. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has opened expressions of interest for its 2026/27 Amateur and Grassroots Sporting Organisations Improvement Fund — a capital scheme designed to help clubs upgrade, expand, and future-proof their facilities. The initiative targets clubs that either own or

Families across the Ballymena and wider Northern Trust area are being offered something rare — direct access to expert advice, practical support and inclusive activities, all in one place and completely free. A Community Kids Wellbeing Day will take place at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Ballymoney on Thursday 9 April from 2pm to 4pm , bringing together health professionals and community organisations for an afternoon designed around the needs of children and their families.

Tens of thousands of road openings carried out by utility companies each year are contributing to the deterioration of Northern Ireland’s road network, Stormont’s Public Accounts Committee has warned — raising concerns that taxpayers may be footing the bill. In a critical report, MLAs said the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) cannot currently determine how much of the growing maintenance burden is linked to utility reinstatements, nor confirm that companies are covering t

The MEA DIY Bootcamp participants following the successful completion of the intensive hands-on programme. Nineteen residents from Mid and East Antrim have turned practical ambition into real achievement, celebrating the completion of an intensive DIY training programme with a showcase event at Larne Town Hall. Custom-built tables and bespoke lamps—designed and crafted entirely by participants—took centre stage as certificates were awarded, marking the culmination of the Mid

The team at work at Magilligan Tree Nursery in Magilligan Prison A unique tree nursery based within prison grounds is offering locally grown trees at reduced prices — with every order helping to support prisoner rehabilitation and protect Northern Ireland’s native environment. The Magilligan Tree Nursery, operated in partnership with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, has launched two special offers aimed at households, community groups and businesses alike. Buyers can now

Broadcaster Stephen Nolan in new BBC series Peelers: The PSNI – For Real A new BBC series promises to pull back the curtain on policing in Northern Ireland — with broadcaster Stephen Nolan embedded on the front line alongside officers tackling real-life incidents across Belfast. Peelers: The PSNI – For Real follows officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland as they respond to the pressures of modern policing — from street disorder and substance abuse to domestic vi

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, with members, families and supporters of Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG) during a visit highlighting its music therapy programme. A visit that began as a routine engagement quickly became something far more personal, as the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact of a local support group helping families across the Causeway and Ballymena areas. Councillor Oli

Presenter Stephen Watson, left, with Italy and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola who is joining the BBC Sport NI team for coverage of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy. Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream takes centre stage this week — and one of football’s most iconic names will be there to witness it. Italian legend Gianfranco Zola  is set to join BBC Sport NI’s live coverage as Michael O’Neill’s side face Italy in a crucial World Cup play-off semi-

Millions of UK workers who rely on their cars for their jobs could soon see long-overdue financial relief, as HM Treasury confirms a review of approved mileage rates ahead of a future Budget. The announcement, issued by the UK Government, comes after more than a decade without change—despite rising fuel, insurance and maintenance costs leaving many workers covering the gap themselves. Rates unchanged since 2011 Approved mileage allowance payment rates have remained frozen sin