Manx Newscast
News interviews in FULL! Highlighting some of the most interesting, intriguing and engaging recent Isle of Man stories from Manx Radio News.
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Episodes
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Climate commitments: Where are we now?
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
A government report has warned that key climate targets for the Isle of Man are either at risk or already missed.Delays in electricity decarbonisation and building sector reforms could put legally binding 2030 goals in jeopardy.The 2024-2025 Climate Change Transformation Report also highlights progress in some areas, including business emissions.Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber sat down with Christian Jones to discuss.
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Manx artist shortlisted for international 'sci-art' competition
Monday, 23 June 2025
Congratulations to Manx artist Helen Hughes - she’s been shortlisted in an international 'sci-art' competition for her mosaic 'Sacred Love'.It blends maths, randomness and design in a striking visual piece.Helen sat down with Christian Jones, and said it's all about where probability meets spirituality.
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Innovation Challenge 2025
Monday, 23 June 2025
Have you hear about the Innovation Challenge 2025?It's a government led initiative which sees people from all over the world bidding to take part.Beth Espey finds out more from Head of Innovation at Digital Isle of Man, Kurt Roosen:
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Tynwald in Brief: June 2025
Friday, 20 June 2025
Tynwald was expected to cover a range of talking points, but after several motions were withdrawn, what was likely to be a two-day sitting was reduced to just one.Phil Gawne and Christian Jones take a look back at the proceedings.
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20mph consultation will be biggest ever, says minister
Friday, 20 June 2025
The infrastructure minister says a consultation on proposed 20mph zones in residential areas on the Isle of Man will be one 'of the biggest engagement and consultation' pieces the government has ever done. Currently, Douglas and Onchan residents are being asked for their views on the roll-out of the scheme in their areas. A drop-in session is being held at the Sea Terminal today with the minister.
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Douglas Council introducing a maintenance strategy and budget for parks
Thursday, 19 June 2025
Douglas Council will be introducing a maintenance programme and budget to support the management of its parks. Chair of the Regeneration and Community Committee Natalie Byron-Teare says 'historically' there hasn't been a programme, but believes if the money is being spent on new equipment it should be maintained to a high standard. The local authority is in charge of 15 play areas, five of which are in Noble's Park, and does not currently have funding set aside to fix 'routine' issues. Councillor Byron-Teare hopes to do some 'community engagement' to see what people would like in the play a...
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'It's time for carers to have equal rights' says charity
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Is enough being done to recognise the role carers play on the Isle of Man?According to a charity that supports them, the answer is no.Crossroads Isle of Man has published the findings of its latest 'State of Caring' report.It's findings reiterated a number of areas of concern, particularly around their wellbeing and the number able to claim Carer's Allowance.Jackie Betteridge is the charity's CEO and has been speaking to Amy Griffiths along with the health minister, Claire Christian:
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King's Birthday Honours 2025
Monday, 16 June 2025
Three Isle of Man residents and a Manx-born GP have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours this year.We're hearing from all four of them in this episode of Manx Newscast:
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In it for 'The Long Hall': 212km fundraiser with a difference
Friday, 13 June 2025
A sponsored memorial bike ride is to get underway next week in memory of Manx police officer Sergeant Stephen Kenneth Hall, who took his own life in November last year.On Monday 16 June (Stephen's birthday!) his friends, and fellow officers, Ady Cannell and Darren Wylde will be taking on a 212km challenge dubbed 'The Long Hall' - in reference to his force identification number.They'll be setting off from where they trained in Warrington and will cycle a route - via Heysham and a journey on the Manxman - to Stephen's final resting place in Ballaugh.The pair spoke to Manx Radio's Siobhán Flet...
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Search to get underway for Elvis the missing dog in Archallagan Plantation
Friday, 13 June 2025
An organised search of Archallagan Plantation is to get underway on Sunday to look for a missing dog.Elvis the German Shepherd Cross slipped his harness on 28 May - but has been spotted in the plantation several times since then.Bert Bakker is co-ordinating the search.He told Siobhán Fletcher they need as many people as possible - and specifically are appealing to anyone with a drone.PLEASE NOTE: Those attending on Sunday are asked not to bring their own dogs with them, and are advised that if you see Elvis, don't shout his name - kneel or sit down quietly, and let him come to you!
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Rotary International president visits the Isle of Man for the first time in 100 years
Thursday, 12 June 2025
It's the first time in 100 years that a sitting president came over to the Island to meet with volunteers. Rotary provides service and goodwill to create lasting change with three branches locally of Douglas, Onchan and Rushen & Western Mann.President Stephanie Urchick has described this visit as 'a special one'
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Liberal Vannin calls proposed healthcare tax ‘half-baked’
Thursday, 12 June 2025
Political party Liberal Vannin is criticising Treasury’s proposed healthcare levy, calling it “half-baked” and unfair to low earners.The party says higher earners would benefit from a cap, while those on lower incomes bear the brunt.It’s urging Treasury to consider wealth or property-based contributions instead.Christian Jones discusses with party Chair Paul Weatherall.
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Cervical screening intervals to be increased on the Island
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
The HPV virus, which causes 99.7 percent of cervical cancers, is now detected on the Isle of Man well before it gets a chance to develop.That's from Public Health, which has announced the interval between cervical screenings here is to change from three to five years for those aged between 24 and 49.It means that from 1 July, people who test negative at their next screening will not be invited for another routine test for five years.The change comes as a result of the successful implementation of primary HPV testing over the past seven years, since its introduction in 2018.Siobhán Fletcher ...
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Adult learning disability failings 'shocking and stark'
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
A disability charity says the failings in adult learning disability care on the Isle of Man are “shocking and stark”.Manx Mencap says families were not surprised by the recent review, but the scale of issues still hit hard.Director Fran Tinkler spoke to Christian Jones.
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Malicious AI-generated deepfake content on the rise
Monday, 9 June 2025
The Isle of Man Cyber Security Centre says deepfakes are becoming increasingly prevalent on the Island.New government figures show more than 700 suspicious emails were reported to the organisation, along with over 100 scam websites attempting to impersonate Manx businesses.The CSC warns that AI-generated content featuring high-profile Manx politicians and journalists is on the rise, and is urging residents to be cautious of anything that appears out of the ordinary - no matter how convincing it may seem.Director Mike Haywood has been speaking with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
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In conversation with Travelling Marshal Jim Hunter
Thursday, 5 June 2025
On today's rest day (5 June) we dragged Travelling Marshal Jim Hunter up to Manx Radio, to tell Siobhán Fletcher more about what goes into the role, why he loves doing it... and how on earth TT riders can read their pit boards at 120+mph!This year marks his 40th year of riding around the Snaefell Mountain Course as either a competitor or a travelling marshal.
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Behind the Post: A Conversation with Camille Cutajar
Thursday, 5 June 2025
Camille Cutajar speaks publicly about her experience as a landlord, and how a long-running dispute with a former tenant, later elected to public office, led her to speak out.Camille describes the challenges she faced pursuing a civil case through the courts, the impact it had on her family, and why she felt compelled to go public when she saw that individual appointed as a Onchan Commissioner's housing lead.Speaking with Manx Radio's Christian Jones, she told her story, in her own words, with a wider reflection on trust, transparency, and accountability in public life.
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95-year-old makes special return to the Isle of Man TT
Thursday, 5 June 2025
A 95-year-old UK resident has had his dream of experiencing what it would be like to go around the TT course on a high-speed motorbike come true. Ron Allen and his wife used to regularly attend the fortnight from 1956 until 1981. Back again this year for the first time in 44 years, Ron has come over to scatter his wife's ashes in one of their favourite spots on the course. All this was made possible by his friend and neighbour Sebastian Edge, who knew of Ron's journey and who called his friend, a former MGP winner, to take Ron around.
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Red Arrows 'always happy and honoured' to stage TT display
Thursday, 5 June 2025
This evening the Red Arrows will return once again to the skies above Douglas Bay.A mainstay of the TT entertainment schedule, the aerobatic team will be performing from 7:30pm.The nine Royal Air Force Hawk jets recently took part in the VE Day flypast over London, but say coming back for TT is 'always special'.As the team’s commentator, Squadron Leader Graeme Muskat, told Chris Pearson.You will be able to hear live commentary exclusively on Manx Radio AM, FM and DAB from 7:25pm tonight.
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Calls for Manx Government to 'take stronger action against Israel'
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
A group of lobbyists from the Island are calling on the Isle of Man Government to 'take stronger action against Israel' as the conflict in Gaza continues.Amnesty International Isle of Man, Caarjyn Phalestine and Manx residents have held vigils on Douglas promenade every Friday 'for the Palestinian people' since the ceasefire ended back in March.But they have seen their numbers increase over the last several weeks - with over 120 people coming out on Friday 23 May in the rain.Philip Matthews is the chair of Amnesty International Isle of Man - he told Siobhán Fletcher the group want governmen...
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Island Escapes acquired by UK-based holiday letting company
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
They're a familiar sight around the Isle of Man, and if you're a TT visitor you might be staying in one now; Island Escapes holiday homes.And now, the Manx holiday lettings agency, which manages over 150 properties across the Island, has been acquired by a UK company. Island Escapes is joining the Cornwall-based Sapphire Holidays Ltd family of brands.But how did it come about? And will the company retain its Manx identity?Lewis Foster has been speaking to Island Escapes Founder John Keggin, Chairman of Sapphire Holidays Simon Tregoning, and Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man.Startin...
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Government needs to 'give people a chance' against poverty, says minister
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Later this month the Council of Ministers' Annual Report on Poverty Measures will be laid before Tynwald.It provides an overview of the latest indicators on poverty and highlights a series of measures aimed at alleviating the issue and improving the lives of people across the Island.But recent stats show a percentage of Isle of Man residents are struggling to keep up with the cost of living - especially those living in private rental properties.Lewis Foster has been speaking with Treasury Minister Alex Allinson about what this document - and this government - hopes to achieve.
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Manx metal detectorist discovers Viking gold
Friday, 30 May 2025
A rare piece of Viking gold, unearthed by a Manx metal detectorist, has been declared Treasure by the Isle of Man Deputy Coroner of Inquests.The fragment of a gold arm-ring, belonging to a Viking, dates back to AD 1000-1100 and was found earlier this year, in Spring, by Ronald Clucas.Mr Clucas - a member of the Manx Detectorist Society - has been detecting for 50 years, with 2025 marking (somewhat appropriately) his golden anniversary of metal detectingIn this edition of Newscast, Allison Fox, Curator for Archaeology for Manx National Heritage, speaks to Lewis Foster about what the find mea...
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Organiser looks back on more than 30 years of the Peel Traditional Boat Weekend
Friday, 30 May 2025
One of the organisers of the Peel Traditional Boat Weekend has been looking back at its more than 30 year history after confirming that the event would be 'no more'.It was announced last year, as part of the introduction of the new Peel Sea Fest - which incorporates some parts of the traditional weekend.However, Mike Clark says it's the disappearance of the older wooden boats that's, in part, caused them to pull the plug.He told Manx Radio he fears that the skills associated with maintaining traditional boats will be lost to time,
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Tynwald in Brief - May 2025
Thursday, 29 May 2025
Tynwald proved to be a lighter affair, but still some heavy topics discussed, and some interesting debates.
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South African rider says its a 'big' sacrifice to travel to the IOM for TT
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
A South African rider says the sacrifice to come to the Isle of Man for the TT races 'is big'. AJ Venter told Manx Radio that each year it becomes more and more financially difficult, but with new sponsors this year he's been able to continue to keep his team 'proudly South African'. 2025 marks his eighth year at the Snaefell Mountain Course.
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How's the weather looking for TT 2025?
Friday, 23 May 2025
We've had a glorious spring, but a big change is on the way for the start of TT.Neil Young from Ronaldsway Met Office looks ahead to how the weather is shaping up for the start of this year's racing.
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Former Haas F1 boss has 'big respect' for all TT riders
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Guenther Steiner, who headed up Haas from 2016 - 2023, is on the Island today (22 May) promoting his book 'Unfiltered'.While he won't be able to stay longer to watch the races, he plans to do a tour of the Snaefell Mountain Course.He spoke to Chanelle Sukhoo about his tour, his thoughts on the current Formula 1 season and the TT.
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'Ibiza-style' pop-up bar returning to Peel Promenade
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Preparations have been getting underway to create an Ibiza-style bar on Peel Promenade on the site of the former swimming pool.Meta Lounge opened throughout August last year, but this time it's back for four months - starting this weekend.Manx Radio sat down with owner, Melanie Webb, to find out why the business chose its location, and how the arrival of a large international franchise will affect the Island's hospitality industry:
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DoI Minister recognises concerns over 20mph
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
The infrastructure minister says her department will consult local authorities in all areas of the Island about implementing 20 mph zones in residential areas. Michelle Haywood is also urging members of the public to get involved and share their own views. Yesterday, Tynwald approved her department's implementation plan.