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BREAKING

Fri, 1st December 2023

A Translink Metro bus in Belfast City centre. All three public transport unions are to strike over pay for 24 hours on Friday, which is expected to cause severe disruption to the hospitality and retail sectors as well as schools.

Ulster at a standstill: Bus and train drivers striking for 24 hours
The first province-wide public transport strike in eight years is set to cause havoc among businesses and schools on Friday, with buses and trains across NI grinding to a halt.

Five Things To Read

  • 1Editorial: The Telegraph newspapers must not fall to the Abu Dhabi bid
  • 2Letter: No point being in opposition in a one party state
  • 3The long running Portadown Drumcree parade dispute in pictures
  • 4End of an era at The Plough in Hillsborough after almost 45 years
  • 5Bandsman knocked out a parade marshal in one-punch attack during Twelfth parade
    • UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and the EU Vice President Maroš Šefčovič met on Wednesday, where they discussed "implementation" of the Windsor Framework. Photo: European Commission.

    London “not serious” about restoring equal citizenship – Allister

    Northern Ireland, as part of the UK, can be a global leader in science and medicine. When you are part of something bigger, you have more opportunities to make a difference, says Patrick Harkness, from the Together UK Foundation

    Patrick Harkness: NI’s place in UK allows us to dare mighty things

    Murder victim Mark Lovell, who was shot several times at close range in the evening of December 1 2022 as he sat inside his car outside his home in Ardcarn Park in Newry

    Mark Lovell murder: New appeal for information on first anniversary of killing

    Northern Ireland’s chief constable Jon Boutcher has been pressed over delays in the release of information to inquests into deaths during the Troubles. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

    PSNI chief pressed on information delays for legacy inquests

    Feature Video: Watch now

    Hundreds of people have observed a moment of silence during a ceremony for Armistice Day at the Belfast Cenotaph: Press: ▶️ & 🔊

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    Quick CrosswordTo test and hone your word skills

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    Cost Of Living

    As a natural monopoly, it said NIE Networks is subject to economic regulation which provides protection for all electricity consumers in terms of quality and cost. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

    Large energy users could face bill increase under plans to upgrade the grid

    Christmas dinner

    NI consumers left feeling anxious and “caught off guard” by rising food prices

    Aoife Marken, Thomas Thibodeau and Taryn Graham who are part of the wider group of Criminal Barristers on strike today due to payment delays by the Department of Justice. On Friday, all criminal barristers engaged in both criminal defence and prosecution work will withdraw their services, and will not attend criminal court for any work or engage in any associated legal administration work, except for emergency matters. Photo: PA Wire

    Courts: Significant disruption at courts as barristers go on strike

    Maximum taxi fares in Northern Ireland will increase, the Department for Infrastructure has announced

    Maximum taxi fares in Northern Ireland will increase by up to 19.5% in December

    Opinion

    Dame Priti Patel has urged the UK and EU to prioritise 're-opening' the Windsor Framework, calling for the UK government to 'put an end to the tentacles of EU control over Northern Ireland'

    Letter: Patel’s timely reminder of framework’s constitutional problems

    A letter from Jamie Bryson:Letters
    Former IRA bomber Shane Paul O’Doherty is a vehement critic of republican terror. In an interview with the News Letter earlier this month, he said the Sinn Féin leadership under Mary-Lou McDonald may be on the verge of condemning ‘the IRA’s human rights atrocities’ as the price for entering top-tier politics. It came in the wake of criticism aimed at Sinn Fein over its stance on Israel. The party had brought a motion before Dail Eireann condemning Israel's attacks on civilian lives and property, as well as 'the taking hostage and imprisonment of civilians' in general and the 'mass forced displacement of civilians'. DUP MP Sammy Wilson complained that these are all things of which the IRA were guilty, and since Sinn Fein has sought to justify the IRA's actions, the motion could not be taken seriously

    Cillian McGrattan: SF recalibration of the past and Republic’s 'Vichy Syndrome'

    Morning View

    Editorial: If MLAs can't take hard decisionslet us not pretend that they can

    Letter: Export controls are key to finding solution to NI Protocol problems

    Letters

    Letters to editor

    Letter: Quality items don’t even need a good salesperson

    Practice papers

    'Uncontrollable butterflies" - how my son described his biggest test yet

    Morning View

    Editorial: It is not the media's role to censor the reason for the Dublin riots

    Sport

    Rangers' Ross McCausland (right) rescued a point in a 1-1 draw against Aris Limassol at Ibrox after the Northern Ireland international netted his first goal for the club

    Philippe Clement says Rangers focused on winning Europa League group

    Linfield's Kyle McClean celebrates his goal against Ballymena United in the Sports Direct Premiership. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

    Linfield's Kyle McClean targets derby bragging rights over Glentoran

    Belfast Giants Kohei Sato in action against the Nottingham Panthers at the Motorpoint Arena. Picture: Panthers Images

    Belfast Giants are ‘best’ in league says Kohei Sato

    Motocross star Glenn McCormick pictured with pupils and staff at Rosstulla School in Newtownabbey. Picture: Maurice Montgomery

    Representing Ireland is pinnacle for motocross star Glenn McCormick

    Northern Ireland international Ross McCausland rescued a draw for Rangers against Aris Limassol in the Europa League match at Ibrox, which ended 1-1 ​

    Ross McCausland nets first Rangers goal to earn Europa League point

    Ulster's Will Addison has faced a number of injury setbacks over the last four seasons.

    Will Addison reveals coping strategy during long injury spells

    Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby during Thursday’s training session at the National Stadium in Tirana ahead of the UEFA Women’s Nations League game against Albania. Picture: William Cherry/Presseye

    NI boss Tanya Oxtoby calls on players to go distance against Albania

    Irish League Football

    Shay McCartan at a stretch to head home off James Singleton's knockdown in the 4-0 victory for Glentoran against Carrick Rangers across the Co Antrim Shield semi-final. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

    Glentoran, Portadown and Glenavon enjoy knockout progress

    Glentoran manager Warren Feeney. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

    Glentoran's Warren Feeney ready for 'massive game' in Co Antrim Shield

    Loughgall have enjoyed a solid start to life back in the Premiership and take on Portadown in a Mid-Ulster Cup semi-final this evening. PIC: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

    Dean Smith: Qualities that helped Loughgall achieve success are still there

    Former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager Terry Venables has been remembered after taking his Spurs side to Glenavon for a pre-season friendly in 1992

    Glenavon recalls Terry Venables' visit to Mourneview Park in 1992

    Linfield manager David Healy. PIC: INPHO/Phil Magowan

    David Healy provides injury updates on several Linfield key players

    Eating Out

    Pictured receiving the accolade on behalf of ABP Linden Foods at a black-tie dinner and ceremony in the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London are Diane Christie, ABP Linden head of innovation and Caoimhe Mallon ABP Linden retail technical manager with Daniel Murphy, M&S business unit controller

    Tyrone firm gets huge business boost with top food manufacturing award

    Taurine is found in meat, fish and in certain supplements and energy drinks. Taurine levels are significantly lower in the blood of older people compred to the young, suggesting that the consumption of the nutrient could play a role in increasingly longevity and stalling the ageing process although so far research has been focused on higher taurine consumption in animals

    Scientists find taurine could increase chances of longevity

    Crime

    Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Marie Anderson outside her office in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

    ‘Multiple failings’ in how police handled restraint before death of Belfast DJ

    Victims, legal representatives and supporters at the High Court in Belfast at an earlier hearing. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

    Judge reserves verdict in legal challenge to Legacy Act

    Cocaine is a Class A drug

    Woman arrested after Class A and Class B drugs seized in house search

    BLM protestors in Londonderry on June 6, 2020

    People Before Profit say the slogan 'Irish Lives Matter' is 'racist poison'

    Michael Lowry and Ivana Bacik

    TD shouted down for raising public concerns about immigration

    Peter Sheridan of the ICRIR. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

    New information and reconcilliation body 'must deliver for victims': SEFF

    What's On

    In this new documentary, part of Channel 4’s Climate Emergency season, Ade Adepitan looks at the science, and meets those campaigning to “make beef the new smoking”

    Friday: The Big British Beef Battle (Channel 4, 8pm)

    Spotify Wrapped 2023 revealed: But how to check previous stats up to 2016?

    The Tower of London

    Thursday: Inside the Tower of London (Channel 5, 8pm)

    Retro

    A photograph of the Hutchinson family which appeared in the News Letter ahead of the family emigrating to Australia in December 1959. Picture: Darryl Armitage/News Letter archives

    Belfast family of 11 to emigrate ‘Down Under’ (1959)
    A 53-year-old Belfast police constable, who was to retires from the RUC on December 4, 1958, was to sail less than three weeks later, on December 22, to Australia with his wife and nine children, reported the News Letter during this week in that year.

    An old postcard showing tractor and binder binding corn with Scrabo Tower in the background. Picture: Darryl Armitage/News Letter archives

    The history that lies deep in shadow of old Scrabo Hill

    A still from No Poor Parish: Newtownstewart (1988) show fair day in Newtownstewart. Picture: Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive

    Watch: No Poor Parish: Newtownstewart (1988)

    Decorating the Christmas cake with snowmen and Santas was a festive ritual

    Retro: Making a homemade Christmas cake

    The Apprentice Boys of Derry 335th ‘Shutting of the Gates’ takes place in Londonderry on Saturday, 2nd December. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

    Advice issued ahead of weekend Apprentice Boys ‘Shutting of the Gates’ event

    Homes & Gardens

    Newly opened garden retailer, Dobbies and Northern Ireland housebuilder, Lotus Homes have teamed up to launch Northern Ireland’s first ever shoppable show home in time for Christmas at its new Weaver’s Gate development in Antrim

    Dobbies and Lotus Homes open first ‘shoppable’ home in time for Christmas
    One of Northern Ireland’s leading housebuilders has joined forces with garden centre retailer, Dobbies, to create a first-of-its-kind experience for shoppers and house buyers alike, in time for Christmas.

    Callicarpa ‘Profusion’.

    ​Holly and ivy have their place – but so do many others.

    A selection of winter root vegetables.

    Some veg can be left in the ground until you need them

    Isobel and Maisie decorate the wish tree with their Robin crafts

    RSPB: Tips for a more sustainable Christmas

    Plans to redevelop city centre site will help meet Belfast’s demand for social housing. Pictured is a computer generated image of the development

    Plans at city centre site will help meet Belfast’s demand for social housing

    Lifestyle

    The red and gold postbox, located at Belfast's Donegall Square West will be festively-decorated with snowmen, snowflakes and gold stars and merrily respond to post with one of three festive tunes: Jingle Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Deck The Halls

    Christmas singing postbox to bring festive cheer in Belfast

    One of Northern Ireland’s most famous family-run hospitality venues The Plough Inn Hillsborough is changing ownership to another of the sector’s best-known families, the McGlones of Magherafelt. Celebrating the completion of the deal are Richard Patterson with new owners Ryan McGlone and Henry McGlone. The McGlone family brings a wealth of industry experience to The Plough Inn having successfully founded and developed a number of venues in the mid Ulster area, including Dormans, Mary’s Bar and Secrets

    Hillsborough’s iconic Plough Inn acquired by McGlone family

    Young Emma Trainor was delighted to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, during a visit to their Grotto at the 'Chriistmas On The Hill' Celebrations in Rathfriland.

    Here are a selection of Santa Claus pictures taken at events through the years

    The Financial Services Union has intensified their campaign against the proposal by Ulster Bank to close ten bank branches in Northern Ireland. Pictured is John O’Connell, general secretary of the FSU

    FSU step up campaign to reverse Ulster Bank decision to close 10 NI banks

    People

    The top performing schools in Northern Ireland have been revealed in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023

    Top schools in Northern Ireland named in Sunday Times list
    The list of Northern Ireland's top performing schools is published online today with Lumen Christi College, Londonderry ‘top of the class’ in Northern Ireland

    Irish singer Shane McGowan of The Pogues has died

    The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has died aged 65

    Historic grade 2 listed seaside property on the Ards peninsula on the market

    Business

    Green light to full planning approval for a proposed industrial unit at lands within Invest NI Strabane Business Park at Melmount Road in Strabane. Pictured is a CGI of the factory

    Planning approval granted for new factory at NI business park

    Almac Discovery and Queen’s University Belfast have announced a five-year project to develop a new chemoproteomics centre of excellence for drug discovery. The multi-million-pound facility, which is jointly funded by Almac Discovery and a BBSRC Prosperity Partnership award, is a first of its kind in Northern Ireland and will be located at Queen’s

    Almac and Queen’s launch multi-million-pound chemoproteomics facility in Belfast

    Celebrating the ‘topping out’ at the new student residence, MRP was joined by Grosvenor, who provided the senior debt facility, and Homes for Students, who have been appointed to manage the property under their luxury Prestige Student Living brand. Pictured are Graham Mitchell, Eamonn Laverty and Seamus McAleer, MRP, Oliver Ayling and Mitchell Bowly, Grosvenor and Mark Diamond, McAleer & Rushe

    MRP celebrates 'topping out' of new student residence in England

    Happy Birthday! Patricia Charlton and Kenneth Henderson, residents of Jordanstown Care Home in Whiteabbey, join Beaumont Care Homes’ executive chair Wendy Wadicor to toast Beaumont’s first year in Northern Ireland. Beaumont Care Homes was launched in autumn 2022 and manages 29 care homes across NI, which are home to 1265 residents

    Beaumont Care Homes celebrates a year in Northern Ireland

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    Mast

    EE brings 4G mobile coverage boost to at least 139 rural communities

    These are the best and spookiest costumes for children for Halloween 2023.

    Cheap, scary Halloween costumes for kids - Wednesday and Marvel heroes

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    UK Trending

    Grand Theft Auto will soon be available to play on Netflix Games.

    Grand Theft Auto to be released on Netflix Games

    Take a look at the incredible wildlife images being considered for Wildlife Photgrapher of the Year People's Choice Award.

    Images up for top gong in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award

    Stormy has been announced as the headline act for Boardmasters Festival 2024.

    Everything you need to know about Boardmasters Festival 2024

    Clarkson's Farm has been renewed for a fourth season.

    Amazon Prime Video confirm return of Jeremy Clarkson farm show

    Former pop star presents the top 15 flashbacks in fashion

    More than a fifth of adults have dozed off – while at their desk

    Must Read

    The statue in Hillsborough Forest Park stands about 5m tall and was originally titled Cernunnos, after a pagan deity. The council has now removed the name but some ratepayers say it still scares young children.

    Council removes 'witchcraft deity' name from ‘scary statue’

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