Latest News | Belfast News Letter

Wed, 28th October 2026

An explosive device has been found in Londonderry hotel

Breaking Viable explosive device sent to Londonderry hotel
Ammunition Technical Officers carry out controlled explosion after ‘viable device’ sent Londonderry hotel
Michael Cousins

Legal representative for Portadown District Lodge 101 and loyalist spokesperson, Jamie Bryson, speaking to the media, with Timothy Gaston MLA (left), outside Belfast High Court. A judgment is expected to be handed down later following a legal challenge to the decision by Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant to ban the Drumcree Orange Order parade in Portadown.

Judgment expected on challenge to Bryant’s Drumcree parade ban

Bridie Brown, the widow of murdered GAA official Sean Brown. No-one has ever been convicted of his murder. Issue date: Tuesday December 17, 2024.

Brown family has no ‘faith or trust’ in ICRIR

Animal welfare concern reports soar by 175% in a year

Orangemen at Drumcree Church in Portadown. A planned parade was blocked by the NI Secretary on October 9

Commission wrong to allow Drumcree parade says poll

Ryan Gray and Max the dog

Court told of attack on search and rescue volunteer and his dog by gang of teens

Sue Warner won a bronze medal at the Invictus Games in 2016

Charity helps Sue ‘live well’ after nursing service in war zones

The Cohannon Inn in Co Tyrone closed on Sunday night

Staff in shock at sudden closure of Cohannon Inn

News Letter Latest

DUP MP Carla Lockhart speaking during an Orange Order parade in Portadown. Pic: Mícheál Ó Scannáil/Press Association

MP quit DUP role on 'principle' - rejecting colleague's 'token gesture' comment

A major parade and rally took place in Portadown this Saturday, October 24, organised by Portadown District LOL 1, with Orangemen and the "entire Orange family" and wider unionist community turned out in numbers. The district says the event is intended to demonstrate the "strength of feeling" locally following the recent decision to overturn a determination allowing its traditional Garvaghy Road parade to proceed. Picture By:Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Thousands attend Portadown rally backing Drumcree Orangemen

Police can be contacted on 101.

Masked men steal cash and jewellery during raid on house

Errollyn Wallen. Photo by Azzurra Primavera

’Dance Moves’ sees high standard maintained for the Ulster Orchestra

Video Placeholder

Featured Videos

Morning View

Editorial: Pressures on our farm businesses need addressed

Nature recovery plan launched amid NI biodiversity decline

National Lottery operators Allwyn are seeking the owner of a £1m Lotto ticket that has yet to be claimed. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Mystery £1m lottery winner sought

Spooky kids on the prowl in 'Ferntickle Weechil', one of four Ulster-Scots horror short films under the 'Haleve' banner. Photo: Josh Strang/Beyond Visible Films/BBC

Hamely tongue takes a spooky turn for Halloween with Ulster-Scots horror movies

Puzzles

Quick CrosswordTo test and hone your word skills

SudokuThe ultimate logic-based numbers game

WordwheelPit yourself against the clock with our simple anagram game

Cost Of Living

A customer arrives to re-fuel his car at a petrol station as fuel prices dip slightly in NI (photo by Bryn Colton/Getty Images)

Petrol and diesel prices have dipped slightly in Northern Ireland

Residents of Belfast are the second worst in the UK for falling short of cash before payday, a new survey has shown. Photo: Alamy/PA.

Belfast payday crisis: City UK's second-worst for cash shortage before next wage

The weekly rise to the price of fuel has halted as of today (photo by Bryn Colton/Getty Images)

Three-month hike to fuel prices in Northern Ireland grinds to a halt

The price of both diesel and petrol in NI is currently at its highest since the Iran war began (photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Diesel in Northern Ireland creeps closer to £2 per litre after yet another rise

Opinion

Morning View

Editorial: NI punches above its weight in sport

News Letter editorial for Monday, October 26, 2026:

Editorial

Morning View

Parking Ulster’s community spirit for a small profit

As parents, we try to offer advice to our children to stop them getting hurt, but it’s mostly useless

Jackie McGregor: The book that brought my mother's voice back

Remembrance is asked for but it is not demanded

By The Newsroom

News Letter

Football loyalty being exploited in many ways

Kate Nicholl MLA, left, with Food Allergy NI members

Kate Nicholl: An allergy strategy is necessary in NI

News Letter

Ulster’s role models are an example to all

Sport

Rangers manager Derek McInnes will face former club Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday at Tynecastle Park. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/Press Association)

Feelings of “guilt” for Gers boss Derek McInnes ahead of Hearts return
Derek McInnes spoke about his feelings of “injustice” and “guilt” ahead of his returns to Hearts as Rangers boss on Wednesday and said he was ready to accept wh...

Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy during a press conference after the United Rugby Championship match against the Bulls

Ulster must cope without Ireland players in URC clash with Stormers

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick arriving at Carrington Training Centre on Tuesday morning. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Press Association)

Michael Carrick set to remain in charge of Manchester United for Chelsea trip

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)

Graeme McDowell joins growing list of names leaving LIV Golf

Limavady United visit Larne aware victory would push the side up to sixth in the Premiership table. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

‘When the hurt stops, the fight kicks in’ mantra as champions tackle champions

Charley Boorman interviews Peter Hickman on the grid at the 2026 North West 200

Red-carpet launch of Charley Boorman's new North West 200 documentary announced

Under-fire Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick. (Photo by Martin Rickett/Press Association)

Michael Carrick arrives at Carrington training ground after talks over future

Irish League Football

Glentoran manager Duncan Ferguson watching Coleraine tackle Crusaders at Seaview on Saturday. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

'Sideshow' goal to spoil 'fantastic fella' Duncan Ferguson debut party

Ronan Doherty celebrates his match-winning strike for Larne against Bangor. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

'This game will kick the life out of you': Irish League boss win return reaction

Senan Devine (centre) celebrating with Coleraine team-mates after finding the net at Seaview against Crusaders. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

WATCH: Irish League teen scorer 'always looking to hurt the opposition'

Isaac Baird (left) competing with Portadown's Ben Kennedy during a Linfield fightback win at Shamrock Park. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

Isaac Baird's personal Linfield landmark after 'aches and pains' win return

Brian Healy adds his second goal of Cliftonville's away win over Dungannon Swifts. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

'A cannon of a right foot' but Irish League striker urged to study club hero

Food & Drink

Food and Farm minister Andrew Muir pictured with Bronagh O’Kane of Drumard Farm, Cookstown, the local winner in the BBC Food and Farming Awards

NI farmer and former aerospace engineer wins BBC Farming for the Future Award

The pumpkins are in store now - and the most you'll pay is 59p

Sainsbury’s cuts Halloween pumpkins to 50p each with Nectar deal

Crime

Laganside court complex. Image: Google

Personal trainer accused over bid to stab man to death

The case was heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena.

Convicted sex offender drove off from police car at speed of 120mph

On Tuesday police released footage of a person they said they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Footage released of man police want to trace in attempted murder probe

Man struck with iron bars and shot in leg by masked attackers in house

Officers discovered more than £170,000 in cash hidden inside a vehicle in Belfast.

PSNI, HMRC and NCA lifts £200k in illicit cash

Lord Dodds, left, says Carla Lockhart should not be disrespected in any way over her stance on Drumcree.

Dodds: Lockhart must not be disrespected in any way

Your World

Thomas McKay of BTG in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Business distress falls in Northern Ireland - outperforming UK averages

Political commentator Dr John Coulter, a former Education and Religious Affairs Correspondent at the News Letter.

Could militant loyalism spawn another Ulster Resistance?

Bogle Cove

New Ulster Scots Horror Series to Launch on BBC iPlayer this Halloween

Retro

Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnston places a remembrance cross at Belfast City Hall. Photo: Liam McBurney/Press Association

Brave fallen of Northern Ireland remembered as poppy appeal under way
Ulster’s brave fallen have been honoured with commemorative events marking the 110th anniversary of the Somme.
Iain Gray

Mrs Marie Gourley pictured in September 1987 in the household department of the new Menary's department store which was opened in Newtownards. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

Opening of new Menary’s department store in Newtownards (September 1987)

Belfast and County Down Railway at Newcastle

Ulster Railway begins operations and steams into a Biblical row (August 1839)

Royal Belfast Hospital: the courtyard. Watercolour. Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images

Founding of the Belfast Fever Hospital and the 1st Cholera Pandemic (1817)

Jumping for joy in the Fairhill Shopping Centre in 2009 were the cheerleaders of Newtownabbey All Stars, who put on a display as part of the centre's Summer Fun series. BT32 - 821H

Ballymena's Fairhill Shopping Centre through the years

Homes & Gardens

The development is slated for empty land next to a church. Image: Google

Sewer fears block housing scheme on empty field
A planning dispute over a Co Antrim housing project has been taken to provincewide authorities after a split council vote saw it blocked over sewer concerns.
Iain Gray

Stacey Solomon has called the Shark PowerDetect Transformer PowerTrio System the “vacuum of dreams”, praising its powerful suction and versatile design - and fans can get £160 off with an exclusive code.

Stacey Solomon loves this powerful Shark ‘vacuum of dreams’

The PROALLER heated throw has topped Amazon's Home & Kitchen best-seller chart as temperatures fall, with the electric blanket currently reduced to £25.49.

Amazon's £25 heated blanket tops best-seller chart

I found these beautiful autumnl flower bouquets from Bunches that are perfect for the season

Three beautiful autumn bouquets from Bunches

Bunches has plenty of options to choose from including flowers, hampers and greeting cards.

Bunches sells more than flowers, including plants and hampers

Recommended

Deals site Wowcher and Jet2CityBreaks have deals on trips to Christmas markets in Europe

Trips to gorgeous European Christmas markets under £100

The ATX Luggage 21-inch hard-shell cabin suitcase has a 33-litre capacity, four dual spinner wheels and a built-in three-digit lock.

This ATX cabin suitcase is now £25, saving almost £10

Gladiators has been a big hit on the BBC and fans can see their heroes live in November and December

Half-price Gladiators tickets for show little boy calls 'best ever’

e.l.f. backs Spurs Women for another season while its Hypochlorous Mist (pictured) offers an easy on-the-go skincare refresh.

These are the e.l.f. beauty essentials on my payday wish list

Lifestyle

Eddie Curtis from SOS Daisy Hill speaks to crowds in Newry on Sunday about the closure of maternity services. NM264370

Trust still moving maternity services - mothers face two hour drive

Eight beauty brands have joined Boots this autumn, including Olaplex, Sunday Riley, Kate Somerville, Laura Geller, Kopari, By Terry, Eulah and EDIT by Boots.

Eight new beauty brands land at Boots

Vincent Price stars in 1959's 'House On Haunted Hill', a favourite of Rue Morgue Film Club organiser Victoria Brown.

How a horror movie club scares the pants off Ulster for charity

Sainsbury’s Nectar shoppers can get a free make-up product with their buy three, get one free beauty deal. Stock image.

You wouldn’t expect to find this great beauty deal at a supermarket

Entertainment news from NationalWorld.com

The Celebrity Traitors

Krispy Kreme launches £2.99 The Traitors doughnut

Willis will present Strictly alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe (Guy Levy/BBC)

Josh Widdicombe on Strictly’s ‘no ego’ new hosting team

These Bunches flowers are the easiest way to update my home for the new autumn season

I’ve found the easiest way to give my home an autumn update

e.l.f Soft Satin Finish Foundation

The e.l.f Soft Glam makeup products I’m tempted to add to my basket

People

Mark Allen has drawn widespread support since opening up about his health Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

Snooker star Mark Allen hints at return after mental health difficulties
Northern Ireland snooker star Mark Allen has hinted that he might compete in next month's UK Championships.
Damian Mullen

Mrs Pauline Downing.

Tributes to woman who died in Aghagallon collision

Mackenzie Louise Porter

Co Down model in the running for Miss England title

Business

Ulster Farmers' Union president John McLenaghan said farming families have been plunged into severe stress by inheritance tax changes and rising costs.

Farmers plead for Westminster to end tax stress in tomorrow's budget

BT, EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone have been named Britain's most complained-about broadband providers in new Ofcom figures, as campaigners call for an end to mid-contract price rises that can add £48 a year to household bills.

Four broadband giants top Ofcom complaints list

Ulster Unionist deputy leader Diana Armstrong called for farm planning laws in Northern Ireland to be relaxed to match those in England. Photo: Presseye/Stephen Hamilton

Red tape shutting NI farmers out of valuable tourism market: UUP

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber; Tanya Anderson, head of business deposits, Bank of Ireland UK and Kevin O'Hara, head of procurement, Navantia UK - Harland & Wolff, highlight the forthcoming NI Chamber 2026 Meet the Buyer event

300 local firms to pitch for new contracts at NI Chamber’s Meet the Buyer

Latest from NationalWorld.com

Motorists can be asked by police to read a vehicle registration plate from 20 metres away to prove their eyesight meets the legal driving standard.

Drivers face £1,000 fine over roadside eye test

Gladiators has been a big hit on the BBC and fans can see their heroes live in November and December

Half-price Gladiators tickets for show little boy calls 'best ever’

Thousands of responses to a government health consultations came from AI bots, according to research

90,000 fake responses found in Government vape consultation

French and British Paratroopers jump from RAF A400’s as part of Exercise RHINO TITAN.

British troops stage mass parachute drop in Germany

UK Trending

Shoppers are preparing for Black Friday by tracking prices and researching products before buying.

Brits fear autumn budget will put pressure on finances

Research found more than four in 10 Brits are envious of Spain’s laid-back approach to mealtimes

Eating out in Britain has become an increasingly rushed affair

Original fireplaces, exposed beams and cornicing have been named the ultimate signs of good taste in the home, according to new research

Period features still deemed 'most stylish' property features

Jenny Ryan put teams through their paces as part of a special celebration for Skipton Building Society members

Quiz star Jenny Ryan stuns punters with surprise pub appearance

Guests were matched with blooms tailored to their mood, leaving with a bouquet designed to uplift, calm or energise

UK’s first ‘Flower Pharmacy’ opens

Guests were matched with blooms tailored to their mood, leaving with a bouquet designed to uplift, calm or energise

UK’s first ‘Flower Pharmacy’ opens

Must Read

Lovey has secured a funding facility of up to £250 million from Pollen Street Capital to expand lending to UK small and medium-sized businesses

Ad Feature UK fintech Lovey secures £250m funding facility to boost SME lending

Retekess will present product options for different tourism scenarios alongside solutions for corporate events and training

Ad Feature Travel tech firm Retekess to showcase wireless tour guide systems

A new postgraduate qualification designed specifically for professional tutors aims to give families a clearer picture of the training behind a tutor's work

Ad Feature New PGCE will help parents choose a private tutor with confidence

Hisense marked television's 100th anniversary with an immersive RGB MiniLED showcase in central London

Ad Feature Hisense marks 100 years of TV

News you can trust since 1737

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice