Since Sunday, I’ve watched the clips again and again. Each time, I feel an intense pride — in myself, my family, my friends, and how far we’ve all come. What moved me most wasn’t just representation, but the energy Bad Bunny brought with him: unity, warmth, defiance without anger, love without conditions.

In 2024, almost two-thirds (64.5%) of the 397 deaths were men

There were close to 400 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2024, new statistics have shown.

The number of deaths caused by alcohol in the region had risen by 81.3% in a decade, from 219 in 2014 to 397 in 2024.

The report from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) measures deaths from conditions known to be exclusively caused by alcohol.

In 2024, almost two-thirds (64.5%) of the 397 deaths were men.

The report said males accounted for 65.9% of alcohol-specific deaths registered between 2014 and 2024.

The alcohol-specific death rate for men in 2024 was 28.1 deaths per 100,000 population, and 14.9 for women.

The figures indicate that between 2014 and 2024, the alcohol-specific mortality rate for men increased by 51.1%, from 18.6 to 28.1 per 100,000.

The rate for women increased by 104.1%, from 7.3 per 100,000 to 14.9.

Nisra said that alcohol-specific deaths were more prevalent among the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups, which together accounted for 59.4% of all of those deaths registered in 2024.

The report said since 2014, alcoholic liver diseases had accounted for around two-thirds of alcohol-specific deaths, decreasing from 68.5% in 2014 to 64.7% in 2024.

Mental and behavioural disorders caused by use of alcohol had been the second-most common cause of death among alcohol-specific deaths over the same period, accounting for 15.4% of alcohol-specific deaths in 2024.

In 2024, Belfast Local Government District had the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths of all areas in Northern Ireland at 31.1 per 100,000 population, followed by Derry City and Strabane (25.6).

The lowest rate in 2024 was recorded for Mid Ulster (12.0).

Looking over a five-year period, Nisra said there were almost four times as many alcohol-specific deaths in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived areas.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “Currently we’ve got warnings out for parts of Scotland, particularly the east and parts of the south-west west of Glasgow. Those are rain warnings, but increasingly, there will be a bit of snow mixed in with those as the conditions start to cool.

Mary Berry’s quick and easy tomato soup uses items you probably already have in your cupboard

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade soup to warm the soul. Yet, many would prefer to snuggle up in their cosy beds rather than spend hours cooking. Thankfully, Mary Berry’s 10-minute tomato soup is here to the rescue, brimming with rich tomato taste, a hint of garlic, and a creamy finish.

BBC Food, which shared the recipe, stated: “Mary Berry’s tomato soup is quick, easy and delicious. In fact, it is one of her favourite family recipes, as she always have the ingredients in the cupboard.

“With no onions to chop or tomatoes to skin, it really is ready in ten minutes!” This recipe serves between six to eight people, making it an ideal family dinner dish.

Interestingly, Mary Berry forgoes traditional ingredients such as water or vegetable stock, opting instead for chicken stock.

According to the Tasting Table, “You can add tons of depth to your tomato soup recipe by swapping out water as the liquid base for broth.

“What’s great about using broth or stock in tomato soup is that you don’t really need to change anything.”

“Tomato has a pretty powerful flavour, and most broths are pretty subtle, so you can just use the same amount of broth as you would water when making your soup, and it will still taste like tomato soup.”

Here’s how to make Mary Berry’s tomato soup:

Ingredients

• Six sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• Two garlic cloves
• Three 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
• 500ml of chicken (you can also use vegetable stock)
• One tablespoon of caster sugar
• 150ml of full-fat milk
• 150ml of double cream
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Three to four teaspoons of pesto

Method

Start by heating a large pan over medium heat and adding a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Add the garlic and let it cook until it just begins to colour.

Next, add the sun-dried and tinned tomatoes, chicken stock, and a pinch of sugar to the pan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, cover, and allow it to simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Take off the heat and blend the soup with a hand blender until it reaches a silky smooth consistency, then mix in the milk and cream, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Serve piping hot, topping each bowl with a delicate swirl of pesto.

Reece Wood was found guilty of the offence, which was said to have been committed in County Durham, in 2022, on the sixth day of the hearing, on Monday (February 9).

The 30-year-old defendant of Galt Street, Thornley, County Durham, denied the charge at a plea hearing in April 2024.

His original trial took place at the court in October 2024, but the jury failed to reach a verdict and was discharged.

Defendant Reece Wood was convicted of rape after a retrial at Durham Crown Court ended on Monday (February 9) (Image: The Northern Echo)

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Weeks later, the Crown confirmed it would be seeking a re-trial, with the start date agreed for February 2 this year.

Following Monday’s guilty verdict, the trial judge, Judge Richard Bennett, adjourned the sentencing hearing for five weeks to allow for preparation of a background Probation Service report on the defendant.

Judge Bennett remanded Wood in custody to appear at the sentencing hearing at Teesside Crown Court, where he will then be sitting, on Monday March 16.

Fans will be eager to know where Netflix’s must-watch comedy crime drama How to Get to Heaven From Belfast was actually filmed

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How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is the latest project from acclaimed Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee, and it’s hitting Netflix this week.

All eight episodes will be dropping on Thursday, 12th February, treating subscribers to an unmissable binge-watch packed with thrills, conspiracy and comedy.

Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, and Caoilfhionn Dunne lead the cast as Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, a trio of old friends who reunite in their 30s to investigate the strange death of the fourth member of their group.

When they begin to suspect something more sinister is afoot, they embark on a reckless investigation across Northern Ireland to discover the truth.

Showcasing stunning landscapes and picturesque Irish towns, let’s take a closer look at the real locations where the new series was filmed.

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READ MORE: When does the next High Potential season 2 episode come out?READ MORE: Netflix How to Get to Heaven From Belfast full cast and where you’ve seen them

Where was How to Get to Heaven From Belfast filmed?

Belfast locals will be thrilled to learn that the series was indeed filmed in the Northern Ireland capital and surrounding areas.

Shooting began back in July 2024 and wrapped up later that same year. Photography took place primarily in Belfast and Northern Ireland, though some scenes also take place in London.

Some of the most pivotal sequences were shot in County Antrim, in the province of Ulster. This included key scenes in the Harbourview Hotel, formerly the Londonderry Arms, in the village of Carnlough, which was transformed into the fictional Knockdara Hotel. The town of Donegal was also used in place of the fictional village explored in the series.

Filming also took place in Dublin, including at Christ Church Cathedral in Wood Quay.

Speaking exclusively to Reach, creator McGee admitted: “I’m going to sound so grumpy, I hate location [shooting]. I know it looks beautiful, but it’s freezing!

“I’m really glad we did it, but I’m going to write a studio sitcom after this, with a coffee machine and a nice chair.

“Now, I’m really glad we did it. It’s a stunning country and it changes so much. We can go an hour down the road and the landscape’s completely different. It’s just gorgeous.

“I like all the scenes in Donegal, I like the twisty-turny roads. I had this thing in my head that the journey should represent the story. You’re going down all these little paths, so that was quite cool.”

And actress Caoilfhionn Dunne was thrilled to represent the full glory of Northern Ireland on Netflix, bringing its most beautiful locations to a wider audience.

“It’s important to acknowledge the past because it’s a huge part of what has made Northern Ireland the Northern Ireland it is today,” she explained.

“But, I think with this new wave of stuff that’s happening more, Lisa does it specifically a lot with her comedy, the Troubles aren’t the central focus. This is part of who the people are, but it is not all that they are.

“And they’re such wonderful people in Belfast, you want to do right by them because they deserve the world and they’ve been c****ed on and s*** on by so many people over the years, so you just want people to look at it and go, ‘God, that looks like a cracker place. And those people seem like the best fun’.

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“We really wanted to showcase the best of it because that’s what’s deserved.”

Parts of the series were also filmed in Majorca, Spain, though viewers will have to tune in to find out why Saoirse, Robyn and Dara’s investigation leads them there.

How to Get to Heaven From Belfast releases Thursday, 12th February on Netflix.

At least nine victims have been killed after a school shooting in a British Columbia town in Canada.

The shooting in Tumbler Ridge, a small town with a population of just 2400, is one of the deadliest mass casualty events in Canada’s recent history.

Here’s what we know so far.

Suspect among people killed

Police say they received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which has around 175 students, at 1.20pm on Tuesday (8.20pm UK time).

When officers entered and searched the school, they found multiple victims dead.

An individual believed to be the gunman was also found dead with what appeared to be a self‑inflicted injury.

At least six victims died at the school, while another died while being transported to a hospital.

Follow shooting aftermath updates live

Another two victims were found dead in a nearby residence, believed to be in connection with the incident.

Overnight, police said approximately 25 others were being assessed for non‑life‑threatening injuries.

What do we know about the shooter?

Police superintendent Ken Floyd has told reporters that investigators had identified the suspect – but would not release a name.

A public alert sent to phones described the shooter as “a female in a dress with brown hair”.

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At least ten killed in school shooting

Mr Floyd said the suspect’s motive remained unclear and that authorities are “not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy”.

He added that police were still investigating how the victims were connected to the shooter.

Children ‘barricaded themselves’ as parents waited for news

Children who were at the school at the time were frantically trying to barricade themselves in their classrooms as the attack unfolded, according to local reports.

Citing the reports, Sky News’ international correspondent John Sparks said: “They were putting desks and chairs up against the doors, trying to keep the shooter out of their classroom.”

There were also “desperate scenes” in the town of Tumbler Ridge during the attack, Sparks added.

“Parents were shepherded to a local hall to await news of whether their children were affected by this.

“In a tight-knit community like this, it’s very difficult for the people who live there.”

‘I probably know every victim’

Canadians in the small town, located more than 600 miles north of Vancouver, near the border with Alberta, are grieving after the tragedy.

Darryl Krakowka, mayor of Tumbler Ridge, told reporters: “I broke down. It’s devastating.”

He described the town’s small community as a “big family” and added: “I have lived here for 18 years. I probably know every one of the victims.”

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney offered his “prayers and deepest condolences” to the families and friends of the victims after the “horrific” attack.

“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” he said in a statement.

“Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country – our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.”

The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, added: “Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones.

“Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy.”

The school has said it will be closed for the rest of the week.

What are the gun laws in Canada?

While its neighbour has some of the most relaxed firearms legislation in the world, Canadian laws are much stricter.

Anyone wanting to possess a firearm in Canada needs to obtain a possession and acquisition licence (PAL).

Some types of firearm – such as handguns – need a restricted possession and acquisition licence (RPAL), which is issued by police.

In 2022, the government introduced a freeze on the importing, buying or selling of handguns.

A previous mass shooting in Nova Scotia in April 2020, in which an attacker killed 22 people, prompted the government to announce an immediate ban on the sale and use of assault-style weapons.

Justin Trudeau, then the prime minister, announced the ban of more than 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms, including two guns used by the 2020 gunman as well as the AR-15 and other weapons that have been used in a number of mass shootings in the US.

But almost six years later, possession of such firearms is not illegal – yet.

A compensation programme in which gun owners register their interest in turning in these firearms in exchange for cash runs until the end of March this year.

Owners have until the end of October to hand over any banned assault weapons.

After this, anyone in possession “will be breaking the law and could face criminal prosecution”, government briefing documents say.

It’s not yet been made public what type of firearm or firearms were used in the most recent attack.

Almost 600 people have backed the petition on Charge.org which was started by the Labour councillors for York’s Guildhall ward, Dave Merrett, Rachel Melly and Tony Clarke.

It states: “We call upon the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the City of York Council to work together to urgently undertake measures to address the serious and regular congestion and queuing back from the hospital car park into Wigginton road.

Petition calls for action to cut York Hospital congestion.

“The congestion is badly affecting both nearby junctions and roads beyond, and causes major delays to local bus services 1, 5 and 6 and other traffic. Journeys, including those to the hospital, are unreliable, time consuming and stressful.

“Residents who live near the hospital are badly affected too – the congestion increases local air and noise pollution and access difficulties.”

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Among the online signatories is Peter, York who lent his support to calls for action, saying: “The congestion in this area is significantly impacting surrounding junctions and neighbouring roads, causing serious delays to local bus services 1, 5 and 6, as well as other traffic. Journeys, including essential trips to the hospital, have become unreliable, lengthy and stressful.

“Residents living near the hospital are also suffering, with increased air and noise pollution and ongoing access difficulties affecting daily life.”

Meanwhile, Nicholas, York wrote: “Traffic is horrendous most days. You can be stuck in a queue for 20 to 30 minutes and it’s all cars waiting to get into the hospital car park.”

Press readers have raised their concerns over the congestion and delays round York Hospital on numerous occasions by voicing their views in letters to the Letters Page and in comments on our website.

One reader who lives in Huby wrote: “How much longer is City of York Council going to allow the appalling daily morning traffic congestion in Wigginton Road to continue?

“It is almost impossible for patients from north of the city to access hospital appointments in timely fashion, nor can York Bus have any hope of maintaining the schedule for the no. 40 route.

“A simple modification to the road at the hospital entrance to allow through traffic to continue would solve most of the problem.”

Another Press reader said:”The multi-storey car park contributes to the problem, when the car park barrier is not letting vehicles in. But we have to appreciate the people using the car park are old or new to using the car park. It’s so small and tight for people to use. This causes the traffic to back up on to Wiggington Road. It was built far too small in the beginning.

“As I’ve mentioned before if the station goes ahead in Haxby build the car park twice as big as any survey suggests, and make the spaces extra large so people can use them quickly and safely.”

Another reader suggested a ‘simple solution – re-open Vyner street, Fountayne Street, Lowther street and Penley Grove Street’.

Another commentator said there needed to be a dedicated turning into and out of the hospital.

“Get rid of the mini roundabout and create a junction with traffic lights and dedicated lanes for cars in and out of the hospital and pedestrians in and out of the hospital. Then phase the lights based on actual data.. that will maximise traffic and pedestrians in and out of the hospital. The problem is partly to do with insufficient hospital parking spaces – BUT it is also due to the stupid road layout and lane width restriction on Wigginton Road, when approaching the hospital entrance mini roundabout heading into town.”

The Press has approached City of York Council and York Hospitals NHS Trust for a response and will include them when we receive them.