“It means that in future, everyone, including families with young children and prams, people with disabilities, and older visitors will be able to experience everything the zoo has to offer through a fully accessible hop-on, hop-off service.”

Belfast Zoo is set to get a new accessible hop-on, hop-off train in a £75,000 investment.

The new train is set to be available for all. SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte described the investment as “an important step in making the attraction more inclusive for visitors”.

Councillor Carl Whyte said: “For years, people have quite rightly pointed out that the steep nature of Belfast Zoo can make it difficult to fully enjoy.

“This investment is a really important step forward. It means that in future, everyone, including families with young children and prams, people with disabilities, and older visitors will be able to experience everything the zoo has to offer through a fully accessible hop-on, hop-off service.

“With the worst of the winter weather behind us, now is a brilliant time to visit Belfast Zoo. It’s home to a wide range of endangered species, all cared for by highly trained animal experts who are doing vital conservation work every day.

“This new addition will help ensure that even more people can enjoy and support that work.”

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

The Richmond Artisan Market, curated by Little Bird Made, launched its first event of 2026 on Sunday March 22 at Richmond marketplace, with stallholders and visitors turning out in force to support small businesses and to celebrate Yorkshire craftsmanship.

Mayor of Richmond Councillor Carl Tate attended the event, spending the morning visiting stalls, meeting traders, and discussing the economic importance of supporting independent artisans.

The Richmond Artisan Market has returned to Richmond, North Yorkshire, launching its first 2026 event on March 22 and drawing strong support for local businesses and Yorkshire craftsmanship (Image: Supplied)

Jackie Crozier, managing director of Little Bird Made, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be back in the heart of Richmond.

“The energy from the local community today reminded us exactly why we love this town.

“It was a particular honour to welcome the Mayor, Cllr Carl Tate.

Richmond Mayor Councillor Carl Tate with stall holders (Image: Supplied)

“As someone who is passionate about the survival of our high streets and small businesses, we truly appreciate him taking the time to speak with our artisans.”

Cllr Tate praised the creativity and spirit on display at the event.

He said: “It was a real pleasure to see our first artisan market of 2026 bring so many people together in the heart of Richmond.

The Richmond Artisan Market has returned to Richmond (Image: Supplied)

“The quality, enthusiasm, creativity and talent of the traders on display was impressive.

“Events like this not only support independent businesses but also reinforce the vibrant spirit that makes our town special.”

Karen Bushell, owner of Love Sewing, said: “It was lovely to see the Mayor of Richmond taking the time to visit small, local, independent artisan businesses at the artisan market.

“We really appreciated him taking the time to welcome us all back after the winter break and spending time chatting with the traders today.”

The Richmond Artisan Market has returned to Richmond (Image: Supplied)

Heather Cumpstone, owner of Kefi Ropemakers, said: “Being a Richmond-based small business, it was lovely for us to meet the Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Carl Tate in our home town at the Little Bird Artisan Market.

“We love how he champions small local businesses and look forward to him supporting small local businesses in the future.”

The Richmond Artisan Market will return on Sunday, April 26, from 10am.

For more information or to book a stall, visit www.littlebirdmade.com or email info@littlebirdmade.co.uk.

Speaking about everyday frustrations faced by consumers on his Martin Lewis podcast, the Money Saving Expert founder highlighted the stark difference between joining and leaving services such as broadband, subscriptions and utilities.

“I can set up broadband in five minutes,” said one caller. “Yet to cancel, I have to spend an hour waiting on the phone, being passed between teams and pressured to stay.”

He added that sales teams often answer quickly, while cancellation departments can leave customers waiting far longer – something he believes should be addressed by regulation.

“My view has always been quite simple,” Lewis replied. “I should get out of something the same way I got into it.

“If I signed up online, I should be able to cancel online. If I called, I should be able to call.”

The issue is particularly important for vulnerable consumers, including older people and those with mental health challenges, who may struggle with complex or drawn-out cancellation processes.

The good news for consumers is that change could be on the way. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, companies may soon be required to ensure customers do not have to put more effort into cancelling a subscription than they did to sign up.

The proposed rules would mean:

• Customers can cancel using the same method they signed up with
• Only one contact may be required to end a subscription
• Firms must simplify and streamline exit processes

However, while the law has been passed, the detailed rules needed to enforce it are still being developed.

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The government must introduce secondary legislation before the changes come into force.

Originally expected earlier this year, the timeline has now shifted, with final rules likely to be confirmed later in 2026 following a consultation process.

Until then, Lewis says consumers should remain cautious — and be aware that, for now, cancelling some services may still take far longer than signing up.

“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, which means that all children and young people are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning in reality, given the fall in specialist support and increase in the number of those with ASN.

The Station pub in Stockton has been given the go-ahead to transform part of a cobbled back alley into a small beer garden under strict time and noise controls.

The application, made by Paul Simpson, proposes using a 12-metre stretch of the alley between Alma Street and Inkerman Street for outdoor seating and storage for the pub.

According to planning documents, the area, which is currently described as “untidy and litter-strewn,” will be fenced off, with two benches for about eight people, and part used for a screened bin and storage space.

Stockton Borough Council allowed the transformation under delegated powers, making the decision on Monday, March 23.

The Station pub in Stockton has won approval to turn a ‘scruffy’ alleyway into a beer garden. (Image: GOOGLE)

The new beer garden can only open between 9.30am and 10pm daily and no amplified music or sound will be allowed in the area.

Council highways officers raised no objection to the proposal but recognised that the alley does provide rear access to several properties, and any gating must be settled privately between owners.

Environmental health officers initially objected, saying there was “insufficient information” on hours, number of seats and noise management.

Concerns were raised about the potential noise that the beer garden could generate, affecting nearby homes on Inkerman Road and Alma Street.

However, planning officials believe the limited scale of the development, access via the pub’s lobby, and the added conditions should keep any disturbance to an acceptable level.

The report from the planning officer described the external seating facility as an “investment in an existing town-centre business,” which will enhance Stockton’s evening economy and town-centre vitality.

Damian John Hunter, 39, made a stabbing move with the weapon towards his sibling’s eye, said Eleanor Durdy prosecuting, at York Crown Court.

When police arrived, he was on top of her with the six-inch knife and she was screaming.  Officers had to taser him when he refused to put the knife down.

In her personal statement, the sister said Hunter behaved badly when he had delusions that he was his non-existent wife, ‘Veronica’.

‘Veronica’ can be very nasty, she said.

“I do believe on the day he assaulted me, ‘Veronica’ was in control of his actions,” she said.

Judge Simon Hickey accepted a psychiatrist’s report that Hunter had an emotionally unstable personality disorder and a psychotic condition.

But, he said, Hunter has a long history of violent offences, including carrying a knife, had been drinking vodka before assaulting his sister, and knew how alcohol made him behave.

“You have to take in hand your own life and accept the consequences for your actions,” he told Hunter.

He jailed Hunter for two years.

Ms Durdy said Hunter had got angry while the siblings were preparing for the roast dinner he had suggested they have.

He jumped on his sister, put her to the ground, bit her check and told her: “I will stab the … out of you”.

After she got up, he grabbed her from behind, and bit her on the back.

She managed to get out away from him and when he got a knife and accosted her friend outside the house, she tried unsuccessfully to lock him out.

But he got in, put her to the ground again and holding her head down, put the knife to her cheek and neck and made a stabbing move towards her eye.

Ms Durdy said the sister “wants her brother to receive help for his mental health and to see him again”.

Emily Hassell, defending, said Hunter had committed the offences within weeks of being released from a psychiatric unit where he had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act for the third time in five years.

A psychiatrist had assessed him as needing ongoing treatment.

Hunter, of Briercliffe, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm to his sister and threatening her with an offensive weapon in private.

Ms Durdy said the sister had allowed Hunter to stay at her house because he had no electricity in his.

When they went to buy the ingredients for the chicken roast, Hunter had bought vodka which he started drinking when they got back to her home.

Ms Hassell said Hunter had got a job working in a Malton factory after he was released from a previous sentence, but had lost it in the Covid pandemic.

His mental health had gone downhill after that.

Available for over a year

Today, we try and get to the bottom of whether or not Iran and the US might be meeting at the negotiating table.

Whilst President Trump has previously said the two countries have already had productive conversations, Iran has denied the reports.

Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent and Parham Ghobadi, senior reporter for BBC Persian explain who might be involved if talks do go ahead and the latest we know about what’s happening inside Iran.

Plus, Faisal Islam joins Adam for a deep dive into how all the uncertainty is affecting the economy. They unpack Rachel Reeves’ address to the House of Commons today and the measures she might take if the situation continues to escalate.

Apply for tickets to Castfest here https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers were Jem Westgate, Beth Pritchard and Sophie Millward. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor was Jack Maclaren. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Named Skate Island, the project is being built at Newcastle Racecourse using shipping containers, with the site already starting to take shape.

The pop-up rink will open to the public on April 2 and will run every Thursday to Sunday for eight weeks.

Stuart Nurse, co-director of organiser EVNT Inspirations, said: “We’ve started to put all the pieces in place to create Skate Island and to ensure it is going to be an absolutely fantastic experience.

“There has been nothing like this in the region before and we are looking forward to unveiling the whole site and giving people a really memorable experience.”

The attraction will feature food and drink vendors housed in containers, themed entertainment, and a packed schedule of events.

Student nights will take place every Thursday, while Friday evenings will transform into roller discos with a rotation of weekly themes including girl power, country music, karaoke, and neon raves.

Saturday mornings from 9am to noon will be dedicated to family sessions.

From noon onwards, the rink will host Retro Roller, an adult-only disco skate event where dressing up is encouraged.

Sundays will be open to all ages, with skating available for children and families from 9am to 9pm.

Each booking includes a 90-minute skating session and skate hire, though visitors are welcome to stay longer to enjoy the food and drink attractions.

Skate Island is the latest creation from EVNT Inspirations, the team behind popular North East events including Moosenwirt pop-up Alpine bar, Newcastle Christmas Village, Paddy Fest, and The Great British Tribute Fest.

Tickets start at £7.50 for family events, £10 for the student night, and £15 for Retro Roller, with all prices subject to a booking fee.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court grappled Tuesday with whether the Trump administration should be able to revive an immigration policy that has been used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Some conservative justices seemed receptive to the Justice Department’s push to overturn a lower-court ruling against the practice known as metering. Immigration authorities limited the number of people who could apply for asylum, saying it was necessary to handle an increase at the border.

Advocates say the policy created a humanitarian crisis during President Donald Trump’s first term as people who were turned away settled in makeshift camps in Mexico as they waited for a chance to seek asylum.

The policy isn’t in place now, and Trump ordered a wider suspension of the asylum system at the start of his second term.

The administration, though, argues that metering remains a “critical tool” used under administrations from both parties, and should be available if necessary in the future.

While some justices seemed open to that argument, others raised questions about whether the policy would allow people who entered the country illegally to apply for asylum while new arrivals seeking legal entry at the border could be blocked.

“Why would Congress privilege someone who illegally enters the United States?” Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked.

An attorney for the Trump administration maintained that people turned away one day could potentially come back later. “It’s saying our port is at capacity today, try again some other day,” said Vivek Suri, assistant to the solicitor general.

The Associated Press found thousands of immigrants on waiting lists when the policy was in place in 2019.

Under American law, migrants who arrive in the U.S. must be able to apply for asylum if they fear persecution in their home countries. The legal dispute at the heart of the metering case centers around the meaning of the words “arrive in.”

The Justice Department argues it means anyone who is in the United States already, so it doesn’t apply to people authorities stop on the Mexico side of the border. But immigration attorneys say the law has long meant anyone who comes to a port of entry must be able to apply, and it should stay that way.

Chief Justice John Roberts peppered an attorney for the migrants with questions on exactly where someone must be to claim asylum. But Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson suggested that those questions are hard to answer when the policy isn’t being used.

“It just seems to me that we have a lot of hypotheticals regarding how this policy may have worked in the past, how it’s possibly going to work in the future, but we don’t have a policy in effect right now that we can actually rule on,” she said.

Metering was first used during President Barack Obama’s administration when large numbers of Haitians appeared at the main crossing to San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico. It was expanded to all border crossings from Mexico during Trump’s first term in the White House.

The practice ended in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic led the government to greater restrictions on asylum-seekers. President Joe Biden formally rescinded the use of metering in 2021.

Also that year, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant, an Obama nominee, ruled that metering violated the migrants’ constitutional rights and a federal law requiring officials to screen anyone who arrives at the border seeking asylum.

A divided 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed her ruling, but nearly half of the judges on the full San Francisco-based appeals court voted to rehear the case, a strong signal that may have caught the justices’ attention.

People seeking refuge in the U.S. are able to apply for asylum once they are on American soil, regardless of whether they came legally. To qualify, they have to show a fear of persecution in their own country because of specific reasons, such as their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

Once people are granted asylum, they can’t be deported. They can work legally, bring immediate family into the country, apply for legal residency and eventually seek U.S. citizenship.