March was a busy month for officers in the north of the city who carried out searches in over 20 properties
Rob Currell Live news reporter
22:11, 12 Apr 2026
The PSNI have issued a warning to drug dealers after a proactive month saw officers hit 23 addresses in North Belfast, in targeted efforts against organised crime.
Officers said addresses were searched in the Newlodge, Shankill, Ardoyne, Ballysillan, Antrim Road and Cliftonville areas as part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug dealing across North Belfast.
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The force released several images from one of the policing operations carried out in March.
A police spokesperson said, “If you are involved in drug dealing within our communities, be aware that we will take action.
“We remain committed to identifying, disrupting, and arresting those involved in criminal activity.
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“If you have concerns about drug-related activity, please contact us on 101, report online here, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
For generations, we took social skills for granted. Parents just assumed that, through regular interaction with adults and peers at school and at home, their children would learn how to interact and communicate with others, encompassing everything from empathy and active listening to conflict resolution.
But then came the digital age.
Now, parents and experts alike have noticed that technology may be affecting these critical interpersonal tools and behaviours, with Gen Z and Gen Alpha demonstrating fewer social skills than their predecessors.
mother image via Getty Images
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Even adults might need reminders of these useful social skills. But you can give kids a head start by practicing early on.
“I absolutely see a drop-off in kids’ social skills, and phones and social media are a big part of it,” observed JJ Kelly, a licensed clinical psychologist known as the “Punk Rock Doc.”
The issue here is that technology acts as a barrier — instead of a gateway — to better communication. It’s all too tempting for kids (and adults! I’m just as guilty of this behaviour) to hide behind a screen and say (or not say) what they want because the screens serve as a shield from the real world.
Parenting and life coach Randi Crawford believes that phones and other digital devices “replaced the practice of living IRL.” There was a time when kids would figure things out in real time, she says, through awkward conversations, reading the room, making friends, making mistakes and making adjustments. But now, kids and adults alike can “curate everything behind a screen.”
The downside to this behaviour, according to Kelly, is that technology “has taken away infinite numbers of daily opportunities to practice bravery in real life.”
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This includes basic skills like making eye contact, navigating awkward moments, resolving conflict or saying something vulnerable in person. Instead of embracing opportunities for healthy conflict resolution, kids online resort to passive aggression, ghosting and public shaming. Kelly calls this “normalised hiding,” in which, instead of working through discomfort, she says, kids are “retreating behind a screen.”
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Kids aren’t getting worse. They’re just, very simply, getting fewer chances to practice being brave humans.
– JJ Kelly, licensed clinical psychologist known as the “Punk Rock Doc.”
But it’s in discomfort that important social growth happens. “Social skills are built in discomfort,” said Crawford. “It’s not fun, but that’s how we learn.” So while it may feel safer to talk via text or social media, face-to-face interactions are still essential for developing communication skills.
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Rest assured that this problem is solvable. “Kids aren’t getting worse,” Kelly emphasised. “They’re just, very simply, getting fewer chances to practice being brave humans.”
In-person social skills may feel like a relic from the 20th century, but in the right context, they can empower our 21st-century children.
These slightly uncomfortable conversations can have long-term positive effects.
Once you’ve established digital device boundaries with your kids and have provided a welcoming, safe space for them, it’s time to get down to business.
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Kelly Gonderman, a licensed clinical psychologist and the clinical director at We Conquer Together in Orange County, California, suggests having the following five conversations as a family. Not only will these talks teach kids fundamental social skills, but they’ll help them become more well-rounded, empathetic adults.
How To End A Conversation
Wait, who needs to learn how to end a conversation? Young people raised on texting and online chats, that’s who. “Screens have made this [skill] invisible,” observed Gonderman. “You just stop responding, and kids are bringing that habit into face-to-face interactions where it reads as rude or dismissive.”
Why is this skill important? “It’s one of the most underrated social skills because it signals to the other person that the interaction had a natural arc — a beginning, a middle and an end,” said Gonderman. “Without it, people are left wondering where they stand.”
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How can learning this skill empower kids today? “Kids who can end conversations gracefully feel less socially anxious,” said Gonderman. “They’re not trapped in interactions they don’t want to be in and they’re not accidentally leaving people feeling dismissed or confused.”
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? By modelling how to end a conversation themselves. Something like, “‘It was really good to talk to you, I’m going to go check on something,’ suggested Gonderman. “The goal isn’t a perfect exit line, it’s just some kind of signal that the conversation is wrapping up.”
How can they practice these skills at home? Dinnertime chats are a good place to start. “At the end of a family conversation, have your kid practice closing it,” Gonderman said. “‘That was a great talk, I’m going to go do homework now.’ It sounds silly, but doing it in a low-stakes environment makes it automatic in a higher-stakes one.”
How To Disagree Without An Audience
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Trolling. Flame wars. Call it what you will, but “social media rewards public callouts,” Gonderman said. It may sound weird to us olds, but do your kids even know how to disagree with someone without turning it into a public forum? “Real life requires the ability to tell someone directly that something bothered you, without performing it for anyone else,” said Gonderman.
Why is this skill important?Because, according to Gonderman,“social media has turned disagreement into a performance.” Unfortunately, “the real skill, telling someone directly that something bothered you, is being lost. That skill is what keeps relationships intact long term.”
How can learning this skill empower kids today? “A kid who can say, ‘Hey, that hurt my feelings’ one on one, without needing a group to back them up, is going to have fundamentally healthier friendships and eventually healthier adult relationships,” Gonderman said.
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? Gonderman advised parents to model disagreement in front of their kids: “Let your kid see you address something with your partner or a friend directly instead of venting to someone else,” she said. “They’re watching everything.”
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How can they practice these skills at home? Gonderman suggested engaging in role-play: “‘Pretend I said something that bothered you. What would you say to me?’ The more they practice saying it out loud in a safe context, the less terrifying it feels in real life.”
How To Be With Someone Who’s Upset – Without Fixing It
Not only is this a critical skill for kids to learn, but many adults could also benefit from this type of empathy lesson. “A lot of kids default to jokes or distraction when a friend is struggling because sitting with discomfort is a skill nobody taught them,” said Gonderman.
Why is this skill important? According to Gonderman, most conflict in adult relationships comes down to one person feeling unheard: “The ability to sit with someone in discomfort without immediately trying to solve it is one of the highest-value emotional skills a person can have. And almost nobody teaches it explicitly.”
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How can learning this skill empower kids today? “A kid who can just be present with a friend who’s upset is going to be the person everyone trusts,” said Gonderman. “That kind of friendship is rare, and kids who offer it are valued deeply.”
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? Demonstrating curiosity instead of assumption is the key here: Parents can ask their kids, “Do you want me to help you figure it out, or do you just want to vent?” Gonderman says, “That single question does more than almost anything else.” But then make sure to do what they ask; don’t offer help if they just want to vent.
How can they practice these skills at home?Snag a moment when emotions are small, advised Gonderman. “When your kid is mildly frustrated about something, resist the urge to fix it immediately. Just say, ‘That sounds really frustrating.’ Let it sit. You’re modelling that feelings don’t need to be solved, just acknowledged.”
Phones absolutely play a role in kids’ underdeveloped social skills.
How To Be A Good Witness When Something’s Wrong
Whether it’s watching a peer being bullied or someone having problems at home, Gonderman confirms that “the bystander problem is real.” Kids may know what the right thing is, but they don’t know how to get involved without complicating the situation.
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Why is this skill important? Learning how to be a good witness allows you to be a force for change. “Bystanders aren’t bad people; they’re unprepared people,” Gonderman said. “Kids genuinely don’t know how to step in without making things worse, so they don’t step in at all. Teaching them what to actually do changes that.”
How can learning this skill empower kids today? “A kid who knows how to be a good witness has more confidence, more self-respect and stronger relationships,” said Gonderman. “Acting in line with your values feels good. Watching something wrong happen and doing nothing does not.”
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? Gonderman recommended debriefing the actual scenarios that come up with your kids: “When your kid mentions something that happened at school, ask what they did, what they wish they’d done and what they might do next time. No judgment, just reflection.”
How can they practice these skills at home?As with the other conversations, Gonderman advised working through specific scenarios. That means not staying in the abstract: Instead of asking your kids what they would do if someone was being bullied, try this: “What would you say if you saw someone sitting alone at lunch being made fun of by the table next to them?” It’s the specificity that makes it real.
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How To Lose Well
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with participation trophies, Gonderman has observed that kids aren’t learning necessary sportsmanship skills anymore: “Competition, disappointment, not getting what they wanted, these are things kids used to learn through constant low-stakes repetition,” she said. “Less of that is happening now.”
Why is this skill important?Losing well teaches emotional regulation and resilience, explained Gonderman. “A kid who falls apart every time they don’t win is going to struggle with disappointment their whole life, because life involves a lot of it.”
How can learning this skill empower kids today?Gonderman calls this skill a social asset, as much as an emotional one: “Knowing how to lose gracefully makes a kid someone others actually want to play with, compete against, and eventually work with.”
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How can parents approach this subject with their kids? “Don’t rush past the feeling,” said Gonderman. “Let them be disappointed for a minute. Then, when the heat is off, talk about what was hard about it and what they’d do differently. Skipping straight to ‘You’ll do better next time’ teaches them to skip the feeling too.”
How can they practice these skills at home?Gonderman suggested playing games at home where someone has to lose, like board games and card games, anything with a clear winner. “Make losing a regular, normal, low-stakes occurrence so it stops feeling catastrophic when it happens out in the world.”
Straight talk: Awkward conversations are worth the momentary discomfort.
As a mother myself, I appreciate that there are many things we can learn from our children. At the same time, that doesn’t mean we should completely abandon our roles as parents – even if it means voluntarily sitting in the discomfort with our kids.
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Nobody likes this part of the parenting job, and I get why avoidance is so appealing, but Kelly also reminded readers that “courage very rarely backfires.”
StockPlanets via Getty Images
Overcoming the awkward and leaning into these necessary conversations can set both you and your kids up for success for years to come.
Lean into that fear, because it’s a signal that deep down, you know these conversations are the right thing:
“If there is anything you’re afraid to talk to your kid about,” advised Kelly, “it probably means you need to talk to your kid about it — even if they scoff or are awkward, they will remember the conversation and your ability to have it.”
Sometimes, kids need to put the devices away and have a good, old-fashioned chat with their cringe parents. They may not understand the purpose right away, but what’s more important than anything is that you start the discussion.
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What can parents do to help get their kids’ social skills back on track?
Before sitting down to have these important — and occasionally uncomfortable — conversations with your kids about social skills, parents need to take two fundamental steps:
Reassess the role phones/devices play in your child’s universe.
“If you want your kids’ social skills to get back on track, you have to be willing to set real boundaries around technology,” said Kelly. That can mean putting off getting them their own phones for as long as possible, and introducing apps slowly, “like a privilege that’s earned over time, not a right.”
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She also reiterated the importance of parental controls — not as a means of surveillance, but to keep your children safe.
Reassess how you respond when your child brings conflict home.
You can be a safe, empathetic space for your child when they’re dealing with something tough. “That’s where the gold is,” said Kelly. “They’re trusting you.” If your kids can trust you, that’s how they build courage.
She advises parents to start with validation, like, “That sounds really hard.” From there, ask your child whether they want you to listen or help problem-solve.
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“When parents keep the conversation open, instead of dismissing it, kids learn to effectively navigate conflict, align with their personal values, and treat others the way they want to be treated,” said Kelly.
Celtic came from behind to win at Easter Road, with Kelechi Iheanacho netting a late winner as Alistair Johnston impressed on his return but Sebastian Tounekti struggled before being hooked.
Graeme Young
18:49, 03 May 2026Updated 19:01, 03 May 2026
Martin O’Neill believes a draw between William Hill Premiership title rivals Hearts and Rangers would be the best result for Celtic after they kept themselves firmly in the three-horse race with a “very edgy” 2-1 victory away to 10-man Hibernian.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive goal in the 72nd minute after the Hibees – who had Jamie McGrath sent off in the 20th minute – cancelled out Daizen Maeda’s 41st minute opener when Joe Newell notched in first-half stoppage time.
The Hoops moved level on points with the table-topping Jambos – with an inferior goal difference – and four ahead of third-placed Gers. Those two teams play their game in hand against each other at Tynecastle on Monday evening – and both still have to visit Celtic Park.
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Here is how the Bhoys rated at Hibs:
VILIJAMI SINISALO
Given freedom to operate as a sweeper keeper for most of the match in Leith but was found wanting for the leveller. He misjudged his attempt before Joe Newell’s controversial effort found the back of the net. The Finland international attempted to maintain tempo with the numerical advantage and found himself unexpectedly busy as Hibs mounted late pressure. 6
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON
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A game-changing presence who elevates Celtic whenever he features. His willingness to vary his positioning by drifting wide before surging into central areas proved highly effective. Johnston’s assist for the opening goal capped a tireless display down the right flank. The Canada international deservedly got his rest and his current form is encouraging ahead of the run-in. 8
AUSTON TRUSTY
When the towering American is attempting efforts from distance, you know Celtic are in control. Owen Elding worked hard but found little joy against Trusty and his defensive colleagues. A menace at attacking set pieces, he would have shared the general frustration with the inconsistent quality of delivery on an afternoon when dead-ball situations were plentiful. 6
LIAM SCALES
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He slumped to the turf with relief when the whistle blew and the Irish defender gave everything physically. Scales seemed deliberately quickening his distribution and that matched the away side’s early ambitions. He was required to defend resolutely in the dying moments. 6
KIERAN TIERNEY
While he didn’t match Johnston’s impact on the opposite flank, the Scotland international produced a solid performance without any significant mistakes. Sebastian Tounekti, despite his shortcomings, seems well-suited to playing alongside the 28-year-old on the left side, given his preference for cutting infield. Although Tierney remained relatively quiet for extended periods, apart from delivering a few tidy crosses, he sparked into life during the closing stages. 7
ARNE ENGELS
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The Belgian midfielder’s distribution fell below his usual standards at Easter Road. With the opposition sitting deep with 10 men behind the ball, his energy couldn’t make an impact, and he failed to provide the goalscoring threat that Martin O’Neill believes he’s capable of. His passing was often wayward and his attempts at clever through balls didn’t come off, though he did finish strongly. 6
CALLUM McGREGOR
The captain elevated his performance at Easter Road. He was both composed in possession and aggressive when winning the ball back. McGregor also showed his willingness to make forward runs and get ahead of play, a characteristic that seems to complement Alistair Johnston’s return to the first team. 7
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BENJAMIN NYGREN
While the Swede’s 20-goal haul is clearly impressive, this match offered opportunities to both increase his tally and dominate proceedings. He thrives in the half spaces, yet there were numerous occasions where he hesitated rather than being decisive in crucial moments. Anthony Ralston came on to replace him late in the game. 6
YANG
While not quite the ideal complement to Johnston in the manner Nicolas Kuhn proved to be, the South Korean showed plenty of willingness to exploit space behind a tiring Hibs defence. At 23, he brings natural equilibrium when deployed on the right flank and posed problems in the opening period. However, when that extra touch of class was required, he fell short. Yang continues to be a valuable asset as the season reaches its climax. 6
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DAIZEN MAEDA
An absolute bundle of energy from first whistle to last. If his finishing matched his work rate, his valuation would be through the roof. But there’s little point dwelling on weaknesses – the 28-year-old has rediscovered his form and his presence in attacking areas poses a genuine danger to Premiership opponents. He looked electric playing centrally and virtually unstoppable after switching to the left flank. 8
SEBASTIAN TOUNEKTI
The Tunisia international wasn’t flawless upon his introduction but at least demonstrated ambition. The 23-year-old now seems lacking in self-belief as he opts for the cautious option repeatedly. He was withdrawn for James Forrest after 63 minutes, though his substitution could have arrived much earlier. The player who once seemed guilty of overcomplicating matters has been diminished to a peripheral figure. Concerning for both immediate and future prospects. 5
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LUKE MCCOWAN (Johnston, 64)
The former Dundee man made his presence felt and his incisive distribution pushed Hibs deeper. The former Dundee man displayed composure in the dying moments to help see out the match. 4 JAMES FORREST: (Tounekti, 64): He came on for Tounekti, prompted Yang to switch flanks and offered a reliable outlet down the right during the closing stages. 4
KELECHI IHEANCHO: (Yang, 70)
His finish was ice cool and summed-up his perfect role in this team. A specialist made for the biggest moments. They call it a closer in baseball and that’s what the Nigeria international is. Potentially a season-defining goal. 7
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ANTHONY RALSTON: (Nygren, 77)
Bar a hairy backpass for Sinisalo, the Celtic utility man didn’t put a foot wrong. 4
Calum McFarlane has replaced Liam Rosenior in the dugout and got the club back to winning ways as they knocked Leeds out of the FA Cup last weekend.
But the dismal league run which saw his predecessor relieved of his duties continues to hang over Stamford Bridge, leaving Chelsea in genuine danger of failing to qualify for any European competition next season.
They can be confident of finding a result as they host Vitor Pereira’s Forest, though. While the Midlands club come into this match unbeaten in nine and having won four on the spin, their heads will be elsewhere.
Nottingham Forest face Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final second-leg on Thursday
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The most recent result in that winning run came over Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final first-leg, the reverse fixture of which they will contest on Thursday.
Thus, Pereira will likely select his squad with an eye to keeping his key players – the likes of Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White – fit and fresh for what could prove a defining match in the club’s history.
How to watch Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 2.30pm BST ahead of a 3pm kick-off.
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Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at the ground.
The sign is seen commonly at both underground and overground stations, but its purpose and role on the railway network appears to have left many travellers baffled
The purpose of a small sign that appears prominently beside London Underground and overground railway tracks has seemingly left many puzzled for years. Each one displays a series of numbers and letters alongside a slider, which prompted one person to seek answers online.
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“What’s this for?” they asked in the London Underground community on Reddit alongside a snap taken of one of the signs at a Tube station. The question received responses from several knowledgeable individuals, with one explaining: “Its a Datum Plate, believe they are used for measuring height and track alignment, so it can be checked during engineering works and safety inspections.”
A second person agreed: “This is right on the money. This is the same as the ones on the National Rail network.”
While a third provided additional detail: “Trackmen use it to ensure the track is at the right level to the platform. My understanding is the track and the slider need to be set to level and everything is okay.
“If it’s way off the would be concern the train could collide with platform. My father fitted these many years ago, I remember having a kitchen full of them one upon a time.”
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Then a fourth Reddit user highlighted: “Track datum plate some have red sliders, some are green sliders.
“Red is the current installed position. Green is absolute so basically the designed position.”
On YouTube, railway enthusiast Railway Mayhem suggests datum plates hold the “secret” to keeping the railways running smoothly.
“The coloured block is the key – if they have a red block, it shows where the track was when the plate was first installed, ensuring the train stays at the correct distance from the platform edge,” they explained.
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“But if it is a newer green block, that indicates that the ideal track position according to new modern standards.
“Taking into account the speed limit and the slope and incline of the track, engineers use the information from the plates along with precise surveying tools to make adjustments ensuring the track is perfectly aligned for safe and smooth train travel.”
Elsewhere, the Railway Shop, which sells such plates that are no longer in use, states on its website: “Datum plates are fixed to structures (bridges, platforms and overhead line masts, etc.) that are located near the track.
“The details on the plate specify the relative position of the track from said structure, which can then be monitored for movement.”
Ryanair is closing its seven-aircraft base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, cutting over two million seats a year
Carrington Walker Live News Journalist and Kris Boratyn
18:50, 03 May 2026Updated 18:58, 03 May 2026
Ryanair is poised to reduce flights from several UK airports following confirmation it will close a significant base in Germany.
The airline has revealed it will shut its seven-aircraft operating base at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) from October 24, 2026. As part of this decision, Ryanair confirmed it will slash its flight capacity to and from the German capital by 50% during its winter timetable, reports the Express.
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This means routes between Berlin and UK cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh are anticipated to be impacted. Ryanair presently operates direct flights from those airports to Berlin multiple times weekly, with journeys lasting approximately two hours.
While the airline has not specified which particular UK routes will be axed, it stated its Berlin passenger numbers will drop from 4.5 million to 2.2 million in 2027. The carrier added that over two million Ryanair seats annually will be lost as a consequence of the closure.
Ryanair confirmed it will maintain services to Berlin, but using aircraft stationed outside Germany. All seven Berlin-based aircraft will be relocated to lower-cost airports in other EU nations, including Sweden, Slovakia, Albania and Italy.
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The airline attributed escalating airport charges and aviation taxes in Germany for the move.
Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson said: “We regret to announce this planned closure of our seven aircraft Berlin base from 24 Oct 2026, but we have no alternative following the Airport’s latest 10% fee increase to its already high airport fees.
“This comes on top of the 50% increase in Berlin’s airport fees since 2019. Despite Berlin Airport losing 30% of its pre-Covid traffic thanks to its excessive airport charges, and Germany’s stupid aviation tax regime, they have now decided to increase charges by a further 10%, which will result in the loss of more than 2m Ryanair seats p.a. and seven based aircraft.
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“Ryanair will still serve Berlin but on a/c based outside Germany and our Berlin traffic will fall by 50% from 4.5m to 2.2m pax in 2027.”
He added: “German aviation is broken. The Govt. admits that it is uncompetitive, yet there is no strategy to cut aviation taxes or high airport fees – despite Ryanair warning that Germany would lose traffic, connectivity, jobs and trade.”
Mr Wilson also warned that additional reductions in Germany were “now inevitable” without significant cost reform.
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He went on to say: “Efficient operations and competitive airport fees are the foundation which enable Ryanair to deliver long-term traffic growth and increased connectivity for airports and regions.
“This is impossible at Berlin following the German Govt’s failure to abolish its harmful aviation tax and Berlin Airport’s decision to again increase its already high airport fees.”
Ryanair confirmed that pilots and cabin crew based in Berlin have been informed of the planned base closure. Consultations with staff are set to commence imminently, with those affected being offered the opportunity to apply for alternative positions within the airline’s wider European network.
Nigel was diagnosed with a brain tumour after experiencing slurred speech that led to seizures
A Co Tyrone community are rallying around a father of four who is fighting against a terminal brain tumour.
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Omagh resident Nigel Humphrey, 40, has been unable to carry out everyday tasks, work, or drive since receiving the diagnosis in March 2025.
Initially, it was thought that Nigel was dealing with a low-grade tumour. But on April 14, he received the devastating news that the tumour had progressed further and was now a grade four glioblastoma which has not responded to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The devoted father has been told there are no further treatment options available to him, and he has now been referred to the palliative care team. His family is now raising £110,000 to fund advanced overseas treatment including debulking surgery and personalised immunotherapy, as they fight to give him more time.
Nigel’s sister Amanda told Belfast Live: “We as a family don’t accept that this is the end fo the road and we want to do everything we can to help Nigel. He wants to fight this for his kids. We started researching and looking into different avenues including going abroad for alternative therapies.
“We have had support to help him get his body prepared for these treatments. A specialist in London has started him on new medication, supplements and a specialist diet. He is on a hydration and oxygen inhalation machine which was purchased by a friend of the family.
“We are on a very limited timeframe and we need to get him over to Turkey to start this treatment to help prolong his life. There are travel, accommodation and medical expenses so we are trying to raise as much money as possible because we as a family aren’t capable of affording it all.
“The community has been great, his friends have stepped up and come together. There have been some great prizes put up for raffles by people and we appreciate all of their efforts. All proceeds are going towards Nigel’s treatment and we really appreciate people donating.”
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Amanda said Nigel loved sport and passing his passion onto his children. He previously played for Beragh Swifts and also took pride in his car, which his sister said he spent hours detailing. Nigel has also completed several projects around his house that highlighted his independence.
He is the father of 14-year-old twins Emma and Thomas. Nigel also has two other sons, Scott who is 26, and William, 22. Nigel was working full-time as a welder F and H engineering in Omagh when he was diagnosed.
Amanda added: “Nigel is too good to just give up on, he is independent and tries to do things for himself. He is struggling a bit with his speech at the moment but is determined to keep fighting. Since we set up the GoFundMe campaign he has been so positive to everyone around him.”
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To find out more or to donate to the fund, click here.
A mixture of weather is forecasted by the Met Office for the week ahead
The Met Office has forecasted a mixed bag of weather for the region over the course of this week.
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The “unsettled” pattern will see a dry start to the week with sunny spells predicted for early Monday before a risk of evening showers sets in around evening.
A spokesman from the Met office said Monday would be: “A dry day with good sunny spells and light winds. A few showers arriving from the northwest in the evening. The maximum temperatures will be 15C.”
The mid-week outlook will see a mixture of sunshine and showers on Tuesday and Wednesday, with longer spells of rain possible on Thursday.
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Rounding out the week, Friday and the weekend are expected to again be a mixture of weather, continuing the early week pattern anticipated.
Here’s what the Met Office’s Mark Sidaway had to say: “Bank holiday Monday will remain changeable, with lingering cloud and scattered showers across southern and central areas, but these should be lighter and fewer than over the weekend.”
“Farther north and northeast it will feel fresher and cooler, with a few scattered showers, some possibly wintry over higher ground in the far north east.
“Winds will be mostly light to moderate, though stronger at times in the far northeast, and while temperatures will be close to average for many, it will feel noticeably chillier in northern and north-eastern areas.”
A Cambridgeshire road will be closed for around two months to upgrade water pipes. Anglian Water will begin work on Gadd’s Lane in Wisbech from Tuesday, May 5, running until July.
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During this time, the road will be closed. An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “We’re upgrading older water pipes on Gadd’s Lane from May 5 to reduce bursts, low pressure and interruptions, helping keep your water reliably.
“To do this work safely, Gadd’s Lane will be closed while we install the new pipe.” During the road closure, people who live along the road will still be able to access their properties.
The work will begin near Leverington Common, with access from the Barton Road end. As Anglian Water moves along, access will change to Leverington Common end.
The Anglian Water spokesperson added: “Your water will stay on as normal while we work, and if we ever need to turn it off for a short time, we’ll let you know in advance. We know we’ve been working in Wisbech recently and really appreciate your patience while we carry out this next phase of improvements.”
The challenge will see them tackling the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – covering a distance of about 23 miles, with 3,000 metres of elevation.
Participants aim to complete the challenge in 24 hours.
A 20-strong team, including officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit (DRAP), Durham Special Constabulary, and the force’s Media Team, will begin the challenge on the evening of Thursday, June 18, in Scotland, with the aim of finishing the following evening in Wales.
Police officers and staff preparing to take on the Three Peaks Challenge for charity, next month (Image: Durham Constabulary)
The team is raising money for the baby loss charity, 4Louis, which works to support anyone affected by a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a baby or child.
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The challenge will also raise awareness of the Fatal Four, the four main factors that contribute to deaths on the UK’s roads, which are speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, and use of a mobile phone.
DRAP Sergeant Steve Adey, who is organising the challenge, said: “Many of the officers taking part in this challenge are specialist roads policing officers, who are dedicated to keeping the roads safe for everyone.
“All too often, they have to deal with collisions which involve one or more of the fatal four and must deliver the horrendous news to a family that their loved one has been seriously hurt, or worse, killed.
“Sadly, a number of these involve children, who are one of the most vulnerable road users.
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“Six children are killed or seriously hurt on the UK’s roads every day, which is the equivalent of a whole class of children every week.
“These figures are utterly heartbreaking and completely unacceptable.
“Through this challenge, we hope to raise awareness of the fatal four and the devastation they can cause, while also raising funds for 4Louis, to provide much-needed support to anyone affected by child loss.”
The charity is particularly close to Sgt Adey’s heart after his daughter, Primrose, died tragically only a week before her second birthday, in 2019.
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All money raised from the challenge will go towards 4Louis’ vital work within the North East, supporting bereaved parents and those who have been affected by child loss.
The charity provides memory boxes, cold cots that allow families precious time with their baby, bereavement training for healthcare professionals, and support resources during and after loss.
Paula Parnaby, of 4Louis, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support from Durham Constabulary as they take on this tough and meaningful challenge.
“Having met the team, I’ve seen their determination first-hand, and I have every confidence they’ll rise to the challenge.
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“Police officers often face one of the most heartbreaking duties imaginable, telling a family they’ve lost a loved one, sometimes a child.
“This is where we can work closely with the police, to ensure bereaved families are not left to face their grief alone.
“Every pound raised through this challenge will help us continue providing vital support to families coping with the devastating loss of a baby or child.
“Together, we can make sure they receive the care and compassion they need when it matters most.”
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The team are being supported by Workwear Express, who have provided clothing and rucksacks for the challenge, as well as the Police Federation and Durham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Joy Allen.
PCC Allen said: “This is an adventure with purpose, and I am full of admiration for the officers and staff who will be testing their endurance to the limits with this charity climb.
“With over 3,000 metres of climbing involved it isn’t going to be easy but with every step they take, these brave officers and staff will know their efforts are making a vital difference for two amazing causes.
Bruno Fernandes spoke about his future at Manchester United as the club prepare for a busy summer transfer window
Manchester United are bracing themselves for another major summer of change atOld Trafford. The club have endured a tumultuous campaign due to a poor spell under previous head coach Ruben Amorim.
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Their form has improved, though, since the interim appointment of Michael Carrick. A decision regarding the club’s next permanent manager will sit at the top of the agenda ahead of the summer, while the transfer window will provide the chance to inject additional quality into the squad.
Meanwhile, club captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes has spoken openly about his own future at Old Trafford amid reports he could seek new challenges next season.
Here, the Manchester Evening News examines the latest United headlines.
Bruno Fernandes has delivered his clearest signal yet that his future lies at Old Trafford. Last summer, the 31-year-old was linked with a move to Al-Hilal, with the Saudi Pro League outfit reported to have been willing to pay an eye-watering £200 million to land his signature.
Yet, the United captain rejected the approach and has since delivered what is widely seen as his best season since arriving at the club in 2020. Fernandes has now reaffirmed his commitment to the club, insisting no other team on the planet shares the same special connection he has with United.
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“It’s not a question of loyalty,” Fernandes told Gary Neville on Sky Sports. “I could have gone two years ago, I could have gone three years ago, I could have gone last season, but I really like to be here.
“I think that being successful at this club is something that I can never get at another club. The joy and everything I get, the day I get what I want from this club, I don’t think I will get that from any other club in the world.
“I know how much the fans want this, I know how passionate they are. I know how much they are waiting for the club to come back again. I’m on the same ship as them. I want this ship; instead of being steady, I want it to go forward and to navigate as much as we can.
“Yeah, I won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup [but] what this club wants, what these fans want and what I want, myself and the team, we haven’t got that yet. Until my contract expires, I’m going to try.”
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Barcelona drop out of transfer race
Reports emerging from Spain have indicated Barcelona have withdrawn from their pursuit of young Ajax winger Mika Godts. The 20-year-old Belgian has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Dutch side this season, chalking up 17 goals and 11 assists so far, sparking interest from leading clubs throughout Europe.
United are amongst those to have been linked with acquiring his services, alongside the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. But Spanish publication Marca has now claimed the La Liga giants will not be moving forward with a deal for the youngster, with the club reportedly eager to secure someone ‘with much more experience’.
The Catalan club have had United forward Marcus Rashford on loan this season, with the England international himself recording a notable 13 goals and 14 assists and often filling in on the left wing.
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Barcelona have an arrangement in place that would enable them to convert his loan spell into a permanent transfer for a fee of £26 million, though there remain doubts over whether they will trigger that clause before the summer window.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
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