Manx Newscast

Arbory and Rushen Commissioners say there are 'so many opportunities' available to people who stand to join the board in an upcoming by-election.

There's one seat available after Kirrie Jenkins was voted into the House of Keys in September's General Election.

The local authority is inviting prospective candidates to a public meeting, at 7pm tonight (21 October) at Halley McLiag in Ballabeg, to learn more about what it does.

Commissioner Jane Glover says 'people skills', and the ability to work with numbers, are important qualities.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

The head of an Isle of Man company that provides cyber security services is urging Manx businesses to check whether their website uses the programming language PHP.

It comes after a flaw was discovered in the language, which is estimated to be used by 60 to 70 percent of websites.

Chief Executive of the Manx Technology Group Joe Hughes says those who aren't sure whether they're affected or not should contact their hosting company, web developer and IT provider.

He tells Sian Cowper more about the issue, and what those who have websites need to do:

A parent group on the Isle of Man calling for others to delay giving their children smartphones says its numbers are growing rapidly.

What started out as a Facebook group known as 'Delay Smartphones - IOM' has now joined forces with a UK movement known as Smartphone Free Childhood.

It asks parents to sign a pact; to not give their child a smartphone until the age of 14, and social media until they're 16.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to John Bolton of Smartphone Free Childhood Isle of Man.

Lewis Foster speaks to assisted dying campaigner Sue Biggerstaff following confirmation that the Isle of Man's assisted dying act has received royal assent.

The mover of the Island's assisted dying act admits it's a relief to know the legislation has been granted royal assent.

Former Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson has welcomed today's announcement in Tynwald, confirming the proposals have now become law.

Dr Allinson had to make a number of changes after the UK's Ministry of Justice originally said it couldn't recommend the bill for royal assent.

He's been speaking to Sian Cowper:

The Chair of Castletown Commissioners says having 'good links' with the new Council of Ministers is important to support the town's future.

Tony Brown, a former chief minister, believes the new government shouldn't be spending 'too much' money and time on a new rates system and should instead find other ways to help.

Ard-Shirveishagh Chris Thomas appointed his new ministers with Infrastructure, which has responsibility for local authorities, going to Jason Moorhouse MHK.

Mr Brown says there needs to be a 'better understanding' within government about how local authorities work.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

Manx Radio's political correspondent Phil Gawne reacts to the appointment of Chris Thomas' first Council of Ministers.

Ard-Shirveishagh (Chief Minister) Chris Thomas joins Lewis Foster and Sam Turton live on the Home Run to discuss the formation of his first Council of Ministers.

Women on the Isle of Man are being urged to continue the conversation around menopause.

Sunday (18 October) marks World Menopause Day.

The International Menopause Society founded the awareness day in 2009; this year’s theme is ‘chronic pain’ - something often experienced during, and after, the menopause transition.

Nutritionist Angela Clucas runs Next Level Nutrition and says she helps many Island women struggling with the symptoms and side-effects.

She's been speaking to Christy De Haven:

A visit to the Isle of Man by the famous author Agatha Christie has inspired a new Radio 4 drama which will be broadcast today (15 October).

In 1930, four years before 'Murder on the Orient Express', she was commissioned to write a mystery story that contained clues to a real-life treasure hunt.

In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Manx artist Michael Starkey about his own connection to the resulting short-story 'Manx Gold'.