Manx Newscast

We're being urged to stay alert to signs of domestic abuse and elder abuse during the festive season.

The Department of Home Affairs and Victim Support Isle of Man say friends, family and communities can play a crucial role in reducing isolation and supporting vulnerable individuals over the Christmas period.

The pressures of the season - be it through financial stress, increased alcohol consumption or family tensions - can increase the risk of harm in abusive situations.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lorna Trevethan, CEO of Victim Support, explains what to look out for.

The treasury minister has responded to newly published national income figures showing the Isle of Man’s economy has contracted in real terms for a second consecutive year, warning against relying on GDP alone as a measure of economic health.

The comments from Alex Allinson come after the latest National Income Report showed inflation-adjusted Gross Domestic Product had fallen for two successive years, highlighting a prolonged economic slump.

In October, Dr Allinson had said there was “no evidence” the Island was in recession.

The new figures were released in the same week that Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said he was working with Treasury and the Department for Enterprise to restore confidence in the economy, suggesting concerns were based "more on sentiment than evidence".

A former MHK has described Tynwald's decision to reject a referendum on net zero as a "hit-job by the establishment".

Paul Quine was the first political member to suggest asking the Manx public directly about the Island's climate direction.

Earlier this month, Tynwald voted against holding a referendum alongside the general election.

Mr Quine sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.

A man from Kirk Michael attempting 31 marathons in 31 days says he's 'grateful' to have passed the halfway mark.

Albert Johnson has now completed 17 marathons as part of his daily challenge throughout December.

He's taking it on in memory of his friend of Graham Brew and in aid of the charity Autism Initiatives which provides help, support and care to Isle of Man residents..

So far he's raised more than £2,600.

You can find a link to his JustGiving page HERE.

Speaking to Manx Radio's Lewis Foster, Albert says he's faced some challenges along the way (weather, chafing etc), but has still managed to achieve some impressive times.

Public Health Isle of Man says flu-like illnesses are increasing in the community.

The body's latest weekly surveillance report has highlighted a rise in cases, based on GP consultations.

In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Dr Ross Keat, a consultant with Public Health Isle of Man.

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It's hoped a new online Disability Awareness Training package, put together for a Manx charity, will lead other organisations to expand their knowledge on the subject.

Thought to be a first for the Island, the course has been put together for Sailing for the Disabled by the training service Disability Awareness alongside Governance People Limited, which provided its services free of charge.

Manx Radio has been speaking with Sailing for the Disabled CEO Carole Quayle, Andy Hodkin from Disability Awareness and Governance People Limited's Leslie Foster and Robert Duncan.

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It's been 10 months since Crogga's licence to extract gas from an area off the Island's coast expired.

And now, a bid in Tynwald for government to invite applications for a fresh hydrocarbons exploration has been squashed by the Island's lawmakers.

In the sitting of parliament this week, Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas called for a report with recommendations for debate and decision to be brought back by July next year.

But he didn't get the backing of the court - as Siobhán Fletcher reports.

A man in Kirk Michael is attempting to complete a mammoth 31 marathons in 31 days.

Every day this month Albert Johnson is pounding the pavements as part of efforts to raise money in memory of his friend Graham Brew, who took his own life several years ago.

So far more than £1600 has been contributed towards his fundraiser for Autism Initiatives UK.

Manx Radio's Lewis Foster has been catching up with Albert this afternoon, after he completed marathon number 11.

Former insurance underwriter, Malcolm Lambert tells Simon Richardson why he believes many homeowners are unwittingly under insuring their properties.

A red weather warning for coastal overtopping comes into force from 1pm, resulting in the closure of Shore Road, Castletown Promenade, Ramsey Promenade, Tent Road in Laxey and the section between Summerhill Road to Port Jack in Douglas from lunch time.

Kirsty Wilding says while the worst of the rain has now passed, peak winds in the early to middle of the afternoon could reach storm force.