Manx Newscast

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and breast cancer charities are warning that an increasing number of women aren't regularly checking themselves for signs of cancer.

New research suggests that 45-percent of women don't examine themselves for signs and symptoms of the disease. That's up 4-percent from 2022.

Meanwhile, a study out of Sweden found that women who miss their first breast cancer screening appointment have a 40-percent higher risk of dying from the disease in their lifetime.

So, what's the message to women here on the Island? Siobhán Fletcher spoke to Chair of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, Julie Stokes.

The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool is to be upgraded in the coming weeks to rectify a problem identified during berthing trials last year.

In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood.

A newly launched political party, Isle of Man First, has set out a wide-ranging manifesto ahead of the next general election.

The party, which describes itself as focused on "putting Manx residents first", has pledged reforms across health, education, housing, tax, and government efficiency.

Among its key proposals are raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000 within its first 100 days, with an ambition of increasing that figure to £50,000.

Party Founder Mitch Sorbie sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.

As government plans to increase the Island's minimum wage, one political party argues it's not going far enough.

Liberal Vannin Chair, Paul Weatherall, told Amy Griffiths it should be in line with the living wage:

The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce says a sharp rise in the minimum wage could put small firms under "unbearable" strain.

A 9.9 percent increase is set to be presented to Tynwald despite inflation being at just 3.3 percent.

A Chamber survey found nearly half of businesses fear a significant impact.

Chief Executive Rebecca George told Manx Radio's Christian Jones this could mean higher prices, fewer jobs, and stalled growth.

Alex Allinson has confirmed there are no plans to increase the retirement age on the Isle of Man.

It's after an economist suggested the age be raised to 72 or 73.

Dr Allinson spoke to Sian Cowper.

Local businesses are being invited to attend a special event at the Comis Hotel next week.

On Monday (29 September) an 'Ex-Military Talent in the Workplace Business Leader Forum' will be held from 8:30am to 11am.

Defence Relationship Manager Jan Cox told Siobhán Fletcher more.

Middle MHK Stu Peters will bring a motion to Tynwald later this year, calling for the public to have their say about the future of the Isle of Man Government's net zero policies.

He's been talking to Beth Espey to explain more.

After a UK national newspaper labelled the Isle of Man a 'hotbed for organised crime', Lewis Foster speaks to Detective Inspector Jamie Tomlinson from the Isle of Man Constabulary's Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

The Oxford English Dictionary has included Manx words as part of its September update.

The three selected are examples of 'loan words' - meaning they are Manx Gaelic words we'd use whilst speaking so-called 'Manx English'.

They are: 

Chiollagh  - which means a tall, wide fireplace with an open hearth, of the type found in traditional Manx buildings.

Thie veg- which is a toilet or lavatory, especially one which is external to a main building.  

And cooish - which means a friendly conversation or chat.

It's not the first time words originating from the Isle of Man have featured, as Lewis Foster found out when he spoke to the OED's World English Editor, Danica Salazar.