Manx Newscast

The annual Le Dans cycling challenge takes place in Jurby this weekend and entries have been extended until 9pm on Thursday evening. (31 July)

Over 24 hours, participants will put their stamina to the test around Jurby Race Circuit - all in aid of the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund.

This year marks seven years since the Island lost Dan Kneen - a popular TT rider - during a qualifying session for the 2018 races.

Dan's partner Leanne Harper has been speaking to Lewis Foster about this weekend's event.

The Island has been chosen to spearhead an initiative to assess the health of the seas.

The Big Blue Bag test involves people using the equipment inside the bags to collect data on things like microplastic pollution and coastal debris.

Television presenter Monty Halls has been telling John Moss more:

When news reached the Manx community that a visiting Chihuahua called Suzie had gone missing, there were immediately countless of offers from people to help with the search.

One of those was Karen Quayle, who previously helped to organise the search for missing pooch Elvis - he was fortunately found safe and well too.

Here Karen talks to Beth Espey about what it was like when Suzie was found, and gives some advice about what to do if your pet does go walk about.

She also tells us about how they're fundraising for a thermal drone which will help with any future searches.

You can find out more about that here.

The chair of the Northern Chamber of Commerce says it's using reviews of UK town centres to support the creation of a 'masterplan' for Ramsey. 

Keith Dalrymple and Secretary Emma Honey believe that the plan will inform decision-making going forward and hope that it will help the town to grow and encourage future investment. 

Meanwhile the Clerk at Ramsey Commissioners Derek Flint says the consultation will provide the local authority with information about which areas need improvements and refurbishment. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Mr Flint, but first we'll hear from Mr Dalrymple and Ms Honey.

An Irish vlogger says there's a lot of interest from his followers to see the campsites on the Isle of Man. 

Aaron Burchael - alongside his cocker spaniel Charlie - is on the Island reviewing some of the facilities on offer here for tourists and locals. 

The president of the Southern District Agricultural Show has credited the team involved with setting up the annual event.

The show returns to Orrisdale Farm near Ballasalla this weekend - there will be a number of traffic restrictions in the area.

Handball Isle of Man is sending a "futures" squad to Germany for a training camp. 

Travelling to the city of Ochtrup are young players who are new to the team in the past 18 months and it's hoped the trip will help 'culturally immerse' them into the sport. 

The chairman is Mick Hegarty.

The Great Laxey Mines Railway celebrated 21 years since its restoration on Saturday, 19 July. 

In 1929 the mines closed but in 2004 it reopened as an attraction to show people its history.

The actual anniversary will take place in October 2025, however the organisers wanted to honour the renovations in the summer to ensure as many people as possible could make it. 

Volunteer at the railway Joe Rock told Simon Clarke how the trains evolved over two centuries ago.

Last month we heard about a growing movement on the Isle of Man of parents who want to delay giving their children smartphones - concerned about the impact it's having on their social skills and mental health.

Their campaign has been emboldened by the introduction, over the past academic year, of a new policy from the education department which says smart devices shouldn't be used on school premises.

On what marks the first week of the school summer holidays, Lewis Foster has been speaking to Education Minister Daphne Caine and Charlie Gregory - a newly-graduated sixth-form student - about how the policy has been received.

The Treasury Minister says his department is looking to see how it can support those earning very small amounts of money through self-employment to increase wages and the ability to earn more to support their families. 

Last week, Alex Allinson withdrew proposals around the Employed Persons Allowance in Tynwald following concerns the move would disproportionately affect women and single parents, and could force those who work part-time to quit work altogether.