Belfast and Northern Ireland News

Keep up to date with the latest news and sports articles for Belfast and Northern Ireland. You will also find links on the left that will direct you to local and national newspaper websites and publications.

Latest News... (Source: BBC News)

DUP's Edwin Poots wants to stand in South Down in assembly poll
The former DUP leader wants to leave Lagan Valley and stand in South Down, the BBC learns.
Daisy Hill Hospital is forced to halt emergency surgery
Daisy Hill Hospital managers say it is an "interim" measure due to ongoing recruitment challenges.
Sinéad McLaughlin's office evacuated after 'bomb threat'
Police went to the office of Sinéad McLaughlin, but later confirmed "nothing untoward" was found.
Covid-19: Hotel operators to receive financial support
Almost 2,000 businesses have already received a one-off Stormont grant, but hotels were not included.
Carlow: Man charged after dead body brought to post office
Irish police investigated claims the man was brought to the building to collect his pension money.
Brexit: Liz Truss says protocol deal must work for everyone
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was speaking in Belfast after a series of meetings to discuss the protocol.
Grenfell Tower fire: Ulster Rugby 'should remember victims' anguish'
The fire victims' families call for rugby bosses to ditch insulation firm Kingspan as a sponsor.
Hymenoplasty to be banned in Northern Ireland
The surgery attempts to recreate a woman's hymen, which in some cultures is linked to virginity.
Northern Ireland infrastructure upgrade cost to rise significantly
Northern Ireland needs investment in roads, schools, hospitals and housing says executive.
Carrickfergus: Man dies in workplace accident on Knockagh Road
John Traynor, who worked for a drainage company, was fatally injured on Knockagh Road.
Taylor to defend title against Serrano
Ireland's Katie Taylor is to defend her undisputed world lightweight title against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden on 30 April.
Drug and alcohol harms 'significant and growing', says Stormont report
Addiction services report highlights an increase in drug-related deaths in NI over the past decade.
Northern Ireland students: Third got top degree grade in 2021
The number of students getting a first class degree has risen by about 50% since 2016/17.
Gas prices: Regulator warns of 30% increase
Escalating tensions in eastern Europe involving Russia mean further hikes are likely this year.
Sex education in schools 'inadequate', says commissioner
Koulla Yiasouma says Relationship and Sex Education needs a set curriculum like other subjects.
Covid-19: NI records six deaths and 387 hospital cases
The total number of deaths linked to the virus reported by the Department of Health is 3,092.
Covid-19: Vaccine passports scrapped as rules ease
People no longer need show proof of Covid status for bars, restaurants and cinemas.
Covid-19: Schools get updated guidance on testing
Principals should ask all pupils in a class where there is an outbreak to take a lateral flow test.
Covid-19: 'Still very much in the middle of the pandemic'
As restrictions are being eased, a health boss says the impact of Covid will be felt for a long time.
Covid-19: Stormont to consider hotel support plans
A fund to help hospitality businesses opened last week but hotel operators were not included.
Covid-19: Gear-shift in pandemic amid Omicron surge in NI
Confirmed cases of the virus remain relatively steady, but hospital numbers are slowly falling.
Covid-19: Swann hopeful for 'beginning of the end' of pandemic
Rules on self-isolation and table service in Northern Ireland have been relaxed.
Latest Northern Ireland weather forecast
The weather forecast in Northern Ireland.
Golf landmark as first woman set to be Northern Ireland club captain
Alison Chestnutt will become the first woman to lead both the male and female members of an NI club.
MoT: Drivers in NI face penalty as test centres tackle backlog
Some people are unable to get an MoT appointment but a valid certificate is needed for vehicle tax.
Newry regeneration scheme a bridge too far?
The investment promises a new theatre, civic centre, park and bypass - but some are unconvinced.
The controversial Irish force sent to police Palestine
The disbandment of the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1922 led hundreds of ex-members to go overseas.
Bloody Sunday brought to the stage in playwright's final work
BBC News looks at the final work of a playwright retelling the events of 30 January 1972.
'This isn't a price blip but a resettling of the market' - Utility Regulator
The Utility Regulator warns that households and businesses will face gas price hikes of at least 30%.
Covid-19: 'This has been the worst it has been'
About one in three shifts in some wards at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital were understaffed.
Doug Beattie: 'UUP can't be collateral damage over my mistakes'
Doug Beattie apologises for "serious mistakes" and denies that he is a racist or a misogynist.
Londonderry: Memorial service for RUC officers killed by IRA
RUC officers David Montgomery and Peter Gilgunn were killed in an IRA gun attack in Derry on 27 January 1972
Derek Hussey: Ulster Unionist councillor suspended after candidate row
Derek Hussey accused Doug Beattie of being "dictatorial" in selecting Ian Marshall last year.
Bloody Sunday: SDLP say Army 'should apologise' for soldiers' actions
Colum Eastwood makes the call ahead of the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday this weekend.
Bloody Sunday: Parachute Regiment flags near Derry 'unacceptable'
Unionists say the flags, put up ahead of the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, should be taken down.
Londonderry: Stormont approves £15m funding for Ebrington hotel
Work on a 152-bed hotel at a former military barracks in Londonderry is due to be completed next year.
Russian military exercise off Irish coast a 'threat to whales'
Irish minister writes to Russian ambassador saying it could have "devastating consequences".
Farmers in Cavan and Monaghan protest over Lidl chicken promotion
The protest outside Lidl supermarkets in Cavan and Monaghan is over a promotion on large chickens.
Fishermen plan to disrupt Russian military exercise off Irish coast
Russia's Ambassador to Ireland says no harm is intended by the exercise scheduled for February.
Lisa Smith 'enveloped herself in the black flag' of Islamic State
Lisa Smith pleads not guilty to charges of membership of the organisation and providing it funds.
Ireland tells Russia live-fire naval exercise is 'not welcome'
Ireland's defence minister says Russian tests off the coast are unwanted, but cannot be stopped.

Latest Sports News... (Source: BBC News)

Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano: Lightweight title fight to headline Madison Square Garden on 30 April
Ireland's Katie Taylor is to defend her undisputed world lightweight title against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden on 30 April.
Allianz Football League: Inter-county game's best competition set for full throttle return
The Football League's fixture schedulers could scarcely have come up with a more alluring opening weekend of games from an Ulster point of view.
Grenfell Tower fire: Ulster Rugby 'should remember victims' anguish'
The fire victims' families call for rugby bosses to ditch insulation firm Kingspan as a sponsor.
Six Nations: Ex-Ireland stars Rory Best & Tommy Bowe call on Andy Farrell to be brave in selection
In-form players with limited international experience should be trusted to start in big games as Ireland seek to build depth, says Rory Best.
United Rugby Championship: Ulster v Scarlets (Fri)
Rob Lyttle will make his 50th Ulster appearance against Scarlets on Friday night as the United Rugby Championship returns.
Irish FA five-year plan: Governing body set to announce 'international class' training centre
Irish FA president Conrad Kirkwood is confident the governing body will unveil plans for an "international class" training centre later in 2022.
BBC Sport NI to stream live GAA league games for the first time
Matches in this season's GAA football and hurling leagues will be streamed for the first time on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport NI website.
Six Nations: Ireland to 'push the boundaries' as Andy Farrell eyes further improvements
Andy Farrell calls on his Ireland side to push the boundaries as they go into this year's Six Nations in good form following eight straight wins.
Irish Premiership: Ballymena must use Reds test to atone for 'inexplicable' display at Carrick - Jeffrey
Ballymena United must use Friday's game with Cliftonville as a chance to atone for Tuesday's "inexplicable" display at Carrick, says boss David Jeffrey.
Irish Cup: Championship club Dundela expelled for fielding an ineligible player
Dundela are thrown out of the Irish Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round win over Ards, who will now take their place subject to an appeal.
Glentoran striker Andrew Mitchell joins Coleraine on loan before permanent move in the summer
Glentoran striker Andrew Mitchell joins Coleraine on loan until the end of the season, at which point he will sign a three-year deal with the Bannsiders.
Ulster v Scarlets: Dan McFarland looking forward to Dwayne Peel reunion
Ulster coach Dan McFarland says he is looking forward to pitting his wits against his former assistant Dwayne Peel in Friday's URC game against Scarlets.
Jonathan Rea upbeat about 2022 prospects after winning award for record ninth time
Jonathan Rea says he is "so motivated" for the 2022 World Superbike season after winning the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year award for a record ninth time.
Golf landmark as first woman set to be Northern Ireland club captain
Alison Chestnutt will become the first woman to lead both the male and female members of an NI club.

National News Headlines

Sue Gray's No 10 parties report will be published in full, says Boris Johnson
But Boris Johnson says he does not know when the findings of Sue Gray's inquiry will come out.
UK warned to bolster defences against cyber attacks as Russia threatens Ukraine
The National Cyber Security Centre fears threats linked to the potential conflict in Ukraine could move beyond its borders.
Covid in Wales: Nightclubs to reopen as Omicron rules scrapped
Social distancing measure lifted and rule of six in pubs dropped as restrictions ease in Wales.
Scotland relaxes rules on distancing and masks
The easing of restrictions comes as the Omicron variant wave continues to decline in Scotland.
Millions yet to file tax return as scammers circle
HMRC says 3.5 million people are still to file, but it will not fine those who are up to a month late.
Covid: Scientists warn over 'reckless' lack of vaccines for poorer countries
Hundreds of scientists have asked the prime minister for fair sharing of jabs around the world.
Liz Truss defends using government plane for Australia trip
The foreign secretary insisted all government decisions - including travel - are "based on value for money".
Man drove without licence for more than 70 years
The man, in his 80s, tells police he has been driving with no licence or insurance since he was 12.
Barry Cryer: Tributes paid to veteran comedian and writer
John Cleese, Esther Rantzen and Stephen Fry are among the stars to have paid tribute to the comedian.
Kwarteng: No U-turn on National Insurance tax rise
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng says a National Insurance rise to fund the NHS will go ahead.
Holocaust Memorial Day: Portraits of last remaining UK survivors unveiled
As buildings are lit to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, paintings commissioned in tribute are revealed.
Texas synagogue siege: Man held in Manchester released without charge
One of two men arrested in Manchester is released with no further action, police say,

Source: BBC News

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