Advertise on podcast: Manx Newscast

After storms saw one of Port Erin's beach huts taking a swim in the bay, owner Kathryn Hodgson spoke to Sam Turton about the impact the storms had on her business, the way people and businesses rallied to help and her plans for the future.

Street cleaning, waste collections and budgets are just some of the issues prospective Garff commissioners will have to manage. The local authority is having a by-election to fill in the empty seat on its Laxey Ward which is vacant following Richard Henthorn's election to the House of Keys. Nomination papers must be returned by 4 November - if more than one person stands polling will take place on 3 December. Administration Officer Kezia Sproule-Craine says becoming a commissioner gives people the chance to do something positive for the community. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

Victim Support says it will continue to provide help and guidance to the family of a murdered teenager. The charity has been working closely with the loved ones of 14-year-old Christopher McBurnie. The Castletown boy died in Ramsey on 29 May last year after being stabbed. On 23 October a 16-year-old boy was found guilty of his murder following a four-week trial at Douglas Courthouse. Lorna Trevethan is the chief executive of the charity which has been supporting the family since June 2025; she's been speaking to News Editor Tessa Hawley:

Douglas Council says it wants to encourage residents from all backgrounds to stand in the upcoming by-election. It has one available seat in its South Ward following the departure of Karel Ver Elst and nominations open on Wednesday 28 October. Forms are available at the city hall or on the council's website and must be returned by 1pm on 4 November. Leader Devon Watson says there are a number of roles available to the successful candidate covering housing, the environment and regeneration. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

Douglas Council says it has introduced 'anti-fragile' systems to help it manage consequences of severe storms. The local authority is urging residents to 'take precautions' to protect their property including securing loose outdoor items including bins and trampolines. An amber weather warning has been issued by Ronaldsway Met Office due to Storm Boe which could see gusts of up to 70mph. Leader Devon Watson says the council has a 'healthy' amount in its reserves to support the council's operations after storms. Our Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

A campaigner who threatened to take legal action against the Isle of Man Government should the Assisted Dying Bill get Royal Assent says he's 'considering his options'. Graham McAll is from Manx Duty of Care, a campaign group which is against Assisted Dying. He's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:

Ramsey Commissioners says prospective by-election candidates must 'care' about the town and improving it for the better. The local authority has three vacant seats - one after Juan McGuinness was voted into the House of Keys and two due to resignations earlier this year. It's also planning to hold a drop-in session for residents interested in joining the board. Chair Sandra Cottam-Shea says potential new members can expect to be managing street lights, residents queries, social housing and the town's parks. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

Douglas Council and Dublin Council have signed a 'friendship agreement' with the hopes of promoting a 'closer co-operation' between the two cities. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Darryl Barron and Mayor of Douglas Steven Crellin signed the agreement at a ceremony this afternoon (20 October). The local authority believes it will help strengthen links for young people, businesses and community organisations on both Islands. Councillor Crellin says it will promote stronger links between both capitals across areas including culture, language and transport. It's also hoped that the councils can share UNESCO Biosphere resources and work towards improved tourism strategies. Councillor Barron added that both cities can 'learn a lot from each other' and believes the new agreement will support the shared Celtic cultural heritage of both Dublin and Douglas. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them.

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.