Local News
Sick pay rule changes from April 2026 as workers get new rights
A number of big new employment laws are coming in - full list
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Byker Grove star among those honoured with new plaques celebrating Tyneside heritage
The three new blue plaques are to be raised in 2026 celebrate people and places that make South Tyneside a special place
'Crack den' bus station in Northumberland town to be transformed with £1.8m funding
Alnwick residents have long called out for improvements to the bus station
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UK drivers risk losing licence for committing new offence under new plans
People who repeatedly break the law with this particular offence will see points added to their licence and risk losing it for good
Convicted sex offender burgled homes while 'struggling to adjust' to life outside jail
Connor Bradley, 32, was jailed for two years after committing two burglaries in County Durham
Gateshead refugee slams 'inhumane' migration rule changes at Westminster protest
Refugees and people seeking asylum in the North East joined a protest at Parliament on Wednesday over Shabana Mahmood's plans to extent the waiting time for permanent settled status
Teenage community captain honoured by Sunderland legend Kevin Ball for inspiring progress
Bobby Byers, 18, was honoured for his inspiring progress since joining the Premier League Kicks sessions after a difficult time in his personal life
North East bowls club 'flying the flag for the north' awarded for making sport for everyone
North East Bowls club 'Flying the flag for the north' awarded for making bowls the sport for everyone
Armed police called to Newcastle park in major emergency response to incident
A patient has been taken to hospital as a huge emergency response descended on Leazes Park on Friday evening
List of 48 health conditions most likely to get State Pensioners extra DWP boost
Pensioners are being urged to check if they are eligible for more financial support from the Government due to any medical conditions
UK Foreign Office latest warnings for anyone travelling to these six countries
Here are full details of the latest warnings issued for travellers as the Middle East crisis continues, with one alert for anyone who uses social media
North East riverside pub appeals council refusal of giant mural
The Boat Club in Durham City is fighting to keep a giant mural featuring Durham Cathedral and a Guinness toucan after the council refused planning permission
Greggs profits affected by weight loss jabs but Newcastle still sees huge queues every day
Shares in the baked goods giant fell by as much as 6% but locals in Newcastle feel Greggs will continue to thrive
Exact amount Child Benefit will go up by as HMRC confirms new rates from April
If you have any children, you will be due a 3.8% payment rise in April 2026 - here's how much more money you will get
How former Northumberland fishing dock will be transformed into new housing development
The fishing dock dates back to 1900 and was used as a search and rescue base by the RAF during the Second World War.
UK passport holders risk £125 charge on holiday as travellers issued warning
Officials have offered advice for holidaymakers who may find themselves in a stressful situation with regards to their passport
NHS doctor's warning for going to the toilet too often with two-hour rule explained
A doctor has warned that going to the toilet too often can 'rewire' your brain and lead to incontinence
DWP urged to review Universal Credit claims for people 'parked on benefits'
Universal Credit mental health claims have surged to 1.3 million as total sickness benefits hit 3.1 million, prompting calls for welfare reform
Full list of 40 Santander banks closing in April and May including North East sites
Over the next two months, a number of Santander branches are set to shut, including one in Northumberland and another in County Durham
Meet the gardener whose family have more than 100 years' service at a Northumberland hall
Andrew Jameson has worked at Howick Hall for 36 years, while his dad and brother have also clocked up 40 years maintaining the gardens and forests of the ancestral home of Earl Grey