Kyle Frazer

Crawfordsburn Parkrun in County Down has marked its 250th event after restarting with renewed enthusiasm following the COVID-19 restrictions. Organisers and volunteers describe the scenic, hilly single-lap course as an inclusive community event where runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome. Participants say the event has improved their physical and mental health, while Run Director Donald Smith highlights the importance of volunteers. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, who was the first Run Director in 2020, also praised the course, volunteers and Crawfordsburn Country Park staff.

Two people were rescued by the RNLI after their yacht ran aground on rocks at Rock Angus near Strangford Lough. Four Portaferry crew members responded to a mayday alert raised with Belfast Coastguard and brought both passengers safely to Portaferry Marina without injuries. RNLI volunteer Oliver Rogers stressed the unpredictable waters in the area and advised boaters to check weather and tides, wear suitable flotation devices and carry a means of calling for help.

An overnight fire at a connecting property on Rosetta Road in south Belfast substantially damaged three businesses, including The Mane Crew barber shop. Owner Mark Moffett said the shop had suffered mainly water damage and that the disruption was devastating for his business and staff. Firefighters attended shortly after midnight, used breathing apparatus and hose reels to extinguish the blaze, and left the scene with the PSNI by 1:55am. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said the cause was believed to be accidental ignition.

Ards Radio, formerly Big Hits Radio UK, is rebranding after nine years to strengthen its identity as a station serving the County Down community. Led by Paul Boyd and managed by Martin McAlinney, the volunteer-run station aims to provide local connection, entertainment and opportunities for people with disabilities in broadcasting. The station is also working with the local Chamber of Commerce to promote businesses, while its presenters emphasize community participation and genuine local engagement over audience growth and commercial scale.

Ards and North Down Women’s Aid has been named the official charity partner of the Seaton Classic 10k, organised by North Down Athletic Club and scheduled for September 26. More than 1,500 runners are expected to take part, with donations staying in the local area to support women, children and young people affected by domestic and sexual abuse. The charity hopes the fundraising will help establish a second emergency accommodation centre, as its existing refuge is consistently full, and is also seeking more volunteers.

Green Party councillor Lauren Kendall has exceeded her fundraising goal after shaving her hair to support the Little Princess Trust following her breast cancer diagnosis, raising enough to fund at least three wigs for young chemotherapy patients. She described the emotional impact of hair loss during treatment and expressed gratitude for public support. The charity praised her efforts, while fellow councillors and community members offered additional support.

Police confirmed that a 43-year-old woman found unresponsive in a Bangor property later died in hospital. A 54-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation has been released on bail as enquiries continue, with a post-mortem examination pending and officers appealing for potential witnesses or footage from the area.

A West Belfast trainer, Seán Hitch, is launching free evening gym sessions for boys aged 13 to 18 in response to rising youth anti‑social behaviour in the Stewartstown Road area. Hitch, who co‑owns Real Life Gym with his wife Zoe, aims to provide a safe, structured environment where young people can build confidence and avoid harmful influences. He hopes the initiative will divert even a single young person from negative paths and calls on the community to identify youths who might benefit from the programme.

A man in his 20s was charged in Londonderry with multiple drug offences after police raided a house in the Waterside area, uncovering suspected Class B drugs valued at £14,000, £10,000 in cash and several vehicles. Two other men arrested during the operation were released on bail, and the accused is set to appear before Londonderry Magistrates Court on July 20. Tactical Support Group officers conducted the search on behalf of the Derry City and Strabane District Support Team.

A Northern Ireland charity, The Rainbow Project, has launched a major HIV awareness campaign ahead of Belfast Pride to highlight advances in HIV treatment and reduce stigma. The campaign stresses that modern anti-retroviral therapy makes HIV untransmittable for most people and that early diagnosis allows for normal life expectancy. Leaders warn that outdated public understanding fuels stigma and can increase new diagnoses, noting that 101 cases were recorded in Northern Ireland in 2023. The initiative aligns with national goals to eliminate new HIV transmissions by 2030.

A 37‑year‑old south Belfast man was charged with possessing explosives, weapons and Class C drugs following a security alert on Roosevelt Street. Police evacuated nearby homes and removed several items for examination. A woman arrested at the scene was released pending further inquiries. All charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service, and the man is due to appear in Belfast Magistrates Court on July 10.

The Police Ombudsman found no basis for an investigation into a Downpatrick incident in which a PSNI officer fired at a hijacked police vehicle that struck and injured him. Evidence including CCTV, radio communications and officer statements showed no indication of criminal or disciplinary wrongdoing. A report will be sent to the PSNI to consider procedural improvements, and a 27-year‑old man was arrested earlier on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police arrested a 43-year-old man in Bangor on suspicion of aggravated burglary, robbery and criminal damage after two armed robberies were reported on Balloo Road and Bloomfield Road South. Officers appealed for information from anyone who was in the area at the time.

Local officials launched an investigation into the unauthorised demolition of the historic Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle after earlier plans for partial demolition were rejected. The derelict listed building had deteriorated following structural concerns and an arson attack in April that required over 40 firefighters to control. Political representatives voiced sadness over the loss while emphasising the need for redevelopment and stronger protections for heritage buildings. The Royal Society of Ulster Architects called for punitive action if the demolition occurred without approval.

Strabane in Co Londonderry has been shortlisted for the UK’s new Town of Culture award, becoming the only Northern Ireland applicant to advance from more than 400 entries. The town will receive £60,000 to develop its bid and compete in the small towns category against Lerwick and Stockton. The scheme, run by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, aims to promote cultural engagement and local pride. Officials including Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the level of interest and highlighted the potential benefits for all participating towns. A final winner for 2028 will receive £3 million, with runners‑up also receiving funding to support cultural initiatives.

NI Water urged parents to warn children against approaching or climbing on operational water infrastructure after reports of anti-social behaviour at a site in Bangor. The utility highlighted the danger posed by such actions, citing risks of serious injury and potential disruption to essential services. The incident has been reported to the PSNI, and NI Water is assessing additional safety measures while working with relevant parties to address community concerns.

A nearly 200‑year‑old pub in Broughshane, the Halfway House, was highly commended in the Countryside Alliance Awards, the only Northern Ireland venue shortlisted across five categories. The pub, owned by Pat Hamill, was recognised for its heritage decor, focus on local produce, and role within the rural community. Award director Sarah Lee highlighted the importance of businesses that sustain rural life. The venue also operates renovated self‑catering accommodation known as The Halt.

Northern Ireland is forecast to experience a heatwave lasting at least a week, with temperatures remaining in the mid to high 20s and reaching up to 27C. High pressure is expected to keep conditions warm and mostly dry, while UV levels prompt advisories to use sunscreen. Temperatures are around 10C above seasonal norms, with lower humidity than in June allowing for some overnight cooling. England faces even higher temperatures, prompting heat health alerts from UKHSA. Forecasters say the warm spell will continue into next week, though rain and possible thunder are expected around July 15.

Belfast City Council has introduced three temporary Park and Ride sites to manage more than 800,000 expected visitors during the Fleadh, located near the M1, M2 and M3 motorways. Motorists are encouraged to use Translink services and the RingGo app for advance parking. Shuttle buses will run continuously to city centre transport hubs, and details of road closures and local support measures are available on the council’s website.

Northern Ireland’s health minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed there are no plans to expand nursing home bed capacity despite rising demand, citing a recent engagement process that found no basis for setting a timeline. Current efforts focus on stabilising existing services and maximising available capacity. Independent Health and Care Providers chief executive Pauline Shepherd warned the absence of sustainable funding and long-term commissioning plans prevents providers from investing in new beds or modern facilities. She emphasised that Northern Ireland’s ageing population and rising demand require a long-term strategy to increase capacity and reduce hospital discharge delays.

Tributes from political leaders, diplomats and institutional figures highlight the philanthropic legacy and business achievements of Martin Naughton, founder of Glen Dimplex, following his death at 87. Widely regarded as a major benefactor to education and the arts, he supported institutions including Queen’s University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin and the Lyric Theatre. Leaders across Ireland and the UK praised his generosity, leadership at InterTrade Ireland and lifelong commitment to economic cooperation and public service. He is survived by his wife, Carmel, and their three children.