New research identifies Leeds Bradford Airport as one of five UK airports most likely to gain Heathrow connections through expansion New domestic links would boost trade, tourism and investment across the UK. In Yorkshire and the Humber alone, a new route could generate £28.6 million per year in additional tourism spending.

Dear Editor, This Volunteers' Week (1–7 June), I want to pay tribute to the people in Sheffield who are quietly changing children's lives. Across Sheffield, 27,542 children are eligible for free school meals, a stark reminder that for many families here, getting by is a daily struggle.

Almost three quarters (73%) of people in Yorkshire and the Humber would cut back or stop taking holidays in the UK because of the proposed holiday tax, a major UKHospitality poll has found.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson have published a landmark joint report calling for a fundamental reform of the legal and commercial framework governing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the UK.

Labour has suffered a harrowing defeat as Green Party leader Zach Polanski declares that two-party politics is “dead and buried”. Keir Starmer takes the loss on the chin and declares that he “won’t walk away”.

Over recent years, people have become far more proactive and informed when it comes to their health, with growing numbers seeking earlier answers and a better understanding of their wellbeing before concerns have the chance to escalate further.

Darlington’s railway heritage and future came together today (Friday 15 May 2026), as guests gathered to celebrate the culmination of the town’s multi-million pound station transformation. The launch event marked the completion of one of the most significant station investments on the East Coast Main Line in recent years.

The imaginative restoration of a historic hall, two contemporary additions to York Minster supporting heritage craft and technology, and a bold contemporary rural home are among the five winners of the 2026 RIBA Yorkshire Awards. This year’s cohort is particularly significant as the awards mark their 60th anniversary.

King's Speech did not address pensioner poverty says Independent Age Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said: “The King’s Speech did not go far enough in addressing pensioner poverty.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity has launched a new public safety campaign after a dangerous incident in South Yorkshire saw objects thrown towards one of its helicopters during a safety-critical take-off following an emergency callout.

37% of grassroots youth music projects have considered closing due to funding pressures Over two-thirds (67%) unable to meet demand from young people More than 33,500 young people are currently on waiting lists for grassroots music projects Nearly 40% expect their financial position to worsen in the next 12 months Youth Music has raised £1 million through its Rescue the Roots campaign, but warns the sector remains under severe strain

74% of carers in employment say being able to work supports their wellbeing, offering a break from caring, boosting confidence and social contact Despite this, nearly half (47%) of carers who are employees are considering cutting their working hours or giving up work altogether. Giving up work to care can also have a significant financial impact New research from Carers UK examines the ‘tipping point’ at which unpaid carers feel that they have no choice but to give up work to care

Around half of higher-risk mental health patients in emergency departments were not properly observed during their stay last year. That’s according to new data published by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) today, 11 May, which is the first day of UK Mental Health Awareness Week.

Northern passengers are being reminded that some train times will change next week and new Sunday services will be introduced between Whitby and Newcastle. It will happen on Sunday, 17 May, when railway timetables across the country will be updated.

This week (4-10 May) marks Deaf Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of deafness while celebrating the UK’s deaf community. This year, the National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the early signs of deafness in children and reassuring families that support is available from the very start. Deafness isn’t always obvious.

Nurofen’s Gender Pain Gap Index Report finds more than half (53%) of women felt their pain was ignored or dismissed, rising to nearly three quarters (73%) among women aged 18-24.

Consumer confidence continued to decline in April 2026, according to the latest data from YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). Headline figures fell from 105.8 to 102.4 (-3.4) as nearly every metric deteriorated. Any score greater than 100 indicates positive sentiment, while a score of less than 100 indicates negative sentiment.

647 HEINEKEN-owned pubs across the UK set for investment in 2026, leading to 850 new jobs £3.16m is earmarked for pubs in Yorkshire creating 88 jobs.

Leeds Wellbeing Week will return from Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June 2026, marking its seventh year and the first time the week has been run by HelloHope. The city-wide celebration of wellbeing will feature dozens of events across Leeds, bringing together businesses, residents, students and communities for a diverse programme of activities, workshops and talks.

The RSPCA has labelled today (1 May) an “historic day for pet ownership” as a new law comes into force that will give more people than ever before in England the opportunity to own an animal. Landlords can presently impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties - without providing a justifiable reason.

It might be the Leeds Tattoo Expo’s 11th year at Leeds First Direct Arena, but there are plenty of new attractions at this year’s cutting-edge event. Firmly established as a must-do for tattoo and alternative culture enthusiasts across the UK and beyond, around 220 of the industry’s best artists will showcase their skills.

Dear Editor,  As a deaf person in the UK, navigating everyday life in a hearing world can be a struggle. Common activities like shopping, visiting a hospital or socialising are often full of challenges.  When people aren’t deaf-aware, it can make life a lot more difficult. It can be so isolating and really knocks your confidence.

Residents planning to bring household items at North Yorkshire’s recycling centres are being urged to register as new rules come into force today (Monday, April 27) to make the service fairer. Under the scheme, residents will need to register their name, address and vehicle before visiting any of the county’s 20 household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

Voters without ID have just one day left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to use at the upcoming May local elections in England. To vote at a polling station, voters must present an accepted form of photo ID. A Voter Authority Certificate is a free form of ID available to anyone who does not have another accepted form of ID or prefers not to use it.