A parent on the Isle of Man who has been campaigning for the legalisation of drugs after loosing his sons to a MDMA overdose is welcoming a drug policy.

The Isle of Man Government is preparing a new approach aimed at reducing the harms associated with drug use.

It follows a directive from Tynwald in November 2023.

You might, recently, have received a booklet through the door from Manx Telecom regarding the switch-off of the copper network.

It gets underway this year - a project expected to be completed by 2029.

So, whether you have fibre yet or not, at some point over the next five years, you probably will.

Lewis Foster has been speaking to Manx Telecom CEO Gary Lamb about what we can expect to see happen in the months ahead:

The children of a Manx woman are thanking the Steam Packet for saluting and honouring their mother on her final journey home.

Described as a 'Manx Viking Queen', Florence Jean Prest (formally Looney) died in her UK home surrounded by her children at the age of 94.

Her wish was to be brought back to the Island and laid to rest alongside her parents at Kirk Braddan Cemetry.

Nine people from the Isle of Man are taking on the challenge of a lifetime - all in memory of a special man.

Lucas Martin was just 21 when he died suddenly of meningitis in September 2023.

Now, some of his nearest and dearest are setting off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to try and raise money for the charity set up in his name - Looky's Aid.

Among the 'fellowship' are his dad Brett, his best friend Patrick and Patrick's stepdad Richard.

Patrick started by telling Amy Griffiths how he got the idea:

Pensioners in Port St Mary are calling for regulations to be put in place to protect those living in sheltered accommodation.

According to a letter from the Southern Sheltered Housing Joint Board, seen by Manx Radio, heating costs are increasing by almost £30.

A new sea services framework should put passengers needs first.

That's the view of the chair of the Regulations of the Steam Packet Company Select Committee, which recently published its report following a year-long investigation into how the ferry operator is run.

In this episode of the Manx Newscast, Chair of the Committee Jason Moorhouse speaks to Manx Radio's Sian Cowper:

Are you taking part in Veganuary this year?

It's a challenge that encourages people to eat healthier in the first month of the new year.

Manx resident Michelle Garrett Chambers is a first-time author releasing her vegan book KISS Plant Based Eating.

The chair of Ramsey Commissioners claims there's still 'no answer' to the Northern Civic Amenity Site situation but he believes the solution lies in rate reform.

Rob Cowell says other northern authorities won't 'subsidise' Bride Commissioners.

He adds it's been a 'tough' year for the local authority following failed boundary extension plans and the death of two board members.

Despite the challenges Mr Cowell is encouraging people to stand for a seat in the 2025 local authority elections.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him: