A mum on the Isle of Man has been speaking out about the symptoms her five-year-old son displayed before he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour.

In 2024, five-year-old Hector started began waking in the night with headaches and, during the day, his food began to taste strange.

Having been air-ambulanced from the Isle of Man to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, he later underwent a six-week course of proton beam therapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

In this edition of Newscast, Hector's mum, Rebekah Dalrymple, explains to Lewis Foster what the last 18 months have been like for them as a family - and why she will run the Manchester Marathon this weekend (19 April) in support of The Christie.

A longstanding resident and volunteer of Arbory has been appointed as the new captain of the parish.

Claire Whiteway was selected by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer to replace Raymond Gawne who had been in the position for nearly thirty years.

Traditionally, the captain was responsible for maintaining order within the parish but the role today is 'largely ceremonial'.

Mrs Whiteway says she is 'honoured' and 'very proud' to be taking on the position.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

The Grand National returns this weekend (11 April) and as part of this year's event the Isle of Man Post Office will be paying tribute to one of our former residents, Trevor Hemmings.

The British billionaire businessman, who died in 2021, was a stalwart of the horse racing world.

As the jockeys and the crowds return to Aintree, the Isle of Man Post Office is issuing a collection of stamps featuring Mr Hemmings and some of his famous horses and in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks with Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Stamps and Coins.

The outgoing clerk of Arbory and Rushen Commissioners says there is lots of 'really good' and 'innovative' work being carried out across local authorities.

Phil Gawne, who's leaving the post after 10 years of service, believes there's been an increase in the amount of bureaucracy attached to the position from when he first started.

Mr Gawne has officially finished, however he will stay on for a couple of months during a transition position to support the incoming clerk.

He says in some instances the government could learn from local authorities.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:

Some parents on the Isle of Man believe a recent ruling in the US regarding smartphone apps should be a wake up call to the government here.

The recent trial in California found that Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, and Google, owner of YouTube, intentionally designed social media platforms to be addictive.

In response to recent questions, Government said it had no plans to ban social media for under-16s but will 'continue to monitor international debate on the issue'.

Campaigners John Bolton and Jessica Cross see the recent verdict as a watershed moment, and want the Isle of Man to take notice.

The president of Tynwald has announced he'll retire from politics later this year.

Laurence Skelly has confirmed he won't be seeking re-election when his term in office expires in July.

He's been in the post since 2021, having previously served as a Member of the House of Keys for 10 years, including seven years as a minister.

He says it's been a great privilege to serve the people of Rushen and the Isle of Man, and that he intends to remain active in Island life following his retirement.

The election of the next President of Tynwald will take place on 21 July for a term of office extending to 2031.

The directors of Mannin Music say there's a 'general feeling' in Peel that things don't happen in the town and why that is, is 'unclear'.

Business owners Laura and David Rowles say concerns about the proposed beach stage hadn't been raised by Peel Commissioners until this Wednesday (25 March), when the clerk called to pass on comments from the board.

The pair suggested the idea to Commissioner Katryna Baptist and the shop is partnering with the local authority for the trial of the stage as well as helping organise acts.

They added that meetings with Ms Baptist and Commissioner Stuart Hardingham have been 'positive'.

Mr and Mrs Rowles also say the licence application for the stage is due on 2 April but are yet to receive a letter confirming they can act on the behalf of the local authority to get the necessary permissions.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them.

The chief minister says there's 'no guarantee there'll be any support' from government amid the ongoing fuel crisis.

The cost of petrol, diesel and home heating oil has shot up as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Alfred Cannan confirmed government is following a number of key principles, including weekly meetings, establishing an industry monitoring body and protecting the supply of fuel to the Island.

However, speaking on Manx Radio, he wouldn't commit to providing any help to people struggling with the increases: