Belfast news

• Children’s book prize shortlists feature tales about friends and the environment

  18-03-2020 23:55 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The shortlists for two book prizes for children and young people feature stories about friendship and the environment, according to organisers.
  
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• Northern Ireland weather forecasts for temperatures to plummet to MINUS 4 - Belfast Live

  18-03-2020 23:37
  
  Northern Ireland weather forecasts for temperatures to plummet to MINUS 4  Belfast Live
  
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• Betty Williams peace campaigner has passed away - Belfast Live

  18-03-2020 23:30
  
  Betty Williams peace campaigner has passed away  Belfast Live
  
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• Call for cash payments for families in receipt of free school meals

  18-03-2020 23:21 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Scotland’s largest teaching union, charities, churches and parents groups have banded together to call for families in Scotland to be given a cash payment in lieu of free school meals, after it was announced schools will close from Friday.
  
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• Group set up to guide Irish League clubs through coronavirus crisis

  18-03-2020 23:15 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The Northern Ireland Football League has appointed an internal steering group to help guide clubs through the coronavirus crisis.
  
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• Four players win £1m each on National Lottery

  18-03-2020 23:03 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Four lucky players have escaped the coronavirus doom and gloom for a while after pocketing £1 million each in Wednesday night’s National Lottery draw.
  
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• Tributes pour in as Nobel Prize winner and 'a true soldier of peace' Betty Williams dies at 76

  18-03-2020 23:00 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Laureate Betty Williams, a co-founder of the ground-breaking Peace People movement in Northern Ireland who has died at the age of 76, has been hailed as "a true soldier of peace".
  
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• Coronavirus: Schools to close as £370m fund for vulnerable firms revealed

  18-03-2020 23:00 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Schoolsacross Northern Ireland are to shut from Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
  
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• Coronavirus: Northern Ireland schools to close as £370m fund for vulnerable firms revealed

  18-03-2020 23:00 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Schoolsacross Northern Ireland are to shut from Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
  
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• Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs let health workers stay free at their hotels

  18-03-2020 22:56 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs will give health workers free access to their hotels from this weekend in a show of solidarity during the coronavirus outbreak.
  
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• Love Is Blind’s Lauren and Cameron tell Miley Cyrus how to date in isolation

  18-03-2020 22:52 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Love Is Blind stars Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed have been sharing tips on how to date in isolation during an online chat with Miley Cyrus.
  
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• Belfast City Council calls temporary cancellation to bulky waste collection - The Irish News

  18-03-2020 22:44
  
  Belfast City Council calls temporary cancellation to bulky waste collection  The Irish News
  
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• Trump defends use of ‘Chinese virus’ when referring to Covid-19

  18-03-2020 22:43 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  President Trump does not think calling Covid-19 the “Chinese virus” puts Asian Americans at risk of retaliation, despite growing reports they are facing virus-related discrimination.
  
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• Coronavirus: What Northern Ireland businesses want now

  18-03-2020 22:25 via bbc.co.uk
  
  More moves on rates are likely, but businesses want cash grants and payroll help, writes John Campbell.
  
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• Number of coronavirus cases in Republic of Ireland up 74 to 366 and now in 23 counties

  18-03-2020 22:19 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  A further 74 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.
  
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• Fire crews called to tackle van on fire in West Belfast - Belfast Live

  18-03-2020 22:14
  
  Fire crews called to tackle van on fire in West Belfast  Belfast Live
  
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• Marie Curie charity cancels all collections in Belfast due to COVID-19 - Love Belfast

  18-03-2020 22:13
  Marie Curie charity cancels all collections in Belfast due to COVID-19  Love Belfast
  
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• Oxfam to shut shops as coronavirus pandemic worsens

  18-03-2020 22:09 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Oxfam has announced it will close all of its high street shops until the worst of the coronavirus pandemic has passed in a bid to protect its staff and customers.
  
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• Coronavirus: Pensioner from Northern Ireland dies in England - Belfast Live

  18-03-2020 22:01
  
  Coronavirus: Pensioner from Northern Ireland dies in England  Belfast Live
  
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• Government response is now critical to stop economy from heading in downward spiral

  18-03-2020 22:00 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  These are unprecedented, uncertain times as the virus and its impact spreads. It might be objected that compared to matters of life and death, the economy is very much a secondary issue.
  
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• BBC Studios widens hunt for future writers of TV drama

  18-03-2020 21:58 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  BBC Studios has widened its hunt for TV drama writers of the future to include those without a professional credit or an agent.
  
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• Three years and 656 pages later, the RHI inquiry ends without the political scalps some predicted

  18-03-2020 21:57 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  After three years of feverish speculation about the RHI debacle, the long-awaited report by Sir Patrick Coghlin finally appeared last Friday, when the retired judge presented his inquiry report in the old Senate Chamber at Stormont.
  
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• Covid-19: Schools, nurseries and colleges close – but people urged to exercise

  18-03-2020 21:27 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Schools across the UK are to close to all pupils except those of key workers in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, Boris Johnson has said.
  
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• PM has ‘no intention’ of delaying Brexit transition amid coronavirus pandemic

  18-03-2020 21:05 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Boris Johnson was adamant he would not ask for an extension to the Brexit transition period despite the mass disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
  
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• Coronavirus: Stars inspired by serenading Italians to lift fans' spirits with intimate performances

  18-03-2020 21:00 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Inspired by locked-down, balcony-singing Italians, Ireland's two biggest rock stars - and several local ones ­- have been doing their bit by using music to lighten the mood.
  
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• Coronavirus: Bellaghy villagers determined to make sure life goes on in these difficult times

  18-03-2020 21:00 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  From behind the front window of her home, about half a mile from the Co Londonderry village of Bellaghy, Marietta Duffin gazes out onto a scene of rolling countryside basking in early spring sunshine.
  
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• Coronavirus: 25 ways to have fun outdoors while social distancing

  18-03-2020 21:00 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Coronavirus means many of us are having to keep away from others, but being cooped up inside can be tough on wellbeing. Mental health charity Mind says you can still get outside and benefit from fresh air and the natural environment while minimising your risk of catching the virus.
  
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• Queen and Boris Johnson hold weekly audience on the phone

  18-03-2020 20:59 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The Queen carried out her weekly audience with the Prime Minister over the phone as she prepares to socially distance herself at Windsor Castle.
  
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• Coronavirus Northern Ireland: West Belfast kids take part in window art competition - Belfast Live

  18-03-2020 20:51
  
  Coronavirus Northern Ireland: West Belfast kids take part in window art competition  Belfast Live
  
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• Welsh Rugby Union braced for substantial financial losses

  18-03-2020 20:47 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The Welsh Rugby Union says it expects to make a substantial financial loss this year.
  
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• Neil Back calls on RFU to sort out warped disciplinary system

  18-03-2020 20:41 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Former England flanker Neil Back has urged rugby’s authorities to use the coronavirus-enforced break to address the sport’s warped disciplinary system.
  
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• Runners invited to take part in virtual race after coronavirus hits events

  18-03-2020 20:39 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Runners missing out on a race because of coronavirus are being offered the chance to compete for a medal virtually.
  
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• Nursery industry body: Closures amid Covid-19 outbreak ‘absolutely devastating news’

  18-03-2020 20:34 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Nurseries being closed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic is “absolutely devastating news” that will see early years providers forced to shut down, an industry body has claimed.
  
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• Johnson does not rule out locking down London to slow spread of coronavirus

  18-03-2020 20:20 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Boris Johnson has not ruled out placing London on lockdown, with stricter measures than the rest of the nation, as the capital suffers an accelerated spread of the coronavirus.
  
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• Government launches voucher scheme to cover free school meals during closures

  18-03-2020 20:16 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The Government is to launch a voucher scheme to ensure children eligible for free school meals will continue to have access to hot food while schools shut down for the foreseeable future.
  
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• Education Department threatened with legal action over coronavirus

  18-03-2020 20:14 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The education department in Northern Ireland received four letters threatening judicial review over the Covid-19 crisis, a lawyer said.
  
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• Jade Thirlwall says she was under ‘humongous pressure’ as a young star

  18-03-2020 20:09 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Jade Thirlwall has said she was under “humongous pressure” when she shot to fame as a young woman, and was “constantly criticised” for the way that she looked.
  
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• Windsor Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse to close to visitors

  18-03-2020 20:05 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Windsor Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Galleries in London and Edinburgh are to all close their doors to visitors.
  
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• Carl Frampton ‘delighted’ for Belfast title shot against Jamel Herring - Bad Left Hook

  18-03-2020 20:00
  
  Carl Frampton ‘delighted’ for Belfast title shot against Jamel Herring  Bad Left Hook
  
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• Government announces schools to close: Key points

  18-03-2020 19:58 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Boris Johnson and Gavin Williamson have said schools will close to all pupils except those of key workers in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19.
  
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• William appeals for donations for small charities tackling coronavirus

  18-03-2020 19:57 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The Duke of Cambridge has launched an appeal for the National Emergencies Trust, to raise money on behalf of local charities working with those most at risk during the coronavirus crisis.
  
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• Five-year-old sees football kit design come to life for charity

  18-03-2020 19:57 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  A five-year-old who designed an outrageous football shirt has seen his design come to life thanks to social media.
  
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• Coronavirus: 'The societal and economic impact of this measure will be enormous'

  18-03-2020 19:55 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Schools across NI will close from Monday due to the coronavirus pandemic, First Minister Arlene Foster says.
  
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• HMRC to fast-track alcohol licences to boost hand sanitiser production

  18-03-2020 19:52 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Manufacturers of hand sanitisers and gels will have their applications for the alcohol needed to produce them fast-tracked during the coronavirus outbreak, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
  
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• EFL releases £50m to ease financial burden on clubs

  18-03-2020 19:48 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The EFL has announced a £50million short-term relief package to assist cash-strapped clubs during the coronavirus crisis.
  
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• Coronavirus: Northern Ireland businesses to receive £370m funding boost

  18-03-2020 19:47 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Thousands of businesses hit by Covid-19 in Northern Ireland are to receive £370 million official assistance, Stormont said.
  
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• Golfers carry on despite coronavirus pandemic decimating sport

  18-03-2020 19:37 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  According to the website of the Official World Golf Ranking, there are no tournaments scheduled this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to decimate the sporting calendar.
  
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• ‘Game changer’ coronavirus test to reveal who’s had the disease with no symptoms

  18-03-2020 19:29 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  A coronavirus test that reveals who has had Covid-19 but not shown symptoms has been hailed as a “game-changer”.
  
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• Ireland faces significant job losses and economic shock, Finance Minister warns

  18-03-2020 19:21 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  The Republic of Ireland faces significant job losses and an economic shock due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Finance Minister has said, as he introduced a suite of measures to help bank customers.
  
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• Caretakers for maritime treasures call for support as Covid-19 forces closures

  18-03-2020 19:14 via belfasttelegraph.co.uk
  
  Caretakers of national maritime treasures HMS Victory and the Mary Rose have called for financial support from the public and the Government to help preserve the historic ships as they shut their doors in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
  
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