𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 Police: “Police in Ballymena are aware of a vehicle in the Braid River at Galgorm and recovery is being arranged. “No persons have reported injuries as a result of this incident.”

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 | “This is always the right thing to do.” A member of the public has been praised for raising the alarm after two paddleboarders were found on the Isle of Muck and brought safely back to Portmuck Harbour by Larne RNLI.

Loughareema, famously known as the ‘Vanishing Lake,’ is a unique geological phenomenon in Co Antrim, between Ballycastle and Cushendun. Its mysterious water levels can change from a full, sparkling lough to a dry bed of mud in just a few days. 🎥 Anne Kelly Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social

From Ballymena’s traditional annual parade & Belfast’s six-mile procession to the world’s largest Orange gathering in Newtownhamilton, our complete guide includes the start times, routes, return parades, family attractions, traffic warnings & BBC coverage for the biggest day in the Orange calendar.

UUP leader Jon Burrows has condemned Reuben Glover’s reported remarks on an alleged sexual assault, saying women and girls are never responsible for abuse inflicted upon them. Alliance councillor Chelsea Harwood has also called for an investigation and disciplinary action.

𝗡𝗜 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | “As a community, we are heartbroken by this tragic loss.” Tributes have been paid to Warren “AKA” Lyttle, remembered as a familiar face who will be sadly missed following a tragic accident at a Belfast bonfire.

“A very relaxing Saturday morning on the dam at People’s Park Ballymena.” 🎥 Eugene Diamond • Diamonds News • @diamondsnews.bsky.social

“Just the birds, the sea and a minke whale breathing off Rathlin Island” on the Antrim coast. 🎥 Kintra Boat Tours

Kids eat free, farm visits cost less and families can save on trampoline sessions and other summer activities across Northern Ireland. A new postcode search now brings more than 1,700 restaurant and attraction offers together — including a number of deals already available locally.

Police are asking for the public’s help to locate Jonathon White, who has been recalled to prison. Anyone who knows where he is should contact police immediately — but do not post information about his whereabouts in the comments.

Early Saturday morning in Ballycastle, County Antrim. 📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social

𝗡𝗜 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧 | A motorcyclist has sadly died following a collision involving a lorry in Co Armagh. Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam or other footage to contact the Collision Investigation Unit.

The low early morning summer sun at 6am highlighting the gaps and edges of Saturday’s mackerel sky from Broughshane Street, Ballymena… 15°C. 📸 Eugene Diamond • Diamonds News • @diamondsnews.bsky.social

“Bees, butterflies and our other pollinators are the unsung heroes of our environment.” 🌼🐝 A new five-year All-Ireland strategy aims to create “pockets for nature” every 200 metres to help reverse the decline of bees and other pollinating insects.

Sundown glow from rural Cullybackey.

At the end of the day… summer light slowly gives way to night in Ballymena. 📸 Jessica Mitchell

Sunset on Friday evening from Ballycastle, County Antrim. 📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗞𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗟𝗬𝗡! 🎓👏🏼 Kaitlyn Purdy, from Ahoghill, graduated from Ulster University with BA (Hons) History with Education. Well done!

Vapes could be moved behind counters or into closed cabinets under proposed new rules for Northern Ireland. With 15% of 11 to 18-year-olds reported to vape, the public is now being asked for its views on plain packaging, flavour restrictions and tougher shop display controls.

“This was a great first experience and a reminder of the professionalism of everyone involved.” Larne RNLI volunteer Andy Purves completed his first shout as two lifeboat crews helped bring three people aboard a broken-down fishing boat safely back to shore.

Justice Minister Naomi Long has made an explicit appeal for an end to “effigies and symbols of hatred” being placed on bonfires — while calling on organisers and community leaders to “show strong leadership” ahead of the Twelfth.

“We do not know the extent of his activity.” Those were the words of Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots as he called for reviews not only at Stormont, but also across the Civil Service and Westminster following Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction. The Assembly has now opened its review.

A beautiful day, strolling in the Glens of Antrim. 📸 Roisin Kerr

Dolphins in Ballycastle Bay on Friday morning, views from the LORD Moyle Sea Fishing. P.S. Wait for it. 🐬 🎥 Duncan McCaughan

☀️ 𝘼 𝙎𝙐𝙈𝙈𝙀𝙍 𝙊𝙁 𝙁𝘼𝙈𝙄𝙇𝙔 𝙁𝙐𝙉 𝙄𝙎 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙔𝙈𝙀𝙉𝘼 🎉 Looking for great days out with the kids this summer? Ballymena is celebrating its 400th birthday with an exciting programme of 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 throughout July and August. Visit our Facebook platform to find out more!

𝗖𝗢 𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗠 | Two people were inside a home when several shots struck bedroom windows and the front door. Detectives are treating the attack as attempted murder and are investigating whether a burnt-out car found near Ballymoney was connected.

One of up to 15 Minke Whales seen on Thursday on the Kintra Boat Tour around Rathlin Island, on the Antrim coast. 🎥 Gregory Moorehead

𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙋𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙄𝙉 𝘽𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙔𝙈𝙀𝙉𝘼 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆𝙀𝙉𝘿? When it’s time to take a break, FLAX Coffee Co. is the perfect place to recharge. Pop in for a freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, or a great cup of coffee and one of their delicious homemade traybakes before heading back to the shops.

“It is blatant victim blaming.” TUV councillor Anna Henry has strongly condemned reported comments by DUP Ballymena representative Reuben Glover about girls’ clothing in the context of an alleged sexual assault.

The Northern Trust has acknowledged higher than usual staff absence rates within its maternity services after campaigners raised concerns over delays, staffing pressures and the impact of centralising births at Antrim Hospital.

Sunrise views on Friday morning from Ballycastle, on the Antrim coast, with the Mull of Kintyre hills across the North Channel against fiery skies. 📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social

𝗡𝗜 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧 | Police were at an advanced stage of an operation to remove a replica mosque and anti-Islam banners from the Moygashel bonfire when the structure was set alight.

Beautiful blooms… new summer planting at People’s Park, Ballymena. 📸 Gary Dowds

The last cygnet this evening at the Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena. 📸 Allison Crawford

A familiar Ballycastle landmark has all but disappeared. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council says officers are now investigating the legality of the demolition and whether the work was in line with proposals submitted by the owner.

“Many parents are understandably suspicious about any changes, having fought hard to secure provision for their children.” The Education Authority says SEN classroom support reforms will be introduced gradually, with early adopter schools first and further detail due in autumn.

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗛 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦. 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗦. 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝙁𝙊𝙇𝙇𝙊𝙒 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘. We’ve been busy behind the scenes creating brand new menus at both ♥︎ 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝘾𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚, 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖 and ♥︎ 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩, 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙝 — and we can’t wait for you to try them.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗘𝗠𝗠𝗔! 🎓👏🏼 Emma Milligan, from Portglenone, graduated from Ulster University with a Bachelor’s of Science with First Class Honours in Cardiac Physiology. Well done. ♥️

𝙅𝘼𝙌 𝙂𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙋 🚨 𝗪𝗘'𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚! JAQ Group is recruiting for its annual Fixed Term Contracts, with roles running from September through to the end of January 27. If you’re looking for a great opportunity to join the team behind 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁, 𝗟𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 and 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿, now’s the time to apply.

“Encouraging people to ‘nip it in the bud’ by seeking help early could save lives.” Farmers and rural residents across Mid and East Antrim are being urged not to ignore possible cancer symptoms, as council backs a campaign focused on early detection and rural support.

“The North West 200 has always been about more than racing.” Mervyn Whyte MBE has been honoured by Ulster University for more than 50 years of service to motorsport and his role in showcasing the Causeway Coast to the world.

𝗡𝗜 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | A woman needed emergency brain surgery after being subjected to what police described as a “horrific sustained assault”. McManus, from Limavady, has now been jailed.

𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙨, 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨... 🎉🎂🥳 Ballymena is turning 400 and organisers are promising an unforgettable summer of celebrations for families, visitors and local businesses alike.

Pressure is growing for answers over what was known, when, and by whom after Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction. The DUP has today confirmed an independent review, while other parties are calling for a wider inquiry.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗟𝗬𝗡𝗡! 🎓👏🏼 Ashlynn Rodgers, from Carnlough, graduated with First Class Honours degree in Physiotherapy. Well done.

✨ 𝗥𝗲𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 ✨ Vinted for Real has arrived at Tower Centre, Ballymena. For one day only. Expect good vibes, lots of fun & affordable finds. Refresh your wardrobe the smart way. Shop unique pieces. Give clothes a second life! ♻️ Visit Love Ballymena on Facebook for more info.

A child was injured in a road traffic collision in Antrim on Wednesday evening. Police are now appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage as they investigate what happened.

“Today’s sentencing is one of many over this disorder.” Two men have been jailed for their roles in the June 2025 Ballymena violence, with police warning that further prosecutions are still to come as the investigation continues.