Government rules out help with Steam Packet fuel surcharge

Concerns have been raised about the impact of rising ferry costs on local businesses. The follow-up to watch is what government does next, and whether the decision or report leads to a clear public outcome.

Today on the island

Light rain, 7°C (45°F), wind 15 mph

The local news that matters this morning

A tight, deduplicated briefing from the 05:00–05:00 news window. Story titles link straight to the original report.

3FM · Politics17:00 Government to keep an eye on inflation, says Cannan Chief Minister Alf Cannan says the government will keep an eye on inflation and be ready to offer people more support in the future. His comments came in a statement released after inflation in the Island rose by two percent in April, driven by the spike in fuel prices from the war in the Middle East. The government’s also reassuring people there’s no threat to the island’s fuel supplies, with no shortages for ferries or flights either.

Manx Radio · Health15:12 Procedures at Noble's Hospital cancelled due to 'significant pressures' Manx Care experiencing 'very high demand'. All elective procedures at Noble’s Hospital have been cancelled due to significant operational pressures. Manx Care says its currently experiencing very high demand for care’ and has limited capacity across its services.

Manx Radio · Health12:56 Medical Society calls for 'statutory elected body' as chief exec exits Manx Care IOMMS says it's 'essential that the momentum for fundamental reform is maintained'. The Isle of Man Medical Society has thanked the outgoing chief executive of Manx Care for her ’dedicated service’ whilst calling for the implementation of a professional executive committee going forward. The body has repeatedly called for a ’statutory, elected body’ designed to ’serve as a vital bridge between frontline clinical expertise and executive management.

Manx Radio · Health13:27 Cope out: How did we get here? Manx Care's five-year history broken down. After five and a half years in the role the chief executive of Manx Care today (12 May) announced she’ll be stepping down. In a letter sent to staff members Teresa Cope confirmed she’ll be leaving her position at the end of June.

Manx Radio · Health13:28 Teresa Cope: Reaction as Manx Care CEO steps down What comes next for the Island's healthcare provider? Manx Care’s Chief Executive Teresa Cope will leave her role in the summer. Having been appointed in 2021, she’s been at the helm of the healthcare provider for the past five-and-a-half years.

IoM Today · Health15:50 Dental survey aims to assess the oral health of island children It takes place every other year and helps the Public Health department to understand the oral health needs of children. The follow-up to watch is what government does next, and whether the decision or report leads to a clear public outcome.

IoM Today · Health14:57 Isle of Man Dodgeball Championship returns later this month The tournament is in aid of mental health charity Isle Listen. The event, which is sponsored by Flutter International and supports mental health charity Isle Listen, takes place just after Mental Health Awareness Week, during Isle Listen’s Take Action’ campaign. The Championship bounces back onto court on Friday, May 22.

Manx Radio · Island News15:00 Investigation underway after customers report milk carton difficulties Creamery apologies for cap issue. Isle of Man Creamery says it’s carrying out a thorough investigation’ after customers experienced difficulties opening their milk cartons. It’s apologised for the inconvenience and frustration’ saying it is taking the matter seriously.

3FM · Politics10:12 Former MGP rider enters Garff election race A firefighter has become the first candidate to announce they'll stand for Garff in the general election. Sean Bostrom says after 28 years in the emergency services, he wants to serve the Island in a different way. Among the former MGP rider’s priorities are tax breaks to help under-25s onto the property ladder, and reviewing offshore windfarm proposals.

Manx Radio · Politics15:00 Chief Minister: 'Strengthening immigration rules will minimise risk of abuse' Island businesses will have to undertake 'exhaustive' recruitment process. Island businesses will have to undertake a full and exhaustive’ recruitment process in the UK and Common Travel Area before being allowed to seek staff from further afield. The chief minister says if companies can’t provide proper evidence they’ve conducted an in-depth search visas will no longer be issued.

IoM Today · Culture17:03 Final talk of heritage trust's season details fascinating history of Rushen's Manx speakers The talk is part of Blein ny Gaelgey, the Year of the Manx Language. Gaelgeyryn of Rushen’ by Cathy Clucas, a lifelong champion of Manx language and heritage, takes place at 7.30pm on Monday, May 18. Cathy, a board member for RHT, says the talk is about honouring the past, living the present, and shaping the future, looking at the Manx speakers of Rushen, the communities they lived – and continue to live in – and what the future sense of community could be.

Manx Radio · Health06:16 Public urged to open 'home and heart' to children in need Foster Care Fortnight being marked on Island. People on the Isle of Man are being asked if they can offer their home and heart’ to children in need. It’s Foster Care Fortnight and more foster carers are urgently needed on the Island.

Manx Radio · Culture06:25 World-first Manx language opera in development Composer hoping for premiere in the autumn. There are hopes a first of its kind musical event will hit the stage on the Isle of Man later this year. ’ Caillagh’ the Manx-language opera is a ’tale of an enchantress, of loss and of hope told with outstanding performers. It’s being penned by Matthew Warren with translation by Bob Carswell.

3FM · Politics13:30 Government releases DEI hiring info The Cabinet Office says 83 percent of government job applicants were Manx or British, with a roughly even split between them. That’s the response to a Freedom of Information request, which asked how much diversity, equality and inclusion (or DEI) policies influenced government hiring. In its reply, the Cabinet Office warned the data from the past year was limited to those who’d filled in an optional equal opportunities section.

3FM · Weather12:44 Canadian sign points out triskele is "NOT A SWASTIKA" A social media post about a Manx sign in a Canadian window has people scratching their heads online. A Reddit user posted a photo they’d taken of a house on a street in Toronto to the platform earlier this week. Among other signs in its window is a Manx flag, along with the words "NOT A SWASTIKA".

IoM Today · Transport10:12 Three-time winner ruled out of Isle of Man TT 2026 Event’s medical team give update on rider’s progress on recovery from March crash. It also gives a quick marker of how Island teams and competitors are faring when they travel into regional competition.

3FM · Island News10:57 Cruise ship arrives in Douglas A cruise ship has brought more than 200 passengers to the Island's capital today. The Le Bellot, operated by Compagnie du Ponant, arrived in Douglas a short time ago. She’s 430 feet long and carries up to 264 passengers as well as 100 crew.

IoM Today · Weather14:03 Manx Utilities gives update on controversial onshore windfarm project The authority says a planning application will soon be submitted. Last week, Arbory and Rushen Commissioners chair Kirrie Jenkins said the lack of information surrounding the Cair Vie windfarm had been disappointing. She claimed there had been no updates on Manx Utilities ’ Earystane project since March last year and residents had been left in a void.

3FM · Island News07:21 Motorcycle Show features the Isle of Man! Britain's best-known biking presenter has featured the Isle of Man in his latest online episode. Henry Cole visited the Island to film an online episode of ITV4’s The Motorcycle Show. The YouTube video shows him going on a road trip around the Island on his prized Norton machine called Mavis.

IoM Today · Sport14:57 Manx rugby returns: Isle of Man men's team back in action after 20 years Two squads will travel to Regional Two North West and Lancashire Trophy winners Warrington this weekend. Anyone travelling, commuting or planning around events should check the latest official updates before setting off.

IoM Today · Culture11:47 Stop-motion film celebrates Manx language and culture I hope people enjoy it as much as I did making it. A stop-motion short film, titled Yn Shenn Dooinney as ny Ferrishyn’ (The Old Man and the Fairies) is the St John’s based charity’s latest undertaking. It is entirely told in Manx, with optional English subtitles, voiced by well-known Manx teacher and broadcaster, Jamys Harrison.

IoM Today · Culture10:36 Isle of Man Post Office marks 50 years of EUROPA stamp issues This is an opportunity to showcase some of the standout designs from our own rich philatelic history. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

IoM Today · Culture10:27 Manx National Heritage extend popular art exhibition Art Adventures for Beginners was designed to challenge the idea that art galleries can feel intimidating or exclusive. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

IoM Today · Island News07:30 Man hit with £80 cleaning bill for guide dog during Isle of Man trip The moment I was made to feel my disability should cost me financially really made me feel unwelcome. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

IoM Today · Politics07:00 Former inmate hurt in 'prison napalm' attack fails in bid to sue government He is thought to be the first person on the Isle of Man to bring such a claim. Paul Sunday Akinmurele suffered serious injuries after another inmate threw boiling sugared water over him. He is believed to be one of the first prisoners or former prisoners to pursue a negligence claim against the Department of Home Affairs.

3FM · Island News17:25 Info sessions on fostering this week Ever thought about becoming a foster carer? Manx Care is marking Foster Care Fortnight with two information sessions about how to become one on the Island. The first will be held from 12pm to 2pm at the Santander Work Café, on Thursday, May 14.

Manx Radio · Island News10:13 Davey Todd ruled out of TT 2026 The 2024 Senior champion is still recovering from Daytona 200 injuries. TT racer Davey Todd has been declared medically unfit to compete in this year’s event. The 2024 Senior champion has been recovering from injuries he sustained at the Daytona 200 in the USA in March.

Manx Radio · Politics07:13 Government "selling Garff down the river" for windfarm project, says local authority chair Richard Henthorn speaks out after latest round of Mooir Vannin hearings. The chair of Garff Commissioners is calling on government to look for efficiencies instead of ’selling Garff down the river. It comes after the public session in the latest round of hearings into proposals for an 87-turbine windfarm off the Island’s coast.

Manx Radio · Politics06:22 MHK seeking horse tram answers from government ministers Maltby to quiz Treasury and Infrastructure in HoK. Government ministers will be asked to provide an update on the funding request to extend the horse tram tracks along Douglas Promenade. In the House of Keys (12 May) Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby will grill the department heads for Treasury and Infrastructure.

Manx Radio · Island News06:30 The Efficiency Trap: Why AI isn't saving us time We were promised a 15-hour work week - so why does it feel like we're working more? In 1930 John Maynard Keynes sat down to imagine a world his grandchildren would inhabit. He didn’t see a world of endless toil; he saw a 15-hour work week.

3FM · Island News16:00 Capital's lifeboat set to get new home Douglas lifeboat is to get a new home after planners gave the green light to proposals. The RNLI applied for planning permission last month to convert a former shop on the Tongue into facilities for the lifesaving volunteers. They’d been using temporary facilities after the former lifeboat station on Battery Pier was deemed unusable.

3FM · Transport12:26 Belgian TV travel show needs ride around the TT course! Could you help a Belgian TV show this afternoon? A film crew for a popular Belgian travel show is appealing for someone to take its host around the TT course on a motorbike today. Joost Tack took the Facebook asking if anyone with knowledge of the course would be able to help.

3FM · Island News10:26 Todd declared medically unfit for TT 2026 Three-time winner Davey Todd has been declared medically unfit to compete in this year's TT. The decision’s been made by the event’s medical team because of injuries he suffered in a crash at Florida’s Daytona 200 in March. It comes after the Yorkshireman was ruled out from competing in this month’s North West 200 on the same grounds.

3FM · Island News09:36 Something wicked the west way comes! There'll be a chance to enjoy some Shakespeare in the open air this summer! Manx National Heritage will be hosting outdoor performances of Macbeth by visiting drama groups. The first will take place at Peel Castle on Saturday, July 25, and the second is an afternoon matinee at Rushen Abbey on Sunday, July 26.

3FM · Politics08:05 No repayments on £2.25m KWC loan yet, says government The Department for Enterprise says a £2.25 million loan to King Williams College has to be repaid in under three year's time, after the institution sold the Buchan School site for £6.5 million. A Freedom of Information request asked for details about the loan, which was granted last September. In its response, the DfE said the college hasn’t yet made any repayments under the arrangement but is due to repay the full amount by January 2029.

3FM · Transport07:05 Blackboards roadworks get underway today The Department of Infrastructure says there'll be temporary speed limits at a landmark on the New Castletown Road today. Workers will be replacing chevron signs at Blackboards in Malew. There’ll be a temporary 30 speed limit and traffic lights on the Old Castletown Road junction.

IoM Today · Island News15:57 Former school building reduced to rubble to make way for new Co-op Demolition work is nearing completion. The replacement store is being built on the site of a former funeral directors and florist on Station Road and will be modelled on the Co-op outlet in Crosby. JM Project Management’s planning application was approved last September.

IoM Today · Weather13:25 Higher than the Eiffel Tower: Fears over industrial-sized’ windfarm dominate three-hour public meeting I’ve spoken to so many people about this and have yet to meet anyone who is in favour. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

IoM Today · Island News10:58 Planning application for new lifeboat base approved Our volunteer crew deserve facilities that meet modern standards. The charity’s volunteers are currently working from temporary premises at Battery Yard near the former lifeboat station. However, the slipway at the old station has not been used since 2018 and the lifeboat now launches from the liner berth within the harbour, an arrangement that will continue.

IoM Today · Sport08:00 We wanted to win the league for Kian Peel skipper Matthew Woods reacts after the lifting the club’s 32nd top-flight crown at the weekend. Anyone travelling, commuting or planning around events should check the latest official updates before setting off.

IoM Today · Law08:00 Nursery worker caught with indecent images of children Police arrested him at the site where he worked as a chef. Liam Colin McCabe also sent an intimate image to someone online who claimed to be aged 14. The 39-year-old, of The Kirkway, Onchan, admitted six counts of possessing indecent images of children and three counts of sending an intimate image.

Tides · Douglas

Live tide API unavailable; using the latest cached Douglas tide table. Times shown local to the Isle of Man.

What's on: next 14 days

Island events, Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre shows, and listings gathered from the main public What's On sources. Showing the first 16 of 108; check the source listings for late changes and tickets.

Today · Launchpad (hillary House)Learnai: "ai-powered Pulses" - Wed 13 May

Today · Erin Arts CentreMidweek Movie: Hamnet (12)

Today · Braddan Church HallSpring Chicks Wi Monthly Meeting - Braddan

Today · the ChasmsWildlife Wander and Secret Explorer With Wild Guide Isle of Man Author

Today · 09 - 15 May · Villa Marina ArcadeFollican - University College Isle of Man Exhibition

Today · 12 Apr 2026–25 Oct 2026 · Duke Travel / Isle of Man Experiences Shop, Isle of Man Sea Terminal, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM12RFIsle of Man TT Course & Motor Museum Tour

Today · 13 - 14 May · Broadway CinemaGlenrothan

Today · 14 Feb 2026–17 May 2026 · House Of Manannan, Mill Road, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1TAArt Adventures For Beginners

Today · 2 Apr 2026–31 Oct 2026 · Douglas Railway Station, Bank Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5PTIsle of Man Railways Dining Car

Today · 3 May 2026–18 Oct 2026 · Groudle Glen Railway, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM32HAFamily Trainspotting Challenge

Today · 3 May 2026–18 Oct 2026 · Groudle Glen Railway, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM32HASteam Teas

Tomorrow · the Children's Centre Isle of ManAdults Workshop: Make Your Own Needle Felted Sauna Hat

Tomorrow · Barbary Coast Grill and BarComedy Night (thursday 14th May 2026)

Tomorrow · St Catherine’s ChurchConcert By the Manx Children’s Choir and Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey

Tomorrow · Activate Ai Centre (hillary House)Learnai: "why Your Ai Forgets (and What To Do About It)" - Thurs 14 May

Public tenders & procurement

A compact supplier watch: deadlines first, then newly posted In-Tend opportunities. Use the portal for registration, documents and final deadlines.

Closing in the next week

Newly posted

Source: Isle of Man Government In-Tendhttps://in-tendhost.co.uk/iomg/aspx/Tenders/Current

Resident pulse

Questions from today’s Tynwald updates and next-meeting calendar, with enough context to make each vote useful. Pick the answer you most want followed up in plain English.

Three Island Amazon finds

Rotating Isle of Man and Manx book/product searches.

Island Amazon pick 1

The Isle of Man TT book

Road-racing reading for TT fans.

View on Amazon UK →

Island Amazon pick 2

Isle of Man map book

Map and guide searches for walkers and visitors.

View on Amazon UK →

Island Amazon pick 3

Manx language book

Books and learning materials for a bit of Gaelg.

View on Amazon UK →

From the Manx oral tradition

A small Manx fact

Groudle: The glen railway and coastal paths keep Victorian leisure alive. It carries a layer of Viking, Gaelic, Victorian or maritime influence.

The shape of the day ahead

Light rain, 7°C (45°F), wind 15 mph. Highs of 11°C. Check A18 Mountain Road status before travelling.