More than 200 Greater Manchester schools hit by Covid cases since start of October half term

Britney Spears may be off to congress.

Love & Marriage franchise is coming to the DMV. OWN has announced that Love & Marriage: D.C., the first spin off of its successful unscripted series Love & Marriage: Huntsville, will begin airing on the network this spring. Real Housewives of Potomac alum Monique Samuels will be making her return to reality television on the series as the central character, appearing with her husband Chris Samuels.

Richard Williams. Alphonse Williams, 21, died by suicide earlier this month. His mother, Sabrina Williams, who is Richard’s daughter from his first marriage (and estranged from Richard and her half sisters), told the UK’s The Sun that the manner of death was an overdose on an unknown medication, although his autopsy results haven’t been released yet. The 57-year-old revealed that a day before his death, Alphonse confided in his dad about his battle with depression.

Letting it go. Stevie Nicks revealed that she once encouraged Katy Perry not to get caught up in her “rivalry” with Taylor Swift.

Miranda Lambert has revealed that she will be performing alongside Dierks Bentley in Nashville for the National Hockey League's Stadium Series.MORE: Miranda Lambert dotes over her adorable animals as she shares rare glimpse into home lifeThe country music star reposted Dierks' Instagram video which revealed that the pair will be performing on 26 February and the show will air on NHL on TNT and Sportsnet in Canada. "What's up y'all, Dierks here and I am so excited to play the NHL Stadium Series here in Nashville, Tennessee," Dierks shared in a video.WATCH: Dierks Bentley comfirms Nashville performance with Miranda LambertHe also posted a promotional picture which saw Dierks rock a casual tee and peacock coat, and Miranda wearing a bright orange leather jacket with bronze studs lining the edge. The NHL Stadium Series is one of several regular season outdoor games played by a select number of teams.

Ginger Zee certainly has made a mark for herself as a distinctive personality on daytime television, but she revealed that her name had found its way to a variety of other places in unintended ways.MORE: GMA's Ginger Zee forced to defend herself after sharing candid photo of sonThe Good Morning America star shared a clip of herself while working out at home, lifting weights while she spoke. As she watched a Cody Rigsby Peloton video where he spoke about encountering pets with the same name, she revealed that the struggle truly was real.WATCH: Ginger Zee wows in a romper and Ratatouille hat at Disney"Cody, it's not [just] you when people tell you their dog's name is Cody," she said, then hilariously adding: "My name's Ginger.

Britney Spears has had a career full of thrilling accomplishments and achievements, having broken multiple records and graced some of the world's most important stages.MORE: Britney Spears and Cher both lived in this $6.9million New York penthouse - photosHowever, she revealed in her latest social media post that she'd added another feather to her cap that touched her in a whole new way.WATCH: Father of Britney Spears files to end singer's conservatorshipShe took to Instagram to share a picture of a letter she'd received from the Congress of the United States asking her to share her story of overcoming her years-long conservatorship.Britney posted the letter in its entirety, which highlighted that there were "concerning issues that are commonplace in the guardianship and conservatorship process," and commended her for her "inspiring fight."MORE: Britney Spears' fans praise the star as singer sends cease and desist to sister Jamie LynnThe letter proposed a formal invitation for her to meet with Congress to "describe in your own words how you achieved justice," stating that it would "empower countless others outside the millions that are already inspired by you and your art."The singer shared her own reaction to the letter by writing: "I was immediately flattered and at the time I wasn't nearly at the healing stage I'm in now. A post shared by Britney Spears (@britneyspears)Britney posted the letter she received from Congress inviting her to share her story"Number 1 - I'm grateful that my story was even ACKNOWLEDGED!!! Because of the letter, I felt heard and like I mattered for the first time in my life!!! She continued: "I wish I would have been [brave]…I was so scared and nothing is worse than your own family doing what

The Vampire Diaries. But despite their different career paths, the couple has gradually become regarded as one of the most endearing —especially as White performed in his last Olympic Games in Beijing in February 2022. After connecting at an event in late 2019, the couple locked down together and is still going strong in 2022. Here's everything you need to know about Shaun White and Nina Dobrev's relationship.July: At the 2021 Teen Choice Awards, Shaun White presented the cast of Nina's show The Vampire Diaries with the awards for Choice Show in the sci-fi/fantasy category.

Emiliano Granada Colombian-Canadian director Lina Rodríguez’s third feature, “My Two Voices”,  a 68 min documentary that through its short runtime  artfully orchestrates a polyphony of emotions, colors, textures and voices in its portrayal of three immigrant women.Produced by Canada’s Rayon Verde, the same production company behind her previous film “This Time Tomorrow,” Rodríguez’s meticulous approach interweaves the voices of Claudia Montoya, Marinela Piedrahita and Ana Garay Kostic as they share their experiences of immigrating to Canada. Energized by a rich soundscape, the film achieves a deep intimacy, while refusing to draw borders, between spaces, between voices, between there and here, who I was and who I am, between I and Us.

EXCLUSIVE: Xochitl Gomez has added Hyperion to her team for representation in all areas, Deadline has learned.

Hollywood’s Covid safety protocols have been extended to April 30 and updated to redefine “fully vaccinated” to include booster shots, effective March 15.

Once you're all set in the Nordstrom arena, shop even more Presidents' Day sales that are blessing our carts this holiday weekend—from and to and .All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.Ready to replace your pilled black leggings? The cropped version of Nordstrom's is just as popular among shoppers—especially petites—who claim the fabric is smoother than . The cult-favorite bra has made it into , and for good reason: It's cute, comfy, and a top choice for and .

The Flight Attendant creator Steve Yockey is expanding his relationship with Warner Bros., signing an exclusive, multi-year overall deal with WB Television Group. Under the pact, his first with the studio, Yockey will develop, create, and produce original programming to be produced by Warner Bros. Television for all platforms, including HBO Max, external streaming services, cable, and the five broadcast networks.

direct to your inboxCalls have been made for almost £2bn in business rates relief handed back by major retailers to be used to help millions of workers excluded from financial aid during the Covid-19 pandemic.Supermarket chains Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and B&M have agreed to repay a combined £1.8bn tax break funded through the public purse.Tesco chairman John Allan said the company was ‘conscious of our responsibilities to society’ and hoped the money would go to businesses and communities in need.Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, has described the windfall as a ‘golden opportunity’ for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support 2.9 million people who have fallen through the cracks of government support.They include the

direct to your inboxTalks over the uncertain future of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) will continue, despite Stockport councillors voting against the proposals.Opposition groups argued that the long-delayed masterplan for jobs and housing favoured the needs of developers over residents, and would lead to unnecessary green belt development.Labour had hoped that by removing or scaling down schemes planned up to 2037, that it could appease Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and the Heald Green Ratepayers.Council leader Elise Wilson and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham had also penned an open letter to residents to make the case for the GMSF before the crunch meeting on Thursday night.But the administration was outvoted by

Video: I'm a Celeb: Campmates tuck into Jammie Dodgers (Manchester Evening News)Dr June Raine formally announces the approval of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine in the UK, promising 'vigorous testing' has been undertaken on safety and effectivenessWhat the Pfizer Covid vaccine side effects areSir Richard Leese and Andy Burnham says Greater Manchester has 'concern' about rapid tests sent to care homesLatest coronavirus infection rates in ManchesterEderson claims he is the best penalty taker at Manchester CitySimon Stevens, Chief Executive, NHS England reveals who will get the vaccine first at Boris Johnson press conferencePfizer BioNTech vaccine approved - Rollout date, who will get it first and everything else you need to knowProfessor Jonathan

direct to your inboxA senior Manchester Arena boss has issued a public apology to the mother of one of the 22 victims of the 2017 bombing atrocity.Two policing experts, meanwhile, have outlined to the public inquiry into the attack a series of criticisms they have found relating to security in place on the night.John Sharkey met with Figen Murray, Martyn Hett's mother, on December 8, 2017, seven months after the bombing.At the meeting, arranged by the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Mrs Murray wanted answers to questions relating to security within the City Room at the time, the inquiry heard.Suicide bomber Salman Abedi hid there on a mezzanine level for almost an hour in a CCTV black spot before he detonated a device he was

The government took into account the potential economic impact on the capital in sparing London from tough Tier 3 restrictions.But the same analysis wasn't applied to Manchester and the rest of the country.That's according to furious Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham who described the alleged differing approach as 'unacceptable' as MPs prepare for a key vote in Parliament today (Tuesday).Last week Boris Johnson's government announced that Greater Manchester would be placed in the toughest Tier 3 restrictions even though the coronavirus infection rate here, although still high, is falling fast.It means pubs and restaurants must remain closed here but they can open in Tier 2 areas like London when the national lockdown ends

including Greater Manchester where cases are falling rapidly.Michael Gove was reportedly among those arguing London should be under the strictest measures due to the high infection rate in several boroughs.The M.E.N has attempted to contact Downing Street for confirmation that the cabinet received a briefing note on potential job losses in London and whether similar impact assessments were made of other regions.So far, we have had no response.The Mayor Andy Burnham tweeted the Mail's story and said: "So it would seem the Government added an extra point to their five criteria - just for London.

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The Mayor’s A Bed Every Night homelessness reduction scheme is being extended after a charity warned numbers seeking help have rocketed during the pandemic.With ‘at least’ 40 new rooms added to the scheme in time for the winter, £663,000 has also been pledged to support young people at risk of homelessness and to tackle the causes that could see people ‘slip through the net’.Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, announced the expansion of his flagship scheme using cash from his mayoral priorities funding pot this afternoon and called on the public to give generously to support those in need.Alongside Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett, Jo Walby, CEO of homelessness prevention charity the Mustard Tree, and Reverend Ian Rutherford, from the

The prime minister is facing a revolt from members of his own party after the majority of the country was placed under tough new measures to control coronavirus.Health secretary Matt Hancock outlined which areas would be placed under which tiers in Parliament yesterday.Just three places in England managed to avoid being placed in either Tier 2 or Tier 3, which both include tougher controls on the hospitality industry.Now, a number of MPs have said they will not support the new measures when they are brought before the House of Commons next week.In Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham has said he hopes the region will be able to move from Tier 3 to Tier 2 when the measures are reviewed two weeks after they come into force on December

where he outlined the rationale behind each of the three revised tiers.The tougher system, which which will see harsher measures taken against the hospitality industry, will come into force on December 2.Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said he wasn't surprised to see the region placed into Tier 3, due to a rate of infection standing higher than the current national average.

coronavirus restrictions has led to a chorus of disapproval from Andy Burnham and many of the region's MPs.

Andy Burnham wants Greater Manchester to be moved into Tier 2 within a fortnight if the region's coronavirus infection rate continues to fall.The Mayor was reacting to the government's decision to place the region in Tier 3, the highest category of restrictions under the new system due to take effect on December 2.It means all hospitality venues will have to stay closed except for takeaway and delivery services.Other areas with high infection rates, including Liverpool and London, have been placed in the Tier 2 category that allows venues to open if they serve a substantial meal.Parts of Greater Manchester, including Stockport and Trafford, have infection rates that are below the national average.Mr Burnham appeared to accept that the

government announcing this morning that Manchester will be placed in Tier 3 when national lockdown ends on December 2, the mayor says the 'halfway house approach' taken to lockdown is partly to blame.Reacting to the news that the region now faces the toughest measures for at least another fortnight, he told the Manchester Evening News: "It was a personal view and maybe not everybody's view, but I think schools should have been included in the national circuit break, because actually it would have benefited schools as well."People talked about kids spending time out of the classroom, but they are spending time out of the classroom and actually it probably would have helped everybody if we'd got the cases down much lower and then schools

coronavirus lockdown ends. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said he believes the region will be put under the highest level of measures, which will see the closure of all hospitality venues with only takeaway and delivery permitted.The UK also recorded its highest daily death toll since the beginning of May yesterday, adding a further 696 coronavirus-related deaths to the total.A NHS Nightingale hospital in Exeter is due to receive its first patients today, while Germany is preparing to extend its shutdown well into December amid rising case rates.

Andy Burnham says it is ‘more likely than not’ that Greater Manchester will be put into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions despite falling infection rates.The mayor is expecting that the new measures, due to be shared with leaders tomorrow, will be applied consistently across the city-region.But the government has been urged to look at Greater Manchester’s position in two weeks when the first review of the revised arrangements takes place.There are widely-held expectations that almost no regions in England will be in anything lower than Tier 2 once the national lockdown ends on December 2.Greater Manchester had been in Tier 3 before the lockdown after reporting some of the highest Covid-19 rates in the country.Things have changed

revised tier system, which will come into force on December 2 when the national lockdown ends, government ministers will impose the top level of restrictions on the highest risk areas.Previously, ministers had entered into discussions with local leaders over the what measures would be needed and how they would be funded.In Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham led several days of intense talks as he tried to negotiate a more substantial financial package than the one the government had originally offered.But Mr Hancock said infection rates in the region had climbed while negotiations were talking place and that had been "bad for public health".Speaking to the Health and Social Care Committee in the House of Commons today, Mr Hancock said

Grant Shapps had appeared to blame the row for Greater Manchester's high coronavirus infection rates.

Andy Burnham has written an open letter to people in Stockport making the case for the region’s controversial long-term development plan.The joint letter with Stockport council leader Elise Wilson says that more of the borough’s green belt will be put at risk outside the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), than within it.However opponents of the scheme - including many of the ‘Save the Greenbelt’ groups - remain unconvinced.It comes after Stockport councillors last week voted to postpone making a decision on whether to adopt the blueprint - which sets out where homes and businesses will be built over the next 17 years.The Lib Dems, Conservatives and Heald Green Independent Ratepayers had all indicated they would not vote for the

hereLast month Andy Burnham and other local leaders spent two weeks negotiating with the government for better financial support to help businesses that would be forced to close, the self-employed and others who lose income, before Tier 3 was eventually imposed. Mr Shapps responded by saying 'individual negotiations' last time led to rates not being 'gotten on top of as quickly as possible'.He said that Liverpool, which agreed to Tier 3 'quite quickly' had seen cases come down quickly and called the city 'a success story'.He added that the government had seen that 'elsewhere' things hadn't been as successful and that regions that were slower to go into Tier 3 did not see cases reduce.Ms Burley responded: "So just to be clear, it's Andy