THE YORK BRIEF ⏰Tuesday, November 11, 2025

🌤️ Good morning, York!

Right then, let’s crack on! It’s a crisp Tuesday morning in our fair city, and while the council’s wrestling with budget black holes, there’s still plenty happening around town. From transport upgrades to tech expansion and a fair bit of crime news thrown in - here’s what you need to know today.

Today’s Weather:

Cloudy with heavy rain expected around 2pm. High of 11°C, low of 8°C. Humidity hitting 95%, so grab your brolly before heading out! Winds gusting up to 14mph.

📰 NEWS

💡 A64 lighting upgrades continue - National Highways is upgrading street lighting to energy-efficient LEDs at locations on the A64, reducing energy use, carbon emissions, and future maintenance needs. November works include Fulford, Hopgrove and Grimston Bar slip roads plus Old Malton Roundabout. Expect overnight closures 8pm-6am. Full details at York Press

🚑 Electric ambulances trialled in Yorkshire - Yorkshire Ambulance Service is trialling electric ambulances in urban areas as part of fleet renewal plans. Martin Dodd, area operations manager for North Yorkshire, said trials are ongoing though rural infrastructure challenges remain. Read more at YorkMix

🎾 Padel courts planned for Dunnington - Plans have been submitted for two new padel tennis courts in Dunnington. The increasingly popular racquet sport could soon have a permanent home in York, giving local players a dedicated facility. Learn more at York Press

🚂 LNER issues ‘do not travel’ advice - LNER warned passengers not to travel after a broken rail caused major disruption on the East Coast Main Line through York. Services between London, York, Edinburgh and Scotland were severely affected. Updates at York Press

🏗️ Mayor backs Northern Powerhouse Rail call - York’s mayor has joined calls for the full delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail, arguing it’s crucial for the city’s economic connectivity and the wider region’s growth. Read more at the Council Website

👨‍⚕️ Five-day doctors’ strike confirmed - York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust faces five days of strike action as junior doctors walk out over pay and working conditions. The trust is urging patients to only attend A&E for genuine emergencies. Details at York Press

🎉 National Care Leavers Month celebrated - York has been celebrating National Care Leavers Month, recognizing young people who have left the care system and highlighting the support available to help them thrive. More at City of York Council

Growing up in care taught me strength, independence and the belief that my past doesn’t define my future — it shapes it. Leaving care gave me the drive to aim higher and turn challenges into opportunities with the best support from City of York Council.

🌿 City walls wildflowers cut back - Wildflowers along York’s city walls have been cut back as part of seasonal maintenance. The initiative to encourage biodiversity on the historic monument continues to balance ecology with conservation. Read more at York Press

👶 Tiny Lives neonatal appeal launched - York Hospital has launched a fundraising appeal for Tiny Lives, supporting premature and sick babies in the neonatal unit. Donations will fund lifesaving equipment and family support services. Support the appeal at Y&S Hospitals Charity.

💰 Funding row over £15m claim disputed - Claims that York would lose £15m from a fair funding review have been disputed. The debate highlights ongoing tensions about local government financing and the city’s funding allocation. Full story at York Press

🚨 CRIME

⚖️ Driver guilty in York professor’s death - A Land Rover driver has been convicted of causing the death of University of York Professor Simon McQueen-Mason by careless driving. Timothy Cale reversed into the 64-year-old cyclist’s path on the Isle of Wight in June 2022, then drove away from the scene. He’ll be sentenced in January. Read more at Gazette & Herald

👔 Hugo Boss theft at Designer Outlet - Police are investigating a theft at the Hugo Boss store in York Designer Outlet. Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have information about the incident. Details at York Press

🍺 Woman sexually assaulted at Salvation - A woman was sexually assaulted on the dance floor at Salvation nightclub. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses to come forward. More at York Press

🎨 ARTS & CULTURE

🎸 Jools Holland protégé Toby Lee plays York - Guitar virtuoso and Jools Holland protégé Toby Lee is bringing his electrifying show to The Crescent in York. Expect an evening of classic rock hits, showmanship, and jaw-dropping guitar work. Book tickets at Gazette & Herald

🎺 York saxophonist shines at BBC Remembrance - York saxophonist Mike Durham performed alongside Rod Stewart at the BBC’s Festival of Remembrance concert. It’s a proud moment for the city’s music scene on a national stage. Watch highlights at York Press

🛡️ JORVIK adds wintry twist to adventure - The JORVIK Viking Centre has unveiled its Winter Adventure, adding a seasonal twist to the popular experience. Perfect timing for families looking for festive activities! Plan your visit at Jorvik Viking Center

🧱 York brick company scoops award - York Handmade Brick Company has won a 2025 Brick Award for its work on the Bustardthorpe Development at York Racecourse. The Sustainability Award recognized the project’s use of 70,000 locally handmade bricks, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and living green roof. Read more at York Press

🍽️ BUSINESS

🍺 Priory Inn reopens after £230k makeover - The historic Priory Inn on Micklegate is reopening Thursday after a £230,000 refurbishment. The popular pub has been upgraded with refreshed interiors while maintaining its traditional character. Details at York Press

💉 Abingdon Health wins US contract - York-headquartered Abingdon Health has announced a $2m US contract win. The biotech firm continues its expansion, providing end-to-end solutions for global customers in the diagnostics sector. Learn more at York Press

🏳️‍🌈 COMMUNITY

🌈 York Pride seeks 2026 sponsors - York Pride is looking for sponsors for its 2026 event. Businesses and organizations can help make next year’s celebration bigger and better while showing support for the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Get involved at York Press

🎓 STUDENT LIFE

🥸 Six ways York students can support Movember - The Tab York has outlined six key ways University of York students can support Movember, focusing on men’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s about more than just growing a ‘tache! Find out more at The Tab

⚽ SPORT

🥊 Brody Allan wins belt for Henry’s Gym - Henry’s Gym talent Brody Allan has become the latest York boxer to win a belt, continuing the gym’s proud tradition of producing champions. The victory adds to York’s growing reputation in the boxing world. Read more at York Press

🏉 Former York Knights centre James Glover signs for Doncaster - Former York Knights centre James Glover has signed a two-year deal with Doncaster RLFC, departing Featherstone Rovers amid the club’s financial struggles. The 31-year-old, who made 47 appearances for York across 2022 and 2023 (scoring 17 tries and 61 goals), was instrumental in the Knights’ maiden playoff win against Halifax in 2022 with a memorable penalty from halfway. Details at Yahoo News.

So there you have it - Tuesday in York wrapped up!

Don’t forget your umbrella today - that 2pm downpour’s coming whether we like it or not. Stay dry, York!

The York Brief - Your daily dose of what’s happening in York