Thursday, 22 October: Live updates from the Leeds Now newsroom

One Leeds nightclub is now so old, it would nearly be allowed to drink. Distrikt club, on Duncan Street, has celebrated its 17^th birthday. Niamh Cooling has interviewed people who frequently visit the club to understand why they enjoy the club and the accessibility available.

It is now more than 40 years since the miners strikes, which ultimately accelerated pit closures across the north. Lewis Gomersal went to see the “Iron Ladies” documentary at Hyde Park Picture House, which focused on women involved in the strikes, and listened to Lorraine Stansby, Jane Aitchison from the TUC, and Denise Carr, from Leeds Unison Branch Chair, discuss their reactions to it.

With Christmas just around the corner, West Yorkshire Police has announced a clamp down on heavy goods vehicle crime. With presents on the move, this is the peak time for theft. Annie Martin has been investigating this, speaking to a former police officer and a logistics expert.

With the economy struggling we could all do with a laugh. Ned Blackbird has been to visit an award-winning comedy club in Leeds city centre to find out what makes it special.

There was bad economic news for the government yesterday with both inflation and the cost of government borrowing both hitting their highest levels in a year. Lauryn Slater has been speaking to businesses and residents in Leeds about how they are coping with the rising cost of living.

A Chinese takeaway is Leeds is taking another annual campaign extremely seriously too. Mr T’s on Burley Road is delivering their food in pink packaging to raise aware of Breast Cancer throughout October. Eve Ashbrook has been finding out more.

Around one in ten adults in Leeds are smokers, according to data from the Office for National Statistics this month, compared to around one in six in 2024. Now the hypnotists are coming to help those still unable to kick the habit this ‘Stoptober’. Maddie Farrow went to an expert to find out how.

Another organisations helping support people in West Yorkshire is One Adoption, which was the first regional adoption agency in the country when it opened its doors in 2017. Beth Hodgson has been talking to them about their partnership with the Everyday is Everything campaign, which aims to encourage more people to come forward as prospective adopters.

Maggie’s, who are based at St James’s University Hospital, are a charity that provide cancer survivors and the loved ones around them who have been indirectly affected, with free practical, emotional and social support. Iolo Pierce has been finding out about some of the crucial help they provide.

Peace Pullet is about and about in Leeds finding out from the public how the railway works in and around Leeds have disrupted the public and shops. She has been speaking to shoppers in the Merrion Centre. 

In news that won’t come as a huge surprise to commuters, Leeds is set to change its transport plans to help make travelling around the city more effective. The new proposals will include both bus and train routes. Delilah Loyd has been out and about gathering views on the current transport system.

Erin Morrison has visited a Leeds barista who has been nominated for a national award. Winning the award would mean she would receive a £1,000 prize, and her colleagues have been talking about why it would mean a latte to the whole team.

Sticking with the food theme amongst our hungry hacks, Jessica Hirst has looked in on an independent shop that provides a safe sense of community, paired with baked goods. AccomplishBCEL on Skinner Lane is celebrating its 1st anniversary of opening and Jessica has been speaking to the owner to find out how things have been going.

The clocks may be going back this weekend, but Leeds is apparently still going crazy for frozen yogurt. Summer Taylor has gone to see a new frozen yogurt place located in Headingley, which has proved a success and is now celebrating its six month anniversary.

Paloma Bacon-Perez went to the opening of the new mini mall in the Merrion Centre. The mall is boosting independent business in Leeds, showing how the city is constantly evolving and supporting family-run companies. She spoke a shop owner and shop manager.

Ava Yiannakou is out visiting a self care exchange programme that is happening at Kirkgate Market. It involves Leeds business that are related to mental and sexual health, sharing support services, such as sexual health testing and blood pressure checks. The stalls are free for the public.

Our team of journalists is out in Leeds gathering the latest news across the city. We’ll be bringing you updates on the stories they are covering throughout the day.