Spark News
Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC have incurred 107.2% increased costs for policing the Wear-Tyne Derby from Northumbria Police since its return in 2024. New data uncovered after a Freedom of Information request by Spark reveals the cost invoiced to clubs for the policing of the Wear-Tyne derby, since its return after an eight-year hiatus, has […]
New data reveals that South Tyneside has the lowest average weekly wage in the North East and it is increasing at a rate slower than many other localities in the region. The area’s gross weekly median pay (GWMP), the statistic used to measure weekly pay, is £537 and has increased by 38.4% in the past […]
A recent study from UK Anti-Doping has discovered that the number of anti-doping tests performed on para-athletes has dipped following the 2024 Paralympics. The study found that the number of tests conducted on para-athletes dropped from 267 in 2024 to 222 in 2025. This compares to 8,414 tests completed across all sports in 2025, almost […]
There were fewer cases of AI-related academic misconduct in 2024/25 versus 2023/24 across multiple universities in the North East, an FOI has revealed. At Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham University, the number of academic misconduct cases relating to AI were at their highest in the 2023/24 academic year. The figures were released following a Freedom of […]
A new study has discovered that Newcastle is facing its lowest tourism numbers in almost two decades. VisitBritain, who hold tourism visit statistics for areas across the UK, have found that the most recent year on record showed that only 199,000 tourists visited Newcastle in 2024. Excluding 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, […]
The number of new online ads for physiotherapists in the North East has been falling back down after previous increases, according to data from the ONS. In 2024 and 2025, almost every month had a lower number of new online job ads for physiotherapists in the North East than the months in 2022 and 2023. […]
Tom Holland’s journey playing the role of Spider-Man has become one of the most defining character arcs in modern superhero cinema. When Tom Holland first appeared in Captain America: Civil War [2016], his version of playing Peter Parker immediately stood apart from previous Spider-Man roles. His character was awkward, enthusiastic, and still figuring things out. […]
The Choir of Man hits the Empire Stage for a one-week engagement as part of their first UK tour. In a celebration of community, friendship and the power of a good drink with those you love, whether it’s a pint of lager or a J20. Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay. Featuring the written […]
Celebrating 10 years since its debut on Broadway, Sara Bareilles’ Waitress is touring the UK with Durham-born Emma Lucia putting on the apron for a week of performances at Sunderland Empire. Waitress is based on a 2007 film and follows talented baker Jenna as she deals with a complicated combination of an abusive marriage, an […]
Nigel Farage visited South Shields as part of his campaign trail and received a mixed reception from locals. Elections are taking place in England on 7 May and around 5000 seats across 136 local councils will be up for grabs. Mr Farage was out campaigning on King Street, in South Shields town centre as latest […]
