In this week’s Manx Independent we report on the ordeal a gay couple faced when they were attacked.

Inside:

Mark Cavendish is held at knifepoint by burglars.

Between 20 and 50% of pupils are wearing masks, the education minister said this week. But 100% of staff in schools and the college are wearing them.

Photos from Storm Barra’s battering of the island. The clean-up begins now.

Benefits cheat Elizabeth Ann Edge was overpaid £23,871 after failing to declare money she was regularly receiving from a man she met online called Charles.

The infrastructure minister has said the decision will be made on whether to extend the seismic survey licence for the exploration of natural gas ’shortly’.

The Manx language is expected to increase in usage by up to 92% by 2050.

Andrew Thomas Falconer, who’s 56 years old, was this week sentenced after a row with his neighbour over a dog in Ramsey.

Daphne Caine MHK believes there needs to be a review of benefits and low incomes after the chief minister announced there will be further support for families who receive free school meals over the Christmas holidays.

The Department of Infrastructure has revisited early proposals for the Balthane roundabout after a public consultation earlier this year.

Ryan Anthony David Langton, who tried to burgle the Spar shop in Ramsey while he was drunk, has been sentenced.

The introduction of a ’micro forest’ in Ramsey.

In our Down Memory Lane page, we have photos of Christmas parties from the past. Will you see anyone you know?

Pupils from across the island’s primary schools who are learning Manx have taken part in an inter-school postcard project. We see what they have achieved.

In Island Life, The Manx Youth Orchestra will perform its Christmas concert at the Villa marina on Saturday from 7.30pm. We have a preview.

There’s also news of a Christmas magic show in Peel and a traditional Christmas carol service in the town this weekend.

Rachel Wild Performers’ Studio will present their Christmas concert at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, again this weekend.

Talking parrots, crazed pirates, garish dames and lines of dancing children filled the stage for ’Robinson Crusoe’, the latest show from the Peel Pantoloons. We take a look.

There is news of cross-country racing on the back page this week and we report that British Cycling has confirmed that the Isle of Man will host rounds of the 2022 National Road Series next July.

There are 10 pages of sport in total.

There is also plenty of community news, a page of your letters, our puzzles pages, the gig guide and a seven-day television guide.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

But you don’t have to go to a shop to buy a copy.

You can also read it online if you buy the digital edition. It should be uploaded by 7.30am.

To find out how to buy it, go to the ’Digital Editions’ section of the website on the grey line near the top of this site or watch the video below.

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