In this week’s Manx Independent, we look at the situation regarding retailing in Douglas.

We’d expected a story of doom and gloom after so many shops closed. In fact, there are plenty of green shoots.

We look at new ventures.

The other story on page one is about House of Keys candidates’ posters and banners being vandalised.

Women seem to be targeted more than men.

Also this week:

The government’s Covid-19 online dashboard states that there have been 13 deaths from the virus since February 15, but the number is known to be higher than this.

We go back to the roundels on the promenade. How come they look so scruffy so soon?

Kristopher Coward of Anagh Coar has been punished for 18 months after a row over him playing loud music and singing.

Kip McGrath, a company that tutors children from six to 16 years old in English and maths, has not reopened its two centres this month but is operating online.

Scaffolder Aaron Graham Harry Speed, who squared up to a doctor and told him ’I’ll smash your head in’, has been sentenced.

Hundreds of people took part in Sight Matters’ Coast to Coast walk at the weekend.

We’ve all heard about the Isle of Man being a Unesco Biosphere. But what exactly does that mean?

Wool is fetching so little on the market that some is just being dumped on hillsides.

Peel’s pollution problem features again, with a disturbing drone photograph of the outflow.

But it’s not just Peel that’s affected. There’s a campaign in Laxey too.

The Douglas RNLI has dropped its plans to redevelop its lifeboat boathouse on the South Quay.

Two more fishermen from Northern Ireland have appeared in court for landing too many king scallops.

Stamps have been designed to honour a Manx hero of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Children’s author Jane Huddlestone tells us about being inspired by the Isle of Man.

The Guild might not have taken place this year, but there will be a special event later this month. Read our Island Life section to find out more.

The Isle of Man’s Poetry Trail launches this weekend.

Internationally-renowned wildlife painter Dr Jeremy Paul has been selected to take part in a prestigious art exhibition in America.

New Manx Bard Owen Atkinson (who also appears on page 3 this week) shares a poem about Manx nature.

A look back at China Crisis’s gig.

The centre pages feature textile artists Maureen Kennaugh and Pat Kelly and their wonderful exhibition in Laxey.

The back page features Aimee Cringle, who’s won a European championship in CrossFit.

Matty Rennie, who has continued his unbeaten start to life as a professional boxer, also features.

There are 11 pages of sport altogether.

There is also plenty of community news, a page of your letters, our puzzles pages, Pullyman, 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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