City news in 250 words

PLANS TO ‘ELECTRIFY’ the rail line between Manchester and Liverpool have been announced by the government. Ministers said the trains will convert from diesel to electric, making them lighter, more energy efficient and cutting the running cost and environmental impact of train services. Over the next eight years, bridges and tunnels will be demolished and overhead power lines will be installed in the £100m green proposal.

THE NUMBER OF KNIFE DEATHS in areas targeted by a government anti-knife crime programme, has risen. The Home Office-led Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) was introduced in 10 police areas in England and Wales, including Greater Manchester, last July. In its first nine months, 126 people died after being attacked with a knife or other sharp object - seven more than in the same period the previous year.

LIAM GALLAGHER stormed off stage in London after pints of beer were thrown at him. The 36-year-old stormed off after saying to fans: "I hope you feel as uncomfortable as I feel." Brother Noel, 42, continued with the Masterplan set until Liam returned to the stage after a 30-minute ‘cool off’ at the Roundhouse in Camden.

POLICE HAVE RAIDED A CHINESE MEDICINE SHOP in Manchester city centre suspected of selling illegal products derived from endangered animals. Medicines believed to contain rhino and deer musk, were seized by officers at the Chinese Medical Centre on Nicholas Street. A 69-year-old woman was arrested in the raid carried out on Tuesday by the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

This ‘N’ That wisdom: Man lives in the here and now, not the perhaps.

Taken from the free calendar available at This 'n' That, Soap Street, Northern Quarter. Wisdom rating: 7/10