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Top story

Cash for a Shot Tin Roof: rain threatens to stop plays at Yard Theatre

Groundbreaking Hackney Wick venue must raise £10,000 by 31 July

News

Man critical after early morning assault in Mare Street

Police urge witnesses to contact them after incident in vicinity of pub

‘Crisis of masculinity’ harming Britain, Hackney MP Diane Abbott warns

Shadow health minister calls for strengthening of family ties

Stik’s riot mural removed from public display and sold to celebrity dealer

Work could fetch £50,000 at future auction – but street artist due to create new image on Pogo Cafe garage door

Full steam ahead for consultation on Crossrail 2 Hackney project

£12billion scheme could link Dalston with Wimbledon, Alexandra Palace and destinations further afield

Boris slammed: Kingsland Fire Station closure plans will increase response times

Labour politicians urge Boris Johnson to scrap plan – but Fire Brigade stresses London would still receive ‘very good service’

Pop music events ‘endangering legacy’ of Hackney Marshes, Sport England claims

Council stresses no decision made on whether to allow further controversial gigs

High alert after Hackney named measles hotspot

Rates of diagnosis in borough three times higher than in any other London area

Children’s personal data revealed by council in school offer letter mix-up

‘Very small number’ of families affected, claims Town Hall

Hackney ranked by Peace Index third least peaceful area in England and Wales

Violent crime rates exceed double national average over last ten years

New stage space Park Theatre throws open its doors in Finsbury Park

Inaugural season follows venue’s official opening this month

Man charged with James Sweeney murder

Jeremy Lewis, 29, to appear at Redbridge Magistrates Court tomorrow

Hackney Planning Watch campaigners to petition council to say no to neighbourhood forums

Claims devolution of planning powers to a forum would be ‘divisive step’

Private tenants unite against rip off rental market

Residents from Hackney and neighbouring boroughs protest against sky high rents and unfair practices in lettings industry

Suleman ‘Solly’ Vesamia obituary

Tributes paid to Chatsworth Road stalwart who was an instrumental part of road’s Traders and Residents Association

Clapton murder victim named as James Sweeney

Three arrests as police appeal for information

Walk down a Well-trodden street

Hackney’s Well Street has long been a hub for local business and is where the founder of Tesco first plied his trade

Courses

Introduction to Podcasting – two-day course, July 2013

This two-day course covers the essentials of audio for the web, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July

How to self-publish – one-day course: June 2013

This weekend course covers the essentials of book production, design, distribution, press and marketing, Saturday 8 June 2013

Opinion

Stay out of debt with free advice from Hackney CAB

Citizens Advice Bureau now offers a new Money Smart advice service for social housing tenants

Hackney residents feeling heat of rocketing fuel prices

Fuel poverty, ‘green jobs’ and energy efficiency among the issues raised at public meeting hosted by Friends of the Earth

Food & Drink

MEATmission – review

Unholy gluttony at Hoxton restaurant serving ‘Dead Hippie’ burgers in converted church

Fashion

Eerily well dressed men

Interview with designer and Hackney resident Katie Eary – a rising star in men’s fashion

Film

Star Trek Into Darkness – review

Benedict Cumberbatch and Simon Pegg in intergalactic blockbuster

Child-friendly flicks set for Dalston Square screenings

Lost Picture Show, part of Dalston Children’s Festival, is perfect for kids and families

Stage

These Shining Lives at The Park Theatre – review

Charity Wakefield turns in a brilliant performance as Catherine Donohue in play set in roaring 1920s

Happy birthday to Chats! Arts Palace celebrates 100 years this month

Good times in store for venue that grew out of old Hackney Marsh Fun Festival

Books

London’s Lost Power Stations and Gasworks – review

Relics of city’s industrial past played vital role in its renown but are often overlooked, Ben Pedroche’s new book shows

The Sea Inside: Philip Hoare talks whales and Loch Ness monsters ahead of Hackney book launch

Author to appear at Stoke Newington Literary Festival and Last Tuesday Society

Music

St John at Hackney church blessed with showstopping 2013 music lineup

Artists performing include Nils Frahm and Tim Hecker

‘I’m a choir starter’: Hannah Brine says all are welcome at Victoria Park Singers

Conductor’s community singing group meets once a week in Royal Inn pub

Art and Design

Hackney Wick gallery Performance Space is one of a kind

Boundary pushing art venue unique in the UK

Stands Alone – life in former Arsenal football stadium is a different ball game

New exhibition at Geffrye Museum tells of strangely muted atmosphere at Highbury Stadium Square