While many individuals were already public knowledge, we're made up to hear that SIR Kevin Sinfield has now finally received his long-overdue knighthood, and he's not the only familiar face to have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list for 2026.
There are numerous worthy names on the list, but it goes without saying that the 'Sir Kev' campaign is one that many have been flying the flag for rather high over the past few years.
Sinfield, 45, is not only a rugby league and England legend, but he has warmed hearts across the country and beyond through his superhuman '7 in 7' ultramarathon efforts on behalf of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in recent times, all in memory of his old teammate, local hero and best friend, Rob Burrow.
In fact, our mates at The Manc and we here at The Hoot are among countless others who've been calling for this for some time.
Following his 2014 MBE, OBE in 2021, and CBE in '23, we struggle to think of anyone more deserving of the accolade than Leeds Rhinos legend, to be honest.
Announcing his seventh and final '7 in 7 challenge' earlier this month, he's now managed to generate more than £11 million in vital funding for the cause.
Set to channel that same sentiment that Burrow and fellow late, great rugby legend, Doddie Weir, tried to reiterate so often once again - "MND isn't incurable, it's just underfunded" - the scenes are no doubt going to be more emotional than ever.
Hero, legend, inspiration - these words don't even begin to cut it.
The Greater Manchester native was one of the first confirmed new knighthoods made known to the public; here he is talking about the great privilege with the BBC:
There are also several Lionesses named, too, such as Euros winners and WSL stars Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Michelle Agyemang, Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton and Lauren James, who join the quintet of other national team players given MBEs as part of King Charles III's New Year's Honours List, with the prior official ceremony taking place last month.
Sinfield is not the only ex-sportsman to have been honoured this year, either.
As per The Manc, former Scotland international and Manchester United player Lou Macari (who still has a chippy in his name right near the ground) has also been made an MBE.
While Sinfield was recognised for services to sport and charity, 77-year-old Macari has been awarded the accolade for his work helping the homeless across not just the North but all over the country.
Another local sportsperson listed this year is our very own Head of GB Para Badminton, Richard Mark Morris, 36, who has been awarded an MBE for services to sport and disabled people.
He's been hailed not only for his coaching and improvements to accessibility, but also for helping create a world-class training environment over in Sheffield; he was clearly bowled over when he realised he was being recognised.
Besides the athletics community, others who received OBEs this week include Catherine Handcock, who founded the media brand and magazine Creative HEAD (a major outlet in the hairdressing industry), and fellow York native, Barrie Stephenson, who co-founded the crucial homeless charity, Restore.
Awarded for services to people experiencing homelessness in the city, Christian-backed non-profit Restore has helped accommodate, support and rehouse rough sleepers since 2010.
Speaking to fellow local outlet YorkMix, Stephenson said: "I may be the only person who has been with the charity from its inception, but I have worked with so many others who should share this honour, especially Ed Hambleton, our co-founder, who gave up a secure job to pioneer Restore with me.
Well in, Barrie.
You can find the full list of 1,182 people named on this year's list online, or simply look at which other Yorkshire/Northern legends made the 2026 honours right HERE.
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Danny Jones -
15th June 2026 
