Pride in the North East: Newcastle’s LGBTQ+ community gears up for Pride with a march ending at Grey’s Monument, plus a reminder of why the event still matters amid online abuse. Arts leadership: Arts Council England appoints Julia Kingsford as director of literature for the South West, aiming to widen access and back under-represented writers. Travel and consumer shock: A British holidaymaker goes viral after a £45 airport fine over a “Happy Meal”-sized cabin bag tester used by TUI. Local regeneration: Sefton Council agrees heads of terms to redevelop the long-derelict former Sands pub in Ainsdale, giving the landmark a new eco-vision future. Business spotlight: Manchester WiFi firm Purple is a finalist for Technology Business of the Year at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards. Immigration enforcement row: Lewisham Council says it will review systems to stop council help during immigration raids after reports of intimidation at a nail salon. Culture and TV: Steven Moffat’s comedy The Unfriend heads to Frinton Summer Theatre, with a serial-killer twist. Health honours: Eastbourne volunteer Tina Whitmore receives a BEM for decades of support for people with rheumatoid arthritis.