This is the January edition of Chronicle Live Editor Sophie Barley's monthly email to our newsletter subscribers. You can be the first to receive it, along with the latest breaking news from across the North East, by signing up here.
I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear the tragic news a 15-year-old girl has died in Hexham, Northumberland. The teenager is believed to have been stabbed and police have launched a murder investigation. Absolutely horrendous news and my thoughts are with this young girl’s loved ones. A 16-year-old boy was also injured and is in a stable condition. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder.
A huge change is taking place in Newcastle city centre as the clean air zone comes into force. The pollution tolls, which have been years in the making, will mean daily charges of up to £50 for certain vehicles that fall foul of environmental standards. We have a full explainer story here on how it will work. We'd love to know if you think it's a good idea - have your say in our poll.
