BBC Local Live: Leeds and West Yorkshire

Do join Lara and Phil for Look North on BBC One at 18:30 as a BBC investigation has found Yorkshire's police forces are dealing with a huge increase in incidents involving so-called legal highs. 

Legal highs are substances with similar effects to drugs like cocaine and cannabis but despite the name, aren't approved or safe to use. 

We meet one man with a personal story to tell about how they nearly destroyed his life.

West Yorkshire MP Paul Sheriff is urging the government to halt the planned downgrade of Dewsbury and Huddersfield hospitals, claiming the local health trust is in a deepening crisis. 

The Labour MP for Dewsbury said patients are suffering in large numbers:

The Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt agreed that there are continuing concerns over healthcare in the area. 

But he also said there are some signs of improvement:

Quote Message: She is right to have concerns on some of the safety indicators. But there are some very encouraging things in the improvements of morale, as recorded in the NHS staff survey." from Jeremy Hunt Secretary of State for Health

She is right to have concerns on some of the safety indicators. But there are some very encouraging things in the improvements of morale, as recorded in the NHS staff survey."

This evening will be cloudy with rain at times, becoming dry with clear spells later.

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Minimum temperature this evening and overnight of about 10C (50F). Moderate or fresh northeast wind. 

Wednesday will be a mostly dry and bright day with variable cloud and some sunshine, with just a small chance of a shower. Maximum temperature tomorrow of about 17C (63F). Moderate locally fresh northeast wind.

One lane is closed on the eastbound M62 between J28, A650 (Tingley) and J29, M1 (Lofthouse) because of an accident. 

Traffic is now queuing and very slow.

Do remember, BBC Radio Leeds has travel and traffic updates throughout the morning to keep you moving tomorrow.

About to kick start your evening commute?

Do be aware when approaching the eastbound M62 between J25 (Brighouse) and J26 (Chain Bar) as debris on the road is causing an obstruction.

BBC Radio Leeds has travel and traffic updates throughout the evening to keep you moving.

The top stories in Leeds and West Yorkshire so far this evening include: 

• A mother who stabbed her two young daughters to death told a police medic she was a "lovely" parent.
• Leeds' managed "sex zone" is likely to come under scrutiny as the Home Affairs Committee discusses prostitution and the law today.

• Figures uncovered by BBC Yorkshire reveal West Yorkshire Police has dealt with more than 800 crimes connected to so called legal highs, a 200-fold increase since 2011.

It’s often a sombre subject, but a New Orleans-style brass band has been chirpily marching through central Leeds to encourage people to discuss death.

The band launched the Leeds Dying Matters event at Leeds City Museum, which aims to help people talk openly about dying and making plans for the end of life.

It’s being supported by the NHS, Leeds City Council, hospices, care homes and several charities.

A major project to repair and refurbish one of Haworth's most valuable and historic buildings has received a welcome funding boost.

Keighley NewsCopyright: Keighley News

Ercole Cellino, son of Leeds chairman Massimo, has left the Championship club's board of directors.

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The 26-year-old was criticised last month after using Nazi hashtags in a post on Instagram.

He had notified Companies House of his resignation on 28 March.

A mother who stabbed her two young daughters to death told a police medic she was a "lovely " parent.

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The jury heard that Samira Lupidi had the conversation while being examined after the bodies of her children were found in the womens' refuge where she was staying. 

Bradford Crown Court was told Lupidi broke down in tears after telling police doctor Andrew Cobb "I'm a lovely mum" before adding "I used to be."

Lupidi, who's 24, denies two counts of murder but admits manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Her trial continues.

Two of West Yorkshire's councils are to have new leaders. 

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Kirklees leader David Sheard and David Green in Bradford both lost their posts following meetings last night. 

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe was voted in as new leader in Bradford. It's understood councillor Shabir Pandor has won the Labour nomination for Kirklees.

A man from Hebden Bridge is planning a never before attempted Kayaking challenge to raise money for cancer charities.

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Rob Davidson will kayak from Land's End to John O' Groats in honour of his lifelong friend, Abigail Marshall, who has terminal cancer. The pair have been friends since primary school and have planned the challenge together. 

It will involve kayaking nine hundred miles, some by sea, some by canal and lochs. The aim is to raise awareness and money for two charities - The Haven Breast Cancer Centre in Leeds and Breast Cancer Now.

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The challenge will take the whole of June to accomplish.

Huddersfield Town midfielder Jonathan Hogg and defender Martin Cranie have signed new one-year deals.

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Hogg, 27, made 24 appearances this season before a knee injury ruled him out for the season run-in while Cranie, 29, played 39 times.

The Terriers have released midfielder Karim Matmour, 30, and strikers Ishmael Miller, 29, and James Vaughan, 27, have all been released.

A cloudier afternoon with the risk of some patchy rain. 

The best of the brighter spells will be further north and east. Outbreaks of rain are likely to become heavier with the risk of thunder later on.

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Temperature highs of about 19C (66F) and a moderate or fresh Northeast wind. 

Tonight will be cloudy, breezy and, in places, wet with outbreaks of rain or thundery showers, however tending to fade for many overnight.

Two cars were destroyed in suspected arson attacks in Bradford last night. The vehicles were parked on Prospect Road and Landscove Court in the city.

Bradford Telegraph and ArgusCopyright: Bradford Telegraph and Argus

The BBC Kick Off Trainee Sports Reporter Scheme gives talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds the opportunity to learn and develop sports reporting skills at the BBC. 

These work experience placements are two days a week for eight weeks during July and August. Placements will be available at BBC local radio and online sites across the UK, including here at BBC Radio Leeds.

We're looking for talented applicants, male or female, with a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Do join us for Look North on BBC One at 13:30 as a BBC investigation has found Yorkshire's police forces are dealing with a huge increase in incidents involving so-called legal highs. 

Legal highs are substances with similar effects to drugs like cocaine and cannabis but despite the name -- aren't approved or safe to use. We meet one man with a personal story to tell about how they nearly destroyed his life.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

The top stories in Leeds and West Yorkshire so far this lunchtime include: 

• Leeds' managed sex zone is likely to come under scrutiny as the Home Affairs Committee discusses prostitution and the law today
• Labour says the closure of critical care units in Yorkshire is down to the failures of government policy
• Figures uncovered by BBC Leeds reveal West Yorkshire Police has dealt with more than 800 crimes connected to so called legal highs, a 200-fold increase since 2011

Enjoy the sunshine yesterday? Well, I'm afraid today will be cloudier with patchy rain. 

Here's the radar picture for West Yorkshire.