The company became employee-owned three years ago

Profits have risen at well-known Newcastle creative agency Drummond Central which has boosted its client roster and invested in staff.

The 64-strong business works with a number of high profile brands including Greggs, KitKat and bet365, developing and launching creative campaigns designed to grab audiences. In recent years it has been employee-owned with founders Julie and Stephen Drummond selling their shares to a trust.

Newly published accounts for the Jesmond-based firm cover the year to June 30, 2025 and show that while turnover dipped from £22.4m to £18.2m, operating profit grew slightly from £4.47m to £4.82m. Gross profit was up 7.7% to £8.89m, which bosses said was in line with expectations and due to a phased delivery of some high value projects.

Drummond became a viral hit and made national headlines in 2016 when it livestreamed a puddle that could be seen from its offices. Thousands of people watched the footage of people trying to navigate the obstacle on a pavement.

Last year the firm secured global drinks giant Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey as a client – going on support its on-trade advertising activity. Creatives in Newcastle were tasked with reigniting the brand’s presence in bars, pubs and venues in the UK.

Managing director Dan Appleby said: “Over 20-odd years we’ve been steadily building up to be the best strategic creative agency we can be that happens to be in the North East. What really contributed to that is that over the last six or seven years, we’ve been adding the right kind of client for a business like ours.

“We’ve been working with bet365 for around 20 years but in the last seven years we’ve started working with Greggs, Triumph Motorcycles, Dreams Beds, Hello Fresh, Jack Daniels – big household names.

“The type of work we’re doing now is national, if not international. That’s really what’s driven the way that we’re performing as a business. The work we’ve done in the past is proving that we’re credible enough to win this kind of work from big clients.”

Mr Appleby said the company’s location in the North East was no longer a barrier to success in the creative sector. And he said the company – which became employee-owned three years ago – would remain true to its roots, even as it embraced new technology.

He said: “We’re really nicely placed as 60-person agency. We’re not too big and we’re not too small. We’re big enough to be able to demonstrate capability and put really talented people around projects but we’re small and nimble enough to try things out.

“It’s about attracting clients that believe in the same sort of things that we do, that believe in creativity and collaboration. If we can keep doing that, that’s what will keep everyone happy at DC. As an employee-owned organisation, that’s what we’re all about – it’s about running a profitable business but also a business that’s good for the people that are part of it.”

DALLAS — A man identified by law enforcement as a former member of the security detail for U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) was shot and killed by Dallas SWAT officers late Wednesday night following a tense barricade situation in a hospital parking garage.

The deceased, known publicly as Mike King, was a wanted fugitive at the time of the encounter. His death has sparked a wave of questions regarding how a man with a reported criminal history and a penchant for impersonating law enforcement managed to secure a high-level security role for a sitting member of Congress.

The Standoff at Children’s Medical Center

The incident began on the evening of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, when a fugitive task force tracked King to the parking garage of Children’s Medical Center Dallas in the city’s Medical District. According to Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, King refused to surrender and “barricaded” himself inside his vehicle.

After several hours of unsuccessful negotiations, SWAT officers deployed tear gas into the vehicle to force King out.

“When the suspect eventually emerged from the vehicle, he pointed a firearm at the officers,” Chief Comeaux stated during a press briefing. “The SWAT team was forced to open fire.”

King was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or hospital bystanders were injured during the confrontation.

The Fugitive’s “Double Life”

Investigation into King’s background reveals a complex web of aliases and alleged criminal activity. Law enforcement sources told CBS News Texas that King operated a business called Off Duty Police Services, an online platform that claimed to connect North Texas police officers with off-duty security work.

Authorities allege that King:

• Impersonated Law Enforcement: He reportedly posed as a licensed officer to gain trust within the Dallas police community and the public.
• Operated a Replica Police Vehicle: King was known to drive a vehicle that closely resembled an undercover police cruiser, complete with emergency lighting.
• Used Stolen Tags: Investigators found that King used license plates stolen from vehicles parked outside a local military recruitment center to evade detection.

The Connection to Rep. Jasmine Crockett

The most startling revelation following the shooting is King’s proximity to Rep. Jasmine Crockett. King was a “familiar figure” in Crockett’s inner circle, frequently seen providing close-proximity security at public events and during her recent, high-profile run for the U.S. Senate.

• Documented Payments: Financial disclosure documents obtained by local media show that Crockett’s campaign or office paid an individual named Mike King for “security services” as recently as 2025.
• Visible Presence: Images and campaign footage from early 2026 show King standing immediately behind or beside the Congresswoman at various rallies in Dallas and Houston.

Rep. Crockett, who is currently transitioning her office after a narrow defeat in the March 3 Democratic Senate primary to State Rep. James Talarico, has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter. Her office declined to answer questions regarding the vetting process used to hire King.

A Pattern of Security Concerns

The shooting comes at a time of heightened security anxiety for Rep. Crockett. In late 2025, her Washington D.C. office was targeted by an individual making “white supremacist threats,” an event she cited as a reason for her robust security detail.

The fact that an alleged fugitive was able to infiltrate the security team of a federal lawmaker has raised alarms on Capitol Hill. “This is a significant lapse in security protocol,” said one former Secret Service agent. “When you have a member of Congress who is already a target for threats, the vetting of their personal detail must be beyond reproach.”

Ongoing Investigation

The Dallas Police Department and the Texas Rangers are conducting a joint investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Authorities have yet to release King’s legal name, as he was reportedly using multiple sophisticated identities at the time of his death.

As the investigation continues, the focus has shifted toward Off Duty Police Services. Investigators are looking into whether the platform was used to facilitate other criminal activities or if any legitimate police officers were knowingly involved in King’s operations.

This article was written by

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PARIS — Le Crunch arrives on Super Saturday of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, with France hosting England at the Stade de France in a match that could clinch back-to-back titles for Les Bleus. Kickoff looms at 4:10 p.m. ET (8:10 p.m. GMT / 9:10 p.m. CET), pitting title favorites France against a resurgent England in the tournament’s decisive finale alongside Ireland-Scotland and Wales-Italy.

France tops the standings on 16 points and +79 points difference after Scotland’s 50-40 Round 4 stunner denied their Grand Slam. A win secures the trophy if Scotland falters; England, with pride and a Calcutta Cup consolation at stake, aims to spoil the party under Steve Borthwick. Here’s your complete guide to watching France vs. England live from anywhere, with free streams, paid options and radio coverage.

Match Details

• Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026; 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT / 8:10 p.m. GMT / 9:10 p.m. CET.
• Venue: Stade de France, Paris (capacity 80,698; expect sellout roar).
• Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia); assistants Andrew Brace (Ireland), Hollie Davidson (Scotland).​
• Teams: France coach Fabien Galthié starts uncapped Temo Matiu at openside flanker amid Oscar Jégou’s ban; Antoine Dupont captains. England fields Maro Itoje and a backline firing post-Italy win.​

How to Watch in the United States

Peacock streams all 15 Six Nations matches live, including France-England, requiring a Peacock Premium ($7.99/month) or Premium Plus ($13.99/month) subscription—no free tier access. NBC provides select TV broadcasts; check listings for overflow. ESPN offers live updates and highlights via app/site. VPN tip: U.S. expats abroad can use ExpressVPN or NordVPN to access Peacock by connecting to a U.S. server (both offer 30-day refunds).​

UK Viewers: Free on ITV

ITV1 airs France-England live and free from 7:20 p.m. GMT, with pundits including Jonny Wilkinson and Ugo Monye. Stream via ITVX app/website (free with account, no VPN needed). BBC Radio 5 Live provides audio commentary from 7 p.m. GMT; BBC Sport app delivers text updates. Sky Sports streams via NOW TV for non-free options.

Ireland and Free European Streams

Irish fans tune to RTÉ2 (TV) and RTÉ Player (free stream) from 7:10 p.m. GMT. In France, France Télévisions (France 2/TF1+) broadcasts free live at 9:10 p.m. CET via France.tv app/site—no geo-blocks domestically. Italy gets Sky Italia/RAI; Wales has S4C alongside ITV/BBC.

Global Streaming and TV Guide

Free Worldwide Streams: UK/Ireland/France residents access ITVX/RTÉ Player/France.tv free; use a VPN (e.g., Surfshark, $2.49/month promo) set to those countries for global access—test connection speed for HD quality.​

VPN Guide for International Fans

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN/NordVPN (servers in 100+ countries).
2. Download/install app, log in, select UK/Ireland/France server.
3. Open ITVX/RTÉ Player/France.tv, sign up (free), stream live.
4. Legality: VPNs are legal everywhere; broadcasters enforce geo-blocks to protect rights.​

Team News and Stakes

France (4-0 before Scotland loss) unleashes Dupont’s halfback mastery; Damien Penaud eyes try records. England (2-2) rebounds from Italy defeat with Ollie Lawrence starting—Borthwick demands “physicality” in Paris cauldron. Winner-takes-all vibes: France claims title with victory (if Scotland doesn’t win big); England denies them while rebuilding post-World Cup.

Super Saturday Context

Synchronized kickoffs (Ireland-Scotland 10:10 a.m. ET, Wales-Italy 12:40 p.m. ET) prevent result-watching. Title on line: France 16pts (+79), Scotland 16pts (+21), Ireland 15pts. Attendance records shattered; women’s tournament follows in April.​

Don’t miss pre-match anthems at 7:55 p.m. GMT—La Marseillaise vs. Swing Low. Official apps (Six Nations Rugby, FloRugby) offer highlights, stats, replays post-whistle. For tickets, resale via Twickets/Viagogo (sold out officially).

As 11:44 a.m. EDT ticks toward kickoff, Paris pulses. Whether Peacock subscriber or ITV freeloader, rugby’s pinnacle awaits. Allez Les Bleus? Come on England? Le Crunch delivers.

NEW DELHI — Laura Loomer, the polarizing far-right activist and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, found herself at the center of a diplomatic and social media firestorm this week during a high-profile visit to India.

Loomer, 32, arrived in New Delhi to speak at the prestigious India Today Conclave 2026. Her appearance, however, was immediately overshadowed by the resurfacing of several years of derogatory, racist, and “anti-India” posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Apology Issued Amid “Racist” Post Controversy

Upon her arrival on Friday, March 13, Indian social media users and political commentators began circulating screenshots of Loomer’s past comments. These included posts from 2024 and 2025 in which she described Indian immigrants as “third-world invaders” and mocked Vice President Kamala Harris with “curry” jokes.

In a rare retreat during her Conclave session on Saturday, March 14, Loomer addressed the backlash directly.

“I should not have said some of the things I wrote in those tweets,” Loomer told the audience. “I apologize if my remarks offended people. I do not have hatred in my heart for India or for Hindu people.”

Despite the apology for her language, Loomer remained defiant regarding her policy stances. She explicitly refused to apologize for her vocal opposition to the H-1B visa program, asserting that her primary duty is to “stand up for American workers.”

Diplomatic Messenger: A Direct Call from Trump

Loomer’s influence in the current U.S. administration was on full display as she functioned as an informal diplomatic conduit. During her Saturday session, she informed the crowd that she had spoken with President Trump via telephone just one hour prior.

She read a direct message from the President to the Indian people:

“I love India, please let them know that I love Modi. I love Indian people… Please let the people of India know that I will come to India someday soon for another visit.”

The message comes at a critical time for U.S.-India relations, following the Trump administration’s recent decision to grant India a 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil, a move aimed at stabilizing global energy markets as Brent crude prices surged past $100 per barrel due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Pointed Attacks on Pakistan and “Islamic Terrorism”

Loomer used her platform at the Conclave to reinforce her hardline views on national security, calling Pakistan’s “biggest export” to the world “Islamic terrorism.”

She urged the U.S. government to cease “cosying up” to the Shehbaz Sharif administration and called for a tripartite strategic alliance between the United States, India, and Israel to combat extremist networks. She cited the recent 2025 “Pahalgam carnage” in India and the conviction of Asif Merchant—a Pakistani national accused of plotting to assassinate Trump—as evidence of a shared global threat.

The “Loyalty Enforcer” in Washington

Loomer’s trip to India highlights her evolving role as a “de facto national security adviser” and “loyalty enforcer” within the Trump administration.

In the first quarter of 2026, Loomer has been linked to several high-profile personnel shifts in Washington:

• FDA Ouster: On March 7, 2026, the FDA’s vaccine chief, Vinay Prasad, departed his position following a relentless campaign by Loomer targeting his past praise for progressive politicians.
• National Security Firings: Reports indicate that Loomer’s “loyalty lists” presented to the President have resulted in the dismissal of at least six National Security Council aides since January.
• Pentagon Access: In a controversial move, Loomer was recently among the few influencers granted a “tip line” and reporting access from within the Pentagon, a policy currently being challenged in federal court by traditional media outlets like the New York Times.

Domestic Backlash and the 2026 Midterms

While she enjoys unprecedented access to the Oval Office, Loomer remains a divisive figure among Republicans. Moderate GOP lawmakers have expressed concern that her “unfiltered” rhetoric—such as her comments in India questioning whether Muslims should hold public office—could alienate swing voters in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

“Her influence is a double-edged sword,” said one GOP strategist speaking on the condition of anonymity. “She energizes the base, but she also gives the opposition a massive target.”

As Loomer continues her multi-day tour of India, the political world remains fixated on whether her “unfiltered” brand of diplomacy will strengthen the U.S.-India bond or further complicate a global landscape already strained by war and economic volatility.

Laura Loomer: Quick Facts (March 2026)

• Role: Founder of Loomered Strategies, Host of Loomer Unleashed.
• Status: Informal adviser to President Donald Trump.
• Recent Activity: Keynote speaker at India Today Conclave 2026; leader of “loyalty audits” for federal agencies.
• Legal Status: Currently involved in a federal lawsuit regarding Pentagon press access and journalist restrictions.

PONTYPRIDD, Wales — Phil Campbell, the storied Welsh guitarist who defined the thunderous sound of Motörhead for over three decades, has died at the age of 64.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his family and his band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, in a heartbreaking statement released on Saturday, March 14, 2026. According to the family, Campbell passed away “peacefully” on Friday evening following a grueling medical battle.

Cause of Death: A “Courageous Battle”

The official statement from the Campbell family revealed that the legendary musician died following “a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.”

While the family has requested privacy and has not disclosed the specific nature of the surgery, Campbell’s health had been a point of concern for fans earlier this year. In February 2026, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons were forced to cancel a highly anticipated tour of Australia and Europe. At the time, the band cited “medical advice” Phil had received, stating that his health had to remain their “number one priority.”

Longtime friend and contemporary Dee Snider took to social media to pay tribute, noting that he and Campbell had recently spoken about their respective health struggles. “Sadly, he succumbed to his,” Snider wrote. “Say hi to Lemmy for me.”

The Engine of Motörhead (1984–2015)

Philip Anthony Campbell was born on May 7, 1961, in Pontypridd, Wales. A lifelong devotee of rock and roll, he famously met Motörhead frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister at age 12 to ask for an autograph—a program he reportedly kept for the rest of his life.

In 1984, following the departure of Brian Robertson, Campbell auditioned for Motörhead. In a rare move, Lemmy hired two guitarists: Campbell and Michael “Würzel” Burston. This four-piece lineup ushered in a new era of the band, beginning with the 1986 classic Orgasmatron.

When Würzel left the group in 1995, Campbell became the sole guitarist, forming the “classic” final trio alongside Lemmy and drummer Mikkey Dee. For the next 20 years, Campbell was the architect of the band’s riffs, contributing to 16 studio albums and thousands of live performances until the band’s dissolution following Lemmy’s death in December 2015.

Mikkey Dee, Campbell’s rhythm partner for over two decades, shared a poignant tribute on Instagram:

“He was the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with. His vibe and feel for rock music were outstanding… I will miss hanging out with the nicest guy you could ever meet.”

Phil Campbell’s Net Worth and Financial Legacy

As of March 2026, financial analysts and celebrity wealth databases estimate Phil Campbell’s net worth at approximately $8 million.

Unlike many of his peers from the 1980s heavy metal scene, Campbell managed his finances with a degree of Welsh pragmatism. His wealth was built through:

• Decades of Continuous Touring: Motörhead was one of the most active touring acts in the world, consistently playing mid-to-large-sized venues globally for 30 years.
• Songwriting Credits: As a core member of Motörhead during their most prolific years, Campbell held songwriting credits on hits such as “Killed by Death” and “Rock Out,” as well as the Grammy-winning cover of Metallica’s “Whiplash.”
• Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons: Following the end of Motörhead, Campbell successfully transitioned into a new chapter with his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla. The band became a staple of the European festival circuit, releasing three well-received albums including The Age of Absurdity and Kings of the Asylum.
• Solo Ventures: His 2019 solo debut, Old Lions Still Roar, featured high-profile collaborations with Rob Halford, Alice Cooper, and Joe Satriani, further cementing his commercial and critical standing.

A Family Legacy: “Bampi” and the Bastard Sons

Despite his status as a heavy metal icon, those closest to Campbell remember him as a devoted family man. In their statement, his children described him as a “devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather,” known affectionately to his grandkids as “Bampi.”

His decision to form a band with his sons in 2016 was not just a musical endeavor but a personal one. He frequently remarked in interviews how “cool” it was to look across the stage and see his children playing alongside him. This family-driven project allowed Campbell to keep the “fire of rock and roll” burning while mentoring the next generation of Welsh musicians.

The Future of the Music

At the time of his death, Campbell was reportedly working on new material with Julian Jenkins, the vocalist for the band Fury. While the future of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons remains uncertain, the family has made it clear that “his legacy, music, and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.”

With the passing of Phil Campbell, the world loses one of the last direct links to the golden age of outlaw rock and roll. He wasn’t just a guitarist; he was the steady, distorted heartbeat of a band that refused to slow down, even when the rest of the world did.

Phil Campbell (1961–2026): Career Highlights

• Joined Motörhead: 1984
• First Album: No Remorse (1984) / Orgasmatron (1986)
• Grammy Award: Best Metal Performance (2005)
• Final Motörhead Album: Bad Magic (2015)
• Solo Career: Old Lions Still Roar (2019)
• Final Project: Kings of the Asylum (2023)