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After what feels like centuries of grim, wet winter; spring has finally sprung (meteorological spring started on 1 March).

The weather seems to have gotten the memo, with sightings of the sun already starting to transform the mental wellbeing of people up and down the nation – including yours truly.

At the beginning of the season, however, the transitional weather can be particularly hard to predict. You might leave the house feeling pretty chilly, start sweating on your lunch break, and be back to seeing your breath again by sunset.

The key to dressing right for the season is by layering, but it doesn’t have to be all function, no fashion.

Here’s a list of some of the best (and most chic) layerable buys on the high street to get you started.

ICE agents will be deployed to major airports across the United States beginning today in a bid to help security agents.

For more than a month, TSA agents across the US have been affected by a partial government shutdown, leading to long lines and longer waits in airport terminals.

Many of the TSA agents haven’t been paid during the lingering shutdown, leading many to walk off the job until the government is up and running again.

Trump posted a rambling Truth Social, explaining the change: ‘The Radical Left Democrats have hurt so many people with their vicious and uncaring ways. What they have done to the Department of Homeland Security, our fantastic TSA Officers, and, most importantly, the great people of our Country, is an absolute disgrace.

‘If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, and elsewhere throughout our Country, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before! The Fascist Democrats will never protect America, but the Republicans will.

‘Just like the Radical Left allowed millions of Criminals to pour into our Country through their ridiculous and dangerous Open Border Policy, the Republicans closed it all down, and we now have the Strongest Border in American History. Likewise, I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, “GET READY.”’

Here’s what to know.

What to know about ICE in the airport

To combat the delays, however, Donald Trump had a brilliant idea – deploy his immigration officers to 14 airports.

JFK and LaGuardia in New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston and Phoenix will all have ICE officers on site to ‘help out’.

Despite widespread worry, Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens reassured his city that ICE will only operate under the TSA, and not in any immigration matters.

ICE officers will be used to help with queue management and crowd control, inside domestic terminals only, he said.

Tom Homan, Trump’s ‘border czar’, told CNN: ‘There are TSA agents covering exits. People who enter through the exits.

‘Certainly, a highly trained ICE law enforcement officer can cover an exit, make sure people don’t go through those exits, and enter an airport through the exits.’

‘Stuff like that relieves the TSA officer to go to screening and to reduce those lines. I don’t see an ICE agent looking at an X-ray machine because they’re not trained in that,’ he added.

‘There are certain parts of security that TSA’s doing that we can move them off those jobs and put them in the specialised jobs and help them move those lines.’

As of now, it appears the ICE agents won’t be doing TSA agents’ jobs, but rather filling in gaps and helping with crowd control.

However, Trump said in a post on Truth Social that ICE agents would ‘do Security [sic] like no one has ever seen before, including the immediate arrest of all Illegal Immigrants [sic]’.

What are your rights with TSA?

Travellers in US airports are required to comply with TSA screening procedures.

If questioned by law enforcement in the airport – which includes ICE agents – citizens have the right to remain silent, and need only answer questions pertaining to their travel plans and identity.

The ACLU notes that you could face detainment or further inspection if you refuse to give over your phone.

The ACLU added that ICE doesn’t have authority to detain or question US citizens without cause, and those on visas and green cards also have rights.

They are only required to answer questions related to their immigration status.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were called to a crash between two cars on Holcombe Road yesterday, March 22, at around 6pm.

Images from the scene shortly after it happened show a white car on its roof in the middle of the road.

The busy road was closed until around 8.30pm, with officers on hand to manage the closure.

Police confirmed one driver suffered a minor injury, and the other driver, a man in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and drug driving.

Crash on Holcombe Road (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The 42-year-old man remains in police custody.

A spokesperson for GMP said: “Officers were called to a report of a road traffic collision between two cars on Holcombe Road, Tottington at around 6pm yesterday (Sunday 22 March 2026).

“One driver suffered a minor injury.

“The other driver, a 42-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and drug driving. He remains in police custody.”

Two fire engines also attended the scene with specialist response units and stayed there for around 20 minutes.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just after 6pm today (Sunday, March 22), fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Holcombe Road in Greenmount, Bury.

Crash on Holcombe Road (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

“Two fire engines from Bury and Ramsbottom, along with specialist response units, attended the scene, which involved two vehicles.

“Fire crews worked with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service to make the scene safe. Crews were in attendance for approximately 20 minutes.”

Celebrity Ex On The Beach returns in a matter of days with a cast including Helen Flanagan, Jedward’s John Grimes and Curtis Pritchard

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Reality enthusiasts have just days left to wait until a brand new season of Celebrity Ex On The Beach arrives, and today (March 23) they’ve been given a first glimpse at the drama to come.

A fourth season of the popular reality show will land on March 31 and it is already being described as the “most explosive” to date complete with “shocking arrivals, messy reunions and serious drama.” The series sees a group of celebrities heading to Tenerife in search of love, but their exes will be positioned and ready to join them.

Among the celebrities featured on the new season are Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan, TOWIE’s Dani Imbert, Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran and Curtis Pritchard, and one half of pop duo Jedward, John Grimes.

Also appearing on the show will be Married At First Sight UK’s Amy Kenyon, Too Hot to Handle’s Chase DeMoor and Izzy Fairthorne, footballer Ronnie Vint, TV personality Rogan O’Connor and Love Is Blind’s Freddie Powell.

Pop duo Jedward rose to fame on The X Factor and went on to have a profitable reality and music career, even representing Ireland twice at Eurovision, reports the Daily Star.

They have largely kept their dating lives out of the spotlight, but in a first trailer for Celebrity Ex On The Beach, viewers spotted John kissing a mystery woman. In the moment preceding the kiss, he says: “No one’s ever come close to what we had,” hinting that the brunette could be his ex.

Elsewhere in the footage, another Married At First Sight UK star, Reiss Boyce, also made an unexpected appearance. Reiss had a relationship with TOWIE’s Dani before his stint on the E4 show and the two could be seen having a tense exchange as Reiss held his head in his hands in tears.

A synopsis for the forthcoming series reads: “This season promises to be unmissable, with make‐ups, break‐ups, and unforgettable meltdowns from fan‐favourite reality stars including John Grimes, Curtis Pritchard, Helen Flanagan, Freddie Powell and Dani Imbert.

“From explosive confrontations to jaw‐dropping twists, one thing is certain: when the exes wash ashore, the truth always follows.”

Whilst the first episode of the series will debut on March 31, viewers will need to tune in weekly to watch new episodes of the show which will air on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland.

Celebrity Ex On The Beach Season 4 premieres Tuesday, March 31 on Paramount+ with new episodes released weekly.

The new routes aim to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians in Hartlepool, and are backed by £4.5 million in Government funding secured through the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The first route will create a high-quality cycling corridor between Hartlepool town centre and Catcote Road via Burn Valley Gardens.

The second scheme will establish a direct connection from Hartlepool town centre to The Waterfront and its visitor attractions, linking with the promenade between the marina and Seaton Carew.

Designed by Hartlepool Borough Council’s engineering and highways teams and delivered by North-East contractor BCE Northern, the schemes have been independently ratified by Active Travel England and meet the latest national design standards.

Councillor Owen Riddle, chair of the council’s neighbourhoods and regulatory services committee, said: “These two new routes represent a major step forward in making Hartlepool a sustainable and more connected town.

“By investing in high-quality cycling infrastructure, we are not only improving travel choices for residents, students and visitors, but also supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars.

“This is a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to sustainable transport, and I’m delighted that work is about to get underway.

“I would like to thank council officers and all those members of the public who contributed to the design of these schemes.”

The first route will improve access to residential areas and public amenities, including Catcote Academy, Summerhill Country Park, English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College.

Key improvements along this route will include widened shared-use paths, upgraded and relocated crossings, a new raised zebra crossing on Brinkburn Road, cyclist-friendly traffic signals and improved streetlighting.

This route will connect with the existing on-road cycle path on Waldon Street, continue along Elwick Road, down Penryhn Street, and through Burn Valley Gardens before reaching Catcote Road.

Starting from the Hartlepool Transport Interchange, the second route will travel across Church Square, over the Marina Way bridge, along The Lanyard, behind the Mecca Bingo hall and onto Maritime Avenue.

Beyond Ensign Court, it will join the promenade and connect to National Cycle Network Route 14.

Construction is set to begin shortly, with the council encouraging residents to make use of the improved routes once they are completed.

He added: “The alternative, the only way that Trump is going to achieve regime change, which is what he said, and unconditional surrender, which is another of his rather woolly aims, is frankly for the Americans to escalate and this turns into a ground war, which will be an absolute catastrophe.”

Your questions about water flossers answered

What is the best water flosser?

If you’re ready to ditch the string and upgrade to a water flosser, my advice is to keep things simple. Ignore the fussy counter-top models and go handheld with the Ordo hydro sonic. It hits the sweet spot between price, performance and design, with a decently sized 260ml tank, USB-C charging and a trigger button that makes it the least messy water flosser for newbies.

If you’re worried about a mucky tank, I’d recommend the slightly bulkier Spotlight Oral Care water flosser, with its clever built-in UV steriliser and massive 400ml capacity.

How I tested water flossers

To separate the water pistols from the water cannons, I swapped my string floss for these devices over a period of several weeks, giving me plenty of daily flossing sessions to judge exactly how they perform. Read on for my precise testing criteria.

• Cleaning performance: Without wanting to go into too much detail, the best measure of how well a water flosser performs is what comes out of your mouth when you use one shortly after eating. I tested the various pressure modes to ensure the flossers could cater to both sensitive gums and stubborn grime.
• Mess: Water flossing is a splashy business, especially when you’re learning the ropes, but some devices are easier to tame than others. I paid close attention to the ergonomics of the handle and whether the placement of the buttons ever led to accidentally power-washing the bathroom ceiling.
• Tank capacity: A massive water tank means you can comfortably clean your whole mouth without stopping to refill, but it also makes the device heavy and cumbersome to hold. I judged each flosser on whether it hit the sweet spot.

Can a water flosser completely replace string floss?

According to Dr Thakrar, a water flosser is a fantastic alternative for people who otherwise absolutely hate (and therefore avoid) traditional flossing. “Some studies suggest water flossers can remove similar levels or even slightly more plaque than string,” he adds.

However, string floss still provides a physical “scraping” action that is highly effective for very tight gaps between teeth. Ideally, the best routine involves brushing twice daily alongside a mix of water flossing and mechanical cleaning (like interdental brushes or string).

Are water flossers good for sensitive gums or braces?

Absolutely. Dr Thakrar explains that “the pressurised stream of water can reach areas around brackets, wires, bridges and implants that are often difficult to access with traditional floss”. Because they require less manual dexterity, they’re also great for anyone with arthritis or mobility issues.

Water flossers are much gentler, too. As Dr Thakrar notes, “many patients with sensitive or inflamed gums report that water flossers feel more comfortable than string floss,” adding that this “greater comfort often leads to more consistent and effective cleaning habits.”

What features should I look for when buying a water flosser?

To ensure you’re getting an effective clean, Dr Thakrar advises looking for “a model with multiple pressure levels so users can start gently and increase gradually.” He also recommends models with “pulsation technology,” noting that “pulsating streams improve plaque disruption compared with a continuous jet.”

Finally, check the listing for different nozzle attachments – dedicated orthodontic or periodontal tips make a huge difference if you have braces or implants.

How do you use a water flosser?

If it’s your first time, keep a towel close at hand. As Dr Thakrar notes, “water flossers can be a little messy at first and may take some time to get used to.” The golden rule is to always lean over the sink and keep your lips partially closed around the nozzle – you want to let the water flow freely out of your mouth.

Start by filling the reservoir with lukewarm water (cold water can be a shock to sensitive teeth), and don’t go blasting your mouth at maximum power on day one. Dr Thakrar warns that “high pressure settings can sometimes irritate or traumatise the gums,” advising that it’s “best to start on a lower setting and increase gradually as tolerated.”

Place the tip in your mouth before you turn the device on. Aim the jet at a 90 degree angle to your gumline, starting with your back teeth and slowly working your way around to the front. Pause briefly between each tooth. The goal here, as Dr Thakrar explains, is to “disrupt the oral biofilm, the plaque-like bacterial layer that builds up between teeth and along the gumline.”

Once you’re finished, always empty any remaining water from the tank. “The water reservoir and nozzle can harbour bacteria or mould if not cleaned regularly,” warns Dr Thakrar. “The unit should be rinsed after use and occasionally descaled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.”

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Steve Hogarty is a technology journalist with more than twenty years’ experience reviewing the latest tech, from smartphones and laptops to bathroom gadgets. As IndyBest’s tech critic, he cuts through the jargon to tell you what a product is actually like to live with. His verdicts are based on rigorous real-world testing, ensuring you get honest, unbiased advice.

Want to add extra shine to your smile? These are the best teeth whitening toothpastes

Emergency services were called to Sparrow Hall Drive in the early hours of this morning (Monday, March 23) following reports of a vehicle fire.

Police have confirmed that the car was reported stolen.

Smoke at 4am in Darlington after the car fire (Image: UGC)

The car on Monday morning (March 23) after it was reported stolen and found set alight (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A resident told The Northern Echo: “I was woken up by what I assume to be an explosion.

“Not sure what it was yet, but there was big billowing smoke in the Wylam Hill, Five Arches area.”

The car on Monday morning (March 23) after it was reported stolen and found set alight (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “Shortly after 6am today (Monday), we received a report of a vehicle fire in the Sparrowhall Drive area of Darlington.

The car on Monday morning (March 23) after it was reported stolen and found set alight (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The car on Monday morning (March 23) after it was reported stolen and found set alight (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“One crew from Darlington Fire Station attended to put out the fire, leaving the area shortly before 6.40am.”

The car on Monday morning (March 23) after it was reported stolen and found set alight (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The car on Monday morning (March 23) after it was reported stolen and found set alight (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were called by the fire service shortly before 6.15am today (March 23) to a vehicle on fire on Sparrow Hall Drive, in Darlington.

“The car is believed to have been stolen.”

The new Netflix series Lead Children has put a spotlight on the issue of lead poisoning in 1970s Poland. The series follows a young doctor who discovers that children living near a smelting plant have been poisoned with lead.

According to the latest Global Burden of Disease study, exposure to lead remains one of the leading environmental risk factors for early death and poor health globally. Unicef estimates that one in three children worldwide have an elevated blood lead level, highlighting this modern global health failure.

Historically, lead has been used in paint, gasoline, water supply pipes and industry. This has contaminated air, water, soil, dust and foods, which is why lead is a persistent and toxic environmental problem.

While the global elimination of lead from gasoline has been hugely successful in reducing lead in air, leading to a fall in population-wide blood lead concentrations in many countries, decline is not eradication.

We still live with the consequences from leaded paint being widely used until the 1960s on domestic and workplace skirting boards, bannisters, windowsills, doorframes and radiators. Lead is also still found in uPVC and leaded windows, roof flashings, glazed kitchenware, as well as some traditional medicines and cosmetics.

This may explain why ingestion, rather than inhalation from leaded gasoline, is now the dominant source of lead exposure in high-income countries.

Health effects of lead

Lead is a cumulative toxin so there is no safe blood lead concentration. Children under the age of six are particularly vulnerable to its effects. Even low-level exposure impacts neurodevelopment – resulting in lower IQ, reduced attention span, antisocial behaviour, ADHD and hearing loss.

Lead exposure at all ages can cause cardiovascular disease, kidney impairment, infertility, increased risk of spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, depression and panic disorder. It causes permanent structural brain changes in adults (particularly males) who were exposed to lead during childhood. These include a loss of brain volume in areas responsible for executive function, behavioural regulation and fine motor control.

It’s estimated that the global cost of childhood lead exposure may be around US$3.4 trillion (£2.5 trillion) per year. These losses are estimated by accounting for the lower lifetime earnings and lower economic productivity that children exposed to lead experience due to reduced intelligence and lower educational attainment. Since it doesn’t include healthcare costs, it may even be an underestimate.

Preventing harm

Unlike several other counties (such as France, Germany and the USA) there is currently no large-scale childhood blood lead monitoring programme in the UK. This is significant, as estimates from 2020 suggest that 180,000 to 280,000 children in the UK have elevated blood lead concentrations.

In 2014 the UK established the Lead Exposure in Children Surveillance System (LEICSS) so that NHS laboratories could notify the UK Health Security Agency of children with raised blood lead concentrations, but testing is only initiated if there’s a high clinical suspicion of lead poisoning. Since low and moderate blood concentrations tend not to produce symptoms, many UK children with elevated blood lead levels are likely to go undetected. Indeed in 2024, only 247 cases were reported to LEICSS.

There are also shortcomings with current techniques used to detect lead exposure in the UK. At the moment, blood taken directly from a vein (a venous sample) remains the gold standard for determining exposure to lead.

This technique requires a nurse or other healthcare professional to collect the sample, which makes it hard to test lots of people. It also means that families must take time out of their day and travel to a clinic to be tested.
Alternative testing methods using urine, hair and saliva have been used, but are typically subject to large biological variations and less accurate than venous blood samples.

This is why my colleagues and I launched the ECLIPS study in November 2025. This is the UK’s first citizen-led childhood lead exposure study, which is being conducted in Leeds, northern England.

We chose Leeds because not only is it a typical post-industrial city, it has had the highest reporting rates of lead poisoning to LEICSS for the past ten consecutive years. It’s also the only part of the country with a targeted alert system designed to support healthcare professionals in identifying lead poisoning in children: when a healthcare worker requests a test for iron deficiency, the electronic system includes a prompt suggesting the staff member also have the sample tested for lead levels.

Our study uses finger-prick blood sampling kits that are mailed to families in Leeds. Participants are asked to collect a few drops of blood from their child’s finger onto a sampling device, which is then mailed to a central laboratory for analysis. This overcomes the main limitations of current sampling techniques. Participants are also provided with advice on ways to reduce lead exposure at home.

The results of this study are currently ongoing, but we believe it could be an opportunity to develop a large-scale programme for testing childhood blood lead in the UK. It would also pave the way to wider testing nationally and internationally.

This latest Netflix series highlights the human cost of lead contamination. It also drives home the importance of taking action early to protect children from the damaging, often lifelong, health effects of lead. Early detection can change lives and save billions in lost opportunity costs.