Employees at the Department of Homeland Security celebrated after photos of ex-chief Kristi Noem were removed from the halls of the agency’s headquarters, according to a new report.

Following months of controversies and a pair of scathing congressional hearings, Noem was fired by President Donald Trump on March 5 and named special envoy to The Shield of the Americas, a new and little-known security initiative. Markwayne Mullin, a former GOP senator from Oklahoma, was sworn in as her replacement on Tuesday.

Before she had even officially left office, upwards of 10 framed “glamour shots” of her were being taken down from the walls of her Customs and Border Protection workspace in the nation’s capital, sources told The Washington Examiner.

The photos were installed sometime around last January, when Noem’s staff swiftly moved to redecorate, taking down pictures of rank‑and‑file federal agents and replacing them with images of the former South Dakota governor, who alarmed critics with some of her photo-ops while leading the agency.

“Every single picture had a picture of Noem, and it was such a turn off,” an unnamed department official told the outlet. “People were snickering about it, like, ‘Did you see the upgrade?’ No leader that I know would have allowed that to happen. If they walked in and saw their photo in every picture, they would say, ‘What were you thinking?’”

Among the framed photos was one of Noem standing between Border Patrol agents “with a hand on each of their shoulders,” while another showed her flying an aeroplane. A third depicted her driving an all-terrain vehicle while wearing a bulletproof vest and a pearl necklace, the report claims.

“In another picture, the four federal employees sitting next to Noem are out of focus, while Noem is perfectly in focus, sporting an ICE ball cap with the agency’s new logo,” The Washington Examiner reported.

One source said that Corey Lewandowski, a former special government employee at DHS, may have orchestrated the photo gallery. Lewandowski left the department alongside Noem, Politico reports.

Another official said that Noem may have been “so insulated” that she was oblivious to the resentment building against her within the agency.

Some DHS employees now hope that Mullin can repair the agency’s reputation, which was undermined by Noem’s handling of the Minnesota immigration crackdown, her $200 million ad blitz and her feuding with other departments, among other controversies.

Mullin “has the opportunity to be like a prince or knight in shining armor as he comes riding over the hill and saves everybody from this freaking chaos,” a senior official told the outlet. “All he has to do, literally, is put things back in a normal order.”

The Independent has reached out to DHS for comment.

The chilling true crime series has returned as fans admit it is a tough watch

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Streaming platform Netflix has released a fresh season of a gripping crime documentary that viewers are finding impossible to turn off.

Homicide: New York, created by Law and Order’s Dick Wolf, has returned with its second season, delving into shocking murders that shook New York City.

With each episode examining a separate case, the docuseries presents perspectives from those directly involved, including police detectives and devastating testimonies from the victims’ families.

Drawing viewers into infamous murder investigations, each season centres on different cities, offering unfiltered glimpses into the probes of intricate, high-profile killings. Homicide season 2 follows on from Homicide New York and Homicide: Los Angeles, released in 2024.

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Created by Wolf Entertainment and Alfred Street Industries, a Netflix synopsis states: “In this investigative true crime documentary series, homicide detectives recount their most challenging cases and how they solved them.”, reports the Mirror.

The opening episode centres on 26 year old Joey Comunale, whose weekend in 2016 began ordinarily after heading out with friends. Tragically, he never returned home, prompting his father to report him missing.

Upon visiting his flat, detectives quickly sensed something sinister before discovering the investigation represented every parent’s worst nightmare.

The season’s concluding episode also examines the devastating events of 9/11, as recounted by NYPD first responders who continue to bear the burden of that tragedy decades later.

The true crime documentary has been hailed as essential viewing for genre enthusiasts, with one viewer writing on X: “#HomicideNewYork on Netflix is so good! Dick Wolf doesn’t miss.”

Another posted: “Was watching #homicidenewyork s2 great series. Most affecting is the last ep on 9/11.”

A third remarked: “Just finished the latest 5 eps and one of my fav true crime shows. Just well put together. Ep 5 had me bawling. Seeing how real and raw their emotions are to this day from the events on 9/11 .. Heartbreaking.”

A fourth contributed: “Wait this episode may be too traumatic for me to continue to watch. I cant.” While another concurred: “As fascinating and addictive as the first two seasons.”

One further viewer enthused: “I’m late to the game with #HomicideNewYork what a captivating season! Every episode left me in shock. The story telling, the details and the personal accounts from the families, survivors and detectives was amazing!”

Over on IMDB, one reviewer described the concluding episode as “harrowing”, elaborating: “It is deeply moving and provides an insightful look at the perspective of those tasked with maintaining order in a world that had suddenly been turned upside down.”

Homicide can be streamed on Netflix

The incident happened on the southbound M61 between junction 2 (Lostock) and junction 1 (Kearsley), just south of Bolton, March 28.

Emergency services, including Greater Manchester Police and the North West Ambulance Service, attended the scene, and traffic was held while the area was made safe.

Two of the four southbound lanes were closed, leading to major delays and congestion stretching towards junction 4.

A spokesman for National Highways said: “All lanes are now open on the M61 southbound between J2 and J1 near Kearsley south of Bolton.

“The earlier collision, oil spill and debris has been cleared.

Photos from the scene showed heavy traffic building up in the area.

At the height of the incident, drivers faced delays of up to 20 minutes with queues stretching for around two miles.

Traffic was intermittently held while emergency services responded.

All lanes reopened by around 4.42pm, but residual delays remained until traffic returned to normal later in the afternoon.

National Highways confirmed the reopening of all lanes and the removal of debris and oil from the carriageway.

The road was fully cleared by 6.01pm.

It is not yet known how many vehicles were involved in the collision or whether anyone was injured.

National Highways and North West Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.

Naomi Church and Emily Bell went up against each other for the women’s title, while Josh McDonald and Tyler Spence competed for the men’s title.

Each duo competed across five events as well as the Eliminator challenge in order to be crowned champion.

Once again, father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh took viewers through the action, with Guy Mowbray providing commentary.

Ahead of the final airing, a synopsis for the episode shared: “In the final, Viper leaves the Gladiators gobsmacked, Bradley races Electro on the track, and much to Guy Mowbray’s surprise, Legend tries his hand at commentary.”

Who won Gladiators 2026?

In the end, Emily emerged victorious in the women’s event, and Josh secured the win in the men’s event.

Emily was the youngest woman to compete in Gladiators this series, and celebrated her 23rd birthday on the day of the final’s filming.

In a twist of fate, she ended up competing against the oldest contestant in this series, Naomi, who is 40 years old.

The business consultant and former England U16 hockey captain started strongly, gaining an advantage over Emily in the ‘Destruction’ challenge, but lost a bit of ground in ‘The Edge’ and ‘Duel’.

It meant Emily had a six-and-a-half-second head start in the final ‘Eliminator’ challenge, which she used to her advantage to get over the finish line first.

Meanwhile, Josh, who is a former Royal Marine Commando trainee and now an Area Sales Manager, managed to beat Tyler in the men’s event.

Josh gained an advantage over Tyler in the opening ‘Unleash’ challenge and never looked back from there.

He had a three-second head start in the final ‘Eliminator’ challenge, but it was tense all the way until Josh got up the travelator first and got over the finish line.

What does the winner of Gladiators get?

Winners of the rebooted BBC series Gladiators get a trophy shaped like the “G” logo.

This differs from the 1990s ITV series, which gave out a cash prize, as well as a new car.

In total, 12 cars and prizes totalling more than £45,000 were won over seven series of UK Gladiators on ITV.

What did you think of the Gladiators 2026 final? Let us know in the comments.

Fleetwood schoolkids plagued by horrid stink say ‘we can’t play out’ in a plea to the Prime Minister

Children at a school in Lancashire have issued a desperate plea to the Prime Minister, saying the stink from a notorious landfill has become so bad ‘they can’t play outside’.

Flakefleet Primary School is in Fleetwood, where residents have been plagued by a stink from its landfill on Jameson Road since summer 2024. Locals have reported a strong sulphur-like stench in the air, which some have said is causing them headaches and difficulty breathing.

It is said to worsen during heatwaves, with residents unable to open their doors or windows due to the stench.

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Now, children from the primary school have taken part in a TikTok video which the school hopes might reach the orbit of Number 10.

“Dear Prime Minister…we wrote you a letter but we didn’t even get a reply,” they say in the video. “Last year we asked for help. We thought you would listen, we thought things would get better. But nothing’s changed.

“It still stinks. Some days its worse than ever. We have to play out in it. Some days its that bad we don’t want to. It makes us feel sick.

“When we get visitors it’s embarrassing. We’re just kids but we’re taught to stand up for what’s right. We’re trying to be heard but it feels like no one is listening. Please help us to stop the stink.”

Landfill owners Transwaste insist they have “undertaken a great deal of work to bring the site up to modern standards”. However, last month campaigners discovered there had been up to 70 permit breaches between February 2024 and November 2025, Lancs Live previously reported

.

Transwaste said the breaches need to be seen in an operational context, with many of the breaches relating to a single issue which, in some cases, inflated the actual number of breaches.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said previously: “We understand how distressing the odours from the Jameson Road landfill site have been for local residents. We are maintaining an increased regulatory response and require Transwaste to take all necessary steps to comply fully with its environmental permit.

“Where we identify breaches of permit, we follow up with regulatory action as needed. We will continue to keep residents and the local community updated through a variety of engagement activities.”

Hamsterley, around 15 minutes from Bishop Auckland, has built a reputation as a peaceful rural destination, with people drawn to its village setting, open countryside and easy access to Hamsterley Forest.

Visitors have described the area as a “hidden gem”, with many praising its traditional feel and the range of outdoor activities nearby.

Hamsterley (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Set between Bishop Auckland and the North Pennines, Hamsterley offers what many say is a quieter side of County Durham, while still being close to one of the North East’s most popular woodland attractions.

The village itself has been described by one visitor as a “quintessential English village”, with stone-built cottages, surrounding farmland and a strong sense of community.

Another said it has “lots of character”, making it an ideal place for those looking for a slower pace and countryside views.

Much of Hamsterley’s appeal comes from its position next to Hamsterley Forest, a vast woodland spanning more than 2,000 hectares.

The forest attracts walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts and families throughout the year, with routes ranging from gentle woodland strolls to more challenging trails.

It is particularly popular with mountain bikers, with purpose-built routes helping make it one of the best-known biking locations in the North East.

Visitors have also praised the forest for its wildlife and scenery, with one saying it is a “fantastic place for a day out” with “beautiful walking trails, great cycling routes, and plenty of wildlife to see”.

Hamsterley Forest (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Another reviewer said the village itself is “charming”, adding that it offers “lovely countryside views and a real sense of community”.

As well as the forest, Hamsterley is close to several major attractions, including Raby Castle, High Force, Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland, making it a convenient base for exploring wider County Durham and the Durham Dales.

The village also has links to one of Britain’s best-known television naturalists.

Broadcaster, botanist and environmental campaigner David Bellamy lived in Hamsterley for many years before he died in 2019.

Its location beside the forest reflected the strong connection to nature that shaped much of his life and work.

Bellamy, who taught at Durham University and played a major role in conservation work in the county, was closely associated with the landscapes of the North East.

His presence has added another layer of interest to a village already valued for its setting and rural character.

For many visitors, though, it is the combination of countryside, woodland and peace and quiet that stands out most.

Just a short drive from Bishop Auckland, Hamsterley continues to attract attention as one of County Durham’s most scenic and best-loved village locations.

Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team said it, alongside colleagues from Filey Coastguard and the Filey RNLI Lifeboat, was called out after reports of a capsized boat in the sea off North Yorkshire today (March 28).

The vessel was seen off the coast of Filey’s Haven Primrose Valley Holiday Park – close to Hunmanby Gap.

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A spokesperson said: “On arrival, teams quickly assessed the situation and confirmed that both persons on board had safely exited the water prior to their arrival. They were cold but, fortunately, uninjured.

“The occupants are now making their own arrangements for the recovery of the vessel.”

The service also issued a reminder for anyone heading out on the water to check the conditions, wear appropriate safety equipment, and let someone know your plans.

In an emergency at the coast, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were called at around 4.50am on Saturday, March 28, to reports of a collision on Market Street, Stoneclough, where a vehicle had struck a residential property.

Roads in the area were cordoned off as police launched an investigation.

The crash caused extensive damage to the home, with the vehicle ploughing through an iron fence and front door before coming to rest inside the hallway.

The vehicle had gone through the iron railing fence into the home (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Homeowner Tony Walters, 72, described the moment of the impact, saying: “I was asleep, I thought a bomb had gone off.

“There’s been significant structural damage to my house.

“The vehicle went straight through my steel iron railings and front door and came to rest in the hallway.

“I was in shock.”

“Thankfully, my wife is away at our holiday home, so it was just me and my son. We’re not injured, but the house is very badly damaged,” he added.

Tony said: “It’s also damaged my neighbour’s property, taking parts off the wall and sending a brick through a window.”

More pictures from the scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

A nearby bus stop was also hit and later removed due to the damage.

Emergency services, including officers. and fire crews, attended the scene, with fire crews saying it was a police led incident.

A Bolton Council Highway Maintenance vehicle arrived to help clear the scene (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The Serious Collision Unit was on the scene throughout the day carrying out investigations.

The car was removed late afternoon , and council highway maintenance teams attended to clear debris and take away a damaged Bee Network bus stop sign.

A large cordon remained in place for much of the day, affecting sections of Market Street and surrounding roads.

Roads remained closed throughout the day (Image: Phil Taylor)

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “There is significant damage to a house and enquiries are ongoing to understand the collision and how it occurred.

“To help understand the full circumstances, officers are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident or of the moments leading up to the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 547 of 28/03/2026.

Information can also be shared via GMP’s online reporting tools or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

French police have thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris, and detained a person, authorities say.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors have begun an investigation after a man allegedly tried to ignite an improvised explosive device close to the US bank’s premises.

The incident happened early on Saturday when officers spotted two suspects carrying a shopping bag near the building in the capital’s 8th arrondissement, or district, according to RTL radio, citing police sources.

One of the suspects, who was holding a lighter, was attempting to light a device, RTL said.

He was arrested in the area at around 3.25am local time (2.25am UK time) and was taken into custody, according to Le Parisien.

The second suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

The detained suspect told police he had been contacted via Snapchat and paid 600 euros (£520) to carry out the act, adding he was driven to the scene by another person, ⁠Le Parisien reported.

The newspaper said the device consisted of a 5-litre container ​filled with an unidentified liquid and an explosive charge made of 650g ​of powder.

It was secured and handed over to forensic experts from the Paris police laboratory, according to Le Parisien.

The Paris police authority declined to comment.

“We are aware of the situation and are communicating with the authorities,” a Bank of America spokesperson said.

An investigation into alleged terrorism-related offences has been opened by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, or PNAT.

The suspected offences include attempted damage by fire or by a dangerous means, the manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device, the possession and transport of such devices with the intent to prepare dangerous damage, and involvement in a terrorist criminal association.

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France’s interior minister Laurent Nunez praised officers, saying on social media: “Well done to the rapid intervention of a Paris police prefecture unit, which made it possible to thwart a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris.

“Vigilance remains at a very high level.

“I commend all security and intelligence forces, fully mobilised under my authority in the current international context.”

Since the Iran war started, French authorities have strengthened the protection of Iranian opposition figures and increased security around sites that may be a target, including those linked to US interests and to the Jewish community, Mr Nunez previously said.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff 6-2 4-6 6-3 to retain her Miami Open title and extend her exceptional start to 2026.

Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, is the fifth female player – and the first since Iga Swiatek in 2022 – to complete the ‘Sunshine Double’ by winning titles at Indian Wells and Miami in the same season.

Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters and Steffi Graf are the other three women to have previously achieved that feat.

Sabalenka has won three WTA Tour titles and 23 of her 24 matches during this calendar year.

Her only loss was in January’s Australian Open final to world number two Elena Rybakina, who had been the only player to win a set against Sabalenka in 2026 before American Gauff sent the Miami final into a decider.