NASA is making final preparations for the historic Artemis II launch with an 80% favourable weather forecast, as teams monitor cloud cover and winds at Kennedy Space Center

The crew at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is completing final preparations ahead of commencing launch countdown procedures for the Artemis II mission, scheduled to lift off no earlier than Wednesday, April 1.

During a countdown status briefing on Sunday (March 29), NASA specialists delivered a progress report on Artemis II launch readiness three days ahead of departure. Amongst considerable anticipation for the forthcoming mission, attention is firmly focused on meteorological conditions and cloud coverage before launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The outlook for launch day indicates an 80% probability of favourable meteorological conditions, with principal worries being cloud coverage and the likelihood of strong winds in the vicinity. Personnel will continue observing the weather over the next few days, reports the Mirror.

Shawn Quinn, programme manager, Exploration Ground Systems, stated: “The one thing we are watching is the weather, and we got a latest forecast from the weather officer from Space Launch Delta 45. The thing we’re watching is cumulus clouds, the Thick Cloud Rule, and also winds.

“So right now we’re forecast to be 80% go on Wednesday afternoon, so that’s good.”

The ‘Thick Cloud Rule’ represents a launch safety requirement prohibiting rocket launches through cloud layers exceeding 4,500 feet (1.4 km) in thickness that extend into freezing temperatures (0C to -20C). It prevents triggering lightning by highly electrified, non-stormy clouds, necessitating a launch postponement to safeguard the vehicle.

READ MORE: NASA announces seven Artemis 2 launch dates as historic moon mission days awayREAD MORE: NASA’s Artemis 2 set to be historic crewed mission to the moon

Mr Quinn said: “This has already been an incredible week with the arrival of our Artmeis II flight crew. As they were pulling up in their aeroplanes, we could actually see the moon in the daylight and it was really really cool.”

A launch countdown pre-test briefing took place on Saturday (March 28), marking the final stage prior to the launch countdown commencing on Monday afternoon.

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“It was one of the cleanest launch countdown pretest briefings we’ve ever had,” Mr Quinn added.

Fellow specialists at the press briefing included Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator of the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Chris Cianciola, deputy manager of the SLS Programme, and Howard Hu, manager of the Orion Programme.

Dr Lori Glaze said: “We are getting very, very close and we are ready. We held our flight readiness review a couple of weeks ago and since that time, all of our operations have been going very smoothly, it’s been going very well.”

“Our flight systems are ready, the ground systems are ready, our launch and operations team are ready and our flight operations teams are also ready.. The crew arrived yesterday and I know that they are ready, they are more than ready, they can’t wait to get off the ground.”

Chris Cianciola said: “We are incredibly excited to be here. This is our first opportunity to launch humans into deep space in more than 53 years – you think about that.” He continued: “Our teams are working hard to get the rocket ready… The energy and dedication as a team is truly electric. Everybody’s excited – we all recognise the historical significance of this mission. We are still focussed on making sure the rocket is fully prepared and ready to go.”

Howard Hu added: “I am also very excited to be here and representing the entire Orion team. We’ve worked very hard to get to this point… We’ve had our share of work that we need to get done, and when we roll back to the vehicle assembly building, we powered on, and we didn’t have anything that we needed to fix – we did top off our launch report system battery – but there are no issues that we’re working to right now.”

“So, from our perspective, our spaceship is ready to go and fly Reid [Wiseman], Victor [Glover], Jeremy [Hansen] and Christina [Koch] to the moon and back.”

Labour approaches the May 7 elections struggling in the polls and facing challenges from both Reform UK to the right and a resurgent Green Party to the left

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Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to “fight for our values” in a volatile world as he kicks off Labour’s local election campaign on Monday.

Labour approaches the May 7 elections struggling in the polls and facing challenges from both Reform UK to the right and a resurgent Green Party to the left.

But despite predictions of heavy losses, the Prime Minister is expected to begin the campaign urging the country to “stand together” under Labour’s election slogan: “Pride in Britain.”

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He will say: “This is about pride and hope.

“That is the political choice in this election.

“Our opponents respond to this war on two fronts by dividing our communities.

“We meet this test by unlocking the pride that is our communities.”

Joined by deputy leader Lucy Powell and his Cabinet colleagues, Sir Keir is expected to tell the launch event in the West Midlands: “We’re going to fight to earn every vote. Fight for our values. And fight for the country we are building together, a Britain built for all.

“Because, in the context of everything that is happening in the world.

“Those values, that fairness we stand for, it’s never been more important.”

May’s local elections represent a major test for the Prime Minister, with some warning a disastrous result could spell the end of his premiership.

Pollster Lord Robert Hayward warned earlier in March that Labour faced a “very substantial” threat, especially following a series of “absolutely horrendous” council by-election results.

But Sir Keir will hope that a series of measures intended to help with the cost of living, including a lower energy price cap and an increase in the minimum wage, will translate into votes.

He will say: “We meet this moment with hope.

“The hope of an NHS where waiting lists are coming down – and they are.

“The hope of a country where wages for working people are rising – and they are.

“And the hope of a country where poverty is being slashed and our children have a better future – and it is.

“That is what we are building. That is what we are fighting for.”

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: “Under Labour, Britain isn’t working.

“Rachel Reeves has stifled growth with her tax hikes and economic incompetence.

“Keir Starmer is too distracted by threats from within his own party to focus on his job.

“And Ed Miliband, who is running the country, has sacrificed our energy security on the altar of his net-zero zealotry.

“Labour have nothing to offer hardworking families and businesses other than higher taxes to pay for higher welfare.

“At the local level, council tax is soaring on Labour’s watch, leaving residents paying more and getting less.”

For nearly 44 years, Stephen Housam has worked on Redcar and Cleveland’s Highways Team, with 28 of those spent as a dedicated Highways Inspector.

At 60 years old, he still loves the job just as much as when he started.

The council has four Highways Inspectors looking after over 700 km of highways and 500 km of footpaths across the borough.

Stephen covers Guisborough and much of East Cleveland, including Loftus, Easington, Liverton, Moorsholm, Lingdale, and Boosbeck.

Below, he talks us through a typical day keeping our roads and footpaths safe.

Early morning

My day starts with a cup of tea and a look through my emails.

Before I even set off, I prioritise what needs doing, public reports, complaints, and councillor enquiries, because some things just can’t wait.

I’m in the van by 7.30 am, heading to the most urgent jobs first.

These can range from flooding and safety defects to traffic‑accident damage, trees down, missing manhole covers, potholes, broken kerbs, water leaks, or knocked‑over bollards.

The list is endless.

In the last year, the council has filled in more than 9,000 potholes, with nearly 45,000 being repaired since 2020.

Wherever I can, I call the member of the public back straight away to explain what action we’re taking.

People appreciate being kept in the loop — and it’s important they know their concerns are being dealt with.

Late morning

Once the urgent jobs are under control, I move on to my routine inspections.

These can include checks of busy shopping areas, like Westgate in Guisborough, inspections of the main roads and estates.

This is when I pick up most of the safety defects that need repairing.

I measure everything, record it, and mark it with spray paint so the repair crews can find it easily.

I see myself as a highway’s policeman, however, I’m not looking for criminals — I’m looking for defects on our highways and footpaths and making sure they are repaired.

Early afternoon

When inspections are done, I usually hot‑desk at places like the library or the town hall.

That’s where I log all the defects onto my handheld computer and issue the right work tickets.

Response times vary depending on how serious the issue is, two‑hour or 24‑hour responses for anything dangerous.

If I’m first on the scene, I make it safe with cones or tape until the crew arrives.

Six‑day and 30‑day tickets for issues like potholes, damaged flags, or broken kerbs.

99‑day tickets for non‑urgent tasks, such as replacing old street furniture.

The key thing is that everything gets recorded and acted on.

All the while, emails and phone calls keep coming in.

Being a Highways Inspector means being both reactive and proactive: you’ve got to be ready to drop everything when something serious comes in but also stay on top of the routine work that keeps our roads and footpaths safe.

Late afternoon

By late afternoon, it’s often a race to squeeze everything in before the end of the day.

There’s always something new, another call, another inspection, another situation that needs making safe.

Even after nearly three decades in this role, I still enjoy every part of it.

You meet all sorts of people, and the job gives you a real sense of responsibility and purpose.

And, of course, being outdoors means summer days are the best.

I’ve never dreaded getting up for work, and I’ve no plans to retire yet.

As long as I keep enjoying it, I’ll keep going.

For me, being a Highways Inspector is a job to be proud of.

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Carl Quartermain, said:

“Stephen is a real asset to the Council and the Highways Team as well as the communities he serves in Guisborough and East Cleveland.

“His experience, dedication and pride in keeping our roads and footpaths safe shines through in everything he does.

“The work of our Highways Inspectors is vital but often goes unseen, and Stephen’s commitment over the last four decades is something we really appreciate.”

A strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia resulted in 12 injured American service members and new images show a number of destroyed US aircrafts at the base

An Iranian strike that wounded US troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia also damaged multiple aircrafts including a US command and control aircraft.

The attack took place some 60 miles south of the capital of Riyadh in the early hours of Friday March 27 and is said to have involved a coordinated precision barrage of at least one Iranian ballistic missile and several attack drones. According to reports, 12 American service members were injured in the attack, with at least two in serious condition.

Pictures in the aftermath of the strike show an E-3 Sentry aircraft appears to have been split in two at the base which is a major operating location for US Air Force platforms during the war.

READ MORE: Ian Huntley’s daughter ‘disgusted’ when police asked if she wanted to pay towards his funeralREAD MORE: Family pay tribute to ‘devoted’ mum found dead at Nottinghamshire caravan park

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BBC news has confirmed the photos were taken at the Prince Sultan air base as features seen in the pictures, including pylons, storage units and markings on paved areas, matched with satellite imagery. The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported that at least two US refuelling aircraft were also damaged.

On Sunday Iran’s IRGC-linked Fars news agency said a Shahed drone had struck the E-3 aircraft.

In one of the verified pictures the aircraft’s tail number is visible. Using this we checked flight-tracking site Flightradar24 which showed it was airborne near the base on 18 March. A satellite image taken on Friday appears to show a fire on the air base apron, about 1,600m (5,200ft) east of the E-3. It is not clear whether this was part of the same attack in which the aircraft seen in these pictures was damaged.

What is the E‑3 Sentry?

The E-3 Sentry is an Airborne Warning and Control System-modified Boeing 707 aircraft. Its radar provides 360-degree surveillance across a 250-mile radius, allowing it to detect aircraft, drones, and missile launches. It’s been extensively used in military operations since the 1970s.

The US Air Force had around 30 E-3 Sentry aircraft, with Boeing having delivered the last one in 1992. But as the platform struggles to maintain readiness, the USAF has cut the fleet almost in half to 16 aircraft. Of those, six were sent to the Middle East ahead of the war.

While the platform is nearing the end of its lifetime, it continues to serve as an airborne command post, linking fighters, bombers, and ground commanders into a unified operational picture throughout the region during the war.

US Central Command has not publicly commented on the incident. The Mirror has contacted them for comment.

Free The Night is calling for a change to Northern Ireland’s licensing system

A campaign calling for reform of Northern Ireland’s licensing system has released an open letter ahead of a legal challenge that is due to begin later this year.

Free The Night has released the letter, which has been signed by members of the creative community alongside venue operators, promoters, business owners and community organisers, with it saying that the current system is holding back nightlife and culture in Northern Ireland while also making it difficult for new businesses, venues and cultural spaces to open.

It comes as a court date has been provisionally set for June 12, 2026, where Free The Night will challenge the Department for Communities’ response to the University of Stirling’s independent review of liquor licensing in Northern Ireland.

So far, the letter has been signed by popular figures from the electronic music scene in Northern Ireland, including David Holmes, Max Cooper, Or:la, Cormac, Loéca and Sneijder, actor and DJ Kristian Nairn; and local businesses including The American Bar, The Black Box, Bullhouse, Frae and Yugo, with many giving their own statements of support.

It calls for six reforms: reform or abolition of the surrender principle; changes to the occasional licensing system; a new licence category for cultural spaces; modernised opening hours; the removal of anti-competitive objection routes; and publication of the evidence used to reject key recommendations from the independent review.

Holly Lester, co-founder of Free The Night said: “Northern Ireland’s outdated licensing laws have held back nightlife and after-dark culture for far too long. They make it harder for new and independent venues to open, limit creative opportunities, stifle innovation, and restrict what communities can build for themselves – serving only a select few existing interests.

“Despite the Stirling University review, which highlighted serious structural problems and made clear recommendations for reform, the Department has refused to act. I am proud to be fronting the case against the Department and to speak loudly and clearly for the creatives, performers, artists, aspiring business owners, and lovers of culture, music, and nightlife across Northern Ireland. We demand better!”

The campaign is now urging supporters across the creative sector and beyond to back the open letter and add to growing calls for meaningful reform.

Alongside the campaign, Free The Night will also mark its fifth birthday with a fundraiser event on Saturday 11 April 2026 at Ulster Sports Club, Belfast, running from 10.30pm to 3.00am. The lineup includes Marion Hawkes B2B Noel Watson, Timmy Stewart B2B Jordan Nocturne, and Hannah B2B Sophie. The event will celebrate five years of Free The Night’s work while raising support for the campaign’s next phase.

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Seann Walsh, Craig Charles, Gemma Collins, Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, Beverley Callard, Sinitta, Adam Thomas and Harry Redknapp during a photocall for the launch of season two of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa, at Ham Yard Hotel in Soho (Ian West/PA)

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NASA’s Artemis II mission will be the first crewed deep space mission in over 53 years, with final preparations underway at Kennedy Space Center for the April 1 launch with an 80% favourable weather forecast

The crew at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida are putting the finishing touches to preparations ahead of commencing launch countdown procedures for the Artemis II mission, scheduled to lift off no earlier than Wednesday, April 1.

During a countdown status briefing on Sunday (March 29), NASA officials delivered an update on Artemis II launch readiness just three days ahead of the scheduled departure. While anticipation builds for the forthcoming mission, attention is firmly fixed on meteorological conditions and cloud formations in the run-up to launch at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.

The launch day outlook indicates an 80% probability of suitable weather conditions, with principal concerns centring on cloud coverage and the possibility of strong winds across the region. Personnel will continue observing weather patterns over the next few days, reports the Mirror.

Shawn Quinn, programme manager, Exploration Ground Systems, said: “The one thing we are watching is the weather, and we got a latest forecast from the weather officer from Space Launch Delta 45. The thing we’re watching is cumulus clouds, the Thick Cloud Rule, and also winds.

“So right now we’re forecast to be 80% go on Wednesday afternoon, so that’s good.”

The ‘Thick Cloud Rule’ represents a launch safety parameter that prohibits rocket launches through cloud formations exceeding 4,500 feet (1.4 km) in thickness that penetrate into sub-zero temperatures (0C to -20C). It serves to prevent lightning strikes triggered by highly charged, non-thunderstorm clouds, necessitating a launch postponement to safeguard the spacecraft.

Mr Quinn remarked: “This has already been an incredible week with the arrival of our Artmeis II flight crew. As they were pulling up in their aeroplanes, we could actually see the moon in the daylight and it was really really cool.”

The final preparations moved forward on Saturday (March 28) with a launch countdown pre-test briefing, representing the concluding stage ahead of Monday afternoon’s official countdown commencement.

“It was one of the cleanest launch countdown pretest briefings we’ve ever had,” Mr Quinn continued.

Additional specialists present at the briefing included Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Chris Cianciola, deputy manager of the SLS Programme, and Howard Hu, manager of the Orion Programme.

Dr Lori Glaze expressed confidence, saying: “We are getting very, very close and we are ready. We held our flight readiness review a couple of weeks ago and since that time, all of our operations have been going very smoothly, it’s been going very well.”

“Our flight systems are ready, the ground systems are ready, our launch and operations team are ready and our flight operations teams are also ready.. The crew arrived yesterday and I know that they are ready, they are more than ready, they can’t wait to get off the ground.”

Chris Cianciola conveyed the significance of the moment, stating: “We are incredibly excited to be here. This is our first opportunity to launch humans into deep space in more than 53 years – you think about that.”

He continued: “Our teams are working hard to get the rocket ready… The energy and dedication as a team is truly electric. Everybody’s excited – we all recognise the historical significance of this mission. We are still focussed on making sure the rocket is fully prepared and ready to go.”

READ MORE: NASA Artemis 2 Moon mission possible launch dates announced for April 2026READ MORE: NASA’s Artemis 2 mission is sending a crew to the moon for first time in 50 years

Howard Hu further expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “I am also very excited to be here and representing the entire Orion team. We’ve worked very hard to get to this point… We’ve had our share of work that we need to get done. and when we roll back to the vehicle assembly building, we powered on, and we didn’t have anything that we needed to fix – we did top off our launch report system battery – but there are no issues that we’re working to right now.”

“So, from our perspective, our spaceship is ready to go and fly Reid [Wiseman], Victor [Glover], Jeremy [Hansen] and Christina [Koch] to the moon and back.”

The influencer was tasked with making traybakes, tart tatin and childhood toys in biscuits

Molly-Mae Hague has taken to her Instagram to share her experience of competing in the Great British Bakeoff as she declares it an ‘insane’ experience’.

The influencer has starred in the latest episode Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer (SUTC), in which she was declared star baker.

The 26-year old appeared on the Channel 4 programme on Sunday night where she faced dancer JoJo Siwa, writer Richard Herring and comedian Babatunde Aleshe in a bid to impress the judges, TV cook Paul Hollywood and pastry chef Cherish Finden.

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The four stars were tasked with making traybakes, tarte tatin and childhood toys in biscuits. For the latter, the influencer whipped up an edible version of Ellie Belly, her beloved stuffed elephant teddy which she famously took into the Love Island villa.

After being declared the winner of the episode and receiving her star baker apron, Hague took to Instagram and said: “Still trying to process that this even happened.

“Taking part in Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer was honestly one of the most insane experiences of my life.

“Just so grateful to have been part of something so special for such an incredible cause. I’ll truly never get over it.”

The emotional caption came under a slideshow of photos from the show, including Hague posing with her fellow contestants as well as presenter Alison Hammond.

The comment section included messages of support from her friend and fellow Love Island star Maura Higgins as well as from her partner, boxer Tommy Fury who commented “Proud”.

Hague starred on the reality dating show in 2019 and met Higgins as well as Fury.

The couple had their first child together, a daughter called Bambi, in January 2023 with Hague announcing in February that the two are expecting a second child.

It comes months after she confirmed the two were back in a relationship together following a split in 2024 while they were engaged.

Stand Up To Cancer is a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4. Other stars competing in the national baking show include Radio DJ Scott Mills, One Day actress Ambika Mod and comedian Joe Wilkinson.

The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer will return on Channel 4 on Sunday April 5.

But Labour MP Stella Creasy, chairwoman of the Labour Movement for Europe, said there should be less concern on the number of people involved in the scheme: “This is a deal that will bring back freedoms young Brits from all backgrounds lost with Brexit, as well as boosting growth.”

For successful couples, separation is rarely just about who keeps the house. It often involves businesses, shareholdings, professional practices, pensions, property portfolios and inherited wealth. In many cases, it is the careful unwinding of a commercial partnership as much as a personal one.

And like any business matter, it requires strategy.

One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the belief that, “my business is separate.” In reality, if a company was built, expanded or sustained during a marriage, it will almost certainly form part of the overall financial landscape. That does not mean it will be divided in half or forced into sale — but it does mean it must be properly valued and understood. Share structures, director loans, retained profits and future income streams all require careful analysis.

The same applies to pensions. For many professional couples, pensions are among the most valuable assets in the marriage, sometimes exceeding the equity in the family home. Yet they are frequently overlooked in early discussions because they feel distant or intangible. Proper actuarial input can significantly alter the picture of fairness.

Inherited wealth presents its own challenges. Yorkshire families often hold assets across generations — land, farms, investment properties, or long-established family homes. While inheritance can sometimes be treated differently from assets built up during the marriage, it is not automatically protected. The court’s guiding principle remains fairness, particularly where needs must be met.

Farming cases illustrate this more starkly than almost any other. A working farm is rarely just a business; it is a home, a livelihood and often a legacy stretching back decades, sometimes centuries. Ownership structures can be layered — land held by parents, farming partnerships, limited companies, diversification ventures, and tenancy arrangements intertwined.

In these situations, the question is not simply “Who gets what?” but “How does the farm survive?” A forced sale can affect not just a couple, but an entire family ecosystem. I have seen how poor early advice can place the viability of a family enterprise at real risk. Equally, I have seen how careful negotiation, realistic valuation and a calm, strategic approach can protect both fairness and continuity.

Over three decades, I have learned that the greatest risk in financially complex divorces is not conflict — it is assumption. Assumptions about what is untouchable. Assumptions about what the court will or will not do. Assumptions that informal agreements will somehow hold. When substantial assets are involved, clarity at the outset is invaluable.

Encouragingly, the way these cases are resolved continues to evolve. Increasingly, successful couples wish to avoid the spectacle, delay, and cost of contested court proceedings. They value privacy, control, and dignity.

Mediation and arbitration provide structured, confidential routes to a fair resolution. These are not soft options; they require transparency and realism from both parties. But when managed properly, they preserve not only wealth, but working relationships — particularly where children, shared business interests or extended family ties remain.

After 30 years in practice, I remain convinced that divorce at this level is not about winning or losing. It is about managing risk, preserving stability, and protecting the next chapter of life.

Divorce may be deeply personal. But where significant assets are involved, it is also undeniably a business matter. And like any important business decision, it deserves experienced guidance, measured judgment, and calm leadership.

If you are facing separation and significant assets are involved — whether a business, professional practice, farm, or long-held family wealth — taking early, experienced advice can make a profound difference. A considered conversation at the outset often prevents costly missteps later.

For those who value clarity, discretion and strategic thinking, the right guidance at the right time is an investment in stability. James Thornton Family Law offers clear, fixed-fee consultations designed to provide strategic direction from the outset, allowing clients to move forward with confidence and control.