What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Venus enters Taurus, shifting the energy towards creative endeavors and home comforts. Approach the day ahead with ease.
Pisces, Aquarius and Gemini, allow the tempo to relax. Be gentle with yourself and embrace the softness that enters your life.
Not everything requires high pressure or intense emotions. Sometimes, the best things come completely naturally.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday March 30, 2026.
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Desire can slow to a luxurious simmer. With Venus entering Taurus, any need to rush toward the next thrill softens into appreciation for what feels solid, sensual and real. You may crave good food, soft fabrics, loyal company and moments that linger. Romance deepens when you show consistency too. This is a time to value what lasts, so invest in comfort and self-worth.
As luscious Venus sashays into your sign, pleasure becomes a priority and confidence feels natural, not forced. You’ll radiate warmth without trying. Indulge in beauty, pampering, makeovers and meaningful connection, as the mirror is on your side, so trust it. You’re also attractive when you move at your own pace. There’s no rush – let others adjust to your rhythm.
Your tempo softens over the coming weeks. The buzz quiets and pleasure can become more tactile, more grounded and real. You may crave solitude, soft music, long baths and conversations that do not require cleverness. Rest is not boredom, so let yourself move slowly and enjoy it. Romance may feel private or subtle, blooming behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight.
Your heart relaxes in the right company. With Venus now warming your tranquil social zone, friendships feel steadier, sweeter and wonderfully reassuring. You’ll crave loyalty over novelty and depth over noise. This is perfect for cosy dinners, nice conversations and linking up with people who feel like home. You do not need to impress anyone – just be fully yourself.
With Venus lighting up your sector of ambitions from today, charm becomes a key asset. Colleagues notice your stability and your appeal. It’s not about being powerful – it’s about showing up consistently. Polished presentations, thoughtful gestures and patient follow-through win admiration. A creative project gains traction because you make it look effortless.
Venus activates your adventure zone, so exploration is less frantic and more intentional. Think scenic routes, amazing bookstores, art-filled cities and fabulous meals. Romance blooms through shared itineraries or a spontaneous getaway. Learning becomes pleasure rather than pressure. Enjoy wandering and your world will expand gently and meaningfully.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
With Venus entering Taurus in your sector of business, shared assets and deep emotions, trust becomes your real currency. Talk openly about money, effort and expectations. Transparency feels good rather than awkward and a financial arrangement can strengthen if both sides value fairness. Emotionally, bonds deepen through reliability and touch, not through grand gestures.
Relationships become more committed and they’re less about intensity and more about stability. You’ll be looking for loyalty and shared comfort as drama loses its appeal. If you are attached, trust deepens as Venus enters practical Taurus. If single, someone secure and sincere may catch your eye. Plus, business partnerships benefit from patience and mutual respect.
From today, better coffee, stylish gym clothes and a calmer schedule feel essential, not indulgent. You are more motivated by daily satisfaction than frantic deadlines too. Improve one habit at a time. Small upgrades bring lasting results and, at work, diplomacy and reliability attract appreciation. You’ll find wellness thrives through consistency rather than heroic effort.
It’s time to loosen the tie and relax your serious side. With Venus entering Taurus, fun and pleasure become productive in their own way. Creativity flows when you stop measuring outcomes. Say yes to invitations that make you smile. Hobbies deserve attention too, not just deadlines. You do not have to earn joy – you just allow it, so balance ambition with delight.
Comfort becomes a priority and you may want softer lighting, better meals and a living space that is warm rather than functional. A small makeover could shift your mood dramatically. Family ties benefit from patience and practical affection. Stability can be deeply nurturing too. There’s no need to retreat from the world – just build a base that supports your big ideas.
Your voice turns velvety and persuasive now, as words become a pleasure to share and to hear. Conversations naturally slow in the best way, so choose quality dialogue over scattered chats as you’ll listen more deeply and speak more deliberately. A gentle influence is excellent for writing, negotiating or saying what you mean. Siblings or close contacts feature warmly.
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The internationally acclaimed event has gone from strength to strength, entertaining audiences for a quarter of a century with its magical medley of homegrown and international talent.
Taking place from April 29 to May 4, this year’s festival promises a vibrant line-up that reflects the event’s remarkable journey.
Over the years, the festival has welcomed internationally renowned artists while remaining deeply committed to nurturing and showcasing local talent.
A cornerstone of its success has been the popular schools’ programme, which has provided a valuable platform for emerging young musicians, inspiring the next generation of performers and giving many their first opportunity to take to a professional stage.
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The festival has also championed the very best homegrown talent, ensuring that local artists remain at the heart of the programme while sharing the stage with acclaimed national and international acts.
Launching the programme today, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said the anniversary would be aproud moment for a city that has always had music in its blood.
He said: “Over the past quarter century, the festival has evolved into one of the premier events in our cultural calendar, attracting visitors from near and far while showcasing the incredible musical talent we have here at home.
“Its continued growth is a testament to the vision, dedication and creativity of everyone involved, from our Council Events team to the many local venues that have thrown open their doors over the years. I look forward to welcoming audiences to what promises to be a spectacular celebration of music this April and May.”
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Festival and Events Coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said she was looking forward to a bumper year of celebration.
She said: “Reaching our 25th year is a significant achievement and reflects the enduring popularity and ambition of the City of Derry Jazz Festival.
“Each year we strive to build on the success of previous festivals, and we are incredibly proud of how the event has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind. Our schools’ programme remains a key focus, giving young and up-and-coming musicians the chance to develop their skills and perform in a professional setting, establishing a lasting legacy for the festival.
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“While our wider programme continues to provide a valuable platform for both local and visiting performers. We are so excited to unveil this year’s line-up and invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary.”
With an eclectic mix of ticketed headline concerts, free live music events, educational workshops and outdoor performances planned across the city, the 25th anniversary edition promises to be one of the most memorable yet.
Iconic jazz singer Curtis Stigers is just one of the highlights of this year’s festival, performing on April 29th at the Millennium Forum.
Donegal singing sensation Muireann Bradley will light up the Guildhall on April 30th with her amazing acoustic talents, an unmissable treat for country and blues fans.
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The Playhouse, Bennigans Bar and St Columb’s Hall will be transformed into dedicated Jazz hubs, hosting an array of acclaimed artists over the weekend, as well as a series of music and jazz masterclasses to get everyone into the swing.
Enjoy the Bank Holiday vibes al fresco with live stages in the Guildhall Square and the Craft Village on Saturday Sunday, not to mention the DLD Second Line Parade which will take to the streets on Saturday May 2nd.
Step into the spotlight at this year’s Jazz Festival with an exclusive dance workshop in St Columb’s Hall led by Strictly Come Dancing choreographer Jenny Thomas.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned mover, this is your chance to learn show-stopping routines, pick up insider tips, and enjoy the sparkle of Strictly.
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This year’s City of Derry Jazz Festival programme will be sponsored by Diageo and Head of Commercial NI, Mark Mulholland, said Diageo is proud to support this landmark moment for one of the region’s most celebrated cultural events.
“Diageo is absolutely delighted to support this special anniversary year of the City of Derry Jazz Festival. For 25 years, the festival has showcased the very best of the North West’s vibrant cultural scene, while welcoming world-class artists and visitors from around the world.
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the annual Jazz Festival, a cornerstone event that plays a vital role in showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and hospitality sector. This ongoing partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the on-trade and creating memorable experiences for consumers through high-quality events. We look forward to building on the success of previous years and working closely with organisers and local venues to deliver another outstanding festival.”
You can find the latest programme information online at cityofderryjazzfestival.com along with the entire programme.
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For regular updates, follow City of Derry Jazz Festival on all social media platforms.
Get ready for a new month (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
April arrives with new energy and momentum.
With powerful Aries energy lighting up the skies — including a New Moon in Aries and fiery Mars in Aries — the cosmos is encouraging bold action, courage and decisive movement.
At the same time, the Full Moon in Libra on April 2 reminds us that life isn’t just about charging ahead alone. Relationships, fairness and emotional balance come into focus, asking us to check whether our ambitions still honour the partnerships and connections that matter most.
By the time Taurus season arrives later in the month, the energy softens and stabilises. What began as a spark of inspiration can start to take practical form.
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April is ultimately a month of initiation followed by grounding — make the brave first move now, and you’ll give yourself something solid to build on in the months ahead.
Join my magical, mystical tarot club – where we explore the cards through challenges, lessons, guided meditations, and rituals. Metro readers can enjoy a free month at Insider level using this link.
Look to the future (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Aries for April: Ten of Coins, The Sun, Nine of Coins
Meaning: Beautiful, joyful, prosperous and successful energy is blessing you and helping you all month long, Aries. It is your season, after all, so expect to get lucky!
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Your most successful enterprises are shown by the ambitious Nine and Ten of Coins: long term goals in and around the foundational areas of health, wealth, work and home. Lay good foundations, build on them, create legacy and wealth to last. Make investments vs spending.
Use this month’s good fortune and luck from The Sun card (the best card in the deck) to bless and bestow riches on your key foundations. Look at the decade ahead and make a vision for yourself, a daydream, a fantasy… and then start work on making it a reality. It can happen.
The outcome will be better than you could’ve imagined (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Taurus for April: Ace of Wands, Five of Cups, The Star
Meaning: Something very, very happy is going to arise out of something sad. You get a second chance, a piece of good karma, a validating and rewarding option that you deserve.
The Five of Cups sees you moving past a recent disappointment with integrity and good grace. Folk appreciate how you handled yourself. And The Star shows that this excellent behaviour is warranting a wish pass from the Universe! You are going to get something far better than whatever was lost. So chase after your ideals and dreams. Believe in them and breathe life into them with action and force.
The Ace of Wands shows something new will come to you, representing an authentic wish or desire, and you will be glad you didn’t get what you thought you wanted before — because this is better.
Temptation is calling this month (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Gemini for April: The Lovers, Three of Swords, Knight of Swords
Meaning: You could be embroiled in a situation where you’re going to do someone wrong (or vice versa) so tread ultra carefully this April, because neither of those outcomes is desirable. You value good karma and peace, so you don’t like bothering other folk, nor do you accept being backstabbed or lied to.
Be wary of tricky situationships, temptations, gossip, and invitations to betray a confidence (you do love to chat). The Lovers and Three of Swords combine to warn you to stay on the straight and narrow path. Whatever looks like temptation… avoid.
The Knight of Swords sees you perhaps having to stand tall and firm to get through this. People always underestimate your strength and resilience because you’re so outwardly friendly and funny. They’re about to find out what happens when they threaten a Gemini’s peace… hold on!
Time to do some digging (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Cancer for April: The Moon, Nine of Swords, Ace of Swords
Meaning: The Moon is your ruling planet and appears here as a guiding luminary for April, with the message that you should dig into the unsolved, unanswered or untrue illusions you know lie in your realm. There are mysteries and puzzles to be dug into.
The Nine of Swords asks you to follow your disquiet, your discomfort, your nagging sense of dread or nervousness that all is not as it seems somehow. The Ace of Swords asks you to ask questions, validate answers, research, sense check, pressure test and probe. Take nothing at face value.
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Within the month you will have important answers that make a difference to what you decide to do next. And it feels good to have cracked the case and solved the riddle. Go do it.
There’s a green-eyed monster in your realm (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Leo for April: The Chariot, Three of Cups, Seven of Swords
Meaning: The Chariot empowers you with purpose and motivation this April, you are moving (maybe literally) and striking out on your own course, built around your own goals and needs. It feels good. You’re an unstoppable force. Use that to get someplace good!
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The Three of Cups and Seven of Swords tell a tale as old as time for Leos… social jealousy. You attract much attention, folk are always interested in what you’re doing, and people love hanging out with you and having fun. That’s the Three of Cups vibe. And then that also attracts envious eyes, critical judges and people who covet your powers. That’s the Seven of Swords vibe.
Spend as much effort and energy on putting up and holding boundaries against such energy as you do into welcoming and expanding your ever-growing circle. Be choosy. Be discerning. Be defensive when you feel things are ‘off’ – you’re too good to take rubbish off folk.
You need to simply let this happen rather than forcing it (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Virgo for April: The Empress, The Hanged Man, Four of Cups
Meaning: The Hanged Man and Four of Cups both speak of limbo, stagnation, frustration, and not seeing the woods for the trees. Virgo, you are the ultimate problem-solver and troubleshooter; you have high standards (if not perfection), and you will push, push, push away at something until it yields. But that approach is not working.
Breathe. This April, you must step back, stop, surrender, and let things be as they are. You can’t force this issue. Instead, be the Empress! Surround yourself with those and what you love and like! Be adored, be generous, play, create, have fun, love, uplift, encourage, feast and indulge. Live life to the full in the environments you feel safe and happy.
And you know what… while you’re not forcing or even looking at it, this ‘thing’ that got stuck will magically get unstuck and you can return to progress. Like magic, I promise!
It’s all about balance this April (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Libra for April: Knight of Coins, Temperance, King of Swords
Meaning: Work hard, stay grounded and balanced, look and plan ahead. That’s it; they’re your three rules for a successful, rewarding and happy April, Libra. Sounds okay?
The Knight of Coins is a grafter but for every ounce of effort put in, he takes equal measures of reward. That is the balance you need to strike too. Temperance shows you’re finding your feet in some way, looking to feel grounded in a ‘new normal’, and this will take conscious effort. Don’t take on more, or take massive risks, or push yourself too far. Stay on an even keel.
The King of Swords is your star sign’s tarot king, and he is like you: strategic, objective, analytical and smart. He is always looking and thinking ahead, working out the next move. This is your mental homework for April.
Is this beyond repair? (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Scorpio for April: The Hermit, The Fool, Five of Swords
Meaning: A long-running cause of concern or stress is going to be totally and finally resolved this April, and it all comes from your thoughtfulness and willingness to turn the page and try something new. Sometimes you can’t fix stuff. You have to replace.
The Five of Swords sees you embroiled in something difficult, draining and fuelled by a conflict. It has gone on long enough. You have tried to repair it… to no avail. The Hermit wants you to step back, way back, and get perspective — you’re too close to see things clearly right now. Study events, sift through root causes, assess your own role, look at other options. And then return with The Fool.
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You are going to turn the page and start a new story here. That might mean leaving this whole mess behind you, might mean drawing a line in such a way you can all call ‘truce’ and march on, might be that you sacrifice something and pivot to something different instead to remove the issue. But it’s a new perspective and a new approach. And it will work, for your benefit.
Tick off your to-do list early and enjoy the rest of the month (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Sagittarius for April: Ace of Cups, Nine of Wands, Five of Coins
Meaning: A new relationship or powerful creative idea/role, or even friendship/pet/family member in your realm will bring blessings and joythis April with the loving Ace of Cups.
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Maybe a tinge of bittersweet or poignant feeling too, because new love oftens provokes memories of those no longer around or who you miss and would want to share this with. Missing folk is the price of living a full, long life. It’s inevitable. So embrace it, be kind to yourself, share your news and ideas with them in spirit.
The Nine of Wands asks you to do the hard work/chores at the start of the month, get them out of your hair and underway so you can relax into spring and have fun. Don’t put things off or put yourself under pressure by leaving it all to the wire. Get those chores on the to-do list and ticked off!
Everything is coming together (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Capricorn for April: Eight of Coins, Seven of Coins, The Devil
Meaning: The Devil is your sign’s tarot card, so you’re very much making power moves, taking control, and getting to grips with important aspects of your nature, true desires, and purpose in life. You’re in a kind of ruthless mode, too. This feels like doing what’s best for you, based on a true, objective assessment of your authentic nature and needs. No pretence or compromise.
Some things will fall to the wayside, for sure, with the evolutionary Seven of Coins. You will notice stuff that simply doesn’t suit you, fit, wear well, feel good, or bring any reward or benefit. Stop all the old habits and obligations that feel ‘for the sake of it’.
The Eight of Coins brings you a major breakthrough moment of clarity and, from there, you know exactly what to pour your precious heart and soul into. You know where your efforts matter, make a difference, and bring you closer to the lifestyle you want to lead. It’s all getting clearer. Easier. More distinct. Basically, you do you.
Luck gives you a helping hand (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Aquarius for April: Strength, Page of Wands, The Emperor
Meaning: Surges of power and progress this April, a great sense of possibility and potential opening up in front of you. But the real magic comes when you take chances, free style, and play bold hands that others won’t!
Strength sees you taking on all challenges, the Page of Wands sees you playing fast and loose and approaching it all as a series of experiments rather than high-pressure strategy, and The Emperor has you putting your agenda front and centre and leading the way.
Irresistible energy is all around you, Aquarius, so put it to very good use and push in the direction you wish to head. Make moves in places you want to belong. Go for your dreams. You will find that folk find it hard to refuse you. You will find that Lady Luck is on your side… you can’t fail!
Give what you wish to receive (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Pisces for April: Four of Wands, Page of Coins, Six of Coins
Meaning: You are investing in yourself this spring, with financial stability and structure, education and learning, and good karma relationships that make you feel empowered, appreciated, and secure. It’s a good feeling and it’s self-made, this is you working for you!
The Page of Coins is the educational element, which suggests you’re looking to learn — formally or informally. You are ready to take on knowledge and skill to help you get ahead… and it will prove a success because the Four of Wands points to promotion, progression and advancement. Things will come of what you learn!
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The Six of Coins is a good karma card — the more generous and kind you are, the better treatment and opportunity will come your way. Quid pro quo. It’s a lovely way to live!
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
I’m convinced Thomas Tuchel pretty much knows his eleven – and the way this squad is split tells us even more.
The main question mark for me is who starts as the 10 – I struggle to comprehend an England side without Jude Bellingham in it if fit, but clearly Tuchel likes Morgan Rogers after a brilliant season.
However, with Aston Villa not quite in the form they were and Bellingham back in action for Real Madrid, he may still yet force Tuchel to rethink.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are two of the first names on the team sheet – Anderson’s emergence this season could be the difference between success and failure this summer and is a player I genuinely think Gareth Southgate would have loved to have had.
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I do think there is time for the two either side of Harry Kane to change, though right now an on-song Bukayo Saka has to start, and Anthony Gordon’s numbers are hard to ignore.
Defensively, Lewis Hall’s form means for me he’s the current standout choice at left-back, and at centre-back if John Stones hadn’t had such an injury-ravaged season I’d have loved to have him and his experience alongside Manchester City team-mate Marc Guehi.
Let’s also hope Reece James is fully fit by the time 17 June comes around too – it would have been interesting to have seen Trent Alexander-Arnold in this squad too, just to give us a different option from full-back.
A notable mention also for Nico O’Reilly who’s missing mainly because I’m not sure where he’d play – though performances like in the Carabao Cup final will only enhance his chances of forcing his way in.
Four teenagers in total have been charged and the police have said more will follow.
A boy of 13 and a girl of 16 are among the four teenagers arrested today in connection with an assault on a man and his dog.
The alleged incident took place in Bangor, Co Down, on Friday night where Ryan Gray, from K9 Search & Rescue NI, was walking his dog Max before they were set upon by a large group of youths.
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It’s believed the same group harassed an elderly couple, fought among themselves and caused disturbances throughout the town on Friday evening.
As a result the police have now made four arrests and have pledged more will follow.
A statement from the PSNI said: “Police investigating an assault involving a man and a dog in the High Street area of Bangor on Friday, March 27 have charged four teenagers to court.
“A 13-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
“A 15-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. A 16-year-old girl has been charged with affray and common assault. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
“Police would like to thank all those members of the public who came forward to assist with enquiries following our appeal for information in relation to this incident. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests will be made when the other suspects are identified.”
John Higgins won the Tour Championship in style last season (Picture: Getty Images)
John Higgins is in Manchester to defend his Tour Championship title this week, taking on a player he has been battling it out with for 36 years.
The Wizard of Wishaw brilliantly won the event last year, beating Mark Selby in the final and he is back to face Mark Williams in his opener this time round.
The Scot is not just wielding his cue, but also a microphone as he is on commentary and punditry duty for Channel 5, but defending his title is priority number one.
Just the top 12 on the one-year rankings make it to the Tour Championship, which Higgins says is a key aim at the start of any season.
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‘I think if somebody says to you at the start of every season that you’ll be competing in the Tour Championship, it means it’s a good season,’ Higgins told Metro. ‘That’s your aim and I’d have bitten your hand off, really.
‘It would have been pretty poor coming down, commentating on it and speaking about it and you’re not in the event to defend your title.
‘I can’t wait to get out there and obviously playing your old nemesis, Mark Williams. It can’t be any bigger or better than playing Mark.’
Higgins finished runner-up to Zhao Xintong at last month’s Players Championship (Picture: Getty Images)
Two of the three legendary members of the Class of 92 first met professionally in 1994, but their rivalry goes back even further.
Asked for the first time he met Williams, Higgins said: ‘I’m sure it must have been the Home Internationals at Prestatyn in 1990, I was 15. That was the first time I’d met any players from out of Scotland.’
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35 years on from that first meeting, the pair met in the 2025 World Championship quarter-final, which Williams dramatically won 13-12 on the final black.
Higgins feels he ‘owes him one’ for that painful defeat, but it is now a friendly rivalry that has lost the edge it once had.
‘I think it’s a lot better than it was,’ the Scot said of his relationship with the Welshman. ‘It’s only natural as well, I think, when you see the boys nowadays, the likes of Judd [Trump] and Kyren [Wilson], you just get a feeling that they really feel as if they’re rivals and they want to keep their distance from each other. It was probably exactly the same [for us].
‘Back in the day when me, Mark and Ronnie were playing, you were vying against each other for the same titles. As well it’s been well-documented when I’d left the management stable with Ian Doyle and Mark was still under that banner, there was a bit of rivalry there.
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Higgins and Mark Williams played out a Crucible classic last year (Picture: Getty Images)
‘But nowadays you’re basically smiling walking into these events, knowing that you’re still playing against these guys and still competing. You’ve got to give yourself a pat in the back that you’re still doing it.
‘Listen, we’re dads now, we’re nearly grandads. I think everybody’s got a different outlook on life.’
Higgins felt his meeting with Williams in Sheffield last year was likely their last at the Crucible, but the odds of there being another have been improved this week after the announcement that the World Championship is set to stay at the venue – with a significant revamp – until 2045.
The four-time world champion was thrilled with the news and admits he was stunned by it, feeling a departure from the Crucible was likely when the previous contract was due to end in 2027.
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‘I couldn’t believe it,’ he said. ‘I could not believe it how they got it over the line, especially for the amount of years. Incredible, incredible news.
‘I really thought it was going to be moving, I just didn’t think the Crucible was going to be be big enough for the event. I think it’s great news that it’s going to get upgraded because it certainly needs that.
‘I think obviously you don’t want to lose the uniqueness of the playing arena, which makes the Worlds that special. But behind the scenes it probably hasn’t moved with the times. Now it’s going to get the upgrade and it brings it up to the present day, and it should be a great, great venue going forward.’
Before the Crucible comes Manchester Central and Higgins will be in the commentary box, hoping that the ‘first day of school’ nerves of his Players Championship debut last month will have eased.
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‘In the commentary box I really felt the nerves there,’ he said. ‘Dave [Hendon] was great with me, but that was like being back on the first day of school.
‘In the studio it felt okay because obviously you go into the studio after matches anyway and you’ve got somebody like Katie [Shanahan], who I think is really good, so it was all good. I really enjoyed it.
Tour Championship draw and schedule
Monday March 30
1pm Barry Hawkins vs Thepchaiya Un-Nooh Judd trump vs Mark Allen
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7pm Judd Trump vs Mark Allen Wu Yize vs Chris Wakelin
Tuesday March 31
1pm Mark Williams vs John Higgins Barry Hawkins vs Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
7pm Mark Williams vs John Higgins Wu Yize vs Chris Wakelin
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Wednesday April 1
1pm Neil Robertson vs Hawkins/Un-Nooh Shaun Murphy vs Trump/Allen
7pm Shaun Murphy vs Trump/Allen Zhao Xintong vs Wu/Wakelin
Thursday April 2
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1pm Neil Robertson vs Hawkins/Un-Nooh Mark Selby vs Williams/Higgins
7pm Mark Selby vs Williams/Higgins Zhao Xintong vs Wu/Wakelin
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‘I wasn’t really wanting to talk too much on commentary. But then again, when you listen to the other commentators, they maybe speak a little bit more, so then you think to yourself, am I speaking enough? So, I think it’s just trying to get a balance.
‘I don’t go on any social media, so I don’t know how well I would have been received with it, which is maybe a good thing in a way. So I’m only really going by listening to my wife or my brothers. They thought I’d done okay. So I don’t really know what the wider world’s thinking about it.’
The Wizard of Wishaw will be working on his words of wisdom when the Tour Championship kicks off on Monday afternoon, with his latest clash with his old rival coming up on Tuesday.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Severe flooding, a landslide and thunderstorms in parts of Afghanistan left 17 people dead and 26 injured over the last 24 hours, with more heavy rainfall predicted, authorities said Sunday, the latest casualties from extreme weather in the country this season.
The number of casualties could increase as crews from the country’s National Disaster Management Authority survey the affected areas, the authority’s spokesman, Yousuf Hammad, said in a statement. Thirteen of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, mostly in the western, central and northwestern parts of the country, were affected.
The severe weather also left 147 homes either completely or partially destroyed, wiped out 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) of roads and destroyed agricultural land and irrigation canals and businesses, Hammad said. In all, he said, 530 families were affected.
Heavy rainfall was also forecast to affect eastern and central parts of the country Monday, and Hammad warned flooding was also possible in those areas. The disaster management authority warned residents to avoid river banks and areas at risk of flooding in those regions, and ordered local officials to be on standby to provide assistance.
Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with snow and heavy rain that trigger flash floods, often killing dozens, or even hundreds, of people at a time. In 2024, more than 300 people died in springtime flash floods.
Decades of conflict, coupled with poor infrastructure, a struggling economy, deforestation and the intensifying effects of climate change have amplified the impact of such disasters, particularly in remote areas where many homes are built of mud and offer limited protection against sudden deluges or heavy snowfall.
The Donegal captain seemed lucky to avoid a red card after several high challenges on Kerry defender Dylan Casey during Sunday’s Division One final at Croke Park
Kerry, who won the League title last term before beating Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC decider last July, were decidedly second best in a game that failed to match the competitiveness of the three other football deciders over the weekend.
Not that Donegal will care as they cantered to a 13-point success. However, David Gough’s decision to show Murphy a yellow, rather than a red, for a couple of closed fist tackles on Dylan Casey in the first half proved a major talking point.
For O’Connor, he agreed with the assessment that the former Donegal captain ought to have been sent off.
When that point was put to him by a reporter after the game, he replied: “I agree with you, and you have better eyesight than a few other lads that were looking at it, let’s put it like that. Yeah, so what can I say? That’s what happened.”
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McGuinness stressed that he didn’t see the incident in question, but he did state that the game had become “very physical” and urged referees to clamp down on so-called “screening” and third-man challenges.
“I didn’t see anything of it, to be honest with you,” McGuinness said of the Murphy incident, before adding: “But the game is very physical out there.
“Going back to the kick-outs, the game is very physical on kick-outs at the moment. There’s an awful lot of blocking going on on kick-outs. There’s an awful lot of physicality going on in kick-outs across all the games.
“There’s an awful lot of screening going on in the attack in third, which I think somebody’s going to get hurt from. I think people are going to people to hand them the ball, and they’re running into people to release people. That’s not in the rule book.
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“People are talking in the media. Coaches are talking about screening. Screening is not in the rule book.
That’s a black card. If you intentionally screen somebody, you’re coming across their path. So I think that’s definitely something that probably needs to be stamped out going into the Championship, because I do see a bad head injury coming from that one.
“But to your point, the physicality, it’s heavy around the middle. It really is heavy around the middle.”
While delighted with his side’s performance, McGuinness swiftly turned his attention to an Ulster SFC quarter-final with Down in Letterkenny at the end of April
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“From our point of view it’s another game, it’s a great game to get under the belt,” he added.
“It was lovely to get back to Croke Park, get a good game and have a good performance level and we go away now and start preparing for Down in the first round of the Championship.”
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Black spots burrow deep into surfaces and can be a nightmare to remove
Those stubborn black spots on your patio are a particularly troublesome form of lichen that burrows deep into surfaces, proving a real headache for homeowners. Even more resilient than slippery moss and persistent algae, these tenacious marks can withstand even the most powerful pressure washing, leaving countless households baffled about how to tackle them.
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However, there’s no need to despair, as Daniel Scholfield, owner of The Expert Gate Company, has revealed a straightforward removal technique requiring no specialist products whatsoever – just a stiff brush, water and white vinegar.
Daniel explained that whilst pressure washing affected areas may eliminate the visible black spots in your garden, “it won’t kill the organisms that are still present” within the surface, and could potentially cause damage to your paving or patio in the process.
The key is to “kill off the black lichen completely”, for which you’ll need the “right product”. He explained, “Household cleaning products won’t do a thing for black lichen, save for one exception — distilled white vinegar is the only household cleaner that works.”
However, before tackling the affected area, proper preparation is essential. Begin by using a brush or your hands to clear away any plant debris and surplus dirt that could interfere with the cleaning solution’s effectiveness, then give the patio a swift rinse with fresh water.
You’ll need a clean, unobstructed surface for what comes next. Highlighting vinegar’s effectiveness, Daniel noted: “This miracle cleaner can be mixed with water at a 50 to 50 ratio, and then poured over the affected area.”
He pointed out that you may want to do a test on a small patch of the patio first to make sure it won’t damage or discolour your slabs.
Allow it to sit for up to one hour, scrub vigorously with a stiff brush to eliminate all residue and debris, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
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Should you notice any lingering traces of the dark marks, repeat the cleaning process to ensure they’re “gone for good”.
For particularly persistent stains, try leaving the mixture on for an extended period or marginally increasing the vinegar concentration in your solution.
Nevertheless, he cautioned, “Don’t overdo it as too much may begin to damage the patio surface.”
To stop these dark marks from reappearing, routinely apply a vinegar and water mixture to maintain your paving’s cleanliness.
Made in Chelsea stars Sophie and husband Jamie Laing are set to share their journey as first-time parents in a new reality TV show
21:02, 29 Mar 2026Updated 21:04, 29 Mar 2026
Sophie Habboo has admitted she ‘wasn’t herself’ as she shared the reality of being pregnant whilst filming for her new reality TV show. Former Made in Chelsea stars Sophie, 31, and Jamie Laing, 37, welcomed their first child Ziggy in December last year.
The couple met whilst filming the Channel 4 show Made in Chelsea in 2017, and after initially being friends, a romance eventually blossomed. The pair officially tied the knot at a registry office in Chelsea in April 2023 before holding a larger wedding ceremony in Marbella in May.
Sophie and Jamie are now set to share the highs and lows of becoming first-time parents in their new reality series, Raising Chelsea, with three episodes which will air on Disney+ on April 2.
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During a new Instagram Q&A with fans, Sophie has revealed the harsh reality of being pregnant whilst filming for the show.
One fan asked: “How did you find filming the series? And letting cameras into your personal life,” to which Sophie responded candidly: “I won’t lie I found it challenging at times! It was my 1st pregnancy and I was very anxious about everything and so to have cameras following you was full on at times.
“I was also not myself, my hormones were everywhere, I found pregnancy hard at times Ngl. And even harder to admit that because everyone talks about how magical it is but the reality was for me I was sooo up and down my pregnancy one minute I was floating on cloud 9 next I was savage b***h lol.”
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Sophie continued: “I was also so uncomfortable I had horrific pain in my pubic bone and I was so anxious something was going wrong the whole time and I was EXHAUSTED 24/7. So it’s quite scary to have a camera documenting you probably not at your best but it’s what we signed up for, we always promised we would keep it real and my God we really did!
“Obvs that was not all the time and we captured amazing moments and I loved the whole process and watching it back it’s insane to have that time of my life documented!!!.”
The reality TV star then added: “I also had the best team @dorothystpictures @aliceob and we just made so many memories it’s crazy to think we filmed for over a year and it’s going to air in just 3 days!!! wtf!!!
“Also I will add, it was one camera. Very fly on the wall and docu style which is why it was possible to capture it all I think if it was a huge production every day whilst pregnant maybe it would have been more intimidating! but that’s how we managed to keep it SO real and capture those intimate moments! xxx.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has upended long‑standing norms by repeatedly invoking his religious faith, blurring the line between church and state in a way that has become particularly pronounced amid the Iran war, according to a new report.
Hegseth — who has a large Jerusalem cross tattooed across his chest — has long worn his Evangelical faith on his sleeve in a manner that has unsettled some military officials.
The former Fox News host has said that the U.S. was “founded as a Christian nation” and that it “remains a Christian nation in our DNA, if we keep it.” He’s also hosted Pentagon worship services that legal experts have branded “unprecedented,” The Washington Post reports. One faith leader invited to preach to servicemembers has said women shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
Hegseth’s proselytizing has drawn heightened scrutiny in connection with the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran, which has now stretched into its second month and shows no signs of abating, according to the Post.
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During a press briefing on March 19, he encouraged viewers to pray for the success of U.S. troops in the Middle East. “To the American people, please pray for them every day on bended knee with your family, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth keeps invoking religion amidst the Iran war, an approach that some current and former military leaders find ‘terrifying,’ according to a new report (Getty Images)
On Wednesday, while speaking at a Pentagon prayer service, he called for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy,” asking that “wicked souls” be “delivered to the eternal damnation” in the fight against Iran, a Muslim-majority nation.
Some senior military commanders seem to have followed his lead. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a watchdog organization, said it had received more than 200 complaints from service members that military commanders had told troops it was all part of God’s plan that they be deployed to Iran.
During a mass on Sunday, Pope Leo appeared to deliver a thinly-veiled rebuke to this line of messaging. “This is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he told worshippers at the Vatican. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”
An unnamed senior Army civilian described the current situation as “terrifying.”
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If U.S. troops are trained to believe that “God is on our side,” the person told the Post, “what precludes us from doing anything we want to win? The strength of our military is our people, and their sense of belonging to their unit and their service.”
A Pentagon spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
Some senior military commanders seem to have followed Hegseth’s lead, invoking Christian “end times” rhetoric to justify the lethal offensive against Iran, according to reports. Pictured here are US troops who were deployed to the Middle East earlier this week (US Centcom)
A group of former high‑ranking military officials, chaplain corps leaders, and current Pentagon officers told the Post that they are troubled by both Hegseth’s overt religious rhetoric and the policy changes he has pursued.
Hegseth has eliminated dozens of military codes for various faith groups and axed the Army’s Spiritual Fitness guide, which he claimed focused on self‑care rather than “truth.” On Wednesday, the Pentagon also announced that U.S. military chaplains will now wear religious insignia on their uniforms, rather than their rank.
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner said he has spoken with “dozens and dozens” of military chaplains who said those among them who do not identify with Hegseth “are being marginalized.”
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The defense chief’s changes have undone longstanding efforts to foster religious inclusion in the armed forces, Rachel Laser, the president of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, told the Post.
“It feels like decades worth of progress has been undone in 12 months,” an unnamed Air Force general added. “It’s heartbreaking and it’s heartbreaking to watch our chaplains try to navigate this.”
“The point was, it didn’t matter, and it shouldn’t have mattered, who you worship, or whether you worship at all. What mattered was doing the job and being mindful that you represent all Americans, no matter what they believe,” a person who served on the leadership team of a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs said. “I don’t approve of cramming your religious faith down people’s throats, and when the top of the chain couches these operations in this hyper-Christian tone, it flies in the face of the freedom of religion that the Constitution enshrines.”
At a service Wednesday, Hegseth prayed for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.” (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Earlier this week, Americans United sued the Pentagon for failing to answer public records requests about Hegseth’s prayer services.
“Even if these prayer services are presented as voluntary, there is pressure on federal employees to attend in order to appease their bosses,” the organization wrote in a press release.
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In response to a request for comment from the Post, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said their office is “proud” to play host to religious services.
“Prayer services at the Pentagon are 100 percent voluntary and are not mandated whatsoever. It is not against the law to worship Christ voluntarily anywhere in the United States,” Wilson added. “The Secretary’s prayer services undoubtedly improve morale for those who choose to attend and are constitutionally protected. No special treatment or punishment is given as a result of one’s choice to attend these prayer services.”
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