PHOENIX (AP) — Sarah Strong of UConn was named The Associated Press women’s basketball Player of the Year on Thursday after leading the Huskies to an undefeated season, setting the stage for a run to the Final Four.

Strong became just the fifth player to win the award in her sophomore year, joining Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris (2007), UConn stars Maya Moore (2009) and Breanna Stewart (2014), and USC’s JuJu Watkins, who won it last year. The AP started giving out the award in 1995.

It’s the 13th time that a Huskies player has won the award with Paige Bueckers being the last to do it before Strong in 2021.

Strong received 25 votes from a national media panel that votes for the Top 25 each week. Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes garnered four votes and UCLA’s Lauren Betts got the other two. Voting was completed before the NCAA Tournament began.

“Anybody that’s watched us play would probably tell you that she’s the heart and soul of our team,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “She elevates the play of everyone on our team.”

He called Strong “the most low-key superstar you ever saw.”

“You don’t see that look in her eyes, you know, like, oh, my God, there’s always just, a calmness,” he said. “That’s the best way I can describe it. That allows her to just be free and fluid and play without worry. ”

Auriemma has coached some of the greatest in the game including Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi. Strong fits in with them.

“The great ones, the great ones all had it. I never saw (Taurasi) nervous,” he said. ‘You know that they came in as freshmen and you can tell by the look in their eyes, ’I can handle this. This is what I think. This is why I came here.’ You know some may pretend, but you know deep down you’re not ready for that moment. She’s ready for that one.”

Strong is averaging 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks a game while helping UConn go 38-0. She’s shooting 59.4% from the field, 40.4% from 3 and 84.8% from the the foul line while playing just 27 minutes a game.

The sensational sophomore raised her game when the Huskies faced Top 25 opponents, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. She reached 1,000 career points in her 59th career game, the third-fastest player in school history to reach the milestone.

Strong was the Big East Player of the Year as well as the Most Outstanding Player of the Fort Worth Regional.

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey has won the Player of the Championship award after his starring role in the 2026 Men’s Six Nations.

It is the second year running the 22-year-old has received the best player accolade.

He shone in his country’s title win – including in the decisive final game against England, where he ran in four tries to help seal back-to-back titles for the French.

The Bordeaux Begles man secured 44% of fan votes to claim this year’s award, with a record 151,525 supporters having their say.

Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello, Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey and Scotland wing Kyle Steyn were also on the shortlist.

Bielle-Biarrey set a record for the number of tries scored in a single Six Nations last season, with eight – and he went one better in this year’s campaign, crossing the line nine times.

He is already fifth in the rankings of all-time leading try-scorers in the championship.

“I’m just really happy, honestly. It’s yet another reward for the team’s hard work throughout the tournament,” Bielle-Biarrey said.

“We were able to defend our title. Winning the tournament two years in a row is no small feat. We’re very happy to have done it.”

Temperatures across Cambridgeshire will be good, but people should expect high winds

Unfortunately, if anyone is venturing out in Cambridgeshire over the Easter bank holiday weekend, they shouldn’t expect the calmest conditions.

Across parts of the county, winds of between 30mph and 40mph are expected across Saturday (April 4) and Sunday (April 5). This will drop down to average winds of around 25mph on Monday (April 6).

Despite the windy conditions, temperatures won’t be low, with highs of 16C expected in parts of Cambridgeshire on Saturday, dropping down to 12C on Sunday. Temperatures will rise again for Monday, with some forecast at around 15C.

Here is a full forecast of temperatures expected in parts of Cambridgeshire over the next few days:

Cambridge

• Friday, April 3 – highs of 16C, lows of 7C. Some rain and clouds are expected
• Saturday, April 4 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Cloudy conditions expected
• Sunday, April 5 – highs of 12C, lows of 1C. Some cloud and sun expected
• Monday, April 6 – highs of 15C, lows of 8C. Sunny conditions expected

Peterborough

• Friday, April 3 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Some light rain expected, with some sun and cloudy conditions
• Saturday, April 4 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Cloudy conditions expected
• Sunday, April 5 – highs of 12C, lows of 1C. Some cloud and sun expected
• Monday, April 6 – highs of 15C, lows of 8C. Sunny conditions expected

Ely

• Friday, April 3 – highs of 17C, lows of 6C. Some rain and cloudy conditions are expected
• Saturday, April 4 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Cloudy conditions expected
• Sunday, April 5 – highs of 12C, lows of 1C. Some cloud and sun expected
• Monday, April 6 – highs of 15C, lows of 8C. Sunny conditions expected

St Neots

• Friday, April 3 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Cloudy conditions
• Saturday, April 4 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Cloudy conditions
• Sunday, April 5 – highs of 12C, lows of 1C. Some cloud and sun expected
• Monday, April 6 – highs of 15C, lows of 8C. Sunny conditions expected

Huntingdon

• Friday, April 3 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Some light rain expected, with some sun and cloudy conditions
• Saturday, April 4 – highs of 16C, lows of 6C. Cloudy conditions
• Sunday, April 5 – highs of 12C, lows of 1C. Some cloud and sun expected
• Monday, April 6 – highs of 15C, lows of 8C. Sunny conditions expected

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen was found dead at home after officers conducted a wellness check, officials said on Thursday.

Her death is being investigated as domestic violence and her husband has been charged with premeditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, Chief Brad Mock said at a news conference.

Stephen Bowen, 40, is being held at Broward County’s main jail, according to online records and there are no additional suspects, Mock said.

Metayer Bowen, the city’s first Black and Haitian American female commissioner, was elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024 and appointed to serve a second, one-year term as vice mayor in November, according to her biography on the city’s website. She was an environmental scientist and before serving as a commissioner she led environmental justice efforts across Florida with a focus on community resilience.

Metayer Bowen also served as the vice chair of the Florida Democratic Party. In a statement, Party Chair Nikki Fried remembered hugging Metayer Bowen at a leadership summit two weeks ago, “never imagining it would be one of our last moments together.”

An attorney was not listed on Stephen Bowen’s behalf and one responded immediately to messages left by The Associated Press at phone listings for Stephen Bowen and his relatives. A person hung up at one of those phone numbers.

“She loved her community deeply and believed, with every fiber of her being, that a better and more equitable future was possible for all of us,” Fried said. “Above all, Nancy was my friend and a friend to everyone who has ever believed that democracy was worth fighting for. The world is less bright without her in it.”

Metayer Bowen gave much of herself to Coral Springs, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Fort Lauderdale, City Manager Catherine Givens said at Wednesday’s news conference.

“She wasn’t just a leader. She was the light in every room that she entered. She was a steady voice in difficult times, a compassionate soul who lifted others up and a friend to so many,” Givens said. “Our hearts are truly broken.”

Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 must use new software for quarterly updates to HMRC from April 6

Self-employed individuals and landlords with earnings exceeding £50,000 from self-employment and property are being encouraged to take action immediately, with only days remaining to get ready for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.

From April 6 2026, those who qualify will be required to use approved software to maintain digital records and submit straightforward quarterly updates of their income and expenditure to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It is worth noting that these are not additional tax returns.

HMRC is offering a variety of free resources to assist people in getting prepared, including online guidance, webinars and videos. Those who genuinely are unable to use digital tools may apply for an exemption, with further details and guidance available on GOV.UK.

Free software options are on offer and once income and expenditure have been logged, the software produces a straightforward summary to submit to HMRC.

At the close of the tax year on April 5, those within MTD for Income Tax will still be required to file a tax return by the subsequent January 31 — however, the software will already contain the information from the quarterly updates, eliminating any last-minute scramble for records or receipts, reports the Daily Record.

Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “A range of software is available and the system is straightforward and helps reduce errors. Thousands of volunteers have already used it successfully.

“This will make it easier for sole traders and landlords to stay on top of their tax affairs and help ensure everyone pays the right amount of tax.

“Spreading your tax admin throughout the year means avoiding that last minute scramble to complete a tax return every January. Go to GOV.UK and start preparing today.”

Thousands of sole traders and landlords have already enrolled in MTD for Income Tax, with more than 12,000 quarterly updates successfully submitted via a voluntary testing programme.

Those joining MTD this month will still file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year in the usual manner by 31 January 2027, as this covers the period prior to MTD commencing.

The first MTD tax return, covering the 2026 to 2027 tax year, will be due by 31 January 2028.

To ease the transition, the government has confirmed that customers joining MTD for Income Tax in April will not receive penalty points for late quarterly updates during the first 12 months.

Under the new system, penalty points will be issued for each late submission, with a £200 fine only applied once four points have been accumulated. This means the occasional oversight will not result in an immediate financial penalty.

HMRC is urging those within the scope of MTD for Income Tax to act promptly: read the guidance, select suitable software and sign up via GOV.UK.

Those who use a tax agent are advised to consult them about getting prepared.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of the University of Wisconsin system said in letters obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday that he’s been told to either resign or be fired, but has been given no reason and won’t step aside.

Jay Rothman, president of the multi-campus 165,000-student university system since 2022, said in a letter addressed to the head of the Board of Regents dated March 26 that he’s been given no reason why regents want him to leave.

Rothman said he’s been told that his options are to resign or retire, and that if he doesn’t then the board “was prepared to terminate my employment despite all that has been accomplished.”

The Board of Regents held a closed emergency meeting on Wednesday night to discuss personnel matters.

“The Board is responsible for the leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin and is having discussions about its future,” Amy Bogost, board president, said in a statement to AP. “We don’t comment on personnel matters.”

Rothman declined to comment when reached via email on Thursday.

“I believe my letter speaks for itself,” he said.

In the letter addressed to Bogost, Rothman said he had not been “provided any substantive reason or reasons for the Board’s finding of no confidence in my leadership.”

Because of that, Rothman said, “I am not prepared, as a matter of principle, to submit my resignation.”

Rothman also refused to resign in a second letter sent to two other regents on Wednesday after he said they urged him to step down during a Tuesday meeting. Rothman said the regents told him if he didn’t resign, the board was prepared to meet this weekend to fire him.

Rothman said those regents also could not give a reason for them wanting him to resign or be fired.

“I find this process to be nearly (if not completely) indefensible,” Rothman wrote.

Rothman said he asked for an opportunity to discuss the situation with the board and was told that would not happen.

Rothman’s tenure has been marked by his efforts to increase state funding amid federal cuts, debates over free speech on campus amid pro-Palestinian protests, and declining enrollment leading to eight branch campus closures.

Rothman raised the possibility of resigning in 2023 when the Board of Regents rejected a deal reached with the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature over diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The board later reversed its vote and approved the deal.

Rothman noted in the March letter that “among so many other things,” the university will need to replace the chancellor of the flagship Madison campus this year. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin is leaving to take the job as president of Columbia University.

“I do not believe my resignation at this time is in the best interests of either the Universities of Wisconsin or the state of Wisconsin,” Rothman said.

Rothman said in the letter that he has devoted his “heart and soul to the mission of the Universities of Wisconsin” and that he was surprised when told “an unidentified majority of the Board of Regents had lost confidence” in his leadership.

“When I asked you to articulate reasons for the Board’s conclusion and apparent lack of confidence in me, you merely noted that each Regent has his or her own perspective on the matter,” Rothman wrote. “You did not provide any tangible reasons for the Board’s determination.”

Rothman, the former chair and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner law firm, was chosen as UW president in 2022. He had no prior experience administering higher education.

The Universities of Wisconsin consists of 13 universities and several other branch campuses.

The update affects millions of members of the Boots Advantage Card, with changes set to roll out from May 2026.

“Your Boots Advantage Card is changing”

In an email sent to customers, Boots confirmed the shake-up is on the way.

The message told members: “Your Boots Advantage Card is changing.”

One of the biggest updates is the removal of a long-standing perk.

Boots said: “From May 2026, the current 10% Boots own brand discount for Advantage Card holders will be replaced…”

The perk that’s being scrapped

The 10% discount on Boots own-brand products – a favourite among regular shoppers – will be phased out.

Instead, the retailer says it will introduce a different kind of saving.

According to the email: “…with extra offers available through the Boots app, together with lower prices throughout our Boots own brand range.”

This means shoppers may still save money, but not in the same straightforward way as before.

What’s staying the same

Despite the changes, Boots has confirmed that core rewards will continue.

The email reassured members: “Advantage Card holders will continue to collect 3 points for every £1 spent.”

That means the basic points system – where points can be turned into money off future purchases – is not changing.

Recommended reading:

Extra reassurance for parents

There’s also good news for families using the Parenting Club.

Boots said: “As a member of Boots Parenting Club, you’ll still collect 8 points for every £1 spent on your baby shop.”

This higher earn rate remains one of the most valuable perks within the scheme.

From May 2026, Boots Advantage Card customers will see new personalised offers on the brands they love and shop the most in the Boots app and when shopping online at boots.com. This includes regular double points offers and exclusive price promotions on brands that customers choose most, including new and trending premium beauty and skincare brands.  Based entirely on customers’ shopping habits, even better deals will be available for those who shop more frequently. 

The change follows new Boots research that shows that the majority of UK shoppers are looking for value that feels relevant to them (58%). Two thirds (66%) of loyalty customers report that they want retailers to give them personalised offers on the brands and products they regularly buy, in addition to seeking more opportunities to build up points to spend in future on ‘treats’. 

Charlotte Lock, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots, said: “Boots Advantage Card is one of the most generous loyalty schemes on the market, and we continually evolve the programme to make sure it meets the changing needs and expectations of our customers.

“They have told us they want more personalised offers that make sense for them, based on the brands that they like to shop. Using our data, insights and flexible promotional programme, we’re able to do just that, making the scheme work even harder for each individual customer, by offering them their own personalised range of deals to activate each month.”

Jaafar Jackson has reflected on his memories of spending time with his uncle, Michael Jackson, ahead of the release of the biopic where he’ll play the late pop superstar.

Michael, from director Antoine Fuqua, is set to be released April 24. Teasers for the film have already featured Jaafar replicating his uncle’s famous dance moves, speaking in his high-pitched voice, and even doing his signature “hee-hee” vocalization.

In a new interview on Today, Jaafar said he’d worked hard to prove himself worthy of taking on the high-pressure role in his film debut.

“It was a process that I really had to earn, and it really proved to the filmmakers and myself and my family that I can get to that point where I can pull it off,” said the 29-year-old.

Jaafar was just 12 years old when Michael died on June 25, 2009, but he says he has fond memories of spending time with his uncle.

“I remember just growing up, and we would have family time,” he said. “Michael would come over to where I was growing up … and we’d have some some days where we’d all get together, play family game day.

“We’d have wonderful times at Neverland and just playing hide-and-go-seek, getting as much candy, going on rides, watching movies. It was all fun.”

As to how he’s feeling ahead of the release of the film, Jaafar added: “There’s definitely a responsibility that you feel going into something this big, and the scope, and to tell it in a cinematic way.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day

Advertisement

New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day

New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.

Advertisement

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

“There’s so many moments that I wanted to nail and make sure I had the true essence and that feeling. I had to feel it to make sure I believed in it, first.”

In a previous statement, Michael’s producers said: “The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.

“Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”

Besides the lead, Colman Domingo will be playing Jackson’s father with Nia Long as his mother. The cast also includes Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney, Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.

I’m A Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec appeared on The One Show ahead of the South Africa spin-off launch

Advertisement

I’m A Celebrity presenter Ant McPartlin was swift to issue an apology after appearing to let slip a “spoiler” before the South Africa special edition.

The all-stars instalment of the popular ITV reality show is just days away from returning, as previous campmates venture into the South African bush to compete for the title of Legend of the Jungle.

The latest series was shot late last year and promises drama, eye-watering trials, and naturally, an abundance of creepy crawlies.

In the run-up to the programme, which launches on Monday (April 6) evening, I’m A Celeb presenters Ant and Dec made an appearance on BBC’s The One Show to offer audiences a sneak peek at what’s in store this series.

Yet within moments of their chat beginning, Ant felt compelled to apologise, questioning: “am I saying too much?”, reports the Express.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Manchester Gogglebox star teases return to Channel 4 show after quittingREAD MORE: Last One Laughing season 2 winner crowned as comedians go head-to-head in finale

The presenting pair will see numerous well-known personalities return to the camp, from Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas to former Towie favourite Gemma Collins.

Discussing the celebrity-packed roster with presenters Clara Amfo and Angellica Bell, Dec revealed: “These are all people who have done brilliantly in Australia, they either won it or did really well or they’ve been big characters in there. So the camp, there is nowhere to hide – there are a lot of big characters in the camp, it’s a really tough challenge for them.”

Angelica raised the subject of Gemma’s memorable return, following her brief three-day stint during her first appearance in 2014. She remarked: “Well talking of big characters, let’s bring in the GC. 2014, I remember when she was like ‘nope, that’s it, early exit’ but you think she’s here to redeem herself or she didn’t know what she let herself looking for.”

Dec observed: “Well she 72 hours in Australia. She refused to get in a helicopter -well she got in a helicopter, then she got out of the helicopter, she wouldn’t let the helicopter take off. So, she’s come back for a redemption arc. She’s come back to right some wrongs.”

He went on: “She says she can’t walk down the street without taxi’s stopping her and saying, ‘oh, you didn’t last long in the jungle, you couldn’t hack it’ so she wants to change everybody’s mind. Let’s see if she can do it.”

Angellica was eager to learn more about the camp dynamics, asking: “I heard there is some drama. She loves a bit of drama.” Ant seemed to let slip a teaser as he responded: “This series gives you everything. There is drama, there’s arguments.. Am I saying too much? Fight… Am I saying too much? I’m sorry, ITV. There is everything, it’s on another level. It’s a must watch.”

Looking ahead to the finale, Ant disclosed: “So the final will be live in three weeks time. So at the end of the series, we will go live back here in London, bring everybody back together and the public this time will choose who they think has done the best out of the campmates that are remaining to choose the I’m A Celebrity legend.”

I’m A Celebrity . . . South Africa broadcasts on ITV from 6 April at 9pm and The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer

From April 6, the state pension age will begin rising again to 67, affecting people in their mid-60s who now face waiting longer before receiving payments.

The warning comes from Centre for Ageing Better, which says the shift could push thousands into financial difficulty almost immediately.

“People will be left waiting for a lifeline”

The charity estimates around 100,000 people could be pushed into poverty as a result of the change.

Elaine Smith, Head of Employment and Skills at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “While raising the state pension age has considerable financial benefits for the Treasury, it also has negative real-life consequences for people in their 60s.”

She added: “The last time the state pension age increased, poverty for 65-year-olds doubled. This rise is likely to have even bigger effects.”

According to the charity, many people in their early-to-mid 60s already rely on the state pension as a “financial lifeline” and delaying access could leave them struggling to cover basic costs.

Why this change could hit harder than before

The increase is part of long-term government plans to reflect longer life expectancy.

But experts say the reality has shifted.

Smith said: “Life expectancy is now lower than before the pandemic, and healthy life expectancy has fallen to its lowest level in years.”

She added that many people simply cannot keep working into their late 60s due to:

• Ill health
• Caring responsibilities
• Age discrimination
• Job availability

“Working up to state pension age is not the norm,” she said. “By age 66, fewer than one in three people are still in work.”

Calls for urgent financial support

The Centre for Ageing Better is urging the government to step in with targeted help for those affected.

Smith said: “People are being asked to work for longer before they can access their state pension, but without any additional help from government to make that possible.”

Proposals include:

• Early access to Pension Credit
• Extra support through Universal Credit
• More funding to help over-50s stay in work

The charity argues that even a small portion of the estimated £10 billion savings from raising the pension age could make a significant difference.

Recommended reading:

Inequality concerns growing

Experts warn the change will not affect everyone equally.

Those most at risk include:

• Single people
• Renters
• Lower-income households
• People with health conditions

Smith said: “State pension age increases deepen inequality. Those already out of work are the least likely to benefit and the most likely to struggle.”