The clearway sign features a red circle with a blue background and a red cross through it – and drivers who stop in these areas could face fines

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Motorists are being urged to refresh their understanding of road signage after experts highlighted that many drivers remain baffled by one of the Highway Code’s most recognisable – yet frequently misinterpreted – symbols.

The sign features a red circle on a blue background with a red diagonal cross, and whilst it appears familiar to most people behind the wheel, not everyone grasps its precise meaning. Insurance experts at One Sure Insurance say confusion surrounding road signs is far more widespread than many assume.

Figures from the AA indicate that whilst the majority of drivers consider themselves safe on the roads, approximately half acknowledge they find certain aspects of the Highway Code challenging.

This gap in understanding can result in motorists inadvertently contravening regulations or misreading signs whilst driving.

The red-and-blue cross symbol denotes a clearway, meaning drivers must not stop at any time, reports the Express.

Unlike certain other restrictions which only operate during specific hours, the clearway regulation means you cannot halt your vehicle on that section of road for any purpose, except in an emergency.

This includes stopping to:

• Pick up or drop off passengers
• Check directions
• Make a phone call
• Wait briefly in the car

As stopping is entirely forbidden, drivers who pull up in a clearway zone risk receiving a fine or penalty notice.

One factor behind the sign’s confusion is its visual similarity to other blue-and-red road signs found throughout the UK. For instance, a sign displaying a single red line across a blue circle signifies no waiting, which still permits motorists to pause momentarily to collect or drop off passengers.

Conversely, the clearway symbol featuring the red cross prohibits stopping entirely, representing a more stringent restriction.

Confusion between these two could lead motorists to think they’re stopping lawfully when they’re in fact breaking the regulations.

Clearways are generally implemented on congested routes where stopping might create traffic jams or safety hazards, such as principal routes into urban areas or high-volume thoroughfares.

By prohibiting vehicles from stopping, authorities seek to maintain smooth traffic flow and minimise the risk of abrupt braking or blockages.

For motorists uncertain about traffic signs, specialists recommend consulting the Highway Code again to ensure complete understanding of the regulations – particularly as confusion can result in penalties or hazardous situations on the roads.

Specialists suggest that updating your knowledge of road signage could help drivers prevent fines, collisions, and insurance claims.

A spokesperson for One Sure Insurance said: “We see a lot of accidents or traffic violations happen because drivers simply don’t understand or recognise certain road signs.

“These mistakes may seem minor at first, but they can lead to fines, insurance claims, and in worst-case scenarios, serious accidents. It’s vital to take the time to understand every road sign you encounter.”

President Donald Trump wants TSA agents to “GO TO WORK” amid the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

The DHS shutdown began last month after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on funding the agency. Many TSA employees missed their first full paycheck this week, and in recent days, travelers have reported hours-long lines at airports across the country.

Now, Trump has praised the TSA agents who are going to work. He specifically thanked Johnny Jones, the secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100, which represents thousands of TSA employees across the country.

“Thank you to Johnny Jones and all of our GREAT TSA Agents who are going to work but not being paid because the Radical Left Democrats refuse to honor the deal that was approved and voted on in Congress,” Trump wrote in a Saturday morning Truth Social post.

“They want your money to go to ‘Border Criminals, Murderers, foreign Drug Dealers, and some of the worst people on earth,’” he continued. “They don’t want it to go to you. Keep fighting for the USA. GO TO WORK! I promise that I will never forget you!!! President DJT.”

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Jones, who also reportedly works as a TSA officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has been outspoken about the impacts of the ongoing DHS shutdown.

“I appreciate the President’s support and attention, and hope he can help get this shutdown resolved quickly so our members can get the paychecks they’ve earned,” Jones said in a statement shared with The Independent.

He told NPR this week that many TSA employees live paycheck to paycheck, which means they’re now “not paying their bills because they don’t have any money.” Jones also told CNN that he’s “seeing desperation in the eyes of my coworkers.”

“A lot of people don’t have that [stability]. They never recover,” he said. “They don’t have the levers to pull to help them weather the storm, I’m afraid.”

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DHS funding lapsed in mid-February, just months after federal employees endured the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

This week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of blocking his party’s attempts to fund certain parts of DHS, including TSA, as the standoff continues.

“Democrats have tried—six separate times—to pass simple bills to keep these critical parts of DHS running while negotiations continue. Six times Republicans came to the floor and blocked them,” Schumer said Thursday.

“TSA officers shouldn’t miss paychecks, disaster relief shouldn’t be left hanging, and Americans’ safety shouldn’t be collateral damage in a political standoff Republicans created,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has claimed Democratic lawmakers are “opposing even sitting down and talking and negotiating on the things they say they want.”

“It’s hard to get to a solution when you have one party that refuses to even sit down and talk. This is kind of a new low, really,” the Republican lawmaker said Tuesday.

The Trump administration has also repeatedly blamed Democrats for the funding lapse. In a statement shared Wednesday, the White House said Democrats are “at peace with the hardships their political shutdown has created” for TSA agents.

Steve Borthwick admitted England are “hurting” after completing their worst ever Six Nations following a last-gasp 48-46 defeat by France in Paris.

England finally ignited by running in six tries and it was only a Thomas Ramos penalty three minutes into a chaotic period of overtime which denied them victory after Tommy Freeman had crossed late on.

It was their best performance of the tournament in which they took France apart up front and let loose in attack, yet it registered a fourth successive loss and a fifth-placed finish.

For the first time in Six Nations history they banked with only one win, against Wales in round one.

“I’m really proud of the way the players played, but ultimately we’re gutted that we went into the tournament with such high expectations and aspirations and we’ve not been able to meet those targets,” head coach Borthwick said.

“It’s been a painful tournament and we’re all hurting. I know the supporters are hurting as well. We wanted to make sure they had wins to celebrate and we weren’t able to give that.

“Everyone involved in the team cares so deeply, so the immediate reflection is one of huge disappointment.

“There’s a sense of determination to make sure that this hurt makes the team stronger in the future.”

England saw a 10-point lead reduced in first-half injury time when Ellis Genge was sin-binned for bringing down a maul with referee Nika Amashukeli also awarding a penalty try.

Borthwick will seek clarification with World Rugby believing the decision to be harsh and also questioned the officiating which meant England pressed an attack in the belief they had penalty advantage.

When that decision was overturned by the TMO and they turned the ball over, France pounced through Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s fourth try in the 66th minute.

“I think some of the decisions are debatable. The decision against Henry Arundell at the start of the Scotland game in round two was confusing at best,” Borthwick said.

“I thought that one against Ellis to give a penalty try – I don’t follow it. I’ll ask for it to be explained to me.

“For the scrum knock on, the players on the pitch were told it was a penalty advantage so they played in a certain manner knowing they had a penalty to go back to.

“Unfortunately, what happened in the background is the TMO changed it to a knock-on advantage. The players were unaware of it and France go down the other end and score a try.

“World Rugby needs to look at that kind of situation because you can’t have the players playing with certain knowledge and then it being taken away from them.”

Borthwick now faces a Rugby Football Union review of the tournament in which he will fight for his future, although England’s stirring performance against France is sure to have bought him some time.

He said: “I believe I’m the right man to lead the team going forward.”

The “Bridesmaids” gathered for a rehearsal the day before the big show, but this time they’re playing the role of awards presenter. Melissa McCartney, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig and Ellie Kemper took the stage at the Dolby Theatre Saturday to run through their lines one last time.

The Associated Press got a behind the scenes look at some of what’s to come during the 98th Oscars Sunday, with a few big caveats: What they’re presenting and what they’ll be saying are to be left surprises.

But 15 years after “Bridesmaids” hit theaters, the actors looked happy to be together again, laughing and chatting and blowing kisses to the theoretical audience. Wiig especially had Byrne in stitches as they got ready for their cue. But when it came for the rehearsal Wiig turned de factor director, asking about lighting timings and camera cuts to make sure that their bit landed just right.

Byrne is in the unusual position of also being a nominee Sunday for her leading performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” All were dressed informally, except for their sky-high show heels.

The male actors tend to be more casual with their footwear. Both Javier Bardem and Adrien Brody wore sneakers. Most of the presenters are also in and out of the room fairly quickly with their power publicists and agents ushering them along, but Bardem ventured into the auditorium to greet and chat with Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer.

“Am I fired?” he asked with a laugh. “I promise I’ll learn the lines.”

Brody, who won best actor last year, ran through his script several times. Sporting a black T-shirt with “Hollywood” printed on the front in big, white, block letters, a black baseball hat and red-rimmed sunglasses, he looked serious as he knelt and discussed something with a producer.

There was an air of calm inside the theater with just 24 hours until showtime as producers, technicians and camera operators milled about going through their tasks. Rehearsals have been going on for a few days now, and more will continue into the evening. Friday, the theater hosted the rehearsal for “I Lied to You,” from “Sinners,” which Kramer promised will be “epic.”

“There’s not a bad beat,” Kramer said. “It’s a stacked show.”

In addition to a planned Marvel reunion, likely with Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, producers said there will also be a “Moulin Rouge!” reunion with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor taking the stage together.

The Academy Awards, hosted again by Conan O’Brien, will be held on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show, to be broadcast live by ABC, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

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For more coverage of the 2026 Oscars, visit https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards.

HOUSTON (AP) — The United States is heading to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic after a “different level of focus” helped this All-Star-studded team rebound from a shocking loss.

The U.S. beat Canada 5-3 on Friday night for a spot in the semifinals Sunday against the Dominican Republic. The big win came after an 8-6 loss to Italy in pool play left them needing help to advance to Friday’s game.

“Guys really locked in,” Yankees star Aaron Judge said. “We saw a different level of focus at our workout the other day and then even pregame today. It felt like the boys were locked and ready to go.”

The loss to Italy elicited criticism of the team and particularly manager Mark DeRosa after he prematurely said on a television interview the morning of the loss to Italy that: “Our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.”

Judge said he knows a lot of people had negative things to say about them after the Italy game, but they didn’t pay it any mind.

“There’s a lot of noise that’s been going on with that,” he said. “And I think it just speaks volumes to the players in this room, the manager we’ve got, everybody, that no matter what’s being said about us, what’s going on, we still got a job to do on the field.”

First baseman Bryce Harper echoed Judge’s sentiments that they didn’t worry about what outsiders were saying about the team.

“People are going to have their opinion about us,” he said. “I don’t think any of them are going to be sitting at our dinner table or our Thanksgiving dinner, so it doesn’t really matter what anybody says, that’s always been my call on that kind of stuff.”

The Americans did eventually punch their ticket to the quarterfinals when Italy beat Mexico to win Pool B and give the U.S. second place.

Starter Logan Webb, who threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings Friday night, said the team’s path to the semifinals was not ideal but he was proud that the guys got the job done.

“It kind of feels like a second chance and… I felt like it was a newfound energy today,” he said.

Third baseman Alex Bregman appreciated the professionalism in the clubhouse as the team dealt with the adversity from the loss to Italy.

“One of the biggest things that you see around all these great players is everyone’s present and they’re not worried about the future or the past,” he said. “They’re worried about that game, that moment, that pitch, the next pitch. And it was just a good, good response today.”

Now the challenge gets even bigger as the U.S. faces a Dominican t eam that beat South Korea 10-0 Friday in seven innings to advance to the semifinals.

The Americans will send reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes to the mound Sunday to contend with a roster that is also chock full of All-Stars.

“I expect it to be like one of the best games of all time,” DeRosa said.

Judge is thrilled that the team is heading to Miami and can’t wait for what’s waiting for the U.S. there.

“The boys are excited, that’s for sure,” he said. “Definitely getting a taste for playoff atmosphere in March, definitely gets the juices flowing a little bit.”

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

WASHINGTON (AP) — Anti-Muslim rhetoric from some Republicans in Congress intensified this week against the backdrop of the Iran war, with multiple lawmakers — including one who said “Muslims don’t belong in American society” — drawing condemnation from Democrats for their remarks but little pushback from GOP leaders.

The derogatory language has been percolating among Republican officials for months, often prominent when criticizing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim. But against the backdrop of the Iran war, a country with an overwhelmingly Muslim population, and attacks at a synagogue in Michigan and a college in Virginia, the tone sharpened this week.

“The enemy is inside our gates,” Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville wrote Thursday in response to a photo of Mamdani sitting on the ground during an iftar dinner at New York City Hall. The photo was juxtaposed with a picture of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Hours later, Tuberville doubled down: “To be clear, I didn’t ‘suggest’ Islamists are the enemy. I said it plainly.”

The rhetoric intensified Friday as GOP lawmakers responded to the attacks in Michigan and Virginia by urging a halt to all immigration into the United States. Some singled out Muslims specifically.

For many Muslims, it’s a political moment that carries echoes from the early 2000s, when the 9/11 attacks and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars generated hostility toward Muslim communities in the United States, often accompanied by discrimination and racist violence.

“When members of Congress speak, it’s not just words,” said Iman Awad, the national director for policy and advocacy for the Muslim American advocacy group Emgage Action. “It shapes public perception. It legitimizes prejudice.”

GOP rhetoric targeting Muslims spreads online

Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles in his social media post stated flatly that Muslims don’t belong in the United States. He stood behind it after criticism mounted, later writing that “paperwork doesn’t magically make you American” and that “Muslims are unable to assimilate; they all have to go back.”

Asked about Ogles’ post on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he had spoken to members “about our tone and our message and what we say.” He said Ogles used “different language than I would use,” but added that he believes the issue raised by the comments is “serious.”

“There’s a lot of energy in the country, and a lot of popular sentiment that the demand to impose Sharia law in America is a serious problem,” Johnson said. “That’s what animates this.”

Sharia is a religious framework that guides many Muslims’ moral and spiritual conduct. References to “Sharia law” have often been invoked by officials to suggest Muslims are attempting to impose religious practices on communities in the United States.

Many Republicans point to a Muslim-centered planned community near Dallas as proof of “Sharia law” — though the developers have denied the allegations and said they are being targeted because they are Muslim.

With Johnson not condemning Ogles’ remarks — or to recent comments from Florida Rep. Randy Fine that “the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one” — the anti-Muslim rhetoric grew louder. After the photo circulated of Mamdani at the iftar dinner, several Republicans responded with critical posts.

Democrats broadly condemned the GOP messages. Chuck Schumer, the leader of Senate Democrats, called Tuberville’s post “mindless hate.”

“Islamophobic hate like this is fundamentally un-American and we must confront and overcome it whenever it rears its ugly head,” Schumer said.

Mamdani — in response to Tuberville’s post that “the enemy is inside our gates” — said: “Let there be as much outrage from politicians in Washington when kids go hungry as there is when I break bread with New Yorkers.”

Attacks in Michigan and Virginia spark another wave of rhetoric

Federal officials identified a man who rammed his vehicle into a hallway at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, this week as a naturalized citizen born in Lebanon. Officials have said that the man had lost four family members in an Israeli airstrike in his native Lebanon last week, just after sunset as they were having their fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

In Virginia, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University before ROTC students subdued and killed him. Court documents showed that he had previously served time for attempting to aid the Islamic State and was released less than two years ago.

Some Republican lawmakers claimed vindication for their views. Others pushed for legislation. Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, the House GOP’s whip, said “the security of our nation hinges on our ability to denaturalize and deport terrorists.”

West Virginia Rep. Riley Moore said he would introduce a bill to denaturalize and deport any naturalized citizen who “commits an act of terrorism, plots to commit an act of terrorism, joins a terrorist organization or otherwise aids and abets terrorism against the American people.”

Similar rhetoric and policy pushes have surfaced before and drawn controversy. Last year, protesters connected to demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war were arrested and targeted by authorities, including former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist the government has sought to detain and deport.

GOP leadership offers little pushback

Middle East conflicts bringing domestic tensions is nothing new. With the war in Gaza, both Muslim and Jewish communities have faced faith-based discrimination and attacks.

Mamdani said the posts invoking the 9/11 attacks are problematic not just because of the words, but because of “the actions that often accompany them.”

“I think too of the smaller indignities, the indignities that many New Yorkers face, but that Muslims are expected to face in silence,” Mamdani said. “Of the exhaustion of having to explain yourself to those who are not interested in understanding. Of the men who introduce themselves by their given name only to be called Muhammad for years on end.”

The stark silence from Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump, reflects a broader change in the party. After the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, Republican President George W. Bush visited the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., to explicitly warn against Muslim discrimination.

“America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country,” Bush said during the visit, adding: “They need to be treated with respect. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other with respect.”

“Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don’t represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior,” Bush said.

Women who don’t want or can’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might now have another option

Half a million menopausal women could be eligible for a new daily tablet to alleviate hot flushes and night sweats. The pill can now be prescribed on the NHS for women who either don’t want or can’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) stated that fezolinetant is a non-hormonal treatment which operates by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flushes and night sweats.

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England, commented: “Symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats can affect every part of a women’s life, so this is very welcome news especially for women who are unable to or don’t wish to take hormone replacement therapy.

“It’s another vital treatment option which could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause to better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health.”

The treatment, also known as Veoza, is produced by Astellas Pharma, and NICE has indicated that it can significantly reduce symptoms. Women may not be able to take HRT if they have other medical conditions such as blood clots, reports the Mirror.

Some also opt not to use HRT, which is the first-line treatment for symptoms of the menopause. The health spending watchdog added that women will need regular liver function monitoring whilst taking the treatment as it is rolled out in England.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “We know that menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing. For those who are unable to take HRT for varying reasons, options have historically been limited, and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult that can be. This decision will give much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is unsuitable.”

The menopause occurs when periods cease due to reduced hormone levels. According to the NHS, it typically affects women aged between 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier.

The NHS recommends the following lifestyle adjustments women can make to help manage symptoms:

• get plenty of rest, including keeping to regular sleep routines
• eat a healthy diet
• have calcium-rich food like milk, yoghurt and kale to keep bones healthy
• exercise regularly, try including weight-bearing activities where your feet and legs support your weight like walking, running or dancing
• do relaxing things like yoga, tai chi or meditation
• talk to other people going through the same thing, like family, friends or colleagues
• talk to a doctor before taking herbal supplements or complementary medicines

Emergency services remain at the scene

Two people have been taken to hospital after a crash involving on a major road in Stockport. The smash, on Turves Road in Cheadle Hulme, happened at around 7:40pm this evening (Saturday, March 14).

The crash involved a van and a motorbike, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMRS) said. Police, paramedics attended the scene along with firefighters.

Two casualties were taken to hospital by ambulance. Their condition is not known. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been contacted for further information.

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A large cordon is currently in place near the junction with Bruntwood Lane. A white van can be seen inside the police tape.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 7.40pm on Saturday 14 March, fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Turves Road, Stockport.

“One fire engine from Cheadle station was quickly mobilised to the incident, which involved a van and a motorbike.

“Firefighters assisted paramedics in caring for two casualties, who were then taken to hospital by North West Ambulance Service, and helped make the area safe. Fire crews were in attendance for about 40 minutes.”

On January 14 actor John Alford was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court for sexually abusing two children – The Mirror’s Patrick Hill attended the hearing and watched on as he attempted to put on a brave face for five family members in the public gallery

Fifty nine days ago, John Alford, once one of Britain’s most famous actors, was sentenced to eight and a half years in jail for sexually abusing two children.

I watched on as he attempted to put on a brave face for five family members in the public gallery by looking at them and tapping his heart while being led down to the cells. But at that moment it was clear he was fooling no one. He was a broken man.

Alford, whose real name was John Shannon, looked completely shell-shocked and I remember doubting he would ever recover. Now, two months to the day, we know for sure he never will, following the announcement that he died in his cell bed on Friday before guards found him unresponsive.

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She described how she no longer trusted men and how her relationship with her own father had been affected by what Alford, then aged in his 50s, had done to her. The other victim, aged just 15 at the time, told how she severely self-harmed for years after the attack and attempted suicide with a batch of sleeping tablets when she was only 16.

Both girls told the court they continue to suffer flashbacks and nightmares related to Alford’s crimes, which were committed against them almost four years earlier, in April 2022. They also both admitted they feared encountering him again one day following his release.

Today marks a sad end for Alford’s family, including his four children, who the court heard are aged between five and 19. But his victims and their families will not mourn him. I hope his death will at least give them some closure and peace of mind. They deserve it.