Posts archive for Mar 2025 - Page two

On March 14, 2025, a vehicle fire on the M40 between Banbury and Bicester disrupted traffic, causing lane closures and delays. Emergency services attended the scene, but specific details about the vehicle involved, injuries, or fire cause remain unclear.

Jennifer Aniston and Pedro Pascal's dinner together led to dating gossip, fueled by paparazzi photos. However, sources quickly denied any romance, calling the outing a friendly group gathering. Previous playful interactions between the stars have also intrigued fans.

Iron Maiden's iconic Boeing 747-400, Ed Force One, from their 2016 Book of Souls tour, has been reimagined as limited-edition collectible tags. Crafted from its fuselage, these tags capture the spirit of the jet and feature the band's mascot, Eddie. Limited to just 12,000 pieces and endorsed by lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, this memorabilia piece pays homage to both aviation and rock history.

Jamie Laing embarked on a five-day, 150-mile ultra marathon from London to Salford, raising over £2 million for Comic Relief. He highlighted mental health awareness, sharing personal struggles and valuing openness. This impressive feat coincided with Comic Relief’s 40th anniversary, supporting various humanitarian projects worldwide.

Max Verstappen secured second place in the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying, a result he termed a 'motivation boost' for Red Bull amidst evident pace challenges. Despite not having the raw speed, Verstappen's exceptional lap execution under demanding tyre conditions was pivotal. He stays optimistic about the Sprint race despite acknowledging competition from McLaren.

A 7% increase in UK passport fees starts April 2025, affecting both local and international applications. Adult online fees rise to £94.50 in the UK and £108 overseas. Children’s fees also increase, while premium services for urgent renewals become pricier. This hike, justified as covering operational costs, marks a 25% cumulative rise since 2023, bringing UK fees closer to Europe's highest rates.

Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the PKK, has called for the group to disarm, dissolve, and integrate into Türkiye, potentially ending a conflict that's taken over 40,000 lives. This paradigm shift, emerging from secret talks, could drive legal reforms and redefine regional geopolitics. Yet, success hinges on internal and external cooperation and addressing Kurdish issues within Türkiye.

In a significant move, Google has announced that the Pixel 9a smartphone will receive 7 years of operating system and security updates. This aligns it with the same extended support policy as Google's flagship Pixel 9 Pro series. The Pixel 9a, priced at $499, becomes a competitive option for users seeking long-term software support.

A beloved River City actor marks two decades in pantomime, celebrating their enduring contribution to Edinburgh's theater scene with the help of a Two Doors Down co-star. From child star beginnings to a panto icon, their journey is a testament to their impact on Scottish entertainment.

UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch abandoned the 2050 net zero target, labeling it 'impossible' after receiving donations linked to climate denial groups. The decision has sparked criticism from former officials, business leaders, and environmentalists who warn of the potential negative impacts on both progress and economic opportunities.