Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policyThe Six Nations has concluded with France named the best rugby nation in Europe in 2025. England did their job by hammering Wales in Cardiff but Les Bleus were still very much in the box seat for the title. Despite a first-half scare, France came through in convincing fashion to seal the deal. Here’s how it all unfoldedSix Nations 2025 tableSix Nations resultsRound oneRound twoRound threeRound four

Write to letters@thetimes.co.ukSir, Taking direct political control of the NHS sounds attractive to its critics, especially those who abhor private-sector involvement (“10,000 staff facing sack as Starmer abolishes NHS England”, Mar 14). Neil ThomasConsultant orthopaedic surgeon emeritus, Itchen Stoke, HantsSir, NHS England is an easy target as a quango but it is responsible for the implementation of new technology across the NHS, such as the NHS app. Dr Matt BarnardUxbridge, MiddxAdvertisementSir, The chief executives of the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, both quoted in your reports, might have done better to keep their heads down. The hospitals ran like clockwork, and at one time we had the shortest waiting time for hip replacements in England. The Rev Ron WoodGalhampton, SomersetAdvertisementBetting on the baySir, We have a south-facing bay window overlooking the drive in a room that also has a door giving access to the garden (letter, Mar 14).

As well as appearing in print, our death notice pages will remain online as a lasting tribute to the memory of those we have lost. Anyone who wishes to send their own message of condolence can do so by visiting the deceased's death notice page. A wonderful mum to William and Stephanie and also a dearly loved Grandma, Sister, Aunty, Great Aunty and friend to many. Dearly loved wife to Jim, much loved mum to Ian, Judith and Martin and a devoted grandma. Read Stephen NORMAN's full death noticeMore death noticesYou can see all our death notices here, or you can place a death notice here.

But for a growing number of women recruited to work as professional mermaids in China and South Korea, the reality is far from enchanting. She was promised a structured schedule - five shows a day, one day off per week, and a salary of 1.8 million Korean won (roughly £1,100). In the Chinese province of Yunnan, a huge sturgeon attacked a Russian mermaid mid-performance on January 28, 2025. The 'mermaid', known only as 22-year-old Russian performer Masha, was seen in footage gliding through water in an aquarium tank while wearing a bikini top and monotail. The athletes were competing in the 2024 China Mermaid Open & International Mermaid Competition and attracted divers from countries including China, South Korea, and Kazakhstan.

Scientists warn that a popular Hawaiian island is sinking 40 times faster than expected and terrible flooding could start wiping out businesses and homes within decades. Certain areas of Oahu's South Shore are sinking at a rate of roughly 25mm a year, which is 40 times faster than the gradual sinking rate of the land. By the year 2100, the water levels could be up to eight feet higher, according to the study. By the beginning of the next century, Dahl predicts that 'higher annual coastal flood levels due to climate-driven sea level rise' will 'expose residents, businesses, and infrastructure in parts of Mapunapuna to potential losses.' Some areas of the island are already start to see significant flooding during big storms, including just this past January.

COIN collectors have been urged to check their wallets as one ultra-rare 50p coin is set to be sold for more than £4,000. Ultra rare 50p coin with exact date sells at auction for £200Plus, one seller pocketed a whopping £63,000 flogging his Battle of Hasting's 50p too. It's not only 50ps either - a rare error 10p coin sold for over 1,000 times more than its face value on eBay in the past. How to sell a rare coinYou can sell a rare coin on eBay, Facebook, or in an auction. Always bear in mind when selling any rare coin, you will only get what the seller is willing to pay for it.

READ MORE: Trowbridge town centre unit housing two businesses for saleMr Feather said: “I’ve lived here for 50 years, and I’ve seen massive changes to the town, from the closure of Bowyers onwards. Mr Feather, however, who has decades of experience working with traffic and roads, said he thought Trowbridge was on the up, and that works in the town centre had been a great improvement. “Traffic is going to grow, but many people will be able to enjoy the town centre. “On the whole, I think Trowbridge is getting better. Trowbridge has things to offer.”The leader of the town council, Cllr Stewart Palmen, seconded the view of the upward trajectory the town is taking.

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policyThe Six Nations concludes today with the best rugby sides in Europe again battling for spring supremacy. Wales have shown new life under Matt Sherratt though and will be determined to snap a 16-match losing streak against the bitter enemy. Six Nations schedule(All times GMT)Round oneRound twoRound threeRound fourRound fiveItaly 17-22 IrelandWales 14-68 EnglandSaturday 15 March: France v Scotland - Stade de France, Paris (8pm, ITV)How can I watch it? Live streams will be available via the BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

From Blake Lively's nose and Renee Zellweger's cheeks to Zac Efron's face, many celebrities have left fans scratching their heads over their evolving features. Last year, plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Salamos gave DailyMail.com his theory about the way Zac looked in 2022, nearly a decade on from the accident. She found herself dogged by rumors that she had undergone plastic surgery, and she staunchly tamped down the speculation in 2016. 'I don't even know if that's plastic surgery, or if she was abducted by aliens,' he joked when asked about Lindsay. A little over a year ago, however, she declared that she was swearing off plastic surgery because of a botched facelift she underwent in 2021.

READ MORE: Somerset schools in Sunday Times best secondary schools listREAD MORE: Somerset village in Sunday Times secret places to live listThe top 10 happiest Somerset schools list, in descending order, is as follows:10 - St Katherine's School - scored 89%Address: Pill Rd, Bristol, BS20 0HU. Headteacher: Mr Jamie WordsworthCastle School, Taunton, is one of the happiest secondary schools in Somerset. Headteacher: Melissa GeorgeSaint Gregory's Catholic College, Bath, is one of the happiest secondary schools in Somerset. Headteacher: Mr Gareth BeynonChew Valley School is ranked as one of the happiest secondary schools in Somerset. Headteacher: Gregg MockridgeStanchester Academy is one of the happiest secondary schools in Somerset.

Live EventsAn Indian student at Columbia University Ranjani Srinivasan , has left the United States after her student visa was revoked for allegedly supporting Hamas , which the U.S. government designates as a terrorist organization. In a statement, DHS said she was "involved in activities supporting Hamas" and accused her of "advocating for violence and terrorism." When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country. I am glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathisers use the CBP Home app to self-deport. "In addition, Columbia University graduate and U.S. legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil, of Palestinian heritage, was arrested for leading anti-Israel protests on campus.

A driver who crashed by the side of the M6 while more than four times the legal drink-drive limit has been jailed. James Black was found unconscious inside his Ford Ranger on a grass embankment on the northbound carriageway near Penrith, Cumbria, on 18 August 2024. Appearing at Carlisle Magistrates' Court, the 47-year-old from Brannock Place in Newarthill, near Motherwell, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and must serve a 34-month driving ban when released.

Many acclaimed musical artists performed at the service, including Keke Wyatt, Anthony Hamilton and Kirk Franklin. Angie Stone at the the 2009 Soul Train Awards (Gregory Smith/AP)“She was so beautiful,” Wyatt said. The family of Angie Stone spoke at the service (Olivia Bowdoin/AP)The group recorded Funk You Up, which has been sampled by numerous artists, including Dr Dre. Stone created hits like Baby with legendary soul singer Betty Wright, and Wish I Didn’t Miss You and Brotha. “This woman sewed good things to people, she sewed kindness to people, she sewed joy to people, she sewed love and her voice to people,” Perry said.

The closure of the helicopter route near the airport makes permanent restrictions put in place after the January 29 mid-air collision. The FAA order will allow a few exceptions for helicopter use, including presidential flights along with law enforcement and life-saving missions. Before the collision, there were 28 government agencies authorised to fly helicopters near Reagan National, including the Department of Defence, military services, law enforcement and emergency medical services. The Army Black Hawk involved in the January crash belonged to the 12th Aviation Battalion based at Davison Army Air Field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Before the crash the now-closed route was a regular part of their mission routes and training.

Meghan Markle may have escaped royal life and now live thousands of miles away in a sprawling mansion worth millions – but she appears to be taking fashion notes from her sister in law, Princess Kate. Princess Kate is renowned as a global fashion icon, so it comes as no surprise that Meghan is fond of her fits. From show-stopping gowns, vibrant summer wear, and winter formals, Meghan has taken note of Kate's outfits in her closet. Most recently, we saw her attend the Invictus Games in Canada with Prince Harry, and she sported an almost identical ensemble to Princess Kate. Take a look below to see seven of the times Kate and Meghan have worn very similar outfits.