Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top scorer in last week’s newsquiz was George Mann 21, ahead of Marguerite Turner on 20, Gavin Devine on 17 and Our Peter on 16. The top teams were Maura and Phil Parsons and the Three Leg drinkers Peter, Stacey, Anna, Jim and Ian who both scored 22. Thom, Rosie and Jack and Bruce and Sarah Hayward scored 21, Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe 18 and Joe and Sarah 16. Here is this week's newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. 

Today's front pages

1. The Metropolitan police apologised that how many demonstrators from the Republic campaign group were arrested before the Coronation?
2. What two-word description of the Buckingham Palace balcony, made by Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh during ITV’s live Coronation coverage, became the most complained about televised moment of 2023?
3. Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt said her preparation for carrying the 17th-century Sword of State at the Coronation involved ‘practice', 'a good breakfast’, 'comfortable shoes’ and taking what?
4. How long did the Duke of Sussex spend in Britain to mark his father’s Coronation? a) 24 hours and 56 minutes b) 28 hours and 42 minutes c) 32 hours and 24 minutes d) 36 hours and 12 minutes.
5. Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins went on to Tik Tok to confirm his attendance at the Coronation and to deny claims that he was who in disguise, wearing a large white wig and glasses?
6. On the first day of legal action against Mirror Group Newspapers, the High Court was told which of the Duke of Sussex's ex-girlfriends decided 'a royal life was not for her' because of alleged Press intrusion?
7. A jury in a civil case in New York found that former President Donald Trump sexually abused magazine columnist E Jean Carroll in a department store and he was ordered to pay how much (in dollars) in damages?
8. What did the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby describe as 'isolationist, morally unacceptable and politically impractical’?
9. In a Victory Day speech in Red Square, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: 'Today, civilisation is again at a decisive __ __. A real war has been unleashed against us again.’ What are the two missing words?
10. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s proposed visit to which country was described by fellow conservatives as a ‘vanity project’ and ‘deeply unhelpful’?
11. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle snapped at which Government minister, in a Commons debate on a major change to Government Brexit policy, asking: 'Who do you think you're speaking to?’
12. The Government announced that pharmacists will be able to issue prescriptions for seven common conditions including earache, UTIs, sore throat, sinusitis, infected insect bites and which two others? Half a point for each.
13. The chairman of which retailer denied three of four allegations of inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour made by four women?
14. Adam Price quit as leader of which political party after a report found misogyny, harassment and bullying in its ranks?
15. Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced that which train operator will not have its contract renewed or extended after 'months of continuous cancellations’?
16. Dame Sharon White won a confidence vote on her chairmanship but lost a second ballot, on last year’s performance, cast by which retailer’s partnership council?
17. Which congressman pleaded not guilty in a federal court in New York to 13 charges of fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements?
18. Violent clashes broke out in Pakistan after who was arrested?
19. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would never do a deal with which political party because of a 'fundamental disagreement’?
20. The first baby with what was born in the UK, using a technique known as mitochondrial donation treatment?
21. Who unveiled his new coat of arms, which featured a rugby league ball, bees, an antelope and Lancashire roses?
22. Lionel Messi’s father said that reports that the Paris Saint-Germain footballer had agreed a deal to play in which country next season was ‘fake news’?
23. Who was blocked from making an address at the Eurovision Song Contest final this weekend as it would be 'against the rules’?
24. Which one of these countries did not make it past the semi-finals so will not appear in the Eurovision final? a) Finland b) Australia c) Israel d) Ireland.
25. Who issued a statement, after speculation about his TV partnership, saying: 'The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us’?

Answers here

It's newsquiz time ...

The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were Toby Brown, George Mann and Janet Boyle all with 22, just ahead of Marguerite Turner, Tony Smith and Hilary Scott on 21. Gavin Devine and Robert Rea scored 19, Marion Fountayne 18 and Our Peter 16. The top teams were Maura and Phil Parsons  and Three Legs drinkers Peter, Stacey, Nicky, Les, Amanda, Kevin and George both with 23. Bruce and Sarah Hayward scored 19 and Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe 18. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. 

Today's front pages

1. The Archbishop of Canterbury called for millions of citizens to 'swear allegiance to the King' in a new pledge called '__ of the People.' What is the missing word?

2. What is the name of the campaign group, which is planning Coronation protests under the banner 'Not My King’, that was written to by the Home Office warning of new offences under the Public Order Bill? 

3. The Prince and Princess of Wales 'supported the hospitality industry' in the run up to the Coronation by visiting which Soho pub?
4. The King and Queen recorded an announcement, to be played over the Coronation weekend at railway and underground stations, wishing travellers 'a safe and pleasant' journey and reminding them to do what?
5. A 59-year-old man was arrested after throwing suspected shotgun cartridges over the gates of what building?
6. What did campaign group Unlock Democracy say 'went very badly’ at the council elections?
7. How old is Liberal Democrat candidate George Blundell who caused an upset by defeating Andrew Johnson, the Conservative leader of the council in Windsor and Maidenhead?
8. Why was the council election for the Coxford ward in Southampton abandoned after the polls had opened on Thursday? 
9. Downing Street said that whose refusal to co-operate with a Cabinet Office investigation was 'obviously disappointing’?
10. Unions representing NHS staff, including Unison, GMB, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Royal College of Midwives, voted to accept a Government pay offer of what per cent plus a cash top up?
11. Which two companies recorded profits of £4 billion and £7.6 billion for the first three months of the year, which union leaders described as ‘one of the corporate scandals of our time’ and ‘a racket’? Half a point for each company.
12. Ministers announced a clampdown on the use of what to sell financial products as part of a strategy to combat fraud, the UK’s most common crime?
13. American company Lilly reported that tests involving a drug called donanemab slowed the pace of which disease by about a third?
14. Computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton warned about the dangers from developments in Artificial Intelligence as he resigned from which company?
15. Russia claimed that Ukraine had used what in an attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin?
16. A 13-year-old boy was arrested after eight students and a security guard were killed at shooting a school in which European city?
17. Six Cadbury-branded desserts, including Flake and Crunchie, were recalled because of fears they could be contaminated with what?
18. Which actor, who featured in Ballykissangel, Drop The Dead Donkey and DCI Banks, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm?
19. Jock Zonfrillo, who died aged 46, was best-known as a judge in which Australian television show?
20. Which Canadian singer, who had three top 40 UK hits including If You Could Read My Mind in 1971, died aged 84?
21. What was credited with helping Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford save a penalty in the relegation match against Leicester City?
22. Sam Allardyce’s appointment as Leeds United manager means he has now been in charge of how many Premier League clubs?
23. Who said it was 'great to be home' as he flew into Scotland with his son to open a golf course named after his mother?
24. How did snooker player Mark Selby make history in the World Championship final?
25. Who announced her pregnancy at the Met Gala in New York telling reporters, there are 'three of us' on the red carpet?

Answers here

Have a crack at the newsquiz

The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were Sophie Mitchell and George Mann with 22, ahead of Robert Rea on 21, Marguerite Turner and Jo Wadsworth on 20 and Gavin Devine, Anthony Tiernan and Toby Brown on 19. The top teams were Maura and Phil Parsons and Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe both on 20, ahead of Bruce and Sarah Hayward and Joe and Sarah on 18 and the Three Legs drinkers Peter and Stacey on 17. Here is this week's quiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score.

A selection of today's front pages

1. Health Secretary Steve Barclay won a High Court ruling that strike action by which union, planned to run from Sunday to Tuesday, was unlawful?
2. Richard Sharp resigned from which role after a report found he had breached a code on public appointments?
3. The Bank of England’s chief economist Huw Pill came under fire after saying that there was a 'reluctance to accept' that everyone was what …?
4. British nationals were evacuated from war-torn Sudan flying back to Britain via which country?
5. Labour MP Diane Abbott had the party whip suspended following a letter in The Observer in which she said Irish, Jewish and Traveller people faced prejudice but ‘are not all their lives subject to __' . What is the missing word?
6. Which company’s attempted acquisition of games developer Activision Blizzard was blocked by the UK’s competition watchdog?
7. Which one of these political leaders will not be attending the King’s Coronation? a) Sinn Fein's Michelle O’Neill b) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese c) US President Joe Biden d) French President Emmanuel Macron
8. Who said of her role at the King’s Coronation: 'To be selected to carry the Sovereign's Sceptre With Dove, which represents spirituality, equity and mercy, is for me very symbolic as it's everything I stand for and sends out a clear message that diversity and inclusion is being embraced’?
9. Which song was deleted from the official King’s Coronation playlist because of the anti-royal views of the artists?
10. Which restaurant chain announced plans to close 46 outlets in the UK, putting 810 jobs at risk, saying rising costs made it impossible to make a profit in some places?
11. Which retailer announced, after 'a dramatic turnaround’, it would open 24 new shops including a return to 363 Oxford Street in London, where it opened its original store in 1921?
12. What is the name of the convicted murderer who signed a confession in prison admitting killing Lin Russell and her daughter Megan in Kent in 1996?
13. American President Joe Biden sent a video message to who on his last day at work, saying? 'I'm surprised you lasted eight years at any job’?
14. Model Ellie Goldstein, 21, teamed up with Mattel to unveil the first ever what?
15. Which TV host, credited with setting the agenda for US conservatives, was fired by Fox News?
16. The co-owner of which football club celebrated promotion by posting on social media: 'Everything I own smells like champagne, beer and grass. I’m still somewhere between giggling and sobbing’
17. The players of which Premier League football team announced they would reimburse the cost of fans' match tickets, saying 'we understand your frustration, your anger’ after a performance which 'wasn’t good enough’?
18. A footnote to an obituary in The Daily Telegraph on entertainer Barry Humphreys, who died aged 89, read: 'He put me on stage for the first time in December 1955 but it was to belittle me and get cheap laughs at my expense ... How the tables were turned! I became the star and he merely a footnote to my spectacular career.’ Who was the footnote attributed to?
19. Singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte, who died aged 96, held the Number 1 spot in the UK charts for seven weeks in the 1950s with what Christmas song?

20. BBC weatherman Darren Bett, fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood and presenters Dan Walker and Tess Daly all used which ’signature' number in their tributes to Strictly Come Dancing judge, Len Goodman, who died aged 78?
21. Who was born in Highgate underground station while his parents were sheltering from German bombs in London, gained a law degree, served in the US army and was the mayor of Cincinnati before embarking on a successful TV career?
22. Singer Ed Sheeran appeared in a New York City court to deny that his song Thinking Out Loud copied which Marvin Gaye's song?
23. Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum and Sifan Hassan, from the Netherlands, were the winners of what?
24. Which village, of only 400 people on the Northumberland coast, was ranked Britain's favourite seaside resort for the third consecutive year in a Which? magazine poll?
25. Blackpool Zoo posted adverts for people to wear giant inflatable bird costumes to do what?

Answers here

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were Janet Boyle and Toby Brown with scores of 24, just ahead of Marion Fountayne and George Mann on 22. Robert Rea and Paul Bowen scored 21, Gavin Devine, Jayme Bryla and Hilary Scott 20, Marguerite Turner 19, Sian Brewis 18, Antony Tiernan 16 and Lee Corden and Peter Cockerill 15. The top team was the Three Legs drinkers Peter, Stacey, Thom and Tim on 24, ahead of Maura and Phil Parsons and Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 23 and Nick Collins and Jess Devonport on 18. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week’s events. Give it a go and let me know your score.

Today's front pages

1. Dominic Raab resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and which other Cabinet position?
2. In his resignation letter Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab was critical of the report on his behaviour, writing: 'In setting the threshold for __ so low, this inquiry has set a dangerous precedent.’ What is the missing word?
3. In a speech at a London academy Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said teenagers will be made to study what in 'some form’ until the age of 18?
4. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under investigation by the standards commissioner over shares held by his wife in a childcare company called what?
5. Official figures showed food and drink inflation reached what per cent in March, well-above the headline inflation rate of 10.1 per cent?

6. The Government announced that the building of 14 new what would be cancelled over cost and safety concerns?

7. Colin Beattie stood down from what position in the Scottish National party following his arrest as part of the ongoing police investigation?
8. The Duchess of York, when asked if she would be attending King Charles’s Coronation, replied: ‘No I'm not because it's a state occasion and being divorced you can't have it __ __.’ What are the two missing words?
9. What was the name of the activist group whose protests caused a 15-minute delay to the Grand National?
10. Which Welsh area is to have its name changed and its logo scrapped from Monday?
11. A London coroner changed the wording on the death certificate of psychologist Stephen Wright from 'natural causes’ to 'unintended complications' of what?’
12. Which media company settled a lawsuit for $787.5million (£634million) with the voting machine company, Dominion, which argued it was damaged by claims that the 2020 presidential vote had been rigged against Donald Trump?
13. SpaceX's Starship, the most powerful space rocket ever built, blew up shortly its after launch in which US state?
14. At least 400 people were killed and hundreds wounded in clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in which country?
15. Two teenage brothers and a 20-year-old man were charged with murder after a shooting at what family event in Alabama that killed four and injured 32?
16. A Russian court rejected an appeal by journalist Evan Gershkovich, charged with spying, against his pre-trial detention. Gershkovich is a reporter with which newspaper?
17. A protester disrupted the World Snooker Championship by climbing on to a table mid-game and covering it in what?
18. A competition for under 14s to catch and kill what in New Zealand was cancelled after complaints from animal welfare groups?
19. Mark Sheehan, who died aged 46, was the co-founder and guitarist of which Irish rock band?
20. Rebekah Vardy trademarked what phrase which covers everything from her roles in broadcasting, beauty lotions, stationary, jewellery and fashion design?
21. A campaign called for what to be ditched from the club badges of Manchester United and Manchester City saying it symbolises the slave trade?
22. Why was Scottish ultra-marathon runner Joasia Zakrzewski disqualified from the GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool 50-mile race?
23. Estate agents warned that what ‘naff’ feature could bring the price of a property down by £15,000?
24. Who was filmed taking a phone booking for the Indian Streatery, a family-run independent Indian restaurant in Birmingham?
25. What did the Pope, author JK Rowling, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, rapper Jay-Z, singer Beyoncé and television presenters Ant and Dec all lose this week?

Answers here

Have a crack at the newsquiz

In last week’s newsquiz Maura and Phil Parsons scored a rare maximum 25 points. Well done to them. Also on the team leaderboard were the Bensons on 22, Nick Collins and Jess Devonport’s team on 21 and Three Legs drinkers Peter, Stacey, Thom, Rosie and Les on 20. The top solo scorers were Toby Brown, Marion Fountayne and Hilary Scott all on 21, just ahead of Jayme Bryla, George Mann and Nick Turner on 20. Others on the leaderboard were Janet Boyle on 19, Robert Rea and Rebekah Sharrock on 17, Marguerite Turner on 16 and Lee Cordon and Gord Matheson who both scored 15. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score.

A selection of today's front pages

1. US President Joe Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland lasted how many hours? a) 18 b) 24 c) 30 d) 36
2. On his trip to Ireland US President Joe Biden paid tribute to his distant cousin, former Irish rugby international Rob Kearney, but instead of saying he had beat the All Blacks said he had beat who?
3. Junior doctors across England went on strike for how many days this week, demanding a 35 per cent pay rise and better patient safety?
4. What was reportedly seized from the home of Nicola Sturgeon’s mother-in-law by police investigating the Scottish National Party’s finances?
5. Why was 21-year-old Jack Teixeira in the headlines?
6. Tony Danker was fired from his role as chief executive of what organisation following an investigation over his conduct towards employees?
7. The Government announced that pregnant women will be offered financial incentives to help them to do what?
8. The BBC objected to a label imposed on its main account by Twitter which described the broadcaster as what?
9. One reason given for the Duchess of Sussex not attending the King’s Coronation on May 6 is that it is the same day as the birthday of her son Archie. How old will he be?
10. Which retailer announced that, although annual sales rose by 7 per cent, higher prices meant its pre-tax profits halved to £1billion?
11. What was the name of the storm that battered the south of England and Wales with 96mph winds and left at least one person dead?
12. Five people died when an employee working in what opened fire in Louisville, Kentucky, and livestreamed the attack on Instagram?
13. Lucy Dee and her two daughters were killed by a gunman as they travelled in their car in which country?
14. Piran Ditta Khan, 74, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court accused of murdering policewoman Sharon Beshenivsky 18 years ago during a robbery at a travel agent in which English city?
15. Premier League clubs collectively agreed to do what by the end of the 2025-26 season?
16. Which 77-year-old company, well-known in the 1950s and 1960s when people held 'parties' in their homes to sell its goods, warned it will go bust unless it can raise new financing?
17. How old was fashion designer Dame Mary Quant, credited with creating the look which epitomised the 1960s, who died this week?
18. More than 18,000 what were killed in an explosion and subsequent fire in Texas?
19. Italian authorities were hunting what that killed a 26-year-old jogger in the Alps?
20. Why was linesman Constantine Hatzidakis suspended following the Liverpool v Arsenal Premier League match?
21. Police seized what from the White Hart Inn in Grays, Essex, as part of an investigation into an alleged hate crime?
22. Paul Cattermole, who died aged 46, was part of what chart-topping pop band from its formation in 1998 until he quit in 2002?
23. Carly Burd, who grew vegetables in Harlow to help feed struggling people, had more than £190,000 donated after her allotment was ruined by vandals using what?
24. Which football team, now 14 points clear, secured a return to the Premier League next season when they were promoted from the Championship?
25. Why was a performance of The Bodyguard musical at Manchester's Palace Theatre cut short?

Answers here

£1,500 prize in the Cudlipp student award

If you were at college or university last year or this year, you might be interested in the Hugh Cudlipp student award. There is a prize of £1,500 for the winning entry. All you have to do is submit one article, that explores an issue of public interest, which was published in print or on an online news site between January 2022 and March 2023. The work cannot be part of assessed course work in a college newspaper/magazine. If you have a piece that you are particularly proud of why not send a PDF or link, along with confirmation that you were a student at some time in 2022 or 2023, to jolene.dearsley@reachplc.com? The source and date of publication must be clearly shown. For video entries, please do not send large video files just a link. The closing date is Tuesday (April 18) so get your skates on. Hugh Cudlipp was a renowned journalist with the Mirror group, serving as editor, editorial director and chairman in the 1950s and 60s and the prize is sponsored by the Daily Mirror. More details are here. Good luck.  

Does your newspaper look out-of-date?

If you need a regular reminder of how important it is to keep your appearance up to date, I can send you a photo of me, in flared loons, platform soles, a tie-dyed grandad shirt and, believe it or not, a Jimi Hendrix hairstyle for your screensaver. My article in InPublishing magazine on modern newspaper design is here.  

 

The Good Friday newsquiz

Last week’s newsquiz was clearly a bit tougher than usual with scores well below average. The top solo scorers were Janet Boyle and George Mann with 21, ahead of Antony Tiernan on 20, Marguerite Turner and Neil Benson on 19, Rebekah Sharrock on 18, Robert Rea on 17, Gavin Devine on 16 and Lee Corden and Jayme Bryla on 15. The team quizzers struggled with only Maura and Phil Parsons on 18 Bruce and Sarah Hayward on 15 making the leaderboard. Here is this week’s quiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Why not butter yourself a hot-cross bun with cheese, pour yourself a glass of wine, give it a go and let me know your score.

Today's front pages

1. Former US president Donald Trump appeared in a Manhattan court charged with how many counts of falsifying business records?
2. After his court appearance, Donald Trump said: 'I have a Trump __ judge, with a Trump __ wife and family, whose daughter worked for Kamala Harris and now receives money from the Biden-Harris campaign’. What is the missing word?
3. Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell, who stood down as the SNP's chief executive, was in police custody for almost 12 hours following his arrest and was charged with what?
4. Who defeated fellow Conservative MP Flick Drummond in a contest to select the candidate for the new constituency of Fareham and Waterlooville?
5. What percentage of members of the National Education Union who took part in a poll, voted against a Government pay offer, meaning teachers in England are to strike on April 27 and May 2?
6. Who did Prime Minister Rishi Sunak describe as 'an inspiration', former PM Boris Johnson say was a 'fearless and original flame’ and another ex-PM David Cameron call ‘a giant’?
7. A controversial Labour party advert, claiming that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak does not believe what, attracted cross-party criticism?
8. The Government announced that Bibby Stockholm was heading to Dorset. What or who is Bibby Stockholm?
9. Tory MP Scott Benton had the party whip suspended after he responded to a fake investment fund seeking an 'expert adviser’ which had been set up by which newspaper?
10. Which country became the 31st member of Nato?
11. Thomas Cashman, who murdered nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel at her home in Liverpool, was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of how many years in prison?
12. Which Conservative minister was banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding on the M1?
13. Kashif Anwar was jailed for a minimum of 20 years for killing his pregnant wife by pushing her 50 feet off a cliff edge at which Scottish beauty spot?
14. Russian blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed when he was handed a bomb hidden in what at a St Petersburg café?
15. A 12-year-old boy was charged with the murder of a 60-year-old grandmother who died when she was hit by a car in which city?
16. Julia Wendell, 21, from Poland received DNA results that proved she was not who?
17. Which celebrity declared this week that: 'As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother’?
18. Campaigners and politicians expressed outrage after a 21-year-old man was given a 270-hour community order when the high court in Glasgow found him guilty of what?
19. A virus that can cause meningitis and is carried by what creatures has been detected in several areas in England, according to a health risk assessment?
20. England footballers will wear what colour shorts instead of white at this summer's Women's World Cup after players expressed period concerns?
21. Who returned to his old employer, two years after they had sacked him, saying ‘I have my eyes wide open’ and promising to 'focus on the job in hand’?
22. Video-sharing site TikTok was fined £12.7million by the UK's data watchdog for failing to do what?
23. The Government announced that most smartphones in the UK will emit a siren and vibrate for ten seconds in a test of a public alert system at 3pm on what date?
24. England footballers beat which country in a penalty shootout to win the first Women's Finalissima?
25. Who won best actress at the Olivier Awards for her role in the West End show Prima Facie?

Answers here