Have a crack at the newsquiz

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was Janet Boyle with 20.5, just ahead of George Mann on 20, Carson Black on 18.5 and the Rev Leon on 17.5. The top teams were Bruce and Sarah Hayward and Marc and Claire Beyeler on 21, ahead of Neil and Jo Benson and Maura and Phil Parsons on 19, The Penmans and Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 18 and Brendan, Carole, Lisa and Trevor on 17. Here is this week’s quiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week’s events. Give it a go and let me know your score. 

A selection of today's front pages

1. In her Spring Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 6.7 per cent rise in the National Living Wage, saying it would give how many people a pay rise from next week?
2. Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed, in the Spring Statement, that Government running costs would reduce by 15 per cent by 2030, after saying she would cut how many civil service jobs?
3. Chancellor Rachel Reeves was under fire for accepting free tickets to see who at the 02 Arena?
4. A Buckingham Palace aide described King Charles’s admission to the London Clinic in Marylebone as a ‘minor' what?

5. The epicentre of an earthquake that struck Myanmar was near which city, the country’s second largest, where buildings, including a mosque, and a bridge collapsed?
6. The earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand was the sixth biggest ever recorded. What was its magnitude?
7. The White House mistakenly shared its Yemen war plans with the editor of which publication?
8. On the leaked chat on the messaging service Signal, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth replied to JD Vance saying: 'VP: I fully share your loathing of European __. It's PATHETIC.’ What is the missing phrase?
9. US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on what from next Wednesday?
10. Whose pay will rise by 2.8 per cent - taking their salaries to £93,904 for 2025-26?
11. BBC news correspondent Mark Lowen was detained for 17 hours and then deported for ‘being a threat to public order’ while covering protests in which country?
12. Six people who died after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea were all from which country?
13. Which supermarket chain announced it was to shut 52 cafes and 17 convenience stores, putting hundreds of jobs at risk?
14. Prince Harry said he was devastated and 'in shock' to have to quit as patron of a which charity, that he set up in honour of his mother, Princess Diana? 
15. Climate campaigner Hannah Hunt announced outside Downing Street that: 'Three years after bursting on the scene in a blaze of orange, at the end of April the Just Stop Oil campaign will be hanging up the ___’. What is the missing phrase?
16. Boxer George Foreman, who died aged 76, became the oldest heavyweight champion in history when he was what age?
17. Which fashion retailer announced its pre-tax profits had risen by ten per cent, putting them over £1billion for the first time?
18. Which High Street chain’s stores have been sold and will be rebranded as TG Jones?
19. Which former sportsman was given a 12-week sentence, suspended for two years, for pushing his wife over and kicking her in the head?
20. A judge in Reading sentenced two RAF engineers to a community order for criminal damage and told them their actions were the 'the antithesis of everything’ that who stands for?
21. Research by Frontier Economics said that what was likely to reach an average price in the UK of more than £5 for the first time?
22. Which English university was fined a record £585,000 by the higher education regulator, the Office for Students, for failing to uphold freedom of speech?
23. Which drama became the first streaming show to top the UK's weekly TV ratings – breaking the dominance of traditional broadcasters?
24. Where would you now find gigil, alamak, zol, morto and spice bag?
25. Which ITV show is to be ‘rested’ after 19 years with ’no current plans for another series’?

Answers here

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was George Mann with 23, ahead of Totally Unremarkable Tim on 22, Janet Boyle on 20.5, Robert Rea on 19.5 and the Rev Leon and Jayme Bryla on 16. The top team was Our Peter, Jackie, Sarah, Joe and Anna and Tim Humphrys and son who both scored 22, ahead of Maura and Phil Parsons on 21, Bill, Carole, Lisa and Trevor on 17.5, the Penmans (without Daisy) on 16.5, and Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 15.5. Here is this week’s quiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week’s news. Why not give it a go and let me know your score.

A selection of today's front pages

1. Heathrow announced it would be closed today (Friday) due to a fire in what?
2. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall unveiled changes to the benefits system, aimed at saving how many billions of pounds a year by the end of the decade?

3. Under the proposed changes to the welfare system it will be harder to claim a disability benefit called PIP. What do the initials stand for?

4. The Bank of England warned economic and global trade uncertainty had 'intensified' as it held interest rates at what per cent?
5. What was the name of the nightclub in North Macedonia where 59 people were killed in a fire?

6. One thing that was agreed during Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s call this week was their two countries would resume playing what?

7. The US launched air strikes on rebels in which country, with President Donald Trump citing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as the reason?

8. A report revealed that repairing what in England and Wales would cost £17billion – and take 12 years?

9. Nicholas Prosper, 19, who murdered his family and planned to stage the deadliest school shooting in history was jailed for a minimum of how many years?
10. There were protests in America including a Molotov cocktail attack in Las Vegas, swastikas spray-painted in San Diego and fires in Colorado and Massachusetts? What were the targets?

11. Which bank announced the closure of 95 branches across the UK, putting 750 jobs at risk?

12. Three people died and two became unwell following an outbreak of what infection linked to a chocolate dessert supplied to NHS hospitals?
13. Which company said its chief executive, David Stever, was being removed by its parent company, Unilever, in a dispute over his political activism including criticising US President Donald Trump?

14. Which sportsman said he feared young men were spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography - and they needed better role models?

15. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were celebrating what this week?
16. The family of The Vivienne revealed the drag star died from a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking what drug?
17. Formula One legend Eddie Jordan died aged 76 at his home in which city after losing his battle with cancer?

18. Actress Amanda Mealing, who was banned from driving after testing positive for drugs after a crash in Lincolnshire, played Connie Beauchamp in which two BBC dramas. Half a point for each.
19. Prince William visited which country to show his support for troops based there who are providing a deterrent to Russian aggression?

20. Despite their government 'repeatedly called for clemency’ China executed four people from which country for drugs crimes?

21. Tributes were paid to John ‘Paddy' Hemingway, who died aged 105, who was the last surviving what?

22. Who wore a green baseball cap with the slogan 'Make Ireland Great Again’ and announced he wanted to be the country’s next president?

23. Which tennis player claimed the biggest title of his career with a win in the Indian Wells final and moved up to seventh place in the world rankings?

24. France won rugby’s Six Nations, pipping England by one point, but which country finished bottom losing all five games?

25. Newcastle United beat Liverpool at Wembley to win the Caraboa Cup - their first domestic trophy in how many years?

Answers here

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo in last week’s newsquiz was George Mann with a score of 22, ahead of Janet Boyle on 21, Robert Rea on 20 and the Rev Leon on 18. The top team was the Barnard Castle FOC of Bill, Carole, Sue and Trev with 23, ahead of Mary, Tim and George on 22, Jackie, Peter and Sarah on 21, the Penmans including Daisy on 20, Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 19.5 and Maura and Phil Parsons on 19. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week’s news. Give it a go and let me know your score. 

A selection of yesterday's front pages

1. What were the names of the oil tanker and cargo ship that collided in the North Sea and burst into flames? Half a point for each.
2. Police questioned the captain of the container ship which crashed into a US oil tanker and revealed he was from which country?
3. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that in getting rid of NHS England the Government was 'abolishing the biggest __ in the world’. What is the missing word?
4. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said which households would get discounts in their energy bills of up to £2,500 over ten years, equivalent to £250 a year?
5. Who did Reform leader Nigel Farage suspend, accusing him of being 'out to cause maximum damage’ to the party?
6. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had many questions about a US-proposed ceasefire with Ukraine that would last for how long?
7. US President Donald Trump threatened a 200 per cent tariff on what from European Union countries, in the latest threat of escalation in the global trade war?
8. Who won the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's prime minister and immediately vowed to also win the trade war with US President Donald Trump?
9. Which politician announced she was standing down after 26 years saying: 'I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life’?
10. In a personal statement, read out to Cambridge Crown court, BBC racing commentator John Hunt said Hell would roll out what for the man who killed his wife and two of his daughters?
11. Three people from which country were found guilty of spying for Russia, in what police described as 'one of the largest' foreign intelligence operations in the UK?
12. The Democratic party, which favours a gradual approach to independence, won a surprise general election victory with around 30 per cent of the vote on which island?
13. Nationwide, the UK's largest building society, announced that it would be giving eligible customers a bonus of how much each?
14. Daniel Day, 29, of Westcliff-on-Sea was charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing after climbing what and waving a Palestinian flag?
15. Researchers said that children should avoid what drinks which contain glycerol, which can make them very ill, until they are at least eight years old?
16. Manchester United announced plans to build a 100,000-capacity stadium close to Old Trafford which, they estimated, will cost how much?
17. Prime Minister Keir Starmer asked the Home Office to review its action after Adrian and Joanne Fenton from Essex were fined £1,500 for doing what?
18. More than 300 hostages were freed from a passenger train which was seized by militants who killed 21 civilians and four military people in which country?
19. Which former England footballer had a heart scare during a flight from Las Vegas which was diverted to Canada, where he was taken to hospital?
20. Which veteran sportsman said he was ‘embarrassed' by filing for bankruptcy after failing to reach agreement over tax avoidance? 
21. Australia said it was reviewing the visa of Sam Jones, a US influencer, after she briefly snatched a baby what from its distressed mother?
22. What breed of dog was Miuccia, from Venice in Italy, who was named best in show at Crufts?
23. Stargazers in the UK woke up to a lunar eclipse, known as a __ moon,  before dawn today (Friday). What is the missing word?
24. Thomas Tuchel selected his first squad as England manager for two World Cup qualifying games at Wembley against Albania and which other team this month?
25. What did actor Sam Aston, who plays Chesney Brown in Coronation Street, win at the weekend?

Answers here

Have a crack at the newsquiz

The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were the Rev Leon and Janet Boyle with 21, ahead of Marion Fountayne, Robert Rea and George Mann on 20.
The top teams were Maura and Phil Parsons, the Penmans and Bill and Sue who all scored 20 ahead of Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 18 and Our Peter and Jackie on 17. 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 Thursday's front pages

1. In a heated exchange, US President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he was ‘gambling' with what?
2. On his visit to the Oval Office Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked by a White House correspondent why he wasn’t doing what?
3. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, addressing US President Donald Trump over proposed 25 per cent tariffs, said: 'Even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very __ thing to do.’ What is the missing word?
4. Which country's High Commissioner to the UK was fired after he questioned Donald Trump's grasp of history?
5. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, reflecting on his time in office, said what three-word slogan was 'too stark’ and that he regretted using it because it was 'too binary’?
6. Minister Jess Phillips MP marked International Women's Day by reading out the names of which 85 women in the Commons?
7. The former mayor of which city, along with others, was charged with bribery and misconduct over council contracts?
8. A ten-year-old girl died after she was hit by a car while doing what in Kendal, Cumbria?

9. Two people were killed and five seriously injured after a car drove into a crowd in which German city?
10. Which food retailer, which has more than 2,600 shops across the UK, announced sales topping £2billion – up 11.3 per cent from 2023 - with a £20million bonus to be shared among staff?
11. Figures released this week showed that women now outnumber men in the UK in which profession?
12. A study of global data published in The Lancet projected that more than half of all adults and a third of children, teenagers and young adults around the world will be what by 2050?
13. PhD student Zhenhao Zou was found guilty of 11 charges of what offence by a jury at Inner London Crown Court?
14. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has called for what to be outlawed in England as it 'undoubtedly harms children's health’?
15. Politicians, protesting about corruption, lit flares and discharged teargas during the opening day of the spring session of parliament in which country?

16. Why were Eurostar trains between London and Paris cancelled today (Friday)? 

17. Carl Dean, who died aged 82, was married to who for more than 60 years?
18. Two men were charged after a statue of which character was cut in half and stolen from a bench in Newbury? 
19. Six-year-old Freddie Osborne made the headlines when he became the youngest ever what?
20. What is the name of the Duchess of Sussex’s new Netflix series which highlights her passion for cooking, gardening and hosting?
21. Ofcom received more than 800 complaints over the Brit Awards, mostly relating to whose raunchy performance in red lingerie and suspenders?
22. Which film was the big winner at the Oscars, collecting five awards including best actress for Mikey Madison, and a record-breaking four prizes for its director Sean Baker?
23. The line-up for Glastonbury Festival was revealed with the headline act on Friday being The 1975, Sunday night being Olivia Rodrigo and which veteran rocker on the Saturday?
24. What is the name of the three piece girl-band who will represent the UK at this year's Eurovision song contest?

25. Who unveiled his music playlist, including songs by Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue and Grace Jones, which he described as the soundtrack to his life?

Answers here

Shorthand: Is it still needed in the newsroom?

A journalism student was struggling with shorthand and asked me how imperative it was to secure a job. Her tutors had told her it was optional but she was worried she wouldn’t get hired without it. I have my own views but decided to asked 20 newspaper editors how important shorthand was for their staff. I also asked them what were the crucial qualities they looked for when recruiting. Read what they said in my article for InPublishing magazine. 

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was Penny Dawson with 23, ahead of Janet Boyle on 21, Marion Fountayne, Robert Rea, George Mann and Martin John on 20, the Rev Leon on 19, Nick Turner on 18, Chris Simmonds on 16 and Ian McCulloch on 15. The top team was the Isghgl ski gang, including Trevor and Carole, with 23, ahead of the Cotswold walkers including Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe, who scored 22. Sarah, Dan, Malcolm, Edie, Bill and Sue scored 21.5, the Broad Oak Boozers of Danny, Tim, Craig, George and Thom, the King’s Head team of Heather, Peter, Nicky and Les and the Penmans all scored 21. Maura and Phil Parsons scored 20 and Our Peter and Jackie 17. 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 page

1. Prime Minister Keir Starmer handed what to US President Donald Trump when they met at the Oval Office?
2. US President Donald Trump, wrapping up his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: 'What a beautiful __. I would have been president 20 years ago if I had that __.’ What is the missing word?
3. Who met US President Donald Trump in Washington and told him that he was right to re-establish a relationship with Russia's Vladimir Putin?

4. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would cut what to fund an increase in defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national income by 2027?
5. The energy regulator, Ofgem, said the cap on gas and electricity charges would rise by how much, in pounds, from April?
6. Amanda Pritchard stepped down as chief executive of what, following weeks of criticism from MPs and suggestions that she lacked drive?
7. Mike Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, was initially sentenced to how many weeks in prison for punching a man to the ground? 
8. Which company announced a step back from it green strategy and said it would increase oil and gas investments by about 20 per cent to $10billion?
9. Actor Gene Hackman was found dead with his wife at their home in which New Mexican city?
10. Gene Hackman, who died aged 95, won a best actor Oscar in 1971 for his role as Popeye Doyle in which film?
11. The conservative CDU/CSU alliance won the German elections but which party came second with 20.8 per cent of the votes?
12. A man was charged after a three-year-old girl was hit and killed by a van which struck a tram and mounted a pavement in which city?
13. An unknown illness, first discovered in three children who ate a bat, has killed more than 50 people in which country?
14. A young American woman was taken into custody on suspicion of homicide after she reportedly did what on a trip to Paris?
15. The body of murdered Scottish businessman Campbell Scott, 58, was found dumped in a pineapple sack in a forest in which country?
16. Who landed in Florida after a travel ban was lifted and said: 'We've yet to be convicted of any crimes in our lives ever. We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet ever’?
17. The BBC apologised after it 'missed opportunities that might have led to action' following claims of 'bullying and misogynistic behaviour' against which former radio presenter?
18. Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who died aged 39, rose to fame as the younger sister of the lead character in which 1990s TV programme? 
19. More than 1,000 musicians - including Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn and Kate Bush - released a silent album called Is This What We Want? as a protest over what?
20. Video footage of thieves stealing what from Blenheim Palace was shown to jurors at Oxford Crown Court?
21. Which Grammy-award winning singer, best known for Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, died aged 88?
22. Where did bearded belly dancers, a gold statue of Donald Trump and the president of the US and Prime Minister of Israel enjoying drinks on sunbeds, appear this week?
23. England cricketers were dumped out of the Champions Trophy in Lahore in an eight-run defeat by which country?
24. Which singer is set to head to space as part of an all-female mission on the next launch of Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin rocket?
25. Which cartoon character is set to to have another sibling as it was announced his mother is pregnant?

Answers here

 

Have a crack at the newsquiz

Last week’s newsquiz was clearly a tough one. Many regular quizzers, who usually easily make the leaderboard, failed to score more than 15. Submitted scores even included some single figures. The top solo scorer was George Mann with 19, ahead of the Rev Leon and Martin John on 17. The only team to make the leader board was the Barnard Castle Five O’clock Club of Our Peter, Jackie, Trevor and Carole who scored 17. Here is this week’s newsquiz which, I think, might be a little less testing. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Why not give it a go and let me know your score. 

A selection of today's front pages

1. What word did US President Donald Trump use to describe Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, adding he had done a ’terrible job'?
2. European and other world leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, held an emergency summit in which city to try to forge a response to Donald Trump's divisive plan to end the war in Ukraine?
3. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to ensure that Hamas 'pays the full price’ for what 'cruel and evil' violation of the ceasefire deal?
4. What did Elon Musk wield on stage at a conservative conference as he boasted about slashing government spending?
5. The rate of inflation in the UK rose from 2.5 per cent to what, its highest level in ten months?

6. Which company won a High Court battle to secure a £3billion rescue loan, staving off the prospect of coming under temporary Government control?
7. A plane which crashed and skidded along the runway before flipping upside down at Toronto airport was operated by which airline?
8. Pope Francis, 88, was diagnosed with what in both lungs?
9. Why did British tennis player Emma Raducanu approach the umpire’s chair in tears at the Dubai Tennis Championships?
10. British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman were charged with espionage in which country while on a round-the-world motorbike trip?
11. Raneem's Law was launched in five pilot areas - West Midlands, Northumbria, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Humberside. What is Raneem’s Law?
12. Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting footballer Jenni Hermoso by kissing her and was ordered to pay a fine of how many euros a day for 18 months?
13. At an inquest into the death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, the coroner ruled she died by suicide and said what had played 'more than a minimal contributory part in her death’?
14. Which celebrity couple’s £3.5million Essex mansion was broken into by four masked men?
15. What is the name of the political journalist and Press secretary to former Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson who died aged 97?
16. Polish woman Julia Wandelt, who claims to be who, was arrested after landing in Britain at Bristol Airport?
17. American influencer Ashley St Clair, 26, announced that she had given birth to whose thirteenth child?
18. A man suspected of shooting dead a 43-year-old woman at a pub in Kent on Valentine’s Day is believed to have killed himself by doing what?
19. Why were 30 homes evacuated in the Surrey village of Godstone? 

20. Rick Buckler, who died aged 69, was the drummer with which punk/new wave band in the 1970s and 80s?
21. Which country’s tourism slogan Everyone Must Go was ridiculed with critics likening it to a clearance sale, a marketing campaign for the apocalypse and a desperate plea for access to the lavatory?
22. The creative control of which film franchise was given to Amazon MGM Studios after the long-serving producers announced they were stepping down?
23. Which movie won four BAFTAs including the coveted awards for best film and outstanding British film?
24. Which two British clubs lost in the play-offs and failed to make it to the last 16 in the Champions League? Half a point for each?
25. Theatre actress Samantha Barks won this year’s Masked Singer while dressed as what creature?

Answers here

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was Martin John with a very impressive 24. He was just ahead of George Mann and Robert Rea on 23. Janet Boyle scored 22, Johnny Penman 21, Nick Turner, Hilary Scott and the Rev Leon 20, Chris Simmonds 19 and Ian McCulloch 17. The top team was the Wiltshire Walking Wanderers, including Maura and Phil Parsons and Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe who scored 23. The Hong Kong gang of Peter, Stacey and Kevin scored 22 and Bill and Sue in Barbados and the Barnard Castle FOC of Peter, Jackie, Trevor and Carole scored 21. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Why not give it a go and let me know your score. 

A selection of Thursday's front pages

1. US President Donald Trump had talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine and said that he expected to meet him in which country?
2. What was the name of the WhatsApp group, containing offensive and abusive messages, that led to Andrew Gwynne being sacked as a minister and others, including Burnley MP Oliver Ryan, being suspended by the Labour party?
3. The Government released video footage and said that nearly how many refused asylum seekers, criminals and other immigration offenders had been returned to their home countries since the General Election? 
4. An amendment to the assisted dying bill would mean cases would no longer have to be signed off by who?
5. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the prospect of what was 'for the birds’?
6. President Donald Trump ordered a 25 per cent import tax on what products entering the US?
7. US President Donald Trump met who in Washington on Thursday, saying ‘we've had a wonderful relationship’ and announcing an oil and gas deal?
8. US President Donald Trump said he would not deport Prince Harry adding: 'He's got enough problems with his wife. She's __.’ What is the missing word?
9. The Duke of Sussex called on competitors to overcome a 'moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world' as he opened the Invictus Games in which city?
10. Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi was freed from Gaza on Saturday to be given what devastating news?
11. Turkish Cypriot businessman and former fugitive Asil Nadir, who died aged 83, was chief executive of which clothing company?
12. What type of car was driven into a Munich crowd in a suspected terrorist attack that injured 30 people?
13. Former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt warned that what could be used in a 'Bin Laden scenario' or by 'rogue states to harm innocent people’?
14. Where did the Princess of Wales meet mothers and babies in a unit run by the charity Action for Children, which she represents?
15. British couple Andrew and Dawn Searle were found dead in their home in which country?
16. A pilot died after a private jet, owned by which band’s lead singer, crashed into another plane at an airport in Arizona?
17. Charles Hanson, who appeared at Derby Crown Court on assault and coercive behaviour charges, has appeared on which BBC television programme since 2002 as an adviser to contestants?
18. Twelve people were wounded when a grenade was thrown into a bar in which French city?
19. A 20-year-old woman was arrested after an 87-year-old grandmother died following an 'act of senseless violence' at a train station in which city?
20. Cosmetic dentist Dr Jana Denzel quit which TV show after he was accused of using racist language?
21. Comedian Peter Kay was criticised for his handling of hecklers at a Manchester gig, including referring to a woman as looking like which soap opera actress? 
22. James Garnor resigned from his post as a parish councillor in Whittlebury, Northamptonshire, after he was accused of trying to do what?
23. Which non-Premier League team knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup to set up a fifth round tie against Manchester City?
24. Which team won this year's Super Bowl with a 40-22 victory over defending champions the Kansas City Chiefs?
25. Singer Robbie Williams revealed he paid £20,000 for what at auction?

Answers here

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was George Mann with 22, just ahead of Robert Rea on 20, the Rev Leon on 17, Johnny Penman on 18 and Ian McCulloch on 15. The top team was Maura and Phil Parsons with 20. Here is this week’s newsquiz. as usual there are 25 questions about the week. Why not give it a go and let me know your score. 

Today's front pages

1. Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a joint briefing with Mark Rutte in Brussels, where they spoke about defence spending and establishing an ‘ambitious' UK-EU partnership. What position does Mark Rutte hold?
2. Prime Minister Keir Starmer denied breaking lockdown rules by employing someone to be his what at Labour headquarters during Covid?
3. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed she was considering actor Idris Elba's call to ban kitchen knives with what?
4. The Bank of England halved its growth forecast for the year as it cut interest rates to what per cent - the lowest level for more than 18 months?
5. US President Donald Trump proposed taking ownership of where, saying it could become 'the Riviera of the Middle East’?
6. US President Donald Trump announced sweeping 25 per cent tariffs, later postponed, on which two countries? Half a point for each.
7. A panel of 14 medical experts submitted a report saying it believed that who was innocent?
8. Which pharmaceutical company cancelled plans for a £450million manufacturing plant in Liverpool, blaming a cut in Government funding? 
9. Norfolk farmer Tony Martin, who died aged 80, made the headlines in 1999 when he did what?
10. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney was forced to deny plans to ban what, following recommendations by an independent report?
11. Tourists and locals fled which island after it was hit by thousands of ‘intense’ tremors?
12. Eleven people, including the gunman, were killed in a shooting at an education centre in which country?
13. A medical transport plane crashed in which US city, killing all six people on board and one other person on the ground?

14. Who revealed that his charitable foundation had spent more than $100billion in its efforts to combat preventable diseases and reduce poverty?
15. Margaret Miles-Bramwell, who died aged 76, was the founder of which health organisation?
16. A teenage boy and his nine-year-old sister were killed in Basildon while doing what?
17. Which television personality was accused of 'sexually inappropriate behaviour' over 12 year with dozens of people detailing experiences described as 'unacceptable, distressing and horrendous’?
18. A 15-year-old boy was charged with the murder of Harvey Willgoose, 15, who was stabbed at a school in which English city?
19. What did fans of basketball team Toronto Raptors and hockey team the Ottawa Senators boo before their games this week? 
20. Actor Bryan Murphy, who died aged 92, starred in a 1970s sitcom called George and __. What is the missing name?
21. After 20 years, 426 appearances, 138 goals, Marcus Rashford left Manchester United to join which club on loan?
22. Why did the landlady of the Gedling Inn in Nottinghamshire find herself £1,500 out of pocket at the weekend?
23. Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori will reportedly not face legal action for doing what at the Grammy’s?
24. After losing out on four previous occasions, who finally won the Grammy Award for album of the year?
25. The semi-finals of the Carabao cup were completed this week meaning which two teams will appear in the final in March? Half a point for each?

Answers here

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were Janet Boyle and George Mann who both scored 22. The Rev Leon scored 21, Martin John 20, Nick Turner 19, and Johnny Penman and Robert Rea 18. The top team was the Barnard Castle FOC, including Canadian guests Eleanor and Jordan, with 21 ahead of Maura and Phil Parsons on 20, Bruce and Sarah Hayward on 19 and Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 17. 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. An American Airlines flight collided in mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington DC, with both crashing into which river?
2. US President Donald Trump appeared to blame the Washington air crash on the Democrats, saying it 'could have been' caused by what policy at the Federal Aviation Administration?
3. At least 14 of the 64 people who died on the American Airlines plane that crashed over Washington were associated with which sport?
4. In a speech in Oxfordshire, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government would support a third runway at Heathrow, the building of Europe's Silicon Valley between Oxford and Cambridge and the redevelopment of which football ground?
5. The chief medical officer for England, Chris Whitty, said what was 'best not done at speed’ and should not be introduced to a 'firm deadline’? 
6. King Charles said 'the act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task’ when he became first British head of state to visit where?
7. After a 45-minute phone call with Keir Starmer, President Donald Trump said: 'He's __, which is a bit different from me, but I think he's a very good person and I think he's done a very good job thus far.’ What is the missing word?
8. Israel said how many of the remaining hostages, due to be released by Hamas during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, were dead?
9. Which university announced plans to cut 400 full-time jobs with courses in nursing, music and modern languages facing the axe?
10. Victims of the deadliest atrocity of the Northern Ireland Troubles, which killed 29 people and unborn twins in which town, are to give evidence at a public inquiry which reopened this week?
11. Which company is in talks to sell its entire high street business, about 500 stores with 5,000 employees, more than 230 years after it opened its first shop?
12. At least 30 people were killed in a crush at the world's largest religious gathering in which country?
13. US tech giants shares tumbled following the launch of a Chinese AI chatbot, called what, which quickly became the most downloaded free app?
14. Police hunting sisters Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, who vanished more than three weeks ago, said a body had been found in which Scottish river?
15. Marianne Faithfull, who died aged 78, was discovered in 1964 by the manager of which rock band whose members wrote her first single, As Tears Go By?
16. The Bishop of which city stood down after allegations of sexual assault and harassment were made against him?
17. Sacked Premier League referee David Coote revealed he turned to cocaine over a fear of what?
18. Which reality TV personality was released from prison on bail within hours of being sentenced for dangerous dog offences by Southend Magistrates’ Court?
19. Who said he was taking time out from his radio show and the Strictly Live tour to prioritise his 'wellbeing’.
20. Who laughed off calls for her to be deported from the US after she posted a video showing her crying, offering support to people affected by Donald Trump’s immigration policy and which included the Mexican flag emoji?
21. Two people from Just Stop Oil were arrested for disrupting a performance of which play, starring Sigourney Weaver, in London's West End?
22. How will 26-year-old twins Tom and Ben Curry make history tomorrow (Sat)?
23. House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is to make a cameo appearance on which television programme next week?
24. Buckingham Palace announced that Princess Beatrice had given birth to a baby girl with what first name?
25. How did a 29-year-old female soldier and a 28-year-old operations manager with cerebral palsy come to share £94,600?

Answers here

It's time for the newsquiz ...

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was George Mann 21, ahead of Nick Turner on 18, Robert Rea and Marion Fountayne on 17, the Rev Leon on 16 and Johnny Penman on 15. The top teams were Our Peter, Jackie, Sarah and Joe and Maura and Phil Parsons both with 19, ahead of Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 17. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week’s news. Why not give it a go and let me know your score.

Today's front pages

1. Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, 18, changed his plea on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court and spoke for the first time saying ‘guilty’ how many times?

2. Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum of how many years for the murders of three young girls?
3. Which company started an 'urgent' investigation into the sale of knives after it was revealed that Axel Rudakubana bought a blade from it before he stabbed three schoolgirls to death?
4. Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to urgently change the law on buying knives and described Axel Rudakubana as ‘a __-__ killer’. What is the missing hyphenated word?
5. At his inauguration ceremony, incoming US President Donald Trump promised to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to what?
6. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin withdrawing the US from what global institution?
7. Why was Donald Trump unable to kiss his wife Melania at his inauguration ceremony?
8. Elon Musk caused outrage on social media for doing what during a speech celebrating the inauguration of Donald Trump?
9. Donald Trump signed an order to rename Alaska's Denali, the highest peak in North America, as what – the name it had before Barack Obama changed it in 2015?
10. Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting the ban on which company for 75 days?
11. Why were Doron Steinbrecher, 31, Emily Damari, 28, and Romi Gonen, 24, in the headlines?
12. News Group Newspapers, publishers of the Sun, agreed to pay damages and apologised to the Duke of Sussex for 'serious intrusion’ after admitting 'incidents of unlawful activity' were carried out by ‘__ __ but not by journalists’. What are the two missing words?
13. What is the name of the storm that brought rare red weather warnings with threats of winds over 100mph to parts of the UK? 
14. What led Defence Secretary John Healey to warn Russian President Vladimir Putin: 'We see you, we know what you're doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country’?
15. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, that the Government had been listening to which community and that plans would be changed to allow 'a more generous phase-out' of its tax benefits?
16. Footballer Denis Law, who died aged 84, spent most of his club career with Manchester United, scoring 171 goals in 309 appearances, but also played 68 games in two spells at which other club?
17. Which store revealed plans to cut more than 3,000 jobs and close its remaining 61 cafes?
18. A 12-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in which English city was described by his head teacher as 'funny and sweet’?
19. A shop worker lost a race discrimination case in Watford after colleagues likened him to a former comedian because he always wore what?
20. At least 76 people died in a fire at a hotel in a ski resort in which country?
21. Stuart Rose, the former boss of M&S and Asda, said that what had damaged productivity and personal development?
22. Which 65-year-old actress retired from 'all professional and commercial duties' due to her diagnosis of dementia?

23. How did Karla Sofía Gascón make history in the Oscar nominations?
24. Who was presented with a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for his 'extraordinary leadership and humanitarianism' in protecting 'the rights of the most vulnerable children’?
25. Which band was nominated for a Brit Award for the first time in more than 40 years for the song Now and Then?

Answers here

Mail looking for trainee reporters and subs

DMG Media is, once again, looking for budding journalists - news reporters and sub-editors - who want to work for Britain's most successful newspaper group. The Daily Mail's editorial training scheme has been running for 22 years. Since it started there have been more than 500 trainees in London, New York and Sydney ... many who are now senior executives on the papers and online. The story of how it all began is here. The details of how to apply are on Hold The Front Page here. Get your application in and I might see you in September. 

Time to tackle the newsquiz

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was George Mann with 22, ahead of Janet Boyle on 20.5, Marion Fountayne on 20 and Robert Rea and Johnny Penman on 19. The top team was Bruce and Sarah Hayward with 21, ahead of Our Peter, Jackie, Sarah and Joe and Maura and Phil Parsons both on 20.5, Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 19 and the Broad Oak Boozers Thom, Rosie, George, Tim and Craig on 16. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Why not give it a go and let me know your score.

Today's front pages

1. US President Joe Biden said the first stage of the Gaza/Israel ceasefire would last how many weeks?
2. The Emir of Qatar Al Thani announced that in the ceasefire how many hostages held by Hamas would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners?
3. What is the name of the Treasury minister who resigned after pressure over an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh?
4. What did Prime Minister Keir Starmer describe as the 'defining opportunity' for our generation and 'a force for change that will transform the lives of working people for better’?
5. A report by the Royal College of Nursing, with testimonies from more than 5,000 nurses, included stories of patients dying in unsuitable places, concluding there was a ‘__ care crisis’. What is the missing word?
6. Keir Starmer, on his first visit to Ukraine as Prime Minister, signed an unprecedented economic and military partnership for how many years?
7. Keir Starmer said he would 'look at every conceivable way’ to stop former internees, including which individual, from receiving compensation if the Legacy Act is repealed?
8. President-elect Donald Trump was given what sentence by a Manhattan judge following his conviction in the Stormy Daniels hush-money case?
9. In his farewell address President Joe Biden warned: 'Today, an __ is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that really threatens our entire democracy.’ What is the missing word?
10. Who posted on Instagram: 'With a heavy heart I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage’?
11. A 37-year-old man was charged with attempted murder after a nurse was stabbed at a hospital in which town?
12. Murray Auchincloss, the chief executive of which company, announced 4,700 jobs and 3,000 contractor roles would be lost globally as part of a cost-saving drive?
13. Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney announced he was running for which position?
14. Actress Joan Plowright, who died aged 95, was married to which actor for 28 years until his death in 1989?
15. What is the name of the filmmaker, whose works included Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive, who died aged 78?
16. Tony Slattery, who died aged 65, made 48 appearances on which Channel 4 comedy panel show between 1988 and 1995?
17. Actor Paul Danan, who died aged 46, was best known for playing bad boy Sol Patrick in which TV series?
18. Which band defended its decision to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural ball by saying: 'We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics’?
19. The Princess of Wales said it was nice to use the main entrance after 'having made so many quiet, private visits’ when she spoke to staff and patients at which hospital, where she had received her cancer treatment?
20. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were among those accused of ' __ tourism’ after visiting the site of the LA wildfires. What is the missing word?
21. Why was Blackpool Tower lit up in pink on Wednesday night?
22. What character was Macy Gray dressed as when she stormed off the stage after being eliminated from the Masked Singer?
23. Why was non-league Tamworth's FA Cup clash with Tottenham delayed?
24. Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and which other presenter were announced as the new hosts of Match of the Day?
25. The BAFTA contenders were revealed with which film leading the race with 12 nominations - including best film, best director, best actor, and best supporting actress?

Answers here

Have a crack at the newsquiz

The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was Janet Boyle with 22, just ahead of George Mann on 21. Robert Rea and the Rev Leon scored 20 and John Penman scored 17. The top teams were Maura and Phil Parsons and Our Peter, Jackie, Sarah and Joe both with 20. They were ahead of Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe on 18 and Neil and Jo Benson on 17. Here is this week's newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week's news. Give it a go and let me know your score. 

Today's front pages

1. The Californian disaster began on Tuesday when a powerful windstorm fanned the flames of a fire in which scenic neighbourhood?

2. Which of these did not say they had lost their homes to the Californian wildfires? a) Anthony Hopkins b) Paris Hilton c) Billy Crystal d) Piers Morgan
3. Opposition parties called for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to cancel a three-day visit to which country after the pound fell and UK borrowing costs hit their highest for 16 years?

4. The Commons voted against a call, fronted by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, for a fresh investigation into what by 364 votes to 111?

5. Whose lawyers sent a legal 'cease and desist' letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanding he stop blaming their client for crashing the economy?

6. Elon Musk, tech billionaire and adviser to Donald Trump, labelled Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips a 'rape __ apologist' and said she should be jailed. What is the missing word?

7. Donald Trump said the US needed which two territories 'for economic security’ and refused to rule out using military force to take them over? Half a point for each.

8. How many presidents and former presidents were guests at Jimmy Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral? 
9. More than 15,000 US doctors signed a letter calling on the Senate to reject what?

10. Which union leader announced he would retire at 63, after four years in the job, but will stay in position until a replacement is appointed in the first week of May.

11. The Prince of Wales said he was 'shocked and saddened' by the death of his former nanny's stepson, Edward Pettifer, who was killed where?

12. How old was the boy who was stabbed to death on a double-decker bus in Woolwich, London?

13. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would step down. In what year was he elected?

14. Researchers at University College London concluded that living close to what could raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke by fourfold?

15. Peter Yarrow, who has died aged 86, was a member of which American folk trio who had 1960s hits with Leaving on a Jet Plane and Puff, the Magic Dragon?

16. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said the company would be abandoning the use of what for Facebook and Instagram?

17. What is the name of the former Scotland rugby union captain who was sentenced to a community payback order after he admitted abusing his estranged wife?
18. Entertainer James Lee Williams, who was better known by which stage name, died in Cheshire aged 32?
19. Jonny Huntington from Devon became the first disabled person to ski solo to where?
20. Which wild animals were spotted on the loose in the Cairngorms National Park, with police warning people not to approach them?

21. Luke Littler, 17, won the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace and collected a winning prize of how much?
22. Which two Premier League football clubs parted ways with their managers this week? Half a point for each.

23. Actress Demi Moore gave an emotional speech when she received her first award in 45 years at the Golden Globe after winning Best Actress for her role in which film?

24. Who declared on his 80th birthday today (Fri) that he had no desire to retire after saying: 'I’m fit, have a full head of hair and can run 100 metres in 18 seconds'?

25. Prince William paid tribute to the ‘most incredible wife and mother’ and issued a photo to celebrate Kate’s birthday. How old is she?

Answers here

First newsquiz of 2025

The top solo scorer in the last newsquiz of 2024 was George Mann with 22, ahead of Janet Boyle with 20 and Robert Rea on 15. The top team was the King’s Head drinkers of Les, Nicky, Peter, Stacey, Trev and Carole with 22, ahead of Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe and Joe and Sarah on 20, the Barnard Castle FOC including Our Peter, Jackie, Bill and Sue on 19.5 and the Penman family on 18. Here is the first newsquiz of 2025. Why not give it a go and let me know your score. Happy New Year to everyone and may all your news in 2025 be good news.

The first front pages of 2025

1. Fifteen people were killed when a truck ran into crowds during New Year celebrations on which famous New Orleans street?
2. Which flag was attached to the back of the Ford truck used in the New Orleans attack?
3. How old was former US president Jimmy Carter who died this week?
4. Ex-president Jimmy Carter will be buried next to his wife Rosalynn in his hometown of Plains in which US state?
5. A Tesla Cybertruck filled with fuel canisters and firework mortars exploded outside the Trump Hotel in which US city?
6. Twelve people, including two children, were killed and four others seriously injured in shootings that began in a restaurant in a small town in which country?
7. A Boeing 737 crashed into a wall, killing 179 people, at which city's airport?
8. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced an independent commission on the funding of adult social care in England with its final report to be published in what year?
9. Urfan Sharif, who killed his ten-year-old daughter Sara, reportedly had his neck slashed by two inmates of Belmarsh prison who used what?
10. The NHS, in light of a severe snow warning in the UK, advised people to not do what at night or early in the morning?
11. Which TV personality was knighted in the New Years Honours for his work on mental health awareness and the environment?
12. London Mayor Sadiq Khan was said to have mocked former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by including which song in the playlist for London’s New Year firework display?
13. According to Nationwide Building Society, the average home in the UK cost how much at the end of December - 4.7 per cent higher than at the start of the year?
a) £225,617 b) £269,426 c) £315,859 d) £331,417
14. Actress Olivia Hussey, who died aged 73, became famous at 15 for playing the lead in which 1968 film?
15. Singer Liam Payne's friend Roger Nores and the manager and receptionist of the Buenos Aires hotel where Payne died were all charged with what offence?
16. DJ Johnnie Walker, who died aged 79, presented which Radio 2 show on Sundays from 2009 to 2024?
17. Police released images of 19 people they wanted to speak to about a large-scale disturbance before a game in mid-December involving which two teams?
18. What was the name of the Swiss socialite and cosmetic surgery aficionado, sometimes known as Cat-woman, who died aged 84?
19. Former deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced he was leaving which company, where he was vice‑president for global affairs and communications, after six years?
20. An original member of which pop group died aged 73 at a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a stroke?
21. Which singer was banned from driving for nine months for using a mobile phone behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce in London?
22. Head coach Wayne Rooney left which football club by mutual agreement after 25 games?
23. Which musician initially pulled out of Glastonbury 2025, saying he believed the BBC’s involvement in the festival meant it was 'now under corporate control’?
24. Which BBC radio presenter thanked the NHS after being treated in hospital for a bleed on the brain?
25. Who has a new programme on Netflix, called With Love, which was trailed as a lifestyle show that blends 'practical how-to's and candid conversation’?

Answers here