Small petrol stations urge Albanese government to crack down on fuel wholesalers as operators run dry 25. March 2026 (15:00) Businesses ranging from vegetable growers to miners warn of disruption from rising petrol prices and lack of supplyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIndependent petrol station operators and miners are urging the federal government to crack down harder on major fuel wholesalers hoarding supply and withholding deliveries from smaller operators.Amid growing disruption from the Iran war, smaller operators are running out of fuel, including in rural and regional areas. Outlets that buy petrol on the spot market, and do not operate with longstanding contracts for fuel supply, have asked for extra help, including from the government’s new fuel supply tsar. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israel using white phosphorus to scorch earth in south Lebanon, researcher says 25. March 2026 (15:00) Human Rights Watch and others say they have documented use of weapon in civilian areas, which some argue is illegalWhen the M825-series 155mm artillery projectile airbursts, expelling its felt wedges containing white phosphorus, it leaves a distinctive knuckle-shaped plume. That is how Human Rights Watch (HRW) researchers said they were able to verify that Israel was again using the notorious weapon over south Lebanon, reigniting accusations that it is breaking the laws of war.The New York-based rights group said it had verified and geolocated eight images showing airburst white phosphorus munitions exploding over residential areas in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor in the opening days of Israel’s assault during the war on Gaza. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Makes Covid look like a tea party’: Australian food prices could rise for the next year, farmers warn 25. March 2026 (15:00) Iran conflict could see shortages not just in fuel, but fertiliser and fossil fuel resins – used to make milk bottlesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFarmers say Australian consumers could pay more for everyday staples for the next year at least as a result of the US-Israel war on Iran.But the CEO of dairy farmer cooperative Norco, Michael Hampson, says a six to 12 month disruption to food supply is likely a best-case scenario, depending on the strait of Hormuz reopening soon and global petrochemical supply chains beginning to stabilise. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Teenager in Wales handed life sentence after killing his mother with a hammer 25. March 2026 (14:44) Tristan Roberts, who expressed misogynistic views and had fascination with American Psycho, carefully planned attackAn 18-year-old man who expressed misogynistic views and had a fascination with the horror film American Psycho has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years and six months for killing his mother with a hammer.Tristan Roberts carefully planned the crime, researching methods of killing and how to avoid being caught before buying potential weapons such as knives, hammers and an axe. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘They can reach me wherever’: China using financial tactics to coerce people who flee, says report 25. March 2026 (14:44) UK urged to tackle transnational repression, as dissidents say Beijing has targeted them with tax letters and other threats“I didn’t feel safe, even though I’m not based in Hong Kong any more,” said Christopher Mung Siu-tat after getting tax bills from Hong Kong authorities. “The regime can reach me by their long arms wherever I am.”Siu-tat, the executive director at the Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor, a UK-based NGO, fled Beijing’s sweeping national security laws years ago. The letters are the latest example of a series of transnational repression (TNR) tactics the 54-year-old has faced in recent years. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Morgan McSweeney did not disclose his No 10 job in phone theft 999 call, transcript shows 25. March 2026 (14:40) In highly unusual move, Metropolitan police have released full transcript of call made by PM’s then chief of staffUK politics live – latest updatesMorgan McSweeney did not disclose he was the prime minister’s chief of staff when he reported his phone stolen, according to a transcript released by the Metropolitan police.The Met has admitted the wrong address was recorded for the theft meaning that it was thought to be a street in Tower Hamlets, rather than a Westminster street of the same name. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US army raises upper age for recruits to 42 and scraps marijuana restrictions 25. March 2026 (14:38) Change raises age limit from 35 and removes barrier for entry for recruits who have a legal conviction for cannabisSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe US army has raised the maximum enlistment age to 42 years old and scrapped a barrier for potential recruits who have a legal conviction for marijuana or drug paraphernalia possession.People aged up to 42 can now enlist in the army, the army national guard and the army reserves, according to the new US army regulation, lifting the previous ceiling of 35 years old. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
From YouTube to Trump: six urgent issues for BBC’s new boss, Matt Brittin 25. March 2026 (14:36) Pressing tasks for new director general also include an expiring royal charter, and finding a new top teamMatt Brittin may have only just been announced as the new BBC director general, but his inbox is already overflowing. Here are his immediate challenges: Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US left without functioning vaccine panel as adviser says ‘drama distracts’ 25. March 2026 (14:34) Move comes after judge voided Kennedy’s ACIP picks, leaving key flu, Covid and RSV vaccines in limboSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxAmid upheaval to the US vaccine advisory committee Robert Malone, the former co-chair and controversial figure who has opposed vaccines, says he has been pushed out and will not be involved in any future decisions. The move comes after a federal judge stayed the appointment of 13 members of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP), essentially invalidating their roles on the committee and the decisions they have made.Those new advisers were all hand-picked by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, after he fired the previous 17 members of the ACIP in June – but the judge ruled they were unqualified and not selected properly. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
