Stocks rise and oil dips on hopes of 15-point Iran peace plan 25. March 2026 (11:20) Markets in Asia and Europe move higher after Iran says it will permit ‘non-hostile’ ships through strait of HormuzBusiness live – latest updatesThe price of oil has dipped and Asian and European stock markets have moved higher after reports that Donald Trump has sent a 15-point framework for peace to Iran, amid hopes of a ceasefire in the Middle East.Positive sentiment may also have been boosted by reports that Iran had announced it was permitting “non-hostile” ships to pass safely through the strait of Hormuz, in a move that could help to reopen the vital shipping lane. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Hundreds of UK teenagers to trial six-week social media curbs for major study 25. March 2026 (11:08) Government’s pilot ban for under-16s accompanies consultation as peers vote on Australia-style restrictionsHundreds of UK teenagers will trial social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps under a government pilot, which will run alongside a consultation to decide whether the UK should ban access to social media for the under-16s.During the test, led by the UK government, a proportion of 300 teens across all four nations of the UK will have their social apps disabled, “mimicking the enforcement of a social media ban at home”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Doge of the left’ could save UK taxpayers up to £30bn, says new green thinktank 25. March 2026 (10:00) Report by Verdant says rooting out waste, fraud and tax avoidance would save money that could help improve public servicesA “Doge of the left,” could save up to £30bn a year for taxpayers by rooting out waste, fraud and tax avoidance, according to the first report from a new green thinktank.Launched amid growing interest in the future manifesto of Zack Polanksi’s Green party, the Verdant thinktank will be co-chaired by James Meadway, a former adviser to Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell, and civil society campaigner Deborah Doane. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Prosecutors examined whether Trump disclosed classified map on plane after leaving office 25. March 2026 (10:00) Susie Wiles was on plane and witnessed event, according to files shown to House judiciary committeeFederal prosecutors examined whether Donald Trump showed a classified map to people on his plane after his first term, including to his now White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, according to justice department materials produced to the House judiciary committee.The incident was described in a 13 January 2023 briefing memo prepared for the then attorney general, Merrick Garland – roughly six months before special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago club. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ex-teammate of quadruple amputee US cornhole pro accused of murder says case shocks him 25. March 2026 (10:00) Dayton Webber’s former playing partner says: ‘Dayton has a great family, and I care about that family. Yet obviously, there is somebody [who] died’The former doubles partner of a professional, championship-winning cornhole player who had his four limbs amputated in his infancy and is now accused of a deadly shooting says he was shocked to learn about the case, calling it an instance of at least two families being torn apart in one fell swoop.“I’ve been mad, sad – it sucks,” Mike Hoffman said of his past cornhole teammate Dayton Webber during a telephone interview on Tuesday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Two men arrested in connection with arson attack on Jewish community ambulances 25. March 2026 (09:31) Pair aged 45 and 47 arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, say Metropolitan police Two men aged 45 and 47 have been arrested in connection with an arson attack on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community service in London , the Metropolitan police have said.The force said they were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and both men had been taken to a London police station for questioning.
Police were searching two addresses. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia prepares for oil prices above US$120 a barrel as diesel passes $3 a litre nationwide 25. March 2026 (08:53) Fuel stocks at same level as when US and Israel launched their war on Iran a month ago, energy minister saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe federal government is preparing for scenarios where global oil prices spike above US$120 a barrel, as diesel prices nationwide go past $3 a litre and the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, plans another national cabinet meeting to plan petrol supply.The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said one option under consideration was expanding ethanol mandates across the country, after Guardian Australia revealed the government was analysing increasing the biofuel’s supply. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Massive betrayal’: Iranian nationals with valid tourist visas blocked from entering Australia for six months 25. March 2026 (08:51) Tony Burke says decisions about permanent stays should be ‘deliberate decisions of the government, not a random consequence of who booked a holiday’Iranian tourists will be banned from entering Australia for the next six months after the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, triggered tough new immigration laws over concerns visitors may not be able to return to Iran.The ban could apply to more than 7,000 Iranians with valid tourist visas – though some may still be given the chance to enter the country under special consideration. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
BBC and NWA: the day ABC staff went on strike – and left Aunty looking ‘a bit different’ 25. March 2026 (08:39) Triple J signed off with the hip-hop anthem Express Yourself while other radio and TV networks filled the air with BBC broadcasts, re-runs and soothing musicSign up for Guardian Australia’s free weekly media newsletter hereBroadcasters had warned their audiences that the ABC would look “a bit different” on Wednesday – and as the clock struck 11am, they weren’t wrong.As more than 2,000 ABC staff walked off the job for the first time in two decades in protest of their working conditions, the public broadcaster’s news channel switched over to the BBC.Sign up to get Guardian Australia’s weekly media diary as a free newsletter Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK inflation held at 3% before global energy price hit from Iran war 25. March 2026 (08:00) February annual rate in line with analysts’ expectations but outlook has shifted because of effects of conflictBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK inflation rate held steady at 3% in February, before Donald Trump’s Iran war drove up global energy costs, threatening a renewed price jump.Official figures showed the consumer prices index remained at the same level as the previous month, in line with economists’ expectations but still well above the government’s 2% target. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
