Epstein victim says Bard president helped legitimize sex offender 24. March 2026 (12:00) Leon Botstein’s communications and relationship with Epstein under review by WilmerHale law firm, while Bard president says he never witnessed anything inappropriateA victim of Jeffrey Epstein who had previous interactions with Leon Botstein said she believed the Bard College president, whose relationship with the late sex offender is currently under review, was part of a group of influential and accomplished men whose proximity to Epstein helped to rehabilitate his reputation.Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a former Russian model who worked as a “staffer” for Epstein, told the Guardian in an interview that she saw Botstein with Epstein together “quite frequently” – including having flown with him on a trip to Epstein’s island in December 2012 – and that she believed his reputation as a “sophisticated intellectual” helped “legitimize” Epstein. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Farage urged to sack Reform UK mayoral candidate who likened Jewish group to ‘Islamists on horseback’ – UK politics live 24. March 2026 (11:57) Chris Parry remains Reform’s mayoral candidate for Hampshire despite recent comments, as well as saying David Lammy should ‘go home’ to the CaribbeanDavey uses the passage about Reform UK (see 9.36am), accusing them of being a party that does division. The Lib Dems are different, he says. “We don’t do division; we do potholes.”The Liberal Democrat local elections campaign launch is running late. Ed Davey, the leader, has been posing for photographs. But he is now giving his speech. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Polls open in Denmark election with Trump’s Greenland threats on voters’ minds – Europe live 24. March 2026 (11:46) Incumbent Mette Frederiksen widely predicted to continue as PM but neither bloc expected to be able to form majorityDenmark election: far right has slowed under Frederiksen – but at what cost?in CopenhagenGood morning from Copenhagen where I have just bumped into Pelle Dragsted, the leader of Enhedslisten – the Red-Green Alliance – high-fiving and waving at passing commuters on bicycles. The recently elected Copenhagen Lord Mayor, Sisse Marie Welling, from the SF party also just cycled by. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Revolut warns it risks backlash over support for energy-intensive AI and crypto 24. March 2026 (11:40) Fintech company’s profits leap to £1.7bn as it gears up for US push after getting UK banking licence this month Business live – latest updatesThe UK banking app Revolut has said it could face a backlash over its support for energy-intensive sectors such as crypto and AI, as it posted a 57% increase in annual profits.The fintech, which can now launch as a fully fledged UK bank after a five-year wait for regulatory approval, warned in its 2025 results that such activities posed a “reputational risk”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pakistan’s army chief attempts to broker Iran peace talks in call with Trump 24. March 2026 (11:39) Diplomatic sources say negotiations in Islamabad may begin next week, though no formal agreement is in placeMiddle East crisis – live updatesPakistan’s military leadership has been attempting to broker negotiations between the US and Iran, after the White House confirmed that Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, had a phonecall with Donald Trump on Sunday to discuss the conflict.Diplomatic sources said the US and Iran could meet for negotiations in Islamabad as early as this week, to discuss an end to the war which began almost a month ago. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Estée Lauder in talks on merger with Jean Paul Gaultier owner Puig 24. March 2026 (11:30) Combination of US and Spanish companies would create $40bn fashion and beauty groupBusiness live – latest updatesThe US cosmetics company Estée Lauder is in talks over a potential merger with the Spanish group Puig, the owner of brands including Jean Paul Gaultier and Rabanne, to create a $40bn fashion and beauty giant.Estée Lauder is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of skin care, makeup and fragrances with a portfolio that includes Clinique, Bobbi Brown and Tom Ford Beauty. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
More North Sea drilling will put UK at mercy of fossil fuel markets, ministers say 24. March 2026 (10:32) Ed Miliband says only clean power will provide ‘energy sovereignty’ amid opposition calls for oil and gas expansionUK politics live – latest updatesMinisters have said expanding North Sea drilling would put the UK at further risk from volatile fossil fuel markets, amid calls from the Conservatives and some Labour MPs to breach the manifesto pledge of no new oil and gas licences.The energy minister Michael Shanks said the UK was “learning the right lessons from this conflict so that we’re not exposed to fossil fuels in the same way again, because this isn’t the first time that households across the country have paid the price of our exposure to gas”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
From car parks to piers: the 2026 Australian Urban Design awards recognise a gentler approach to pragmatic projects 24. March 2026 (09:30) The Australian Institute of Architects’ judges sought to highlight a gentler approach to urban transformation,’ chair of the awards steering committee saysGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSydney’s Campbelltown has paved paradise and put up a parking lot. And the brave jury at the Australian Urban Design awards has declared it heavenly.The winners of the 2026 awards, announced on Tuesday at Parliament House in Canberra, suggest the era of the star architect’s singular, sculptural spectacle is being traded, at least this year, for something more pragmatic: an unassuming revolution where the most significant breakthroughs are found in natural, open-mesh ventilation, a splash of colour and a heart of soothing greenery. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Albanese urged to help Australians struggling with fuel crisis, as NZ offers first-of-its-kind cash relief 24. March 2026 (09:28) David Pocock says a flat 25% export levy on gas producers could redirect ‘wartime profits’ to struggling AustraliansGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPressure is mounting on the Albanese government to help households struggling with fuel prices, with working from home and free public transport posited as possible solutions.Nearly 150,000 New Zealand families will soon receive a weekly cash payment to help them afford petrol, believed to be the world’s first fuel relief package that directly pays citizens since the Israel-US war on Iran began. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US quadruple amputee cornhole champion arrested on suspicion of murder 24. March 2026 (09:00) Dayton Webber, 27, accused over shooting death of Bradrick Wells in Maryland, reportedly after argument inside carA Maryland man who made history as the first quadruple amputee to compete in the professional televised American Cornhole League has been arrested on suspicion of shooting and killing a passenger in his car during an argument.Dayton Webber – who became a champion cornhole player after losing his limbs and nearly dying from a bacterial infection in his infancy – faces murder charges in connection with the death of Bradrick Wells, authorities said on Monday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
