Tonga PM welcomes US deal to explore deep-sea minerals amid environmental concerns 24. March 2026 (02:32) Exclusive: Pacific island’s new leader Lord Fakafānua discusses ‘exciting’ US partnership as critics fear impacts of seabed explorationThe recently elected leader of Tonga has described a deal to partner with the US on deep-sea mineral exploration as an “exciting development” amid concern in the small Pacific nation over the practice of seabed mining and the potential environmental impact.Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean, a region attracting growing interest over whether critical minerals buried in the seabed could be extracted to help power industries and green technologies. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Senate confirms Trump loyalist Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary 24. March 2026 (01:51) Oklahoma senator, confirmed in 54-45 vote, replaces Kristi Noem to lead president’s immigration crackdownSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe US Senate on Monday confirmed Markwayne Mullin to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, elevating the Republican senator to a role where he will be among the public faces of Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants.The Republican controlled chamber confirmed Mullin largely along party lines, with a vote of 54-45. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against him, while Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman and New Mexico’s Martin Heinrich were the sole Democrats to vote in favor. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Eight arrested for ‘brutal’ attack on capybara in Brazil 24. March 2026 (01:45) In incident filmed by security cameras in Rio de Janeiro, group of attackers beat animal with sticks and iron barsPolice in Rio de Janeiro have arrested eight people for brutally beating a capybara – the world’s largest rodent.Resembling a giant guinea pig, the light brown capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is often seen roaming the Brazilian city, particularly near streams and lagoons. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Teachers in Victoria strike for first time in 13 years, with classes cancelled at about 500 public schools 24. March 2026 (01:28) Thousands of Australian Education Union members rally in Melbourne in dispute over pay and conditionsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastClasses have been halted across Victoria as thousands of striking public school teachers, principals and education support staff rally over pay and conditions.According to the Australian Education Union’s Victorian president, Justin Mullaly, up to 500 schools would either be closed or “significantly affected” as a result of the first strike in the state’s public school system in more than 13 years, with parents advised “it’s best not to send your child to school”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘We consider every mile we drive’: how fuel shortages are affecting readers worldwide 24. March 2026 (01:17) From a shop owner in India to a community worker in New South Wales, rising fuel prices are forcing people to ration oil usageMiddle East crisis – live updatesAlagesan, 35, needs liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to run his roadside drink and snack shop in Coimbatore, India, but with the fuel shortage since the US-Israel attacks on Iran, he worries his business could fold.“I am far away from the Middle East, but my life is affected,” he said. “The gas cylinder is not available because of the war. I don’t know what to do.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump’s ‘very good’ talks with Iran buy him time with oil and energy markets 24. March 2026 (01:01) Tehran denied negotiations that delayed US strikes and Trump was vague on the details, but talks signal renewed push for peace from regional powersThere have been so many abortive rounds of diplomacy between the US and Iran – the latest appearing to be led by Pakistan after Washington has burned through many other regional mediators – that it was hardly a surprise that President Trump’s claims of “very good” talks with Tehran initially provoked disbelief – especially after Iran denied that any negotiations were taking place at all.Nonetheless, standing beside Air Force One, Trump did his best to sell the sudden detente with little detail as a US ultimatum to bomb Iran’s power plants loomed unless Tehran opened up the strait of Hormuz. It was lost on few that the sudden about-face came just hours before US markets were to open for what promised to be another punishing round of trading on Monday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ministers delay new rules for low-carbon housing in England 24. March 2026 (01:01) Homes built from March 2028 will produce 75% less greenhouse gas emissions than those built to 2013 standardBuyers of new homes are likely to be shackled to high gas prices for years to come, as the government has delayed bringing into force new regulations on low-carbon housing.Most newly built homes will come equipped with solar panels and heat pumps from March 2028, according to updated regulations for England called the “future homes standard” (FHS), but the government has relented on plans for more stringent rules under pressure from housebuilders. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
English and Welsh winemakers report sharp rise in production in 2025 24. March 2026 (01:01) The hot, dry summer and an increase in vineyard planting resulted in the third-largest UK grape harvestEnglish and Welsh winemakers have reported a sharp rise in production, after the hot, dry summer in 2025 and an increase in vineyard planting resulted in the third-largest UK harvest.The equivalent of 16.5m bottles were produced across the UK last year – or 124,377 hectolitres – according to figures from the wine regulator, the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘It’s got real sass!’ Irvine Welsh chooses new life for Trainspotting as a stage musical 24. March 2026 (01:01) Production based on 1993 novel opens at Theatre Royal Haymarket in London in July, with original songs co-written by the authorIt has been a book, a play and a film. It has also spawned three sequels, a prequel and two soundtrack albums. Now, Irvine Welsh’s 1993 debut novel Trainspotting is to find new life as a musical.Opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London in July, Trainspotting the Musical will be adapted by the author with an original set of songs, plus others that were used in Danny Boyle’s celebrated film. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ministers rebuff trade body’s call to boost North Sea oil and gas production 24. March 2026 (01:01) Government emphasises need to ‘get off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets’ in response to Offshore Energies UKThe UK government has dismissed a warning from an energy trade body that failing to produce more homegrown North Sea oil and gas will leave the UK increasingly reliant on imports at a time of rising global instability.The industry group, Offshore Energies UK, has said the UK “urgently” needs a greater supply of domestically produced energy or consumers will be left “more exposed to global volatility and higher emissions”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
