US may remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers, Bessent says 20. March 2026 (01:31) US treasury secretary says actions will increase oil supply and bring down prices, but long-term effects in questionThe US may soon remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded on tankers at sea, the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said on Thursday as Washington seeks to curb prices soaring over Iran’s closure of the strait of Hormuz.“In the coming days, we may un-sanction the Iranian oil that’s on the water. It’s about 140m barrels,” Bessent said during an appearance on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Seven-year-old Canadian girl with autism and mother detained by ICE in Texas 20. March 2026 (01:02) Mother and child held in notorious Rio Grande Valley detention centre despite presenting visa, family saysA Canadian mother and her seven-year-old daughter, who has autism, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas since Saturday, family members have said.Relatives of Tania Warner and her daughter Ayla Lucas say they were detained unlawfully. They are uncertain about what problem ICE found with their immigration paperwork. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Shrinkflation takes a bite out of Easter eggs as shoppers pay more for less 20. March 2026 (01:01) The price of popular branded eggs has risen by over 40% in some cases while some have also shrunk in sizeShoppers are shelling out for smaller eggs again this Easter as shrinkflation takes another bite out of the favourite seasonal treat.The price of popular branded chocolate eggs has risen by more than 40% in some cases while some have also shrunk in size, according to research by the consumer champion Which?. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Rightwing narrative fuelling false belief UK public oppose net zero, study finds 20. March 2026 (01:01) Reform, Tory and some media rhetoric runs contrary to poll showing far more voters for net zero than against itPolitical elites are out of step with the public appetite for net zero, according to analysis that identifies rightwing media narratives as fuelling a false backlash against climate action.Media coverage of net zero is more than twice as likely to be negative than public attitudes and is driving a false perception that net zero policies are unpopular with voters, the analysis found. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Natural History Museum tops UK attraction list with record visitors 20. March 2026 (01:01) London museum defies drop in numbers seen elsewhere, attributed to cost of living and fall in international touristsLondon’s Natural History Museum (NHM) was the most popular attraction in the UK during 2025, with its renovated gardens, new climate gallery and lack of entry fee leading to record-breaking numbers of visitors.More than 7.1 million people passed through its doors, a 13% increase in visitors year on year and an all-time record for any UK museum or gallery. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EU leaders vow to support Cyprus in ‘frank discussion’ on future of British bases 19. March 2026 (23:58) Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases have become targets for Iran after outbreak of Middle East crisisEU leaders have pledged to stand behind Cyprus as it seeks “an open and frank discussion” on the future of the British bases on the island, which have become a target after the outbreak of the latest Middle East crisis.Ahead of an EU summit on Thursday, Cyprus’s president, Nikos Christodoulides, said he wanted “an open and frank discussion with the British government” regarding the status and future of the British bases on the island. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tropical Cyclone Narelle live updates: Queensland premier warns far north residents in cyclone’s path to ‘stay where you are’ as storm crosses coast 19. March 2026 (23:58) Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast‘Eerie feeling’ as water shut off and electricity to be lost in far north QueenslandFar north residents in the path of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle say they have taken shelter as winds begin to swirl in the remote Cape York Communities.The wind has really started to pick up, you can hear a couple of things moving around outside.Until the wind started it was so still. It was raining but it was really still. That’s not like Coen, when it rains it pours and the wind moves about.In Coen there are a lot of old properties that have been through cyclones in the past, they are standing but they’re not cyclone rated by any means. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Design for commemorative Trump coin in 24-karat gold approved by appointees 19. March 2026 (23:50) Federal law says living presidents can’t appear on currency, but commission approves design for US’s 250th birthdayA federal arts commission on Thursday approved the final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing Donald Trump’s image to help celebrate the US’s 250th birthday on 4 July.The vote by the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members are supporters of the Republican president and were appointed by him earlier this year, was without objection. It clears the way for the US Mint to begin production on the coin, whose size and denomination are still under discussion. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
California moves to rename Cesar Chavez Day after sexual abuse allegations 19. March 2026 (23:32) Legislators propose designating 31 March as Farmworkers Day in light of allegations against late labor leaderSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxCalifornia quickly moved to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day in the wake of allegations the labor leader abused women and girls.Less than two weeks before the annual holiday celebrating Chavez, the California state assembly and state senate said they were introducing a bill to redesignate the day. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Body of missing Illinois student found in waters off beach of Barcelona 19. March 2026 (22:54) James ‘Jimmy’ Gracey was at nightclub in Spanish city for spring break when he separated from friends at about 3amThe body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois, was found Thursday in the water off a Barcelona beach, police in Spain said.Gracey’s body was found by police divers and positively identified, the press office for Catalonia’s regional police in Barcelona told the Associated Press. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
