‘Inherently dangerous and unnecessary’: NT buses will soon be patrolled by armed officers 09. April 2026 (17:00) First Nations lawyers and politicians warn the change will disproportionately affect Indigenous people, making them feel ‘less safe, rather than more safe’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTransit safety and public housing officers in the Northern Territory will soon be armed with guns, in what the territory’s First Nations legal service has labelled an “inherently dangerous and unnecessary” move that would “disproportionately impact Aboriginal Territorians”.The first of a new force of armed Police Public Safety Officers (PPSOs) will begin patrolling Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs in June, after an 18-week training program. Legislation to create the new PPSOs was introduced by the NT government last year, in response to what they said was an increase in antisocial behaviour on public transport. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US had hottest March on record as nation faced ‘unprecedented’ heat 09. April 2026 (16:49) The continental US registered its most abnormally hot month in 132 years of records, according to Noaa data March’s persistent unseasonable heat was so intense that the continental United States registered its most abnormally hot month in 132 years of records, according to federal weather data. And the next year or so looks to turn the dial up on global warmth even more, as some forecasts predict a brewing El Niño will reach super strength.Not only was it the hottest March on record for the US but the amount it was above normal beat any other month in history for the lower 48 states. March’s average temperature of 50.85F(10.47C) was 9.35F (5.19C) above the 20th-century normal for March. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘No more bending to Westminster’s will’ if Plaid Cymru wins power, leader vows 09. April 2026 (16:45) Rhun ap Iorwerth launches party’s manifesto and says he is unconcerned by Reform UK threat in Welsh electionsUK politics live – latest updatesPlaid Cymru’s leader has promised “no more bending to Westminster’s will” as the nationalist party stands on the brink of taking office for the first time in next month’s Senedd elections.Speaking at Plaid Cymru’s manifesto launch in Wrexham on Thursday – chosen because of its football team, which has showcased Wales’s potential to the world – Rhun ap Iorwerth told a packed room of supporters there would be “no more toeing the London party line, no more defending the status quo and no more saying no to Wales”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
House Democrats push to pass measure curbing Trump’s war powers over Iran 09. April 2026 (16:12) Republicans will almost certainly block Democrats’ efforts to pass legislation amid ‘fragile’ two-week US-Iran ceasefireHouse Democrats will attempt to pass a resolution on Thursday curtailing Donald Trump’s war powers over Iran – a move Republicans will almost certainly block, but one that signals unease on Capitol Hill about a Middle Eastern conflict on pause with no clear endgame.The vote, scheduled for Thursday morning, will use a procedure called unanimous consent, which is a shortcut that allows legislation to pass the chamber instantly, without debate or a formal tally, so long as not a single member objects. Any one lawmaker can kill the resolution by simply objecting, and Republicans are expected to do exactly that. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Head of IMF says Iran war will permanently scar global economy even if peace is reached 09. April 2026 (16:00) Kristalina Georgieva says even ‘most hopeful scenario’ will lead to growth downgrade and cause permanent hit to living standardsBusiness live – latest updatesThe head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that the Iran war will permanently scar the global economy even if a durable peace deal in the Middle East can be reached.In a speech delivered as the ceasefire in the conflict threatened to unravel, Kristalina Georgieva said the “scarring effects” caused by the war to date would mean slower global growth this year than first anticipated. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Son of British couple detained in Iran calls on Starmer to press for their release 09. April 2026 (15:59) Joe Bennett says ceasefire presents ‘very opportune moment’ to raise case of his parents, Lindsay and Craig ForemanMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe son of a British couple detained in Tehran on espionage charges has called on Keir Starmer to prioritise their case in the “very opportune moment” of a ceasefire in the Iran conflict.Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were arrested while on a five-day trip across Iran in January last year and have been held in Evin prison for 15 months. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israel’s bombing of Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire prompts condemnation 09. April 2026 (15:41) Strikes that killed more than 200 people spark outrage amid global efforts to salvage truceMiddle East crisis – live updatesIsrael’s devastating bombardment of Lebanon in the hours after a US-Iranian ceasefire was announced has been widely condemned amid global efforts to salvage the truce.More than 200 people were killed by Israeli bombing, including strikes with heavy munitions on densely populated areas, which drew outrage from the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international humanitarian organisations. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Did Israel attack Lebanon to spoil Iran war ceasefire? 09. April 2026 (15:27) Israel claims attacks on densely populated residential areas that killed more than 200 people were aimed at Hezbollah Middle East crisis – live updatesWhat was the point of Israel’s surprise mass strikes on Lebanon that killed more than 200 people and drew widespread international condemnation?Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have claimed the largest strike against Hezbollah during the month-long war against Iran was carefully aimed at members of the armed group, but the attacks appeared to be as much a piece of violent spectacle to benefit Netanyahu as militarily useful. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Gillian Anderson and Cara Delevingne to hit Cannes as auteur heavyweights dominate festival lineup 09. April 2026 (15:04) The 79th edition of the film festival will see work by Pedro Almodóvar, Hirokazu Kore-eda and László Nemes considered for the coveted Palme d’OrGillian Anderson, Rami Malek, Cara Delevingne and John Travolta are expected to walk the red carpet at Cannes this year, as the world’s most influential film festival unveiled an auteur-heavy lineup for its 79th edition.Competing for the coveted Palme d’Or will be new films by heavyweights Pedro Almodóvar, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Paweł Pawlikowski, László Nemes and Asghar Farhadi. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
The deadliest 10 minutes in decades: Lebanese reel from Israeli strikes that killed hundreds 09. April 2026 (15:00) Beirut residents and officials say civilians were main casualties in operation that bombed 100-plus targets in 10 minutesMiddle East crisis – live updatesIt took Israel only 10 minutes to carry out one of the worst mass-killings in Lebanon since the end of the country’s civil war in 1990.Omar Rakha heard the war planes but did not feel the explosions; it was only when he woke up face down on the street, bleeding, that he understood what had happened: the building next to his in the Barbour neighbourhood of central Beirut had been destroyed by two Israeli bombs. He then ran through the flaming wreckage to find his sister, screaming. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
