Trump’s Iran war and energy policies outline ‘dangerous volatility’ of fossil fuel push 31. March 2026 (14:00) Critics say president is locking into 20th century energy systems even as his ‘bet’ on oil and gas ‘isn’t going so well’By attacking Iran and threatening to seize its oil while taking extraordinary measures to block clean energy back in the US, Donald Trump has inadvertently highlighted the dangerous volatility of the fossil fuel era, critics say.The US and Israel’s bombardment of Iran and southern Lebanon has caused a humanitarian and environmental toll, with threats of further escalation set to add to these casualties as well as add more planet-heating emissions and destroy drinking water supplies. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russia slowly trying to splinter its internet from rest of world, analysts say 31. March 2026 (13:54) Telegram is increasingly blocked and mobile internet users face blackouts in effort likened to Iranian shutdownsRussia is in the midst of a vast, slow-moving effort to splinter its internet from the rest of the world, say activists and experts, with steep consequences for millions of people who are gradually being cut off.Unlike Iran’s internet shutdowns earlier this year, Russia’s shutdown is a piecemeal and opaque effort. It is defined by escalating mobile internet blackouts across cities and provinces, growing restrictions on certain kinds of traffic, and new blocks on Telegram, a messaging app essential to communication and daily life for most Russians. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US average fuel price passes $4 a gallon for first time in four years amid Iran war 31. March 2026 (12:40) National average hit $4.02, according to AAA data, capping an extraordinary rise from $2.98 just a month agoAverage US fuel prices have crossed $4 a gallon for the first time in four years, piling pressure on drivers as Donald Trump’s war on Iran continues to boost oil markets.The nationwide average climbed to almost $4.02 on Tuesday, according to AAA data, capping an extraordinary rise from $2.98 just a month ago. The fuel price last reached this high in August 2022. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EU ministers arrive in Ukraine to mark Bucha massacre anniversary – Europe live 31. March 2026 (12:03) Delegation marks four years since liberation of town as EU focus returns to Ukraine amid Iran war falloutin RomeItaly has denied use of an airbase in Sicily to US military craft carrying weapons for the war in the Middle East. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Palantir’s UK boss criticises ‘ideological’ groups as ministers move to scrap NHS contract 31. March 2026 (11:52) Louis Mosley says government should resist calls to trigger break clause in £330m deal with US analytics companyUK politics live – latest updatesPalantir’s UK boss has urged the government not to give in to “ideologically motivated campaigners” as government ministers explore a way out of a £330m NHS contract with the tech company.Ministers have sought advice on triggering a break clause in Palantir’s deal to deliver the Federated Data Platform (FDP), amid questions over the company’s presence in the public sector. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Our little savior’: partly blind New Mexico dog hailed for warding off bear 31. March 2026 (11:00) ‘Bear slayer’ Honey injured during confrontation to protect family and animals from ursine home invader A half-blind, 12-year-old New Mexico dog is being called “bear slayer” after she fended off an ursine intruder at her family’s home, protecting dozens of chickens and other animals but only narrowly surviving the violent encounter.As told by her caretakers, the story of Honey demonstrates the extreme loyalty of dogs to their owners. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK aviation regulator rejects Heathrow’s plans to significantly raise landing fees 31. March 2026 (10:51) Heathrow wanted changes to fund multibillion-pound upgrade, but airlines had warned steep rises would be passed on to passengersBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK aviation regulator has partially rejected plans by Heathrow to significantly raise its landing fees to fund a multibillion-pound upgrade, arguing the airport can still invest without steep rises to ticket prices.The Civil Aviation Authority said the average charge for each passenger should rise from £28.40 to £28.80 between 2027 and 2031. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Scott Mills was questioned by police in 2018 over sexual offence allegations 31. March 2026 (10:49) Ex-Radio 2 presenter reportedly investigated over claims relating to teenage boy but case closed through lack of evidenceScott Mills was questioned over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy in 2018 but the case was later closed due to lack of evidence, it has emerged after he was sacked with immediate effect.Mills, who hosted Britain’s most popular radio breakfast show on BBC Radio 2, was taken off the air last week and on Monday the BBC announced his contract had been terminated. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Grooming gangs inquiry to examine role of ethnicity, culture and religion 31. March 2026 (10:17) Inquiry will directly look at whether factors influenced offending and institutional response in England and WalesUK politics live – latest updatesThe grooming gangs inquiry will directly examine whether ethnicity, culture or religion influenced offending and whether they shaped the institutional response.The statutory independent inquiry has published its terms of reference, which will be laid before parliament when it returns from recess on 13 April. The inquiry will then begin its full investigation into the group-based sexual exploitation of children in England and Wales. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Meta, Tiktok and Google under investigation for allegedly disobeying Australia’s social media ban 31. March 2026 (09:10) Nearly 70% of under-16s with accounts on Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok had maintained access, survey findsThe Australian government has accused big tech firms like Meta, TikTok and Google of disobeying the landmark ban on under-16s using social media, after the country’s online safety office warned many children had accounts.A survey of 900 Australian parents found around a third (31%) said their children still had one or more social media accounts after the ban, compared to 49% before the laws. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
