Painting considered workshop copy is in fact by Rembrandt, expert says 30. March 2026 (13:29) Exclusive: UK owner’s version of Old Man with a Gold Chain reunited in Chicago with undisputed work by Dutch masterA portrait in a UK collection that has long been dismissed as a workshop copy of an almost identical painting by Rembrandt was in fact also painted by the 17th-century Dutch master, according to a leading scholar.Each of the paintings, titled Old Man with a Gold Chain and dated to the early 1630s, is a near-lifesize depiction of an older man wearing a gold chain and a plumed hat. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Scott Mills sacked by BBC after allegations about his personal conduct 30. March 2026 (13:16) Corporation announces departure of Radio 2 star who took over breakfast show from Zoe Ball in 2025The BBC has sacked the Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills after allegations about his personal conduct.The corporation said that “while we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump to revoke protections for endangered species in Gulf of Mexico 30. March 2026 (13:00) President is convening so-called ‘God squad’ to override provisions of Endangered Species Act for ‘national security’Donald Trump is dispatching a so-called “God squad” of top officials to revoke protections for endangered species in the Gulf of Mexico, purportedly to protect national security by expanding oil and gas industry operations.If successful, the administration may kill off dozens of protected species – from Rice’s whales and whooping cranes to sea turtles. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Rob Schneider calls on US to restore military draft 30. March 2026 (12:04) The actor and comedian, posting on X, said that ‘unlike in today’s universities’ the military would teach young people ‘how truly great their country is’The actor and comedian Rob Schneider has urged the US to “restore the military draft for our nation’s young people” amid the ongoing war with Iran.Posting on X, Schneider, 62, who has not served in the military, wrote: Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour launches local elections campaign with focus on cost of living – UK politics live 30. March 2026 (11:53) UK PM to chair meeting in Downing Street on how government responds to economic consequences of Iran war later on MondayKeir Starmer is speaking now.He thanks Sarah, and say he has the cabinet with him in the room. There is a lot of energy there, he claims.People look at their screens and they’re worried when they see explosions, infrastructure blown up, the rhetoric that goes with it, worried about whether this is going to escalate even further.And therefore it’s really important that I reiterate where I stand and where this government stands, because this is not our war and we are not going to be dragged into it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sexual assault survivor calls failure of Travelodge boss to meet MPs ‘shocking’ 30. March 2026 (11:51) Woman assaulted after man was given key card to her room criticises CEO Jo Boydell over cancelled meetingA woman who was sexually assaulted by a man who was handed a key card to her room at a Travelodge has said she was shocked to learn the hotel chain’s boss cancelled a meeting with a group of MPs seeking to discuss concerns about the case.More than 20 MPs had demanded the meeting this month to discuss the matter – including details of the chain’s security processes and procedures that led to it offering the victim an “insulting” £30 refund after the incident. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mounjaro maker wants NHS drug price rises in return for more investment in UK 30. March 2026 (11:34) US firm Eli Lilly, which is also pushing for end to rebate scheme, optimistic about talks with ministersThe US pharmaceutical group behind the Mounjaro weight-loss drug has said it will unpause its UK investments if ministers agree to regularly increase NHS drug prices and end a rebate scheme.Patrik Jonsson, the president of Eli Lilly’s international business, said the company was in talks with UK ministers and that he was optimistic about reaching an agreement this summer for Britain to pay more for its medicines. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Weather tracker: Thunderstorms drench UAE and Saudi Arabia 30. March 2026 (11:31) Abnormally strong jet stream triggers deluge in Middle East, while north Africa braces for 60-80mph gustsAn unusual weather pattern unleashed severe thunderstorms across parts of the Middle East last week, battering countries including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Arabian peninsula – typically dominated by arid desert climates – received up to 150mm of rain in just a few days.The deluge was caused by an abnormally strong jet stream, which helped form a deep area of low pressure to develop north of Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drew moist tropical air from the Indian Ocean and triggered intense storms. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Murder trial opens over alleged masonic lodge crime network in Paris 30. March 2026 (10:36) Twenty-two defendants, including intelligence agents and police, accused of committing crimes on behalf of Freemason mafiaTwenty-two people are to stand trial in France from Monday on charges of murder and other serious crimes centred on a masonic lodge accused of running hit squads.Seven defendants – including former intelligence agents, soldiers and businessmen – face possible life sentences. Prosecutors allege the group carried out murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy on behalf of a mafia network inside the Athanor lodge in the Paris suburb of Puteaux. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Brent crude hits $116 a barrel after Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil in Iran’ 30. March 2026 (10:23) Stock markets in Asia drop sharply, with investors nervous over escalation of Middle East conflictBusiness live – latest newsThe price of oil has risen sharply to $116 a barrel after Donald Trump said he wanted to “take the oil in Iran”, sending Asian stock markets tumbling.Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, rose by 2% in early trading on Monday, after Trump said that he could seize the Iranian export hub of Kharg Island. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
