Nasa mission enters its second day, with crew hoping to become first people to get close to the moon in over 50 yearsFour astronauts are preparing to leave Earth’s orbit and slingshot towards the moon as Nasa’s Artemis II mission enters its second day.The high-stakes 10-day voyage will mark the first time in half a century that humans leave space close to Earth and return to the vicinity of the moon. It is a crucial test of Nasa’s ambition to land humans back on the lunar surface this decade, and stay there permanently. Continue reading...
• President Trump told allied nations to "go get your own oil" and stated it is not America's responsibility to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, shifting burden of regional security to countries dependent on the waterway.
• Trump reiterated the US military could conclude its Iranian operations within two to three weeks and said America will have no further involvement in Middle East strait security following withdrawal.
• The statements reflect Trump's isolationist stance on Middle East commitments, placing responsibility for maintaining critical shipping routes on regional allies rather than continuing US military presence and protection.
The home affairs select committee said Prevent cannot deal with the modern challenges of fighting extremismThe government’s anti-terrorism programme, Prevent, is “outdated and inadequately prepared” to deal with modern challenges such as extremists adhering to no particular ideology, an influential cross-party group of MPs has concluded.The home affairs select committee has called for a reset to the approach for dealing with fast-evolving online subcultures promoting antisemitism, anti-Muslim hostility, misogyny and violence, as well as an over-representation of neurodiverse people and those with mental health conditions.A growing prevalence of under-18s being drawn into extremism.Neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, being over-represented among referrals to the programme.Fluid or hybrid ideological beliefs among those referred and a shift toward nihilistic violence.Influencers and creative tools such as memes, humour and coded messaging being used to spread extremist content in a way that is accessible and appealing.Generative AI being used to produce large volumes of tailored content and disinformation.An increase in hate crimes and incidents in the UK that are linked to anti-blasphemy activism, anti-Israel extremism, anti-Muslim hostility and eco-extremism. Continue reading...
• Latino-focused neobank DNERO is gearing up for its U.S. market launch, highlighted among March 2026's top five fintech product debuts.
• The platform aims to serve underserved Latino communities with tailored digital banking services amid rising demand for inclusive finance.
• DNERO's entry reflects surging investment in niche fintech startups targeting demographic-specific needs in the competitive U.S. landscape.
• The US Pentagon is developing plans for a 'final blow' in the Iran war, involving ground troops and massive bombing, as reported by Axios citing two US officials and knowledgeable sources on March 27, 2026.
• US Central Command confirmed an Israeli airstrike killed Iran's IRGC Navy commander, amid escalating naval tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Wall Street Journal revealed considerations for deploying 10,000 additional US troops with armored vehicles to the Middle East, coordinating with existing Marines and the 82nd Airborne Division.
Fuel stocks at same level as when US and Israel launched their war on Iran a month ago, energy minister saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe federal government is preparing for scenarios where global oil prices spike above US$120 a barrel, as diesel prices nationwide go past $3 a litre and the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, plans another national cabinet meeting to plan petrol supply.The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said one option under consideration was expanding ethanol mandates across the country, after Guardian Australia revealed the government was analysing increasing the biofuel’s supply. Continue reading...
Energy minister Michael Shanks reassures drivers ahead of chancellor’s statement to MPsGood morning. At lunchtime Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, will give a statement to MPs that will cover what the government is doing, and (more tentatively) might do, in response to the soaring global energy prices caused by the Iran war. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, also creating a global energy shortage, the Conservative government ended up spending £40bn supporting families and firms with energy bills over the following winter. Reeves’s problem is that she has not got £40bn spare. With spring upon us, and people starting to turn down their central heating, the issue may not seem particularly pressing in many households (although heating oil and petrol prices are already soaring.) But, by the end of this year, this could be the sort of colossal economic crisis that gets remembered for half a century.As Chris Mason explains in a good preview, Reeves is expected to cover three points. She is expected to confirm that the government wants to give the Competition and Markets Authority new powers to deal with any potention profiteering by oil companies. She will confirm that the government wants to go “further and faster to secure the next generation of nuclear power and to reclaim Britain’s place as a leading nuclear nation” (as the Treasury puts it in its overnight preview).[Drivers] should do everything as absolutely normal because there is no shortage of fuel anywhere in the country at the moment. We monitor this every single day, I look at the numbers personally. There’s no issue at all with that …People should go about their business as normal. That’s what the RAC and the AA have said. It’s really important people do that. There’s no shortage of fuel and everything is working as normal.Look genuinely, people shouldn’t change their behaviour or their habits in the slightest. Continue reading...
After Tehran targeted the UK-US base on Diego Garcia, Israel’s military said European capitals were also at riskMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed at the weekend that Iran had weapons able to travel about 4,000km (2,500 miles), posing an immediate threat to European cities including London.The comments came after it emerged Iran had targeted the joint UK–US military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands. Continue reading...
• D.C. United faces Atlanta United FC on Saturday, March 21, in their third road match of the 2026 MLS season in Atlanta, Georgia.
• D.C. recently won 2-1 at Chicago Fire, with Tai Baribo scoring 3 goals this season and Matti Peltola netting his first MLS goal.
• Atlanta sits 1-3-0 with 3 points, led by Alexey Miranchuk's 3 goals and Miguel Almiron's 3 assists.
Copenhagen was so shaken that it sent blood supplies in readiness for battle, according to Danish mediaDenmark reportedly readied itself for potential attack from the US in January – flying bags of blood to Greenland and explosives to blow up runways in case of battle with its former closest ally.During the tense days when Donald Trump threatened to take over Greenland, a largely autonomous territory that is part of the Danish commonwealth, “the hard way”, Copenhagen was so shaken that it started preparing for US invasion, according to Danish public broadcaster DR. Continue reading...
Thousands of police prepare to deploy to South Korea’s capital ahead of K-pop’s most anticipated comebackSeoul has stepped up security ahead of BTS’s huge comeback concert on Saturday, which more than a quarter of a million fans are expected to attend, with authorities raising the terror alert in the area and preparing to deploy thousands of police to the capital.South Korean president Lee Jae Myung warned at a cabinet meeting this week that “the issue is safety” and urged heightened vigilance by the interior ministry and emergency services to prepare for every possibility. He described the concert as an important occasion to reaffirm the country’s global cultural standing. Continue reading...
Russian billionaire accused of missing ‘last chance’ to release money to help victims of Ukraine warUK officials are preparing for a possible court case against Roman Abramovich after he missed a deadline to release £2.4bn he raised from selling Chelsea FC.The Russian billionaire failed to hand over the money by the deadline of 17 March, amid a dispute over how it will eventually be used. Continue reading...
Ukraine’s president says mass attacks on civilians are no longer the preserve of a ‘madman like Putin’European nations should prepare for attacks by non-state actors including criminal networks, terror groups and lone attackers as drone technology advances, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned.The Ukrainian president said it was no longer just “a wealthy madman like Putin” who could afford mass attacks as he demonstrated the latest technology to British MPs and peers. Continue reading...
Sweeping bill would require proof of US citizenship for new voters passed by House but faces steep odds in SenateUS politics live – latest updatesSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailA sweeping restrictive voting bill that would require proof of US citizenship for new voters, among other measures, could be debated in the Senate as early as Tuesday.The Save America Act is a rebranded version of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility act, or the Save Act, a bill that has been circulating through Congress in some iteration for more than two years. Continue reading...
Heat warnings are in effect across region as record-high temperatures are forecast in California, Nevada and ArizonaSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxMillions of people in the western US are preparing for extreme heat as unprecedented temperatures are forecast across California, Nevada and Arizona.The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for California’s Bay Area and central coast regions as temperatures are expected to reach up to 90F (32C). Continue reading...
• Senate Republicans are preparing to advance the SAVE America Act, a voting overhaul that is a key priority for President Trump.
• The legislation represents a significant voting system reform effort being led by the GOP-controlled chamber.
• The measure is considered controversial, suggesting it will face Democratic opposition and potential legal challenges.
• Senate Republicans are set to take up the SAVE America Act, a voting overhaul legislation that represents a key priority for President Trump as part of his political agenda.
• The bill aims to make significant changes to voting procedures and election administration across the United States.
• The vote marks a major legislative push by the Republican-controlled Senate to advance Trump's election-related policy priorities.
Congressional Republicans, backed by President Donald Trump, are advancing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in the Senate next week after House passage last month, mandating documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration alongside photo ID requirements. The bill's strict documentation rules, lacking a phase-in period, could immediately impact midterm elections, potentially burdening millions including married women, people of color, and rural voters who may lack easy access to birth certificates or passports. Critics like Rebekah Caruthers of the Fair Elections Center warn it denies eligible Americans their voting rights, moving the U.S. opposite representative democracy, while Republicans claim it bolsters election integrity against rare noncitizen voting. If signed by Trump, the provisions apply without delay for November midterms.
Congress is slated to debate the Save America Act next week, a Trump-backed bill mandating citizenship proof for voter registration and restricting mail-in ballots. The proposal aims to enhance election integrity amid partisan divides. Critics warn of disenfranchisement risks for millions, while supporters cite fraud prevention. Passage could reshape 2026 midterms and beyond.
Iranian missile and drone strikes have halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as of March 14, 2026, prompting US Navy plans to escort oil tankers amid surging global prices. President Trump directed military options to keep the strait open, with officials confirming anticipation of such blockades. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 28 Iranian drones targeting its defenses. The move aims to mitigate impacts on US energy markets and economy.
The US Navy is considering escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, closed by Iranian missile and drone strikes disrupting 20% of global oil trade. President Trump anticipated the blockade and directed military options to reopen the vital chokepoint, with oil prices surging as a result. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet China next week on trade amid energy market chaos from the two-week war. The move aims to mitigate economic impacts on Americans from the Hormuz disruption.
The US Navy is considering escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively closed it with missile and drone attacks, surging global oil prices. President Trump anticipated the blockade and directed military options to keep the vital chokepoint open, impacting one-fifth of world oil trade. Saudi Arabia intercepted 28 Iranian drones while facing retaliatory strikes. Officials confirm all US military assets focus on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities.
Traditionally jovial affair poses potential debacle for Irish leader at odds with US over foreign policy, tax and immigrationFor Ireland’s leaders, it has long been the highlight of the political calendar: a love-fest in Washington with hosts who sport shamrocks and toast Saint Patrick.Irish delegations are traditionally received on Capitol Hill and at the White House in a blaze of goodwill and backslapping that has them wishing every day was 17 March. Continue reading...
Comedian Andy Richter spent a day in Hollywood preparing to livestream the 2026 Oscars on TikTok, as Conan O'Brien hosts the ceremony this Sunday. Good Morning America followed Richter's preparations amid heightened excitement for the awards show. Industry buzz focuses on predictions and red carpet prep, with ESPN's Kelley Carter sharing her Oscar forecasts on ABC News Live. Viewers can expect live coverage starting Sunday night from the Dolby Theatre.
