Reached

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 threatens 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...

Executive complaints unit finding relates to broadcast of N-word during awards ceremonyThe BBC breached its editorial standards by broadcasting a racial slur during the Bafta film awards ceremony in February, the corporation’s executive complaints unit has found.More details soon … Continue reading...

• US President Donald Trump threatened Monday to destroy Iran's Kharg Island crude oil export hub, along with oil wells and power plants, unless Tehran quickly accepts a deal to end the US-Israeli war. • The threat of potential US ground operations to seize Kharg Island is creating significant tremors through financial and energy markets, as well as raising concerns among neighbouring Gulf countries. • Trump expressed hope about talks with a "more reasonable regime" in Tehran on his Truth Social network, an apparent reference to new leadership despite the month-long war failing to dislodge the Islamic Republic.

Oil prices on course for record monthly rise amid risk of further escalation and mixed messaging from USDonald Trump has threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power stations and fresh water plants if Tehran does not agree to peace terms “shortly”, even as he claimed diplomatic progress in ending the war that was instigated by the US and Israel.Tehran has remained defiant during the month-long conflict, describing US peace proposals as “excessive, unrealistic and irrational” and firing waves of missiles at Israel. Continue reading...

President attacks ‘Radical Left Democrats’ after homeland security funding bill again sinks in SenateDonald Trump threatened on Saturday to deploy federal immigration agents to US airports if Democrats do not agree to measures aimed at strengthening security and immigration enforcement.“If the Radical Left Democrats don’t immediately sign an agreement to let our Country, in particular, our Airports, be FREE and SAFE again, I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. Continue reading...

• A federal judge in Oregon ruled on March 20, 2026, that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. overreached by issuing a December declaration labeling puberty blockers and surgeries for gender dysphoria as unsafe without proper procedures. • The declaration warned doctors of exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid for providing such treatments, prompting a lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleging coercion and lack of public notice or comment period. • The ruling provides legal clarity for patients, families, and providers, affirming that transgender health services remain available despite major medical groups like the AMA opposing restrictions.