Fatal shooting at Virginia university investigated as act of terrorism, FBI says 12. March 2026 (23:49) Suspect dies after students subdue him in shooting that leaves one dead and two injured at Old Dominion UniversitySign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe suspect who killed one person and injured two others at Old Dominion University on Thursday was identified by authorities as Mohamed Jalloh, a former member of the army national guard who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State.Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk field office, told reporters the suspect had attempted to commit an “act of terrorism” and shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire. He was subdued and killed by members of the university’s ROTC program in a university classroom, she said, praising them for demonstrating “extreme bravery and courage” and preventing further loss of life. (ROTC is a college-based program that allows students to train to become a US military officer while also earning a college degree.) Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Rescue effort under way as US military refueling plane crashes in Iraq 12. March 2026 (23:29) US Central Command officials say ‘incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury’Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA US military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, in an incident US Central Command said involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.The United States has surged a large number of aircraft into the Middle East to take part in operations against Iran. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘IG is a drug’: jury to deliberate as US trial over social media addiction wraps up 12. March 2026 (23:11) Meta and YouTube accused of creating harmful products in trial seen as a bellwether for attitudes towards social mediaThe first-ever jury trial over the potential harms of social media wrapped up on Thursday. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube have argued their platforms are safe for the vast majority of young people, while lawyers for a young woman at the center of the case say the tech companies have designed their products to be addictive, leading to mental health issues in children and teens.The six-week trial has seen a parade of high-profile witnesses, including Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram head Adam Mosseri and YouTube’s vice-president of engineering Cristos Goodrow. Jurors have also heard testimony from the lead plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman who goes by the initials KGM, her therapist and expert witnesses on social media and addiction. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Two teenagers die after ebike crash with motorbike south of Brisbane 12. March 2026 (22:55) Teenage boy and girl riding ebike were declared dead at scene in Greenbank on Thursday night, Queensland police sayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo teenagers have died after a crash between an ebike and a motorcycle in the suburb of Greenbank, south of Brisbane, on Thursday night.Investigators believe the motorcycle was overtaking a vehicle in the Logan area when it collided with the ebike travelling in the opposite direction at about 9pm. Queensland police said it was thought the ebike did not have its headlights on at the time. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pentagon tells lawmakers Iran war costs top $11.3bn – but true price unknown 12. March 2026 (22:11) The US already spent more than $11.3bn in first six days of conflict, but price tag does not include all spendingSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxPentagon officials told top lawmakers in a closed-door briefing on Tuesday that the cost of the war against Iran has already exceeded $11.3bn in its first six days, but the true cost of the opening days of the conflict is likely far greater, according to two people familiar with the matter.This figure, first reported by the New York Times and confirmed by the Associated Press, in addition to the Guardian, represents the most detailed cost assessment that Congress has received so far as lawmakers seek clarity about the scope and duration of the conflict. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Man charged with murder of court bailiff in County Durham 12. March 2026 (21:47) Jeff Blair, 55, who was attacked while on duty in Shildon, died in hospital after sustaining serious injuriesA man has been charged with the murder of a court bailiff who was attacked while he was at work.Jeff Blair, 55, died in hospital after he sustained serious injuries while on duty in Shildon, County Durham on Tuesday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer may face more resignations after release of Mandelson WhatsApp messages, say sources 12. March 2026 (21:00) PM has apologised for his handling of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, but next tranche of files could contain further damaging detailsKeir Starmer could suffer further resignations when ministerial WhatsApp messages are published in the next tranche of the Peter Mandelson files, senior government sources have told the Guardian.With officials bracing for the subsequent releases – expected to include informal communications alongside formal messages like those in the first batch – Starmer apologised again on Thursday over his handling of Mandelson’s appointment, saying: “It was me that made a mistake, and it’s me that makes the apology to the victims of [Jeffrey] Epstein, and I do that.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia news live: government tells non-essential officials to leave Israel and UAE; NSW extends no-interest loans scheme 12. March 2026 (20:54) Minns government extends scheme amid renewed cost-of-living concerns during conflict in the Middle East. Follow updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo backpackers were on their way to pick fruit when their car drove off a bridge into flood waters, Australian Associated Press reports.Their bodies were discovered at Kilkivan, west of Gympie, yesterday in the submerged vehicle during a search for two missing Chinese tourists who disappeared in flood-ravaged Queensland. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Eswatini says it received more ‘third country’ deportees as part of deal with Trump administration 12. March 2026 (20:47) Two deportees sent to Eswatini were from Somalia, one was from Sudan and one was from TanzaniaThe government of Eswatini announced on Thursday it received four more “third country” deportees from the United States, as part of the Trump administration’s multimillion-dollar deal with the small African nation.Now, a total of 19 deportees from the US have been sent to Eswatini when they hail from other countries, amid the Trump administration’s continued anti-immigrant crackdown and changes to immigration policy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israeli military drops charges against soldiers accused of Gaza detainee abuse 12. March 2026 (20:39) Five soldiers were indicted over alleged violent abuse and rape of Palestinian man at detention centre in 2024Israel’s top military lawyer has dropped all charges against five soldiers accused of the violent abuse and rape of a Palestinian detainee from Gaza.The military advocate general, Itay Offir, said prosecutors lacked key evidence after the victim was sent back to Gaza, and that the conduct of senior officials had affected the chance of holding a fair trial. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
