Whale stranded off Germany swims to freedom after days of efforts to save it 27. March 2026 (17:35) Rescuers used boats and excavators to try to guide 10-metre long sea mammal to deeper watersA humpback whale stranded on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast since early this week has freed itself and swum into deeper waters, rescuers said on Friday.A flotilla of vessels were following the weakened animal at a distance, hoping to help guide it into the North Sea and toward the Atlantic Ocean, its natural habitat. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Polio virus detected in London days before ministers cut global eradication funding 27. March 2026 (17:29) Campaigner criticises ‘shortsighted and self-defeating’ decision and says it increases risk to the UK publicThe polio virus was detected in London sewage for the second time this year, days before ministers withdrew funding for global polio eradication efforts.Its detection reveals the spending cuts to be “shortsighted and self-defeating”, campaigners said. Polio is an extremely infectious viral disease, which typically affects young children under five. It can cause paralysis by damaging nerves in the spine and base of the brain, and can be life-threatening if it affects muscles used for breathing. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Police find no evidence of criminality in Gorton and Denton byelection 27. March 2026 (17:29) Reform UK had asked GMP to investigate after reports of ‘concerningly high levels’ of so-called family votingPolice have found no evidence of criminality in the Gorton and Denton byelection after claims by Nigel Farage that it was “a victory for cheating”.Greater Manchester police (GMP) had been asked by Reform UK to investigate allegations of corrupt voting in the Greater Manchester contest, which was won by the Green party. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Member of Jill Biden’s security detail shoots self in leg at Philadelphia airport 27. March 2026 (17:24) Ex-first lady wasn’t near ‘negligent discharge’ and agent is now in hospital while Secret Service investigates incidentSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA US Secret Service agent, working on security detail for the former first lady Jill Biden, shot themself in the leg at the Philadelphia international airport on Friday morning, an agency spokesperson said.The Secret Service special agent suffered a “non-life-threatening injury” after they discharged their weapon at around 8.30am. Biden was not near the agent at the time and no one else was injured. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Scientists film whale giving birth while other whales work together to help her 27. March 2026 (17:13) Female named Rounder surrounded by family members when about to give birth to her second calfScientists have managed to film a sperm whale giving birth while other female whales worked together to support the mother and her newborn.A team from Project Ceti, an international effort seeking to understand how whales communicate, was in a boat near a pod of 11 whales off the coast of the Caribbean island of Dominica on 8 July 2023. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Italy investigates beauty brands over concerns about young girls’ mental health 27. March 2026 (17:10) Regulator fears use of ‘covert marketing strategies’ by Sephora and Benefit might fuel compulsive habits Italian regulators are investigating Sephora and Benefit Cosmetics over the apparent use of “covert marketing strategies” to sell beauty products to young girls that might be fuelling an unhealthy skincare obsession known as “cosmeticorexia”.The Italian Competition Authority said it was looking into promotions for skincare products such as face masks, serums and anti-ageing creams that in some cases appeared to target girls under 10. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cheshire constabulary rejects criticism by David Davis over Letby investigation 27. March 2026 (16:49) Force issues strongly worded rebuttal after Tory former cabinet minister alleges ‘egregious failures’ in call for reviewThe police force that conducted the investigation into Lucy Letby has made a strongly worded public statement rejecting criticism after David Davis called in parliament for a review of the case.The Conservative former cabinet minister, who last year said Letby had suffered “a clear miscarriage of justice”, said Cheshire constabulary had approached the investigation into deaths of babies at the Countess of Chester hospital with too much focus on suspecting Letby, and made “egregious failures” in not following guidelines and best practice, including in the appointment of expert witnesses. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Reports Sadiq Khan could join Starmer’s cabinet dismissed by allies 27. March 2026 (16:29) London mayor could however join the House of Lords while still remaining in his current roleAllies of Sadiq Khan have dismissed reports the London mayor could join Keir Starmer’s cabinet after being made a peer, although it remains possible he could join the Lords while keeping his current job.Downing Street said reports that Khan could become a peer after crucial elections in May across England, Scotland and Wales were “speculation”, while a Labour source also declined to comment. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Man accused of 2003 rape tells court he ‘wouldn’t be able to live with himself’ if he had done it 27. March 2026 (16:16) Paul Quinn denies raping woman in case where previous suspect Andrew Malkinson had conviction quashedA man accused of a 2003 rape for which an innocent person spent 17 years in jail has told a court he “wouldn’t be able to live with myself” if he had carried out the attack.Paul Quinn, 51, denies raping the woman, in a case that led to what jurors heard was a “most terrible” miscarriage of justice Continue reading...(The Guardian)
European intelligence agencies believe Russia is supplying drones to Iran, says official 27. March 2026 (16:09) Intelligence reports find Russia is close to completing phased shipment of drones, medicine and foodMiddle East crisis – live updatesIntelligence agencies in Europe believe Russia is in the final stages of preparing to supply drones to Iran for use in its war with the US and Israel, according to a senior European official.Russia has already been providing intelligence sharing with Tehran to help it target US forces in the region, the official said, but the upcoming delivery of explosive-laden drones would mark the first evidence of lethal support since the start of the war. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
