Colombian president accuses Ecuador after ‘27 charred bodies’ found near border 17. March 2026 (19:51) Relations deteriorate as Gustavo Petro claims government of Trump ally Daniel Noboa bombing targets in ColombiaPresident Gustavo Petro has accused Ecuador of bombing targets inside Colombian territory, saying later that the burned remains of nearly 30 people had been found near the border, in a sharp deterioration in relations between the two neighbouring countries.The Colombian leader said on Tuesday that an attack which had left “27 charred bodies” did not appear to have been carried out by Colombia’s own forces or any illegal armed groups which he said do not have armed planes. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Security lines persist at US airports as Congress negotiates DHS funding 17. March 2026 (19:14) Senate Democrats sent counteroffer on Monday aimed at resolving budget standoffSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxNegotiations for Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – which oversees airport security officers – remained ongoing as the airport in Atlanta, the world’s busiest, dealt with long security lines on Tuesday.A White House official confirmed that Senate Democrats sent a counteroffer on Monday aimed at resolving a budget standoff that led to a DHS shutdown into its second month. A Trump administration official confirmed to the Guardian that the offer by Democrats was under review, though Republican lawmakers were quick to dismiss the proposal. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Norway to investigate links between Jeffrey Epstein and foreign office 17. March 2026 (18:46) Prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre says files show sex offender’s connection to those in ‘trusted and central positions’The Norwegian parliament has voted unanimously to appoint an independent investigative commission to look into connections between its foreign office and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Speaking before the vote on Tuesday, the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, paid tribute to Epstein’s victims and said that the files released by the US Department of Justice had clearly shown “it is possible to buy and abuse influence if you are rich enough”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
War, inheritance and…a baby? First Dune: Part Three trailer is here 17. March 2026 (18:04) The final instalment in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi trilogy brings back Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Florence Piugh and introduces a nasty new villainTimothée Chalamet may have finally escaped Oscar season, but not movie promotion – the first look at Dune: Part Three is here.The first trailer released for the final installment in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi trilogy sees further war and political upheaval in the galaxy beyond Arrakis – plus, a possible future child for Chalamet’s Paul Atreides and Chani, the Fremen warrior played by Zendaya. “If we have a girl, what should be name her?” Chani asks, suggesting the two have reconciled since the end of Part Two. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Belgian court sends ex-diplomat, 93, to trial over 1961 murder of Congo leader 17. March 2026 (17:52) Family of then PM, Patrice Lumumba, welcome decision to charge Étienne Davignon as ‘beginning of a reckoning’A former Belgian diplomat, 93, should stand trial over alleged complicity in the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of what was then the newly independent Congolese state, a Brussels court has ruled.Étienne Davignon, the only person still alive among 10 Belgians the Lumumba family accuses of involvement in the killing, is charged with participation in war crimes. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
100,000 UK nationals flown back from Iran since start of conflict 17. March 2026 (17:51) Home secretary Yvette Cooper says this amounts to a third of those who were in region at outset of hostilitiesThe number of UK nationals flown back from the Middle East since the start of the conflict with Iran reached 100,000 on Tuesday, Britain’s foreign secretary has said.This is a third of the 300,000 who were in the region at the outset of hostilities, Yvette Cooper told parliament, many of whom were stuck when airspace was closed. The figure included tourists and Gulf residents who have temporary left. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UF College Republicans sue after suspension over Nazi salute post 17. March 2026 (17:34) The University of Florida campus group says the suspension over an off-campus post violated free speechSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA dispute among student Republican groups in Florida over alleged antisemitic behavior is heading for a courtroom after a chapter at the state’s flagship university was suspended for an online post featuring two people giving Nazi salutes.On Saturday, University of Florida (UF) blocked campus operations of the school’s College Republicans after the group’s state leadership said it had disbanded the chapter for engaging in “a pattern of conduct that violated its rules and values, including a recent antisemitic gesture”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pharmacies in England report surge in demand for meningitis jab 17. March 2026 (16:54) As outbreak in Kent claims the lives of two young people, experts advise against rushing to get a vaccinePharmacies in England are reporting a surge in demand for meningitis vaccines after an outbreak in Kent claimed the lives of two young people and left others in hospital.However, experts have advised against rushing to get a jab, stressing public health authorities are best placed to determine if vaccinations are required – and for whom. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
MI5 apologises and pays compensation to woman allegedly abused by agent 17. March 2026 (16:53) Woman known only as Beth says abuser claimed status made him untouchable, which terrorised her into silenceMI5 has apologised and paid compensation to a woman who alleged the Security Service was to blame for her being attacked with a machete and abused by one of its agents.The woman, known only as Beth, was in a relationship with a man she says used his status as an MI5 agent to perpetrate abuse and terrorise her into silence. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
CBS News workers hold 24-hour walkout for new contract 17. March 2026 (16:37) Writers Guild of America East says management failed to offer fair wages and basic job protectionsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxWorkers at CBS News walked out for 24 hours on Tuesday after a new contract agreement was not reached following the expiration of the contract last week.About 60 workers at the streaming service CBS News 24/7 are represented by the Writers Guild of America East. The union is holding rallies and walkouts at the CBS News broadcast center in Manhattan, New York, and at KPIX-TV CBS News Bay Area in San Francisco, California. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
