Concerns for ‘declining’ fur seal spotted at Cooks River in inner Sydney 02. March 2026 (03:56) Long-nosed fur seal seen on banks of waterway in city’s inner west similar to those occasionally found outside Sydney Opera HouseFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA seal has been spotted in an inner western Sydney river, prompting a response from wildlife rescue teams who worry it may be in poor health.However the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said there were no obvious health concerns, and they were keeping track of the animal’s movements. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israel strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon after Iran-allied group launches missiles over the border 02. March 2026 (03:43) Conflict spreads to Lebanon as Hezbollah targets Israel over killing of Khamenei and IDF responds with strikes on Beirut Latest updates: US-Israel war on Iran Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday, after the Iran-backed group launched missiles and drones towards Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.Residents of Beirut were awoken by the sounds of about a dozen blasts at 3am on Monday, as Israel struck three different locations in the southern suburbs of the capital. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Oil prices jump as Iran war threatens shipping through strait of Hormuz 02. March 2026 (02:47) Brent crude rose by 13% during early trading and stock markets came under pressure as US-Israeli strikes on Iran raised fears of disruptionOil prices soared and stock markets came under pressure on Monday after intense US-Israeli strikes on Iran prompted fears of significant global economic disruption.Brent crude jumped by as much as 13% during early trading – to hit $82 per barrel, a 14-month high – as the effective closure of the strait of Hormuz, one of the most important arteries for global trade, intensified concerns over oil supplies. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Disbelief as crocodile captured in Newcastle creek thousands of kilometres from natural habitat 02. March 2026 (02:30) The juvenile freshwater crocodile was first spotted by a group of teenagers in Ironbark Creek in the Australian city on SaturdayAn Australian freshwater crocodile has been captured in a city creek thousands of kilometres south of its normal range, after sightings shocked onlookers at a suburban park.The crocodile was first spotted in Ironbark Creek in Newcastle – about 100km north of Sydney – around midday on Saturday, by a group of teenagers. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pauline Hanson expected to face censure motion in Senate over ‘inflammatory’ comments about Australian Muslims 02. March 2026 (02:28) Labor’s move expected to be supported by the Greens, making it Hanson’s second censure within four monthsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPauline Hanson is expected to face a censure motion in the Senate on Monday, with Labor seeking to call out the One Nation leader’s “inflammatory and divisive” recent comments about Australian Muslims.The Greens will support Labor’s move, with the motion expected to pass, and condemn Hanson to a second censure within four months. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Possums, asbestos and pigeons: snap review into NSW hospitals highlights serious maintenance issues 02. March 2026 (01:31) Health minister pledges to work quickly to improve hygiene after mould outbreak in Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred hospital left two patients dead Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe New South Wales government has announced a snap review of serious hospital maintenance issues after a mould outbreak in a transplant ward at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred hospital left two patients dead in late 2025.The health minister, Ryan Park, on Monday pledged that the health system will work “as quickly as possible” to rectify issues which span possums to asbestos, as well as pigeons and bird lice.Sign up: AU Breaking News email Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump says ‘likely more’ deaths of US troops to come before Iran conflict ends 02. March 2026 (01:05) Trump cited debunked claims in video address that Iran was on verge of nuclear weapons to justify US casualtiesDonald Trump recorded a new video address on Sunday, vowing to avenge three American deaths after the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and accusing the Iranian regime of “waging war against civilization itself”.The US president addressed the deaths, saying “we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives” and called for prayers for “the full recovery” of five others that were seriously wounded. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Three in four women unaware menopause can trigger new mental illness, poll finds 02. March 2026 (00:00) Royal College of Psychiatrists says impact on mental health often overlooked and calls for improvements in careNearly three-quarters of UK women do not know menopause can trigger a new mental illness, polling shows.This lack of understanding is so acute that the Royal College of Psychiatrists has launched its first targeted “position statement” to raise awareness about menopause and mental health. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Hundreds of UK teenagers to pilot social media bans and restrictions 01. March 2026 (23:30) Trials to form part of three-month consultation on Keir Starmer’s plans to tackle negative effects of smartphone useHundreds of teenagers will be enlisted to trial social media bans in the coming months with overnight digital curfews and daily screen time limits also tested as part of Keir Starmer’s plan to crack down on the negative effects of smartphone use.The trials will be part of a three-month consultation launched this week that could lead to an outright ban on social media for under-16s similar to that introduced in Australia. Ministers have said they are ready to toughen laws just six months after the introduction of child protection measures in the Online Safety Act. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK to allow US to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iran 01. March 2026 (23:20) Keir Starmer says decision is due to Iran’s approach becoming more reckless and putting British lives at riskThe UK has agreed to let the US use British military bases to attack Iranian missile sites, Keir Starmer has said.The UK has so far not been involved in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but in a recorded statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister said that Iran’s approach was becoming more reckless and putting British lives at risk, leading to the decision to allow the US to use two of its military bases. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
