South Sudan risks return to full-blown civil war as violence escalates 03. March 2026 (16:49) At least 169 killed in raid near Sudan border as clashes between government and opposition forces intensifySouth Sudan is reeling from an escalating conflict between the government-aligned army and opposition forces and allied groups that observers say risks returning the country to a full-blown civil war.Violent confrontations in the world’s youngest country between the military, which is loyal to President Salva Kiir, and insurgents believed to be allied to the suspended vice-president, Riek Machar, have increased in recent weeks. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australian energy bills could surge as Iran conflict drives up global gas prices 03. March 2026 (15:00) Experts warn of similarities with 2022, when electricity prices went up by more than 40% due to the Russian invasion of UkraineGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe US-Israel strikes on Iran risk a repeat of the 2022 energy shock that forced power bills up by more than 40%, sent Australian businesses to the wall and forced governments to spend billions on power bill subsidies.The stark warning from experts follow news that Qatar, the third-largest liquefied natural gas exporter, had stopped production after Iranian drones on Monday attacked its sprawling Ras Laffan complex. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Wild-born birds recruited to teach critically endangered regent honeyeaters their lost songs 03. March 2026 (15:00) Researchers hope restoring the original song will improve breeding prospects for birds released into the wildGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastScientists have rescued the lost song of the critically endangered regent honeyeater – one of Australia’s rarest birds.Regent honeyeaters were once seen in vast flocks across south-eastern Australia, with a distribution that ranged from Queensland to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Officer ‘didn’t have time’ to turn on body-worn camera before shooting Sydney man having psychotic episode, inquest hears 03. March 2026 (15:00) Steve Pampalian fatally shot in 2023 after moving towards police while holding kitchen knives, coronial inquest toldGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA police officer has told a coronial inquest he didn’t have enough time to turn on his body-worn camera before he fatally shot a Sydney man who ran at him with two kitchen knives, amid conflicting statements on what unfolded in the critical moments before the man was killed.Steve Pampalian, 41, was shot three times by a police officer in the driveway of his home on a quiet suburban street in Sydney’s North Willoughby on 25 May 2023 after he had a psychotic episode. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ralph Babet refuses to accept sanction over ‘offensive’ and ‘disrespectful’ comments on social media 03. March 2026 (15:00) United Australia party senator says commission findings are ‘dumb’ and he will not undergo ‘ridiculous’ sensitivity training after posting slurs onlineGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe United Australia party senator Ralph Babet has refused to accept any sanction from the parliamentary behaviour watchdog over “offensive” and “disrespectful” comments on social media, calling the findings “dumb”.The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission reprimanded the Victorian senator for breaching the code of behaviour twice for the posts in 2024. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Albanese government rejected advice on Tasmanian salmon farming impact before passing pro-industry laws 03. March 2026 (15:00) FOI documents show ministers ignored recommendation for fresh inquiry that could have reduced or paused farmingGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Albanese government rushed through legislation to ensure salmon farming could continue in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour last year shortly after receiving advice warning of “substantial new information” about the industry’s environmental impact.Documents released under freedom of information laws show the environment department advised the government in late 2024 that it should revoke a 2012 decision that allowed salmon farming to expand in the vast harbour on the state’s west coast. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Spring forecast: Reeves insists Labour has ‘right economic plan’ as 2026 growth downgraded 03. March 2026 (14:48) Unemployment predicted to continue rising to 5.3% as chancellor says she is meeting energy firms amid soaring oil and gas pricesBusiness live – latest updatesRachel Reeves insisted Labour has “the right economic plan” for a world that has become “yet more uncertain” as she delivered a spring forecast that downgraded growth for this year.The chancellor was addressing MPs against the backdrop of surging energy prices, as investors fret about the impact of the spiralling conflict in the Middle East. The cost of a barrel of Brent crude was up another 7% on Tuesday, at $83.20. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sarah Everard’s mother pays tribute to ‘loving’ daughter on fifth anniversary of her murder 03. March 2026 (14:44) Susan Everard says her daughter ‘added to the beauty of the world’Sarah Everard’s mother said her daughter “added to the beauty of the world” as she paid tribute to her humour and principled nature on the five-year anniversary of her murder.Writing for British Vogue, alongside a picture of Sarah taken at V festival for an online street style series in 2010, Susan Everard said she “loved clothes and fashion” and had “her whole life ahead of her” when the photo was taken. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Full House and Senate to be briefed on Iran strikes – US politics live 03. March 2026 (14:32) Rubio, Hegseth and Caine to address lawmakersSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe embattled homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, will answer questions from lawmakers on the Senate judiciary committee today.This will be the first time she’s addressed members of Congress since federal immigration officers fatally shot two US citizens – Renee Good and Alex Pretti – during a surge of law enforcement in Minneapolis. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Minnesota launches investigation that could bring charges against US immigration officers 03. March 2026 (14:31) US county attorney is ‘confident’ her office will be able to pursue charges in cases which led to criticisms of use-of-force policiesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA Minnesota state prosecutor announced an investigation Monday that may lead to charges against federal officers, including Greg Bovino, for misconduct during an immigration enforcement crackdown.Hennepin county attorney Mary Moriarty said in a news conference that her office is already looking into 17 cases, including one where Bovino, a border patrol official, threw a smoke canister at protesters on 21 January. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
