Ladies Day returns to Cheltenham festival promising ‘glamour and glory’ 10. March 2026 (16:00) Jockey Club says aim is to get more women watching racing and revival is not a response to ‘woke’ jibesFirst and foremost, it is a huge sporting event, billed by its fans as the Olympics of jump racing – but it can also act as a social barometer, giving clues as to the state and mood of the nation.This year’s Cheltenham festival, which began on Tuesday, feels a little like a step back in time with the return of “Ladies Day” after a five-year hiatus and a reduction in the price of a pint. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Long lost George Michael film and live album set for release later this year 10. March 2026 (15:36) George Michael: The Faith Tour will receive a global cinema release alongside previously unheard music from his Wham! and solo discographiesA long lost film centered on George Michael’s landmark 1988 Faith tour is set for cinema release later this year, in addition to a new album of previously unheard live performances.George Michael: The Faith Tour is being lined up for a global big screen rollout, with footage taken from a previously unseen 14 camera shoot of Michael’s performance at Paris’ Bercy Arena in 1988. A press release bills the project as a tour de force in archival film-making, celebrating Michael’s ambition and artistry at its peak. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pete Hegseth warns of ‘most intense’ day of US strikes on Iran yet 10. March 2026 (15:30) Pentagon chief spoke with Gen Dan Caine at a press conference and blamed Iran for civilian casualties Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe Pentagon chief, Pete Hegseth, has warned that Tuesday would be the “most intense” day of US strikes yet, even as he blamed Iran for civilian casualties by claiming its forces were firing missiles from schools and hospitals.Speaking alongside Gen Dan Caine, the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, Hegseth alleged Iran was deliberately firing missiles from schools and hospitals, describing the country’s leadership as “desperate and scrambling like the terrorist cowards they are”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Aramco warns of oil market ‘catastrophe’ unless strait of Hormuz reopens soon 10. March 2026 (15:22) Saudi Arabian state oil firm calls crisis by far the biggest the region has seen but firm can reroute 70% of exports and tap crude held in storageBusiness live – latest updatesHow the Iran conflict could affect energy prices – video explainerSaudi Arabia’s state oil company has warned of “catastrophic consequences” for the world’s oil markets if the US-Israeli war with Iran continues to block shipping in the strait of Hormuz.The world’s biggest oil company expects to be able to export about 70% of its usual crude output despite the stranglehold on the vital trade artery, but its chief executive warned that there would still be “drastic” consequences for the world economy if the disruption continues. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labor MPs quietly alarmed by Albanese government’s response to US-Israel strikes on Iran 10. March 2026 (15:00) Several MPs question why the party rushed to endorse strikes that were likely in breach of international lawGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor MPs were privately alarmed about the Albanese government’s immediate response to the US and Israel’s bombing of Iran, including a statement that offered unreserved support for the legally questionable attack that sparked the war.Guardian Australia can reveal the concerns were aired during a meeting of Labor’s left faction after the first strikes on Iran in February, which triggered the conflict that has since spread across the region. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Georgia votes for successor to Marjorie Taylor Greene after Trump spat – US politics live 10. March 2026 (14:55) Trump’s pick of former prosecutor Clay Fuller likely to face Democrat and retired general Shawn Harris in runoff for House seatSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxHegseth says the aftermath of the conflict is “going to be in America’s interests” and says it “will not live under a nuclear blackmail” from Iran.It comes shortly after the defence secretary reiterated president Donald Trump’s threat that if Iran does anything to prevent the flow of oil in the strait of Hormuz, it will be hit “twenty times harder”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
I’ll also be back as Conan: Arnold Schwarzenegger to make third Barbarian film 44 years after original 10. March 2026 (14:54) The 78-year-old has announced a return to the action hero role that made his name in 1982, promising ‘all kinds of madness’Arnold Schwarzenegger is to return to the role that launched him as a movie star in a belated third instalment of the Conan the Barbarian franchise. The original film, released in 1982 and adapted from pulpy novels by Robert E Howard, saw the then bodybuilder play the chivalric sword-wielder on a quest for revenge against James Earl Jones’ cult leader Thulsa Doom.Schwarzenegger, 78, whose acting work has slowed since he returned to the profession after his stint as the governor of California, announced at the Arnold sports festival in Columbus, Ohio over the weekend that director Christopher McQuarrie, best known for his work on the Mission: Impossible franchise, would take the reins on King Conan. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Spain to formally pardon 53 women incarcerated by Franco regime 10. March 2026 (14:46) Thousands of girls were locked up by Board for the Protection of Women for ‘rehabilitation’ Spain is to formally pardon a group of 53 women who are among thousands who were incarcerated by the Franco regime on the grounds that they were supposedly “fallen or in danger of falling”.The women were locked up as adolescents by the Board for the Protection of Women, a collection of institutions run by religious orders. The board, which had echoes of Ireland’s notorious Magdalene laundries, was overseen by Carmen Polo, the wife of the dictator Gen Francisco Franco. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cathay Pacific offers £20,000 Sydney to London flight amid disruption in Gulf 10. March 2026 (14:39) Hong Kong-based airline has business-class return listed at A$39,577, as travellers seek routes avoiding Middle EastBusiness live – latest updatesThe Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is selling seats from Sydney to London for more than £20,000 in April, as passengers search for scarce long-haul flights without changing in the Middle East.The tickets, listed at A$39,577 in business class for returns departing in mid-April, far outstrip the usual fares charged even in the first class cabin. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ex-Missouri house speaker sentenced 21 months for misusing Covid relief funds 10. March 2026 (14:22) John Diehl admitted using federal pandemic loans for country club dues, cars and other personal expensesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA former Missouri state house speaker was sentenced Monday to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for misusing federal Covid-19 relief funds for his personal benefit, including the payments of his country club dues and three cars.John Diehl, the former Republican house speaker, received about $380,000 in federal loans for his law firm between 2020 and 2022 through a program intended to help cover operating expenses for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
