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IEA makes 10 recommendations to help households and businesses prepare for a drawn-out disruption to energy marketsThe world's energy watchdog has advised governments to reduce highway speeds and encouraged workers to carpool or, ideally, work from home to combat soaring oil prices and impending fuel shortages caused by the Middle East conflict.It has also recommended countries consider limiting car access to designated zones in large cities, by giving vehicles with odd-numbered plates access on different weekdays to those with even-numbered plates.Work from home where possible to save petrol.Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10km/h to reduce fuel usage.Encourage public transport to reduce oil demand.Limit car access to roads in large cities through a number-plate rotation scheme.Increase car sharing.Encourage efficient driving for commercial vehicles through load optimisation and vehicle maintenance.Divert LPG use from transport to preserve it for essential needs like cooking.Avoid air travel where possible.Encourage electric cooking and other options to reduce reliance on LPG.Help industrial facilities switch between different petrochemical feedstocks to free up LPG. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Lack of enforcement is allowing people to drop rubbish with complete impunity, says Clean Up BritainScores of councils across the UK have in effect ended enforcement of fines for littering, while others are letting litterers off lightly and many more are neglecting to enforce fines for fly-tipping.At least 71 councils failed to issue a single fine for littering last year, while a further 67 issued fewer than 10, according to data from the Clean Up Britain campaign. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Testing in Bentham, home to UK's highest recorded Pfas levels, finds one in four have blood levels in greatest risk categoryAlarming levels of toxic forever chemicals have been found in the blood of people living in a town previously revealed to be contaminated with the UK's highest recorded level of Pfas.Pfas, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and commonly known as forever chemicals because of their persistence in the environment, have been linked to a wide range of serious illnesses, including some cancers. They are used in a variety of consumer products but one of their most prolific uses is in firefighting foam. Continue reading...

Archivist Jo Klett says the 40 boxes of material will provide a full picture of Roger's entire working career'It's a joy to be old," wrote Roger McGough, one of Britain's most popular, prolific and funniest poets. The dog dead and the car sold."Another joy might be decluttering. After the departure of dozens of boxes of notebooks, manuscripts, drafts, project files, journals, posters, letters, personal artworks and more, McGough has admitted his house is significantly emptier. If anyone wants to buy some old empty filing cabinets then get in touch ... through you," he joked. Continue reading...

Michael Kenny's daughter Juliette, a sixth-former at a school in Kent, died one day after showing symptomsThe father of an 18-year-old school pupil who died after the meningitis outbreak in Kent said his family's devastation is immeasurable" as he called for better protection for young people.Juliette Kenny died last Saturday, one day after first showing symptoms of vomiting and discoloration in her cheeks, her father, Michael Kenny, said. Continue reading...

Government faces political fight as industry says mooted 25% levy on exports would hurt Australia's economy and energy security

Flight 41 from Los Angeles encountered patch of rough air shortly before landing in Sydney, leaving four crew injured

Prime minister makes hasty exit after people heard yelling phrases including disgrace', shame' and genocide supporters'

Samoa and Tonga raise supply concerns with foreign partners as businesses and residents in Papua New Guinea grapple with higher fuel prices amid the Iran warThe leaders of some Pacific countries have appealed for help with oil supplies while others urge against panic buying" as the import-reliant nations grapple with fears over possible fuel shortages and escalating costs caused by war in the Middle East.Oil prices have surged to nearly $110 a barrel after strikes against energy infrastructure in Iran and the Gulf states. Continue reading...

This blog is now closed - our coverage of the Middle East crisis continues hereTurning to Australia now, a petrol tsar will manage unprecedented" supply issues caused by the Middle East conflict as the finishing touches are put on measures to address dire shortages in many regional areas.Prime minister Anthony Albanese convened a snap virtual meeting of the national cabinet on Thursday to discuss major price shocks and shortages driven by the US-Israel war on Iran.My government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be over-prepared. Continue reading...

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Colombia-born Estefany Rodriguez, whose detention had alarmed press freedom advocates, freed on $10,000 bondThe Nashville journalist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this month was released from a Louisiana detention center on Thursday after spending 15 days in custody.Estefany Rodriguez, who covers immigration and other topics for the outlet Nashville Noticias, was detained in Nashville on 4 March and spent a week at a county jail in Alabama before being transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana. Her lawyers said Rodriguez was detained without warrant. Continue reading...

As other Asian economies race to conserve energy, China has huge reserves of oil and gas as well as alternative energy sources like wind and solar

Minns Labor government criticised over strategy as no new mines have been proposed for several years

Federal law says living presidents can't appear on currency, but commission approves design for US's 250th birthdayA federal arts commission on Thursday approved the final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing Donald Trump's image to help celebrate the US's 250th birthday on 4 July.The vote by the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members are supporters of the Republican president and were appointed by him earlier this year, was without objection. It clears the way for the US Mint to begin production on the coin, whose size and denomination are still under discussion. Continue reading...

US president was meeting with Japanese PM when he said: Who knows better about surprise than Japan?'

Mother and child held in notorious Rio Grande Valley detention centre despite presenting visa, family saysA Canadian mother and her seven-year-old daughter, who has autism, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas since Saturday, family members have said.Relatives of Tania Warner and her daughter Ayla Lucas say they were detained unlawfully. They are uncertain about what problem ICE found with their immigration paperwork. Continue reading...

London museum defies drop in numbers seen elsewhere, attributed to cost of living and fall in international touristsLondon's Natural History Museum (NHM) was the most popular attraction in the UK during 2025, with its renovated gardens, new climate gallery and lack of entry fee leading to record-breaking numbers of visitors.More than 7.1 million people passed through its doors, a 13% increase in visitors year on year and an all-time record for any UK museum or gallery. Continue reading...

The price of popular branded eggs has risen by over 40% in some cases while some have also shrunk in sizeShoppers are shelling out for smaller eggs again this Easter as shrinkflation takes another bite out of the favourite seasonal treat.The price of popular branded chocolate eggs has risen by more than 40% in some cases while some have also shrunk in size, according to research by the consumer champion Which?. Continue reading...

Reform, Tory and some media rhetoric runs contrary to poll showing far more voters for net zero than against itPolitical elites are out of step with the public appetite for net zero, according to analysis that identifies rightwing media narratives as fuelling a false backlash against climate action.Media coverage of net zero is more than twice as likely to be negative than public attitudes and is driving a false perception that net zero policies are unpopular with voters, the analysis found. Continue reading...

Some highs in California, Nevada and Arizona recorded at 25-35F above normal, with widespread alerts and closuresStates across the US south-west recorded blistering temperatures at the tail end of winter, including some of the hottest March temperatures ever recorded in the US, with forecasts indicating hotter days are still to come.California, Nevada and Arizona were all under heat warnings on Thursday amid record-breaking temperatures. Continue reading...

Foreign minister issues warning after Israeli attack on South Pars gasfield and as Qatar reels from retaliatory strike

James Jimmy' Gracey was at nightclub in Spanish city for spring break when he separated from friends at about 3amThe body of James Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois, was found Thursday in the water off a Barcelona beach, police in Spain said.Gracey's body was found by police divers and positively identified, the press office for Catalonia's regional police in Barcelona told the Associated Press. Continue reading...

NT coroner ends inquest into Murdoch's death, which heard the outback killer refused to reveal where he hid Falconio's body right up until his death

Lawsuit says rescission of endangerment finding - which ruled greenhouse gases threaten public health - was illegal

Reform party leader criticised for making comments after event held in London's Trafalgar Square this weekMuslim leaders have condemned Nigel Farage's call to ban public prayer by Muslims in the UK as bigoted and warned of a growing tide of hate" after the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, questioned whether the events fitted within the norms of British culture".Farage was speaking at the launch of Reform UK's manifesto for the forthcoming Scottish parliament elections when he made the remarks. Continue reading...

US president says he told Netanyahu don't do that' as he distances himself from attack that has angered Gulf alliesThe US-Israeli war against Iran has exposed further divisions between the two countries after an Israeli strike on Iran's largest gasfield angered US allies in the Gulf and prompted Donald Trump to say he knew nothing in advance about the attack - a claim that Israeli officials disputed.Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said he had spoken to Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu following the strikes on Iran's South Pars gasfield - part of a reserve shared with Qatar - and had told the Israeli prime minister to refrain from further attacks that could escalate a regional war on energy infrastructure. Continue reading...

About a quarter of prison places are unsafe, Ministry of Justice admitsThe government has reneged on a pledge to make all prison cells fire-safe or take them out of use by the end of next year, meaning tens of thousands of prisoners in England and Wales will remain at risk.The Ministry of Justice has admitted it has known for almost two decades that about a quarter of prison places are unsafe, putting the people housed in affected cells at risk. Continue reading...

House of Lords decision welcomed as landmark moment' after attempt to strike out amendment is defeated

Massive storm tracking a path to Queensland coast, which intensified offshore Thursday morning to category 5, fuelled by warm waters in Coral Sea

Nigel Farage echoed Nick Timothy's comments after he said public prayer for Ramadan was an act of domination'

Duggar, 31, was taken into custody in Arkansas and was awaiting extradition to Florida, where he faces charges

The 2024 festival was cancelled after multiple authors pulled out over the non-profit's stance on the Israel-Gaza warThe literary free speech organization PEN America has announced plans for their 2026 World Voices festival. The four day event will take place in New York and Los Angeles from 29 April to 2 May and feature writers from over 140 countries, with in person appearances from authors including Judith Butler, Bill McKibben, Cory Doctorow, Megha Majumdar and Katie Kitamura.In a press release, the event is billed as a testament to literature's ability to unite us, and to counteract the closed mindedness that has resulted in a nationalist maelstrom. It continues to affirm PEN America's commitment to championing writers and their work." Continue reading...

Anyone who was at Club Chemistry in Canterbury from 5 March to 15 March advised to get antibiotics and vaccinationThe government has announced a major expansion in vaccination against meningitis in Kent after seven new cases of the disease were confirmed in the county, taking the total number of cases to 27.On a visit to the University of Kent, the health secretary, Wes Streeting, said anyone who attended the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury from 5 March until 15 March should come forward for antibiotics and vaccination. Continue reading...

UK central bank has left rates on hold, and warned that CPI inflation will be higher in the near term as a result of the new shock to the economy' from Iran war

Heather Hallett says superhuman' efforts of workers were at times the only reason health service survived

US defense secretary suggests Thursday will be largest strike package yet ... death and destruction from above'

On second anniversary of his sister ending her life at Dignitas, Tony Marra will protest outside parliament with other campaignersTwo years after Paola Marra, on the eve of her death, appealed to politicians to change the law on assisted dying, the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill is stuck in the House of Lords. For her brother, the second anniversary of her death will be spent protesting outside parliament.Marra died aged 53 on 20 March 2024. She documented her solo journey from north London to Dignitas in Switzerland in photographs and a short film by the photographer Rankin, released posthumously, as well as in a powerful interview with the Guardian. Continue reading...

Lovehoney sponsors Aphrodite-themed pleasure garden' full of flowers associated with love and sexIt is one of the most prestigious events of the UK social calendar, but the great and good attending Chelsea flower show may be in for a shock this year as the Royal Horticultural Society unveils a sex-themed garden sponsored by a company that sells vibrators.Lovehoney, a sex toy company, is sponsoring an Aphrodite-themed pleasure garden" full of flowers and plants associated with love and sex.Chelsea flower show will be held at the Royal Hospital Gardens from 19-23 May. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Hanne, 16, from Sussex, was denied board on flight to London after weekend in CopenhagenA 16-year-old British schoolgirl has been left stranded in Denmark after she was refused board on a flight to London because of new UK border rules introduced on British dual nationals.Hanne*, from Sussex, was denied board on a flight home on 8 March after a weekend seeing her British father, who is an academic on a short work stint at a university in Copenhagen.Has your child been refused board on a flight because of the new rules? If you want to share your story, email: lisa.ocarroll@theguardian.com* Names have been changed. Continue reading...

Hungarian PM, who is facing an upcoming election, appears in no mood to compromise as EU leaders meet in Brussels this morningGermany's chancellor Friedrich Merz also called for de-escalation in the Middle East, welcoming what he said were signals by US president Donald Trump that combat action in Iran could come to an end, which could allow Europe to contribute to securing peace in the region.I am expressly grateful that the US president sent a signal in this regard last night that he is prepared to bring the fighting to an end," he told reporters ahead of an EU summit in Brussels in comments reported by Reuters. Continue reading...

Close relatives of affected post office operators will be able to make claim over harm scandal caused familiesFamily members of post office operators affected by the Horizon IT scandal will be able to claim compensation under a new government scheme.Campaigners have lobbied for compensation in relation to the harm the scandal has caused to the mental health and wellbeing of close relatives who have not been eligible under the redress schemes being run by the Post Office and the government. Continue reading...

Carriers warn they cannot hold off passing on costs for long, while some airlines plan to increase flights via Asia

The move would be a major escalation in the US-Israel war against Iran. Plus, FBI director admits to buying data tracking Americans' locationsGood morning.Donald Trump threatened to massively blow up" the world's largest gasfield after Israeli strikes on Iran's South Pars field led Tehran to take revenge on energy facilities across the Middle East.What's happening to oil and gas prices? Brent crude rose by 8% to $116 a barrel. European gas prices jumped, with the Dutch wholesale gas price up 24%.What do we know about the war's economic cost? The war cost the US $12.7bn by day six - the total is likely to have now exceeded $18bn. Here's a visualization of how that has been spent.Could US-Israeli attempts to take out Iranian leaders backfire? Some analysts think so. It is not an approach that produces Jeffersonian democrats but hardened resistance fighters. It breeds more resistance," said Sanam Vakil, an Iran expert at Chatham House.Follow our live coverage here.Who has spoken out? Labor rights activist and co-founder of the UFW Dolores Huerta, 95, released a statement on Wednesday saying: I have kept this secret long enough. My silence ends here." The report also includes the stories of two women, who were daughters of organizers in the movement, who said they were children when the grooming and abuse began. Continue reading...

Energy company plans full return to London by moving global HQ to new development on South Bank

Artist who topped UK charts with Because I Got High created comedic videos from footage, which officers claimed invaded their privacyChart-topping US rapper Afroman has been cleared of wrongdoing after Ohio police filed a lawsuit against him, alleging defamation, emotional distress and invasion of privacy after the artist used footage from a police raid on his home in a series of mocking videos.In 2022, police searched the rapper's home for evidence of drug possession and trafficking, and kidnapping. No evidence was found and no charges were filed. Continue reading...

Unemployment holds steady, but Bank of England is unlikely to be convinced by ONS data to cut interest rates

Now, the total is likely to have exceeded $18bn and counting. Where are America's war dollars going, in a war that was never declared in the first place? Continue reading...

Residents of Coen and surrounding towns in far north Queensland spent Thursday sandbagging, stockpiling food and preparing for power outages ahead of possible category 5 storm