Josh Simons, a UK Labour MP, resigned from his role as a Cabinet Office minister after allegations about his previous think tank's activities. The think tank, Labour Together, reportedly hired a firm to look into a journalist’s background concerning a story on undeclared donations. Simons apologized, admitted to being naive, and emphasized learning from the situation.
Key Facts
Josh Simons resigned from his ministerial post on 28 February.
Before becoming an MP, Simon led a think tank called Labour Together.
Labour Together hired APCO Worldwide to investigate a Sunday Times story.
The think tank paid at least £30,000 for this investigation.
Concerns were raised about the use of confidential information.
An ethics investigation found Simons had not broken any rules.
Simons resigned believing the matter was a distraction.
UK PM Sir Keir Starmer ordered an investigation, and later accepted Simons’ resignation.
Three journalists from Lebanese TV stations were killed in an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon. The incident involved reporters from Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV and Al Mayadeen. Lebanese authorities and the journalists' employers have condemned the attack.
Key Facts
The strike took place in the town of Jezzine, southern Lebanon.
The journalists killed were Ali Shoeib, Fatima Ftouni, and Mohamed Ftouni.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Ali Shoeib's death, labeling him a Hezbollah member.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strike, citing international law violations.
This is the second accusation against Israel for targeting journalists in Lebanon during the ongoing conflict.
Over 1,100 civilians, including 120 children, have died in Lebanon during the conflict so far.
More than a million people have been displaced in Lebanon, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Josh Simons resigned from his role as a government minister. He spoke about his past work, including his time at a think tank and at Meta, and discussed topics like online safety and politics during an interview.
Key Facts
Josh Simons quit his job as a government minister.
He used to run a think tank called Labour Together.
Labour Together looked into journalists' backgrounds after a Sunday Times article.
Simons expressed regret over certain actions, calling himself 'naive.'
He previously worked at Meta, the parent company of Facebook.
He provided evidence in a social media addiction trial that Meta and YouTube lost.
The discussion also covered online safety and the Labour Party.
The possibility of the U.S. entering a recession is increasing due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which is affecting global energy prices and the stock market. Recession indicators are showing an elevated risk, with financial experts expressing concern about the economic impact of rising oil and commodity prices.
Key Facts
The conflict with Iran is causing disruptions in global energy production and increasing oil prices.
The "recession risk score" has risen to 44 out of 100, indicating an elevated risk.
All three major U.S. stock indexes have dropped by over 7% in the last month.
Iran has rejected President Trump's 15-point proposal to reduce hostilities and has presented its own demands.
President Trump has warned Iran to negotiate seriously, as more U.S. troops are deployed to the region.
Analysts at Goldman Sachs increased the predicted chance of a recession in the next year to 30%.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. economy has decreased, as shown in a recent University of Michigan survey.
Higher oil prices are impacting consumer spending and inflation expectations, despite the U.S. producing as much oil as it uses.
Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco and urged its residents to use their wealth for positive purposes and to reject the focus on power and money that contributes to wars. He emphasized peace and protecting lives from conception to natural death. Monaco’s Catholic influence remains strong, as seen in Prince Albert's refusal to legalize abortion.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, marking the first papal visit since 1538.
Pope Leo urged Monaco's wealthy to use their resources for good and avoid idolizing power and money.
He warned that the focus on power and money fuels global conflicts and harms peace.
Monaco's Prince Albert refused to legalize abortion, citing Catholic teachings.
Monaco is a small state with significant influence in areas like environmental protection.
Pope Leo used his visit to highlight how small states like Monaco can impact global issues.
Thousands of protesters took part in an anti far-right march in London, organized by the Together Alliance. The event included a range of supporters, musicians, and notable figures, with police monitoring the situation and making a couple of arrests. A separate march, organized by the Palestine Coalition, also joined the rally.
Key Facts
Thousands gathered in London for an anti far-right march organized by Together Alliance.
The protest began at 13:00 GMT, with signs against racism and ignorance.
Famous figures like Sir Lenny Henry and Leigh-Anne Pinnock supported the event.
Singer Billy Bragg was expected at the event, and music performances happened at Trafalgar Square.
Organizers reported 500,000 attendees, but police estimated closer to 50,000.
Two people were arrested for climbing pillars near Trafalgar Square.
A separate Palestine Coalition march joined the rally, planning to converge at Whitehall.
Police enforced time restrictions on the demonstration, ending it at 17:00 GMT.
Home prices have decreased significantly in some areas of the United States, with the biggest drop occurring in Pitkin County, Colorado. In this county, home prices fell by $525,000 over the last year. Other counties in Colorado, Utah, Massachusetts, and California also experienced notable price declines.
Key Facts
The median sale price of a U.S. home was $429,189 in February 2026, a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
Pitkin County, Colorado, saw the biggest price drop, with a decrease of $525,000, or 14.1%.
Garfield County, Colorado, experienced a price decrease of $411,248, or 34.9%.
San Miguel County, Colorado, had a price decline of $330,000, or 8.9%.
Summit County, Utah, saw home prices fall by $309,250, or 15.2%.
Dukes and Nantucket counties in Massachusetts experienced declines of $272,500 and $236,250, respectively.
Santa Barbara and Napa counties in California saw price drops of $256,750 and $247,500, respectively.
Factors influencing these declines include a return to pre-pandemic demand levels and changes in the mix of available homes on the market.
NASA's latest moon mission, Artemis, is making history with a diverse crew that includes a woman, a person of color, and a Canadian astronaut. This mission won't land on the moon but aims to explore farther into space than previous missions, paving the way for future moon landings.
Key Facts
The mission is called Artemis, and it's NASA's first moon mission in over 50 years.
The Artemis crew includes four astronauts: a woman, a person of color, and a Canadian.
Reid Wiseman, the mission commander, is a retired Navy captain and former NASA chief astronaut.
Victor Glover is one of the few Black astronauts at NASA and will pilot the mission.
Christina Koch holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman.
The mission will not land on or orbit the moon but will travel farther into space than past missions.
The Artemis program aims to prepare for future moon landings, with further missions planned for 2027 and 2028.
Emirates Global Aluminium in the United Arab Emirates reported that their facility was damaged by an Iranian missile and drone strike. The extent of the damage is not fully known yet, but some employees were injured, although none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Key Facts
Emirates Global Aluminium is located in the United Arab Emirates.
An Iranian strike hit the company's facilities at the Khalifa Economic Zone in Abu Dhabi.
The company's site suffered damage, but the full extent is still being assessed.
Some employees were hurt, but no life-threatening injuries were reported.
The facility produced 1.6 million tons of cast metal in 2025.
The company had significant metal stock both overseas and in storage when the conflict began.
An Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon killed an 11-year-old boy, Jawad Younes, and his uncle, Ragheb Younes. Their deaths are part of ongoing violence involving Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. Many civilians have been impacted, and tensions remain high in the region.
Key Facts
An 11-year-old boy and his uncle were killed in an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon.
The strike occurred at the family compound in Saksakiyeh village.
The attack is linked to ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran.
Lebanese health officials report over 1,100 deaths since the conflict's escalation.
Israeli military did not comment on why the Younes home was targeted.
The Younes family denies any military link to Hezbollah.
Jawad's mother expressed her son's desire to resist Israeli forces.
Three Lebanese journalists were killed in a separate Israeli strike, with claims they were Hezbollah members.
On Saturday, a large protest event known as "No Kings" will take place at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. The event opposes the Trump administration's policies, with several high-profile celebrities and political figures set to speak and perform. The protests are expected to draw large crowds across the nation.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" event is scheduled for Saturday at the Minnesota State Capitol.
The protest aims to oppose President Trump's administration and its policies.
Celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Jane Fonda, and Maggie Rogers will participate.
Organizers expect about 100,000 people in Minnesota, making it a potentially large state protest.
The protests are planned to be nonviolent.
The event follows the shooting of two Minneapolis residents by federal officers, which has fueled public outcry.
Senator Bernie Sanders plans to speak at the rally.
The event includes performances and various activities like marches and line dancing.
Ukraine and Qatar signed a defense agreement to work together against missile and drone threats. This agreement is part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visits to Gulf countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, to share Ukraine's expertise in countering drones. Ukraine aims to help Gulf nations defend against Iranian attacks.
Key Facts
Ukraine and Qatar agreed to collaborate on defense to tackle missiles and drones.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited the UAE and Qatar as part of his Gulf tour.
Ukraine has expertise in intercepting drones, which it is sharing with Gulf countries.
Iran's actions in the Gulf have led to increased security concerns among neighboring countries.
Ukraine offers a cost-effective way to down drones, unlike more expensive missile systems like Patriot.
Kyiv deployed 201 anti-drone experts to the Middle East to help with defense strategies.
The agreements also include technological collaboration and joint investments.
Zelenskyy previously signed a defense deal with Saudi Arabia during his visit.
The White House has described the upcoming "No Kings" protests in the U.S. as "Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions." These protests, potentially involving millions, focus on opposing President Trump's policies and his perceived unchecked power. The nationwide demonstrations are part of a movement that criticizes issues like military spending and economic inequality.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" protests are planned for March 28, 2026, across all 50 U.S. states.
Organizers expect over 9 million participants, making it one of the largest protests in U.S. history.
The White House dismissed the protests, calling them insignificant.
The movement is based on the idea that no leader should have unchecked power.
The protests coincide with U.S. military action in Iran and criticisms of government spending.
The flagship rally is set to take place in Minnesota, where incidents involving federal agents have drawn attention.
President Trump has dismissed the protests, asserting he is not seeking unchecked power.
Musician Bruce Springsteen will perform at the primary event in St. Paul.
Large parts of the Plains and Southeast are facing serious fire risks due to heat and dry conditions, with over 100 heat records broken across the U.S. during March. Meteorologists link these extreme temperatures to climate change, and the National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings to alert residents about the potential for rapid fire spread.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service warns of elevated fire risks due to heat and dry conditions in the Plains and Southeast.
Over 100 record or near-record temperatures are forecasted across the Southwest and southern United States.
More than 700 daily heat records were broken or tied from March 15 to 26.
Red flag warnings are given when strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures can lead to extreme fire behavior.
Studies suggest the March heat wave would be nearly impossible without climate change.
Residents are advised to follow fire safety guidance and stay informed through local forecasts.
States like southeast California and southwest Arizona recorded temperatures as high as 112 degrees in March.
16 states may have set new statewide March temperature records, pending review.
Israel's military intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, marking the first time such an attack has come from the country. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, increasing tensions around shipping in the Red Sea. This event occurs amid ongoing regional conflicts involving Iran and its allies.
Key Facts
Israel intercepted a missile from Yemen, launched by Houthi rebels.
The attack is the first of its kind from Yemen toward Israel.
The Houthis are supported by Iran and claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attack raises concerns about the security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Sirens in Israel sounded near Beer Sheba and the nuclear research center.
In parallel, U.S. troops were reported wounded in a separate Iranian strike on a Saudi base.
Iran has agreed to allow humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane.
Recent Houthi attacks have targeted over 100 merchant vessels, disrupting global shipping.
A new COVID-19 variant named "cicada," officially BA.3.2, has appeared in the U.S. and Europe. It has many mutations that might help it bypass immunity from current vaccines, but it is not yet clear how severe or transmissible it is compared to other variants.
Key Facts
The "cicada" variant, BA.3.2, was first identified in South Africa in November 2024.
It appeared in the U.S. by June 2025 in a traveler and was detected in more states by December.
Experts say the variant has 70 to 75 mutations, more than the dominant COVID-19 strains.
It's part of the omicron family and is currently a minority strain in the U.S.
The variant accounted for 30% of cases in Germany, Denmark, and The Netherlands during the winter.
The severity of the "cicada" variant is still unclear, with no current evidence it is worse than previous variants.
The variant might evade vaccines and previous immunity, but vaccines are still expected to help prevent severe illness.
Public health officials suggest getting a COVID-19 shot annually, similar to flu shots.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped significantly, especially among younger voters, according to a poll by Quantus Insights. This group was crucial in his 2024 election win, but now, many disapprove of his performance. Economic concerns and issues in Iran may be influencing these opinions.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is 42.2%, with 56.6% disapproving of his presidency.
Among people aged 18 to 29, 70.5% strongly disapprove of Trump’s job performance.
The poll surveyed 1,472 likely voters with a margin of error of ±2.8%.
60.2% of respondents think the U.S. is on the "wrong track."
Among people aged 30 to 44, support for Trump is 33.3%, with 63.4% disapproving.
Approval ratings increase slightly with age, peaking at 47.9% for those over 65.
58.9% of likely voters view U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran as excessive.
52.5% approve of the administration's 15-point plan to address tensions with Iran.
Category: world
Israeli forces have increased their attacks on southern Beirut, Lebanon. The United Nations has warned that the situation could lead to a severe humanitarian crisis due to the damage to residential areas.
Key Facts
Israeli forces have intensified their attacks on southern Beirut.
The attacks have caused significant damage to residential buildings in the city.
The United Nations has issued a warning about a potential humanitarian catastrophe.
Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon.
The conflict affects civilians living in the damaged areas.
Three journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike on their clearly marked press car in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military stated the journalists were linked to Hezbollah, while Lebanon's leaders condemned the attack as a violation of international law. Over 1,100 people have died in the ongoing regional conflict.
Key Facts
Three Lebanese journalists were killed in a marked press vehicle by an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon.
Other journalists were injured, and one paramedic died in the same attack.
The Israeli military stated that one journalist was linked to Hezbollah intelligence operations.
Lebanese leaders condemned the strike as a breach of international law, citing journalist protection under international agreements.
The conflict has resulted in over 1,142 Lebanese deaths and more than 3,300 injuries since it began in March.
The region is experiencing a conflict that has lasted several weeks, with Israeli forces advancing into southern Lebanon.
Six journalists from Al Mayadeen have died since hostilities started, including in previous strikes.
The U.S. is currently involved in a war with Iran, which began with attacks by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Despite public disapproval of the conflict and increased gas prices, U.S. lawmakers have not taken significant steps to limit President Trump's ability to continue the war. The Senate failed to pass a resolution to limit presidential war powers, with votes largely divided along party lines.
Key Facts
A war started between the U.S., Israel, and Iran on February 28.
The U.S. Senate did not pass a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers.
The Senate vote was split mostly by Republican and Democratic party lines, with only a couple of exceptions.
The Democratic-led House also has the potential to pass a resolution but has not acted.
Public opinion polls show most Americans disapprove of the war in Iran.
President Trump's approval rating has declined to 36%, according to recent polls.
Republicans in Congress largely support President Trump's actions in the conflict.
The Pentagon has sent more U.S. troops to the region, hinting at a possible ground invasion.
