A leaked memo from Sir Keir Starmer advised UK ministers to spend money in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, even if the local governments oppose these actions. The memo discusses concerns over respecting devolved governments and refers to the UK Internal Market Act, which allows the UK government to bypass local powers on certain spending decisions. This memo triggered debate over the relationship between the UK and devolved governments.
Key Facts
A leaked memo revealed Sir Keir Starmer advised ministers to spend in devolved nations even against local government wishes.
The memo suggests not being overly respectful to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland's administrations.
The UK Internal Market Act allows the UK government to spend money on areas usually controlled by devolved governments.
The memo comes after controversy over a UK government-funded project in Wales opposed by Welsh politicians.
The document highlighted upcoming Welsh and Scottish elections as important for UK governance.
Welsh Labour politicians have criticized Starmer, accusing him of undermining devolution.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth accused Labour of attacking devolution through this strategy.
The memo sparked discussions in the Welsh Parliament about respecting devolved governments' roles.
Airlines like Qantas, SAS, and Air New Zealand have raised ticket prices due to increased fuel costs following a conflict involving the US and Israel in Iran. Jet fuel prices have significantly increased, causing concerns about travel disruptions and further fare hikes. Some European airlines, however, have not yet changed their ticket prices.
Key Facts
Qantas, SAS, and Air New Zealand are increasing airfare due to higher fuel costs from the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Jet fuel prices rose to between $150 and $200 per barrel, up from $85 to $90.
The conflict disrupted oil export routes, including the crucial Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices.
SAS adjusted its fuel and ticket pricing policies, and they currently have no fuel hedged for the next 12 months.
Finnair has most of its fuel hedged but warns of potential fuel availability issues.
Air New Zealand increased domestic and international fares due to elevated jet fuel costs.
European airlines like British Airways have not yet changed ticket prices due to being well-hedged against high fuel prices.
Airspace disruptions occurred in the Middle East, affecting flights to and from regions like Dubai.
Amnesty International reports that women in Gaza face dire living conditions due to ongoing conflict with Israel. The war has caused severe disruptions to healthcare services, impacting pregnant women and those with serious illnesses. The situation has led to mass displacements and increased health complications as humanitarian aid struggles to reach the region.
Key Facts
Amnesty International claims Israel has denied Palestinian women in Gaza safe living conditions.
The conflict has led to the displacement of many people and damaged the healthcare system.
Pregnant women and those needing critical treatment face severe hardships.
Israel's actions have disrupted healthcare services, including for maternal and newborn care.
UN reports highlight shortages in medical supplies and essential services in Gaza.
Over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict started in October 2023.
Hundreds of thousands are displaced due to ongoing violence and damage to infrastructure.
Increased rates of health issues like pre-term births and malnutrition are reported among women and children.
The U.S. announced it would carry out its most intense strikes inside Iran on Tuesday as tensions continue. The White House plans to hold a briefing to discuss the situation. President Trump has made mixed statements about the duration of the conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. plans to conduct significant military strikes inside Iran.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Tuesday the "most intense" day of strikes.
The strikes target Iran as its military power weakens.
The White House is holding a briefing at 2 p.m. EDT, led by press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
President Trump has given mixed messages about how long the conflict may last.
Financial markets and oil prices experienced fluctuations due to the situation.
On Tuesday, the U.S. stock market and oil prices were relatively stable.
Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during U.S.-Israeli strikes. President Trump and Israeli officials have expressed dissatisfaction with this choice, warning of potential conflicts with the new leadership in Iran.
Key Facts
Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran's supreme leader after the death of his father in a U.S.-Israeli attack.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are critical of Khamenei's selection.
Khamenei reportedly lost multiple family members in the recent conflict, influencing his views.
Experts suggest Khamenei is likely to adopt a hard-line stance for legitimacy.
The Israel Defense Forces have threatened Iranian leadership, signaling continued tension.
The U.S. and Israel want a say in Iran's leadership due to security concerns.
Tehran, the capital of Iran, faced heavy bombing by the U.S. and Israel, marking one of the most intense nights of the ongoing conflict. The strikes hit several areas of the city, impacting residents and leading to power outages. An internet blackout across Iran has complicated communication and information sharing.
Key Facts
Tehran experienced significant bombing by U.S. and Israeli forces.
Loud and continuous explosions were heard over the city, affecting areas like Isfahan and Karaj.
U.S. Defense Secretary said the strikes on Tuesday would be the most intense.
Residents described seeing flashes of light and losing electricity, though it was restored within hours.
There is a nationwide internet blackout in Iran, severely limiting information sharing.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) on the black market are costly and unreliable due to government crackdowns.
The blackout is one of the longest and most severe in the world, following another in January.
Journalists have limited access to report on the situation, needing permits and facing restrictions.
Trade from Dubai's Port of Jebel Ali, the largest port in the Middle East, is facing disruptions due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has impacted shipping routes and has raised concerns about a potential food shortage in the region. President Trump warned Iran against actions that would further hinder oil flow through the strait.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route for global trade, especially for oil.
Dubai's Port of Jebel Ali, a major trading hub, is affected by the conflict.
Iran's blockade has resulted in higher oil prices, reaching $120 a barrel.
The conflict involves US and Israeli airstrikes, and Iran retaliated by targeting Gulf states.
President Trump has issued a warning to Iran about obstructing oil shipments.
Concerns have been raised about the potential drop in food supply to the region if the conflict continues.
Paris Fashion Week recently ended, showcasing women's ready-to-wear collections from major fashion brands. Celebrities like Zendaya attended, with reports suggesting she might be married to Tom Holland. Designers introduced various themes and styles, foreshadowing fashion trends for the upcoming seasons.
Key Facts
Paris Fashion Week presented autumn/winter women's fashion collections.
Big fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga participated.
Zendaya attended and sparked rumors of her marriage to Tom Holland.
Victoria Beckham showcased her collection, thanking her family for support.
Vivienne Westwood's show featured bold designs, continuing UK heritage.
Dior showcased its collection in an outdoor setting in Tuileries Garden.
The event highlighted upcoming fashion trends with diverse themes.
An Israeli airstrike hit a hotel in central Beirut, targeting what Israel claims were Iranian operatives meeting there. The strike killed at least four people and injured ten, shaking the community as it brought the conflict into a busy and usually safe area of the city. The incident is part of ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
Key Facts
An Israeli strike hit the Ramada Plaza hotel in central Beirut.
The strike occurred around 01:30 in the morning, targeting a secret meeting of alleged Iranian operatives.
Israel claims the operatives were part of Iran's Quds Force, involved in transferring funds to Hezbollah.
The Lebanese health ministry reported four deaths and ten injuries from the strike.
This is the first Israeli strike to hit central Beirut in the current conflict.
Many people in the area were startled, and some were injured by debris from the explosion.
The conflict has resulted in many Israeli strikes in Lebanon, with about 500 people killed so far.
Locals expressed fear as the war reached their neighborhood, which is usually bustling with activity.
Shots were fired near the United States consulate in Toronto, Canada, with no reported injuries. This incident is under investigation as a national security issue, and no suspects or motives have been identified. Heightened security measures are in place, and local and international officials have condemned the violence.
Key Facts
Gunfire occurred near the US consulate in Toronto early Tuesday morning.
Police found evidence of the shots but have not reported any injuries.
The incident is being treated as a national security issue by Canadian authorities.
No suspects or motives have been identified so far.
The incident follows protests related to US and Israeli actions against Iran.
Security has been increased at US and Israeli facilities in Toronto.
Local officials have publicly condemned the attack and related violent acts.
The US Department of State is in contact with Canadian authorities about the situation.
A public inquiry has revealed that Valdo Calocane assaulted a married couple at a warehouse in Kegworth, Leicestershire, weeks before he killed three people in Nottingham on June 13, 2023. The inquiry is investigating the events leading up to these attacks, including police and agency responses. Witnesses from various organizations have been giving evidence, and the hearings are expected to last nine weeks.
Key Facts
Valdo Calocane attacked two colleagues, a husband and wife, on May 5, 2023, at a warehouse in Kegworth.
He killed three people and attempted to kill three others in Nottingham on June 13, 2023.
The police did not collect formal statements from the assault victims before the June attacks.
The inquiry is examining the role of police and other agencies in the lead-up to the attacks.
Witnesses from the police, University of Nottingham, and other organizations are providing evidence.
Calocane was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia before the attacks.
The inquiry, which takes place in London, is set to last nine weeks.
The British warship HMS Dragon has sailed from Portsmouth to Cyprus. This deployment follows an incident on March 1 where a drone hit the runway at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, causing minor damage. The UK government confirmed this move to bolster presence in the Mediterranean.
Key Facts
HMS Dragon is a British warship, specifically a Type 45 Destroyer.
The ship has departed from Portsmouth, a port city in the UK.
The destination of HMS Dragon is Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean.
The deployment follows a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which happened on March 1.
The strike caused minimal damage to the runway according to the UK's Ministry of Defence.
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced this deployment a week prior.
There were no major British warships in the Mediterranean before HMS Dragon set sail.
Air strikes targeting oil facilities near Tehran have led to severe air pollution, including "black rain", affecting residents in the city. Satellite images show ongoing fires at damaged sites, with experts warning of serious health risks from the released pollutants. The U.S. and Israel have yet to comment on their involvement in the strikes.
Key Facts
Air strikes have damaged at least four oil facilities near Tehran since February 28.
The attacks have caused a spike in air pollution, leading to a phenomenon known as "black rain".
Satellite images from March 9 show oil facilities still burning in Tehran, affecting air quality.
The World Health Organization is concerned about the potential health risks to nearly 10 million residents.
The Israel Defense Forces previously mentioned hitting "fuel depots" near Tehran.
Pollutants from the strikes include carbon monoxide, soot, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides.
"Black rain" is contaminated rainfall resulting from pollutants in the air.
The U.S. is moving some parts of its THAAD missile defense system from South Korea to the Middle East because of ongoing regional conflicts. This decision comes amid Iran's attacks on U.S. military bases and the use of missile interceptors by the U.S. and its allies. South Korea is concerned but acknowledges the U.S. may need to adjust its defenses based on military needs.
Key Facts
The U.S. is relocating parts of the THAAD missile defense system from South Korea to the Middle East.
The Pentagon is also moving Patriot missile interceptors from various regions, including the Indo-Pacific.
The U.S. began significant military strikes against Iran on February 28.
Iranian attacks have targeted U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
South Korea opposes moving these defense systems, but the U.S. may proceed for strategic reasons.
There are nearly 30,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.
Iran has claimed it hit several U.S. THAAD radars in the Middle East.
South and North Korea remain technically at war, and tensions have increased with North Korea aligning more with Russia.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is holding an emergency meeting to evaluate the impact of the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran on global energy markets. The discussion will focus on the security of oil supplies and market conditions, with the possibility of releasing emergency oil reserves. Oil prices have been volatile due to concerns about extended shipping disruptions and production issues related to the conflict.
Key Facts
The IEA is meeting to discuss the effects of the US-Israel war on Iran on global oil markets.
Fatih Birol, the IEA executive director, stated the aim is to assess supply security and market conditions.
Oil prices have reached their highest since mid-2022 due to the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, is currently closed, affecting global supplies.
Earlier meetings with the Group of Seven (G7) did not decide on releasing oil reserves.
The IEA will analyze the pros and cons of using emergency oil reserves.
European countries are concerned about a repeat of the 2022 energy crisis.
A video showing a chocolate Labrador named Dudley meeting a newborn baby for the first time has gained a lot of attention online. Dudley gently sniffed the baby and then brought his favorite toy, an IKEA orangutan plush, to the new family member. Experts advise calm introductions between dogs and newborns, as Labradors are known for being gentle and good with children.
Key Facts
The video was shared by Shannon Moran on Instagram.
Dudley, the Labrador, sniffed the baby and brought his plush orangutan toy.
The clip received over 49,200 likes and 277,100 views.
Labradors are known for being friendly and good with children.
Animal experts suggest supervised introductions with dogs and babies.
Punch, a Japanese macaque, also went viral with a similar plush toy story.
Newsweek reached out for comments but couldn't verify all details.
A dog owner in Long Island, New York, filmed their Scottish terrier's fur freezing during a winter walk. The video shared on Instagram shows how snow clumps can form on long-haired dogs, which experts say is common but not dangerous. Veterinarians advise removing the icy snow quickly and warming the pet when back indoors.
Key Facts
A Scottish terrier's fur froze during a winter walk, which was shared in a viral Instagram video.
The video has over 585,000 views and 15,300 likes on Instagram.
Snow clumps form on dogs' fur when snow melts and refreezes as they move.
These clumps are not dangerous but can irritate the dog's skin if left too long.
Veterinarians recommend using a whisk, blow-dryer, or warm water to remove snow clumps.
Dogs can ingest harmful chemicals from de-icers or salt if they chew snowballs off.
It is advised to check dogs' paws after walks, as ice and chemicals can cause harm.
The U.S. government has issued a new security alert for American citizens in Iran, advising them to stay cautious. The alert highlights the risks of being questioned or detained, and outlines limited options for leaving the country due to suspended commercial flights. The U.S. is monitoring the situation and providing guidance for those in Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. government issued an updated security alert for Americans in Iran on March 10, 2026.
Americans in Iran are advised to shelter in place and remain vigilant.
The issuance comes amid heightened risks, including the potential for questioning, arrest, and detention by Iranian authorities.
Land departure options exist but require coordination and permissions via nearby countries like Armenia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.
Commercial flights out of Iran are not currently available.
U.S. dual nationals could face challenges, as Iran does not recognize dual nationality.
U.S. citizens needing assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland or their local U.S. embassies.
The State Department continues to monitor the situation and provide updates.
A rescue dog named Ruby Bridges, a Great Dane, is learning to play after having a tough start to life. The Stray Rescue of St. Louis shelter is helping her adapt and grow in a new, supportive home.
Key Facts
Ruby Bridges is a Great Dane rescued by Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
She "never really got to be a puppy" due to her difficult early life.
Ruby is now adjusting to playing and socializing with other dogs.
The shelter says she would benefit from a home with a fenced yard.
Ruby is learning to interact properly with people and other animals.
Her foster mom works from home, aiding in her potty training routine.
The shelter suggests Ruby would do best with older children and no cats.
Ruby is described as affectionate and eager to learn, including basic commands.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Tuesday would see the most intense day of strikes inside Iran. This comes as the U.S. military enters the 11th day of its operation against Iran.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement from the Pentagon.
Hegseth mentioned the strikes in Iran would be the most intense so far.
Iran, in the last 24 hours, fired fewer missiles than before.
General Dan Caine stated the U.S. military is in the 11th day of its operation against Iran.
Iranian official Araghchi described the U.S. strikes as a 'failure' and vowed continued resistance.
