Gray whales, once rare in San Francisco Bay, dying there at alarming rates 15. April 2026 (23:45) Researchers find increase in whale deaths in the Bay, largely because of collisions with vessels on busy shipping routeGray whales have historically been a rare sight in the San Francisco Bay. They trek from the warm lagoons of Mexico’s Baja California over 10,000 miles north to the Arctic region to feast on shrimp-like animals during the summers, seldom stopping in the busy shipping corridor for prolonged periods.But in recent years, that story has changed in a dire way. A new study, published this week in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, has found that gray whales in the Bay have been dying at alarming rates, largely due to collisions with vessels. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
France seeks release of 86-year-old French widow detained by ICE 15. April 2026 (23:42) Agents detained Marie-Therese Ross in Alabama on 1 April after she overstayed her 90-day visa, according to DHSThe French government is pressing the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the 86-year-old French widow of a military veteran from immigration custody after she was detained earlier this month.US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Marie-Therese Ross in Alabama on 1 April after she overstayed her 90-day visa, according to DHS. Ross is now being held at a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Reeves gives more energy bill support to businesses as Iran war pushes up costs 15. April 2026 (23:30) Scheme cutting bills by up to 25% expanded to cover 10,000 firms, but they will not be paid until next yearRachel Reeves has announced an expansion of support for the most energy-intensive UK businesses, as they face soaring bills as a result of the Middle East conflict.The chancellor said the long-promised British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) would be expanded to cover 10,000 companies, up from the 7,000 originally announced. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Firefighters battle out-of-control blaze at one of Australia’s two remaining oil refineries in Geelong 15. April 2026 (23:26) Smoke warning for residents south of Viva oil refinery in Corio as Geelong mayor calls fire ‘unprecedented’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA major oil refinery in Geelong, which supplies half of Victoria’s fuel and 10% of the nation’s, exploded into flames on Wednesday night and the blaze was still out of control by first light on Thursday.Fire Rescue Victoria said they responded to an incident at the Mogas (motor gasoline) unit at Viva oil refinery in Corio around 11:15pm Thursday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Shares in Allbirds surge after maker of wool sneakers announces pivot to AI 15. April 2026 (23:00) Rebrand as NewBird AI sent shares up 582% in bizarre and rapid turnaround for firm that had fallen on hard timesAllbirds, the maker of minimalist wool sneakers beloved by Silicon Valley, announced on Wednesday that it is leaving shoes behind and pivoting to artificial intelligence. The new focus and rebrand as “NewBird AI” sent the company’s stock up 582% as of mid-day during a flurry of trading.The surging stock price and new direction is a bizarre, rapid turnaround for a company that had fallen into disrepair in recent years. Once valued at $4bn, Allbirds’ shares had lost 99% of their worth since 2021 and earlier this month the company announced plans for a $39m sale to brand management firm American Exchange Company. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Child victims of online sexual abuse in UK inadequately protected, review finds 15. April 2026 (23:00) Lack of funding leaving police forces failing to keep pace with two-thirds annual increase in referrals, says reportChild victims of online sexual abuse are being inadequately protected from further harm because police forces are struggling to cope with an increase in this crime, his majesty’s chief inspector of constabulary has warned.Michelle Skeer said: “Without investment and coordination, the situation will worsen and children could be put at further risk.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Two arrested over attempted arson attack on synagogue in north London 15. April 2026 (22:49) Woman, 47, and man, 46, held on suspicion of arson endangering life after attempted Finchley attackA 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life after an attempted attack on a synagogue in Finchley, north London, as part of an investigation into what the Metropolitan police described as an “antisemitic hate crime”.The force said the woman was arrested at an address in Watford just after 4.45pm on Wednesday, while the man was arrested at 7.15pm in the Watford area. Both suspects remain in police custody. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster subsidiary operated monopoly 15. April 2026 (22:19) Verdict in states’ lawsuit says concert giant stifled competition, raising pressure for changes to ticketing marketConcert giant Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary had a harmful monopoly over big concert venues, a Manhattan federal jury has found, dealing the company a loss in a lawsuit over claims brought by dozens of US states.The jury deliberated for four days before reaching its decision on Wednesday in the closely watched case, which helped peel back the curtain on a business that dominates live entertainment across much of the world. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
MPs vote against social media ban for under-16s a second time 15. April 2026 (21:27) Commons rejects proposal by 256 to 150 to side with government on plan to tackle online harms affecting childrenMPs have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media for the second time, as the prime minister summoned tech bosses to demand tougher action on internet safety.The House of Commons rejected a Lords amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill that imposed a new age limit on using social media platforms, amid pressure from parents and campaign groups for greater urgency in tackling online harms. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Attempted arson attack a bid to scare British Jews, says leader of London synagogue 15. April 2026 (20:51) Met seeking two suspects and says overnight incident in Finchley being treated as antisemitic hate crimeA suspected attempted firebomb attack on a north London synagogue was a bid to intimidate British Jews, a leader at the place of worship has said, vowing that they would continue to work to “build bridges”.The Metropolitan police said a manhunt was under wayafter two people “wearing dark clothing and balaclavas” approached Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) just after midnight on Wednesday and threw a brick and two bottles suspected to contain petrol at the building. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
