Newry Crown Court kicks off Donaldson trial; Eleanor Donaldson ruled unfit to stand with her husband. Jeffrey Donaldson ex-NI politician.
Devolved welfare policy shows regional differences in entitlements, with Scotland benefiting more from certain supports. England and Wales have lower access in some cases, while local council tax reductions vary by locality. Separately, SNAP benefits have shrunk as a new U.S. law raises work requirements and state cost responsibilities, impacting millions of beneficiaries.
Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish elections in May could see first ministers advocating independence, signaling a potential seismic shift in UK politics. Polls show rising support for regional parties, with debates over devolution, governance, and union stability intensifying amid broader UK political tensions.
On March 20, 2026, three victims of IRA bombings discontinued their civil lawsuit against former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams in London's High Court. The claimants sought symbolic damages, alleging Adams was a senior IRA member responsible for bombings in 1973 and 1996. Adams denied all involvement, and the case ended without costs awarded.
A yellow weather warning is in effect for northern and western Scotland, with gusts up to 80 mph expected. Winds will spread across the UK on Thursday, followed by a drop in temperatures and wintry weather, including snow on higher ground.
The scheduled Finalissima between Spain and Argentina in Qatar was canceled due to regional political tensions and safety concerns. UEFA explored alternatives, but Argentina rejected multiple options, including playing in Europe or over two legs. The match was part of the Qatar Football Festival, but regional conflicts and logistical issues led to its cancellation.
On April 1, 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated four-time World Cup champions Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, ending Italy's streak of World Cup appearances and securing Bosnia's place in the 2026 tournament. Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned following the loss. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams across North America, with Bosnia placed in Group B.
Storm Dave is expected to cause strong winds up to 90mph and heavy snow in northern Scotland over the weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and snow, predicting travel disruptions, power cuts, and potential damage across most of the UK, especially Scotland. The storm forms from a deep Atlantic low-pressure system.
France has approved a new law allowing the faster return of colonial-era artifacts. The legislation removes previous procedural hurdles, enabling negotiations between museums and countries of origin. The reform aims to address longstanding demands from African nations and reshape France's cultural diplomacy, with the process now more streamlined and open to claims based on provenance.
A car exploded outside Dunmurry police station after being hijacked to the scene. No injuries have been reported. A 66-year-old man has been charged with offences including attempted murder and explosives offences. PSNI views this as an attack possibly linked to the New IRA, continuing a pattern of dissident activity post-Good Friday Agreement.
Labour figures are in flux as Andy Burnham eyes Makerfield for a Westminster return, while Keir Starmer faces pressure over leadership timing. Streeting and Lammy are among potential contenders as the party confronts Brexit and EU questions ahead of by-elections.
The former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson has faced court on charges including one count of rape and multiple counts of indecent assault and gross indecency. The allegations span from 1985 to 2008 and involve two alleged victims. His wife Eleanor Donaldson is facing related charges in a concurrent case. Evidence includes police interviews with the complainants and a church-brokered meeting in which Donaldson allegedly apologised.