LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.

When are the German Elections?

The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025

Why are they having a snap election?

The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote

Do Germans vote?

Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout

Dubai suspends flights after drone strike causes fuel tank fire

Get you up to speed: Dubai suspends flights after drone strike causes fuel tank fire

A drone strike caused a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport to burst into flames, resulting in the suspension of flights for several hours. As a result, all seven Emirates flights from Dubai to London Heathrow on Monday were cancelled.

The drone strike at Dubai International Airport resulted in the cancellation of all seven Emirates flights from Dubai to London Heathrow, disrupting the travel plans of many British nationals. According to British Airways, flights to or from Dubai are suspended until at least the end of March due to “the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability.”

Flights from Dubai International Airport are “gradually resuming” following the drone strike and subsequent fuel tank fire. British Airways has announced it will not operate flights to or from Dubai until at least the end of March due to continuing uncertainty in the region.

Dubai airport shutdown after drone strike causes disruption for thousands of Brits | News World

The latest shutdown of Dubai’s main airport because of a drone strike disrupted thousands of British travellers’ travel plans.

Earlier today, flights from Dubai Airport were suspended for several hours overnight after a drone attack caused a fuel tank to burst into flames.

Images from the scene showed thick smoke reaching into the sky in the early hours of this morning.

Many Emirates flights already in the air were diverted, while others waiting to take off were cancelled. Five flights from UK airports returned to their points of origin.

They included a flight from Edinburgh, which had made it as far as Egyptian airspace before it turned back.

Passengers onboard a flight from London Stansted nearly made it to Dubai, but were diverted to Vienna, Austria.

Dubai suspends flights after drone strike causes fuel tank fire
Smoke filled the sky after a fuel tank near the airport was struck (Picture: AP)

The suspension of flights also affected thousands of people who were hoping to finally return to the UK after being stranded in the Middle East – or other parts of the world where UK flights connect in the region – since the start of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

All seven Emirates flights from Dubai to London Heathrow on Monday were cancelled. As of 6 am, Dubai International Airport said flights were ‘gradually resuming’.

Flights to and from the airport were heavily restricted for several days following the start of the conflict on February 28.

About half a million passengers per day usually use airports in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, which are vital hubs for travel between Europe and the continents of Asia and Australia.

After the drone strike earlier, several planes were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport, southwest of the city.

Dubai International is the busiest airport in the Middle East and the busiest in the world for international passenger traffic.

Last year, 95.2 million people passed through the hub, and numbers were predicted to approach 100 million in 2026.

A smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. Flights were gradually resuming at Dubai airport on March 16, previously the world's busiest for international flights, the airport operator said, after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire nearby, as Iran kept up its Gulf attacks. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) /
Flights are gradually resuming from the airport (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

However, the war in Iran has had a significant impact on travel in the region.

British Airways announced earlier this month it would not run flights to or from Dubai – one of its most popular destinations – until at least the end of March.

In a post on social media, the airline said the decision was taken due to ‘the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability’.

Within hours of the war beginning on February 28, a missile hit Dubai Airport, injuring four people and damaging a concourse.

A further four people were injured last Wednesday when two drones fell in the vicinity of the airport.

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Oscars 2026: Highlights You May Have Overlooked – Bridesmaids, Baby Yoda, and Ballet

Oscars 2026: Highlights You May Have Overlooked – Bridesmaids, Baby Yoda, and Ballet

Oscar Highlights
One Battle After Another won six Oscars, including best picture and best director, with Amy Madigan earning her first Oscar after 40 years for best supporting actress.

Industry Reflections
Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s Oscars win spotlights increasing recognition for women, noting she is the first female cinematographer to win in this category.
Upcoming Event
Next year’s Oscars will celebrate its 97th ceremony, with date and location yet to be announced.

Briefing summary

One Battle After Another dominated the Oscars, taking home six awards, including best picture and best director, whereas Sinners followed with four wins, marking a standout night.

Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio were humorously targeted by host Conan O’Brien during the monologue, addressing their recent comments about the arts and internet culture.

History was made as Autumn Durald Arkapaw won best cinematographer, the first woman to achieve this, while Jessie Buckley became the first Irish woman to win best actress for her role in Hamlet.

Full reading: Oscars 2026: Bridesmaids, Baby Yoda and ballet bites back – the bits of the Oscars you might have missed | Ents & Arts News

One Battle After Another led the night, taking six Oscars, including best picture, best director and best supporting actor.

Sinners followed in second place, with four wins, then Frankenstein with three, but of course, the Oscars are about more than just numbers.

Here are our stand-out moments for 2026.

Timmy, Leo and Ted get roasted

Second-time host Conan O’Brien did not hold back in his opening monologue.

Taking a swipe at Timothee Chalamet‘s recent comment that “nobody cares” about opera and ballet, he joked: “I should tell you, security is tight tonight, I’m told there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.”

O’Brien added, “They’re just mad you left out jazz”.

A close-up of the audience showed a laughing Chalamet, sitting next to his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, who was wearing a sparkling red gown with a plunging neckline.

Oscars 2026: Highlights You May Have Overlooked – Bridesmaids, Baby Yoda, and Ballet
Image:
Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet making their way to their seats. Pic: AP

Leonardo DiCaprio got similar treatment, as O’Brien took a moment to restock the actor’s already plentiful supply of memes, asking him to portray “The feeling when you didn’t agree to this”.

A bemused DiCaprio gestured with his hands as he looked to the camera. Cutting away, O’Brien said: “We’ll sort it in the edit”.

The streamers came in for some harsh words, too.

Zoning in on Netflix boss Ted Sarandos, who nearly bought Warner Bros earlier this year, O’Brien joked: “It’s the first time he’s in a theatre”.

He added that Sarandos was thinking, “What are they all doing, enjoying themselves? They should be home where I can monetise it!”

O’Brien also lamented the lack of nominees for Amazon MGM: “Why isn’t the website I order toilet paper from winning more Oscars?”

Hollwyood power couple Ed Harris and Amy Madigan. Pic: AP
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Hollwyood power couple Ed Harris and Amy Madigan. Pic: AP

A real Hollywood power couple

While Chalamet and Jenner have been together for around three years – which some would say is a long time in Hollywood – the real props have to go to Hollywood power couple Amy Madigan and Ed Harris.

Exactly 40 years after she was nominated for her first Oscar for the 1985 film Twice In A Lifetime, Madigan finally won her first Oscar, bagging best supporting actress for her stellar turn as creepy Aunt Gladys in Weapons.

It’s the record for the longest time between first nomination and first win.

The 75-year-old star, who admitted to being “flummoxed” and “overwhelmed”, paid tribute to her husband of over 40 years.

She said of all her thanks: “The most important is my beloved Ed, who’s been with me forever, and that’s a long-ass time, and none of this would mean anything if he wasn’t by my side.”

Misty Copleand proving that ballet is alive and kicking at this year's Oscar ceremony. Pic: AP
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Misty Copleand proving that ballet is alive and kicking at this year’s Oscar ceremony. Pic: AP

All about the music (and the ballet)

The ceremony featured two live performances from two of the biggest movies of the night.

First, an atmospheric rendition of I Lied To You, led by Sinners star Miles Caton, with musicians and actors filling both the stage and auditorium, mirroring the iconic scene from the film.

Ballerina Misty Copeland – who has recently been in the headlines countering Chalamet’s remarks about ballet and opera – was featured in the song’s finale, twirling across the stage in red, and very much proving the point that ballet is far from dead.

(L-R): Rei Ami, Ejae and Audrey Nuna perform Golden. Pic: AP
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(L-R): Rei Ami, Ejae and Audrey Nuna perform Golden. Pic: AP

The second song of the night was Golden, from Netflix mega hit KPop Demon Hunters.

Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performed in white, flanked by a stage full of dancers with golden flags.

Meanwhile, the audience waved small lamp-like lights in the darkened auditorium, with close-ups on stars including director Steven Spielberg and One Battle star Teyana Taylor bopping away.

The movie went on to win best original song and best animated feature film, but despite its success, some fans felt the team behind the hit had been cheated after they had their speeches cut off not once but twice, with the play-off music abruptly ending both acceptance speeches.

In other musical news, Oscar’s music director Michael Bearden and his orchestra premiered the Timothee Chalamet “bum drum” – a bare mannequin bottom and two ping-pong paddles which were used several times throughout the night, referencing a scene in the film where Chalamet’s character, Marty Supreme, is spanked with a paddle.

Not often there's a tie. Pic: AP
Image:
Not often there’s a tie. Pic: AP

It’s a tie!

The best live action short film provided some unexpected drama after the category was won by not one but two films – People Exchanging Saliva and The Singers.

It is the first time since 2013 that there have been tied winners, when Skyfall and Zero Dark Thirty shared the sound editing award.

There have been five other ties in Oscars history, making this tie the seventh.

“Thank you to the Academy for supporting a movie that is weird, that is queer, and made by a majority of women!” said Natalie Musteata of Two People Exchanging Saliva.

Director Sam A Davis of Singers called his short a “simple story about the power of music and art to bring us together in a moment when we live in an increasingly isolated world”.

After the winners left the stage, host O’Brien congratulated them and said, “You just ruined 22 million Oscar pools”.

A night to remember those we have lost. Pic: AP
Image:
A night to remember those we have lost. Pic: AP

Extended In Memoriam

Looking back on a year where the industry said goodbye to so many of its own, there was an extended In Memoriam section.

Billy Crystal opened the segment honouring his best friend, Rob Reiner, who was found dead with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in their home in December.

Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with the deaths of his parents and has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.

A host of actors with longstanding ties to Reiner, including Meg Ryan, Kiefer Sutherland, Fred Savage, Demi Moore, John Cusack, and Ione Skye, appeared on the stage, with Crystal rounding off his tribute by saying, “Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle”.

Rachel McAdams paid tribute to Diane Keaton, the star of films including Annie Hall, who died in October.

McAdams said the actress “she wore so many hats literally and figuratively”, calling her “a legend with no end”.

An emotional Barbara Streisand sang The Way We Were, the title tune of the film she starred in with Robert Redford in 1973, paying tribute to the late actor-director who died in September, praising him as a man with “real backbone on and off the screen”.

Tribute was also paid to stars including British playwright Tom Stoppard, Superman star Terrance Stamp and Home Alone actress Catherine O’Hara.

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Jimmy Kimmel appeared to make a dig at Donald Trump. Pic: AP

Politics makes its way in

Host O’Brien alluded to the “chaotic and frightening times” at the top of the show, while celebrating “optimism” and the “hope of better”.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem, who was presenting the award for best international film, said as soon as he reached the microphone: “No to war and free Palestine.”

Accepting the award, Sentimental Value director Joachim Trier quoted James Baldwin, saying: “All adults are responsible for all children,” he said. “Let’s not vote for politicians that don’t take this seriously into account.”

Director Paul Thomas Anderson referenced “the mess that we left in this world”.

While presenter Jimmy Kimmel, who was briefly taken off-air last year, said, “There are some countries that don’t support free speech,” said Kimmel. “I’m not at liberty to say which. Let’s just leave it at North Korea and CBS.”

Announcing the winners of documentary short and documentary feature, Kimmel also appeared to make a dig at the US president, whose wife, Melania’s own documentary was recently released, saying, “Oh man, is he gonna be mad his wife wasn’t nominated for this”.

Please stand for Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Pic: AP
Image:
Please stand for Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Pic: AP

History is made – twice

Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win best cinematographer, for her role on Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror Sinners.

Arkapaw, who was the first woman of colour to be nominated in the category, asked all the women in the Dolby Theatre to stand, saying, “I feel like I don’t get to be here without you guys… I have gotten so much love from women throughout this whole campaign, and things like this don’t happen without you guys”.

Jessie Buckley, a shining light. Pic: AP
Image:
Jessie Buckley, a shining light. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley made history as the first Irish woman to win best actress, for her role as William Shakespeare’s wife Agnes in Hamlet.

Giving an emotional speech, Buckley dedicated her prize to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart”, revealing the name of her eight-month-old daughter, Isla, who she said was probably asleep and unaware and “dreaming of milk”.

She told her husband Freddie Sorensen, “I want to have 20,000 more babies with you”, and thanked director Chloe Zhao and writer Maggie O’Farrell for “letting me know this incandescent woman and journey to understand the capacity of a mother’s love”.

All in all, a triumph on what Mother’s Day is here in the UK.

To all those who have come before. Pic: AP
Image:
To all those who have come before. Pic: AP

For all those who came before

In possibly the most closely fought race of the night, a visibly stunned Michael B Jordan took best actor for his dual role in Sinners.

Accepting his award, Jordan thanked his family for their support, saying, “God is good, and Mamma, what’s up? Pop where you at? My dad flew over from Ghana to be here, and my sisters and my brothers”.

He went on to say: “I stand here because of the people that came before me – Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith”.

Jordan is the sixth black man to win the best actor trophy.

He added, “I know you guys wanted me to do well, and I want to do that because you guys bet on me, so thank you for keeping betting on me. I’m going to keep stepping up, and I’m going to keep being the best version of myself I can be.”

Bridesmaids reunited, for one night only. Pic: AP
Image:
Bridesmaids reunited, for one night only. Pic: AP

Bridesmaids, Baby Yoda, Anna Wintour and Lionel Richie

There were plenty of unexpected presenter appearances to keep the audience on their toes.

Bridesmaids stars Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Ellie Kemper reunited after 15 years to present best score and best original sound.

Hello (is it me you're looking for?) Pic: AP
Image:
Hello (is it me you’re looking for?) Pic: AP

Lionel Richie was back on the Oscar stage 40 years after winning an Oscar for Say You, Say Me, to present best song.

Former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour proved her comedy chops, teaming up with Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway to present best costume, ignoring Hathaway’s question about her dress and later calling her “Emily”.

Anna Wintour with Anne Hathaway, playing her role to perfection. Pic: AP
Image:
Anna Wintour with Anne Hathaway, playing her role to perfection. Pic: AP

And in perhaps the most unexpected appearance of the night, when Alien star Sigourney Weaver presented best production design alongside Pedro Pascal, Baby Yoda rocked up in the audience, sat next to Kate Hudson.

Giving Weaver the chance to reenact her famous line, “Get away from him, you bitch”, the 76-year-old followed it up by pointing to Hudson and signalling, “I’m watching you”.

Later in the evening, O’Brien castigated Baby Yoda for not being able to clap, urging, “Try to clap Grogu, try”, before adding, “What a cruel thing to do, to bring a creature who can’t clap to an award show”, as the camera zoomed in on the furry little fellow unable to reach his tiny hands together.

Cheeky Gwyneth!

And while Gwyneth Paltrow was not up for an award, she didn’t disappoint in the fashion department.

Paltrow was part of the team presenting the first-ever best casting award.

From the front, her elegant Georgio Armani gown looked tame – almost bridal – but a side glance of the ivory silk dress revealed fully cutout sides.

Although Paltrow wore sparkly, nude tulle trousers underneath, the resulting look revealed plenty of skin, earning plenty of second looks on the red carpet, 27 years on from her best actress win.

Trump calls on allies to send naval vessels to secure Strait of Hormuz

Trump calls on allies to send naval vessels to secure Strait of Hormuz

Trump’s Request
Donald Trump has urged allies, including the UK and France, to send naval ships to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid rising energy prices and ongoing conflict.
EU Mission Update
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supports expanding the Aspides mission to reinforce maritime traffic security in Hormuz amidst rising tensions.
Status update
France is set to lead an EU mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing concerns over energy supply and navigation safety amid rising tensions.

Briefing summary

US President Donald Trump has urged allies, including the United Kingdom and France, to send naval vessels to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for oil traffic. He warned of a “bad future” for NATO if his request is ignored.

European leaders express caution regarding Trump’s call, with many nations hesitant to expand the Aspides mission due to regional security concerns. Italian officials advocate for reinforcing the mission to ensure maritime traffic, highlighting its importance for global energy stability.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz critical to Europe?

Trump calls on allies to send naval vessels to secure Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has called on allies to send ships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closed since the war in Iran started last month, and responsible for one-fifth of global oil traffic. If allies do not respond to the US or react negatively, Trump has threatened a “bad future” for NATO.

While the Americans call reopening the waterway “a small endeavour”, Europeans say the reality on the ground is far more complex and riskier as Tehran fires off missiles and drones indiscriminately.

But why is securing passage so crucial? EU News explains:

Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?

For a simple reason: it is one of the most strategic and vital corridors for the transport of energy.

Lying between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz accounts for 20% of global production oil. Without it, the global energy market could choke.

In fact, oil prices have soared since above $100 a barrel and analysts warn it could trade in the range of $150 to $200 if the conflict broadens in intensity and length.

For Europe, which has struggled to secure a stable energy supply since it cut off ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East could translate into yet another energy crisis impacting households and the industry.

The Strait is also a key passage for fertilisers into Europe. In addition to handling oil and gas supply, around 13% of global fertiliser exports, according to the United Nations, also pass through the Gulf’s only access to the open ocean — an important contributor to the world’s food production.

“If there’s a lack of fertilisers this year, it’s going to be food deprivation next year,” the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, told reporters ahead of the foreign affairs council today.

What is Donald Trump asking for?

Trump urged the United Kingdom, France, China, and Japan to send naval vessels to the region to protect oil shipments as energy prices have surged following US‑Israeli strikes on Iran and the waterway’s effective closure in the ensuing crisis.

The US President demanded that these countries protect their own territory, claiming it is the region from which they get their energy. French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that France is to lead the EU mission to reopen the Strait.

The International Energy Agency’s latest announcement to release 400,000 oil barrels from reserves last week hasn’t calmed energy markets, further urging EU leaders to find ways to ensure free and safe passage for ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s call for help comes only days after he dubbed Europe “weak” given its reliance on NATO for military protection in the face of a defiant Russia gaining ground against the Ukrainians.

So far, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom have all rejected Trump’s calls to escort ships through the Strait.

How will the EU respond?

The main topic at Monday’s gathering of foreign affairs ministers will be how to help secure access to the Strait of Hormuz and prevent major disruptions to global oil supplies.

Its mandate is to “protect vessels,” safeguard freedom of navigation and “monitor the maritime situation in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf,” according to the Council.

However, many countries have expressed reservations towards changing the Aspides mandate.

A European diplomat told EU News the goal of the meeting is to establish capabilities and coordinate under the EU umbrella but did not foresee a large European coalition would emerge to escort ships out of the Strait of Hormuz in line with Trump’s request.

Both Germany and Romania have expressed doubts about such a mission. Its Foreign Affairs Minister, Oana-Silvia Toiu, suggested that Bucharest doesn’t want to get involved in the Aspides mission, as the country needs to keep its focus on its naval capabilities in the Black Sea.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani said the “line of diplomacy” must prevail above all, noting that freedom of navigation through Hormuz interests not only Western countries but also the whole world, including China.

Yet the Italian politician overall supports expanding Aspides to patrol Hormuz. “We are at the helm of the Aspides mission, which I think must be reinforced to guarantee maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Suez. We will continue to work in that direction,” Tajani said.

What is Aspides naval mission?

The operation involves naval assets from several member states, including France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain. Its role is defensive, focusing on escorting merchant vessels and intercepting drones or missiles that threaten international shipping routes.

Its mandate is to “protect vessels,” safeguard freedom of navigation and “monitor the maritime situation in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf,” according to the Council

Is Russian energy part of the solution to the bloc’s crisis?

De Wever said that choosing that path is only “common sense” because the EU27 is facing a cascading energy crisis that risks driving the bloc into an economic recession.

Tajani also supported the possibility of the EU importing Russian energy in the future. However, he emphasized that as long as Russia continues its military aggression against Ukraine, the bloc should maintain a critical stance and keep sanctions in place against Moscow.

But once the war is over, the Italian said, a new season will begin.

“Once peace is reached, we are not at war with Russia, we can start doing what we used to do a long time ago, but now there is a situation that prevents us from having a remiss attitude towards the Russian Federation,” Tajani told reporters on Monday.

However, other ministers were far less enthusiastic about De Wever’s proposal.

Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Ebba Busch argued that reversing that decision on Russian oil would make the EU’s word and values meaningless.

“We are determined to stay on course. It would be a mistake for us to repeat what we did in the past. The signal is very clear: in the future, we will not import any more molecules from Russia,” Jørgensen added.

A foul, mysterious odour is plaguing our town – it’s unbearable and worsening

Get you up to speed: “A foul, mysterious odour is plaguing our town – it’s unbearable and worsening”

LOCAL ODOUR CRISIS
Residents in Newport, Gwent, are reporting a persistent foul smell, prompting investigations by Newport City Council and National Resources Wales to identify the source.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
National Resources Wales is conducting off-site odour assessments as Newport City Council investigates complaints of a persistent, noxious smell affecting local residents.
SMELL INVESTIGATION
National Resources Wales is conducting off-site odour assessments, while Newport City Council’s environmental protection officers are monitoring the area to identify the source of the ongoing stench.

What we know so far

An ‘insufferable’ smell is affecting residents in Newport, Gwent, prompting fears it will worsen until authorities determine its source. Locals believe the odour originates from the docks area, with complaints persisting for several months.

Officials from the Dockland have stated the smell is not linked to port activities, yet the unpleasant stench has been ongoing. Natasha Asghar MS, MP for South Wales East, expressed concern, stating it is affecting many constituents and urging the city council to resolve the issue promptly.

Environmental protection officers from Newport City Council are conducting monitoring visits to identify the source of the odour. Meanwhile, National Resources Wales is also assessing off-site to find the culprit. Some residents suspect the stench may be related to nearby landfill or sewage issues, with one local describing it as akin to rotten eggs.

The growing frustration among residents is evident, with many worried about the potential health impacts, particularly on children. They hope for a swift resolution to this ongoing problem.

Read in full

‘A nasty mystery smell is blighting our town – it’s insufferable and getting worse’ | News UK

A foul, mysterious odour is plaguing our town – it’s unbearable and worsening
Some families said they can smell it all night, even with windows and doors shut (Picture: Getty)

An ‘insufferable’ smell is plaguing locals in Wales, who fear it will only get worse until authorities find what’s behind it.

Families living in Newport, Gwent, believe the odour is coming from the docks area – and officials are investigating.

Dockland officials have said the smell is not linked to port activities, but the stench has been reported for months now.

Natasha Asghar MS, MP for South Wales East, said: ‘With residents in various locations across Newport reporting a nasty ongoing odour, the city council and key partners must get to the bottom of this issue.

‘This issue has been rumbling on for several months now, and it is understandably having a negative impact on many of my constituents, yet it appears we are no closer to finding out what’s causing the problem.’

Associated British Ports said they’ve searched their operations and found nothing on site that would ‘produce the odour reported’.

Two cars driving in opposite directions in front of a stop junction.
The locals are becoming upset over the lingering scent (Picture: Getty)

Locals have said the stench is akin to rotten eggs and sulfur, with many blaming the Docks Way landfill site.

Others speculate it could be unaddressed sewage issues, but the culprit hasn’t yet been found.

National Resources Wales has gotten involved, conducting off-site odour assessments to find the source of the awful stench.

Some locals have blamed the Welsh water infrastructure, citing the £44.7 million enforcement package against Welsh Water for ‘serious and unacceptable’ breaches of the sewage network.

Newport City Council said that environmental protection officers are ‘carrying out monitoring visits in an effort to identify the source’.

Still, locals are becoming upset after months of dealing with the ‘insufferable’ odour.

One local commented: ‘It’s been weeks off and on. Farms are one smell, but this is chemical. Its dreadful some days.’

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Another pointed out: ‘Normally it’s the local pig farm. But the other day the smell was sulphurous.’

One mum said: ‘I have young children, and even when all windows and doors are shut all night, I can smell it when I am up with them for feeds…

‘I am worried if it is not going to be good for their bodies/lungs? Probably sleep-deprived anxiety.’

One woman observed: ‘I have lived in Duffryn for 10 years, the smell has always been here. The flies are HORRIFIC, and every year they get worse. I always thought it was the maggot farm and the tip.’

Israel claims to have located Iran’s Supreme Leader amid ongoing conflict

Get you up to speed: Israel claims to have located Iran‘s Supreme Leader amid ongoing conflict

Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts earlier this month. An Israeli security official claimed that they have located Khamenei, who has been previously unaccounted for since taking over after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has vowed to avenge the deaths of Iranians following the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, according to state-controlled media. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Khamenei is in ‘good health’ and is sheltering in a secure location with limited communication.

Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement vowing to avenge the deaths of Iranians following the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, while Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed Khamenei’s good health and stated that his public appearances are at his discretion. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 2,000 casualties, primarily among Iranian and Lebanese civilians, with oil prices surging and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing £53,000,000 in support for affected households.

Israel ‘knows’ where Iran’s leader is after Trump suggests he’s dead | News World

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Israel’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader (Picture: Reuters/Getty)

Iran’s missing-in-action Supreme Leader has been tracked down by Israel, a security official has claimed.

Mojtaba Khamenei hasn’t been seen since he took over as leader after US-Israeli strikes killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28.

Khamenei issued a defiant statement carried by state-controlled media on Thursday, vowing to avenge the deaths of Iranians.

US President Donald Trump suggested that Khamenei is dead during an interview with NBC News over the weekend.

‘So far, nobody’s been able to show him,’ he told the American broadcaster.

Yet an Israeli official told the Daily Mail yesterday: ‘We know where he is.’

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He was appointed leader last week Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)

They cautioned against reading Iranian news channels amid reports that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu has died of a heart attack.

Experts have also cast doubt on the new Ayotollah’s statement, suggesting Iranian figures may have delivered them in his name. Rumours have even swirled that the leader has flown to Russia.

Iran has dismissed these claims, saying that Khamenei is sheltering at a highly secure location with limited communication.

Revealing his location would put him in danger, with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi saying he is in ‘good health’ yesterday.

He added to The New Arab: ‘The timing of televised messages or direct appearances before the people is his prerogative.’

Khamenei was appointed leader earlier this month by the Assembly of Experts, a group of 88 senior clerics

Reports initially said Khamenei had died in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran – he survived but his parents and wife were killed.

Plumes of smoke and fire rise after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility, according to authorities, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, is among the areas of the Gulf struck by Iran in recent days (Picture: AP)

At his inauguration, a cardboard cutout with his image was used.

The American-Israeli air war against Iran, now in its third week, has so far killed more than 2,000 people, mainly Iranian and Lebanese civilians.

With few signs that the conflict will be over anytime soon, oil prices have surged as ships cannot pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a channel in the Persian Gulf that carries a fifth of the world’s oil.

Prices at the pump have become so eye-watering that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced £53,000,000 in support for some households.

Cyprus has been pounded by drones, striking a British air base, with European leaders sending warships to the country.

Gulf nations have been dragged into the war, with Iran launching attacks against Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Restaurants and universities across South Asia, especially in India and Bangladesh, meanwhile, have closed to conserve fuel.

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Trump: US Will Take Action on Cuba Following Unusual Protests

Trump: US Will Take Action on Cuba Following Unusual Protests

Cuba Action Possible
Donald Trump indicated potential US action regarding Cuba after the Iran conflict, stating that talks are ongoing but prioritizing Iran first.

Market Reaction
Following Trump’s comments, U.S. stocks in energy sectors experienced minor fluctuations amid rising concerns about potential geopolitical tensions affecting oil supplies.
Upcoming talks
Discussions between the US and Cuba are ongoing as both nations seek solutions amid Cuba’s worsening economic crisis.

Briefing summary

Donald Trump said the US could take action in Cuba after the Iran conflict, indicating a potential deal with Cuba or other measures, although no action will occur until after the Iran situation is resolved.

Following a rare riot in Cuba over blackouts, President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed ongoing talks with the US, aiming to mitigate long-standing bilateral tensions and economic crises exacerbated by oil disruptions.

Full reading: Donald Trump says US will ‘do what we have to’ over Cuba days after rare riot | World News

Donald Trump has warned the US could take action in Cuba after his Iran war, days after a rare riot on the island.

The US president said on Sunday that they could reach a deal with Cuba or “do whatever we have to do”.

But Mr Trump suggested no action would be taken in Cuba until his war in Iran was over.

It also comes after a rare riot in Cuba on Saturday, during which protesters attacked the Communist Party office over blackouts, according to local media.

Iran war latest: Trump issues warning to NATO over Iran

‘We’re going to do Iran before Cuba’

Donald Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One on Sunday. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Donald Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One on Sunday. Pic: Reuters

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said: “Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or ​do whatever we have to do.

“We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba.”

He also suggested on Monday that Cuba may be the target of a “friendly takeover” before adding it “may not be a friendly takeover”.

His comments follow years of tensions between Washington and Havana, with sanctions and disputes over migration and security among issues.

Cuba’s President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, said on Friday his country had opened talks with the US as it continues to face one of its worst economic crises in decades.

‘Away from confrontation’


Iran war: Trump demands help from allies

He said: “These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations.”

Mr Diaz-Canel added that he hoped negotiations would move the long-term rivals “away from confrontation”.

Cuba’s economic turmoil has been exacerbated by disruptions in imported oil, which it relies on to run power plants and transportation networks.

Fuel shortages have also forced authorities to impose rolling electricity outages and to limit some public services.

During Saturday’s riot, the anti-government protesters began rallying peacefully before turning violent, a state-run newspaper said.


‘We will soon get the Hormuz Strait’

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Videos on social media showed people throwing rocks through the windows of a building as they shouted “liberty” in the background.

Mr Diaz-Canel said he felt the anger was understandable but that “there would be no impunity for vandalism and violence”.

In recent weeks, Mr Trump has insisted Cuba was on the verge of collapse or eager to make a deal with the US.

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