News 04/03/26

The Israeli military says it has identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.

The IDF says its defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. The development comes after Israel launched what it described as a broad wave of attacks against Iran on Tuesday, targeting what it called the Iranian terror regime’s launch sites, aerial defence systems and additional infrastructure.

The government is halting visa routes for nationals from four countries which the Home Secretary says have abused the UK’s generosity.

An emergency brake has been placed on study visas for people from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, while work visas have also been stopped for Afghans. It is the first time the UK has implemented such visa bans. Shabana Mahmood claimed a growing number of migrants from those countries are using legal migration routes as a backdoor for claiming asylum.

Police are renewing their appeal for information over the murder of university graduate Melanie Hall nearly 30 years ago.

The 25 year old was last seen at Cadillacs nightclub in Walcot Street in Bath shortly after 1am on 9 June 1996. Her remains were found 13 years later, on 5 October 2009, beside the junction 14 northbound slip road of the M5 by workmen cutting grass. Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender said her family have endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty for almost three decades.

TikTok says it will not introduce end to end encryption for direct messages, arguing the privacy feature makes users less safe.

Encryption means only the sender and recipient can view a message and is used by platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and X. Critics say it makes it harder to prevent harmful content spreading because firms and law enforcement cannot view material sent privately.

Slough Borough Council has proposed a budget including £40 million in savings to help stabilise its finances.

Councillors will be asked to approve the 2026 to 27 budget and the wider Medium Term Financial Strategy at a Full Council meeting on 26 February. The plan outlines £15.45 million in savings next year and around £40 million through to 2028 to 29.

There’s more news on our website and social media. You can find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.