Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on March 19, 2026

You are reading the Morning Briefing newsletter. Get the news that prepares you for the day ahead, delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter.


Singtel users face issues for third day in a row

The telco said the momentary connectivity issues from last night have been resolved.

READ MORE HERE


S’pore, Japan upgrade ties to strategic partnership

Deeper cooperation planned in range of areas, from AI to the green transition.

READ MORE HERE


President Tharman warns of ‘long storm of global political instability’

World becoming more fragile but Singapore has strategic buffers amid turbulence, he added.

READ MORE HERE


US Fed holds rates unchanged over ‘uncertain’ Iran war implications

Its 11-1 vote kept rates steady at a range between 3.5% and 3.75%.

READ MORE HERE


A shadow looms over US-Israel ties despite joint action against Iran

Support for Israel is fraying among Americans, including among Trump’s Republicans.

READ MORE HERE


KL’s planned insurance a boon for workers crossing border daily

Scheme set to bridge ‘grey area’ for roughly 400,000 Malaysians who work in Singapore.

READ MORE HERE


1 dead, 1 taken to hospital after fire breaks out in Choa Chu Kang HDB flat

About 70 people were evacuated from the affected block early this morning.

READ MORE HERE


SIA ranked 3rd, Scoot 5th in World’s Best Airlines 2026 in their categories

In 2025, they were fifth and eighth in their respective categories.

READ MORE HERE


S’porean Wei Koh becomes first Asian to chair Oscars of the watch world

Over two decades, he has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most recognisable voices.

READ MORE HERE


Duo to be charged over illegal PMD modification services

The retailer was previously investigated in 2022 for displaying non-compliant devices for sale.

READ MORE HERE

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.