US and Israel launch joint attack on Iran as Trump urges regime change 28. February 2026 (10:36) US president calls on Iranian people to ‘take over your government’, as explosions heard across central TehranUS-Israeli attack on Iran – live updatesUS and Israel strikes on Iran – what we know so farIsrael and the US have launched a war on Iran, with Donald Trump declaring the start of “major combat operations” and calling on Iranians to rise up against their government.The US president’s comments came soon after explosions were heard across central Tehran. One apparent strike hit near the offices of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran is preparing a “crushing retaliation”, an Iranian official told Reuters. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Crazy, without limits’: Paris disco haunt of Jagger and Grace Jones to reopen 28. February 2026 (10:00) Legendary nightclub Le Palace, where Serge Gainsbourg and Prince also performed, to rise againIn the late 1970s, Le Palace in Paris’s busy theatre district was one of continental Europe’s most famous nightclubs.On the opening night on 1 March 1978, Grace Jones stunned VIP guests with her rendition of Edith Piaf’s classic La Vie en Rose. Later, Serge Gainsbourg and Prince came to perform, Bob Marley was photographed there and Mick Jagger, Andy Warhol and Karl Lagerfeld were part of a glittering cast of international celebrities, politicians, designers and models who came to drink and dance. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Deaths of 22 children in Channel due to ‘catastrophic failure’ by UK and France, NGO says 28. February 2026 (09:00) Project Play finds UK taxpayers are funding ‘record child fatalities’ and ‘repeated violence’ against children in northern FranceThe deaths of 22 children while trying to cross the Channel in the last two years, along with the mistreatment of thousands of others, were due to “catastrophic failures” of the UK and French governments, according to a new report.Project Play, an NGO that has worked with 2,192 children hoping to cross the Channel from northern France to the UK to claim asylum in the last two years, has documented the impact of the hostile conditions in northern France due to regular teargassing, evictions and dinghy-slashing by the French police. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Poisoned chalice? The BBC’s struggles to find a successor to Tim Davie 28. February 2026 (09:00) As the director general prepares to stand down, potential candidates have fallen away amid a series of crisesThere is an impressive shortlist circulating in Britain’s media circles, comprising some of the most talented executives in the business. Unfortunately for the BBC, it contains the names of figures no longer in the running to become its next director general.Those closely observing the corporation’s search for a successor to Tim Davie have been quick to note how the events of the past week help explain the alarming attrition rate. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump says US has begun ‘major combat operations’ in Iran after Israel launches strikes - live 28. February 2026 (08:59) Israel’s military sounded air raid sirens across the country ‘to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward Israel’ in retaliationFull report: Israel attacks IranBlasts have been heard in several cities, including the capital, Tehran, and Isfahan in central Iran.Reuters reports there are long queues at petrol stations in the capital, as many people try to leave. An unnamed Iranian official who spoke to the news agency said several ministries in southern Tehran had been targeted. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australians warned that Iran attack increases risk of ‘further escalation’ and flight cancellations in region 28. February 2026 (08:47) Department of foreign affairs alerts travellers to ‘extremely volatile’ situationGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s department of foreign affairs has warned of the risk of “reprisal attacks and further escalation” across the Middle East after Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Saturday.Shortly after the attacks began, Dfat updated its “Smartraveller” website’s entry on Iran, confirming that “there have been air strikes on Iran, including in Tehran and other locations”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Premier pleads for end to ‘language of division’ in politics after WA police foil alleged mass terror attack 28. February 2026 (08:20) Roger Cook condemned ‘dog whistling under the guise of immigration policy’ after police lay charges against alleged member of white supremacist groupGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe West Australian premier, Roger Cook, has urged the community to condemn the emergence of “dog whistling” and the “language of division” in mainstream politics after a 20-year-old man was charged with preparing a terrorist attack.Jayson Joseph Michaels, from Bindoon, appeared at the Perth magistrates court on Friday, charged with acting in preparation for a terrorist act, possessing a prohibited weapon, two firearms offences and using a carriage service to menace or harass. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Premium bonds: odds of a win to get worse from April 28. February 2026 (08:00) Likelihood of winning to decrease after NS&I cut the proportion of the total invested amount paid out in prizesThere was some bad news this week for Britain’s 22 million-strong army of premium bond holders: the odds of winning a prize are to get worse.National Savings and Investments (NS&I) says it is cutting the proportion of the total invested amount paid out in prizes from 3.6% to 3.3% a year with effect from April’s draw. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Harrods faces legal action over £1-a-head dining charge not going to staff 28. February 2026 (08:00) Case brought by 29 workers and backed by UVW union seen as test case that could lead to changes at other restaurantsHarrods is facing legal action over its addition of a £1-a-head cover charge to diners’ bills that does not go to workers, in a test case that could lead to changes at a string of upmarket restaurants.Legislation, which came into force in October 2024, requires business owners to hand over all tips and service charges to staff. Some restaurants, including those at Harrods, add a mandatory cover charge as well as an optional service charge and only pass on the latter to their workers. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour anxiety and accusations after big shift in Muslim vote to Greens 28. February 2026 (08:00) PM criticises ‘sectarian politics’ in byelection but party may fear Greens’ nascent leftwing political machineThe Green party’s success at winning Muslim votes in Gorton and Denton has sent tremors through Westminster, prompting recriminations and accusations from opposition parties, who sense another major realignment in British politics.Experts say Hannah Spencer’s unexpectedly wide margin of victory was delivered in part by a significant shift of Muslim voters from Labour to the Greens. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
