Arundhati Roy quits Berlin film festival over ‘stay out of politics’ comment 13. February 2026 (16:02) Author says she is ‘disgusted’ by claim from jury president Wim Wenders that film-makers should remain apoliticalThe author Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlinale after the film festival’s chief jurist said film-makers must stay out of politics.The festival got off to a shaky start on Thursday after the competition jury, led by the German film-maker Wim Wenders, fielded questions about the conflict in Gaza. Asked if films can affect political change, Wenders said that “movies can change the world” but “not in a political way”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump’s immigration agenda worsening childcare crisis, lawmakers warn 13. February 2026 (15:57) Democrats questioned White House about immigration policies exacerbating childcare shortages and costsDemocratic lawmakers, led by the senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth and the representative Mike Quigley, are demanding answers about how Donald Trump’s immigration policies are exacerbating childcare shortages and costs in the US.About 20% of the childcare workforce in the US are immigrants – and as high as 70% in some regions of the US – and the president’s immigration policies could reduce the childcare workforce by an estimated 15%, according to a letter sent today by 48 lawmakers to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Canada school deaths suspect created shooting simulator on gaming platform 13. February 2026 (15:43) Roblox says it has removed account after massacre that left nine people including the shooter deadThe 18-year-old suspect in a high school shooting in British Columbia had previously created a mass shooting simulator on the gaming platform Roblox, it has been revealed.The simulator, set in what appeared to be a virtual shopping mall, allowed users – represented as Roblox-style avatars – to pick up weapons and shoot other players, 404 Media reported on Thursday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Once demoted, now deputy leader: what will Jane Hume do for the Liberal party? 13. February 2026 (15:00) The Victorian senator’s elevation may help mitigate the effects of the party dumping its first female leader after only nine months. It also suggests the moderates still hold influenceGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAfter nine months in the political wilderness, Jane Hume has made a triumphant return to the Liberal party’s senior leadership team.The Victorian senator was installed as deputy leader on Friday after Sussan Ley was ousted by Angus Taylor just 276 days into the job. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
DHS shutdown looms as battle continues on Capitol Hill over demands to rein in ICE – US politics live 13. February 2026 (14:58) Negotiations over funding bill stall as Democratic members of Congress try to force Republicans to consider measures on ICE and CBP behaviorThe annual rate of US inflation eased in January, according to the latest data consumer price index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over the last 12 months, the cost of goods has increased by 2.4% – down from 2.7% in last month’s report.Lawmakers in the House and Senate left Washington on Thursday as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) heads for another shutdown, when stopgap funding lapses tonight. Nearly all Democrats blocked a second attempt to pass the annual DHS appropriations bill as negotiations for guardrails on federal immigration enforcement have stalled. Senator John Fetterman was the only lawmaker to break ranks with the party. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US inflation falls to 2.4% in January after Trump’s tariffs led to price fluctuations 13. February 2026 (14:53) Economists predicted a slight easing of inflation, although it’s unclear whether Fed will again cut interest ratesUS inflation moderated in January to 2.4%, an easing after Donald Trump’s tariffs triggered price fluctuations last year.Prices rose 0.2% from December to January, according to data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday measuring the consumer price index (CPI), which measures the price of a basket of goods and services. Core CPI, which strips out the volatile food and energy industries, went up 0.3% over the month. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Michael Kors celebrates 45-year career by toasting chic women of New York 13. February 2026 (14:49) Night at the opera theme for Kors’ autumn-winter collection features elegant gowns draped in opulent coatsFive years ago, Covid prevented Michael Kors celebrating 40 years as a fashion designer, so nothing was going to stop him partying when that figure reached 45. “It’s crazy, I’ve been in fashion 45 years, but I’m only 32,” said Kors, 66.The sweeping double staircase of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York became the catwalk for a fashion week show dedicated to the chic women of the city. On Kors’ best dressed list is the “amazing, remarkable” Rama Duwaji, the city’s first lady as wife of the mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Bank bosses get huge pay rises in sign top City salaries back to pre-crash highs 13. February 2026 (14:46) Nat West chief executive’s £6.6m pay package for 2025 is largest since disgraced predecessor’s £7.7m in 2006Business live – latest updatesA trio of bank bosses have been handed huge pay packets in the latest sign that the vast salaries and bonuses handed to Wall Street and City of London executives in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis have started to return.NatWest on Friday revealed a £6.6m pay package for its boss, Paul Thwaite, marking the largest payout for a chief executive of the banking group since his disgraced predecessor Fred Goodwin took home £7.7m in 2006. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Good Law Project loses challenge to interim EHRC advice on single-sex spaces 13. February 2026 (14:32) Judge rejects argument that advice is legally flawed and excludes trans people from services they have long usedThe Good Law Project (GLP) has lost its legal challenge to interim advice released by the UK equalities watchdog that in effect said transgender people should be banned from using bathroom and changing facilities according to their lived gender.The advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which has since been withdrawn from its website, was published soon after the landmark supreme court ruling on biological sex last April. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Dual nationals to be denied entry to UK from 25 February unless they have British passport 13. February 2026 (14:27) New border controls require ‘certificate of entitlement’ to attach to second nationality passport that costs £589Dual British nationals have been warned they may be denied boarding a flight, ferry or train to the UK after 25 February unless they carry a valid British passport.The warning by the Home Office comes amid scores of complaints from British people living or travelling abroad who have suddenly found themselves at risk of not being allowed into the country.If you are affected by the change and want to share your story, email lisa.ocarroll@theguardian.com Continue reading...(The Guardian)
