UK ban on Palestine Action unlawful, high court judges rule 13. February 2026 (11:07) Protest group’s co-founder wins legal challenge against decision to proscribe it under anti-terrorism lawsThe co-founder of Palestine Action has won a legal challenge to the home secretary’s decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws.The proscription of Palestine Action, which categorised it alongside the likes of Islamic State, was the first of a direct action protest group and attracted widespread condemnation as well as a civil disobedience campaign defying the ban, during which more than 2,000 people have been arrested. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK weather: major road across Pennines shut as Arctic blast brings snow and ice 13. February 2026 (10:41) Section of A66 closed and warning of travel disruption amid freezing temperatures in Scotland and northern England A major road across the Pennines has been closed as an Arctic blast brought snow, ice and freezing temperatures to Scotland and northern England.The Met Office said widespread travel disruption was likely on Friday as it issued two yellow warnings that will remain in place until noon. Freezing temperatures have led to a four-day health alert for cold weather. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Shares in trucking and logistics firms plunge after AI freight tool launch 13. February 2026 (10:04) SemiCab platform by Algorhythm, previously considered a ‘penny stock’, sparks ‘category 5 paranoia’ across sectorShares in trucking and logistics companies have plunged as the sector became the latest to be targeted by investors fearful that new artificial intelligence tools could slash demand.A new tool launched by Algorhythm Holdings, a former maker of in-car karaoke systems turned AI company with a market capitalisation of just $6m (£4.4m), sparked a sell-off on Thursday that made the logistics industry the latest victim of AI jitters that have already rocked listed companies operating in the software and real estate sectors. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘A great wee place’: the small Scottish factory crafting Olympic curling stones 13. February 2026 (10:00) All stones in Cortina are made from granite found on tiny island in Firth of Clyde and crafted in East Ayrshire“It takes 60m years and about six hours to make a curling stone,” shouts Ricky English above the whine of the lathes. The operations manager at Kays Scotland is surrounded by wheels of ancient granite in varying states of refinement.It is a small business with a big responsibility: the only factory in the world to supply the Winter Olympics with curling stones. Competitors don’t travel with their own stones, which weigh about 18kg each, and with 16 required for a game. Instead, this year, 132 stones were crafted in the East Ayrshire town of Mauchline and shipped to northern Italy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Qld coalmine expansion approved by Albanese government will clear habitat and fuel climate crisis, scientists say 13. February 2026 (08:03) Conservationists estimate coal exported from expanded mine to release CO2 equivalent of about half Australia’s annual carbon footprintFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Albanese government has approved the expansion of a Queensland coalmine that will clear habitat for threatened koalas and greater gliders and add further fuel to the climate crisis, conservationists say.The extension of the Middlemount mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin – jointly owned by US company Peabody and China-owned Yancoal – would see about 85m tonnes of coal exported over 24 years. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israeli journalists fear for press freedom if UK billionaire sells TV channel stake 13. February 2026 (08:00) Union urges Leonard Blavatnik to scrap Channel 13 deal, saying it is part of Netanyahu plan ‘to capture the media’Israeli journalists have appealed to a British billionaire not to proceed with the sale of a stake in an Israeli television channel, which they warn would represent a severe blow to the independence of the country’s media.Sir Leonard Blavatnik, listed by the Sunday Times as the UK’s third richest person, is selling a nearly 15% share in Channel 13, a commercial channel that has run critical news coverage of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in recent years, including investigations into the prime minister’s financial dealings. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
First-time buyers enjoy biggest choice of low-deposit mortgages in UK since 2008 13. February 2026 (08:00) More than 500 deals now offer 95% loans as banks and building societies loosen their borrowing rulesWould-be first-time buyers have the biggest choice of low-deposit mortgages for at least 18 years, new data shows, suggesting that 2026 is looking positive for those trying to get a foot on the property ladder.In recent months many banks and building societies have been loosening their affordability rules or launching deals that let people borrow 95% of the property’s value, and in some cases more than that. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
River Thames spot among 13 sites shortlisted for swimming status 13. February 2026 (08:00) Choice could prove difficult for Thames Water, which is trying to push through a water recycling scheme nearbyThe first designated bathing water area on the River Thames in London has been proposed as one of 13 new monitored swimming areas across the country.The Thames at Ham, in south-west London, was shortlisted as a new river bathing water after campaigners gathered evidence to show thousands of people use the river for swimming throughout the year. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘We are hopeful’: small signs of recovery for Scotland’s rare capercaillie bird 13. February 2026 (07:00) Number of males at RSPB Abernethy rises to 30, after ‘huge amount of work’ by conservationists in Highlands forestsAfter decades of decline, there are signs of hope for the capercaillie, one of Britain’s most endangered birds.Populations of the charismatic grouse, which is found only in the Caledonian pine forests of the Scottish Highlands, have increased by 50%, from 20 males in 2020 to 30 in 2025 at RSPB Abernethy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
