Police visited home of Canada school shooting suspect multiple times over mental health concerns 12. February 2026 (23:26) Canadian authorities seized firearms from the residence approximately two years ago but later returned themPolice have said they were called on multiple occasions to the home of the teenage suspect behind one of Canada’s deadliest school shootings after concerns were raised regarding mental health problems and weapons.Six people, including a teacher and five children, were killed in a school shooting on Tuesday in the western Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge. About 25 other people were injured and two of them remain in critical but stable condition. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
California to launch investigation over delayed response to wildfire in Altadena 12. February 2026 (22:32) Civil rights inquiry will assess whether LA county fire department discriminated while responding to 2025 firesThe California department of justice has launched a civil rights investigation into whether Los Angeles county discriminated against the predominantly Black community of west Altadena when responding to last year’s Eaton fire.The investigation will assess whether the fire response resulted in a “disparate impact” on west Altadena based on race, age or disability. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Irishman held by ICE was issued warrant over 2009 drug offense in Ireland 12. February 2026 (22:00) Seamus Culleton has been held for five months despite having valid work permit and being married to US nationalAn Irish court apparently issued a warrant for the arrest of the Irish man currently embroiled in controversy with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has been ramping up detentions and activity around the United States since last year.Seamus Culleton has spent five months in US custody and faces deportation despite having a valid work permit in a case that has attracted widespread publicity. His lawyer called him a “model immigrant” with no criminal record. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mexico sends aid to Cuba as Sheinbaum walks diplomatic tightrope with US 12. February 2026 (21:09) Much-needed supplies but no oil arrive on navy ships as Trump stokes island nation’s economic crisisAs the sun came up on a flat calm Florida Straits, two ships arrived off the port of Havana: the Isla Holbox, a squat logistics ship, followed by the more aggressive looking Papaloapan, whose bow ramp gave the appearance of a large beetle.The two Mexican navy ships docked on Thursday laden with humanitarian aid as part of Mexico’s efforts to support Cuba amid a deepening crisis exacerbated by Donald Trump’s economic pressure campaign. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia politics live: Liberals prepare for leadership vote; Albanese to mark 18th anniversary of national apology 12. February 2026 (21:07) Angus Taylor expected to defeat Sussan Ley. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGood morning, Krishani Dhanji here with you, thanks to Martin Farrer for getting us started.Happy spill day! And may I also remind you, it’s Friday the 13th (make of that what you will). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour and Reform candidates clash over women feeling threatened by far-right rhetoric 12. February 2026 (21:00) Angeliki Stogia tells Matthew Goodwin, who turned up to event with security, ‘women are scared to leave the house’Labour and Reform candidates came head-to-head at a hustings in Greater Manchester for the Gorton and Denton byelection, with Labour’s candidate saying women in the constituency were scared to leave the house because of her rival’s rhetoric.Angeliki Stogia hit out at Reform’s Matt Goodwin, who arrived at the offices of the Manchester Evening News, which was hosting the event, with security. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
NHS deal with AI firm Palantir called into question after officials’ concerns revealed 12. February 2026 (20:49) Exclusive: in 2025 briefing to Wes Streeting, officials warned reputation of tech firm behind US ICE operations would hinder rollout of data system in UKHealth officials fear Palantir’s reputation will hinder the delivery of a “vital” £330m NHS contract, according to briefings seen by the Guardian, sparking fresh calls for the deal to be scrapped.In 2023, ministers selected Palantir, a US surveillance technology company that also works for the Israeli military and Donald Trump’s ICE operation, to build an AI-enabled data platform to connect disparate health information across the NHS. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer ousts cabinet secretary in clear-out of top team after Mandelson scandal 12. February 2026 (20:44) Chris Wormald steps down ‘by mutual consent’ after a year in post with Antonia Romeo expected to succeed himKeir Starmer’s attempt to shake up his top team after the disastrous Peter Mandelson scandal began on Thursday, when he forced out his most senior civil servant with a view to replacing him with Antonia Romeo.The prime minister announced that Chris Wormald was stepping down “by mutual consent” after just over a year as cabinet secretary, with Romeo almost certain to succeed him as the first woman in the job. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Church of England General Synod halts work on LGBTQ+ equality 12. February 2026 (20:41) Progressive Christians speak of pain and anger as issue is put in deep freeze after London meeting• The General Synod debate on equal marriages – a timelineThe hopes of progressive Christians in the Church of England have suffered a big blow after years of bitter and divisive debate, with the C of E’s ruling body agreeing to halt work on LGBTQ+ equality.At a meeting in London on Thursday, the General Synod backed a document from bishops concluding that consensus between conservative and liberal camps within the church could not be reached. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US judge blocks Hegseth’s bid to punish Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video 12. February 2026 (20:04) Judge reprimands defense secretary over attempt to reduce Arizona senator’s military rank and pensionA US judge on Thursday blocked the Pentagon from reducing Senator Mark Kelly’s retired military rank and pension pay because he urged troops to reject unlawful orders.The preliminary ruling by Richard Leon, a George W Bush appointee, is the latest setback for Donald Trump in his campaign of vengeance against perceived political enemies, which has drawn opposition from judges across the ideological spectrum. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
