Adani donated $600,000 to Liberal National party before 2024 state election using federal ‘loophole’ 05. February 2026 (15:00) The donations were disclosed through the Australian Electoral Commission on 2 February – but not through the state-level disclosure systemGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAdani donated more than $600,000 to the Liberal National party of Queensland before the 2024 state election, making it the party’s largest single federal donor.But the donations were not disclosed for a year, with the Greens blaming a loophole in federal electoral funding laws that allowed it to not disclose it in real time. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Donors gave $131m ahead of Australia’s 2025 election. Here’s who they are 05. February 2026 (15:00) Mining, resources and big fossil fuels donated more than $10m, or $62m if Clive Palmer’s Mineralogy donation to his Trumpet of Patriots party is includedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTechnology, fossil fuels and financial sector donors gave millions to Australian political parties ahead of the 2025 election, while lobby groups, gambling firms and hotels companies also chipped in.Analysis of Australian Electoral Commission data from the 2024-25 financial year found companies and individuals with interests in the tech sector donated more than $13m to the Labor, Liberal and Greens parties. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Possibility of US ever selling Australia nuclear submarines is increasingly remote, Aukus critics say 05. February 2026 (15:00) Malcolm Turnbull says government is ‘engaged in an exercise of denial’, as defence minister insists $368bn deal is ‘full steam ahead’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s submarine agency insists the Aukus agreement is progressing “at pace and on schedule”, but skeptics of the $368bn deal argue the chances of the US ever selling promised Virginia-class submarines to Australia are increasingly remote.The former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has said the Australian government is engaged “in an exercise of denial” about the parlous state of Aukus’s progress, while the Greens senator David Shoebridge said the deal was a “pantomime”, hopelessly one-sided in America’s favour. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump says Pretti and Good were ‘not angels’ while signalling ‘softer touch’ on immigration crackdown – US politics live 05. February 2026 (14:50) President addresses deaths in Minneapolis during NBC interview, claiming ‘nobody feels worse about shootings than ICE agents’One note, ahead of the president’s address today, we heard from Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, and a noted Trump ally.Bukele has worked closely with the Trump administration to accept flights of undocumented immigrants, who they allege are convicted criminals, and hold them in El Salvador’s mega-prison, known as CECOT. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
More than 35m unexpected salmon deaths at Scottish farms sparks outcry 05. February 2026 (14:43) Animal Equality says two surprise inspections in three years suggests ‘embarrassingly poor’ level of scrutinyScottish salmon farmers recorded more than 35m unexpected salmon deaths in just under three years but there were only two unannounced inspections of facilities over the same period.In December, the Scottish government’s secretary for rural affairs, Mairi Gougeon, said that there was “a really robust regulatory regime when it comes to fin-fish aquaculture” but animal welfare campaigners say the figures call that claim into question. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Spain hits back at Pavel Durov over mass Telegram post on social media ban plan 05. February 2026 (14:33) Founder’s extraordinary intervention has laid bare rising tensions between European governments and tech firmsEurope live – latest updatesSpain has accused Pavel Durov of “spreading lies” and seeking to undermine democratic institutions after the Telegram founder used the messaging app to attack government plans to introduce a social media ban for under-16s and to hold tech companies responsible for hateful and harmful content.Durov’s extraordinary public intervention – which came a day after Elon Musk called Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, a “true fascist totalitarian” over the proposed measures – reveals the rapidly escalating tensions between European governments and powerful global technology chiefs. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russian container ship captain jailed for six years over fatal North Sea collision 05. February 2026 (14:27) Vladimir Motin sentenced in UK for manslaughter by gross negligence after failing to take action to prevent his ship crashing into an oil tankerA Russian container ship captain has been jailed for six years after an explosive collision in the North Sea off the coast of Yorkshire killed a crew member.Vladimir Motin, 59, was told by an Old Bailey judge that he had been a “serious accident waiting to happen” as he was jailed for manslaughter by gross negligence. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Why the Bank of England is holding rates despite a weakening economy | Phillip Inman 05. February 2026 (14:18) Rising unemployment and falling inflation made a strong case for a cut but Andrew Bailey opted to wait and seeBank of England keeps interest rates on holdBusiness live – latest updatesWhen unemployment is rising and inflation falling, the Bank of England would, under normal circumstances, cut the cost of borrowing.Add to the mix a faltering economy and the public might reasonably expect a reduction in interest rates to lift their spirits. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Duke of Marlborough charged with controlling or coercive behaviour 05. February 2026 (14:10) Charles James Spencer-Churchill, 70, also faces charges he strangled his estranged wife on three occasionsThe Duke of Marlborough has appeared in court to face allegations of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, as well as accusations that he strangled her on three occasions, according to a court indictment.Charles James Spencer-Churchill, a distant relative of Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, is accused of three charges of intentional strangulation against Edla Marlborough, 57, his second wife. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trigger warnings risk ‘mollycoddling’ theatre audiences, says Tony-winning director 05. February 2026 (14:03) Exclusive: John Doyle says theatre should be able to disturb and challenge audiences, and not sanitise difficult themesThe Tony award-winning theatre director John Doyle has warned that trigger warnings before plays risks “mollycoddling” audiences and sanitising theatre.The Scottish director, who has led four British theatres, said: “Take care of the audience, but the theatre is supposed to make you uncomfortable. It’s supposed to make you fearful. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
