Is Trump winning or losing his war on offshore wind power? 02. February 2026 (13:30) The US president tried to kill offshore wind projects – now four are back under constructionConstruction has resumed on four offshore wind mega-projects after they survived a near fatal attack by Donald Trump’s administration thanks to rulings by federal judges. These are being seen as victories for clean energy amid a wider war being waged on it by the Trump administration.The wind farms are considered critical by grid planners as America faces an energy affordability crisis. Together, the four projects will contribute nearly five gigawatts of energy to the east coast, enough to power 3.5 million homes. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Weather tracker: Cyclone Fytia in Madagascar kills several people and floods homes 02. February 2026 (13:25) Island’s first tropical storm of season may bring 150mm of rain – meanwhile, eastern Europe freezes with possible night-time lows of -30CAt least three people have died and nearly 30,000 people have been affected by flooding after Madagascar’s first tropical storm of the season hit over the weekend.Tropical Cyclone Fytia formed to the north-west of Madagascar over the northern Mozambique Channel on Thursday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israel agrees to limited reopening of Rafah border crossing in Gaza 02. February 2026 (13:19) Tens of thousands of ill and wounded Palestinians await evacuation as diplomatic efforts inch forwardMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been reopened by Israel for a limited number of people on foot, as fragile diplomatic efforts to stabilise the conflict inch forward.Israeli forces took control of the Rafah crossing – Gaza’s only crossing not shared with Israel – in May 2024, describing it as necessary to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas. The move isolated the territory, cutting off a critical lifeline for Palestinians seeking access to medical care, travel and trade. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Public health crisis unfolding in Minneapolis as residents avoid healthcare 02. February 2026 (13:00) Providers are arranging home visits and telehealth as neighbors pick up prescriptions, groceries and diapersA public health crisis is unfolding in Minnesota as people targeted by federal agents are afraid to seek healthcare while some healthcare staff are also fearful for their safety at work.Community organizations and health providers are now arranging home visits, telehealth appointments and other alternate care. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Suffolk serial killer Steve Wright admits murdering 17-year-old in 1999 02. February 2026 (12:01) The 67-year-old pleads guilty at Old Bailey to killing Victoria Hall, his sixth murder victimThe Suffolk serial killer Steve Wright has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to killing 17-year-old Victoria Hall, his sixth murder victim.The 67-year-old had been due to go on trial at the Old Bailey for the murder of Victoria, who disappeared more than 25 years ago. He changed his plea on Monday and admitted her kidnap “by force or fraud” and murder on 19 September 1999. Wright also pleaded guilty to the attempted kidnap of Emily Doherty, then aged 22, in Felixstowe the day before. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US woman resolves misdemeanor case opened after accusing priest of predatory behavior 02. February 2026 (12:00) Heather Jones of Alabama says two-year probation agreement leaves her ‘free and clear’ of legal matterAn Alabama woman has resolved a misdemeanor case that authorities opened against her within days of speaking out about a Roman Catholic priest whom she accused of predatory behavior.Heather Jones had publicly recounted that she was 17 when the priest, Robert “Bob” Sullivan, arranged to provide her financial support in exchange for companionship including sex – prompting him to resign from the clergy in November. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New Epstein files reveal he may have trafficked girls to others despite official denials 02. February 2026 (12:00) Allegations prompt questions about officials’ contentions that there isn’t evidence to investigate third parties The disclosure of more than 3m files related to Jeffrey Epstein suggests that other men were involved in his sexual abuse, prompting questions about officials’ contentions that there isn’t evidence to investigate third parties for potential involvement in the late financier’s crimes.Some newly released documents contain allegations that Epstein provided victims to other men. Documents released in prior disclosures, as well as court documents, also point to others’ possible criminal involvement with Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Talks between Ukraine and Russia to restart on Wednesday, Kremlin says – latest news 02. February 2026 (11:59) The countries have come closer to agreeing on some issues, according to Russia, but there are some complex differencesMeanwhile, Ben Hodges, former commanding general of US army in Europe, warned that “Russia is absolutely at war with Europe, even if we don’t acknowledge it or don’t want to believe it.”Speaking at the Oslo conference I mentioned earlier, Hodges said that describing Russia’s actions as “hybrid warfare” is “terrible” and misleading, as doesn’t properly capture the extent of Russia’s hostile activities.“Europe absolutely can defend yourself. Please stop whining. Why is this so much whingeing about [on], you know, if the US leave, what are we going to do? Come on.… Europe … why are we so scared: ‘please, don’t leave the US leave…’ Please stand up to my president. Hold us accountable. Make us live up to our talking points.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopens for limited travel – latest updates 02. February 2026 (11:49) Rafah crossing in the south, which has largely been closed since May 2024, has reopened for those travelling on footMore than 400 European former top diplomats and officials have urged the EU to increase pressure on Israel to end “excesses and unremitting violations of international law” over Gaza and the West Bank.The statement, due to be sent to EU leaders on Monday, calls on the bloc and its member states to take action in line with its support for a UN resolution for a two-state solution and a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Former Liberal turned Sky News commentator Cory Bernardi to run for One Nation in South Australian election 02. February 2026 (11:43) Bernardi served under Liberal leaders including Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott before leaving the party to launch Australian ConservativesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFormer Liberal senator Cory Bernardi is the latest conservative politician to join One Nation as Pauline Hanson attempts to translate surging support in the polls into seats in parliament.Hanson said Bernardi would lead One Nation’s ticket for the legislative council at the South Australian election in March. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
