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)
Plunge in price of gold and silver rattles global stock markets 02. February 2026 (11:38) Trump’s pick of ‘respected central banker’ Kevin Warsh as Fed chair seen as catalyst for sell-off as investors sell safe haven assetsBusiness news – live updatesGold and silver prices have plunged, as a “meltdown” in the metals market deepened and rattled stock exchanges around the world.Gold prices tumbled by 8% to $4,465 an ounce on Monday, ending a run of record highs that took it to nearly $5,600 just last week, before recovering some ground. Silver fell by 7%, after a 30% slump on Friday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘There is an attempt to get rid of me’: leader of UK’s black police association alleges campaign to silence him 02. February 2026 (11:02) Exclusive: Andy George, who has been subject to several investigations, believes there is an effort to marginalise the views of those he represents“I tell you now, there is an attempt by some of the longer serving chief constables to get rid of me,” says Ch Insp Andy George. “I can guarantee I know exactly what they think of me: that I’m a wee upstart, so I am, that doesn’t know my place,” he adds with a smile.The eldest son of a Protestant mother from Armagh in Northern Ireland and a father who was born in Malaysia but served in the British army, George is the longest-serving president of the National Black Police Association (NBPA). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK house prices bounce back in January as analysts predict 2%-4% rise in 2026 02. February 2026 (10:18) Nationwide says average price of UK home rose by 0.3% last month after surprise fall in late 2025Business news – live updatesUK house prices bounced back in January after a surprise fall at the end of last year, and are predicted to improve during 2026, according to the UK’s top mortgage lender.The price of the average UK home rose by 0.3% in January, according to the lender Nationwide. That marked an improvement compared with December, when prices unexpectedly slipped by 0.4% in the weeks after Rachel Reeves’s budget in late November. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Victorian opposition leader pulls out of event headlined by Barnaby Joyce after premier accuses her of ‘cosying up’ to One Nation 02. February 2026 (09:52) Exclusive: Jess Wilson will no longer speak at Across Victoria Alliance conference in Horsham due to ‘unavoidable scheduling conflict’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Victorian opposition leader, Jess Wilson, has pulled out of an event headlined by Barnaby Joyce, after the premier accused her of “cosying up” to One Nation.A spokesperson for the Victorian opposition on Monday confirmed Wilson would no longer be speaking at the Across Victoria Alliance conference in Horsham on 9 February due to an “unavoidable scheduling conflict”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Broadcaster James Valentine retires from ABC after nearly 40 years due to cancer 02. February 2026 (08:05) ‘I need to focus on getting better, on being with family and friends and making sure that I’m giving my health my best shot’, Afternoons host saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastBroadcaster and saxophonist James Valentine is retiring from the ABC after almost 40 years, due to cancer, ending 25 years of hosting Sydney’s Afternoons program on ABC Radio.Valentine has been a fixture on the public broadcaster since he joined as host of the Afternoon Show for kids on ABC TV in 1987 after a decade of playing in bands including The Models. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
