US leads record global surge in gas-fired power driven by AI demands, with big costs for the climate 29. January 2026 (12:00) Projects this year expected to triple global gas capacity, forecast finds, as concerns grow over impacts on planetThe US is leading a huge global surge in new gas-fired power generation that will cause a major leap in planet-heating emissions, with this record boom driven by the expansion of energy-hungry datacenters to service artificial intelligence, according to a new forecast.This year is set to shatter the annual record for new gas power additions around the world, with planned and under-construction projects earmarked for 2026 set to nearly triple the amount of existing gas capacity, a report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) found. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Doom loop of decline: how struggling high streets fuel far-right sympathies in UK 29. January 2026 (11:45) Retail accounts for 5% of the UK economy – but its visibility gives it an outsize influence on public perceptionUp and down Britain there are boarded-up shops. Banks and department stores have been replaced by vape shops, barbers and bookmakers. Shoplifting is at a record high, local services cut, and public frustration is mounting.Politically, high street decline is perfect campaign fodder for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Farage’s attack on Turkish barber shops is dog-whistle racism, minister says 29. January 2026 (11:45) Miatta Fahnbulleh accuses Reform leader of ‘politics of grievance’ while having no plan to fix UK high streetsDoom loop of decline: how struggling high streets fuel far-right sympathies in UK | AnalysisNigel Farage’s attack on Turkish barber shops amounts to dog-whistle racism without a credible plan to fix struggling high streets across the country, a government minister has said.Miatta Fahnbulleh, the devolution, faith and communities minister, said the Reform UK leader was deploying the “politics of grievance” as his populist rightwing party attempts to capitalise on high street decline. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Universal basic income could be used to soften hit from AI job losses in UK, minister says 29. January 2026 (11:40) Lord Stockwood says people in government ‘definitely’ talking about idea as technology disrupts industries• Business live – latest updatesThe UK could introduce a universal basic income (UBI) to protect workers in industries that are being disrupted by AI, the investment minister Jason Stockwood has said.“Bumpy” changes to society caused by the introduction of the technology would mean there would have to be “some sort of concessionary arrangement with jobs that go immediately”, Lord Stockwood said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Planes hit by gunfire and blasts heard at airport in Niger capital – reports 29. January 2026 (11:33) Source says two aircraft on ground ‘destroyed’ although authorities yet to comment on situationGunfire and loud blasts have been heard at the main airport in the Nigerien capital of Niamey, according to the Reuters news agency and an independent source.A witness told Reuters they heard explosions just after midnight. The airport is next to Base Aérienne 101, a military base previously used by American and then Russian troops. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Wigan lottery winner, 80, helped build counterfeit drugs empire, court told 29. January 2026 (09:54) John Eric Spiby is one of four jailed for being part of gang running operation worth up to £288mA man who won £2.4m on the national lottery helped build a multimillion pound drug empire that involved manufacturing counterfeit tablets on an industrial scale, a court has heard.John Eric Spiby, 80, was the leader of a drugs operation worth up to £288m that centred on his “quiet, rural” home near Wigan, Bolton crown court was told. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
School suspension in England only to be for pupils’ most serious misbehaviour 29. January 2026 (09:00) Policy intended to keep more children sanctioned for non-violent bad behaviour in school in ‘internal exclusion’ unitsSuspending pupils from school will be reserved for the most serious cases of bad behaviour including violence, according to the latest government guidance to be issued to schools in England.The Department for Education (DfE) is to announce a consultation on behaviour policy to be included in the forthcoming schools white paper that is intended to keep more children sanctioned for non-violent misbehaviour in schools in units known as “internal exclusion”, rather than sending them home. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
A cabal of male Liberals signals Ley’s reign is ending. But the day of a colleague’s memorial is obscene timing 29. January 2026 (08:57) As images of a secret meeting were splashed all over the media, it became clear the internal plot to oust the leader has descended into political melodramaThe images of a cabal of rightwing Liberal men gathering for clandestine talks to overthrow the party’s first female leader – hours before a memorial service for a late former colleague, no less – confirmed two things.First, the internal plot to oust Sussan Ley has descended into a political melodrama. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
The Polanski effect? These charts reveal how much the Greens have advanced 29. January 2026 (08:37) The Green party has made gains under its leader – but there is also uncertainty aheadThe Greens talk of a “Polanski effect” – a surge of momentum and visibility since Zack Polanski became leader, as the party gains attention in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.The polls offer the clearest signal so far of whether that narrative is borne out in public support. But they are not the only thing to consider and experts say the reality is hard to be certain about. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Survey of over-50s women finds almost two in three struggle with mental health 29. January 2026 (08:00) Of those affected by midlife challenges such as menopause, nine in 10 do not seek help, therapists’ organisation saysAlmost two in three women over 50 in the UK struggle with their mental health as they deal with menopause, relationship breakdowns and changes to their appearance, a survey has found.Brain fog, parents dying, children leaving home and financial pressures can also trigger difficulties such as sleeping problems, feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and a loss of zest for life. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
