Bari Weiss’s new CBS hires include ‘germ theory denialist’ doctor 29. January 2026 (14:00) Dr Mark Hyman, who claimed he reduced his biological age by 20 years, brought on as a contributorAmong the new hires at CBS announced by Bari Weiss is a doctor who has claimed that he has reduced his biological age by 20 years with therapies including cold plunges; that cod liver oil can treat autism and that conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia can be reversed with the kind of nutritional supplements he also sells on his online store.Dr Mark Hyman, who has been called a “germ theory denialist” by medical author Harriet Hall, and has been brought on as a contributor in Weiss’s revamping of CBS’s news division. He is perhaps the most prominent exponent of so-called “functional medicine” (FM), an alternative medicine that oncological surgeon David Gorski has described as “pure quackery”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Pesticide cocktails’ polluting apples across Europe, study finds 29. January 2026 (13:38) Pan Europe found several pesticide residues in 85% of apples, with some showing traces of up to seven chemicalsEnvironmental groups have raised the alarm after finding toxic “pesticide cocktails” in apples sold across Europe.Pan Europe, a coalition of NGOs campaigning against pesticide use, had about 60 apples bought in 13 European countries – including France, Spain, Italy and Poland – analysed for chemical residues. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russia ‘trying to bomb and freeze’ Ukrainians to submission, EU’s foreign policy chief warns – Europe live 29. January 2026 (12:06) Kaja Kallas also played down the idea of ‘a European army’ saying that it remained to be a domain for national authoritiesThe European Union has announced plan to spend €145m on aid for Ukraine “to provide protection assistance, shelter, food, cash assistance, psychosocial support, and access to water and health services” amid worsening humanitarian situation in the country after recent Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure.The European Commission said:“After more than a decade of hostilities and almost four years of full-scale war, the people of Ukraine continue to endure immense suffering. Daily civilian casualties, widespread infrastructure destruction, and mass displacement are further exacerbating the massive humanitarian needs.With Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, millions in the country are exposed to freezing temperatures.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Nothing has changed’: Minneapolis on edge despite Trump’s de-escalation vow 29. January 2026 (12:00) The departure of Greg Bovino has not quelled ICE’s raids – and hope that tensions are easing feels distantIn the days after the killing of 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, signs emerged that the Trump administration understood how quickly anger at federal immigration agents could ignite across Minnesota and the nation.Early in the week, the president touted “very good” phone calls with Minnesota governor Tim Walz – whom Trump routinely disparages – and Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Baltimore bridge collapse: crew members from ship still held by US two years on 29. January 2026 (12:00) Despite no criminal charges being brought against them, four officers have been detained since the MV Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, killing six workersSeveral crew members of a ship that collided with a bridge in Baltimore almost two years ago are still being held in the US by federal authorities despite the fact that no criminal charges have been brought against them.In the early hours of 26 March 2024, the MV Dali departed the port of Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka. While navigating the Fort McHenry channel, the 1,000ft-long Singapore-flagged cargo vessel lost power before striking the bridge. The impact resulted in the deaths of six people who were working on the bridge at the time. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
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)
