FBI to investigate Minneapolis activists after far-right claim about Signal chats 27. January 2026 (17:47) The FBI director, Kash Patel, said the inquiry followed a far-right influencer’s post about anti-ICE Signal chatsThe FBI director, Kash Patel, announced on Monday he was launching a criminal investigation into group chats used by Minneapolis protesters on the Signal messaging app, based on a social media post by the far-right personality Cam Higby.Patel used the podcast of another rightwing personality, Benny Johnson, to break the news. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Not surprised at all’: Fareham voters size up Suella Braverman’s Reform switch 27. January 2026 (17:45) Some in Hampshire constituency happy to vote for former Tory MP again but others find defection ‘quite alarming’For Jamie Jewell, the pub owner at the Golden Lion, there has been radio silence from his local MP, Suella Braverman. In January last year, the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville visited the pub, offered to help the owners with removing a protected tree that was damaging the property, and posted photos with the staff on her Facebook page and for local media.Jewell has not heard back from her since. “I’ve sent emails saying ‘we need support here’ and never received a response. Not even an acknowledgment,” Jewell said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Reform byelection candidate refuses to disown claim that people born in UK not necessarily British 27. January 2026 (17:36) Matthew Goodwin, who is standing in Gorton and Denton, said UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds were not always BritishUK politics live – latest updatesThe Reform UK candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection has refused to disown his claim that UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British.Matthew Goodwin, a hard-right activist, was unveiled on Tuesday as the party’s candidate in the demographically diverse seat in south-east Manchester. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UPS says it would cut up to 30,000 jobs this year as it aims to boost turnaround 27. January 2026 (17:11) United Parcel Service adds to 2025 job reductions as delivery giant slashes low-profit Amazon deliveriesUnited Parcel Service on Tuesday said it would cut up to 30,000 operational roles in 2026, adding to last year’s job reductions as the delivery giant looks to accelerate a turnaround fueled by a pivot to higher-margin shipments.The company also beat Wall Street estimates for quarterly results in the all-important holiday period and forecast a surprise rise in annual revenue. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Minnesota judge summons acting ICE director, warns of contempt over court defiance 27. January 2026 (16:33) Chief judge orders Todd Lyons to appear, saying patience is exhausted as migrants remain jailed despite rulingsMinnesota’s top federal judge has summoned the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to appear before him on Friday, warning he may be held in contempt for allegedly defying court orders.Chief US district judge Patrick Schiltz demanded ICE lead Todd Lyons explain himself personally in a three-page order issued Monday evening, declaring that “the court’s patience is at an end”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘I lost part of my heart’: last of Japan’s pandas leave for China as ties fray 27. January 2026 (15:33) Hundreds at zoo in Tokyo say farewell to Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, as China ends ‘panda diplomacy’ with JapanHundreds of people have gathered to say farewell to two popular pandas departing Tokyo for China, leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in 50 years, as ties between the Asian neighbours fray.Panda twins Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao were transported by truck out of Ueno zoological gardens, their birthplace, disappointing many Japanese fans who have grown attached to the furry four-year-olds. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Bovino’s future in doubt as White House walks back initial claims about Alex Pretti – US politics live 27. January 2026 (15:03) Trump strikes conciliatory tone with Minnesota governor Tim Walz after pair speak last night as Bovino is reportedly stripped of ‘commander at large’ title Melania Trump has called for “unity” in the wake of the fatal federal law enforcement shootings of US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and widespread peaceful protests this month.Asked about the tensions in Minneapolis on Fox News this morning, the first lady said:We need to unify. I’m calling for unity. I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sussan Ley has two factors working in her favour as rumours of a Liberal leadership mutiny swirl 27. January 2026 (15:00) As Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor emerge as likely challengers, two things could buy Ley some timeGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn the chaotic few hours after the Nationals leader, David Littleproud, blew up the Coalition, one thing appeared clear to many Liberal MPs.Sussan Ley’s leadership of the Liberal party was all but over. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
How ICE is using facial recognition in Minnesota 27. January 2026 (15:00) Mobile Fortify app being used to scan faces of citizens and immigrants – but its use has prompted a severe backlashImmigration enforcement agents across the US are increasingly relying on a new smartphone app with facial recognition technology.The app is named Mobile Fortify. Simply pointing a phone’s camera at their intended target and scanning the person’s face allows Mobile Fortify to pull data on an individual from multiple federal and state databases, some of which federal courts have deemed too inaccurate for arrest warrants. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Guardian Essential poll: One Nation’s primary vote soars to record high amid Coalition chaos 27. January 2026 (15:00) Pauline Hanson’s party polls a primary vote of 22%, while Labor’s response to the Bondi terror attack wins widespread supportGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation’s polling surge has continued with a record-high primary vote of 22% in the latest Guardian Essential poll off the back of ongoing Coalition chaos and rising social tensions.Meanwhile, there is widespread public support for the Labor government’s response to the Bondi beach terror attack, with a majority backing crackdowns on guns, hate speech and protests. However, most poll respondents say Anthony Albanese has poorly handled the fallout from the antisemitic shooting. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
