Labour’s Burnham veto has made a tricky Manchester byelection much harder 26. January 2026 (07:00) Preventing the mayor from returning to Westminster deprives the party of its most potent candidate in Gorton and DentonWhen Labour dignitaries gathered at the Titanic hotel in Liverpool on Friday night, one question loomed above all others: to change captain or not?For many, that question has become even more pressing after Keir Starmer’s allies brutally stopped Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster before it had even begun. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
BBC faces ‘profound jeopardy’ without funding overhaul, Tim Davie says 26. January 2026 (07:00) Exclusive: Outgoing director general indicates support for update to licence-fee model as part of wider changesThe BBC will face “profound jeopardy” over its future unless it embraces significant changes to its funding, its outgoing director general has said, as he signalled his support for an overhaul of the licence fee.Speaking to the Guardian, Tim Davie called for supporters of the corporation to “stand up and fight” for it, amid increased hostility from its commercial and political critics. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Gold price tops $5,000 an ounce for first time as investors seek safe haven from Trump turmoil 26. January 2026 (06:58) Rising fears that another US shutdown looms pushes gold price to new height amid nearly 90% rise since Trump’s inaugurationBusiness live – latest updatesGold has jumped above US$5,000 an ounce for the first time, as Donald Trump’s chaotic policies and proclamations drive more investors to seek safe harbour in the precious metal.The price of the yellow metal jumped 1.8% to $5,078 an ounce on Monday, according to Bloomberg. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Severe heatwave envelops South Australia as Victoria braces for record-breaking weather and fire threats 26. January 2026 (05:28) Residents near Otways fire in Victoria urged to prepare to evacuate, while Ouyen and Mildura forecast to record 49C on TuesdayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSouth Australia faced another day of searing heat on Monday, as Victorians prepared for conditions forecast to be the hottest in history and more than 1100 residents told to get ready to evacuate ahead of extreme fire danger.Tuesday could see heat records broken throughout eastern South Australia and Victoria, with maximums expected to be near 50C across inland areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘You will reap the whirlwind’: Tehran mural warns of retaliation if US strikes Iran 26. January 2026 (05:09) Authorities unveil giant billboard with direct threat to US as warships head to regionIranian authorities unveiled a new mural on a giant billboard in a central Tehran square on Sunday with a direct warning to the United States to not attempt a military strike on the country, as US warships head to the region.The image shows a bird’s-eye view of an aircraft carrier with damaged and exploding fighter planes on its flight deck. The deck is strewn with bodies and streaked with blood that trails into the water behind the ship to form a pattern reminiscent of the stripes of the US flag. A slogan is emblazoned across one corner: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Four million salmon died prematurely at Tasmanian fish farms in 2025, government data reveals 26. January 2026 (04:46) Death toll sparks calls for companies to be fined under animal welfare legislation over mass fish deathsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAt least 4 million salmon died prematurely at Tasmanian fish farms in 2025, with new data from the state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) suggesting about 500,000 fish died in November and December as ocean temperatures warmed.Scientific studies indicate Atlantic salmon are adversely affected when ocean temperatures approach 18C. At higher temperatures, salmon encounter less oxygenated water, suffer from liver and kidney damage, have less appetite and become more vulnerable to disease.This article was republished with permission from the Tasmanian Inquirer Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Why Germany is racing to rebuild its army 26. January 2026 (04:00) Are the German people on board with the government’s massive militarisation programme? Kate Connolly reports“Not so long ago, to be a German soldier dressed in German uniform was quite a difficult role to embody. I mean, you could be going down the street and you could be spat on, or you could have names called at you.“I’ve recently seen people get into conversation with soldiers, which I hadn’t seen in the past, [and] more recently, somebody going up to a soldier and actually getting him into conversation about his role, and at the end of the conversation, thanking him.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Philippines ferry with 350 on board capsizes leaving 15 dead and dozens missing 26. January 2026 (03:37) Rescuers save at least 300 people after inter-island ferry sank early on Monday en route from the port city of Zamboanga to southern Jolo islandAt least 15 people have died after a ferry with more than 350 people sunk early on Monday near an island in the southern Philippines, according to local officials, with the coast guard warning that 28 people remained missing.The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger ferry, was sailing to southern Jolo island in Sulu province from the port city of Zamboanga with 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it apparently encountered technical problems and sank after midnight, coast guard officials said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Chris Minns flags further crackdown on protests in central Sydney 26. January 2026 (03:06) ‘We’re going to have to confront this idea that the centre of Sydney can be dominated weekend after weekend,’ NSW premier saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has indicated tough new laws to curtail regular protests in Sydney’s CBD and at major sites like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.NSW has a system where protest organisers complete a form one, notifying police of a planned protest. Authorised protests provide protection from prosecution for offences such as obstructing pedestrians and traffic. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
News live: Invasion Day rallies under way around Australia; Sydney beaches close after shark sightings 26. January 2026 (02:59) Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSeveral beaches in Sydney are closed this morning after shark sightings in the water.Lifeguards have evacuated the water at Manly beach, Dee Why beach and Palm beach this morning, all around 9am, after the sightings. The beaches are closed.The search will continue as is in it current intensity for a number of days yet. We will act on all information coming forward. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
