General news

• Winter storm tracker

  21-02-2026 23:23 via nbcnews.com
  Watch a live storm tracker of the major blizzard expected to blanket millions in the Northeast with heavy snow.
  
  Read more

• Top Democrat defends State of the Union protests as House speaker says he nearly ejected Omar and Tlaib – live

  25-02-2026 17:14 via theguardian.com
  Chuck Schumer says Democrats were right not to stand for Trump; Mike Johnson criticizes congresswomen’s verbal protests during speechThe ‘golden age of America’? Trump delivers the State of the Union address – podcastA newly revealed diplomatic cable calls on US diplomats to work against attempts by foreign nations to regulate how US tech companies handle their citizens’ data, as “data sovereignty initiatives” gather steam in Europe over security concern
  
  Read more

• Fly-tipping across England reaches record high

  25-02-2026 17:09 via theguardian.com
  Court fines for illegal dumping decreased over past year with only 0.2% of incidents resulting in court actionFly-tipping incidents across England have reached the highest level since current records began, with the majority of offences continuing to involve household waste.In 2024-25, 1.26m fly-tipping incidents were recorded by local authorities, an increase of 9% on the 1.15m reported in the year before, according to data released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Def
  
  Read more

• BBC to conduct fast-track investigation into broadcasting of racial slur from Baftas

  25-02-2026 17:02 via theguardian.com
  Corporation says broadcasting of N-word by Tourette syndrome campaigner was ‘serious mistake’The BBC is to undertake a fast-track investigation into the broadcasting of a racial slur aired during its coverage of the Bafta film awards, amid rising anger inside the corporation over the error.Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson could be heard shouting the N-word as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects at the Royal Festival
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Student loan crisis in England and Wales is a scam on graduates, MPs say

  25-02-2026 16:57 via theguardian.com
  Labour backbenchers turn on Rachel Reeves as MP claims former students are stuck in a loans ‘Hotel California’Angry backbench Labour MPs have attacked ministers over the student loans crisis, saying graduates are being “outrageously scammed”.During a Commons Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday, several Labour MPs joined calls for an urgent shake-up of the “unfair” system, with one describing it as “an absolute dog’s dinner” and another liken
  
  Read more

• House speaker says he nearly ejected Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from Trump’s State of the Union address – US politics live

  25-02-2026 16:47 via theguardian.com
  Mike Johnson criticizes congresswomen’s verbal protests during speechThe ‘golden age of America’? Trump delivers the State of the Union address – podcastA newly revealed diplomatic cable calls on US diplomats to work against attempts by foreign nations to regulate how US tech companies handle their citizens’ data, as “data sovereignty initiatives” gather steam in Europe over security concerns.More from Reuters:President Donald Trump’s administratio
  
  Read more

• Foreign Office denies minister’s claim the Chagos Islands deal has been paused – UK politics live

  25-02-2026 16:45 via theguardian.com
  Minister told MPs the deal had been been paused, but that was immediately denied by the Foreign OfficeThe Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published figures showing that local authorities in England dealt with 1.26m flytipping incidents in 2024/25 – 9% increase on the previous year.And there was an 11% increase in incidents involving a “tipper lorry load” amount of rubbish. There were 52,000 of these, up from 47,000 in 2023/24. Defra said these alone cost
  
  Read more

• Bill Gates apologizes to foundation staff for Jeffrey Epstein ties

  25-02-2026 16:41 via theguardian.com
  Microsoft co-founder admits affairs and calls meetings ‘huge mistake’ but denies involvement in Epstein’s crimesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxBill Gates apologized to staff of his foundation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and admitted to two affairs but stated he did not participate in the convicted sex offender’s crimes, according to a Wall Street Journal report.At a town hall on Tuesday, Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Ed Davey accuses care home trustee of embezzlement amid watchdog inquiry

  25-02-2026 16:34 via theguardian.com
  Lib Dem leader says crisis at William Blake House is ‘one of my worst nightmares’ after Guardian revealed inquiry into financesEd Davey has accused a trustee of a learning disability care home of embezzlement and called for watchdogs to take over the charity to resolve a crisis he described as “one my worst nightmares”.The Liberal Democrat leader’s intervention at prime minister’s questions came hours after the Guardian revealed the Charity Commission had open
  
  Read more

• Israel responsible for two-thirds of record 129 press killings in 2025, says CPJ

  25-02-2026 16:32 via theguardian.com
  Committee to Protect Journalists report says Israel also to blame for 81% of ‘intentionally targeted’ journalist killings The deadly toll on journalists in the Gaza warA record 129 journalists and media workers were killed in the course of their work in 2025, and two-thirds of them were killed by Israel, the Committee to Protect Journalists has said.It was the second straight year that killings set a record and the second straight year that Israel was responsible for two-thirds of th
  
  Read more

• Wellness influencer picked by Trump for surgeon general faces Senate grilling

  25-02-2026 16:30 via theguardian.com
  Critics concerned as Casey Means, aligned with RFK Jr on vaccine stance, does not have active medical licenceCasey Means, Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general of the United States, appeared before lawmakers on the Senate committee for health, labor and pensions on Wednesday, after her initial confirmation hearing was postponed in October when she went into labor hours before she was set to testify.Means is the president’s controversial pick for the role of the nation’s to
  
  Read more

• Nobody believed that Putin would invade Ukraine. Four years on, has Europe learned from the failures of 2022?

  25-02-2026 16:30 via theguardian.com
  I looked back to discover the untold story of how western intelligence was misread, even in Kyiv. The conclusion offers a stark warning for the futureTuesday marked the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and at this time of year it’s hard not to recall memories of the morning of 24 February 2022, when the fate of Ukraine and the history of Europe were irrevocably changed by the decision of the man in the Kremlin.Around 9pm the evening before, I had
  
  Read more

• Met apologises to Commons speaker for sharing tip-off with Mandelson’s lawyers

  25-02-2026 16:26 via theguardian.com
  Exclusive: Lindsay Hoyle told MPs he had shared information ex-US ambassador planned to flee UK with police ‘in good faith’UK politics live – latest updatesThe Metropolitan police has apologised to the Commons speaker for sharing with Peter Mandelson’s lawyers that he had passed on a claim that the former UK ambassador planned to flee the country.Senior Scotland Yard officers are also understood to be meeting in person with Lindsay Hoyle on Wednesday afternoon to explain
  
  Read more

• Diageo slashes dividend and vows to address Guinness capacity constraints in London

  25-02-2026 16:14 via theguardian.com
  Drinks maker cuts annual sale and profit forecast for second time in four months amid weak demand in US and ChinaDiageo has slashed its dividend and cut its annual sales and profit forecast for the second time in four months, as the maker of Guinness warned of capacity constraints affecting drinkers of “the black stuff” in London pubs.The world’s largest spirits maker – which owns brands including Smirnoff vodka, Johnnie Walker whisky and Don Julio tequila – reporte
  
  Read more

• Germany accused of ditching climate targets as it scraps renewables mandate

  25-02-2026 16:11 via theguardian.com
  Coalition government agrees to remove parts of controversial law and allow homes to rely on fossil fuels Germany’s coalition government has been accused of abandoning its climate targets after agreeing to scrap parts of a contentious heating law mandating the use of renewables in favour of a draft law allowing homeowners to rely on fossil fuels.While the previous law required most newly installed heating systems to use at least 65% renewable energy, often with a heat pump, the amended legi
  
  Read more

• Zelenskyy confirms US talks ahead of ‘trilateral meeting with Russia’, as Orbán doubles down on Ukraine criticism – Europe live

  25-02-2026 16:07 via theguardian.com
  Ukrainian president says trilateral talks expected early in March, as Hungarian PM steps up attacks on EU and UkrainePresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was looking to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline but “it was not so fast,” Reuters reported.Shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia have been cut off since 27 January, when Kyiv says a Russian strike hit pipeline equipment in western Ukraine. Continue reading...
  
  Read more

• HSBC bankers to share $3.9bn bonus pot, the highest in more than a decade

  25-02-2026 16:06 via theguardian.com
  Bank reports better-than-expected annual results and CEO signals overhaul of lender is almost overBankers at HSBC are to share a bonus pot worth $3.9bn (£2.9bn), the highest in more than a decade, after Europe’s largest lender reported better-than-expected annual results.The bonus pool for staff is 10% higher than a year earlier and the bank said it had determined it “based on a review of our performance against financial and non-financial metrics”, while the bank’s
  
  Read more

• Disputes over Hamas disarmament stall Gaza peace plan progress

  25-02-2026 16:06 via theguardian.com
  Hamas to almost certainly reject plan described in Israeli press, say experts, as no guarantee Israel will withdraw on surrender of weaponsProgress in the Gaza peace plan has stalled over disagreements on how Hamas should be disarmed, with Israel threatening to go back to full-scale war if the condition is not carried out quickly.The second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire, which Washington declared had begun in January, was meant to involve Hamas disarming, Israeli forces withdrawing, and a P
  
  Read more

• Role of Scotland’s top law officer questioned after ‘bombshell’ over Peter Murrell charges

  25-02-2026 15:52 via theguardian.com
  Lord advocate Dorothy Bain informed first minister of embezzlement charges against former SNP chief executive a year before they were made publicSerious doubts have been raised about the dual role of Scotland’s top law officer after it emerged that the first minister was informed of criminal charges against Peter Murrell nearly a year before they were made public.The lord advocate, Dorothy Bain, who acts as Scotland’s chief prosecutor as well as the government’s principal legal
  
  Read more

• Indian state of Kerala to be renamed Keralam to reflect local pronunciation

  25-02-2026 15:45 via theguardian.com
  Proposal approved by Modi government will bring official English name into line with Malayalam languageThe Indian state of Kerala, known as “God’s own country” for its golden beaches and lush tea plantations, is to be given a new name.Narendra Modi’s cabinet has approved a proposal to change the southern coastal state’s name from Kerala to Keralam. The move will bring the official English name into line with how it is pronounced in Malayalam, the primary language sp
  
  Read more

• Ineos said to be in talks to sell parts of business to tackle rising debt

  25-02-2026 15:30 via theguardian.com
  Talks reportedly focused on assets of owner Jim Ratcliffe’s vinyls business Inovyn as group scrambles to cut costsThe chemicals empire owned by the billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is in talks to sell parts of the business in the hope of raising hundreds of millions of pounds to tackle its rising debts, according to a report.The talks are at an early stage but have focused on selling assets from Ratcliffe’s vinyls business, Ineos Inovyn, the Financial Times said, citing people familiar with
  
  Read more

• Man who stabbed four to death in Washington state had history of mental health issues

  25-02-2026 15:17 via theguardian.com
  Man, 32, shot dead by deputy after stabbing attack was the subject of domestic violence protection ordersSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA man shot dead by a sheriff’s deputy after he fatally stabbed four people outside his mother’s home near Gig Harbor, Washington, on Tuesday morning was the subject of domestic violence protection orders recording mental health and substance abuse issues stretching back at least five years.Records reviewe
  
  Read more

• Where will Victoria’s new homes be built? Competing Liberal and Labor visions are as much about politics as planning

  25-02-2026 15:00 via theguardian.com
  Jess Wilson’s housing plan offers little that is truly new – but Jacinta Allan claims it draws a line through Melbourne and locks millennials outGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA genuine policy contest has finally broken out over housing in Victoria – but it is as much about politics as it is about planning.The opposition leader, Jess Wilson, on Wednesday announced a plan to expand Melbourne’s capital city zone – effectively expanding the
  
  Read more

• Three-quarters of Australia’s new cars use more fuel than advertised lab rating, testing shows

  25-02-2026 15:00 via theguardian.com
  Cars with higher real-world consumption may add to Australia’s difficulties in reducing transport emissionsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAnother 10 cars have failed to live up to fuel efficiency promises when tested in the real world, adding to Australia’s difficulties in reducing emissions from transport.The Australian Automobile Association’s latest test confirmed 76% of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles are still using more fuel on roads tha
  
  Read more

• US tariffs could rise to 15% or more after supreme court blow, trade representative says

  25-02-2026 14:46 via theguardian.com
  Jamieson Greer warns tariffs may climb from 10% after Trump imposed global levy amid US supreme court setbackThe US tariff rate for some countries will go up to 15% or higher from the newly-imposed 10%, Jamieson Greer, the US trade representative, said on Wednesday, without naming any specific trading partners or other details.“Right now, we have the 10% tariff. It’ll go up to 15 [%] for some and then it may go higher for others, and I think it will be in line with the types of tarif
  
  Read more

• US accused of ‘shameless exploitation’ over proposed Zambian health aid deal

  25-02-2026 14:00 via theguardian.com
  Leaked draft of $1bn memorandum of understanding reveals mandatory targets, sharing of data, and reported access to mining concessionsThe US has been accused of “shameless exploitation” over a health financing agreement with Zambia worth more than $1bn (£740m), amid warnings that the country is getting a raw deal from the Trump administration.A leaked draft of a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two countries, seen by the Guardian, reveals that Zambia may
  
  Read more

• Two men arrested in relation to alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian

  25-02-2026 13:22 via theguardian.com
  Police says ‘others involved’ in killing of Chris Baghsarian whose body was found near a golf club in Pitt TownFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo men have been charged with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian whose body was found on the outskirts of Sydney after disappearing from his home in North Ryde last week.A 29-year-old man from Kenthurst and a 24-year-old man from Castle Hil
  
  Read more

• US man deported from Bali after 11 years in prison for ‘suitcase murder’ of then girlfriend’s mother

  25-02-2026 13:19 via theguardian.com
  Tommy Schaefer released early from 18-year sentence for 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack during luxury holidayIndonesia has freed and deported a US man after he spent 11 years in prison for the premeditated murder of his then girlfriend’s mother on the tourist island of Bali.Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury holiday in a case that became known as the Bali suitcase murder. Continue
  
  Read more

• Commons Speaker passed Mandelson flight risk information to police ahead of arrest

  25-02-2026 13:15 via bbc.com
  Sir Lindsay Hoyle tells MPs he was acting "in good faith as is my duty and responsibility" as he felt information was "relevant".
  
  Read more

• After a turbulent year, Australia’s Khaled Sabsabi will present not one but two works at the Venice Biennale

  25-02-2026 13:00 via theguardian.com
  The artist, who was controversially revoked and then reinstated by his government, is planning a ‘nurturing experience’ to bring people togetherAustralia’s presentation at the Venice Biennale in May will be a “nurturing experience” designed to bring people together – in the aftermath one of the most turbulent and divisive periods in the country’s 72-year history at the prestigious international art festival.Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagos
  
  Read more

Follow @newslock_news on Twitter!