Australians warned that Iran attack increases risk of ‘further escalation’ and flight cancellations in region 28. February 2026 (08:47) Department of foreign affairs alerts travellers to ‘extremely volatile’ situationGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s department of foreign affairs has warned of the risk of “reprisal attacks and further escalation” across the Middle East after Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Saturday.Shortly after the attacks began, Dfat updated its “Smartraveller” website’s entry on Iran, confirming that “there have been air strikes on Iran, including in Tehran and other locations”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Premier pleads for end to ‘language of division’ in politics after WA police foil alleged mass terror attack 28. February 2026 (08:20) Roger Cook condemned ‘dog whistling under the guise of immigration policy’ after police lay charges against alleged member of white supremacist groupGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe West Australian premier, Roger Cook, has urged the community to condemn the emergence of “dog whistling” and the “language of division” in mainstream politics after a 20-year-old man was charged with preparing a terrorist attack.Jayson Joseph Michaels, from Bindoon, appeared at the Perth magistrates court on Friday, charged with acting in preparation for a terrorist act, possessing a prohibited weapon, two firearms offences and using a carriage service to menace or harass. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Premium bonds: odds of a win to get worse from April 28. February 2026 (08:00) Likelihood of winning to decrease after NS&I cut the proportion of the total invested amount paid out in prizesThere was some bad news this week for Britain’s 22 million-strong army of premium bond holders: the odds of winning a prize are to get worse.National Savings and Investments (NS&I) says it is cutting the proportion of the total invested amount paid out in prizes from 3.6% to 3.3% a year with effect from April’s draw. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Harrods faces legal action over £1-a-head dining charge not going to staff 28. February 2026 (08:00) Case brought by 29 workers and backed by UVW union seen as test case that could lead to changes at other restaurantsHarrods is facing legal action over its addition of a £1-a-head cover charge to diners’ bills that does not go to workers, in a test case that could lead to changes at a string of upmarket restaurants.Legislation, which came into force in October 2024, requires business owners to hand over all tips and service charges to staff. Some restaurants, including those at Harrods, add a mandatory cover charge as well as an optional service charge and only pass on the latter to their workers. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour anxiety and accusations after big shift in Muslim vote to Greens 28. February 2026 (08:00) PM criticises ‘sectarian politics’ in byelection but party may fear Greens’ nascent leftwing political machineThe Green party’s success at winning Muslim votes in Gorton and Denton has sent tremors through Westminster, prompting recriminations and accusations from opposition parties, who sense another major realignment in British politics.Experts say Hannah Spencer’s unexpectedly wide margin of victory was delivered in part by a significant shift of Muslim voters from Labour to the Greens. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘The kinetic energy is palpable’: Manchester embraces its first Brit awards 28. February 2026 (07:00) Event’s first venture outside London aims to recognise geographical diversity of UK’s music talentVisitors to Manchester this week have been visibly amused to be arriving into Olivia Deansgate station, with many posing for selfies in front of the temporary sign. The tribute to the chart-busting musician is just one indication of how Manchester is embracing the arrival of the Brit awards on Saturday, the event’s first venture outside London in its five-decade history.Stacey Tang, theBrit awards chair, said the move to the Co-op Live arena was about recognising the geographical diversity of the country’s music talent. “Creativity doesn’t happen in one postcode in the UK … so the idea that the biggest night in music should always be in London, I think, is ageing out,” she said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russia may interfere in Danish election, exploiting chaos sewn by US, spies warn 28. February 2026 (06:26) US threats to seize Greenland have created ‘new international fault lines’ that can be used to spread disinformation, Danish intelligence agencies sayDenmark’s intelligence services have warned that a foreign power may try to sway the general election on 24 March, saying the main threat was from Russia over support for Ukraine but also citing the chaos caused by US efforts to seize Greenland.The PET police intelligence service and FE military intelligence said in a joint statement the election campaign could be marked by disinformation and cyberattacks “to sow division, influence the public debate or to target candidates, parties or specific political programmes”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Colander-wearing Pastafarian strains the rules with Queensland driver’s licence photo 28. February 2026 (06:23) Syaban Shadikillah told to get new driver’s licence after being issued one using photo of him with colander on his headGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA “Pastafarian” in rural Queensland has vowed to fight to keep his driver’s licence featuring a photo of him wearing a colander on his head, arguing it’s a matter of freedom of religion.But the state government has told him he must hand it in and get a new one, as it was issued “in error”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘I could see myself stepping into that void’: Gavin Newsom on fighting Trump and running in 2028 – podcast 28. February 2026 (06:00) The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, is widely regarded as one of the Democratic party’s leading contenders for the 2028 presidential election. He has also published a new book, Young Man in a Hurry, reflecting on his childhood and his path to the governor’s mansion.This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Newsom about why he believes the Democrats suffered such heavy losses in 2024, why the party needs to be less judgmental, and whether he intends to run for president in 2028 Continue reading...(The Guardian)
