Pakistan declares ‘open war’ against Afghanistan after cross-border attack – as it happened 27. February 2026 (14:32) This blog is now closed, you can read our full report hereBoth sides are reporting they have inflicted heavy casualties on each other, but it is difficult to know the true numbers when they are presenting sharply divergent figures.Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar claims 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed, with more than 200 injured. Of its own soldiers, Tarar says that two were killed in the cross-border fighting, while three were injured.The UK is deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We urge both sides to take immediate steps toward de‑escalation, avoid further harm to civilians, and re‑engage in mediated dialogue. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Lynx could return to Scotland – but can rewilders win over wary Highlanders? 27. February 2026 (14:32) With most Scots supportive of reintroducing the wild cat, charities are focusing on those whose jobs could be affectedCould lynx, the elusive wild cat driven to extinction in Britain more than 1,000 years ago, become the new Loch Ness monster? “Whether Nessie’s there or not, she draws tourists,” said Margaret Luckwell, a resident of Moray, Scotland. “It would be the same with lynx. I’d love to see a lynx in the wild.”Luckwell’s view is a majority one among local people gathering at village halls across the Highlands, as a painstaking consultation slowly gathers momentum for the apex predator’s return to Scottish forests. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Man charged after person allegedly enters Manchester mosque with axe 27. February 2026 (14:28) Police were alerted to Darren Connor and another man acting suspiciously at Manchester Central mosque this weekA man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon after an individual allegedly entered a mosque in Manchester with an axe.Darren Connor, 55, was arrested at Manchester Central mosque in Rusholme on Tuesday after police were alerted to him and another man entering the building and apparently acting suspiciously. Police have announced that the second man has not been charged in connection with the incident, but has been charged with an unrelated breach of a criminal behaviour order. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US urges its citizens to leave Israel immediately amid strike threat on Iran 27. February 2026 (14:25) Department of State also authorises non-essential officials and their families to book flights anywhereThe US has authorised the departure of non-essential government workers and their families from Israel as the threat of an American strike on Iran looms.US citizens should “consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available”, the Department of State advisory added. It also urged against travel to Israel. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Science of sex and gender being misrepresented by Trump officials, experts warn 27. February 2026 (14:00) Scientists say crackdown on gender-affirming care could have impact on healthcare of all AmericansAs more health systems end gender-affirming care for patients amid a crackdown from the Trump administration, scientists and advocates say the science of sex and gender is being misrepresented – and will have major repercussions for the healthcare for all Americans.Trump officials “don’t actually understand the science at all”, said Jey McCreight, who is the founder of Beyond X&Y and has a doctoral degree in human genomics. McCreight, who uses they/them pronouns, added that using misinformation to limit who can seek healthcare is a warning for all patients. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
California fast food workers, still reeling from ICE raids, demand employers step up 27. February 2026 (14:00) Union-backed pledge urges fast food employers to protect workers’ rights as immigration raids fuel fear and walkoutsFast food workers in California are demanding employers sign a pledge reaffirming workers’ rights amid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at workplaces across the US.The California Fast Food Workers Union, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, drafted a Constitutional Pledge to California Workers’ Rights for workplaces to sign that affirms a commitment to protecting workers and “keep ICE from going where they are not allowed”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Most US coal plants could meet air pollution rules. Trump weakened them anyway 27. February 2026 (13:30) EPA found only 27 of 219 plants needed upgrades; 71 later got exemptions as Donald Trump scrapped mercury limitsAlmost all coal-fired power plants in the US had the ability to comply with rules limiting their emission of dangerous pollutants such as mercury that can cause brain damage in children. Despite this, Donald Trump’s administration decided to demolish the standards anyway.Last week, the Trump administration said it is loosening restrictions on air toxins from mercury, lead and other heavy metals that are released by coal plants. Such pollution is known to be neurotoxic and has been linked to irreversible brain damage in children and infants, as well as heart disease and cancer in adults. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
BA owner’s profits rise by 20% despite drop in passenger numbers last year 27. February 2026 (12:40) IAG enjoys record operating profits on margins of more than 15% at British Airways and sister airline IberiaBritish Airways’ owner, International Airlines Group, has announced a sharp rise in annual profits to almost £4bn despite a slight fall in passenger numbers in 2025.Pre-tax profits across IAG increased by 20% to €4.5bn (£3.9bn), with record operating profits on margins of more than 15% at BA and its sister airline Iberia. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Brigitte Bardot tribute at the César awards greeted with boos 27. February 2026 (12:36) A shout of ‘racist’ could also be heard during the segment at France’s version of the OscarsA tribute to Brigitte Bardot at the Césars, France’s version of the Oscars, on Thursday was greeted with boos. In a video clip posted by Paris Match, boos can clearly be heard among the applause as the tributes, and a shout of “racist!” is also audible.Bardot, who died in December aged 91, became arguably the most celebrated figure in postwar French cinema for films such as And God Created Woman and Contempt, but after quitting acting in the early 1970s her later years were marred by increasing political activity on the far right, resulting in a string of convictions for inciting racial hatred. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
CBS News and CNN staffers fear ‘disaster’ as Paramount wins Warner Bros battle 27. February 2026 (12:00) Decision by Netflix to walk away from takeover leaves workers anxious about possible merger of news networksNetflix’s decision to walk away from its $83bn bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has left some staffers working at CBS News and CNN panicking about the future as the two top-tier news operations come under the same roof.With Paramount Skydance emerging as the winning bidder, a deal that still requires the approval of WBD shareholders and government regulators, they fear the merging of the two networks – and, with it, the potential for a significant amount of job cuts. Some CNN employees are also nervous about Paramount’s Trump-friendly ownership and leadership enacting ideologically driven programming changes at the network, with particular concern about the specter of CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss possibly getting a significant role. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
