China’s economy hit growth goal last year despite Trump trade war and property crisis 19. January 2026 (07:26) Economy weathered a fraught geopolitical landscape to reach 5% target but structural challenges at home ‘are not going away’, say expertsChinese authorities can say they hit their growth goals last year, but Donald Trump’s ongoing trade aggression, a slow-motion housing market collapse and unhappy consumers remain major challenges for the world’s second-largest economy.Data released on Monday showed the Chinese economy grew by 5% in 2025, steady on the year before and hitting the official target of “around” that pace. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘We could see the glow and smell the smoke’: residents warned as fires burn south of Adelaide 19. January 2026 (07:18) Watch and act alert issued for Tooperang, Nangkita, Mount Jagged and Mosquito Hill as firefighters continue to battle blazeGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSouth Australian residents have described seeing the flames and smelling the smoke of a bushfire that has scorched hundreds of hectares and destroyed structures as emergency crews fight to control the blaze.The bushfire burning east of Mount Compass in the Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide, broke out about 4.30pm on Sunday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
China expected to get London embassy go-ahead this week after years of wrangling 19. January 2026 (07:00) Decision expected on Monday or Tuesday, potentially smoothing relations before Keir Starmer’s visit to ChinaWhy Chinese ‘mega embassy’ is not such a worry for British spiesA decision on China’s proposed mega embassy in London is expected on Monday or Tuesday, with Chinese officials and British diplomats in Beijing holding their breath in anticipation of the planning application finally being approved.The saga, which has been running since 2018, is widely expected to end with the British government giving the green light for construction. If it does, one group likely to be grateful is those who work in the British embassy’s dilapidated building in Beijing. The UK’s plans to redevelop its outpost in China’s capital have been blocked for years by the Chinese government because of the London embassy row. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Jess’s rule’ posters remind GPs in England to re-examine patients’ symptoms 19. January 2026 (07:00) Doctors told to consider a second opinion or order more tests if a patient has three appointments but no diagnosisMillions of patients in England will this week be urged to ask their GP to think again if they have not had a diagnosis for their symptoms after three appointments.From Monday, GP practices across the country will use posters to promote Jess’s rule, a new system aimed at preventing serious illnesses from being missed and needless deaths. It is named after Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old who contacted her surgery 20 times before dying of cancer in 2020. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK property market ‘on the up’ amid new year bounce in asking prices 19. January 2026 (07:00) Average price of a home coming up for sale rises almost £10,000, the largest monthly jump in a decadeThe UK housing market is enjoying a new year bounce, with the average price of a home coming up for sale increasing by the largest monthly amount in a decade, data shows.The property website Rightmove said almost £10,000 was added to the average asking price of a British home in the space of five weeks. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Teenager among Iranian protesters sexually assaulted in custody, rights group says 19. January 2026 (06:00) Two people detained in Kermanshah, including 16-year-old, tell group they were subjected to sexual abuse during arrestA 16-year-old was among protesters sexually assaulted in custody by the security forces in Iran during the nationwide uprising that has left thousands dead, according to a human rights group.Two people, one of them a child, detained in the city of Kermanshah in western Iran told the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) that they were subjected to sexual abuse by riot police during their arrest. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labor and Coalition on track to achieve deal on hate speech laws 19. January 2026 (05:59) Negotiations between prime minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Sussan Ley are ‘constructive’, sources sayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA deal on new hate speech laws is increasingly likely after Sussan Ley’s shadow cabinet agreed to work with Labor to pass the legislation in a special parliamentary sitting in response to the Bondi beach massacre.The opposition leader met the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, on Monday to discuss a compromise after MPs returned to Canberra to mark the 14 December terrorist attack. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘A home left quieter, clothes still hanging in wardrobes’: emotional MPs pay tribute to Bondi terror attack victims 19. January 2026 (05:13) Anthony Albanese moves motion in parliament honouring courage of first responders and affirming right of Jewish Australians to live in peaceFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor MP Josh Burns has recalled the fear that struck him the moment he learned of the Bondi terror attack and former attorney general Mark Dreyfus became visibly emotional during a condolence motion in federal parliament for victims of the shooting.Standing orders were suspended in parliament on Monday as the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, moved the condolence motion in memory of the 15 people who were killed when two gunmen, allegedly inspired by Islamic State, targeted a Hanukah event on 14 December at Sydney’s Bondi beach. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Albanese considers Trump’s invitation to join Gaza ‘board of peace’ despite concerns body may undermine UN 19. January 2026 (04:53) PM confirms Australia was asked on weekend to join new body focused on Gaza reconstruction and Middle East peace effortsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAnthony Albanese is considering Donald Trump’s invitation for Australia to join the US president’s proposed “board of peace” initiative, despite concerns its could undermine the work of existing organisations including the UN.The prime minister confirmed Australia had been invited to join the new international body at the weekend, promising serious consideration, especially around proposals to advance Middle East peace efforts. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Syria president claims ‘victory for all’ as ceasefire with Kurdish-led force announced 19. January 2026 (03:47) Government’s truce with Syrian Democratic Forces follows advance on Kurdish-held areas amid struggle to control entire countryThe Syrian government on Sunday announced a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), taking almost full control of the country and dismantling the Kurdish-led forces that controlled the north-east for over a decade.The announcement comes as tensions between government forces and the SDF boiled over earlier this month, eventually resulting in a major push by government forces towards the east. The SDF appeared to have largely retreated after initial clashes on a tense frontline area in eastern Aleppo province. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
