The News - Friday, 17 April 2026

BBC News

Top Foreign Office official to leave post after Mandelson vetting row

Sir Olly Robbins has effectively been sacked after his department did not inform the prime minister that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting.

Chris Mason: Mandelson nightmare haunts Starmer again

The prime minister is believed to be absolutely furious over the handling of Lord Mandelson's vetting, Chris Mason writes.

UK seeks closer EU ties in volatile times - but at what cost?

The UK is adopting a "ruthlessly pragmatic" approach to becoming closer to its European neighbours, the UK's EU minister tells the BBC.

Singer D4vd arrested in connection with death of missing teen girl

The remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found in the singer's car last year.

Finance ministers and top bankers raise serious concerns about Mythos AI model

Experts say Mythos potentially has an unprecedented ability to identify and exploit cybersecurity weaknesses.

Rising value of Pokémon cards sparks smash and grab crime spree

Small shops across the UK are being targeted by thieves stealing collectibles worth thousands of pounds.

Harry and Meghan meet Bondi shooting survivors

On the fourth day of their Australian visit, the royal couple pay tribute to the 15 people killed in the Bondi shooting.

Judge halts above-ground construction of Trump's White House ballroom

The judge allows the underground bunker portion of the project to proceed, while the US president says the ballroom "is needed now".

Artemis commander tells BBC about 'powerful' moment crater named after his late wife

Reid Wiseman’s two daughters were in Nasa’s mission control room for the naming of the “Carroll” crater in honour of the commander’s late wife.

South Korea's runaway wolf finally captured after nine-day search

The search has been marked by twists and turns, gripping South Korea and even inspiring a meme coin.

Trump's Lebanon ceasefire takes Israel by surprise

Few Israelis see this truce as a way out of the conflict with Hezbollah, the BBC's Lucy Williamson writes.

Lyse Doucet in Iran: Destruction shows huge civilian cost of the war

While military targets have been struck in Iran, civilian areas have too, showing the stark reality of the war.

No issues with UK fuel supply, says Reeves

The chancellor was speaking at the end of the International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington.

Weekly quiz: What did Trump say about the Pope?

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

Christine Baranski says West End debut is a 'dream come true'

The US actress will star opposite Richard E Grant in a new production of Noel Coward's comedy Hay Fever.

The Papers: 'Starmer in peril' and 'Gunners hero dead'

Calls for PM to resign over Mandelson vetting and ex-Arsenal goalie's 'train horror' death leads the papers.

'I was tortured and lost my hand' - one student's struggle to get an education in Nigeria

The BBC speaks to a student who pushed for his his toe print to be taken to verify his identity.

Is the UK finally waking up to the power of video games?

The UK's biggest video games awards cap off a week of big announcements, but will they change anything?

School shootings a new trauma for Turkey as nation mourns

An expert tells the BBC the attack in Kahramanmaras was a tragedy but "not a surprise".

Australia's most decorated living soldier granted bail over war crime charges

Lawyers argued that Ben Roberts-Smith wouldn't be able to defend himself properly from prison.

Major refinery fire won't lead to fuel rationing, Australian PM says

A 13-hour blaze at one of Australia's two oil refineries could impact petrol prices and supply.

Naples bank robbers hold 25 people hostage then vanish through tunnel

The armed men reportedly evaded capture by escaping through the city's sewer system.

Iranian footballers say Australia has given them 'hope' for safe future

The duo had sought aslyum after their football team did not sing the national anthem during a match.

Lana Del Rey to sing theme for new James Bond game

The Summertime Sadness star has been keen to add her voice to the Bond franchise for a number of years.

Rollout of Covid vaccines an extraordinary feat, inquiry report finds

Covid vaccines saved hundreds of thousands of lives, but a small minority harmed need better support, says report.

'Staggering' I was not told Mandelson failed vetting, says PM

The PM is facing calls to resign over the revelation that Lord Mandelson did not pass security checks.

Key questions facing government over Mandelson checks

It's emerged that Lord Mandelson did not pass inital security vetting checks ahead of taking up the role of ambassador to the United States.

Man guilty of 2003 rape that saw innocent Andrew Malkinson jailed for 17 years

Paul Quinn, 52, is found guilty of the rape for which Andrew Malkinson was jailed for 17 years.

Former Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter Andy Kershaw dies aged 66

The broadcaster was known for his eclectic taste and for helping champion world music on BBC Radio 1.

No evidence Epsom rape took place as reported, say police

The reported attack had caused concern and prompted protests calling for more details from police.

Nursery worker jailed over death of toddler restrained during nap time

Noah Sibanda died "alone, scared and in pain", his mother says.

Kensington Gardens shut after claims of drones near Israeli embassy

It comes after a group claimed to have targeted the Israeli Embassy in an online video post.

Irish fugitive and alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan arrested in Dubai, police say

Kinahan, in his 40s, was arrested in Dubai on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts.

Hope Street actor Finnian Garbutt dies aged 28

The actor, known for his role in BBC police drama Hope Street, has died "peacefully at home".

Lamborghini among 160,000 cars seized as uninsured driving reaches 17-year high

Seizure numbers hit a 17-year high as an estimated 300,000 uninsured vehicles are driven each day.

How two ceasefires and 'opening' of Hormuz could boost Iran talks

Some kind of diplomatic progress is now under way, but is it enough to prevent a return to war?

Oil prices plunge as Iran says Strait of Hormuz 'open' during ceasefire

Brent crude sinks by a tenth after Iran says the key waterway is open for commercial ships for the rest of the ceasefire.

Some Iran-linked ships have crossed US blockade, data suggests

At least four vessels tracked from Iranian ports appear to have crossed a US blockade line in the Gulf of Oman, analysis of ship-tracking data suggests.

Ceasefire with Israel brings respite to Lebanon, but obstacles to peace remain

The halt to weeks of fighting is being celebrated in Lebanon, but it will be difficult to ensure it lasts.

Iranian footballers say Australia has given them 'hope' for safe future

The duo had sought aslyum after their football team did not sing the national anthem during a match.

Avengers reassemble and Ariana meets the Fockers - Hollywood studios preview new movies

Some of the most hotly anticipated new films of the next couple of years are previewed at CinemaCon.

How developed vetting works - and what happens when someone fails it

The former US ambassador was given a security clearance despite concerns being raised during checks.

Mum describes nightmare after son died during nursery naptime

Noah Sibanda died after being put down for a nap at a Dudley nursery.

Can Oli Sykes still scream? Bring Me The Horizon re-recording debut 2006 album

The band is revisiting debut deathcore album Count Your Blessings to mark its 20th anniversary.

What is Claude Mythos and what risks does it pose?

The company's claim the AI tool can outperform humans at some hacking and cyber-security tasks has sparked fears in the financial world.

Conservative US town grapples with potential ICE detention centre

Residents from both political parties in Social Circle, Georgia, are rejecting a proposed plan by the Department of Homeland Security to transform an empty warehouse into a detention centre.

Thousands celebrate open-air Mass with Pope Leo in Cameroon - in pictures

Pope Leo XIV is on his third day in Cameroon before he heads to Angola on Saturday.

Woman arrested over death of girl found in pond

South Yorkshire Police say a woman in her 30s has been arrested following Nyla May Bradshaw's death.

Harry and Meghan meet Bondi shooting survivors

On the fourth day of their Australian visit, the royal couple pay tribute to the 15 people killed in the Bondi shooting.

Ultra-marathon champion died running Cape Wrath trail two weeks before wedding

Jade Lau said her partner David Parrish was "full of life, funny and loving" and that he was "buzzing" in the weeks leading up to the run.

Rising value of Pokémon cards sparks smash and grab crime spree

Small shops across the UK are being targeted by thieves stealing collectibles worth thousands of pounds.

Three young people contract meningitis in Weymouth

Young people are to be offered the MenB vaccine after three cases of meningitis were confirmed.

Bournemouth Echo

Paddle steamer saved 1,600 at Dunkirk and now serves food

Built in 1927 by Day, Summers and Company of Southampton at their Northam shipyard on the River Itchen.

700 year old Wimborne church to get its first-ever toilet after £35k grant

A 700-year-old church is finally set to get its first toilet.

Former Bournemouth school pupil crowned best dentist in South West England and Wales

A former school boy from Bournemouth has been crowned as the Best Dentist in South West England and Wales and attributes his success to his education and community in the town.

Royal Exeter Hotel plans to be heard by licensing committee

A hotel In Bournemouth, recently acquired by Richard Carr, is applying for a secondary license despite concerns from residents about safety, noise, and an increase of anti-social behaviour.

Man given parking ticket in Bournemouth by traffic warden from London

BCP Council has confirmed it is using agency traffic wardens to help enforce parking restrictions, after a resident received a fine issued by a warden based in London.

Travel the world without leaving Dorset at the Beautiful World Festival

Kings park will host a festival which sets out to bring together cultures from across the globe all in one place.

Dorset beach huts to be re-vamped in Alan Carr's BBC show

CHRISTCHURCH beach huts are set to be featured in a BBC television show after comedian Alan Carr was spotted filming last summer.

Bournemouth food market given permission to sell alcohol

A food market restaurant has been granted permission to serve alcohol in Bournemouth town centre after one objection was submitted over concerns for public safety.

Proms in the Park returns for a stunning live symphony orchestra under the stars

Get ready for an evening of music and magic as Proms in the Park returns to Bournemouth, filling the night sky with a symphony under the stars.

Vaccinations offered to local youngsters after three confirmed cases of meningitis

Vaccinations and antibiotics are now being offered to young people who live or go to school in the Weymouth area following three confirmed cases of meningococcal infection (meningitis) in young people

What we know so far after road closures and police cordon in place at gardens

A POLICE cordon and road closures are in place in Weymouth after an incident last night

Dorset PCC launches survey on Live Facial Recognition technology

Dorset Police launch survey seeking public views on live facial recognition (LFR) technology rollout. Share your feedback by 14 May. Have your say today.

New Forest artist residency to explore 'Famous Five' locations

A new artist residency will explore landscapes made famous by a classic children’s television series.

Two men hospitalised after assault outside Bournemouth bar

TWO men were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries after a reported assault incident outside Bournemouth bar.

Electrical fire sparks inside supermarket

AN ELECTRICAL fire sparked inside a storeroom at a supermarket in Poole.

Drivers reminded not to park on zig-zag lines

POLICE has issued a reminder that parking on zig-zag lines at pedestrian crossings is one of the strictest no-stopping offences on the road.

Man accused of escaping lawful custody due in court

A MAN who is accused of escaping from lawful custody in Poole is due to appear in crown court.

Three arrested after drugs and cash seized in vehicle stop in Poole

THREE people have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug and a money laundering offence in Poole.

Kilos of cocaine and £20k cash found in Wimborne family home

A COUPLE who turned their Wimborne home into a mini drug warehouse were caught with kilos of class A and B drugs as well as around £20,000 in cash.

Delays to food waste collections while it gets 'up and running'

There are delays to the new food waste collection service, which started less than two weeks ago, in parts of Poole and Bournemouth while it gets ‘up and running’.

Spitfire flies over Bournemouth to mark special anniversary

History took to the skies this morning as a restored Spitfire soared above Bournemouth for it's 90th anniversary celebration tour on it's way to make its last descent in Southampton.

Groom-to-be paying for wedding after selling old Pokemon cards from attic for £32k

A teaching assistant's rare Pokémon cards found in an attic after 20 years will now pay for his wedding - after selling for more than £32k.

Poole Civic Centre sale not yet completed

The sale of Poole Civic Centre for £5.25million to a Manchester-based real estate investment and development company has not yet been completed.

Two new houses to be built following demolition of a bungalow

A proposal to demolish a bungalow and build two homes in Christchurch has been approved.

What's on in cinemas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend

A supernatural horror reimagining, a comedy-drama film and a re-release of an iconic Japanese anime film are among films shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Internationally popular musical to return to Dorset venue next year

Six the Musical returns to Lighthouse Poole in March 2027. Award-winning West End show reimagines Henry VIII’s six wives. Tickets on sale April 2026.

Comedian who once handed Theresa May a P45 to headline show at Ringwood venue

Coastal Comedy Show returns to The Barn, Ringwood on 1 May 2026 with Simon Brodkin, Louis Burgess and Alistair Williams. Tickets from £18. Book now!

Royal reception at Windsor Castle celebrates Dorset’s carer community

Dorset carers honoured by King and Queen at Windsor Castle reception, with Lizzie Eden and Steve Duckett recognised for outstanding support and NHS work.

Nursery children in Poole enjoy creative learning and theatre at Dorset venue

Children from Tops Day Nurseries Poole enjoyed Tales from Acorn Wood at Lighthouse Poole, exploring storytelling, theatre and Julia Donaldson’s characters.

Film accompanist to celebrate 100 years of Laurel and Hardy at Dorset theatre

Celebrate 100 years of Laurel and Hardy in Wimborne with Neil Brand’s live film accompaniment at Tivoli Theatre, 26 April. Silent films, Q&A and more.

Supermarket chain donates more than 1,800 meals to people in need in Dorset

Aldi and Neighbourly donated over 1,800 meals to Dorset families in need over Easter, supporting local charities with surplus food from UK stores.

REVIEW: Lessons From Teacher x at Lighthouse Poole by Jack Davis

Lessons From Teacher x review: Jack Davis applauds the rom-com thriller at Poole Lighthouse, starring Barbara Smith. A gripping new play by Erin De Frias.

Children's theatre show coming to Dorset venue in September

Children’s theatre show "Rabbit and Rey and the Lost Things" comes to Lighthouse Poole on 26 September. Family puppetry and storytelling promised.

Work continues on new specialist school for children with additional needs

Construction of Woodlands School in Colehill, Dorset, is underway. The new SEND facility, led by Dorset Council, will support 56 pupils with additional needs.

Museum of East Dorset champions accessibility for International Guide Dogs Day

Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne offers free entry for blind and visually impaired visitors on International Guide Dogs Day, supporting accessibility.

Care home chefs run baking masterclass to support future talent in Dorset

Care South chefs led a baking masterclass at The CRUMBS Project in Bournemouth, teaching catering trainees breadmaking skills to boost employability.

'Witchy Wellbeing Workshops' to launch in Bournemouth next month

Witchy Wellbeing Workshops by The Autistic Women’s Club and Abi Rose launch in Bournemouth, offering tarot, spell jars, and reiki for autistic women. Book now.

New care service launched to support independent living in Bournemouth

Sage Care, part of CCH Group, launches new Extra Care Housing in Bournemouth to support independent living, create jobs and reduce hospital admissions.

New environmental event in Dorset successfully brings community together

Planet Earth Needs Our Help hosted its first Environmental Information Exchange in Poole, with talks from Sustainable Dorset and Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Dorset secondary schools can fundraise to feed hungry children in Africa

Dorset schools invited to join Mary’s Meals’ Feed A School scheme, raising funds to provide a year’s worth of school meals for children in Malawi or Zambia.

Dermatology clinic in Christchurch to offer free mole checks at screening event

Southface Dermatology Clinic in Christchurch offers free mole checks on 30 May for Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Book a screening to detect skin cancer early.

Support is available for anyone affected by scams or fraud in Dorset

Dorset Council signs Fraud and Scams Victim Charter, offering support to local residents affected by scams. Contact trading standards for help and advice.

Dorset housebuilder joins the pack as sponsor for ‘Muddy Dog Dash’

Barratt David Wilson Homes sponsored the Muddy Dog Dash at Upton Heath, raising funds for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care supporting adults in Dorset.

Care home director in Ringwood swaps office for kitchen for charity cook off

Barchester Healthcare’s Duncan Edwards will join the 2026 Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off, raising funds to support vulnerable people across the UK.

‘Despicable’ man jailed for raping and strangling teen after Bournemouth night out

A ‘DESPICABLE’ man strangled and raped a woman he met on a night out in Bournemouth.

Youth homelessness crisis deepens as need for independent living support highlighted

According to recent Centrepoint research, there are tens of thousands of 18 to 25-year-olds across the country facing homelessness.

33,000 licences revoked by DVLA due to common condition - 'red flags' to watch for

Nearly 33,000 British motorists have had their licences revoked or applications refused in the last four years after failing to meet legal eyesight standards.

Spanish Airport to close for a month with all flights cancelled as thousands affected

Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport is set to close from April 23 to May 27 - see why and how this will impact British travellers.

Government

Geotechnical Data Bill

That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the collection of, setting of standards relating to, and secure sharing of geotechnical data derived from ground and site investigations; to require the integration of such data into the National Underground Asset Register; to confer duties on statutory undertakers and public authorities in connection with certain such data; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Win tickets to Ask DC: An evening with David Coulthard

F1 Unlocked is giving fans the chance to attend Ask DC: An Evening with David Coulthard at F1® Arcade, a must-see night celebrating all things Formula 1®.

Russell on Antonelli title fight and Mercedes future

George Russell has shared an insight into how he is approaching the resumption of the season in May, with the Mercedes driver hoping that the championship battle continues to be between himself and team mate Kimi Antonelli whilst remaining wary of the competition.

Herta to take part in four FP1 sessions with Cadillac in 2026

Cadillac have announced that Colton Herta will make his practice debut with the team at the upcoming Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

TREMAYNE: How good was Ralf Schumacher?

Twenty five years ago Ralf Schumacher scored his first F1 victory, in San Marino, making a little bit of history for himself and BMW Williams, but just how good a driver was Michael's younger brother?

The iconic World Champion whose style was as daring as his driving

1976 F1 World Champion James Hunt was never one to play by the rules, as his fashion pushed back against the expectations placed on F1 drivers at the time.

Red Bull announce series of organisational changes

Red Bull have announced a series of organisational changes within their technical department.

Win a trip to Miami with F1 Unlocked

F1 Unlocked is giving you and a guest the chance to experience the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2026 in unforgettable style.

Why Nico Hulkenberg is worth a points-finish bet

Despite being yet to score points this season, there are several reasons to back the German driver.

MS Dynamics

Becoming a Frontier Manufacturing Firm: Agentic decisions across the manufacturing value chain

At Hannover Messe 2026, Microsoft is showcasing how agentic ERP with Copilot, agents and Dynamics 365 helps manufacturers replan faster, make better production tradeoffs, and meet or exceed customer service SLAs.

The post Becoming a Frontier Manufacturing Firm: Agentic decisions across the manufacturing value chain appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Battlefield 6 is finally cooking for real with its 2026 roadmap bringing awesome maps, a real server browser, and more — but there's still one big problem

The official Battlefield 6 roadmap for 2026 is here, revealing that this year will add seven new maps, the return of naval warfare, and more.

"We can’t wait to tell you our new story": Read Metro 2039 dev 4A Games' letter to the community following Xbox's reveal of the long-awaited shooter

Following Xbox and 4A Games' reveal of the latter's upcoming FPS sequel Metro 2039, the game's devs wrote a heartfelt letter to the Metro community.

“The heir to the Stealth Pro is here” as Turtle Beach unveils a new flagship headset with upgraded sound, smarter features, and preorders already live

Turtle Beach has unveiled the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II wireless gaming headset along with details on its auditory capabilities, release date, and pre-order availability.

Xbox’s latest update is now live for everyone, and I think they’re getting a lot right, but can they keep up the momentum?

Xbox’s April 2026 system update introduces per game Quick Resume controls, expanded Home customization, improved personalization, and new indicators for streaming and save data.

Xbox and Paramount have its Call of Duty movie release date, but it's pretty far off — here's exactly when the film is coming out

Xbox and Paramount have officially announced the Call of Duty movie's release date, but don't expect it to come out soon; it's pretty far off.

"Darkest ever" Metro 2039 looks absolutely insane, but also painfully sobering — Xbox First Look showcase offers our first glimpse at 4A Games' next epic

Metro remains one of the best and most immersive shooter franchises of its era, and Metro 2039 looks to absolutely continue that tradition. 4A games offers us our first glimpse in partnership with Xbox.

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred is revealing too much too soon and Blizzard risks ruining the joy of discovery

Lord of Hatred is spoiling its own secrets. Why I think Blizzard’s marketing risks killing the hype for it's own expansion by revealing too much story content.

'People of Note': Turn-based combat becomes a full-blown musical experience in this new Xbox Play Anywhere title from Annapurna Interactive

People of Note is a turn-based RPG musical available now on Xbox from Iridium Studios and Annapurna Interactive blending turn-based RPG mechanics that follows a would-be popstar that has to assemble a genre-bending band of musicians and experience music in a whole new light.

Microsoft plans major Start menu upgrades for Windows 11 with better customization and performance: Users will soon be able to resize it and toggle off entire areas of Start

Microsoft is rebuilding the Start menu from the ground up, and is adding some much needed customization and performance improvements along the way.

"Cloud Gaming with monthly time limit": Microsoft's code hints at an Xbox Game Pass 'TRITON' codename and new 'Duet' tier

New findings tied to Xbox’s TRITON and Duet codenames suggest Microsoft could introduce monthly cloud gaming limits. The potential changes do align with broader efforts to reshape Game Pass pricing and tiers.

Microsoft Edge for mobile could make me ditch Chrome for good: Free YouTube background play without interruptions

Google hid YouTube background play behind a paywall, but Microsoft Edge Canary just brought it back for free.

"Over 3.3 million downloads": This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft's customers with a huge update

Zorin OS 18.1 surpasses 3.3M downloads, offering smart native alternatives to Windows apps and posing a real threat to Microsoft’s market share.

"Truly one of the best gaming monitors": 480Hz at 1080p or 240Hz at 4K — there's no game this discounted display can't handle

The ASUS ROG Swift 32" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG32UCDP) is a perfect fit for both cinematic single-player and competitive multiplayer games, thanks to its dual-mode with 480Hz refresh rates, and it's now on a 31% discount.

Sniffnet is my new go-to app for network monitoring — Free, open-source, and taking on GlassWire and Wireshark

I came across Sniffnet the other day, and after installing it on my PC, I can safely say it's sticking around. It's a free and open-source network monitor that's easy to use, efficient, and quite deep. Here's what you need to know.

Laffgaff

What color ball is worth 3 points in a game of snooker?

Green.

Broken Old Mirror

Today, I was conned into buying a broken old mirror. I'm afraid it's going to reflect poorly on me.

Itsfoss

Privacy Email Service Tuta Now Also Has Cloud Storage with Quantum-Resistant Encryption

Tuta Drive is almost here, and it makes Google Drive and OneDrive look sus. I explored the early access release.

21-year-old Polish Woman Fixed a 20-year-old Linux Bug!

She wasn't hunting for bugs. She was doing something mundane when she discovered the issue and made the fix. We need more such positive stories.

Cal.com Goes Close Source Because "AI Can Easily Exploit Open Source Software"

That said, the old codebase will live on as Cal.diy under the MIT license.

Russian Baikal CPUs Are Losing Their Place in the Linux Kernel

After sanctions, bankruptcy and removal of kernel maintainers, Baikal's unfinished kernel code is being removed.