The News - Friday, 13 February 2026

BBC News

Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health

The White House calls it the largest deregulation in US history, but environmentalists say it will prove costly for Americans.

Analysis: Trump takes victory lap after biggest climate rollback yet

The move marks the culmination of a decade-long push by the president to tear up climate policies he argues stifle industry.

'Everyone knows somebody affected' - small Canadian town united in grief after mass shooting

The shooting in British Columbia has been met with shock and sadness, with residents saying nearly everyone has been impacted in some way.

Can a pulse of electricity to the brain make us less selfish?

Scientists have discovered how to make people less selfish - slightly and temporarily - by stimulating two areas of the brain.

Catfishing a conman back on dating app days after jail release

An undercover reporter catches a serial fraudster back on a dating app days after leaving jail.

Vaping in cars with children could be banned under new plans

The plans are subject to a 12-week public consultation which starts on Friday.

Rise in half-term holiday bookings after rainy January

Rain plus the political environment is creating a "powerful psychological need for escape", travel agents say.

'We warned nursery about abuser Vincent Chan - they dismissed us,' parents tell BBC

The parents of two children who say they warned nursery staff about Chan tell the BBC they felt ignored.

The science of soulmates: Is there someone out there exactly right for you?

For many, the idea of soulmates still shapes how love is understood.

Weekly quiz: What was written on Bad Bunny's ball at the Super Bowl?

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

Does Australian politics still have a problem with women?

The Liberal Party elected its first female leader at a time of crisis. She lasted less than a year.

The Papers: 'Cull at No 10' and 'Ban United'

Chief civil servant Sir Chris Wormauld and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe dominate Friday's papers.

Why I stopped saying no to my toddler

Kelly explains why she decided to try "gentle parenting" and the impact it has had on her child.

Wuthering Heights soundtrack the perfect pivot for Charli XCX, says Brat co-writer

Finn Keane says working on the soundtrack was "completely different" to the pop star's Brat summer era.

The US economy is growing - so where are all the jobs?

As hiring rates and job openings drop, some worry a tough job market could be here to stay.

Taylor Swift asks US government to block 'Swift Home' trademark

Her team argued that a bedding firm's designs showed similarities to her trademarked signature.

AI safety leader says 'world is in peril' and quits to study poetry

It comes in the same week an OpenAI researcher resigned amid concerns about its decision to start testing ChatGPT ads.

Tesco plans to give under-18s Clubcard access this year

Consumer outlet Which? has been campaigning on access to loyalty schemes, calling it a "huge win for shoppers".

Victims of shootings in Canada named by police

Eight people were killed, ranging in age from 11 to 39, with 25 people injured in the shootings at a school and a home.

Strictly star Robin Windsor took own life after mental health deterioration, inquest finds

The dancer was "vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally", an inquest jury says.

Japan says it seized Chinese vessel amid tensions with Beijing

The fishing boat tried to flee when ordered to stop for an inspection inside Japan's territorial waters, authorities say.

Marine who fell overboard becomes first American killed in drug boat targeting operation

The 21-year-old Marine fell from a US battleship and was declared dead after a three-day search.

Two jailed over plot to attack Jewish community

Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein planned to carry out an "Isis-inspired plot", a court hears.

Watch: How Andrew's BBC interview compares to what Epstein emails tell us now

Following the latest release of the Epstein files, claims made by the then Prince Andrew in 2019 are under fresh scrutiny.

Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful but group remains proscribed for now

Three judges rule against the Home Office in a massive blow to the government, but say the ban must remain until a further hearing.

The science of soulmates: Is there someone out there exactly right for you?

For many, the idea of soulmates still shapes how love is understood.

Brother of Laos methanol victim says £135 fines 'an absolute joke'

Ten people linked to six deaths at a hostel in Laos are given suspended sentences and fines.

Former SNP chief executive accused of embezzling £459,000 over 12-year period

The former SNP chief executive is accused of illicitly purchasing items including luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome.

World's rules-based order 'no longer exists', Germany's Merz warns

"Our freedom is not guaranteed" in an era of big powers, the German chancellor tells Munich's security summit.

Designer who helped Hello Kitty gain global recognition steps down after 46 years

Yuko Yamaguchi oversaw the feline character's rise to to global icon status.

High Court dismisses challenge to single-sex toilet guidance

Campaigners claimed the guidance for employers, such as hospitals, shops and restaurants, was "legally flawed" and "overly simplistic".

'My husband stole £600k for sex and antiques' - medication side effects tearing families apart

Side effects of a common Parkinson’s medications had devastating consequences on one family, BBC hears.

Fancy a dip? The new places that could become official bathing spots

The government says the plans would increase the number of England's official bathing sites to 464.

Where does sacking of Civil Service head leave Sir Keir Starmer?

Is transplanting staff at the heart of government part of a bigger strategy - or a sticking plaster?

My brave son has a unique heart - he's been battling since the day he was born

Around 13 children a day are born with heart conditions in the UK, but Chester's mum says she assumed only older people were affected.

Can a pulse of electricity to the brain make us less selfish?

Scientists have discovered how to make people less selfish - slightly and temporarily - by stimulating two areas of the brain.

Stars offer support after husband of influencer Lorna Luxe dies

Luxe announced his death to her 1.7 million Instagram followers, saying she was "heartbroken".

Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health

The White House calls it the largest deregulation in US history, but environmentalists say it will prove costly for Americans.

Watch SpaceX rocket blast off to International Space Station

Watch moment Falcon 9 rocket blasts off to International Space Station

BBC confronts romance scammer who was back on dating app days after jail release

An undercover reporter catches a serial fraudster back on a dating app days after leaving jail.

Steven Spielberg donates $25,000 to late James Van Der Beek's GoFundMe

The family of the late Dawson's Creek star have thanked contributors to the $2m collection pot.

Hollywood studios take aim at 'ultra-realistic' AI video tool

Clips including Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting, made by new AI video tool Seedance, have gone viral.

Bournemouth Echo

Fly-tipper fined by council over illegal rubbish dump

A FIXED penalty notice has been issued to a person after a large fly-tip discovered near New Forest district last year.

New charity shop and family support hub opens in Christchurch

A CHARITY shop and family support hub has opened their doors transforming empty units into "warm and welcoming environment" in Christchurch on Thursday morning.

Council cabinet approves removal of £2.6million Pokesdown station funding

Councillors say Pokesdown Station Improvement project has changed ‘immensely’ as Cabinet approves withdrawing £2.6million.

Watch as arsonist sets fire to Bournemouth International Centre

WATCH the moment an arsonist set fire to the Bournemouth International Centre.

"This is the slow managed decline of our bus service"

Full council approves continuing to protect 1.3million bus journeys to improve public transport network across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Glow-in-the-dark wildlife walk at bird reserve

Discover glowing fungi, plants and creatures on a biofluorescence night-time walk at RSPB Arne on 27 February. Booking essential.

Concern for welfare sparks emergency response

Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident in the area of Richmond Road in Poole

The talented maker handcrafting guitars from scratch using New Forest timber

Alex Potter, of A.S. Potter Instruments, is the talented maker producing handcrafted guitars from scratch using New Forest trees.

A35 to close for road works between Lyndhurst and Ashurst

Motorists are being warned of a full road closure on the A35 between Lyndhurst and Ashurst for essential resurfacing works.

Seafront trader 'relieved' as licence charges are cut

A seafront trader says he feels 'triumphant' after 'excessive' licence charges for outside seating are to be significantly cut

What to expect when new high street discount store opens next week

Some 15 new jobs will be created when a new high street discount store opens its doors in Dorchester next week

'I thought I was dying' says vicar involved in horror crash

A vicar who was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash on the Coast Road has thanked emergency services and residents for their support

Poole Labour MP slams party for 'chasing Nigel Farage's tail' on immigration

Cross-party MPs urge Home Office to pause migrant worker settlement changes, as proposed reforms risk care sector crisis and breach British value of fairness.

'National media is addicted to chaos', says MP following Mandelson scandal

A Bournemouth MP has he wants the prime minister to “succeed” after Sir Keir Starmer faced calls to resign earlier this week.

BCP Council standards process ‘an expensive record-keeping exercise’

A councillor has said BCP Council standards process is ‘an expensive record-keeping exercise’.

£14million SEND budget increase approved for BCP

£14.3million additional funding for BCP Council’s high needs SEND budget has been approved, increasing the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit.

Real-time flooding and travel updates put forward for BCP

Improvement to how BCP Council shares live information during floods is going to be looked at by committee.

Moment of silence held in honour of former councillor

A moment of silence has been held in honour of former Borough of Bournemouth Councillor Dennis Gritt.

Rail disruption expected to continue until 3pm due to signalling fault

Trains between Bournemouth and Brockenhurst are currently disrupted after fault with the signalling system

Covid memorial being considered for Bournemouth park

BCP Council is exploring establishing a Covid-19 memorial in a park in Bournemouth.

Met Office issue yellow weather warning for snow and ice on south coast

A Met Office yellow weather warning has been issued to the South Coast.

I caught the Antarctic Monkeys tribute band at the O2 and what a night it was!

A pretty decent crowd came out to the O2 to catch the Antarctic Monkeys supported by Little Juke and what a night it was with both bands delivering blistering sets.

Bournemouth man charged with murdering 60-year-old who disappeared in 2024

Two people have been charged with murdering a 60-year-old man who disappeared in 2024.

PHOTOS: James Arthur delivers soulful and emotional performance at the BIC

No review of a James Arthur gig would be complete without saying how far this singer songwriter has come since winning X Factor in 2012. 

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

A new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, a new Chris Hemsworth crime thriller and a screening of a horror classic are among films shown across BCP this weekend.

Care home residents thrilled to be reunited with animals

RESIDENTS of Parkstone care home had a “special visit” from two donkeys of West Hill Donkeys.

Nursery and infant school staff launch fundraiser for new garden project

A group of nursery and infant school staff are fundraising to create a new garden so children can enjoy 'as much outside as possible.'

Love en route: Bus driver and passenger to tie the knot

A bus driver and one of his passengers are planning their future together after a chance meeting ten years ago.

Get Dorset & BCP Working Plan launched to help people with work and wellbeing

Dorset Council, BCP Council, NHS Dorset and DWP launch the Get Dorset & BCP Working Plan to boost employment, skills and wellbeing across Dorset communities.

Hop into the wild this half term with The National Trust and Pixar’s “Hoppers”

Discover the National Trust and Disney Pixar's "Hoppers" trail at 19 UK sites this February half term. Family outdoor fun inspired by the new animated film.

Retail park 'blown away' as hundreds of Christmas trees collected for recycling

A retail park said it is ‘blown away’ after nearly 500 Christmas trees were collected to be recycled across its site.

Community groups in southern England set for major boost with share of £345k

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks awards £345,000 to 32 low-carbon and energy resilience projects in central southern England through Net Zero fund.

South Western Railway welcomes 28 new apprentices to start in September

South Western Railway welcomes 28 new apprentices in engineering, IT and communications this September, boosting UK rail careers.

Zizzi set to 'share the love' with new offers this Valentine's Day and half-term

Zizzi launches a £29.95 Valentine’s Day set menu and special desserts, plus half-term Kids Eat Free and free candy floss at 135 UK restaurants in February 2026.

Six people still under investigation for burglary and murder of elderly woman

SIX people are still under investigation for murder and burglary after a woman aged in her 80s was found dead in Poole.

Community tree planting day postponed due to ground being waterlogged

A community tree-planting day has been postponed after heavy rainfall left the ground too waterlogged, the town council has confirmed.

In The Dock: Man sexually assaulted woman in a police station

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court.

Student-led play focusing on Sudanese refugee crisis raises £1,000 for charity

Bryanston School’s A3 Festival raised £1,000 with “What Didn’t Happen”, a play on Sudanese refugees, highlighting conflict, displacement and youth activism.

Record-breaking donations help charity create magical Christmas for families

Julia’s House children’s hospice raised a record £82,722 in its Christmas Shine Appeal, supporting Dorset and Wiltshire families with complex care needs.

Treasure trove of ancient Tudor coins fetches more than £60,000 at auction

The Littlebrook Hoard, 200 historic Henry VII coins found in Dorset, sold for £61,735 at Noonans Mayfair auction, exceeding expectations.

Estate agent raises hundreds of pounds for charity through festive fundraising

Mays Estate Agents raised £860 for STARS Dorset, supporting survivors of sexual violence in Dorset. Funds aid free, confidential local services.

Dorset Tamil Sangam Committee: fostering community and celebrating diversity

Dorset Tamil Sangam Committee hosted a successful badminton tournament in Bournemouth, promoting Indian culture, inclusivity, and community spirit.

Bournemouth Wedding Show returns to Bournemouth Pavilion this March

The Big Bournemouth Wedding Show returns to Bournemouth Pavilion on 7-8 March, featuring top South Coast wedding suppliers, fashion shows, and planning tips.

New Westbourne networking club launches to support local business community

Westbourne Breakfast Networking Club launches 19 February at Agent Nouveau Boutique, Westbourne uniting entrepreneurs and professionals for monthly events.

Oceanarium invites visitors to turn ocean litter into art this half term

Bournemouth Oceanarium hosts free half-term workshops turning beach litter into Valentine’s Day cards, promoting marine conservation and family activities.

Dorset dancing group raises nearly £1,000 for Dorset search and rescue team

Dorset Buttons Morris Dancers raise £905 for Dorset Search and Rescue, supporting local volunteer emergency services. Group urgently seeks new dancers.

Property finance lender appoints new director as it announces growth plans

MSP Capital appoints Ben Arnold as director of property services to drive growth towards a £750m loan book, boosting UK property lending and development.

'A place to feel safe and welcome': New yoga studio opens in Southbourne

A new yoga studio has opened in Southbourne, offering what its owner describes as a “safe and welcoming” space for the community.

Technology company in Ringwood announces series of new hires and promotions

EntrustIT expands UK team with new hires and internal promotion amid ongoing growth. Managed IT services provider celebrates 20 years with job vacancies.

Caremark Poole & East Dorset wins home care business award for South West

Caremark Poole & East Dorset wins top South West award at Caremark Franchise Awards 2026 for outstanding home care, leadership, and support in the UK.

Developer wants to build 170 new homes in 'much-loved' village

Pennyfarthing Homes proposes 170 new homes in Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, with affordable options, public green spaces, and links to local amenities.

An audience with acting royalty in a special visit to Lighthouse, Poole

Alison Steadman shares career highlights at Lighthouse Poole's PIPELINE event, discussing Gavin and Stacey, Abigail’s Party, and new writing in UK drama.

Volunteers raise more than £3,400 for dog charity in nine-hour walk

Six volunteers walked over nine hours at Little Lions Farm, raising £3,400 for Waggy Tails Rescue after council blocked plans to expand their sanctuary.

Formula 1

Tech secrets from Day 2 of the first Bahrain test

F1 TV's Sam Collins uncovers some fascinating tech details from the second day of the first pre-season test in Bahrain.

Watch as F1 TV breaks down Day 2 of first Bahrain test

The F1 TV crew outline the biggest talking points from Day 2 of the first pre-season test in Bahrain.

What we learned from Day 2 of the first Bahrain test

There were some impressive mileage counts on day two of pre-season testing in Bahrain, but while most teams were encouraged by what they were learning about their new-for-2026 Formula 1 machines, it wasn't so rosy for everyone...

Watch the action from Day 2 of the first Bahrain test

The second day of pre-season testing for the 2026 season in Bahrain saw Charles Leclerc top the timesheets.

Norris pleased with ‘good learning’ in Bahrain

Lando Norris was satisfied at achieving some “good learning” during the second day of the opening pre-season Bahrain test, with the Briton admitting that his high mileage was “probably the most laps I’ve done in a day” in Formula 1.

Why Audi's new-look bodywork in Bahrain got people talking

Audi created a stir on the first day of Bahrain testing with a new bodywork very different to that seen in the Barcelona Shakedown.

Antonelli and Mercedes top final day of first Bahrain test

Kimi Antonelli led team mate George Russell as Mercedes locked out the top two positions on the timing screens across the third and final day of 2026’s opening pre-season test in Bahrain.

Red Bull progress ‘better than we hoped for’ – Hadjar

Isack Hadjar has admitted that Red Bull’s progress during the first 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain has been “better than we hoped for”, with the Frenchman labelling the squad’s new power unit as “reliable” and “powerful”.

Russell feels Mercedes have ‘taken a step back’ in Bahrain

George Russell has described this week’s pre-season test in Bahrain as “a bit of a reality check” for Mercedes, believing that the team have “taken a step back” in terms of reliability and performance since the Barcelona Shakedown.

Stroll claims Aston are ‘four-and-a-half seconds’ off pace

Lance Stroll has offered a frank assessment of where he feels Aston Martin stand after the first few days of running with their new Honda-powered challenger, suggesting the team are “four-and-a-half seconds” off the pace.

Russell tops Day 3 morning session at Bahrain test

George Russell set the pace during the morning session on the third day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, the Mercedes driver heading Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the timesheets.

Doohan excited for ‘fresh start’ as Haas reserve

Jack Doohan was all smiles as he arrived at the Bahrain International Circuit this week in his new role as a reserve driver for Haas, calling the move a “clean slate” that will take him “back to the drawing board”.

AS IT HAPPENED: Day 3 of pre-season testing in Bahrain

Keep up to date with all the action - both on track and off it - as the 11 F1 teams work on preparations for the 2026 season. Live coverage of Day 3 in Bahrain.

Who’s driving on Day 3 of the first Bahrain test

One more day of running lies ahead of the teams at the first official 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, but who exactly will be in action? Check out the complete driver list in the table below...

Windows Central

Microsoft confirms plan to ditch OpenAI — as the ChatGPT firm continues to beg Big Tech for cash

Google Deepmind co-founder and Microsoft AI lead Mustafa Suleyman suggests that the big tech firm is moving away from OpenAI reliance, as the latter's financials look increasingly dire.

'Quarantine Zone: The Last Check' is the most viral game on Xbox right now — and you can play it on PC Game Pass

Brigada Games and Devolver Digital’s zombie apocalypse checkpoint simulator puts you in control of your very own checkpoint. Check survivors, weed out the infected, and research the disease, and you just might survive in this viral indie game available now on Xbox PC and Game Pass.

Every Xbox and PC game shown during Sony's PlayStation State of Play February 2026

Sony's first PlayStation State of Play in 2026 included some games coming to Xbox and PC, too. Here's everything we saw.

As Highguard studio Wildlight faces mass layoffs, dev reacts, decries "gamer culture" and says "innovation is on life support" — "We were turned into a joke from minute one"

A former Highguard developer has reacted to the game's downfall amid mass layoffs at studio Wildlight Entertainment, decrying "gamer culture."

Windows 11 users are celebrating — and roasting — Microsoft for bringing back classic taskbar features

Microsoft is finally bringing back long-lost Taskbar features on Windows 11. Some users cheer, others call it overdue and question the timing.

Fallout 76 may get another raid, and Bethesda plans to make swapping builds easier to avoid "playing the UI" — it should learn from one of its biggest rivals

Bethesda is considering adding another Fallout 76 raid, but before that happens, it wants to make it easier to change your builds in the RPG.

Xbox is gearing up for a major PC crossover push at GDC

Xbox’s GDC 2026 lineup, led by Jason Ronald, reinforces a clear ecosystem first strategy with a strong Play Anywhere and PC development push, but no confirmed new hardware announcements.

Lenovo's "Mac Mini competitor" is a perfect Windows PC for productivity — and it's also never been cheaper than right now during President's Day sales

Lenovo's IdeaCentre Mini x is a compact PC with some impressive specs, including a Snapdragon SoC and 32GB of RAM. We loved it enough to give it a Best Award, and we know you'll love this massive 34% discount available for a limited time.

Someone got Minecraft running on a Sega Saturn and it’s as ridiculous as it sounds

A developer has successfully ported a playable version of Minecraft to the Sega Saturn. While currently limited in features, the homebrew project allows players to place and destroy blocks.

Microsoft put Weezer’s Buddy Holly on Windows 95 just for "fun" — but only after a legal battle no one talks about

Microsoft’s lawyers had to consult Happy Days reps, including The Fonz, to secure Weezer’s Buddy Holly video for the Windows 95 CD.

Diablo 4 developers chat War Plans, the overhaul of Skill Trees and the "Heaven and Hell" relationship between Warlock and Paladin

We chat about everything endgame and progression with the Diablo 4 developers ahead of the Lord of Hatred expansion, which will be the biggest overhaul of Diablo systems to date.

Microsoft's AI CEO shares another warning that AI could make "most, if not all" white-collar jobs extinct in the next 12-18 months

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts most white-collar tasks will be automated within 18 months, potentially reshaping the future of work as we know it.

This third-party project is exactly the type of Copilot I'd want to use every day on my Windows 11 PC

I'm of the opinion that AI tools can be useful, but also need to get out of the way and not command all your attention. Which is exactly what this third-party GitHub Copilot app does, while still looking like it's part of Windows 11.

Capcom shadow-drops Dino Crisis 1 and 2 onto Steam with a surprising discount — is it gauging interest for a series comeback?

The classic survival horror game Dino Crisis and its action game sequel, Dino Crisis 2, have been re-released on Steam out of nowhere by Capcom, each with a 50% discount.

Crimson Desert's final gameplay overview shows off small but significant features — these are the fun side quests you can expect

Pearl Abyss releases the final gameplay overview for Crimson Desert, this time highlighting its more down-to-earth features like developing the Greymanes' base camp, talking with NPCs, mini-games, customizing your character's cosmetic looks, and more.

I found 16 of the best Presidents' Day deals on Windows laptops, Xbox essentials, and PC gaming bargains before the day arrives

Find the best Presidents' Day deals on everything in Microsoft's ecosystem in my curated list, including Windows PCs, new laptops, and Xbox gaming accessories.

Laffgaff

What kind of tea is drunk by Captain Picard in Star Trek?

Earl Grey.

Mexican Salamander

What do you call a Mexican salamander that's always eating between meals? A snaxolotl.

Itsfoss

Session's Co-Founder Thinks You Don't Need to Ditch WhatsApp Completely

Kee Jefferys on why privacy messaging should be an option, not a replacement.