The News - Thursday, 12 February 2026

BBC News

PM tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying 'UK has been colonised'

Sir Keir Starmer says comments by the businessman and Manchester United co-owner are "offensive and wrong".

Police identify 18-year-old as suspect in Tumbler Ridge shooting

Six people were killed and at least 25 others were injured at a school, and two others were found dead at a nearby home.

Chris Mason: Latest vetting row raises fresh concerns over Starmer's judgement

The BBC's political editor analyses the vetting rows facing the PM over Lord Doyle and Lord Mandelson.

Bud Cort, star of cult classic Harold and Maude, dies aged 77

The veteran actor of stage and screen appeared in more than 80 films and TV series.

Lyse Doucet: In Tehran, rallies for Iran's revolution overshadowed by discontent and defiance

The BBC visits the Iranian capital for the first time since authorities used unprecedented force to put down protests last month.

Sarah Ferguson asked Epstein for bankruptcy advice while he was in jail, emails suggest

Emails appear to show the desperate measures Ferguson considered to rescue her finances.

Bill to lower voting age to 16 to be introduced in Parliament

The government wants 16 and 17-year-olds to be able to vote at the next general election.

Scrap proposed England holiday tax, hospitality bosses urge

Critics say the proposed tax could force families to shorten trips or spend their money overseas.

Laughing gas canisters explode at waste centres hundreds of times a week, firms say

Discarded nitrous oxide canisters are exploding in waste incinerators causing staff safety concerns.

Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew's files

Juliette Bryant has called on the Palace to "act" on revelations about Andrew's relationship with Epstein.

I died for 40 minutes - here's what it taught me about life

After a cardiac arrest Patrick Charnley was clinically dead. He came back to life a changed man.

The Dutch love four-day working weeks, but are they sustainable?

The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe, but some say it is harming its economy.

'It was terrifying': Tumbler Ridge's tight-knit community in shock after shooting

Members of the remote community have spoken of their fear and uncertainty after nine people were killed.

The Papers: 'Police assessing Andrew's "leaks"' and 'Outrage at Prem boss'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sir Jim Ratcliffe dominate Thursday's front pages.

Force that charged woman who accused policeman of rape investigated

The inquiry is likely to address whether any officers who worked on the case should be disciplined.

Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek dies aged 48

The father of six starred in multiple popular shows and films in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues.

Instagram boss: 16 hours of daily use is 'problematic,' not addiction

Instagram's Adam Mosseri faced questioning about the impact of his platform on minors.

US House votes to overturn Trump's tariffs on Canada

Six Republican lawmakers joined Democrats to back a resolution that seeks to end the tariffs Trump imposed on Canada last year.

Russia moves to block WhatsApp in messaging app crackdown

WhatsApp says the move aims to push its 90 million users in Russia to a "state-owned surveillance app".

Six dead in suspected murder-suicides in Bulgarian mountains, officials say

The national police chief has branded the case an "unprecedented crime" unlike any other seen before in the country.

PM tells Ratcliffe to apologise for 'colonised' remarks

Sir Keir Starmer says comments by the businessman and Manchester United co-owner are "offensive and wrong".

Minnesota immigration enforcement surge is ending, Trump border tsar says

Two US citizens were killed in Minneapolis during the crackdown dubbed "Operation Metro Surge".

'Vast majority' of parents should be involved if children question their gender, schools told

School leaders welcome the "greater clarity" on how to handle the polarising issue for parents and pupils.

Trial date set for Trump's legal case against BBC

Donald Trump's multi-billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC is set to go to trial in February 2027.

Ratcliffe sorry language 'offended some' after immigration comments

The Manchester United co-owner previously said the UK had been "colonised" by immigrants.

Nurses and other NHS staff to get 3.3% pay rise

Unions angry, but government says it demonstrates its commitment to workforce.

Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul

South Korea's spy agency says Ki Ju Ae's prominent public presence indicates she is the chosen heir.

Sir Chris Wormald stands down as head of Civil Service

The Cabinet Office says the move is "by mutual agreement" but it follows months of negative media reports about his performance.

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.

Alton Towers U-turns on plan to restrict disability pass

"We are sorry," says operator after plan to restrict queuing access for people with autism, ADHD and anxiety sparked criticism.

Dawson's Creek: The 90s teen drama that 'wore its heart on its sleeve'

The show's lead was James Van Der Beek, who has died from cancer at the age of 48.

How to check whether you have bowel cancer

What are the main symptoms and causes of bowel cancer, and how can you reduce your risk of getting it?

Fact-checking Jim Ratcliffe's claims about immigration and benefits

BBC Verify has been examining some of the Manchester United owner's claims.

They met while pregnant but their babies never came home - maternity failings at NHS trust

Sophie and Beth had to cope with the loss of their sons, while under the care of UH Sussex NHS Trust.

Game-changing cancer test means I met my granddaughter

Pat Grant's inoperable cancer diagnosis made her think she would never meet her first grandchild.

Four takeaways from Pam Bondi's fiery Epstein testimony

Lawmakers accused Bondi's justice department of making improper redactions to Epstein files as she fired back.

Reeves says 'more to do' after sluggish GDP growth

The chancellor's comments came after figures showed the UK economy saw a lacklustre end to 2025.

Killer of 12-year-old Leo Ross named

The judge said Kian Moulton appeared to get "pleasure from seeing the consequences" of his actions".

Starmer agrees with Nandy over government's challenges, says No 10

The culture secretary tells The Guardian newspaper that recent political turbulence is "unforgivable".

Probe ordered into Daily Mail owner's £500m takeover of Telegraph

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy orders a review of the deal on public interest and competition grounds.

Motorway collapses as deadly storms hit France, Portugal and Spain

Storm Nils batters several European countries, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Prince Harry thanks bereaved families taking on social media firms

The Duke of Sussex addressed parents claiming Instagram and YouTube damage young people's mental health.

Loyal dog who lived by owner's grave for 10 years inspires new law in Brazil

Bob lived in the São Paulo cemetery where his owner was buried for 10 years until his death in 2021.

Bournemouth Echo

Looking back at Little Chef's heyday - how many of these locations did you visit?

A British caravan manufacturer, Sam Alper, came back from a trip to America in 1958 complete with an idea that would transform the British roadside for good. 

Swans appeal to public to assist in plans for 3G pitch

Swanage Town and Herston FC are appealing for the public’s help as they aim to transform their home ground at Days Park with a new 3G pitch.

'Every day is a gift': Family seeks support as baby battles life-limiting conditions

A family is calling on support from the public as their daughter battles multiple life-limiting medical conditions.

Reverend Richard Coles steals the show at Bournemouth Pavilion

Reverend Richard Coles entertained legal professionals at the Bournemouth & District Law Society annual lunch, sharing stories from music, TV and clergy life.

'Thriving community garden initiative' recognised at Wimborne Gardening Club

Wimborne Gardening Club hosts Jane Bensen’s talk on community gardening, announces Spring Show on 11 April and RHS Wisley outing. Next meeting: 2 March 2026.

Men dominated drink driving offences last year across BCP and Dorset

Men had more than three and a half more driving offences in 2025 than women, according to a Dorset Police FOI.

Plans for block of flats approved without need for new NHS facilites

A £24million major housing development in Bournemouth has been approved to progress without agreement with NHS for a clinic.

Dorset Council announces £50m highways scheme for roads

A new record highways funding scheme will make just under £50millon available for Dorset’s roads.

School confirms planned redundancies, blames 'low birth rates'

A SCHOOL has confirmed it will be making a number of redundancies, blaming "low birth rates" among a list of reasons.

New Dorset brewery ready for business later this year

A NEW brewery in Dorset is set to pour its first pint later this year.

Margaret Green rescue 65 dogs in major operation with RSPCA

Dozens of dogs have been rescued from extreme conditions in a major animal welfare operation between the RSPCA and the Margaret Green animal rescue charity.

Bournemouth hospital wards to get a rebrand

Wards at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) will undergo name changes from next month.

Winton health centre set to reopen after £1.2 million investment

After a £1.2m overhaul, a once-closed health centre is preparing to welcome patients back through its doors again.

'It has been very difficult': Month-long road closure set to hit Christchurch

A road in Christchurch is set to close for more than a month due to roadworks.

Award-winning comedy night coming to Hampshire with star-studded line-up

Coastal Comedy returns to The Barn, Ringwood on February 27, 2026 with Felicity Ward, Jack Skipper and Joe Wells as its line-up for a night of superb comedy.

Men's mental health group rebuilding community in Wimborne

A FREE men’s mental health group is ‘flying’ and rebuilding a sense of community in Wimborne.

In The Dock: Woman assaulted police officer and smashed plant pots

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Lottery ticket worth £1m bought in BCP remains unclaimed

A EuroMillions ticket purchased in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area worth £1 million remains unclaimed.

Headteacher badly injured by violent pupil 'after warnings ignored'

A former headteacher who was attacked by a pupil and suffered life-changing injuries has claimed that vital safety warnings were ignored

Bournemouth and Poole ranked among the best big towns in Britain

Bournemouth and Poole have ranked among the best big towns in Britain according to a list from The Telegraph

6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are on the lookout for loving new homes

A number of pets at Dorset RSPCA branches in Ashley Heath and Dorchester are looking to find loving new homes.

Dorset Parky Striders walk their way to national recognition 

Dorset Parky Striders, a walking football team for people with Parkinson's, win Team of the Year at The Walking Football Association's 2025 Grass Roots Awards.

Horror as fire tears through family home with five taken to hospital

A grandfather has spoken of the “horror film” moment he tried to reach his trapped grandchildren in a blazing bedroom and of the “incredible” response from emergency services and the local community as his family begins to rebuild their lives

Man takes on 2,000 burpee challenge to break stigma around mental health

A man is planning to complete 2,000 burpees in the town centre to raise money for a mental health charity and encourage others to speak out.

BCP Council's budget for the next year has been a “mammoth task”

Setting BCP Council’s budget for the next year has been a “mammoth task” and a “story of many parts”.

Missing man named after 12 arrested in murder probe

A MISSING man at the centre of a murder investigation has been named after a Bournemouth man was one of 12 people to be arrested in connection with his death.

'Completely unacceptable' - Man fined £1.5k for dumping rubbish in bridleway

Carl Hamblett‑Smith from Bournemouth has been ordered to pay nearly £1,500after fly-tipping in Basingstoke.

Parking charges to rise in BCP Council-owned car parks

Car parking charges in council-owned sites will increase by an average of 4 per cent in March.

Children battling illness help lead £350k fundraising for hospital’s new ward

CHILDREN and their families battling serious illness are backing a hospital’s efforts to fundraise £350,000 for the children’s ward.

Person posing risk to young teens arrested after 'high-priority' police task

A person who posed a significant risk to young teens has been arrested after a “high priority target.”

Born between 2002 and 2011? You could be owed £2242 from HMRC. Here's how to claim

HMRC is urging young people born between 2002 and 2011 to claim their Child Trust Fund, worth £2242 on average. More than 758000 accounts remain unclaimed.

UK's biggest bird of prey spotted soaring over the New Forest

The UK's biggest bird of prey has been spotted soaring over the New Forest.

Parents hit by hidden free childcare term date rule before half term

Parents expecting free childcare this February half term could face hundreds in extra fees. One mum reveals how a three month gap cost her thousands.

Controversial Tesco store plan approved despite claims it will ‘ruin’ village

Controversial plans for a new Tesco store in a seaside village which were flooded with hundreds of objections have been given the go ahead.

Youth marching band 'delighted and honoured' to star with international popstar

Bournemouth Youth Marching Band stars in Mika’s new Excuses for Love music video, filmed in Kent. Dorset youth charity to join Mika at French Music Awards.

Bournemouth University calls for Government to act faster on autism diagnosis

Bournemouth University study urges Government action for faster autism diagnosis and tailored mental health support to reduce suicide risk in autistic people.

Going for gold as care home residents let their own Winter Olympic games begin

Colten Care homes across southern England host Winter Olympics-themed activities, bringing fun, games, and community spirit to care home residents.

NHS Dorset brings maternity and children’s health advice together for families

Healthier Together website in Dorset offers trusted NHS maternity advice, pregnancy support, and child health guidance for parents and carers.

Groundbreaking partnership to launch Dorset's first Netball Centre of Excellence

Bryanston School and London Pulse launch the South’s first Netball Centre of Excellence to develop young talent, boost elite coaching, and inspire girls’ sport.

Bournemouth and Poole College sell out ‘Apprenticeships Unlocked’ event

Over 2,000 attended Bournemouth and Poole College’s Apprenticeships Unlocked event, connecting jobseekers with employers ahead of National Apprenticeship Week.

Poole storage facility run by family-owned business plans to expand by a third

Store & Secure in Hamworthy, Poole, invests £500,000 to expand self-storage facility, adding hundreds of new units to meet rising demand from local businesses.

Unique feature show coming to Dorset cinemas from British comedian James Acaster

James Acaster’s new stand-up experience, "Cinemagoers Welcome", hits 400+ UK cinemas from 6 March. Book tickets for this unique British comedy event now.

Arts centre celebrates ‘invaluable’ milestone and earns national recognition

Lighthouse Poole celebrates 25 years of Investors in People accreditation, recognising excellence in workplace culture, staff wellbeing, and community impact.

Well-known British artist honoured with exhibition in Dorset

Discover Lucian Freud’s etchings at Poole Museum from 14 Feb 2026. Free V&A touring exhibition explores Freud’s printmaking and Dorset connections.

Dorset-based housebuilder reports more home completions despite weak market

Barratt David Wilson Homes reports a 4.7% rise in home completions, steady profits, and progress on Redrow integration, with Dorset sites under construction.

Hundreds of women take to the sea for The Big Swim

Hundreds of women will make a splash next month for a major sea swim event to mark International Women's Day.

Acclaimed comedian and writer brings new comedy tour to Swanage this November

QI and Live at The Apollo star Cally Beaton brings her acclaimed Namaste Motherf*ckers comedy tour to Swanage’s Mowlem, 19 November 2026. Book tickets online.

'Abhorrent': BCP Green Party disappointed over planned RNLI protest

The Green Party is “deeply disappointed” over planned protest this weekend targeting the RNLI in Poole.

Bournemouth Water launches new fund to support businesses in saving water

Bournemouth Water launches Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund, offering up to £15,000 for UK firms with water-saving projects and conservation ideas.

Bournemouth band Green Isaac to play first live show in over 10 years in Poole

Bournemouth band Green Isaac to perform first gig in over 10 years, headlining Lighthouse Poole’s Live and Unheard in March. Tickets at lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Vehicle showcase returns for an exciting 2026 for car enthusiasts

Beaulieu’s 2026 Simply Rallies calendar features new Drive-It Day, classic car shows, and themed rallies for VW, Porsche, Ford, French, Audi, and BMW.

Dorset solicitors warn of approaching inheritance tax deadline in April

Business owners urged to review inheritance tax plans as Business Property Relief changes from April 2026. New £2.5m threshold for 100% IHT relief.

Nature recovery project aims to protect New Forest bats and their habitats

The New Forest National Park Authority leads a £1.3m Species Survival Fund project to boost bat habitats, biodiversity and conservation across the New Forest.

Yes bring their UK Fragile Tour 2026 to Bournemouth Pavillion this April

Yes announce 2026 UK Fragile tour, performing the classic 1971 album in full. Steve Howe leads iconic prog rock band with Roger Dean art exhibition.

Get adventurous this February half-term at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction

Enjoy half term family fun at The Tank Museum, Bovington, with scavenger hunts, coding robots, and indoor activities. Annual passes and discounts available.

This Valentine’s Day, find your paw-fect match with Channel 4’s The Dog House

Channel 4’s BAFTA-nominated The Dog House seeks UK dog lovers considering adopting a rescue dog. Apply now to star and help rescue dogs find loving homes.

Bournemouth gearing up to host the Carnival of Alternative Politics in Boscombe

Bournemouth hosts its first Carnival of Alternative Politics on Saturday, featuring debates, speakers Guy Doza, Alex Klaushofer, Lewis Baston, and contests.

Young prodigy qualifies for two junior world golf championships in USA and Spain

Broadstone’s Luc Taylor, age 12, wins US Kids New Zealand Golf Championship and qualifies for world junior golf events in Pinehurst and Malaga.

'Next election should be about us rejoining the EU'

Regular letter writer, Geoffrey Brooking, must now be hard pressed to inform you, that the Prime Minster and his Labour government are doing really well.

Bus firm looking for the 'best of the best' to join engineering teams

Morebus, part of Go-Ahead Group, is recruiting apprentices for its engineering scheme in the UK, offering hands-on training in zero-emission bus technology.

Study reveals ancient hunter-gatherers adopted farming from migrant women

Ancient DNA reveals hunter-gatherers in north-western Europe, including the Netherlands and Belgium, adopted farming slowly, influenced by female migrants.

Battery collections to end as new waste strategy approved

Plans to cut the amount of waste in BCP and end kerbside battery collection has been approved by full council.

AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium to host Elevate business trade show

Home to the Cherries, Vitality Stadium is set to host an 'insight driven' trade show in 2026.

Government

Representation of the People Bill

A Bill to make provision extending the right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds; to make provision about the registration of voters; to make provision about the administration and conduct of elections, referendums and recall petitions; to make provision about election agents’ addresses; to make provision about political expenditure and political donations; to make provision about information to be included in electronic campaigning material; to make provision about offences and civil sanctions in connection with elections, referendums and recall petitions and with donations and expenditure for political purposes; to make provision about the disclosure of information by the Electoral Commission; to make provision about the disqualification of offenders for holding elective offices, and their sentencing, where offences are aggravated by hostility towards persons involved in elections, referendums or recall petitions or holders of such offices; and for connected purposes.

Short-term Let Accommodation (Data Sharing Requirements) Bill

A Bill to require certain persons or organisations to share specified data relating to the short-term letting of accommodation with regulatory authorities; to amend the Data Protection Act 2018 in connection with that requirement; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Watch as the F1 TV crew unpack Day 1 of first Bahrain test

The F1 TV crew analyse what happened on Day 1 of the first pre-season test in Bahrain ahead of the 2026 campaign.

TECH TALK: Delving into Audi's surprising new sidepods

F1 technical expert Sam Collins gives his take on Audi's new-look sidepods that appeared in the first pre-season test.

What we learned from Day 1 of the first Bahrain test

The sound of 2026-spec Formula 1 cars reverberated around the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday as the much-anticipated opening day of pre-season testing began. Despite some impressive lap counts, it's way too early to be drawing any concrete conclusions regarding the pecking order, but there were definitely things to be gleaned from the day's action.

Catch the action from Day 1 of the first Bahrain test

The first day of the opening pre-season testing in Bahrain is now complete.

Watch cars hit the track on Day 1 of opening Bahrain test

See all 11 cars hit the track during the first pre-season test in Bahrain.

‘Mood has lifted’ at Williams in Bahrain – Vowles

James Vowles feels that the “mood has lifted” at Williams as the team hit the track for official pre-season testing in Bahrain, having missed the Barcelona Shakedown just two weeks earlier.

Bortoleto and Hulkenberg ready for ‘long road ahead’ at Audi

Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg have shared the latest on where the Audi F1 project stands as the German automotive giants continue preparations for a long-awaited debut in the sport.

Watch the thrilling trailer for Drive to Survive Season 8

As testing continues for the 2026 campaign at the Bahrain International Circuit, F1 fans have been served another treat with the release of the trailer for Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 8.

Leclerc leads Norris on second day of Bahrain testing

Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets as the second day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit came to a close – the Ferrari driver leading the way from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Haas’ Ollie Bearman.

Leclerc sets morning pace on Day 2 of Bahrain test

Charles Leclerc was the pacesetter during the second morning of pre-season testing in Bahrain, heading Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly at the top of the timesheets.

7 of the cleverest deceptions in F1 testing history

“All warfare is based on deception,” wrote Sun Tzu in his famous military strategy treatise, The Art of War – and what is Formula 1 if not the ultimate sporting war, with warrior-like drivers backed by armies of people whose one goal is the crushing defeat of the opposition.

AS IT HAPPENED: Day 2 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 2 in Bahrain.

Who’s driving on Day 2 of the first Bahrain test

With every team and driver eager to tick off more laps and gather as much data as possible, there will be plenty of action on Day 2 of the first pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit. But who will be behind the wheel throughout Thursday’s running? Check out the complete list below...

Windows Central

Bethesda's Todd Howard reveals one of Fallout 3's biggest DLCs came from how much everyone hated the RPG's ending — "I’ll give us an average grade on that"

In a new interview, Todd Howard has revealed Bethesda made one of Fallout 3's biggest DLCs to fix its controversial ending.

Highguard becomes the latest PvP project to fall victim to the industry’s brutal reset

Highguard lays off most of its studio as player counts drop below 4,000

The Steam Deck OLED is quietly vanishing from storefronts — and fans are asking questions

Steam Deck OLED has gone out of stock across the US and several Asian storefronts, with Valve yet to comment. While Europe still shows availability, speculation is growing around supply pressures, pricing, and future hardware plans.

Avowed’s success shows how Game Pass can turn a mid‑budget RPG into a hit

When it comes to players on Xbox, Avowed managed to reach the top 20 played in a single day, something Hollow Knight didn't.

Diablo 2 developers on servicing the "millions of players" still playing the classic, releasing Reign of the Warlock on Steam, and working with Rahul Kohli

Diablo 2 developers discuss the first new class in 25 years and the trials and tribulations of designing for an old but beloved franchise.

Diablo 2 gets Warlock as the first new class in decades and shadow drops on Steam and Xbox Game Pass

Reign of the Warlock is here, and Diablo 2 and Diablo 4 BOTH get the new Warlock class.

This compact OMEN 16L gaming PC delivers better value than building it yourself — and it’s on sale

Best Buy has secured a 14% President's Day discount on the HP Omen 16L, a mid-range pre-built desktop equipped with increasingly rare and valuable hardware specs crucial for optimal PC gaming.

Tired of Edge’s busy New Tab? Someone finally made a cleaner version with this new extension

A new Edge extension called Fluent New Tab replaces the cluttered New Tab page with a clean, Windows 11-style layout focused on privacy.

WWE 2K26 drops a closer look at its CM Punk Showcase — including a glimpse at rewriting matches the Best in the World should've won

WWE 2K26 reveals its second Ringside Report, this time covering the CM Punk Showcase with CM Punk himself providing commentary on its features, rewards, and gameplay changes from previous Showcases.

The creator of Fable was "tearing up" watching Xbox show off the RPG reboot's gameplay — "F*** me. This thing that we created, it's going to live"

Fable creator Peter Molyneux reveals that watching Xbox's recent gameplay showcase for the 2026 reboot made him start "tearing up."

Downloaded 7‑Zip from the wrong site? That “installer” might’ve turned your PC into a proxy bot

A convincing fake 7-Zip website is distributing a trojanized installer that quietly enrolls infected PCs into a residential proxy network without obvious warning signs.

How to kill Vox Engines in Helldivers 2 — weak points and best stratagems to use against the "voice of Cyberstan"

The Cyborgs' Vox Engine tank is the deadliest threat Helldivers 2 players will face in the Battle of Cyberstan (hopefully). Here's how to kill it.

ARC Raiders finally gets the PvE focus it needed — but real problems still remain

ARC Raiders update 1.15.0 introduces The Shared Watch PvE event and the return of Cold Snap, but I have concerns over progression and more.

Notepad's new Markdown feature added a severe vulnerability that's just been patched — Is it enough to make Microsoft leave the lightweight app alone?

Notepad just picked up Markdown support last year, much to the chagrin of many longtime users. Microsoft has now provided details of a severe vulnerability tied to the feature, which it says has been patched.

Blizzard describes a "highly empowered" partnership with Xbox following its acquisition by Microsoft — supportive collaboration exists on both sides

Blizzard president Johanna Faries describes the studio’s relationship with Xbox as highly empowered, emphasizing support, communication, and creative agency following Microsoft’s acquisition.

Blizzard has "exciting conversations" about TV show adaptations of its iconic games — but the bar is high with fierce competition

In an exclusive interview, Blizzard president Johanna Faries confirms “exciting conversations” about potential TV adaptations, but stresses that any project must meet the company’s high creative standards.

This Xbox and PC JRPG fully puts Pokémon on notice — Nintendo is in serious trouble

I was given the privilege to check out the first 20 hours of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and I’m already blown away by how much it’s evolving the gameplay and presentation of Monster Hunter’s JRPG spin-off series.

Why ChatGPT's ads might be remembered as the most evil product of our era — "a potential for manipulating users in ways we don’t have the tools to understand."

OpenAI researcher sounds the alarm over ChatGPT's ads, which could exploit users' psychology and most intimate secrets to bombard them with turbo-manipulative ads.

High on Life 2 is louder, weirder, and somehow better, according to early reviews

High on Life 2 reviews have landed ahead of its February 13, 2026 release, with the sequel earning a 75 on Metacritic. Critics praise its humor, expanded scope, and chaotic style, though some note bugs and limited evolution over the original.

"I just cried. Already bought." — Diablo 2 fans rejoice over the Reign of the Warlock expansion, and I'm right there with them in demon-slaying glory

Diablo 2 just got its biggest content update of the past couple of decades, and the outpouring of joy from the community is a thing to behold. The beloved game was just re-resurrected, and I couldn't be happier.

EXCLUSIVE: Microsoft to bring back movable Taskbar on Windows 11 as part of big plan to fix OS

Microsoft is planning to bring back the ability to move and resize the Taskbar on Windows 11 as part of its effort to improve sentiment around the OS this year.

Windows 98 runs inside a smart toaster via 'toast.exe' — making breakfast retro with possibly the weirdest hack I've ever seen

Avid tech enthusiast and YouTuber Throaty Mumbo recently got Windows 98 to run on an actual toaster.

Windows 11 moves towards a mobile-style UI for security controls — Microsoft's efforts in "User Transparency and Consent" should make future app permissions much easier

Windows 11 is introducing mobile-style app permissions, giving users more control over their privacy and preventing apps from hijacking settings.

Diablo 2: Reign of the Warlock rewards are missing for Diablo 4 — Blizzard is investigating the issue, but here's what you can do in the meantime

Diablo 2: Reign of the Warlock was recently announced, and players are reporting that rewards for purchasing the Diablo 2: Resurrected DLC are missing in Diablo 4.

Microsoft just made a command line version of the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 — install and update your apps without a GUI

You can now find, install, and update Microsoft Store apps using a command prompt on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. No GUI required.

Laffgaff

What popular vacation rental website was launched in August 2008?

Airbnb.

Private Jet

I have my own private jet. Unfortunately, my wife claims the rest of the jacuzzi.

Itsfoss

Mitchell Hashimoto Launches 'Vouch' to Fight AI Slop in Open Source Ecosystem

New tool helps open source projects manage the scourge of AI slop.

FOSS Weekly #26.07: Kernel 6.19, AI for Real Sysadmin Works, Arch Apps on Ubuntu and More Linux Stuff

The last kernel of the 6.x series is here.

Linux Mint Wants Fewer Releases Each Year (For Good Reasons)

Lead developer says frequent releases leave little time for development.