The News - Tuesday, 17 February 2026

BBC News

Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein files 'cover-up' in BBC interview

"Get the files out. They are slow-walking it," the former US secretary of state says. The White House says it has done "more for the victims than Democrats ever did".

How dark web agent spotted bedroom wall clue to rescue girl from years of harm

Detectives desperate to locate a 12-year-old, seen abused online, found a surprising lead.

Facing a demographic catastrophe, Ukraine is paying for troops to freeze their sperm

The law funds troops who want to freeze their eggs or their sperm, as Ukraine's population plummets.

Councils face 'uphill struggle' to be ready for local elections

Thirty councils across England now have to organise local elections after the government abandoned plans to delay.

Bailiffs used to pursue NHS staff over pay errors

Thousands of NHS workers were pursued by debt collectors after salary overpayments, the BBC finds.

Actor Robert Duvall, who starred in The Godfather, dies aged 95

The Oscar-winner died "peacefully" at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, his family says.

The tech bros might show more humility in Delhi – but will they make AI any safer?

As global tech leaders meet Delhi, India hopes to level the playing field for countries outside the US and China.

Six of Sarah Ferguson's companies winding down

The move follows further revelations over her friendship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Ancient bone may prove legendary war elephant crossing of Alps

It would be the first hard evidence that elephants were used in battle by General Hannibal.

FBI won't co-operate on Alex Pretti investigation, state officials say

Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says the FBI will not hand over any evidence it has gathered.

Can you really depuff your face? The truth about three common treatments

We look at three viral hacks to unpick fact from fiction - the effects are often at best, temporary, say experts.

The Papers: 'Farage forces elections U-turn' and 'Tributes to Godfather Star'

Sir Keir Starmer's decision to abandon plans to delay 30 council elections after a legal challenge from Reform UK dominates Tuesday's papers.

Oasis v Blur rivalry being revived in new play as cast take sides

The 1995 chart battle is recreated for a new play - and the rivalry is rekindled as the cast take sides.

How Robert Duvall became a Hollywood great

A look at the life of the prolific actor whose many films included Apocalypse Now and The Godfather.

A simple guide to the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales

Millions will vote in parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales, and local elections in England.

Canada reacts as cheating row rocks curling superpower

Both men's and women's Canadian curling teams have been accused of cheating at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Italy's 'Lovers’ Arch' collapses into sea on Valentine's Day

The popular tourist attraction was a proposal spot for couples and featured on postcards.

US build-up of warships and fighter jets tracked near Iran

BBC Verify has seen US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran ahead of talks between the two countries

US Senator Mark Kelly tells BBC he will 'seriously consider' White House run

The former Navy captain and astronaut says "we're in some seriously challenging times".

Australian IS families in Syria camp turned back after leaving for home

The group of 34 women and children with family links to Islamic State group have been held in the Roj camp for nearly seven years.

Students begin Covid compensation claim against 36 more universities

It comes after University College London settled a claim from students there over lost learning in the pandemic.

Teenagers guilty of killing man they thought was a paedophile

Alexander Cashford was chased and hit with rocks and a bottle before he died.

Five injured as Swiss train derails in heavy snow

One passenger was taken to hospital after the derailment, which police say could have been caused by an avalanche.

Watch: Key moments that defined Jesse Jackson's life

The civil rights leader, who ran for president twice in the 1980s, leaves a lasting legacy.

Dual nationals face scramble for British passports as new rules come into force

Entry requirements to the UK for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of sweeping changes to the immigration system.

'The search is soul-destroying': Young jobseekers on the struggle to find work

Young people are bearing the brunt of a weak jobs market, the latest figures show.

Reform names Robert Jenrick as pick for chancellor

Leader Nigel Farage says Reform is "the voice of opposition" to Labour, as he unveils his new top team.

Legal challenge to Met's Freemasons policy thrown out

The Met had announced that membership of the Freemasons or similar organisations would have to declared.

Shop owners in Northern Ireland fear violence after paramilitaries demand protection money

One business owner says she was approached by paramilitaries before her new shop even opened.

Patients describe 'culture of abuse' as 15 hospital staff arrested

Patients and their relatives say there is a culture of abuse at a mental health hospital.

Singer and YouTuber who makes music with Furbys and Game Boys picked for UK at Eurovision

Synth artist Look Mum No Computer is described as "a bold and brave choice" to represent the UK.

The man whose bad break-up gave Madonna her breakthrough hit Like A Virgin

Billy Steinberg, who has died at the age of 75, co-wrote Madonna's 1984 chart-topper Like a Virgin.

Adoption breakdown ended my career and relationship – we're told to get on with it

A mum says she has been physically attacked by her daughter and is reaching "breaking point".

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

How will freeze on tax thresholds affect your take-home pay? Use our calculator

Wages have been rising faster than prices but you could pay more tax because of frozen thresholds.

Why are some students claiming Covid compensation from universities?

Dozens of universities face legal action from students who say they missed out during the pandemic.

Boy first in UK to have pioneering leg-lengthening surgery

Alfie Phillips, 9, had the pioneering treatment at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Nuclear talks between US and Iran end in Geneva

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the two countries had reached an understanding on the main "guiding principles", but work still needs to be done.

How dark web agent spotted bedroom wall clue to rescue girl from years of harm

Detectives desperate to locate a 12-year-old, seen abused online, found a surprising lead.

Ex-priest receives second lifetime ban for child sexual abuse

David Tudor received second lifetime ban from ministry after a tribunal found he groomed and sexually abused a 15-year-old girl in the 1980s.

Italian toddler critical after undergoing heart transplant with organ damaged 'by frostbite'

Several people are under investigation after the organ was reportedly damaged during transport between hospitals.

France releases suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker after fine paid

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the vessel was departing Marseille after a payment of "several million euros".

Police identify suspect in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

Two people were killed and three others were injured at a shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket.

Bournemouth Echo

Man arrested by police on suspicion of range of offences

A MAN in his 50s has been arrested in connection with offences of theft, handling stolen goods, fraud, criminal damage and possession of drugs.

Viral 'Hanging Kebab Pancake' dessert returns for a limited time

The much loved 'hanging pancake kebab', a viral favourite among foodies, is returning to delight fans this Shrove Tuesday.

Suspicious car fire leaves vehicle destroyed

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a suspicious vehicle fire in Poole.

The New Forest's highest pub with oven smoker and a host of resident ghosts

The Lamb Inn at Nomansland is the New Forest's highest pub with cocktail masterclasses, an oven smoker, hanging heads and a host of resident ghosts!

Yellow weather warning issued for BCP with risk of snow, rain and travel disruption

A YELLOW weather warning for rain and possible snow is set to hit the BCP area this Wednesday, according to the Met Office.

Former police officer to appear in court after relationship with vulnerable victim

A FORMER police officer has been charged with an abuse of power by entering into an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable person

Five teens to appear in court after assault on Southbourne beach

Five teenagers are due to appear in court after a number of people were reportedly assaulted during a 'gathering' on Southbourne beach.

Charity supporters in Wimborne raise more than £600 for communities in crisis

Wimborne Christian Aid Group’s quiz night at Wimborne Methodist Church raises £620 for global crisis support. Lent Lunches return from 24 February.

Police, firefighters and helicopter rescue man stuck in mud

A MUTLI agency response to a report of an elderly man stuck in a deep mud in New Forest.

Drone footage shows mass impact of ongoing and persistent flooding

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole areas are still grappling with the impacts of ongoing and persistent flooding with new warnings announced today.

BCP needs a 'figurehead' mayor to grow and thrive, says businessman

BOURNEMOUTH’S leading publican is calling for BCP to have an elected mayor like that of Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham.

Dorset based Michelin recommended restaurants on your doorstep

Poole's culinary reputation has excelled onto the national stage following confirmation that a south coast restaurant will be named in the  2026 Michelin Guide.

Council asking government for tougher parking powers to be made permament

BCP Council is asking the government for extra powers to deliver higher penalty fines to reduce illegal parking.

BCP Council has proposed a 2.8 per cent rise in councillor allowances

BCP budget proposes a 2.8 per cent rise in councillor allowances from May.

Councillor ‘honoured’ to be appointed BCP Armed Forces Champion

Councillor ‘honoured’ to be appointed BCP Council Armed Forces Champion.

Council to use artificial intelligence to 'enhance and support' its services

AI will be used to support and enhance the way BCP Council provide services to residents.

In The Dock: drink and drug drivers handed lengthy bans

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

'Painting helped me come back to myself': New exhibition comes to Poole

An art exhibition exploring artist’s journey out of depression through creativity has opened in Upton country park.

Choral society set to perform French classics at church

Fordingbridge Choral Society presents French classics by Fauré, Rameau & Franck at St Mary’s Church, 28 March. Tickets from £15, under 18s free.

Dorset roads policing officers crackdown on commercial vehicle safety

Dorset Police and DVSA crack down on unsafe commercial vehicles in national road safety campaign, tackling offences from insecure loads to drug driving.

Bournemouth students unveil half-term art exhibition at Poole’s Dolphin Centre

Young artists from Oak Academy, Bournemouth, exhibit over 100 artworks at Poole’s Dolphin Centre this February half-term. Family-friendly, free entry.

Acclaimed Stevie Wonder tribute show to perform in Wimborne this month

The Wonder of Stevie, a top UK Stevie Wonder tribute with Noel McCalla and Derek Nash, tours Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre on 26 February. Tickets available now.

Poole hospice calls for participants to enter Dragon Boat Festival this June

Join the Forest Holme Hospice Charity Dragon Boat Festival at Poole Park on 6 June. Teams race for charity, raising vital funds for local hospice care.

Two major lifestyle events set to return to Twickenham rugby stadium this March

Family Traveller Live and Sailawaze Live return to Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in March 2026. Enjoy family fun, cruise experiences and expert talks.

Popular alt rock band announce Bournemouth show ahead of 'biggest arena tour'

James announce intimate warm-up gigs in Bournemouth and more ahead of their Love Is The Answer UK arena tour. Tickets, new album Yummy, and best-of details.

'Remarkable' care home resident celebrates milestone surrounded by loved ones

Marjorie celebrates her 90th birthday at Kings Park Care Home in Barchester Healthcare, joined by staff, family and chef Jon’s special birthday cake.

Arts by the Sea Festival WILL go ahead in 2026

Arts by the Sea has been awarded funding and will going ahead in 2026.

University study finds link between sugary drinks and anxiety in young people

New Bournemouth University study links high sugary drink consumption to increased anxiety in UK teenagers, highlighting mental health risks alongside obesity.

'Largest' skills summit of its kind held at Vitality Stadium by Dorset Chamber

More than 150 delegates attended The People Festival at AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium, Dorset’s largest workforce conference.

Business awards open nominations to celebrate success in 'wonderful' town

Nominations are now open for the Wimborne Business Awards 2025/2026.

Major chilli festival returns to Dorset for its 15th iteration this August

Great Dorset Chilli Festival returns 1–2 August 2026 to Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton, featuring chilli competitions, food, and entertainment.

Hidden stories of Cranborne Chase shown in new art exhibition at Dorset museum

Discover Droves & Downs at the Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne—an art exhibition celebrating Cranborne Chase’s ecology and heritage, on until June 2026.

Dorset church to spearhead £400,000 national choir project by Church of England

The Diocese of Salisbury and RSCM launch The Choir Project, a £400k Church of England scheme to revive children’s choirs and church music nationwide.

Wild west fever takes over the south coast with BCP's award winning line dance class

Wild West fever has taken BCP by storm as a leading line dancing class has won two national awards.

Charity helping Gambian villagers to host curry night at busy restaurant

Support the Tendaba Project’s curry night fundraiser at Taj Mahal, Westbourne, on 23 Feb 2026. Help provide clean water to Gambian villages. Tickets £30.

Valentine's fundraiser packed with dancing raises over £1,000 for Mudeford RNLI

A ska concert at Highcliffe Sports and Social Club raised £1,400 for Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Station, supporting local lifeboat volunteers and community spirit.

Water company warns residents in Dorset to be cautious of cold callers and scams

Wessex Water warns Dorset residents of scam callers and bogus home visits. Learn how to spot fraud, verify staff identity, and stay safe from scams.

Local Christchurch business to fuel thousands of runners at Los Angeles marathon

Precision Fuel & Hydration to support 26,000 runners at ASICS Los Angeles Marathon 2026 with expert nutrition, energy gels and hydration guidance.

Royal Signals Museum in Dorset unveils major new Cold War exhibition

Discover The Cold War exhibition at the Royal Signals Museum, Blandford Forum—exploring the Royal Corps of Signals’ vital and often unseen communications role.

Nominations open for Patient Choice Award at University Hospitals Dorset

Nominate hospital heroes for the University Hospitals Dorset Patient Choice Award 2026. Public nominations open for staff at Poole, Christchurch & Bournemouth.

Shopping centre to host event celebrating sustainability and local action

Discover the Ringwood ECO Fair on 9 May at Furlong Shopping Centre, a family-friendly event promoting sustainable living and local green initiatives.

M&S partial demolition plans approved for former Homebase

M&S is allowed to partially demolition the former Homebase site in Poole.

Gardeners urged to prune these 3 plants in February before time runs out

If you're looking to prune some plants in February, then gardeners have been advised to focus on three specific ones before the month finishes

Formula 1

Red Bull feel they are only the fourth-fastest team

Red Bull have estimated that they are sitting behind Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari in terms of outright performance after the opening pre-season test in Bahrain, despite the “remarkable job” done by the team’s new power unit division.

Vasseur expects ‘huge upgrades’ from rivals at second test

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur is “convinced” that most teams will “bring huge upgrades” to the second pre-season test in Bahrain, with the Frenchman also setting out his expectations for how the development race could initially unfold.

Cadillac provide update on in-house engine schedule

Cadillac have shared an update on when they expect to debut their own power unit in F1, with the new team still focused on their original target of 2029 whilst acknowledging that they will “speed up” the process if there are ways to do so.

Red Bull Chief Designer Craig Skinner leaves team

Red Bull's Chief Designer Craig Skinner has left the Formula 1 team with immediate effect, the six-time World Champions have confirmed.

Windows Central

Xbox teaser suggests Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 could come to Game Pass soon

Warhorse Studios' epic medieval journey, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, could follow in the path of its predecessor and join the lineup of games in the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, according to a new social media teaser.

Activision confirms spring shutdown date for Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile servers

Just two years after launching, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is set to go offline on April 17, 2026. The game was previously delisted from app stores in 2025, and there will be no refunds on unused COD points prior to shutdown.

Presidents' Day has good news for World of Warcraft players — one of our favorite gaming keyboards and a fabulous MMO mouse are on a 35% sale

Presidents' Day has given Best Buy a chance to sell off a couple of vital discounted PC gaming accessories for players looking to conquer World of Warcraft's upcoming Midnight expansion.

This Lenovo laptop is so good I bought one for my son, and at this President's Day price, it's easily the budget buy I recommend

Lenovo's IdeaPad Slim 3X is heavily discounted for President's Day and if you're shopping on a budget, this is definitely the laptop deal you should grab.

World of Warcraft leads pledge more player customization — housing, race updates, custom animations, and glyphs to merge with transmog?

We spoke to Maria Hamilton, Design Director and Jay Hwang, Principal Artist on World of Warcraft's bigger emphasis on player housing, customization, and what we could see next from the game.

This Windows 11 optimization and cleanup app blends perfectly into your PC's UI — and I never usually care about these 'debloaters'

Updates to Winhance for Windows PCs migrate the app to the WinUI 3 framework to blend with Windows 11's menu styling, offering batch bloatware removal and more.

World of Warcraft's inviting players to show off their Player Housing creations through a special collaboration with Pinterest — here's how to do it

Player Housing has taken World of Warcraft by storm, and it's only in early access. So, Blizzard is driving up the hype for the full version by inviting players to show off their virtual homes through a special collaboration event with Pinterest.

Popular storage giant Western Digital runs dry on consumer storage — AI data centers now take priority

Western Digital has confirmed it is sold out of hard drives for 2026, with firm purchase orders and long-term agreements driven by AI infrastructure demand. With cloud accounting for 89% of revenue, consumer supply is tightening and HDD prices have surged more than 45% since September 2025.

Windows PCs targeted by hackers in a fake CAPTCHA scam to spread malware — Outlook account credentials are at risk

Hackers deploy StealC malware in Windows through fake CAPTCHA pages, targeting passwords, crypto wallets, and Outlook emails.

Steam Deck OLED stock shortages blamed on memory and storage issues — will the RAM crisis affect Valve's Steam Machine PC?

Valve has acknowledged that Steam Deck OLED stock shortages are due to memory and storage supply issues, raising questions about pricing and how this will affect the Steam Machine.

Microsoft Teams hit with a class action lawsuit for allegedly collecting voice data — violating Illinois biometric privacy laws

Illinois users claim Microsoft Teams illegally captured biometric voice data through its transcription tool, sparking a major privacy lawsuit under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).

High on Life 2 is absolutely hilarious gaming with some awkward mic drops — and it's on Xbox Game Pass, too

Squanch Games manages to capture the magic of the original, though it has a few awkward performance issues.

Laffgaff

Which winged creature sprang from the blood of the Medusa, according to Greek Mythology?

Pegasus.

Bird Flu

The Pope recently contracted the bird flu. They say he got it from one of the cardinals.

Itsfoss

Why is Debian Called the Universal Operating System, Again?

Debian's official tagline is "Universal Operating System". It's more than just a tagline: it's a deeper concept that underpins the very nature of Debian as a project.

Gentoo Takes the First Step to Ditch Microsoft Copilot-Infested GitHub

Wondering about the replacement? Gentoo is betting on Codeberg.

Someone Just Made an Immutable Gentoo-Based Distro Tailored for Gaming

matrixOS brings OSTree atomic upgrades to Gentoo with a simple motto: "emerge once, deploy everywhere."

Give Your Weather Report an Animated ASCII Spin in Linux Terminal

Who said weather reports have to be boring and I am not even talking about the Maxican Weather