The News - Monday, 16 February 2026

BBC News

Starmer pledges crackdown on 'addictive elements' of social media

The government's new plans will mean no online platform will get a "free pass" on children's safety on the internet, the prime minister says.

UK considering significant increase to defence spending

The prime minister is considering meeting a 3% defence-spending target five years earlier than planned, the BBC learns.

'It's never too late': Savannah Guthrie's new plea for mother's release as FBI analyses glove

The FBI says it recovered a DNA sample from the glove, which was found in a field a few miles from Guthrie's home.

Ministers want to reform SEND - but they are treading very carefully

The government is expected to outline its plan to overhaul the complex system of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England soon.

US attorney general criticised after saying all Epstein files have been released

Lawmakers, including those who wrote the law requiring their publication, argue the release is insufficient.

Ukraine's ex-energy minister detained while attempting to leave country

His detention comes as he faces legal proceedings after being dismissed in a corruption scandal.

Cabinet secretary frontrunner previously spoken to about management style

Dame Antonia Romeo was found to have no case to answer over one complaint nine years ago.

Ex-church minister who admitted child sexual abuse to BBC still free years later

Robert Corfield, who admitted abusing a child to the BBC, was a minister in a shadowy church known as The Truth.

Ice and flood warnings for parts of northern UK as cool weather continues

More than 70 flood warnings have also been issued by the Environment Agency after heavy rain.

ByteDance to curb AI video app after Disney legal threat

Videos featuring Spider-Man and other characters which are Disney's intellectual property have gone viral since Seedance's update.

What is the dart frog toxin allegedly used to kill Alexei Navalny?

The toxin, epibatidine, can be found in frogs in the wild in South America or manufactured in a lab.

The Papers: 'Truth is antidote to Putin's poison' and 'Europe sabotage campaign'

The aftermath following the UK saying Russia killed opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a frog toxin continues to lead a number of today's papers.

Trump has big plans for Venezuela's oil but are they feasible?

The US president wants American energy firms to start extracting the crude but they are reluctant.

The £10 tricks I used to make my rented room into a home

Talented tenants share decor hacks that won't cost you a fortune - or your deposit.

America's Next Top Model shaped reality TV, but should it ever have been made?

A new Netflix documentary will finally see Tyra Banks and her fellow judges address some of the most controversial scandals from the reality show.

'Dragged out and set on fire' - the Bangladesh mob killing that shocked the world

In December, Hindu factory worker Dipu Das was lynched in Bangladesh, igniting global outrage.

Eleven killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, rescuers say

The Palestinian Red Crescent say a strike on a tent encampment in northern Gaza killed at least six people.

US boards second tanker in Indian Ocean after tracking it from Caribbean

The US accuses the Veronica III of violating a "quarantine" on oil shipments from Venezuela.

'Fast-spreading' measles outbreak hits several schools in London

A number of children have been hospitalised as officials urge families to check they are up to date with their vaccines.

Andrew's time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable

The former prince's alleged actions were "totally unacceptable", the ex-business secretary says.

What is behind spike in pothole related call-outs?

The AA says pothole-related call outs in January were up by 18% across the UK, with 6,235 in the East of England alone.

Why this school will ditch a shirt, tie and blazer from its uniform

The school says the move is practical - but it echoes a wider debate over the role of uniforms.

Government abandons plans to delay 30 council elections

All English elections will now go ahead as originally planned after Reform UK brought a legal challenge over the decision to delay some polls.

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.

Police framed man for female student’s murder, evidence gathered by BBC suggests

Officers knew CCTV discredited their key witness in Omar Benguit's conviction for murder of Korean woman.

Intermittent fasting may make little difference to weight loss, review finds

But researchers say it could still improve someone's overall health through helpful changes to some body functions.

Three teenagers guilty of killing man on beach

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

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.

PM orders investigation into claims Labour think tank paid firm to look into journalist

The think tank paid a company at least £30,000 to investigate the origins of a story about undeclared donations.

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.

Measles outbreak could see unvaccinated pupils excluded from schools in north London

Children identified as close contacts of people with the disease could be excluded for three weeks

Team GB skeleton gold medallist says she discovered talent after Instagram ad

Tabitha Stoecker made history on Sunday by winning the first Olympic mixed team skeleton gold with teammate Matt Weston.

Trump's new world order has become real and Europe is having to adjust fast

European nations are asking whether traditional alliances can suffice, or whether they should be diversifying

Why this school will ditch a shirt, tie and blazer from its uniform

The school says the move is practical - but it echoes a wider debate over the role of uniforms.

'I've applied for over 200 jobs - and I'm still unemployed'

The BBC speaks to job-seekers in a deprived Yorkshire city where it seems opportunity rarely knocks.

Ministers want to reform SEND - but they are treading very carefully

The government is expected to outline its plan to overhaul the complex system of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England soon.

Female athletes hit back at 'weird' and 'derogatory' comments about their appearance

Sporting stars describe unsolicited comments about their looks, as a survey suggests fewer girls have ambitions to become top athletes.

Navalny's mother says she always knew he was murdered after poison finding

On the second anniversary of his death, Lyudmila Navalnaya says her son did not "simply die in prison".

We will do battle with AI chatbots as we did with Grok, says Starmer

The government's new plans will mean no online platform will get a "free pass" on children's safety on the internet, the prime minister says.

Royal Mail letters sit undelivered 'for weeks' as parcels prioritised, staff say

Staff and customers tell the BBC prioritising parcels can mean missed NHS appointments and late payment fines.

YouTube star Markiplier says film's success is 'win' for independent creators

US creator Markiplier opens up about the multi-million dollar box office success of his debut film Iron Lung.

UK considering significant increase to defence spending

The prime minister is considering meeting a 3% defence-spending target five years earlier than planned, the BBC learns.

Student death puts French far-left under pressure

Quentin Deranque, 23, died on Saturday after being beaten up on the street by a group of young men.

Brewdog staff 'upset and concerned' by sale plans

Unite said workers had been left in the dark over their futures after the craft beer firm announced plans to explore new investment.

Bournemouth Echo

Wheelchair user feels like he's in 'the Victorian Age' due to train station issues

A wheelchair user has said he feels “like I’m in the Victorian age” after funding which would improve accessibility at Pokesdown Station was cut this week.

Man charged in connection to assault as armed police swoop on address

A 42-year-old man is due to appear in court in connection with an assault that saw armed police swoop a Dorchester property

Former Cherries winger Jordon Ibe charged with actual bodily harm

Former Cherries winger Jordon Ibe will appear in court charged with actual bodily harm after his arrest at Luton Airport last month, police have said.

Mum's 'flu' turned out to be meningitis that left her 'forgetting how to walk'

A mum who thought she had the flu was later diagnosed with viral meningitis that left her “forgetting how to walk.”

Men accused of murdering missing man could face trial in October

Two men accused of the murder of a retired 60-year-old who was last seen nearly two years ago could face a trial in October.

Police search for man after vodka stolen from Tesco

Police have issued an image appeal after several bottles of vodka were stolen from Tesco in Ringwood.

Pair assault shop worker after stealing alcohol and meat

A man and woman reportedly assaulted a shop worker after stealing £100 worth of items from a Co-Op in Fordingbridge.

CCTV images released of man linked to criminal damage incident in Poole

IMAGES have been released of a man in relation to a criminal damage to the door of a property in Poole.

Hunt for teen after e-bike rider 'dangerously drove and rammed' vehicle

A HUNT has been launched for an e-bike rider who was reported to have been “dangerously driving” and “rammed” his vehicle to the victim in pursuit.

'Our confidence has taken a hit as a town'

BCP Council faces criticism from Tom Hayes after halting step-free access at Pokesdown Station, sparking concerns over accessibility, regeneration, and trust.

'Set up to save lives at sea': Supporters rally for RNLI amid far-right protest

A large number of counter protestors attended the protest outside RNLI over weekend against group called Poole and Bournemouth Patriots who were calling on the RNLI to “stop the taxi service”.

New pavement parking powers welcomed by BCP Council

The council has welcomed new powers to tackle pavement parking across BCP.

Emergency services called after welfare of woman on bridge

Emergency services were called after reports raised concerns for the welfare of a woman on a bridge in Boscombe.

Air ambulance called to incident in Bournemouth

A man who was in need of a medical attention was taken to hospital in Bournemouth after emergency services attended the incident.

Housebuilder sponsors major hospice walk across Dorset and Hampshire coastlines

Pennyfarthing Homes sponsors the 2026 Oakhaven Walk, supporting Oakhaven Hospice. Join the Dorset and Hampshire coastal charity walk on 16 May 2026.

HMO occupancy expansion plans recommended for approval

Plans to increase the occupancy of an HMO in Bournemouth is recommended for approval.

Fresh doubts cast on murder conviction amid claims police pressured witnesses

A man who has served 23 years in prison for murder may have been wrongly convicted amid claims police pressured witnesses to lie.

'Bullying and disrespect' complaints upheld against councillor

A councillor has not complied with BCP standards process after an investigation into complaints of bullying and disrespect were upheld.

Councillor says BCP Council standards board is 'biased'

A councillor has not complied with BCP standards process after an investigation into complaints of disrespect and compromising impartiality were upheld.

Boy, 13, released on police bail after pregnant woman hit by e-bike

A 13-year-old boy has been released on police bail after being arrested for allegedly hitting a pregnant woman with an e-bike and fleeing the scene.

Man who couldn't get NHS dentist takes 12 trains to Turkey for treatment

A man who couldn't get an NHS dentist spent four days on 14 trains and buses to get £6,000 Turkey teeth after an accident left him unable to fly.

Plans submitted to New Forest District Council for 10 homes near Fordingbridge

A new application has been submitted to New Forest District Council proposing the outline development of ten dwellings near Fordingbridge.

Honesty pays off for Corfe Mullen mum as her brownie hut goes 'wild'

A mum on maternity leave has launched an honesty brownie hut which has ‘gone wild’ in Corfe Mullen.

Medals of tank commander photographed with Winston Churchill purchased by museum

The Tank Museum in Dorset acquires Lt Col Stewart Inglis Howard-Jones' WWII medals, celebrating Royal Tank Regiment bravery. Supported by Arts Council England.

MP visits heart club to highlight importance of cardiovascular health

A Bournemouth MP visited a heart club to highlight importance of cardiovascular health.

Bournemouth Pride returns in July with three-day celebration

PRIDE parade is set to return in 2026 with a three-day celebration at Meyrick Park.

Part of high street to close overnight for water works

Part of Swanage high street will be closed overnight later this month to allow essential water pipe replacement works to take place.

Badgers, mice and surrealism - meet Ringwood's tattoo maestro

This Ringwood tattoo artist is opening his own studio after building a devoted following for his ink.

Popular pancake race set to be a fun-filled event for all ages

A popular pancake race is back promising to be a fun filled day for competitors for all ages this week.

‘Secretive way BCP sought council tax increase adds insult to injury’

BCP Council’s proposal to increase council tax for 2026/27 by 6.75 per cent is unacceptable.

'Leave a gift in your will to Oakhaven Hospice', urges TV and radio campaign

Oakhaven Hospice joins the This is Hospice Care campaign, highlighting the vital role of legacy giving in funding end-of-life care across the UK.

Retired public servants miss payments amid Capita backlog

A Bournemouth MP has voiced serious concerns after retired public servants were left without pension payments following the transfer of the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita.

Popular bug show to return to Bournemouth venue in 2026

Bournemouth's premier bug and invertebrate show is set to return to the BH Live Active, Littledown in 2026.

New Forest 'avoid touching the ponies' signage to spread across popular sites

The New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) is planning to expand signage across the forest to discourage public interaction with livestock.

Co-op store to close permanently due to 'operating cost increases'

Co-op food has announced they will permanently close their store due to “sustained market changes and operating cost increases.”

Liberal Democrats MP visits Dorset care provider to see 'day-to-day realities'

Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper MP visited Abbots Care Dorset to discuss homecare sector challenges, rising demand, and the need for investment in UK social care.

Government makes U-turn following Reform UK's legal challenge over local elections

Local elections will go ahead in May 2026 following a u-turn decision from the Government.

Passport warning issued to Brits over lesser-known rule that could stop travelling

When going on holiday, a passport is crucial. And while it is important for it to be in date and in good condition, you also need blank pages.

Around 12 million PlayStation owners could be owed more than £160 - are you one?

Brits who owned a PlayStation console between 2016 and 2022 could be in for a payout of up to £162 amid a £2 billion lawsuit against Sony.

Parents and kids can get free breakfasts at Morrisons Cafés for every school holiday

Morrisons is offering a free kids and parents breakfast during every school holiday in 2026, with Kellogg’s cereal, milk and fruit at cafés nationwide

The minimum temperature heating should be set at to avoid condensation & mould

Everything you need to know about why condensation may be forming on your windows, and how you can prevent it from happening

Formula 1

Why Aston Martin have hope despite their early struggles

Aston Martin have admitted they are not where they want to be following the first 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, but there's still plenty of hope for the team's future ambitions.

F1 announces Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya extension

F1 has announced a multi-year extension with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to host a Grand Prix in 2028, 2030, and 2032, in addition to the event scheduled in 2026. From this year, the race will also be re-named as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

How to watch the second pre-season test in Bahrain

It’s almost time for the final pre-season test of 2026, as teams continue their preparations for next month’s curtain-raising Australian Grand Prix. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening, and how to follow the action…

Stella thinks two rival teams top early 2026 pecking order

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has offered an early assessment of the pecking order in the build-up to the 2026 season, arguing that Ferrari and Mercedes appear to be the most competitive outfits as things stand.

Alpine boosted by early signs from ‘much better’ 2026 car

Alpine have created a “much better” car for the upcoming season and F1’s overhauled regulations, according to Managing Director Steve Nielsen, who has also noted “big gains” with their new Mercedes power unit.

Windows Central

Acer and ASUS face a sales ban in Germany over a video codec issue with Nokia — Here's how this patent spat could affect you

Acer and Asus have temporarily stopped selling certain PCs in Germany after a court granted Nokia an injunction over alleged HEVC patent infringement. Retailers can sell existing stock, but new imports are blocked while the dispute continues.

I found 7 of Best Buy's greatest Presidents' Day laptops discounted up to 50% — never worry about missing work deadlines again

We have gathered up the Best Buy's greatest discounts on productivity laptops to help fellow Americans blaze through workloads in honor of Presidents' Day.

Indie smash hit Mewgenics is working its way to consoles — the roguelike's co-creator confirms they're "working on it now"

Mewgenics, the new indie roguelike from Edmund McMillen, is set to receive a console release. The creator confirmed development is underway, following over 900,000 estimated Steam sales and strong early momentum. Paid DLC is also planned.

I build gaming PCs for a living, and these pre-builds with Presidents' Day discounts are a smarter buy — but they won't last long

Some of my favorite desktop gaming PC components are readily available in iBUYPOWER's pre-built desktops, discounted for a limited time during Presidents' Day.

Windows Wrap: Microsoft starts fixing Windows 11 as its OpenAI 'marriage' hits the rocks

Microsoft restored the movable Taskbar to Windows 11 as the OpenAI partnership showed new cracks. Plus, the latest Presidents' Day PC deals.

Diablo 2 has one Steam achievement that nobody has claimed yet — will you be the first?

Diablo 2 is now on Steam and with it, a bunch of achievements, but one so far is unclaimed.

This app called out Microsoft for blocking Windows 11 ISO downloads — users were temporarily blocked from fresh installs

A user recently reported failures when downloading Windows 11 ISOs. Rufus developer Pete Batard blamed Microsoft, raising concerns about access and control.

Even a former Microsoft CEO was against the vertical Taskbar removals in Windows 11 — "I fought hard against the decision."

Former Microsoft CEO of Advertising and Web Services, Mikhail Parakhin, says he was against the decision to remove the vertical Taskbar in Windows 11.

How to dual boot SteamOS and Windows on Xbox Ally and other Windows handhelds

This guide explains how to dual boot Bazzite and Windows on Xbox Ally and other Windows handhelds, combining a SteamOS style experience with full Windows support.

Hideki Sato, the father of all Sega consoles — and the reason I'm a gamer at all — has died

Hideki Sato was the man behind Sega's game consoles, from the Master System through to the Windows CE-supporting Dreamcast, and leaves behind a lasting legacy.

Laffgaff

Who was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon?

Mary Tudor.

Electricity Jokes

You really think you can stop me from telling jokes about electricity? You and watt army?

Itsfoss

Reverse Engineering Linux Distro REMnux Marks 15 Years With Major v8 Release Featuring AI Agent Support

Malware analysis Linux distro gets Ubuntu 24.04 base, a new installer, and many new tools.

Murena Teams Up With German Manufacturer to Offer a €698 de-Googled Android Tablet

Featuring 12GB of RAM and a 10,000 mAh battery, this collaboration with Volla brings some decent specs to the privacy-first mobile market.