The News - Sunday, 15 February 2026

BBC News

Europe must be ready to fight, PM tells Munich Security Conference

The prime minister's speech comes after a tumultuous week in his political career back home.

'Trump will be gone in three years': Top US Democrats try to reassure Europe

Opposition politicians flocked to a summit in Munich to offer an alternative to America First - and stake a claim as future party leaders.

Obama addresses racist video shared by Trump depicting him as an ape

The former US president didn't name Trump, but lamented the lack of "shame" and "decorum" among public officials.

Death of the sex drive - and the great debate over whether testosterone can help get it back

Can boosting testosterone improve libido, or is much of the attention solely hype, profit, and placebo?

Could Manchester be a model for the UK to kickstart growth?

With an annual growth rate of 3.1%, Manchester's economy has performed twice as well as that of the UK as a whole.

The spectacular multimillion-euro heist nobody noticed

The theft has left Germans with a strong sense that trust in institutions and the system has been shaken.

What the Nigella Lawson effect will mean for the Great British Bake Off

What joining Channel 4's famous tent could mean for the TV cook's career and the baking show.

How to get the best view of the Northern Lights in 2026

Experts say 2026 will be a peak year for aurora spotting as the Sun reaches the maximum of its cycle.

The saga of a £165m rail line that keeps causing travel chaos

Taxpayer money has flowed into fixing the rail line connecting Cornwall with the rest of the UK - but the elements have other ideas.

Is this a 'very Chinese time in your life'? The trend boosting China's soft power

Chinamaxxing is adding more gloss to the recent flourish of Chinese soft power.

An abduction, a Bitcoin demand and a TV icon - why Nancy Guthrie's case has gripped the US

Savannah Guthrie's fame has helped turn her mother's abduction into a national obsession.

The Papers: 'Navalny killed by frog toxin' and 'There must be probe into envoy Andrew'

A number of papers lead with the revelation that the Russian opposition leader was killed by a dart frog toxin.

Actor Ross Kemp to return to EastEnders for short stint

Kemp plays the infamous Grant Mitchell in the long-running soap.

Man claimed girlfriend was killed in car crash, but forensics revealed the truth

Jenna Watkins was left on a remote mountain road by her boyfriend, who claimed she died in a crash.

Red eyes and black beaches: How one of the worst environmental disasters left its mark

A major oil spill which killed thousands of birds is still being debated, three decades later.

Boys have adventure of a lifetime filming Lord of the Flies

The cast say they made friends for life during the filming of the new BBC One series.

UK wants action taken on Russia after Navalny frog poisoning, Cooper says

The foreign secretary said the UK would "continue to look at co-ordinated action, including increasing sanctions on the Russian regime".

Children 'weaponised' by both sides of trans debate, says author of gender identity report

Clinician Dr Hilary Cass says "people at the extremes" had caused a lot of distress for young people.

Hundreds of thousands join Iran protests around the world

Munich, Los Angeles, and Toronto saw the largest crowds, with smaller rallies also taking place in Tel Aviv and Libson.

What the Nigella Lawson effect will mean for the Great British Bake Off

What joining Channel 4's famous tent could mean for the TV cook's career and the baking show.

This rail line caused travel chaos during storms. £165m later, it's happened again

Taxpayer money has flowed into fixing the rail line connecting Cornwall with the rest of the UK - but the elements have other ideas.

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.

'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.

Delivery van 'stuck on deadliest mudflat footpath'

HM Coastguard Southend says the van driver had been trying to get to Foulness Island.

Death of the sex drive - and the great debate over whether testosterone can help get it back

Can boosting testosterone improve libido, or is much of the attention solely hype, profit, and placebo?

Could Manchester be a model for the UK to kickstart growth?

With an annual growth rate of 3.1%, Manchester's economy has performed twice as well as that of the UK as a whole.

An abduction, a Bitcoin demand and a TV icon - why Nancy Guthrie's case has gripped the US

Savannah Guthrie's fame has helped turn her mother's abduction into a national obsession.

Iran ready to discuss compromises to reach nuclear deal, minister tells BBC in Tehran

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, tells the BBC's Lyse Doucet that the ball was "in America's court to prove that they want to do a deal".

Gender pay gap won't close for another 30 years, warns TUC

The average woman employee "effectively works for 47 days of the year for free," according to the Trades Union Congress.

Man dies after entering flood water in police chase

Derbyshire Police said it had referred itself to the policing watchdog.

Labour face tough fight in Gorton and Denton by-election

Sir Keir Starmer's low personal poll ratings could prove a drag in the previously safe seat.

Russian 'pick-up artist' accused of secretly filming women in Ghana

Ghana has called on Russia to extradite the man, who is accused of recording sexual encounters without consent.

Bournemouth Echo

5 'beautiful' walks in the New Forest that will help you reach 10,000 steps

A number of New Forest walks in Boldre, Beaulieu, and Stoney Cross are able to get people to 10,000 steps.

Premium cheesecake venue offering authentic desserts

A VENUE offering premium cheesecakes and a ‘café experience’ is celebrating one-year of success since opening its doors.

In The Dock: trio guilty of assault in Richmond Hill

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

The weird and wacky story about the time Bournemouth banned inflatables

Quarter of a century ago, the coastal air of Bournemouth was filled with not only the smell of the sea but with the rhythmic thud of dance music and the shouts of revellers on a night out.

Residents 'worried and dismayed' after Lloyds announce branches closures

Councillors have voiced their displeasure after Lloyds bank announced it would be closing multiple branches in the area later this year.

Eighteen Restaurant & Bar brings farm-to-table dining excellence to Christchurch

Eighteen Restaurant & Bar opens at The Kings Arms Hotel, Christchurch, serving modern British cuisine with Dorset-sourced ingredients. Bookings now open.

Untold stories in new exhibition 'The Women of Highcliffe Castle'

A new exhibition reveals the hidden female history of a landmark building, offering visitors a fresh perspective on it's fascinating past.

Will Dorset see snow? Forecasters monitoring wintry spell

Weather forecasters are monitoring a potential wintry spell that could bring snow to parts of southern England later this week- though the chances of it reaching Dorset remain slim.

Police arrest suspected drug dealer after executing warrant

A suspected drug dealer has been arrested after officers carried out a warrant at a Bournemouth address.

Areas in Ringwood and Christchurch at risk as flood warning issued

A flood warning has been issued for parts of Dorset as further rainfall threatens to push already high river levels even higher.

Care home residents and children share games and smiles at sensory play event

Magna Care Centre near Wimborne hosts intergenerational sensory play with Hip Hip Hooray Play, uniting children and residents for Valentine’s-themed activities.

Brockenhurst backs Adult Learning Pays campaign to get more adults studying

Brockenhurst College backs Adult Learning Pays campaign, urging more funding for adult education in England, with courses including languages and job training.

Classical superstar set to perform in Bournemouth for UK 25th anniversary tour

Katherine Jenkins announces 2026 UK & Ireland tour, including Bournemouth, celebrating 25 years in music with classic hits. Tickets & dates revealed.

Hospice charity call for change after guest lecture at Bournemouth University

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care urges better early support and coordination in end-of-life care after a Bournemouth University event on palliative care.

Classic and vintage motorcycle collection to go under the hammer this March

Over 40 classic motorcycles from Joe Skinner's collection to be auctioned by Charterhouse at Haynes Motor Museum, Somerset, on 12 March 2026.

Dorset and Hampshire charities raise record sum from recycling Christmas trees

Christmas tree recycling in Dorset and Hampshire raised a record £70,000 for five charities, as Eco Sustainable Solutions turns trees into compost.

New photo exhibition set to challenge perceptions of ageing opens in town centre

Voices of the Future photo exhibition in Bournemouth highlights experiences of residents aged 60–75, shaping BCP Council Adult Social Care strategy.

Micro Moose - the pub home to live music, book clubs and crazy quiz mastery

Micro Moose, Winton, prides itself on preserving community spirit while championing independent breweries.

Dementia UK shares signs and symptoms as free clinics return to Bournemouth

Dementia UK’s free Admiral Nurse clinics return to Nationwide’s Winton branch on 17–18 Feb, offering dementia advice and support as part of Fairer Futures.

Dorset Council commits Government funding to Osprey Quay special school

Dorset Council approves Osprey Quay Special School in Portland, offering 75 SEND places. Project led by Department for Education, tackling local deprivation.

Meet the chef who went from pot washer to celebrated country pub head chef

He's gone from pot washing to producing plates full of flavour as the head chef at a celebrated country pub.

5 tips to save £200 as February half term costs hit record high

Half term money trap? Why February can rival summer holiday costs - and how families can save while still making memories.

Shoppers at Asda, Tesco, Boots & more warned to stop using products over safety fears

Asda, Boots, TK Maxx, Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose, and Hobbycraft are among the UK retailers warning shoppers to stop using these products “immediately”

Pensioners warned over looming Winter Fuel Payment deadline or miss up to £300

Pensioners warned not to miss Winter Fuel Payment deadline – plus thousands in unclaimed discounts for NHS and teachers.

Travellers to Spain, France and Italy warned to prepare for 2026 ETIAS border changes

British holidaymakers heading to Europe face the biggest overhaul of travel rules in years, with biometric border checks followed by ETIAS later this year

Formula 1

Russell’s best meme moments as he turns 28

To celebrate George Russell turning 28, let’s look back on some of the Mercedes man’s best meme moments.

Wheatley ‘proud’ of Audi’s progress across pre-season testing

Audi team boss Jonathan Wheatley has admitted to an early feeling of pride over the operation’s progress ahead of their maiden F1 season, highlighting the “ambition, boldness and creativity” he has seen so far.

Winners and Losers from the first pre-season test

F1.com's Lawrence Barretto picks out his winners and losers from the first 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain.

Windows Central

President's Day has conceived a $500 saving on this high-performing laptop we rated 4.5/5 stars — packing an OLED display and Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU

President's Day is drawing closer, and more laptop discounts are cropping up to celebrate, like Best Buy's 33% bargain for the reliable and slick ASUS Zenbook S 16 laptop.

These earbuds may be pricey, but we think "they're worth every penny" — especially now that President's Day has taken $100 off their steep MSRP

The Status Pro X is one of the best premium-priced earbuds we've covered on Windows Central. Thanks to this 33% President's Day discount, more people can experience its rich audio experience for a more affordable price.

Razer’s Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is 28% off for Presidents Day — cute, comfy, and actually great

If you're struggling to buy your loved one a gift, Amazon has the perfect belated Valentine's Day gift in the form of the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, now on sale for a 28% discount

PlayStation is “Still Our Lead Platform” — Squanch CEO says as High on Life 2 launches on Xbox Game Pass

Squanch CEO Mike Fridley says PlayStation remains the studio’s lead platform as High on Life 2 launches on Xbox Game Pass. He discusses sales cannibalization concerns, franchise growth, and the decision to go multiplatform from day one.

Microsoft’s Jumpstart program under fire — Brazil probes Edge bundling practices amid Opera complaint

Brazil’s competition regulator CADE is investigating Microsoft’s Jumpstart program after a complaint from Opera, examining whether OEM agreements restrict rival browser preinstallation on Windows PCs.

The Corsair Sabre v2 PRO Ultralight is "one of the best gaming mice I've tested" — and President's Day has now made it 20% cheaper for PC gamers

President's Day has provided Amazon with an opportunity to sell off the Corsair Sabre v2 Pro Ultralight with a 20% discount, giving PC players an opportunity to enhance their gaming experience for less.

Will PlayStation's Spider-Man come to Xbox someday? Insomniac Games responds.

Insomniac says Spider-Man coming to Xbox is “not likely,” but past platform shifts, PC ports, and reports of a Windows-based next-generation Xbox suggest exclusivity may not be permanent anyway.

Laffgaff

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley had a string of big hits as which pop duo?

Wham!.

Spaghetti Sleep

Why did the meatballs tell the spaghetti to go to sleep? It was pasta bedtime.

Itsfoss

Why and How I am Using Emacs for Writing My Next Novel

In part II of his Emacs series, novelist Theena Kumaragurunathan, demonstrates how Emacs is becoming an extension of his writing brain.