The News - Wednesday, 22 April 2026

BBC News

No 10 had 'dismissive attitude' to Mandelson vetting, says sacked Foreign Office chief

Sir Olly Robbins has defended his decision to approve the peer's security clearance for the role.

I was left with an £8,000 vet bill when my insurer cancelled my pet policy

Thousands of people have got in touch with BBC Your Voice over concerns about rising pet insurance costs and poor cover.

Why police are seeking to arrest billionaire K-pop mogul behind BTS

Bang Si-hyuk, who created the supergroup, denies defrauding investors before his $7.3bn company went public.

Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

Meta to track workers' clicks and keystrokes to train AI

The firm will take data from the way employees work for its artificial intelligence models.

World's biggest maker of condoms set to raise prices due to Iran war

Malaysia-based Karex produces more than five billion condoms a year and supplies global brands like Durex and Trojan.

Virginia approves redistricting, giving Democrats edge in midterms

The new maps in Virginia could make it easier for Democrats to take control of the US House of Representatives in November.

Mass trial for 486 alleged gang members begins in El Salvador

Footage released by the attorney general's office shows large groups of men in prison attending the trial via video link.

Foo Fighters interview: 'We're a different band without Taylor Hawkins'

The band talk about life without their drummer, their "angry" new album, and their backstage Lego habit.

Phone tracking shows how Colombian mercenaries backed Sudan's RSF - report

The Conflict Insights Group (CIG) says its research also shows the extent of UAE involvement.

The Papers: 'Starmer on the ropes' and 'Sobbin' Robbins spills the beans'

The papers are dominated by the fallout for the prime minister from the failed vetting of Lord Mandelson for his role as British ambassador to the US.

Henry Zeffman: Robbins's revelations are a dangerous moment for Starmer

Drawing a line under Lord Mandelson's appointment is proving impossible for the prime minister.

Trump buys time for Iran deal after frantic day of diplomacy

The US president's decision marked the second time in as many weeks he has backed off a threat to escalate the war, buying more time

UK gaming icon Peter Molyneux on AI, his final creation and a changing industry

The creator of iconic series such as Fable says Masters of Albion will be the last game he makes.

Dwayne Johnson wrestling film to be made into stage musical

Fighting With My Family, released in 2019, starred Florence Pugh as a young wrestler making her name.

Oil prices dip as Trump extends Iran war ceasefire

The president also said the US will continue to blockade Iran's ports until peace talks progress.

Domestic workers legally recognised in Indonesia after '22-year struggle'

The country is home to some 4.2 million domestic workers - of which almost 90% are women.

'It will kill this town': High street to close for six weeks with 50-mile diversion

Traders in Sanquhar say a six-week closure of the A76 in the summer could be "catastrophic".

Democratic congresswoman resigns after campaign finance charges

An investigation found she committed more than 20 ethics violations, including breaking campaign finance laws.

No 10 considered giving Starmer aide diplomat job, sacked official says

Sir Olly Robbins says he felt "uncomfortable" after No 10 discussed finding a role for Lord Doyle.

Bournemouth Echo

'It was mayhem'- Man reports seeing more than 15 horses along A338

One motorist has described seeing more than 15 horses travelling along the A338, describing it as 'mayhem'.

Digger activity on Sandbanks sparks concern among beachgoers

Beachgoers have raised concerns about digger activity that took place on Sandbanks with the plight of the protected sand lizards under the spotlight.

'He was at the start of his life'- Plea issued after sudden death of 18-year-old

Funds are being raised to help the family of a 18-year-old following his unexpected death.

All the times Queen Elizabeth visited Dorset and the New Forest

Dorset’s rolling green hills and the ancient wooded glades of the nearby New Forest have been a scenic playground for the British royal family.e

Ferry boss pledges no price hikes or fuel shortages amid Middle East crisis

A FERRY operator has pledged it will not raise prices in the coming months or be disrupted by fuel shortages, despite the conflict in the Middle East.

Woman diagnosed with incurable cancer to walk Great Wall of China

A mother-of-three is set to walk across the Great Wall of China over five days to raise money and awareness for a breast cancer charity.

Sandbanks restaurant makes dramatic improvements following damning food hygiene score

A Sandbanks restaurant has dramatically raised its food hygiene rating, climbing from one out of five to the top score in its latest inspection.

Dorset Council issues 80 penalties in 'major fly-tipping crackdown'

A crackdown on fly-tipping and waste-related offences has led to a sharp rise in fines, Dorset Council has confirmed.

Suspended sentence and fine for man who assaulted person in Tesco - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

‘Trojan horse’ plans for New Forest car park get the go ahead

Plans to create a 46-vehicle car park to serve a woodland education facility have been given the green light.

Windows Central

Baldur's Gate 3 director reacts to Xbox Game Pass removing Call of Duty from day one access alongside price drop — "It is a good thing creatively"

Due to Microsoft's new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price drop, Call of Duty games won't come to it day one anymore — something that may benefit the series.

"I think I know someone who would be perfect for that role": Is former Xbox director Larry Hryb 'Major Nelson' teasing interest in Microsoft's Xbox senior manager position?

Microsoft recently opened up a new Xbox brand senior manager position, and a comment from ex-director Major Nelson has many wondering if he's going for it.

Hate the Windows 11 Taskbar? Here’s the ultimate way to bring back a classic look from Windows 95 to Windows Vista

Windows 11 may look sleek, but let's face it, the Taskbar doesn't have many fans. So send it back to the glory days with RetroBar.

"Inspired by the winding Touge roads of Japan": This limited Forza Horizon 6 Xbox gear caught my eye, and I'm tempted

Xbox has officially revealed the Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition controller and wireless headset, now available for pre-order ahead of the game’s launch on May 19