The News - Friday, 16 January 2026

BBC News

Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize winner presents her medal to Trump

Trump thanked Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, calling it "a wonderful gesture of mutual respect".

Conservatives 'broke' the country says Jenrick as he defects to Reform

The former minister says the Conservatives "broke Britain", as Nigel Farage welcomes him to his party.

'We'd been on high alert' - How Jenrick's dramatic defection unfolded

The secret discussions, bombshell leak and sacking which led to Robert Jenrick defecting to the Reform party.

Iran authorities demanding large sums for return of protesters' bodies, BBC told

Multiple sources have told BBC Persian that security forces will not release bodies unless relatives hand over money.

The landscape beneath Antarctica's icy surface revealed in unprecedented detail

Scientists believe the map could shed light on how Antarctica's vast ice sheet will respond to climate change.

Cuba counts cost of alliance after 32 troops killed in Venezuela

The recent events in Venezuela have exposed the strategic risks of Cuba’s foreign entanglements.

Government to give cash payouts to people in financial crisis

The replacement to the Household Support Fund aims to help people facing sudden difficulties.

Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act to quell anti-ICE protests in Minnesota

The rarely used law allows the president to use active-duty military personnel for law enforcement.

Israel moves Yellow Line deeper into Gaza, satellite images show

Israel placed and later moved control markers in three areas, with placed deeper inside Gaza than maps suggested.

Actor Timothy Busfield charged with sexually abusing boys on set of TV series

The actor starred in the West Wing TV series and is also known for the baseball film Field of Dreams.

Hospitals with unsafe concrete expected to miss rebuild deadline

Seven hospitals with Raac that were prioritised last year are not expected to be completed on time - some not until 2032/33.

Chris Mason: Is Farage's Reform really Conservatives 2.0?

Reform UK is showing 'momentum and magnetism', but faces a familiar critique of being dubbed the Conservatives 2.0, the BBC's political editor writes.

TV doctor says ADHD and OCD diagnoses have 'changed my life'

Love Island star Dr Alex George is calling for improved waiting times for neurodivergent assessments.

Weekly quiz: Where are BTS kicking off their comeback tour?

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

I didn't give up, I let go. How I came to terms with not having children

After a decade of trying for a baby, Caroline and her husband decided they needed to build a different future.

'We're in survival mode': The cost of milk price crisis to family dairy farms

Adam and Lucy Johnstone have seen the price their receive for their milk tumble by 25% over the last three months.

The Papers: 'Sacked Jenrick defects' and 'Traitories'

Former Conservative shadow minister Robert Jenrick joining Reform UK hours after he was sacked by Kemi Badenoch, is the main focus of Friday's papers.

Chinese woman's plea for help killing pigs draws thousands to her village

The woman appealed for help after realising her father could not slaughter the pigs for a village feast alone.

Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

The limited deployment involves Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK.

Thousands remain evacuated due to unexploded WW2 bomb

Residents face ongoing disruption after two separate unexploded WW2 bombs were uncovered in Devon.

Starmer does not rule out backing social media ban for under-16s

Many Labour MPs and officials privately expect the government to follow the Australia's example and implement a ban.

Swiss bar employee who reportedly held sparkler unaware of dangers, family says

Cyane Panine, 24, died in the Crans Montana fire that is believed to have started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles set foam on the ceiling alight.

South Korea's impeached leader faces first of several verdicts. Here's what you need to know

Yoon Suk Yeol is set to receive the first verdict on charges linked to his 2024 martial law attempt.

Wales to become only UK nation to lose free baby book scheme

Parents say the scheme helps them bond with their babies and establish early literacy skills.

Leon will focus on stations and airports to revive fortunes, boss says

The fast food chain is closing its stores outside London as part of a restructuring plan.

Hospital violated trans complaint nurses' dignity, tribunal rules

A judge says the hospital chiefs' changing room policy created a "hostile" environment for women.

Exiled crown prince urges world to help protesters topple Iran's government

Reza Pahlavi, an opposition leader based in the US, called for "surgical" strikes on Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Wife killer who manipulated child jailed for life

Robert Rhodes is jailed for life after his child revealed his plot to kill his wife in their home.

Trump threatens new tariffs on countries opposed to Greenland takeover

The president made the threat while a bipartisan group of US lawmakers were visiting Denmark in the hope of easing tensions over the territory.

Body found in search for missing girl, 15

Grace Keeling, 15, was swept into the sea at Withernsea along with her mother Sarah on 2 January.

TV doctor says ADHD and OCD diagnoses have 'changed my life'

Love Island star Dr Alex George is calling for improved waiting times for neurodivergent assessments.

Jenrick claims he is 'uniting the right' by defecting to Reform UK

The former Conservative minister denies the move was about personal ambition, in an exclusive BBC interview.

Machado vows to lead Venezuela 'when right time comes'

The opposition leader says she has a mandate to lead the country after the US seized its president.

Landscape beneath Antarctica's icy surface revealed in unprecedented detail

Scientists believe the map could shed light on how Antarctica's vast ice sheet will respond to climate change.

Ant and Dec launch their first podcast - a smart move or late to the party?

The pair will host Hanging Out as part of a new entertainment channel they are launching online.

'We'd been on high alert' - How Jenrick's dramatic sacking and defection unfolded

The secret discussions, bombshell leak and sacking which led to Robert Jenrick defecting to the Reform party.

'I was hit in the face by pellets': Iranians on border describe violence and more protests

The BBC speaks to Iranians at the border with Iraq, as authorities continue to block the flow of information with an internet blackout.

What the 28 Days Later franchise means to female horror fans

The latest instalment of the 28 Days Later horror franchise is the first of the series to have a female director.

Teen obsessed with Southport killer planned bomb attack at Oasis concert

McKenzie Morgan was inspired by the Southport attack and also planned an attack on a children's dance school.

Tragic death of Adichie's young son pushes Nigeria to act on health sector failings

Novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says her child's death was caused by medical negligence, which the hospital denies.

Police defend spending £16k on private jet to extradite influencer HSTikkyTokky

Surrey Police says all other options had been considered and were "unfortunately not viable".

Use film-style age ratings to limit teens' social media, say Lib Dems

The Conservatives want to see ban of all under-16s from social media, but the Lib Dems say that would be a "blunt instrument".

Sara Sharif inquest will not take place until 2027

Senior coroner for Surrey, Richard Travers, sets a date of 5 April, 2027, at a pre-inquest review.

Court throws out £50m claim over failed bottle return scheme

Waste firm Biffa claimed it invested heavily after being given assurances about the recycling scheme only to see it collapse a year later.

'What are you showing our children?': Bereaved parents take on TikTok

Ellen Roome has been fighting to create "Jools' Law" since her 14-year-old's son death.

Bournemouth Echo

Christchurch's 1,000-year-old mill still standing - this is why

The mill was a vital institution for the local community, grinding the crop brought in from the surrounding fields to make the flour that fed the town's inhabitants and the Augustinian canons of the nearby Christchurch Priory.

Hamworthy care home invites community to open day event

Upton Bay Care Home in Hamworthy hosts an open day on 24 January. Meet the care team, enjoy entertainment, and learn about Barchester Healthcare services.

Host of performances and shows coming to Lighthouse in May

Lighthouse has announced details of shows and events taking place this May.

Popular games event returns to BIC next month

A popular tabletop gaming exhibition returns to Bournemouth next month.

New sunset walk announced in memory of loved ones

Residents are being invited to take part in a new event in memory of their loved ones.

Letter: 'We need a fairer voting system'

MORE than a million folk have signed a petition calling for a general election which was debated in Westminster Hall on January 12th. Lisa Smart as Lib Dem spokesperson says:" However, we face an even more dangerous threat to our country’s values and our future if the next general election delivers the results that the current polls suggest.

Nature park celebrates amphibians with free photo gallery

A free outdoor photo gallery celebrating amphibians is currently on display at a country park.

Folk rock legend announced for Poole venue

Folk rock legend Richard Thompson will return to Lighthouse this autumn.

Pavilion Dance has 'something for everyone' in 2026

Pavilion Dance has announced a packed line-up of events in 2026.

Bournemouth Writing Festival returns with four book launches and poetry marquee

The double award-winning Bournemouth Writing Festival returns for its fourth year.

Police arrest 118 people in op targeting DUI motorists

More than 110 motorists were arrested for drink or drug driving as part of a national campaign last month cracking down on motorists driving under the influence.

Dorset man gearing up for world-first South Pole challenge

A Dorset man will attempt a world-first challenge later this year as he plans to cycle unsupported to the South Pole.

Crackdown on age-restricted items to protect young people

Dorset Council is increasing efforts to protect young people by cracking down on illegal sales of age‑restricted products.

Speeding vehicles stopped in New Forest Police operation

TWO vehicles were stopped by officers for speeding during a New Forest Police operation.

'She was very popular lady, loved by all': Tribute to beloved Bournemouth woman

A TRIBUTE has been paid to a “very popular lady, loved by all” following her death after a long illness.

Film tour to visit Durlston Castle for the first time

Durlston Castle will host the BritRock Film Tour for the first time this January.

Construction to create new footpaths begins next week

Works to create new footpaths and widen part of the trim trail at Fawcetts Field will begin on Monday, 19 January.

Duncan-Jordan among rebel MPs in Commons vote on animal testing lab protests

Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan was among more than two dozen MPs who rebelled against the Government’s decision to ban protests outside animal testing labs and other “life sciences infrastructure”, according to Commons data.

Lib Dem councillor defects to Green Party 'for one main reason'

BCP Green Party has gained its first councillor in Poole after defections from Liberal Democrat party.

Young father killed in case of mistaken identity, police say

A young father who was struck off his electric bike was killed following a case of mistaken identity, police have said.

Trains between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier to be replaced by buses this weekend

Buses will replace trains between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier on January 17 and 18 due to emergency engineering work.

Man arrested after 'punching a police officer in the face'

A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer after allegedly punching an officer in the face, as well as for possession of a knife.

WATCH: Footage released of convicted murderer at station

Footage of a convicted murderer has been released after she was handed a life sentence.

Railway line closed after heavy rain causes landslide

A bus replacement service is running for the Lymington Branch line, after it was shut today for repair work on a landslip.

Work to enhance Poole Bus Station has begun as part of plans to improve bus services

Work to enhance Poole Bus Station has begun as part of plans to improve bus services across BCP.

Two thieves arrested over multiple shopliftings

A pair of "persistent criminals" were arrested in the last week in Fordingbridge.

Man charged with murder after discovery of human remains appears in court

A man who was charged with murder after human remains were discovered is due to appear in court.

Ex-company directors plotted £70million investment fraud to fund luxury lifestyles

THREE ex-company directors have admitted to a £70million investment fraud to buy multi million-pound homes and high-end sports cars.

"It undermines trust and pulls the rug from beneath residents"

A proposal to convert two houses in Poole into HMOs has been granted despite a total of nearly 100 objections to the plans being submitted.

Budget setting postponed due to “key details” missing

BCP Council has postponed setting the 2026/27 budget for two weeks due to “key details” about Government funding missing.

Ringwood man jailed for 24 weeks after police chase on A36

A man from Ringwood has been jailed for 24 weeks and disqualified from driving for more than two years after admitting to dangerous driving and handling stolen goods.

Block of 13 flats approved despite 35 objections

Plans to build a block of 13 flats has been approved despite 35 objections including a residents’ association and the Society of Poole.

Poole's first shadow town council meeting to take place

Poole’s shadow town council is set to elect members to appointment panel ahead of the lower tier authority being formed.

New maintenance and construction vehicles approved

Plans to borrow more than £500,000 to replace aging machinery and buy maintenance vans has been approved by committee.

Green Party calls for suitable alternative parking outside Poole Quay Hotel

BCP Green Party is calling for suitable alternative parking to be provided when disabled bays outside Poole Quay Hotel are suspended during events.

Massive 19th century Swedish silver beer tankard to be sold at auction

A massive Swedish silver beer tankard, valued at £3,000, is included in the Charterhouse four day January auction.

Average wait time for allotment in Bournemouth and Poole is five years

The average wait time for an allotment in Bournemouth and Poole is five years.

Appeal for next of kin for man, 82, who died in Bournemouth

Next of kin appeal has been issued for an 82-year-old who died at an address in Bournemouth.

Woman left in tears after council error destroys parents’ ashes and offers £750

Gina Whitfield currently lives in a bungalow in Coronation Drive near Shaftesbury, but used to live in a flat in Glyndebourne Close in Salisbury, both properties owned by Wiltshire Council.

Car becomes stuck in floodwater in Ringwood

A car has become stuck in floodwater in Ringwood.

Antiques Roadshow experts to visit Dorset

A special event featuring Antiques Roadshow experts is heading to Dorset

New Forest village to take centre stage on BBC show next week

Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest is set to take centre stage in an upcoming episode of Digging for Britain on the BBC.

Dorset Council admits some children's services 'worsening'

WORK with children and families is falling short in some areas at Dorset Council with many areas of performance now labelled as “worsening.”

Man charged with murder after human remains found in search for missing man

A man from Dorset has been charged with murder after remains were discovered in the search for a missing man.

'Lives will be at risk as fire stations face closure'

LIVES are set to be put at risk as fire stations in Dorset are set to face the axe

Bournemouth man found dead at home

An inquest has opened into the death of a man who was found dead at his home in Bournemouth.

Pharmacist warns parents not to give these two over-the-counter medicines to children

A leading pharmacist is warning parents about two over-the-counter drugs that should not be given to a child with chickenpox

Formula 1

Check out every angle of Racing Bulls’ 2026 livery

Racing Bulls have given fans a first look at their livery for the 2026 season.

Racing Bulls launch 2026 livery in Detroit

Racing Bulls have become one of the first F1 teams to launch their livery for the 2026 season, with the design being unveiled at a special event in Detroit.

Every angle of Red Bull’s 2026 livery

Red Bull have become one of the first F1 teams to showcase their livery for 2026.

Red Bull unveil striking new livery for 2026

Red Bull have unveiled their striking new livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season with an impressive event held in Michigan Central Station.

Re-watch Red Bull and Racing Bulls’ 2026 launch

Follow the action live from Red Bull and Racing Bulls’ joint 2026 launch event in Detroit, Michigan.

REVEALED: The best driver line-up for 2026 as voted for by you

We asked and you answered – the results of our best driver line-up vote are in!

Williams confirm Browning as reserve driver for 2026

Williams have announced that Luke Browning will act as their Formula 1 Reserve Driver for 2026, while also switching from Formula 2 to the Japanese Super Formula Championship.

Logan Sargeant confirmed as Ford WEC Hypercar driver

Former F1 driver Logan Sargeant has been confirmed to race for Ford in the World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class in 2027, with the news announced nearly 18 months after the American’s exit from the Williams team.

Mekies expects ‘struggles’ amid power unit project

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies conceded during the team’s launch event that he is anticipating some “struggles, headaches and sleepless nights” amid the challenge of the squad manufacturing their own power units for the first time in 2026.

Windows Central

Resident Evil Requiem gets new gameplay showcase trailer with over-the-top Leon action — fans are still angry about no demo from Capcom, though

Ahead of its launch next month, Capcom gave fans a closer look at Resident Evil Requiem gameplay and the differences between its two protagonists, Leon and Grace.

Here's how you get the new Hawker HX sniper in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as fast — and stress free — as possible

The second week of the Black Ops 7 Fallout crossover event brings the final new weapon of Season 01, and this is how you can get it unlocked quickly, and without sweating.

Reddit users: r/WindowsCentral is live — join us to shape coverage, boost visibility, and help build the strongest Microsoft community online

Your upvotes, comments, and presence help more people discover our reporting — and help shape what we cover next.

Would you trust AI to read a contract before you signed? — Docusign’s new Iris engine wants to eliminate "signer hesitation"

Docusign’s new AI features summarize complex contracts to speed up signing, but is faster signing a good thing when it comes to contracts?

What was once one of Steam's biggest MMOs is being killed off, and it's already been delisted — you have one year to play before shutdown

Just over four years after launch, Amazon's MMO New World: Aeternum is being shut down in 2027 due to its failure to bring fans back after it fell off.

Anthem is dead after the game's shutdown, but it doesn't have to be — lead dev reveals code for private servers exists, "there to be salvaged and recovered"

EA may have shut down Anthem's official servers, but its executive producer says code for private ones exists and is "there to be salvaged and recovered."

Amazon reveals brand new Fallout reality TV game show is coming — it's even got a website for fans of the franchise where they can sign up as contestants

Amazon has just greenlit a new reality game show based on the Fallout franchise called Fallout Shelter, where contestants take on challenges inspired by the games and TV series to win cash prizes. Here's what you need to know about how to take part.

You're not alone, X (Twitter) is down as major outage impacts service [UPDATE]

A major outage has taken X offline for millions of users, with people reporting they are unable to access the website or the app.

"This kind of feels like cheating" — MSI’s MEG X AI gaming monitor might be the wildest display at CES, blending over‑the‑top design with AI features nobody asked for

MSI introduced a new MEG X OLED ultrawide gaming monitor at CES, and its AI tools make it easier than ever to cheat in competitive play.

You thought the New Year's sale for the Surface Pro 12-inch was crazy? — Think again because one of the best Snapdragon laptops is now under $700

Just a couple of weeks after its 15% New Year's discount, Microsoft's top-rated Surface Pro 12-inch laptop just received an even greater deal. For a limited time, you can own this high-performing and feature-rich laptop for under $700.

A genuinely useful Windows 11 feature remains half‑implemented, forcing users to install new mods just to get the experience they expect

Microsoft is slacking on taskbar productivity. A new Windhawk mod proves that per-app volume control should have supported scrolling on Windows 11 feature years ago.

Lenovo blunder as rollable laptop screen demo FAILS on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Linus Tech Tips was invited onto The Tonight Show to demo cool tech that was unveiled at CES 2026, but one device from Lenovo failed to show off its party trick.

Microsoft stock continues downward trend, dropping 10% — ballooning infrastructure CAPEX, shrinking AI hype, and Google blamed

Microsoft execs have offloaded millions of dollars worth of stock over the past quarter, as the firm's outlook (no pun intended) looks murky.

Windows 11 users are still turning to third-party tools to bypass Microsoft's push for all-encompassing AI — and "Winslop" is the most categorical example to date

Winslop is a lightweight app that helps you remove the AI features Microsoft has been heavily integrating into Windows 11.

RuneScape turns 25 years old as Jagex sets up a full year of reveals, roadmaps, and live events for its iconic MMO

RuneScape is turning 25, and Jagex is using the milestone to roll out a full year of announcements, roadmaps, and community events across Old School RuneScape, RuneScape 3, and DragonWilds.

First game details for WWE 2K26 have reportedly been revealed — including CM Punk, one of the world's best wrestlers, to headline its Showcase Mode

Insider Gaming has reportedly acquired exclusive information on the next entry in 2K's long-running WWE 2K franchise, including its estimated release date and its Showcase Mode, which will be themed around CM Punk.

Elon Musk called medical school "pointless," but Jeff Bezos wants Gen Z to finish college before starting their own companies — as AI threatens entry-level jobs

Amazon chairman and founder Jeff Bezos says that going to college and having some work experience under your belt increases your odds of success.

Laffgaff

What galaxy contains Earth and the rest of our solar system?

The Milky Way.

Software Developer

Why did the software developer quit their job? They didn't get arrays.

Itsfoss

Android Power Users Can Now Run Full Desktop Linux Environments Without Root Access

This open source app delivers one-tap Arch Linux installation with development tools, file sharing, and desktop software support.