The News - Wednesday, 13 May 2026

BBC News

PM prepares for King's Speech as he faces leadership crisis

King Charles III will attend Parliament to deliver the speech outlining the government's agenda.

Watch: Resignations, drama and defiance at Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer will meet Wes Streeting for talks after a day that saw his leadership come under significant pressure.

Alex's mum abducted him as a boy. Now he's ready to talk to her again

Alex Batty reveals all about his abduction and life on the run in a new BBC documentary.

A decade on, Trump returns to a stronger and more assertive China

Beijing is arguably the most powerful competitor the US has confronted in its history, one analyst says.

Daily pill to help keep weight off after stopping obesity jabs

The tablet - orforglipron - is available in the US and could soon launch in the UK.

Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies aged 47

Collins shared late last year that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Israel qualifies but Boy George is out of Eurovision

The Israeli act is met with boos and chants, but also a chorus of support, at Tuesday's semi-final.

'Huge moment' for Catherine as she makes first overseas trip since cancer

The Princess of Wales will travel to to the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, to learn about its approach to early years education.

UK promises jets, drones and warship for Strait of Hormuz defence mission

More than 40 nations are involved in the mission, which the Ministry of Defence says will begin when conditions allow.

Air India crisis deepens ahead of final Ahmedabad crash report

Air India faces a leadership vacuum and mounting financial losses as it struggles to recover from the crash.

Smart glasses are 'an invasion of privacy' - Meta's are selling better than ever

The biggest tech firms are set to sell millions of smart glasses despite growing privacy concerns.

The Papers: 'Starmer and Streeting set for showdown' and 'Crisis? What crisis?'

Every paper leads on the future of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership for the second day in a row.

Australia has some of the world's costliest homes. Will scrapping tax breaks help?

The government hopes reforms will help young people enter the market, while critics say it will stifle supply.

White-tailed eagles to be released in Exmoor despite farmer warnings

Some farmers fear the reintroduction of the UK's biggest bird of prey will threaten their livestock.

'It's not a swimming pool' - Americans react to Trump's reflecting pool makeover

As the president continues his initiative to make Washington DC 'safe and beautiful', tourists and locals are conflicted over the $13m renovation.

Elon Musk and Tim Cook among CEOs joining Trump on China trip

A total of 17 US executives are set to join the president on his visit, where he will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Thief jailed after stealing unreleased Beyoncé music from car

The man smashed into a car and stole luggage containing hard drives with the singer's tracks.

Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth to unveil ministers for new Welsh government

Ap Iorwerth said it was "the greatest privilege" after he became first minister of Wales on Tuesday.

Trump's 'Golden Dome' will cost $1.2tn and might not stop all-out missile attack

That pricetag is nearly seven times higher than Trump's initial estimate, found an independent budget office.

Man shot dead by police after overnight stand-off in Bedford

The man, in his 40s, "presented a weapon" after barricading himself inside a house, police say.

From tourist tax to digital ID: BBC correspondents on the key bills in the King's Speech

BBC correspondents look at some of the new bills Sir Keir Starmer's government wants to pass.

Watch: What next after the King's Speech?

BBC Chief Political Correspondent Henry Zeffman explains what is next for the government after the King's Speech.

Bodies of three young women pulled from sea off Brighton

Brighton beach is closed after police launch inquiry into what they describe as a "tragic incident".

Farage faces standards probe into £5m gift

The probe will examine whether the Reform UK leader should have declared the gift from crypto billionaire.

Trade, Iran and Taiwan on the agenda as Trump arrives in China for high-stakes talks with Xi

The US president says his first request to Xi would be to "open up" China, while Beijing is expected to press Trump on the status of Taiwan.

Dozens of dogs rescued and suspect arrested in Uganda after BBC investigation

A BBC investigation exposed how scammers posted social content of dogs in distress to dupe donors into giving money.

Rhun ap Iorwerth reveals new Welsh government ministers

Ap Iorwerth said it was not just a change in administration but a change of approach for governing Wales.

Princess Eugenie's charity faces further scrutiny from Charity Commission

The watchdog says it is opening a case into The Anti-Slavery Collective to assess concerns over spending.

Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions and orders new trial

The court has ordered a new trial over the June 2021 killings of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh.

Brother feared triple killer would take his own life

Valdo Calocane's brother, Elias, told a public inquiry he felt "powerless" when it came to his illness.

More than 1,000 passengers held on cruise after gastrointestinal illness outbreak

The ship, which set sail from Belfast on Friday, is at port in Bordeaux after 49 people fell ill from gastrointestinal illness.

Margot Robbie backs Tudor play 1536: 'Women are still having the same conversations'

The acclaimed Tudor-set play is co-produced by the Barbie actor, and focuses on working-class women in Essex as rumours about the execution of Anne Boleyn spread.

Alex's mum abducted him as a boy. Now he's ready to talk to her again

Alex Batty reveals all about his abduction and life on the run in a new BBC documentary.

Smart glasses are 'an invasion of privacy' - Meta's are selling better than ever

The biggest tech firms are set to sell millions of smart glasses despite growing privacy concerns.

Trump vs Xi: Who has the upper hand?

The BBC's Sarah Smith explains the power dynamic between President Trump and China's Xi Jinping.

Gaza sisters win prize for turning rubble into reusable bricks

Displaced teenagers Farah and Tala wanted to 'turn destruction into something useful'.

Why is there a row about an MSP's immigration status?

Q Manivannan, originally from India, is on a student visa which is due to expire at the end of the year.

'When the school bell goes, it's fight or flight' - the PTSD faced by NI's prison guards

Two former prison guards discuss the long-term trauma of a career working with Northern Ireland's most dangerous criminals.

Epstein abused me while under house arrest, survivor tells US lawmakers

Roza was among several victims who gave testimony to Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday.

Posh sandwich has more salt than nearly five cheeseburgers

Action on Salt & Sugar said people should not be exposed to a "hidden health risk every time they buy lunch".

'Ciao Kate': Crowds cheer Catherine's comeback tour to Italy

The Princess of Wales travels to Reggio Emilia, to learn about its approach to early years education.

Woman isolating on British island in South Pacific after hantavirus contact

The woman who was on a virus-hit ship shows "no signs of illness", the government of Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory, says.

Shrinking Milka chocolate bar tricked consumers, says German court

A court in Bremen has found the manufacturer of the classic Alpine Milk chocolate bar guilty of "shrinkflation".

Suicide forum fined £950,000 for not blocking UK users

The regulator said the forum had not done enough to protect UK users - but critics accuse Ofcom of acting too slowly.

Tui sees summer sales fall 10% due to cautious UK customers

The travel operator says customers are delaying booking holidays over Iran war concerns.

Bournemouth Echo

'It's a bloody nightmare' - Triathlete 'devastated' after bikes worth £30k burgled

A triathlete is in “disbelief and shock” after five bikes worth around £30,000 were stolen last week from her home.

First powered flight in the New Forest took place in 1910

Brief as it was, his milestone flight left an indelible entry in the records of Hampshire history.

New Archdeacon of Bournemouth appointed

A new Archdeacon of Bournemouth has been appointed.

Parking restrictions on busy Sandbanks road for upcoming sewer works

Sewer maintenance work will impact parking in Sandbanks during the busy summer months.

Anti-abortion activist's conviction for ‘offensive’ emails quashed on free speech

AN ANTI-ABORTION campaigner who sent 'offensive and distressing' images to police staff has had his criminal conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal.

Police 'increasingly concerned' for welfare of missing 14-year-old

POLICE are growing "increasingly concerned" for the welfare of a missing 14-year-old girl.

Royal helicopter spotted over Dorset skies

A helicopter with royal connections was spotted over Dorset skies this afternoon

School plans extra parking spaces and new play area

A Hampshire school has unveiled plans to provide extra parking spaces and a new play area

Winton church event raises thousands towards new toilets and café

The Pianathon took place at St Luke’s Church in Winton on Saturday, drawing more than 200 visitors and featuring continuous piano performances from 9am to 9pm.

Arrests made after 'fight' and knife threat at supermarket

Two arrests were made after a confrontation involving threats with a knife took place at supermarket in Poole.

How to get £40 M&S Beauty Bag and full list of products worth more than £230

This year’s M&S Summer Beauty Bag contains full-size items from premium brands including Clinique, Estée Lauder, ICONIC London and Color Wow.

Lettings teacher warns Renters Right Act has "frightened off" landlords

The director of a lettings training centre in Poole has warned the Renters Rights Act has “frightened off” landlords. David d’Orton-Gibson, Managing Director of Training for Professionals, suggested that the new legislation is “misguided” and will negatively impact both landlords and tenants.

Residents divided on whether PM Keir Starmer should resign

Residents in Bournemouth have shared their view on whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer should resign. The Echo has spoken to people in Bournemouth town centre, who gave their verdict on the Starmer’s future.

Specialist school places available for sixth form students could be doubled

BCP Council is proposing to double the specialist school places available for sixth form students at a school in Poole

Villagers' objections to bar area extension prompt public hearing

Objections to a small extension of the Studland Social Club licenced area has led to a public hearing.

Wildlife tower approved on farm field for birds and insects

A WILDLIFE tower has been approved for a farm field corner site close to the cycleway between Newmans Drove and the Station Road car park at Sturminster Newton.

Ambitious plans for large café, picnic area and farm shop

A large café, picnic area and farm shop is being planned using largely redundant farm buildings behind Almer Manor off the main A31 road between Bere Regis and Wimborne.

Travellers set up 'unauthorised encampment' next to children's park

Travellers have set up an "unauthorised encampment" in Muscliff Park.

New toucan crossings planned in Poole

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has announced plans to install new controlled crossings in Poole

Consultation on controversial fire station closures ends this week

A public consolation concerning controversial proposals to close a number of fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire is ending this week.

Plans for higher on‑street parking charges in Sandbanks

Sandbanks is set to see higher on‑street parking charges and a new winter tariff under council proposals

Photographer captures dramatic Chinook boat drop over Poole

A photographer was wowed after witnessing a Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter dropping a boat over Poole.

Missing 14-year-old schoolgirl found safe after police search

A missing 14-year-old girl has been found following police searches.

Transport firm in Dorset applies to use operating centre for vehicles

Poole Event Transport Ltd seeks licence to operate goods vehicles and trailers from Unit 1, Glandal, Wimborne. Objections to the Traffic Commissioner by 26 May.

Two New Forest roads will close for triathlon event this month

Ellingham Drove and Moyles Court to Mockbeggar roads in the New Forest will close on 24 May for the Huntsman Triathlon, says Hampshire County Council.

Dorset firm applies for licence to extract water from recycling centre

YTL Construction seeks Environment Agency licence to extract water from Poole Water Recycling Centre for dewatering. Public comments open until 5 June.

Two roads in Ringwood to close for Openreach pole replacement works this month

Drivers in Ringwood face delays on Hightown Road and Nouale Lane due to one-day road closures for Openreach pole replacement works.

BCP Council: Application made for premises licence at Poole venue

Application for premises licence to sell alcohol at 13 High Street, Poole, submitted by Hayleigh Dibben. Submit comments to BCP Council by 29 May 2026.

Robert Louis Stevenson sculpture to be unveiled on Bournemouth seafront

A sculpture commemorating Robert Louis Stevenson is set to be unveiled on Bournemouth's promenade.

Pop icon announces 'intimate' show at Dorset church

Nick Heyward has announced a brand-new UK tour for winter 2026.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole leaders unite to tackle climate change

BCP Climate Partners toured Chapel Gate Eco Park near Christchurch, uniting leaders to boost recycling, waste management, and sustainability across Dorset.

Residents continue to debate New Forest parking charges

The recently introduced parking charges across the New Forest continue to spark debate amongst residents. The charges, which came into force across 100 car parks on the 20th of April, have been brough in to address funding concerns for Forestry England.

Care home resident celebrates 90th birthday on VE Day

A Dorset care home resident whose ninth birthday fell on VE Day in 1945 has celebrated her 90th with a nostalgia-themed party. Wendy Martin, a resident at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, recalled the biggest party in European history to help staff replicate precious memories.

Powerboat specialist joins international boat sales company

An experienced powerboat specialist has joined the growing team at the Lymington office of an international boat sales company.

Why more businesses are choosing Dorset offices over London

Workspaces in Dorset are increasingly outperforming London-focused office space.

Multiple roads in Upton to close for resurfacing

A road resurfacing scheme will see several roads in Upton close over the course of a week.

Dangerous driver jailed and handed five year driving ban - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

'Labour needs to overcome its wanton ignorance and face up to reality'

I find it remarkable that it is only now, after two years into this Labour Government, that people are properly waking up to Labour's unpopularity and ineptitude. Yet the signs have been obvious for years.

Dorset Council to introduce 30mph and 40mph speed limits on roads near village

New 30mph and 40mph speed limits will apply to roads in Holt, Dorset from 13 May 2026. See Dorset Council’s website for full details and maps.

Motor show returns to town this weekend

Bournemouth Coastal BID are bringing back the Westbourne Motor Show on May 16.

Family-run storage firm secures major industry accreditation

A storage company has achieved a major industry certification.

Veteran charity launches Operation Swim to honour D-Day landings

Help for Heroes has launched a new swimming challenge to raise vital funds for veterans and commemorate the momentous D-Day landings.

High street charity named Best Place to Work at Poole Business Awards

A community-focused charity has been named Best Place to Work at the Poole Business Awards.

Charity launches new vocational centre for learners with complex needs

A Bournemouth-based charity is expanding its work with young people with complex needs and disabilities by launching a new vocational training centre in town. SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship) will open its new facility at the Coach House in Deans Park Road.

Wimborne in Bloom spring coffee morning returns this month

Wimborne in Bloom spring coffee morning returns this month.

Seventeen employees take part in mud run for bereavement charity

Seventeen employees will take part in a mud run for a charity supporting bereaved parents.

Electronic producer Max Cooper to bring immersive tour to Poole

Electronic producer Max Cooper is set to bring his immersive live tour Feeling Is Structure to Lighthouse Poole.

Home cooks invited to compete in contest co-founded by Michelin-starred chef

Home cooks from Dorset are being invited to step into the spotlight for a chance to impress some of the UK’s top chefs.

What the King’s Speech could mean for your money - from energy bills to benefits

The King’s Speech is expected to unveil major changes affecting energy bills, rail fares, leaseholders and jobs - here’s what it could mean for you.

Nationwide cuts mortgage rates ahead of £100 Fairer Share payment decision

Nationwide has cut mortgage rates by up to 0.36%, with its lowest deal now at 4.35%, as members await news on another £100 Fairer Share payment.

Why experts are warning people to spend their loyalty points and gift cards now

Shoppers saving points for Christmas or holidays are being urged to spend them sooner rather than later.

Formula 1

Watch R7 Qualifying from the Sim Racing World Championship

The second half of the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship season kicks off with Round 7 – the Belgian Grand Prix.

Inside Ferrari and Red Bull’s ‘Macarena’ wings

Mark Hughes and Giorgio Piola delve into how and why Ferrari and Red Bull introduced rotating rear wings at the Miami Grand Prix.

Jenson Button revisits his maiden F1 win – 20 years on

Twenty years ago, Jenson Button added his name to the illustrious list of drivers to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix, when he emerged victorious in Hungary in 2006.

QUIZ: Name the F1 World Champion from the year

We give you the year, you just have to name the World Champion from that season. Simple!

Windows Central

"Project Saluki": A new Xbox Game Pass tier has been unearthed, alongside a curious "Positron" potential disc-to-digital program — and it could be huge

The newest Xbox Game Pass tiers appear to be specifically targeting the lucrative Chinese market, and is Microsoft also working on a disc-to-digital program?

Xbox's Forza Horizon 6 was the best-selling game on Steam last week, well ahead of launch — the game beating it now is another huge Xbox Game Pass title

Xbox's Forza Horizon 6 is slated to be one of this year's biggest games, and ahead of its launch, it's become a top seller on the PC gaming store Steam.

Minecraft: Java Edition just got two massive multiplayer features we've all wanted for years — it's finally on par with Bedrock's options, and could even work with mods

The latest Minecraft Snapshot brings two huge multiplayer features to Java Edition, finally giving it parity with Bedrock Edition in that regard.

New Copilot keyboard shortcuts are coming to Microsoft 365

Microsoft is standardizing Copilot access across Windows, Mac, and Web by replacing varied app triggers with a single floating UI and the Alt + C shortcut.

I dug into how Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 toward fully native apps, and it could lead to major speed gains

Microsoft is launching an AI agent and development templates to streamline native development on Windows 11.

Inside why Bill Gates expected Microsoft to burn $1B on OpenAI — and how the bet paid off far beyond that

A new report by The Information revealed that Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI has generated approximately $30 billion in revenue for the former between 2023 and 2025.

Windows 11 updates are getting massive, and AI often takes the blame — Here's what's actually happening on your PC and why

Windows 11 updates have ballooned up to 5GB and beyond, and many users assume that it's AI that's mainly contributing to the bloat. Here's what's actually causing sizes to increase.

I turned Windows 11 into my own version of Windows 12 and the results feel closer to Microsoft’s future than you’d expect

You can transform Windows 11 into a Windows 12‑style desktop with Rainmeter's Windows 12 skin, which features a minimalist Start menu and a movable and resizable Taskbar.

Googlebooks are coming, but should Microsoft be scared? Windows 11's biggest threat could be Android PCs if things don't improve

Microsoft's constant blunders with Windows 11 have opened the market up to major competition, and now Google is capitalizing.

AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D is still the best PC gaming CPU, and now it's dropped to a bargain price (with a free power supply!)

Newegg is hosting a special bargain sale for the AMD Ryzen 9800X3D. By using a special promo code, you will be able to purchase this strong gaming CPU for a 16% discount and net a free Corsair CX750M power supply that's worth $64.99.

"The Razer Enki is very comfortable to use, so your backside is in good hands:" This gaming chair makes a great gift

The Razer Enki Gaming Chair, which has received critical praise for its comfy ergonomics, superb lumbar support, and durability, is currently having a 34% discount sale for its pink variant and similar price drops for other variants.

Laffgaff

Richard Bachman was a pseudonym used by which famous author?

Stephen King.

Funeral Prices

I'm confused, how can a cemetery raise its funeral prices... And blame it on the cost of living!

Itsfoss

Fedora Hummingbird Debuts As A Super Hardened Linux Distro

Fedora Hummingbird ships the entire OS as a bootable OCI image with atomic updates and rollback support.

Your Old Potato PC Might Game Better With This Linux Kernel Patch

A proposed scheduler update shows frame time improvements on aging hardware under heavy CPU load.