The News - Thursday, 13 August 2026

BBC News

Results day dawns for A-level, T-level and BTec students

Another record number of students are expected to secure a place at their first choice of university.

Once-in-a-generation solar eclipse wows millions in UK and Europe

More than 95% of the Sun was covered by the Moon in Cornwall, while parts of Spain experienced the magic of a total eclipse.

Putin can no longer claim victory in Ukraine, Nobel Peace Prize winner tells BBC

In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg, Dmitry Muratov says the Kremlin leader can only “destroy Ukraine, not conquer it,” with the war now in its fifth year.

Travis Kelce shares first details from his wedding to Taylor Swift - 'Best night of my life'

In the comments, Kelce called Swift his "wife" for first time and said it was a "childhood dream" to wed at Madison Square Garden.

Leading doctor rebukes NHS chiefs over transplants

NHS Blood and Transplant's medical director says waiting lists for organ operations are unfair but leaders are not solving the issue.

ICE plans to equip agents with gloves that can deliver electric shocks

The US immigration agency is spending $20m on gloves that deliver a sharp electric shock intended to compel subjects to comply.

Major Russian grain export terminals hit in Ukraine Black Sea port attack

Grain exports from both Russia and Ukraine are falling as both countries attack each other's shipping facilities and ports.

BTS star V reveals hearing loss battle during livestream

The K-pop star says he has suffered hearing issues for over two years before revealing it publicly this week.

First 100% British chocolate bar made since 1932

Master's student Maha Khan created the chocolate bar by harvesting and processing Reading-grown cocoa.

Ayra Starr on her secret relationship and teasing Stevie Wonder

The musician shares the personal stories behind her third album, and the time she teased a legend.

'If you're not conservative, don't come here': The town making missiles for Trump

The president's approval numbers may be down, but in this Tennessee town, his support is as strong as ever.

Millions watch 'surreal' solar eclipse in UK and Europe

More than 90% of the Sun was covered by the Moon in the UK, while a full eclipse was visible in Spain and Iceland.

Vultures are disappearing in Nigeria - but the 'Vulture King' is fighting to reverse the trend

Some see them as sinister or hunt them for ritual use but these birds play a vital role in nature's cycle.

The Papers: 'The Sun, the Moon' and 'The greatest show on Earth'

The once in a generation solar eclipse across the UK and Europe dominates Thursday's front pages.

Why are 'human fridges' being sold in Japan?

As Japan swelters through extreme summer heat, BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori tries out a new way to cool down.

Acting pals Cumming and Henderson put 40-year friendship onto paper

Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson's acting relationship goes back a long way, mirroring the show the pair have been reunited on.

Trump says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to leave post

Leavitt will depart from her role to spend time with her young children and family, the president says.

New indictment alleges Nick Reiner was lying in wait before killing parents Rob and Michele Reiner

The allegation makes Reiner eligible for the death penalty - which has been paused in the state. Prosecutors have not said if they will pursue it.

Woman pulled alive from rubble 36 hours after Colombia quake

Following a 10-hour rescue operation, emergency workers pulled the 32-year-old from beneath slabs of concrete.

Ebola outbreak on track to be deadliest ever, WHO chief says

The outbreak, declared on 15 May, has caused more than 2,000 deaths, with thousands more reported cases.

Burnham urges shops not to sell disposable BBQs over wildfire risks

The PM wants the public to avoid using single-use grills during the current spell of extremely dry weather.

Scottish Labour leader hopefuls warn against party divisions

Monica Lennon, Joe Fagan and Michael Marra are competing to fill the post vacated by Anas Sarwar.

Results, appeals and resits - what to do if your A-levels don't go to plan

Your full guide to A-level results day, including what to do if you are not happy with your grades.

How to get the most out of university clearing on results day

From listing potential outcomes to picking up the phone, these are some top tips for getting through clearing.

I've been fighting wildfires while I wait for my A-level results

Grades for A-levels and a number of vocational qualifications will be published on Thursday.

Everything you need to know about university costs

With rising tuition fees and living costs, do higher graduate earnings cover the cost of a degree?

How do I apply for an apprenticeship and what will I get paid?

Apprentices split their time between training and working - and are paid by their employer.

UK sees hottest day of the year as 38.1C recorded in Kew Gardens

An amber extreme heat warning is in place for parts of England until midnight.

Five key takeaways from results day 2026

Top grades and students going to university are on the up, but technical subjects are also becoming more popular.

Son pays tribute to dad, 102, who died after allegedly being assaulted in pub

Phillip Ormerod was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died, police have confirmed.

The key signs you may have damaged your eyes by looking at the eclipse

Symptoms after looking at the sun without eclipse glasses can include blurred vision

Palestinians told to leave homes in village where Israeli settlers besieged houses

The mayor of Qusra says Israeli troops have been telling families to leave their houses, using some as barracks.

Honeytrap thieves jailed for killing men they had drugged

Adina Mihai and Madalin Dumitru gave their victims the drug GBL to render them unconscious.

Water bills set to rise for many after firms permitted extra funding

Ofwat has given provisional approval for 13 water companies to charge customers more to pay for investments.

Mangione lawyers to meet federal prosecutors amid reports of plea deal

Mangione faces two federal stalking crimes that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole.

Voting under way in Clacton by-election

Voters will choose between 34 candidates - the most to stand in any British parliamentary election.

Dating app Bumble divides users by ditching its signature 'women-first' chat rule

The dating app's boss says the move is in response to a successful trial and a change in what users want.

Are the UK's top universities really 'hoovering up' students?

The most selective universities have seen the biggest rise in students accepted onto their courses for 2026.

Results, appeals and resits - what to do if things don't go to plan

Your full guide to A-level results day, including what to do if you are not happy with your grades.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship and what will I get paid?

Apprentices split their time between training and working - and are paid by their employer.

Who could replace White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt?

The job requires managing a complex relationship with the media - as well Trump's high expectations.

Putin can no longer claim victory in Ukraine, Nobel Peace Prize winner tells BBC

In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg, Dmitry Muratov says the Kremlin leader can only "destroy Ukraine, not conquer it", with the war now in its fifth year.

'I was blown away' - the fans who heard Phoebe Bridgers' unreleased album in a planetarium

Armagh Planetarium hosts an early album listening party for American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers.

Six ways to keep your home and yourself cool in hot weather

Six simple things you can do to help keep your house cool when temperatures rise.

Your heatwave tips on how to cope in extreme temperatures

From what to wear to getting a restful night's sleep, you share your tips for beating the heat.

Person fined after using foghorn to wake sleeping polar bear

Under local regulations in the region, "it is forbidden to needlessly disturb, attract or pursue a polar bear".

Children in temporary accommodation in England hits record high

The number of children living in temporary accommodation has hit its 18th quarterly high in a row.

Ski Sunday host Chemmy Alcott suffers collapsed lung after jumping into lake

The former GB Olympian posted images of her in hospital while on holiday in France.

Met chief accepts mistakes made over Simon Levy but defends investigation into murders

Critics - including Labour MP Jess Phillips - have accused the Met of overlooking the first murder carried out by Levy.

UK economy grows but experts warn of challenging months ahead

Hot weather and the men's football World Cup boosted the economy but the Iran war may weigh on growth

Busiest ever period for England's A&Es as extreme heat hits

More than 2.4 million visits in each of last three months, as unions warn of inhumane conditions.

UK defends seizing shadow fleet tanker after Putin threat

The UK government says it is "disrupting and deterring shadow fleet vessels" in accordance with the law.

Bournemouth Echo

A31 to remain closed until late next week as fire crews continue to tackle blaze

The A31 will remain closed until next week, National Highways has said.

When MTV's Pimp My Ride came to Poole for an incredible makeover

Twenty years since a battered local Kia Pride was transformed into a neon-orange masterpiece complete with a built-in nail salon in the boot.

LIVE - A31 closed until late next week as fire continues

The A31 will remain closed into late next week as the New Forest wildfire continues to rage on.

Prisoner linked to drone drug drops found dead after 24 hours without checks

A prisoner who died after not being seen alive for 24 hours was able to access drugs "with apparent ease" behind bars, including by drone.

Professor warns New Forest could take years to recover after devastating fire

The New Forest could take years to recover from the huge wildfire which has torn through its protected heathland.

PICTURES - Beautiful rare solar eclipse captured over Dorset

Astronomy fans across the UK were treated to an astral delight overnight as the best solar eclipse in decades was followed by the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower.

RECAP - A level results day across BCP and Dorset

We will be bringing you live updates on A level results day across BCP and Dorset.

Jessica Toale welcomes plans to breathe new life into Bournemouth's high streets

Jessica Toale MP backs Labour’s plans to give councils and residents more influence on their high streets

'End of a remarkable era' - shock over plan to relocate 'Holy Grail' of motoring

Supporters of the National Motor Museum have spoken of their shock after it was revealed that the attraction is set to leave Beaulieu

Person airlifted to hospital after fall at popular Dorset tourist spot

A person was airlifted after falling down steps at a popular tourist spot.

PICTURES - Fields charred after large blaze near Blandford

A field fire that's stretching over three fields near Blandford prompted nearly 50 emergency calls from the public.

A-level results 2026 - Schools hail outstanding student achievements

Students across Dorset were celebrating A-level results day as smashing results rolled in on Thursday, August 13.

Fire spanning across three fields prompts nearly 50 emergency calls

A 'large' fire has broken out in Blandford, with flames spanning across three fields in the area.

Major playground refurbishment set to begin in Poole

A major playground refurbishment designed to improve accessibility for children is set to begin in the coming weeks

LIVE: Large clouds of smoke seen as fire starts in field

Large clouds of smoke have been seen coming from a field in Blandford Forum- updates to follow.

Hunt for man seen 'naked from the waist down' near New Forest

A man was reportedly seen naked from the waist down near Lyndhurst.

Poole man handed seven-year jail term after rape of woman in 60s

A man from Poole has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of raping a woman in her 60s on two occasions.

Man wanted by police after construction equipment stolen

A man is wanted by Police in connection with the theft of a wacker plate, a heavy piece of construction equipment.

New Forest campsites urged to ban barbecues after major wildfire

A national park authority is backing Forestry England's move to ban barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment on New Forest campsites.

Fire-damaged A31 expected to reopen with narrow lanes and 50mph limit

The fire-damaged A31 will reopen with narrow lanes and a temporary 50mph speed limit in both directions once urgent repairs have been completed, the council leader has said.

Dorset Pet Cremations to host Dogs Day Out event in Verwood next month

On Sunday, September 13, Dorset Pet Cremations will proudly host Dogs Day Out at Verwood Memorial Hall.

More than a meal – the story behind Bournemouth’s beloved 29 Spices

Since opening its doors in 2020, 29 Spices has established itself as one of Bournemouth’s favourite destinations for authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine

Rural events lodge for shooting estate near Cerne Abbas approved

A RURAL EVENTS lodge for a shooting estate near Cerne Abbas has been agreed by Dorset planners.

Proposal to extend burial ground at Cerne Abbas has been withdrawn

A  PROPOSAL to extend the burial ground at Cerne Abbas has been withdrawn.

Bid to install CCTV camera at historic Cerne Abbey refused by Council

A BID to confirm the lawfulness of installing a CCTV camera at the historic Cerne Abbey has been refused by Dorset Council.

Man found guilty of attempted rape and trespassing in Bournemouth

A MAN has been found guilty of trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence, attempted rape of a woman in Bournemouth, and multiple other charges.

Bowling alley and amusement arcade in Bournemouth want to serve alcohol

Alcohol is proposed to be served in a bowling alley in Bournemouth

Council backs new moves to ban betting and vape shops from high streets

BCP Council has backed new government proposals aimed at revitalising high streets by giving councils greater powers to block vape and betting shops

Data to be used to help BCP council prevent homelessness

Data could become a lifeline in preventing homelessness before a crisis point is ever reached

Further 65 homes to be built after plans given green light

Plans for a further 65 homes on land where a 90-home development is already under construction have been approved.

Wessex leaders respond to 'once-in-a-generation' mayoral authority bid

Wessex leaders have welcomed the latest invitation to form a new mayoral strategic authority

Man arrested for alleged racial abuse and threatening violence at a retail park

A man has been arrested in connection with a report of a racially aggravated incident in Poole.

Cult film festival Grindfest to return to Christchurch cinema this September

Grindfest, now in its most ambitious edition to date, will take place at The Regent in Christchurch from September 18 to September 20.

Bournemouth named one of the UK’s most expensive seaside spots for ice cream

Bournemouth has been named one of the UK’s most expensive seaside spots for ice cream, with a single scoop costing £3.57.

Organisers of Bournemouth horror film festival want more female-led submissions

Screams By The Sea in Bournemouth is offering discounted submission fees to boost the number of women taking on creative leadership roles.

Swanage cousins reunited with Sweet Pea Fairies portrait at Russell-Cotes exhibition

Two cousins who modelled as children for the renowned Sweet Pea Fairies illustration have been reunited with the original artwork more than 70 years later

New BU study reveals how ‘pioneering pairs’ of ospreys drive population recovery

A small group of 'pioneering' ospreys could hold the key to restoring populations across the UK, according to a new Bournemouth University study.

View from the Town Council: 'Why I stood, and what I'm here to do'

For over 30 years I worked in financial services, helping people and organisations manage money responsibly.

Bournemouth man asked for intimate images of child - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Golf day fundraiser for local hospice charity raises more than £30,000

On July 15, Oakhaven Hospice held its annual Golf Day, sponsored by Frampton Estates, at Barton on Sea Golf Club, raising over £30,000.

Housebuilder offering to cover moving fees of up to £30,000 in new scheme

Housebuilder Pennyfarthing Homes is offering to cover moving fees of up to £30,000 in a new incentive scheme for homebuyers.

Earlier waste and recycling collections for rest of the week in the New Forest

New Forest District Council (NFDC) is advising residents that their waste and recycling collections will start earlier than usual for the rest of this week.

One-off "rare" sculpture and paintings exhibition opening in Bournemouth next week

A five-day art exhibition showcasing rare and one off sculptures and paintings from a local artist is set to take place next week.

Bournemouth-based children's TV producer launches new animated series

Amanda Evans, creator of Sky Kids' Obki, produced the show Glow Dogs through her local company Obki Productions.

Aldi urges shoppers in Dorset to donate these everyday items to help foodbanks

Aldi is calling on Dorset shoppers to support families in need as foodbanks face extra demand during the summer holidays

Horseboarding to feature as Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show returns next week

Horseboarding will be featured at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, which returns to Motcombe’s Turnpike Showground on August 19 and August 20.

Dorset landlord scheme continues to help households access private rented homes

Dorset Council’s Key4Me scheme has supported 100 households into private rented homes since the start of 2026

Olivier Award winner Layton Williams to perform at Dorset venue next year

Layton Live, a celebration of Layton Williams' career, will take place at the Lighthouse Poole on Wednesday, March 3, 2027.

Arts University Bournemouth partners with law firm to showcase graduate talent

Arts University Bournemouth has announced a partnership with law firm, Lester Aldridge, to showcase local artists by displaying graduate artwork in offices.

Dorset’s disability charity offers range of craft workshops in summer and autumn

Diverse Abilities, based in Dorset, is organising a series of craft workshops across the county throughout summer and autumn

Formula 1

Why switching off is one of the most vital skills for F1 drivers

Being a Formula 1 driver requires absolute dedication, but the stars of our sport also need to know when to zone out.

How Williams rebuilt one of their most iconic F1 cars

Back in 1996, Williams wrote one of the most successful chapters in their F1 story – claiming 12 pole positions and 12 victories out of 16 Grands Prix, racking up 21 podium finishes, and winning both the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles.

5 key things we heard from Cadillac after Team Principal change

New Cadillac Team Principal Marcin Budkowski and CEO of TWG Motorsports Dan Towriss have spoken about topics including the squad’s leadership change, priorities for the rest of the season, and future plans with their driver line-up.

How Haas’ 2026 season has played out so far

As they prepare for the second half of the season, we take a look at the highs and lows of Haas' 2026 campaign to date.

Inside the F1 driver’s bubble: The performance coach

Formula 1.com is delving into F1 drivers' bubbles to gain a greater understanding of the lives of those who work closely with the stars of the sport. Here, Esteban Ocon's Performance Coach, Tom Clark, tells all about his role and responsibilities.

Windows Central

"If it was opt in ... nobody would opt-in." Twitch CPO squirms, admits everyone hates its new AI training 'feature'

Twitch's Chief Product Officer accepts that everyone hates its AI "features," but is going to double down on it anyway.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 for Xbox and PS5 gets some BIG news and it might be playable for the first time soon

Fans eagerly awaiting Euro Truck Simulator 2 on Xbox and PS5 have their first piece of big news, with its creator SCS Software announcing it might be playable at an event coming soon.

Snapdragon X Plus laptops make mincemeat out of homework and exams, and one of our favorites is now on sale in time to help struggling students

The ASUS Zenbook A14, a reliable and sturdy laptop once held back by a steep price tag, is now offered at a reasonable discount to give students an edge in tackling schoolwork without breaking too much of their budget.

Limited Edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox controllers have been revealed, and they're some of the sickest-designed Xbox gamepads I've seen in ages

To get players hyped up for Gears of War: E-Day more than they already are, Xbox has revealed new limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day-inspired Xbox controllers, which are now available for pre-ordering.

New research shows Windows 11 keeps undermining basic browser choice with harmful design tactics

A survey from the Browser Choice Alliance says Windows 11 makes changing default browsers harder than it should be. Most users want one‑click control, but many report resets, prompts, and links opening in Edge anyway.

Quote of the day by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang: "Moore's law is dead. It's completely over" — Will GPUs ever be affordable again?

Prices climb as Moore's Law seemingly dies, and AI demand rises, all while NVIDIA dominates. PC builders are left wondering if affordable GPUs will ever return.

The guy who built Windows Task Manager in 1996 just remade it with a cyberpunk vibe — but there's one big issue for PC users

The creator of the original Windows Task Manager has returned with an updated version, and it probably doesn't look anything like what you think. The big problem? Task Manager OG is currently only available for macOS, with Windows support coming soon. Here's what it looks like and why you might want to test it out.

OLED monitor shipments are up a massive 98% year over year — I think the real reason has less to do with the panels than most people suspect

Market research firm TrendForce has new data on the considerable rise in OLED monitor sales in Q2 2026. Although the reasons behind the newfound popularity lie in falling prices and improved supply chains, I suspect that there's another factor at play that isn't mentioned in the research.

Microsoft begins unified Copilot app rollout: Reveals major plan to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot across all platforms, along with updated branding

We knew it was coming, and now it's official: Microsoft is beginning to rollout a new Copilot app that merges Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot under one experience.

Snapdragon C specs mean Qualcomm could eat Intel's lunch with budget laptops: Here's what we know (and what we still don't)

Qualcomm revealed full specs for its Snapdragon C platform, promising up to 67% faster battery performance and better power efficiency than Intel's N250.

Hogwarts Legacy is getting a sequel — Warner Bros. confirms a follow-up to the best-selling Harry Potter game that took the wizarding world by storm in 2023

In a recent open letter to shareholders, Warner Bros. casually announced they are making a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy, a popular open-world RPG based on the iconic Harry Potter franchise.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV has been delayed by two months — to polish its gameplay for the fans who have waited almost a decade

KING Art has announced that Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, the long-awaited sequel to the fan-favorite Dawn of War RTS series, has delayed its release date so the developers have more time to polish it to its best possible launch state.

Hands-on with AltTabby, Stardock's replacement for the Windows 11 Alt+Tab experience

Stardock's AltTabby brings customizable views, search, and smart grouping to the Windows 11 Alt+Tab experience. I went hands-on with the brand-new app.

Laffgaff

What kind of animal is Perry in the animated series Phineas and Ferb?

Platypus.

Cow Army

What do you call an army of cows? The milidairy.

Itsfoss

VLC is Wrongly Blamed for Microsoft Defender's Clumsiness

VLC takes a long time to play MP3 on Windows? Blame it on Microsoft Defender, not VLC.

FOSS Weekly #26.33: Mint Kernel, PDF Editing, VLC Drama, Omarchy Quattro and More Linux Stuff

VLC got blamed for Microsoft's clumsiness.

Omarchy Bets Its Future on AI Agents While the Linux World Stays Cautious

While some open source projects are locking AI out of their codebases, Omarchy's upcoming v4 release treats AI as part of the system.