News for August 26, 2026
Damn it: Canada seeks new trade partners amid Trump pressure
Canada aims to diversify its export markets beyond the United States in response to Trump-era pressure. Officials say the country needs improved infrastructure and new trade deals to grow non-U.S. exports. The effort will be challenging as it seeks to reduce dependence on the U.S. market.
Damn it: Car crashes into a crowd in Caen, northern France, killing at least one
At least one person died after a car crashed into a crowd in Caen, northern France. Police said one suspect was arrested after the incident, which followed a reported fight at a nearby bar.
Damn it: Scottish Highlands ride the coolcation trend as heat drives tourists north
People are avoiding heat by heading to cooler northern areas. The Scottish Highlands are benefiting as tourists shift away from hotter regions. The trend also extends to other northern European nations.
Damn it: Family involvement cuts mental health hospital admissions, study finds
A new study finds that treatment involving patients' families reduces mental health hospital admissions. The approach centers on patient priorities, keeps the same clinicians, and involves people close to the patient. Researchers say this combination can lower the need for inpatient stays.
World's first live AI-assisted brain surgery removes a tumour
Rhys Hibbert underwent the world's first live AI-assisted brain surgery to remove a tumour. The procedure relied on real-time AI guidance. Without the AI assistance, Hibbert could have lost his sight.
Good grief: Plug-in solar panels head to shops with promises to cut bills
The government says plug-in solar panels could significantly reduce household energy bills. The piece provides no details on costs, installation, or rollout. No further information is provided in this piece.
Damn it: Meta's $18bn settlement could accelerate the child-safety reckoning
BBC technology editor Zoe Kleinman says the settlement could accelerate the reckoning over child safety on social media. Her take points to tougher safeguards and more oversight for platforms. Kleinman also suggests doomscrolling days may be numbered.
Damn it: Burnham calls summit of Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish first ministers
Burnham has announced a summit with the first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The move coincides with his first official visit to Wales since becoming prime minister.
Damn it: BBC visits Kathmandu hospital as flood toll climbs
At least 150 people have died after a massive flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border, with hundreds unaccounted for. BBC crews visited a hospital in Kathmandu as relatives waited for updates.
Damn it: Woman who died with 7-year-old niece in house fire remembered as 'beautiful soul'
A family member pays tribute to a woman who died in a house fire alongside her seven-year-old niece. Relatives described the woman as lively and bubbly and the child as a cute youngster.
Damn it: Peter Kay interrupts live weather forecast
Comedian Peter Kay interrupted the North West Tonight weather presenter during a live forecast. The interruption occurred on air. The moment was captured as part of the broadcast.
Damn it: Canal killer who dismembered victims dies in jail
John Sweeney was serving a whole-life sentence after his 2011 conviction for two murders. He was referred to as the canal killer who dismembered victims. He died in jail.
Damn it: Peter Kay gatecrashes BBC weather report
Peter Kay interrupted North West Tonight weather presenter Molly Brewer during her forecast. The interruption occurred as she delivered the weather report.
Good grief: Fresh thunderstorm warnings for England and Wales
The Met Office has issued new thunderstorm warnings for Thursday. The alerts cover England and Wales. Forecasters warn of possible flash flooding as unsettled weather persists.
Damn it: Malaria deaths at German airport linked to plane-borne mosquitoes
Two workers at Germany's busiest airport have died from malaria. Public health officials say the cases were linked to mosquitoes believed to have arrived on a plane. They say the mosquitoes were carried to the airport by air travel.
Good grief: Meta's $18 billion settlement marks a landmark victory for US states
Damn it — Meta has reached an $18 billion settlement with U.S. states in a California federal court trial. The deal ends the dispute in that case. It is described as a landmark victory for the states.
Damn it: US designates Palestine Action a terrorist group
The United States has designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. In the United Kingdom, supporting Palestine Action became illegal in 2025 under anti-terror laws.
Damn it: Funeral held for renowned Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour
A funeral was held for Sliman Mansour, the Palestinian artist. He was 79 years old. Mansour was best known for paintings of the Palestinian landscape and cultural scenes featuring symbols of Palestinian identity.
Parliament displays portrait of Ann Widdecombe for MPs' return
A framed portrait of Ann Widdecombe has been installed in Parliament. It is part of MPs' efforts to create a permanent memorial for the former minister.
Damn it: Rocky Horror star Tim Curry dies at 80
Tim Curry has died at age 80. He was best known for playing the flamboyant Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Damn it: Rupert Grint to reprise adult Harry Potter role on Broadway in New York
Rupert Grint, now 38, will reprise his Harry Potter character as an adult. The spin-off Broadway play is set to run in New York.
Damn it: At least 22 dead, hundreds missing in Nepal-China border floods
Damn it, an avalanche pushed the Bhotekoshi River over its banks, triggering floods. The surge of water and mud swept away buildings and people along the river. Officials say at least 22 are dead and hundreds remain missing along the Nepal-China border.
Damn it: How Dolly became a fashion icon
Culture correspondent Noor Nanji explains how Dolly Parton's signature style helped boost her global appeal. The piece highlights the influence of the country icon's look on popular culture. It offers a concise look at how fashion and fame intersect for Dolly.
Damn it: Inquest begins into death of Jason Arday
An inquest has begun into the death of Professor Jason Arday. Dr Julian Morris Morris said there was reason to suspect the death was unnatural.
Damn it: Stourbridge fires started accidentally
Investigators say the fires were started accidentally in fields where farming machinery was in use. The incidents occurred amid routine agricultural activity.
Damn it: Europe watches Russia-linked sabotage as Germany debates tougher stance
European security officials say a detected explosive drone at Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany fits a wider pattern of Russian aggression seen across Europe. Some German officials are calling for a tougher stance toward Russia.
Damn it: Prince Harry and Meghan return to the U.K.
The couple will return to live in the United Kingdom after years in California. The move ends their self-imposed exile. The news broke last week and surprised royal watchers.
Damn it: Video reveals scale of flash flood on Nepal-Tibet border
A new clip captures the scale of a flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border. The BBC altered the footage with white flashes to obscure distressing scenes.
Damn it: Rockstar breaks silence on GTA 6 leaks
Rockstar Games has commented on unauthorised Grand Theft Auto 6 footage circulating online. The company says the leaks have caused heartbreak for those working on the title. No further details about the leak or the project were provided.
Damn it: Ward door at Pakistan hospital not locked, guarded to protect babies
A hospital official told the BBC the ward door was not locked but was guarded to protect the babies. The fire at the hospital killed 14 babies.
Damn it: Ex-chief constable investigated over ban on Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans
Craig Guildford, the former chief constable, is among those under IOPC investigation. Three police officers and a staff member are also being probed. The inquiry centers on a ban affecting Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.
Damn it: Dolly Parton's musical legacy examined
BBC music correspondent Mark Savage revisits Dolly Parton’s legacy. He describes her as irreplaceable. The piece considers the lasting influence of her work.
Damn it: Dolly Parton’s irreplaceable legacy revisited by Mark Savage
Mark Savage, BBC music correspondent, looks back at Dolly Parton’s legacy. He notes her lasting impact and explains why she is described as irreplaceable.
Damn it: CIA chief meets Moscow's intelligence services, Kremlin says
CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow on Tuesday in a rare, unannounced visit. The Kremlin says he met with Russian intelligence services but did not meet President Vladimir Putin.
Damn it: Prince Harry and Meghan set for UK arrival today
Prince Harry and Meghan, along with their two children, are reportedly flying into the UK from California on a private flight. The move is described as private, with no further details released yet. No official confirmation has been issued at this time.
Damn it: Murder probe after two dead in house fire near Middlesbrough
Two people died in a house fire near Middlesbrough. Cleveland Police say they cannot rule out links to wider organised crime. The blaze is being treated as part of a murder investigation.
Damn it: At least 14 babies killed in Islamabad hospital fire
The blaze began in an air conditioning unit in the mother-and-child ward of a major Islamabad hospital. At least 14 babies have died in the incident.
Cosmic radiation link recognised in flight attendant's breast cancer, French court finds
Damn it: A French court recognises former Air France flight attendant Sophie Lainault's breast cancer as an occupational disease linked to cosmic radiation exposure. The ruling links the cancer to her work as cabin crew. The decision could affect compensation and how airline workers' radiation risks are handled.
Damn it: Congo's Ebola outbreak grows at record pace, threatening to be the worst in history
The Ebola outbreak in Congo is expanding at a record pace. Front-line sources say funding shortages are hampering the response. Pervasive misinformation is undermining public health efforts.
Damn it: Beloved country singer's wit shines after her death at 80
The beloved country singer-songwriter has died at age 80. Tributes emphasize her wit and wisdom. The piece leans on her own words to tell the story.
Damn it: Rainbow wisdom from a beloved country singer after death
Beloved country singer-songwriter remembered after dying at age 80. The article highlights her wit and wisdom through her own words.
Damn it: Libyan Airlines confirms death of Al Amin Khalifah Fhimah, cleared in Lockerbie trial
Libyan Airlines posted the news on Facebook. The post announced the death of Al Amin Khalifah Fhimah. Fhimah had been cleared in the Lockerbie bombing trial. The airline offered condolences to his family.
Damn it: Sterling charged with dangerous driving after crash
Sterling will appear in court next month to face dangerous driving charges. The charges stem from a May crash into motorway barriers.
Damn it: Notorious Scottish gangland figure Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel arrested in organised crime raid
Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel was arrested on Wednesday at his home in the north of Glasgow. The arrest followed an organised crime raid.
Damn it: Father of woman who took her own life accuses Treasury of failing duty of care
The father of Chloe Moffat says the Treasury failed in its duty of care. Moffat died last year after being told she faced allegations that she had shared sensitive confidential information about colleagues, which she denied. The father's claims focus on whether the Treasury met its duty of care in her case.
Damn it: NHS failing child sex abuse victims in adulthood, psychiatrists warn
Experts warn adults seeking help after childhood abuse have endured years of poor treatment. A new, damning report accuses the NHS of systemic failures in responding to these cases. It describes decades of mismanagement and neglect affecting victims seeking support.