BBC News Digest
Sunday, 8 February 2026
Foreign Office to review Mandelson’s US ambassador pay-off
No 10 sources have called for Mandelson to return the money or give it to a charity that supports victims.
US news anchor Savannah Guthrie says ‘we will pay’ in plea for mother’s return
“We received your message,” the US news anchor says in the latest video plea for the return of her mother Nancy Guthrie, 84, who is believed to be abducted.
Why Prince William’s Saudi Arabia visit is a diplomatic maze
The Prince of Wales has been on many official visits – but few places are as sensitive or controversial as Saudi Arabia.
Dozens of flood warnings in England after days of non-stop rain
Rain has fallen in south-west England and south Wales every day of 2026 so far, the Met Office said.
Hillsborough parents in ‘last battle’ to correct official records for daughters
Jenni and Trevor Hicks are leading a new campaign to correct official court records from the 1990s.
My car was stolen. Here are six important things I learned
Keyless thefts are on the rise and car crime is increasingly organised and high-tech.
Team GB cannot wear new skeleton helmets after they were ruled wrong shape
The British skeleton team – among Team GB’s best hopes for medals at the Winter Olympics – will not be able to wear their new helmets after the Court of Arbitration for Sport said they do not comply with the sport’s rules around shape.
GB’s medal hope Brookes starts campaign – Sunday’s guide
What’s happening and who to look out for at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Speed skater’s son joins celebrations for Italy’s first gold
Francesca Lollobrigida celebrates with her young son after winning Italy’s first gold medal at this year’s Winter Olympics in the women’s 3,000m speed skating.
How Britain became a fried chicken nation
An internet craze for American-style chicken has come to the UK, but what does it mean for traditional chippies?
Famous but deadly kite flying festival returns after 19-year ban
After injuries and fatalities caused by sharp strings, falls and celebratory gunfire, an event that dates back centuries returns.
Super Bowl countdown almost over as Bad Bunny prepares for historic show
After a week of frenzied build-up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Super Bowl 60 – America’s biggest game – takes place on Sunday night.
I’m obsessed with bar livestreams. All the drama of a night out – from my sofa
There’s been a surge in people watching such streams on TikTok, but bars say they face sanctions.
No big names. No big budget. But Heated Rivalry is a big hit
The made-on-a-shoe-string, Canadian-produced series is taking the world by storm.
ICE protester says she was ‘disgusted’ after fake arrest image shared by White House
The White House posted an edited image of Nekima Levy Armstrong after she was arrested for organising a protest in a church.
The Papers: ‘Pay-off for Mandelson’ and ‘relegation battle’
The continued fallout from the government’s handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal dominates Sunday’s papers.
Japanese people brave snow to vote in snap election
A coalition led by Takaichi is expected to clinch a decisive win, according to polls.
Husband reported wife missing, then her body was found in wedding dress bag
When the body of an unknown woman is found in a suitcase, forensics step in to solve the mystery.
King Charles to host Nigeria’s first UK state visit in 37 years
President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will be guests at Windsor Castle from 18 to 19 March.
We’re unable to grieve for dad ahead of Nottingham attacks inquiry
Ian Coates’s sons say they hope the public inquiry into the killings will bring them closure.