Newscast

Most of England's Covid laws are likely to end in two weeks... So Fergus and Vicki join Adam and answer some of the day's biggest questions, following government's announcement: Do I need to keep wearing a face covering on the train? Will nightclubs open later this summer? And why is government announcing all this today? Today's Newscast was made by Danny Wittenberg and Alix Pickles. The Studio Manager was Russ Newlove. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.Got a question about the Covid restrictions? Email us on [email protected]...

Angela Merkel bids farewell to the UKOn her last official visit before stepping down as Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel discusses travel after lockdown and trade after Brexit with Boris Johnson, who can’t resist making a sausage joke. Dr Adler is back to give us a profile one of Europe’s most influential politicians. And talking of German cuisine, we hear how Haribo might be used in the fight against covid.England’s football fans are meanwhile turning their attention from Germany to Ukraine. Management guru Sir Michael Barber, who has interviewed Gareth Southgate in depth, gives us an insight into how the Three Lions will be preparing for their Euros quarter-final and the possibility of penalties.Today's Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Danny Wittenberg, Natalie Ktena and Alix Pickles. The Studio Manager was Ash Taylor. Emma Close is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

What does the Batley and Spen election reveal about Labour? Kim Leadbeater, the sister of Jo Cox is the new MP. Jo was murdereed by a right-wing extremist in 2016. Shadow International Trade Secretary Emily Thornberry tells Adam, Laura and Chris about what this means for Labour, potential leadership challenges and the need to protect UK steel. Meanwhile, Nissan has announced a major expansion of electric vehicle production at its car plant in Sunderland which will create 1,650 new jobs.Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Producers Cristina Cridland and Rick Kelsey. Emma Close is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

24 hours of change... Furlough, stamp duty and the footy. 24 hours of change... Furlough, stamp duty, British meat sales in Northern Ireland, settled status and (or course) the footy. How will the country cope? Adam chats it all through with the BBC's Deputy Political Editor, Vicki Young, and 5 Live commentator, John Murray. Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with Producers Ben Cooper and Georgia Coan and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Nick Jones. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

…featuring Megan Barton-Hanson!Now it’s really starting to feel like summer! We have the mood around the England v Germany game in the Euros from Harry Kane’s old school in Essex.The BBC’s Andrew Marr gives his take on a scandalous week in UK politics and tells Adam how he’s fully vaccinated but still got Covid. Fergus joins them with more – and much-anticipated – vaccine news.And as the new series of Love Island starts, we speak to Instagram influencer and ex-islander Megan Barton-Hanson and ad regulation expert Jessica Tye about the perils of posting sponsored content on social media, plus whether the reality show is still up-to-date.Today's Newscast was made by Emma Close with Danny Wittenberg and Georgia Coan. The editor is Dino Sofos.

Who is the new health secretary and what's his plan? Sajid Javid is back at the top of government after a weekend of change in the cabinet. His task? To help get the country out of this pandemic... Adam and Laura talk to his former aide about whether Sajid will be up to/for the job. And also, we hear from our diplomatic correspondent, Paul Adams, about some classified military documents that were found at a bus stop in Kent. Today's Newscast was made by Sam Bonham and Danny Wittenberg. Emma Crowe is the studio director and Dino Sofos is the editor.

Matt Hancock says he's "let people down" after getting caught kissing his aide. Will he survive the affair claims? Adam and Vicki discuss what the long-term ramifications might be.As Britney Spears speaks out about her 'abusive' conservatorship, we are joined by filmmaker Mobeen Azhar and a Britney superfan to discuss her shocking court statement. And the green list has grown! We discuss everything you need to know about the latest foreign travel changes with Caroline Davies and Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership. Today's Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Cristina Cridland, Natalie Ktena, Ben Cooper, Georgia Coen and Alix Pickles. Sam Bonham is assistant editor. Dino Sofos is the editor.

Five years since the vote!Laura, Adam, Chris and Katya are back again to look back at the moments that shaped the Brexit process and how they’ve got us to where we are now.Joining them are David Gauke, one of Theresa May’s Remain supporting cabinet ministers, and Paul Stephenson, Vote Leave’s Director of Communications as they lift the lid on some of their most surprising moments, as well as where they see the UK going.Today's Newscast was made by Caitlin Hanrahan with Maz Ebtehaj, Rick Kelsey and Danny Wittenberg. Lucy Boast is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

It's all happening aboard a British warship in the Black Sea.There‘s been a bit of a showdown between Russia’s defence forces and a British warship, and it just so happened that our defence correspondent is on the warship! In a very different kind of European confrontation, ex-England pro, Dion Dublin, and BBC Wales' Jason Mohammad, kick around how it feels to be through to the next round of the Euros. And also, are UFOs really flying around up there? There's a big report coming out soon in the US.Today’s Newscast was made by Alix Pickles, Daniel Wittenberg, Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. The studio manager was Michael Regaard. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor and the Editor is Dino Sofos.

Newscast is on a bit of a health kick today... We’re talking about changes in how government is planning on using medical records with the BBC’s Technology Correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones. We’re talking “Bumble burnout”, after the dating app gives its staff the rest of the week off. And, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, reveals his morning routine, we’re talking #wfh exercise routines with spinning instructor Jess McDonald. Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Danny Wittenberg, Cristina Criddle and Ben Cooper. The studio manager was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Sam Bonham. The editor is Dino Sofos.

Why are house prices rising so fast? Adam talks gazumping with Molly in Bristol (who’s been trying to buy her dream house) and Tom the estate agent (who knows a thing or two about how to sell dream houses to people like Molly). The BBC’s Vicki Young takes us through what’s been going on between Scotland’s first minister and the mayor of Greater Manchester. And Hugh Pym explains why he’s been hearing from ex-students at a school where dozens of pupils died in the 70s and 80s. Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Cristina Criddle and Alix Pickles. The Studio Manager was Russell Newlove. The Assistant Editor is Sam Bonham. The Editor is Dino Sofos.

The Lib Dems' shock by-election win. Does the party now genuinely pose a threat to the Conservative blue wall in the south? Leader Ed Davey thinks so and Vicki Young is here to give her assessment of how significant the victory is. With chaos unfolding in Northern Ireland politics, Dan Johnson unpicks what led to Edwin Poots' resignation as DUP leader. And, our second Dan of the day, Dan Walker, gives us a potted history of the England v Scotland football rivalry. #YesSirICanBoogie.Today's Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Natalie Ktena and Alix Pickles. The studio director is Emma Crowe. Emma Close is the deputy editor. Dino Sofos is the editor.

Manchester Arena inquiry says victims were failed by security.BBC’s North of England correspondent Judith Moritz explains what the first of three reports from the inquiry into the Manchester Arena Attack has found. And Jeremy Hunt spills the beans on what it was like to quiz Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings.Today's Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Rick Kelsey and Alix Pickles. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

PM brands Matt Hancock 'hopeless' in texts revealed by Dominic Cummings."Wtf do we do?" might have been the question the Prime Minister was asking himself this morning when Dominic Cummings decided to leak their private Whatsapp messages. Laura and Adam chat about that blog post.As inflation rises across the UK to 2.1%, above what was predicted, the BBC's Colletta Smith explains what the numbers mean, and why it matters. Plus, is it better for the environment to cycle or take the tube? On the day that the Committee on Climate Change releases another damning report into the government’s response to climate change, Chief Executive of the CCC Chris Stark tells Adam how we can change our behaviour to support the environment.Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Danny Wittenberg, Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was NicK Jones. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

The UK has agreed a trade deal with Australia.The UK- Australia deal is the first trade deal the UK has agreed since it officially left the EU. What’s in it? And what will it mean for consumers and producers – both here and down under? Chris and Adam get into the detail with Anna Isaac, UK Trade & Economics Correspondent for POLITICO Europe.And there’s been a report published on the death of private investigator Daniel Morgan back in 1987 and the cover-up by the Metropolitan Police. The BBC’s Home Affairs Correspondent Tom Symonds looks at the findings. Today’s Newscast was made by Emma Close with Danny Wittenberg, Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

England's lockdown easing has been delayed in England until the middle of July. What will it mean for weddings? And gigs? And why has government pushed things back in the first place? Laura, Fergus and Adam talk it all through... And also, this weekend, Israel got a new prime minister for the first time in 12 years! The BBC's Jeremy Bowen explains why the new government is such an unusual coalition and why we might not have seen the last of the unseated Benjamin Netanyahu.Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Georgia Coan. The Studio Director was Danny Cox. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Our G7 Special. Adam, Laura and Jon Sopel talk through the ins and outs of the G7 in Cornwall. It’s all sausage wars, seagulls and summit sun... Also, what do people think Boris Johnson will say about the June 21st easing? Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj. The Studio Director was Danny Cox. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

The world leaders are on the beach and the footballers are finally on the pitch. The BBC’s voice of football, John Murray, talks through who could be in with a chance at the Euros. And Laura joins Adam in Cornwall to chat through what’s happening at the G7 (as well as what might happen on Monday with Government’s opening up announcement). Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Georgia Coan and Natalie Ktena. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor, Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Joe Biden and Boris Johnson meet face to face for the G7. Cornish pasties ahoy! Boris Johnson welcomes President Joe Biden to misty Cornwall as the pair meet for the first time IRL. Former British Ambassador to the US Lord Kim Darroch joins Adam, Laura and Chris to tell us what a new Atlantic charter between the two countries could include. Plus Matt Hancock gets his moment in the spotlight to defend himself against accusations made by Dominic Cummings weeks ago, but is this the end of that political drama? Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj and Rick Kelsey. Emma Close is the Assistant Editor, Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Will we ever find out how the pandemic started? In the past few months, the theory that Covid-19 actually came from a lab in Wuhan (instead of jumping from a bat to a human in a food market) has been back in the spotlight. But is all this chat being led by science or politics? Can the two even be separated anymore? For this special Newscast, Adam is joined by Newsnight’s Mark Urban, the BBC China correspondent, John Sudworth alongside his producer Kathy Long, and BBC science correspondent, Victoria Gill. Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Micheal Regaard. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Which song would you choose to be vaccinated to?Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free gives us the verdict on the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden’s new vaccine-themed music playlist, created just in time for all adults aged 25 and over to get their vaccine.NHS and care staff in England are so burnt out that it has become an "emergency" and risks the future of the health service, according to a group of MPs. We hear from an intensive care nurse, a GP and our health editor Hugh Pym. And, were you hit by the internet outage that affected websites like Amazon, The Guardian and Reddit? BBC tech expert Zoe Kleinman tells us what happened and – crucially – whether it will happen again.Today's Newscast was made by Emma Close with Georgia Coan, Rick Kelsey, Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Editor is Dino Sofos.

Would you reveal your vaccine status on a dating app? UK dating app users can now display a badge on their profile to show they’ve been vaccinated against coronavirus. Jane Garvey sits in for Adam today, and chats to Fergus about the first new treatment for Alzheimer's disease in nearly 20 years. And Seyi Akiwowo, who works for a charity raising awareness about online abuse, explains why it's important to educate people on using social media, after the England and Wales Cricket Board suspended bowler, Ollie Robinson, for historical racist and sexist tweets.Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Georgia Coan and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Ash Taylor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

The UK regulator has just approved the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine in children aged 12 to 15. Fergus Walsh tells us how the news could lead to a vaccination drive for schoolchildren, just as cases of the new variant rise in the school playgrounds.Travel guru Simon Calder has just arrived back from a trip to Gibraltar so he can explain what's happening to our holidays. And we’re joined by BBC business correspondent Katie Prescott, and tax economist and author Nick Shaxson to help us get our heads around the talk of big changes to global corporation tax policy. Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. Emma Close is the assistant editor. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The editor is Dino Sofos.

Portugal is coming off the green list for foreign travel from Tuesday. So, if you want to go abroad anytime soon (without having to quarantine when you're back) your options are pretty limited. The BBC’s Caroline Davies and Nick Beake explain what’s going on. And if we can’t go to Portugal so easily, at least one Portuguese person can come to us! Yes, we’ve rolled out the red carpet for our first ever in-person guest on Newscast… The EU’s ambassador to the UK, Joao Vale de Almeida.Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Daniel Wittenberg, Ben Cooper and Rick Kelsey. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The editor is Dino Sofos.

Government promises schools in England more money to make up for lost learning, but the school catch-up tsar, Sir Kevan Collins, quits anyway. What's going on? The BBC's Branwen Jeffreys tells all. And, after our chat with Seb Coe yesterday, the BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes reports from Japan on how people are really feeling about the Olympic Games in 50 days time.Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director is Michael Regaard. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor

Let the games begin… As the Tokyo Olympics are set to go ahead, double Olympic champion Lord Coe gives us the latest on how the games will happen under restrictions, and why the mental health of our future sports stars is important. And Adam finds out from Justin Rowlatt and Client Earth lawyer Katie Nield how the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will work in Birmingham and why they are needed in other cities, too.Today’s Newscast was made by Emma Close with Ben Cooper and Georgia Coan. The Studio Director is Emma Crowe. Sam Bonham is Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

A single-shot vaccine by Johnson & Johnson has been approved for use in the UK. Fergus Walsh gives us the latest on when it will be rolled out. The leader of Belarus meets Russia’s Vladimir Putin today in a show of strength after Belarus diverted a plane with an opposition journalist in it earlier this week. We talk to Lord Ricketts about how those actions affect security across Europe. And we speak to Northern Ireland commentator Amanda Ferguson about last night’s dramatic DUP meeting. Today's Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Cristina Criddle and Georgia Coan. The Studio Director was Mike Regaard. Emma Close is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

The First Minister of Northern Ireland says goodbye. She tells us about her vow to make tackling online trolls part of her life's work after leaving front-line politics.Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with Producer Caitlin Hanrahan. The Studio Director is Richard Townsend. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Dominic Cummings didn’t hold back in an extraordinary seven hour committee today. He said Boris Johnson wanted to be injected with coronavirus live on TV, that he thought the Prime Minister was unfit for the job, and he revealed more information about that infamous trip to Barnard Castle. Adam, Laura and former civil servant, Sam Freedman, talk it through. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Maz Ebtehaj and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director is Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Here comes the sun (and here comes more confusion over the Covid guidelines). Adam and Chris try to figure out what’s been going on today with the coronavirus regs, with Labour MP, Liz Kendall, who says she found out about it all on Twitter! Friend of the podcast and BBC weatherman, Owain Wyn Evans, gives us his (hopefully soon-to-be-hot) take on why we've had such a rain-drenched May.And, a year on from George Floyd’s murder, Roshan Roberts and De-Graft Mensah, from the If You Don’t Know podcast, talk coping strategies in 2020. Today’s Newscast was made by Emma Close with Georgia Coan and Alix Pickles. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

On the day that the BBC announces an investigation into how the journalist, Martin Bashir, was rehired, Adam chats to John Whittingdale, the media minister, about the future of the organisation. And, the BBC's Sarah Rainsford explains what's going on with the detained Belarus journalist. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Georgia Coan and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Has the Chief Medical Officer inspired a generation of medics? Hannah Gafa (who’s studying medicine) thinks so... And, what next for the BBC? Adam chats with Stewart Purvis, former boss at ITN, about the inquiry into the BBC’s interview with Diana. Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with Producers Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Lord Mandelson of Newscast titles fame gives his reaction to being in the credits and gives us a personal rendition. He defends Keir Starmer as a principled politician who just needs better support. And Amol Rajan talks about the Princess Diana controversy at the BBC.Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Cristina Criddle and Joel Massey. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Should I stay or should I go? The government’s traffic light system is still causing confusion for holidaymakers. Adam tries to clear it up with Laura. Meanwhile Spain’s Foreign Minister says other EU countries are worried about Brits bringing the so-called Indian variant to the continent. And Home Affairs Correspondent Tom Symonds talks us through one of the most complex cases in history, the murder of Daniel Morgan.Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj, with Georgia Coan, Alix Pickles and Danny Wittenberg. Emma Close is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

A closer look at the UK’s single-use plastic problemWe dive into the UK’s use of single-use plastics. Where’s it coming from? Where’s it ending up? And what needs to change? We speak to our Science Editor, David Shukman and TV presenter Julia Bradbury, who wants us to dump the plastic… just not in Turkey.And Boris Johnson is continuing to urge caution when it comes to the Indian variant and says the government is keeping close tabs on cases in areas like Bolton and Bedford. We speak to Professor Anthony Harnden, Deputy Chair of the JCVI about vaccine hesitancy and if we’re still on track to for the next stage of lockdown easing.This episode of Newscast was made by Emma Close with Alix Pickles, Georgia Coan, Maz Ebtehaj, Emma Crowe and Rick Kelsey. The editor is Dino Sofos.

Lockdown restrictions are getting looser but there's nerves about the Indian variant. Millions of us can now socialise indoors (in small groups), hug loved ones (cautiously) and go inside a pub again. Our Chris Mason is in his socially-distanced booth of news to chat lockdown-politics, flights to Portugal and BINGO with Adam! Meanwhile, with more calls for a ceasefire in Israel, we hear from a former foreign affairs adviser to three British prime ministers about how the conflict could end. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Daniel Wittenberg, Georgia Coan and Ben Cooper. Emma Crowe was the Studio Director and Dino Sofos is the Editor.

England’s lockdown easing could be disrupted. As Boris Johnson announces new measures to speed up second vaccine doses, Adam and James talk about how the Indian variant could disrupt plans to lift lockdown on June 21st. We speak to David Shor, the US political strategist Dominic Cummings reckons could rescue Labour from another election loss. And, in a(nother) case of mistaken identity, one Newscaster tells us how hiring the wrong Brian Cox almost ended in disaster! Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with Producers Natalie Ktena and Georgia Coen. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Talking, stalking and elbow bumps. David Cameron’s cringe-worthy texts popped up again today when MPs grilled him on how he lobbied ministers for Lex Greensill. Former Chief of Staff to Theresa May, Gavin Barwell, reveals exactly how David Cameron used to end messages to him. And Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says we should vaccinate 16 years olds if cases of coronavirus keep rising in Bolton. Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj, with Cristina Criddle, Jack Fenwick, Joel Massey and Alix Pickles. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

A public inquiry is coming, but not until the spring of 2022. Boris Johnson promises lessons will be learnt, but what should the scope of the inquiry be? We speak to Professor Sir Ian Kennedy who has chaired public inquiries and Newsnight’s Nick Watt on the political fallout. The nurse who was given a shout-out by Dua Lipa at the BRITS tells us how she found out about the honour. And the government announces beefed up measures to regulate social media companies to protect us from online harm. The BBC’s tech correspondent Jane Wakefield guides us through them. Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Danny Wittenberg and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Ben Andrews. Assistant Editor was Emma Close. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree tells us about the day that boy band Blue were mistakenly booked to play at Versace’s fashion week show instead of his band. Our Middle East Editor, Jeremy Bowen, explains what is happening in Jerusalem as violence escalates between the Israeli Defence Force and Palestinian militants.On the day of the Queen’s Speech, Laura tells us what was in and out. And the king of stats, economist Tim Harford, on why numbers can often mean both everything and nothing.Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Danny Wittenberg and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

A big step back to normal is coming for England. People will be able to hug their loved ones and enjoy a pint INSIDE the pub from next Monday. Our Health Editor, Hugh Pym, has all the latest details. Newsnight’s Kirsty Wark joins us from Edinburgh, as the fallout from the Scottish Parliament elections continues. And Professor Ciaran Martin, who was involved in the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, as a senior civil servant, helps us map out some of the SNP’s potential paths to independence.Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg, Alix Pickles and Maz Ebtehaj. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

What does the SNP’s win mean for Scottish independence? And why has Keir Starmer sacked deputy leader Angela Rayner from her job as chair of the party? SOUND THE KLAXON! It's an emergency Electioncast / Newscast with a stellar Scottish line up of Adam, Laura K, Nick Eardley and Iain Watson.Studio Director was Raj Narayanasamy Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

A day of election results and travel announcements. As the results roll in (or at least start to roll in), Laura explains what it all means. We explore the travel green list with our very own travel agent. And podcasting superstars, Alice Levine and Matt Forde, share some of their podcasting wisdom. Today’s Newscast was made by Rick Kelsey with producers Natalie Ktena and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

As two Royal Navy ships are deployed to protect Jersey from a protest by French fishermen, Adam speaks to our reporters on both sides of the short-lived cod war.Our second catch of the day is the head of HR at AVIVA and our Business Editor, Simon Jack, to discuss “hybrid working” and what it means for our 9 to 5s.Today’s Newscast was made by our Editor, Dino Sofos, with Danny Wittenberg, Alix Pickles and Rick Kelsey. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe.

Iceland boss spills the beans on shopping habits and why they’re threatening to boycott Brazilian food. And what is going on in the races to become mayor? The BBC’s Kathryn Stanczyszyn and James Vincent take us through this week’s local elections around the country. Today’s Newscast was made by Maz Ebtehaj with Danny Wittenberg and Georgia Coan. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Sam Bonham is the Assistant Editor. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

An injection of news. After many many months of reporting on Covid-19, Adam has only gone and got the vaccine himself! Our newly immunised presenter celebrates by asking Professor Sir John Bell – the first person to predict life could be more normal by the spring – whether the UK is still on track. And election week is here, so we catch up with the campaigns in Hartlepool and Wales. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg and Alix Pickles. The Studio Director was Nick Jones. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

Will festivals be back this summer? It could all depend on how the trial goes in Liverpool this weekend. We speak to festival boss, Melvin Benn, and the band Blossoms, who are performing on Sunday. And also, John Culshaw (from the programme Dead Ringers) reimagines what Boris Johnson’s voicemail could sound like. Today's Newscast was made by Sam Bonham and Maz Ebtehaj, with Cristina Criddle and Georgia Coan. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.

As the row over Boris Johnson's flat continues, celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer says her vision for Downing Street would be "much smarter" than the "chaotic" designs shown in news reports.And Professor Sir John Curtice joins us for an election briefing. Today's Newscast was made by Editor Dino Sofos, with Cristina Criddle, Maz Ebtehaj, Ben Cooper, Jack Fenwick and Georgia Coan.

Boris Johnson still has questions to answer about how the Downing Street refurbishments were paid for, after another investigation into possible spending offences was launched today. Laura and Adam talk it through. And, it’s bye bye Arlene... Stephen Nolan explains why Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Arlene Foster, says she is resigning. Oh, and we’ve got the Secretary of State for Tourism in Portugal on to talk about how foreign travel could work this year.Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Daniel Wittenberg, Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe and the Editor is Dino Sofos.

A “perfect storm” of pandemic problems is continuing to devastate India. What can the rest of the world do to help? We hear from our old friend, Dr Clare Wenham, from the London School of Economics. And, in England, it looks like the past year of lockdowns has hurt children’s language skills. Adam chats to a speech therapist, a mum and a five-year-old girl called Esmé. Today’s Newscast was made by Sam Bonham with Danny Wittenberg, Alix Pickles and Ben Cooper. The Studio Director was Emma Crowe. Dino Sofos is the Editor.