BBC News Briefing

13 April, 2026

Sofia has shoulder-length light brown hair and brown eyes and wears a green blouse.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat in the Hungarian election after 16 years in power, with the opposition securing a landslide win. What does the result mean for Europe? My colleagues have the details. In one of the harshest environments on Earth, Canada's Arctic region, reporter Nadine Yousif joins the military's risky annual patrol. And finally, watch Rory McIlroy's home golf club celebrate his second consecutive Masters title.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Péter Magyar ends Orbán's 16-year rule

Peter Magyar waves a Hungarian flag on stage. Members of his Tisza party hug behind him. The stage is placed on the shore of the Danube river, opposite the Parliament building.

Péter Magyar is on course for a constitutional majority he needs to reverse Orbán-era reforms. Credit: Reuters

Péter Magyar has been elected as Hungary's new prime minister, after record numbers turned out for a vote that was seen as pivotal to the future of the country and its relations with Europe. Here's what to know about the 45-year-old who was once Orbán's ally. Preliminary election results, based on more than 98% of counted votes, put Magyar's Tisza party on course for an extraordinary 138 seats, with Orbán's Fidesz on 55 and the far-right Our Homeland on six. Securing more than two-thirds of parliamentary seats will not only allow Magyar to overturn Orbán's increasingly unpopular domestic policies, but reset Hungary's global relationships.

Read how

Analysis: Budapest correspondent Nick Thorpe explains how Orbán's Hungarian experiment ran out of steam.

Reactions: Europe editor Katya Adler writes about how Orbán's ousting will be received across Hungary, the European Union and further afield.

Watch: The BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan reported live from outside Hungary's parliament as crowds heard about the election results.

Trump plans Iran blockade after talks end

After 21 hours of talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement to end the war, President Donald Trump said the US will impose a naval blockade of the country's ports. The threat poses a number of new challenges – and risks – for the US, writes North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher in his analysis. According to Trump, the blockade will begin on Monday at 10:00 ET (15:00 BST).

What to know

WORLD HEADLINES

Democratic United States Representative Eric Swalwell attends the SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) Gubernatorial Candidate Worker Forum at Meruelo Studios in Los Angeles, California, on January 10, 2026.

Eric Swalwell quits California governor race

The Democrat has been accused by four women of misconduct including sexual harassment and rape - claims he denies.

Get the details >

An elderly woman walks past the ruins of a house in Donetsk

Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of truce breach

Each country accused the other of hundreds of violations of a short ceasefire coinciding with Orthodox Easter.

What happened >

Head shot of Pope Leo, facing right and wearing a papal cap and robes

Trump attacks Pope over criticism of Iran war

The US president accused the pontiff of being "WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy" in a Truth Social post.

More details >

Britney Spears in 2019 waving and smiling on the red carpet at a film premiere

Britney Spears goes into rehab

Her entry into treatment comes three weeks before the singer is due to appear in court in California to face a DUI charge.

Read more >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Post-Brexit moves: A new law would allow the UK government to adopt EU single market rules, without a full parliamentary vote.

Gender roles: Documentary maker Catherine Carr finds teen girls still seem to view themselves through the lens of boys.

Olivier Awards: UK theatre's biggest night celebrated Paddington and film stars returning to the stage. Read about the ceremony's highlights.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Canada grapples with new Arctic reality

Barnie Aggark, in a grey and white camouflage snowsuit and fur hood, as well as a neon orange work vest, walks in the snow between sleds and snowmobiles.

A total 1,300 troops joined the mission in the Arctic, which accounts for 40% of Canada's landmass. Credit: Eloise Alanna/BBC

This year's Canadian Armed Forces patrol in the Arctic took on increased relevance amid the geopolitical scramble for the region's resources as the climate warms. Senior Canada reporter Nadine Yousif joined the troops following a route that had not been attempted in 80 years.