The News - Sunday, 16 August 2026

BBC News

Reform UK plan would overhaul welfare system with £50bn in savings

The party plans to release a full 50-page plan on Monday outlining their proposed changes were they to come to power.

Ariana Grande leaves problems at home as her tour hits the UK

The star plays the first of 10 dates in London, after which she will "step back" from public life.

Rescuers search for survivors of powerful Indonesia earthquake

Officials say a rapid assessment into the impact of the earthquake that destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed 47 is under way.

Morocco detains dozens of migrants trying to cross into Ceuta, reports say

Security had been stepped up amid suggestions on social media of a second mass crossing on Saturday.

What's driving men to get penis fillers, despite the risks?

Men who have had the procedure can expect 10-20% more girth for the next six to nine months - but it can go wrong.

From making friends to managing money: Students' advice for this year's freshers

BC News asked current students about the worries they had before arriving at university how they overcame them.

The influencers getting bitten while chasing the perfect shark shot

Tayane Dalazen was on a shark-diving trip in Brazil when she was attacked.

I survived two years as prime minister in a hit new game - then my cabinet deserted me

Mobile game No 10: Full Confidence recently ranked above Minecraft on the UK App Store paid games chart

Why is Australia's mushroom killer back in court this week?

The BBC’s Katy Watson explains why triple-murder Erin Patterson is back in court this week trying to overturn her conviction.

Unauthorised sites are growing but travellers say they are forced to break the law

The government says such developments are unacceptable – so why do they keep springing up?

The Papers: UK-made drones 'strike Russia' and 'phone theft Britain'

Ukraine uses UK British-made drones to strike Russia and 230 phones a day stolen in the UK lead the Sunday papers.

Britain's youngest Formula E driver says talent isn't enough anymore

Taylor Barnard, 22, says talented young drivers often get shut out because of financial issues.

US women in politics spark conversation about balancing family and career

The BBC spoke to working mothers about the challenges of a high-pressure career and making time for family.

Body found in search for UK student missing on Romania hike

A body is found during the search for George Smyth, who went missing while hiking in Romania.

Hawaii braces for potential first direct hit by a hurricane in 34 years

In a worst-case scenario, category one Lala could dump up to 25in (63cm) of rain on Big Island.

Russia says at least seven killed in largest Ukrainian attack of 2026

Moscow also launched deadly strikes against Ukraine overnight, sparking fires across the capital Kyiv.

Watch: BBC visits smouldering market in Ukraine after strikes

Six people were injured in the strike on the market selling second-hand records, posters, toys and tools.

Emergency phone alert put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners say

The alert took many by surprise when it was sent to millions of phones on Friday night - but it may have also put vulnerable people at risk.

Murder inquiry after man bitten by dog dies

Police appeal for two people who stopped to help the victim in Wakefield to come forward.

Calls for public inquiry into Jason Arday 'witch hunt'

Lord Simon Woolley said Arday had been "hounded" by the media and pursued relentlessly.

Changing pubs into homes to be made harder under new rules

The rules will come into force on Monday along with other changes to planning policy.

Two dead and evacuation under way as fires break out on Greek island

Nearly 200 firefighters are trying to keep the two fires on Salamina apart, Greek media report.

Four 'extraordinary' Renaissance paintings stolen from Italian museum

The works were taken overnight without alarms being triggered, raising suspicion of a professional hit.

People who fled Stourbridge fires start to return home

Many families are only just discovering the extent of damage to their homes for the first time.

Canadian pipe band crowned world champions after 'thrilling' contest

Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada took the coveted title following the two-day event at Glasgow Green, in which 211 bands competed.

'I can't be the best mum': US women in politics spark conversation on motherhood

The White House press secretary quit this week to be with her children, while Democrat Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez said she was freezing her eggs.

Ariana Grande leaves problems at home as her tour hits the UK

The star plays the first of 10 dates in London, after which she will "step back" from public life.

Soldiers praised for 'phenomenal job' helping crews tackle wildfires

About 200 members of the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment have been involved in the operation.

UK-made drones strike targets inside Russia

The drones have been used for the first time in mainland Russia to hit military and industrial targets.

'Number of fatalities' and four injured after car drives on wrong side of motorway

The collision occurred on on the M9 Northbound at about 03:00 local time on Sunday in County Kildare.

Teenager arrested in Virginia State University shooting that injured five

The 19-year-old, who was not a student at the university, was found hiding in a closet on campus, according to police.

Europe's tallest Virgin Mary statue unveiled in rural Poland

The 55.6-metre (182ft) concrete figure is head-and-shoulders above Rio de Jaineiro's Christ the Redeemer.

Hurricane Lala sparks flash floods in Hawaii as strong winds and rain persist

Officials say flash flooding may have swept away homes with people in them in worst-hit areas.

Bournemouth Echo

The 5 most mispronounced Dorset place names by outsiders according to locals

Shapwick, Beaminster and Puncknowle are among the most mispronounced Dorset place names, according to readers.

Councillors warn Government reform of planning system ‘will weaken local democracy’

Controversial planning reforms could “weaken local democracy,” councillors have warned

Landowner wins narrow victory to transform barn into holiday lets

A landowner has claimed a narrow victory after winning approval to convert a barn into a four-bedroom holiday let.

90-year-old Bournemouth Football club submits plans to install artificial pitch

A Bournemouth football club wants to make big changes to its facilities.

Bus service to Bournemouth Airport launching next week

A dedicated bus service is now connecting Poole with Aviation Business Park and Bournemouth Airport.

Training team swap laptops for sandcastles to mark milestone year

Sandcastles and sea air beat spreadsheets and emails in a refreshing change of scene for one team.

LIVE - updates on Canford Heath blaze, week-long New Forest wildfire

Fire crews are continuing to tackle a wildfire that has engulfed 400 hectares over the past week of the New Forest while a fire was reported in Canford Heath last night.

Plan for 171 homes in green gap between two New Forest villages

Plans to provide more than 170 homes in a green gap that separates two New Forest villages have taken a major step forward

Police investigation launched after 2,000 hay bales destroyed by fire

Police have launched an investigation after 2,000 hay bales went up in flames on in the early hours of Saturday morning and burnt down a barn and a nearby building in East Lulworth

Fire union praises firefighters tackling 'immense' New Forest wildfire

Firefighters tackling the New Forest blaze have been praised for their efforts by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Brigade Union

Drivers warned as New Forest road plagued with potholes set for resurfacing

A Hythe road plagued by a number of potholes is set to be resurfaced.

Upcoming road works across BCP set to cause delays from August 17 to August 23

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face road closures and temporary road works in August due to BCP Council and utility roadworks. Expect delays.

PICTURES - Thousands pack Christchurch streets for summer carnival parade

Thousands of people lined the streets on Sunday afternoon in Christchurch to see the town's annual parade, the culmination of fun-filled carnival.

Killer Timothy Brehmer could walk free under early release scheme - reports

A FORMER Dorset Police officer who killed his long-term lover could be released from prison early, according to reports.

Missing young person found on Sandbanks beach reunited with family

A missing young person was safely reunited with their family after being spotted by a police community support officer on a busy beach in Sandbanks.

New Forest wildfire continues after a week of firefighting

Firefighters have fully surrounded the New Forest blaze after battling the blaze for a seventh night, but crews say the fire is not yet out.

Dorset museum offering 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to ride legendary tank

Tank Museum is offering enthusiasts the chance to win a seat in Tiger 131, the only running Tiger I tank, as part of Tiger Day Autumn on September 26

Boyle Sports applies for premises licence to operate a new betting shop in Poole

Boylesports (UK) Limited seeks a gambling premises licence for 141 High Street, Poole. Submit written representations to BCP Council by September 2.

Harry Potter films returning to Vue Poole to celebrate 25 years of film series

Harry Potter fans are in for a magical treat as Vue Poole celebrates 25 years of the iconic film series with special anniversary screenings from this month.

Bournemouth vet to offer unlimited vet consultations as part of healthcare plan

A new healthcare plan promising unlimited vet visits could be a game-changer for worried pet owners.

Theatre production that combat stereotypes of masculinity takes place next month

Ferndown Upper School’s all-boys acting company, Our Direction, is performing their show Boys Can, at AUB's Palace Court Theatre on September 9.

Poole company applies for goods vehicle operator's licence at Wimborne location

AJM Utilities Ltd seeks a goods vehicle operator’s licence for Court House, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne. Objections must be submitted by August 28.

Regional charity appoints two new trustees to help nature and communities thrive

The South West Lakes Trust has welcomed two new trustees and its first participant in a future trustee programme

Boscombe gallery to showcase new exhibition by local painter in November

Auger Collective will host the second solo exhibition by Tony Butcher, called "Straight from the Quantum Manifold," from November 1 to November 29.

Bournemouth community choir raises more than £2,500 for charity through concerts

Wessex Chorus, a non-profit organisation based in Bournemouth, raised over £2,500 for the Spear Bournemouth project throughout 2025–26.

DWP refunds claimants after admitting hundreds of fraud penalty errors

Nearly 200 benefit claimants are being refunded after the DWP found administrative fraud penalties were wrongly applied.

Millions could face huge benefit changes as Reform targets PIP and Universal Credit

Reform UK plans to scrap PIP and the Universal Credit health element for working-age adults as part of a proposed £50bn welfare shake-up.

Monty Don says 'don't worry' to gardeners even if it 'might seem like a disaster'

Monty Don has explained why apples have been falling off trees in recent weeks in the UK

School uniform shopping? How to save money at Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S

Parents are being urged to shop around as Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S cut uniform prices - plus there's a wealth of other suppliers

HMRC pays back almost £4,000 each to thousands of pension savers after new guidance

HMRC has refunded more than £50m to around 12,500 pension savers. An expert warns people to check emergency tax and pension deductions.

Formula 1

9 times superhero movies made it onto the F1 grid

From DC Comics to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, films and figures from the world’s biggest superhero movies have been collaborating in Formula 1 for over two decades.

How Red Bull’s 2026 season has played out so far

With Red Bull currently sitting fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, we dissect their season so far in their half term report.

How do psychologists help Formula 1 drivers be at their best?

We pitched some hypothetical scenarios to Hintsa Performance psychologist Robbie Anderson about how to best manage a driver through various situations – and how people can apply these lessons to daily life.

Windows Central

I tried Windows 11's new customizable context menus, and they're a major improvement: Microsoft will let you restore Windows 10 style vertical layout for primary actions and more

We go hands-on with the new customizable context menu options coming soon to Windows 11 that make them faster and easier to use!

Windows 11 has transformed dramatically since launch, but three classic Windows tools remain untouched — and it’s time Microsoft finally modernizes them

Microsoft continues to modernize Windows 11, but these three classic tools still need a major update without losing the advanced features users rely on.

Cherry MX built the mechanical keyboard, but Hall Effect, optical, and Topre switches are changing the game — Here's how to pick the right one

Keyboard switch technology is advancing quickly, and what were niche topics just a couple of years ago are now mainstream. That's making it tougher to buy the right keyboard for your needs, but this guide explains different switch types as well as who they're best suited for.

Windows 11’s upcoming overhaul adds a movable taskbar, redesigned Start menu, and faster performance — but should it just have been Windows 12?

Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 11 update brings refreshed Start menu options, Taskbar improvements, and other quality fixes. Is this a missed opportunity to launch Windows 12?

Laffgaff

Who co-wrote the script for the movie ‘Good Will Hunting’ with Matt Damon?

Ben Affleck.

Female Sheep

I saw a fireman releasing a bunch of female sheep on the side of the roads to eat all the brush in the hills. I asked him why they were all female. He said, "Only ewe can prevent forest fires!"