BBC News
US sub sinks Iranian warship in Indian Ocean, Hegseth says
Sri Lanka's navy says around 140 people are feared missing after a military vessel went down off its southern coast.
'Every day feels like a month': Iranians describe life under 'constant' US-Israeli strikes
Iranians are coping with daily strikes, internet blackouts, and security crackdowns - all while trying to stay in touch with loved ones.
How depleted weapons stockpiles could affect the Iran conflict
Weapons stocks will not alone decide the outcome of this conflict, but it's certainly a significant factor, writes the BBC's Jonathan Beale.
Mahmood to set out curbs to asylum seeker support
The home secretary will say in a speech the move is required to restore "trust" to the asylum system.
Drug breakthrough for children with severe form of epilepsy
Families say the groundbreaking medicine is transforming the lives of children with Dravet syndrome.
Dentists who failed to see enough NHS patients return £900m of government funding
Sum represents £1 out of every £7 they have been given by NHS as dentists opt to chase private work.
Harry Styles shares how Liam Payne's death made him relook at his life
The singer revealed the impact of losing his former bandmate while discussing his upcoming album.
Debut novelist wins major book award for story inspired by lesbian mothers
Claire Lynch's novel was inspired by the lesbian women who lost custody of their children in the 1980s.
The devastating conflict where both sides have reasons to keep fighting
A strong supply of weapons and a history of long wars make Sudan's conflict particularly troubling.
The Papers: 'Trump's war goes global' and 'Labour ensnared by China spy probe'
Many of the papers on Thursday have honed in on an expanding war zone in the Middle East.
Dirty laundry and chocolate bars: How Venezuelan prisoners smuggled messages out of jail
Prisoners recently released from detention in Venezuela describe the conditions under which they were held.
Starmer defends Iran response as Badenoch calls for more action
It comes after Trump criticised the PM for refusing to allow the use of UK bases in the initial US-Israel strikes.
Iran postpones Khamenei funeral as US-Israeli bombardment continues
An official says more preparations are needed for the three-day ceremony in Tehran, where the supreme leader will lie in state.
Shifting stories and unanswered questions about Trump's war on Iran
BBC's Analysis editor Ros Atkins looks at the mixed messaging given by President Donald Trump's administration for its actions in Iran.
UK warship HMS Dragon not expected to sail to Cyprus until next week
HMS Dragon is being loaded with ammunition in Portsmouth having just recently come out of maintenance.
Venezuela's interim president says country will work with US on mining developments
Venezuela's interim president made the announcement after meeting with US interior minister Doug Burgum at the presidential palace in Caracas.
Russia blames Ukrainian naval drones as tanker sinks in Mediterranean
The Arctic Metagaz went down between Libya and Malta after it was hit by explosions and a fire, Libyan officials say.
Rabies victim's deterioration was 'traumatic'
Yvonne Ford's daughter tells an inquest they do not want another family to endure the same loss.
Man on trial for rape that saw Andrew Malkinson wrongfully jailed
Paul Quinn denies raping a woman in a case that led to one of the "very worst" miscarriages of justice.
US Congress votes to summon Attorney General Bondi in Epstein case
Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace, who introduced the motion to subpoena Pam Bondi, has accused the justice department of a "cover-up".
PM stands by decision not to join strikes on Iran and sends more jets to Qatar
The PM said the best way forward was a "negotiated settlement with Iran where they give up their nuclear ambitions".
Iran targets headquarters of Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq
The Iranian military's strikes come amid speculation that the US wants Iranian Kurdish groups to join its conflict with Iran.
Covid inquiry chair defends £200m cost and four-year process on final day
Baroness Heather Hallett said completing the hearings in under four years was an achievement but critics have questioned its cost.
Britney Spears arrested in California
Court documents show she was arrested in Ventura County on Wednesday night.
Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg stripped of MBE
He was given the honour in 2024 before he admitted a charge of domestic abuse against his now estranged wife.
Police sell crime-fighting tuk-tuks after two years at £28,000 loss
They were bought to fight crime on the streets - but after two years were sold for only £6k.
Dogs arrive for Crufts 2026 - in pictures
The world's most famous dog show gets underway in Birmingham.
I invested in Brewdog in my husband's memory. He would be turning in his grave
Early investors in Brewdog are sharing their stories after the company's collapse wiped out their stakes.
'How many more children must die?' - Mum's call for UK-first school bus law
Stella McGinn's daughter Caitlin-Rose died a year ago after getting hit by a car when exiting a bus.
We have more privacy controls yet less privacy than ever
Has online privacy become "a luxury not a right" for us all in 2026?
We were sexually abused by our driving instructor
Two women want tighter regulations after being sexually assaulted by their driving instructor.
US Senate vote fails to rein in Trump war powers on Iran
The measure, passed largely along party lines, would halt US military action until approved by Congress.
Healey visits Cyprus after criticism of UK response to drone attacks
The Cypriot government has criticised how the UK has handled information sharing after drone attacks.
US sub sinks Iranian warship in Indian Ocean, Hegseth says
More than 100 personnel were thought to be aboard the vessel, which went down to the south of Sri Lanka.
Rabies death could change disease notification period
Doctors treating Yvonne Ford struggled to diagnose her before being told about holiday dog scratch.
South East Water faces £22m fine after customers left unable to shower and flush toilets
The firm was unable to cope during high demand, Ofwat says, leading to "immense stress" for customers.
Judicial review over whether government failed to act after abuse inquiry
The Maggie Oliver Foundation has campaigned for tougher action against grooming gangs.
Senedd election is referendum on Starmer's leadership, says Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage helps the party launch its Senedd election manifesto, including a 1p income tax cut.
Allergy training to be compulsory in schools in England after death of boy, 5
The plans, due to come into force in September, follow support for Benedict's Law, a campaign to improve allergy safety in schools.
BBC suggests licence fee could be cut if more people pay
Five of the BBC's 14-strong board, including the chairman, are currently appointed by the government.
Rachel Zegler nominated for Olivier after balcony performance of Evita
The US actress made headlines last year for leaving the stage each night to perform to passers-by.
Bournemouth Echo
Cherries incorporate new company for women's team with sole share 'bought for 1p'
The Cherries have created a new company for its women’s team, separate from the men’s.
Noise complainant ‘wasn’t aware’ flat was near a bar when she bought it
A bar in Bournemouth has had its license reviewed by committee after a resident complained about noise.
What is the New Forest's connection to Wonderland and Alice?
The story's real-life muse found her own permanent Wonderland in Hampshire.
From Royal Marine to PTSD survivor: Verwood trainer’s 24‑hour bicep curl challenge
A former marine and police officer is hoping to flex his way into the Guinness world-record books later this year as part of a gruelling 24-hour mental and physical challenge.
Hotel and restaurant takeover announced as 'significant' refurbishment set
A hospitality group has announced the acquisition of The Lord Bute in Highcliffe, a well-known hotel and restaurant.
Send us photos of your children dressed up for World Book Day 2026
Much-loved book characters will come to life for World Book Day 2026.
Person dies after being hit by train
A PERSON has tragically died on the railway on the Weymouth to London Waterloo line.
LIVE: Railway lines reopen after person hit by train
Railway lines blocked between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth as emergency services are dealing with an incident on the line, South Western Railway has confirmed.
Spend an evening with bats, bugs and brilliant science
Discover the secret sounds of bats and insects at “Sounds of the Sky: From Bats to Bugs”, a free evening talk at Dorchester Town Hall on 11 March 2026 as part of the Dorchester Science Festival
New bin collection scheme set to be expanded - here's where
A council is preparing to roll out the third and final phase of a new waste collection system in the New Forest
Sandbanks restaurant handed 1-star rating following inspection
A Sandbanks based restaurant has been given a one-star food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency with major improvements advised.
Flying Scotsman coming back to Dorset
Record-breaking train ‘Flying Scotsman’ – the most famous steam locomotive in the world – is to visit the Swanage Railway. Its visit in the autumn is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the heritage line rebuilt since 1976.
One Dorset resident collects £100k prize as March Premium Bonds winners revealed
One person in Dorset ended up collecting a prize of £100,000 in the March draw for the Premium Bonds
Furious residents hit out at motorhomes 'plaguing' their seafront views
Residents are furious their 'premium' coastal neighbourhood is being plagued by motorhomes parked long-term outside their properties.
Vikki Slade MP champions youth voices with new 'Student Surgery' initiative
Vikki Slade MP launches student surgeries at Dorset schools, giving pupils a direct voice in political debate on issues like social media and votes at 16.
Bournemouth-based band given four yes votes on Britain's Got Talent
THIS BOURENMOUTH-based boyband has made a mark on the judges on Britain’s Got Talent.
New plans approved to tackle anti-social behaviour in the New Forest
New Forest District Council has approved its new Housing Landlord Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy.
Wedding planner announces partnership with New Forest venue
Stacey Page Weddings has partnered with Minstead Lodge.
Intruders smash window in early morning store robbery
A window was smashed at a Co-op store following reports of a robbery.
Town centre bar taken on by new owners ahead of opening this week
The former Slug & Lettuce site is due to reopen under new owners and a new name this Friday.
Vacant care home that's been targeted by youths to be sold
A vacant care home in Christchurch is going to be sold by BCP Council.
Councillor welcomes investment to stabilise Bournemouth's East Cliff
A ward councillor has welcomed an important step forward in stabilising East Cliff after a £3million investment was announced.
Three teenage boys found guilty of raping two girls
The trial at Southampton Crown Court heard that two girls were raped in two separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, with the first attack taking place on November 26 2024 and the second on January 17 2025.
Man arrested after reportedly 'hiding in car park' after crash
A man has been arrested following a crash that involved two other vehicles and a bollard in Westbourne.
WATCH: Luxury sports car bursts into flames near Ferndown
A car burst into flames on Wednesday morning near Ferndown.
PICTURES: World Book Day 2026 marked across BCP
Youngsters have gone to nursery and school dressed as their favourite characters for World Book Day today.
iPhone robbers brought to justice after vicious attack
IPhone thieves have been brought to justice after a victim was attacked and robbed from behind while sat on a park bench.
Bournemouth BrewDogs shuts its doors for good as hundreds across the UK laid off
Bournemouth's BrewDog shut its doors for good on Wednesday as the team took social media to share their heartfelt goodbyes.
WATCH: Fuel queues caused by rising oil prices as motorists ‘panic-buy’
An increase in oil price due to the conflict in the middle east has prompted motorists on the south coast to ‘panic-buy’ their petrol.
BCP Council to sell Poole Day Centre
BCP Council to sell Poole Day Centre as part of plans to support financial strategy.
New specialist provision at school in Christchurch
A new specialist provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs at a school in Christchurch will be introduced from April.
Boscombe identified as first area to have a Best Start Family Hub
Boscombe has been identified as the first area to have a Best Start Family Hub.
How supermarkets and shops are improving in catering for disabled people
Businesses are striving to make things accessible, and whilst I've had to learn to ask, I have also found that so many are willing to change and learn with us.
RNLI called by poor visibility to assist stranded vessel
AN RNLI lifeboat was launched after a vessel ran aground in thick fog on Wednesday afternoon.
South west records lowest levels of fly-tipping in England, data reveals
The South West records England’s lowest fly-tipping rate, says Defra. Dorset Council and police ramp up enforcement, issuing more fines for waste crime.
Dorset Police acting chief officer announces fresh special constable drive
Dorset Police launches new recruitment drive for special constables. Volunteer, gain police skills, and support local communities. Apply online for 2026 intake.
Bournemouth woman to take on charity skydive to help survivors of modern slavery
Leah Shave and The Salvation Army team will skydive on 25 April, raising funds for UK survivors of modern slavery via the Survivor Support Fund. Donate now.
Animal rescue charities in Dorset come together to help dogs in need
Margaret Green Animal Rescue provides eight kennels at Lincoln Farm for Forever Hounds Trust dogs after FHT’s Cullompton centre sale, ensuring ongoing care.
Runner to climb 'Mount Everest' in Swanage for air ambulance charity
Endurance runner Richard O’Connor tackles an Everesting challenge in Swanage, climbing 8,848m to fundraise for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
In The Dock: domestic abuser banned from drinking for two months
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Making Tax Digital deadline looms for thousands of businesses and landlords
Major tax changes for UK landlords and self-employed: from April 2026, Making Tax Digital will require digital records and quarterly HMRC updates. Prepare now.
Nursery group launches UK-first accredited baby specialist care programme
Tops Day Nurseries launches UK-first accredited Baby Specialist programme, raising standards in infant care, attachment, and wellbeing for under-twos.
Britain's 'favourite school teacher' coming to perform at Dorset venue
James B Partridge brings his nostalgic Primary School Bangers tour to Poole Lighthouse on 13 September 2026, celebrating classic school assembly songs UK-wide.
New senior appointment at Dorset-based property finance lender
Imogen Williams joins Dorset property lender MSP Capital as senior business development manager, bringing 10+ years’ expertise in development finance.
'Cheaper to build bridge to Mars' - Dorset reacts to tunnel proposal
On hearing of a proposed tunnel bid from Sandbanks to Shell Bay, hundreds of our readers took to social media to shed their own thoughts on the ambitious project.
Free community event set to mark World Book Day in Boscombe this weekend
Celebrate World Book Day in Boscombe on 7 March with free live storytelling, craft workshops, a costume catwalk, and family activities at the Sovereign Centre.
BCP Council: have your say on bus reliability and congestion plans in Purewell
BCP Council seeks public feedback on new Purewell traffic and bus reliability proposals, aiming to cut congestion and boost bus services in Christchurch.
Remarkable rehabilitation healthcare project honoured with Dorset Award
Coffee Connexions, a Dorset HealthCare and HM Prison partnership, wins High Sheriff of Dorset Award for supporting ex-offenders' rehabilitation and employment.
Golden ticket prize draw from New Forest District Council - could you be lucky?
New Forest District Council launches "golden ticket" prize draw with new waste and recycling scheme—win garden waste subscriptions or family swim passes.
Bournemouth coach launches women’s business and entrepreneur growth event
The Connection, a new business event for female founders in Dorset and the South Coast, launches 30 April 2026 at the Royal Bath Hotel.
Dorset school to put reading at the heart of World Book Day 2026 celebrations
St Aldhelm’s Academy in Poole marks World Book Day with book swaps, bake-offs, and reading hunts to boost literacy and celebrate reading in school.
Government
Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) (No. 2) Bill
A Bill to Authorise the use of resources for the years ending with 31 March 2025, 31 March 2026 and 31 March 2027; to authorise the issue of sums out of the Consolidated Fund for those years; and to appropriate the supply authorised by this Act for the years ending with 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Ministerial Salaries (Amendment) Bill
A Bill to Make provision about the maximum number of salaries that may be paid under the Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975 in respect of certain Ministerial offices.
Police (Declaration) Bill
A Bill to require police officers and certain employees of police forces to declare a membership of or affiliation to certain types of society and organisation; to require such declarations to be accompanied by a statement relating to that membership; and for connected purposes.
United States Military and Security Operations (Oversight) Bill
A Bill to confer oversight and reporting functions on the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament in relation to the use of bases or facilities located in the United Kingdom or under United Kingdom jurisdiction for military and security operations conducted by the United States; to require the provision of information to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament for the purpose of carrying out those functions; to provide for exemptions from the provision of information in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.
State Actors (Proscription) Bill
A Bill to provide the Secretary of State with powers to proscribe state actors, state-linked actors and private entities acting on their behalf; to require the Secretary of State to use those powers to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; and for connected purposes.
Military Action (Parliamentary Approval) (No. 2) Bill
A Bill to require parliamentary approval for the deployment of UK armed forces and military equipment for armed conflict; to require parliamentary approval for the granting of permission by Ministers for use of UK military bases and equipment by other nations for armed conflict; to require the withdrawal of that permission in circumstances where parliamentary approval is not granted; to provide for certain exemptions from these requirements; to make provision for retrospective parliamentary approval in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
Bottas' grid penalty status and each F1 driver's penalty points
Here are the number of penalty points that each driver holds entering into the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
LIVE COVERAGE: All the build-up to the Australian GP
Live coverage of all the build-up ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix weekend.
How often does the team that tops testing win the title?
As the build-up continues to the new season, we wondered how often the team that tops testing goes on to the win the Constructors' Championship. We asked the Formula 1 data analysts to have a look, and they came back with some interesting conclusions.
Why Russell has an air of confidence going into 2026
F1.com's Lawrence Barretto chats with Mercedes' George Russell ahead of the 2026 season, with the Silver Arrows believing they are back on track.
Apple reveal details of F1 integration
Starting this weekend, Apple TV subscribers in the US can watch all practice, Qualifying, and Sprint sessions, along with races, as the 2026 season roars into gear.
Norris confident in McLaren's ability to defend titles
Lando Norris has expressed confidence in himself and McLaren to defend the Driver and Teams’ Championships they secured last season, adding that he is aware of how his newfound status as reigning champion could affect his approach.
Albon admits Williams car ‘needs to go on a diet’
Alex Albon believes that Williams will find themselves at the “bottom half of the midfield” entering into 2026, with the Thai racer conceding that the team’s car “needs to go on a diet” as a priority.
Watch Weekend Warm-Up ahead of the Australian GP
After what felt like a never-ending winter break, Formula 1 returns this weekend for the first race of the 2026 season in Australia, with our F1 TV team ready to preview what is set to be a thrilling round.
Facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2026 Australian GP
As F1 arrives at Albert Park Circuit for the 2026Australian Grand Prix, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips and more.
Everything you need to know about the Albert Park circuit
Formula 1 returns to action this weekend as the 2026 season gets under way with the Australian Grand Prix. But how much do you know about Melbourne’s Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit? F1.com present your all-in-one guide…
Red Bull ‘need to be faster’ to fight up front – Verstappen
Max Verstappen believes that Red Bull have “quite a bit of work to do” in order to consistently compete with their rivals at the front of the field, but praised the team for the foundation they built over pre-season testing.
Aston Martin and Honda reveal AMR26’s ‘significant problem’
Aston Martin and Honda opened up on the task ahead as they faced the media on Thursday ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Windows Central
Activision details the Season 2 Reloaded update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — a fresh round of Multiplayer, Endgame, Zombies, and Warzone content is on the way
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's Season 2 Reloaded update goes live March 11, introducing new features like Glitch bosses to Endgame, new maps and modes for multiplayer, and a Nuketown variant for BO7's Zombies mode.
Heads up, don't buy Marathon on Steam — get a PC key here instead and save on ARC Raiders' new rival, and one of 2026's biggest shooter games
Bungie's new extraction shooter Marathon has the potential to be a massive hit, and you can get the FPS for less thanks to these deals on codes for it.
WWE NXT Champ Joe Hendry (and Steam Deck fan) tells us his favorite game — and the surreal experience of being included in WWE 2K26
Last week, we were lucky enough to catch up with WWE Superstar and NXT Champion Joe Hendry to learn all about what it's like being a headline act of an official WWE 2K video game.
Marathon's release date is here, and the game's launch times are confirmed — here's when you can play, and when it comes out in your time zone
Bungie's new extraction shooter Marathon is finally almost here. Here's everything you need to know about its release date, launch times, and more.
Edge users are being targeted by a fake Google security prompt that steals data — No bug or exploit required makes this hack particularly nasty
Malwarebytes has published findings of a new type of malware that uses a fake Google Account security alert to steal data and compromise entire networks. Here's what you need to know (and how to remove it).
My meager interest in testing macOS with Apple's $599 MacBook evaporated as soon as I saw the specs — and I'll keep suggesting Windows laptops to anyone who asks
The more affordable MacBook Neo could have been my chance to go hands-on with macOS, but the specs turned me off and back towards Qualcomm.
"I honestly regret every dollar I gave to you" — Star Citizen's billion-dollar community is irate over delayed data breach reveal
Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), developer of Star Citizen, sat on a data breach for weeks before quietly revealing its scope to gamers. The outrage is justified, and some diehard Star Citizen fans might be ready to park their ship in a hangar for the last time.
Does Apple agree that Microsoft's apps are more popular than its own? I spotted the MacBook Neo's cute nod to Office and Slack
Apple’s MacBook Neo demo briefly shows Microsoft Word pinned to the dock instead of Apple’s own Pages app, with other Office apps also appearing recently used.
Microsoft is turning Copilot into a browser — is it an Edge trap or useful way to save time?
Microsoft Copilot Insiders can now open web links in a sidepane within the app. It’s a low-friction fix for an annoying multitasking pain point in Windows.
Resident Evil Requiem is dominating the Xbox charts as the series' fastest-selling entry — I guess we do buy games after all
Resident Evil Requiem has sold 5 million copies in just five days, making it the fastest-selling game in the franchise’s history while it climbs Xbox charts.
Windows 10 is in its last days, and it certainly isn't immune to bugs — check your PC for Microsoft's critical recovery update
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 while its Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) was broken. However, the company has fixed the issue via a new update.
Unskippable YouTube ads are about to hit my TV at 30 seconds a piece — Google hands out another Uno reverse card to adblockers
Google announced plans to introduce 30-second unskippable ads on YouTube TV worldwide, in addition to the existing 6-second and 15-second ads.
Apple just caught Windows sleeping — Why the best MacBook Neo rivals just vanished from the sale racks
Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo just landed, but Windows deals are in a post-holiday "dead period." I’m looking at why the best rivals just got $200 more expensive.
Laffgaff
Rickets is caused by a deficiency of which vitamin?
Vitamin D.
Healthy Lawn
After years of research, I finally figured out the secret to a healthy lawn: sprinkle protein powder on the wet morning grass. The discovery was whey over dew.
Itsfoss
FOSS Weekly #26.10: Age Verification in Linux, systemd Troubleshooting Tools, Graphene Phone, Longer Linux LTS Kernels and More
Age verification is the new pandemic.
Good News! EA Is Expanding Its Anti-Cheat to ARM64, and Linux Could Be Next
Javelin, their kernel-level anti-cheat solution, might be heading to Linux.
Why Linux Users Love to Hate Ubuntu
Ubuntu may not be perfect, but the amount of hate it receives from Linux users is often exaggerated. Here's why the criticism deserves a rethink.