The News - Tuesday, 23 June 2026

BBC News

Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham 'coronation'

Two senior party figures are considering bids in order to ensure the next leader's policy ideas are tested in a race.

Chris Mason: Questions multiply for the man tipped to replace Starmer

Andy Burnham will have to set out his stall to show how he will deliver on his promises, the BBC's political editor writes.

Can you refuse to work or send your kids to school during a heatwave?

As temperatures increase significantly over the next few days, these are your rights.

First drug to delay onset of type 1 diabetes made available on NHS

The immunotherpay can give children and adults three extra years before they need to use insulin.

US eases oil sanctions as Iran denies Vance claim on nuclear inspectors

Iran's foreign ministry says it made "no new commitments" on nuclear inspections after talks in Switzerland.

Peter Murrell to be sentenced for embezzling SNP funds

The former party chief executive has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 over a 12-year period.

Fears 1,000 LGBT veterans could miss gay ban compensation deadline

Charities are urging any veterans who haven't yet registered for the scheme to come forward.

Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after abduction

The note from the possible kidnappers reportedly stated that they did not mean for her to die and included an apology to the family.

Man charged with terrorism-linked attempted murders after alleged anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh

Lewis Hawkes appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court following alleged anti-Muslim attacks in the city on Friday evening.

Millions of iCloud users could claim share of £3bn after Apple case given UK green light

Apple rejected the suggestion its practices are anti-competitive, saying many customers rely on third-party alternatives.

What does Trump want from a new UK prime minister?

The US president was once considered to have a close friendship with Keir Starmer, but that quickly fell apart with the war in Iran.

Watch: A day of big changes and mixed emotions for Labour

Andy Burnham is sworn in as MP for Makerfield hours after Keir Starmer announces his resignation as Labour Party leader.

How 100 Romanian hospitals switched to pen and paper to defeat a national cyber-attack

For four days, dozens of Romanian hospitals went offline, as cyber-experts sought to defeat the hackers.

Is watching England in the World Cup bad for your health?

Watching football is an emotional rollercoaster - but is it good or bad for your health?

How four weeks in court unravelled 'sinful and deceitful' Jeffrey Donaldson

The former DUP leader entered calm court on day one calm and relaxed, but by the end he was alone as the jury found him guilty on 18 child sex abuse charges.

The Papers: 'Keir's tears... Andy's crown' and 'Messiah without a mandate'

Sir Keir Starmer's resignation and Andy Burnham's "coronation" lead Tuesday's papers.

A decade on from Brexit, the new PM has big calls to make on Europe

A decade on from Brexit, the EU is more cohesive than many expected, but faces growing pressure from within.

Stalker who rang BTS star's doorbell 133 times faces deportation

The Brazilian woman visited BTS member Jungkook's home 20 times in less than two months.

Tech giant Oracle cuts 21,000 jobs as it embraces AI

The cuts are part of a wider trend among tech firms as they spend hundreds of billions of dollars on AI.

Reflecting Pool to be drained as Trump again blames 'vandals' for recent troubles

Trump said vandals cut a long slit in it and possibly dumped fertiliser in the water, and later threatened to sue over reporting on the pool.

National Portrait Gallery display withdrawn after Churchill row

The video installation prompted a row over its claims about Churchill's role in the Bengal famine.

Donaldson's first night in prison as downfall shakes NI politics

Donaldson has been told to expect a "lengthy sentence" for a string of child sex crimes, including rape.

Eight in critical condition after train crash

Over 100 needed hospital treatment as the transport secretary urges people not to speculate on the cause.

Puberty blocker trial will help reduce harm, says Cass report author

Dr Hilary Cass says she is "absolutely convinced that more children will be harmed if we don't do the trial than if we do."

From cool-down spots to chalk on windows - how Europe is coping with the heat

People across the continent are taking measures to cope with the searing temperatures gripping Europe.

Starmer holds talks with Burnham as he seeks 'orderly' transition

The outgoing PM is offering "access talks" with the civil service to Labour leadership candidates.

Peter Murrell jailed for more than five years for embezzling SNP funds

The former party chief executive had admitted embezzling more than £400,000 over a 12-year period.

Dozens of ships head through Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran deal

Traffic in the waterway has risen since the US and Iran signed a deal aimed at ending the war, including 42 ships on Saturday alone.

Teen boy arrested on suspicion of murder after 14-year-old girl reported missing

A body is found in the search for Lilly, 14, who was reported missing on Saturday.

Stop pretending EU's new border system is working, says airports chief

The head of Europe's airports lobby says concerns over EES are keeping him awake at night and he doesn't know how airports will cope over the summer.

Campaigners consider appeal after Gatwick bids fail

A High Court ruling backs Gatwick Airport's expansion after campaigners raise climate concerns.

Nineteen injured after bus overturns in Wales

Six people have been taken to hospital after the crash on the A484 near Kidwelly.

UN commission of inquiry says Israel committing genocide in Gaza by deliberately targeting children

Israel rejects the new report by the three-member expert panel, calling it a "libellous sham".

How to get a good night's sleep during hot weather

Simple tips to help you get a good night's sleep when temperatures rise.

Can you keep your kids off school or refuse to work during a heatwave?

As temperatures increase significantly over the next few days, these are your rights.

Drowning deaths soar in France as Europe buckles in peak of heatwave

Forty people have drowned in heatwave-related deaths in France since last Thursday, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says.

Around 29,000 lightning strikes light up sky across southern England

Thunderstorms caused flash flooding and travel disruption across parts of England, with more extreme heat expected on Tuesday.

Is watching football bad for your health? I tested my body to find out

Watching football is an emotional rollercoaster - but is it good or bad for your health?

New pictures show dozens of items bought illegally by Peter Murrell

The images include a range of luxury bags, watches and pens, as well as fresh pictures of a £124,550 motorhome.

Donaldson's downfall shakes NI's battle-hardened political landscape

Donaldson has been told to expect a "lengthy sentence" for a string of child sex crimes, including rape.

Who could be the UK's next chancellor?

The prime minister's resignation has fired the starting gun on the race to be in charge of the UK's finances.

How 100 hospitals switched to pen and paper to defeat a national cyber-attack

For four days, dozens of Romanian hospitals went offline, as cyber-experts sought to defeat the hackers.

'They made my mum give me up because she was unmarried'

Reg Barker, 66, says he only found out he was adopted when he applied for a passport, aged 18.

Tate brothers challenge decision to withhold names of their UK accusers

Andrew and Tristan Tate will face 21 charges in the UK, including rape and human trafficking, after they are extradited.

Farage says £5m gift spending details 'not public's business'

Rival parties have raised concerns over the gift received by the Reform UK leader before he became an MP.

Former River City actor Iain Robertson found guilty of rape

The 45-year-old, who played Stevie O'Hara in the BBC soap, was also convicted of assaulting two other women.

Iran says no new commitments on nuclear sites after Vance says inspectors to be invited back

Iran's foreign ministry says it made "no new commitments" on nuclear inspections after talks in Switzerland.

Bright Horizons nursery chain served safeguarding notice by Ofsted

The Bright Horizons nursery chain may not be meeting safeguarding and welfare needs, Ofsted says.

US top court says Rastafarian man cannot sue prison guards who cut his dreadlocks

The former Louisiana inmate argued his Rastafarian faith was violated after prison officials focibly shaved off his hair.

Prince William arrives by electric bus for climate event

At London Climate Week, Prince William said "history will ask what we did" with evidence on what works to protect the environment.

Bournemouth Echo

Cars left melted after explosions in car park inferno

Cars engulfed in huge flames were left melted and wrecked after the vehicles began exploding in a car park next to a local pub.

Famous faces whose names unite the streets of a Bournemouth suburb

Head north to the Winton suburb and a sad story unfolds on the roadside signage

Woman dies after being pulled from sea

A WOMAN has died on Southbourne beach after suffering a medical incident, police have confirmed.

Defendants in 'murder' between 'rival drug gangs' appear in court

Three men charged with the murder of an 18-year-old man from Poole have appeared in court for the first time.

RECAP- Three men charged with murder sent to Winchester Crown Court

Three men are due to appear in court today charged with murder following the death of teenager Kyeron Wheeler

LIVE - Schools start to announce closures due to heatwave

Latest news, traffic, travel and weather updates as the UK Health Security Agency has a rare red alert in place for the whole of the south west.

The new BCP growth plan. We go again….

I have been asked to write a weekly column, so for the first one it feels only fair to set the scene.

Beaulieu Custom and American Show attracts thousands of visitors

Beaulieu's Custom and American Show marked Route 66's centenary with 500 vehicles and more than 10,500 visitors.

Police issue update following death of woman at Southbourne beach

An update has been issued following the death of a woman on Southbourne beach.

PICTURES - Durlston School's inaugural Year 11 cohort celebrates at prom

A dream night out has marked a major milestone for one school.

'Serious' injuries sustained and two hospitalised after crash

Two people were taken to hospital following a crash that saw road closures near Blandford.

Bournemouth town councillors could soon receive £1,300 annual allowance

Town councillors could soon receive more than £1,000 each in annual allowances

Tram system included in plans to transform travel across BCP area

A tram system could soon be on track to transform travel across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

BCP Council raises flag to show support for armed forces

BCP Council has raised a flag outside the civic centre to show support for veterans, cadets and armed forces families across the conurbation

BCP and Dorset councils gives update on schools amid heatwave

BCP Council and Dorset Council have provided updates on whether schools across the county will close or be affected due to the heatwave.

Pedestrian hospitalised after crash on Christchurch road

Road closures were put in place and a pedestrian was taken to hospital following an incident in Christchurch.

Emergency response in Sandbanks as man seen entering water near chain ferry

An emergency response was seen in Sandbanks following reports that a man had entered the water near the ferry service.

Make the most of the South West this summer

The South West is jam-packed full of fantastic places to eat and things to see. Make the most of the summer and explore all the South West has to offer.

PICTURES - Twynham School Year 11 prom at the Queens Hotel

Snazzy suits and fancy frocks were on display at the Bournemouth hotel on Monday night, June 22.

'Only travel if essential' warning to rail passengers amid extreme heat

Passengers are being advised to travel only if essential on Wednesday and Thursday this week due to extreme heat.

Christchurch primary school hosting charity fete in honour of much-loved teacher

Twynham Primary School in Christchurch is hosting the Macmillan Caring Locally Summer Fete on June 27 in honour of Wayne Davies, the school’s welfare officer.

Popular rapper and songwriter to perform at Bournemouth venue this November

British rapper Dizzee Rascal, known for hits like Bonkers and Dance Wiv Me, will perform at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth on Tuesday, November 10.

Wimborne museum presents new exhibition on Dorset gypsy and traveller histories

Home: Gypsy and Traveller Lives in Dorset is on display at the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne from July 18 until January 23, 2027.

Marine water and waste specialists join charity's beach clean-up in Bournemouth

29 employees from Poole-based marine water and waste specialist Hamworthy joined the Marine Conservation Society for a beach clean-up on Bournemouth seafront

Bournemouth heart transplant survivor celebrated by British Heart Foundation

Katie James from Bournemouth underwent life-saving surgery at 32 and chose to donate her old heart in the hope of advancing treatments for heart failure.

Free day of adventure, laughter and discovery returns to Bournemouth next month

The Littledown Family Fun Day returns to Bournemouth on Sunday, July 26, promising a free day of activities and immersive experiences for all ages.

Community hub thanks Poole care home residents for 'amazing' year of fundraising

Bourne Community Hub in Poole staged a celebration tea party for visitors from Colten Care’s Bourne View who made it their main charity to support last year.

Woman jailed for assault, 9 counts of drug possession - In the Dock

The following cases heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Company applies to change its goods vehicle licence to include operating centre

Test Valley Environmental Ltd seeks to add an HGV operating centre at Bailie Gate Industrial Estate, Sturminster Marshall. Objections due by 3 July.

Footpaths in Dorset to close for up to 26 weeks for National Grid works

National Grid footpath and bridleway closures in Horton and Verwood, Dorset from July 1 for power line works. Affects pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders.

Sports club applies to New Forest District Council for new premises licence

Ringwood and Bisterne Sports Club applies for a new alcohol licence at Christchurch Road, Bisterne. Public comments to New Forest District Council by July 1

New Forest road to temporarily close for five days for water supply works

New Lane, New Milton will close for up to five days from 22 June 2026 for South West Water works, Hampshire County Council confirms. Diversion via B3055.

Hundreds of children take part in New Forest Agricultural Show Society day event

The Food, Farming and Forest Discovery Day took place at the Showground in Brockenhurst on June 16, hosted by the New Forest Agricultural Show Society.

Man jailed after stealing car from BIC and more than a dozen other crimes

A man who stole a car from the BIC has been jailed for 20 weeks after he pleaded guilty to nearly 20 offences.

NHS in south west reminding people how they can help eliminate cervical cancer

The NHS is reminding people how they can help eliminate cervical cancer by attending their cervical screening and getting the HPV vaccine when invited.

New art exhibition exploring remnants of past events opens in Boscombe next week

Vestiges will be available for viewing at The Auger Collective Gallery, Sovereign Centre, Boscombe from July 2 to July 31

Popular open-top bus tour offering the very best views of the New Forest returns

The New Forest Tour will run from July 4 to September 13, offering residents and visitors panoramic views of the national park and coastline.

Next of kin appeal for 51-year-old man who died at home in Poole

Dorset Coroner appeals for next of kin of Serguey Petkov, 51, found dead at home in Poole. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900 with info.

Dorset Wildlife Trust nature project gets £142k boost from National Lottery Fund

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has received £142,176 in development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Nature Connection North Dorset project.

Recently appointed Mayor of Poole chooses hospice as charity of the year

The new mayor of Poole, Councillor Tracey Newman, has chosen Forest Holme Hospice as her charity of the year for 2026/27.

Military charity attending Tankfest event at Dorset museum this weekend

More than 60 members and up to 20 military vehicles from the Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) will be attending Tankfest 2026, held at The Tank Museum in Bovington.

Dorset facing extensive road, footpath, and bridleway closures due to works

Dorset faces road, footpath and bridleway closures in Verwood, Ferndown, Cranborne, East Stour and Woodlands for maintenance and National Grid works.

New Forest District Council raises flag in honour of Armed Forces Day

Councillor Dave Penny, the chairman of New Forest District Council (NFDC), conducted the Armed Forces Day ceremony at Appletree Court in Lyndhurst on June 22.

More than 1,000 gather on Boscombe beach for mass baptisms

More than 1,000 people packed Boscombe beach on a hot Sunday morning to witness mass baptisms and listen to songs of faith.

UK wholesaler servicing Morrisons closes after entering liquidation with 71 jobs lost

See the latest update on UK wholesaler Localist - The Food Merchant, after the company ceased trading earlier this year, having fallen into liquidation.

Is Halifax down? Users report issues with banking app and login error

Halifax users have reported issues with the bank this morning (June 23), including issues with login and the app not loading.

New Santander savings account offers 8 per cent interest and penalty-free withdrawals

Santander has launched a new savings account paying 8% interest. Here's how it works and the catch savers need to know about.

Morrisons is offering free loyalty points bonus to customers using brand new feature

Morrisons is offering free loyalty points to customers after launching its own branded pet and travel insurance.

Will schools stay open as parts of UK hit with red weather warnings for extreme heat

Schools across the UK are closing amid the rare red weather warning for extreme heat in parts of the country.

Government

Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to carry out a review of the effectiveness of the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012, with reference to the application of that Act in individual cases; to make provision about the recording and retention of information relating to voided motor insurance policies on the Motor Insurance Database; to make provision for a review in cases involving inadvertent or voluntarily disclosed misrepresentation; to provide for the correction or removal of such records in appropriate circumstances; and for connected purposes.

Tax Reliefs Bill

A Bill to make provision about the relief of taxation in respect of private education, private healthcare, mortgage interest payments for primary residences, certain transport costs relating to employment and private pension contributions; to make further provision relating to the relief of taxation; and for connected purposes.

Employment Bill

A Bill to make provision about the employment of foreign nationals; to make provision about the national minimum wage; and for connected purposes.

Sporting and Physical Education Services (Value Added Tax Exemption) Bill

A Bill to exempt providers of sporting and physical education services from VAT for fees and charges made in respect of the provision of sporting and physical education services, in cases where no existing exemption applies; and for connected purposes.

Hospitality Services (Value Added Tax Exemption) Bill

A Bill to exempt providers of catering and accommodation services from VAT for fees and charges made in respect of the provision of those services; and for connected purposes.

Climate Change Act 2008 (Repeal) Bill

A Bill to repeal the Climate Change Act 2008; to make provision consequential on that repeal; and for connected purposes.

Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (UK Covid-19 Inquiry) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish proposals for the implementation of Recommendation 5 of Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, relating to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme; and for connected purposes.

National Police Chiefs' Council (Guidance) Bill

A Bill to require parliamentary approval for the issuing of advice or guidance by the National Police Chiefs' Council; and for connected purposes.

Non-Domestic Rating (Retail, Hospitality and Leisure) Bill

A Bill to make provision about non-domestic rating in respect of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses; and for connected purposes.

Welfare Reform Bill

A Bill to make provision to restrict eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment for those with certain mental health conditions; to require that assessments for certain welfare benefits are conducted face to face; to make provision to restrict the eligibility of persons who are not British citizens to claim welfare benefits; to make provision about fit notes in connection with welfare benefits; to provide for a two child limit on the child element of universal credit; and for connected purposes.

Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill

A Bill to make provision for or in connection with the relief of debts of certain developing countries.

Ponds (Permitted Development) Bill

A Bill to extend permitted development rights to include wildlife ponds under 0.2 hectares; and for connected purposes.

Domestic Building Works (Consumer Protection) Bill

A Bill to make provision about consumer protection in relation to domestic building works; and for connected purposes.

Hospitality (Value Added Tax) Bill

A Bill to reduce the rate of value added tax for certain supplies relating to hospitality; and for connected purposes.

Heritage Trees Bill

A Bill to make provision about the protection and stewardship of heritage trees in England; and for connected purposes.

Scotland (Independence Referendum) Bill

A Bill to amend the Scotland Act 1998 to transfer the power to legislate for a Scottish independence referendum to the Scottish Parliament; and for connected purposes.

Chalk Streams (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to take the necessary steps to nominate the UK's chalk streams as a serial UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

UK Food Labelling (Country of Origin) Bill

A Bill to make provision about the use of UK country of origin indicators in the labelling and marketing of food products; to prohibit the use of such indicators unless products meet specified criteria; and for connected purposes.

Pets (Microchips) Bill

A Bill to make provision regarding pets with microchips; and for connected purposes.

Environmental Impact Assessment (Downstream Emissions) Bill

A Bill to make provision about the assessment of environmental impact of developments involving the extraction of fossil fuels; to provide that downstream greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion or other end use of extracted hydrocarbons are not required to be assessed as part of the environmental impact assessment of such developments; to make provision relating to decisions in respect of the grant of consent and planning permission for certain such developments; and for connected purposes.

Public Sector Equality Duty (Repeal) Bill

A Bill to repeal section 149 and schedule 18 of the Equality Act 2010; to make provision consequential on that repeal; and for connected purposes.

Electricity Works (Small Business Compensation Proposals) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a scheme to compensate small businesses affected by road closures resulting from electricity works; and for connected purposes.

Telecommunications (Fixed-term Contracts) Bill

A Bill to prohibit the increasing of charges payable under certain fixed-term telecommunications contracts within the duration of those contracts; and for connected purposes.

Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill

A Bill to increase the minimum required height of guarding in multi-storey car parks; to make provision about the height of guarding in existing multi-storey car parks; to require 24-hour staffing of multi-storey car parks; and for connected purposes.

Battery Energy Storage (Planning and Regulation) Bill

A Bill to make provision about the construction, use and decommissioning of battery energy storage systems; to provide that fire and rescue authorities must be consulted in relation to planning applications relating to battery energy storage systems; to require the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the safety and risks of battery energy storage systems and to lay the report of that review before Parliament; and for connected purposes.

Gambling Act 2005 (Mandatory Conditions of Lottery Operating Licences) Bill

A Bill to remove monetary limits on proceeds from the mandatory conditions of lottery operating licences; to make further provision about the mandatory conditions of lottery operating licences; and for connected purposes.

Gaza (Independent Public Inquiry) Bill

A Bill to make provision for establishing an independent public inquiry into UK involvement in Israeli military operations in Gaza; to require the inquiry to consider any UK military, economic or political cooperation with Israel since October 2023, including the sale, supply or use of weapons, surveillance aircraft and Royal Air Force bases; to provide the inquiry with the power to question Ministers and officials about decisions taken in relation to UK involvement; and for connected purposes.

Dementia (Specialist Support) Bill

A Bill to make provision about a minimum standard of support for persons with a diagnosis of dementia; to require that minimum standard to include access to dementia specialist nursing and end-of-life care; and for connected purposes.

In-Person Banking Services Bill

A Bill to make provision about the delivery of in-person banking services; to require the Financial Conduct Authority to set standards for the provision of in-person banking services; and for connected purposes.

Mobile Homes Bill

A Bill to amend the law relating to mobile homes.

Formula 1

Austrian Grand Prix betting guide and latest odds

Our experts bring you all the important betting information you need before making your Austria predictions.

Stroll explains what he’s learned after almost 10 years in F1

Lance Stroll has given some insight into how much he has grown as an F1 driver since his arrival on the grid almost 10 years ago, as well as highlighting the key lessons he has picked up along the way.

The key way Ferrari have looked to tackle tyre degradation

Ferrari’s new rear wheel rims were a significant part of the upgrade the team brought to Barcelona last week and they have been credited with improving the thermal degradation of the car’s tyres.

Cadillac share details of 'substantial' Austria upgrades

Cadillac are hopeful their latest upgrades will take them closer to scoring their first points of the 2026 season.

Why Alonso's influence on the driver market is as strong as ever

Lawrence Barretto digs into the latest ongoings in the F1 driver market, with Fernando Alonso's decision on his future one of the key factors.

FIA’s WMSC ratifies F1 regulatory changes for 2027 and 2028

On Tuesday, the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) held their mid-2026 meeting during the FIA Conference in Macau, with various updates to the 2026 Sporting, Technical and Financial Regulations being approved, and proposed changes for 2027 and 2028 being ratified.

What F1 drivers have been up to before Austria

With an extra weekend between the Barcelona-Catalunya and Austrian Grand Prix, here’s a recap of everything the F1 drivers have been up to.

Laura Mueller on settling in as Ocon’s race engineer

As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, F1.com chats to Laura Mueller about her first 18 months as Race Engineer to Esteban Ocon at Haas, and the journey she has been on along the way.

Windows Central

"Just one breath, that's all you get": Xbox's Grounded 2 director chats Early Access, the "second launch" on PS5, and the roadmap's Into the Abyss update

The director of Xbox's Grounded 2, Obsidian Entertainment's Chris Parker, says that the game coming to PS5 later this year is like a "second launch."

Microsoft confirms an Outlook bug could wreck your replies by dropping the original message

Microsoft has confirmed a bug that strips the original message when forwarding or replying to an email in the legacy version of the app.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 4 Reloaded challenges universe-accurate crossovers with new Nick Cage bundle alongside new content for all modes

Season 4 Reloaded for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 goes live on June 25 with new content for multiplayer, Endgame, Zombies, and Warzone.

"The prices we're sharing today reflect the state of the world": Valve explains why the Steam Machine is so expensive, and yup, it's all AI's fault

Valve says the Steam Machine's high price and low availability "reflect the state of the world for manufacturing" right now, referencing the RAM crisis.

We finally know how much Valve's Steam Machine will cost — here's how to sign up this week for a chance to buy the console-like gaming PC

At long last, Steam Machine maker Valve has announced the device's price and when it's launching. Here's how to sign up to try and reserve one to buy.

These pre‑built gaming PCs beat Valve’s Steam Machine on price and performance, and it’s not even close

The Steam Machine's $1,049.99 starting price is a bummer, and I know a lot of PC gamers are looking for an affordable alternative. I found 5 pre-built gaming PCs with RTX and Arc discrete graphics starting at $849.

“Gaming is becoming unaffordable” — Xbox CEO says the industry has an accessibility crisis

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma believes gaming is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to rising hardware costs, subscriptions, and competition for consumer attention. Her comments offer insight into Xbox's broader strategy for accessibility and growth.

This new class for Warhammer 40,000's popular horde shooter was so fun to play it may convert me from a casual fan to a hardcore fanatic

Fatshark has graciously invited me to witness an exclusive preview of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's new Skitarii class, along with details on its cosmetics, lore, and gameplay kit.

The XBOX ROG Ally is the only gaming handheld actually getting cheaper in 2026 — so ditch the overpriced Steam Deck

The Xbox ROG Ally is the only gaming handheld getting cheaper. Grab this rare Prime Day deal for just £379.99 while you can.

The only PC controller you'll ever need from Razer is down to its lowest ever price for Prime Day

The only real negative with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC controller is its steep asking price. But Prime Day just fixed that by knocking it down by a cool $50.

Geekom's mini PCs enjoy massive savings during Prime Day — I handpicked the 7 top deals up to 15% off for a limited time

A wide range of Geekom's mini PCs are on sale during Prime Day, and I picked out the 7 highest-rated models that will suit plenty of different users. Prices start at just $371, and all PCs have at least 16GB of RAM. That's hard to pass up in 2026.

Microsoft knows its new Surface PCs are too expensive: Combats skyrocketing prices with new 8GB RAM models that start at $849

Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch have been updated with new 8GB RAM configurations that bring prices back down to earth.

“This is the gaming handheld we’ve been waiting for” — MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ review of a masterpiece priced for the few

Outstanding handheld gaming hardware thanks to Intel's new banger Arc G3 Extreme chip with real breakthrough performance, but unfortunate NAND/RAM pricing keeps the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ out of reach for many.

"The 'AI Stigma' is real and severely punishes developers": A new study shows how much using AI in games hurts sales, and the numbers are hard to believe

A new study from Game Oracle demonstrates the negative effects the use of AI can have on sales (and reputation). There's a lot to unpack here, but the main message is resounding: we're not yet ready for the future of gaming.

This Prime Day deal finally brings the Surface Pro 11 back to a sensible price

The Surface Pro 11 is discounted for Prime Day, bringing the OLED model with 16GB of RAM and Snapdragon X Elite down to $869. This configuration hits the key specs without the usual premium pricing.

SteelSeries' best gaming headsets, mice, and keyboards are enjoying a Prime Day sale if your battlestation needs upgrades

SteelSeries, one of the world's leading providers of high-quality accessories, is selling a bunch of its headsets, keyboards, and mice at massive discounts for Amazon Prime Day.

This powerful Windows 11 mini PC from Beelink is just $626 for Amazon Prime Day, but only while stocks last

The Beelink SER9 Pro features great performance in a small and affordable package, and has support for a clever dock

"It's something that no one has ever seen before — a new game system": Hideo Kojima teases more of his mysterious horror

Hideo Kojima has shared new details on OD, describing the project as something "no one has ever seen before." The Xbox-backed title will feature a new game system, an ambitious horror concept, and a cast that includes Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier.

With this discounted wireless mechanical gaming keyboard, you won't have any more excuses for wiping in World of Warcraft

SteelSeries' Apex Pro Mini keyboard is enjoying a 40% Amazon Prime Day discount for hardcore PC gamers looking for a high-quality gaming keyboard with fast responsiveness and lag-free wireless connectivity.

"Folks at Arkane are doing a really, really great job": Todd Howard offers a promising update on Marvel's Blade

Todd Howard has offered an encouraging update on Marvel's Blade, praising Arkane Lyon's work on the project and adding to recent signs that development is progressing well despite wider uncertainty surrounding Xbox.

Forget AirPods, these Gamebuds are the perfect micro-sized headset for listening to games, music, and movies on the go

Amazon Prime Day has provided a 20% discount for the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds, which we gave a glowing 4/5 star review for its satisfying sound, comforting build, active noise cancellation, and more rich features.

"The origin story of Delta Squad": Netflix's Gears of War plans are finally revealed, and I'm feeling cautiously optimistic

Netflix has revealed the first major story details for its live-action Gears of War adaptation, confirming it will tell the origin story of Delta Squad as humanity battles the Locust Horde.

One of SteelSeries' best noise-canceling gaming headsets has compatibility with practically everything, and it's 34% off

Amazon's June Prime Day sale has arrived, and it's brought a 34% discount on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro gaming headset, which we gave a near-perfect score for its excellent sound, sturdy build quality, and a plethora of features.

"Halo, first and foremost, is one of our biggest franchises": Halo's TV and movie future may not be over after all

Matt Booty says Halo remains one of Xbox's biggest franchises, offering fans a small reason to believe the series could eventually return to television or film despite the cancellation of the Paramount+ show.

Prepare for some swashbuckling adventures, Sea of Thieves is weirdly getting a movie

Sea of Thieves is officially getting a live-action movie, with Marvel filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton attached as a producer. The adaptation is part of Microsoft's growing push into film and television, with Xbox teasing multiple entertainment projects currently in development.

This Amazon Prime Day deal convinced me to skip the Surface Laptop 8: Microsoft's excellent Surface Laptop 7 is now $514 off for a limited time only

Microsoft's last-gen Surface Laptop 7 is just $834 while stocks last for Amazon Prime Day. I think that makes this device a much better deal than the new Laptop 8 at $1,599.

Laffgaff

In which small town in the Harry Potter novels would you be able to visit Honeydukes?

Honeydukes.

Local Paper

A friend of mine made the front page of the local paper. He's a printer.

Itsfoss

PINE64's Smart Speaker is a Home Assistant Powered Alternative to Amazon Echo

It is powered by a RISC-V chip, has a hardware mic mute switch, and costs $49.99.

No More Reboots During Kernel Patching for ARM64 Systems on Ubuntu

Canonical's Livepatch finally extends to the platform in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and Ubuntu Core 26.

I Finally Tried Niri, The New Way Of Tiling Linux Users Are Going Crazy About

Niri brings a different, scrollable tiling window experience that has captivated many Linux users.