The News - Wednesday, 15 July 2026

BBC News

Midnight social media curfew proposed for older UK teens

Teens will be able to opt out of the restrictions - campaigners have criticised them as being piecemeal.

Police say Ann Widdecombe killed in 'targeted attack' as motive investigated

Counter terror police say they have obtained a warrant to hold a 28-year-old suspect for up to seven days.

Trump threatens to bomb bridges and power plants unless Iran resumes talks

Trump's comments aired as the two countries exchanged fire for the fourth day in a row and the US resumed blockading Iranian ports.

Trump retreat over Hormuz tolls suggests he is struggling to end Iran war

The abrupt about-face from the US president was the latest twist in a conflict that has now lasted more than four months.

Briton's Iran jail sentence extended by two years, family says

Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested on spying charges last January while passing through Iran on a motorcycle journey.

After record heat, could the Atlantic make Britain's weather even more extreme?

As temperatures rise, scientists are investigating whether a changing Atlantic could bring more volatile weather to the UK

Heating oil customers to get compensation after price hikes

The cost of heating oil spiked following the US-Israel war with Iran which forced up crude prices.

Seven Britons among those killed in Spain wildfires

Twelve of the 13 victims were foreign nationals, Spanish authorities said on Tuesday.

Buy Now Pay Later rules to bring refunds and rejections

Consumers should be better protected as Buy Now Pay Later lenders now require authorisation to operate.

Review of MP security needed after Widdecombe death, Burnham says

The expected next prime minister says politics has "darkened" in the decade he has been away from Westminster.

I changed jobs 10 times in 10 years to get the career I wanted

The lily-padding trend sees young people repeatedly move jobs to try to advance in the workplace.

Hosepipe ban in force for millions of households - is your area affected?

More than eight million households have been placed under hosepipe bans - which has raised questions about how effectively water resources are being managed.

Xbox workers stunned after jobs 'bloodbath'

The video game giant owned by Microsoft plans to let 3,200 workers go. Will it be a big reset or a system crash?

From Wimbledon towels to Scotch: What India-UK trade deal could mean for shoppers

The free trade agreement between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies has come into effect - can it deliver?

The Papers: 'You can do this' and 'Widdecombe suspect probed'

A nervous build-up for England in the World Cup semi-finals and the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe lead the papers.

Strait of Hormuz 'faultline' exposes weakness of the US-Iran deal

Control of the waterway has become a key point of contention between the US and Iran, as a ceasefire deal falters.

China economic growth falls sharply, missing target

Weak demand domestically and the impact of the Iran war on oil prices overshadowed the country's strong exports.

Billionaire Warren Buffett stops donations to Bill Gates charity

The investor's decision comes weeks after Gates' appearance before US Congress over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

China detains US scientist who studied North Korea nuclear tests

Chen Youlin's family says he has been wrongfully detained for nearly two years on spying charges.

Tyrannosaurus rex most expensive dinosaur ever sold

The dinosaur skeleton, which roamed the planet 67 million years ago, was sold by Sotheby's in New York.

Southport victim's dad accuses ambulance staff of breaching trust

North West Ambulance Service is investigating whether staff inappropriately accessed medical records.

'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot Captain Sully reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

The 75-year-old says he was recently diagnosed and the disease is at an early stage.

Starmer says it's the 'end of my political journey' at his final Prime Minister's Questions

MPs on all sides of the House of Commons paid tribute to the departing PM, traded jokes and shared anecdotes.

Watch: Starmer's kind send-off across the Commons

A warmer and less confrontational tone than usual was struck during Sir Keir Starmer's final PMQs appearance as prime minister.

Man arrested over social media post threatening to shoot Farage

Met Police says a man in his 20s was held in south London this week on suspicion of sending threatening communications to an MP.

Iran threatens to block more trade routes as US launches fresh strikes

US President Donald Trump vowed to strike Iran's bridges and power plants next week if the country does not return to talks.

Three men who raped woman on Brighton beach jailed

The rapists carried out a "cynical, predatory and callous" attack, jurors were told.

UK's extreme weather is the new normal, Met Office says

The latest report on the UK's climate warns cold mountainous areas are also being lost.

Headers caused brain disease in 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, coroner finds

England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a condition caused by heading footballs, his inquest concludes.

Dramatic video shows wildfire surround freight train in Canada

CN Rail told the BBC that operations were temporarily suspended in the affected area in the province of Ontario.

Mocking regional accents is last form of acceptable discrimination, says MP

MPs debated how prejudice against strong regional accents could affect social mobility in Westminster Hall.

Fan has huge £550 tattoo declaring England World Cup winners

Sean Carrington said if the Three Lions fail to bring the trophy home he will add the words "only joking".

I dreaded bedtime before new sleep apnoea treatment

Swindon's Great Western Hospital is one of five trusts offering a new treatment for sleep apnoea.

Luxury holidays and lost bank cards - how fake Army major defrauded women on dating apps

David Griffiths is jailed for three years and six months for defrauding women of thousands of pounds.

How will Buy Now Pay Later changes affect you?

Consumers should be better protected as Buy Now Pay Later lenders now require authorisation to operate.

Expert tips to help stop your kids' scrolling as social media curfew planned

Parenting experts share their tips on how to keep children's screen time under control.

Heatwave prompts Italy's delivery riders to strike for extra rights

Delivery riders in Milan, Bologna and Florence want to protect their health and their wages.

Tourists warned of methanol poisoning risks in new campaign

Holidaymakers are urged to understand the dangers and symptoms of methanol poisoning.

Brewdog co-founder James Watt launches bid to buy back beer firm

Watt says he has made an offer to buy back the craft beer business months after it was sold to a US company.

Russian attacks kill eight as Ukraine hits Black Sea oil tankers

Civilian casualties are reported in four Ukrainian regions, while Kyiv hits 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea.

Man's murder conviction quashed by Court of Appeal

Davices Anderson died after he was found injured in a street in Nottingham on 28 April 2023.

Xbox workers stunned after jobs 'bloodbath'

The video game giant owned by Microsoft plans to let 3,200 workers go. Will it be a big reset or a system crash?

Bournemouth Echo

Remembering two well-known Poole schools demolished more than 30 years ago

Two of Poole’s best-known schools were suddenly marked for demolition.

BCP Reform councillors call for 'lasting solutions' to seafront issues

Reform UK councillors have called for 'lasting solutions' to issues raised on Bournemouth’s seafront and town centre.

Inquest: Man dies in electric unicycle crash after moving from US to Poole

An inquest has been opened following the death of an electric unicycle rider, described as the 'kindest' and 'most caring' person.

Angry residents 'jaded' by lack of action as drug gangs 'infiltrate' BCP area

"Jaded" Charminster residents gathered to vent their anger and frustrations over rampant levels of drug dealing, antisocial behaviour and e-scooter use outside their homes.

Poole drink driver banned for one year - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

The Italian Job: Poole Quay restaurants devastated by burglary rampage

Restaurant owners in Poole Quay have been left devastated by several break-ins over the last couple of weeks.

Man detained after reports of individual 'running around' village with 'axe'

At around 4pm on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, Dorset Police received a report that a man, who possibly had an injury to his head, had been seen with an axe in Charlton Marshall.

Two Bournemouth teens arrested by armed police for threatening a man with a knife

Two teenage boys aged 16 and 17 years old have been arrested after threatening a man and being in possession of a knife.

RECAP- Crash between bus and car prompts delays on A31

A CRASH between a bus and a car has prompted delays on the A31. Updates to follow.

Popular splash park in Christchurch reopens following repairs and safety works

Christchurch Quay Splash Park has reopened, following essential repairs and safety works that delayed its planned early summer opening.

Tom Hayes MP welcomes new Government measures to better recognise unpaid carers

Tom Hayes MP, who was a young carer for his parents, has welcomed the Government’s new measures to better recognise carers and make support easier to access.

Woman stunned after Hollywood star Ben Stiller walks over to say hello

A woman who was approached by Hollywood star Ben Stiller while walking her dogs on Highcliffe Beach said the encounter "made her day".

Farmer helps police flip car onto wheels after crash on main road

A car that flipped onto its roof in Gillingham was righted by a local farmer, who used a tractor to assist before the vehicle was recovered.

Five arrested after man in his 40s stabbed in Poole

Police arrested five people after a man in his 40s was stabbed in Poole.

LIVE: Police and forensics in Poole after reports of 'stabbing'

Dorset Police and South West Forensics are in place outside a block of flats in Poole following reports of a 'stabbing'

'You can’t class all gypsies as the same' says woman at Branksome camp

Gypsies have set up an unauthorised encampment in Poole prompting concern among residents.

Crashes involving seven vehicles caused an oil spill and traffic delays

Two crashes involving seven vehicles spilled oil and caused long delays in the morning rush hour.

Travellers 'force entry' and set up camp in recreation park

Travellers have set up an unauthorised camp in a recreation park, as authorities work to evict them.

Hollywood star Ben Stiller spotted at Highcliffe Castle

Hollywood star Ben Stiller chatted with members of the public in Highcliffe on Tuesday in between breaks while filming his latest movie for Netflix.

24 new lower-cost homes set to support local families in North Dorset

24 new affordable, lower cost homes in Marnhull near Sturminster Newton are set to benefit local people in Dorset.

Care home residents join thousands at Bourne Free pride parade in Bournemouth

Residents of Colten Care’s Avon Cliff home in Bournemouth joined the Bourne Free parade for the fourth consecutive year to honour Patrick Haddingham.

Acclaimed music legend Leo Sayer to perform at Dorset venue this October

Leo Sayer and his Can't Stop Loving You tour will arrive at Lighthouse Poole on October 23, promising an evening of beloved hits and fresh musical surprises.

Morebus urging England fans to travel by bus to watch the World Cup semi-final

Bus operator Morebus is urging fans to leave their cars at home and take the bus to watch England's World Cup semi-final match tonight

LADbible founder with ADHD attends specialist college's Prom in Wimborne

Alex Partridge, founder of UNILAD and LADbible, was the guest speaker at SWRAC’s prom and presentation evening at Merley House, near Wimborne, on July 8.

University students craft 18th-century style dress for National Trust exhibition

Students from Arts University Bournemouth have collaborated with National Trust to bring an extraordinary piece of 18th-century Anglo-Indian history to life.

Latest Friends of Skerryvore meeting to take place this weekend on July 18

The Friends of Skerryvore are set to gather for their regular meeting this weekend on July 18 from 10am to 12pm.

Dorset parks and nature reserves awarded coveted Green Flag Awards

Avon Heath Country Park, Durlston Country Park, Thorncombe Wood, Stour Meadows, and The Milldown have all been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award.

Dorset business that champions local makers wins Favourite Business Award

Dorset Box, dedicated to supporting local makers and producers, has been crowned Favourite Business at the Blandford Business Awards.

Stop the stigma – be swift on bed bugs, say leading pest control experts

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging holidaymakers to check luggage and immediately report any signs of bed bug activity.

Letter: 'Farage dividing an already divided country'

A recent Echo article brought home the massively fractured state of our politics, a schism which really does deserve better understanding.

Bands and musicians headlining Arts by the Sea 2026

Soul, jazz, funk, and reggae will fill the air at this year’s Arts by the Sea Festival.

Dorset homecare company reveals hidden heatwave risks for older people

Dorset homecare providers, Abbots Care, is warning that many older people are unknowingly putting themselves at risk during the current heatwave.

Next of kin appeal for 70-year-old man who died at home in Blandford Forum

Dorset coroner appeals for next of kin of James Edward Curtis, 70, who died in Blandford on July 11. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900.

Wimborne community project turning food waste into valuable resource for locals

The Wimborne Community Food Project collects surplus food from supermarkets and redistributes it to residents in need across the area.

Finance companies flock to Westbourne as regional office demand grows

A growing number of finance companies are choosing to base themselves in Westbourne, according to serviced office provider Arena Offices.

Epic comedy Oh Zeus! with 63 lightning-fast costume changes heads to Poole

A comedy show bursting with fast-paced fun and mythology is heading to Poole.

Celebrity chef inspires community at culinary evening hosted at Dorset care home

Lesley Waters, who lives in West Dorset, visited Parley Place Care Home for a live cooking demonstration, preparing eight dishes.

Dorset residents invited to join The Dorset Mind BIG Walk on September 27

Dorset Mind BIG Walk returns on September 27, offering participants the chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and support mental health services.

Law firm named as finalist in Corporate Law Firm of the Year award category

Paris Smith, with an office in Bournemouth, has been named a finalist in the Corporate Law Firm of the Year category at the South Coast Deals Awards 2026.

Community invited to shape new free outdoor fitness park in Bournemouth

Steve Bernard Foundation is inviting residents to attend a public consultation event on July 18 to learn about proposals for the new Kevin Mathie Fitness Park

Care home resident celebrates remarkable 105th birthday surrounded by loved ones

Beryl Samson marked her 105th birthday at Harleston House care home in Wimborne with a celebration filled with laughter, food, and cake.

Candid Divorce Lawyer column: 'Do I need a divorce lawyer?'

Separation is one of the most emotional and uncertain periods in a person's life.  Hopefully, you have the support of friends and family, but many people find themselves asking the same question: Do I need a divorce lawyer?

Sports clubs on south coast encouraged to join fundraising challenge

A fundraising competition is giving a boost to grassroots sport and helping clubs make a difference in their communities.

Golf club raises more than £6,000 for charity

A golf club has raised more than £6,000 for Blind Veterans UK by holding a charity day.

Major buy now pay later changes start today - what every shopper needs to know

New buy now pay later rules mean affordability checks, clearer information and stronger rights for Klarna, Clearpay and other BNPL customers.

DWP confirms Pension Credit and Housing Benefit major claim change for pensioners

The DWP is simplifying claims so eligible pensioners can apply for Pension Credit and Housing Benefit at the same time

Major retailer to shut all stores in England early ahead of World Cup semi-final

Smyths has said all England branches will shut at 6pm today (July 15) to allow staff to watch the semi-final match.

16 and 17 year olds to face overnight social media curfew as part of new plans

New government plans have shared that 16-and 17-year-olds would face voluntary overnight social media curfews

Microsoft ends Office support as apps like Word stop working - the devices affected

As of Monday (July 13), Microsoft 365, Office 2021, and Office 2019 no longer function on Apple devices, leaving users unable to use apps like Word.

Government

Freedom of Information Act 2000 (Amendment) Bill

A Bill to omit section 37 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000; to provide that the Sovereign, the Royal Family, the Royal Household, the Royal Archives and the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster are public authorities for the purposes of that Act; and for connected purposes.

Short-term Let Accommodation Bill

A Bill to make provision for the licensing of short-term let accommodation; to make provision about the marketing of short-term let accommodation; to make provision about planning permission in respect of short-term let accommodation; to require the Secretary of State to publish guidance about the management of short-term let accommodation; to make provision about small business rates relief for short-term let accommodation; and for connected purposes.

Neurodivergence (Screening and Teacher Training) Bill

A Bill to make provision about screening for neurodivergence in children; to make provision about teacher training relating to neurodivergence; and for connected purposes.

Data Publication and Quality (Immigration, Nationality and Country of Birth) Bill

A Bill to make provision about the collection and publication of data on immigration status, nationality and country of birth of certain persons, including relating to users of certain public services, claimants of certain benefits, the prison population, and arrests; to require that such data is published at least once per calendar year; to require the Secretary of State to review the quality and consistency of any such data collected and published; and for connected purposes.

Maximum Workplace Temperature Bill

A Bill to establish an independent body to make recommendations to the Secretary of State relating to maximum safe workplace temperature; to make provision about the implementation of those recommendations; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

How F1 drivers and strategists tackle the Belgian Grand Prix

In Formula 1, performance is decided in moments where conditions change instantly, and decisions carry consequence. The difference isn’t just speed – it’s perspective.

What is the weather forecast for the Belgian Grand Prix?

The weather forecast is in ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

What are the F1 Fantasy strategies for Belgium and Hungary?

Formula 1 closes out the first half of the 2026 season with back-to-back weekends at Spa-Francorchamps and the Hungaroring. With overtaking opportunities on the menu in Belgium and Qualifying at a premium in Hungary, who should you be targeting across this unique double header?

Damson Idris reveals whether his ‘F1’ character could return

Damson Idris delved into the future of his F1 The Movie character, Joshua Pearce, on the latest episode of Beyond The Grid.

What tyres will the teams and drivers have for Belgium?

Pirelli have confirmed the tyre compounds that will be in use for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.

How to stream the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium

Here is all the information you need to follow the Belgian Grand Prix weekend live on F1 TV.

How every corner at Spa-Francorchamps got its name

Ahead of the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, F1.com has rounded up the history behind each corner at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

QUIZ: Belgian Grand Prix winners at Spa

Formula 1 heads to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix. So it’s the perfect time to test your knowledge on the winners at this famous old circuit.

Amelia Dimoldenberg returns in Passenger Princess Season 2

After the success of the first season, Passenger Princess is back as Amelia Dimoldenberg is joined by a new line-up of F1 drivers.

Windows Central

The Xbox action RPG that proved to me Game Freak is capable of more than just Pokémon just released a new trailer

Game Freak, the studio most famous for developing the mainline Pokémon games, has uploaded a new gameplay trailer showing off the complex combat system of its upcoming action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation.

Windows 11's latest update will let you pause updates indefinitely

Microsoft's July 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 introduces Point-in-time Restore, a new tool to pause updates, Widget improvements, and much more.

Microsoft keeps proving you own NOTHING with them — it blocks another user's entire Xbox game library, including his OneDrive

Never say 'lightning doesn't strike twice' because Microsoft has been caught banning and deleting another Xbox player's entire games library, account, and OneDrive folder after it was hacked.

The innovative "Kill Block" map for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is my most anticipated new feature for the game's multiplayer — and we finally get to see more of it

Infinity Ward releases details on its innovative new dynamic map, Kill Block, coming to Modern Warfare 4 this October.

Cracks are starting to show in Xbox Game Pass after Microsoft removed a previously promised first‑party game it literally owns

Xbox has removed Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 from its upcoming Game Pass lineup despite owning the IP, prompting questions about the service's direction as subscriber growth reportedly slows.

Xbox adds 52 more titles to 'Stream Your Own Games,' including Black Ops 6 and indie classics

Xbox's "Stream Your Own Games" library has expanded with 52 new titles. Game Pass subscribers who own these games can now stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and a bunch of indie classics.

Windows 11 has more recovery options than ever, and here’s exactly when I would use each one to fix a broken PC

Windows 11 doesn't rely on one recovery option. Discover every tool available to repair, restore, reset, and rebuild your computer.

This viral Steam PC horror game is coming exclusive to Xbox on consoles next week, with Game Pass and Play Anywhere

Bun Muen, the developer of the upcoming viral indie horror game Shift At Midnight, has announced that, in addition to PC, it's also coming to Xbox consoles, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Play Anywhere on July 22, 2026.

Microsoft's Snapdragon X2 Surface Laptop 8 and Pro 12 for Business are now available

The Snapdragon X2-powered Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 for Business are officially available. Here is what you need to know.

I tested Windows 11's overhauled search experience, and I think Microsoft has finally fixed it: Windows Search is now more accurate and easier to use

Microsoft's new Windows Search experience is now rolling out in preview, and I've gone hands-on to see if the improvements really do make a difference.

GOG gently reminds us that it's the leading PC gaming platform to offer full DRM-free games — yes, you can keep them forever

Faith in the preservation of digital media has been shattered thanks to Sony and Microsoft's recent actions, but GOG.com has come to restore it by reminding gamers that it's the only legal digital storefront where you can buy DRM-free games and save them on your computer or discs permanently.

Laffgaff

What does the S stand for in the tech acronym USB?

Serial.

Amazon Driver

My wife orders so much from Amazon that if I got a job as an Amazon driver they'd probably just let me work from home.

Itsfoss

Cursor AI's Silence on a Critical Flaw Jeopardizes Millions of Users

The flaw lets any repository auto-execute code on Cursor for Windows, and researchers say the company ignored it.