BBC News
All doctors in England warned to watch for meningitis symptoms after Kent outbreak
Health workers across England are urged to look out for signs of infection as thousands have jabs.
Two men charged with allegedly spying on London Jewish community for Iran
Counter Terrorism Policing had been investigating alleged surveillance of locations and individuals linked to London's Jewish community.
US aircraft carrier to sail to Crete for repairs after fire on board
The USS Gerald R Ford has played a significant role in US operations during the war with Iran.
Impact of Iran war expected to bring hold in interest rates
Before the conflict began, analysts had expected a cut in the Bank rate at this meeting.
World's longest coastal path opens in England
The King Charles coastal path will allow walkers right of access to the entire coast for the first time.
Sadiq Khan says Labour should pledge to rejoin EU
Downing Street has repeatedly said the government will not rejoin the single market or customs union.
UK sets target to boost steel making and cut imports
Up to half of steel used in Britain should be made there, the government says, as it announces its steel strategy.
Child seen in sex abuse videos identified after researcher spots school badge
An analyst tells the BBC how she tracked down a victim of child sexual abuse after years of searching.
'Designer' dog owners report more problem behaviours, vets warn
The Royal Veterinary College says popular "doodle" dogs do not always behave as expected.
'This is the first time I've left my room since the outbreak'
Twenty people are confirmed or suspected to have fallen ill with meningitis in the Canterbury area.
Analysis: Is government going wobbly on its migration plans?
Chris Mason asks if the UK government will stick to its big immigration shake-up or water it down.
The Papers: Labour migrant plans under scrutiny and Iran gas field targeted
A number of papers lead on whether the UK government is stalling on its migrant reform plans.
Alberta seeks to set limits on use of medically assisted dying
The Canadian province has proposed legislation that will limit its use solely to end-of-life circumstances.
Afghan evacuees in limbo in Qatar camp accuse US of betrayal
More than 1,100 Afghans evacuated by the US fear their route to promised resettlement is closed for good.
Ryan Gosling on bringing humour to sci-fi adventure Project Hail Mary
The Canadian actor stars as a science teacher turned astronaut in sci-fi film Project Hail Mary.
The Iran war is causing a global energy crisis - can China withstand it?
With oil supply disrupted, Beijing's oil reserves and renewable energy push are being put to the test.
Government increases BBC World Service funding by £33m over three years
The funding increase is about 8% up on the previous financial year, the government will announce on Thursday.
PM swerves questions on whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch repeatedly asks if the prime minister spoke to Peter Mandelson about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein before picking him to be a UK ambassador.
Cost of online passport application could rise to over £100
The Home Office says the increase will help it "move to a system that meets its costs through those who use it" and rely less on taxpayers.
US civil rights leader Cesar Chavez accused of sexual abuse
The allegations have prompted the cancellations of events and celebrations planned in his honour later this month.
Fly tippers in England face clearing up own rubbish as punishment
Fly tippers could face up to 20 hours of community service removing rubbish they have illegally dumped.
Greyhound racing outlawed in Scotland after MSPs back ban
The sport already faced extinction after the country's last track in Kirkcaldy, Fife, closed last year.
Ecuador gang leader wanted for murder of presidential candidate arrested
Officials believe the man - known as Lobo Menor - is linked to the killing of Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.
Faisal Islam: Iran war is having a dramatic effect on the UK economy
The knock-on effects of the war in the Gulf go beyond a hold on interest rates and are set to reverberate for months.
Are US and Israel aligned on Iran war? Deciphering Trump's post after gas field attacks
What does Trump's Truth Social post after gas field attacks tell us about US-Israeli alignment?
Stay at home advice questioned and rules too tough - key findings from Covid report
An NHS close to collapse, patients failed and NHS staff put at risk - what you need to know.
US messageboard 4Chan mocks £520,000 fine for UK online safety breaches
The fine includes £450,000 for lack of age checks to prevent children from seeing pornography.
Parents jailed after letting 'skeletal' five-stone daughter die
Steffie Davies was found dead and in an "almost skeletal" state by paramedics who were called to her home.
Former counter-terrorism head investigated by FBI over alleged leaks
The former counter-terrorism head resigned on Tuesday over the war with Iran, saying the country posed "no imminent threat" to the US.
Facebook offering TikTok and YouTube creators $3,000 to post content
Meta wants creators to "rediscover" Facebook, but a social media expert says viewers will not follow.
Wimbledon's plan to triple size of grounds gets boost in High Court ruling
Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park had argued a statutory trust prevented the development from going ahead.
Watch: Missile lands next to presenter during live report from Lebanon
In footage from Russian state broadcaster RT, correspondent Steve Sweeney is seen diving off screen as a missile hits.
Why are gas prices soaring and how could it affect you?
Analysts fear the disruption to supply could continue for longer than initially thought.
Cyprus leader calls for frank discussion on 'colonial' UK bases
The UK's two military bases on Cyprus are a "colonial consequence" on the island, says President Nikos Christodoulides.
Three Palestinian women killed during Iranian missile attack that struck beauty salon
Others were injured when the salon in the southern West Bank was hit, while a Thai worker was killed by falling shrapnel in Israel.
Crimson Desert: The all-you-can-eat video game divides critics
The sprawling adventure game is praised for its ambition, but can you give players too much to do?
How Europe sleepwalked into yet another energy crisis
It is not the first time that there has been deep energy-linked frustration in the heart of Europe.
I'm in agony six years after treatment for anal cancer
Trish Prosser was too embarrassed to tell loved ones about the type of cancer she had as she felt there was a stigma surrounding anal cancer.
Why is MenB vaccine not given to teenagers in UK and should they be offered it?
Students and older teens are not routinely vaccinated against the meningitis strain behind the Kent outbreak.
I travel across the world to shear sheep - UK visa changes could hurt our industry
Scottish farmers say Home Office rule changes are likely to leave more than a million sheep unshorn
Afroman wins legal battle over songs mocking US police
The rapper was sued after releasing an entire album ridiculing the officers who raided his home.
Hospital order for man who stalked Myleene Klass
Peter Windsor is sentenced after sending items including an air pistol to Klass and another presenter.
Child seen in sex abuse videos identified after researcher spots school badge
An analyst tells the BBC how she tracked down a victim of child sexual abuse after years of searching.
Spain's king welcomes Mexico's World Cup invite after 'abuse' comments
News of the invitation emerges after the monarch acknowledged "a lot of abuse" during the Spanish conquest of Mexico.
U-turn after job applicant told 'car is too old'
Alanah Thompson French, 18, was originally told by haart her application could not be progressed.
Bournemouth Echo
Lifts at Pokesdown Station saved after £2.6m of Government funding secured
More than £2 million of government funding has been secured to deliver lifts to Pokesdown Railway Station after BCP Council approved funding cuts last month.
University addresses meningitis outbreak after 'tragic death' of student last year
Bournemouth University have spoken out about meningitis vaccinations, following the 'tragic death' of a student last year and the recent outbreak in Kent.
Before the Magic Faraway Tree - the beautiful Dorset coast that inspired Enid Blyton
From enchanted woods and magical lands, the real-world inspiration for her books is intrinsically linked to the stunning scenery of the South Coast.
‘My dad’s brain was donated for research’ - Woman makes dad's dying wish come true
A coffee shop manager from Poole helped donate her dad’s brain to multiple sclerosis (MS) research after he told her it was his dying wish.
In The Dock - Man banned from drinking alcohol after Cameo nightclub assault
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
'Dishonest' Bournemouth children's nurse suspended after delivering 'poor' care
A Bournemouth children’s nurse has been suspended from practice after a professional misconduct panel found she falsified records and delivered “poor” care to a seriously ill child being treated at home.
More meningitis vaccines to be made available as cases in outbreak rise
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of 5pm on Wednesday, 15 cases of meningitis have been confirmed and a further 12 are under investigation
Iraola congratulates Michael B Jordan for Oscar - but admits he hasn't seen Sinners!
Andoni Iraola congratulated Cherries minority owner Michael B Jordan as he became the first Premier League owner to win an Oscar – but he admitted he hadn’t watched Sinners!
Woman raises safety fears after young boy reportedly left struggling underwater
A woman is calling on more training for lifeguards after her nephew at a leisure centre in Bournemouth.
Fresh plans submitted to improve visitor centre at Hengistbury Head
BCP Council has submitted plans to improve Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre in order to uplift what it can offer to the public.
Prince William visits Bournemouth as part of campaign to end homelessness
THE Prince of Wales visited Bournemouth on Thursday morning, joining international delegates from five countries to showcase his charity initiative aimed at preventing homelessness.
6 pets at Margaret Green Animal Rescue who dream of finding a cosy new home
A number of pets at the Dorset centres of Margaret Green Animal Rescue are looking to find new homes in the county
Specialist school gets huge praise following 'outstanding' by Ofsted
A school which specialises in autism, communication difficulties, severe and complex learning disabilities and behaviours has been praised as 'outstanding' for its residential provision in its latest Ofsted inspection.
MPs call for expanded vaccine protections in wake of meningitis B outbreak
MPs urge expanded MenB vaccine for students after Canterbury outbreak. Cross-party call presses Government and UKHSA to review meningitis B protection policy.
PICTURES: Prince William meets international delegation in Bournemouth
The Prince of Wales joined an international delegation from five countries in Bournemouth.
Plans for new Lidl store in Westover Retail Park given green light
A new Lidl store in Bournemouth has been approved after issues around issues around traffic congestion, design, and cycle lane infrastructure resolved following the refusal of a similar application in 2025.
Couple in their 80s hospitalised with 'serious' injuries after multi-vehicle crash
A man and a woman in their 80s have been hospitalised with serious injuries after three-car crash near Sherborne.
Punk icon John Lydon brings his solo tour to Ringwood venue in 2027
Punk icon John Lydon (Sex Pistols) brings his spoken word tour to The Barn, Ringwood in April 2027. Tickets on sale 20 March 2026.
RECAP: Prince William in visit to Bournemouth today
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is visiting Bournemouth today. We will be bringing you latest updates.
More than £750million of investments ongoing in BCP
Nearly £1billion of investments across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is helping to improve town centres by creating jobs and growing businesses.
Man involved in incident of 'outraging public decency' following woman
A MAN was reportedly involved in an incident of “outraging public decency in Poole” after following a woman in an alleyway.
Countdown to town council elections in seven weeks
Residents will be going to the polls in seven weeks to elect councillors to new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone.
Class A drugs seized from clifftop after report by resident
Class A drugs were reportedly seized from a Bournemouth clifftop after reports were made by a local resident.
WATCH: Abandoned Dorset prison appears in trailer for new Spider-Man movie
The new trailer for Spider‑Man: Brand New Day features a scene shot inside Dorchester Prison, where the production filmed in late 2025
How a simple chat at a Wimborne care home became a beekeeping project
Magna Care Home in Wimborne launches a beekeeping project with Snooks Farm, engaging residents in honey production, conservation and local community activities.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare play comes to Dorset venue next month
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) returns to Poole’s Lighthouse in a fresh 2026 adaptation. Book tickets for this acclaimed West End comedy.
Acclaimed actor and musician set to perform at Bournemouth venue this May
Kiefer Sutherland announces Bournemouth date at O2 Academy on 25 May 2026 as part of his UK Love Will Bring You Home Tour, supporting new album Grey.
Job boost for Dorset as Parkdean Resorts announces seasonal recruitment drive
Parkdean Resorts launches major recruitment drive for 500 seasonal jobs at Dorset holiday parks, with 4,000 roles UK-wide. Apply now for hospitality careers.
Member of Ocean Colour Scene announces visit to Ringwood as part of UK tour
Steve Cradock of Ocean Colour Scene brings his UK tour and new book, Travellers Tunes, to Ringwood in February 2027. Tickets at The Barn Ringwood.
Apprenticeship hub in New Forest surpasses targets after 223 enrolments
The New Forest Apprenticeship Hub, led by NFBP and funded by New Forest District Council, has tripled its target with 223 enrolments, supporting 80 businesses.
Tickets now on sale for Dorset open air theatre production of Shakespeare play
Experience Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Canford School with Brownsea Open Air Theatre from 3–15 August 2026. Tickets on sale for acclaimed UK outdoor event.
Forensic pathologist with over 23,000 autopsies brings show to Ringwood venue
Forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd brings his live show to Ringwood, revealing insights from UK high-profile cases like Diana’s death and 7/7 bombings.
Popular Dorset charity motor show at Lulworth Castle marks 10th anniversary
Supercars and classics return to Lulworth Castle for the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show 2026. Free entry for visitors; car registration now open.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes law changes to protect livestock
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes new UK laws increasing penalties for dog attacks on livestock, aiming to protect farms and wildlife.
Wimborne community centre receives nearly £5,000 worth of kitchen equipment
The Allendale Centre in Wimborne receives nearly £5,000 from Hendy Foundation and Wimborne Cricket Club for kitchen upgrade, boosting café services for locals.
Hospice charity thanks ice cream company for eight years of support
Forest Holme Hospice Charity thanks Purbeck Ice Cream in Wareham for eight years of weekly ice cream donations, supporting patients, families and staff.
Morebus launches customer survey to help shape future of its services
Morebus launches customer survey to gather feedback on bus services, quality and improvements across Dorset and Hampshire. Have your say online by 3 April.
Youth dance platform among upcoming activities and events from Pavilion Dance
Origins youth dance platform returns to Bournemouth at Pavilion Dance, featuring new choreography, workshops, industry talks, and South West Dance Summit.
Watch founder inspires Dorset business leaders at Bournemouth hotel event
Almost 100 business leaders attended the Evolve Leaders Lunch at Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth, with Ian Elliot of Elliot Brown Watches sharing insights.
Sailing club 'shocked' after valuable equipment stolen in a break-in
A community-owned wellbeing hub has been targeted in a break-in that saw valuable equipment belonging to scouts and a sailing club stolen.
National Trust sites to reopen after winter conservation with free guided walks
The National Trust reopens Dorset sites Hardy’s Cottage, Max Gate, and Clouds Hill with new Footsteps Through Time guided walks and spring floral displays.
Bournemouth captured from above at night in series of stunning photos
Drone snapshots of Bournemouth capture the town lit up at night, resting along the South’s balmy coastline on a peaceful March evening.
Why subscribe to access exclusive Bournemouth Echo court stories?
You may have noticed that some of our stories require a subscription to view – and here’s why.
Rare racing club badges set to go under the hammer in Sherborne this month
A rare set of Brooklands Automobile Racing Club enamel badges (1907–1921) will be auctioned by Charterhouse in Sherborne, Dorset, on 31 March 2024.
Former RAF nursing officer enjoys special celebration for 101st birthday
Anne Burchell, former RAF Nursing Officer, celebrates her 101st birthday at Pebble Beach, Barton on Sea, with Court Lodge care home staff and friends.
Positive impact of Poole home care provider on local families detailed in report
Helping Hands Home Care Poole supports over 15,000 UK customers, with 5m+ care hours, a 9.1/10 satisfaction score, and top CQC and Trustpilot ratings.
Fossilised whale skulls provide rare glimpse into ancient shark behaviour
Fossilised whale skulls found in Belgium reveal ancient shark scavenging in prehistoric North Sea, offering rare insight into Pliocene marine ecosystems.
St Patrick’s Day prompts celebrations at care homes across Dorset
Care homes across Dorset, Hampshire, and West Sussex celebrate St Patrick’s Day with Irish music, dancing, quizzes and charity fundraising for residents.
Best and worst areas to access a park in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
New study ranks BCP areas for park access: Central Bournemouth tops with most nearby green spaces, while Merley in Poole has the fewest. ONS data used.
15 roads in the New Forest set to be closed for road works
Hampshire County Council confirms 18-month road closures across New Forest from 9 March 2026 for essential works. See affected roads and diversion details.
Government
Menstrual and Gynaecological Health Bill
A Bill to make provision about the teaching of menstrual and gynaecological health in certain educational settings; to provide for training, guidance and resources to support such teaching; to provide that training includes content about awareness of racial discrimination in menstrual and gynaecological health; to require the Secretary of State to take steps to increase public understanding of menstrual and gynaecological health, including measures to counter inaccurate or misleading information online relating to menstrual and gynaecological health; and for connected purposes;
Formula 1
The Top 10 youngest Grand Prix winners in F1 history
After Kimi Antonelli's stunning performance in China, we look at the youngest F1 stars to ever win a Grand Prix.
10 of the best tears of joy moments in F1 history
We look back at some of the most emotional moments in Formula 1 that caused the happy tears to flow.
F1 launches 2026 Sim Racing World Championship
Formula 1 will open the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship at DreamHack Birmingham before staging further events at its new studio facility in Biggin Hill.
Antonelli ‘would love’ to do an endurance race with Verstappen
Kimi Antonelli has admitted that he “would love” to compete in an endurance race with Max Verstappen in the future, with the latter having recently confirmed that he will take part in the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this season.
Norris set for first Madame Tussauds London figure
Lando Norris is set to receive his first-ever Madame Tussauds figure, with the London attraction confirming that the figure will debut this summer.
‘Lewis is my hero’ – Q&A with 'F1 The Movie' star Damson Idris
Damson Idris sat down for an exclusive Q&A about his experience of filming *F1 The Movie* after becoming a Global Brand Ambassador for F1.
Windows Central
Crimson Desert is finally here, and it can be yours at launch for less with this awesome deal — it's "A kingdom begging to be lost in," and a true epic
Crimson Desert is one of the biggest new games of 2026, and thanks to this excellent deal, you can get it for a sweet discount at launch.
Crimson Desert reviews and Metacritic scores are in ahead of launch — here's what everyone's saying about the massive game, and something I'm worried about
Crimson Desert reviews and its Metacritic score are here. Does Pearl Abyss' massive adventure game live up to the hype? Here's what people are saying.
Crimson Desert is “too much in the best and worst ways,” and that’s exactly why it’s unforgettable
I've never played a single-player game of this scale. A kingdom begging to be lost in.
One of the best Xbox flightsticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator is now 21% off — it's got great Hall Effect sensors, customizable buttons, and more
Amazon has a 21% discount on the Turtle Beach Velocity Flightstick, a mid-range flightstick that will let Xbox and PC users experience flight and space sims with superior controls, immersion, and comfort compared to traditional controllers.
The studio behind Psychonauts' new game lands April 23 — and yes, it’s launching straight into Xbox Game Pass
Double Fine’s Kiln launches April 23, 2026 across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with closed and open beta tests available ahead of release. The multiplayer pottery brawler will also launch on Game Pass Ultimate.
Battlefield 6 is free to play for a week in Season 2, but the free trial has a huge catch — I don't understand why the devs are making the same mistake again
EA's best-selling shooter Battlefield 6 is once again free to play for a week, but the free trial only includes a limited selection of maps and modes.
I finally tried Lively Wallpaper to animate my desktop — it's a dream for customization
Seeing the hype around custom wallpapers led me back to Lively Wallpaper. It’s an open-source standout with a native Windows 11 look, but I found one specific feature that uses an astronomical amount of memory.
“Two weeks ago you asked — now it’s shipping”: Xbox rolls out fan‑requested personalization upgrades
Xbox is rolling out new personalization features to Insiders, including expanded Home groups, custom color options, and per game Quick Resume controls, with broader release planned later.
Modder turns their Xbox Series X into an RTX 5060 gaming PC, giving me serious Project Helix vibes
A modder has successfully turned an Xbox Series X into a fully functional RTX 5060 gaming PC, delivering high frame rates, working disc drive support, and compact custom engineering.
This sweet new PC indie game is a Steam top seller, and a blast from the past — it's a wonderful '90s nostalgia trip, and on sale for launch too
Do you miss the '90s-era video stores you'd visit to rent DVDs and get snacks for movie nights? This new indie game on Steam will be right up your alley.
Your desk setup is a literal pain in the arm — I've used the Logitech MX Vertical for years and it’s finally $40 off
Stop settling for wrist strain. The Logitech MX Vertical is $40 off, offering a 57-degree "handshake" grip that remains the gold standard for comfort.
This new translation tool turns your real thoughts into "LinkedIn Speak" — and it’s as cursed as you’d imagine
LinkedIn is a land of corporate speak and "aura farming," but a new tool makes playing the professional game a little bit easier (and a lot funnier).
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 26H1 support lifecycle dates — here's how long your new Snapdragon X2 laptop will be supported on 26H1
Windows 11 version 26H1 will debut next month exclusively on Snapdragon X2 devices. Here's how long this special offshoot version of Windows 11 will be supported for.
Hi Microsoft, Windows 11 doesn't have two Start menus — Copilot is playing you
Copilot’s AI visuals misfired, showing Windows 11 with two Start menus and raising doubts about the reliability of its output.
Someone hacked Windows 98 onto a year 2000 Internet appliance just because they can
A clever hack revives Windows 98 on a locked‑down internet appliance, but it's not what you'd call a practical PC.
Xbox isn't giving up on Japan — there's a promising sign of continued investment in the region
Xbox has historically struggled in Japan, but it has arguably been doing better than ever in recent years. Microsoft is keen to keep the train going.
Laffgaff
What color does an acid turn blue litmus paper?
Red.
Healing Time
My grandfather used to say, "Time heals all wounds." Lovely man. Awful paramedic.
Itsfoss
AI Companies Put $12.5M Into Open Source Security to Fix a Problem Their Tools Helped Create
The move targets the problem of maintainers drowning in AI-generated vulnerability reports.
GNOME 50 is Here, and X11 is Finally Gone
There's a lot this release offers, but a few changes stand out.
FOSS Weekly #26.12: GNOME 50 Release, Fedora for Apple, New Ageless Linux, Manjaro Drama and More
Plenty of things going on in the Linux world.
Fedora Asahi Remix 43 Arrives with Mac Pro Support and Beats Fedora to a Key Upgrade
Mac Pro support and working microphones on the M2 Pro/Max are in, along with a package management upgrade that Fedora is yet to ship.