BBC News
Total repression and air strikes bring unrelenting dread for Iranians
Tehran residents tell the BBC they're caught between US-Israeli bombing and an Iranian regime trying to reassert its power.
Scotland's assisted dying bill rejected after emotional debate
Scotland would have become the first part of the UK to legalise the process had MSPs backed the proposals.
Zelensky calls for Trump and Starmer to meet and find common ground
In an exclusive interview with the BBC after talks with Starmer, the Ukrainian president says the pair should meet to "re-load the relationship".
Higgs Boson breakthrough was UK triumph, but British physics faces 'catastrophic' cuts
Britain is preparing to cancel its contribution to one of the Large Hadron Collider's next major upgrades.
'Explosive' meningitis outbreak is unprecedented, officials say
Officials confirm 15 cases of meningitis following an outbreak in Kent, in which two people died.
Rayner warns immigration reforms risk being 'un-British'
Most migrant workers will have to wait longer to qualify for permanent residence under the government's proposals.
Nigeria president begins first UK state visit in 37 years
King Charles and senior royals will provide a ceremonial welcome for Nigeria's President Tinubu on his state visit.
Ad for AI editing app which said it could 'remove anything' banned
The UK regulator said the ad condoned "digitally altering and exposing women's bodies without their consent."
Dog owners to face unlimited fines if their pets attack livestock under new law
Police will have new powers to seize and detain dogs that have attacked or chased farm animals.
Was response to 'unprecedented' outbreak too slow?
Questions are being asked about whether the NHS and authorities should have raised the alarm sooner.
Why is MenB vaccine not given to teenagers in UK and should they be offered it?
Students and older teens have not been vaccinated against the strain that has caused the outbreak of cases in Kent.
India's cheap weight-loss drugs could reshape global obesity fight
With India’s semaglutide patent expiring on 20 March, about 50 branded generics are expected to enter the market.
The Papers: 'First cracks' in Trump camp over Iran war and UK tackles meningitis outbreak
The ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the meningitis outbreak in the UK lead Wednesday's papers.
Scotland's assisted dying bill has fallen - what happens now?
Debate on the issue has been ongoing in parliament for more than 15 years but this is the closest legislation has made it to become a law.
Actress says being cast as Regina George is 'monumental'
Vivian Panka is the first black actress to play the character full-time in in the UK production of Mean Girls.
Why the B-52s are trading their Love Shack for Downton Abbey
The new wave pranksters plan a final visit to the UK, with detours to their favourite TV show sets.
Fear and defiance in southern Lebanon city as Israel-Hezbollah war intensifies
Civilians who remain despite evacuation orders in Tyre – some unable to move, others defiant - are trying to continue their daily routines next to bomb sites.
Death of Ali Larijani deepens crisis at heart of Iran's leadership
Larijani has long been seen as one of the Islamic Republic's most experienced and influential policy makers.
Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to 'reverse course'
National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent says Trump "started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby".
Blackpool, Ipswich, Milton Keynes among nine finalists for UK City of Culture 2029
The nine-strong longlist of cities will receive a £60,000 boost of funding to develop a full bid plan.
Suspected stray bullet from military drill hits girl at playground
South Korea's military has since halted all shooting drills involving small firearms.
Greyhound racing to be banned in Wales after Senedd vote
But the legislation faces a legal challenge and accusations ministers did not consult properly.
Dates confirmed for new driving test booking rules
Only learners will be able to book a car driving test under new rules to make the system fairer.
Watch: Sean Penn receives 'Oscar' in Ukraine after skipping US ceremony
The Academy Award winning US actor won his third Oscar on Sunday, but skipped the ceremony to visit Ukraine.
Why is this meningitis outbreak so unusual?
There have been 20 cases since the weekend in one small area of Kent - but this isn't the normal pattern, so what could have happened?
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.
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.
Angela Rayner's explosive speech reignites leadership speculation
The ex-deputy PM did not name Keir Starmer in her attack on Labour's direction and policies - but she did not have to.
Government backtracks on AI and copyright after outcry from major artists
However, the government's position is now unclear, saying it "no longer has a preferred option" for what to do next.
Average age of first time buyer in England climbs to 34
A new report looks at how conditions have changed for first time buyers since the 1990s.
MSP rules out reintroducing assisted dying bill after Scottish election
Liam McArthur said it was time to pass the baton to someone else after five years of work on the now-rejected bill.
Extremist preacher Anjem Choudary loses challenge to overturn life sentence
The ruling means Choudary - considered by security chiefs to be one of the most dangerous men in Britain - cannot leave jail before he is 85.
Quantum pioneers win Turing Award for encryption breakthrough
It is hoped Charles H Bennett and Gilles Brassard's work will make digital communications secure for decades ahead.
People don't need to buy a vaccine, health secretary says
Vaccines are being offered to 5,000 students at the University of Kent, where there is a outbreak.
Woman describes her symptoms before being rushed to hospital
Speaking from her hospital bed, the 21-year-old woman said her symptoms included a headache, hot and cold sweats, achey bones and vomiting.
I've applied for 500 jobs in two months since graduating
Charlotte Briggs has applied for hundreds of jobs and cannot find work, despite achieving a 2:1 degree.
After Scotland rejected assisted dying bill, will laws change in England and Wales?
MSPs rejected legalising assisted dying in Scotland, but a separate bill is being considered in England and Wales.
Higgs boson breakthrough was UK triumph, but British physics faces 'catastrophic' cuts
Britain is preparing to cancel its contribution to one of the Large Hadron Collider's next major upgrades.
'It's not a waste of time' - young people defend the humble gap year
Gwen and Mia are among thousands of young people each year who opt to take a gap year before university
Oil nears $110 a barrel after gas field strike
Iran's military warned it would take "decisive action" in response to the strike on its energy infrastructure.
'Very difficult to stop': BBC visits scene of Iran cluster bomb strike on Israel
An elderly couple was killed after a bomb flew into their apartment in central Israel and exploded.
Israel strikes and destroys building in heart of Beirut
There are no known casualties so far from the strike near downtown, as Israel said it targeted a building affiliated with Hezbollah.
Total repression and air strikes bring unrelenting dread for Iranians
Tehran residents tell the BBC they're caught between US-Israeli bombing and an Iranian regime trying to reassert its power.
King Charles greets Nigerian president in Windsor sunshine
The King and President Tinubu will give speeches later at the state banquet, to be attended by political leaders and celebrities.
Fire-hit Glasgow building being demolished by hand
Demolition workers are using hand tools to dismantle the remaining facade of a B-listed Victorian building in Glasgow which went up in flames.
Closing arguments begin in civil case against Gerry Adams
Three men are seeking a ruling that Adams is personally liable for injuries they received in explosions.
Hittler faces Zielinski as French town's election contest goes viral
Charles Hittler, mayor of Arcis-sur-Aube, has always faced jokes about his name but now he faces a rival with another unlikely name.
Landlord hits out at 30 no-shows on Mother's Day
Connor Devine, who runs The Huntsman in Cheadle, said he booked extra staff for the annual occasion.
Bolton bids to host 'biggest ever' Ryder Cup
Greater Manchester's mayor hopes funding infrastructure could strengthen Bolton's bid.
Bournemouth Echo
'All that was left was to kill me': Man jailed after punching and strangling woman
A man has been sentenced for more than four years after he punched, strangled, headbutted and spat at a woman, leaving her 'haunted by the flashbacks of his violence'.
'A community hub' - New vintage store opens in historic Boscombe arcade
AN INDEPENDENT vintage store has opened in Boscombe’s Royal Arcade, with its owner describing it as part of a “growing wave” of businesses helping to revitalise the area.
Woman stole nearly £1,000 in Jellycat toys, lingerie and other items
A woman stole nearly £1,000 worth of stuffed toys over a three-day shoplifting spree.
'Everybody is scared' - Antisocial behaviour on the rise in Boscombe
Rampant antisocial behaviour (ASB) and homeless people living in a empty property has made a resident feel “scared” to live on their street.
Plans for 800 extra homes in the New Forest would be 'devastating for entire area'
A group of residents have raised concerns that a proposal to build up to 800 homes in the New Forest will have a “devastating” impact on their community and worsen flooding in the area.
In The Dock - Drink driver handed suspended sentence and four year driving ban
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Comicon set to host film stars and sci-fi legends at BIC event this March
Comic Con is arriving at a major town centre venue with a star studded line up including a former Dr Who and sci-fi film stars.
Dorset author in talks for film venture with Hollywood's Reese Witherspoon
A Dorset based author has had her latest novel scouted by Hollywood actress and director Reese Witherspoon with talks of turning it into a film.
Two students from Arts University Bournemouth win internships at Lush
TWO students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) have secured internships with Lush Cosmetics after impressing judges by their "exemplary work" in a competition.
Concerns about public loos are leading to a loss of confidence in older people
OLDER people in the Wimborne area say concerns about public loos are leading to a loss of confidence – and unwillingness to leave home in the worst cases. Accessibility issues and cleanliness all feature in a survey about public toilets in the area. The consultation, organised by the
Next of kin appeal issued by Coroner's Officer for man who died in Ferndown
Dorset coroner appeals for next of kin of Peter Smith, 57, who died in Ferndown on 12 March 2026. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900 with info.
Fury as multi-million pound cycle lane branded 'monumental waste of public money'
A multi-million pound project to lay a massive new cycle lane that is wider than the road next to it has been branded a 'monumental waste of public money'.
Oceanfront Pilates and Yoga classes return to the sands of Alum Chine
Outdoor yoga and Pilates classes are returning to the sands of Alum Chine for the 6th year as part of a 'community summer beach season'.
Plans to turn 18th century listed buildings into homes
A real estate company has submitted plans to turn two 18th century listed buildings in Poole into family homes.
RECAP: Emergency services at scene of crash near airport
Emergency services are on the scene of a multiple car collision on Matchams Lane, updates to follow
Wessex flood defence push as part of £1.4 billion national investment
The Environment Agency will deliver £1.4bn of flood defences by 2027, funding major schemes in Wessex, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol and Dorset.
How Bournemouth's Winter Gardens was first built for a spot of indoor bowling
The building which, by accident, came to possess some of the greatest acoustics in Europe.
Man who was killed after being hit by train named as inquest opens
An inquest has opened into the death of a man who was struck by a train in the New Forest.
New Forest flower farm offers unique workshops blending nature and community
A flower farm based in the New Forest is bringing people together through creativity and nature by hosting it's 'Flower Fix' weekly workshops.
New-generation F1 car admired by new generation as part of British Science Week
Brockenhurst College hosted British Science Week with a Red Bull Racing F1 car, STEM workshops, and awards, inspiring pupils from Ballard and Priestlands.
Bournemouth MP hails new £1bn jobs and apprenticeships scheme for young people
The UK government launches a £1bn jobs and training scheme to create 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships, offering incentives for young people and employers.
Council proposes major upgrade to public bins
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council is proposng major changes to public bins in a new plan to introduce combined bins, expand recycling‑on‑the‑go and consider underground containers
Green Party questions if £6.1million fine for oil spill is fair
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Green Party has questioned if a £6million fine given to the company responsible for a major oil spill in Poole Harbour is fair.
Trust founder wins lifetime achievement award for humanitarian efforts
John Hunt, 85, of Frogham, wins Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 at South West Awards.
Tools worth £1,000 stolen after trio of men 'burgle' home
Tools worth around £1,000 were stolen after a trio of men reportedly broke into a Fordingbridge home earlier this month.
Huge pub operator to sell off or lease around 300 sites
A LEADING pub and brewery operator, with nearly 20 sites in Dorset, is set to sell off or lease around 300 of its venues.
Play park reopens after council fixes safety issues
A play park in Poole has been reopened after BCP Council carried out works to fix safety concerns.
Poole BID given green light by town businesses
Poole’s Business Improvement District (BID) can continue to operate after local businesses voted in favour of its new 2026–2031 business plan.
Woman arrested on suspicion of drug and weapon offences
A 47-year-old woman from New Milton was arrested on suspicion of various drug related offences during a drug-related operation carried out across the New Forest.
Driver taken to hospital after multiple car crash near airport
A driver was taken to hospital following a three-car-collision on a road near Bournemouth Airport.
Gas leak prompts urgent roadworks
A gas leak has prompted urgent roadworks in Ferndown.
Person rescued after becoming stranded on cliff in Dorset
A person was rescued after becoming stranded on a cliff in Dorset, prompting a major response from coastguard teams.
Bournemouth man, 39, wanted on suspicion of witness intimidation
A Bournemouth man is wanted on suspicion of witness intimidation and breaching court bail.
For sale - the country cottage that saw a plane land on its roof
It's the ancient New Forest cottage that found fame more than a century ego when a biplane crash landed on the roof
Meet the woman who spreads joy across the Bournemouth community through kindness
Sheena Dayman, YMCA Bournemouth events manager, brings joy to her community through kindness, fundraising events, and resilience, inspiring others.
English National Ballet heading to Dorset venue with Cinderella fairy-tale show
English National Ballet presents My First Ballet: Cinderella at Lighthouse Poole, 18–19 April—an enchanting, family-friendly show for children from age three.
South West police record 37 per cent rise in child sexual abuse image offences
Child sexual abuse image crimes rise by 37% in South West, says NSPCC, urging tougher tech safeguards and government action to protect UK children online.
Girlguiding badge inspiring future civil engineers arrives in Dorset
Girlguiding South West England and ICE launch a new civil engineering badge in Dorset, inspiring girls to pursue STEM careers with engineering challenges.
New digital platform gives Dorset Police the edge in fight against retail crime
Dorset Police boost shoplifting convictions with NiCE Investigate, a digital platform enabling retailers to upload CCTV and evidence.
Residents in New Forest invited to provide feedback on homelessness strategy
New Forest District Council launches consultation on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Residents invited to give feedback online or at local events.
Dorset solicitors firm hits streets as part of community clean-up
Harold G Walker Solicitors led a Wimborne Minster litter pick, backed by local councils, raising awareness about littering and community action.
New Dorset after-school club opens to help children with SEN enjoy the outdoors
Dorset charity Diverse Abilities launches SEN after-school club at Nature Nook, offering nature-based activities for children aged 6+ and their families.
New Forest charity asks for 1500 chocolate easter bunnies to send to Ukraine
New Forest for Ukraine charity in Lymington collects 1,500 chocolate Easter bunnies for Ukrainian communities affected by war. Donate by 23 March.
Flying charity puts smiles on faces at Bournemouth Airport event
Fly2help’s AirSmiles Day at Bournemouth Airport brought joy to the Bennett family with supercars, aviation experiences, and community support for charity.
Entries open for Dorset golf tournament supporting Macmillan Caring Locally
Entries are now open for the 2026 Sarah Green Golf Tournament at Christchurch Golf Course near Bournemouth. Join for charity, prizes, and a fun-filled day.
The Talented Mr Ripley at Lighthouse Poole - Review by Cliff Moore
The Talented Mr Ripley at Lighthouse Poole: Ed McVey stars in Mark Leipacher’s stylish stage adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s crime thriller.
Bournemouth town centre BID significantly increases graffiti removal efforts
Bournemouth Town Centre BID boosts graffiti removal, cleaning 65 sites in January 2026 to support local businesses and maintain a welcoming environment.
Bournemouth degree apprentice working towards building a successful career
Josh Byrne, 22, is building his career with a Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship at Whitefox in Bournemouth, combining work and study at Portsmouth.
Poole garden in the running to be named best in the UK for a second time
Pam Woodall’s award-winning wildlife garden in Canford Cliffs, Poole, competes in BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Best of the Best 2024. Public voting now open.
World’s fastest monowheel unveiled at Hampshire motorcycle museum
See the world’s fastest monowheel at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, with this Guinness World Record holder now on display.
Dorset property finance lender announces senior hire as part of expansion
MSP Capital appoints Richard Cargill as IT & Transformation Director. The Poole lender boosts tech leadership to support loan book growth and UK expansion.
Dorset community fund to tackle anti-social behaviour reopens for applications
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner reopens Operation Relentless Community Fund for anti-social behaviour projects.
Exclusive 'hard hat' house tour will offer behind the scenes look in New Forest
Explore Wilberforce Green in Bransgore with a hard hat tour by Wyatt Homes on March 21. View new build homes, meet the team, and reserve your place.
Dorset visitors warned to stick to paths to help protect vulnerable birds
Help protect Dorset heathland birds like the nightjar and Dartford warbler by staying on paths, keeping dogs on leads, and following nesting season guidelines.
Busy Bournemouth road set to close for three weeks for council improvement works
Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, will close to all vehicles from 23 March to 13 April 2026 for BCP Council highway upgrades. Diversions and parking bans apply.
Government
Clinical Negligence Bill
A Bill to make provision for a fixed recoverable costs scheme to limit the costs that may be recovered in respect of certain cases of clinical negligence; to provide for regular review of the limits set by such a scheme; to amend the Law Reform (Personal Injuries) Act 1948; to require the Secretary to State to report on options for reform of clinical negligence compensation relating to obstetrics; and for connected purposes;
Silica Dust (Exposure) Bill
A Bill to make provision about the prevention, monitoring and reporting of silicosis and other lung diseases caused by occupational exposure to silica dust; to make provision about a programme of screening for silicosis; to introduce certain requirements and prohibitions on working practices associated with exposure to silica dust, including a prohibition on the dry-cutting of high-silica engineered stone; to make provision about the role of the Health and Safety Executive in relation to occupational exposure to silica dust; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
Gasly and Colapinto mixed on Alpine's China points
The Chinese Grand Prix saw both Alpine drivers finish in the top 10, but the pair had mixed feelings after the race.
QUIZ: 10 questions on Italian Formula 1 winners
Kimi Antonelli became the latest Italian driver to win a Grand Prix when he crossed the line in China on Sunday to seal his maiden F1 victory.
Who impressed our Power Rankings judges in China?
Find out who topped the Power Rankings table after the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
Jacques Villeneuve on how he shook up the F1 world
The son of a motorsport legend, a racer since childhood, Formula 1 was Jacques Villeneuve’s destiny. In 1996, the young Canadian arrived at his first Grand Prix and immediately proved he belonged there by taking pole position.
The unseen progress at Aston Martin despite China GP difficulties
The start of the 2026 Formula 1 season has been one to forget for Aston Martin, but the squad are making progress despite failing to improve their fortunes at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Windows Central
The 10 biggest changes coming to Windows 11 Insiders this March — and why they matter
Windows 11's March 2026 Insider builds add custom user folder names in setup, improved debloat policies, new admin protections, and other changes.
This gaming laptop that combines style with functionality, is now 23% off — It's got a gorgeous OLED display, tons of RAM, and an RTX 5060 GPU
The Lenovo Legion 7i 16" (Gen 10) is a near-perfect laptop for mid-range gaming, casual use, and even productivity, and it's now on sale for a 24% discount at Best Buy.
Bethesda's Todd Howard says The Elder Scrolls 6 development is smoother than Starfield's ever was thanks to a key improvement — "builds of the game are really consistently working"
Bethesda's game director Todd Howard says that The Elder Scrolls 6 has been smoother to develop than Xbox's Starfield thanks to Creation Engine 3.
Helldivers 2 is dropping a surprise Uncover the Truth update with a freaky Illuminate plot, new enemies, and sweet patch notes — plus the game's first content roadmap
Helldivers 2 is releasing a new Uncover the Truth update later this week with new Illuminate enemies, some big balance changes, and more.
One of the biggest Genshin‑style hits on the planet might finally be coming to Xbox
A new datamine suggests Wuthering Waves could be coming to Xbox, with platform references discovered in game files, though no official announcement has been made.
MacBook Neo makes Microsoft's Surface Laptop 13-inch seem like a bad deal
A $599 Mac laptop and $899 Surface laptop just don't compare, and it's not because the Surface is so much better that it warrants its higher price tag.
Even the studios highlighted in NVIDIA's DLSS 5 reveal were shocked by the generative AI showcase — game developers "found out at the same time as the public"
Developers at Ubisoft and Capcom reportedly learned about Nvidia’s DLSS 5 at the same time as the public, raising questions about developer control and AI use.
Microsoft is reportedly considering suing OpenAI after Amazon’s $50B deal shakes their “exclusive” partnership
Microsoft weighs legal action against OpenAI and Amazon over a $50 billion cloud deal, which could test Azure’s exclusivity.
My favorite free Windows 11 app just got another great update — what's new in PowerToys v0.98
The latest update to PowerToys adds a Command Palette Dock that lets you pin your favorite extensions to the desktop. It also improves my favorite new utility, CursorWrap.
“They’re completely wrong.” NVIDIA’s CEO defends DLSS 5 while gamers point to real problems. So who is right?
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang responds to backlash surrounding DLSS 5, dismissing criticism while defending the company’s use of AI-driven neural rendering and developer control over visuals.
The world’s first 16TB SSD costs.. HOW MUCH? — This must be the astronomical price of never deleting your files ever again
The Exascend PE4 16TB SSD, the world's largest internal solid state drive and first to reach 16TB of storage, is now available for purchase at Amazon for a military-grade price of $16,000, and stock is running out fast.
Swiftkey will soon require a Microsoft account — data to be moved to OneDrive
Microsoft is killing standalone SwiftKey accounts on May 31, 2026. If you don't migrate your data to OneDrive soon, your personalized dictionary is as good as gone.
Spotify's Windows 11 app gets a new quality feature FIRST, and high-end audio fans are going to love it
Spotify has launched Exclusive Mode, a new "bit perfect" quality setting first on Windows, for fans of the best-sounding music to get the best from their tunes.
Should tired workers be banned from using Microsoft Copilot on Friday afternoons? "AI fatigue" could lead to lazy mistakes
Analyst firm Gartner suggests banning Microsoft Copilot on Friday afternoons, warning that tired workers may miss AI mistakes and risk productivity.
Microsoft won't force this Copilot app onto your PC's Start menu in Windows 11 — a temporary setback for Microsoft 365 plans
Microsoft has paused plans to auto‑install the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11 PCs, but it didn't explain why.
Take-Two CEO backs Asha Sharma — “I’m going to bet on her continuing to do great”
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shares his thoughts on Xbox’s new CEO Asha Sharma, offering support and explaining what drives success in the gaming industry.
Laffgaff
The House of Orange-Nassau is associated with which European country?
The Netherlands.
Recurring Dream
I've had the same recurring dream every night since Thursday, where I'm a horse just running around. That's three nights on the trot.
Itsfoss
Manjaro Linux Team Goes on Strike, Threatens to Fork the Project
A significant portion of the Manjaro team has signed a manifesto demanding the project split from its parent company and restructure as a non-profit.