BBC News
Under-5s should not be on screens more than an hour a day, parents told in government advice
New guidance suggests avoiding fast-paced children's content and sharing screen time where possible.
Three charts that are warning signs flashing for Trump on Iran war
As gas prices rise, Trump's approval rating is heading into politically dangerous territory.
Mandelson personal phone messages requested for files release
Officials are set to publish more documents related to his appointment as UK ambassador to the US - but have so far only had access to the peer's work phone.
US lawmaker makes direct plea to Sarah Ferguson to testify over 'close Epstein ties'
The letter, seen by the BBC, also called on Ferguson to share any knowledge about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's links to Epstein.
Olivia Dean's streak continues as she wins big at Mobo Awards
The pop star secured three of the biggest awards of the night as the show celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Spanish woman dies by euthanasia after long legal battle with father
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in Noelia Castillo's favour earlier this week.
Trump's signature to appear on US dollars in first for sitting president
The US president's signature will appear on new paper currency alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Two Cuba-bound aid ships missing after leaving Mexico
Mexico's navy launches a rescue mission for ships delivering aid to Cuba, strained by food and fuel shortages amid a US embargo.
Zelensky visits Saudi Arabia after offering Ukraine's drone expertise
There is renewed urgency for Ukraine to get a drone deal done, as the US increasingly focuses on Iran.
Champion of MasterChef: The Professionals revealed
The winner of the BBC One show beat 31 fellow contestants to take home the crown.
Beyond oil: The crucial exports blocked by Hormuz closure
The price of a wide range of goods - from food, to smartphones, to medicines - could be affected by the US-Israel war with Iran.
PM seeks to reassure Australians over fuel supply amid panic buying
Anthony Albanese says nation's supply remains 'secure' amid reports of panic buying and shortages.
Raye comes out swinging on her new album, This Music May Contain Hope
The star suffered writer's block while working on her second album, but it hits all the right notes.
The Papers: 'Trump extends Hormuz deadline' and 'One hour of screen a day'
Donald Trump giving Iran 10 days to re-open a vital shipping channel and new advice on screen time for under 5s is a focus for Friday's front pages.
Weekly quiz: What sneaky snack was this bird of prey seen carrying?
How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?
Oscars moving to a new home outside Hollywood
The centrally located Peacock Theater in Los Angeles will host the 101st Academy Awards ceremony when it begins streaming on YouTube in 2029.
Nepal to swear in ex-rapper as new prime minister
Balendra Shah won the election by a landslide promising change to Nepalis who are angry at corruption.
Belarus leader gifts rifle to North Korea's Kim as they sign friendship treaty
Two key supporters of Russia's war in Ukraine close ranks as Alexander Lukashenko visits Pyongyang.
Paul McCartney announces nostalgic new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane
The 83-year-old looks back at his childhood in Liverpool on the new record, which comes out in May.
Why the geography of the Strait of Hormuz makes passing through it so risky
Paul Adams explains why it is so dangerous to navigate the strait, one of the world's busiest oil shipping channels.
Asda boss rejects profiteering claims as petrol price tops 150p
Motorists are facing higher fuel prices ahead of Easter break due to the conflict in the Middle East, the RAC says.
No evidence of 'family voting' in Gorton and Denton by-election
An investigation into alleged "family voting" finds no evidence of intent to influence voting.
'I'd never get anything done': Parents on limiting screen time for under-5s
Parents say new government guidance on restricting children's screen time has to be "realistic".
Afghan asylum seeker jailed for raping girl, 12
The sex attack carried out by Ahmad Mulakhil in Nuneaton in July last year led to protests.
Man interviewed on suspicion of sex trafficking in Al Fayed investigation
It comes after the Met said earlier this month that three women were interviewed under caution.
Mum took own life after a forced adoption - now I want an apology
Thousands of unmarried English women were forced to give their babies away in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
'Housebound' benefit cheat caught ziplining in Mexico
Catherine Wieland received more than £23,000 in benefits, saying she was too ill to go outside.
Palestinian man killed as death toll from West Bank settler violence climbs
Mohammad al-Malhi is the seventh Palestinian killed by a settler in a surge of violence since the start of the war with Iran.
Spanish woman who died through euthanasia failed by state, say critics
Noelia Castillo died on Thursday evening in a Barcelona hospital, after a protracted legal battle with her own father.
'My daughter is under the rubble': Inside Tehran as civilian toll of strikes rises
One month since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Tehran residents tell the BBC their lives have been devastated.
Is Trump's pause on attacking Iranian energy for diplomacy or an escalation?
The US president's commitment to deadlines is fluid but he uses them for a purpose, writes the BBC's James Landale.
Three charts that are warning signs flashing for Trump on Iran war
As gas prices rise, Trump's approval rating is heading into politically dangerous territory.
UN human rights chief calls on US to conclude probe into Iran school strike
The strike - which killed at least 168 people, mostly children - "evoked a visceral horror", Volker Türk said.
Ukraine signs deal with Saudi Arabia offering drone expertise
Volodymyr Zelensky says the Gulf kingdom faces the same type of attacks from Iran that Kyiv has been resisting.
How damaging is screen time for under fives and how do I manage it?
How do you manage screen time, does it have a bad impact and what steps can you take to mitigate the problem?
How Russia's threat has seen Germany become Europe's most important army
Germany once terrorised Europe, but now Europe is welcoming a resurgent German military.
Why campervans have been banned from parking up at this coastal beauty spot
A ban in two North Yorkshire coastal spots is made permanent after an 18-month trial.
The 15-year-old Indian boy that cricket can no longer ignore
At 15, prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi is forcing India to ask if he is already ready for the big stage.
Savannah Guthrie to return to Today show as search for mother continues
The US television presenter will return to hosting the NBC news programme in April.
PS5 price hiked by £90 due to global 'pressures'
The changes will see the recommended retail price of the PS5 rise from £479.99 to £569.99 in the UK.
Man denies murdering two women and raping another
Simon Levy, 40, from Tottenham denies murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 54, and Sheryl Wilkins, 39.
Whale swims for freedom after big German rescue effort on Baltic coast
Rescue teams now believe the whale has reached deeper water in Lübeck Bay and hope it will head for the wider sea.
Football fans rally around female commentator over sexist abuse online
Ex-international Nia Jones faces abuse after co-commentating on Wales' World Cup play-off semi-final.
Bournemouth Echo
Wheelchair tennis star from Dorset bids to defend doubles title at Miami Open
Lucy Shuker aims to defend her wheelchair tennis doubles title at the Miami Open 2026, as the event debuts as a WT500 UNIQLO Tour ranking tournament.
How New Forest witches died in an attempt to curse Hitler and protect Britain
The mysterious Highcliffe (New Forest) Coven and the night they conducted "Operation Cone of Power,"
110 acres of land with a lake set to be auctioned
110 acres of heathland with planning permission for mineral extraction is set to be sold at public auction at the end of April
Don't be an ass! New Forest visitors reminded of free-roaming wildlife rules
Visitors to the New Forest are being urged to give the area’s famous free‑roaming animals space ahead of the Easter holidays.
In The Dock: Man banned from drinking alcohol after breaching order
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Women’s safety ‘put at risk’ in maternity care at Bournemouth's new £200m hospital
Women’s safety ‘put at risk’ in maternity care at Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s new £200m building, as watchdog orders improvements.
RAF helicopter spotted circling in the skies over Bournemouth
AN RAF Chinook helicopter has been spotted in the skies above Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Parents fight for justice after mum ‘sent home bleeding’ hours before stillbirth
PARENTS of a baby girl who was stillborn at 42 weeks are fighting for justice after the mother was reportedly sent home bleeding on the day of induction.
Human remains of missing man still not found as men accused of murder
THE REMAINS of a 60-year-old man who went missing nearly two years ago have still not been found - despite two men being charged with murder.
Breathtaking Dorset sighting of largest bird of prey in the UK
A couple were thrilled to experience sighting of a once 'extremely rare' white tailed eagle - or sea eagle - in Purbeck, Dorset
Bournemouth MP and charities help secure £20m investment for Boscombe West
Boscombe West secures £20m Pride in Place government funding. Tom Hayes MP and local groups to tackle deprivation, housing, and fuel poverty in Bournemouth.
Nine drivers and riders stopped for speeding in targeted operation
AUTHORITIES stopped nine drivers for speeding during a targeted operation aimed at making New Forest roads safer for livestock.
Bournemouth hotel sold and could be expanded
A major independent hotel and spa in Bournemouth has recently been sold.
Council votes down SEND motion due to consultation response concerns
A proposal to improve support for residents accessing special education needs services (SEND) has been voted down due to concerns it will restrict the council’s response to consultation on government reforms.
New convenience store granted licence to sell alcohol
A new convenience store in Christchurch town centre has been given permission to sell alcohol.
Petition launched to save Charminster Library after it was closed indefinitely
A petition calling on the council to find the money to repair and reopen a Charminster Library has been started.
Man who broke into cars in Bournemouth spared jail
A man who repeatedly broke into cars and stole items in Bournemouth has been spared jail.
Racehorse trainer drunk drove wrong car home and crashed
A racehorse trainer who got so drunk at a dinner party she mistakenly drove someone else's car home before crashing it has avoided jail.
Man arrested after cash, tools and phones stolen from vehicles
A man has been arrested after cash, tools and phones were among a bevy of items stolen from vehicles in Poole.
Councillor defected to Reform UK due to its “openness to discussion"
A councillor who defected to Reform UK has said she joined the party due to its “openness to discussion, willingness to listen, and its focus on practical outcomes”.
Woman seen in Bournemouth town centre reported missing for several days
A woman who was seen in Bournemouth town centre has been reported missing for several days now.
£1 bus fare for disabled passengers before 9.30am
Disabled passengers across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who are entitled to concessionary fares will be able to travel before 9.30am.
What's on in cinemas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend
The release of a classic children's novel adaptation, an action comedy horror film, and a Bluey cinema experience are among films shown across BCP this weekend.
Missing teenagers found after urgent appeal
Two missing teenagers from Dorset have been found following a police appeal
Toilets at Poole bus station could be reopened as part of bus grant
Toilets at Poole bus station could “potentially” be reopened as part of a £5.6million government grant to improve bus services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Orchestral tribute to film music from iconic director coming to Dorset venue
Experience Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight at Lighthouse Poole, 20 Sept. Illuminated Orchestra perform iconic film scores live. Tickets available now.
Marathon runner to compete in London and Everest races for dog rescue charity
Sally Long from the New Forest will run the 2026 London Marathon and Everest Marathon to raise funds for UK dog charity Waggy Tails Rescue. Donate online.
Tasty treats and party beats set to return in Poole’s home grown festival
Upton House Food & Music Festival returns to Poole, 12–14 June, with live tribute acts, Ibiza DJs, street food, kids’ activities, and family fun.
Eighties pop icon set to perform at Ringwood venue next year
Eighties pop star Nik Kershaw announces 2027 UK Musing & Lyrics tour, including The Barn, Ringwood. Tickets on sale 27 March 2026. Live music, hits, stories.
Campsite on remote island reopens with shepherds huts, pitches and tents in the trees
A Dorset island campsite is reopening for the summer season offering unique tranquil stays close to nature.
Last-minute rush for tickets to see GCSE staple on Bournemouth Pavilion stage
Schools in Bournemouth and Dorset rush to secure tickets for Blood Brothers at Bournemouth Pavilion, a key GCSE English text, with high demand for matinees.
Bournemouth man walks five kilometres daily for whole of March for important cause
A man is walking five kilometres every day throughout March to support an international water charity.
BBC Radio 3's Friday Night is Music Night comes to Dorset venue this September
BBC Radio 3’s 'Friday Night is Music Night' live at Lighthouse Poole, 18 Sept. Celebrate Leonard Bernstein with the BBC Concert Orchestra and West End stars.
'Godzilla-style rampage' brings chaos to the streets in dramatic scenario
Bournemouth University held a major incident simulation with a 'Godzilla' scenario to train paramedic, nursing and mental health students in emergency response.
Music Beyond Mainstream: Four major acts to perform at Dorset venue this year
Music Beyond Mainstream’s 25th anniversary tour comes to Poole’s Lighthouse, featuring Max Cooper, Arooj Aftab, African Soul Rebels and Ben Folds in 2026.
Wild beavers released in Dorset have transformed woodland into a thriving ecosystem
A pair of wild beavers that were released into the wilds of Dorset have transformed the surrounding woodland into a thriving wetland ecosystem.
Historic osprey pair make much anticipated return to nesting site
A historic breeding pair of birds of prey has made its much anticipated return to its nesting site near Wareham to much fanfare.
Free water sports in Poole this weekend to kick off the Easter holidays
A day of free water activities in Poole will offer families the chance to try out water sports and outdoor adventure sessions this weekend to kick off the easter holidays.
£130,000 to be spent on major refurb to Poole park with works next month
More then £130,000 will be spent on major refurbishments at a park in Poole with works set to begin next month.
Curl specialist hairdressers named new salon of the year at awards
A curl specialist salon in Highcliffe was recently named the best new hair salon in the south of England at recent awards.
Dorset volleyball club set to celebrate 50th anniversary this June
Wessex Volleyball Club marks its 50th anniversary in June 2026. Celebrating junior and senior success, Olympic alumni, and volleyball in South West England.
Royal appointment at Dorset college as King names High Sheriff for 2026/2027
Helena Conibear named Dorset High Sheriff 2026–27 by King Charles. She’ll focus on youth opportunity, county lines awareness, and community safety.
RSPB issues plea to protect vulnerable birds in Dorset this spring and summer
The RSPB urges visitors to protect ground-nesting birds like the Dartford Warbler at Chesil Beach and Arne by sticking to paths and controlling dogs.
Poole gears up for the return of Seafood & Sounds Festival
Poole is set to come alive this September with a fresh wave of seafood, music and coastal celebration.
What’s on at The Ivy this easter and spring: key dates, menus and experiences
The Ivy launches Easter events in April, including Breakfast with The Ivy Bunny, a Golden Easter Menu, themed treats for children, and special spring menus.
Ferndown and Poole office teams raise over £2000 for Red Nose Day
Arena Offices raises £2,300 for Red Nose Day with fundraising events across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire and Surrey serviced offices. Comic Relief UK news.
Dorset Council: Fly-tipping crackdown leads to double the number of fines
Dorset Council doubles fly-tipping fines in 2025 crackdown, issuing 80 FPNs for illegal waste disposal and seizing vehicles to tackle environmental crime.
RNLI staff member steps down after years of dedicated service
A station visitors officer at the RNLI is stepping down after years of dedicated service.
Care Dorset reablement service is among the best in England
Care Dorset’s reablement service helps 92% regain independence, surpassing England and South West averages. Community care, Dorset Council, social care news.
Poole welcomes Italian Easter market with food, music, and festive celebrations
Poole hosts an Italian Easter Market at Pitwines Close, 4–5 April, with authentic Italian food, crafts, live music, Easter hampers and family fun.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire service urges public to take extra care over Easter
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue urge Easter holidaymakers to avoid barbecues and campfires on heathlands, highlighting fire safety in the countryside.
Formula 1
Russell heads Mercedes 1-2 in FP1 for Japanese GP
George Russell was the driver to beat in the first practice session at the Suzuka Circuit.
AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from FP1 in Japan
Live coverage of Friday's first practice session for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Stella not worried about repeat of ‘exceptional’ double DNS
McLaren were left reeling after both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were ruled out of the Chinese Grand Prix, but team boss Andrea Stella is confident it won’t happen again.
Binotto confirms Audi looking for Wheatley replacement
Mattia Binotto will be covering Jonathan Wheatley's duties in the interim after the Briton departed Audi with immediate effect.
Japanese Grand Prix best Qualifying bets available
With the countdown to Qualifying now on, we assess the best available bets on the market.
Watch the action from Round 1 of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship
The 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship gets underway on Friday with drivers set to begin the season at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Follow Qualifying from Round 1 of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship
The F1 Sim Racing World Championship is back for another season of action, with Round 1 kicking things off as the sim racers prepare to tackle the Chinese Grand Prix.
What the teams said – Friday in Japan
The drivers and teams report back on all the action from Friday practice at Suzuka ahead of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.
Are McLaren a threat to Mercedes in Japan?
McLaren ended Friday on top at the Japanese Grand Prix, but how do the reigning champions stack up compared to their rivals?
Verstappen not expecting ‘miracles’ for Red Bull in Japan
Max Verstappen was left disheartened by the performance of his Red Bull on the first day of running at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Hamilton offers verdict on Japan Friday practice performance
Lewis Hamilton admits he 'feels like I've got a bit of a North Star' to aim for after struggling for confidence with his Ferrari during Friday practice ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Russell wary of McLaren's 'surprise' pace in Japan practice
George Russell admits that McLaren's pace during Friday practice for the Japanese Grand Prix was "a little bit of a surprise".
Windows Central
Baldur's Gate 3 director weighs in on cheaper Xbox Game Pass tiers Microsoft is considering — "I don't think race to the bottom needs a renaissance"
As Microsoft's new Xbox CEO considers making Xbox Game Pass more affordable with "lower-priced tiers," one executive dev says he thinks that's a bad idea.
The “Avengers” of Windows app development are assembling to fix Windows 11
Legendary developer Rudy Huyn is picking a new team to improve the Windows 11 app experience.
STALKER 2 just got a big Xbox feature ahead of its new Cost of Hope DLC — new details about the expansion have me excited to return to The Zone
Ahead of STALKER 2's newly announced Cost of Hope DLC expansion coming out this summer, the game now fully supports Xbox Play Anywhere on Xbox and PC.
Hunters of 2-in-1 laptops with stylus pen support for crafting digital art are in luck — this solid 3K AMOLED PC will fit your needs at a 29% discount
The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is a favorable 2-in-1 laptop with a detailed 3K AMOLED display, a high-performance Lunar Lake Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPU, and additional features for work and personal use. It's also now available for a 29% discount courtesy of the Amazon Spring Sale.
Qualcomm-based PC sales have "experienced explosive growth," according to a new report — and the platform could save a struggling entry-level PC gaming market
In the future, ARM-based PCs could save the day for entry-level and mid-range PC gamers. I'm not sure I believe it, but that's exactly what this recent analyst report suggests.
OpenAI Sora dead, new funding "Ponzi scheme" ... is the end of OpenAI nigh, and will Microsoft end up picking up the pieces?
OpenAI looks increasingly chaotic, as it shutters various projects and restructures in ongoing, increasingly fruitless-looking attempts to become profitable.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn's new trailer reveals gameplay, release date, and best test — it's also confirmed for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere
One of the biggest highlights of the March 2026 Xbox Partner Preview event was the trailer for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, as it showcased its gameplay along with dates for its upcoming full release and Xbox Series X|S beta test.
Wuthering Waves has been confirmed for Xbox and Xbox Game Pass — this popular Genshin Impact-like action-RPG will also be an Xbox Play Anywhere title
During the March 2026 Xbox Partner Showcase, the popular free-to-play action RPG, Wuthering Waves, made an appearance to announce that it's coming to Xbox with benefits exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Members.
Everything announced at the Xbox Partner Preview March 2026 — SEGA, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and more
Another Xbox Partner Preview showcase has come, giving us a closer look at new Xbox and PC games and updates coming from Microsoft's game dev partners.
Xbox Game Pass “TRION” shows up with only first‑party games, sparking questions about whether Microsoft is preparing a major shake‑up to its subscription model
A newly discovered Xbox Game Pass codename, TRION, points to a first party game lineup, adding to speculation that Microsoft could be testing a different subscription offering.
Why did Microsoft end 'This is an Xbox' marketing? Microsoft responds — "It didn't feel like Xbox."
Microsoft's controversial Xbox marketing campaign "This is an Xbox" was almost immediately ended after new CEO Asha Sharma came on board. Microsoft explains why.
Geekom's ultimate Windows Mini-PC with upgradeable RAM and SSD is now 33% off — it also features quad 4K monitor support and an Intel i5-13600H CPU
The Geekom IT13 is our no.1 mini-PC for its reliably quick performance for productivity tasks, 4K monitor support, and compact design, and it's now on sale for a 33% Amazon Spring Sale discount.
Sony raised PS5 prices in key regions and Xbox instantly became the cheaper console, creating one of the funniest value swings in years
Sony has raised PS5 prices across multiple regions, and early comparisons show Xbox hardware now offers better value in several markets, shifting the pricing landscape between the two platforms.
Alienware’s 2026 refresh doubles down on power, RGB, and unapologetic gaming attitude, proving subtlety is still not the plan
Alienware announced a refresh for its flagship Area-51 and Aurora gaming laptops at CES 2026, and they're now available to buy from Dell. Best part? The older models are enjoying some heavy discounts.
Yes, your office admin can fully remove Microsoft's Copilot app from your work PCs — if you follow this strict criteria for 28 days
Microsoft made it possible to batch uninstall Copilot in Windows 11, but the caveats make it harder than expected.
Windows 95's self-healing tricks saved Microsoft's retro OS from rogue installations — A "fix it after they break it" strategy
Windows 95 had a clever safeguard against sloppy installers that few would have known about.
Laffgaff
Shire Horse
I recently bought a shire horse. My existing horse was too outgoing.
By what name is the bird Pica Pica better known?
Magpie.
Itsfoss
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Beta Shows You There's Potential in the Stable Release
Canonical has opened up Resolute Raccoon for testing, and the beta shows promise.
Why Ubuntu 26.10 Might Drop ZFS, RAID & Encryption Support
The proposal calls for stripping out filesystem drivers and other features.