The News - Saturday, 18 July 2026

BBC News

US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night

The US command says it is conducting more strikes to degrade Iran's armed forces, as Iran reports explosions near the Strait of Hormuz.

Labour pins hopes on Burnham reboot as he plans policy blitz

There is belief in the party that the new leader could put Labour back in the political match, political editor Chris Mason writes.

White House defends Argentina team over Falklands banner

The comments could further fuel the row over the incident, which has seen Downing Street back calls for Fifa to investigate.

Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over fires sending 'filthy' air into US cities

Canadian leader Mark Carney says both the US and Canada have an equal responsibility to fight climate change, which experts say are worsening wildfire conditions.

Lib Dems urge FA and Uefa to withdraw from Fifa

Sir Ed Davey says Gianni Infantino and world football's governing body is "destroying the integrity of the beautiful game".

Many Ukrainian soldiers outraged over removal of defence minister, troops tell BBC

Protests erupted in Ukraine on Thursday after Mykhailo Fedorov's removal - and now soldiers are also criticising the move.

Do declassified files support Trump's election security claims?

BBC Verify has reviewed these documents, although some of them have been heavily redacted.

Clacton by-election attracts 34 candidates

The list of people taking on Nigel Farage contains 20 independents and a number of joke candidates.

One anti-war critic fined, another held as Russia clamps down on dissent

While Boris Nadezhdin is barred from running for parliament, blogger Ilya Remeslo is remanded in custody.

I took a month of unpaid leave to look after my daughter for the summer holiday

Like many parents, Natalie and her husband had to combine organised childcare and annual leave to cope with the six-week break.

The Papers: 'The Burn supremacy' and 'Spice up your wife'

Britian's new prime minister Andy Burnham is the main focus of Saturday's papers.

Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop

Defectors tell the BBC that despite restrictions, K-pop has cut through in the stifling dictatorship.

Doctors failed to spot my hidden condition for so long I was left permanently disabled

Actor Daneka Etchells is performing in a show which reflects her experiences of "medical gaslighting".

Gracie Abrams captures pain of early adulthood in new album - but you're left wanting more

The singer's third album is full of incisive, witty lyrics that are let down by muted production.

What this desert city can teach the world about tackling heat deaths

Maricopa County in Arizona has some of the hottest temperatures, but it has reduced the number of heat-related deaths.

Brad Pitt's children are dropping their dad's surname - here's why I did the same

Hannah had used her mother's maiden name on her social media for years before she legally made the change.

16 World Cup viral moments - from Posh Spice's calm reaction to Haaland's bromance

We look at some of the most memorable scenes during the 2026 World Cup that set the internet alight.

Mum was sent photo of dead baby: NHS trust's mortuary failings explained

Donna Ockenden says there were "recurring examples of failure to protect the dignity of the deceased".

Bayeux Tapestry in 'wonderful state' after journey to London, French minister says

The French culture minister has told the BBC that the Bayeux Tapestry is in "a wonderful state".

'My buyers dropped their offer by £15,000 the day before exchange': Gazundering and how to avoid it

It's a small but growing problem in the property market - here's how to protect yourself.

Conman targeted the elderly to defraud them out of millions

Steven Long stole £11.5m from 115 victims to fund his lavish lifestyle.

How these twins' rare growth disorder could provide the key to preventing cancer

Researchers have found that people with Laron syndrome have a lower incidence of cancer than the wider population.

White House defends Argentina team over Falklands banner

The comments could further fuel the row over the incident, which has seen Downing Street back calls for Fifa to investigate.

Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling

Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licences.

Ruthless plotter? Flip-flopper? Dad dancer? Insiders reveal the real Andy Burnham

Who is the real Andy Burnham? Laura Kuenssberg talks to more than 20 people who know him to work it out

Burnham is 'people pleaser' with 'airy fairy' plans, says Kemi Badenoch

Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, the Conservative leader accused the incoming PM of not knowing "what the country's priorities are".

Woman killed while asleep with baby ‘was my world’, sister tells BBC

Kirandeep Kaur, killed as she slept with her baby and husband, leaves behind a 'devastated' family in India.

Russian online retail warehouses hit by deadly Ukrainian strikes

Drones targeted Wildberries facilities near Moscow and in Tambov. Ukraine's leader called them "major logistics facilities" supplying "sanctioned components".

16 viral moments: From Posh Spice's slow reaction to Haaland's bromance

We look at some of the most memorable scenes during the 2026 World Cup that set the internet alight.

White House backs Argentina team over Falklands banner

The comments could further fuel the row over the incident, which has seen Downing Street back calls for Fifa to investigate.

Control, threats, disfiguring surgery: My life inside Jeffrey Epstein's 'cult'

"Anya" gives the BBC a rare account of how sex-criminal financier Epstein lured and abused his “assistants”.

Laos says it can't determine cause of tourist deaths linked to methanol

Officials say they have no evidence of poisoning over the 2024 deaths because autopsies were not conducted.

'My buyers dropped their offer by £15,000 the day before exchange': Gazundering and how to avoid it

It's a small but growing problem in the property market - here's how to protect yourself.

German politician resigns over surrogacy child controversy

Jens Spahn faced criticism over his use of a surrogate, a ban on which he previously backed.

Lib Dems urge FA and Uefa to withdraw from Fifa

Sir Ed Davey says Gianni Infantino and world football's governing body is "destroying the integrity of the beautiful game".

Watch: Helicopters dump water as huge Norway fire destroys homes

The blaze has destroyed more than 100 homes in Drammen and has spread to a nearby forest, authorities say.

Teen stuck on M25 for eight hours on first drive

Beatrix was one of many drivers stuck in miles-long queues on the motorway following a crash.

Conman targeted the elderly to defraud them out of millions

Victims speak out after Steven Long stole £11.5m from 115 people to fund his lavish lifestyle.

Viking re-enactor prepares to walk 100 miles in Viking clothing

After the lose of his teacher viking re-enactor Ryan has decided to walk 100 miles in Viking clothing in her memory

Bison rams grandfather in Yellowstone Park, knocking him metres into the air

The man and his grandson appeared a safe distance away from the bison before it quickly chased them down.

'Mind-blowing' ancient bones discovery sparked by family holiday

The "once in a lifetime" discovery in Pembrokeshire could rewrite history, researchers say.

The man who balances bikes, ladders and sheds on his chin

Salford builder Tobey Newall plans to set the world record for balancing large items on his chin.

Bournemouth Echo

Old photos show children-led carnival filled with imagination

Wildcats, alien cyborgs and revving engines took over New Forest streets in a riot of noise and colour.

'I can’t live like this' - 'dangerous' dog terrorises resident after attack

A woman says she is scared to leave home after a "dangerous" dog attacked her pet and terrorised her life.

Father of two from Poole creates "Pubs with Playgrounds" app to help families

A father from Poole has created an app which helps people find child-friendly pubs across the UK. Pubs With Playgrounds was created by Poole-raised TV producer and father-of-two Alastair Duncan.

Dorset drivers warned of major maintenance project set to take place on Dorset Way

BCP Council has announced its plans to invest half a million pounds into a major maintenance project that it says will improve a busy road and help prevent future potholes.

'We help people without judgement' - A night with Bournemouth's Town Pastors

I joined the Bournemouth Town Pastors on one of their patrols- following them as they offered help and reassurance on the streets of Bournemouth.

Grandfather in horrific Vietnam crash left suicidal after struggling with NHS care

A grandad hurt in a horrific motorbike crash in Vietnam says he feels suicidal after struggling to get NHS care back in the UK.

Driver handed hefty parking charge after 'desperately trying to pay'

A man has been handed a hefty penalty notice after a short stay in a Poole car park, where he spent nearly the entire time trying to pay, and was unsuccessful.

Mother and two sons "minutes away from death" in Highcliffe beach riptide

A mother and her children were minutes away from drowning in a "traumatising" incident in the sea which saw them caught in a rip tide.

Two teenage girls missing since Friday afternoon

A pair of girls from Bournemouth have been reported missing.

Updates after huge fire breaks out at Dorset festival

A huge fire broke out Friday evening at a festival in Dorset as multiple fire crews descended on the scene.

Huge fire breaks out at Dorset festival

A huge fire broke out at a festival in Purbeck on Friday evening.

Men to appear in court over alleged hunting offences

Two men are due to appear in court in connection with alleged hunting offences in Dorset

Dorset coastguards respond to nine summer emergencies

Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Team has responded to nine emergency incidents since July 7.

PICTURES - camping stove sets tent ablaze and triggers heath fire at Dorset festival

A massive fire broke out on Friday evening after camping stove set a tent alight at a festival in Dorset.

Talented youngsters put on a truly spectacular show

The talented team at Leaf Studio Academy of Performing Arts have pulled out all the stops once again for another cracker of a show in Roaring On.

Man wanted by courts arrested in town centre

A man wanted by the courts was arrested during a week of police activity in Poole.

The Dorset cafe in a 'lovely setting' that's offering up 'fabulous' food

Orchard Cafe in West Holme, Dorset, has been earning positive reviews from visitors thanks to its food and setting

New Forest charity urgently seeking new warehouse

A Hampshire charity is at risk of being unable to send much-needed aid to Ukraine.

New Forest family's 'ticking timebomb' over crumbling water pipe beneath home

A New Forest family are sitting on a 'ticking timebomb' as a long-running dispute over a deteriorating water pipe beneath their Lyndhurst home rumbles on.

Crews tackle more than 380 outdoor fires amid rising pressure and soaring costs

Fire crews tackle more than 380 outdoor fires amid rising pressure in 2026

Broadcasting legend Tony Blackburn to bring 'Sounds of the 60s' to Bournemouth

Tony Blackburn's 'Sounds of the 60s' tour will come to the Bournemouth Pavilion on September 16, as part of the broadcasting legend’s 2026 UK tour.

Bournemouth University developing £350,000 replica Crown Court facility

Bournemouth University is building a replica courtroom on the recommendation of its law students who wanted a realistic setting to practice their legal skills.

Property finance specialist boosts £750 million growth plans with website revamp

MSP Capital, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, has built new navigation, a refreshed design and a more intuitive structure into its site.

Co-founder of Specsavers joins Poole store's 40th anniversary celebrations

Specsavers co-founder joins Poole store's 40th anniversary celebrations with local charity partnership

West Moors discount shop applies for premises licence to sell alcohol all week

S&B’s Mart Ltd seeks licence to sell alcohol 8am–10pm daily at Payless, Station Road, West Moors. Public comments to Dorset Council by 30 July 2024.

Bournemouth author gives readers exclusive chance to buy new novel today

Bournemouth-based author Elwood Flynn will be holding a book signing at The Mysterious Bookcase in Westbourne today, Saturday, July 18.

Beloved hair and beauty brand takes ownership of Westbourne shoe boutique

Dana and Kevin Quinlan, who run the Canford Cliffs-based Dana Quinlan Hair salon, have taken ownership of House of Heels in Westbourne.

Scenic Dorset landmark loved by filmmakers from Hollywood to Bollywood

Dorset is used to star sightings, with blockbusters, Bollywood hits and even a Doctor Who regeneration filmed at one landmark.

Save Energy UK supports Dorset Mind’s mission to help young people

Save Energy UK has donated to Dorset Mind's Waiting Well Crowdfunder, an initiative helping people facing long waits for mental health support

Gas main works to temporarily close eastbound Poole road for nearly two months

Serpentine Road eastbound, Poole, to close for SGN gas main works from 27 July to 25 September 2026. No parking/loading. Westbound lane remains open.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra appoints new principal horn ahead of 26/27 season

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has named Eleanor Blakeney as its new Principal Horn ahead of the 2026/27 season.

A ‘hole’ lot of happiness as Dorset care home resident returns to fairways

David Davies, a resident at Care UK’s Sway Place in Church Lane, Sway, fulfilled his “dream come true” with a visit to Barton-on-Sea Golf Club.

Inquest opens after death of waitress, 50, near high street

An inquest has opened into the death of a waitress who was found unresponsive near Shaftesbury High Street.

Trader of the week: Events company helping dads learn to style hair over a pint

Our Trader of the Week is The Hello Project, a Dorset events company dedicated to bringing people together through “fun” and “light-hearted” community gatherings.

School announces job cuts as falling birth rate reduces pupil numbers

A school in Christchurch has announced job cuts after a “falling birth rate” led to fewer pupils.

Great Craic at Great Oaks - Bournemouth care home residents experience the world 

A beautiful as Bournemouth is, there’s nothing like travel to excite the senses - and it’s that thrill that the Great Oaks Bon Voyage club brings to its care home each month. 

Ryanair warns of 'significant' queues at 16 major airports this summer - full list

Ryanair has warned Brits travelling to Europe this summer to expect "significant" queues at 16 major airports due to the EU's Entry/Exit System.

Parents urged to save as theme parks, cinemas, zoos and restaurants cut summer prices

Families could save hundreds during the school holidays thanks to the Government's temporary VAT cut with Alton Towers, National Trust, LEGOLAND and more

HMRC issues update on State Pension tax error that affected 1.4 million pensioners

HMRC has issued a fresh update to MPs after admitting a long-running State Pension tax error affected up to 1.4 million pensioners.

Formula 1

Camara beats Inthraphuvasak to F2 pole position at Spa

Rafael Camara achieved his fourth pole position of the season after coming out on top at Friday afternoon’s Spa-Francorchamps qualifying.

What the teams said – Friday in Belgium

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from Friday practice at Spa-Francorchamps for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.

Our expert guide to in-race betting at Spa

When the lights go out at Spa, bettors will be watching closely to make accurate predictions in real-time.

Are Antonelli and Mercedes the partnership to beat in Belgium?

Red Bull started the Belgian Grand Prix weekend on the front foot as Max Verstappen outpaced the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in first practice with Mercedes looking off the pace – but then Kimi Antonelli turned everything on its head as he put the Silver Arrows top of the pile in the second session. So, what is the state of play heading into the weekend?

Alpine offer update after Gasly's FP2 crash in Belgium

Alpine has given an update after Pierre Gasly's crash in Free Practice 2 ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix which brought out the red flag.

Hamilton gives take on Ferrari's Friday in Belgium

Lewis Hamilton appeared optimistic that Ferrari will find a fix for their early struggles at the Belgium Grand Prix.

Verstappen wary of gap to rivals despite ‘good day’ at Spa

Max Verstappen shared his satisfaction at maximising Red Bull’s package during Friday's running at the Belgian Grand Prix, but admitted that the sessions also exposed the deficit to their rivals.

Antonelli calls for more from Mercedes after Friday running

Kimi Antonelli believes "there's still a lot of work to do as a team", despite the Italian and Mercedes finishing fastest in Friday practice ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Norris cautious of McLaren's Belgian GP chances

Lando Norris believes that McLaren is "still probably the fourth fastest" car on the grid despite an encouraging day of practice ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Russell feels it’s ‘impossible’ to challenge Antonelli

Mercedes driver George Russell was left to rue “super frustrating” issues after Qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix – the Briton believing that it is currently “impossible” to challenge team mate Kimi Antonelli.

Red Bull drivers reflect on tow strategy in Qualifying

Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have reflected on Red Bull's tow strategy during Qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, with the latter suggesting it was "the right thing to do".

Antonelli revels in hard-fought pole position for Belgian GP

Kimi Antonelli found significant improvements on his final lap of Qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps, leading to his sixth pole position of the season.

Antonelli charges to pole position in Belgian GP Qualifying

Kimi Antonelli excelled on his final lap during Qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, beating Max Verstappen to pole position.

Duerksen holds off Stenshorne to win Spa F2 Sprint Race

Joshua Duerksen achieved his second victory of the F2 season by winning the Spa-Francorchamps Sprint Race.

AS IT HAPPENED: Qualifying for the Belgian GP

Live coverage of the Formula 1 Qualifying session for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

Antonelli fastest in Belgium FP3 as Hamilton crashes

Kimi Antonelli finished fastest in Free Practice 3 ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix from McLaren's Lando Norris, as Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton suffered a crash at the end of the session.

Alonso joins Norris, Hadjar and Stroll with Spa grid penalty

Fernando Alonso is the latest driver to be hit with a grid penalty at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, following a trio of power unit changes between Friday practice and Saturday’s running.

Jin Nakamura earns his first F3 win in Belgium Sprint Race

Jin Nakamura charged to victory from the second row at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

AS IT HAPPENED: All the action from FP3 in Belgium

Live coverage of the final F1 practice session for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

Windows Central

This new Windows 11 clipboard utility is genuinely great, but I think the name is holding it back

Hands-on with Edge Drop, a promising new third-party clipboard manager for Windows 11 that features drag-and-drop file stacking.

Zenless Zone Zero is launching on Xbox on PC and Xbox Play Anywhere soon with its Version 3.1 update in celebration of the game's 2nd anniversary

Hoyoverse is celebrating the 2nd anniversary of its popular action game, Zenless Zone Zero, by launching it on Xbox on PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, along with a big 3.1 content update later this month.

Windows 11’s massive July 2026 update fixes 570 vulnerabilities and shows how AI is quietly reshaping Patch Tuesday itself

Windows 11 update KB5101650 fixes 570 vulnerabilities and marks a new era for Patch Tuesday, as AI is now helping Microsoft to accelerate vulnerability discovery.

Marathon’s player base is collapsing, and Bungie’s future looks increasingly bleak as concerns grow around the studio’s live‑service direction

Marathon's Steam player count has fallen below 6,000 concurrent players, adding to Bungie's recent struggles and raising fresh questions about the studio's future under Sony.

"Personally very difficult, and very difficult for our teams." —Bethesda's Todd Howard discusses Microsoft's deep Xbox cuts, and finding optimism for the industry's future

Todd Howard spoke to us on Xbox's big cuts, and how Elder Scrolls and Fallout will survive the big game industry shifts.

Laffgaff

The film ‘Minions’ serves as a prequel to which animated movie franchise?

Despicable Me.

Itsfoss

Become More Productive With These GNOME Extensions

Here's my recommended list of GNOME extensions that might help you focus more on work and be (more) productive.