BBC News
Major special education support shake-up risks political backlash
Leaks suggest plans for a complete redesign of special educational needs and disabilities support in schools.
Do not give away Diego Garcia, Trump tells UK in fresh attack on Chagos deal
The president's comments come just a day after the US gave its official backing to the UK's Chagos deal.
Child poverty figures in the UK expected to be revised down
Official figures going back to 2018 are set to take billions in under-reported benefits income into account.
Why there's no quick fix in sight for the problem of dazzling headlights
Road users say headlight glare is an issue - but experts warn a solution might not be straightforward.
Tech firms will have 48 hours to remove abusive images under new law
The government is proposing that intimate image abuse should be treated more severely.
Hamas is reasserting control in Gaza despite its heavy losses fighting Israel
Gazans say Hamas is again extending its control over security, tax revenue and government services.
Pubs to open late for home nations World Cup knockout games
Football fans in the UK will be able to enjoy an extra round at the pub thanks to new rules during the men's World Cup.
Eight skiers found dead after California avalanche
Fifteen skiers went missing on Tuesday following a massive avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe region. One person remains missing but is presumed dead.
Veterans threaten MoD with legal action over LGBT compensation scheme
Lawyers for the pair say thousands of veterans could potentially be impacted.
White House says Iran would be 'wise' to make deal, as US ramps up military presence
The White House spokeswoman says there are "many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran".
The Papers: 'Trump pulls support for Chagos' and 'Britain faces '1936 moment''
Donald Trump's reversal on the Chagos Islands deal leads some of the papers today, while Sir Keir Starmer is called to increase military spending.
Musk cuts Starlink access for Russian forces - giving Ukraine an edge at the front
Ukrainian troops say Russian forces are suffering setbacks without access to Elon Musk's system.
Australian presenter apologises for drinking before slurred Olympics report
Danika Mason also blamed the cold, after talking about coffee and iguanas in her live cross.
Yes there is a right way to stack the dishwasher. Here are the 5 rules
BBC One's Inside the Factory attempted to settle the heated debate in many households.
Etsy sells second-hand fashion app Depop to eBay for $1.2bn
The "pre-loved" fashion firm has been sold by Etsy just five years after it bought the firm.
Teenage girls lured into forced sex by gangs in London, BBC finds
Our investigation reveals gangs from a range of ethnic backgrounds are operating widely in the capital, exploiting girls and young women.
Reeves' borrowing rules 'need a rethink', claims IFS
The think tank suggests the chancellor's fiscal rules need to shift the focus from one key figure.
Billionaire Les Wexner tells US lawmakers he was 'naive' and 'conned' by Epstein
Testifying before Congress, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret lingerie brand accused Epstein of stealing "vast sums" of money from his family.
Game of Thrones play to open in the UK this summer
The stage prequel will be set 10 years before the events of the original books and TV series.
Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested?
What we know about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Read King and police statements in full after Andrew arrest
King releases statement after Thames Valley Police says a man is in custody and officers are searching addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Andrew in custody as police search two addresses
The former prince remains in custody while searches take place in Norfolk and Berkshire.
Man guilty of XL bully offence after dog killed mother-in-law in his home
Ashley Warren, the first person to be prosecuted under XL bully laws, will be sentenced in April.
Detained British woman describes life in Iran jail hours before being sentenced to 10 years
In a rare telephone interview from Tehran's Evin prison, Lindsay Foreman, whose husband is also held in Iran, likened their detainment to "an endurance test for the mind".
Arrest after two teens found dead at holiday park
A 33-year-old man has been arrested following the discovery at Little Eden Holiday Park.
Starmer appoints Dame Antonia Romeo as head of UK civil service
Dame Antonia will be the first woman to hold the post and replaces Sir Chris Wormald as the UK's top civil servant.
SpaceX rocket fireball linked to plume of polluting lithium
A SpaceX Falcon 9 crashed to Earth last year. Now scientists have measured the pollution it caused.
Gaffe-ridden Olympic commentary prompts Italy's Rai sport chief to resign
Paolo Petrecca, whose gaffe-ridden commentary of the event went viral, stands down from his job.
Why there's no quick fix in sight for the problem of dazzling headlights
Road users say headlight glare is an issue - but experts warn a solution might not be straightforward.
Yes there is a right way to stack the dishwasher. Here are the 5 rules
BBC One's Inside the Factory attempted to settle the heated debate in many households.
I thought being deaf would mean I couldn't be a dating show contestant - now I'm starring in one
Hold My Hand is the first show if its kind where all the contestants and hosts use British Sign Language.
How a tiny pebble found on a Boxing Day walk got its 'smile'
The unusual looking fossil is estimated to be a few hundred million years old dating to the Carboniferous period.
KPop stars scored the biggest global hit songs of 2025
APT by Rosé and Bruno Mars and tracks from KPop Demon Hunters were among the biggest hits of the year.
Trump says world has 10 days to see if Iran deal reached
The US is surging forces to the Middle East amid negotiations with the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme.
Lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson faces collapse
Sources close to the company insist that its difficulties stem entirely from "the Mandelson legacy".
Do not give away Diego Garcia, Trump tells UK, in latest reversal on Chagos
The president's comments come just a day after the US gave its official backing to the UK's Chagos deal.
Pupils with SEND to have support reviewed after primary, leaked plans suggest
Leaks suggest plans for a complete redesign of special educational needs and disabilities support in schools.
South Korea's ex-president jailed for life over martial law attempt
Yoon Suk Yeol's December 2024 martial law bid fundamentally damaged South Korea's democracy, a judge told the court.
BBC plans David Attenborough celebration for 100th birthday
The corporation will look back on the veteran wildlife broadcaster's career for his birthday in May.
Bournemouth Echo
Council make decisions on home expansions and buildings in Dorset villages
A SERIES of planning decisions affecting several Dorset villages has been released by Dorset Council, with Piddletrenthide and Buckland Newton seeing notable changes.
Nightclub claiming to be 'best in Bournemouth' at risk of being struck off
A NIGHTCLUB that claimed to ‘shut every other club in Bournemouth’ is at risk of being struck off and dissolved.
Care worker lied to patient's family after being struck off for theft
A CARE worker lied to the family of a vulnerable patient and continued providing care despite being struck off for theft.
In The Dock: Man trespassed supermarket and stole £600 of alcohol
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
'A homegrown political conference': Residents gather for 'fun' event
A FIRST homegrown political conference took place in Bournemouth, where people of all ages and backgrounds came together to discuss visions for the future.
Monthly event for authors and readers finds new home in Southbourne
A monthly event hosting readers and authors has found a new home in Southbourne.
Pharmacies reopen months after sudden closures which left staff unpaid
A pharmacy group has taken over and reopened the doors to prominent community locations following abrupt closures last year.
New café and bar to open on Poole Quay next month creating around 30 jobs
A NEW Lounge café and bar is set to open on Poole Quay next month, creating around 30 jobs.
Dorset chief constable to retire this summer after more than 33 years service
Dorset Police Chief Constable Amanda Pearson announces retirement after 33 years in policing, including three years leading the force. Read her statement.
All adult cancer care inpatients now to be treated at Royal Bournemouth Hospital
All cancer care (oncology) inpatients will now be treated at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital as part of long- term 'Transforming Care Together' plan.
18 year old dead and two others in hospital after fatal crash
AN 18-YEAR-old has died following a crash near Wareham last night.
LIVE: Multiple roads closed due to flooding as heavy rain continues
Further heavy rain across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole overnight has seen road closures due to flooding - live updates here
Father and son fishing trip leads to 'extraordinary' discovery
WHAT started as a regular father and son fishing trip turned into an “extraordinary” discovery when the duo pulled ordnance from the river stour.
'It is the thread that links us' - Three towns launch joint bid for Town of Culture
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has officially launched its bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028 – a title that could bring £3 million to the area to fund a year-long programme of cultural events if successful.
Bournemouth pubs to stay open until 2am if England reach World Cup knockouts
Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 2am if England make it to the knockout stage at this summer’s football World Cup.
Former Chinese restaurant on New Forest high street on sale for over £1 million
A former Chinese restaurant is up for sale for just over £1 million on Lyndhurst High Street in the New Forest.
Women’s and Girls’ football takes centre stage as Dorset tournament returns
The DFL Women & Girls Tournament returns to Dorset County Ground, Poole, on 28 June 2026 with an expanded format and new U18 girls’ category.
Residents left in uproar as BCP Council allegedly issues fines for uncollected bins
Residents of a Bournemouth street are in uproar as they claim BCP Council is dishing out fines for rubbish it has failed to collect.
New Forest group raises £2,200 for RNLI after protest
A New Forest group has raised more than £2,200 for the RNLI.
LIVE: BCP launches bid for UK town of culture 2028
BCP council have announced that they have put forward 'exciting first stage proposal' for the inaugural UK Town of culture 2028 competition.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested by police
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the BBC.
MP 'thrilled' by announcement of Wimborne becoming Dorset's Town of Culture 2026
Wimborne named Dorset's Town of Culture 2026. MP Vikki Slade celebrates the win, highlighting local heritage, events, and arts in Parliament.
Council begin parking suspension on The Quay in Poole to enable waste removal
BCP Council enforces temporary parking suspension on The Quay, Bournemouth, for W&S Recycling waste removal from 25 Feb 2026 to 31 Mar 2026.
'It's always been about protecting kids': Officer awarded as paedophile jailed
An officer who has collected evidence from dozens of children to help put a paedophile behind bars has been named Investigator of the Year.
Fury as 'illegal' concrete wall blocks woman's sea view
A homeowner has reacted with fury after learning town hall planners are backing an illegal concrete wall that is blocking her sea view.
Beloved Bournemouth beach festival could comeback after 14-year break
A BELOVED Bournemouth beach festival could be making a comeback next year.
Emergency services descend on Poole Park with concern for person in the water
EMERGENCY services were called to Poole Park following reports of concern for a woman’s welfare in the water.
LIVE: Road closed and large emergency response at Bournemouth church
An emergency response is in place near Love Church in Manor Road, Bournemouth
Concern for welfare of man on roof in Bournemouth town centre
A man on a roof in Bournemouth town centre has prompted a concern for welfare.
Summer plans for camping in Christchurch submitted to council
Plans for a campsite to be set up in Christchurch over the summer have been submitted to BCP Council.
LIVE: Area cordoned off after suspected ordnance discovered in river
Emergency services are at the scene in Wimborne after a suspected ordnance has been discovered.
Who is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor? Former Prince arrested on misconduct allegation
Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody.
'Failing and dangerous' roof at listed Boscombe Pier needs repairs
Structural repair works are needed at Boscombe Pier to replace the ‘failing and dangerous’ concrete roof.
Volunteers who started restoration work at Swanage station in 1976 reunite
Swanage Railway marks 50 years of restoration at Corfe Castle station, celebrating original volunteers’ efforts in reviving the heritage Dorset train line.
Visible Women: Lucy Sewill presents powerful portrait series at Dorset Museum
Visible Women, a Lucy Sewill portrait exhibition at Dorset Museum, spotlights gender inequality and ageism in British acting, 7 March–28 April 2026.
The tiny Dorset village home to the county's best-performing primary school
The village of Bishop's Caundle, which is close to Sherborne, is home to Dorset's best-performing primary school
New Forest District Council considers a balanced budget for 2026/2027
New Forest District Council proposes a balanced £80m 2026-27 budget, focusing on essential services, financial stability, and sustainable local funding.
Comedian Jack Whitehall announces show in Bournemouth as part of 2027 tour
Jack Whitehall announces 2027 UK arena tour Bad Influence, with dates at Bournemouth BIC and Brighton Centre. Tickets on sale 20 February 2026.
Three-sy doesn’t do it for small-parcel exporters from Dorset to EU
Dorset exporters urged to prepare for new EU €3 duty on parcels under €150 from July 2026. Azets warns of rising costs, compliance and operational impact.
Woman takes on leadership role at life-changing South of England dog charity
Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs appoints Sarah Phillips as interim COO to lead specialist assistance dog training in south England.
New choral work will take centre stage at concert hall in Poole this March
The Lighthouse Poole hosts the premiere of Richard Blackford’s The Black Lake, performed by Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, Salomon Orchestra, and Felix Kemp.
Billion-pound Local Power Plan from government celebrated by Dorset community
Government launches £1bn Local Power Plan to boost community-owned renewable energy across the UK. Dorset Community Energy set to benefit from green investment.
Award-winning pub group launches nationwide campaign, including for Dorset pubs
Heartwood Inns launches its Reasons to Visit campaign across 35 UK pubs, offering themed events, Sunday roasts, and community-focused experiences nationwide.
Landlords urged to prepare for 'landmark' changes ahead of Renters Rights Act
Dorset Council urges private landlords to prepare for the Renters Rights Act 2025, with key reforms including ending Section 21 evictions.
Community Larder supporting Blandford residents reaches 5,000th shop milestone
Nourish Community Larder in Blandford marks 5,000 shops, tackling food poverty with Faithworks, offering choice, support and courses for Dorset residents.
New seafood restaurant making waves with huge local praise and glowing reviews
A new Seafood inspired restaurant is making waves with glowing reviews.
Sergeant who continued to inspire despite health struggles receives police award
Sgt Karen Brown of Bournemouth South named Sergeant of the Year at the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Awards for dedication after surgery and team leadership.
Wessex U15s volleyball team secure Super 6's spot with dominating display
Wessex U15 boys volleyball team qualify for Super 6’s after unbeaten run at National Volleyball Cup in Weymouth.
Storm-damaged tree on recreation ground is taken down
A town council has removed a storm-damaged tree at the Recreation Ground after determining it could no longer be safely retained.
Dorset Council prepares essential resurfacing work for priority car parks
Dorset Council to resurface 10 priority car parks from 23 February, improving safety, accessibility and bay sizes. £350,000 investment across Dorset.
Monkey World in Dorset adopts orphaned orangutan to join its Orang-utan Crèche
Orphaned baby orangutan Sammie joins Monkey World’s specialist crèche in Dorset, receiving expert care after failed introductions at Chester Zoo.
South coast lawyers inundated with business instructions ahead of tax change
UK business owners rush to complete sales as Ellis Jones Solicitors reports increased demand ahead of April 2026 Capital Gains Tax and BADR rate rises.
New research reveals why parents avoid museums and galleries with children
A Clarendon Fine Art study finds UK parents avoid museums and galleries over fears they're "too adult orientated" and worry children won't be welcome.
'Hundreds of deaths' in south west in winter 2024/2025 linked to cold weather
UKHSA report links 270 winter deaths in South West to cold weather in 2024-25. Vulnerable groups at higher risk; public urged to take action during cold snap.
Bournemouth University-based charity releases children's storybook compilation
Young Dorset writers shine in new anthology from Bournemouth University-based charity The Story Works, celebrating creativity and confidence.
Music documentary to make Dorset premiere in April after international acclaim
Award-winning documentary The Banjo Boys, about Malawi’s Madalitso Band, premieres in Dorset at Wimborne’s Allendale Centre during FES Film Festival, 18 April.
Formula 1
Watch as F1 TV break down Day 1 of second Bahrain test
With the first day of the second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain now complete, the F1 TV crew are here to analyse the key talking points.
What we learned from Day 1 of the second Bahrain test
F1.com's Lawrence Barretto looks back on the opening day of the second official 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain.
Catch the action from Day 1 of the second Bahrain test
George Russell and Mercedes topped the timesheets as the second and final pre-season test of 2026 kicked off in Bahrain – leading the way from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
10 quiz questions on the latest Formula 1 news
Test your knowledge of the Formula 1 news from the past seven days...
Antonelli ends Day 2 of second Bahrain test on top
Kimi Antonelli set the pace on Day 2 of the second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, with the Mercedes racer heading the timesheets from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
Why Ferrari’s radical rear has got people talking in Bahrain
Mark Hughes takes a closer look at the unusual features spotted on Ferrari's car during the second pre-season test in Bahrain.
Norris leads on second morning of final Bahrain test
Lando Norris posted the fastest time as pre-season testing continued at the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday, leading the way from Max Verstappen and George Russell.
AS IT HAPPENED: Day 2 of the second pre-season test in Bahrain
Keep up to date with all the action - both on track and off it - as the 11 F1 teams work on preparations for the 2026 season. Live coverage of Day 2 in Bahrain.
Who’s driving on Day 2 of the second Bahrain test
Here are the driver line-ups in action for Day 2 of the second pre-season test in Bahrain.
Ferrari headline the innovations as F1 testing resumes
Formula 1 cars were back on track on Wednesday as the second and final 2026 pre-season test got under way at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Windows Central
What's next for Xbox's Starfield? Bethesda's Todd Howard says it's not "Starfield 2.0," but more is "coming soon" — "We think you're gonna love this"
Bethesda's Todd Howard says the studio will soon show what it's been working on for Xbox's Starfield RPG, but notes it's not "Starfield 2.0."
Todd Howard says The Elder Scrolls 6 will be more of a "classic" Bethesda game like Skyrim and Fallout — it's using the "Creation Engine 3" too
In a new interview, Bethesda director Todd Howard has revealed that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be more of a "classic" Bethesda game like Skyrim or Fallout 4.
Monster Hunter Wilds' final base game update has arrived — and it's bringing a long-awaited performance boost for Xbox and more for PC
Capcom has released the final major update for Monster Hunter Wilds before switching gears to work on its DLC expansion. It includes new quests involving Arch-Tempered monsters, fun event quests, and huge performance boosts for consoles and PC.
Microsoft's Xbox PC app is getting a nifty new feature — it's in preview testing now for Xbox Insiders
The Xbox PC app is getting a new postgame recaps feature that highlights gameplay captures, completed achievements, and more after your gaming sessions.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 advert has been blocked — cited as "irresponsible and offensive" by viewers
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has banned a Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 advert after nine complaints, ruling it inappropriate, despite no explicit imagery being shown.
14 simple Windows 11 tweaks that instantly boost your privacy
On Windows 11, you can use these 14 privacy tweaks to take control of your device by disabling telemetry, Copilot, Recall, OneDrive, Edge tracking, and cloud sync.
I’ve spent 100+ hours with this Hall Effect controller that’s now just $30 — but the discount ends at midnight
I've spent hundreds of hours with the GameSir Super Nova. At $29.99, this Hall Effect controller is a steal you shouldn't pass up before tonight's deal deadline.
Minecraft: Java Edition is moving to a new graphics API for its Vibrant Visuals update — here's what that means, and when it's coming to Mojang's hit
Minecraft developer Mojang is switching the Java Edition's graphics API from OpenGL to Vulkan ahead of its Vibrant Visuals update.
Valve just scored a historic win against a prolific patent troll — and even got $152K out of it
Serial patent litigator Leigh Rothschild tried to sue Valve in 2022 despite an existing agreement, so Valve went on the offensive and just won its case. Setting a precedent for the patent troll industry.
I love Turtle Beach's efforts to become a real racing sim competitor with its new VelocityOne Race KD3 wheel
Turtle Beach's VelocityOne KD3 set, with add-ons like the F-RX Formula Wheel, makes this a serious racing competitor and another entry in its racing lineup.
Microsoft Edge just got two new AI features — and they’re actually useful
Microsoft Edge finally adds AI PDF tools that save time, including instant summaries and a faster, more reliable Read Aloud experience.
Two of the lightest-ever Windows laptops launch soon — here's how Lenovo and ASUS with Snapdragon and Intel CPUs compare
Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition wants to compete with the glorious ASUS Zenbook A14, also refreshed for 2026. I put together this comparison to help you pick the perfect laptop for your needs.
Microsoft caught plagiarizing graphics with AI slop — "Microsoft continvouclymorged my diagram there for sure"
Microsoft is under fire for using AI to plagiarize a well-known technical diagram, resulting in a typo-ridden version labeled as AI slop.
The new World of Warcraft Midnight animated short film proves we need a Netflix show — it could bring in new fans intimidated by decades worth of lore
World of Warcraft: Midnight is drawing near. So Blizzard has decided to give fans a look at the backstory for one of its central characters, Liadrin, in a new gorgeously animated short film.
Microsoft just pulled off a breakthrough in glass‑based data storage — and the implications are way bigger than you think
Traditional storage methods are quite precarious. They're prone to degradation over time, and they're sensitive to heat, moisture, and magnetism. Using glass solves all of those problems, and Microsoft just had a big breakthrough.
Microsoft splits Windows 11's most experimental preview channel in two as it begins testing next major OS platform release
Windows 11 Insiders can now begin testing early foundational builds that are expected to work towards the next platform release, which is likely to debut in 2027 with version 27H2.
Microsoft Teams is about to bug you for a default mobile browser to handle external links — guess which one it suggests?
Microsoft Teams is about to introduce a mobile browser selector, but it might be just another way to push Edge as the default.
Microsoft 365's buggy Copilot 'Chat' has been summarizing confidential emails for a month — yet another AI privacy nightmare
Microsoft has identified a bug in 365 Copilot that allows the service to access and summarize confidential emails without user consent.
Xbox staff are now internally testing a new ROG Xbox Ally feature — which is also slated for Xbox next-gen
The new Xbox "Highlight Reels" feature uses the Xbox Ally X NPU and is almost certainly going to appear on the next-gen Xbox. Here's how it works.
Laffgaff
Which actor starred as a Hollywood stuntman in The Fall Guy and as Ken in Barbie?
Ryan Gosling.
Hall Of Mirrors
I got asked to leave a hall of mirrors yesterday. I said, "Don't worry, I'll see myself out."
Itsfoss
KDE Plasma 6.6 Turns Spectacle Into an OCR Tool and Ships a New Setup Wizard
The release also includes a new color blindness filter, an on-screen keyboard, and better high refresh rate display handling.
FOSS Weekly #26.08: KDE Plasma 6.6, Mint Release Schedule Change, ASCII Weather, Firefox Tweaking and More Linux Stuff
Quizzes and Puzzles? Yes or no?
This is Probably the Best Video Downloader App (And it is Free and Open Source)
If you are looking for a free video downloader that just works on Linux, Windows or macOS, VidBee is the ideal choice here.