The News - Sunday, 23 August 2026

BBC News

Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the change was "essential" for helping mayors "effectively deliver new homes".

Two police officers among seven killed in wrong-way car crash

PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough died after a car driving the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough collided with a police vehicle.

Struggling households need more help with bills, energy industry says

Industry body Energy UK says the current support for households most in need does not go far enough.

Restriction zone scheme for offenders to start in October

Serious violent and sexual offenders may be confined to areas of just a few miles after leaving prison on probation.

Cyber attack shut down small power plant

The government says at no point was there a risk to the UK's energy system during the attack in July.

Lucy Davis 'grateful' for support over cancer diagnosis

The Office star was appearing at convention in London, less than two weeks after announcing her condition.

The hotel booking mix-up that could free mushroom murderer

A table tennis tournament and a throat lozenge could help Erin Patterson's lawyers overturn her convictions.

How a new era of heatwaves could shake up the school calendar

Teachers warn it could be increasingly difficult for classrooms to function during the hottest months.

Why we can't look away from hoarder home clean-ups

Videos of extreme cleaning posted on social media often go viral and are watched millions of times.

Trump Mobile promoted a 'Made in the USA' phone - but the details kept changing

BBC Verify tracks the changes in design, spec, manufacture and release date of the T1 phone from Trump Mobile.

Did a goat herder's lucky $200 nugget spark a gold rush in western Kenya?

Prospectors have come to West Pokot county in the hope a gram of the precious metal can change their lives.

Fear and fallout three months on from Northern Ireland's race riots

Northern Ireland saw consecutive nights of violence following a knife attack - but how are victims faring now?

The Papers: 'Power to block nimby protests' and Meghan 'deal could be off'

New mayoral powers and continued reporting on the Duchess of Sussex's television role lead Sunday's papers.

Baby whose parents feared had just days to live is 'thriving' after life-saving heart operation

Doctors have told mum and dad Catrin and Dylan it could take years for a donor to materialise.

'We're not going to run from it': Sydney Marathon laughs off medal error

Runners will receive a medal at the 2026 Sydney Marathon with an engraving of a German stadium.

Swedish sword attack victim was 17-year-old girl, police say

Two boys aged 12 and 17 were also injured in the attack, while an 18-year-old suspect has been detained.

US military newspaper editor voices censorship fears after being fired

Erik Slavin believes he was fired for saying in an interview that "in a hypothetical situation, censorship would be a red line".

Watch: Moment humanoid robot beats Usain Bolt's 100m record

The robot ran the distance in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.

Police aborted pursuit about 10 seconds before fatal crash, watchdog says

Officers had been pursing a car before it went the wrong way down a dual carriageway.

CrossCountry cancels 'almost all' UK services after power cut

Customers say the disruption to virtually all UK CrossCountry services is the "worst case scenario".

Zelensky should be asked what he knew about government corruption, sacked minister tells BBC

Mykhailo Fedorov has also called for wartime elections to be held in Ukraine.

Robot boxing, football and sprinting at World Humanoid Games

The second-edition of the five-day competition kicked off in Beijing, China, on Saturday.

Scammers increasingly using QR codes to steal money and data

Scammers set up a monthly subscription of £60 from Les Howard's account after he downloaded an app.

France links rise in drownings to heatwaves

A government minister says people have been taking risks by going into the water, with 301 deaths since 19 June.

Thousands struggling without power in Indiana 12 days after severe storms

In the town of Gary, where a third of residents live in poverty, people say they have been living in "survival mode".

Wicker Man director's sons complete their late father's film trilogy

The final film in the folk horror trilogy brings closure to the saga as well as its creator's family after more than 50 years.

Scottish climber completes 'full house' of 1,072 peaks around UK

The 38-year-old becomes one of just over 100 people who have stood on all 1,072 summits.

Plan to restrict serious offenders to certain areas to start in October

Serious violent and sexual offenders may be confined to areas of just a few miles after leaving prison on probation.

DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks

Representatives met in Switzerland to work out next steps to resolve the conflict.

Bournemouth Echo

Hundreds ran 10k at Beaulieu museum to raise money for Cancer Research UK

Hundreds joined Cancer Research UK's 10k race at Beaulieu, Hampshire in 2006, raising thousands for cancer research amid historic cars and ruins.

Upcoming road works across BCP set to cause delays from August 24 to August 30

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face road closures and temporary road works in August due to BCP Council and utility roadworks. Expect delays.

Christchurch hospice helps make car loving grandmother’s last wish come true

Steve Sims, from Verwood, has praised the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch for supporting his wife Denise during her final weeks.

Nearly 30 classic motorcycles to go under the hammer at museum this November

Nearly 30 classic motorcycles, including rare Ducati and Moto Guzzi models, will be auctioned by Charterhouse at Haynes Motor Museum on 26 November.

National Trust expands Stepping into Parkinson's programme at Kingston Lacy

"Stepping into Parkinson's and nature" is a 12-week programme starting on Monday, September 7, from 2pm to 3pm, at Kingston Lacy in Dorset.

Son of Beaulieu Motor Museum founder speaks out over plans to leave New Forest

The son of the man who founded the National Motor Museum has spoken out as the museum prepares to leave its long-time New Forest home.

YMCA Bournemouth calls on local runners to take on the 2027 London Marathon

YMCA Bournemouth is calling on local runners, supporters and anyone looking for a challenge to apply to join Team YMCA at the 2027 TCS London Marathon.

£9,600 of free groceries at Aldi up for grabs for families across Dorset

Families in Dorset can now apply to get their hands on Aldi’s brand-new Superfam Pass, which offers one lucky household a full year of free groceries.

South Coast Wine Festival celebrates successful festival at Highcliffe Castle

The South Coast Wine Festival took place at Highcliffe Castle in Christchurch from August 14 to August 16

Patisserie Mark Bennett applies to serve alcohol at Ashley Cross store

Patisserie Mark Bennett in Poole seeks alcohol licence from BCP Council, aiming to serve drinks daily from September 2026. Public objections invited.

Road in Swanage to close next month to comply with health and safety regulations

Chapel Lane in Swanage will close from 12 September for electricity works by Connect It Utility Services for SSEN. Dorset Council order may last until 2028.

Fears shops will 'suffer massively' over changes after three complaints

Businesses fear they will “suffer massively” if they are forced to strip the streets outside their shops of displays and signage.

Freeview urges Brits to retune their TV as it makes 5 channel changes in new update

Brits are being urged to retune their TVs after five channel changes were made in the latest Freeview update on August 19, 2026.

Firefighters prepare to leave New Forest blaze after two weeks

Firefighters are preparing to leave the scene of the major New Forest wildfire after spending two weeks battling the blaze.

A31 reopens after 13-day closure caused by major New Forest wildfire

The A31 has reopened after a 13-day closure caused by a major New Forest fire.

New gym and sauna building planned for home

A new outbuilding with a gym and sauna could be built if the plans are approved.

The beautiful Dorset town where time seems to slow down

Picturesque market town Sturminster Newton is one of Dorset's most beautiful places

Former councillor to be sentenced after stealing from vulnerable man

A former town councillor is due to be sentenced after stealing from an elderly man in Lyme Regis

Man performs 'indecent act' at naturist beach

Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident of outraging public decency at Studland Beach.

Thousands descend to sold out music festival in Dorset

Thousands of music fans flocked to a fast-growing Dorset festival for four days of live performances this weekend.

Man banned from mother's care home after 'aggressive' behaviour towards staff

A man was banned from seeing his mother at a care home after a row erupted between him and a nurse over the quality of care.

New spectator stand planned for football club

A local football club could soon get a new 50-seat stand if plans are approved.

"I'm selling up" says car wash owner following council enforcement action

A car wash owner is set to sell up after being ordered to stop jet wash services following breaches of noise control requirements.

Major disruption as power cut hits train operator’s control centre

Major disruption to CrossCountry services has been announced after a power cut hit the operator's control centre.

Poole Sisters raising £3,000 to buy Jellycat toys for hospital children

A pair of sisters are bringing comfort to children in hospital by fundraising to donate Jellycat toys

New Forest consultancy receives regional award

A property consultancy has been named the best in luxury residential project management.

New Forest non-native plants project shortlisted for national award

A conservation project has been nominated for a national award.

Pub trade almost halves after A31 closure following New Forest blaze

A pub has seen trade almost halve since the A31 was closed following the major blaze.

Bournemouth charity music festival returns with 16 bands

A charity music festival is set to return, promising a full day of live music for a good cause.

Signs go up outside two Upton homes amid plans for 16-property development

Signs have appeared outside two homes in Upton as plans to demolish them and replace them with 16 new properties are considered.

History lovers wanted as Wimborne museum launches volunteer appeal

A museum is inviting people to step back in time and help bring history to life through volunteering.

UK producers of popular alcoholic drink facing 'worst harvest ever' for 40 years

Cider producers have said they are facing their "worst year ever" due to the dry weather impacting apple harvests

Drivers face possible MOT test price hike as calls made for major increase

The cost of MOT tests on cars could nearly double under new guidelines proposed to the Government.

British comedian Jimmy Carr in talks to host BBC reboot of Top Gear, reports

The BBC's reboot of Top Gear is set to be hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr, according to reports.

Warning as stuffed toy flagged as 'serious risk of suffocation' to young children

A warning has been issued to shoppers after a Snugly weighted stuffed toy has been flagged as a serious risk of suffocation to young children.

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro accuses BBC of failing to safeguard its stars

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has accused the BBC of failing to safeguard its stars

Aldi to cut price of one item in response to heatwave but you'll need to be quick

Aldi has cut the price of British strawberries in its stores in response to a high yield among growers due to heatwave conditions

People urged to check financial advice from source with average loss of £802

Trading platform IG has urged investors to be diligent in where they source their financial advice due to risky information on social media

4.5 million drivers risk fines over a car insurance myth many still believe

Millions of British drivers are risking fines and penalty points over a common insurance misconception.

Two fan-favourite characters return to EastEnders in 'jaw-dropping' storyline

Lee and Nancy Carter are returning to EastEnders' Albert Square in a jaw-dropping storyline.

Check your post as HMRC sends letters to nearly 2 million Brits about unpaid tax

Nearly two million people will receive important letters from HMRC in the coming weeks about simple assessments.

Former councillor to be sentenced after stealing from vulnerable man

A former town councillor is due to be sentenced after stealing from an elderly man in Lyme Regis

Major New Forest reptile rescue op launched to save species after A31 blaze

A rescue operation has launched to save native species affected by the New Forest blaze.

Formula 1

What are the tyre strategy options for the Dutch Grand Prix?

Matt Youson takes a look at the different pit stop and tyre options that are available to the teams on race day at Zandvoort.

We picked a four-leg Bet Builder for the Dutch GP

We have picked a four-leg Bet Builder for Zandvoort, including a podium finish and top-six selection.

What the teams said – Sprint day and Qualifying in the Netherlands

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from the Sprint and then Qualifying ahead of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix from Zandvoort.

What To Watch For in the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort

Chris Medland picks out five key things to keep an eye on when the lights go out on race day at Zandvoort.

Hamilton and Leclerc split on Ferrari's Zandvoort changes

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc shared differing opinions when it came to their success in Qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Russell offers verdict on Mercedes team orders in Dutch GP

George Russell has shared his thoughts after he opted to let Kimi Antonelli pass on the final laps of the Dutch Grand Prix.

Antonelli details what ‘saved’ Mercedes after P2 in Dutch GP

Kimi Antonelli ended an eventful Dutch Grand Prix in second place, bringing a close to a weekend in which the Mercedes driver admitted to lacking confidence in the car.

Norris dissects the ‘move that won me’ the final Dutch GP

Lando Norris thrived in the battle to win the Dutch Grand Prix, beating Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

Norris edges Alonso to clinch Zandvoort fan vote

Lando Norris may have started from pole in the Netherlands, but the McLaren man really had to work for what was his second consecutive race win in 2026 and his second in three years at Zandvoort.

Verstappen reacts to dramatic Dutch GP crash

Max Verstappen was unable to complete a lap of Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix at the Zandvoort Circuit, with the Red Bull driver dramatically crashing out in front of his home fans.

Norris wins dramatic Dutch Grand Prix as Verstappen crashes

Lando Norris emerged as the victor of an action-packed Dutch Grand Prix, the McLaren driver crossing the line ahead of the Mercedes pair of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

OFFICIAL GRID: Who starts where for the Dutch GP

The full official starting order for Sunday's 2026 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.

AS IT HAPPENED: Norris wins Dutch GP ahead of Antonelli and Russell

Live coverage of Sunday's Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2026.

Palmowski secures fourth win of the season in Zandvoort

Polesitter Alisha Palmowski extended her lead at the top of the standings as she won the F1 ACADEMY Feature Race in Zandvoort.

Betting mistakes to avoid during the Dutch GP

Safer gambling is important, so we’ve flagged some key betting mistakes to avoid during Sunday’s race at Zandvoort.

Windows Central

Windows 11’s September update reshapes key parts of the OS, and these 3 customizations instantly make the new release feel faster, cleaner, and more personal to use

Windows 11 finally lets you move the Taskbar, resize the Start menu, and disable web and Store suggestions with the September 2026 update. Here's how.

I think Microsoft is finally fixing the customization problems that held Windows 11 back

Microsoft is giving Windows 11 users more control over the context menu, Taskbar, and Start menu while reversing some of its most restrictive changes.

Laffgaff

Which superhero grew up in Smallville but moved to Metropolis?

Superman.

Caterpillar Tracks

I was examining my tomato plants looking for caterpillar tracks. That's when I got run over by a tank.

Itsfoss

17 GNOME Extensions To Help You Customization Desktop Looks

Change how your Linux desktop running GNOME DE looks with these GNOME extensions.