BBC News
Huge queues for meningitis B jabs as vaccination scheme expanded
Some queueing for vaccines at the University of Kent were turned away on Thursday.
Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers
Will the pursuit of a closer relationship with the EU risk courting electoral disaster by alienating Brexit-backing voters?
Reports of children as young as 11 abused in West Midlands mini-marts, BBC reveals
Child sexual abuse reports go back 10 years and were seen by safeguarding group which included police
Taxpayers to fund clear-up of huge illegal waste dumps
The government says it will step in to clean up some of the biggest illegal rubbish tips in England.
Labour MPs threaten vote to show opposition to Mahmood's migration plans
Opponents are considering using parliamentary procedure to force a vote to highlight their concerns.
The Salt Path author wrote secret first book despite claiming she was debut writer
Raynor and Moth Winn published a book they hoped would help get them out of debt, the BBC confirms.
Woman who lost five family members in drowning tragedy wants surviving daughter to 'live life'
Rionaghac McGrotty was four months old when she was rescued from a car that slid off a pier after a day at the seaside.
US broadcaster pulls The Bachelorette after domestic abuse allegations
The decision comes after footage emerged appearing to show the reality star in an altercation with her ex-partner.
UK's most popular tourist attraction for 2025 takes top spot from British Museum
The venue broke the record for the most visitors to any museum or gallery in a single year.
Nearly 100 ships pass the Hormuz Strait - who is getting through?
Just under 100 ships have passed thorough the Strait of Hormuz since the start of March, according to data analysed by BBC Verify.
The global winners and losers of the war in Iran
As the conflict triggers economic disruption some risk being hit hard, while others stand to benefit.
Iranians prepare for Persian new year under shadow of war
Iranians speak to the BBC about preparing for the Nowruz new year festival during the war.
Are US and Israel aligned on Iran war? Deciphering Trump's post after gas field attacks
What does Trump's Truth Social post after gas field attacks tell us about US-Israeli alignment?
Gas shortage caused by Iran war may push India back to dirtier fuels
Reports from across India point to rising sales of biomass fuels like firewood and cow dung cakes.
BTS Arirang review: K-pop idols rekindle their fire
The band's 10th album sees them return to the rebellious, rap-heavy sound of their early days.
Traitors, Amandaland - and Idris Elba - get set for Comic Relief
The charity telethon takes place on Friday night and will be hosted by Davina McCall.
The Papers: Iran unleashes 'world energy shock' and 'King of the coast'
Fears of a global energy crisis after attacks on major gas sites in the Middle East dominates Friday's papers.
Desperate for food drought-stricken Kenyans turn to the gingerbread tree
Some 26 million people are "facing extreme hunger" in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, warns humanitarian organisation Oxfam.
Weekly quiz: How did this man accidentally turn himself blue?
How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?
Colombia's budding tech scene needs a cash boost
Colombia has become a tech hub for Latin America, but attracting investors is a challenge.
Faisal Islam: Iran war is having a dramatic effect on the UK economy
The knock-on effects of the war in the Gulf go beyond a hold on interest rates and are set to reverberate for months.
Australia PM heckled at Sydney mosque Ramadan event
The government's response to the Israel-Gaza war and rising Islamophobia has angered many Muslim Australians.
Trump 24-karat gold coin approved by hand-picked federal panel
The coin, intended to mark the nation's 250th birthday, should be "as large as possible", says one panel member.
'Workhorse' Land Rover fleet to be retired from Army after 70 years
A service was held in Dorset to mark the beginning of Land Rover vehicles being phased out by the Army by 2030.
Denmark planned to blow up Greenland runways if US invaded, reports say
Denmark's public broadcaster reports that the US operation to seize Venezuela's leader sparked fears it would act against Greenland.
Facebook offering TikTok and YouTube creators $3,000 to post content
Meta wants creators to "rediscover" Facebook, but a social media expert says viewers will not follow.
Several injured as turbulence hits Delta flight into Sydney
Three flight attendants were taken to hospital after the Airbus A350 experienced turbulence during its descent into Sydney Airport.
Iranian man arrested trying to enter Faslane nuclear base
A 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested at HM Naval Base Clyde, which houses UK's nuclear-armed submarines, on Thursday.
'I feel so grateful to be alive,' says Kent University meningitis survivor
Annabelle Mackay, 21, has spoken to the BBC about her experience surviving meningitis.
Civil case against Gerry Adams over IRA bombings withdrawn
A lawyer for the claimants said on Friday that proceedings would be "discontinued".
Work from home and drive more slowly to save energy, global body urges
People should change how they travel, work and cook to tackle the energy price crisis, the International Energy Agency says.
Officer reportedly leaks location of French aircraft carrier with Strava run
The 35-minute workout reveals the vessel's location as it heads towards the Middle East, Le Monde reports.
Coroner 'not satisfied' boxing legend Ricky Hatton intended to take own life
Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton was found "unresponsive" at his home in September.
Lily Allen's West End Girl portrait goes on show at National Portrait Gallery
The painting by Spanish artist Nieves Gonzalez was used on the cover of the singer's latest album.
Border security chief to step down after 18 months in the job
Martin Hewitt had been tasked with cutting the numbers trying to get to the UK in small boats.
British man accused of shooting partner in France
George Goodayle allegedly killed his partner Jayne Nicholson at their home in southwest France.
Iran warns UK letting US use bases is 'participation in aggression'
Iran's foreign minister urges his UK counterpart Yvette Cooper to end cooperation with the US.
Trump makes Pearl Harbor remark in meeting with Japan's PM
President Trump compared US strikes on Iran to the deadly 1941 Japanese attack and declaration of war as part of World War Two.
Watch: Netanyahu says idea Israel dragged US into Iran war 'fake news'
The Israeli PM has said no-one can tell President Trump what to do.
Sir Chris Hoy says terminal cancer diagnosis taught him how to live
The six times Olympic cycling champion says a "bucket list" is less important than learning to appreciate special small things "in the moment".
Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers
Will the pursuit of a closer relationship with the EU risk courting electoral disaster by alienating Brexit-backing voters?
Five members of my family drowned in a car. I want my surviving daughter to live life
Rioghnach McGrotty was four months old when she was rescued from a car that slid off a pier after a day at the seaside.
Reform suspends Scotland candidate less than a day after he was announced
Scotland leader Malcolm Offord told BBC Radio Scotland that the party had "spent a lot of time on vetting" candidates
Nottingham triple killer should have been arrested before attacks, police chief admits
The former Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell has given evidence to the Nottingham Inquiry.
IT failure leaves Hargreaves Lansdown clients unable to make transactions
The finance firm has apologised for the disruption to its website and app, which has angered many customers.
MI5 contractor who gave intelligence to foreign power 'was insane'
Juan Joseph, a former MI5 IT contractor, shared information with a foreign state but was found "not guilty by reason of insanity" by a jury.
Watch: Greg James completes Comic Relief challenge, raising more than £4m
The Radio 1 host cycled 1,000km (630 miles) on a tandem bike over the course of eight days.
Ex-Met special constable jailed for raping child
James Bubb, who now identifies as a woman, is sentenced for raping a child and a young woman.
Typical energy bill forecast to rise by £332 a year in July
Cornwall Insight says the recent surge in energy prices due to the Iran war is set to push up household bills.
Coroner 'not satisfied' Hatton intended to take his own life
Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton was found "unresponsive" at his home in September.
Bournemouth Echo
Historic £60 million secured to transform Boscombe, Hamworthy, and West Howe
Boscombe West, Hamworthy and West Howe secure £60m Pride in Place government funding for regeneration, thanks to Labour MPs in the Bournemouth and Poole area.
When Hollywood legends Laurel and Hardy took Bournemouth by storm
Their post-war tours around Britain and Ireland were seen as a rather poignant period in their lives, driven mainly by financial need.
Incinerator protestors 'strongly support' council's decision after appeal
A GROUP of residents and environmental campaigners have said they “strongly support" council’s decision to reject Canford heath incinerator plans after the developer submitted an appeal.
Prince William delights students at school in Bournemouth
His Royal Highness Prince William and delegations from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland and the Netherlands paid a visit to Bourne Academy school today in support of his homelessness prevention initiative Homewards.
‘Sporadic’ meningitis cases could appear elsewhere in UK, health leader warns
It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the number of cases linked to the outbreak has reached 29, up from 27 previously.
‘Opportunistic’ shoplifters target New Forest towns
“Opportunistic” criminals targeting two New Forest towns have led to a spike in shoplifting.
Music teacher caught having oral sex in classroom less than two weeks in job
A MUSIC teacher has been barred from the profession after he was caught having oral sex in his classroom – less than two weeks after starting his job.
Teen banned from driving and fined after car used to damage football pitches, crops
A teenager has been banned from driving and ordered to pay more than £1,000 in fines and costs after causing damage to football pitches and private land.
Car bursts into flames in residential area
A car burst into flames in Ringwood on Friday morning as fire crews battled the blaze.
Poole boat owner ordered to pay nearly £12k after collision with swimmer
A Poole-based motorboat owner has been ordered to pay almost £12,000 for dangerous seamanship and speeding leading to a collision with a swimmer.
Dorset town with 'eye-catching' houses among UK's best places to live for 2026
Two Dorset locations were named in the Sunday Times best places to live guide for 2026, and one of those was Wimborne Minster
Lorry crashes into commercial building
A lorry crashed into a building in Poole on Thursday afternoon after the driver reportedly left the vehicle without applying the handbrake.
Man arrested after victims threatened and assaulted
A man has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted a pair of men after threatening them in Christchurch.
MP calls for companies with government contracts to be banned from donating
Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan urges a ban on political donations from companies with government contracts, citing concerns over transparency and trust.
MP meets minister to champion Dorset charity supporting young adults with SEND
Dorset MP Vikki Slade urges Government and DWP to boost support for disabled young adults and SEND in self-employment, highlighting SAMEE charity’s work.
Youths reported using catapults as police increase patrols
YOUTHS reportedly used catapults in a “criminal and anti-social manner” as a policing team stepped up patrols in recent weeks.
Public paddling pools across BCP to reopen in May
BCP Council has announced that all four of the free, family-friendly public paddling pools will be reopened in May, to allow residents to enjoy low-cost local days out.
Warnings issued to 2,000 people in New Forest over petting ponies and fires
A rise in people feeding ponies and lighting fires in the New Forest is down to visitors “not exercising common sense”.
Wave of support for BCP Council’s bid to become Town of Culture in 2028
Support for BCP Council’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028 has come from organisations, venues, and community groups across the conurbation.
MP welcomes £1.8m coastal funding to protect homes and tourism
A Bournemouth MP has welcomed £1.8 million flood defence funding from government to protect homes from coastal erosion and support tourism.
Coastal protection work completed three weeks early
Coastal protection work at East Cliff and Boscombe Beach has been completed three weeks early.
Car bursts into flames in residential area
A car burst into flames in Ringwood on Friday morning as fire crews battled the blaze.
Man charged after reportedly abusing two Jewish people
A MAN has been charged after reportedly verbally abusing two Jewish people in Boscombe.
Better support for domestic abuse survivors in courts with £5m funding
Domestic abuse survivors will be able to get better support as their cases pass through the courts thanks to £5 million in funding, the Government has said.
Councillor says new Lidl approval is 'disappointing'
A councillor has said that the decision to approve a new Lidl supermarket was ‘disappointing’ and a missed opportunity for local people.
Dorset Council's plans to join flood service to be discussed by BCP cabinet
Plans for Dorset Council to join South West Flood and Coastal service to minimise flooding and erosion will be discussed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s cabinet.
Council responds to Pokesdown station funding announcement
BCP Council has welcomed the announcement that Government will be filling in the £2.6million funding gap which will see new lifts installed in Pokesdown Station.
What's on in cinemas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend
The wide release of a new sci-fi blockbuster, a comedy horror sequel, and an Oscar-nominated French animated film are among films shown across BCP this weekend.
Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash which forced lane closure
A motorcyclist has been seriously injured after hitting the central reservation on the A31
Driver in Sandbanks has licence revoked three months after passing test
A Sandbanks driver who had only passed their test three months had their car seized after they were caught driving without insurance.
School named as one of the top 100 in the country
Milton Abbey School named among UK’s top 100 senior schools in the 2026 Spear’s School Index, recognised for academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care.
University Hospitals Dorset staff attend special 10 Downing Street event
Hospital staff from University Hospitals Dorset attended a Chinese New Year reception at 10 Downing Street, celebrating diversity in the NHS and UK culture.
Dorset-based animal rescue charity named as charity partner by ESET UK
ESET UK names Waggy Tails as its 2026 charity partner, launching a year of fundraising for Dorset animal rescue after BCP Council blocks sanctuary plans.
Bournemouth entrepreneur completes ‘epic’ 1200km challenge in tuk-tuk
A Bournemouth female entrepreneur has raised £3,000 after finishing what she describes as an “epic” 1200km tuk-tuk challenge in India.
Bournemouth law firm's seminar features advice on cybersecurity for charities
UK charities gather in Bournemouth for Ellis Jones Solicitors' seminar on cyber security risks, AI scams, data protection and insurance for the third sector.
Personal trainer and lawyer set to release debut crime novel set in Dorset
Patrick Hardy’s debut novel, A Death in the Gym, follows a Bournemouth personal trainer-turned-investigator as he tackles murder and long-buried secrets.
Acclaimed and award-winning actor coming to Poole venue this October
Sir Derek Jacobi appears at Poole’s Lighthouse on 28 October. Theatre highlights include Present Laughter, Via Dolorosa, and Buena Vista Social Club music.
Acclaimed soul legends set to perform at Bournemouth venue this July
Motown legends The Temptations and The Four Tops announce 2026 UK tour, including Bournemouth and Royal Albert Hall. Tickets available now for soulful classics.
Poole garden centre celebrates 25th anniversary with fundraising event
Chestnut Nursery in Poole marks 25 years supporting adults with mental health needs. Join festivities, plant sales & fundraising on 28 March. Community event.
In The Dock: drunk woman asssaulted police officer in Bournemouth town centre
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Parent panel launched by Aldi - with chance to earn up to £400 in vouchers
Aldi launches Parent Panel, inviting UK parents—especially in Dorset—to shape family shopping. Earn up to £400 in vouchers.
Camera stolen from football club after final whistle at away ground
A camera was stolen from a football club final after the whistle following a fixture in Dorchester earlier this month.
Next of kin appeal issued by Coroner's Office for man who died at home in Poole
Dorset coroner appeals for next of kin of Lovell Fitzroy Smalling, 62, who died in Garland Road, March 2026. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900.
Poole-based Alliance Tool Hire doubles scaffold stock with £470,000 investment
Alliance Tool Hire invests £470k in over 100 BoSS scaffold towers, expanding hire fleet across southern England to meet rising construction sector demand.
Family ‘distressed’ after alleged voyeurism incident at leisure centre
A family have said they were left “distressed” after raising safety concerns about an alleged voyeurism incident in a family changing room at a leisure centre.
Church to hold first services in new £2.5m building
A church in Christchurch is set to hold it's first services in its new £2.5m building, which is equipped with 250 seats.
Dorset housebuilder's board now gender balanced after senior appointment
Barratt David Wilson Homes Dorset achieves a 50/50 gender-balanced board with Stacey Drew’s return as head of finance, promoting diversity in UK housebuilding.
Deadline fast approaching for entries for Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2026
Entries for the 2026 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards, run by Dorset Chamber and DSTPN, close 27 March. Nominate Dorset apprentices, interns and employers now.
Dorset Council welcomes government support to help households with oil heating
Dorset Council secures £494k extra government funding to help low-income households with rising heating oil costs. Support available for eligible residents.
Limited day and weekend tickets remain for popular Dorset charity music festival
Teddy Rocks Festival 2026 sells out camping tickets as it raises funds for children’s cancer charities. Acts include The Hoosiers and Boyzlife.
New exhibition on local cold water swimmers at Bournemouth Hospital gallery
Photography exhibition "Cold Water Swimmers" by David Bird at Royal Bournemouth Hospital explores the rise of cold water swimming on the south coast.
Alt-rock legends set to perform at Dorset venue as part of 40th anniversary tour
The Wonder Stuff announce 40th anniversary UK tour with Inspiral Carpets, visiting O2 Academy Bournemouth and O2 Brixton Academy. Tickets on sale soon.
Formula 1
Brown expects McLaren to win again ‘sooner rather than later’
Zak Brown is adamant that McLaren will be winning Grands Prix again “sooner rather than later” after two tricky weekends in Australia and China to kick off their season.
Mercedes appoint new Deputy Team Principal
Mercedes have announced that Bradley Lord will become Deputy Team Principal with immediate effect, supporting Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff on the senior leadership team.
Why has Wheatley left Audi – and is he off to Aston Martin?
F1.com's Lawrence Barretto digs into the circumstances behind Jonathan Wheatley's departure as Audi Team Principal, and if Aston Martin are his next destination.
Audi announce team boss Wheatley to leave with immediate effect
Audi have announced that Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley is leaving the organisation with immediate effect, just under a year after his arrival.
Why Button feels ‘a little bit jealous’ of Alonso and Stroll
Jenson Button has shared how he would “love” to drive F1’s latest generation of cars – the new Aston Martin ambassador admitting he is also “a little bit jealous” of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll getting to work with design legend Adrian Newey.
Sainz reflects on leaving McLaren and potential lost title bid
Carlos Sainz admits he has no regrets over leaving McLaren for Ferrari at the end of 2020, despite losing the chance of possibly becoming a Formula 1 World Champion at his former team.
Windows Central
Veteran game dev reacts to NVIDIA's infamous AI-powered DLSS 5 Resident Evil Requiem Grace comparison — "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no"
A senior game developer has reacted to NVIDIA's AI-powered DLSS 5 technology, calling it "scary" for gaming and echoing the community's scathing criticism.
Even if this Xbox gaming headset wasn't on sale, we'd recommend it any day for its rich sound and features — it's simply one of Razer's best yet
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is an incredible gaming headset that took all criticisms of the BlackShark V2 Pro and ironed out all of them with richer sound and new useful features, and it's now on sale at Amazon.
Ubisoft lays off 105 devs from Tom Clancy studio after canceling two of its games — development of new titles is ending completely
Ubisoft is laying off 105 workers at Tom Clancy game dev Red Storm Entertainment as part of a cost-cutting initiative to try and save €200 million.
Microsoft’s latest AI image generator aims for accuracy over hype, but it’s not top‑tier just yet
Microsoft’s latest image model, MAI-Image-2, vaults to #3 on the global leaderboards, marking a major shift toward internal AI development over OpenAI reliance.
Windows Central Collab
Windows Central Collab
One of Xbox Game Pass' most promising new indie games finally has a release date, and it's not far off — I hope it's as addicting as the dev's first game
The Vampire Survivors spinoff Vampire Crawlers finally has a release date, and it's coming soon to Xbox, Game Pass, PC, and several other platforms.
An over six-year-old Call of Duty game has obliterated its all-time high on Steam for one good reason
The Steam Spring Sale has seen an unexpected surge in Call of Duty players, but not for Black Ops 7. This title from 2019 has obliterated its previous player count because it's only $6.
Dear Microsoft, if you want me to use an account so badly, why is Windows 11 breaking them?
Microsoft wants everyone on a Microsoft Account, but the latest Windows 11 update is breaking sign-ins with a fake "no internet" error for Teams, Office, and other Microsoft apps.
Tune in for a special Windows Central Podcast LIVE recording today!
Tune in to the LIVE recording of the Windows Central Podcast on March 20 at 3PM ET!
Apple's cheap MacBook runs basic Windows 11 apps with great single-core performance — but Parallels struggles where it matters
The MacBook Neo runs single-core productivity apps in a Windows 11 virtual machine better than a more expensive Dell, but that's about all.
Hyperkin's retro Xbox controller is perfect for replaying Fable in anticipation of its reboot — it's got strong ergonomics and controls for dirt cheap
Amazon has procured a 32% bargain on the Hyperkin DuchesS, a wired Xbox controller modelled after the original Xbox S controller while incorporating modern tech to make it fit for retro and modern Xbox games.
Breakout fantasy RPG hit "Crimson Desert" instantly hits close to 250,000 players — but conflicted PC gamers aren't quite satisfied
Success for Pearl Abyss is coming despite divisive reviews.
Of all the laptops on sale competing with MacBook Neo, thank goodness we found one that's over $550 off — with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD
The MacBook Neo continues to encourage more laptops to go on sale as the Nimo 15.6" FHD Business Laptop with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD receives a gigantic 46% discount on its normally steep MSRP.
Laffgaff
Which major Greek God has the same name as their Roman counterpart?
Apollo.
Retaurant Job
I lost my restaurant job because I couldn't slice the condiments properly. I just didn't cut the mustard.
Itsfoss
Vykar is a New Open Source Backup Tool That's Faster Than Borg, Restic, and Kopia
The BorgBase team has cooked up a new open source backup client written in Rust.
Systemd’s New Feature Brings Age Verification Option to Linux
The optional birthDate field gives other projects a standardized data source for age verification compliance.