The News - Saturday, 07 March 2026

BBC News

Trump wants to pick Iran's new leader - will a hostile regime under fire agree?

The president's vision of Iran's future could meet fierce opposition, writes chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet.

Huge US bomber lands at UK air base

The aircraft is the fastest bomber in the US Air Force and is piloted by a crew of four.

There's an inflation wave coming. How worried should we be?

Economic consequences are an intrinsic aspect of the Iran conflict, writes BBC economics editor Faisal Islam.

AI-generated Iran war videos surge as creators use new tech to cash in

The US-Israel war with Iran is being monetised by online creators with AI-generated misinformation.

Flight paths squeezed as Iran conflict closes more airspace

A drone attack on Azerbaijan has narrowed choices for airlines scrambling to respond to disruption in the Gulf.

Soham murderer Ian Huntley taken off life support, BBC understands

The convicted murderer has been in hospital since late February after being hit on the head in prison.

Armed robots take to the battlefield in Ukraine war

Ukraine has embarked on a programme to deploy armed robots on the battlefield against Russian forces.

Withheld Epstein files with accusations against Trump released by justice department

The Department of Justice said the released files had been "incorrectly coded as duplicative" and inadvertently not published.

Tory peer quits after Lords investigation into PPE deals

It comes after a Lords standards probe into his contacts with ministers and advisers during the pandemic.

Meghan's lifestyle brand and Netflix end partnership

The Duchess of Sussex will run As ever independently, after a partnership with Netflix helped to launch the brand last year.

Dave review: British star transcends rapper status at hometown gig

The 27-year-old took fans on a memorable journey through a decade of his music at London's O2 arena.

The Papers: 'Trump demands Iran's surrender' and 'UK voters say no to joining war'

The conflict in the Middle East continues to lead today's papers as the US calls for Iran's "unconditional surrender".

Bridgerton actor told disability could hold her back - then Netflix came calling

Gracie McGonigal says fans have been "unbelievable" since the release of season four.

From a £1bn dream to a brutal collapse: How Brewdog hit the rocks

The rise and fall of the garage start-up which set out to revolutionise the brewing industry.

Fatbikes are wreaking havoc in Sydney's wealthy beach suburbs

Teens are infuriating locals by riding over golf courses and doing wheelies on the Harbour Bridge.

Canada's Mark Carney tries to strike a balance on Iran

The Iran war is posing a test for the Canadian prime minister's "pragmatic but principled" approach to world affairs.

'We couldn't sleep because of fear': Residents flee as Israel pounds south Beirut

Communities across huge swathes of Lebanon have been told by Israel to leave their homes due to military action against Hezbollah.

Emirates resumes some Dubai flights – what's the latest on travel to UK?

New flights to the UK from the Middle East follow days of widespread air travel disruption which had left Britons stranded.

Iranian schools, hospital and landmarks among civilian sites hit during US-Israeli strikes

A local in Tehran tell BBC Verify that the city has been turned into a "ghost town" as residents flee.

Inside the 'chaotic' world of wife carrying

The UK Wife Carrying Race returns in Dorking on Sunday, with about 70 people set to take part.

Swiss to vote on right-wing push to slash licence fee for public broadcaster

The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.

Footage shows US citizen shot by ICE agent in Texas traffic stop

The Department of Homeland Security did not disclose Martinez was shot by one of its agents until almost a year later.

Driver who killed student after mistakenly hitting wrong pedal jailed

Student Aalia Mahomed, 20, was described as the "most amazing daughter" by her mother.

Man who murdered ex's sister and her children in revenge attack given whole-life sentence

Bryonie Gawith and her children died when Sharaz Ali set fire to their home in revenge for her sister ending their relationship.

Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack

Huntley, who murdered two schoolgirls in 2002, had his life support switched off on Friday, the BBC understands.

The legacy of Holly and Jessica's murders: Soham 'won't waste its breath' on Huntley

The trauma and aftermath of events in 2002 are still having an impact on the Cambridgeshire village.

Navy readying aircraft carrier for deployment as Iran conflict deepens

This may raise speculation HMS Prince of Wales could be sent to defend British interests during the Middle East conflict.

Canada's PM calls for Andrew to be removed from line of succession

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month.

Timothée Chalamet triggers backlash over ballet and opera remarks

In an interview, the Oscar-nominee danced into some online controversy after claiming no one cares about ballet and opera.

From a £1bn dream to a brutal collapse: How Brewdog hit the rocks

The rise and fall of the garage start-up which set out to revolutionise the brewing industry.

Iranian ambassador warns UK to be 'very careful' about further involvement in war

Seyed Ali Mousavi says Iran has a "right to self-defence" if the UK directly joins US-Israeli attacks.

In maps: Eight days of strikes across the Middle East

Israel has continued strikes across Iran and Lebanon and the Iranian regime has carried out more attacks, as the war enters its eighth day.

We've been speaking to Iranians during one week of war. Here's what they said

Ordinary Iranians reflect on seven days of conflict and where they see their country going next.

There's an inflation wave coming - what does the war mean for the UK economy?

Economic consequences are an intrinsic aspect of the Iran conflict, writes BBC economics editor Faisal Islam.

AI-generated Iran war videos surge as creators use new tech to cash in

The US-Israel war with Iran is being monetised by online creators with AI-generated misinformation.

Armed robots take to the battlefield in Ukraine war

Ukraine has embarked on a programme to deploy armed robots on the battlefield against Russian forces.

Dave review: British star transcends rapper status at hometown gig

The 27-year-old took fans on a memorable journey through a decade of his music at London's O2 arena.

Model who starred in TV drama Dallas dies aged 62

Annabel Schofield found success as a model in the 1980s before moving to LA to work as an actress.

Manslaughter charge after woman took own life

Seyhan Assaf is accused of manslaughter and controlling behaviour after the death of Gillian Morand.

Heavy rains and flooding kills at least 23 in Nairobi

Flights in and out of Nairobi Airport have been disrupted while some roads in the capital are submerged.

Swiss to vote on right-wing push to slash licence fee for public broadcaster

The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.

I had a cardiac arrest playing football. My teammates saved my life by performing CPR

Oxfordshire GP Dr Nick Thomas had been playing football when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Meet Florrie: The puppy helping young people navigate a complex world

Puppy Florrie is helping support students with their mental health at a Lincolnshire school.

My son defied the odds to walk me down the aisle

From the age of three months, Chester was struggling to meet developmental milestones.

Church raises £22k by raffling off Maggi Hambling painting

St Mary's Church in Woodbridge is attempting to raise £200,000 for a new heating system.

Bournemouth Echo

Cherries 'an active observer' in Pokesdown station funding row

The Cherries are an ‘active observer’ in the debate over funding for work at Pokesdown station, but president of business operations, Jim Frevola, said the debate is for BCP Council and the railway companies to settle.

Art exhibition marking young men's experience opens at House of Commons

AN EXHIBITION showcasing the creative voices of young working-class men from Bournemouth has been launched at the House of Commons.

Pokémon cards among £30k worth of goods reportedly stolen from Winton store

A SMALL business has said it has lost tens of thousands of pounds in goods earlier this week after it was broken into.

AFC Bournemouth managers share leadership lessons to university audience

AFC Bournemouth managers Andoni Iraola and Helen Bleazard discuss leadership and career journeys at Bournemouth University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture.

New partnership to bring rewards for Bournemouth Rugby community

Bournemouth Rugby launches Lions Rewards with Exclusive Rewards, offering discounts, cashback and community support via the Diamond Club app.

Durlston School under-13 netball team are regional champions

Durlston School's U13 netball team win IAPS regional championship at King Edward’s, Whitley, and qualify for the national finals at Rugby School.

Suspected drug driver arrested while on school run with two children in car

A suspected drug driver on the school run was stopped and arrested while two children were in the car.

International Women's Day event along coast cancelled

AN INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day event along the Bournemouth coast has been cancelled.

REVIEW: Tubular Bells, Lighthouse Poole

There can be few pieces of music composed more than half a century ago that sound as though they could have been written just yesterday.

'Civic centre sale another nail in Poole's coffin'

I am appalled to read that Poole Civic Centre has been sold - another nail in the coffin of the proud county town of Poole. The past town elders will be turning in their graves to witness the heritage they left us, plundered and dismissed.

In The Dock: man armed with baseball bat harassed victim and damaged property

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Building firm praised for having 'one of the very best' operational systems

MC Plan and Site Services praised by the HSE's Building Safety Regulator for exemplary building control operational systems in England and Wales audit.

Dorset bus operator offering schools and charities up to £750 in funding

Morebus launches Community Fund 2026, offering up to £750 for Dorset charities, schools, and sports teams. Apply year-round for funding and free travel.

Call to action for residents across Dorset for Hedgehog Awareness Week this May

Join Hedgehog Awareness Week 2026 with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Take the Hedgehog Pledge and help protect UK hedgehogs in your garden.

World stage premiere of The Silence of the Lambs coming to Bournemouth

The Silence of the Lambs makes its world stage premiere in 2027 at Bournemouth Pavilion. Book tickets now for Gina Gionfriddo’s thrilling new adaptation.

Nearly half of UK adults happy to use ChatGPT as a counsellor, study finds

Nearly half of UK adults would consider AI like ChatGPT for mental health counselling, Bournemouth University study finds, as NHS chatbot use rises.

New independent vintage clothing shop opens in historic Dorset arcade

Ninetyfive & Co vintage clothing shop opens in Boscombe's Royal Arcade, Bournemouth, offering curated sustainable fashion, indie makers, and garment repairs.

Dorset shopping centre raises more than £37,500 in fundraising efforts

The Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole raised over £37,500 in 2025 for local charities, supporting Mosaic Family Support and MYTIME Young Carers.

Dorset students represent voice of teenage girls at national sport conference

Teen girls from The Bourne Academy led discussions on girls' sport participation at the Youth Sport Trust National Conference in Telford, sharing key insights.

Dorset's People’s Postcode Lottery players help charity hit £7 million milestone

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £7m for Mary’s Meals, funding over 39 million school meals in 16 countries and helping children worldwide.

Dorset law firm marks International Women's Day with new netball sponsorship

Ellis Jones Solicitors sponsors Poole Netball Club, supporting women’s sport in Dorset. Partnership announced to empower female athletes.

'The Wardrobe Genie' visits local Christchurch women's group for latest event

Cathy Mosley, ‘The Wardrobe Genie’, gave a talk on colour and confidence at Christchurch Central WI. New members welcome; monthly meetings at Druitt Hall.

Former WW2 RAF radar base in Dorset up for auction

A former Second World War RAF radar base on Dorset's sweeping Jurassic Coast is going up for sale by public auction next week.

Under the Castle’s Shadow - Viral Corfe brings hope amid financial strain

“Sometimes I have to pinch myself.”

More than 100 women to 'reclaim the night' with after-dark beach walk

More than 100 women are set to 'reclaim the night' by taking part in an after-dark walk along Bournemouth's coast for International Women's Day.

Care home resident takes centre stage at Dorset bookshop on World Book Day

Care home resident Judith Pasternak, 86, shares her poetry and short stories at Westbourne Bookshop in Poole for World Book Day, celebrating lifelong writing.

Emirates issues major travel update to Brits after ‘all flights suspended’ from Dubai

Emirates has issued a major update to Brits after all flights to and from Dubai were 'suspended' this morning due to the Middle East war (March 7)

UK drivers warned as speed camera myth could land you in serious trouble

What the ‘10% rule’ actually means – and why it won’t always save you from speeding fines.

Morrisons making 'important' change in supermarkets across the UK

The change is designed to help shoppers manage their condition with greater dignity and independence.

HMRC Child Benefit alert to parents to check if you’re missing out as rates rise

Millions of parents are being urged to check if they are missing out on Child Benefit payments worth more than £1,300 a year.

Police called to reports of 'teenage boy with knife' at college

Police were called to Brockenhurst College following reports that a teenage boy was in possession of a knife.

Dorset Police raise awareness on VAWG in rural areas

DORSET POLICE are raising awareness around violence against women and girls in rural communities.

House break-in leads to gold jewellery theft

Gold jewellery was stolen after a house was broken into earlier this week in Poole.

Formula 1

LIVE COVERAGE: Qualifying in Australia

Live coverage of Saturday's Formula 1 Qualifying session for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Your improved insider access with F1 Unlocked

Discover everything waiting for you inside the new F1 Unlocked.

Watch highlights from final practice at Albert Park

George Russell put Mercedes at the top of the timesheets with an eye-catching lap in Saturday’s third and final practice session ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

F3: Del Pino wins Melbourne Sprint in VAR 1-2

Bruno del Pino achieved his maiden victory in FIA Formula 3 in the Melbourne Sprint Race.

Watch as Antonelli dramatically crashes out of FP3 in Australia

Kimi Antonelli dramatically crashed out of Saturday’s final practice session for the Australian Grand Prix with a violent double impact in the closing minutes.

Russell goes fastest in final Australia practice

George Russell ended the third and final practice session of the Australian Grand Prix on top, the Mercedes driver going fastest in a disrupted hour that saw his team mate Kimi Antonelli suffer a hefty crash.

AS IT HAPPENED: FP3 in Australia

Live coverage of Saturday's Formula 1 practice session for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Australian Grand Prix best Qualifying bets and odds

We're all set for the first Qualifying session of the season, so let's take a look at the best odds available on the market.

How Melbourne snatched the Australian GP from Adelaide

Not many countries can boast hosting the finale Grand Prix of one season, and the opening one the next, but that’s exactly what happened in Australia in 1996, as F1 Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne explains.

Bet Builder tips for Australian Grand Prix selected

We’ve assessed the betting markets and made our Bet Builder selections for the Australian Grand Prix.

Qualifying proved Aston Martin's ‘potential is huge’ – Alonso

Fernando Alonso was energised by the step forward made by Aston Martin during Qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix as he came close to progressing to Q2, suggesting early signs of improvement.

Sainz reveals reason for Qualifying no-show

Carlos Sainz was frustrated after he endured more disrupted running on Saturday, missing out on Qualifying entirely to leave him to start the Australian Grand Prix with significantly less running than his competitors.

Lindblad ‘extremely happy’ with first F1 Qualifying

Arvid Lindblad was left “extremely happy” after securing P9 in his first-ever F1 Qualifying session, with the rookie admitting that he “knew coming into the session that we were fast” as both Racing Bulls cars reached the top 10 in Australia.

What are the tactical options for the Australian GP?

Matt Youson takes a look at the different pit stop and tyre options that are available to the teams for the season opener at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.

What To Watch For in the season opener in Australia

Chris Medland picks out five key things to keep an eye on when the lights go out for the season opener at Albert Park in Melbourne.

What the teams said – Qualifying in Australia

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from final Practice and Qualifying in Melbourne for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.

Norris rues track debris that ‘cost me a chance of P3’ in Australia

Lando Norris went into 2026 as the reigning World Champion, but his early expectations for the season were lowered as he qualified on the third row for the Australian Grand Prix, leading him to blame a substantial list of issues he encountered.

Ferrari ‘nowhere near’ Mercedes in Australia – Leclerc

Charles Leclerc has admitted that Ferrari are “nowhere near Mercedes” after finishing some eight-tenths behind the pole-sitting Silver Arrow of George Russell during Australian Grand Prix Qualifying.

Windows Central

Twitch FPS legend Shroud "can't believe" Marathon is so hard — "you play ARC Raiders and it's like you're playing Hello Kitty Adventures"

Marathon and ARC Raiders are both extraction shooters, but Bungie's FPS is a far harder game — so much so that the Twitch star Shroud "can't believe" it.

Marathon's Outpost map has released and can be unlocked now, and boy is it brutal — "it just becomes a real clusterf*** when you're in there fighting"

Marathon's new Outpost map has been unlocked, and compared to the other maps in Bungie's extraction shooter, it's far more brutal and dangerous.

Black Ops Royale ditches player loadouts for upgradable weapons in new Call of Duty: Warzone mode — here's how they work

Call of Duty: Warzone's next big update introduces Black Ops Royale, a mode inspired by classic Blackout battle royale from Black Ops 4. The new mode will drop weapon loadouts in exchange for encouraging more scavenging for weapon and gear. Here's how you build yourself up to victory.

We asked how you feel about Xbox's new console "Project Helix" — here's what you said about Microsoft blurring the line between Xbox and PC

Microsoft has officially announced the next Xbox, Project Helix — and it'll be a hybrid console-PC. We asked how you felt about that; here's what you said.

Forza Horizon 6 is dropping a long-standing feature — players move to protest

Forza Horizon 6 lets go of Social Clubs after Microsoft does, but maybe this doesn't have to be the end?

Original Xbox games on Android are the funniest technical miracle of 2026

Original Xbox emulation is now possible on Android through a community port of the Xemu emulator. Early testing shows mixed results, with some games running while others struggle with performance.

I'm still here with Xbox for now — but it has some serious identity work ahead if it wants to reassure long-time fans

After nearly two decades with Xbox, I am reflecting on how its shifting brand messaging has shaped how I feel about the platform, alongside Phil Spencer’s retirement and Asha Sharma’s arrival as CEO, and why I'm not dooming about the whole ordeal.

Windows 11 users are calling out Microsoft for missing features the OS should have had years ago, and the community is not being subtle about it

The Windows community demands a leaner operating system, an AI master switch, faster search, and full control. The real Windows 11 debate isn't new features.

Laffgaff

In which US state was Microsoft founded in 1975?

New Mexico.

Strong Female Leads

What do you call someone who can't stop watching films with strong female leads? A heroine addict.