The News - Monday, 23 March 2026

BBC News

Arson attack on ambulances in London being treated as antisemitic hate crime, Metropolitan Police says

One Golders Green resident told the BBC at the scene that he had heard an "explosion" shortly after 01:30 GMT.

UN issues new climate warning as El Niño looms

The Earth's climate is further out of balance than at any time in recorded history, the UN's weather agency says.

Grisly or just country life? The mole photos dividing social media

A hill walker shares a snap of moles hanging on barbed wire and is surprised by the huge response.

France's Socialists hold onto power in major cities in election boost for mainstream

Paris and Marseille are held by the Socialists in local elections which saw the nationalist right win in Nice and certain towns.

Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties

The violence began after 18-year-old settler Yehuda Sherman was killed after reportedly being hit by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while on his quad bike.

Prince William keen to build 'strong and meaningful' bond with Church

An aide to the prince says his commitment to the Church of England is "sometimes quieter" than expected.

Potential sites for Labour's 'new towns' cut to seven

Six sites have been deprioritised from the flagship scheme to build a wave of new settlements.

Heat pumps work for me - but they're not yet a money saver

The government wants Britons to embrace heat pumps. But will they ever make financial sense for the average user?

Plan to scrap most short jail terms comes into effect

The government hopes it will ease the population crisis in prisons.

Asia stocks slide as US and Iran threaten to intensify war

The International Energy Agency chief said the war could lead to the world's worst energy crisis in decades.

Israel to expand ground and air attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon

There are fears in Lebanon that Israel is preparing for a large-scale ground invasion.

The Magic Faraway Tree's Andrew Garfield: Our attention is abused by tech companies

Garfield stars alongside Claire Foy and Nicola Coughlan in an adaptation of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree.

The Papers: 'Trump raises stakes' and 'Tend it like Beckham'

The 'new escalatory phase' of the war in the Middle East is a focus of several papers today.

What did critics think of Saturday Night Live UK's debut?

The long-running US sketch show now has a British equivalent, which received a broadly positive reaction on its debut.

Germany has a shortage of workers - so it's turning to India for help

The European nation, struggling to find skilled staff, is giving jobs to young people from India.

How an island became ferret free - thanks, in part, to Woody the wonderdog

More than 400 traps were laid across the island in a £4.5m project which featured a specially-trained detection dog called Woody.

Scotland begins testing newborn babies for rare genetic condition

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) causes progressive muscle weakness and, without treatment, can limit life expectancy to just two years.

Apology for poor care over boy's bleed death

Three-year-old Aarav Chopra died during a biopsy when his artery was pierced by a trainee doctor.

BTS agency shares drop after comeback show turnout falls short

The concert was attended by an estimated 104,000 fans, much lower than the expected 260,000.

Call to cancel threat of prison for council tax non-payment

Debt charity StepChange says there are clear differences between councils when chasing unpaid tax.

How a ban on religious symbols has triggered a Canadian constitutional debate

Quebec's law to regulate religious symbols goes to the Supreme Court in a constitutional test case.

Hawaii storms have caused $1bn in damage, governor says

The full scale of the damages to roads and other infrastructure from rain and flooding in the state must still be assessed, Gov Josh Green says.

'Stop, stop, stop': Listen to LaGuardia control tower audio during collision

An Air Canada plane carrying 72 passengers and four crew initially landed safely from Montreal on Sunday evening before colliding with a firefighting vehicle.

PM warns against 'false comfort' of thinking Iran war will end quickly

The PM also tells senior MPs the conflict was "not our war" and there must be a "lawful basis" for any UK involvement.

HS2 trains could run slower than planned to save money

The government is looking at ways to make much-delayed London to Birmingham railway line cheaper to deliver.

How a content creator hoped a YouTube alibi would help him avoid justice for murder

Evidence in the trial of Stephen McCullagh outlined a cold, calculating plan to kill Natalie McNally and get away with it.

Is ex-Google boss Matt Brittin the right person to steer the BBC?

BBC media editor Katie Razzall says the former Google exec has been chosen for his insider knowledge of big tech.

Hospital apology over boy's death after trainee doctor pierced artery

Three-year-old Aarav Chopra died during a biopsy when his artery was pierced by a trainee doctor.

British supplement maker Huel bought by Danone for reported €1bn

The health firm backed by actor Idris Elba and broadcaster Jonathan Ross is being bought by Danone, reportedly for €1bn (£860m).

Colombian Air Force plane crashes with scores of soldiers on board

Colombia's defence minister says it was a 'tragic accident' but the cause is not yet clear.

OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies at 43

Leo Radvinsky became a billionaire after investing in the site, known for its pornographic content.

Trump says 'good' talks ongoing with Iran - but offers few details

An early morning post from Trump soothed panicked markets, but the extent of any talks remains unclear.

US' and Iran's options for ending war narrow the longer it goes on

Iran shows no sign of climbdown, while air power alone cannot achieve the US' main goal.

Could Iranian missiles reach London?

Some experts agree Iran may be able to launch missiles to hit London, but they would likely be shot down long before arriving and the risk is low.

Our son loved the outdoors - invisible illness means he now can't walk or talk

Tomos is one of thousands with ME in Wales, with services described as “a desert” for those most affected.

'I'm a shell of my former self' - how long Covid's effects are still being felt six years on

Gabby Rudge-Cox, 42, says long Covid has "robbed her of a future".

What we know about the LaGuardia Airport crash

Two pilots have died after a passenger plane collided with a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

How Woody the wonderdog helped an island become the world's first to eradicate ferrets

More than 400 traps were laid across the island in a £4.5m project which featured a specially-trained detection dog called Woody.

Heat pumps work for me - but they're not yet a money saver

The government wants Britons to embrace heat pumps. But will they ever make financial sense for the average user?

Jamie Oliver stars in music video for CMAT's song about hating him

In the song CMAT voices her frustration towards Oliver, singing "God, I hate him".

British couple in Iran prison say situation is 'life-threatening'

Craig and Lindsay Foreman are being held in Tehran's Evin prison amid ongoing attacks on Iran.

Porridge recalled months after mouse contamination

Moma Foods says a third-party facility found "a mouse contamination event" last autumn.

UN issues new climate warning as El Niño looms

The Earth's climate is further out of balance than at any time in recorded history, the UN's weather agency says.

Ex-teacher accused of Edinburgh school abuse found guilty of sex attack in South Africa

A court in Cape Town found Iain Wares guilty of indecently assaulting a former student who accused him of sexual abuse in the 1980s.

Boy admits filming shopping centre chair-throwing prank

A teenager appears in court after a chair was thrown from the top floor of Westfield, Stratford.

Ryan Gosling's Project Hail Mary becomes 2026's biggest box office debut

The sci-fi space adventure movie rockets to $140.9 million (£122m) at the global box office.

Bournemouth Echo

'Every pound of £60m should go to your priorities'

Before I was elected, I was asked about my favourite place in Bournemouth West.

Half a dozen sex offenders reported missing, including one high-risk

HALF a dozen sex offenders were reported missing from Dorset, including a high-risk offender.

Met Office warning of 'big change' to UK weather this week - here's what to expect

Hail, thunder, and even snow are on the cards as the UK faces a sudden return to wintry weather.

Dorset duo see gold and help farmers’ choir to Britain's Got Talent semi‑finals

Two Dorset farmers are singing their way onto the national stage after their choir struck gold on Britain’s Got Talent

Plan to replace former hospital with 15 'much-needed' houses rejected

Plans to use former NHS land for housing have been thrown out after sparking a large number of objections

Warning as donkey killed in New Forest crash

A donkey has been killed in the New Forest

“Visually dominant”: Couple told to tear down 6.5ft fence

A POOLE couple have been told to tear down a 6.5ft garden fence after officers said it was “visually dominant” and "not reflective of the character."

Name and design of 'much-anticipated' Residents’ Card revealed

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council has announced the name and design of its new Residents Card which will offer households more for their money with discounts and offers on council run businesses.

Ringwood business hub for tradespeople marks first full year of success

TradePod in Ringwood marks its first anniversary as the UK’s first business hub for tradespeople, offering workspace, support, and community.

Beach goers risk lives ignoring warnings at closed Durdle Door beach

Beach tourists ignored warning signs to access one of the UK's most popular beauty spots - despite it being closed for safety reasons.

Car crashes into river near pub

A car has crashed into the waters of Sopley Brook outside a much loved pub.

Crowd trouble breaks out in the stands at football match

OFFICERS have launched an investigation into an alleged assault after crowd trouble broke out during Weymouth Football Club's game with Yate on Saturday.

Rapist who filmed unconscious victim jailed for 12 years

A violent sex offender from Weymouth has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for rape and multiple counts of sexual assault

Search for man after woman allegedly sexually assaulted

Police have released an image of a man they want to identify after a woman was sexually assaulted in Weymouth

This week's planned roadworks in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch

Planned roadworks have been announced by BCP Council and are expected to cause delays of varying severity.

Man arrested on suspicion of murder released with no further action

A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of murder in Dorset last year has been released from under investigation and will face no further action.

Landlords evicting tenants makes homelessness prevention ‘more difficult’

Landlords evicting tenants and quitting the private rental market have made the prevention of homelessness in the New Forest “challenging”, a council meeting heard.

Plans lodged to turn former car dealership into flats and retail unit

Plans have been submitted to see a car dealership replaced with flats and shop.

Bournemouth MP welcomes government crackdown on cheap steel imports as 'crucial'

Bournemouth MP Tom Hayes backs UK Government crackdown on cheap steel imports from China, supporting British Steel, safeguarding jobs, and boosting UK industry.

Man arrested after bird allegedly shot with air rifle before being euthanised

A man has been arrested after a bird was reportedly shot with an air rifle earlier this month before it was euthanised in Poole.

Poole councillor criticised for standing for election in Hampshire

A Poole councillor has been criticised for standing for election in Hampshire while at the same time not resigning from BCP Council.

National Trust site forced to close after fire break out

A National Trust site was forced to close on Sunday after a fire broke out on its premises.

Broadstone Town Council elections an "opportunity to shape the future”

A councillor has said that Broadstone Town Council elections are “important” and a “genuine opportunity to shape the future.”

99p mains are back at Prezzo Italian restaurants in Dorset only for today

Enjoy a main meal at Prezzo for just 99p on Mega Monday, 23 March 2026. Offer valid at UK sites outside London. Book in advance and download the Prezzo app.

£60m boost for BCP neighbourhoods "good news for our communities"

BCP Council has welcomed investment in three neighbourhoods across the conurbation but has said it will continue to call for sustainable funding to improve services across the area and not targeted at specific areas.

Music festival in Southbourne to become Armed Forces Weekender Event

A vintage music festival in Southbourne will become an event dedicated to showing support for serving personnel, their families, veterans and cadets.

Flood warnings with a mixed forecast from the Met Office in BCP

The Met Office has forecast a mix of weather conditions over the coming days for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Bournemouth councillors praise MP for securing Pokesdown Station funding

The efforts of a Bournemouth MP to secure funding to make Pokesdown Station step free has been celebrated by ward councillors.

Marjorie House in Poole wins Top 20 Care Home Award for second year

A care home in Poole has been named one of the Top 20 Care Homes in the South West for the second consecutive year.

Performing arts school celebrates 35th anniversary with Poole venue performance

Steppin’ Out Academy, Poole, marks 35 years with The Last Note at Lighthouse Poole, featuring 100+ young performers and Britain’s Got Talent stars.

Poole tech firm marks 20 years of growth with commitment to growth and security

C3IA, a Poole-based cyber security consultancy, marks 20 years supporting UK defence, government, and private sector with trusted expertise.

Appeal launched in Dorset volunteers to raise next generation of guide dogs

Guide Dogs charity seeks volunteer puppy raisers in Dorset to help train future guide dogs for people with sight loss. Support, training, and expenses provided.

New rock 'n' roll collective led by New Forest singer launches debut single

Good Vibes Rollercoaster, a new UK rock 'n' roll collective led by Matt Walton, debuts single "We Stand Together!"—out now on Spotify and Apple Music.

Red noses and laughter bring generations together for Comic Relief at care home

Christchurch Junior School pupils visit Wickmeads care home in Bournemouth for Comic Relief, sharing games, laughter and building intergenerational friendships.

Renowned musician set to perform at Dorset venue this September

This Is The Kit (Kate Stables) to perform live at Lighthouse, Poole on 3 September. Enjoy acclaimed UK folk music with her band of the same name.

9 porridge products sold at Tesco and Morrisons recalled due to 'mouse contamination'

MOMA Foods has recalled 9 porridge products sold at major supermarkets, including Tesco and Sainsbury's, due to "mouse contamination".

'Commonly ignored' Google Maps feature experts say can slash £100 off fuel bills

Experts have revealed a clever feature on Google Maps that can help you save money on fuel.

UK homeowners issued £20,000 fine warning over making this change to your garden

Brits are being urged to check the restrictions and permissions of some garden buildings to avoid hefty fines.

Plan to save historic buildings refused over 'unacceptable risk' to life

Plans to save two surviving relics of Lymington's famous salt industry have been rejected amid fears the scheme would put lives at risk

Formula 1

6 F1 drivers who starred in other racing series

As Max Verstappen prepares for his Nurburgring 24 Hours debut later this season, F1.com looks back at the drivers who enjoyed successful outings in other racing series whilst still active in Formula 1.

Crawford to replace Alonso at Aston Martin for FP1 in Japan

Aston Martin Third Driver Jak Crawford will take part in the opening practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix, the team have announced.

Trivia: Guess the track

How Albon is writing the latest chapter in Southeast Asia’s F1 story

To celebrate Alex Albon’s 30th birthday, we’re looking into the Thai driver’s role in taking Southeast Asia’s racing heritage to the next level.

What time is the 2026 Japanese GP and how can I watch it?

Here are all the timings – along with all the additional information you need – for the third Grand Prix weekend of the 2026 season from the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.

5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Japanese GP

Chris Medland breaks down the key talking points as F1 heads to Japan for the third round of the 2026 season.

MS Dynamics

2026 release wave 1 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Copilot Studio offerings

We’re excited to publish the 2026 release wave 1 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Role-based agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot.

The post 2026 release wave 1 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Copilot Studio offerings appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Support Parallel Processing for Archive Jobs in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

We’re pleased to introduce a new capability for Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations archive with Dataverse long-term retention: parallel processing for archive jobs. This enhancement allows the Archive job scheduler to run multiple archive jobs at the same time, dramatically reducing the time required to archive high volumes of transaction data across legal entities.

The post Support Parallel Processing for Archive Jobs in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Crimson Desert developers apologize for the use of generative AI

Say goodbye to AI art in Crimson Desert as developers say it was a mistake.

The Windows 11 March 2026 update was causing sign-in problems, but Microsoft has now fixed it

Windows 11 March 2026 update breaks sign-ins for Teams, OneDrive, and more. Here's the fix and what Microsoft says about a patch.

A new Xbox Partner Preview set is set for this month! — Third-party reveals, Game Pass additions, and more coming our way

Xbox has announced its next Partner Preview for March 26, revealing new details on what to expect, including updates on Stranger Than Heaven, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and more third-party games, alongside Game Pass news.

Amid AI and DLSS 5 concerns, Capcom says “generative AI could be a partner” in game development

Capcom has detailed how it plans to use generative AI in game development, focusing on idea generation and efficiency while avoiding AI-generated assets in final game content.

Windows 11's latest bug fix proves why the option to pause updates forever needed to arrive yesterday

Microsoft’s emergency fix for the Windows 11 sign-in bug is here, but the damage to user trust remains. This latest bug shows why Microsoft needs to let people pause updates forever.

I'm seriously impressed with Intel's new Core Ultra 200S Plus desktop CPUs — content creators could be swept up by the 250K and 270K at these genuinely affordable prices

Intel's Core Ultra 200S series CPUs come as a duo of Arrow Lake Refresh processors, and they're refreshingly cheap for creators, with gaming benefits to boot.

After backlash from gamers, the developers of Crimson Desert are reevaluating their stance on Intel Arc graphics card support

Crimson Desert initially launched without working Intel Arc support, prompting backlash from players. Pearl Abyss has now confirmed it is working on compatibility and optimization updates.

Microsoft is putting an end to microslop on Windows 11 — commits to reducing Copilot across system apps and interfaces

As part of Microsoft's big set of sweeping changes coming to Windows 11, the company has confirmed plans to reduce where Copilot and AI experiences appear across the OS.

Fresh details on Halo Campaign Evolved reveal co-developer Abstraction’s expanded responsibilities in core campaign designs

A new report details Abstraction as a co-developer on Halo Campaign Evolved, detailing its major role in mission design, gameplay systems, and overall campaign development.

A beloved co‑op Minecraft game is making a comeback this year — but will Minecraft Dungeons II fix its biggest flaws in 2026?

It's hard to argue against a sequel for a game that saw over 25 million players.

This ambitious fantasy adventure RPG is already changing based on player feedback — Here’s what’s new in Crimson Desert

Pearl Abyss might need to be careful with how fast they're responding to feedback. We might become too accustomed to it.

Laffgaff

How many bytes are in a single kibibyte?

1024.

Mannequins

I shipped the bottom half of some mannequins in a used coffin once and they got lost. I knew I shouldn't have put all my legs in one casket.

Itsfoss

LibreOffice is Adding a Donation Banner That Might Annoy Some Users

The feature has already been merged into LibreOffice 26.8's development builds.

Someone Forked Systemd to Strip Out Its Age Verification Support

The project removes the birthDate field systemd added last week in response to age verification laws.

Systemd Crossword: Test Your Knowledge of Linux "ctl Commands"

A fun Linux crossword puzzle featuring systemd ctl commands like systemctl and journalctl. Perfect for testing and improving your Linux skills.