The News - Wednesday, 23 September 2026

BBC News

UK to fight Russian disinformation and push new global AI standards, Burnham says

The UK could act as "an honest broker" on AI and other global challenges, the prime minister tells world leaders at the UN.

Open wounds and eyes that can't close - women warn about cheap bleph eyelid surgery

A concerning number of patients are reporting problems from treatment abroad, say doctors.

'My eyelids became infected - I was scared to sleep'

Three women describe what happened when they travelled abroad for cheap "bleph" eyelid surgery.

Watch: Key moments from Andy Burnham's first UN speech

In his first speech to the UN as UK prime minister, Burnham highlighted the risks posed by Russian disinformation.

'Poison seller' who sold my daughter deadly drugs should rot in hell

Louise Nunn's daughter bought drugs from Canadian Kenneth Law, who sold toxic chemicals online.

Rich nations must cut debt as global shocks push up borrowing costs, IMF chief tells BBC

In an interview with the BBC, Kristalina Georgieva says economic shocks had pushed "debt levels up like a staircase not to heaven".

Rare look at the remote engine rooms powering China's AI ambitions

The BBC is in Inner Mongolia where dozen of Chinese data centres are being constructed, as the country aims to lead the world in artificial intelligence.

Europe's car makers are in crisis. Will the threat of war rescue them?

Auto executives across Europe hope rearmament can help them flex their industrial muscles once more.

Trump says he can do business with Burnham but criticises 'terrible' Chagos deal

The UK has proposed handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and paying to lease back an important military base.

Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran in UN speech as officials from both countries meet on sidelines

In his address, the US president pondered whether a peace deal would be agreed or whether he would have to take extreme action against Iran.

US to build two military bases in Greenland under new deal with Denmark

The defence deal signed at the UN General Assembly also re-affirms Denmark's sovereignty over its semi-autonomous Arctic territory.

'I don't have a buoyancy aid': Living without the Bank of Mum and Dad

Three 20-somethings tell BBC News how they are navigating life without parental support.

Fresh bedsheets and dusk walks: Expert tips for sleep-deprived freshers

Why it's a good idea to get out for an evening stroll, and other essential sleep advice for students.

Child ketamine users getting bladder damage describe 'peeing a jellyfish'

Doctors running the UK's first and only dedicated NHS clinic for children with ketamine bladder say they are seeing patients as young as 13.

Reports of violence against women in Gaza surge, UN agency finds

The UN Population Fund also says there has been a "severe escalation" in the number of early and forced marriages.

The Papers: 'Burn to be mild' and 'Pulp fiction'

Burnham-Trump meeting at the UN and Earl Spencer admits error in new book lead Wednesday's papers.

As Trump and Xi talk, China surges ahead with its AI ambitions

The BBC visits Inner Mongolia, where Beijing's AI infrastructure is progressing at "China speed", says one worker.

Watch: Threats, deals and passionate speeches at UNGA event

Delegations from across the world attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Dozens of migrants taken to Dover after more than 30 hours at sea

Protesters had earlier gathered in Gosport after an initial report that the small boat would be brought further west.

Booker Prize judges reveal shortlisted novels after selection 'tussle'

Past Booker winners Marlon James and Douglas Stuart are among the nominees for this year's award.

More than 170,000 respiratory cases recorded in haze-choked Indonesia

More than 40,000 of the cases – which range from mild coughs to pneumonia – involve toddlers.

Earl Spencer should pull Diana book from shelves, Piers Morgan says

Princess Diana's brother apologised to Morgan for a factual error in his memoir. Morgan said he is "pursuing legal action" against Spencer.

'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Polo intensifies to rare category 5 storm

The storm's sudden intensification off the coast of Mexico is "truly remarkable", the US hurricane monitoring agency said.

Father admits causing death of his son in hotel fall

The two-year-old boy fell from the window of a hotel in Cyprus in July, a Paphos court hears.

Home secretary says undetected migrant landings 'unacceptable'

The arrivals of two unescorted migrant boats mark the first uncontrolled landings recorded in the UK since 2025.

UK military jamming other nation's satellites to defend itself, BBC told

The RAF has already been using a ground-based system for the past year, a source has said

Watch: Moment pilots eject as RAF jet crashes in Anglesey

The two pilots ejected from the jet before crash and sustained minor injuries.

Iran's president tells Trump it will never 'bend the knee'

Masoud Pezeshkian's defiant speech to the UN comes after the US president threatened to "annihilate" Iran if a peace deal is not agreed soon.

Police examine video of anti-migrant activist slashing dinghy with knife

Daniel Thomas, known to his supporters as Danny Tommo, livestreamed a video of the alleged incident.

UK to review Chagos Islands deal over lack of US support, Streeting tells BBC

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed the review after Donald Trump told Andy Burnham the deal was "terrible".

Watch: Trump and Xi are meeting on US soil - what's on their agenda?

The BBC’s China correspondent and US editor explain everything you need to know ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting in Washington DC.

Singer Michael Kiwanuka reveals he is recovering from a stroke

The award-winning musician says he faces a "tough journey ahead" after a "quite severe" brain injury.

Is Burnham right to blame Russia for spreading online disinformation?

BBC Verify examines Russian-linked operations spreading false information about the UK, Ukraine and other nations.

Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual assault

In court, Miriam Haley said the assault had a "devastating effect on my life and sense of security that may never go away".

Dolly Parton's manager accuses her nephew of 'threats and intimidation'

Bryan Seaver, who announced Parton's death to the world, is accused of trying to extort her estate.

Europe's car makers are in crisis. Will the threat of war rescue them?

Auto executives across Europe hope rearmament can help them flex their industrial muscles once more.

'My eyelids became infected - I was scared to sleep'

Three women describe what happened when they travelled abroad for cheap "bleph" eyelid surgery.

Nigella Lawson is 'icing on the cake', TV critics say as she enters Bake Off tent

The TV chef joined Paul Hollywood in the tent as the Channel 4 competition returned for a new series.

UK warned over ballooning debt costs and slower growth ahead of Budget

Higher energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East and climate change could hit growth.

Netanyahu calls Macron's remarks on West Bank in UN speech 'grotesque'

Israel's PM denounces the French president after he appeared to downplay Hamas's activities in the occupied territory.

Drug deaths in Scotland rise 11% as country struggles with worst rate in Europe

The figure rose by 11% last year, bringing the total deaths in a decade to more than 11,000.

On-the-run killer who absconded after father's funeral arrested

Gary Anderson, who has been unlawfully at large for over a week, has been arrested in the Republic of Ireland.

Uproar in France over award-winning author accused of using AI

Canadian-Haitian writer Thélyson Orélien has just been awarded the Prix du Roman Fnac for his first novel.

Off sick? You need to phone your boss, back-to-work adviser says

Relying on text and email means sick workers disengaged and were less likely to work again, says Sir Charlie Mayfield.

Bournemouth Echo

How the real-life magic of Hampshire and Dorset inspired The Lord of the Rings

Hobbit Day and the discovery of a £64,000 first edition of The Hobbit, have brought Tolkien’s links to the South Coast back into the spotlight.

Mum discovers she’s pregnant just FIVE hours before giving birth to 8lb baby

A mum who had no idea she was pregnant gave birth to an 8lb 1oz baby just FIVE hours after going to hospital with “excruciating” stomach pains.

Hundreds tuck into a feast of local flavour at Wimborne Food Festival

Hundreds of visitors filled Wimborne for a successful Food Festival featuring free cookery demonstrations, tastings, live music, alfresco dining and food events across the town.

Student runs seven marathons in seven days for OddBalls Foundation

University student Jake Leavy ran seven marathons in seven days across Dorset from September 14 to 20, raising £1,351 for the OddBalls Foundation.

Child with special educational needs waiting more than four years for support

At least one child with special educational needs has been waiting more than four years for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

Proposal to enhance much-loved golf course and search underway for operator

A proposal to enhance facilities at Solent Meads Golf Course with a process beginning to appoint an operator to the site until 2051.

The Boscombe pantry helping hundreds through the cost of living crisis

As mortgage rates rise and the cost of living bites, a vital community hub in Boscombe is offering a lifeline to hundreds of residents every week.

Poole property ordered to remove mobility scooters and scrap metal from garden

A property in Poole has been ordered to remove mobility scooters, scrap metal, vehicle parts, oil drums, and other waste from their garden after BCP Council said the site is harming the appearance of the neighbourhood

Man arrested for indecent exposure at Beaulieu National Motor Museum

A man has been arrested after officers investigated a report of indecent exposure at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu

High Jump legend Dalton Grant leads surprise coaching session in Wimborne

Former Olympian Dalton Grant led a surprise coaching session for Wimborne Athletic Club athletes

Rare seven-acre Highcliffe site set to go under the hammer next month

A rare opportunity to acquire approximately seven acres of land in Highcliffe is being offered at auction this October.

First look at new 24-hour gym set to open in Dorset town this November

Snap Fitness will launch the 10,000 sq. ft gym on Victoria Road in Ferndown in the former Poundland unit in November.

Bournemouth MP welcomes expansion of Martha's Rule to every A&E department

Martha’s Rule, already in place on inpatient wards, will be introduced to every A&E department across England.

Local fisherman hit with £3.7k court bill after fishing for scallops out of hours

A local fisherman has been handed a court bill of nearly £3,800 after admitting dredging for scallops out of hours and committing a series of other fisheries offences.

Bournemouth property linked with anti-social behaviour closed down

A property in Bournemouth linked with drug activity and anti-social behaviour has been closed down

Person hospitalised with head injury after fall on rocks at Mudeford Spit

A person was taken to hospital with a head injury after a fall near the seafront.

Jeremy Clarkson takes swipe at Bournemouth MP in tourist tax row

Jeremy Clarkson has criticised Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale over her support for a proposed tourism levy.

Search mission at sea triggers police, ambulance, coastguard and RNLI response

Two Dorset coastguard teams were deployed in a significant search operation to a reports of a person potentially in the water near Bournemouth Pier alongside a shadowing police force, ambulances crews and the RNLI.

Coroner searching for next of kin of man in his 50s who died at home

The coroner for Dorset is seeking the assistance of the public to find the next of kin of a man who lived in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth store owner shares dozens of shoplifting clips to expose theft epidemic

A store owner has published a vast collection of shoplifter videos - including young women 'helping themselves to booze' on a night out.

CCTV appeal: Police hunt for men in connection with e-bike theft in Hampshire

CCTV images released as part of Brockenhurst theft investigation

Motorcyclist suffers 'life threatening' injuries following crash

Appeal after man seriously injured in New Milton collision

Motorcyclist rushed to hospital after crash which closed road

A motorcyclist was rushed to hospital after a crash involving a van in Christchurch this morning.

Man charged with attempted murder after 17-year-old 'stabbed' appears in court

A man accused of trying to murder a 17-year-old Sandbanks boy has appeared in court.

RNLI Lymington lifeboat rescues stranded woman in popular BBC docuseries

Lymington Lifeboat Station to Feature on BBC Two’s Saving Lives at Sea

14-year-old girl 'sexually assaulted' by man while sat on a bench

We are appealing for witnesses following a reported sexual assault in Blandford.

Woman injured in alleged hit and run outside middle school

Witness and dashcam appeal following fail-to-stop collision in Wimborne

Man charged with attempted murder after Poole 'stabbing'

Bournemouth man charged with attempted murder and knife possession after a teenager was allegedly stabbed in Poole. Victim stable; court appearance set for September 23.

Man jailed for fleeing with £4.9k petrol station cashbox and multiple burglaries

A man has been jailed for 3 years and 4 months after multiple burglaries which saw him break into a petrol station and stealing cash, and a residential property.

Murder trial date set after Bournemouth man died following alleged assault

A date has been set for the murder trial of a man accused of killing a 41-year-old man following an alleged assault in Bournemouth.

Barclays opens a new banking branch in Poole

Barclays has officially opened a new branch in Poole.

Volunteer-run Wimborne community cinema launches Humphrey Bogart film season

High Contrast Cinema in Wimborne will host the events at the Allendale Centre this autumn, with a focus on Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart

Brockenhurst College launches free breakfast scheme for all students

Brockenhurst College has launched a free breakfast for all students as part of a new College funded initiative designed to remove barriers to learning.

Internationally acclaimed film festival to return to Bournemouth for second year

The Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) will take place at the Hilton Bournemouth on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10.

Bournemouth once again recognised for its safe and vibrant night-time economy

Bournemouth has once again been recognised for its vibrant and safe night-time economy, as it retains Purple Flag accreditation for a 16th consecutive year

Dorset nursery group recognised among fastest-growing businesses in the county

Tops Day Nurseries has been recognised in the Dorset LTD 2026 report, celebrating the performance of Dorset’s leading privately owned businesses.

Aldi donates 18,300 meals to Dorset charities during the school summer holidays

Aldi stores across Dorset donated 18,300 meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations across the UK throughout the recent school summer holidays.

Dorset beach named one of UK’s most dog-friendly spots - so here's where to stay

Hengistbury Beach was included in the 2026 dog-friendly beach guide by Vets Now, one of only 10 beaches to be featured, so here's where to stay.

Dorset community invited to take on 22-mile overnight challenge for charity

The 22-mile fundraiser, called Dusk till Dawn: The Seaside Switchback, is being organised by the Nimsdai Foundation and will take place on September 26.

Christchurch school selected for prestigious national dance programme

A school in Christchurch has been selected to take part in a national dance programme.

New nine-day county-wide arts event to take place in Dorset next summer

Dorset Artist Open Studios (DAOS) will run for nine days from August 28 to September 5, 2027, and will highlight artists and makers from across the county.

Poole-based property firm appoints business development lead for the Midlands

Poole-based MSP Capital has named Tom Edmunds as lead business development manager for the Midlands, bringing more than a decade of experience.

Senior leaders to swap the boardroom for the Jurassic Coast in charity challenge

Travis Perkins Hire’s senior leadership team will take on a charity walk of more than 13 miles starting from Corfe Castle in support of Alzheimer's Society.

Christchurch-based Polyhose UK appoints new financial director

Nathan Bingham has joined Christchurch-based Polyhose (UK) Ltd as financial director.

Poole-based accountancy firm marks first anniversary with new appointment

Poole-based accountancy firm Grasp Accountants is celebrating its first year in business, alongside the appointment of a new Client Adviser.

Online art courses for neurodivergent and home-educated children launch from £2

New online art courses for neurodivergent, home-educated and flexi-schooled children aged 6-14 launch September 14, costing £2-£3.50 per session.

Folk group to bring autumn tour to Poole venue this November

The Furrow Collective, known for their contemporary takes on traditional songs, will perform at the Lighthouse Poole on November 5.

Much-loved nursery manager celebrates 15 years of service at Bournemouth school

Mandy Preston has celebrated an 'incredible' 15 years at Kings Castle Montessori School in Tuckton, having joined the school in 2011.

Ferndown care home celebrates the hard work of its housekeeping team

Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown, run by Barchester Healthcare, marked Housekeeping Appreciation Week by recognising the vital contributions of the team

Dorset care home launches its own social club dedicated to tackling loneliness

Ferndown Manor, located on Golf Links Road in Ferndown, is inviting members of the public to join residents for its monthly Gentlemen’s Club

Dorset's disability charity to host workshop on dried flowers next week

Diverse Abilities is inviting people to a creative workshop at Brothers Farm in Wimborne on Tuesday, September 29.

Formula 1

Our early Bet Builder for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Our expert betting writers have picked a four-leg early Bet Builder, including podium finish and top-six selection.

All the stories that got the Baku paddock talking

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli understandably refused to get carried away when talking about his title hopes on Wednesday in Baku, despite the Italian being on a rampant run of form that has seen him win eight races in 14 weekends...

Norris reflects on upturn in form ahead of Azerbaijan GP

Lando Norris believes "I'm doing some things better than last year" after a strong recent run of form, but says that this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix "is the one I've not been looking forward to".

Best value early bets for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

We've assessed the latest betting markets and selected our pick of early bets offering the best value at the Baku City Circuit.

Why Sainz and Albon remain cautious on Williams upgrade package

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have previewed Williams' major upgrade package, which is set to debut at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Hamilton reveals his focus in the title fight

Lewis Hamilton has reflected on his chances in the championship battle ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Verstappen backs Hadjar's Red Bull contract renewal for 2027

Max Verstappen believes "it made perfect sense" for Red Bull to retain Isack Hadjar for the 2027 season, adding that it is "good that we have that continuation".

Antonelli admits title battle is ‘not over until it’s over’

Kimi Antonelli has given his thoughts on his position in the Drivers’ Championship ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Lawson assesses his Red Bull stint as he returns to Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull for the last three rounds.

The bucket-list moments from the F1 calendar in Europe

As F1's European season comes to an end, we revisit the unforgettable moments, fan rituals and unique experiences that make each Grand Prix a destination in its own right.

Match the grid for your chance to win the ultimate F1 experience

Get race ready for your chance to win the ultimate F1 experience. Think you've got the speed, focus and memory to take on the grid?

Windows Central

Googlebooks are built almost entirely on Gemini AI hype. Can they disrupt Windows?

Google's new $899+ Googlebooks push AI‑first laptops with an obsessive focus on Gemini, but I'm wondering whether they stand any chance among Windows flagships.

Stardock's new Snipboard app aims to fix clipboard management on Windows 11

Stardock’s new Snipboard app brings a pinned, searchable clipboard dock with cross-PC copying to Windows 11.

Mythic Achievement details surface in the latest version of the Xbox app

Gamers on Xbox longing for an answer to PlayStation's Platinum Trophy will soon get their wish, and new details on the Mythic Achievement have been revealed in the latest update to the Xbox app on Windows 11.

Laffgaff

Which is the only continent located in all four hemispheres?

Africa.

Elderly Vampire

I know an elderly vampire. He's quite long in the tooth.

Itsfoss

PeppermintOS Is Moving From Xorg to XLibre to Avoid Wayland

The lightweight distro will ship the XLibre display server in its upcoming Debian and Devuan ISO refreshes, and it says it has no plans to switch to Wayland for the foreseeable future.

Organizations Are Now Reaching for OpenSearch for AI, Not Just Search

The 2026 Open Data Infrastructure Report finds 62% of current users already run OpenSearch for AI workloads.

Distro With an Expiry Date?Gravity Linux is a New Distro for Apple Silicon

Its first alpha targets the M4 Mac mini and runs on a Fedora base, with all driver work aimed at the upstream Linux kernel.

Local AI Weekly #3: The Token Rug Pull

Cheap frontier tokens won't last. Plus an email client on the edge, an inbox for background agents. Check out the latest Local AI Weekly newsletter.

Local AI Jargon Quiz: Do You Know All These Buzzwords?

Token, harness, quantization, open weight, you've seen these words everywhere in local AI discussions. Take this quiz and see if you really know these "buzzwords".