The News - Tuesday, 28 July 2026

BBC News

Burnham says pupils in England need clearer pathway into work

The government wants pupils to take subjects like AI and manufacturing which are linked to local jobs.

Spain and France brace for new heatwaves as wildfire closes in on Bordeaux

Temperatures are expected to soar past 40C in some regions as a heatwave builds, further hampering firefighting efforts.

On the front line of Ecuador's drugs war, police fight gangs, guns and corruption

The BBC goes on patrol with Ecuador's police, who are grappling with a huge surge in drug crime.

Reform UK reports Zack Polanski to police over guillotine T-shirt post

The post included a photo of a man wearing a top featuring the name "Nigel" alongside an image of a guillotine.

Johnson & Johnson offers up to $5.5bn to settle US baby powder lawsuits

The proposed settlement aims to close a years-long legal battle over claims its talcs products cause cancer.

Love Island UK crowns winners of twist-filled series

For the first time in the history of the UK series, only three couples were in the final after several twists.

BBC reports from outside court after judge rules singer D4vd will stand trial for murder

The body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found last September inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd.

'I just found all the classified stuff downstairs' - Biden to ghostwriter

Recordings between Biden and his ghostwriter reveal references to classified information and memory gaps.

Hundreds of thousands of women get morning-after pill via free pharmacy service

Since October, the morning-after pill has been made available free-of-charge at high street pharmacies under a new scheme in England.

Badenoch calls for emergency legislation to stop early release scheme

Last week Andy Burnham announced he was pausing early release plans for September after backlash from survivors and victims.

Wildfires 'stark reminder' of extreme climate challenge, says William

The prince's warning comes as wildfires rage in parts of Europe and the UK during a spell of extreme heat.

France and Spain wildfire witnesses describe 'wall of flames', fear and stress

Local and visitors tell the BBC of disbelief and anxiety as wildfires force more than 300,000 people to evacuate.

How 'fire-generated thunderstorms' make wildfires more deadly

Certain types of severe wildfire can create pyrocumulonimbus - something that Nasa calls the "fire-breathing dragon of clouds".

What you need to know if you're travelling to France or Spain

The BBC’s cost of living correspondent explains how to handle holiday cancellations as a result of European wildfires.

Why attachment theory is everywhere right now and how it can help you

Attachment theory is everywhere right now, but what is it and how can you use it to improve your relationships?

What to expect from Zelensky and Netanyahu's visit to Washington

Republican Senator Lindsay Graham's funeral is bringing the two world leaders to town, where they'll separately visit the White House to discuss their region's wars.

Confronting gang members at the heart of Ecuador's drug battle

The BBC's Orla Guerin goes on patrol with Ecuador's police, who are grappling with a huge surge in drug crime.

China's new challenge as natural disasters strike - fake AI videos

Storms and flooding incidents over the last few months have seen fake videos inundating social media.

The Papers: 'Race against time' and 'We've lost a Goodie'

Raging fires burn in France and Spain while tributes flow for comedian Bill Oddie lead Tuesday's papers.

As the US pauses the war with Iran, is Trump really running out of weapons?

The US has fired thousands of hard-to-replace missiles during its war with Iran. We unpack whether its "arsenal of freedom" is perilously low.

Bill Oddie: Comedian who found nature a welcome refuge from mental illness

One of Britain's best known comedians and naturalists, his life was plagued by bouts of acute depression which saw many visits to psychiatric hospitals.

Burnham appoints Phillipson as Labour Party chair

She will work closely with Lucy Powell, having lost out to her in the deputy leadership contest.

Chip firms fall in US and Asia as AI jitters rattle investors

Trading on South Korea's Kospi index was paused temporarily on Tuesday morning after sliding by 8%.

Trump says Iran war talks taking place during lull in strikes

The US president says "there is a good chance that something could happen", as Iran denies direct talks are taking place.

Zelensky visit sends clear message of support for Ukraine, Burnham says

The Ukrainian president became the new prime minister's first international visitor since taking office.

Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis

The singer also reveals she has received treatment for skin cancer, but vows to keep singing.

Funeral director who left people unburied breached families' trust 'on industrial scale', court hears

The sentencing hearing of Robert Bush hears how the funeral parlour was likened to a "horror scene".

Millions see leaked copy of The Odyssey movie on X

Film studio Universal takes down a high-quality bootleg version of the film, which appeared on X.

The moment Tuesday's powerful earthquake hit Japan

Video shows locations across the region where a strong earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu island on 28 July.

Wildfires in south-west France flare up as region braces for new 40C heatwave

Firefighters are braced for a sharp rise in temperatures on Wednesday, which could complicate the containment of wildfires in Gironde.

French Navy carries out 'shooting drill' during MP's BBC interview

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp says the vessel fired 17 shots as he was giving a BBC interview.

Powell says student loan system at top of in-tray

She says she stands by past comments that the interest charged on Plan 2 loans is "egregious".

Funeral director 'left baby's remains on floor for two years'

Victims who lost babies tearfully recall how they were given wrong ashes by Robert Bush.

Naga Munchetty to leave BBC Breakfast after 17 years

The BBC One show's co-host will swap the TV sofa for the presenter's chair on Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

Some parents on benefits to get up to £4,500 for child starting apprenticeship

Some parents on benefits are incentivised to discourage their kids from taking on apprenticeships.

Odyssey translator writes scathing review of Nolan film adaptation

The film has won rave reviews from film critics but a translator of Homer's work was less than impressed.

Can Burnham's vision for Manchester's schools really work for the rest of England?

The prime minister's plans for technical education have their roots in the Manchester Baccalaureate.

The cocaine superhighway from Ecuador to Europe - the BBC reports on gangs and the police fightback

The BBC goes on patrol with Ecuador's police, who are grappling with a huge surge in drug crime.

Why is Ukraine rolling out the red carpet for a US far-right influencer?

Laura Loomer, Trump ally, MAGA influencer, and former Ukraine critic was granted extensive access to the country.

Booker Prize longlist: See the 13 'dynamite' novels up for this year's prestigious award

Elizabeth Strout, Douglas Stuart and Marlon James are among the 13 authors recognised this year.

‘I’d found the missing piece to a puzzle’: How attachment theory is shaping modern dating

Attachment theory is everywhere right now, but what is it and how can you use it to improve your relationships?

How afraid should we be of jellyfish off UK shores?

Many people are scared of the jellyfish due to the fear of painful stings and the creature's unpredictable nature in the water.

Laughter and tears at Dame Penelope Keith funeral

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth says the service at Guildford Cathedral was "deeply moving".

Schools to offer technical subjects from age 14 in England, Burnham says

The government wants pupils to take courses like AI and manufacturing which are linked to local jobs.

Mother and boyfriend guilty of murder of girl, two

Prosecutors say Isabelle Welsh was subjected to a "wicked" campaign of abuse before her death.

US walks out of UN Security Council meeting during France's remarks

The row sparked after the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending the term of the UN high commissioner for human rights.

Richard Hammond fined £999 for speeding offences

The TV host is caught speeding twice in Herefordshire in the space of three weeks, magistrates hear.

Bournemouth Echo

Poole resident appointed chair of neighbourhood board that will oversee £20m funding

Hamworthy has appointed an independent chair to lead a neighbourhood board that will oversee a major government investment

Leaders praise ‘pioneering work’ of BCP Council with connecting people to nature

National and local leaders have come together to celebrate the ‘pioneering work’ of BCP council to connect people with nature

‘I’ve lost my dignity’: Amputee stuck waiting years for council house adaptations

A woman who lost her leg after developing sepsis says she has been left trapped in a home she cannot properly use while waiting years for vital council adaptations.

Government scrutiny over Bournemouth academy pay with £250k top earner

A Bournemouth academy trust is facing government scrutiny over executive pay, with one staff member earning up to £250,000 last year.

Council apologise after dead fox cub left outside woman's home for 6 days

The council has apologised after a dead fox was left in front of a resident's home for six days.

Dorset cruise company to offer 'unforgettable' experience to view solar eclipse

A rare celestial event is coming this summer and a Dorset coastal cruising company is offering guests the chance to experience it in memorable style.

New council scheme offers residents discounts for parking, ice cream and more

Residents can now unlock exclusive discounts and perks through a new council scheme across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area

Townsend community garden receives national Green Flag award

A community garden has been honoured with a national award recognising its quality and the dedication of its volunteers.

Road closed as police respond to 'man in need of medical attention'

Police are currently at the scene of an incident involving a man in need of medical attention in the area of Chapel Lane and West Borough in Wimborne.

Body found in search for missing man

A body has been found believed to be that of a man who went missing from Dorset

First 100 customers offered free wings as Wingstop reveals Bournemouth opening date

Chicken chain Wingstop has begun work on its Bournemouth restaurant and confirmed when it will open.

Man rescued after becoming stranded on rocks at beauty spot

Our volunteer lifeboat crew return safely to station after successfully assisting a casualty at Durdle Door this afternoon.

£164m ultra-luxury cruise yacht docked in Poole

An ultra-luxury cruise yacht has docked in Dorset as part of a "Taste of the British Isles" voyage.

'The New Zealand soldiers in England is a story not often told' - Letter

I've been meaning to write to say that I enjoyed the heritage article about Kiwi soldiers recovering from war in the New Forest during World War One (June 29).

New Forest Marque to showcase goods at the New Forest Show

Visitors can enjoy the very best of New Forest produce and handmade crafts from New Forest Marque businesses.

Appeal court orders investigation into jury conduct in Fordingbridge rape case

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has been asked to act in the cases of three boys who initially avoided custody after raping two girls in Fordingbridge.

New Forest August pony drifts cancelled amid equine flu outbreak

August's New Forest pony drifts have been cancelled because of an equine flu outbreak.

Woman 'haunted' after naked man performed sex act in woods

A woman says she is 'haunted' after a naked man carried out a sex act in front of her in woodland.

Cyclist taken to hospital after medical emergency closes road

A cyclist was taken to hospital after a medical emergency this afternoon.

Vets see surge in dog injuries blamed on ‘no‑mow’ grass verges

Vets report a surge in dogs needing treatment for grass seed infections amid claims councils are failing to mow verges and parks.

Masked teenagers steal delivery bike outside fast food outlet

Two teenagers wearing 'masks' reportedly stole a motorbike outside a fast food store in Poole.

Police issue warning after burglary in Wimborne

Police are reminding the public to check their properties are secured following a recent burglary in Wimborne.

Man assaulted and taken to hospital after trying to stop robbery at One Stop

A man robbed a shop in Christchurch before assaulting a member of the public who tried to intervene, leaving them needing hospital treatment.

Man in court for assault and causing nuisance in Poole Hospital - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates’ Court:

Sunseeker announces new CEO and long‑term partners after ownership change

Sunseeker have announced the appointment of a new CEO, as well as new long-term partners.

Woman with Dorset links found after going missing in Sussex

A woman with links to Dorset who went missing in Sussex has now been found, police have confirmed.

New Forest Association set to launch new brand identity

A long-established conservation organisation is relaunching its brand to reach new audiences and strengthen its voice.

New Forest Business Partnership marks 25 years

A business network is celebrating 25 years of connecting and supporting companies across the region.

Police warning after more than 300 thefts across New Forest

Police are warning New Forest residents and visitors to lock up their valuables after a spate of thefts from vehicles, sheds and garages.

Rare Second World War tank to appear at Dorset museum event this September

The German Nashorn, nicknamed "Phoenix" after restoration was delayed by a devastating fire, will feature at Tiger Day Autumn on September 26.

Holiday park operator named Family Travel Business of the Year for Dorset

Hoburne, a holiday park operator, has been named Family Travel Business of the Year at the Dorset Business Awards.

Six Wetherspoon pubs across Dorset to host Craft Cider Festival from July 31

Wetherspoon pubs across Dorset will take part in a 10-day Craft Cider Festival, running from July 31 to August 9.

Dorset named among the worst police force areas in the UK for business crime

New figures from Capital on Tap show that Dorset recorded 1,816 business crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, placing it fifth nationally.

Six shopfronts in Bournemouth Town Centre transformed with new window displays

Six vacant shopfronts along Old Christchurch Road have been transformed with new window displays as part of a Bournemouth Town Centre BID initiative.

Hospice charity celebrates Bournemouth dancer joining Strictly Come Dancing

Forest Holme Hospice has congratulated Maddie Ingoldsby after she was announced as one of the new professional dancers joining BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

Dorset children to benefit from free bus travel with Morebus this August

Children across the region will benefit from free bus travel this summer - thanks to new funding from the Government.

Community theatre production to bring Dorset's past to life at Lighthouse Poole

Unearthed, created by Women of Dorset, comes to the Poole venue on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 at 7.30pm.

Classic car show brings together staff and residents at Sherborne care home

Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne hosted a classic car show, bringing together staff, residents, relatives and local motoring enthusiasts

Passionate group of riders to embark on charity ride from Shoreditch to Poole

On August 16 at 12pm, the Poochie Ryders will set off from The Bike Shed in Shoreditch, London, each riding a vintage 1960s Velosolex to Poole Quay.

Ringwood care home resident rolls back the years with return to bowling green

A Ringwood care home resident went bowling at Bournemouth Bowling Club for the first time in 10 years with the support of his care home team.

New Dorset Police campaign launched amid rise in calls about non-police matters

Dorset Police is reminding the public how to access the right support at the right time as part of its new Making the Right Call campaign

UK’s number one touring rock and roll theatre show to return to Bournemouth

That’ll Be The Day will come to Bournemouth later this year, performing at the Bournemouth Pavilion on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5.

Independent brewery in the New Forest to celebrate 15 years in business

Vibrant Forest Brewery, based in the New Forest, will host a 15th birthday celebration at its taproom on August 15, running from 12pm to 8pm.

Local families invited to enjoy summer of activities at BCP leisure centres

Families looking to keep children active, engaged and entertained this summer can take advantage of a range of activities at BH Live Active leisure centres.

Giant new adventure playground opening at popular park

The play zone features a timber lorry, tunnels and a large wooden timber harvesting machine, helping children to learn about forestry through play.

Monster trucks to cause mayhem at Dorset County Show in September

The Dorset County Show is set to feature the return of Europe's largest monster truck as the headline attraction.

Blandford Museum inviting visitors to step back in time through a new trail

Blandford Museum has launched a free summer holiday trail, Around Blandford in 20 Objects, offering a journey through the town centre as it were 1900.

Halloween trail at Moors Valley Country Park returns for another spooky season

Moors Valley Country Park is set to host its illuminated Halloween trail, hosted by life by Forestry England and running from October 23 to November 1.

400,000 A&E visits for minor eye conditions could be avoided, research reveals

New analysis by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) suggests that between 62% and up to 78% of eye-related A&E visits could be managed in community services.

Formula 1

8 moments you might have missed from the Hungarian GP

Relive the action from the Hungaroring at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix with plenty of off-track F1 moments – A pit lane proposal, Hamilton's Hungarian legacy, and more.

Mercedes explain what led to Russell’s P6-P21 start in Hungary

Mercedes have shared some more insight into George Russell’s disastrous start at the Hungarian Grand Prix, explaining how he was left with “much too little throttle” when the red lights went out “through no fault of his own”.

PALMER: Why Norris was so strong in Hungary

What a weekend for Lando Norris, who took his first victory as reigning champion in Budapest, on a weekend he put together almost perfectly.

How did McLaren and Aston Martin make big gains in Hungary?

Two updated cars in Budapest showed a spectacular improvement in competitiveness: the McLaren and Aston Martin.

Who impressed our Power Rankings judges in Hungary?

Lando Norris and McLaren claimed their first victory of the 2026 season in Hungary, leading home Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli on a dramatic Sunday afternoon. But who else impressed our Power Rankings judges at the Hungaroring? Check out the latest scores and overall leaderboard below...

Haas drivers offer verdict on Hungarian GP

Ollie Bearman admits that he "lost all level of confidence in the car" during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, as he and team mate Esteban Ocon failed to reach the points for Haas.

Alpine in 'development war' with Racing Bulls – Nielsen

Alpine were the pick of the midfield for much of the first half of the season, sitting in fifth place in the Championship with a healthy margin to the rest. Racing Bulls jumped them in Hungary, as successful car development becomes ever more crucial.

Windows Central

"This is an unacceptable situation, and we must do better" Xbox CTO apologizes for its biggest outage in recent memory

Xbox just had its biggest outage in recent memory, with Xbox's core services down for well over 15~ hours for some users. Xbox CTO just took to X (Twitter) to explain what went wrong.

Razer Seiren V3 Chroma 32‑Bit DSP review: RGB meets real broadcast power — and it actually sounds amazing

The new Razer Seiren V3 Chroma 32‑Bit DSP proves RGB can sound as good as it looks. With 32‑bit DSP, smart Synapse tuning, and studio‑grade clarity, it’s a plug‑and‑play powerhouse for streamers and creators. $119.99, three colors, and zero excuses.

Xbox console players now get select Ubisoft PC versions for free via Xbox PC — it's not Xbox Play Anywhere, but hey it's something

Ubisoft+ Classics are available as part of Xbox Game Pass on PC, but the PC versions are trash without cloud saves, Play Anywhere, or Xbox achievements.

I replaced Microsoft Editor with Copilot and Gemini after a month of testing

After a month of proofreading my articles with Copilot and Gemini, both tools consistently outperformed Microsoft Editor. They caught context‑based mistakes, tense issues, and wrong‑word typos that Word missed.

Windows 11’s August Patch Tuesday update brings several important changes, and I break down the biggest ones

Windows 11 August 2026 update adds Windows Hello ESS, AI model uninstall, File Explorer upgrades, better Search, Widgets, Voice Access, and more.

I used ASUS' flagship business laptop and was surprised by how exciting it was: But its high price tag makes it hard to recommend, even if it's near perfect

ASUS' latest flagship business-class laptop is a true sight to behold, with a Tandem OLED 3K display, a beautiful design that turns heads, and a high price tag to match.

I went back to a regular gaming monitor after 10 years of ultrawides — Here's what I forgot I was missing

I've been an ultrawide gamer for a decade, but I recently went back to a regular 16:9 widescreen for what I thought was a temporary time. As it turns out, I forgot what I was missing. Is the screen I don't have always better? You be the judge.

Why Capcom never gave Dragon's Dogma 2 the 4-player co-op it was made for is beyond me — and this upcoming PC mod proves it

I recently came across DD2gether by ButFrog, which aims to add 4-player online co-op for the base Dragon's Dogma 2 game and its upcoming Dark Arisen DLC expansion at a later date. If you're sad that Dragon's Dogma 2 doesn't have co-op, then this is a mod that should be on your radar.

One year later, XBOX's Adaptive Joystick has changed our accessible gaming life for the better — as Microsoft's efforts slow down

XBOX's Adaptive Joystick transformed console and PC gaming in my home, and now it looks like Microsoft's accessibility efforts are facing some uncertainty.

Laffgaff

What is the most widely spoken variety of Chinese?

Catch Me If You Can.

Local Gardener

A local gardener just set the world record for growing the largest sprig of herbs. It was the greatest of all thyme.

Itsfoss

A GrapheneOS Privacy Feature Just Became the Basis for a Federal Indictment

Samuel Tunick faces up to five years in prison after the passcode he gave CBP agents wiped his phone.

I Really Want to Love This Markdown Editor, But One Thing Holds It Back

It gives an IDE feel with lots of features that fits the workflow of developers working on technical documentation of their projects.

OpenUK Wants Britain to Stop Giving Away Open Source Creations

They point to MCP, built by two engineers in London, that ended up under US-based governance.