BBC News
'Overwhelmed' probation officers warn of early prison release crime risk
England and Wales' probation services are already under "unprecedented pressure" - set to increase with the scheme, the chief inspector said.
Woman assaulted by double murderer says nightmare became 'real life' when police let him attack again
Serial sex offender Simon Levy went on to murder two women and rape a third after a series of disastrous decisions that left him free to roam the streets.
Military still risks failing victims, review finds
Leaked internal review warns of continued concerns about a new unit investigating the most serious crimes.
Trump says he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible threat
But the president says the jet he boarded instead was at "greater risk" than the decoy Air Force One.
UK to get best eclipse since 1999 as Moon blocks out Sun across Europe
Up to 96% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon in the UK, while parts of Spain, Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Russia will see a total eclipse.
PM admits cost of living help is not enough and hints at further support
The PM has announced a rake of measures to help people since taking office three weeks ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo marries long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez
The Portuguese superstar has posted an image of two hands - presumed to be his on top of his wife's - both wearing wedding rings.
Police chiefs call for PM to prevent early release of PC Harper's killers
The intervention comes after Andy Burnham said he was "confident" the early release of PC Harper's killers could be prevented.
Children as young as nine hurt in growing number of e-scooter crashes
Three trauma centres - Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield - say they have treated nearly 500 casualties under the age of 16.
UK prosecutors argue Tate brothers a flight risk ahead of bail hearing
Andrew and Tristan Tate would attempt to evade prosecution if they are freed on bail, prosecutors argue.
Eclipse chasers scramble for glasses as stocks run low
Specialist glasses are all but sold out online ahead of the UK's most significant eclipse since 1999.
Trump's dramatic plane swap hints at personal stakes of Iran war
It marks another striking episode in the turbulent history of his relationship with Iran, writes the BBC's Anthony Zurcher.
Baby Shark Boy set to make K-pop debut
The boy from the most-watched YouTube video of all time is now 17 years old, and wants to be a K-pop star.
Anguish of Colombian brother at rubble of building being searched for earthquake survivors
BBC Mundo has gone to the site of Torres del Limonar, a collapsed building in Cali where rescue workers fight to free survivors.
How can Andy Burnham stop PC Harper's killers being released early?
None of the solutions proposed are quick or easy and some carry political risk, writes UK correspondent Daniel Sandford.
Sun-tanned cauliflowers and knobbly spuds - the heatwave veg that's good to eat
British shoppers should expect to see more wonky vegetables due to repeated heatwaves.
How affordable are Edinburgh's festivals?
The city is no stranger to complaints about soaring prices during August - but are costs on the rise?
The Papers: 'Andy U-turns on early release' and 'Hunt on for eclipse glasses'
The prime minister's plan to stop the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers is prominent across Wednesday's papers.
Wealthier areas must play their part in housing asylum seekers, Burnham suggests
The prime minister was asked about protests over plans to use a former military base to house asylum seekers.
British driver who broke sound barrier sets new speed record
Andy Green set the fastest time ever recorded in a hydrogen-powered car, reaching 406mph (654km/h).
Rescuers scramble for survivors with 180 dead in Colombia earthquake
Colombia experienced a number of aftershocks on Tuesday, as efforts continued to free survivors trapped in rubble and buildings.
Criticism as thousands of seats empty at Europeans Athletics Championships
Nearly 10,000 seats were empty at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium on Monday.
Russia releases former US Marine reported in poor health
Robert Gilman, who was arrested in 2022, was left in "life-threatening condition" after being subjected to "harsh and abusive treatment", his family says.
Luigi Mangione murder trial to have anonymous jury
The judge overseeing the state murder trial ruled the 12-person jury would remain anonymous because of the intense media spotlight on the case.
Ann Widdecombe's loved ones gather for her funeral
A requiem mass is held for the former MP at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, near her Dartmoor home.
Double killer and rapist given whole life sentence
Simon Levy, from Tottenham, will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of two women and rape of a third.
Burnham considers disposable BBQ ban over wildfire risks
The PM wants the public to avoid using single-use grills during the current spell of extremely dry weather.
Jasper Carrott says family is 'so proud' of Lucy Davis after cancer diagnosis
The actress, best known for playing Dawn in The Office, has revealed she has incurable breast cancer.
Members of Trump's cabinet remained on decoy plane, after president's quiet exit
Trump boarded a different plane in Turkey during a Nato summit for security reasons involving Iran.
River Danube's low water levels reveal remains of WWII soldiers and motorcycle
A remarkably well-preserved motorcycle and identification tags were found alongside the bodies.
PM warned of Iran war impact on UK growth next year
The conflict in the Middle East has pushed up oil and fuel prices, and also disrupted supply chains.
Israeli settlers besieging Palestinian families in West Bank village
Israeli security forces have reportedly withdrawn and about a dozen settlers are said to remain at the site where two families have been besieged since Sunday.
Eurovision Song Contest changes rules for countries at war
Organisers say countries engaged in armed conflict will be automatically disqualified from hosting.
After the eclipse, a meteor shower - how to catch a glimpse
On Wednesday night the Perseids will peak offering the best chance of seeing a 'shooting star'.
Warning from man whose eyes were damaged by eclipse
Peter Smith damaged his eyes by watching the 1999 eclipse without suitable glasses.
Lucy Davis urges women to check their breasts for cancer - here's how
The actress from The Office TV series says her breast lump was tiny and not a 'lump' as such; rather a kind of hard spot.
'Rot in prison', relatives tell double murderer and rapist
Simon Levy is jailed for life after murdering two women and raping another.
These seaside apartments were a ghost city - then police say scammers moved in
Malaysia's Forest City was pitched as "paradise" but last month police raided it over alleged scam operations.
How affordable are Edinburgh's festivals?
The city is no stranger to complaints about soaring prices during August - but are costs on the rise?
Baby Shark boy set to make K-pop debut
The boy from the most-watched YouTube video of all time is now 17 years old, and wants to be a K-pop star.
Sun-tanned cauliflowers and knobbly spuds - the heatwave veg that's good to eat
British shoppers should expect to see more wonky vegetables due to repeated heatwaves.
Your heatwave tips on how to cope in extreme temperatures
From what to wear to getting a restful night's sleep, you share your tips for beating the heat.
How to get a good night's sleep during hot weather
Simple tips to help you get a good night's sleep when temperatures rise.
No air con? Here's how to get the most out of your electric fan
Point it at your face? Use a bowl of ice? Open a window? Our experts separate fact from fiction.
Why heatwaves hit women harder
Experts are calling for better awareness of the heat-related risks to women and more targeted efforts to protect them.
X-Men star Nicholas Hoult joins cast of Harry Potter TV show
Hoult, known for his roles in X-Men, Superman and Mad Max: Fury Road, will play Gilderoy Lockhart.
Woman pulled alive from rubble 36 hours after Colombia quake
Following a 10-hour rescue operation, emergency workers pulled the 32-year-old from beneath slabs of concrete.
I share concerns over Arday appointment, says Cambridge University head
Vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice acknowledged the "anger and anxiety around this damaging and difficult case".
Ministers push ahead with housing asylum seekers on ex-military sites
The government says former MoD sites are the best option despite protests from people living nearby.
Estonia rejects proposals to take prisoners from UK jails
Estonia's justice minister rules out a deal with the UK after Reform and the Conservatives suggested renting prison space abroad.
Spotify to add label for AI-generated artists and remove them from recommendations
The new feature, starting from mid-September, will tell listeners if an artist is AI-generated.
Bournemouth Echo
When a sporting god captivated Christchurch with a promise to return
when Australian cricket legend Shane Warne visited Christchurch following his Ashes triumph and pledged his return to Hampshire.
‘We don’t want them’: Residents angry over proposal for new EV charging bays
Plans to introduce electric vehicle charging bays have sparked anger from residents
‘It is not a victimless crime’: Why BCP is raising parking fines to £160
Drivers who park illegally along Bournemouth and Poole’s seafront face fines of up to £160 during a month-long trial aimed at improving road safety during the busy summer season locally.
'Andy Burnham should come to Bournemouth NOW'
Andy Burnham has announced he is going on the road.
Man had cannabis grow in Holdenhurst Road - In the Dock
The following case was heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
118-year-old golf club shortens hole after neighbours complain of stray balls
A 118-year-old golf club has changed the layout of its final hole after neighbours complained about stray balls landing in their gardens.
Bournemouth woman, 23, charged with murder after alleged attack at block of flats
A 23-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Weston, Southampton.
LIVE - Air ambulance lands and road blocked after reported crash
An air ambulance landed and a road in Southbourne is currently blocked by police after a reported crash.
Man in his 80s fighting for life in hospital after crash
A MAN in his 80s is fighting for his life after a crash.
Fire service issues update on when A31 could reopen
THE A31 will be closed for at least the next 48 hours.
RECAP- A31 to remain closed 'for at least two more days' amid fire
Firefighters continue to tackle the health land blaze that started after a van caught fire on the A31 on Sunday (August 9). The road remains closed.
Woman charged with murder appears in court for first time
A young woman charged with murder following the death of a 45-year-old in a block of flats appeared in court today.
Best places to see solar eclipse in Dorset as rare event darkens skies
Dorset residents will be able to get a look at the solar eclipse taking place on Wednesday, August 12
National Motor Museum to leave New Forest after 60 years
The National Motor Museum is leaving its long-time New Forest home as part of plans to secure its future.
Hundreds flock to M&S for grand opening in Poole retail park
Hundreds of shoppers flocked to a Poole retail park for the grand opening of the new M&S food.
Beach hut tax reclassification as second homes leaves Dorset owners underinsured
Beach huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head now face council tax bills exceeding £1,500 a year following a decision by BCP Council to remove tax reduction.
MP calls pubs and venues 'the soul of our town' during Barbara's Bier Haus visit
Jessica Toale visited Barbara’s Bier Haus to meet the team and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality sector.
Communities set to have a stronger say over what opens on their high streets
Communities will soon have a stronger say over what opens on their high streets under new government plans
'It's a nightmare' - A31 closure causing traffic chaos on surrounding roads
The New Forest has been hit by traffic chaos following the huge heathland fire that has broken out beside the A31.
Major rollout of more than 500 electric car charging points for BCP area
More than 500 new electric vehicle chargers are set to be installed across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole over the next three years.
Mother-of-three describes moment her family were left stranded at A31 fire
A mother-of-three has described the moment she was left “praying” the fire on A31 would not turn towards her family as they were left stranded.
Coroner seeks next of kin for man who died in Bournemouth
The coroner for Dorset is seeking the assistance of the public to find the next of kin of a man who lived in Bournemouth.
Food festival taking extra precautions as fire tears through New Forest
A food festival in the New Forest is taking extra precautions after a fire continues to tear through 400 acres of heathland.
New Forest pub offers free meals to firefighters and responders battling A31 fire
A New Forest pub is offering free meals to firefighters and other emergency responders tackling the devastating A31 fire.
Richard Branson writes note to Bournemouth entrepreneur ahead of solar eclipse
A handwritten note from Sir Richard Branson has surprised a young entrepreneur from Dorset ahead of tonight's solar eclipse
Flipped car in two-vehicle collision triggers triple emergency response
A collision involving two vehicles which saw a car flipped on to its roof in a "constricted road" triggered an emergency response from Police, ambulance and fire rescue services.
Heathlands "more rare than rainforest" could take decades to recover from fires
The New Forest National Park Authority has warned that the heathland devastated by the fires may take decades to recover, while rare species could be completely lost.
Stolen John Deere Gator found abandoned by dog walker
A stolen John Deere Gator has been recovered after being spotted by a member of the public.
Man allegedly exposed himself in Christchurch town centre
A man allegedly exposed himself in Christchurch town centre.
Summer patrols see several arrests across area in next heatwave
Neighbourhood officers have made several arrests across Dorset as part of ongoing summer patrols, as we head into another heatwave.
Wildfire in the New Forest burns through 400 acres of heathland
A major wildfire has torn through 400 acres of land, prompting road closures and ongoing repair works.
Bournemouth Airport issues updated warning for passengers
Bournemouth Airport has released an important notice to passengers following the extreme New Forest fires and road closures.
Chippy offering free food to firefighters battling A31 inferno
An award-winning New Forest chippy is offering free food to firefighters tackling the A31 inferno
Homemade solar eclipse video in Dorset reaches more than two million views
A homemade video created by Total Guide to Dorset to help families safely experience tonight's solar eclipse has become an online sensation.
Chief of Dorset Police urges prime minister to " to protect the protectors"
Fifty police chiefs have sent an open letter to the Prime Minister calling on him to prevent the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers.
Residents urged by Bournemouth Water to cut back on water use
Bournemouth Water has asked customers across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Ringwood and the New Forest to use water wisely following a prolonged heatwave.
Christchurch Carnival returns to Christchurch Quay for weekend of entertainment
The three-day Christchurch Carnival event runs from August 14 to August 16 and will take over Christchurch Quay and parts of the high street.
Nearly 7,000 people attended Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Proms in the Park
Nearly 7,000 people attended Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) Proms in the Park in Meyrick Park on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8.
Trainees from Dorset charity to pull 35,000kg plane as part of Dorset Plane Pull
The CRUMBS Project will participate in the Dorset Plane Pull on August 31 to raise funds and awareness for adults with disabilities.
Oceanarium Bournemouth welcomes new penguin chick to its Humboldt colony
Oceanarium Bournemouth has announced the arrival of a Humboldt penguin chick at its Penguin Beach Encounter.
Community heroes honoured for transforming the lives of young carers at ceremony
Inspirational individuals have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to supporting young carers at the MYTIME Community Hero Awards 2026.
Garden design studio sees rise in enquiries after award and RHS Chelsea showcase
A garden design studio in Poole has seen a 30 per cent rise in enquiries after industry award success and a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) showcase
Dorset primary school receives 14 refurbished laptops to support learning
Gillingham Primary School was given 14 laptops thanks to a donation from SUEZ UK through the Re-Tech programme
Wine, culture and music festival coming to the elegant grounds of Highcliffe castle
A wine festival mixing culture, live entertainment and high‑quality produce is returning to the stunning grounds of Highcliffe Castle for an elevated 3 day event.
Poole Harbour named the best destination in England for a first-time boat trip
Poole Harbour has been named the best boating destination in England for first-time trips
Office building celebrates 23 years at the heart of Ferndown business community
Nimrod Way, Arena Offices' centre in Ferndown, first opened its doors in 2003 and has since become the foundation of a network of 12 centres.
Property served closure notice amid anti-social behaviour and drug problems
A property has been issued with a closure notice by police after repeated problems with drugs and anti-social behaviour.
75th anniversary tour of classic Agatha Christie play to return to Poole venue
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap is returning to Lighthouse Poole on its 75th anniversary tour from November 23 to November 28.
ABBA and Spice Girls tribute nights among care home group's upcoming highlights
Kanesbury Care homes in Poole and Bournemouth launch late summer and autumn events, including ABBA and Spice Girls tribute nights and wellbeing activities.
Candid Divorce Lawyer column: 'How can I divorce cheaply?'
Divorce and money are often mentioned together, usually accompanied by a sharp intake of breath and a story about someone's neighbour who spent enough on legal fees to buy a small cottage!
Free dance sessions on Bournemouth terrace to continue every weekend in August
Dancing Terraces is back for 2026 at Pavilion Dance South West in Bournemouth every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 9pm.
Bongo’s Bingo to bring special Halloween events to O2 Academy in Bournemouth
Bongo’s Bingo is bringing its Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun special to the O2 Academy in Bournemouth, with two Halloween-themed events lined up
Radio Wimborne’s first Radiothon brings entertainment and community spirit
Radio Wimborne’s first-ever Radiothon lit up The Square with music, laughter, and heartfelt community spirit on August 8
Sanctuary art project in Poole shines light on 'hidden corners of intimacy'
A commentary on the realities of growing up visibly queer in Poole, Things That Feel Like A Kiss is artist Danni Miles’s project to address issues of intimacy
Young people from Salvation Army in Winton trained to produce their own podcast
The MAD Podcast, created by three young people from Salvation Army Winton, developed after a introductory workshop with the South Coast Music Partnership.
Long lost BBC horror episode to be screened as part of Dorset film festival
No Such Thing As A Vampire, the opening episode of the anthology series Late Night Horror, will be screened as part of Grindfest at The Regent on September 20.
Reunion lunch to celebrate those who worked on landmark Ptarmigan programme
Former employees who worked on the Ptarmigan defence communications project at Plessey Defence Systems in Christchurch are being invited to a reunion lunch.
Formula 1
Hill on winning the 1996 title & getting dropped by Williams
Damon Hill looks back on his 1996 title-winning season – and the bombshell revelation that came halfway through it.
Why have Cadillac decided to replace Lowdon with Budkowski?
Cadillac have opted to replace Graeme Lowdon as Team Principal, with former Alpine Executive Director Marcin Budkowski joining the US outfit.
Who is Cadillac's new Team Principal?
Find out everything you need to know about Cadillac's newly appointed Team Principal, Marcin Budkowski.
Cadillac announce Marcin Budkowski as new Team Principal
There has been a leadership change at Cadillac, with Marcin Budkowski joining the squad as Team Principal.
How Williams' 2026 season has played out so far
As Williams find themselves falling short of their own expectations, we recap their 2026 season so far.
Which F1 driver has been most profitable in 2026?
With 11 races complete and bettors enjoying the summer break, it is the perfect time to review which drivers are worth backing during the second half of the season.
10 quiz questions on F1 at the Sepang International Circuit
Late last month it was confirmed that the Sepang International Circuit will return to the F1 calendar this year, as Malaysia hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Windows Central
Atlus is interested in remaking the PlayStation One-era Persona games, something that, after waiting for many years, I hope finally happens on Xbox and PC
In a recent interview with GamerBrave, Atlus was asked if it had plans to remake the first two games in its world-renowned Persona franchise, and Atlus' answer gives me hope we may finally see the games that gave birth to this series no longer be neglected.
My on-the-go Steam Deck setup is now complete thanks to this nifty little Razer keyboard case with kickstand
The Razer Joro is my favorite travel keyboard already, and now there's a new case for it that helps turn a handheld PC into a portable workstation with ease.
Microsoft Edge’s new sign-in option is a quiet admission of defeat on mobile
You will soon be able to sign into Microsoft Edge with an Apple account. The feature lets iPhone users sync bookmarks and history without needing a Microsoft account.
Xbox cut thousands of jobs, but a bigger threat to game development may be happening lower down the ladder — Turkey's AI dilemma is a perfect example
Turkey's video game development scene was once booming, but AI has caused a major disruption in recent years. Junior roles are disappearing at the bottom, while at the same time, jobs at the top of the industry are also being axed. I take a look at what that means for the future.
I checked GOG's most popular games and found shocking gaps in updates, DLC, languages, soundtracks, and more — 1,140 games are affected with 1,531 issues
GOG is known for delivering DRM-free games and maintaining older titles, but an update to a user-created spreadsheet shows just how many issues there are with the games it offers. Next time you shop for a game, you'll want to check this out.
Mozilla Firefox and Brave keep uBlock Origin alive while Chrome and Edge block the adblocker
Microsoft Edge will soon lose access to uBlock Origin, but Brave and Firefox have both committed to supporting the extension.
A severe ASUS Armoury Crate vulnerability affects laptops, handhelds, and desktop PCs — Here's how to check if you're in the clear
ASUS Armoury Crate and several other pieces of proprietary software have been discovered to have a nasty vulnerability. Here's which software and hardware are affected, how you can update everything properly, and a free alternative download if you'd like to try something different.
Microsoft says Windows 11 KB5101684 makes your PC more reliable, especially on devices with low amounts of system memory: PCs with 8GB RAM or less should feel more responsive
Windows 11 is getting more reliability and performance upgrades with its latest update, which will benefit PCs with low amounts of system memory.
Images of what looks like a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller seemingly leaked on Reddit — before being rapidly removed
Apparent images of Xbox's upcoming Elite Series 3 controller appeared on Reddit and were quickly taken down, lending credence to the idea that it could be real.
Students finally have real Windows laptop options that don't break the $1,000 barrier — head back to school with the right PC
Dell's recently discounted laptops offer affordable Windows performance under $1,000, giving students lightweight, modern options and back‑to‑school value.
Laffgaff
What number is represented by the Roman numeral ‘D’?
500.
Dinosaur ATMs
Of course, there were no ATMs in the time of the dinosaurs. They had to use Tyrannosaurus checks.
Itsfoss
These Open Source Devs Are Reverse-Engineering Xbox Game Pass for Linux
They have already cracked Xbox game downloads, and macOS support is also being worked on.
SimpleX Chat Wants Its 400K+ Users to Become Investors Too
The funds will go towards keeping the project up and running.