BBC News
US launches 'heavy' strikes on Iran after attempted attack on American troops
The US military said the strikes were in response to Iran firing missiles at US forces in the Middle East on Tuesday.
Burnham says nuclear sub investment will protect UK and boost jobs
Speaking ahead of a visit to Barrow-in-Furness, the PM seeks to stress the economic benefits of defence spending.
How the UK's extreme heat is shifting the conversation about air-con
Should we embrace air conditioning despite its costs and consequences, and how much should we spend on adapting homes versus cutting carbon?
Two children among eight dead in Russian strikes on Ukraine, officials say
Two girls, aged 5 and 12, were among the six killed in a village near the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, while Kyiv and Poltava also saw fatalities.
Israel building new land barriers in Gaza and displacing families
Experts have told the BBC that the earthworks suggest Israel is planning for a long-term internal border.
Police to take no further action against Polanski over guillotine re-post
The Green Party leader has said he made an "inadvertent mistake" when he shared the image with his social media followers.
Zendaya says working with husband Tom Holland 'easy when you're best friends'
The couple walked the white carpet at the London premiere of their latest film, Spiderman: Brand New Day.
Singapore fines French teen $465 for viral straw-licking stunt
The 19-year-old was "truly sorry" for causing trouble, his lawyers said.
Limiting sugar before age two linked to better brain health
Study suggests less sugar in early life is good for long-term brain health, but the evidence is not conclusive.
Interest rates expected to be held again by Bank of England
It would be the fifth hold in a row, with the Bank rate standing at 3.75% - the lowest since February 2023.
Inquiry finds MoD Afghan data breach was foreseeable failure
The Commons' Defence Committee says in a report that the MoD used secrecy as a "shield" against proper expertise.
How to do neon festival make-up without harming your skin
Neon is on trend, but some make-up products pose a serious risk to your health. Here's what to check for, and how to dazzle.
Saudi Arabia's dilemma as it tries to stay out of US-Iran war
The kingdom faces a choice of whether to keep hitting back as a deterrent or to try to de-escalate the situation.
He watched the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley aged 16 - no day since has matched it
Kenneth Farrington shares his memories of the 1966 World Cup Final, 60 years on.
Your burger costs more this summer, but farmers say they're not cashing in
The prices of beef, bread buns and bagged salad have risen sharply over the past year, figures show.
The Chinese robot army transforming the UK's retail industry
Britain's weak productivity growth and labour shortages are creating an opportunity for China's robotics firms.
The Papers: 'Future looking droughtful' and 'Dinghy flotilla'
Drought leaves UK parched and a "dinghy flotilla" crossing the English Channel lead Thursday's papers.
I dropped out of university and built five beauty businesses. Here's how I did it
Marcia Kilgore, founder of Beauty Pie, shares her top tips on how to create a successful business.
Major incident declared over coastal heath fire in Suffolk
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service says 17 crews are involved at the scene of the large blaze.
Body of Scottish woman found inside suitcase in Greece
Police Scotland confirmed they are liaising with authorities after the woman was reportedly discovered by a homeless man in Athens earlier this month.
Salman Rushdie attacker convicted of terror offences
Hadi Matar, 28, was convicted of attempting to help Hezbollah by attacking the British-Indian author.
Japan earthquake death toll rises to 30 as evacuees battle sweltering heat
Thousands of people are staying in evacuation centres, struggling to keep cool as temperatures soar.
Australia takes Telegram to court over alleged failure to remove 'pro-terror' material
Telegram told the BBC it rejects the allegations and will contest them in court.
Fauci to face contempt vote after refusing to answer Covid questions in Congress
Senator Rand Paul says: "I think there is a very real chance that he could be prosecuted for that."
Thousands evacuated in Crete as wildfires threaten tourist resorts
Strong winds have fanned the flames in the Rethymno region as wildfires continue to ravage the Greek island.
Drought declared across whole of Wales as conditions 'deteriorate'
Wales is on course for its driest July on record in almost 190 years.
Greens review social media operation as Polanski row rumbles on
The Green Party is grappling with how to manage its social media following a controversial post by its leader.
Palestine Action ban to be reviewed by Supreme Court
The UK's highest court gives Palestine Action permission to appeal the government's proscription of the group under anti-terrorism legislation.
Burnham says he told Trump UK will be pragmatic about North Sea oil
Andy Burnham says he told the US president he couldn't ignore North Sea resources when people are struggling.
Four people die after busiest day for small-boat crossings this year
Two deadly incidents occurred as 752 people crossed the Channel into the UK on Wednesday, new figures show.
Man impaled by a hiking pole treks 10 miles down mountain
Instead of calling for a helicopter rescue, David Cifaldi hiked down Montana's Granite Peak with a hiking pole piercing his side.
Missile that left crater deep inside Poland was probably Russian, Polish PM says
The missile left a 10m-wide (33ft) crater a short distance from the village of Tarnawa Kolonia, about 100km from the border with Ukraine.
Large rise in offenders sent back to prison, figures reveal
There has been a large rise in the number of offenders being recalled to prisons in England and Wales.
Zendaya and Tom Holland's decade-long Spider-Man romance in pictures
A look back at 10 years of Spider-Man movie premieres for the newlyweds.
Why do parts of England and Wales keep falling into drought?
More than half of England and the whole of Wales has been declared to be in drought this week - the third such event over the past five years.
How the UK's extreme heat is shifting the conversation about air-con
Should we embrace air conditioning despite its costs and consequences?
Glen Hansard: A life in song and stories
Glen Hansard, who died in a motorbike crash on Wednesday, travelled an unusual journey to stardom.
Watch: Giant iceberg turns over near Greenland's coast
Video captured by a passerby showed the moment the iceberg collapsed, creating a big wave.
Bank holds interest rates but says it is ready to raise them if Iran war escalates
The Bank also expects the economy to grow more than previously forecast this year, although uncertainties remain because of the Iran war.
Greek police probe 'foul play' in death of woman found in suitcase
Elisabeth-Jane Ross's body was found in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district in Athens on 18 July.
Olivia Dean nominated and Lily Allen missing from Mercury Prize list
This year's best album shortlist includes several returning nominees - but Lily Allen misses out.
Dad pays tribute to son who died after sea rescue
Seven-year-old Musa Ahmed is remembered as a boy who "never failed to bring happiness" to others.
Former England football star Shaun Wright-Phillips joins Strictly line-up
The sportsman - who is also the son of Arsenal legend Ian Wright - played for clubs including Manchester City.
Holidaymakers warned about 'explosive diarrhoea' cyclospora parasite infection
The UK is seeing a sharp rise in cases - 67 since April - with many of them among travellers returning from Mexico.
Bournemouth Echo
SS United States was a secret Cold War weapon waiting to be deployed
Her red, white and blue funnels towered above the docks, hiding military secrets from the stevedores and tug crews who worked on her.
'Rambo' teen terrorised town on killing spree
He decapitated the mother of his former girlfriend and plunged a knife into her. He then murdered a stranger and a German student.
Woman spared jail after failing to stop after a drunk driving crash - In the Dock
The following cases were heard at Weymouth Magistrates' Court:
Woman’s death follows period of ‘debilitating’ pain and time at Buddhist retreat
A woman who spent time on a remote Buddhist retreat has been ruled to have taken her own life, after an inquest heard she was living with 'debilitating' pain.
Renoufs closes venue after eight years as new restaurant set to move in
Renoufs has permanently closed its Southbourne venue after eight years of trading.
Tributes paid to RNLI volunteer remembered for 'quiet kindness'
A generous fundraiser and volunteer known for his "quiet kindness" has died.
'Discipline will be needed to deliver Dorset's Local Plan on time'
A FORMER Dorset Council leader has warned that discipline will be needed to deliver the county’s Local Plan on time.
Pensioner hit with £120 parking charges after dropping off disabled wife
A pensioner says he felt "ripped off" after being charged £120 for briefly using a private car park to safely drop off and collect his disabled wife from a medical appointment.
‘Isolated and forgotten’: Call to reinstate Mudeford bus service
Residents are calling for the return of a 'vital' bus service that once directly connected them to medical care, shopping and social activities.
Look inside: £1.4m Victorian coach house with open gardens and sauna on the market
Seafern House, a Victorian coach house in Branksome Park, has come to market with full planning permission already granted for a substantial Pavilion Garden Wing and ground floor principal suite, adding around 1,100 square feet to the home.
'It was an honour' - Dorset charities reflect on meeting the King and Queen
Charities have spoken of their pride after meeting the King and Queen during a royal visit to Blandford Forum.
Severe delays on A338 Wessex Way after accidents both ways
Severe delays both ways on the A338. Two accidents have been reported, delays in both directions.
Ex-police officer sent to prison after attorney general intervention
An ex-Dorset police officer found guilty of gross misconduct for pursuing an intimate relationship with a domestic abuse victim he met whilst on duty had his sentence increased after the Attorney General intervened.
6 pets at Margaret Green Animal Rescue who dream of finding a cosy new home
A number of pets at the Dorset centres of Margaret Green Animal Rescue are looking to find new homes in the county
Bournemouth MP welcomes Prime Minister Andy Burnham's drive to fix social care
Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East, has backed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s proposals to overhaul adult social care in England.
Trade butchered as roadworks drive customers away from village shop
An independent butcher says uncoordinated roadworks have cut trade by around 20 per cent and put customers off.
BCP Council hold moment of silence for politicians who have lost their lives
A Council has honoured a moment of silence for all politicians who have lost their lives serving their communities
Police uncover more than 150 cannabis plants in Bournemouth factory
Police seized more than 150 cannabis plants after finding a suspected cannabis factory at a property in Bournemouth.
Council leaders deny lying over replacing closed care home
Political leaders have been accused of lying over a commitment to build a new council-owned nursing home in the New Forest.
Woman banned from owning animals after neglecting dozens of horses and dogs
A woman has been banned from owning animals after neglecting dozens of horses and dogs at her home.
‘Community safety starts with the people who care’
IF THE last two weeks have taught us anything, it’s that communities are at their strongest when people refuse to look the other way.
'One-of-a-kind' circus performance from Circus Berlin coming to Poole next month
Don’t miss Circus Berlin – visiting Branksome Recreation Ground, Poole from August 24 to August 31
Arts University Bournemouth to open art exhibitions tonight at Poole venue
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is preparing to unveil two postgraduate exhibitions at Lighthouse Poole tonight
'Brothel' spraypainted and red paint splattered on properties in vandalism rampage
Residents, guesthouse owners and tourists were left "horrified" after vandals sprayed "brothel" and hurled red paint at several properties.
August Competitions Are Here: Win Big This Summer
Step into August with three fantastic competitions offering something for everyone, from a memorable seaside escape to matchday treats and a helpful shopping boost.
Traffic enforcement cameras scheme a ‘Lib Dem cash grab against motorists’
Plans to install traffic enforcement cameras across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole is another “cash grab against motorists”
PICTURES: Raging fire tears through beach huts and triggers major emergency response
A beach hut fire has triggered a large emergency response.
Plan to relocate railway station and introduce trams called ‘anti-motorist’
A 15-year plan with proposals to move a railway station, introduce trams and expand the cycling network is continuing “anti-motorist biased agenda.”
Faulty cooker sparks raging beach hut fire in Sandbanks
A fire tore through a beach hut on Sandbanks beach yesterday evening after a faulty cooker and gas canisters caused significant damage.
Internationally popular musical to return to Poole venue next year
Lighthouse Poole will host the smash hit musical Six from March 16 to 27, 2027, featuring the six wives of Henry VIII as they recount their stories.
Nursery child becomes familiar face across BCP after featuring on Morebus ad
A Tops Day Nurseries child has become a familiar face across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole after featuring on a Morebus ad promoting Tops' childcare.
Punk pop pioneers to open Bournemouth's newest live music venue next week
The Underground, located at 558 Christchurch Road in Boscombe, will launch on August 7, with opening night headlined by Sigue Sigue Sputnik Electronic.
Britain's 'favourite school teacher' to perform at Poole venue this September
James B Partridge brings his nostalgic Primary School Bangers tour to Poole Lighthouse on 13 September 2026, celebrating classic school assembly songs UK-wide.
BAFTA-winning actor and comedian Richard Ayoade to come to Dorset this November
Join BAFTA-winning actor, comedian, director, and writer Richard Ayoade for an evening of reflections at Lighthouse Poole on November 8.
Oysters talk to take place during Wimborne Food Festival this September
Pete Miles, owner of Dorset Oysters, will appear at the Wimborne Food Festival on September 19 with a talk at the Dacombes of Wimborne Food Theatre Marquee.
Young adults in Dorset with SEND graduate from Amazon internships with jobs
Three young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have secured paid employment following a year-long internship scheme.
Dorset Council sets out next steps to improve support for young people with SEND
Dorset Council has set out its local SEND Reform Plan, focused on improving inclusion and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Diverse Abilities to open doors to The Treehouse to all children for Playtime!
Disability charity Diverse Abilities is opening The Treehouse in Hurn to the public for its summer Playtime! events on August 20 and August 26.
Bournemouth University signs new agreement with Bournemouth and Poole College
Bournemouth University signs agreement with Bournemouth and Poole College to benefit local students entering degree courses
Horrible Histories to bring live stage productions to Dorset venue in November
Horrible Histories shows, Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians, will come to Lighthouse Poole from Thursday, November 5, to Sunday, November 8.
Families in Dorset can enjoy a summer of big-screen entertainment at Vue Poole
Vue Poole is offering a line-up of family-friendly films and activities throughout the school summer holidays, including the Summer Family Passport Book.
New Forest National Park named the top dog-walking destination in the South East
The New Forest National Park secured the top spot for dog walking destinations among dog owners in the South East.
Autumn and winter what's on guide unveiled for Bournemouth Pavilion and BIC
BH Live has unveiled its 2026 autumn/winter What’s On Guide for Bournemouth Pavilion and Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).
Financial backing given to £5million expansion of Dorset History Centre
FINANCIAL backing has been given to a £5million expansion of the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester, ensuring the second phase of a Lottery bid goes ahead.
Road near Ringwood to close for one day this week for pole replacement works
Hightown Hill, Ringwood, will close on 31 July 2026 for pole replacement works by Circet. Diversions via A31. Hampshire County Council notice.
Business leaders to welcome Britain's Got Talent winning farmer from Dorset
Ben Chick, a third-generation Britain's Got Talent-winning farmer from Dorset and founder of Chalk & Padel, will speak at Evolve Leaders Lunch on October 2.
Broadstone Players' popular 'Plays n Chips' production to return in September
Celebrating over 30 years as a Broadstone tradition, this year's performances are scheduled for September 4, September 5, September 11 and September 12.
10th annual Roma Holocaust Memorial Service to be held at Wimborne Minster
The 10th Annual Roma Holocaust Memorial Service is set to be held at Wimborne Minster on August 2 organised by Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller-led charity Kushti Bok
Working from home? The broadband speed you need – and mistakes slowing your Wi-Fi
Broadband experts reveal internet speeds you need for working from home, plus the common Wi-Fi mistakes slowing your connection and how to fix them.
M&S launches kids' summer clothes from £3.50 as parents snap up holiday bargains
M&S has launched a new range of affordable kids' summer clothing from £3.50, including dresses, joggers, T-shirts perfect for the school holidays
Formula 1
Inside Liam Lawson's life away from the track
In the latest instalment of Off The Grid, Liam Lawson clears his schedule for a day to give us a look at his life away from the track – and in return, we take him to a place we know he'll love, just a short drive away from where he lives...
Norris, Piastri and Fornaroli in action for McLaren at Portimao
Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Leonardo Fornaroli were all in action for McLaren on Wednesday as the team carried out Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) running in Portugal.
Verstappen praises Antonelli’s first half of 2026
Kimi Antonelli has earned praise from Max Verstappen for his level of performance during the 2026 season so far.
Windows Central
If you’ve spent years hearing Linux is always better, this Windows 11 story might change your mind — it certainly surprised even me
A lifelong Linux user switched to Windows 11, and the Reddit discussion reveals why compatibility still outweighs platform loyalty for many users.
Xbox’s biggest outage in years proved something uncomfortable — even physical discs don’t mean you truly own your games
Xbox's recent outage that disabled its online services and prevented people from playing games turns out to be worse than we thought. Xbox's CTO has reports of people saying even physical discs of games refused to work during this time, and plans to prevent this technical glitch from happening again with a future update.
Congratulations Helldivers 2, you've finally convinced me to give you a chance once this awesome-looking Warhammer 40,000 crossover drops in two weeks
Months after Warhammer Skulls 2026, we have our first look at Helldivers 2's upcoming Legendary Warbond crossover with Warhammer 40,000, which has been confirmed to drop on August 12, 2026. As a Warhammer 40,000 fan, it's seriously making me consider finally playing Helldivers 2 after avoiding it for years.
I've covered hundreds of apps for Windows Central, and I personally recommend these 6 to fix Windows 11 and replace Microsoft's apps
Microsoft’s default Windows 11 apps often fall short. These six apps are what I install to improve Windows 11 and replace Microsoft's default apps.
PREVIEW: Gears of War: E-Day's 'Horde Siege' is the most fun I've ever had in the entire history of the Gears franchise
Last week I had the opportunity to go hands on with Gears of War: E-Day and its new "Horde Siege" mode, which is far more chaotic, bombastic, and cinematic than I expected.
Microsoft plans to fix Windows 11's slow context menus with major overhaul designed to improve performance and reliability: New compact menu design will be faster and user customizable
A new feature coming soon to Windows 11 will overhaul the context menu system on Windows 11 with a new compact design that users can customize themsevles.
I'm getting desperate to cool my gaming room in this heat, and this DIY "PC chimney" solution could be a genius solution
A clever Redditor managed to craft a DIY chimney to vent heat out of their PC to play video games without melting during heat waves. It's a crude method, but I'm tempted to try it because I'm sick of being too hot to play games during the summer.
ThinkPads from 2008 are some of the hottest used laptops right now — Here's how (and why) they're being turned into Windows 11 PCs
If you ask a ThinkPad diehard about their favorite model, chances are high that you'll receive an answer that dates back quite a few years. I take a look at why that is, and how one small company is retrofitting 18-year-old ThinkPad PCs with new performance hardware that runs Windows 11.
I've waited years for these game sequels — and Gamescom 2026 would be the best moment to deliver some Xbox surprises
Gamescom 2026 is just a month away, and it's already stacked with some exciting games to show off. I'm counting down my most anticipated upcoming Xbox games I want to see more gameplay of at the event.
Discussion: What are the top 5 upcoming games you're most excited for? Hard mode: No GTA 6.
The industry is having a tough time, but there's more content than ever about to drop into our collective laps. What are some of the biggest upcoming games you're most excited for? Drop in our comments, let's hear it.
Laffgaff
Which African country has an AK-47 rifle depicted on its national flag?
Mozambique.
Archery Annual Ball Joke
I managed to get an invite to the Archery Annual Ball. I had to pull a few strings.
Itsfoss
FOSS Weekly #26.31: Ubuntu 26.10 Features, OpenUK, Graphene Trouble, Vibe Coded Linux and More
Ubutnu 26.10 is shaping up nicely.
And Folks, We Have a Vibe Coded Linux Distro!
Don't get your hopes high; there are many rough edges and incomplete features.
I Found a Simple Open WebUI Alternative for Running Ollama Models in a Web Browser
OrionChat fits a specific group of users who are already running Ollama and mostly interact with local models on a personal machine.
GCC Compiler Bans AI Code Contribution But Sensibly
The GCC Steering Committee adopted a new AI policy this week, with a review planned for early 2027.