The News - Friday, 21 August 2026

BBC News

Will Harry's return heal rift with his brother? Don't hold your breath

The Prince of Wales remains in no mood to forgive and forget. The hurt he feels lingers.

Meghan could return to acting once back in UK

Sources close to the Sussexes have not denied reports that Meghan has been offered an acting role in the UK.

Israeli settlers return to Kadim in West Bank two decades after it was evacuated

Thirty "pioneer families" have arrived on a wave of nationalism driven by Israel's government, but the rapid change has left nearby Palestinian residents fearful.

French becoming more effective in stopping small boat crossings, UK says

The Home Office credits France with intercepting hundreds of potential crossings this summer using new tactics.

My student day out in London turned to terror - now survivors like me won't be forgotten

The UK's first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism takes place on Friday - and means more to this man than many.

The town whose council wants migrants to move in

Greenock wants to attract immigrants to settle in the town and reverse its declining population.

How much could Trump's 'economic D-Day' hurt Iran?

Iran has so far proved adept at finding ways around years of already punishing sanctions on its economy.

British rapper Yung Filly to face retrial on rape charges in Australia

A jury last month cleared the YouTuber of several sexual assault offences, but it couldn't reach a decision on three others,

Millennials are struggling to buy a home - but is it actually getting easier?

Twenty-somethings are much less likely to own a home than previous generations. But data suggests things may be turning a corner.

Stifling heat and broken toilets: TUI River Cruise passengers tell of their holiday hell

Holidaymakers tell the BBC they paid for luxury breaks but faulty air conditioning left them in sweltering heat.

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan back in jail after hospital examination

It comes as the court had earlier this week ordered that he had to be taken for a hospital examination.

Wellness habits you can start now - at no (or little) cost

Living a healthy life doesn't have to just be about pricey studio classes and luxury retreats.

A split in the spectrum? The ongoing battle to define autism

There is a continuing row over whether it matters if such a broad spectrum of people are defined as having autism

What happened to Harry and Meghan's American dream?

Harry and Meghan enjoyed some showbusiness success, but their Hollywood reign proved short-lived.

Brandon Flowers: Is fame worth it? I'm not sure anymore

The Killers frontman asks big questions on his third solo album, which takes a detour into country.

Newspaper review: 'King puts William first' and Harry security could cost public '£5m a year'

The return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the UK continues to dominate Friday's front pages.

Weekly quiz: Where did builders find £7.6m worth of gold bars and coins?

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

Trump wants to be friends with Kim - but South Korea could pay the price

US military exercises with South Korea end early on Friday, at a time when the North is in a position of strength.

Academic who accused Jason Arday of plagiarism suspended by university

Nathan Cofnas says he is being investigated for discriminating against the late Cambridge professor.

Bali jails Swiss tourist for insulting sacred Day of Silence

The 26-year-old was jailed for a year after he sparked anger with an expletive-laden post about the sacred holiday.

UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada condemn Israel's West Bank settlement project

European countries and Canada pile on pressure over Israel's plans to expand settlements in a strategically vital part of the occupied West Bank.

Belgian car salesman becomes prince after royal parentage confirmed

Clément Vandenkerckhove was quietly brought into Prince Laurent's family at a town hall ceremony.

FBI arrests woman over alleged plot to bomb New York capitol building

Prosecutors say the Albany woman had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, and wanted to bomb the statehouse to kill lawmakers.

Hong Kong's Tiananmen activists guilty in national security trial

Three activists were accused of inciting others to subvert state power under the China-introduced law.

Prince Harry and six others face privacy case legal bill of up to £34.5m

The seven claimants, who include Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley, have to pay the Daily Mail publisher an initial £9.54m in the next seven days after losing a privacy case.

Watch: How 'strongest' El Niño could affect weather around the world

The powerful natural climate phenomenon, that is developing over the Pacific Ocean, is likely to be the strongest in living memory, the Met Office has warned.

Under-fives and pregnant women told to avoid runny eggs when eating out over salmonella risk

The advice also applies to the over-65s and others with underlying medical conditions amid salmonella outbreak.

Steve Rosenberg: Shortage of petrol but not patriotism as Russians feel growing impact of war

Drivers are waiting hours in fuel queues, as Moscow prepares to celebrate Russian Flag Day.

Watch: UK marks first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism

Survivors of terror attacks gathered today at the first annual National day for Victims and Survivors of terrorism.

Germany investigates Russia links to weapons cache discovered in woods, reports say

German intelligence believes guns found last year were for carrying out assassinations on behalf of Moscow, reports say.

Body recovered in search for man fallen overboard on cruise ship

The man was reported missing at 08:35 on Ambassador Cruise Lines vessel MS Ambition, about 36 nautical miles from Arbroath.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas on making a film about love and caste inequality

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has executive produced The Cycle of Love, based on an Indian artist who cycled from India to Europe to reunite with his wife.

Millennials have found it hard to buy homes – but things may be turning a corner

Twenty-somethings are much less likely to own a home than previous generations. But data suggests things may be improving.

Will Harry's return heal deep-rooted rift with William?

The Prince of Wales remains in no mood to forgive and forget. The hurt he feels lingers.

Israel re-establishes closed West Bank settlement, defying growing international protests

Thirty "pioneer families" have arrived on a wave of nationalism driven by Israel's government, but the rapid change has left nearby Palestinian residents fearful.

Two teenagers seriously injured after sword attack at Swedish school

Police say one man has been arrested, while several other local schools were locked down.

UK borrows more than expected in July as Healey prepares for first Budget

Chancellor John Healey said the government is 'committed to meeting our fiscal rules'

Man denies charge over Manchester synagogue attack

Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, denied failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.

Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch chief fit to stand trial in sex trafficking case, judge says

Jeffries was declared "mentally incompetent" by a court last year and said to be suffering with dementia and late onset of Alzheimer's disease.

French becoming more effective in stopping small boat crossings, UK says

The Home Office credits France with intercepting hundreds of potential crossings this summer using new tactics.

Royal Mail misses delivery targets again but hails 'encouraging' signs

The struggling firm said it had improved its performance but missed regulator-set delivery targets.

Bournemouth Echo

Lifeboat crew face five-hour rescue after boat runs aground

A lifeboat crew spent more than five hours assisting a motorboat after it ran aground.

High street store announces permanent closure after more than a decade in the town

A health food store has confirmed it will close its doors after more than a decade in Ferndown.

Vacant Bournemouth care home to be turned into block of 20 retirement flats

A vacant care home will be transformed into retirement flats after plans were approved by councillors.

Drum and Bass on The Bike DJ said the Bournemouth ride was something "truly special"

THOUSANDS took over the streets for a ride in the sun and a day of drum and bass.

£700k food inspection contract awarded to two London firms by BCP Council

BCP Council has awarded a contract worth nearly £700,000 for external food inspection services to two London-based companies

More than 220 bikers ride to Poole Quay for memorial event

More than 220 motorcycles took part in a memorial ride which ended at Poole Quay.

Meat your match - shoplifter caught after £4k theft spree

A serial cereal stealer who helped himself to thousands of pounds worth of supermarket goods has admitted 44 counts of theft.

Man caught with nine bags of cocaine in Bournemouth Airport - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Emergency services called to home after death of retired pharmacist

An inquest has opened following the death of a woman from Christchurch.

Teens help tackle fire after spotting smoke on Wales hiking trip

A group of Christchurch teenagers helped contain a fire after spotting smoke during a hiking trip in Wales.

Dorset street with most parking fines named as more than 950 PCNs issued

The Dorset street with the most parking fines has been named for the 2025/26 period, with half of the top 10 being in Weymouth

National Highways gives date for A31 reopening with 40mph speed limit in place

The A31 is set to reopen tomorrow morning after being closed for nearly two weeks following the New Forest wildfire.

A deadly plant which can kill people and animals has been found growing in Dorset

⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE: HEMLOCK WATER DROPWORT ⚠️

Decision on plan to turn empty warehouse into £1m skateboard arena

Plans to turn a vacant warehouse into an indoor skateboarding arena have been given the go-ahead

Man exposes himself to woman in Poole park after shouting at her

A man allegedly flashed a woman after shouting at her in a park in Poole.

Rape investigation continues after reported sex assault in Boscombe

Police are continuing to investigate a reported rape in Boscombe.

Fly-tippers could soon be forced to clean up their own mess under new proposals

Government unveils plans for councils to force fly-tippers to join clean-up squads, recover waste removal costs, and impose tougher penalties for dumping.

Two Dorset residents win over £1m on National Lottery

Two lucky Dorset residents have scooped a combined total of £1,102,286.90 on The National Lottery.

Migrant jailed after raping woman in locked Bournemouth Beach Portaloo

A migrant who raped a woman after locking her in a Portaloo has been jailed for six years and nine months.

Warning issued as dumped food leaves New Forest ponies at risk

A warning has been issued after fruit was found dumped in the New Forest, presumably for the livestock.

Car wash in Bournemouth ordered to stop jet washing after noise breaches

A car wash has been ordered to stop jet washing services over breaches of noise control conditions

Major new 380-home development proposed

A major housing development is being proposed in Dorset.

Man jailed for four years after police find £120,000 of cocaine

A man has been jailed after police found cocaine worth an estimated value of £120,000.

Man 'inappropriately touched' female bar worker in Bournemouth

A man "inappropriately touched" a woman while she was working last month at a bar in Bournemouth.

Pair of people broke into Ferndown home

Two people broke into a home in Ferndown

Dozens of firefighters tackle blaze at industrial unit

A fire broke out in an industrial unit near Buckland Newton.

UK's only venomous snake rescued from 'devastating' New Forest fire

The UK's only venomous snake has been rescued from the devastating New Forest wildfire.

Much-loved festival with folk music and family fun returns to Swanage next month

The Swanage Folk Festival will take place from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, bringing a packed programme of music, dance, and entertainment.

Bournemouth Water encourages residents to adopt water-efficient routines

Bournemouth Water is urging customers to adopt water-saving habits as hot, dry weather increases demand

80-bed care home among the latest planning applications submitted in BCP area

Here are the latest planning applications submitted to BCP Council for towns within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area

Mysterious medieval structure uncovered by Bournemouth University dig team

Bournemouth University archaeologists have brought together a team of specialists to investigate a mysterious structure hidden in a field in Dorset.

What's on in cinemas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend

This weekend sees the release of six new releases, including a new Jason Statham film, alongside other films in cinemas across BCP.

Drivers in south west in the slow lane for the switch to fully electric vehicles

Drivers in the south west are lagging behind other regions in the shift to electric vehicles (EVs)

South west families still counting cost of holidays as new school term looms

South West families are still feeling the financial impact of the school holidays as they prepare children for the new term, The Children’s Society warns.

Bond Williams Board makes history with pioneering Team Wellbeing Index

Bond Williams Professional Recruitment, which has an office in Bournemouth, piloted the Team Wellbeing Index (TWI).

Student joins Ward Goodman as it expands next generation training opportunities

Finlay Galbraith, a Bournemouth University student, began a year-long placement with Dorset-based Ward Goodman.

'Bournemouth's best years might not be behind us'

People keep telling us that things are getting worse.

Children with complex needs entering foster care up by a third in a single year

The number of children entering foster care with complex needs has risen by more than a third in just one year

Dorset swim school's young swimmers raise over £18k for penguins at Marwell Zoo

World of Swimming, who operate lessons in Bournemouth, has successfully completed its "Make Waves for Marwell's Penguins" campaign, raising over £18,000.

F1 team and charity encouraging people in Bournemouth to take part in challenge

McLaren Racing and the Mental Health Foundation are encouraging people in Bournemouth to take part in the McLaren Racing 5.9km Challenge

Dorset author publishes book helping professionals get paid their true worth

A new book by a Dorset author is offering guidance to professionals on how to charge what they are truly worth.

Bournemouth University teams up with investors to back region's founders

A university is teaming up with investors to turn student ideas into commercial success.

Ferndown high street set to undergo major revamp

Major improvements to a Ferndown town centre road are set to get underway next month.

Disability charity hopeful fireworks ban will be lifted for Fireworks Cruise

Recent rain has raised hopes that the ban may be lifted in time for Diverse Abilities' Fireworks Cruise on August 27.

New Forest exhibition to celebrate landscapes, wildlife, and folklore

A summer exhibition will celebrate the landscape, wildlife, and folklore of the New Forest through the work of 18 artists.

Friends of Wimborne Minster to present Annual Cuthburga Lecture next month

Bestselling author Bijan Omrani is set to deliver the 2026 Annual Cuthburga Lecture at Wimborne Minster on September 3.

Brits urged to book flu jabs to help ease winter demand - Check if you're eligible

NHS is urging Brits to start booking flu jabs to ease winter demands in A&E departments.

FCDO issues important warning to all Brits going abroad this year

The FCDO has warned holidaymakers to make sure they know what to do if their passport becomes lost or is stolen.

'Unprecedented' El Nino to bring autumn and winter storms to UK, Met Office warns

The Met Office has warned that an "unprecedented" El Nino could bring wetter and stormier conditions to the UK this autumn and winter.

Formula 1

When to target in-race betting at Zandvoort

When the lights go out at Zandvoort, bettors will be watching closely to make accurate predictions in real-time.

All the stories that got the Zandvoort paddock talking

Max Verstappen stole the headlines as the Formula 1 fraternity regrouped after the summer break when he announced a contract extension with Red Bull until the end of 2030. But that was just one of many stories tickling the Zandvoort paddock on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.

Mekies on Verstappen’s new deal, Hadjar and Lawson

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies sat down with F1.com at the Dutch Grand Prix following the announcement of Max Verstappen's contract extension.

Why Verstappen's Red Bull re-signing is so significant

Max Verstappen is set to break the record for the longest stint with a single team after the four-time World Champion ended speculation surrounding his future by committing to Red Bull until at least the end of 2030.

NFL team owner acquires stake in Aston Martin

Woody Johnson has been appointed to Aston Martin’s Board of Directors as Vice Chairman.

Verstappen reflects on 'tricky' Dutch Sprint Qualifying

Max Verstappen admits that he and Red Bull "need to understand" why they struggled for car balance during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, with the home hero only able to achieve sixth on the grid.

Antonelli explains how SQ1 gravel trip cost him ‘big time’

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was left to ponder what might have been after ending Friday’s Sprint Qualifying session at Zandvoort down in fifth position, via a trip through the gravel in the opening phase.

Leclerc hails 'best lap this year' as Hamilton struggles

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have reflected on their vastly different Sprint Qualifying performances ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, with the former describing it as "my best Qualifying lap this year".

Russell admits confidence ‘wasn’t highest’ before Sprint pole

Mercedes' George Russell bounced back from a tricky run to seal pole in Sprint Qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Norris reacts to being beaten to Zandvoort Sprint pole

Lando Norris narrowly missed out on delivering McLaren another pole position as he settled for second place in Sprint Qualifying in the Netherlands.

Russell charges to Dutch GP Sprint pole ahead of Norris

George Russell has beaten Lando Norris to pole position for the Sprint at Circuit Zandvoort.

AS IT HAPPENED: Russell claims Zandvoort Sprint pole

Live coverage of Friday's Sprint Qualifying session at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix.

McLaren lead development push as Dutch GP upgrades revealed

With the summer break complete, a number of teams are set to introduce upgrades at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Antonelli leads Norris and Russell in Dutch GP FP1

Kimi Antonelli finished fastest in Free Practice 1 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix as Formula 1 returned from its summer break, the Mercedes driver beating McLaren's Lando Norris and team mate George Russell.

The F1 ACADEMY storylines to get excited about in Zandvoort

F1 ACADEMY returns for an action-packed weekend at Circuit Zandvoort.

Windows Central

Microsoft Surface and other Windows on Arm PCs can't use Outlook or Teams right now

A recent Windows 11 Patch Tuesday update is breaking Microsoft Teams and the New Outlook on Surface and Windows on Arm PCs. Here is what is happening.

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Low-Profile TKL 8KHz Review: The thin green line of speed tuned for pro‑level play

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Low-Profile Tenkeyless 8KHz is an esports powerhouse crammed into an ultra-slim chassis. Featuring lightning-fast low-profile optical analog switches, 8,000Hz polling, and browser-based Synapse Web control, it sets a new gold standard for work and play.

I might have been wrong about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

I was prepared to miss this year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 release because I generally don't like the series. But I might have been wrong on that.

Microsoft has a new way to twist your arm to use Edge, this time on mobile

Microsoft Edge for Android is testing new background themes, but you have to set Edge as your default browser to use them

Microsoft has been served a 'Grand Theft Auto 6' court subpoena by Take-Two

The hunt for the GTA6 leakers is heating up, as Take-Two shareholders lose billions.

Xbox's "OG Green" Series X25 console might cost nearly $900, with rumors aligning the $100 premium with a Black Friday launch.

Rumors hint that Xbox's translucent green Series X25 console will launch on November 27 for $100 more than its standard, disc-based counterpart.

This Microsoft 365 bundle deal gets you a year of NordVPN for free

Newegg is offering massive discounts on 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions bundled with NordVPN, dropping prices down to as low as $61.99.

New Windows 11 feature will make using handheld gaming devices and small tablets easier: Ability to force apps to open in full screen coming soon

If you've ever hated how Windows defaults to opening app windows in windowed mode, Microsoft is working on a toggle that will allow you to change that.

Laffgaff

What is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo?

Brunei.

Pet Tree

I have a pet tree. It's like having a pet dog except the bark is quieter.

Itsfoss

Canonical is Funding a PhD to Automate C to Rust Translation for Ubuntu

The three-year project aims to translate hundreds of thousands of lines of C into Rust.