The News - Monday, 21 September 2026

BBC News

Specialist courts for rape cases to be rolled out across England and Wales

Funding will allow victims to view proceedings remotely and give evidence from a separate room via video link, the government says.

Oxford grooming gang survivors tell BBC 'hundreds' of abusers still free

Men who sexually abused them as underage girls are still walking around the city, they say.

Union calls for halt to graded Ofsted inspections over health concerns

The National Association of Head Teachers says inspections in England may pose a "risk to life" for school leaders.

UK should 'team up' with Canada in new Europe alliance, Canadian minister tells BBC

It comes after European Commission President proposed "opening the door" for Canada to become an associate member of the EU.

Young people aren't snowflakes - mental distress is rising, says head of official review

Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Prof Fonagy says being young is much harder now than it was.

Watch: Dramatic moment a cargo ship crashes into another vessel

Verified footage appears to show a cargo ship colliding with a fishing boat near Singapore, with investigators still working to establish exactly when and how the crash happened.

Jailed teacher convicted of sexual abuse secretly released early in Indonesia, BBC finds

Undercover footage recorded by the BBC reveals he has been released after serving less than half his sentence.

Russia's elections had few surprises - but how the Kremlin uses the results is far from clear

Vladimir Putin will likely use the result to claim most Russians back the so-called special military operation in Ukraine, writes the BBC's Steve Rosenberg.

Man, 82, dies after beach fight with 76-year-old over sunlounger in Greece

One eyewitness said the scene was so chaotic that screaming could be heard from the other end of the beach.

Brigitte Bardot's ballet flats and diamond rings to be sold at auction

Many of the film star's personal items, on sale in Paris, are priced at under €100.

Will you get £13,000 a year when you stop working? Here's how to check

How to find out how much state pension you're likely to receive - and what you can do about it now.

Smart beds and motion sensors - is this the future of dementia care?

Jyoti and Bharat Patel are testing dementia technology including sensors in socks, their bed and around the house.

Workers came across human remains – and unearthed a mass grave of 572 people

Workers in northern Sri Lanka accidentally uncovered the country's largest mass grave – and reopened wounds from its civil war.

What food items should you stock up on in case of an emergency?

Extreme weather may be changing the way we need to shop, with the UK government urging people to stock up on canned goods.

The Papers: 'Russia to test Nato pact' and 'Labour eye tax raid'

Potential threats from Russia to Nato and speculation over Labour's tax plans ahead of the Budget lead Monday's papers.

Burnham hails Greenland deal ahead of expected first Trump meeting

While Burnham praised the agreement, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey called it a "pretend" victory for Trump.

Nvidia boss rejects AI extinction fears as 'doomsday narratives'

Jensen Huang's comments come after warnings from AI researchers that the technology could lead to human extinction.

Kelsey Parker welcomes baby after 'devastating' stillbirth last year

The widow of The Wanted singer Tom Parker has given birth after last year announcing the "devastating" loss of a stillborn baby.

Trump says triumphal arch will be military complex with drones and snipers

Trump said the updated plans were at the request of the US military and for national security purposes.

Sister of Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan arrested

Aleema Khanum is accused of mobilising her brother’s supporters ahead of country-wide protests.

Ed Davey calls for immediate 10p cut to fuel duty

Sir Ed blamed Donald Trump's war with Iran for damaging the UK economy and pushing fuel prices up.

Haiti extradites 18 suspects in assassination of president to US

The suspects were flown to Miami to stand trial over the murder of Haitian President Jovenel Moise five years ago.

Airlines criticise air traffic control as second glitch causes more disruption

Airlines are angry about the delays, with EasyJet saying the latest incident "once again calls into question the resilience" of the system.

Yemenis flee across Red Sea as Houthis and Saudi-backed forces escalate war

The BBC's Frank Gardner speaks to some of those who have fled the war by crossing the Red Sea to Djibouti.

First UK charges brought over 1994 Rwanda genocide

Dr Vincent Brown, formerly Dr Vincent Bajinya, 65, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with seven offences.

Millions urged to evacuate as powerful Typhoon Dujuan hits Japan

The country's meteorological agency had warned of an "imminent threat to life," but this has now been downgraded in most areas.

Man charged with causing death by dangerous driving over crash that killed 6

Four members of the same family and a married couple on a motorbike died in the 2024 collision.

Southport killer accused of throwing boiling water mixed with sugar at prison officer

Axel Rudakubana is accused of grievous bodily harm and two other assaults of prison officers while serving a life sentence.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico file lawsuit against Trump's White House ban

Major US networks later suspended White House TV coverage of Trump as he heads to New York for the UN summit.

British Museum bans visitors from photographing Bayeux Tapestry

Visitors stopping to take pictures of the 68m medieval embroidery were holding up others, prompting the rule change.

BBC removes 11 Mitchell and Webb comedy sketches from iPlayer

The corporation said it had included "the ones that still work today and not the ones that don't."

Watch: Patrick Clancy says he forgives his ex-wife, Lindsay

The ex-husband of a US mother accused of murdering their three children has said he would have been "eaten up inside forever" had he not forgiven her.

Merz vows to keep coalition together for Germany's 'democratic future'

The chancellor has come under increasing pressure after resounding state election defeats, but says the results "go far beyond my own person"

London Fashion Week 2026: The five trends we'll see in spring

As London Fashion Week comes to a close, here are the biggest trends for your wardrobe.

Repeated air traffic control failures leave us in worrying territory

The question is whether all of these incidents were isolated and unavoidable, or whether they point to something more systemic.

Katya Adler: Merz's political crisis threatens Germany's obsession with stability

Political shifts in Germany are being watched closely in Europe and beyond, Katya Adler writes.

'Other generations just buried it' - Youths share their mental health concerns

The BBC's Catherine Burns spoke to some young mental health ambassadors who called for an increase in mental health support.

Russia's elections had few surprises - but how the Kremlin uses the results will be crucial

Vladimir Putin will likely use the result to claim most Russians back the so-called special military operation in Ukraine, writes the BBC's Steve Rosenberg.

Young people aren't snowflakes - mental distress is rising, says head of official review

Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Prof Peter Fonagy says being young is much harder now than it was.

Helen Jenner unveiled by Nigel Farage as new leader of Reform in Wales

Farage says it was "untenable" for former leader Dan Thomas to continue after his arrest last week.

I've got no ceiling on Lib Dem ambitions, says leader Ed Davey

The Lib Dem leader also backed the controversial Jackdaw gas field, which the government is expected to approve.

Cate Blanchett asks theatre audience to stop filming during show

The A-list actress is the latest star to ask fans to put their phones away during performances.

US strikes on alleged drug boats could be crimes against humanity, says UN

A report says the attacks, of which there have been at least 68, were not self-defence.

Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford's son, dies aged 27

His family asked for privacy during a "very difficult and painful time" following the model's death.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac buy historic Wrexham football pub

The Turf is a regular feature on the Welcome to Wrexham Disney documentary series.

Bournemouth Echo

Artificial intelligence helping council build 'more efficient workforce'

DESPITE fears about Artificial Intelligence use Dorset Council says the technology has already started to build a more efficient workforce, freeing up capacity to provide better services.

Rare Hobbit book bought for 37p could be worth £64,000

The world renowned 'father of fantasy' J.R.R Tolkien’s close connections to Dorset are being remembered ahead of international Hobbit Day next week.

Jess Toale: 'What would you put in an empty shop in Bournemouth town centre?'

What would you put in an empty shop in Bournemouth town centre?

Free student study and social hub opening in Bournemouth town centre

A new social hub offering free space for students to study and socialise is launching in a venue in Bournemouth town centre.

Plans for new music building at school after classroom repurposed for SEND

A school in Poole has submitted plans for a new music building after its previous facility was repurposed to accommodate children with special educational needs.

Plans submitted to remodel a bungalow in Poole into two-storey family home

A plan has been submitted to remodel a bungalow into a two-storey home.

Lidl submits plans for advertising at new Bournemouth store

Lidl has applied for permission to advertise at its new store in Bournemouth.

Hidden Dorset village has a prehistoric story few people know about

Explore Dewlish, Dorset: a historic village with a Norman church, Pliocene gravels and remarkable elephant remains

New Forest shoplifting surges amid police presence demands

New Forest shoplifting rose 15 per cent to 1,061 offences in the year to March 2026, prompting councillors and retailers to call for more high-street police across the district.

Dorset regiment hero who survived POW ordeal dies aged 101

Normandy veteran Ken Hay, who served with the 4th Dorset Regiment, and survived a POW ordeal aged 101 has died

From Danang to Cam Ranh - Exploring Vietnam’s central coast as a family of four

One highlight for us was The Vietage by Anantara from Danang to Quy Nhon.

'We could lose everything': Garage owners shocked by redevelopment plans

A Christchurch family says it could lose its business, livelihood and home after discovering plans to demolish JP Motors on Fairmile Road. Customers have launched petitions in support of the garage.

Nursery to expand with brand new purpose-built building

A nursery in the New Forest is set to expand with a new purpose-built building to increase early years provision.

Poole road to temporarily close for more than two months for utility works

Brudenell Road, Poole, to close from 12 Oct–19 Dec 2026 for utility works by Woodmace. Diversions in place, full Council details and travel advice.

Next of kin appeal issued for 36-year-old man who died in Bournemouth

Dorset Coroner seeks next of kin for Christopher Dean Redmond, 36, who died in Bournemouth on 17 Sept 2026. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900.

Road closures come into force today for month-long gas main works

Road closures come into effect this week which could delay trips and the use of one of the town’s main car parks.

Dorset hotel recognised as 'one of the world's most outstanding places to stay'

Hotel has been recognised as one of the world's most outstanding places to stay after being awarded a prestigious Michelin Key

Man arrested after alleged assault left victim with jaw injury

A man has been arrested after an alleged assault left another man with a jaw injury.

Gaza aid worker deaths: Inquest set to examine role of IDF and commander

The scope of inquests into the deaths of three British aid workers killed by a drone strike in Gaza is set to be expanded to include the Israel Defence Forces and the commander who allegedly ordered the attack.

Residents urged to keep doors locked after burglary in East Howe

A burglary investigation is under way after a break-in at a home in Bournemouth.

'How can I protect myself financially before and during divorce?'

Kimberley Davies, the Candid Divorce Lawyer, answers common questions about separation and divorce.

WANTED: Man on the run after failing to appear at court

Dorset Police are searching for wanted Bournemouth man David St John Thomas, 39, over an alleged GBH offence after failing to appear in court. Call 999.

Solar farm plan for Dorset countryside

A solar ‘farm’ is being planned for the Dorset countryside. The site is just off the A35 at Post Farm, to the north east of the village of Lytchett Minster and north west of Upton.

Man arrested after till stolen from Costa drive-through

A man has been arrested after a cash till was stolen from a Costa drive through in Poole.

Care home in Poole submits plans for expansion and new facilities

A care home has submitted plans for an expansion and additional new facilities for its residents in Broadstone

Shock on Sandbanks after teenager suffers serious stab wound

A quiet, affluent road near Sandbanks has been thrown into shock after a 17-year-old boy was found with a serious stab wound.

Robbers steal alcohol and staff member's watch from convenience store

A shop worker was assaulted during a robbery at a convenience store in Bournemouth.

Sandbanks Ferry to close for seven-week major refit later this year

Sandbanks chain ferry will be taken out of service for seven weeks later this year for a major refit.

Two New Forest ponies killed after suffering broken legs in hit-and-runs

Two ponies have died after separate hit-and-run collisions in the New Forest.

'Traffic mayhem' as three young swans land on the A31

Three young swans caused traffic chaos after landing on two separate stretches of the busy A31.

Review - John Martyn Project, Lighthouse, Poole

John Martyn remains a revered and influential figure in the annals of the British folk rock boom of the late ‘60s, early ‘70s and well beyond.

Review - John Kearns, Lighthouse, Poole

London-based comic John Kearns is having a tough time – the end of a 12-year relationship has seen him living back home with his parents in the wilds of Streatham at the age of 39 and wondering, in his own words, ‘how has it come to this’.

University students warned about signs and dangers of spiking

Dorset Police has warned arriving university students about the dangers of spiking.

Blandford Football Club seeks new seated stand after Wessex League promotion

PROMOTION for Blandford Football Club to the Wessex League is likely to result in a new stand being build at the Park Road ground.

'Sailor's paradise' of a New Forest town among most laid-back places in England

Lymington in the New Forest has been named one of England’s most laid-back towns by World Atlas, thanks to its coastal charm

Mixed reaction as Coffee #1 plans new 70-seat shop in Dorset town

PROPOSALS for a new coffee shop in the Market Place at Blandford Forum is getting a mixed reaction.

Wareham road closures to affect hospital and main car park access until October

Wareham road closures on Streche Road, Pound Lane and others could delay access to Wareham Community Hospital and car parks during gas main works until October 23.

LIVE - Boy, 17, sustains 'serious' injuries after 'stabbing'

A 17-year-old boy sustained 'serious' injuries after a 'stabbing' in Crichel Mount Road in Poole.

Missing Bournemouth teenager, 15, found after police search

Missing 15-year-old Morgane has been found after Dorset Police and Dorset Search and Rescue searches in Bournemouth and Boscombe on September 20, 2026.

Bournemouth baker to appear on The Great British Bake Off tomorrow

Dorset baker Danni enters Great British Bake Off tent as county adds another contestant to roll of honour

Police warn youths over break-ins at dangerous abandoned Bournemouth building

Police have issued a warning after reports of youths breaking into an abandoned building in Bournemouth.

Man charged after alleged drink driving incident

A man in his 50s from Blackfield has been charged after an alleged drink driving incident.

Temporary parking restrictions to take place in Bournemouth for SGN works

Temporary parking restrictions on Henville Road and Malmesbury Park Place, Bournemouth, from October 2026 for SGN gas mains works, announced by BCP Council.

Charity to run much-loved community café in Churchill Gardens in Boscombe

Minstead Trust will take over the running of the café in Churchill Gardens, Boscombe, starting in January after winning a tender process led by BCP Council.

Westlife to perform in Bournemouth next month as part of 25th anniversary tour

Westlife will perform at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on October 14, as part of their Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour

Senior care professional in Dorset nominated at the National Care Awards

Abi Simmons of Care Dorset, has been nominated in the Specialist Carer of the Year category for Supported Living at the National Care Awards.

Dorset family highlight the life-changing impact of organ donation

NHS Blood and Transplant has announced, for the first time, an urgent response plan to address a significant decline in organ donation in the UK.

Hospitality directors warned to act as one in six businesses risks failure

Antony Batty warns UK hospitality directors to act early as rising wages, energy, food costs and business rates drive losses, cash-flow pressure and closures.

Dorset care home organises dog show for its residents, families and friends

Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne hosted a dog show for residents, families, and friends, who all brought their canine companions along to participate.

New UK-wide directory connecting people with local producers to launch next week

Fresh From Our Farms will be unveiled on September 24 at the annual Love Local Trust Local (LLTL) Awards Night, held at Down Barn Farm near Blandford Forum.

Man was in control of dangerous dog that injured child - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

'Dorset is a wonderful place to live. But what is our identity?'

I love Dorset. I’ve lived in Dorset most of my life, was raised here and brought my own family up here.

Renowned Mercury Prize-nominated folk artist to perform at Poole venue next year

Eliza Carthy & The Restitution will bring their Frenemies Tour to Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, February 18, 2027.

Formula 1

Azerbaijan Grand Prix betting guide and latest odds

Our experts bring you all the important betting information you need before making your predictions for Baku.

Regulatory changes agreed at latest F1 Commission meeting

The Formula 1 Commission held its latest meeting in London on Monday.

The wildest moments from 10 years of F1 racing in Baku

It’s a venue which has played host to some wild and unpredictable moments, so ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix, we’ve picked out 10 of the most dramatic.

All F1 team cars coming to Hot Wheels video game

From March 2027, players of Hot Wheels Infinite Rush will be able to choose from the grid's 11 teams.

5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Azerbaijan GP

Chris Medland runs through the biggest talking points as F1 heads to Azerbaijan for Round 15 of the 2026 season.

What time is the 2026 Azerbaijan GP and how can I watch it?

Here are all the timings – along with all the additional information you need – for the 15th Grand Prix weekend of the 2026 season from the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan.

Ugo Ugochukwu reflects on his dramatic F3 title triumph

Ugo Ugochukwu claimed the F3 title in the final race of the season in Madrid, after he and title rival Freddie Slater began the race level on points.

Windows Central

This Eastern spin on Diablo has an interesting enough mythology to stop it from just being another ARPG clone

Tarae: The Unbound is a dark fantasy ARPG coming in 2027, based heavily in Eastern folklore

Blizzard wants World of Warcraft 'The Last Titan' to have more open-world levelling challenges and immersion — like WoW: Forever

Speaking to us at BlizzCon 2026, World of Warcraft's Game Director Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that the next big retail expansion will have a "Heroic" world tier.

As Valve's Steam Deck loses its affordable appeal, the ROG XBOX Ally is an unexpected candidate for the smartest handheld gaming PC purchase you could make in 2026

Steam Deck prices climb while the ROG Xbox Ally holds steady, potentially becoming 2026's best‑value handheld gaming PC if it continues the trend.

Will this upcoming update make Copilot your preferred browser on Windows 11?

Copilot for Windows 11 will soon feature a built-in browser, changing how users interact with links inside the app.

Windows 11 will soon reduce glare on your screen without ruining your photos or videos

Windows 11's new Magnifier contrast theme reduces screen glare while leaving your photos, videos, and media untouched. The feature is in testing now among Windows Insiders.

After Sony ditched 'Physint', legendary game developer Hideo Kojima addresses internet speculation around the split, hinting at the advanced tech Xbox is providing instead

Major outlets recently interviewed game designer Hideo Kojima about how Sony tried to cancel Physint, and what support Xbox will provide his studio.

Laffgaff

Who is the only tennis player to win the US Open on three different surfaces?

Jimmy Connors.

Bird Chess

I spotted a bird playing chess. I thought, "Toucan play that game".

Itsfoss

Portainer Cuts the Cord Between Its Free and Paid Editions

The free CE build is frozen on 2.x, while all new development goes into a Kubernetes-first, closed-source implementation.

Garuda Linux Begins Nixification By Promoting Its Sybsystem

The Nix subsystem now installs as a standalone distro and is available in the Dr460nized and Mokka flavors.

Ubuntu Would Rather Kill Your Apps Before It Takes Down The Session

Ubuntu 26.10 is shipping a change that should keep the desktop standing when your memory runs out.