BBC News
Migrants making false domestic abuse claims to stay in UK, BBC investigation finds
In the third part of an undercover investigation, the BBC reveals how rules aimed at protecting abuse victims are being exploited.
Chris Mason: The challenge of closing asylum loopholes while protecting genuine cases
There has been a stickiness to the electorate's concerns about issues of immigration and asylum, Chris Mason writes.
Lyse Doucet in Iran: Under fragile ceasefire, Iranians wonder if US deal can be done
The BBC's chief international correspondent reports from Iran as diplomatic efforts to avoid a return to war intensify.
Move over wind farms: why some argue cutting costs is the best way to cut carbon
From heat pumps to offshore wind, the UK’s net zero push is facing growing scrutiny. Are rising costs undermining climate goals?
Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children's safety
Top executives from firms such as Meta and YouTube will be asked what they are doing to protect children.
Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne
During their visit down under, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have chosen to learn more about First Nations Australians' history.
Russian drone and missile attacks kill 13 people in Ukraine
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack killed two children in Russia, officials say.
Nine universities start legal action over student loan error row
About 22,000 students in England were told they were given loans by mistake and must immediately pay the money back.
More big energy users to get help as support plan expanded
A scheme to cut bills for firms that are heavy energy users is being extended to cover an additional 3,000 businesses.
Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous
Experts warn of hidden risk of counterfeits, while the government consults on stricter product safety rules.
US war on Iran was a 'mistake', says Reeves
The chancellor's criticism follows a report that the conflict will hit the UK harder than other big economies.
Israeli triple-tap strike kills three paramedics in Lebanon, officials say
Lebanon's government condemns as a "flagrant crime" the killing of the paramedics, one of whom featured in a BBC report.
Frank Gardner: What is China's role in the Iran war?
BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner explains how the world's second-largest economy fits into the Gulf conflict.
The city where primary school places come with a toilet-training guide
Teachers say more children are starting school without skills like basic communication and potty training.
Back to books - Sweden's schools give up digital learning
Swedish classrooms swap laptops for books, pens and paper, raising concerns from the tech sector.
Howl recordings and an AI image: Inside South Korea's long hunt for an escaped wolf
Hundreds have been deployed to find Neukgu, a young wolf that has eluded capture for a week and counting.
The Papers: 'Summer of shortages' and 'War windfall'
Fears the Iran war could lead to UK supermarket shortages this summer and news of big oil windfalls lead Thursday's papers.
BBC at the site of Trump's planned 'triumphal arch'
BBC's Ione Wells explains where the 250ft structure would be built and why it's controversial.
'Unprecedented' fire at Australian oil refinery to impact nation's petrol supplies
The fire has deepened fears over the nation's petrol supplies amid a global crunch.
China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war
The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.
Ticketmaster-owner Live Nation ran a monopoly and overcharged fans, jury finds
The lawsuit said the firm's practices had led to higher ticket prices and worse service for customers.
Bank of England boss tells BBC he won't rush interest rate rises
Bank of England governor says the Iran war energy shock makes the next rate decision "very very difficult".
BBC to cut almost one in 10 staff to make £500m savings
The BBC's interim director general says the cuts will require "some big and some difficult choices".
Nebraska police shoot knife-wielding woman who abducted child from Walmart
The 31-year-old woman randomly abducted a three-year-old boy out of the Omaha supermarket at knifepoint, police say.
Badenoch accuses PM of misleading MPs over Mandelson vetting
It follows a report Lord Mandelson failed his security vetting for the role of US ambassador but this was overruled by the Foreign Office.
Home Office investigating after BBC finds migrants making false claims to stay in UK
No 10 says the government is working to ensure "anyone potentially abusing our immigration system is held accountable".
Rollout of Covid vaccines an extraordinary feat, inquiry report finds
Covid vaccines saved hundreds of thousands of lives, but a small minority harmed need better support, says report.
Churchwarden jailed for murdering pensioner has conviction quashed
Benjamin Field has been in prison for the murder of Peter Farquhar, 69.
Beckhams have 'always tried to be best parents', Victoria says after Brooklyn row
Victoria says she and David have always tried to "protect" their children, following a rift with their son.
UK prepares for food shortages in worst case scenario as Iran war continues
The UK could face some food shortages by the summer under a worst case scenario drawn up by government officials.
'My son died alone, scared, and in pain'
A Dudley nursery, its owner and nursery worker are being sentenced over baby Noah Sibanda's death.
Pope criticises 'tyrants' who spend billions on wars after Trump spat
The comments follow a high-profile spat with US President Donald Trump, who called the Pope weak on crime.
Lana Del Rey to sing theme for new James Bond game
The Summertime Sadness star has been keen to add her voice to the Bond franchise for a number of years.
Iranians tell BBC they don't know if ceasefire with US will hold
The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet arrived in Tehran to what she described as 'life on pause'.
Europe has 'maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left', energy boss warns as Strait of Hormuz effectively closed
Flights could soon be cancelled if supplies from the Gulf remain blocked, says the International Energy Agency.
Satellite images reveal scale of Israeli demolitions as Lebanese villages destroyed
BBC Verify analysis found more than 1,400 buildings had been destroyed since 2 March.
Key findings from Covid inquiry report on vaccines
Immunisation saved hundreds of thousands of UK lives, but vaccine hesitancy remains an issue.
Malala's brother Khushal on fleeing the Taliban and facing the manosphere
Khushal Yousafzai has been opening up to BBC Asian Network about the impact of one day in 2012.
Why cheap power could matter more than clean power in the push for net zero
The question of how important making our electricity clean is to going green is coming under increasing scrutiny
Migrants making false domestic abuse claims to stay in UK, BBC investigation reveals
In the third part of an undercover investigation, the BBC reveals how rules aimed at protecting abuse victims are being exploited.
I feared my son had a brain tumour but he'd been poisoned with vitamin D
Investigations found Roo had been accidentally poisoned with a dose of vitamin D prescribed for growing pains.
Prehistoric hippo and mammoth bones a 'once in a lifetime' find in cave under Welsh castle
Archaeologists have so far uncovered "extremely rare" evidence of early humans and animals at the cave.
Breakthrough £90,000 Alzheimer's drugs unlikely to benefit patients, report suggests
A major review has provoked a backlash after concluding the medicines provide too little benefit to be noticed.
Ministers approve £100 oil payment for lower income households in Northern Ireland
It's understood the Executive has pledged £19m to go along with the £17m already set aside for the scheme.
Police probe Islamist group's arson attack claims
An Islamist group with links to Iran has claimed responsibility for three attacks in north London.
Woman dies after being attacked by dogs at house
The dogs, not thought to be a banned breed, are destroyed after attacking the woman aged in her 70s.
Parents jailed over death of five-week-old child
Sean Jefferson and Amy Clark are sentenced following a campaign of violence against baby Darcy-Leigh.
'I was the most trolled person in the world,' Meghan says during Australia visit
Alongside her husband, the Duchess of Sussex was speaking to young people in Melbourne about the harms of social media.
Spice Girls' outfits go on show in '90s exhibition
The show at the Barbican Music Library celebrates 1996 and includes Mel B's leopard-print catsuit
Bournemouth Echo
Police slammed as man who attacked boy, 16, with pipe issued 'community resolution'
A man who attacked a schoolboy with a pipe in "premeditated" assault in Christchurch has received a community resolution, prompting damning criticism of the force from the child's family.
'Pungent' rotting egg smell linked to landfill site still disrupting resident's lives
Wareham residents have taken to social media to voice their continued frustration over pungent odours that have affect their daily lives.
Scouts parade set to welcome 1000 young people to celebrate the movement
Bournemouth Scouts will take to the streets later this month for its annual St George’s Day Parade which celebrates community and Scouting tradition.
RAF plane helped police catch robber who attacked shopkeeper
The drama began after plucky Patricia Kirk had been viciously hit on the head with a wrench when she refused to hand over the day's takings.
The Famous Five-inspired trip in Dorset that's one of the UK's best family days out
A trip that involves Corfe Castle and Swanage Railway, and is inspired by Enid Blyton, has been named as one of the UK's best family days out
Millionaire documents transformation of £13.5m Sandbanks plot on social media
A 'self-made millionaire' who bought a Sandbanks plot, with plans to demolish and rebuild it, has begun to document the transformation on social media.
Call for 20mph speed limit outside school after 'near misses involving children'
A HEADTEACHER has voiced strong support for plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit outside her school following the removal of patrol person saying there are “near misses involving children.”
‘We haven’t cycled properly for 40 years’ – Brothers take on 1,200 mile challenge
TWO brothers who ‘have not properly cycled for nearly 40 years’ are preparing to travel from Land’s End to John o’ Groats to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Man stole 35 packets of mini rolls - In the Dock
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Eleven affordable homes on edge of Dorset village approved
ELEVEN affordable homes on an edge of village site at Sixpenny Handley have been approved after an hour’s discussion at a planning committee. Concerns were raised over the effect the development could have on the Cranborne Chase ‘Dark Skies’ listing by Hill Forts and Upper Tarrants
Dorset’s Innovation Park could be set for a surge in new jobs
A SURGE in jobs on Dorset’s Innovation Park could happen next year – once the Ministry of Defence makes up its mind about future spending plans. Councillors have been told that a delay in spending decisions by the MoD is already holding up one major expansion on the site, already with
Refill shop launches delivery system to encourage sustainable shopping
A refill shop in Boscombe is launching a brand-new scheme this week to help people around BCP shop sustainably and produce less waste.
Bournemouth Writing Festival returns with a mission to improve diversity
A writing festival is returning to the South Coast with the aim of promoting social mobility and connecting people through creative writing.
New wedding platform revolutionising how couples book suppliers
A new Dorset based wedding collective is revolutionising how couples can source suppliers for their big day across Dorset and Hampshire.
Dorset historian publishes book with hope to inspire people to see everyday history
A Dorset historian has published a new book that traces the story of Swanage’s water supply with hopes to inspire others to uncover the everyday histories around them.
Bournemouth hotels housing asylum seekers not among 11 to close nationally
Three hotels in BCP will continue to house asylum seekers for the time-being after the Home Office announced earlier this week it would be closing nearly a dozen nationally.
Man invites public to join in with 2,000 burpee challenge
A man who is set to tackle 2,000 burpees this weekend is encouraging members of the public to join in.
Independent candidate lays out election pledges for new Poole town council
An Independent candidate for Poole Town Council is hoping the new lower tier authority is a chance for the area to be “listened to and not ignored”.
8 things Weymouth people say about Bournemouth after “run down” claims
Here are 8 things Weymouth people say about Bournemouth after claims it is now 'run down and dirty'
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
Four people arrested after man ‘assaulted and robbed’
FOUR people have been arrested after a man was reportedly assaulted and robbed in Blandford.
Elderly couple targeted in alleged attempted robbery after using cash machine
A WOMAN aged in her 70s was reportedly grabbed after leaving a cash machine during an attempted robbery in Bournemouth.
Fisherman clings to capsized boat before rescue by passing yacht
A fisherman who was left clinging to their capsized boat off the Swanage coast, was saved after a mayday call from a passing yacht.
‘Serious’ fly-tipping on A35 sparks major clean-up and environmental risk warning
A “serious” fly-tipping incident has caused disruption and potential environmental risk along a stretch of the A35.
Dorset man to run London Marathon for seventh time in memory of daughter
Lee Collier from Dorset will run his 30th marathon at the London Marathon in memory of his stillborn daughter Phoebe, raising funds for Action Medical Research.
Bournemouth MP welcomes new government measures to tackle knife crime
Labour MP Jessica Toale welcomes new government knife crime strategy for Bournemouth West, with funding for schools, prevention, and community support.
Councillors stand for a minutes silence to mark the death of colleague
COUNCILLORS have stood for a minute in silence to mark the death of St Leonards & St Ives Conservative councillor, Barry Goringe, who died on April 8.
Man taken to hospital after being found injured in Bournemouth
A man was found injured in Bournemouth, prompting a police investigation.
Michelin restaurant in Poole wants to allow music, drinking and dining in garden
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Poole wants to extend its outdoor drinking and dining area and be able to have live music at weekends.
Wanted man with links to Dorset still at large
A WANTED man with links to Dorset is still at large after being recalled to prison nearly two months ago.
Suspected shoplifter caught after 'stealing £475 of perfume from Zara'
A SHOPLIFTER who allegedly stole nearly £500 worth of perfume from Zara was caught by town centre CCTV.
Greek restaurant wants to be able to sell alcohol and play music
A Greek restaurant in Bournemouth, which has been operating without a licence, wants to be able to sell alcohol and play music despite concerns from residents and council officers about public nuisance.
Less than three weeks left to claim winning EuroMillions ticket in BCP area
EuroMillions winner in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole yet to claim £1m prize from 4 Nov 2025 draw. Check tickets—deadline 3 May 2026.
New government legislation to keep brothers and sisters close in care
New UK law strengthens children in care’s rights to stay in touch with siblings. Local authorities must promote sibling contact, supporting emotional wellbeing.
New café set to open in Dorset town next month as part of wellbeing hub
Focus Café to open at Swanage’s Focus Centre, led by Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust, offering community support and inclusive opportunities.
Latest community group meeting in Bournemouth to take place this weekend
Join the Friends of Skerryvore meeting in Bournemouth on 18 April. Help preserve this historic site linked to Robert Louis Stevenson and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.
Residents at Dorset care home visited by special woolly visitors
Lambs from Ems Friendly Farm visit Upton Bay Care Home in Hamworthy, delighting residents with animal therapy. Barchester Healthcare promotes wellbeing.
Experienced leader appointed new home manager at Bournemouth care home
Helen Lacey appointed as new manager at Great Oaks Care Home, Bournemouth. Experienced Dorset care leader brings fresh ideas to 80-bed facility.
Multi-million pound office block refurbishment in Bournemouth nears completion
Victoria House in Westbourne nears completion after a multi-million-pound Arena Offices refurbishment, offering modern office space for Dorset businesses.
Bournemouth distributor named laundry partner of the year for 2025
Southern Contracts in Bournemouth wins Electrolux Professional Laundry Partner of the Year 2025 for the 30th consecutive year, recognising UK sales excellence.
Care home management company in Dorset wins Best Tailored Care award
Affinity Care Management wins Best Tailored Care Management Solutions Company at 2026 Social Care Awards for bespoke care in Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey.
Rotary leaders gather at Bournemouth rotary club for annual meeting
Westbourne Rotary AGM 2026 welcomed UK Rotary leaders, including Heather Stuart and Richard Burnett, celebrating community service and local volunteer impact.
Free gardening workshop next month at Dorset store to inspire children
Dobbies Galton hosts a free Little Seedlings Club gardening workshop on 3 May, teaching children about plants like lavender, ivy, and Venus flytrap.
Dorset mental health charity launch crowdfunding appeal to support young people
Dorset Mind launches “Don’t Just Wait, Wait Well” crowdfunding campaign to support young people’s mental health with early intervention across Dorset.
Dorset care home holds Oscars-style event to honour residents and staff
Whitecliffe House care home in Blandford hosted an Oscars-themed event, celebrating residents and staff with awards, live music and charity fundraising.
Next of kin appeal for 64-year-old man who died at home in Bournemouth
Dorset Coroner appeals for next of kin of Nicholas Johnston, 64, who died in Bournemouth, Colville Road. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900.
Canadian band to perform at two Dorset venues next month as part of UK tour
Canadian band Diyet and The Love Soldiers bring their Americana, alt-country, and folk sound to the UK on tour, debuting new EP Seeds Of Dreaming this May.
Company applies for premises licence for premises on Bournemouth Beach
Beach Fest Ltd has applied for a premises licence for Toft Beach, Boscombe in August 2026, seeking approval for live music, dance, and alcohol sales.
Bournemouth road to temporarily close next month for highway works
Stafford Road in Bournemouth will be fully closed from 4 May to 19 June 2026 for council works. Parking, loading and vehicle access restrictions in place.
Multiple parking suspensions and road closures planned for Bournemouth
BCP Council plans traffic restrictions in Bournemouth town centre from May 2026 to Feb 2027, affecting parking, road access, and bus routes for highway works.
Keir Starmer faces calls to resign for 'lying to the British people' over Mandelson
Today, Keir Starmer faces fresh calls to resign after a report suggested Lord Mandelson failed his security vetting for the role of US ambassador.
Formula 1
Audi pair Hulkenberg and Bortoleto take on F1 ‘Grid Games’
A new F1 season means a fresh set of challenges for the drivers, with Audi pair Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto the first to feature in 2026’s ‘Grid Games’ series.
16 father-son duos in Formula 1
It’s often a family affair in Formula 1 – here are 16 father-son duos who raced in the sport.
10 retro liveries we'd love to see come back
F1.com takes a look back at some of the sport’s most striking liveries, designs that it would be fun to see race again on the modern-day grid.
TECH TALK: The best innovations of the season so far
This season has seen sweeping new regulations implemented, and a new era of cars always means plenty of intriguing technical innovations.
Domenicali on looking at 'right adjustments' to regulations
Stefano Domenicali has shared an insight into how all parties in Formula 1 will work to find the “right adjustments” to the 2026 technical regulations amid discussions during the current April break, with the President and CEO confident that everything is going in the “right direction”.
How Perez is building a solid platform for Cadillac
The Mexican veteran has already shown early signs of improvement in the first three races.
MS Dynamics
Trigger post-call actions using caller hang-up events
In contact centers, a voice conversation does not end when the call disconnects. That’s when critical work begins – logging outcomes, updating systems, triggering workflows, and ensuring compliance. Yet today, post-call actions are often delayed, inconsistent, or dependent on manual or external processes. With caller hang-up event support in Dynamics 365 Contact Center and Copilot Studio, we are changing that.
The post Trigger post-call actions using caller hang-up events appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.
Windows Central
Xbox's Starfield gets Nintendo Switch 2 rating days after its PS5 release, keeping hopes for a port of Bethesda's RPG alive — here's what we know
Is Starfield coming to Nintendo Switch 2? A new rating suggests that it is, though recent reports claim the port in development has been difficult to make.
"The stuff that we're seeing is really well put together": Xbox game publishing chief says Forza Horizon 6 takes him back to the golden years of racing games
Forza Horizon 6 will likely be one of the biggest Xbox games of the year, and CCO Matt Booty says "It really feels like a whole new, fresh game."
Microsoft's Xbox games lead Matt Booty says its studios are in a "culture of cultures" and work together more than you think — Blizzard is even helping with Fable
Xbox Game Studios has over 30 teams under its wing, and chief content officer Matt Booty says they collaborate more often than many believe they do.
Rumored feature coming to Steam that will help you track prices, and Microsoft should copy it immediately for Xbox and PC
A Steam backend update suggests expanded price history tracking could be on the way. The feature highlights a gap on Xbox, where users still rely on third party tools to track game pricing.
Xbox and Best Buy want to help you build your first video game in 2026
Xbox Game Camp returns in 2026 with a new program in Minneapolis, offering a 12 week training course for young developers to build games, learn key skills, and create a portfolio with Microsoft.
Microsoft prepares display upgrades and two stage launch for new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Intel and Snapdragon chips this year
New PCs from Microsoft will consist of new chips, display upgrades, and higher starting prices this spring and summer.
Someone discovered Seagate's Xbox Storage Expansion cards can be used on PC — which has made their value more meaningful with these discounts
Several discounts have been discovered for the Seagate Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox, giving people a chance to increase the storage space of their Xbox's (and PC's via a special peripheral) for less.
ID@Xbox makes a bold claim — “Games launching day one into Game Pass… do very well on other platforms as well”
ID@Xbox director Guy Richards says Xbox Game Pass boosts game discovery and can drive sales beyond Xbox platforms, highlighting its wider impact across the industry.
ASUS 'Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller' review — I had high hopes for this as an Xbox Ally companion ... sadly it falls a bit short.
It's my first time using an ASUS Xbox controller, and there's plenty of positive points. But there's a lot of negative points too — which at this price is a bit unforgiveable.
"An unmatched upgrade opportunity": Intel's new Core Series 3 mobile CPUs target "value buyers" as PC prices rise
Intel has unveiled its new Core Series 3 "Wildcat Lake" mobile CPUs designed to be more affordable, and I'm optimistic that they'll be a decent antidote to rising PC prices.
"There are over 5,700 combinations.": I attended Panasonic's USS Intrepid press conference and saw 10Gbps, Wi‑Fi 7 and on‑device AI in the new Toughbook 56, but should you swap out your Toughbook 55?
The Panasonic Toughbook 56 tightens up what made the 55 MK3 useful and adds faster networking, newer Intel Series 2 CPUs, Wi‑Fi 7, and a stronger security stack — all in a highly modular package built for long field deployments.
"The fastest path towards reinstatement": Microsoft responds to developer backlash after account termination — but identity verification remains non-negotiable
Microsoft has rolled out a fast‑track process to reinstate suspended Windows Hardware Developer accounts, easing recovery for critical driver publishers.
Microsoft's VP just reworked a Windows 11 feature to make it "comfortable" for macOS users — if they ever decide to switch
Microsoft veteran Scott Hanselman, VP of Developer Community, built Peek Desktop (inspired by macOS Sonoma's Click Wallpaper to Reveal Desktop feature) to help Windows 11 users easily hide all open windows with a single click on the desktop.
Microsoft thinks you'll want an Xbox Controller and 1 year of Microsoft 365 and Xbox Game Pass over a MacBook Neo
In a desperate bid to win over students, Microsoft has launched a new promo that bundles a year of Microsoft's subscriptions with the purchase of select new Windows 11 PCs.
"Microsoft fired the skilled people, leaving flowchart followers": Microsoft's Security Response Center is being blamed for the zero-day BlueHammer exploit leak, but I can't tell who's right
A BlueHammer zero-day Windows exploit was in the wild for two weeks before Microsoft addressed it, and even then, the solution is leaving some security experts concerned. Is this a failing on the part of Microsoft's Security Response Center?
"Thank you to every Greymane": Crimson Desert shows no signs of slowing down, topping over 5 million sales within a month
Crimson Desert has surpassed 5 million sales within its first month, with Pearl Abyss confirming the milestone as player engagement remains strong across PC.
"Another all-round excellent mini PC:" Beelink's discounted desktop is fantastic for intensive work and even some PC gaming
The Beelink SER9 Pro+ is a well-made, premium mini-PC built with strong performance rates for productivity (and a little bit for medium-level PC gaming) and a compact form-factor that will preserve space on your desk.
Laffgaff
Which two South American countries don’t border Brazil?
Chile and Ecuador.
Broth Yeast
I put some yeast in my broth. The results were soup rising.
Itsfoss
FOSS Weekly #26.16: Kernel 7.0, Essential Terminal Tips, France Linux Move, New Age Verification Bill and More
Some good news, some not so good news.
Can You Identify The Fake Linux Distros From The Real Ones?
With over 300+ Linix distros, it is never easy to remember all of them. Still, you can make a guess and see if you can identify some fake distros in this fun quiz.
Oh No! Now A Federal Bill Wants OS-Level Age Verification for Everyone in the USA
If passed, the bill would apply across the U.S., unlike the state-level laws already around.