BBC News
No 10 had 'dismissive attitude' to Mandelson vetting, says sacked Foreign Office chief
Sir Olly Robbins has defended his decision to approve the peer's security clearance for the role.
I was left with an £8,000 vet bill when my insurer cancelled my pet policy
Thousands of people have got in touch with BBC Your Voice over concerns about rising pet insurance costs and poor cover.
Why police are seeking to arrest billionaire K-pop mogul behind BTS
Bang Si-hyuk, who created the supergroup, denies defrauding investors before his $7.3bn company went public.
Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins
The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.
Meta to track workers' clicks and keystrokes to train AI
The firm will take data from the way employees work for its artificial intelligence models.
World's biggest maker of condoms set to raise prices due to Iran war
Malaysia-based Karex produces more than five billion condoms a year and supplies global brands like Durex and Trojan.
Virginia approves redistricting, giving Democrats edge in midterms
The new maps in Virginia could make it easier for Democrats to take control of the US House of Representatives in November.
Mass trial for 486 alleged gang members begins in El Salvador
Footage released by the attorney general's office shows large groups of men in prison attending the trial via video link.
Foo Fighters interview: 'We're a different band without Taylor Hawkins'
The band talk about life without their drummer, their "angry" new album, and their backstage Lego habit.
Phone tracking shows how Colombian mercenaries backed Sudan's RSF - report
The Conflict Insights Group (CIG) says its research also shows the extent of UAE involvement.
The Papers: 'Starmer on the ropes' and 'Sobbin' Robbins spills the beans'
The papers are dominated by the fallout for the prime minister from the failed vetting of Lord Mandelson for his role as British ambassador to the US.
Henry Zeffman: Robbins's revelations are a dangerous moment for Starmer
Drawing a line under Lord Mandelson's appointment is proving impossible for the prime minister.
Trump buys time for Iran deal after frantic day of diplomacy
The US president's decision marked the second time in as many weeks he has backed off a threat to escalate the war, buying more time
UK gaming icon Peter Molyneux on AI, his final creation and a changing industry
The creator of iconic series such as Fable says Masters of Albion will be the last game he makes.
Dwayne Johnson wrestling film to be made into stage musical
Fighting With My Family, released in 2019, starred Florence Pugh as a young wrestler making her name.
Oil prices dip as Trump extends Iran war ceasefire
The president also said the US will continue to blockade Iran's ports until peace talks progress.
Domestic workers legally recognised in Indonesia after '22-year struggle'
The country is home to some 4.2 million domestic workers - of which almost 90% are women.
'It will kill this town': High street to close for six weeks with 50-mile diversion
Traders in Sanquhar say a six-week closure of the A76 in the summer could be "catastrophic".
Democratic congresswoman resigns after campaign finance charges
An investigation found she committed more than 20 ethics violations, including breaking campaign finance laws.
No 10 considered giving Starmer aide diplomat job, sacked official says
Sir Olly Robbins says he felt "uncomfortable" after No 10 discussed finding a role for Lord Doyle.
US and Iran in blockade standoff as Pakistan pushes for talks
The mood in the Strait of Hormuz remains combustible despite Trump's ceasefire extension.
Starmer admits No 10 asked about job for aide Matthew Doyle
The prime minister was questioned at PMQs about allegations that Downing Street had asked about a diplomat role for the then-communications chief.
PM's ex-chief of staff to give evidence on Mandelson vetting
The prime minister's former chief of staff will face questions about his role in the appointment of Lord Mandelson.
Husband cleared of manslaughter over wife's suicide
Christopher Trybus is found not guilty of the manslaughter of Tarryn Baird after a five-week trial.
Billionaire backer sues Trump family's crypto firm over alleged extortion
Billionaire investor Justin Sun is suing the family's World Liberty crypto venture after spending $45m on its tokens.
Black children eight times more likely to be strip searched by police, report says
A new report says while the number of strip searches has decreased, ethnic disparities in their use persist.
Lufthansa cuts 20,000 summer flights as fuel prices surge
The airline is the latest to cut flights as the US-Israel war with Iran sends jet fuel prices soaring.
Moldovan oligarch jailed in $1bn 'theft of the century' case
Vlad Plahotniuc, once Moldova's richest man, was found guilty of partaking in a fraud which involved around 12% of the country's GDP.
'Superstar' runners praised for helping exhausted man finish marathon
Two runners go viral for helping carry exhausted man over the finish line.
400 job applications but only three interviews - the jobseeker feeling 'ghosted' by employers
The term ghosting is common in the dating world - but job applicants are increasingly reporting it.
Three ways the latest inflation figures affect you
How high could inflation get? And what could it mean for borrowers and savers around the country?
Hay fever season is lasting longer - here's how to cope with it
Symptoms are lasting for up to two weeks longer than in the 1990s, according to a major report - so what can you do about the pollen bomb?
No cartels involved - but Mexico's pyramid attack prompts new concerns
The deadly shooting at a popular tourist site weeks before the World Cup has rocked Mexico.
I was left with an £8,000 vet bill when my insurer cancelled my pet policy
Thousands of people have got in touch with BBC Your Voice over concerns about rising pet insurance costs and poor cover.
Payout for family for dad's asbestos-related death
Rick Oakes, from York, died from an asbestos-related cancer linked to his work for Kirklees Council.
EU approves €90bn loan for Ukraine as pipeline is turned on ending deadlock
Ukraine says it has reopened the Druzhba pipeline, after months of stalemate over stalled oil supplies to neighbouring Hungary.
Supreme Court rejects bid to revoke adoption of sisters
The children, now 18 and 19, supported their adoptive mother's application to the court.
Welsh NHS likely to miss waiting lists target ahead of crucial election
Figures to be published on Thursday will give voters a final look at the NHS' performance before election day.
King awarded Blue Peter Green badge for environmental work
Charles received the badge at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire for his personal work in promoting nature and sustainability.
Beverley Callard forced to leave I'm A Celebrity: 'I didn't know I had cancer'
The soap star revealed her diagnosis in February, several months after the reality show was filmed.
Monkeys learn to eat soil to cope with junk food
Soil helps monkeys' stomachs settle after calorie-rich snacks from tourists, research suggests.
Bournemouth Echo
'It was mayhem'- Man reports seeing more than 15 horses along A338
One motorist has described seeing more than 15 horses travelling along the A338, describing it as 'mayhem'.
Digger activity on Sandbanks sparks concern among beachgoers
Beachgoers have raised concerns about digger activity that took place on Sandbanks with the plight of the protected sand lizards under the spotlight.
'He was at the start of his life'- Plea issued after sudden death of 18-year-old
Funds are being raised to help the family of a 18-year-old following his unexpected death.
All the times Queen Elizabeth visited Dorset and the New Forest
Dorset’s rolling green hills and the ancient wooded glades of the nearby New Forest have been a scenic playground for the British royal family.e
Ferry boss pledges no price hikes or fuel shortages amid Middle East crisis
A FERRY operator has pledged it will not raise prices in the coming months or be disrupted by fuel shortages, despite the conflict in the Middle East.
Woman diagnosed with incurable cancer to walk Great Wall of China
A mother-of-three is set to walk across the Great Wall of China over five days to raise money and awareness for a breast cancer charity.
Sandbanks restaurant makes dramatic improvements following damning food hygiene score
A Sandbanks restaurant has dramatically raised its food hygiene rating, climbing from one out of five to the top score in its latest inspection.
Dorset Council issues 80 penalties in 'major fly-tipping crackdown'
A crackdown on fly-tipping and waste-related offences has led to a sharp rise in fines, Dorset Council has confirmed.
Suspended sentence and fine for man who assaulted person in Tesco - In the Dock
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
‘Trojan horse’ plans for New Forest car park get the go ahead
Plans to create a 46-vehicle car park to serve a woodland education facility have been given the green light.
A donation made to Bournemouth Pavilion has unlocked backstage secrets from the 1930s
A heartfelt donation made to the Bournemouth Pavilion helping to shine a light on personal stories from famous venue's theatrical past.
Bournemouth family's near-death experience sparks fundraiser for defibrillator
A Bournemouth family hopes to install a community defibrillator after a father and grandfather nearly died from a sudden cardiac arrest two years ago.
AFC Bournemouth fans cycle 400 miles from Bournemouth to Newcastle for charity
Fundraisers cycle from Bournemouth to Newcastle, raising over £3,000 for the Cleft Lip and Palate Association. Donations for CLAPA still welcome online.
Dorset restaurant launches competition to find the ultimate sausage roll
Jenkins & Sons in Poole hosts a sausage roll competition on 6 June to support Dorset Cancer Care Foundation. Enter your homemade creation for charity.
Expanded and enhanced car park opens at Dorset hospital
Victoria Hospital Wimborne unveils upgraded car park, funded by Friends of Victoria Hospital. 45 new spaces, EV charging, and green features.
Dorset mum receives life changing diagnosis following birth of her child
A mother from Dorset has spoken out about receiving a life changing diagnosis just months after giving birth to her first child.
Dorset volunteers collect more than half a tonne of rubbish from beaches
More than 628kg of rubbish was collected by 346 volunteers during the Great Dorset Beach Clean 2026, Dorset’s largest coastal clean-up to date.
Bournemouth lads 'prove what they're made of' in novices charity MMA bout
Leo Beale and Morris McColl compete in Bournemouth’s Ultra MMA charity cage fight at O2 Boscombe, raising funds for the National Autistic Society.
Bowling club in Dorset celebrates 100 years of sporting success
Branksome Park Bowling Club in Poole celebrates its 100th anniversary with special events and matches against top bowls teams in Dorset and England.
Dramatic wildlife encounter caught on camera at Hengistbury Head
A photography enthusiast has captured a rare moment of Dorset wildlife catching it's prey in a dramatic scene on the shores of Hengistbury Head.
Dorset Wildlife Trust rallying support to bring beavers back to Dorset
Dorset Wildlife Trust has launched a match funded fundraising appeal campaign with a wild ambition to bring Beavers back to Dorset.
BCP ride tops global leaderboard as £40k raised for men’s mental health
More than 1,000 people are set to take part in the BCP Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to raise money for men's mental health.
Christmas favourite to come to Dorset venue this November as part of UK tour
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol live-to-film concert comes to Poole Lighthouse with orchestra, part of a UK tour. Tickets on sale for festive family event.
Bournemouth church set to host feast of music over May bank holiday weekend
St Stephen’s May Festival 2026 returns to Bournemouth, 2–4 May, with free sacred and secular music, recitals, choral services, and new works. All welcome.
Dorset named one of UK's most popular destinations for a 50th birthday
Dorset named among top UK destinations for 50th birthday getaways, with millennials driving the trend, Parkdean Resorts research reveals.
MP praises Government's decision to decouple electricity prices from gas prices
The UK Government will decouple electricity bills from gas prices, aiming to stabilise energy costs, boost renewables, and extend excess profits tax.
Photographer captures 'majestic' white-tailed eagle in incredible moment
A Dorset photographer has captured a striking image of a "magnificent" white-tailed eagle flying in front of two kayakers at Christchurch Harbour after several unsuccessful attempts to photograph the bird.
Candidates standing for election to two councils at once
Parties confirm that candidates standing for election for more than one town council will serve on both lower tier authorities if elected.
What to know about town councils – your questions answered
Three new town councils have been established in Bournemouth, Broadstone, and Poole.
What we know so far about Charminster Library closure
Repair works on a library in Bournemouth is expected to take up to five months after funding has been found.
LIVE: Traffic and travel updates for BCP and wider areas
Heavy traffic and delays reported across BCP- updates to follow.
Network Rail submits plan to install lifts at station after 15 year campaign
Network Rail has submitted plans to install lifts at Pokesdown Station in order to provide step-free access.
Case adjourned after ex-Bournemouth footballer allegedly racially abused by fan
The case of a Liverpool supporter accused of racially abusing footballer Antoine Semenyo has been adjourned to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.
Concerns raised as Greek restaurant wants to sell alcohol and play music
A Greek restaurant in Bournemouth wants to sell alcohol and play music despite concerns from residents and council officers about public nuisance.
3am alcohol licence bid meeting postponed
A hearing to decide whether a convenience store in Bournemouth's town centre should be allowed to sell alcohol has been postponed.
Michelin-starred restaurant's al fresco and live music plans heard
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Poole has had plans to extend its outdoor drinking and dining area and to be able to have live music at weekends heard by committee.
REVIEW - The Bodyguard, The Musical Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
It was arguably one of the biggest films of the 1990s, so it's little wonder The Bodyguard is now a huge hit as a musical, having first been staged in 2012.
Man struck by a stone while driving on Upton bypass
A man in his 20s was driving his car along Upton bypass when he his vehicle was struck by a stone which damaged the windscreen.
Taxi driver 'punched and verbally abused' in Bournemouth
An image has been issued of a man police want to identify after a taxi driver was punched and verbally abused in Bournemouth.
Man charged after series of residential burglary in Branksome
A 45-year-old man has been charged with three counts of dwelling burglary taken place at residential addresses.
Why glorious bright yellow fields are appearing across Dorset
Bright yellow fields are lighting up Dorset as oilseed rape bursts into bloom. Here’s why farmers grow it.
Kwik Fit opens new centre in Lymington
A new Kwik Fit centre has officially opened in Lymington.
Beloved pub given the go-ahead to install new outdoor bar
A waterfront pub has been given the go-ahead to upgrade its beer garden by installing an new outdoor bar
Dorset gardening workshop next month to support charity's dementia research
Join Dobbies' Hanging Basket Workshop in Galton this May to support Alzheimer's Research UK. Learn planting skills and create stunning baskets.
Sports facilities across the south west to benefit from major investment
Powerleague secures £22.5m Barclays funding to upgrade grassroots football pitches and build new padel courts across the South West, including Bournemouth.
Drama group set to perform 'haunting comedy' at Dorset venue in May
Broadstone Players present ‘Ghost Writer’ by David Tristram at Broadstone War Memorial Hall, 26–30 May. Book tickets for this haunting comedy today.
NHS in south west urging people to complete bowel screening test
The NHS South West urges people aged 50-74 to return their free bowel cancer screening kits. Early detection via the FIT test can save lives.
Japanese-inspired supper club event coming to Westbourne next week
Discover a Japanese-inspired supper club in Westbourne on 30 April 2026, exploring longevity secrets with cuisine, ceremony, and expert talks. Tickets £27.
Charity shop in Broadstone helping mid-lifers get active for less
Age UK Broadstone backs the Act Now, Age Better campaign, urging over-50s to get active for healthy ageing. Donate or buy affordable sportswear in-store.
Rental reforms driving exodus from long-term market, says Dorset holiday agency
Landlords in Dorset are shifting from long-term rentals to holiday lets amid upcoming tenancy reforms and increased regulation, says Dorset Cottage Holidays.
Free multi-sensory sessions from charity for babies with complex medical needs
Free sensory sessions for babies (0-2) with complex medical needs in Christchurch, Dorset. Hosted by Diverse Abilities at The Treehouse, Merritown Lane.
Government
Road Surfaces (Maximum Noise Levels) Bill
A Bill to prohibit the use of road surfacing materials which generate in-vehicle noise levels above a specified maximum; to require the resurfacing of existing roads which generate in-vehicle noise above that maximum; and for connected purposes
Formula 1
Jolyon Palmer builds his ultimate F1 team boss
We asked former Renault F1 driver and F1 TV analyst Jolyon Palmer to come up with his perfect team boss built from the composite parts of the best people to have done the job.
How to find value as Verstappen betting odds slide
The four-time World Champion’s odds have taken a hit, but betting fans can still find value in backing the Dutchman.
The state of play at Audi
Audi have formally entered the world of F1 and, so far, have given a good account of themselves in 2026.
Colton Herta on doing the work to make it to F1
American racer Colton Herta is Tom Clarkson’s guest on this week’s Beyond The Grid podcast.
Bottas reveals Cadillac decisions he's never done before in F1
Valtteri Bottas reveals some of the differences in driving for Cadillac versus his former teams in F1.
10 quiz questions about American drivers in F1
With Colton Herta set to make his F1 practice debut with Cadillac in June, we decided to knock up a quick-fire quiz all about those drivers from the USA who have competed in Grand Prix racing.
Windows Central
Baldur's Gate 3 director reacts to Xbox Game Pass removing Call of Duty from day one access alongside price drop — "It is a good thing creatively"
Due to Microsoft's new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price drop, Call of Duty games won't come to it day one anymore — something that may benefit the series.
"I think I know someone who would be perfect for that role": Is former Xbox director Larry Hryb 'Major Nelson' teasing interest in Microsoft's Xbox senior manager position?
Microsoft recently opened up a new Xbox brand senior manager position, and a comment from ex-director Major Nelson has many wondering if he's going for it.
Hate the Windows 11 Taskbar? Here’s the ultimate way to bring back a classic look from Windows 95 to Windows Vista
Windows 11 may look sleek, but let's face it, the Taskbar doesn't have many fans. So send it back to the glory days with RetroBar.
"Inspired by the winding Touge roads of Japan": This limited Forza Horizon 6 Xbox gear caught my eye, and I'm tempted
Xbox has officially revealed the Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition controller and wireless headset, now available for pre-order ahead of the game’s launch on May 19
Clipchamp is going backward: Microsoft will retire iOS app instead of making an Android one
Microsoft will retire Clipchamp for iOS on June 9, 2026, leaving the video editor without any mobile app.
Copilot’s shopping upgrade brings Checkout to the mobile app with deeper data from half a million merchants
Copilot Checkout now works in the Copilot mobile app, and Microsoft has deepened catalog data from over half a million merchants to improve AI‑powered shopping.
"We've taken it further in every measurable way": Maingear's new MG-1 Mk. II looks like the custom gaming PC to beat
Maingear has revealed a refreshed MG-1 Mk. II custom gaming PC that builds on what made the original model so great. It's more powerful, it runs cooler, and its cables are hidden. Here's how it works.
Microsoft has been trying to fix Windows 11's annoying white flash bug in File Explorer for over 2 years: Has it finally done it?
The latest Windows 11 preview build mentions a fix for File Explorer that should stop it from flash banging you in dark mode. I feel like we've seen this before...
"Did Ookla just leak Windows vNext UI?": Or is this just a macOS mockup on Windows 11
Microsoft is rolling out a built‑in Speedtest tool for Windows 11 through a new partnership with Ookla. But a press image shared by Ookla appears to show a macOS-style window inside a Windows 11 taskbar.
Xbox is cleaning house for next-gen, and Social Clubs were just in the way: Is it moving further away from its social roots?
Xbox has removed Social Clubs, prompting questions about the future of its social features. I'm exploring what could be next, and whether Xbox is moving away from its social roots.
Did Asha Sharma kill another ill-fated Xbox project? The "Xbox Mobile Store" seems to be dead. [UPDATE: Xbox responds]
Previously announced for launch in July 2024, the ill-fated Xbox Mobile Store seems to be dead, with all test URLs relating to it now hitting a 404 error.
"Very handy, excellent performing, good-sized display": The portable PC monitor that received over 12,000 positive reviews on Amazon is back on sale
The KYY Portable Monitor is a pretty popular display on Amazon that's loved for its above-average performance rates and FHD resolutions, and it's now back on sale with a 34% discount.
Microsoft says Windows 11’s built-in 'Defender' antivirus is "usually sufficient" for most PC users: "I haven't used a 3rd party antivirus since XP"
Microsoft recently indicated that its Microsoft Defender antivirus is enough for Windows 11 users, dismissing the need to install additional software for that extra layer of protection.
"The cloud market has never been so dynamic and competitive": Microsoft faces a $2.8 billion UK lawsuit over Azure cloud licensing affecting 60,000 businesses
Microsoft could be forced to reimburse $2.8 billion to 60,000 UK-based businesses for overcharging customers for its Windows Server software on competing cloud platforms at higher rates than its own Azure service.
"A heartfelt thank you": After 28 years, Microsoft legend, former Halo exec and Xbox Film/TV lead Kiki Wolfkill has left the company
Kiki Wolfkill spent almost three decades leading various initiatives across the Xbox platform, from art leadership, to transmedia initiatives, and video game production.
Laffgaff
Thomas Wakly founded which medical journal in 1823?
The Lancet.
Wax Allergy
My friend who is allergic to wax is amazing. No one can hold a candle to him.
Itsfoss
The People Who Put Emulators on Your Steam Deck Now Want to Sell You a Linux Console
The Playnix Console is a €1,179 Linux-powered gaming machine with an RX 9060 XT inside.