BBC News
High Street mini-marts selling cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs, BBC secret filming reveals
Across the UK, shopfronts are being exploited by criminal gangs pushing illegal drugs, experts say.
China weathered Trump's tariffs - but the Iran war is taking a toll
The Middle East conflict is putting pressure on factory orders, costs and jobs in China's export-driven economy.
Lebanon accuses Israel of targeting journalist killed in airstrike
Lebanon's prime minister accused Israel of war crimes after IDF attacks on Red Cross vehicles also stopped rescuers from reaching the site.
Riot police to deploy on French beaches under new deal to stop illegal Channel migrant crossings
The three-year agreement will see at least 50 riot-trained police officers drafted in to tackle violence and “hostile crowds”.
Ban 'forever chemicals' in uniforms and frying pans, MPs urge
School uniforms and non-stick pans are some of the everyday products that should stop using chemicals called PFAS, MPs say.
Fairway or driveway? Why golf courses are in the crosshairs of Britain's housing crisis
Are golf courses the right places to build housing, or are they simply a soft target?
'My instinct was to help him': Runners help exhausted man finish Boston Marathon
The BBC spoke to Boston marathon runner, Ajay Haridasse, who was helped over the finish line by two strangers.
'My baby scratches and scratches': Families say their homes are making their children sick
A cross-party report has called for safer conditions for the record number of families living in temporary accommodation.
Officials release cause of death for teen found dead in singer D4vd's car
The medical examiner said the 14-year-old's cause of death was determined months ago but was blocked from release.
'I can't stop using it' - under-16s have their say on possible social media ban
Thirty three children discussed possible limits the government are considering on social media.
Stars line red carpet at London premiere of Devil Wears Prada 2
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt were among the actors who appeared on the red carpet.
The Papers: 'PM isolated' and 'Job concerns deepen'
The Lord Mandelson vetting row is featured on many of Thursday's front pages.
Your pint could come with a surprising health benefit
Beer provides "substantial levels" of vitamin B6 into your diet, according to new research.
Analysis: Unhappy Labour MPs aren't ready to oust Starmer yet
Labour MPs say that while the prime minister is unpopular, a contest is unlikely as there isn't a candidate ready to replace him.
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.
AI is flattening the jobs market for young people, says Sunak
The former prime minister said graduates' concerns about getting entry-level jobs are justified.
US Navy chief leaving post 'effective immediately', Pentagon says
US Navy Secretary John Phelan is the latest high-ranking military leader to leave the administration in recent months.
Fire crews thaw rapper Drake’s giant ice installation in Toronto
Officials say the frozen blocks are being melted due to "dangerous and unsafe activities" after they were set up to promote the singer's album.
Pet owners hit with steep bills after EU passport rule change
Rule change affects dogs, cats and ferrets, with some owners telling the BBC new health certificates cost hundreds of pounds.
'It's like someone waved a magic wand': Girl, 6, has sight restored by gene therapy
Saffie's mum says Luxturna therapy at Great Ormond Street has been like "someone waved a magic wand".
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.
Veteran Australian talkback radio host James Valentine dies at 64
The accomplished musician, diagnosed with cancer in 2024, was a well-known host on Australia's national broadcaster.
Trump tells BBC that King's visit could 'absolutely' help repair relations with UK
In a phone interview with the BBC's North America editor, the president discussed next week's visit and his relationship with the UK PM.
Police arrest two over alleged drug sales through shops in West Midlands after BBC investigation
It follows a BBC investigation that found High Street mini-marts were selling drugs in some West Midlands towns.
Rapist who infected men and boys with HIV jailed
A judge says Adam Hall took away the futures of his victims, including boys aged 15 and 17.
Health data of 500,000 people offered for sale online in China after UK Biobank breach
The government said medical data was affected but no personally identifiable information had been made available.
Huge chunk of glacier blocks Everest route in peak climbing season
Sherpas cannot prepare the route to the world's highest peak because a huge block of ice is in the way.
Sara Cox replaces Scott Mills on Radio 2 breakfast show
The 51-year-old, who is originally from Bolton, currently presents the teatime show on Radio 2.
Warner Bros shareholders approve Paramount's $111bn takeover
The approval came as Donald Trump is to attend a dinner with billionaire Paramount backers the Ellisons.
Doctor warned Nottingham attacker he would end up killing
However, Dr Faizal Seedat told the Nottingham Inquiry he did not actually believe Valdo Calocane would kill.
Three men guilty of 'callous' Brighton beach rape
The men, who are all asylum seekers, had denied targeting the woman in the early hours of October 4.
'African tribe' leader deported after eviction from Scots woodland
Kofi Offeh, who describes himself as King Atehene, has been deported to Ghana.
Prince Louis holiday video released to mark eighth birthday
The footage was filmed by photographer Matt Porteous in Cornwall earlier this month.
My rapist deliberately gave me HIV. I was just 15
Sam, who was heading home from school when he got his diagnosis, says Hall's jailing is a relief.
Which airlines are cancelling flights to the UK - and what can you do?
Airlines are putting up prices and cancelling flights in response to higher jet fuel prices.
Lyse Doucet: In Tehran, money is short and a return to war looms over daily life
The BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Iran, where the buzz of busy shopping streets masks deep uncertainty over the country's future.
Key takeaways from senior official on Mandelson vetting
Cat Little, the top official at the Cabinet Office, tells MPs "due process" was followed in the appointment.
The boy who vanished: 50 years on from the disappearance of Sandy Davidson
The three-year-old went missing after chasing after a dog that escaped from his grandparents' garden in Irvine in 1976.
The tiny island church where couples worry about high tide making them late
The little medieval church - where you need the tide book alongside a prayer book.
Playing teen version of Zendaya's character is 'dream come true' for The Drama's Jordyn Curet
Jordyn Curet speaks of the "pressure" and "excitement" of playing the younger version of Zendaya.
Girl, 10, finds rare Mexican axolotl under Welsh bridge
Evie and her mother were enjoying a day trip to south Wales when they came across the amphibian.
Grime artist Skepta drove recklessly, court hears
Police say they smelt cannabis in his car and say he returned a positive roadside test result.
Senior manager who worked at Lucy Letby's hospital arrested
The arrest was made as part of a wider investigation into leadership at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
BBC visits migrant camp in northern France as new deal announced
A proposed three-year deal with Paris is aimed at stopping migrants crossing the Channel on small boats.
MrBeast's company sued by ex-employee over sexual harassment claim
Beast Industries has strongly denied claims of sexual harassment and workplace gender bias.
Trump administration reclassifies cannabis as less dangerous
Medical marijuana was moved into a lower category of drugs in order to increase research and access.
Bournemouth Echo
'Enough is enough - Dorset drivers who don’t indicate put everyone at risk'
A Dorset reader argues that poor driver indicator use is behind too many avoidable crashes – and warns drivers may soon face fines and higher insurance costs.
Villagers 'gutted' after vandals smash village hall in six-figure refurbishment
Residents have been left 'gutted' after vandals smashed and flooded a historic village hall during a six-figure refurbishment.
Dorset teenager wins Young Fundraiser of the Year award at national awards
Jacob Halling won Young Fundraiser of the Year at Muscular Dystrophy's Stronger Together Awards for fundraising in support of muscle-wasting conditions.
Capita’s Royal Mail pension scheme contract terminated after failures
Government terminates Capita contract over Royal Mail pension scheme failures, affecting 1,300 members. Capita faces scrutiny for public sector pension delays.
Dorset research highlighted in Government’s new Women’s Health Strategy
Dorset’s women’s health research by Bournemouth University and NHS Dorset is recognised in the UK Government’s updated Women’s Health Strategy 2026.
More than 1,000 species recorded in New Forest survey
More than 1,100 species have been recorded during a two-year biodiversity survey in the New Forest.
Woman faked childcare bills to pocket £28k in Universal Credit over nearly two years
A WOMAN forged childminder invoices to fraudulently claim more than £28,000 in benefits.
Fire service cut casualty out of vehicle in A338 crash
Fire crews have cut a casualty out of a vehicle after a crash on the A338.
21-year-old woman caught carrying three lock knives on main road
A WOMAN was caught with three lock knives on a main road in Ferndown.
Four lifts at Dolphin Centre are out of service
Six lifts at the multi-storey car park next to the Dolphin shopping centre in Poole are out of service.
Aldi want to demolish an historic Dorset property to improve look of new store
SUPERMARKET chain, ALDI, want to smash up an historic Dorset property – to improve the look of its new store. The business is asking to pull down a home with a railway history, adjoining its Canford Bottom site – adding to other demolition work which has recently started. The company say
Police appeal after gardening equipment stolen from New Forest crematorium
Gardening equipment including lawnmowers and leaf blowers has been stolen from New Milton crematorium in the New Forest, police have said.
Bournemouth carer takes home nearly 40k with Royal Flush at Bournemouth Casino
A carer from Bournemouth is celebrating a life changing windfall after hitting a rare Royal Flush and walking away with £38,684.92 from a Bournemouth casino.
Closures coming to major road in Poole as part of highway improvement scheme
BCP Council has announced a main road in Poole is set to close overnight for essential improvement works over a series of dates.
Russell Brand says he had ‘exploitative’ sex with 16-year-old at height of fame
Russell Brand said he had “exploitative” sex with a 16-year-old girl at the height of his fame, but insists his actions were not against the law.
Police issue warning after door-to-door money requests in Corfe Mullen
Police are issuing warnings to members of the public following reports of two individuals knocking on doors and requesting money.
Poole firm that started in a garden shed marks one-year milestone
Poole-based Strong Search Limited marks first year with seven-figure revenue, global SaaS executive search success, 100% retention, and growth.
Family musical based on Roald Dahl book to come to Dorset venue next month
Family musical The Enormous Crocodile, based on Roald Dahl’s book, comes to Lighthouse Poole, Dorset, 7–10 May. Cast, tickets & info at lighthousepoole.co.uk.
Acclaimed BAFTA-winning comedian to perform at Bournemouth venue in 2027
Mo Gilligan adds Bournemouth date to his 2027 UK tour at BIC due to high demand. Tickets on sale now. Latest on The Mo You Know tour, Netflix specials.
Painter completes artwork in Bournemouth using 'famous painting technique'
An artist known for his painting technique where an artwork is completed in a single session brought his canvas to Bournemouth’s lower gardens for a live session.
Care home residents 'spoilt rotten' as they celebrate National Tea Day
Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne celebrated National Tea Day with an afternoon tea party, homemade cakes, activities and events for residents.
Dorset charity hosting a golf day to raise vital funds to support adult mental health
A charity golf day is raising money to support mental health issues among adults through horticultural therapy.
Care home residents in Dorset get taste of eastern Europe with Romanian Day
Hyacinth House care home in the UK celebrated Romanian Day with residents, featuring traditional Romanian food, crafts, costumes and storytelling by staff.
Bournemouth and Poole College praised for its adult learning courses
Bournemouth and Poole College praised by NCFE for its adult learning provision, offering free online courses with high learner satisfaction.
One month left to secure advance tickets for popular bikers event in June
Secure advance tickets for Beaulieu Bikers’ Day on 6 June. Enjoy bike displays, prizes, full Beaulieu attractions, and support from Mental Health Motorbike.
Dog walker spots 'deliberate' fire started in woodland
A dog walker spotted a fire that was believed to have been started deliberately in a woodland in West Moors.
Veteran journalist praises Dorset students' courage as they take next steps
Veteran BBC journalist Kate Adie inspires Sherborne Girls’ Sixth Form with career advice as she presents Certificates of Achievement and celebrates students.
Dorset school and London Pulse launch trials for Netball Centre of Excellence
London Pulse and Bryanston School launch netball Centre of Excellence trials for girls aged 13-16 in South England. Apply by 24 April for expert coaching.
'My postpartum psychosis convinced me I had killed my daughter'
A mother was sectioned after giving birth after postpartum psychosis left her convinced she had killed her daughter.
Legendary DJ to bring 80s party to Bournemouth venue this June
BBC Radio 2’s Gary Davies brings ‘Disco for Grown Ups’ 80s party to Bournemouth O2 Academy on 19 June. Book tickets for a night of classic hits and nostalgia.
Ryanair changing checked-bag policy at Bournemouth Airport
Ryanair has announced passengers who are checking in bags will soon need to arrive at the airport even earlier.
Dorset bus company gives young carers chance to attend special events
MYTIME Young Carers, backed by a Morebus donation, offers Dorset young carers aged 4–25 activity days through its Making Memories programme.
“Shocking” closure of Beaufort Community Centre sparks backlash
Support has been offered to parents and carers following the announcement of closure of community centre operating childcare services.
Poole care home residents and team go the distance for hospice's Sunset Walk
Care home residents from Marjorie House in Poole joined the Sunset Walk, raising over £17,500 for Forest Holme Hospice’s palliative care services.
86-year-old woman becomes Dorset social care provider's 1,000th resident
Eve Pike, 86, becomes Care Dorset’s 1,000th resident at Streets Meadow, Wimborne. Dorset Council care provider now supports adults across 23 services.
Lifeboat station becomes first in RNLI to earn Green Award
Mudeford lifeboat station is the first to be presented with a RNLI Green Award.
Annual town council assembly in New Forest welcomes local charities
New Milton Town Council’s Annual Towns Assembly celebrated local volunteers, charity fundraising, and the new Ballard Water Meadow nature reserve designation.
'Built to last' as property finance lender in Dorset celebrates 45th anniversary
MSP Capital, Poole-based property finance lender, celebrates 45 years supporting UK developers with milestone event at Scaplen’s Court, Dorset.
REVIEW: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) at Lighthouse Poole
The Reduced Shakespeare Company brings The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) to Lighthouse, Poole—fast-paced comedy with a talented British cast.
Fun-filled country music event from charity coming to Christchurch in June
Country Roots returns to Christchurch on 5 June 2026, with live music, line dancing and fundraising for Dorset charity Diverse Abilities. Tickets from £19.50.
Major Eco Park upgrade in Dorset proposed to turn more waste into power and jobs
Plans to upgrade Dorset's Eco Park in Parley include AI recycling, boosted waste capacity, green energy for homes, and new jobs. Public exhibition details.
Bournemouth Airport operating exclusive direct flights to the Caribbean
The Bournemouth–Barbados fly‑cruise has returned, offering holidaymakers the chance to step on board at their local airport and transfer straight to a luxury cruise ship in the Caribbean.
Christchurch widowers group offering support and friendship looking for members
A group uniting widowed men who have lost their partners are encouraging more people to join.
Tamil New Year celebration coming to Poole
Dorset Tamil Sangam is set to host its annual Tamil New Year celebration, Chithirai Thiruvizha 2026, later this month, bringing together communities from across the county for an evening of culture and tradition.
Huge carnivorous sharks that are 400-years-old found lurking in depths of UK waters
Are you aware of the giant 400-year-old sharks that can be found in our waters?
Homeowners urged to inspect fences now or risk costly damage and disputes
A quick 5-minute garden check could save you from major repair costs later - and avoid a stressful boundary dispute
Shark season is almost here as 40ft giants from the deep migrate to our shores
Basking shark season tends to be May or October, and there are a few hotspots around the British Isles.
Government
Criminal Proceedings (Juror Absence) Bill
A Bill to provide that any criminal proceedings set down for trial may not be adjourned by reason of absence of or discharge of a juror where the number of members of the jury is not reduced below nine; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
Why Hadjar offers betting value if Red Bull fires
The young French star is putting up a stronger challenger to Max Verstappen compared to his previous team mates.
McLaren set to deliver 'completely new car' for Miami – Stella
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has explained the Woking-based outfit's development plans as F1 prepares to return to racing in Miami and Canada.
How Haas have utilised the ‘unique’ opportunity of the April break
Haas’ Head of Car Engineering, Hoagy Nidd, has shared an insight into what the team have been doing during the April break.
Trivia: How well do you really know Max Verstappen?
Think you know everything about Max Verstappen? Put your F1 knowledge to the test with this ultimate trivia contest.
Miami Grand Prix FP1 session extended to 90 minutes
The sole practice session of the Miami Grand Prix weekend will now run for 90 minutes.
McLaren sign youngest recruit to Development Programme
McLaren have announced 11-year-old karter Harry Williams as the latest member of their Driver Development Programme.
The state of play at Racing Bulls
Racing Bulls have a few scores under their belt already in 2026 - but can Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad continue that trend from Miami onwards?
Patience needed before backing Alonso in markets
With just one finish from the first three races this season, the two-time World Champion is waiting for a car to match his skill.
8 times in-season development catapulted teams up the order
F1.com has rounded up eight of the best zero-to-hero examples of teams timing their upgrades to perfection partway through a season.
Windows Central
Microsoft says Xbox Game Pass is getting more old Call of Duty games in 2026 after price drop, loss of day-one releases — which ones do you want to see?
Following Xbox's Game Pass price cut and the loss of Call of Duty on day one, it's said more games in the series are coming to the service this year.
“Personally, I’d be open to a Halo extraction shooter” — Halo Studios reportedly abandons battle royale and pivots to a different style. Here’s what that means.
A new report claims Halo’s planned battle royale mode, Tatanka, was scrapped after failing to meet expectations, later evolving into an extraction shooter that may now be part of the next mainline Halo title.
"If we can have this beautiful machine ... that's what I want to see": The dev of this Xbox Game Pass hit is working on 15 projects and opening 2 new studios
Poncle, the developer behind the acclaimed Xbox Game Pass hit Vampire Survivors, is working on 15 projects and expanding with two new studios.
“Teaming up again” — Xbox CEO signals deeper Discord integration built around Game Pass flexibility and cross‑platform play
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has hinted at a renewed partnership with Discord, potentially tied to increased flexibility in Game Pass. While details remain unclear, the move follows recent pricing changes and ongoing speculation around new subscription tiers and features.
“We wanted to make sure the shape mattered” — Double Fine explains how KILN’s sculpted art defines its combat and characters
A new developer interview reveals how Double Fine shaped Kiln’s gameplay, detailing its origins, long development cycle, and the design decisions behind its unique collision system.
"Once again, Geekom has created a fantastic machine with the A6": this mini-PC with AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and 16GB RAM is a cut above the rest at this price
The Geekom A6 Mini-PC is a premium-grade portable PC with strong performance rates for workflow tasks, a stylish yet durable build, tons of power for creative applications, and plenty more features that are now on sale for a 15% discount.
"Big power, small package": One of Geekom's latest mini-PCs for stomping productivity with high-performance rates is now 21% off just for today
Several retailers are hosting big-time deals for the Geekom A7 MAX Mini-PC, a decently reviewed desktop on Amazon that's equipped with high-performing hardware for productivity efficiency and mid-level gaming on the side.
Metro author confirms Metro 2039's protagonist main character is voiced, unlike Artyom and a first for the series — and "he’s got things to say"
Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the Metro franchise, has confirmed that Metro 2039's protagonist main character, The Stranger, is fully voiced.
File Explorer feels outdated again after this Files update
Files 4.0.39 adds a customizable toolbar that makes Windows 11’s File Explorer feel outdated. Here’s why Microsoft should copy the feature and what the update includes.
Forza Horizon 5 sold 5 million copies on PS5 — proving at least for live service the move away from exclusives makes sense
Forza Horizon 5 hits 5M sales on PS5, proving multiplayer Xbox hits thrive when they go multi-platform.
“It’s your Rewards birthday” — Microsoft rolls out a Birthday Boost with bonus points and a push to re‑engage users
Microsoft Rewards adds a 2x birthday point bonus, but there's a process to follow to claim it.
"Pearl Abyss delivers": Crimson Desert's biggest Xbox patch so far brings major gameplay changes and meaningful updates
Crimson Desert’s patch 1.04 introduces difficulty settings, expanded storage and housing systems, new content, combat adjustments, and visual improvements in one of its largest updates yet.
Microsoft explored buying Cursor before SpaceX lined up a $60 billion deal
Microsoft explored buying Cursor before SpaceX secured a deal that gives it the rights to acquire the AI startup for $60 billion or pursue a $10 billion partnership.
"A fantastic option for players of all skill levels": One of our favorite budget Xbox/PC controllers is having its biggest sale of 2026
The already affordable GameSir G7 SE Wired controller for Xbox just got even more inexpensive with this 15%, giving folks a chance to enjoy its rich features and responsive controls for dirt cheap.
Microsoft doesn't know what to do with Call of Duty and is trying everything except making the game good again
Microsoft is removing Call of Duty from Game Pass at the absolute worst time with GTA 6 looming large, but it also shows the company still doesn't know what to do with its biggest gaming franchise.
Microsoft partnership has "limited our ability": Leaked memo reveals OpenAI's open hostility towards one of its biggest investors
The ChatGPT maker indicated that its new partnership with Amazon will help enhance its enterprise market share while highlighting key constraints in its Microsoft tie-up.
"Over 2 billion matches restored": I'm diving back into my Bungie-era Halo stats with this incredible fan-made 'Halo Archive'
Halo Archive has restored over 1.9 billion Halo 3 matches and hundreds of millions of Halo 2 records, bringing Bungie era stats back online through a dedicated community effort.
The quiet surrender: Why Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam all handed social to Discord
Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam have gradually stepped back from building and maintaining their own social features, leaving Discord to become the default platform for player communication.
5 more AWESOME Xbox April indies: Take a break from getting beat up in Hades 2
Manage a bookshop or break out as a hit content creator in these newly released games brought to you by ID@Xbox.
"If it continues like this WoW will inevitably die": World of Warcraft players beg Blizzard to slow down — for all the wrong reasons
I recently alluded to this idea that World of Warcraft is losing control of its quality ... well, control. And this concept really came to ahead this week with Midnight's 12.0.5 patch, which introduced a mountain of new bugs.
Laffgaff
Who wrote the opera La Boheme in 1896?
Puccini.
Doughnut Love
I used to love doughnuts. But I got bored of the whole thing.
Itsfoss
FOSS Weekly #26.17: Ubuntu 26.04 Release, Firefox Controversy, Positive News on Age-verification and More Linux Stuff
New major releases from Ubuntu and Fedora.
Things You Should Know About Ubuntu 26.04
Ubuntu 26.04 is releasing today. I answer some of the frequently asked questions about upgrading to the new version.
Microsoft Has WSL, But This Developer Built One for Windows 95
WSL9x lets you run a modern Linux kernel 6.19 inside Windows 9x without needing virtualization.
A Linux Hardware Maker is Convincing Colorado to Leave Open Source Alone
After months of advocacy, Colorado's age verification bill is set for an amendment to exclude open source.