The News - Friday, 24 April 2026

BBC News

Epstein housed abuse victims in London flats, BBC reveals

The revelations intensify concerns about repeated police decisions not to investigate 2015 trafficking claims.

Stock markets are too high and set to fall, says Bank of England deputy

It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank to be so forthright on market movements.

Assisted dying bill to run out of time as Lords hold final debate

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was supported by MPs but has not cleared its stages in the Lords.

Ringo Starr: 'I made all my mistakes on stage'

Beatles star reveals all about his new country album, being a Sir and coming up with the phrase A Hard Day's Night.

US soldier charged after winning $400,000 betting on removal of Maduro

Gannon Ken Van Dyke allegedly made trades on Polymarket on the basis of classified information, the justice department says.

Southport dads: 'Running for our girls has made us like brothers'

Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe run the London Marathon together in memory of Alice and Elsie.

Singer D4vd had 'significant amount' of child sex abuse images when arrested, prosecutors say

The Tiktok star's attorneys have maintained his innocence and vowed to "vigorously defend" him.

PM's ex-chief of staff says he doesn't recognise claims about his behaviour

Morgan McSweeney speaks publicly for the first time about his departure from Downing Street.

No rape took place outside Epsom church, say police

The force says the woman concerned had injured her head on a night out and made 'a confused report'.

Steve Rosenberg: Kremlin's tightening grip on internet fuels public discontent

Throughout Russia, internet usage has become seriously restricted. Citizens are drawing comparison to Soviet censorship and today's digital blackouts.

Couple discovers Lebanon home destroyed by Israel from satellite image

Joe Elias contacted BBC Verify following reports that his village was among several destroyed by Israeli forces.

Weekly quiz: What did Madonna lose at Coachella?

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

Headscarf with a beret: Muslim designers showcase floral dresses and boxy streetwear in Paris

Some young attendees say the event demonstrated a more inclusive French culture taking shape.

The Papers: 'Stop sharing data with China' and 'Shoot and kill'

A data breach at Biobank and Trump's new orders to US troops in the Middle East lead Friday's papers.

'Missing scientist' cases have stoked wild speculation. For loved ones, the theories are hurtful

Conspiracies are running rampant online after the deaths or disappearances of at least 10 people tied to sensitive US research.

Watch: Girl describes finding rare Mexican axolotl in Wales

Evie, 10, tells the BBC about finding the axolotl - named Dippy - and bringing it home to Leicester.

US government watchdog to investigate Epstein files release

The justice department's inspector general will review the withholding and overdue release of secret files.

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.

Meta says it will cut 8,000 jobs as AI spending soars

The cuts, which employees had been expecting for weeks, will be Meta's largest layoff since 2023.

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.

PC Andrew Harper's widow unveils 'hero' memorial

A stone tribute honours PC Harper, who was dragged by a car after confronting quad bike thieves.

Chris Mason: A grim week for Starmer – but things could be about to get worse

The Mandelson vetting row has reignited questions over the PM's future just two weeks before crucial elections in Scotland, Wales and England.

No 10 says Falklands sovereignty rests with UK after report of US 'review'

An internal Pentagon document reportedly raised the prospect of a change in position in retaliation for the UK not joining the Iran war.

The assisted dying bill has failed but the debate isn't over

In June 2025 MPs backed the legislation but now it has run out of time to become law.

Man given life sentence for rape and religiously aggravated assault of Sikh woman

A judge tells John Ashby, 32, that he will serve at least 14 years in prison for the attack.

Watch: How the Kremlin's internet crackdown is frustrating Russians

Officials say the restrictions are for public safety, but businesses and the public are feeling the impact.

Benjamin Netanyahu treated for early-stage prostate cancer

The Israeli prime minister says he is "in excellent physical condition" after having a malignant tumour removed.

Mandelson under formal investigation by EU's anti-fraud office

The EU's anti-fraud office confirms it has "sufficient information" to launch an investigation, but does not say if it involves fraud.

UK cyber chiefs say it's time to ditch passwords for passkeys - what are they?

Passwords have long been the default way we secure accounts online but the NCSC has said passkeys are a better option.

Israeli police investigate after officers 'cut Palestinian flag' from skullcap

The British Israeli man says he was detained after someone took offence at his kippah embroidered with Israeli and Palestinian flags.

US justice department drops probe into Fed chairman Jerome Powell

President Donald Trump had accused Powell of improper cost overruns in renovating the Fed's building.

Who is making decisions in Iran?

Iran's new supreme leader is supposed to have the final say, but in practice the picture is far murkier.

Watch: 'A dangerous standoff' as Strait of Hormuz blockade continues

The US and Iran's rival blockades of the Strait of Hormuz have become a "test of wills", says Lyse Doucet.

Nato says 'no provision' to expel members after report US could seek to suspend Spain

An internal Pentagon email reportedly outlines options to punish allies over a perceived lack of support for Iran war.

Falklands is a pressure point for the UK – and the US knows it

This story will make greater waves in the UK than in the US, which for Donald Trump is an opportunity for leverage, Joe Inwood writes.

Running marathons for our girls has made us closer, say dads of Southport victims

Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe run the London Marathon together in memory of Alice and Elsie.

Weekly quiz: What did Madonna lose at Coachella?

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

Ringo Starr: 'I made all my mistakes on stage'

Beatles star reveals all about his new country album, being a Sir and coming up with the phrase A Hard Day's Night.

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.

We paid our builder £44k - then he had us arrested

Victims tell how Steve Figg left their homes – and relationships – on the verge of collapse.

Giant leaves BBC's Gladiators after three series

Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, says his departure "wasn't a decision I made".

Four people in court over Jewish ambulance arson

Three men and a teenage boy appear at the Old Bailey over a fire that destroyed charity ambulances.

Stock markets are too high and set to fall, says Bank of England deputy

It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank to be so forthright on market movements.

Watch: Powerful tornadoes barrel through northern Oklahoma

Ten people were injured and dozens of homes damaged as the twister hit the city of Enid.

Trump says he speaks 'for the UK more than Prince Harry'

The US president's comments come ahead of a state visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Poisoning suspected in deaths of 18 wolves in Italian national park

After the carcasses of 10 wolves were found last week, another eight have been found in recent days.

Bournemouth Echo

Bournemouth suburb has secret paved map of American political power

In a quiet suburb of Bournemouth, there's a secret, paved map of American political power.

Lollipop lady warns ‘children will lose their lives’ as council scraps patrol

A LOLLIPOP lady fears ‘children will lose their lives’ after the council prepares to axe her position outside a school.

Man beat woman at park cafe - In The Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Freehold of two properties in Dorset to be auctioned with prices over £2.5 million

The freehold to a mixed use property on Winton high street is set to go for auction with a guide price of more than £2.95 million.

Primary school receives glowing Ofsted praise for 'happy pupils'

A primary school in Christchurch has received praise for its inclusive approach and strong pastoral support following its most recent Ofsted inspection.

Ferry service announce timetables for 2027 sailings

Brittany Ferries has announced their timetables for trips to France and Spain for 2027.

Woman issued £100 fine after eight-minute stay in car park

A woman was hit with a £100 fine after an eight-minute stay in a Poole car park, saying she was unable to pay despite multiple attempts.

Lib Dem leader visits nature reserve after land saved from private sale

Sir Ed Davey recently visited Upton Heath after a section of the nature reserve was saved after being 'under threat' from a private sale.

Person taken to hospital by air ambulance after major A338 crash

Ambulance crews have responded to a major crash on the A338.

Renters' Rights Act set to come into force from May 1

New renter protections in England begin 1 May under the Renters’ Rights Act, ending no-fault Section 21 evictions and boosting security for tenants.

Renewed push from Poole MP to strengthen UK ban on fox hunting

Neil Duncan-Jordan MP introduces Hunting Act 2004 Amendment Bill to Parliament, aiming to close fox hunting loopholes and ban trail hunting.

Man knocked unconscious and left with broken jaw in alleged bar attack

A man was knocked unconscious and left with a broken jaw after an alleged attack outside a bar.

Wanted man found six weeks after appeal issued in connection with assault

A man wanted in connection with a reported assault has been found six weeks after an appeal was issued.

Jet2 airline makes major announcement for passengers flying from Bournemouth Airport

The UK's third largest airline has made major announcements amid concern over increased flight prices, flight cancellations and holiday disruptions amid.

Road cleared after horses spotted on carriageway for second time this week

Horses once again caused traffic disruptions as a pair of animals were spotted on Wessex Way on Friday morning.

Man reportedly makes off with £140 of diesel without paying

More than £100 worth of fuel was stolen from a petrol station in Dorset earlier this month.

Man charged with burglary after bike stolen from New Forest shop

A man from Poole has been charged with burglary after a business was broken into and a bike stolen earlier this year.

Owner lands in court after dog chases ponies and attempts to bite them

The owner of a dog that chased ponies and attempted to bite them in St Leonards has been made subject to a court order.

Free health and wellbeing event returns to Poole community centre tomorrow

Free health and wellbeing event in Canford Heath, Poole on 25 April offers NHS health checks, lifestyle advice, and support with the NHS App—no booking needed.

Queues form outside Waterstones as Pokémon fans rush to snap up latest release

Queues spilled out of the door this morning as Bournemouth Waterstones restocked the latest drop of Pokémon cards.

New turbine twice as big as existing one approved for site near A35

A new wind turbine, almost twice the size of an existing one, has been approved for a site just off the A35 at Rogers Hill Farm near Bere Regis.

Guide to upcoming town council elections in BCP area

Elections for town councils In Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone will be taking place in May.

New rules for councils about maintaining roads

Councils must now show how they are spending funding to effectively maintaining roads in a move which has been called a “positive step towards tackling the UK’s pothole problem”.

Two Bournemouth footpaths to close for 12 days

Two footpaths in Bournemouth will be closed for 12 days for gas works

Plans submitted to turn Lord Bute into 18-bed hotel

Plans have been submitted to turn a well-known restaurant in Christchurch into an 18-bed hotel to support the operation of a pub

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

The release of a Michael Jackson musical biopic, a psychological drama film and a children’s animated film are among films shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Council unveils plan for New 30, 40 and 50mph limits on key New Forest roads

Drivers across the Waterside area of the New Forest are being warned about a set of 30, 40 and 50 miles per hour speed limit changes affecting the A326 and surrounding roads.

Rescue helicopter and lifeboats launched in major search for person in water

A major search was launched with a rescue helicopter at Bournemouth Pier after reports of a person in the water.

Metal detectorist finds suspected ordance on beach

A suspected unexploded ordnance on Southbourne Beach prompted a call-out for rescuers.

Rising star in folk music to perform at Dorset venue next month

Grenadian-Canadian folk artist Kaïa Kater makes her Poole debut at Lighthouse on 6 May, performing tracks from acclaimed new album Strange Medicine.

Reggae legends to perform at Bournemouth venue this summer as part of UK tour

UB40 announce 2026 Unstoppable UK tour with special guests Maxi Priest and Aswad, performing at Bournemouth International Centre on 18 June. Tickets out now.

Classic motorcycle collection set to go under the hammer in June

A remarkable collection of nearly 50 classic motorcycles, including Triumph and Norton models, is to be auctioned at Haynes Motor Museum on 18 June.

National Trust castle in Dorset to celebrate May Day with medieval fun

Celebrate Early May Bank Holiday 2026 at Corfe Castle with the National Trust—medieval crafts, live music, family activities, and May Day traditions in Dorset.

Care South and PramaCare to join forces to ensure continuity of care in Dorset

Dorset charities PramaCare and Care South to merge from May 2026, combining home care and nail care services while ensuring continuity for local clients.

Three solicitors promoted to partner at leading Dorset law firm

Trethowans promotes solicitors Bonnie Ward, Dan Clark, and Katie Bickerstaff to partner roles.

Bournemouth drama students take to professional stage with 'amazing' performance

Oak Academy students performed Afsaneh Gray's Fishville at MAST Studios, Southampton, for the 2026 NT Connections youth theatre festival.

New Forest-based heating installer wins South West regional award

Gareth Hurford of Hurfords Heating Ltd, Fordingbridge, named South West’s top heating installer in 2026 Heating Installer Awards for a Grade II listed project.

Local Dorset pantomime wins major award at The Pantomime Awards 2026

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre wins Best Ensemble at the 2026 Pantomime Awards.

Fuel crisis puts BCP taxi drivers and businesses under 'considerable strain'

Soaring fuel prices due to US-Israel war with Iran has put a “considerable strain" on taxi drivers and businesses across BCP.

Small backpack gives 11-year-old cancer patient precious life moments back

A young school girl undergoing cancer treatment has been able to return home, go to school and spend time with loved one thanks to a portable pump provided by Southampton Hospital.

Popular pantomime legend to star in pantomime at Bournemouth Pavilion this year

Pantomime returns to Bournemouth Pavilion as Jamie Steen stars as Widow Twankey in Aladdin, 5 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027. Produced by UK Productions Ltd.

Dorset school children enjoy forest school partnership with National Trust

Bayside Academy in Poole partners with National Trust for a Forest School programme, helping pupils connect with nature, boost wellbeing, and learn outdoors.

Two commercial properties in Bournemouth to go under the hammer next month

Two Bournemouth commercial properties, including Winton retail and leisure site let to B&M and Snap Fitness, to be auctioned by Acuitus on May 6.

Mental health network sees rapid growth across BCP charity sector

Growing Communities Networking Events by Plants and Minds boost mental health support in BCP, connecting local charities and services.

Pine martens and ladybirds among 1,100 species recorded in the New Forest

More than 1,100 species recorded in New Forest as £1.3m Species Survival Fund project boosts biodiversity, with pine marten breeding and habitat restoration.

Donations to charity will be doubled to support pollinators in local BCP parks

The Parks Foundation launches Big Give Earth Raise to double donations for biodiversity projects in BCP parks, 22–29 April.

Bournemouth swim school to launch penguin-themed fundraiser for zoo

Children across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire join World of Swimming’s penguin-themed fundraiser to raise £10,000 for Marwell Zoo.

Bournemouth orchestra partners with Poole care home for monthly music boost

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra brings monthly live classical music to Marjorie House care home in Poole, enriching dementia care and resident wellbeing.

New Milton over 35s win Daddy Gill Cup against New Milton under 35s

New Milton Over 35s win Daddy Gill Cup at Norman’s Way, beating Under 35s 43–26. Club raises £1,000 for Elsie’s Rose charity and celebrates with live music.

UK holidaymakers warned over new EU pet travel rules - dog and cat passports scrapped

Brits warned over new EU pet travel rules as dog and cat passports have been scrapped, replaced with Animal Health Certificates (AHC)

I tried the Lakeland 3-in-1 BBQ pizza oven - grab it while there's £50 off

I tested the Cuisinart 3-in-1 BBQ Grill and Pizza Oven - a BBQ, griddle and pizza oven in one. With £50 off right now, here’s whether it’s worth buying.

Formula 1

How bettors can back Stroll despite Aston Martin woes

Yet to record a classified finish in 2026, Lance Stroll needs Aston Martin to turn their fortunes around before betting opportunities arise.

How Russell vs Antonelli compares to past Mercedes battles

F1.com crunches the numbers to find out how the current battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli compares to past intra-team duels at Mercedes.

5 famous Turkish GP moments in F1 history

Istanbul Park is set to make its comeback to the F1 calendar, signing a five-year deal that sees it return to the schedule from 2027 onwards. The F1 circus last raced here in 2021, when Valtteri Bottas won from pole for Mercedes. There have been just nine editions of the race so far, but the Turkish Grand Prix has thrown up plenty of memorable moments…

Why Türkiye is back on the calendar from 2027

The Turkish Grand Prix is making a comeback to the F1 calendar, in a new five-year deal starting from 2027.

F1 returns to Türkiye's Istanbul Park from 2027

Formula 1 have announced that the Turkish Grand Prix will return to the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2027, with Istanbul Park confirmed on the calendar through the 2031 season following a new agreement with Türkiye’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Allan McNish announced as Racing Director at Audi

In a leadership update, Allan McNish will take on the role of Racing Director at the Audi F1 team.

The state of play at Red Bull

Red Bull have not had the start they might have hoped to a new era of regulations - but what can be done at Milton Keynes to get them back to winning ways?

Why Brawn GP’s fairy tale is the F1 story that keeps on giving

While F1 racing has paused for April, teams have still been working flat-out at their factories to get ready for the resumption of the season in Miami next weekend, and cars have still been appearing on track to help tyre suppliers Pirelli prepare for upcoming campaigns.

Windows Central

Everything announced for Xbox and PC at the ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase — new indie games on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and more

Couldn't catch the ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase live? No worries — we've got a full overview of everything announced right here.

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred will release earlier than expected in the US, and teams up with Overwatch for some of the coolest skins I've ever seen

Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred will launch in the US a day early to accomodate a worldwide simultaneous launch, and we're getting an Overwatch event to boot.

"Xbox will be where the world plays": Microsoft confirms Xbox is once again looking into acquisitions, huge manifesto for the future detailed

In a new memo penned by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and its CCO Matt Booty, Microsoft details its vision and plans for the future of the Xbox brand

A PC gaming headset with peerless sound and serious comfort that outperforms pricier rivals

The Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed is a PC gaming headset that won our hearts for its premium-grade sound and wireless performance, and it's pricey has taken a massive 46% discount

Echo Generation 2, the long-awaited sequel to one of my favorite indie Xbox RPGs, has announced its release date with an insane new trailer

During Microsoft's recent ID@Xbox Showcase 2026, a new trailer for Echo Generation 2 appeared, revealing more gameplay, insane bosses, and its release date.

Xbox is back as Asha Sharma scraps Microsoft Gaming in favor of the 'Return to Xbox' initiative

Microsoft is scrapping its corporate "Microsoft Gaming" brand to refocus on its core identity: the "Return of Xbox."

Xbox has a new Game Pass tier in testing: "Starter Edition" appears in the code, includes limited cloud streaming and first party games

Ahead of an official announcement, the code for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming suggests that a new "Starter Edition" may be imminent for reveal.

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced remake finally has its release date after its full reveal, and preorders are live — oh, and there's a Collector's Edition, too

Ubisoft has revealed the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remaster — Black Flag Resynced — in full, detailing its new features and pushing preorders live.

Did Blizzard just drag Korn out of retirement for Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred?

Korn just dropped their first song since 2022, Reward the Scars, which is inspired by Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 03 Reloaded has a release date and a HEAP of content, as well as a dose of RoboCop

Call of Duty's latest mid-season update is upon us, and alongside the new maps in Multiplayer and Zombies, new modes in Warzone, and new missions in Endgame, is a collaboration with RoboCop.

I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again

From Ninja Cat to named owners — I learned how Microsoft is rebooting the Insider program to restore trust, but will it work?

Ranking the biggest Xbox "problems" on Asha Sharma's to-do list: Exclusives, Xbox Helix, Game Pass, and more

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma just crossed sixty days in the job, and has tackled some big issues facing the platform already. But there's potentially much harder stuff on the horizon.

Xbox Free Play Days has acquired MLB The Show 26, Age of Mythology: Retold, and more for all Xbox players to enjoy — this upcoming weekend only

Microsoft has announced a collection of games that can be played for free temporarily from April 23 to April 26, 2026. These games are MLB The Show 26, Age of Mythology: Retold, Anno 117: Pax Romana, and The Survivalists.

Copilot Keyboard launches in Japan, but it’s the return of the dolphin “Kyle” stealing the spotlight

Copilot Keyboard launches in Japan with AI‑powered text suggestions, Copilot Search, and the surprise return of Kyle the dolphin from Microsoft Office 97.

"We care deeply about this game, and we play it right alongside you": World of Warcraft team apologizes for the state of the game — as patch 12.0.5 frustration boils over

World of Warcraft is the most popular subscription based MMORPG in history owing to the absolute mountain of content it receieves in exchange for the monthly fee. Lately, though, it feels increasingly like Blizzard has spread itself thin.

Laffgaff

Phobias

I hate when people go on about their phobias. I'm terrified of heights but you won't hear me shouting about it from the rooftops.

Boston is the capital of what U.S. state?

Massachusetts.

Itsfoss

5 Reasons to Upgrade to Ubuntu 26.04 (and 3 Reasons to Stay Away)

Should you skip this new release or jump on the bandwagon and upgrade to 26.04? Let me help you with that.

Lubuntu 26.04 LTS Ships LXQt 2.3, and Keeps Wayland on the Backburner

The lightweight Ubuntu flavor hits the 30 release mark with a refreshed app stack and Wayland support still in the works.

Kubuntu 26.04 LTS Drops X11 Support and Goes All in On Wayland

You also get Plasma 6.6, Linux 7.0, and three years of standard LTS support.

The Awesome New Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is Here

App replacements aside, there are quite a few interface upgrades worth knowing about too!

Firefox Has Quietly Integrated Brave's Adblock Engine

Mozilla shipped it in Firefox 149 without a mention in the release notes.

Will You Pay $119 For This Open Source KVM Built on Rust and Buildroot?

The LeafKVM packs a 2.4-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi 5, and PoE into a CNC aluminum box.