BBC News
What is Trump's 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz?
The US president said the operation has been paused after starting on Monday.
Cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak to sail to Canary Islands
Spain's health ministry said the MV Hondius is expected to arrive within three to four days.
Catherine to return to overseas visits with Italy trip
The Princess of Wales will go to Italy next week on her first official overseas engagement for more than three years.
Campaigning sprint finish ahead of elections around Britain tomorrow
A mesmerising mix of results are expected after candidates make their final pitches, our political editor writes.
'Nothing will bring back my son': How 10 minutes of bombing by Israel shattered lives in Lebanon
The bombs started falling at 14:15 in the afternoon - bringing chaos and destruction across the country.
Watch: Captain of stranded ship in Strait of Hormuz tells BBC of 'pressure'
Capt Raman Kapoor's ship is one of several to be stranded in the strait in the midst of the power struggle between the US and Iran.
Apple to pay $250m to US iPhone buyers over AI features lawsuit
Claims from last year said the tech firm’s advertising of Apple Intelligence fooled iPhone buyers.
Man charged with attempted Trump assassination indicted for assaulting Secret Service officer
Cole Tomas Allen is now facing charges from a grand jury indictment, which supersedes his previous charges.
To stay or risk the 'Road of Death' - Ukrainian civilians trapped in frontline city
People in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky say they have been cut off from fresh supplies of food or medicine for months.
The Papers: 'Borrowing costs hit 28-year high' and 'Come cry with me'
The upcoming local elections on Thursday and jet fuel shortages dominate Wednesday's papers.
Finding soldier Tom: Solving family mystery of WW2 Soviet prisoner of war
He was saved by a Jersey family after escaping a Nazi labour camp, but after the war he disappeared in the Soviet Union.
Dressed for succession: What Kim Ju Ae's outfits tell us about North Korea
Kim Ju Ae's evolving fashion is one of the signs that she is being groomed as North Korea's next leader.
Oil prices ease as US pauses Project Freedom to seek deal with Iran
President Donald Trump raised hopes of an agreement between the US and Iran after days of escalation.
Woman, 35, died in explosion after ex-partner 'forced entry' into her home
Police officers are treating the death of Jo Shaw as a homicide.
IS families in Syria have booked tickets home to Australia, minister says
The four women and nine children with links to Islamic State have spent years in a Syrian camp.
UK long-term borrowing costs reach 28-year high
There have been extra jitters in UK government debt markets ahead of Thursday's local and national elections.
How did Heidi Klum become a living Met Gala sculpture?
Prosthetic make-up designer Mike Marino reveals how he created the supermodel's show-stopping costume for the annual event in New York.
'I thought he was going to hit me' OpenAI co-founder says of Musk
OpenAI president Greg Brockman spoke during the second week of a month-long trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI's Sam Altman.
Trump pauses Hormuz ships plan 50 hours after he announced it - what happened?
The US president pauses the military operation to get ships through the Strait of Hormuz two days after he announced it.
What is hantavirus and how does it spread? Key questions after outbreak
The Andes strain of the virus has been confirmed in some passengers, which can rarely be passed from person to person.
People urged not to cancel flights over fuel shortage fears
Airlines have cut 13,000 flights globally in May as jet fuel prices soar due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Massive Alaska megatsunami was second largest ever recorded
New research suggests glacier melt driven by climate change is increasing the risk of giant waves.
Up to 150 former WHSmith high street stores to close
The stores were purchased by Modella Capital last year, and then rebranded under the name TGJones.
Political parties make final pitches ahead of key elections
A final push for votes is under way on the last day of campaigning ahead of elections across England, Scotland and Wales.
Strictly Come Dancing: Five pros to leave the show as line-up confirmed
Five members of the show's professional line-up, including the long-serving Karen Hauer, are leaving.
Oil prices drop and stock markets rise after reports of deal to end Iran war
Reports have raised hopes of an agreement between the US and Iran after days of escalation.
Ted Turner, media mogul who revolutionised TV news by launching CNN, dies at 87
The media mogul pioneered the modern 24-hour news culture when he launched the Cable News Network in 1980.
Russia ignores Ukraine's unilateral ceasefire and attacks kindergarten
Ukraine's president says Russia has "spurned the ceasefire" and Kyiv is deciding on further action to take.
Removing 30% of my penis saved my life – this is why I let the surgery be filmed
Alastair Munro's surgery features on the series Surgeons: At the Edge of Life on BBC Two on Wednesday.
How Ipswich Town's promotion to Premier League could help club and county
The Blues' promotion to the Premier League could boost the team's chances and Suffolk's prosperity.
Robot wars - what an operation in Ukraine tells us about the battlefield of the near future
After Ukraine's President Zelensky said territory had been captured using just robots and drones, what is the future of unmanned warfare?
Campaigning sprint finish ahead of elections around Britain tomorrow
A mesmerising mix of results are expected after candidates make their final pitches, our political editor writes.
Spanish superstar Rosalía reaches for heaven as her tour hits London
The Spanish star delights fans as she brings her highly anticipated Lux tour to the UK.
Dual-national baby refused entry to UK after passport rule change
The eleven-month-old was born in Scotland but has an Austrian passport.
Woman stabbed in heart before explosion, court told
Annabel Rook was stabbed multiple times by her partner, who admits manslaughter but denies murder.
Two people arrested after BBC asylum investigation
A BBC report revealed some immigration advisers are helping asylum seekers pretend to be gay to stay in the country.
Rope swing death a 'shocking accident', coroner says
Brooke Wiggins, 12, died in 2024 after a tree branch snapped and crushed her in Banstead, Surrey.
Former council leader jailed for sexually assaulting young men
Jordan Linden stood down as leader of North Lanarkshire Council in 2022 after the allegations emerged.
Bournemouth Echo
'Significant blow' to food vendors after shopping centre 'terminates leases'
TWO food vendors are set to close and be replaced with new businesses after a shopping centre reportedly terminated their leases.
Council insists no cut to school crossing patrols after parents raise safety fears
A council has confirmed that school crossing patrols remain in place following concerns raised by parents.
Councillor steps in after charity shop fly-tipping 'impacts business'
A councillor has encouraged residents to report all cases of fly tipping after she stepped in to remove items that were dumped outside a charity shop in Westbourne.
Man assaulted multiple people in Horseshoe Common - In the Dock
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Family hosts charity event in memory of 'loving and outgoing' six-year-old
A charity fundraiser has been organised in memory of a six-year-old who passed away from a rare brain tumour bringing “everybody together who loved her”.
Nursery business recognised for sustainability in King's Award
A Dorset nursery business has been recognised for sustainability in The King’s Awards for Enterprise, which is celebrating it's 60th anniversary.
Sunseeker announces 'striking' line-up for upcoming Australian boat show
Sunseeker, based in Poole, will showcase the models at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), from Thursday, May 21, to Sunday, May 24.
Private hospital in Poole recognised for 'outstanding patient experience'
A PRIVATE hospital in Poole has received an award recognising for "outstanding patient experience" during Reputation 900 Award which recognises "exceptional score of 900."
Man jailed after stealing sex toy and poppy charity box in spate of offences
A prolific offender who admitted to more than a dozen crimes across Bournemouth and Poole has been jailed for more nearly half a year.
'Incredibly grateful' business treats firefighters to burgers after Verwood gas leak
Firefighters were treated to a free burger delivery to say thank you for keeping the community safe.
Cancer unit colleagues walk Dorset to raise money for department
Two colleagues from a Poole Hospital cancer unit are walking across Dorset to raise money for their department. The 180-mile walking challenge, from Poole to Christchurch, has seen the pair stop off at sites where the Unit’s breast screening vans visit across the county.
Community woodland project to take centre stage at AGM
It was started by a benefactor who bought the land on behalf of the community in May 2025.
Dorset book club shines a spotlight on emerging literary talent from Poole
A book club based in Poole is shining a spotlight on local talent by welcoming emerging talent, Adam Cleaver to its latest meeting.
Popular crafts market returns to a Dorset museum with multiple dates revealed
Dorset’s Museum of East Dorset is bringing back its popular Tearoom Makers Market next month.
Rivals star joins cast of 'emotional rollercoaster' drama coming to ITV
Rivals star Alex Hassell and Jennifer Ehle have joined the cast of ITV's First Woman alongside Andrea Riseborough and Ashley Walters
Letter - 'Living in a selfish, self centred world'
Can anybody explain what yes/no means when people ask questions?
Christchurch-based fitness studio marks first anniversary with new plans
Studio One in Christchurch celebrates its first anniversary with expansion plans, new website, and special offers on personal training and fitness courses.
Businesses recognised by The King in prestigious award
Three businesses in Dorset and the New Forest have received the The King’s Awards for Enterprise. The award is designed to highlight the “strength, innovation, and ambition of British enterprise”.
Boy, 7, left scarred and with teeth knocked out after e-bike rider ran red light
A teenager left a seven-year-old boy seriously injured after jumping a red light on an e-bike.
Asda applies to BCP Council for premises licence at Poole store
Asda seeks 24-hour alcohol licence for Asda Express Canford Heath PFS, Poole. BCP Council to decide; public comments invited by 22 May 2026.
New town council to hold event celebrating Poole's history next week
Poole Town Council revives Beating of the Bounds on 16 May. Mayor Mark Howell cycles new boundaries, with heritage events and civic parade on the Quay.
Dorset man thriving after epilepsy diagnosis thanks to technology-enabled care
Dorset man gains independence with technology-enabled care support from Dorset Council, using alarms and support apps for safer, independent living.
Rapist jailed for decade after repeated violent assault of female victim
A rapist has been jailed for a decade after he raped and repeatedly violently assaulted a female victim over a period of several months.
Man arrested after fire at police station
A man has been arrested following a reported arson at Sherborne Police Station. The fire did not spread to the station building and no injuries were sustained, police say
RECAP: Busy road blocked after reports of earlier 'accident'
A busy road in Poole is currently partially blocked- updates to follow.
Royal Marines captain cleared of raping woman at military base
A Royal Marines captain has been found not guilty of raping a woman after she came to his room at a military base after socialising in the officers’ mess.
Update issued after two men arrested by armed police in Sandbanks
A pair of men who were arrested by armed police following an "altercation" on Sandbanks Ferry have been release on bail, police have said
Third arrest made after teen 'stabbed' in Bournemouth
A third arrest has been made after a 16-year-old reportedly sustained 'stab wounds' during an assault.
Four men 'broke locks off' cabinets and 'stole' perfume from Boots
A group of men reportedly stole more than £1,200 worth of perfume after breaking the locks of cabinets in a shop.
Beaufort Community Centre confirmed as polling station
Beaufort Community Centre has been confirmed as a polling station in the upcoming town council elections
Reform candidate shares Covid vaccine conspiracy theories
A Reform UK candidate in May’s local elections has shared Covid-vaccination conspiracy theories on his social media page to thousands of followers.
Two arrested after car 'flew over' brook and landed in pub garden
A car was reported to have 'flown over' a brook at speed before landing just inches from a pub in Sopley.
Luxury lakeside home with indoor pool up for sale for £2.4 million
This luxury lakeside Ringwood home set in 3.75 acres with indoor pool has gone on the market, priced at £2.395 million.
Temporary closure of Longham bridge proposed for essential works
A proposed temporary closure of Longham bridge is requested by South West Water to carry out works, with a distance of approximately 190 metres.
Independent candidate 'fed up of Poole's decline'
An independent candidate running for election to Poole Town Council has said he is “fed up with seeing the steady decline of our town”
Firefighters could threaten strike action in battle over station closures
Firefighters could threatening potential strike action if proposed station closures go ahead in Dorset.
LIVE: Busy road partially blocked due to incident with queuing traffic
We will be bringing you the latest news, traffic and travel updates for BCP today Have a story? email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk
Dorset Bowls club marks 120th anniversary with Bournemouth MP in attendance
Richmond Park Bowls Club celebrates 120 years with MP Tom Hayes, community events, and student participation, with an anniversary event on April 26.
Coach holiday company sees rise in UK bookings as Britons ditch trips abroad
UK coach holiday firm Daish’s Holidays reports 14% rise in August bookings as Britons opt for UK breaks over costly foreign travel and flight disruption.
Much-loved nurse known as 'Pocket Rocket' retires after lifetime of care
Much-loved nurse Carmel retires after 30+ years in the NHS, 13 at Forest Holme Hospice, praised for her compassion and dedication to patients and families.
Acclaimed musician and 'proud Geordie icon' to perform at Ringwood venue
Geordie icon Jimmy Nail brings his 2026 Stories and Songs tour to Ringwood, performing hits from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Crocodile Shoes. Tickets available.
Dorset charity urges residents to sign up for inflatable 5k run this August
Join the Bournemouth Inflatable 5k for STARS Dorset on 1 August 2026. Raise funds for sexual trauma support. Open to all; sign up via Run for Charity.
Poole school heading to Pokémon Primary Schools' Cup tournament final
The Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup 2026 finals, run by ESFA and The Pokémon Company, see 16 teams compete at Stoke City FC after 50,000 children took part.
Annual dog show promises to be 'fun day for families'
An annual dog show organised by an animal rescue charity to support animals in need will provide ‘a fun day for families’ in Dorset.
Celebrities call on people in Bournemouth to wear it green for mental health
Wear It Green Day returns on 14 May for Mental Health Awareness Week. Join Dr Ranj Singh and Gaby Roslin in supporting UK mental health awareness.
Stars urging Bournemouth community to wear green in support of mental health
Stars are stepping out in green as part of a campaign to spark conversations about mental health and are encouraging the Bournemouth community to join in
Dorset-based charity wins 'Wellness in Sport Award' at Sports Industry Awards
Park Yoga Dorset wins Wellness in Sport Award at Sports Industry Awards for free, inclusive yoga sessions in parks across the UK, promoting community wellbeing.
Dorset firm warns of costly mistakes when using AI for financial advice
Azets warns Dorset investors against relying solely on AI for financial advice amid April tax changes, stressing the need for professional, tailored guidance.
Search launched to find Britain's favourite walking path for 2026
Now in its third year, The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity is inviting the nation to take part in the search for Britain’s Favourite Path 2026.
Government
Water Industry Act 1991 (Amendment) (Payment of Fines) Bill
A Bill to omit from the Water Industry Act 1991 provision enabling water companies to make an application for a change to the date by which a penalty or portion of a penalty must be paid or to appeal to the High Court in respect of such a date; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
The transformative upgrades behind Red Bull's turnaround
Mark Hughes examines the extensive changes that Red Bull made to the RB22 for the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
All the sports megastars at the Miami Grand Prix
Formula 1 always attracts sporting royalty, but Miami took it to another level – here are all the megastars at the track this weekend
F1 and Sky agree new partnership across UK, Ireland, and Italy
Formula 1 and Sky have today announced a multi-year agreement continuing their long standing and deep partnership, giving Sky Sports viewers in the UK, Ireland, and Italy exclusive access to all the action from every Formula 1 race weekend into the next decade.
Antonelli singles out 'big point that needs to be improved'
Kimi Antonelli has one area that needs work if he wants to keep his championship lead.
Emerson Fittipaldi on when he shocked Formula 1
Emerson Fittipaldi joins the Beyond The Grid podcast to reflect on his remarkable story in the sport.
How Cadillac's first home race in F1 panned out
Cadillac made its debut in front of its home fans at the Miami Grand Prix, but what was the reception to Formula 1's newest team?
Windows Central
Microsoft Edge will load all your passwords into memory in plaintext, but Microsoft says it's not a security concern
A security researcher has discovered that Microsoft Edge will load all your stored passwords into memory in plaintext at startup, making it easy for malware to scrape those passwords.
Xbox ends Copilot on console and the reasoning reveals how Asha Sharma wants to reshape the platform
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirms the end of Copilot on console and mobile, marking a shift away from AI features as the company focuses on speed, community, and core priorities.
“There is simply nothing else like it” becomes even more true now that this premium multi‑system headset is 25 percent cheaper
The Logitech Astro A50 X is an extremely expensive item that can connect to multiple platforms and provide immensely satisfying sound quality, and now people have a better chance at owning one with this 25% discount.
The Arctis Nova Pro Omni is here and SteelSeries is making a bigger play than just another headset refresh
SteelSeries has unveiled the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, offering feature-rich audiophile-quality performance in a wireless, platform-agnostic gaming headset.
"We hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it": Valve laments that the Steam Controller went out of stock instantly, says it's working on a restock
The Steam Controller sold out instantly when it launched this week, but Valve has issued a new statement confirming it's working hard to get a restock.
“Halo Infinite is not done yet”: A surprise update dropped out of nowhere and it raises new questions about the game’s future
Halo Infinite has received a surprise update introducing Firefight Gauntlet, a new mode with escalating challenges, alongside new Forge maps.
Forza Horizon 6 is driving into Xbox Game Pass this month, along with heavy hitters like Doom: The Dark Ages and Subnautica 2, and more
Microsoft reveals Xbox Game Pass's first batch of new games coming in the first half of May 2026, and it's stacked with highly anticipated titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Subnautica 2, and critically-acclaimed hits like Doom: The Dark Ages.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic announced its dev team, and it's full of Mass Effect and KotOR BioWare talent — now I'm even more excited for the RPG
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic director Casey Hudson announced the game's lead dev team on Star Wars Day, and it's full of KotOR and Mass Effect talent.
“We need to evolve”: Xbox CEO overhauls leadership as Xbox's hardware future looks increasingly bleak
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is overhauling the brand’s leadership team following a difficult earnings report, bringing in new talent from CoreAI and Instacart while Kevin Gammill and Roanne Sones depart.
N‑Studio brings a full screen recorder and editor to the Microsoft Store with a generous free tier
N‑Studio is now available on the Microsoft Store, offering a free Starter version with screen recording, audio capture and export tools. A $36 Professional upgrade adds timelapse support, extra adjustments and a full multi‑layer editor.
Windows 11's new Run box is what happens when Microsoft actually cares: Replaces legacy Windows 95-era dialog with something new and better
The new Windows Run box has been officially unveiled, and it's a genuine improvement over the legacy interface with faster launch times and more features. This is what happens when the people working on Windows actually care.
We spent a week with Xbox Mode — here is what actually works, what breaks, and what the community is saying about it
Xbox Mode has officially started rolling out on Windows 11, but early feedback from users has been mixed. From rollout confusion and missing features to glitchy UI behavior and disappointing performance gains, fans are already questioning whether the new gaming-focused mode is ready for prime time.
Microsoft Edge is removing its Sidebar to cut clutter while leaving the ever-controversial Copilot untouched
Microsoft Edge will soon remove the ability to pin apps and websites to the Sidebar. Microsoft says the change is part of simplifying Edge, but the move leaves Copilot in place and removes a feature many people rely on.
The Microsoft/OpenAI breakup: What does it actually mean for Copilot and other AI apps on your Windows 11 PC?
Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI just became non-exclusive, meaning rival companies like Google can access OpenAI's models, making Copilot AI in Windows 11 less exclusive, consequently costing it its bargaining chip and competitive edge.
"Apple's laptop simply delivers a higher quality experience": LG's new $599 gram Book is turning heads, but how does it compare to the MacBook Neo?
The LG gram Book 15 for 2026 has made its debut at a discounted $599, which immediately makes me think of the MacBook Neo. Here's how the two laptops compare.
Teams erratically flips user status from 'Available' to 'Away' after just minutes of inactivity: "It’s not a status indicator, it’s a surveillance tool with trust issues."
Multiple users have raised concerns about Teams' status indicator, noting that it marks them as unavailable after only a few minutes of inactivity. They argue this feature feels intrusive surveillance and micromanagement rather than a helpful productivity tool.
Laffgaff
What is the NATO phonetic alphabet word for the letter H?
Hotel.
Guitar Shop
Why did Darth Vader search the guitar shop? To find the hidden rebel bass.
Itsfoss
Go Away Microsoft! The Netherlands is Quietly Building Its Own GitHub Replacement
The self-hosted, FOSS-only platform is still in the pilot phase, but government agencies are already signing up.
Should You Be Worried About The Copy Fail Linux Exploit?
It's been patched, but cloud and container users should update sooner than later.