The News - Thursday, 07 May 2026

BBC News

Two Britons self-isolating in UK after leaving hantavirus cruise ship early

They do not have symptoms and health officials say the risk to the general public remains very low.

Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Hezbollah ceasefire

Israel says it targeted a senior Hezbollah figure in the capital, the first strike of its kind since mid-April.

Can CCTV really stop children being abused in nurseries?

With reports of abuse and deaths fuelling concern among parents, questions are growing over whether CCTV can offer real protection for children - or not.

Serving Met officer and four ex-officers investigated for handling of Al Fayed allegations

A serving officer and four former officers are being investigated over the handling of reports against the businessman.

Iran considering US proposal as Trump says war will be 'over quickly'

Mediator Pakistan says it is "endeavouring to convert this ceasefire into a permanent end to this war".

German tourist wins payout after losing sun lounger race

The man sued his tour operator for allowing people to reserve sun loungers with towels despite a hotel ban on the practice.

'We had people come just to see it': Amazon delivers its first UK parcels by drone

The unmanned aircraft can drop off 100 parcels a day within a 12km radius of Amazon's hub.

Millions across England, Scotland and Wales to vote in key elections

The polls on Thursday will be the biggest test of public opinion since the general election in 2024.

Key bridge linking North Korea and Russia almost finished, satellite images show

The road crossing is the latest sign of the deepening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Trump's hopes for an Iran peace deal come with caveats

There are signs of fresh momentum to end the war, but Trump himself has injected a note of caution.

Watch: Passengers told virus-hit ship 'not infectious' after first death

YouTuber Ruhi Çenet was on board the ship, and filmed the announcement made on 12 April.

In 'Musk v Altman', this judge will make the final call

The feud has fuelled a costly showdown between two tech titans.

'Enjoy the show. Ignore the war': Venice Biennale faces backlash after including Russia

Protests have taken place at the prestigious arts fair over the inclusion of Russia for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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.

Harry Potter TV series renewed for second season at HBO

Filming is scheduled for autumn later this year and will likely adapt the second book in JK Rowling's series, The Chamber of Secrets.

Bonnie Tyler recovering after being taken to hospital for surgery

The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer is being treated in Faro, Portugal, where she has a home.

Former OpenAI board member says Elon Musk offered her sperm donations

Shivon Zilis is the mother of four of Musk's children. That relationship began as she advised OpenAI.

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.

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship not start of pandemic, UN health agency says

Ther World Health Organization says it is not in the same situation as with Covid-19 because hantavirus spreads differently.

UK immigration officer among two men guilty of working for Chinese intelligence

Chi Leung "Peter" Wai used the main immigration database to track Hong Kong dissidents in the UK.

David Attenborough says he is 'overwhelmed' by 100th birthday messages

The legendary wildlife broadcaster thanks fans in a message the day before he reaches his centenary.

Rosenberg: Russia's Victory Day parade with no tanks a sign Ukraine war not going to plan

For the first time in nearly two decades, there will be no military hardware, just soldiers during Saturday's parade in Moscow.

Police say man arrested over 'intimidating behaviour' near Andrew's home

A man is being held on suspicion of a public order offence and possessing an offensive weapon.

Major rail disruption expected in southern England until end of day

A radio fault has been resolved but passengers could continue to face long delays, warns National Rail.

Portugal and Italy will not suspend digital border checks for Brits

Reports had suggested the countries were set to follow the example of Greece, which effectively suspended biometric checks for UK nationals.

The Only Way Is Essex star Jake Hall dies aged 35

The reality TV star, model and former footballer died in Spain.

Meta brings High Court challenge over Ofcom fees

Meta said Ofcom's calculations were "disproportionate"; the regulator said it would defend its position.

Superdry co-founder James Holder jailed for rape

James Holder's victim told her attacker he took her "choice, dignity and body".

What you need to know about the elections in England, Scotland and Wales

Millions will vote in parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales, and local elections in England.

Do I need a photo ID and my polling card to vote in the elections?

Voters in England only will have to show photo ID while polling cards are not essential.

Who can I vote for in my area?

Elections are taking place across the UK. Find out whether there is one where you live and who you can vote for.

Curious canines and patient pups - it's dogs at polling stations

Pictures of dogs at polling stations are now a part of election day - here are some of the best we have seen.

How does the BBC report polling day?

The BBC cannot report on campaigning or election issues while polls are open on Thursday 7 May.

How worried should we be about hantavirus?

Some passengers potentially exposed to hantavirus have already taken flights to numerous countries.

Hantavirus survivor says sickness was like 'hell on earth'

Two survivors who caught the hantavirus years earlier told the BBC they both felt lucky to be alive.

How cameras are being used to tackle abuse in nurseries

With reports of abuse and deaths fuelling concern among parents, questions are growing over whether CCTV can offer real protection for children - or not.

Ukraine war 'led me to surrogacy' to earn money but a new law could end those plans

Ukraine is considering a law that would effectively ban foreigners from accessing surrogacy in the country.

My daughter donated her hand to a stranger – holding it again has given me comfort

Jackie Kirwan says meeting the recipient of her daughter's hand has been "amazing".

When Scotland qualified for the World Cup... but didn't go

Scotland waited 28 years to be part of this year's World Cup - back in 1950 they turned it down.

Actress sues Avatar director for 'theft' of facial features for character

Q'orianka Kilcher alleges James Cameron "extracted her facial features" for a character when she was 14.

Government wins legacy case at UK Supreme Court

Judges in London ruled parts of the 2023 Legacy Act did not lead to victims' rights being diminished.

Man arrested for selling Morgan McSweeney's stolen phone

McSweeney was the prime minister's chief of staff in October 2025 when his government phone was stolen in London.

Inmate said Watkins attack would 'make me famous'

Rashid Gedel is accused of murdering Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins at HMP Wakefield in October.

Fears of renewed Gaza war as Hamas disarmament talks stall

Israeli media reports suggest Israel is preparing to resume fighting because of the impasse in talks with Hamas.

US judge releases Jeffrey Epstein's purported suicide note

Epstein's former cellmate claims he found the note, which has not been verified by the BBC.

Bournemouth Echo

Residents heading to the polls for the new town councils today

Residents in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone will be casting their votes in the elections for new town councils

LIVE: Busy road closed as fire crews tackle house fire

Good evening - Waterloo Road in Poole is closed due to a house fire. Updates here as we get them.

'Intoxicated' driver detained after blocking A35

A driver who is believed to have been intoxicated has been detained after blocking the A35

Shock as kittens found dumped in backpack near railway station

Three kittens have been rescued after being dumped in a backpack near a railway station

Heavy lorry journeys will more than double near quarry site

New sand extraction from a Purbeck quarry will see a leap in heavy lorry trips in the area – up from 26 per day, to 66

Level crossing to close for 12 days as gates fully replaced

A popular pedestrian level crossing is set to close again – this time for nearly a fortnight – while its gates are completely replaced in a bid to secure its long‑term future.

Grieving mums slam ‘disrespectful’ pagan influencer who stripped memorial tree

Grieving mothers have hit out at an 'insensitive and disrespectful' pagan influencer who cut down hundreds of ribbons from a memorial tree.

Sacked headteacher spared teaching ban after driving home drunk from pub

A headteacher has been spared a teaching ban after being convicted of drink-driving.

Café 30 mins from Southampton that’s wowing customers with 'best cooked breakfasts'

The Beaulieu Bakehouse is a cafe located in Beaulieu that has been wowing customers and is a 30-minute drive from Southampton

3 'picturesque' Dorset towns ranked among the sunniest places in the UK

Bournemouth, Weymouth and Swanage ranked among the sunniest places to live in the UK, according to Sunsave

Young Ringwood athlete shines at Jiu-Jitsu championships

Ringwood’s Darla Anderson excelled at the IBJJF Kids European Jiu Jitsu Championships in Dublin, reaching the final and seeking support for future tournaments.

6 dogs at Poppys Pals Rescue who dream of finding a cosy new home

A few dogs at Poppys Pals Rescue in Wimborne are looking to find new homes in the county

New music festival led by acclaimed musician to launch in Dorset this summer

Tree of Strings festival launches in Abbotsbury, Dorset, July 2026. Curated by Adrian Brendel, it features classical, jazz, folk, and rising UK artists.

Dog festival promising beach fun and foam parties coming to Hampshire

A dog festival is bringing beach fun, foam parties and more to Hampshire.

'Large' fire at derelict property believed to be deliberate

A 'large' fire that broke out at a vacant property in Poole is believed to have been started deliberately.

Jailed in April - Drugs gangs, rapist and £30k romance fraudster

Criminals jailed in April include a couple who ran a postal drug operation from their home, a man who strangled and raped a woman and a romance fraudster who conned his victim out of nearly £30,000.

LIVE: Voters to head to the polls today for town council elections

Residents will head to the polls today for the Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone town council elections. We will be bringing you the latest updates.

'Largest' car boot sale in the county taking place this weekend

The “largest” car boot sale in Dorset is taking place this weekend.

89-year-old in wheelchair left with bleed on the brain after 'unprovoked assault'

A 46-YEAR-OLD man from Bournemouth has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison after charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm assaulting an elderly woman in a wheelchair.

Multiple reports of a "knock and run" incidents targeting properties in Dorset

Police have issued a warning after a spate of "knock and run" incidents.

Several people removed from property in Dorset

Concerns about criminal exploitation have prompted police action at an address.

Two more toilet blocks to close due to ongoing vandalism

Two further toilet blocks remain out of order following vandalism to the facilities

Start date for major changes to New Forest bin collections

Major changes to bin collections in parts of the New Forest will come into force next week.

Man arrested on suspicion of igniting fire at police station

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after igniting fire outside boiler room at police station.

Bicycle stolen and van doors forced during garage break-in

A grey bicycle was stolen and the doors to a van parked in garage were forced open in a reported residential break-in.

'Call 999 immediately' - manhunt under way for alleged stalker in Dorset

A manhunt is underway for an alleged stalker in Dorset.

Firefighters tackle 'deliberately started' blaze in derelict building

A 'significant' fire that tore through a derelict building was believed to have been starting deliberately, prompting a large emergency response.

Three-bedroom house could be turned into seven bed HMO

A plan to turn a three-bedroom house in Poole into a seven bed HMO has been submitted to BCP Council

Plans for pedestrian crossing at ‘dangerous’ junction

There are plans to install a pedestrian crossing at a ‘dangerous’ junction in Bournemouth

Trains severely delayed to and from Bournemouth due to communications 'issues'

All routes between Bournemouth and Southampton have been cancelled due communication system "issues" in London Waterloo.

Isle of Wight RNLI factory to close as operations move to Poole

The RNLI's lifeboat factory in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight will close by the end of 2027.

Readers can subscribe for just £5 for 5 months in this flash sale

Readers who want to subscribe to our news site can enjoy an exclusive offer of £5 for 5 months or save over 40% off an annual subscription during our limited-time promotion.

Couples plan their 'perfect' wedding day at fayre in Bransgore

Couples were treated to a day of inspiration and planning at a wedding fayre in the New Forest.

Why Christchurch residents aren’t voting in town council elections

While residents in Bournemouth and Poole will be taking part in elections for town councils, residents in Christchurch will not be voting and may be wondering why

LIVE: Traffic, travel and news updates for BCP and wider areas

All things traffic, travel and news will be shared- updates as we get them.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter to perform at Dorset venue this month

Cornish singer-songwriter Hollie Rogers to play at Lighthouse Poole, 29 May, promoting new single Bad Woman and album Everything’s Fine. Tickets available now.

Two Second World War Victoria Cross medals to be displayed together for VE Day

Two Victoria Crosses awarded to Royal Tank Regiment heroes in WWII are reunited at The Tank Museum, Bovington, for VE Day in the War Stories exhibition.

Dorset man to run 100km Jurassic Coast ultra challenge for ME/CFS awareness

Eddie Smith from Portland to run 100km Jurassic Coast ultra marathon in May 2026, raising awareness and funds for ME/CFS in support of brother Marcus.

UK’s longest running rock and pop show to return to Bournemouth venue

That’ll Be The Day, the UK’s longest-running rock and pop show, celebrates 40 years with a special Bournemouth Pavilion gig after touring 1.5 million miles.

Community run club launches Poole event uniting runners for an evening of live music

A running event with mental health, community connection and its core is set to take place in Poole next month.

Festival entirely for dogs returns to the New Forest this month

Dogstival returns to Burley Park, Hampshire, 30–31 May with dog-friendly beaches, foam parties, cocktails, activities and entertainment for dogs and owners.

Bournemouth Water: leaking toilets could waste hundreds of litres of water a day

A leaking toilet could waste up to 400 litres daily. Bournemouth Water urges UK households to check for leaky loos during Water Saving Week 2026.

Coffee shop set to open inside Sainsbury's later this year

A Costa Coffee shop is set to open inside a Sainsbury’s store in Poole later this year.

Bournemouth school marks 140th anniversary with special event

Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth marks its 140th anniversary with new headteacher Ross Cameron, uniting pupils, alumnae and staff for a special celebration.

Law firm’s ‘stark reminder’ for landlords as new era of tenants’ rights kicks in

The Renters' Rights Act 2026 brings major UK rental law changes, ending Section 21 evictions and toughening penalties. Ellis Jones offers compliance seminars.

Therapeutic classrooms transform learning in Parley school

Parley First School in Dorset sees improved attendance, engagement and behaviour after introducing therapeutic classrooms inspired by Shahana Knight’s approach.

Dorset students sleep outside to raise funds for homelessness charity

Bryanston School pupils raised £3,000 for YMCA Bournemouth at their Sleep Easy event, sleeping out to support homelessness awareness and local charities.

'Public toilets need ongoing policing, not closing'

Having kindly published my letter concerning the closure of Winton toilets, it's good to see problem solved and they have all been reopened.

Next generation of dance stars to perform at Dorset venue next month

Acosta Danza Yunior, graduates of Carlos Acosta’s Cuban Dance Academy, perform 'Next Generation' at Lighthouse Poole, 9–10 June. Book tickets now.

Southbourne-based beauty salon celebrates first anniversary in business

Starlie Studios beauty salon in Southbourne, founded by Madison Holloway, celebrates its first anniversary, offering hair, nails, lashes and brow treatments.

12-hour 'pianathon' to raise funds for accessible community facilities in Winton

St Luke’s Church, Winton hosts a 12-hour pianathon on 9 May 2026 to raise funds for accessible toilets, supporting its vision as an inclusive community hub.

Italian Lunch Experience set to take place at Westbourne boutique next week

Enjoy an Italian Lunch Experience at Agent Nouveau, Westbourne, on 12 May 2026. Taste imported delicatessens, Italian wines, and discover luxury holidays.

Formula 1

Who has gained and lost the most places at race starts?

Race starts under F1’s new-for-2026 regulations have been a hot topic across the opening few rounds of the campaign, with a greater variety in rapid, average and poor getaways adding to the drama on the first lap of a Grand Prix.

McNish reflects on first weekend as Audi Racing Director

Allan McNish has completed his first weekend in his new position as Racing Director at Audi, having taken up the role from the Miami Grand Prix onwards.

What we learned about the pecking order after Miami

After a lengthier than normal break, the F1 circus reconvened in Miami for the second Sprint weekend of the season as the newly upgraded cars broke cover – causing a few changes to the pecking order.

The next steps for Aston Martin after progress in Miami

Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll took the chequered flag for Aston Martin for the first time this season at the Miami Grand Prix.

Windows Central

"They look to influencers to be told how to think": Fallout co-creator says many gamers parrot content creator opinions instead of forming their own, and I think he's 100% right

In the age of content creators, Fallout co-creator Tim Cain believes that players increasingly don't think for themselves and parrot influencer opinions.

"The most fun I've had in Halo PvE in a long time": I played Halo Infinite's surprise new Gauntlet mode, and I'm hooked — it's something I've wanted for ages

Don't sleep on Halo Infinite's new Gauntlet co-op mode. It's some of the most fun I've had with Halo PvE in ages, and a must-play if you like a challenge.

This hybrid headset earned respect for "great sound quality on all fronts" — and we think so too now that it's 44% off

The Razer Barracuda Pro is a special premium headset that elevates the sound of music and video games with great sound and the ability to connect to devices simultaneously, and it's now on offer for a 44% discount.

Xbox continues its brand refresh with a slick new boot-up animation that leans into nostalgia and the return of "Team Green"

Xbox is introducing a brand new boot-up animation for Xbox consoles as part of the company’s ongoing brand refresh under CEO Asha Sharma. The new startup sequence embraces nostalgia and continues Xbox’s return to a more distinct visual identity.

This compact 75% gaming keyboard is an "ultra-comfortable option" with a hot-swappable design — it's hard to beat

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard is now 32% discount for a limited time. If you're on the hunt for a customizable mechanical keyboard with snappy performance rates for gaming and work, then this bargain is for you.

Our favorite Snapdragon X Elite laptop with "peak clamshell form factor", once again escapes the claws of RAM price hikes with this deal

The 7th Edition of Microsoft's Surface laptop is enjoying an 32% discount for its Snapdragon X Elite variant with a 13.8-inch touchscreen to give folks an edge in completing everyday IT tasks for a lower price.

"Minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting": Microsoft's powerful new recovery tool is quietly fixing System Restore. Here's how it actually works.

Point-in-Time Restore is a new Windows 11 feature that redefines recovery for the modern PC user. Here's how it differs from the classic System Restore and why you might want to start using it as soon as it's available.

The 7 most ridiculous Xbox achievements we have ever seen (and why players still chase them)

From the infamous LASO Master challenge in Halo to bizarre achievements in High on Life and Lollipop Chainsaw, this list rounds up seven of the weirdest, funniest, and most difficult Xbox achievements ever created.

"Krafton are still very much helping us": Dev of Xbox Game Pass' Subnautica 2 says it's still working with publisher Krafton despite Steam page removal

Many believe Subnautica 2 dev Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton are severing ties, but devs have confirmed that the two are "co-publishing" the title.

Microsoft Teams will add new protections as attackers target external calls with brand impersonation tactics

Microsoft Teams is adding Brand Impersonation Protection for external VoIP calls. The feature warns users when a first‑contact caller appears to be posing as a trusted organization. It arrives as attackers increasingly target external Teams calls.

Telegram on Windows Phone?! I'm digging my old Lumia out of storage to try this app

A new Telegram client for Windows Phone uses clever tricks to work around the unsupported platform's lack of push notification support.

"SteelSeries finally helped me retire my battered 2015 Astro A50": This is the multiplatform headset, perfected

Finally, after almost a decade, I've replaced my battered Astro A50 headset. The Arctis Nova Pro Omni ticks every single box for multiplatform gamers, in an option far more affordable than its Elite cousin.

Razer's mechanical gaming keyboard offered "endless customization" — and now it comes with a discounted price tag

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is a highly decorated keyboard with vast customization options, sublime responsiveness for gaming and a little bit of productivity, and a design that's built to withstand wear and tear. If you desire its exceptional qualities without paying full price, it's now on sale for a 32% discount for a limited time.

"Stagnant, overpriced, underwhelming, and dead": Here's why Surface fans are turning on Microsoft's premier laptop brand

Surface fans across multiple Reddit communities say the brand has lost its identity, pointing to rising prices, a lack of innovation, and a stripped‑down lineup.

Microsoft is working on major performance boost for Windows 11 that will speed up app launches and common actions by automatically maxing out CPU frequency in short bursts

Windows 11 is set to gain a new feature that will boost CPU frequency in bursts when initiating high-priority tasks to speed up app launches and system responsiveness.

A new Halo Studios report claims the Xbox studio is actively developing “Halo Next” — with fresh details on the Endless, the Flood, and Joseph Staten’s original plans.

A new report claims Halo Studios is actively developing “Halo Next,” the next mainline Halo campaign. The report also details Joseph Staten’s reported plans for Halo Infinite’s sequel, the role of the Endless, and the possible return of the Flood.

Google Chrome is quietly installing a 4GB AI model on devices and users are not happy about it

Google Chrome is quietly pushing a 4GB AI model onto devices and reinstalling it if removed. The company says it is designed to protect your privacy when using AI features.

Laffgaff

What is a baby bat called?

A pup.

Funeral Director

How does a funeral director start his day? With his mourning coffee.

Itsfoss

This $85 PCB is Giving Old Google Home Mini Devices a Second Life

I like projects built around sustainability and open source. The MiciMike board fits into the original Home Mini enclosure and handles all voice processing locally.

LibreOffice Questions Whether Euro-Office is Truly Sovereign

Makes us wonder how things will turn out in the end.

FOSS Weekly #26.19: Ubuntu Under Attack, Linux Exploitation Ongoing, Upgrading to 26.04, Linux on PS5 and More

Not a good week for Ubuntu fans.

Yazi is the Terminal-based File Manager I Didn't Know I Needed

Yazi makes it easier to build your terminal-first workflow by giving you a pwoerful, featuree-rich file manager.

After Days of DDoS, Now Ubuntu's Twitter Account Seems to be Compromised

A fake AI agent, a near-identical Ubuntu URL, and a crypto wallet prompt, here's how hackers used Ubuntu's own branding against its users.