The News - Friday, 29 May 2026

BBC News

US and Iran 'very close' to deal but 'not there yet', Vance says

US officials earlier told the BBC that the framework of a ceasefire extension deal had been agreed, pending the approval of Trump and Iran's leadership.

SAS troops accused of war crimes not referred to police over morale fears, inquiry hears

This meant military police did not learn for years of allegations of extra-judicial killings.

Moment Blue Origin rocket explodes during test in Florida

A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral in Florida on Thursday night.

Epstein survivors lack faith in UK police investigating Andrew, says lawyer

A lawyer representing survivors says his clients lack confidence in the treatment they would receive in the UK.

AI facial recognition to check age of asylum seekers from next year

The Home Office says the tool will make it easier to identify adult migrants "attempting to game the system".

Russian drone crashes into apartment building in Romania

The drone hit a residential building, injuring two people and causing a fire, officials said.

Man jailed for 15 years over plot to attack Taylor Swift concert in Vienna

A 21-year-old Austrian man is found guilty of planning the attack and other terrorism-related offences.

Netanyahu says he has directed IDF to increase control of Gaza to 70%

The expansion in control by Israel would contradict the terms of the ceasefire Israel and Hamas agreed to in October 2025.

'I forgot what it feels like to be outside' – First rooftop intensive care ward opens

The outdoor ward, at King's College Hospital in London, will monitor how much it boosts the recovery of seriously ill patients.

Weekly quiz: Which tennis star dazzled the French Open with an 'Eiffel Tower' dress?

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

Trial of 'Ulm 5' activists: How Germany is dealing with its Palestine Action case

The case has sparked a debate in Germany - a long-standing supporter of Israel - about how to deal with pro-Palestinian protesters.

Survival before safety for Delhi's poor as temperatures hit 45C

As temperatures peak, Delhi’s informal workers continue working despite growing health risks.

The Papers: Burnham's 'blast at Blair' and 'Labour plans welfare shake-up'

Several of Friday's papers cover the fallout from a report into young people not in employment, education or training.

Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon during ceasefire, videos show

Verified videos show strikes on densely populated neighbourhoods in southern Lebanon.

California teen wins US spelling bee - but could you compete? Take our quiz

Nine kids have battled it out in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals - can you spell as well as they did?

Villas, cars and cash: Italy seizes dead Mafia mobster's millions

Police say the operation targeted the network of notorious late Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro.

Portugal breaks hottest May day record as Europe swelters in heatwave

French students are taking their exams in baking schools, while red alerts are issued in Italy.

Opportunities shrinking for too many young people, says major report on 'lost generation'

A report warns the number of 16 to 24-year-olds out of work, education or training is set to rise to 1.25 million by 2031.

Boy George receives lifetime achievement honour at LGBT Awards

The Karma Chameleon singer was surprised with the award by French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier.

Italy restores lucky testicles on bull mosaic worn down by tourists

The artwork is the centre of a tradition that involves visitors performing three spins on it for good fortune.

Starmer defends policy decisions as he hits back at Blair

Former Labour PM Sir Tony Blair has accused the government of having "no coherent plan" for the country.

US government prepares to print $250 note featuring Trump's face

Federal law bars printing images of living people on US currency, but Trump allies in Congress are moving to make an exception.

'Poison seller' who sold toxic chemicals online to people across world admits aiding suicides

Kenneth Law admitted charges relating to Canadian victims - but families say he should also be charged in the UK over 79 deaths in Britain.

Exploding rocket casts doubts over Nasa's Moon plans

Explosion of Blue Origin rocket is a setback for the company and for Nasa's Moon plans.

Child among three dead in tower block fall

A man, a woman and a child were pronounced dead at the scene in Elephant and Castle.

Trump holding meeting to make 'final determination' on Iran deal

The US president says he is meeting his advisers, after officials confirmed the US and Iran had agreed a framework of a deal.

Top UK chefs call for cutting VAT for pubs and restaurants to 10%

Tom Kerridge, Yotam Ottolenghi, Ravneet Gill and Simon Rogan told BBC Newsnight VAT should be halved to ease mounting pressure on the hospitality industry.

No second retrial for men accused of airport brawl

Muhammad Amaad and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz denied assaulting a Greater Manchester Police officer in 2024.

One in four first class letters delivered late

Royal Mail says its service is improving and that it is on track to hit the regulator Ofcom's reduced targets

Two jailed over fatal 130mph crash in 30 zone

The driver and passenger were inhaling from a balloon as they filmed themselves before the crash.

US judge halts Trump's $1.8bn 'anti-weaponisation' fund

In a two-page order on Friday, the judge barred the justice department from taking any steps to stand up or operate the fund.

Badenoch tells Blair not to waste his time calling for Labour to change

The Tory leader sends an open letter to former Labour PM Sir Tony Blair following his critique of the government.

'Choreographers are the new DJs': The art of the viral dance routine

Videos of fans copying the moves to hits from artists like Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress are going viral.

Endless yellow corridors started as an internet meme - now it's a Hollywood horror film

YouTuber Kane Parsons' eerie YouTube series has been adapted for a film called Backrooms.

Watch: AI versions of Churchill, Kahlo and Gandhi on Question Time

An unusual start to the programme, which this week debates concerns around artificial intelligence.

Boy, 17, found dead in Pick Mere was 'full of light'

David Tita Jr, 17, died after getting into the water at Pick Mere in Cheshire.

Mum and son jailed for ramming driver after 13-mile chase

Hollie Dance is the mother of Archie Battersbee, whose death attracted global headlines in 2022.

Sea Life penguins kept in basement to get better home with daylight

The aquarium's owner will also stop breeding gentoo penguins at its London and Birmingham sites.

Coroner hopes inquest will 'stop speculation' over deaths of sisters in sea off Brighton

Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters, and Rebecca Walters died off Brighton beach on May 13.

Greek national charged with assisting 'Iran spies'

The Metropolitan Police said the allegations relate to the targeting of a UK-based journalist working for Iran International.

Former US attorney general Pam Bondi testifies in congressional Epstein probe

The testimony comes about a month after America's top prosecutor was ousted by US President Donald Trump.

'Golf ball-sized' hailstones damage roofs and cars

Residents in Melksham and the surrounding areas are counting the cost after a sudden "rare" hailstorm.

Bournemouth Echo

'We just ran in': Friends describe dramatic rescue of two girls swept out to sea

TWO friends have spoken about the heroic moment they ran into the sea without hesitation to save two young girls who were screaming for help after being swept out by a rip current.

Man battling with mental health disorder died in high-speed crash

A MAN died in a high-speed crash after battling with his mental health - now his family are calling for better regulation.

The hidden smuggler’s cellar beneath this quirky new forest pub

Step back in time at The Queen's Head in Burley, a quirky 17th-century New Forest pub with a smuggler's cellar, roaring fires, and wild ponies at the door.

Festival music and alcohol licence going to committee

Plans for a food and drink festival which celebrates different cultures to be able to play music and sell alcohol will be heard by committee after residents raised concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour and parking

83 tonnes of waste collected in Bournemouth over bank holiday

More than 83 tonnes of rubbish has been collected during the bank holiday weekend

4 Dorset spots ranked among Britain's most expensive seaside towns for 2026

Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs, Lyme Regis and Swanage were ranked among Britain's most expensive seaside towns according to Rightmove

Man who sexually assaulted male given community sentence

A MAN who was convicted of sexually assaulting another male has been handed a community order.

Ferry service aims for 'simpler' system with online-only payments

A ferry service will be introducing number plate recognition systems in July, with the aim to create a 'simpler' experience for passengers.

‘Kind and caring’ dad killed by 100mph drunk driver filming moments before crash

A ‘KIND, caring and much-loved’ father of three was killed after a drunk driver crashed into him head on while speeding at 100mph.

Moors Valley announces popular bike park has reopened

Moors Valley Country Park has confirmed that a popular bike park has reopened after “essential tree works”. Watchmoor Bike Park reopened “as planned” on Friday 22nd May after two and a half days of works.

Morebus defend summer start date for town centre works

Morebus has defended the timing of town centre bus stop works, stating the summer start will reduce delays in the long run. Works along Gervis Place began on May 23, keeping a section of the road closed for “eight to nine months”.

South Western Ambulance service recorded its busiest day ever amid heatwave

The South Western Ambulance service recorded its busiest day ever on Tuesday, amid scorching heatwave temperatures.

Incredible scenes from the natural world captured by Dorset Camera Club

Dorset Camera Club photographers have been hard at work capturing striking images from around the county after a record breaking May bank holiday weekend and last night’s dramatic thunderstorm.

Dog rescued from cliff for second time this week in five-hour operation

A dog has been rescued from a cliff for the second time this week after becoming stranded on a ledge- prompting a five and a half hour emergency response.

Watch: workers brave blazing May sunshine to fix Wimborne Road

Workers have been braving the blazing May sunshine to fix part of Wimborne Road after a water main burst. Dorset Roads Policing said: “It is likely a large section of the road will need to be dug up.”

Council say 'no excuse' for people who leave litter on Bournemouth Beach

BCP Council has said there is “no excuse” for people who leave litter on Bournemouth Beach. After bank holiday weekend, a shocking amount of litter was seen strewn across the beach, including bottles of booze, tents, and even a used condom.

Warship and navy support ship spotted in Dorset port

A warship has docked in Dorset

New Forest stream 'remains dangerously contaminated' after sewage leak

Warnings have been issued to keep children and pets out of a New Forest stream after dangerous levels of sewage pollution were recorded.

Red Arrows to fly over iconic UK RAF base tomorrow afternoon

The Red Arrows are to fly over an iconic RAF base in Oxfordshire tomorrow.

Bournemouth primary schools to receive government funding to improve buildings

Kingsleigh Primary and St Mark’s CofE Primary in Bournemouth are among 684 schools across England to benefit from the latest Government CIF grants.

'Historic' 16th-century pub in Poole acquired by leading pub company

Leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of The Kings Head pub in Poole from Hall & Woodhouse.

Housebuilder secures agreement for 'affordable' 100-home site near Christchurch

Bargate Homes has secured an option agreement for a 16-hectare (39.6-acre) site in Burton, near Christchurch, to build up to 100 affordable homes.

Soft play area 'on course' to open this weekend and rejects customers were 'misled'

A new family entertainment centre in Boscombe has said it’s “on course” to open on its soft play area this weekend — and has “rejected any implication customers were misled” after delaying the launch.

Cafe seeks permission for longer opening hours and toilet extension

A riverside café wants to become more accessible by introducing a disabled toilet.

Missing 15-year-old girl found by police

A missing teenager has been found following searches.

Air ambulance seen taking off from public gardens in Poole

An air ambulance responded to a medical incident in Poole at around 11am this morning. The air ambulance helicopter landed in Dorchester Gardens and was on the ground for around “45 minutes” before a patient on a stretcher was taken away.

Elderly man hospitalised after town centre 'assault'

An elderly man was taken to hospital after being 'knocked to the floor' and assaulted in Bournemouth town centre.

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

A science-fiction horror film, a musical comedy-drama film, and a crime thriller film are among films shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

'Contact us immediately': Missing teen last seen yesterday evening

Police have launched a search to locate a missing teen from Bournemouth.

Foal orphaned after early-morning collision in the New Forest

A foal has been orphaned following an early-morning collision in the New Forest.

LIVE: News, traffic and travel updates for BCP and wider areas

We will be bringing you the latest news, traffic and travel updates for BCP.

£100k donation drives museum's fundraising appeal for rare tank close to halfway

A major private donation of £100,000 has boosted The Tank Museum's £1 million fundraising campaign for the restoration of a King Tiger V2 tank

Dorset venue technician's video goes viral after being shared by Ed Sheeran

A video of a screw being placed on a plinth at Lighthouse Poole has been seen by more than 2.8 million people after Ed Sheeran shared it to his following.

New mayor elected in Dorset town for Civic Year 2026/2027

Gillingham Town Council is pleased to announce that Councillor Donna Toye has been elected as Mayor of Gillingham for the Civic Year 2026/2027.

Long-serving CEO retires after nearly three decades of service

Helen Goldsack, chief executive of Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, has retired after 27 years with the organisation.

Rare songbird sees 44% increase in pairs counted on RSPB nature reserves

A recent national Heathland Birds Survey recorded 264 pairs of Dartford Warblers on RSPB nature reserves during 2025, 97 of them at RSPB Arne in Dorset.

Road in Poole to close for more than five weeks in June for utility works

Ravine Road in Poole will close for SSE utility works from 22 June to 31 July 2026. Diversions via Haven Road and Esplanade; parking restrictions apply.

Ocean Colour Scene frontman to visit Ringwood venue next year

Simon Fowler, frontman of Ocean Colour Scene, will perform at The Barn in Ringwood on April 25, 2027.

Election announced for the St Leonards and St Ives Ward in Dorset

An election will be held on July 2 to fill the vacancy on Dorset Council in the St Leonards and St Ives Ward following the passing of Councillor Barry Gorringe.

'High priestess' of Punk to visit Ringwood venue next year

Toyah Willcox will return next year with her Songs & Stories tour, visiting The Barn in Ringwood on October 16, 2027.

Comedy theatre show to be performed at Dorset venue next year

The slapstick comedy A Shoddy Detective is heading to Lighthouse Poole in 2027, following a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Last surviving cast member of acclaimed film celebrates 100th birthday in Dorset

Margaret Cave, the last surviving cast member of the film Brief Encounter, celebrated her 100th birthday in Wimborne on May 27.

Law firm in Dorset expands presence in county with opening of new office

Harold G Walker Solicitors has opened its fifth office at 119 Victoria Road in Ferndown, joining locations in Broadstone, Christchurch, Verwood and Wimborne.

From war to Dorset: Ukrainian photo exhibition to be displayed at Dorset museum

Occupied / Unoccupied, capturing the journey from war‑torn Ukraine to a new life in Dorset, will run at the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne from June 20.

School in Bournemouth wins PA Consulting's Raspberry PI coding competition award

Electric BlueZ of Bournemouth School for Girls’ (BSG) robotics club, won the Inspiration Award in the Years 12-13 category at the PA Raspberry Pi Competition.

Coastguard helicopter called to missing 7-year-old on paddleboard

The coastguard helicopter was dispatched to help locate a missing 7-year-old girl who hadn't been seen for 'some time'.

Royal Mail misses annual delivery targets amid £500m investment plan

A new nationwide delivery model is being introduced, subject to union consultation, that includes scrapping Saturday deliveries of second-class post

TV licences could be free again for all pensioners after thousands back new campaign

Thousands have already backed a growing campaign demanding the Government restore free TV licences for all pensioners

Formula 1

CATCH-UP: Watch the F1 Sim Racing World Championship season finale

Catch all the action from Round 12, which marks the finale of the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship.

Why Bearman is taking ‘belief’ from Antonelli vs Russell battle

Ollie Bearman has explained how the developing battle between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell is giving him extra belief and motivation, with the Haas driver eager to follow his former F2 team mate to front of the field.

From Hakkinen to Hamilton – 8 dramatic DNFs from the lead

After George Russell's sudden exit from the lead of the Canadian Grand Prix, F1.com looks back at eight other occasions where drivers were dramatically forced to retire whilst in P1.

Otis Lawrence claims Sim Racing title in thrilling season finale

Welshman Otis Lawrence became the youngest ever Sim Racing World Champion on Thursday. Here's how the action played out in the final two rounds of the year.

Mercedes reveal exact cause of Russell’s Canada DNF

Mercedes have given an insight into what caused the power unit failure that put George Russell out of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Alonso outlines when Aston Martin expect performance step forward

After some further signs of progress for Aston Martin in Canada, Fernando Alonso has indicated when there might be a step forward in performance.

Windows Central

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma warns tough decisions are ahead, raising questions about Helix, Xbox Game Studios, and exclusives

Xbox's new CEO revealed that Xbox is in a tough spot in a new memo shared by The Verge. What could the "tough decisions" be on the horizon for Asha Sharma?

The Witcher 3 dev says the scope of the new Songs of the Past expansion is "closer to Blood and Wine" — "we're definitely making a proper big expansion"

The Witcher 3 dev CD Projekt RED has confirmed that the game's upcoming expansion Songs of the Past will be similar to Blood and Wine in terms of scope.

XBOX CEO says Game Pass cuts helped “retention improve” — but warns the bigger challenge will take time

XBOX CEO Asha Sharma says lowering the price of Xbox Game Pass helped improve subscriber retention after growth slowed following last year’s pricing changes. Sharma also addressed the company’s XBOX rebrand and hinted at more difficult decisions ahead.

Users report phishing emails coming from Microsoft’s system, and the company is digging in

Hackers are sending phishing emails from a real Microsoft address, making it even harder for unsuspecting users to detect the scam.

Banjo‑Kazooie is the top Xbox Player Voice request, and fans are still pushing for a comeback

Banjo-Kazooie has emerged as the top game-related request on Xbox’s Player Voice feedback forum, reigniting discussion around forgotten Xbox franchises and community demand for a revival.

Xbox is sunsetting Call of Duty: Warzone alongside Modern Warfare 4 on last-gen Xbox One and PS4 consoles — and the last day to download is just a week away

Xbox and Call of Duty have announced that when Modern Warfare 4 arrives later this year, support for Warzone on Xbox One and PS4 is ending.

Confused about Windows 11’s Low Latency Profile? Here is what it actually does and what we know so far about it.

Windows 11 Low Latency Profile explainer on how it boosts responsiveness, affects battery life, and what users can expect from this new feature.

NVIDIA drops the Control Panel for Windows 11 after 20 years of faithful service and goes all in on its newer app

With the release of the latest NVIDIA driver the classic Control Panel app is being retired. The features aren't going away, instead being folded into the newer NVIDIA App.

Forza Horizon 6 breaks a three-year drought — the first Xbox game to chart physically in Japan since 2023

Forza Horizon 6 has become the first Xbox game since 2023 to chart physically in Japan, landing in Famitsu's top 30 and marking a rare sales milestone for the platform in the region.

Gears of War: Reloaded and High on Life 2 headline this week's Xbox Free Play Days

Xbox has revealed its latest Free Play Days lineup, featuring Gears of War: Reloaded, High on Life 2, Dying Light: Definitive Edition, and Formula Legends. Here's everything you can play for free this weekend.

This Dell laptop comes with a free year of Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, and a custom Xbox controller — for under $800

The Dell 16 Plus is heavily discounted right now for eligible students. The deal also includes free Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, and a custom Xbox controller.

Lenovo's highly praised budget PC monitors offer ultra-smooth gaming at high refresh rates — with a wallet-friendly price tag

Lenovo is offering a Doorstopper discount on two high-quality gaming monitors, one of which earned a near-perfect score from us for its excellent performance and build.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is getting a physical Xbox release, and that's worth celebrating

Hollow Knight: Silksong is getting a physical Xbox Series X release through Fangamer. The collector-focused edition includes a manual and poster, giving Xbox fans a rare physical release worth celebrating.

Activision has filed a new "Crash Bandicoot" trademark, and it points to movies, TV, and animation — but not games

A new Activision trademark filing for Crash Bandicoot covers television, movie, and animated productions.

"It's a happy ending" — Subnautica 2 developers reportedly receive $250 million payout after months of legal drama

Following months of legal disputes and controversy, reports now claim Krafton has agreed to pay Unknown Worlds the $250 million bonus tied to Subnautica 2’s success.

Laffgaff

What musical term tells musicians to gradually get louder?

Crescendo.

Sunscreen Factory

My friend went for a job at a sunscreen factory but didn't get it. He's going to reapply.

Itsfoss

Steam Deck OLED is Absurdly Overpriced Now, Yet It Sold Out in North America Overnight

The handheld returned at $789 and $949, sold out in North America within 24 hours, and is now back with inconsistent availability.