The News - Friday, 03 July 2026

BBC News

On the Strait of Hormuz, BBC finds seized ships and shark fishermen as uneasy calm returns

The BBC visits Bandar Abbas to see how the US-Israeli war with Iran has affected everyday life in the port city.

Taylor Swift's rumoured wedding celebrations begin with star-studded New York event

Actress Lena Dunham, model Gigi Hadid and longtime music collaborator Jack Antonoff were spotted in formal attire near Madison Square Garden.

How the American Dream has survived 250 years, but only just

The American Dream has persisted since the days of the Founding Fathers, but faith in the ideal is fading

NHS to reward people who walk 30 minutes a day

The "marathon a month" scheme, developed with former Olympic medallist Sir Brendan Foster, will launch early next year.

Instagram running ads promoting child sexual abuse material in India, BBC finds

The ads use terms including “rape” and “child video” and link to content on the messaging app Telegram.

Arrest warrant issued for suspect in Monaco parcel bombing

Monaco's prosecutor's office say the suspect is a foreign national and no longer in Monaco.

At least eight arrests linked to forums that encourage drugging and raping women

The National Crime Agency says it has identified 270 individuals linked to the abuse websites.

Rare copy of US Declaration of Independence found by volunteer in UK archives

The newly discovered copy is one of only 11 of its kind in the world.

Noah Donohoe inquest adjourned until later in year after late-night sitting

The jury sat until 01:00 on Friday, but as they could not reach a unanimous verdict the inquest has been adjourned.

Why Wonderwall has become England's World Cup anthem

Post-victory singalongs between England fans and players have become a new tradition this summer.

Tuchel wants young England fans to stay up for 1am World Cup clash - but should they?

England's must-win match against Mexico kicks off at 01:00 BST on Monday - disco naps and spoiler-free recaps may be needed.

'We give up to £400': How much should you gift at a wedding?

Wedding lists are being replaced by cash requests, but guests are divided over how much to give.

Weekly quiz: Why did Catherine climb the UK's three highest peaks?

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

'World cup pubs boost' and 'Kate holds court'

Late openings of pubs and Catherine appearing at Wimbledon lead Friday's front pages.

Why maternity leave for a mayor has divided Japan

In the face of criticism, Shoko Kawata, 35, says she loves her job and is proud to be taking time off to have a baby.

I take responsibility to fund defence plan extremely seriously, says Burnham

The Makerfield MP also rejects attacks on his economic stance, insisting he would not be "indisciplined" on finances.

Ebola treatments trial begins in the Democratic Republic of Congo

According to WHO data, there have been 1,406 confirmed cases of the disease in DRC, with 301 suspected cases and 438 deaths.

Married at First Sight UK star arrested on suspicion of rape

It follows a BBC Panorama investigation, broadcast in May, into the hit Channel 4 reality TV show.

Survivor pulled from rubble eight days after Venezuela earthquakes

Hernán Gil was trapped under a collapsed multi-storey car park.

Dangerous heatwave scorches US ahead of Fourth of July holiday

Millions are enduring dangerous heat and humidity, with temperatures expected to stay at 38C (100F) for several days.

Moment huge waterspout twirls over lake in Germany

The phenomenon formed over a Lake Constance near the southern German city of Friedrichshafen.

Labour failed to prepare for power, admits PM's former top aide

In his first-ever interview, Morgan McSweeney tells the BBC the party did not deliver quickly enough in office.

Police criticise timing of decision on pubs staying open for England match

The "late announcement" extending opening hours to 05:00 on Monday means taking officers away from other duties, the National Police Chiefs' Council says.

Three men found not guilty of journalist Lyra McKee's murder

The 29-year-old was shot while observing rioting in Londonderry in April 2019.

Henry Nowak's killer appeals conviction and sentence

Vickrum Digwa is serving a minimum of 21 years behind bars after fatally stabbing the student.

Two Romanians jailed for stabbing journalist on behalf of Iran regime

The two men will face 12 and eight years in prison for the knife attack in Wimbledon, London in 2024.

William talks World Cup football fever on Travis Kelce's podcast

The Prince of Wales shared his hopes for England's chances in the tournament - and that his father "hates football".

Polish PM warns critical months ahead in face of Russian threat

Tusk says Poland is preparing for "various" scenarios after media reports of a planned Russian attack.

Greek man found guilty of murdering Scottish woman on Greek island in 2009

The man is sentenced to 10 years for killing Jean Hanlon from Dumfries, who was found in the waters off the Greek island in 2009.

'Start work at 11' - but will other bosses be as flexible over England's 1am match?

Employers are being urged to use their "common sense" to allow staff to work flexibly where they can.

After 250 years the American Dream is surviving, but only just

The American Dream has persisted since the days of the Founding Fathers, but faith in the ideal is fading

Iran nuclear and military damage revealed after restricted satellite images released

Targets hit include ballistic missile infrastructure, nuclear sites, and naval bases.

I started selling clothes from my nana's house - now I'm turning over £10m

Murci has grown from a side hustle to being featured on Love Island and promoted by influencers.

Parents warned not to publicly share children’s images amid AI abuse risks

The NCA says there is a growing threat of children's images being used to create child abuse material.

UK in talks with Pakistan about deporting grooming gang leader

The prime minister's spokesperson says the government is exploring "all possible options in this case".

Syrian ex-colonel accused of crimes against humanity deemed 'unfit to plead'

Salem Al-Salem, 58, is charged with three counts of murder as a crime against humanity, three counts of torture and one charge of conduct ancillary to murder.

Stand-up comic held for jokes about Erdogan and Islam in Turkey crackdown

Deniz Göktaş is regarded as one of Turkey's most popular comedians and is accused of "inciting hatred and hostility" on stage.

Dine-and-dash pair enjoy lavish seafood meal and eight Cokes without paying

The customers were captured on CCTV enjoying seafood and drinks on Monday.

Man jailed for shooting dead boy in park play area

Aderahman Boumzough was jailed for 35 years for murdering Rene Graham and also for attempted murder.

Dissident Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kee dies aged 70

Lam Wing-kee, who defied China by selling material critical of Beijing, passed away after suffering from lung cancer.

Bournemouth Echo

Away dressing room and media facility changes - Cherries working on UEFA requirements

The Cherries need to renovate their away dressing room and improve the media facilities at the Vitality Stadium as work progresses to ensure that the ground will be ready to host Europa League football next season.

From Geordie Shore and JLS stars to student nights out - Cameo closes its doors

End of an era as one of Bournemouth’s iconic nightclub closes its doors.

Popular Bournemouth nightclub Cameo shuts its doors for good

A popular nightclub has shut its doors for good in Bournemouth town centre.

Primary school in Poole praised for it's 'loving' environment where pupils 'belong'

A primary school in Poole has been praised for its inclusive and caring environment as Ofsted highlights its positive impact on pupils’ wellbeing and learning.

Bournemouth bar’s bid to extend opening hours sparks neighbour concern

A bar’s bid to extend its opening hours has sparked concern among neighbours.

Police to meet monthly with Bournemouth Triangle businesses to tackle crime

Dorset Police have committed to monthly meetings with business owners in the Bournemouth Triangle in a bid to tackle crime in the area.

Schuh to get the boot as another Bournemouth town centre shop set to close its door

Another business is set to close its doors in Bournemouth town centre later this month.

Drink driver disqualified for 14 months - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Work starts on multi-million pound regeneration project in Boscombe

Work has begun on a major regeneration project in Bournemouth which will deliver council housing, community facilities and improvements to public spaces

Inquest hears caretaker died from head injury a week after alleged assault

A caretaker who died in hospital after suffering a head injury following an alleged assault has been named.

Free wristbands to keep children safe coming to BCP beaches this summer

A popular scheme to help keep children stay safe is returning this summer

Planned protests tonight outside theatre as Katie Hopkins set to perform show

Protesters are set to gather outside a theatre tonight as Katie Hopkins is preparing to perform a show.

PICTURES - St Edward's School Year 11 prom at Compton Acres

STUDENTS dressed to impressed at St Edward's School Year 11 prom at Compton Acres.

Family pay tribute to 'amazing' woman who died in plane crash

The family of a woman who died following a light aircraft crash in Devon has paid an emotional tribute to her

LIVE - Dual carriageway blocked and air ambulance landed after 'major crash'

The A338 Wessex Way is blocked and an air ambulance has landed nearby after reports of a major accident.

LIVE - Probe into woman's death enters day three

A PROBE into the death of a 51-year-old woman enters its third day after her body was found in West Howe

Dorset village hosts its first ever welly wanging competition

Plenty of well wanging fun was had at a Dorset village's Strawberry Picnic fundraiser

Poole dance school to represent England at Dance World Cup in Dublin this month

The Steppin’ Out Academy, based in Poole, has seen 9 students qualify to compete at the Dance World Cup, which takes place in Dublin from July 8 to July 18.

The 'excellent' Dorset cafe that's wowing customers with its 'top-notch' breakfasts

The Fisherman Cafe in Poole has been earning rave reviews from customers for its breakfasts

BBC mainstay show presented by Chris Packham axed after 14 years on our screens

Winterwatch has been cancelled by the BBC after 14 years on our screens.

Parliamentary debate draws national attention to future of Bournemouth libraries

A parliamentary debate has drawn attention to the future of libraries in Bournemouth. Led by Tom Hayes MP, the discussion focused on Charminster Library.

Neil Duncan-Jordan calls on Government for greater support for Poole High Street

Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Labour MP for Poole is calling on the Government for greater support for businesses on Poole High Street.

Bournemouth MP backs campaigners' calls for a national inquiry into DES scandal

Jessica Toale MP is calling for a national inquiry into the Diethylstilbestrol (DES) scandal, following the first parliamentary debate on DES.

Crash between driver and motorcyclist on Wallisdown Road

THERE has been a crash involving a car and a motorcycle on Wallisdown Road.

PICTURES - busy road closed after 'major' crash

The A338 has closed after 'major' crash was reported on Friday afternoon.

'Unnecessarily violent' rapist jailed for nearly two decades

An "unnecessarily violent" man who raped two women in Bournemouth has been handed a nearly two-decade sentence.

Mother of five remembered as ‘amazing woman’ after body found in Bournemouth

A mother of five has been described as an "amazing woman with a smile that could light up any room" after her body was found at a property in Bournemouth.

Manhunt is on for Paddington Grove 'murder' suspect

A manhunt is on for Richard ‘Ricky’ Ball, who is wanted in connection with the death of a woman in Bournemouth, named locally as Michaela Higgins.

Police 'increasingly concerned' over missing elderly man seen in town centre

AN ELDERLY man who has been missing for three days has been spotted in Bournemouth town centre - as police become "increasingly concerned".

Man handed hefty fine for hunting animals with dogs - In the Dock

The following cases were heard a Weymouth Magistrates' Court:

Man comes forward in bank card theft investigation

A man has come forward following a CCTV appeal in relation to a reported theft and alleged fraudulent use of a bank card in Bournemouth.

Dad and son swept out to sea on inflatable toys off Dorset coast

A father and son were swept out to sea on inflatable toys.

PICTURES - Glenmoor and Winton Academies Year 11 prom

PUPILS celebrated the end of Year 11 at Glenmoor and Winton Academies prom in Bournemouth.

Transform your home with flush casement P.V.C.u windows

When it comes to enhancing your home’s character, comfort, and energy efficiency, few upgrades make as significant an impact as new windows

Concerns grow for missing teenager last seen near train station

A teenager has been reported missing, and concerns are growing for her welfare.

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

A new film in a popular animated film series and a star-studded comedy film are among films being shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Sandbanks Beach in Poole named among the UK's best baby-friendly beaches

Sandbanks Beach has been named among the UK’s top destinations for family-friendly seaside days, ranked 7th in a national list compiled by JoJo Maman Bébé.

Specsavers Poole invites community to celebrate 40 years with fundraising week

To mark its 40th anniversary looking after the eyes and ears of the local community, Specsavers Poole is hosting a week full of entertainment and fundraising.

Meaningful and memorable Poole Pride at Lighthouse Poole attracts record turnout

Poole Pride, the third annual celebration of the town’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, attracted record numbers of more than 1,500 people at Lighthouse Poole.

Submissions are open for next year's edition of local Bournemouth film festival

Submissions are now open for Screams By The Sea 2027, an independent genre film festival in Bournemouth, which will take place at PDSW on March 6-7.

Pianist who played with Meat Loaf for more than 25 years to come to Dorset venue

Steve Steinman’s Anything for Love tour will bring the music of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman to life at Lighthouse Poole on July 18

Senior hire at leading South Coast law firm as it invests in employment law

Steele Raymond has appointed employment law specialist Dominic Holmes as Head of Employment as the firm continues to invest in its growth across the South.

The latest planning applications submitted to BCP Council in the BCP area

A series of planning applications have been submitted to BCP Council for the BCP area.

Temporary traffic restrictions in Bournemouth for bus service improvement works

Traffic restrictions on Westover Road and Hinton Road in Bournemouth will remain until February 2027 for bus service improvement works, BCP Council confirms.

Fun-packed family programme on offer at New Forest gardens this summer

Exbury Gardens has unveiled one of its busiest summer programmes yet, packed with family entertainment and ticket savings

Up to £1,000 in funding available to help Bournemouth families learn new skills

Not-for-profits are invited to apply for funding for projects to bring families together, with grants up to £1,000 available via SNG's Family Learning Fund

Bournemouth University students stage week of events for Dorset cancer charity

Talented students from Bournemouth University staged a week of fundraising events for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, raising £2,645 for the charity.

Dorset bike ride returns this Sunday to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support

On July 5, the annual Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride returns, and will see participants navigating Dorset's lanes to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support

All change as 'inspirational trailblazer' steps up to head Dorset law firm

Lauren Day, described as "an inspirational trailblazer," now leads Ellis Jones Solicitors, succeeding Nigel Smith after a series of internal promotions.

Family-run funeral directors in Bournemouth celebrate their 100th anniversary

Head & Wheble, based in Bournemouth, celebrated its centenary in June, with an event at the Marsham Court Hotel.

Millions urged to check one pension detail after watchdog issues stark warning

Millions of people with older pension plans are being urged to check whether they're paying higher charges for poorer products.

Disabled drivers face Motability changes as DWP cuts tax reliefs to save £1bn

The Government is changing the Motability scheme to save £1 billion by 2030. Here’s what the new VAT and insurance rules mean for disabled drivers.

Government

Controlled Drugs (Procedure for Specification) Bill

A Bill to change the procedure for amending Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Formula 1

Red Bull drivers give verdict on British GP hopes

Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have given their verdicts on how they think Red Bull will perform this weekend in the British Grand Prix after a recent upturn in form.

All the stories that got the Silverstone paddock talking

Mercedes driver George Russell could not arrive in better form to his home race at Silverstone, the Briton securing his first win since the season opener in Australia last time out in Austria. It wasn’t just the result that was important, but more the wonders his performance has done for his confidence, having endured a string of defeats to sophomore team mate Kimi Antonelli.

Russell reveals Mercedes challenge before home Grand Prix

Mercedes' George Russell has reflected on his confidence levels ahead of the British Grand Prix as the title fight continues to heat up.

Antonelli taking 'biggest lessons' from last two weekends

Kimi Antonelli faced some setbacks in Barcelona and Austria, but the Mercedes driver is confident that he can take the learnings forward ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend.

Leclerc shares doubts over Ferrari’s British GP prospects

Following another tough weekend in Austria, Charles Leclerc has outlined his expectations for Ferrari’s performance at the British Grand Prix.

Slater takes dramatic first F3 pole at Silverstone

Freddie Slater took his maiden Formula 3 pole position in a dramatic Silverstone qualifying.

Hamilton snatches British GP Sprint pole from Antonelli

Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position in Sprint Qualifying ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver snatching top spot on home soil by just 0.011s from Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.

AS IT HAPPENED: Hamilton bags Sprint pole at Silverstone

Live coverage of Friday's Sprint Qualifying session at the 2026 British Grand Prix.

McLaren lead changes as Silverstone upgrades revealed

F1.com takes a look at the various upgrades the grid's 11 teams are planning to introduce at the British Grand Prix.

All the special liveries and helmets for Silverstone

The drivers and teams have got creative for the British Grand Prix – check out this year’s special designs.

Hamilton quickest from Antonelli in sole British GP practice

Lewis Hamilton set the pace in FP1 for the British Grand Prix, edging out standings leader Kimi Antonelli.

Palmowski and Lloyd on chasing their Silverstone dream

Ella Lloyd and Alisha Palmowski are both looking forward to the prospect of racing in front of a home crowd in F1 ACADEMY.

AS IT HAPPENED: All the action from FP1 at Silverstone

Live coverage of Friday's first practice session for the 2026 British Grand Prix.

Piastri on the reported talks between Verstappen and McLaren

With Max Verstappen being linked to McLaren, Oscar Piastri has expressed his confidence in fulfilling his contract with the team.

Alonso plays down upgrade role in Aston Martin future

With a decision about his future looming, Fernando Alonso has explained where Aston Martin's upcoming upgrade package will factor into his choice.

MS Dynamics

Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 now provide a unified customer service experience

Service Agent is now generally available, helping customer service teams understand issues, find answers, and take action from one Copilot experience. Built on Microsoft 365 Copilot and Dynamics 365, Service Agent unifies customer, case, and knowledge context while enabling AI-powered actions that improve productivity across the service workflow.

The post Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 now provide a unified customer service experience appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Introducing the Onboarding Agent in Dynamics 365 Human Resources

Now in public preview, the Onboarding Agent delivers a connected experience that helps streamline onboarding activities. The solution helps new hires ramp up faster, build connections, and stay engaged from day one. It works directly within Microsoft Teams, allowing employees to stay in the flow of work. It also writes data back to Dynamics 365 Human Resources, keeping records up to date.

The post Introducing the Onboarding Agent in Dynamics 365 Human Resources appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Dynamics 365 Commerce introduces agentic capabilities with Model Context Protocol (MCP)

The Dynamics 365 Commerce MCP server enables AI agents to connect securely with retail operations, inventory, pricing, checkout, and fulfillment through the open Model Context Protocol (MCP). Organizations can build conversational and autonomous commerce experiences without creating custom integrations.

The post Dynamics 365 Commerce introduces agentic capabilities with Model Context Protocol (MCP) appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Agentic CRM in the flow of work: How AI is transforming sales and rebuilding customer trust

When sellers can access customer context, relationship insights, next best actions, and agentic recommendations inside the tools they already use every day, they can respond faster, engage more thoughtfully, and build trust more consistently at every stage of the buying journey.

The post Agentic CRM in the flow of work: How AI is transforming sales and rebuilding customer trust appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Sony’s decision to retire physical PlayStation discs sparked a wave of industry reactions — from jokes to outright disappointment

Sony has recently made the controversial decision to halt physical PlayStation disc production going forward in 2027, and various companies have responded with hilarious satire while committing to support gamers who prefer physical media.

A Space Marine 2 mod just showed the Halo game fans have been waiting for (and likely won’t get)

A new Space Marine 2 mod replaces the Ultramarines with Halo Reach Sangheili and Covenant weapons, creating an experience that highlights just how much untapped potential the Halo franchise still has beyond first-person shooters.

Hideo Kojima’s Xbox horror game ‘OD’ reportedly survives Microsoft’s 100‑day reset and continues development

Despite widespread reports of Xbox restructuring and canceled publishing agreements, Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror game OD has reportedly survived Microsoft's latest investment review, with Xbox continuing to back the ambitious project.

This 3K OLED premium laptop with all-day battery life demolishes the competition — and now a discount drops it below $1,000

If you're looking for a premium-grade laptop that can take any task thrown at it, no matter how intensive, then the Dell XPS 13, with its strong performance and battery life, could be your next best solution for years to come, especially now that it's on sale with a 33% discount.

Xbox's Red Ring of Death still haunts gamers as Steam Machine owners report a "Red Line of Death" after GPU failures

A Steam Machine owner has reported what appears to be the device's first "Red Line of Death" after a system update, with Valve's support documentation pointing to a GPU failure. While the issue currently appears isolated, it has inevitably drawn comparisons to the Xbox 360's infamous Red Ring of Death.

Cyberpunk 2077 has sold over 40 million copies — CD Projekt Red thanks fans who helped keep the game alive all these years

In the wake of Cyberpunk 2077: Edgerunner 2's teaser trailer, CD Projekt Red has announced that the game Cyberpunk 2077 has sold over 40 million copies as of this writing.

Minecraft Bedrock just got a huge accessibility upgrade with closed captions: Here's everything you need to know

Minecraft Bedrock Edition has finally received closed captions, bringing a long-requested accessibility feature previously exclusive to Java Edition. Here's how to enable it, how it works, and why it's an important step forward for accessibility.

Cronos: The New Dawn, one of our favorite modern horror games, has revealed new gameplay footage for its upcoming DLC

Bloober Team has recently uploaded a developer diary video covering the premise and gameplay of Cronos: Lazarus, an upcoming DLC expansion to its hit horror game, Cronos: The New Dawn.

Microsoft Edge finally lets you sign in with a Google account

You no longer have to use a Microsoft account to keep your browser data synced in Edge. The latest update adds support for standard Google logins on Windows and macOS.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 gets its American holiday World Update 22 a little early; fly the stunning new landscapes right now

Originally revealed for July 4, the very American World Update 22 for Microsoft Flight Simulator is available a little early, so you can jump in and experience the new locations right now.

"Video games are not mere merchandise; they are cultural assets, and the law in force must apply to them" — French presidential candidate chimes in on Sony's controversial decision to kill off physical gaming media

Sony's recent announcement to halt physical PlayStation disc production and Grand Theft Auto 6 being digital-only have caught the attention of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a man running for President of France. Needless to say, he's not happy about the situation and vows to support gamers' rights

These Microsoft 365 deals laugh at a decade of inflation and save you up to 40%

Microsoft 365 subscription prices went up last year, but these limited-time deals from Woot cut through the price hike.

What is Project Aion? Inside Microsoft's secret agentic Copilot OS incubation project that runs on Windows and Android

Project Aion is a 2024 incubation effort designed to build out a functioning Copilot OS experience, capable of running on Windows, Android, and focused entirely on the web and agentic AI.

As PlayStation backs out of physical games, Halo: Campaign Evolved proves they aren't dead, all while reviving "Machinima"

Halo Studios has confirmed that physical copies of Halo: Campaign Evolved on Xbox and PlayStation will include a game disc, while also revealing a new Machinima mode that offers powerful creative tools despite the absence of Theatre mode.