The News - Thursday, 09 July 2026

BBC News

Jackdaw boss warns of winter fuel shortages if gas field not approved

Adura says the UK government must approve North Sea production urgently to avoid domestic supply shortages.

Met investigate donation to Jenrick's Tory leadership campaign

The former Conservative, now Reform UK, MP says the allegations are "entirely false".

Democrat Graham Platner suspends campaign for key US Senate race in Maine

The decision came days after a woman accused him of sexual assault, an accusation he says is "categorically false".

No crude proposals on disability benefits, minister leading review says

Sir Stephen Timms says personal independence payments (Pip) are not "fit for purpose" and need changing.

Starmer hints at bank holiday if England win World Cup

The prime minister says he does not want to "jinx it" but "ask me again if we get to the final".

Platner's disastrous candidacy exposes rifts that could dampen Democrats' Senate hopes

Along with creating tumult in a must-win race for Democrats, Graham Platner's exit is laying bare division between the party's left wing and moderates.

Burnham's last potential rival Al Carns rules out leadership bid

Carns's said a leadership contest was "not the best use of Labour's time" and "we need to get on board" with Burnham.

Nato chief tells BBC that Trump comments are like 'family argument'

Mark Rutte says Nato is stronger than ever, and that he is 100% convinced of the US president's commitment to the alliance.

MenB vaccine offers men no protection from gonorrhoea, claims major study

The Meningitis B vaccine does not prevent gonorrhoea infections despite being offered to at-risk men, scientists say.

Why heatwaves hit women harder

Experts are calling for better awareness of the heat-related risks to women and more targeted efforts to protect them.

No air con? Here's how to get the most out of your electric fan

Point it at your face? Use a bowl of ice? Open a window? Our experts separate fact from fiction.

Watch: How did people cope during the 1976 heatwave?

A look into the BBC Points West archive during the famous heatwave five decades ago.

Andy Burnham's path to becoming prime minister

Labour MPs are about to start choosing Sir Keir Starmer's replacement after his resignation last month.

It was 'love at first sight' with their adopted baby. Then they were told he may have been trafficked

The case highlights the problem of child trafficking in Indonesia and raises questions about how Singapore fails to detect it.

Bowen: For all his bluster, Trump has no better option than talks with Iran

The negotiating process is fragile and recent US strikes show how hard it will be to reach agreement, writes BBC's International Editor Jeremy Bowen.

I run the UK's biggest bank, here are five ways to manage your money

The CEO of Lloyds Bank talks about how to save, budget, avoid scams and manage money in a relationship.

The Papers: 'Iran war back on' and 'Count Binface exclusive'

The Iran war is back in today's papers with Donald Trump promising to hit the Iranian "regime hard".

Why electric cars cost more to insure - and what's being done about it

The insurance cost of electric vehicles is still putting many would-be buyers. So what can be done about it?

Children keep dying in a country that made huge progress on measles

More than 120,000 suspected and confirmed measles cases have been reported in Bangladesh, where hospitals are overwhelmed.

Justin Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira and BTS for Fifa World Cup final half-time show

The Super Bowl-style show marks the Canadian singer's latest big performance after his comeback shows at Coachella.

Kane and Bellingham murals celebrate World Cup run

Fans say the Harry Kane mural looks "a lot bigger than it does online" and "his eyes are alive".

International court tells BBC of breakthrough in Sudan war crimes probe

The ICC has been looking into atrocities committed in Darfur over the past three years.

MPs seek veto over political ambassadors after Mandelson row

A Foreign Affairs Committee report said the process taken in the appointment of Lord Mandelson "was being made up as it went along".

Do bees have feelings? Study reveals the insects' 'inner life'

New research found bumblebees showed "emotion-like behaviours" previously only seen in mammals.

TV licence fee is 'yesterday's model', new BBC director general says

Matt Brittin gives his views on the corporation's future, six weeks after taking over the BBC.

The Pitt leads Emmy nominations, but Stranger Things snubbed in top categories

The Pitt and Hacks lead the race for America's most coveted TV awards - see the full list of nominations.

Officer in Chris Kaba shooting may not face misconduct case after rule change

The police watchdog says it will decide soon if Sgt Martyn Blake will face a misconduct panel.

Ruth Ellis, last woman to be hanged in UK, gets conditional posthumous pardon

Ruth Ellis was hanged at London's Holloway Prison in 1955 after being convicted of murdering her lover David Blakely.

Starmer hints at bank holiday if England win World Cup

The prime minister says he does not want to "jinx it" but "ask me again if we get to the final".

Big fall in oil, gas and cargo ships taking US-backed Hormuz route after new strikes

Data shows a decline in the number of ships - many carrying oil and gas - going through the waterway after attacks this week.

Burnham on path to No 10 with Labour nominations under way

The former mayor of Greater Manchester is unopposed in the race to replace Sir Keir Starmer.

Greek F-16 fighter jet crash-lands at busy Zakynthos airport

The runway is closed after the jet reportedly landed without deploying its landing gear before bursting into flames.

No contact from UK about on-the-run murder suspect, say Zimbabwe police

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma left the country via Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday.

Restore Britain leader describes Dunblane school shooting as 'one murder'

Rupert Lowe criticised the ban of handguns in the UK, saying it was "because there was a murder in Dunblane".

'Heartbroken' Catherine Zeta-Jones leads tributes to singer Bonnie Tyler

The Welsh singer was known for hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding on for a Hero.

Ukraine strikes Russian ships near Crimea, escalating attacks on fuel supplies

The attacks appear to be the latest phase of Ukraine's bid to choke off supplies and routes into and out of occupied Crimea.

Most popular baby names for boys and girls in 2025 revealed

The Office for National Statistics releases its annual data on baby names, with Olivia remaining most popular for girls and Muhammad for boys.

Love Island star Cach Mercer joins Strictly line-up

The Love Island winner also works as a model and DJ, and is an ambassador for a mental health charity.

How can I get air conditioning in my home and how much does it cost?

As summers in the UK get hotter, is it time for air conditioning to become a permanent feature in most homes?

What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.

Bonnie Tyler, the gravel-voiced star who sang her way into music history

The Welsh star known for songs including Total Eclipse of the Heart has died aged 75.

Bar rules out jobs for young people if parents apply for them

Owen Williams says his bar has seen an increase in parents applying for jobs on behalf of children.

How rise in ADHD benefits claims is adding to welfare spending challenge

More than 100,000 people with ADHD as their main condition receive Pip, latest figures show, an increase of 40% since Labour came to power.

Has your area gone football-mad? We've mapped World Cup viewing

We've analysed BBC iPlayer viewing across the UK to see where the tournament has been most popular.

Norwegian football jerseys sold out ahead of Three Lions showdown, as demand 'exceeded all forecasts'

Norway's performance has created huge demand for the football jerseys, but this hasn't been met by suppliers.

Pontypridd, Birkenhead and Isle of Bute among shortlist for first UK Town of Culture

Basildon, Grimsby and Rotherham also make the 15-strong shortlist as well as Strabane.

Prince Harry gets UK trip back on track with hospital visit

The Duke of Sussex visits a children's hospital in Birmingham in a trip to the UK that has had a bumpy start.

More buildings to receive dangerous cladding removal funding

Properties under 35ft (11m) were previously not allowed to access the financial support, leaving leaseholders to foot the bill to fix safety issues.

Justin Baldoni describes painful saga as he breaks silence on Blake Lively dispute

Justin Baldoni and his wife spoke for the first time in nearly two years about his contentious legal battle with Blake Lively.

Girl, 14, found stabbed in woodlands was 'beautiful, kind and caring'

Lilly Jones’ family said she was “completely and utterly herself” with an “eclectic taste in music”.

Ex-Olympian pleads not guilty to Reflecting Pool vandalism charges

A former US Olympian canoeist denies accusations that he deliberately damaged the lining of the refurbished Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Bournemouth Echo

Developer seeks to build 120 new homes on Wimborne plot

A new housing scheme could bring more than 120 new homes to Wimborne if plans go ahead.

Experts warn of gut bug posing ‘distinct public health threat’ - symptoms to look for

The shigella infection, which causes severe diarrhoea and stomach pain, has been identified as a "distinct public health threat” by experts.

Bournemouth man, 18, charged after seafront 'stabbing'

AN 18-YEAR-OLD man from Bournemouth has been charged after an alleged stabbing on the seafront.

PICTURES - Linwood Campus Leavers Prom in Winton

STUDENTS celebrated the end of the school year at their leavers prom in Winton.

Former footballer accused of cocktail bar murder due in court

Former Dorchester Town striker Rico Wilson is due back in court this week charged with the murder of a father of two outside a Dorset cocktail bar

Man arrested on suspicion of carrying an imitation firearm

A man has been arrested by Dorset Police for being in possession of an imitation firearm in Bournemouth.

New 20mph neighbourhood proposed for several areas in Bournemouth

A new 20mph neighbourhood is being proposed for another six areas in Bournemouth

Bournemouth MP welcomes JP Morgan's investment and major office expansion

JPMorgan approved to expand Bournemouth site with new five-storey office, creating space for 1,600 staff. Tom Hayes MP welcomes the investment.

Dorset manufacturer turns plastic waste into products that fund ocean clean-ups

Dorset-based recycled plastics company Brothers Make teamed up with global ocean clean-up organisation 4ocean to transform plastic waste into bracelet beads.

Arts University Bournemouth celebrates success of first Festival of Creativity

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is celebrating the resounding success of its first-ever flagship event, the Festival of Creativity 2026.

LIVE: Road near busy roundabout blocked after 'crash' in Poole

A road near a busy roundabout in Poole is partially blocked after a reported crash- updates to follow.

New neighbourhood with 220 homes suggested on edge of village

A NEW neighbourhood with 220 homes could take shape on the edge of a village.

A new plan aims to make homelessness rare by stepping in earlier

Prevention, early intervention, and system-wide support are at the heart of a newly launched strategy

Amber weather warning: Fire service and UK Health agency urge Dorset to stay safe

People are being urged to stay safe during scorching temperatures and help prevent wildfires amid an amber heat health alert.

Two men smash glass cabinet and steal nearly £6,000 of items from Boots

Police are investigating two thefts at Boots in Poole Retail Park after offenders targeted high-value fragrances on separate occasions.

Call centre firms fined £370k for "relentless" illegal calls targeting the elderly

Two home improvement firms that have been operating out of Bournemouth call centres have been fined a combined £370,000 for making illegal marketing calls.

Woman handed dispersal order after police clear-up in the Triangle

A woman was issued with a dispersal order after police discovered a spot that had been causing disruption and anti-social behaviour in the Triangle.

Teen accused of stabbing man after argument over beer on beach

A TEENAGER has been accused of stabbing a man in the stomach after a reported dispute over beer on Bournemouth beach, a court has heard.

Flames and smoke billowed across homes after garden blaze

A garden blaze sent flames and thick smoke billowing across homes and spread to a nearby conservatory.

Inclusive watersport session taking place near town this weekend

An inclusive water sport session is taking place near Ringwood this weekend.

Volunteer recognised for 15 years of service to organisation

Derek, the longest serving member of the team, has held multiple roles within the organisation.

Bournemouth and Poole council tenants could win prize for completing survey

Tenants in Bournemouth and Poole are being urged to share their views on a proposal aimed at standardising tenancy agreements across the areas

Education Secretary praises ‘significant progress’ in SEND services

Improvements in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services have been formally recognised

Dorset village backlash as holiday let approved in area overrun with second homes

Residents of a picturesque village in Dorset are "furious" after a property developer was granted permission for a new build home to be used as a holiday let following complaints that second home ownership destroying the community.

BCP council leader responds to calls for public meeting after pier stabbing

Council leader Millie Earl has responded a residents request for a public meeting  following the series of violent and anti social crimes which have occurred across the county.

“It breaks my heart” – Councillor criticises Nigel Farage resignation and by-election

A councillor has criticised the Clacton by-election triggered by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for being a “huge and needless waste”.

Major roadworks in town centre ‘on track’ as new shelters set to be built

Major roadworks in Bournemouth town centre is making “great progress”

'Pain that felt like standing on glass' - Dorset encounters with weever fish

Dorset beachgoers have shared painful memories of stepping on weever fish

Italian food chain to offer free lasagne at its Bournemouth restaurant

In celebration of lasagne day, an Italian restaurant chain in Bournemouth is offering free lasagne to its first customers across the UK and Ireland.

Bournemouth sees demand for air conditioning surge during UK heatwave

Bournemouth has seen a 1,020 per cent rise in demand for air conditioning services during the recent UK heatwave, according to Checkatrade.

Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike raises £680,416 for Macmillan Cancer Support

More than 2,000 hikers took part in the Macmillan Cancer Support Mighty Hike along the Jurassic Coast on July 4, which has raised £680,416.

Aldi offers shoppers in Dorset the chance to take part in real supermarket sweep

Aldi is offering customers the chance to win a five-minute trolley dash as part of its Supermarket Sweep fundraiser

Swanage shoplifter jailed for 12 weeks after assaulting police officer - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Building society branch contributes towards wider £286m in social value

Leeds Building Society’s fraud clinics, including Bournemouth, offer free 30-minute sessions to help people recognise and guard against financial crime.

Dorset charity running summer sessions supporting families of children with PMLD

Diverse Abilities is behind Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities Club, which runs during school holidays and once a month at weekends during term.

Britain's Got Talent sensation joins cast of Bournemouth Pavilion pantomime

Kristel Herrera will appear as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion, months after reaching the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent 2026.

Jump into summer with National Trust as Pokémon-supported Summer of Play returns

The National Trust’s Kingston Lacy estate is inviting visitors to enjoy its 2026 Summer of Play, running from July 18 to September 6, supported by Pokémon.

Charity football match raises hundreds for families with children in hospital

A charity football match has raised more than £300 to support families with children in hospital.

Man released on police bail after reported rape in Lower Gardens

A man who was arrested after a reported rape in Bournemouth's lower gardens has now been released on police bail.

Next of kin appeal for 59-year-old man who died at home in Bournemouth

Dorset Coroner issues next of kin appeal for Richard Weeks, 59, who died in Bournemouth on 2 July 2026. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900.

Long-established jeweller relocates town centre store

A long-running jeweller has relocated its town centre store.

'I get nightmares': Teen 'punched' and 'headbutted' by man in 60s

A young girl has said that she still gets 'nightmares' after reportedly being headbutted and punched by a man in his 60s during an assault in Ferndown.

Graduate designs track side looks with Hugo Boss for Formula One drivers

A 25-year-old fashion graduate from Ferndown has seen his designs brought to life on the Formula 1 stage after winning a national competition to create outfits for drivers at Silverstone.

Bournemouth Town Council column: Councillor Mark Anderson

Firstly, thank you.  It is a genuine honour to have been elected to lead Bournemouth Town Council, and I want to thank everyone who placed their trust in us.

Popular festival at Lulworth Castle launches £250 Golden Ticket treasure hunt

The £250 golden ticket treasure hunt is launched ahead of Camp Bestival, taking place at Lulworth Castle in Dorset from July 30 to August 2.

Pink Floyd ‘Shine On’ drum sticks help local man raise money for 30 years

The former drummer of the seventies pop group Dead or Alive hosted his 36th "drumathon" which saw 16 musicians play face to face for 3 hours to raise money for cancer charities.

Bournemouth bar has had plans to extend hours heard by committee

A bar has had plans to extend its opening hour heard by a licensing committee

Poole Civic Centre listed as ‘at risk’ by heritage charity

A historic civic building has been listed as “at risk” by a national heritage charity

New Forest citizen scientists helping to protect important UK dragonfly habitat

Citizen scientists in the New Forest have been surveying ponds to monitor dragonfly populations and support long-term conservation efforts.

Music competition from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns for second year

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has launched its second Music-Making Competition, open to non-professional instrumentalists aged 18 and above.

Dorset Council calls for temporary ban on disposable BBQs during hot weather

Dorset Council and Litter Free Dorset are calling on retailers across Dorset to temporarily halt the sale of disposable barbecues during periods of extreme heat

Celebrated folk artist to perform in Bournemouth this December as part of tour

Jay McAllister, known by his stage name Beans On Toast, will perform at the Bear Cave in Bournemouth on December 9.

Bournemouth street newspaper vendor calls free sunscreen a 'lifeline'

New British sun protection brand DIC (Don't Ignore Cancer) donates sunscreen to help protect Big Issue vendors during summer heatwaves

Government

Mental Capacity (Duty to Assess) Bill

A Bill to require persons discharging functions on behalf of certain other persons to assess the mental capacity of those persons in specified circumstances; and for connected purposes.

Public Procurement (British Goods and Services) Bill

A Bill to make provision about public procurement in respect of British goods and services in relation to social value and contract award notices; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

‘Finally!’ – Fisichella on Antonelli’s F1 success so far

Giancarlo Fisichella carried the mantle for Italian drivers in Formula 1 from the mid-nineties through to the late noughties. He won three races in that time and was the last Italian Grand Prix winner until Kimi Antonelli ripped up the record books at the start of 2026.

10 World Cup winners who have crossed paths with F1

From Lionel Messi and Pele to Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, here are 10 FIFA World Cup winners who have appeared at Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends.

Ferrari complete first laps around Madring in an F1 car

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari posted the first laps of the Madring circuit in an F1 car on Thursday, with the team taking part in a filming session at the all-new venue.

How Mekies' first year in charge is reshaping Red Bull

Exactly one year on from appointing Laurent Mekies as only the second Team Principal in their history, Red Bull find themselves in exactly the same place in the Teams' Championship – P4. But have the six-time World Champions plateaued or are there signs of rejuvenation behind the scenes?

10 of the best retro-inspired F1 liveries over the years

Following on from McLaren’s 1966-inspired livery for the British Grand Prix, F1.com takes a look at some of our favourite throwback designs.

Windows Central

DOOM dev id Software was "toying around" with game ideas before Xbox layoffs gutted it — a John Wick-style "Gun Fu" game and Perfect Dark were in consideration

Before this week's Xbox layoffs that gutted the studio, DOOM dev id Software was "toying around" with several experimental, non-DOOM game concepts.

Report: The layoffs at Xbox's DOOM studio id Software are even worse than we thought — devs at Bethesda's Austin office have been hit, too

A new report reveals that Microsoft's Xbox layoffs have hit DOOM dev id Software even harder than we first thought, with 136 workers cut from the studio.

A stacked $223 LEGO game collection on Steam is discounted to $9, and every title is Steam‑verified for smooth play on Deck and other handhelds

Get 7 full Lego games & 3 DLC packs for less than $10, all Steam Deck verified and perfect for handheld.

Xbox's RPG studio Obsidian is making a new Fallout game with Bethesda and Fallout: New Vegas' game director — and it's canceled an Avowed sequel to do it

Xbox's Obsidian is canceling an Avowed sequel and pivoting to make a new Fallout game in the wake of Microsoft's mass gaming layoffs this week.

Xbox's Obsidian has reportedly lost a quarter of its workers to Microsoft's layoffs — the Fallout: New Vegas dev has a "huge list of projects" it's not sure how to continue [UPDATED]

Microsoft's Xbox layoffs have reportedly seen 25% of devs at the RPG studio Obsidian Entertainment cut in the midst of plans for a "huge list of projects."

Need for Speed doesn't look like it's got a future and I think it's the most boneheaded move EA could make right now

As EA studio Criterion celebrates its 30th anniversary, its new role as "a Battlefield Studio" leaves the storied Need for Speed franchise with a bleak outlook.

"It's the kayfabe of a tech industry that really has run out of ideas.": Zitron says Microsoft’s trillion‑dollar AI push is a bubble built on hype, hidden losses, and demand that doesn’t exist

AI adjacent stocks are taking a battering lately ... including Microsoft's. But why? It could be that the market has already crowned the winner: Google. It could also be that the supposed "multi-trillion dollar" industry is actually going to end up a lot more niche than expected.

Alienware's new flagship QD-OLED ultrawide is the perfect monitor for gamers — as long as you don't mind these small drawbacks I found when testing

The new Alienware AW3426DW ultrawide gaming monitor has landed with a host of improvements for 2026. I got my hands on it early to test; here's why I think it's such a great option (and why some might want to look elsewhere).

Microsoft Forms just gave me another reason to prefer it over Google Forms

Microsoft Forms has added Copilot chat, offering suggestions, smarter edits, and clearer insights.

Microsoft is making Windows 11's search box 4 whole pixels taller for some reason

An upcoming change to Windows 11 will see the default search box in Start and on the Taskbar appear larger as Microsoft increases its height by 4 whole pixels.

Casualties of Xbox's big "reset" keep piling up as the team behind The Elder Scrolls Online has had to let over 200 people go

In a recent WARN report released by the State of Maryland's government, it's been confirmed that Zenimax Online Studios has had to let go of 213 employees, along with 166 employees from Zenimax Media Inc., as a result of Xbox's recent company-wide restructuring

Bethesda Union calls for fans to voice their concerns regarding the recent Xbox job cuts at Bethesda, and they aren't sugar-coating their opinions

Shortly after expressing frustration at Bethesda taking massive job cuts thanks to Xbox's massive 'reset' that saw thousands of people laid off, Bethesda's Union took to social media to encourage players to voice their own concerns and frustrations regarding Microsoft's controversial decision and Bethesda's future.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV continues to impress with a new gameplay showcase of the game's most unorthodox yet horrifying playable factions

King Art and Deep Silver have uploaded a second 15-minute gameplay demonstration for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, this time giving players a peek at the Necron and Adeptus Mechanicus factions.

Laffgaff

Which country was formerly called Persia?

Iran.

Pirate Chicken

How can you tell if a treasure map was written by a pirate chicken? Eggs marks the spot.

Itsfoss

FOSS Weekly #26.28: Microslop Moment, Rustification, Brave New features, KDE Plasma Tips and Meme Distro and More

K in KDE stands for Kustomization.

Avoiding Vendor Lock-in By Using KDE Plasma As Personal Knowledge Base

Exploring a rudimentary style of notes management with Markdown and KDE Dolphin. Sometimes, simplicity is the best solution.

Another German State Just Kicked Out Microsoft ...Kind Of

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has replaced Microsoft SharePoint with Nextcloud for over 5,000 government employees.