The News - Saturday, 11 July 2026

BBC News

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after death of Ann Widdecombe

There was initially no suggestion of suspicious circumstances when her death was announced on Friday morning.

Pugnacious, charismatic and she always answered the question - Chris Mason on Widdecombe

Plenty in Westminster who knew her, whether they agreed with her or not, found her immensely likeable.

US wants Iran to pledge to stop shooting at ships in Strait of Hormuz

Vice-President JD Vance is among US officials expected to take part in negotiations resuming on Saturday in Oman.

Triple murder suspect arrested in South Africa

Prosecutors in the UK authorise charges against Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma.

Chaos and confusion reign as Harry loses media battle

Team Sussex has had a bumpy last seven days in the UK, which was meant to focus on the Invictus Games.

Meet the crypto billionaires building a world where money buys you a vote

They think democracy has run its course - so they're setting up their own nations instead.

Meta pulls new AI image feature after days of backlash

Meta's release this week of an AI feature that let people alter Instagram content drew swift blowback.

Russia trains sights on schools, offices and buses in busy Ukrainian city

In Zaporizhzhia, the densely populated city close to the front line, the security situation is deteriorating.

Could Andy Burnham scrap stamp duty?

Andy Burnham has spoken about reforming stamp duty and council tax - what do experts think he might do when he becomes PM?

'Devastating' evidence against Charlie Kirk murder suspect laid out in court

Prosecutors build a vivid picture of the suspect's movements as they seek to try the 23-year-old.

People in 50s urged to complete bowel cancer screening

Health officials warn little over half of 54-year-olds completed free at-home test kits.

Football's best bromance: Why Bellingham and Haaland break the mould

The two players have won an army of admirers from social media clips for their honesty in interviews.

See if you can spot an AI deepfake with our test

Researchers in Aberdeen have been finding out if you can train people to identify computer-generated facial images.

Ann Widdecombe murder probe: What we know so far

Police say they are searching for a suspect in connection with the former MP's death at her home on Dartmoor.

Five key scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, and the story they tell

It depicts a medieval game of thrones as William the Conquerer did battle with King Harold to rule England.

Forced to wait his turn, Marine Le Pen's deputy Bardella returns to the shadows

Thirty-year-old Jordan Bardella had been groomed for success as France's next hard-right leader. He will now have to wait longer.

'Widdecombe murder inquiry' and 'Strike Norse'

Murder probe into ex-Tory minister Ann Widdecombe's death and England v Norway preview leads Saturday's papers.

Twelve men and 12 women enter a Buddhist temple - will the monks help them find love?

Dating can be hard in South Korea. A group of monks hope a 30-hour rural retreat can help.

Is the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake worth the 13 year wait?

The BBC's Tom Gerken plays the much-anticipated pirate game which has been remade from the ground up.

Snow Patrol on 20 years of Chasing Cars, and their 'non-duet' with Kylie

The band look back on their biggest hit, and explain why their new single with Kylie isn't a duet.

Spain battles to contain one of its deadliest wildfires as at least 12 killed

At least four Britons are believed to be among the victims of the blaze, which left another 23 people missing.

New dinosaur species with neck as long as cricket pitch discovered in Thailand

The plant-eating dinosaur, named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, is thought to have lived about 150 million years ago.

Strangulation survivor urges stricter sentencing as crime reports increase

More than 44,000 reports were made to police in the past year, a report says.

Apple sues OpenAI, its employees claiming theft of trade secrets

Apple said in a Friday lawsuit that OpenAI’s nascent hardware business is “rotten to its core.”

50 Cent asked judge to bail dealer for European tour

Details of the rapper's letter emerge after Abdirahiim Hassan is jailed at Derby Crown Court.

At Canada's biggest rodeo, the starting gun is fired in the fight over Alberta separation

Canadian unity takes centre stage at the Calgary Stampede as fears of a Brexit-style upset looms over the October vote on Alberta's future.

TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan dies aged 68

The former BBC, ITV and Sky News journalist has died after revealing he had stage four prostate cancer.

Reeves tells BBC: Burnham needs worked-through plan to govern from the start

The Chancellor tells Laura Kuenssberg she will be handing over a stable economy to the incoming PM.

Pubs can stay open for full Norway game - even if kick-off delayed

The extended hours means fans can watch the entire game, even if the start is delayed.

Watch: 'We escaped Spanish wildfire, but our friends lost their lives'

Hundreds of firefighters in Spain have been battling a deadly wildfire in the south of the country.

Prince Harry talks grief, stress and loss in final event of UK trip

The Duke of Sussex rounded off his visit by meeting bereaved children and young people - and doing yoga with goats.

If you ask Americans, Norway's Erling Haaland is already a winner

If the World Cup was a tournament for hearts and minds, the Norwegian striker would certainly win.

At Canada's biggest rodeo, the starting gun is fired in the fight over Alberta separation

Canadian unity takes centre stage at the Calgary Stampede as fears of a Brexit-style upset looms over the October vote on Alberta's future.

Meet the crypto billionaires building a world where money buys you a vote

They think democracy has run its course - so they're setting up their own nations instead.

Iran must pledge to stop shooting at ships in Strait of Hormuz, US officials say

US media say Iran has told US officials an attack on ships crossing the strait early this week was "a mistake".

Ann Widdecombe murder probe: What we know so far

The former MP was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning.

Could Andy Burnham scrap stamp duty?

Andy Burnham has spoken about reforming stamp duty and council tax - what do experts think he might do when he becomes PM?

Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One reporting

The reporters received the legal summons after they reported on alleged security issues with the president's new plane, which was gifted by Qatar.

Twenty years of Chasing Cars: 'It's the song that took us to the whole world'

Snow Patrol look back on their biggest hit, and explain why their new single with Kylie isn't a duet.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced - a remake worthy of the wait

The BBC's Tom Gerken plays the much-anticipated pirate game which has been remade from the ground up.

Killer's final police interview footage released

Bradley Murdoch, 67, died in jail without disclosing where Peter Falconio's remains might be.

The photo that shows who's really on top in Le Pen's party

Thirty-year-old Jordan Bardella had been groomed for success as France's next hard-right leader. He will now have to wait longer.

China braced for second typhoon in a week as Bavi approaches landfall

Hundreds of thousands of people are evacuated from eastern Zhejiang province, with the city of Wenzhou close to the path of the storm.

Russia trains sights on schools, offices and buses in busy Ukrainian city

In Zaporizhzhia, the densely populated city close to the front line, the security situation is deteriorating.

I asked Bonnie Tyler for an autograph at 15 - then spent Christmas with her for 30 years

Rob Marshall's friendship with Tyler began when he knocked on her door to ask her to sign a tape.

Couple to show England World Cup game at wedding reception

Georgia Hallgalley and Jake Hawker are showing the match at their reception on Saturday.

Sensory prom a 'perfect end' for school leavers with SEND

With the music not too loud and quiet rooms available, pupils with SEND leave their school days behind.

Teen who helped improve tech for disabled honoured

Harchie Sagoo, who had cerebral palsy, was a key product tester for Bristol-based Smartbox.

Bournemouth Echo

In picture - 2001 festival brought music and dance to Dorset town

The turn of the millennium brought a fierce rhythm to the Dorset coast, echoing still in these vibrant archival glimpses of the 2001 Swanage Folk Festival.

Insurance company announce 40 jobs at risk due to 'restructuring'

An insurance company has confirmed that around 40 jobs at their Bournemouth base may be at risk following a restructuring announcement.

Residents fear 'illegal encampment' is becoming a hot spot for drugs and alcohol

An illegal encampment in a Bournemouth coach car park has become a magnet for drugs and anti-social behaviour, with residents saying they feel “less safe day and night”.

MP will lobby for powers to deal with repeat offenders, town centre businesses told

Jessica Toale has revealed she is lobbying government for Dorset to be included in a prolific offender pilot scheme which will give police greater resources to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

Resident 'appalled' after council failed to remove suspected asbestos trailer

A man said he is "appalled" with the council after a trailer believed to contain asbestos has been left on his road for two months.

Westover Road traders push back against former resident's claim they 'won't return'

Business owners have mixed feelings about the condition of Westover Road, which has historically been one of Bournemouth’s premium locations.

Take a first look inside Bournemouth's new beachfront venue

Take a look at Bournemouth’s newest beachfront venue, which has officially opened its doors in time for the summer season.

Universal Credit claimants could get benefits boost to combat State Pension age rise

MPs want an urgent Universal Credit boost for some 66-year-olds as the State Pension age rises, warning thousands could be pushed into poverty.

High street giant with Bournemouth and Poole store fell losing 1,300 jobs owing £20m

A retail giant with stores in Bournemouth and Poole collapsed into administration with 1,300 jobs lost owing almost £20 million.

Bourne Free parades through Bournemouth

Thousands lining the streets in sea of colour for the Bourne Free parade as Bournemouth celebrates Pride today

Dozens of Bournemouth Patriots protest outside asylum seekers hotel

Dozen of protesters have gathered for a demonstration organised by Bournemouth Patriots, outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Dorset and BCP named among the best places in the UK to dine al fresco

Dorset is the best place in the country to enjoy a long lunch in the garden or a picnic by the coast this summer, following new research.

Christchurch man teams up with broadcaster for Parkinson's UK audio production

Mr Potato Goes to Town, written by Christchurch resident Tim Lincoln and narrated by Clive Anderson, is available on YouTube, to raise funds for Parkinson's UK.

Mental health charity reveals full impact of its work that saves the NHS 'millions’

Dorset mental health charity Plants and Minds has saved the NHS millions of pounds during its 36-year existence, according to the son of the charity’s founder.

Pub and hotel promises great food, drink and live music this summer

The Pavilion Arms in Bournemouth is our Pub of the Week this week as the venue promises  seasonal menus and live music to help guests make the most of the summer.

Popular comedian to perform at Swanage venue next year as part of new UK tour

Seann Walsh will perform at The Mowlem in Swanage on February 5, 2027 as part of his new UK tour, This is Torture.

'Bournemouth was once the gem of Dorset'

I have just read the letter from the lady from Italy I am not surprised of her letter.

New manifesto sets out what Dorset needs to do to unlock growth

Britain’s Leading Edge has launched a new manifesto setting out how rural and coastal areas can help deliver some of the UK’s biggest priorities.

Creative showcase of talent on display at annual summer arts exhibition

MBN Arts’ annual Summer Arts Exhibition, held on July 2 in Bournemouth, celebrated the work of children and young people aged 8 to 21

Butchers in Dorset seeking premises licence from BCP Council to supply alcohol

Griff’s Family Butchers in Broadstone has applied to BCP Council for a licence to sell alcohol for off-site consumption. Comments accepted until 17 July 2026.

Bournemouth road to temporarily close for nearly two weeks for tree works

Boscombe Grove Road, Bournemouth, will close for tree works from 13–24 July 2026, per BCP Council. Diversions in place; access restrictions apply.

'How has Bournemouth's decline been allowed to happen?'

I agree with every word this person has said about Bournemouth.

'Respect for woman is needed in Bournemouth'

Your correspondent N Nauti on July 9 reports that they will not be returning to Bournemouth, which they consider their hometown, again for a holiday.

Community group hosting new art exhibition at Dorset venue this September

Poole Leisure Painters will host its latest exhibition, "Sapphire," in the Mezzanine Gallery at Lighthouse Poole from September 9 to September 26.

Theatre group set to perform new play at Dorset village hall next week

Winfrith Drama Group presents The Last Quiz Night on Earth by Alison Carr, directed by Kate Pope, at Winfrith Village Hall on July 17 and 18.

UK heatwave to continue with temperatures above 30C for 'several more days'

On Friday (June 10), temperatures hit 35.2C in Coton in Derbyshire, with 2026 the first year to record six separate days of 35C or above.

TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan dies aged 68 following prostate cancer diagnosis

TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan, known for Sky News, BBC and ITV has died aged 68.

Formula 1

How Hadjar is taking the fight to untouchable Verstappen

Max Verstappen has been utterly dominant at Red Bull in recent years, but Isack Hadjar is putting up more of a fight than his predecessors and is only going to keep getting better.

10 of Ferrari’s most iconic triumphs from 250 F1 wins

A total of 41 drivers across 75 years have contributed to Ferrari’s win record, with some giants of the sport delivering supreme and memorable performances. But how to whittle it down to just a handful? We've had a go...

How improving Hadjar is learning from Verstappen

While most of the focus at Red Bull over the Silverstone weekend was on the struggles of Max Verstappen, his team mate Isack Hadjar continued to make good progress – and earn the praise of his boss.

Windows Central

"We still have the crew we need": Xbox's DOOM dev id Software responds to layoffs, assures fans "we're going to keep building the great games and tech"

Xbox's DOOM studio id Software has officially responded to cuts at the developer, promising players that it will go on and continue working on new games.

"Our next steps are to mobilize": Bethesda union members are protesting Xbox's layoffs with a 'Save Our Devs' march next week after 440 ZeniMax cuts

Union workers at Bethesda are marching against Xbox layoffs at ZeniMax studios next week during a protest that will be held across four cities.

Dell gives PC gamers and workers a break with these discounted laptops, desktops, and monitors — starting below $1,000

Dell is offering a selection of highly advanced PC devices, from gaming laptops to workhorse desktop towers, with a wide variety of discount deals for a limited time.

Microsoft’s emissions just jumped 25% because AI datacenters are exploding in size, and dropping renewable credits finally exposed how much power the company is burning to fuel its AI ambitions

While some claimed Microsoft emissions hit 34 million metric tons, the raw data shows actual emissions were much less. It was still a 25% increase, but there's important context missing.

Razer’s Soma Chroma is the wireless RGB gaming chair your setup didn’t know it needed, and it’s way better than I expected

Razer’s Soma Chroma is a wireless RGB gaming chair powered by a simple USB‑C power bank, keeping your setup clean while adding reactive lighting to your entire battlestation. The real surprise is the comfort. Dual‑density foam, an ergonomic lumbar arch, and a reinforced frame make it feel like a genuine upgrade, not just an RGB stunt.

We explain why Cloud rebuild is one of Windows 11’s most important new features, and how it lets you recover your PC without a USB drive or complicated steps

Microsoft's Cloud rebuild for Windows 11 downloads a fresh installation and drivers from Windows Update. Here's how it works and what to know.

John Carmack responds to Microsoft laying off id Software staff, and his comments hit hard for fans who watched him help build DOOM from the ground up

In the wake of id Software's layoffs by Microsoft as part of its restructuring of Xbox's game studios, one of the studio's founders, John Carmack, took to social media to share his thoughts on the situation.

Laffgaff

The ancient city of El Dorado was legendary for its abundance of what?

Gold.

Instagram Addict

I told my therapist, "I think I'm addicted to Instagram." She said, "I'm sorry. I don't think I'm following you."

Itsfoss

ELM11-Feather Is a Feather-Compatible Board That Speaks Lua Natively

It's an FPGA-based board that lets you program the application, driver, and hardware layers in Lua, C, and VHDL/SystemVerilog, and it starts at $29.

I Mined and Built My Way Through Space Haven

An indie game studio out of Finland, Linus Torvalds' birth country, built this game, treating Linux as a first-class citizen.