The News - Friday, 31 July 2026

BBC News

Andy Burnham to give regional mayors share of income tax

The prime minister says the move will give power to "every postcode" but critics say the plans lack detail.

Satellite images show impact of heatwaves and drought on UK landscape

BBC Verify's analysis indicates “vegetation stress” in many areas, which may affect wildlife and farming.

UK rapper Yung Filly found not guilty of raping woman after Australian show

The rapper had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman after performing in Perth in 2024.

Teen hackers tell BBC how police are helping them use their skills for good

Cyber Prevent is targeting predominantly boys and young men at risk of being drawn to cyber criminality.

Crews tackling Suffolk wildfire say they are in better position

The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service says "the situation appears to be stabilising" but at least 12 fire engines will remain on scene.

MP Diane Abbott readmitted into Labour Party after suspension

The long-serving MP apologises for past comments and says she has been issued with a "formal warning".

Spain sending troops as thousands enter enclave of Ceuta from Morocco

At least 15 people drown as migrants try to swim to Spanish territory amid scenes of chaos at the border.

Anthropic says Claude AI hacked three organisations during cyber tests

It comes just days after rival OpenAI said rogue AI agents had breached other firms' networks.

What your summer reading list says about you

Just picked your holiday book? Our choices can subconsciously reveal important parts of our personality, studies show.

Rushdi Abualouf: If Hamas disarmament plan holds, it could mark first credible step to ending Gaza war

The plan - if successful - potentially removes the most significant obstacle to advancing the Trump-backed peace initiative in Gaza.

'I pay £580 a month to live in a disused care home': Property guardians show us around

Could you live communally in a disused building in exchange for a heavily discounted rent? Property guardians show us around.

The Papers: 'Cruel summer' and 'Football's staying home'

Fires rage near nuclear plant in Suffolk and Uefa mulls World Cup boycott - Friday's papers.

Weekly quiz: Why was a French teenager fined for licking a straw?

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

Millions opposed military rule in Myanmar. Is their dream of a revolution over?

Opponents of the junta hoped a revolution would remake Myanmar - but these are disheartening times.

Three things we learned about AI from Big Tech earnings

Billions of dollars are being poured into a new wave of AI technology. But will it pay off?

Thousands evacuated in Crete as wildfires threaten tourist resorts

Strong winds have fanned the flames in the Rethymno region as wildfires continue to ravage the Greek island.

Archbishop of Canterbury committed to £100m slavery fund

Dame Sarah Mullally has renewed her commitment to the fund on a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana.

Burnham says he told Trump UK will be pragmatic about North Sea oil

Andy Burnham says he told the US president he couldn't ignore North Sea resources when people are struggling.

Watch: Moment empty building collapses in New York

Surveillance video shows the building – which was under construction – crumbling over and sending debris spilling onto a road.

Palestine Action ban to be reviewed by Supreme Court

The UK's highest court gives Palestine Action's co-founder permission to appeal the government's proscription of the group under anti-terrorism legislation.

Danube's record low levels force shutdown of Hungary's only nuclear plant

Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia are also grappling with the effects of a series of prolonged heatwaves and low rainfall.

Four people die after busiest day for small-boat crossings this year

Two deadly incidents occurred as 752 people crossed the Channel into the UK on Wednesday, new figures show.

Spain's PM blames traffickers after 60,000 migrants reach Ceuta from Morocco

Spain's prime minister described the situation as an "attack" on its North African territory and said all illegal migrants would be returned to Morocco.

Watch: Moroccan police clash with migrants near border with Spain's Ceuta

Spain's North African territory of Ceuta from Morocco, though more than 25,000 have returned voluntarily, officials said.

Disgraced funeral boss who failed to bury bodies jailed for 20 years

Robert Bush also failed to cremate people and gave bereaved relatives the ashes of strangers.

How Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's Rein Me In broke the UK's singles chart record

The duet has spent 19 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the charts, breaking a 73-year-old record.

Passenger on British Airways mayday flight describes fear and shout of 'I don't want to die'

Edward Killiwick was on the flight that issued a distress call, before it landed safely at Heathrow earlier this month.

Parents sue school over 'inhumane' calming rooms after BBC report

Ten families are claiming their children were amongst those harmed by their treatment in the rooms.

Burnham faces criticism over plans for mayors to get share of income tax

Tory mayor Lord Houchen wants to offer a rebate, but the prime minister says it should be reinvested in communities.

Puberty blockers trial can start recruiting children after judge rejects legal challenge

Campaigners brought the legal action to try and stop the trial going ahead.

Bowen: Plan for Hamas to disarm faces big obstacles, yet it offers rare hope for Gaza

The realities of politics, war, zero trust, the deaths of thousands and the destruction of Gaza will make any agreement very complicated.

New Google Earth AI tool could fuel misinformation, experts say

Experts tell BBC Verify Google's new feature which lets people generate fake satellite images could be misused.

Who is Nirmal Purja, the famed mountaineer missing in Broad Peak avalanche?

The British-Nepali climber is one of the most recognised figures in mountaineering.

The local girls preparing to take on Liverpool and Manchester United

Players at the fifth edition of the Girls' Super Cup NI say playing top teams is only making them better.

Hundreds escape Greek wildfire by sea as blazes continue across Europe

Around 500 people, mostly tourists, are evacuated by boat from Agios Vasileios after becoming trapped.

Two bodies located and search ongoing after avalanche hits Nirmal Purja's team

Two bodies have been recovered from Pakistan's Broad Peak and seven spotted by drones - though their condition remains unclear.

Southport killer charged with prison attacks and possessing weapon

Axel Rudakubana, 19, is accused of attacking staff at HMP Belmarsh between May and October 2025.

Budget to be held in October, Healey announces

The new chancellor pledged to move money and power out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain.

Bournemouth Echo

'Beautiful' Dorset cafe serving 'absolutely lush' coffee that's a 'gem of a place'

The Forum Cafe in Blandford Forum has earned rave reviews thanks to its food, coffee and atmosphere

'Crawling' with bed bugs: Bournemouth holiday let left guests sleeping in their cars

Holidaymakers demand urgent action over alleged bed bug infestation at Bournemouth holiday let.

Council approved contracts worth nearly £100million without following financial rules

BCP Council has approved 38 contracts, worth nearly £100million, over the last three years where financial processes were not fully followed due to a “lack of awareness”

Developer eyes up farmland for new houses

Farmland on the edge of a growing housing estate could be the next plot earmarked for new homes under fresh plans.

Neglected Bournemouth planters given new life in effort to revive town centre

The planters in Bournemouth have been given a new lease of life after years of neglect as part of a community effort to improve the town centre.

Man who stole bottle of vodka banned from Lidl in England and Wales - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

All Dorset sea eagle deaths linked to rat poison, Natural England says

Every white‑tailed sea eagle found dead in Dorset since the start of England’s reintroduction programme has carried residues of a powerful rat poison, Natural England has confirmed.

‘Real progress’ in reducing youth crime in Dorset as fewer children enter system

Fewer children are entering the youth justice system thanks to early intervention schemes

New SEND hub planned for junior school

Extra classroom space and a new after‑school club hub could be built at a junior school under fresh plans.

LIVE - police close road after concern for welfare near Dolphin Centre

Road closures have been reported after a police incident in Poole this morning.

Chris Packham shares dream EastEnders role to reach those not in his 'sphere of work'

Chris Packham has shared his dream EastEnders role and what he hopes TV can do to help share information about the environment

Partial closure order enforced at Blandford address after anti-social behaviour

An address in Blandford Forum is subject to a partial closure order from Dorset Police after persistent anti-social behaviour

Local family campsite named among the best in the UK by camping experts

Hill Cottage Farm Camping and Caravan Park near New Forest National Park was featured in Campsites.co.uk’s 2026 Outstanding Sites List.

Winners crowned at this year's New Forest Awards

Champions have been crowned at this year’s New Forest Awards.

New Forest group calls for efforts to boost awareness of green careers

Young people in Hampshire are missing out on emerging job opportunities.

Men arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery and money laundering in Dorset

A police operation in North Dorset has led to two arrests for suspected modern day slavery and money laundering.

'Despite the headlines, Bournemouth has extraordinary strengths'

My name is Dan Ware. I’m an entrepreneur, business adviser and Chair of the BCP Business Growth Board.

Dorset man found guilty of murdering love rival in samurai sword attack

Michael Bretton has been found guilty of murdering Craig Hurcombe with a samurai sword in Somerset

Shopworker hit in face with gun during 'attempted armed robbery'

A shopworker said he feared for his safety after two men allegedly attacked him with a gun during a daylight attempted robbery.

Town asks shops to stop selling disposable barbecues after rule breaking

Disposable barbecues are at the centre of safety concerns amid ongoing hot and dry conditions.

LIVE: Three men arrested after attempted armed robbery with suspected firearm

Three men have been arrested after an attempted armed robbery in Poole

LETTER: 'Visiting Bournemouth town centre was a dreadful and disgusting experience'

Found myself having to go to Bournemouth centre last week.

Council explains why town regalia is not on display at Poole Museum

A museum display was scrapped after permission to show historic items was withdrawn

National Highways objects to the use of field off the A31 for Mega Slip and Slide

NATIONAL Highways has objected to the use of field off the A31 at Corfe Mullen for a Mega Slip and Slide attraction.

Inquest opens into death of 48-year-old man who went missing

An inquest has opened into the death of a Ringwood man who went missing earlier this year.

Bournemouth and Poole Greenpeace calls on Government to 'Make Polluters Pay'

Activists staged protests outside Shell petrol stations calling on the Government to make fossil fuel companies pay for the damage caused by the climate crisis.

Legendary music producer to bring storytelling tour to Ringwood this November

Trevor Horn is set to appear at The Barn in Ringwood on November 13, with his Adventures In Modern Recordings show, which returns after a run earlier this year.

Dorset's Nettle Eating champion crowned global Pokémon 'Champion of Champions'

Dorset’s very own Nettle Eating Champion, Mike Hobbs, was crowned the first-ever Pokémon Champion of Champions at a global tournament in London

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

This weekend sees the release of a new Spider-Man film, alongside other films in cinemas across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

Bournemouth Beach among the most-loved UK beaches, according to TripAdvisor reviews

Bournemouth Beach has been named one of the most-loved beaches in the UK, topping a new ranking of five-star reviews

Local animal rescue charity's popular Country Fayre & Dog Show returns in August

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is hosting its popular Country Fayre & Dog Show at the Church Knowle Rehoming and Visitor Centre, near Wareham, on August 9.

New 32 apartment development among latest planning applications submitted in BCP

Here are the latest planning applications submitted to BCP Council for towns within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area

Company applies for licence to abstract water from the River Stour

Pinnacle Plants International seeks Environment Agency approval to abstract water from the River Stour, for agricultural use. Comments by August 19.

Courtroom drama based on acclaimed 1957 film returns to Dorset venue next year

The production of Twelve Angry Men is coming back to the Lighthouse Poole from Tuesday, April 13 to Saturday, April 17, 2027.

Tiny's top stands tall again back at its original home at Purbeck Mining Museum

The original chimney from a narrow-gauge steam engine known as Tiny was donated to the Purbeck Mining Museum by Paul Abbott, who rescued it as a teenage.

Popular summer 'Funday' event set to return to Christchurch next month

The Mudeford RNLI Funday will return on August 9, at Mudeford Quay and Green, offering a day of family entertainment to raise funds for the lifeboat station.

Poole company applies for goods vehicle operator's licence at Wimborne site

Butt Ltd (Fortuna Scaffolding) has applied for a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence for Knighton Lane, Wimborne. Objections must be made by August 20.

Ice Ice Baby! Residents at Poole care home celebrate National Ice Cream Day

Upton Bay Care Home in Poole celebrated National Ice Cream Day on July 19 with residents and staff enjoying a wide range of frozen treats.

Summer of adventure and outdoor entertainment available at Dorset's Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is bursting into life this summer with a packed programme of family-friendly activities, hands-on adventures, and unforgettable outdoor events

Drag artist La Voix to perform at Bournemouth venue in 2027 as part of new tour

La Voix brings her sensational UK tour to Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre on 27 March 2024, with live music, comedy and show-stopping performances.

Family events take centre stage at Bournemouth Pavilion for the rest of the year

Bournemouth Pavilion is inviting young people to make magical memories and enjoy the rest of the year with a fun-filled line-up of family theatre events.

11-year-old becomes first child to take part in new lab tour at Poole Hospital

11-year old Ollie has become the first child to take part in a Harvey's Lab Tour at Poole Hospital.

Care South chefs serve up summer flavours for Dorset's catering talent

Adults with disabilities, neurodivergence, or mental health conditions honed their culinary skills in a masterclass led by Care South at The CRUMBS Project.

'Serious reminder’ issued after child kicked by pony at New Forest campsite

An incident in which a child was seriously injured after being kicked by a pony has been described as a 'serious reminder' for visitors to stay away from New Forest ponies.

Discover Dorset’s boutique for beauty, wellness and self-care

In a world where shopping has become increasingly impersonal, INIPI Beauty Boutique offers something refreshingly different - a place where everyone is welcomed, valued and encouraged to take a little time for themselves.

Sainsbury's agrees £120m deal to sell Argos to retail specialists

The sale includes 201 standalone Argos stores and the 466 Argos outlets located within Sainsbury’s supermarkets.

Formula 1

What to look forward to when F1 returns after the break

The world of F1 is on a short hiatus, the teams enjoying a break from racing before the season resumes in the Netherlands later in August. Some drivers need a chance to get away after a tricky run of races but others would have liked to keep the momentum going.

Newey assesses Aston Martin’s chances of keeping Alonso

Aston Martin Team Principal Adrian Newey has given his take on whether Fernando Alonso will continue on with the squad into 2027.

Motorcycling legend Rossi on Antonelli’s 'very special' impact

Kimi Antonelli has been rewriting the record books in 2026, the 19-year-old going on a five-race winning streak earlier in the season as he showed everyone why Toto Wolff rated him so highly.

Haas put on a show for fans with test at Fuji Speedway

Haas were back in action at Japan’s Fuji Speedway this week as the team staged another event for their fans – while giving Toyota-backed drivers Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi time in F1 machinery.

F1 legends share their thoughts on the 2026 season so far

After a busy first half of the 2026 campaign, F1 drivers and teams are now enjoying a well-earned break. The perfect moment, then, to reflect on some of the hot topics from the year so far – take the Mercedes intra-team battle or Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence with Ferrari…

Why Norris thinks he’s driving better than in his title season

McLaren driver Lando Norris has expressed satisfaction over the level of performance he is delivering in 2026, believing he has driven “better than I probably did to this point last year”, when he was pushing for a maiden F1 world title.

Windows Central

Microsoft stock price rips on earnings, jumping a 'record breaking' 18% in a week — Wall Street *really* liked Microsoft's earnings

Microsoft's FY26 earnings report came in, and it has been taken extremely well on Wall Street, as investors reward $MSFT stock with a 20% bounce in less than a month.

Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic: Razer’s magnetic answer to precision — fast, configurable, and dangerously clever (and surprisingly not super expensive)

With adjustable actuation from 0.1–4.0 mm, Rapid Trigger, Snap Tap, Snap Flex and Dynamic Keystroke, Razer’s HE Magnetic TKL and Mini 65% give players granular control over inputs and movement — and back it with factory calibration, a 100‑million keystroke rating and on-demand recalibration via Synapse.

After testing the Ultimate 3‑Mode, it’s clear 8BitDo built a controller that punches way above its price, but may not win over the couch console crowd

With a killer aesthetic, this 8BitDo pad is great for PC, but console players may want to wait for the official Xbox X25 controller.

LG's defense of installing adware on Windows 11 proves the company is hopeless

After Gamers Nexus revealed LG used Windows Update to push software that served McAfee ads to monitor owners, Microsoft forced LG to disable the pop-ups. LG's official response defends the move, claiming McAfee was never installed without consent. That completely misses the point that the installer itself was uninvited bloatware.

Microsoft confirms it will make Windows 11 run better on PCs with 8GB RAM: Promises continued focus on fixing Windows' biggest issues

Microsoft's Windows chief Pavan Davuluri has provided an update on the work it's been doing to fix Windows 11's biggest problems.

Sony refuses to back down from killing physical media despite massive backlash; I hope Xbox doesn't follow their example, even though it's likely it will

During a recent financial earnings report, a Sony executive took the time to address the massive backlash it felt from gamers when it decided to end production of physical game discs for future PlayStation consoles, and their response is not one gamers want to hear.

If Blizzard won't bring back the 'War' in Warcraft, we'll do it ourselves in this D&D: World of Warcraft Tabletop RPG crossover

Wizards of the Coast has confirmed they're collaborating with Blizzard Entertainment to create D&D: World of Warcraft, a tabletop RPG that combines the roleplaying systems of Dungeons & Dragons with the setting, races, and classes of World of Warcraft. Here's what you need to know about this historic crossover.

I've played over 50 hours of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator this month, and it's cured my gaming burnout

I've been feeling a little burned out by gaming of late, despite the raft of great titles out there to play. But getting into truck simulators has been the perfect remedy.

Gears of War: E-Day's cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes pack content and chaos beyond what I imagined

Coalition has released a massive gameplay overview of Gears of War: E-Day's PvE and PvP multiplayer modes, and they're looking to blow their predecessors out of the water.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella promise Xbox will "return to growth" by the end of FY27 — What went wrong last fiscal?

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella promise Xbox will "return to growth" by FY28 — but how?

Laffgaff

Who played Lieutenant Commander Queeg in the 1954 movie ‘The Caine Mutiny’?

Humphrey Bogart.

Text Editor

Why did the text editor go to the chiropractor? To center his alignment.

Itsfoss

Keychron Built Open Source Firmware for Gaming Mice, and Linux Users Stand to Gain the Most

Built on Zephyr RTOS and licensed under GPL-3.0, the firmware is scheduled to ship first on the Keychron G6 HE next year.

Exploring Kittens With Kitty Terminal Emulator

Kitty terminal's functionality can be enhanced with kittens. You can create your own or use the default ones.