The News - Saturday, 08 August 2026

BBC News

Police officers investigated over handling of sex offender who murdered two women

Simon Levy was a serial sex offender who was being monitored by police when he killed two women.

Counter-terror police reopen attempted burglary probe as part of Widdecombe inquiry

No arrests were made at the time and the investigation was closed.

Spain imposes border controls against Italy as row over Ceuta migrant influx intensifies

Italy introduced border controls following an influx of about 78,000 migrants from Morocco into the neighbouring Spanish exclave of Ceuta.

Watch: BBC asks Infantino if he will resign as Fifa president

The head of the football governing body has faced multiple calls to quit after his aborted attempt to sell private stakes in the World Cup.

Hunter Biden tells BBC his pardon was 'not good' for America or his father's legacy

In a wide-ranging BBC interview, the former president's son denied having any interest in running for office and said his father's cancer has spread.

Child among three killed in Russian missile attacks near Kyiv

Russia continued its overnight attacks after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of Ukraine's dwindling supplies of missile interceptors.

Obesity rates have doubled in England since 1993 - what's going on?

Around seven million more adults are living with obesity than would have been if obesity rates had stayed the same as 1993.

'I ran because I knew I would die': Russian drones target medics in Ukraine

Ukrainian emergency workers warn of growing Russian attacks on hospitals and ambulances.

Book hidden in fireplace returned to Australian library 150 years overdue

It is thought an apprentice stonemason who worked on the Houses of Parliament in London borrowed it.

Police failings revealed as sex offender left free to murder and attack women

Simon Levy’s second murder victim, Sheryl Wilkins, could have been saved, senior Met officer admits.

The papers: 'Sex predator let out to kill' and 'net zero plans rolled back'

Several papers are leading on a serial sex offender who has been found guilty of murdering two women and raping a third in London.

I went for a full body MOT and the results came as a shock

The private body scan industry is booming, but is it doing more harm than good?

How a former GB Olympian curbed his porn problem - and the signs and steps to recovery

Experts share the signs to look out for if you are worried about your porn use, and how to seek help.

Digital cameras and wired earphones are back - and 'a bit more real'

We're surrounded by more advanced tech in 2026, so why are young people going back to basics?

The phone book that led us to Assad's spy chief in hiding

How we tracked down "The Spider" who was once one of the most-feared men in Syria.

He's been frozen on Everest for 30 years, now 'Green Boots' may finally be coming home

For decades, an Indian man's lime shoes have been a grim trail marker for many climbing the world's highest peak.

Sophia Laforteza steps away from Katseye, the second member to depart this year

The announcement came comes after fellow bandmate Manon Bannerman went on a hiatus from the ensemble.

Madonna and Blur producer William Orbit dies aged 69

Tributes are paid to the musical "genius and pioneer", who also worked with All Saints, Pink and U2.

Thai PM vows to introduce stricter gun laws after eight killed in shooting

Eight people were killed when a 14-year-old opened fire at his home and school before shooting himself dead.

Cambridge to review process for hiring senior academics after Jason Arday resignation

Prof Priyamvada Gopal, who is part of the group, says Cambridge should not be "marking its own homework".

Six-hour train services between London and Stirling running with no toilets after fault

Services have been stopping for longer at stations to allow passengers to get off and use toilets on platforms.

US appeals court halts Trump ballroom project paving way for Supreme Court showdown

"Whether or not a ⁠massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide," the appeals panel's ​majority said.

England footballer Ivan Toney charged with assault at Soho nightclub

The 30-year-old former Brentford striker is due to appear in court next month.

Officer who led PC Harper investigation 'appalled' killers could be released early

Former Det Sup Stuart Blaik, who led the investigation into the police officer's death, has publicly shared his views on the case for the first time.

Victims urged to come forward as police accused of 'litany of failures' over murderer and rapist

The Met and British Transport Police say the sex offender may have more victims, while criticism of investigators continues.

Chasing a ghost: how BBC tracked a fugitive spy chief after months-long hunt

How we tracked down "The Spider" who was once one of the most-feared men in Syria.

Trump's ex-lawyer Todd Blanche narrowly confirmed as US attorney general

The vote cements Trump's former criminal defence lawyer as the nation's top law enforcement official despite a rare pushback from some Republicans.

Sturgeon hasn't spoken to Murrell since he was jailed for embezzling SNP funds

The former first minister also told a podcast she would not visit her estranged husband in prison.

Watch: Moment opposition MP throws eggs at Kosovo's acting PM

Lawmakers and police officers had to intervene after Alliance party MP Time Kadrijaj hurled at least four eggs towards Kosovo's acting prime minister Albin Kurti.

Madonna pays tribute to 'genius, otherworldly' producer William Orbit

The Queen of Pop worked with Orbit several times over the years, most notably on her genre-bending, Grammy Award-winning album Ray of Light.

Spain imposes border controls against Italy as row over Ceuta migrant influx intensifies

Italy introduced border controls following an influx of about 78,000 migrants from Morocco into the neighbouring Spanish exclave of Ceuta.

Child among three killed in Russian missile attacks near Kyiv

Russia continued its overnight attacks after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of Ukraine's dwindling supplies of missile interceptors.

Strictly dancers Ola and James Jordan separate after 23 years of marriage

The professional dancers, who married in 2003, both spent several series on the BBC programme.

Typhoon Dolphin batters Japan's Okinawa before bearing down on China

The storm has cut power to at least 44,000 buildings and injured five people on the Japanese island.

Hundreds flying out of Birmingham Airport left without luggage after baggage issues

Passengers flying from Birmingham Airport start their holidays without their luggage.

Betty, 97, breaks record for oldest wingwalker

She has carried out six charity wing walks over the past decade.

Poo, parking and poor pitching - the Lake District's summer battles

Protection orders are being used to try and control the issue, but funding is limited, councils say.

Chernobyl disaster evacuee 'forever grateful' to Welsh family who took him in

Anton Honchanka was one of thousands of people affected by the 1986 nuclear disaster who came to the UK.

What are the 'luteal uglies'? And how they're affecting women

More women than ever are talking about the luteal phase on social media, but how does it actually affect you?

Bournemouth Echo

Remembering vibrant 2001 Folk Festival when bells and ribbons took over coast

Wooden staves cracked through the salty air as Morris dancers in bright ribbons and bells took over the Purbeck coast.

Historic Bournemouth landmark could get solar panels due to sustainability push

A historic Bournemouth landmark is set to become more environmentally friendly after plans were submitted for solar panel to be installed

‘The most precious gift’- Family fundraising for cold cot after losing baby

Parents who were able to spend a day with their daughter after she was stillborn are fundraising for a cold cot to allow other bereaved families to do the same.

Anger from councillors as town and seafront plans pushed back

Councillors have hit out after improvement plans for Ringwood and Milford‑on‑Sea were pushed back, while four other big‑money schemes move ahead.

Dorset residents to see 93 per cent solar eclipse hailed as UK's best since 1999

Dorset is set for a spectacular celestial show next week, with the Moon expected to obscure about 93 per cent of the Sun during a deep partial solar eclipse.

Warning issued to snorkellers and divers who spot seahorses near harbour

Divers, snorkellers and film crews in Poole Harbour and Studland Bay are being warned that they need a licence if they deliberately seek out, photograph or film protected seahorses.

Pub of the week: The Kings Head reopens following huge £326k refurbishment

Our pub of the week is a historic free house located on the picturesque Quay in Poole which has reopened after an extensive £326,000 refurbishment.

'It's not viable to trade in Bournemouth': Boutique announces town centre exit

A boutique is leaving Bournemouth town centre following a 'significant drop in shoppers' in the area, ending thirty-one years of designer ladieswear being sold at the site.

Library to temporarily close during essential repairs after 'significant investment'

The Dolphin Shopping Centre is funding the roof replacement project at Poole Library and has appointed Spetisbury Construction to carry out the works.

PICTURES - Hundreds of inflatables take over river for Dorset Dinghy Day

Hundreds of people took to the River Stour in inflatables as Dorset Dinghy Day returned for 2026.

Woman speaks out on spiking ordeal at Bournemouth venue

A brave woman has spoken up about her experience of being spiked — which she claims happened at Barbara’s Bier Haus in Bournemouth.

How to spend a day in the BCP area with gorgeous beaches, museums and more

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole welcome millions of visitors every year, but how should you spend a day here?

Dorset campsite where you're 'spoilt for choice' named among UK's best family sites

Highlands End Holiday Park near Bridport was named among the UK's outstanding family sites by Campsites.co.uk

Driver admits drinking but is below legal limit after police stop

A woman who admitted drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel was found to be below the legal drink-drive limit.

Motorbike seized from unlicensed rider in north Dorset

A motorbike has been seized from a rider committing a number of driving offences in north Dorset

Council to contact residents in annual electoral register update

BCP Council is conducting an annual electoral register canvass over the next few months.

Two men made to leave holiday park after suspected drug use

Two men were made to leave a holiday park in Poole following reports of 'drug use'.

REVIEW - Now That's What I Call Symphonic Music!, BSO, Meyrick Park

Inside or out, a classical concert is always about more than just the music.

Pensioner who 'simply can't avoid' looking at images of child abuse jailed

A pensioner who was previously found with 75,000 indecent images of children has been jailed.

The long goodbye - How Dorset's railway network began disappearing

This is the story of the long goodbye - the closure of Dorset's railway network

Bournemouth shop applies for premises licence to sell alcohol seven days a week

Elitoria International Food Ltd has applied for a premises licence at 1 Royal London House, Bournemouth. Comments to BCP Council accepted until August 21.

Wessex Internet recognised for its impact on rural full fibre connectivity

Wessex Internet has been recognised as a winner of the Best of British Businesses 2026 by The Independent and Business Reporter

Bournemouth-based luxury ski specialist partners with AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth-based luxury ski specialist Ski In Luxury has partnered with AFC Bournemouth, becoming a Premier Regional Partner ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Poole road to temporarily close for nearly three months due to SGN works

Longfleet Road, Poole, to close from 31 August to 29 November 2026 for SGN gas works. Diversions and parking bans in place; BCP Council traffic order.

Kayaking adventure in Dorset proves sight loss doesn't limit outdoor experiences

Members from Dorset Blind Association took part in a guided kayaking experience off the Jurassic Coast, due to a partnership with Land & Wave.

Four technology specialists in Dorset celebrate collective 60 years of success

Four experts at Intergage Marketing Engineers (IME) are together celebrating 60 years of helping technology clients to grow and prosper.

Museum to celebrate World Land Speed record breaker Sunbeam 1000hp in California

National Motor Museum to celebrate the Sunbeam 1000hp at California’s Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum

Gliding activities at Eyres Field in Dorset continuing under a new club name

Following a period of significant change, gliding activity at Eyres Field is continuing under a new club name: Purbeck Flying

Thousands of Dorset's hidden carers are being urged to come forward for support

Thousands of people in Dorset could be providing unpaid care for a loved one, friend or neighbour without realising they are entitled to support.

New Forest Cabinet supports next phase to progress four major community projects

New Forest District Council (NFDC) has agreed to move forward with four projects in Lymington, Totton, and parts of the New Forest.

Is there going to be another heatwave in the UK? Met Office reveals the answer

The Met Office has warned Brits to brace for a fifth heatwave of the year - see exactly when.

Should you keep ketchup in the fridge? Food expert explains as health warning issued

Food experts settle the argument on whether you should keep your ketchup in the fridge, and the health reasons why

Watchdog warns of new rules for Lidl and Aldi in line with other UK supermarkets

The rule currently applies to Asda, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.

Martin Lewis reveals the simple pension mistake that could trigger an HMRC bill

Martin Lewis explains the difference between pension withdrawals, drawdown and annuities, and why taking money at the wrong time could increase your tax bill.

'Do not eat' warnings as recalls issued at Tesco, Waitrose, Home Bargains and more

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued "do not eat" warnings for potentially unsafe items due to potential health risks.

Best back-to-school buys 2026: The uniforms, shoes and bundles worth your money

Looking for the best back-to-school buys? We compare Aldi, M&S, Tu, Clarks and Hype to reveal the best-value uniforms, shoes, bags and bundles.

Historic coin company enters administration after 20 years in business

Historic coin supplier The London Mint Office has collapsed into administration after 20 years in business.

UK restaurant chain to shut all 196 sites in weeks as warning to customers issued

Whitbread is closing all 105 Beefeater and 89 Brewers Fayre sites in the coming weeks, with loyalty schemes closing too.

Formula 1

JACQUES: 5 young drivers we should be paying attention to

F1 TV Lead Commentator Alex Jacques takes us through five young drivers we should all be paying attention to for the rest of 2026.

Why Verstappen fans are rushing to back him again

Max Verstappen is yet to win a Grand Prix in 2026, but some betting fans still see him as a value bet for the second half of the season.

10 famous names who have driven F1 cars

F1.com looks back at some of the famous names from outside of the sport who have been given the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car.

Windows Central

When (and how) to watch Call of Duty NEXT ahead of the Modern Warfare 4 beta

The annual Call of Duty NEXT showcase is one of the biggest gaming events of the year, showing off the next Call of Duty title and upcoming changes to Warzone to build hype before the game's beta. Here's when and how you can watch COD NEXT 2026.

CEO of company that printed money with GTA 6 digital pre-orders shockingly supports ending physical game discs

During an earnings call, Take Two's CEO has commented on the impending death of physical games right as the digital-only GTA 6 prints huge wads of cash.

A new survey shows the scale of Xbox's fall vs. PlayStation and Nintendo in the U.S. — and the scale of the opportunity

New data from Statista Research shows how much Xbox has fallen against PlayStation in the U.S., but also the scale of the opportunity.

Linux users finally get a real Copilot app, and Microsoft didn't even make it

Developer Hayden Barnes built an unofficial Linux app for Microsoft Copilot. The native app adds system tray support, dark mode, and desktop notifications.

Windows 11 can feel loud and distracting out of the box — here are the features I disable immediately to make the OS calmer and easier to use

Windows 11 can feel busy with widgets, badges, and recommendations. These are the features I disable for a calmer desktop experience.

I've avoided OLED screens for a while, but this ASUS ROG Strix gaming monitor is convincing me to finally switch

OLED finally wins me over, as the ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQWMS delivers amazing contrast with a glossy 4K panel and intelligent screen-protection features.

Laffgaff

What is the name of Sherlock Holmes’ brother?

Mycroft Holmes.

Hot Jacket

What kind of jacket makes you hot? A blazer.

Itsfoss

OpenSearch Is Done Being Called "the Elasticsearch Fork"

An interview with Bianca Lewis of OpenSearch, conducted at Open Source Summit India.