The News - Wednesday, 16 September 2026

BBC News

OpenAI boss says world 'right to be afraid' but 'should trust' AI firms

Sam Altman and other tech CEOs say there are incentives to limit advancements in AI, as fears grow over the threats it poses to humanity.

UK in talks about joining global defence bank led by Canada

Supporters of the scheme say the bank would enable governments to get cheaper loans to spend on defence projects.

Letby doctor says inquiry 'grim reading' and he wishes 'we had been brave enough to follow suspicions'

Consultant Dr John Gibbs worked at the hospital during the period in 2015 to 2016 when Letby murdered seven babies.

Three dead after LA news helicopter crashes while covering deadly bus collision

The NBCLA news helicopter was flying near the scene of a fatal bus crash.

Prolific shoplifters behind more than 28,000 offences, BBC finds

Just 270 people were linked to 28,415 shoplifting offences across England, a BBC analysis has found.

'Luck and timing': Matthew Rhys on his historic Emmy Awards double win

Speaking to the BBC, the Welsh actor described the "surreal" experience of becoming the first person to win two lead acting prizes in one night.

Mayors could be given powers to oversee water companies

The idea is to create nine new regional bodies responsible for planning, setting objectives and holding water companies to account.

Third Heathrow runway should only go ahead if airlines pay for cleaner flying, say advisers

The government's climate advisers say Heathrow's third runway cannot be approved under current climate policies.

Japan to charge rescue fee on Mount Fuji during off season

The fee is among a series of measures Yamanashi prefecture is introducing to deter reckless climbers.

Search continues for boy, 3, missing at playground

Police carry out door-to-door inquiries in Brantham and a helicopter has been seen circling the area.

Key findings from Lucy Letby Thirlwall inquiry

The inquiry found a "complete failure to protect babies on the neonatal unit" where the nurse worked.

Letby failings go beyond one hospital - the whole system has been found lacking

Inquiry chair Lady Justice Thirlwall set out how the culture of the health system created the conditions that enabled poor care and criminality.

Repeatedly untruthful, callous and quiet: What we learned about Letby from inquiry report

The report has shed more details on Lucy Letby - the most prolific child killer in British legal history.

Do you feel guilty when calling in sick at work? This might be why...

As many as half of people report working when sick. The reasons for this are complex, experts say.

We are all new job starters - here's how we got through the first few days

Four recent job starters share their tips on what helped them have a smooth transition and survive their first few days.

Why doomsday warnings are not the only threat to the AI juggernaut

The global AI race is being hit by very localised political and environmental concerns

The Papers: 'Complete failure to protect babies' and 'Sterling mess'

The landmark public inquiry into Lucy Letby's murders and attempted murders is the focus of several of today's papers.

Is bankrupt competitions boss behind new scheme?

The man behind a competions company which went bust owing thousands is back with a new venture.

AI app ads promoting 'objectification of women' banned by watchdog

The ad regulator said it had "zero-tolerance" for ads promoting AI tools that could sexualise or objectify women.

Pokémon fans prepare for 'biggest day in a decade'

Collectors are eagerly awaiting the first release of the 30th anniversary Pokémon trading cards.

Turkey arrests dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists

The arrests are an escalation in the Turkish government's campaign targeting LGBTQ+ community and activists.

Thirteenth Met Police officer sacked after Charing Cross Panorama film

PC Mason O'Connor is dismissed after a hearing found he had breached standards of professional behaviour, the Met said.

Magazine returned to US library after 132 years overdue

Concord Public Library said it would have incurred a $12,055 overdue fine, had there not been a temporary fine freeze in place.

Southport attack victims, survivors and families hit by data breach

The Ministry of Justice says sensitive and personal data was accessed in a limited number of cases.

Dan Thomas resigns as Reform Wales leader after arrest on suspicion of assault

Thomas said he has done nothing wrong as Gwent Police confirms arrest on suspicion of assault.

EU chief backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'

Canada is seeking closer ties with EU after a breakdown in relations with the US and its president Donald Trump.

'Putney pusher' suspect found dead at home

Nicholas Brandram was a suspect in the incident where a woman was shoved into the path of a bus nine years ago.

Photos show widespread damage at US sites from Iranian attacks

A wrecked air force plane and destroyed buildings are among the images obtained by the BBC's partner CBS News.

Why an escalating Saudi oil crisis could drive up prices everywhere

BBC Verify's Ben Chu examines what impact rising energy costs could have on the global economy.

How being music's Mr Nice Guy contributed to biggest crisis of Ed Sheeran's career

Sheeran tries to stay away from politics and controversy, but that stance has come in for criticism.

Schools in England get extra £500m in bid to avoid teachers' pay strike

The offer of extra money by the government reduces the prospect of strike action by the largest teaching union.

Earl Spencer's unreleased book on sister Diana stolen in the Netherlands

The theft of Earl Spencer's memoir about his late sister comes one week ahead of the book's release.

Microsoft says AI rival Anthropic could have 'disastrous impact' on humanity

Mustafa Suleyman says he believes the AI giant is in effect teaching Claude it "may be conscious".

Part-human part-mouse brain developed in science breakthrough

Researchers at Stanford University genetically altered mice to be able to receive and function with human brain cells.

Watch: Will Ed Sheeran cancel his tour as support acts quit?

Sheeran's backing band and all of his support acts pulled out of his US tour, so what happens now?

Do you feel guilty when calling in sick at work? This might be why

As many as half of people report working when sick. The reasons for this are complex, experts say.

PM and his chancellor have a battle on their hands as the Budget approaches

The Budget is only six weeks away and the economy is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing the prime minister.

Why Trump is all-in on AI despite the warnings

The US president has pushed the issue to the forefront of American politics - even at the risk of losing supporters.

Our shop doors are locked during opening hours after theft

Businesses reveal the impact of shoplifting with recorded offences still above pre-pandemic levels.

Village votes to leave UK over asylum housing plan in symbolic referendum

Piddington residents vote over proposals to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers nearby.

Petrol and diesel price rises push UK inflation higher

Summer holidays and disruption to global oil supplies by the Middle East conflict stoked price growth.

Eight German state premiers back Merz amid speculation over future

Christian Democratic Union leadership throws its weight behind the chancellor ahead of two state elections this weekend.

British-American author and critic Bonnie Greer dies aged 77

Her husband says the playwright and cultural and political commentator died after a brief illness.

Eight children among 21 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses, rescuers say

Dozens of people are missing beneath the rubble of a building hit by an Israeli strike last year, where some 10 families had been living.

Kosovo's former president sentenced to 25 years for war crimes

Hashim Thaci has been jailed for crimes including torture and murder during Kosovo's independence war with Serbia.

Obamas' 'fiery and gorgeous' dog Sunny dies

The Portuguese Water Dog spent 13 years with the family, meeting many high-profile visitors in the White House, including Pope Francis.

Bournemouth Echo

'I hoped it would be Robert Redford!' - Redknapp set to meet man playing him in film

Harry Redknapp is set to meet the man playing him in an upcoming film detailing the extraordinary moment when the then-West Ham boss brought a mouthy fan out from the stands to play as a substitute for the Hammers.

Commentator to tackle 120-mile walk to Bournemouth after murder of wife and daughters

Racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy are taking on a 120-mile hike to Bournemouth to raise funds to tackle violence against women and girls after his wife Carol and daughters Hannah and Louise were murdered.

Medals of first man to command a tank in battle go on display

The medals of Harold Mortimore, the first man to command a tank in battle, are now on display at The Tank Museum.

Sleep among tanks at immersive theatre sleepover coming to Bovington

History fans can now sleep among the tanks at an immersive theatre attraction housed within the world’s finest and largest collection of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles.

Horticultural show features more than 350 entries despite difficult growing season

A horticultural show burst into life with more than 350 colourful entries.

Wareham pub reopens after £300k refurbishment and 'woke' rebrand

A pub has reopened following a major refurbishment.

Objections flood in over hotel demolition as developer vows new hotel will follow

Plans seeking to demolish a well-known hotel in Sandbanks have prompted a flood of public objections.

Wetherspoon pubs across BCP slashing prices for one day only this week

Six Wetherspoon pubs will slash all food and drink prices for one day only this week.

£300,000 upgrade to transform swimming facilities at RiversMeet

RiversMeet leisure centre in Gillingham is investing £300,000 in upgraded changing rooms, new water treatment technology and improved pool facilities as part of a major refurbishment programme.

Ellis Jones backs Ringwood Carnival again as charity event returns

Ellis Jones Solicitors has renewed its support for Ringwood Carnival, sponsoring the event for another year as organisers aim to raise £45,000 for charities in 2026.

Dad quits old job to open Dorset barbershop in unlikely location

After years of juggling 16-hour workdays, Verwood barber Conor Cutler left his day job to open Boony's Barbers on an industrial estate, creating a community hub built around family life and mental wellbeing.

Police concerns raised as Bournemouth boxing event plans heard by committee

Plans for a one day boxing event in Bournemouth Town Centre, which raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, has been heard at committee.

Bournemouth paedophile jailed for owning PlayStation 2, other video game consoles

A paedophile who possessed a video of a four-year-old girl being raped has been jailed for 16 months.

Two burglaries hit Napier Road as café and mini-market are targeted

A glass patio door was smashed during a break-in at a café on Napier Road.

Driver arrested and car seized in New Forest after dangerous driving

A car was seized by New Forest police after the driver was arrested for multiple offences including dangerous driving and having no license

Councillors back call for cheaper parking for New Forest residents

Councillors have backed a motion to ask for cheaper parking for New Forest residents

Dorset MP introduces bill for mandatory registration of hairdressers and barbers

Vikki Slade, the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, introduced the Barbers and Hairdressers (Registration) Bill in Parliament on September 14

Man hunt continues following Poole burglary and 'suspicious' Sandbanks incident

Officers continuing to investigate a burglary at a home in Poole are renewing their appeal for information and issuing a further image of a man they would like to identify.

Vital life saving equipment stolen from two fire stations in weekend burglary spree

CAN YOU HELP?We are appealing for information and witnesses following two reported burglaries at fire stations in the New Forest.

Review - Freya Ridings at Lighthouse, Poole

Probably best known for her 2017 breakthrough hit Lost Without You, although seemingly not really a household name, singer-songwriter Freya Ridings still virtually filled Lighthouse’s Concert Hall.

Inquest date set into man's death after fall at Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium

A date has been set for an inquest into the death of a man who died after a fall at an Oasis concert last year.

Writers invited to authors' event with guest speakers

Authors and creatives are being invited to a free event with two well-known guest speakers next month.

Coroner warns ketamine addicts risk ‘falling through the cracks’ in care

A coroner has warned that people addicted to ketamine risk "falling through the cracks" because their care is not properly co-ordinated.

‘Addicted to tax’: Opposition anger as council refuses to rule out more tax hikes

Opposition councillors have criticised the Liberal Democrat-led administration for considering further council tax hikes and higher service charges

Fresh attempt to open restaurant on water at Christchurch Quay heard at meeting

Plans for a floating restaurant in Christchurch Quay have been heard at a licensing hearing.

‘Residents will be suffering’ if plans to open a bar until early hours is granted

Plans for late-night music at a bar and restaurant in Poole which sparked concerns about anti-social behaviour has been heard by committee

British rock music legend spotted strolling through Dorset gift shop

Monkey World has welcomed Ian Brown, legendary frontman of The Stone Roses, for a special visit to the Dorset ape sanctuary this week.

Costa Coffee confirms it is leaving Primark but will be opening a new branch soon

A global coffee chain giant has announced it will be leaving Bournemouth's flagship Primark shop and moving into a neighbouring unit with extended opening hours.

Woman taken to hospital with 'serious injuries' after crash involving Mercedes Benz

A woman her 40s has sustained serious injuries after being hit by a Mercedes Benz in the car park of a Cafe gift shop in Dorset and Police are appealing for information.

New Milton celebrates successful summer music series

New Milton Town Council has celebrated the success of its summer series of free live music events.

New Forest teenager charged after electric motorbike incident

A New Forest teenager has been charged after an incident involving an electric motorbike

Five pub pitstops to enjoy during a New Forest walk this autumn

Here's our pick of five of the best autumnal walks to enjoy in the New Forest - each with a pub pitstop or two.

Man arrested as armed Christchurch robbery investigation continues

A 21-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery in Christchurch, while two previously arrested suspects have been released on police bail as Dorset police continue enquiries.

'Wildfires more frequent, larger and harder to contain, and proper funding is needed'

Dorset firefighter warns wildfires are rising in frequency and scale, straining Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service resources.

More than £2.3m spent repairing potholes across county

Dorset Council spent more than £2.3 million repairing potholes across the county during the last financial year, newly released figures show

Property developer denies strangling wife during row at £3m Sandbanks home

A property developer has denied intentionally strangling his wife during a drunken row at their £3 million home.

TV legend to star in Jack and the Beanstalk panto at Wimborne theatre this year

TV legend Vicki Michelle will star in this year’s Tivoli Wimborne Theatre pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk from December 16 to January 5, 2027.

Christchurch pub applies to BCP Council to vary its premises licence

Marston’s PLC applies to BCP Council to show films indoors and outdoors at Stourvale pub, Christchurch, and host indoor sporting events.

12-year-old from Poole to mark birthday by taking on swim at Hyde Park festival

Thomas Furze will take on the half-mile challenge at Swim Serpentine in Hyde Park, London, on September 19, swimming alongside his dad, David.

Legendary singer-songwriter to perform at Bournemouth venue next year

Legendary singer-songwriter Chris De Burgh will be performing at the Bournemouth Pavilion on May 7, 2027, as part of his It's Never Too Late tour.

Housebuilder celebrates launch of second phase of major development in Dorset

Taylor Wimpey is delivering 189 homes as part of its Canford Vale project in Canford Magna, which will eventually total 690 properties.

Long-serving RNLI volunteer in Dorset completes 15,000ft skydive for the charity

Long-serving RNLI volunteer David Richmond-Coggan BEM has taken his fundraising to new heights, completing a 15,000ft skydive in support of the charity.

Exhibition exploring Black British history and identity opening at Poole venue

Titled The Past Is Present, the show features work by Swanage-based artist Sharon James and will run at Lighthouse Poole from October 6 to October 31.

Popular Ukrainian exhibition at award-winning Dorset museum extended until 2027

A powerful exhibition at the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne capturing a family's journey from war-torn Ukraine to Dorset has been extended until 2027.

Several places in the South West feature in new book about eerie places to visit

Peter Naldrett's Spooky Britain, the 100 Most Eerie and Mysterious Places to Visit, features several locations in the South West

Highcliffe Castle tearoom named finalist at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026

The Castle Pantry, based at Highcliffe Castle and operated by Adventure Attractions Ltd, is in the running for Café & Tearoom of the Year.

Company applies for premises licence to sell alcohol at Ringwood venue

No Oil on the Canvas Ltd seeks a Ringwood premises licence to sell alcohol, host live music. Submit comments to New Forest District Council by September 21.

'Swanage Folk Festival remains an unmissable weekend in the folk calendar'

Review of Swanage Folk Festival, the UK’s biggest dance festival, by Cliff Moore

Charity calls on former pupils to 'Back Your School' to help tackle homelessness

YMCA Bournemouth is calling on former pupils in Dorset to reconnect with school communities and support a new campaign helping people experiencing homelessness.

Vigil safety app now available to download with UK-wide ambition

Vigil – Building a Safer Community, One Partnership at a Time

Drought could leave butterflies fighting for survival next year, experts warn

Butterfly Conservation warns the impact of the hot, dry weather may have hit caterpillars hard, with many facing starvation

Care home in Ferndown hosts its very own version of the Notting Hill Carnival

Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, hosted its very own version of Notting Hill Carnival, bringing a lively atmosphere to its gardens.

Number of children needing adoption in the South West increases in five years

A growing gap between children needing adoption and available families is growing in the South West

Churchill will donate £5 per visitor at Macmillan Coffee Morning in Lymington

Churchill Living will donate £5 to Macmillan Cancer Support for every guest who attends a coffee morning on September 23.

Company applies to alter goods vehicle operator's licence for Poole site

DHL eCommerce UK seeks to increase goods vehicles at Poole site, Albion Close. Public consultation open until September 22.

Young writer from Sherborne shortlisted for the 2026 BBC Young Writers' Award

Sherborne student Tom Ixer has been shortlisted for the 2026 BBC Young Writers’ Award for his story Funny, which explores the hidden struggles of a class clown.

Government

E-Scooters (Safety and Sale) Bill [HL]

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to set prescribed safety requirements for e-scooters offered for sale, including limits on speed and power output; to prohibit the marketing, sale and supply of e-scooters for use on roads or other public places where such use is unlawful; to prohibit the sale and supply of equipment capable of modifying an e-scooter to circumvent prescribed safety requirements; to make provision about consumer information requirements for the sale of e-scooters; to confer powers on trading standards officers and constables to enforce compliance; and for connected purposes.

Student Finance (Review) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to review student finance in England; to require the review to consider loan repayment arrangements and thresholds; to require the review to consider the terms and conditions applying to student loans when they were issued; to require the review to consider the relationship between student finance loan repayment thresholds and average earnings; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

'McLaren’s call to pit Norris after the VSC made no sense'

Former Renault F1 driver and F1 TV analyst Jolyon Palmer explains why McLaren pitting Norris after the VSC only "cemented" the loss of the race in Madrid.

Vote for the 2027 race you are most excited for to win Grand Prix tickets

What's new with the F1 Sprint in 2027?

The 2027 Formula 1 calendar has been revealed with the number of Sprint events increasing to 10.

Everything you need to know about the 2027 F1 calendar

Lawrence Barretto takes a look at the highlights from the schedule for the 2027 F1 season.

Formula 1 reveals calendar for 2027 season

The full schedule for the 2027 F1 season has been confirmed, with 24 rounds set to create another action-packed campaign.

MS Dynamics

Build custom commerce experiences with Dynamics 365 Commerce

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce provides a composable, API-first architecture that separates the experience layer from the commerce engine. New licensing offers customers more flexibility to use Dynamics 365 Commerce to build custom applications, connect third-party experiences, and support new commerce scenarios. Organizations can create experiences for their specific business requirements while using Dynamics 365 Commerce capabilities for pricing, promotions, inventory, loyalty, orders, fulfillment, and other commerce processes.

The post Build custom commerce experiences with Dynamics 365 Commerce appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Razer Prio review: The first mobile controller I've actually wanted to carry everywhere

The Razer Prio isn't trying to be the biggest, most comfortable mobile controller on the market. Instead, it focuses on something far more practical: portability. With a unique foldable design that collapses to nearly credit-card dimensions, the Prio is one of the few mobile controllers you'll actually carry every day.

Thrustmaster's new flight stick is a heavy and authentic A-10C HOTAS replica for PC simulator fans who crave digital dogfights

Thrustmaster's HOTAS Warthog MK II debuts at $599.99, refining the fully metal A‑10C replica built for serious PC flight‑sim pilots.

"Data centres have become integral to our lives" — Microsoft plans to push ahead with data center despite protests

Microsoft says the UK needs more data centers as Slough residents question the impact of the proposed site.

Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember's release date is revealed, with a time-limited 'Alpha' gameplay demo available on Xbox and PC

Koei Tecmo has revealed that Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember will be launching on March 4, 2027, for Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5. Additionally, Koei Tecmo has released a playable Alpha Demo for the game on all platforms.

Microsoft Surface event announced for October 7 — here's everything we know so far

Microsoft will hold a Windows and Surface event on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco. We expect RTX Spark and Windows 11 to be center stage at the event.

Laffgaff

Which famous scientist developed the theory of relativity?

Albert Einstein.

Silent Phone

Why did the elf turn his phone to silent? He was bored of the rings.

Itsfoss

The Simplest Method to Extract All Images from a Document in LibreOffice

Saves a lot of time and effort as you don't have to manually save all the images one by one. Also, this trick works with most office tools, if not all.

Local AI Weekly #2: Agents Everywhere

Debuggers, memory, and a browser for your agents. And a tool that finally tells you what your hardware can run.

I Spent Time With GeForce NOW to See If It's Gameable on Linux

The native Linux client recently left beta, so I tested it on Ubuntu to see how it performed.