The News - Thursday, 04 September 2025

BBC News

Lisbon in shock after funicular crash leaves 15 dead

Portugal declares a day of mourning after the 140-year-old Gloria funicular derails and kills 15 people, including foreign nationals.

'My son's constipation wasn't taken seriously until he reached crisis point'

The number of children being admitted to hospital with constipation is at a 10-year high.

It's 4,000 miles from Ukraine - but even this Asian city is part of Russia's war

In Vladivostok, a city on China's and North Korea's border, Russia's war on Ukraine looms large.

Martha's rule expanded across England after hundreds of lives saved

Hundreds of patients have been helped by rule which makes it easier to get an urgent second opinion

What we know about Rayner's tax admission - and the unanswered questions

The deputy PM has admitted underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex.

'Systemic failure': Botched insulation fitted in 30,000 homes

The government has documented the number of homes blighted by sub-standard work for the first time.

Big Ben tower, home extension and science lab up for prestigious architecture award

The restoration of London's famous Elizabeth Tower is nominated for the prestigious Stirling Prize.

UK and allies ready to back Ukraine before and after peace deal

The UK and other allies hope to obtain clear US backing for their efforts to shore up Ukraine's defences.

Union group urges Reeves to consider wealth taxes

TUC boss Paul Nowak says the chancellor should not take "anything off the table" ahead of November Budget.

Faisal Islam: Reeves has a bumpy road up to the Budget

The chancellor hits back at speculation over tax rises, but will need to find the money from somewhere.

Don't say sorry - the six things you should do if you're in a car accident

I've attended many car accidents for work, but being directly involved in one gave me a different perspective.

Migrant crisis: How Europe went from Merkel's 'We can do it' ten years ago to pulling up the drawbridge

A number of European governments are proposing restrictive measures on migrants in response to public concern

What we know about fatal Lisbon funicular derailment

At least 15 people have been killed and 20 more injured after a carriage on the Gloria funicular derailed and crashed.

How this Afghan family ended up held by ICE in bureaucratic limbo

Three migrants - a man who worked for the US in Afghanistan and his son and daughter - hope to be reunited with family in Canada.

Rayner 'clings on' as she 'fights for political survival'

Angela Rayner's admission that she underpaid stamp duty on her flat in Hove dominates Thursday's papers.

Henry Zeffman: Rayner's political future under threat after stamp duty admission

The deputy prime minister has referred herself for an ethics probe by the PM's adviser.

Was US strike on 'Venezuela drug boat' legal and what do we know?

Experts suggest the strike - which killed 11 alleged cartel members - may be illegal under international law.

What new weapons on show at huge parade say about China's military strength

Beijing has unveiled a range of military hardware in a show of might to Western powers.

Israel intensifies Gaza City attacks as UN warns of 'horrific' consequences for displaced families

Strikes reportedly kill 31 people in the city, home to a million people and where a famine was declared last month.

American Eagle shares soar as Sydney Sweeney ads seen driving sales

The US actress was part of the company's controversial "Great Jeans" campaign which drew a backlash.

Hot mic catches Xi and Putin discussing organ transplants and immortality

The Chinese and Russian leaders have been in power for 13 and 25 years respectively, with neither expressing any intention of stepping down.

Trump appeals to US Supreme Court to rule on legality of tariffs

The move is in response to a lower court ruling that some tariffs did not fall within the president's mandate.

Six charged with terrorism offences over support for Palestine Action

The group allegedly organised meetings over Zoom and planned demonstrations in support of Palestine Action

UAE warns Israel that annexing West Bank would cross 'red line'

The warning came after a far-right Israeli minister unveiled a proposal for the annexation of four-fifths of the occupied territory.

Bournemouth Echo

'We really need help' - Urgent plea for volunteers for Christmas Parade

A HISTORICAL Christmas parade that has been running for more than half a century is at risk of not taking place this year unless more volunteers and support come forward.

Parish council has 'no plans to sell allotments' after concerns raised

Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council (HWPC) has said they have no plans to sell allotments.

6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are on the lookout for loving new homes

A number of pets at Dorset RSPCA branches in Ashley Heath and Dorchester are looking to find loving new homes.

Bournemouth pub applies to make changes to its licence

A pub in Bournemouth has submitted a full variation to the current premise licence

‘Ultra Low Emission Zone in BCP could pay for a monorail’

IS IT not time – long past time – that the BCP area was graced with its very own Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)?

'We need another bank holiday to celebrate our country'

I would like to make the following suggestion to any government (current or future) or even a private members bill by any MP willing to roll up their sleeve over engaging in meaningless debates.

Sir Christopher Chope debate on Covid vaccine damage payment

Sir Christopher Chope, MP for Christchurch, chaired a debate about vaccine damage payment.

Penalty notices issued to vehicles blocking pavements

Officers on foot patrol in Ringwood issued several penalty tickets to vehicles blocking pavements.

BCP below required percentage of children receiving vaccines

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) is above the national average for vaccinating children.

Police issue fixed penalty notices to pavement-blocking vehicles

Fordingbridge police issue £30 fines for pavement parking and untaxed or no MOT vehicles, targeting hazards to disabled pedestrians and urging road safety.

Eco-friendly event to return to shopping centre this weekend

The business invites customers to make a custom trolley token from three plastic bottle tops in a workshop.

Poole firm's five award nominations for excellence and innovation

GoodOaks Homecare named finalist in five categories at Leaders in Care Awards 2025, recognising excellence and innovation in UK home care sector.

Grand Slam Finals to be held on Bournemouth Beach this weekend

Bournemouth Grand Slam Finals 2025 returns this weekend by Bournemouth Pier, featuring top UK beach volleyball stars. Free entry. Sponsored by MSP Capital.

Expansion of childcare hailed as 'game-changer' by MP

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes welcomes 30 hours' funded childcare expansion, saving parents up to £7,500 yearly. Over 500,000 children to benefit UK-wide.

Bournemouth care home achieves good rating after inspection

Great Oaks Care Home in Bournemouth rated "good" by CQC in all areas, praised for person-centred care, compassion, and strong leadership under Michelle Balsdon.

Children's playroom opened at domestic abuse refuge

A new children’s playroom has opened at Poole Refuge, run by BCHA and funded by Bright Horizons, offering support for families fleeing domestic abuse.

Photo exhibition to tour Dorset celebrating coastal champions

Coastal Life Stories exhibition celebrates Dorset’s coastal champions with photos and stories. Touring Dorset coast venues September–November. Free entry.

New apprenticeship hub launched in the New Forest

New Forest apprenticeship hub launched by council and business partnership to boost local skills, training, and jobs, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Charity launches month-long sustainability campaign

"We’d love it if Sustainable September helped spark conversations and encouraged sustainability in everyday life.

Bournemouth festival shortlisted for Dorset Tourism Awards

Bournemouth Writing Festival shortlisted for 2025 Dorset Tourism Awards, recognising its cultural impact. Winners announced 16 October in Weymouth.

Residents in South West urged to check chimneys for nests

BPCA urges South West UK residents to check chimneys for jackdaw nests before autumn. Protect homes from fire risk—seek licensed pest control advice.

Bournemouth's first politics summer school held at university

More than 50 students joined Bournemouth’s first politics summer school, organised by Jessica Toale MP at Bournemouth University, inspiring youth in political engagement.

Sixty-six finalists announced for Dorset Tourism Awards

The awards cover a wide range of categories including cafés, tearooms, pubs, events, festivals, and restaurants.

Popular summer fair attracts more than 5,000 visitors

Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties donates £650 to Canford Summer Fair 2025, supporting local community, family activities, and Canford Vale development.

Roadworks to start next week in town with warning for visitors

Dorset Council thanked residents for their cooperation and understanding.

Six locomotives to visit Swanage Railway for huge event

The public can also ride in the brake van of a demonstration 1950s freight train, with tickets available from the Swanage Railway website.

Fire service needs new recruits after major incidents

Wareham Fire Station is recruiting on-call firefighters. Join Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service—paid roles, flexible hours, community service. Apply now.

Aldi introduces InPost Lockers to six Dorset stores

Aldi expands InPost Lockers to six Dorset stores, including Boscombe and Poole, enabling convenient parcel collection and returns for UK shoppers.

Restaurant submits application to serve alcohol

A restaurant has submitted a licencing application to serve alcohol.

Poole storage business renews cyber protection certification

It renewed its Cyber Essentials certification through a partnership with cyber-security company C3IA.

Rare race machines and vibrant motorcycle history at British Bike Day

Sammy Miller Museum’s British Bike Day 2024 showcased rare Triumph and BSA motorcycles, classic race bikes, and local motorcycling history in Hampshire.

Group celebrates 110th birthday with creative twist

Christchurch Central WI celebrates the Women's Institute's 110th anniversary with cake and bubbles. New members welcome. Monthly meetings at Druitt Hall.

Changes to land and homes among latest planning applications

CHANGES to homes and land across Swanage, Bere Regis, West Lulworth, Wareham and Stoborough are being proposed in the most recent planning applications for the area.

Couple to bring Christmas running event to Southbourne

A couple who started their own running event company have created a Christmas run.

New taxi service is expanding to BCP this month

A SOUTHAMPTON taxi firm is expanding its services into Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole later this month.

Man who 'always helped people' found dead in bathroom, inquest hears

Mark Anthony Richard King died on March 3, 2025 in Bournemouth, and an inquest into his death was held on September 3, led by coroner Richard Middleton at Bournemouth town hall.

'It would be a disaster to lose this park': Parents voice opinions on future of park

Parents and residents have voiced their opinions and feelings as the future of Harewood Toddler's park is to be determined.

Government

Vehicle Registration Marks (Misuse and Offences) Bill

A Bill to make provision about offences relating to the misuse and illegal copying of vehicle registration marks; to require the Secretary of State to introduce measures to reduce incidences of such misuse and illegal copying; to make provision about support for victims of any such offences; and for connected purposes.

Windows Central

007 First Light gets a release date — I'm loving this approach to bringing James Bond into video games

Developer IO Interactive shared more about its upcoming spy thriller game, 007 First Light, as well as revealing the game is launching on March 27, 2026.

My favorite The Elder Scrolls RPG is getting ported to Elden Ring thanks to a crazy new mod — yes, you read that right, and it's already halfway done

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is getting ported to Elden Ring thanks to an incredibly ambitious new mod, and it's farther along than you might think.

New Xbox controllers bring "Breaker" special edition designs — and all three are launching later in September

Three new Xbox controllers are on the way, with the Breaker Special Edition lineup available for preorder right now.

World of Warcraft's new Player Housing system might be its most important new feature in over a decade — and not for reasons you might think

At Gamescom 2025, I tried out World of Warcraft's exciting new Player Housing feature. This is why I think it could end up being the maturing MMO's most important feature in years.

Understanding Microsoft’s $6B savings package for federal agencies: what it means

Microsoft has struck a $6B cloud savings deal with the U.S. government, cutting costs on Office, Azure, Dynamics, and cybersecurity tools, while offering a free year of Copilot AI to federal workers.

Intel admits it ‘fumbled the football’ with Arrow Lake CPUs — but can Nova Lake really fix the damage?

Intel CFO David Zinsner admitted Arrow Lake CPUs fell short in pricing and performance, but says Nova Lake will bring a stronger high-end desktop lineup to challenge AMD.

Itsfoss

FOSS Weekly #25.36: Ubuntu 25.10 Features, Top Command, Firefox Survives, Sudo Tips and More

Close shave for our beloved Mozilla Firefox.