The News - Tuesday, 21 January 2025

BBC News

President vows to leave Paris climate agreement and 'drill, baby, drill'

The White House announces a "national energy emergency" to reverse US climate regulations and boost oil and gas.

Executive order delaying TikTok ban gets sign-off

The order was among a slew of directives Trump signed on Monday evening.

Trump orders US to leave World Health Organization

Trump has long been critical of how the Geneva-based institution handled the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anthony Zurcher: With the promise of a 'golden age', a second Trump era begins

Trump's inaugural speech was a mix of promises – and contradictions – that underlined some of the challenges he faces upon his return.

Starmer to make statement on Southport public inquiry

The prime minister is due to speak after Axel Rudakubana pleaded guilty to the murders of three girls last year.

Her aunt's regime 'disappeared' people - so why did Starmer make her a minister?

Labour has long known about MP Siddiq's links to an autocrat in Bangladesh, so why was she appointed a minister?

Far-right group exposed in undercover BBC investigation

Undercover reporter infiltrated far-right group and exposed group's extreme views in secret filming.

'Hell on earth': China deportation looms for Uyghurs held in Thailand

Forty eight men detained since they fled China years ago risk being deported, rights groups say.

'In every street there are dead': Gaza rescuers reckon with scale of destruction

Gaza's Civil Defence agency said it feared there were more than 10,000 bodies still buried under rubble.

Best of 'frenemies': US president's relationship with Europe this time may be very different

How prepared are France, Germany and the rest of the continent for his return to power?

Chris Mason: Can opposites Trump and Starmer find common ground?

The prime minister and the new president of the United States are rather different characters.

Five takeaways from Trump's first speech

Trump vowed to return the country to its golden age and to plant the American flag on Mars.

Melania's hat, shorts in winter and other eye-catching looks

Inauguration fashion can communicate strength, elegance, or a broader political message.

Trump has vowed to end birthright citizenship. Can he do it?

Revoking birthright citizenship would require the support of 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of US states.

Inside Iceland's futuristic farm growing algae for food

Next to a geothermal plant in Iceland a start-up is growing microalgae for food.

'The hostages meant I got out': Freed Palestinian prisoner welcomes Gaza deal

Bushra al-Tawil, a 32-year-old journalist, has been freed as part of the first stage of the ceasefire agreement.

Trump vows 'golden age' and Southport killer pleads guilty

Donald Trump's inauguration and Axel Rudakubana's guilty plea over the Southport attacks lead the papers.

Yes, Minister character is government's new AI assistant

A new suite of AI tools for civil servants are named 'Humphrey' after the scheming character.

Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes dies at 65

A statement said Sykes, who co-wrote some of the rock band's chart hits, had been ill with cancer.

Host of hospital builds delayed by up to 14 years

Ministers say previous government promise for 40 new hospitals by 2030 was undeliverable.

'I came back to life,' says freed British-Israeli hostage

The 28-year-old is among the first three people to be released from captivity in Gaza.

Weight-loss drugs may boost health in many ways

New weight-loss drugs have broad health benefits but also come with risks, researchers warn.

Southport killer admitted carrying a knife more than 10 times

Public bodies failed to identify the threat posed by Axel Rudakubana, says Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Scores killed as hotel engulfed by flames in Turkish ski resort

Dozens more have been injured in the blaze, which broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel.

What executive orders has Trump signed after taking office?

The Republican quickly set about using his new powers to approve executive actions on a host of policy priorities.

Eight Palestinians killed as Israeli forces launch major operation in Jenin

Israel's prime minister says the "extensive" operation aims to "defeat terrorism" in the West Bank city.

BBC Verify analyses Hamas hostage handover video

BBC Verify's Nick Eardley examines Hamas' footage of the moment three hostages were handed over.

Glasgow drug consumption clinic sees 131 people in first week

The Safer Drugs Consumption Facility in Glasgow opened on 13 January, letting people take substances under supervision.

Heathrow and Gatwick airport could expand under plans

Airports across the UK could expand as part of the government's drive for economic growth.

Actress Pauline Quirke reveals dementia diagnosis

The Birds of a Feather star retires from acting and reveals she was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

Mother of murdered girl meeting PM to discuss new law

Cheryl Korbel is campaigning for legislation which compels offenders to appear at their sentencing.

Best of 'frenemies': US president's relationship with Europe this time may be very different

How prepared are France, Germany and the rest of the continent for his return to power?

Investors cautious as Trump signals new tariffs

The US president said he is considering imposing new tariffs on Canada and Mexico from 1 February.

Musk responds to backlash over gesture at Trump rally

The billionaire says his critics "need better dirty tricks" after a gesture likened to a Nazi salute.

Ros Atkins on... Donald Trump's new diversity policies

The president has moved to change the US government's policies on gender and diversity - here's what that means.

The World War Two soldier buried without his brain

The family of Donnie MacRae, who died aged 33 in a prisoner-of-war camp hospital, want his remains reunited with his body.

Her aunt's regime 'disappeared' people - so why did Starmer make her a minister?

Tulip Siddiq has resigned as anti-corruption minister, but questions remain for the Prime Minister.

'Hell on earth': China deportation looms for Uyghurs held in Thailand

Forty eight men detained since they fled China years ago risk being deported, rights groups say.

'In every street there are dead': Gaza rescuers reckon with scale of destruction

Gaza's Civil Defence agency said it feared there were more than 10,000 bodies still buried under rubble.

Inside Iceland's futuristic farm growing algae for food

Next to a geothermal plant in Iceland a start-up is growing microalgae for food.

Far-right group exposed in undercover BBC investigation

Undercover reporter infiltrated far-right group and exposed group's extreme views in secret filming.

US trades Taliban prisoner for two American detainees

Two Americans held by the Taliban were exchanged for an Afghan imprisoned in the US on narco-terrorism charges.

Antisemitic crimes may be funded overseas, say Australian police

The country's federal police says it will increase efforts to deal with surging anti-Jewish crimes.

Instagram hides search results for 'Democrats'

Meta says it is working quickly to resolve the problem, which has prompted accusations of bias on social media.

Onyx Storm: Fans rush for hotly anticipated 'romantasy' sequel

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is billed as one of the biggest publishing releases since Harry Potter.

Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes dies at 65

A statement said Sykes, who co-wrote some of the rock band's chart hits, had been ill with cancer.

Mystery balls on Sydney beaches found to contain faecal bacteria

Authorities closed nine beaches on 14 January after the marble-sized balls washed up.

Bournemouth Echo

WATCH: Masked men try to steal keyless car outside family home

Footage shows the moment masked men tried to steal a family’s keyless car in the early hours of the morning.

Sunseeker agency staff 'left in dark' and fearing they're out of work

Uncertainty remains over the future of agency staff at Sunseeker – who are claiming they are not returning to work for the luxury yacht maker.

No suspect found five months after stabbing near supermarket

Nobody has been arrested five months after a man was stabbed near Asda in Poole.

Senior BCP councillor removed from role 'over disagreement'

A senior councillor was removed from his administration role “over disagreements about comments he made”.

'Get to know Bournemouth town centre - businesses need you'

A brewster and publican has urged residents to “get to know” Bournemouth town centre.

Hotel receptionist left with over 50 injuries after brutal killing, court told

A hotel receptionist was killed and left with over 50 injuries after a paranoid schizophrenic launched a brutal attack, a court heard.

New studio arriving in Bournemouth aims to revitalise the town centre

A new independent studio is opening in Bournemouth town centre, will offer a variety of salon and multipurpose wellness services.

Former Bournemouth University students open new food site in Poole

Two former Bournemouth University students have opened their third site for their Mexican food business.

Seaside sauna approved for Dorset beauty spot

Lulworth is to be the latest Dorset beach to have a seaside sauna.

Homeless man's body found near tent by walker, inquest told

An inquest has opened into the death of a homeless man who was found dead near Brockenhurst.

Four bungalows proposed garden site

Four two-bed bungalows are being proposed for a garden site at Laburnum Close and also in St Leonards and St Ives.

Seafront arcade signs refused by planners officers

Approved Purbeck planning applications include two homes to be created from farm buildings at East Morden and the conversion of a Swanage property, currently divided into flats, back into a single home.

'It's not devolution, it's convolution'

What does Heart of Wessex conjure up in the minds of readers?

Verwood theatre group puts on Peter Pan pantomime

A local theatre group is putting on a "magical" pantomime of Peter Pan.

High-powered electric vehicle chargers installed at Bournemouth pub

Two high-powered electric vehicle chargers have been installed at a Bournemouth pub.

Free model railway club with tea and cake launched at care home

The event gives attendees the chance to discuss model railways and make use of the railway built by volunteers at the care home.

Care home launches community café for dementia carers

Head chef Jordan and his team will provide freshly baked cakes for the café.

Charities and groups across Dorset awarded a share of £70k

The money comes from the Wessex Water Community Fund, a partnership project between Dorset Community Foundation and Wessex Water.

Tandem skydive event to raise funds for local charity

Applications to participate in YMCA Bournemouth's tandem skydive fundraiser are now open.

Bikers in fancy dress spread festive cheer at Dorset hospital

They completed a 35-mile ride-out, delivering gifts to patients who would be spending Christmas Day in hospital.

Pavilion Dance in Bournemouth announces spring season line-up

This will include daytime workshops and evening performances, with tickets starting at £1.

Law firm highlights benefits of mediation for separating couples

"The mediation process is flexible, allowing us to explore various options to ensure a successful outcome for all involved."

Dorset Council announces transformation plan to save £10 million

Dorset Council has announced a transformation plan to save £10 million.

Dorset pubs launch initiative to tackle loneliness

Visitors are welcome to enjoy a free tea or coffee while engaging with other members of the community in a friendly setting.

Accountancy firm appoints new tax partner in Poole

Forvis Mazars has appointed Chris Ridley as a tax partner and UK head of its innovation incentives tax team.

Museum acquires first artwork by renowned British artist

The work, a gouache and collage on paper, was created in 1951 and depicts Poole's Guildhall.

‘Brazen and ruthless’ thief repeatedly targeted stores and intimidated staff

A ‘BRAZEN and ruthless’ thief has been jailed for repeatedly targeting the same stores and intimidating staff.

More than 80 residents left without power after car strikes pole

Emergency services were alerted to reports of a crash at around 1pm this afternoon (January 21) at Allum Green.

Met Office issue yellow weather warning for wind across Dorset

A YELLOW weather warning for strong winds has been issued to Dorset later this week.

Teenagers charged with rape and threats to kill following reports of sexual assault

Officers investigating a report of a serious sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl, which occurred at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground, have now charged two teenage boys.

Prime Minister reveals plans to help cut hospital waiting times in Dorset

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer revealed how more will be made of community diagnostic centres - where GPs can send people straight away to get tests and scans done - including expanding the one at Weymouth Community Hospital, extending the opening hours.

Road closed both ways after 'incident' in the New Forest

Road blocked and slow traffic due to obstruction on the road on A35 both ways between The Swan Pub and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.

More than 300 supporters raise £21,400 for UHD's Walk for Wards

Hundreds participated in University Hospitals Dorset’s annual Walk for Wards event at  Upton Country Park on September 28, 2024.

Arson probe after car set alight and windows smashed

AN ARSON probe has been launched by police after a car was set alight and another smashed on a street in Poole.

In The Dock: Woman caught driving over 70mph in 50mph zone

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Sandbanks Ferry public inquiry to begin today

A public inquiry into Sandbanks Ferry’s proposed price increase will begin today.

'Do not eat': Warning to Greggs customers as recall issued over health risks

Greggs has apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused

Aldi store assistants in Dorset to receive pay rise

From Saturday, March 1, this new minimum rate will exceed the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage Foundation.

Martin Clunes filmed his new show in my house and paid for my new bathroom

Martin Clunes filmed his new ITV drama Out There in a Welsh farmhouse, with the crew painting it twice and even paying to repair the bathroom ceiling

Formula 1

IN PHOTOS: Hamilton soaks up his first day as a Ferrari driver at Maranello

More photographs have been shared of Lewis Hamilton’s first official day as a Ferrari driver, with the seven-time world champion soaking up his new surroundings at Maranello.

Hamilton to reunite with former trainer Angela Cullen as his Ferrari journey begins

Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton will reunite with his former trainer Angela Cullen as he begins his next chapter in Formula 1 with Ferrari.

Laura Mueller becomes F1's first female Race Engineer as Haas confirm key personnel changes

Haas have promoted Laura Mueller to the role of Race Engineer for new recruit Esteban Ocon with Carine Cridelich set to join as Head of Strategy from rivals Racing Bulls as part of a wider strengthening of the structure.

MUST-SEE: How new Ferrari driver Hamilton’s first day at Maranello unfolded

Lewis Hamilton realised a dream on Monday when he made his first appearance as a Ferrari driver at Maranello – and the Italian team’s cameras were there to capture the milestone moment.

Haas reveal when 2025 challenger will take to the track for the first time

Haas’ 2025 Formula 1 challenger will hit the track for the first time when the American squad complete a filming day at Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, on February 16.

Windows Central

Microsoft will retroactively downgrade this part of Windows 10 next month

The latest Insider build of Windows 10 includes two new features, though one of them is a downgrade.

Elon Musk comes clean about Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4 credentials and I am shocked — SHOCKED I tell you

Elon Musk’s admission of account sharing in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4 finally confirms suspicions that have been circulating for some time. You can't run 6 companies and be the best at video games without a little help.

RTX 5090 vs. 4090 size comparison: Against all expectations, NVIDIA shrank its flagship GPU into a slimline beauty for rich gamers

The new NVIDIA Geforce RTX 5090 FE GPU features the same shape as its RTX 4090 FE predecessor but measures just half its width.

Copilot+ PCs will soon get their first must-have exclusive feature

Copilot+ PCs will soon support an improved Windows Search that uses AI to locate files. That new Windows Search could be the first must-have feature for Copilot+ PCs.

Windows 10 'doomsday clock' pushes closer to midnight as Microsoft's unexpected rivals dominate an expanding PC category

Windows 10's impending death, paired with lackluster UX efforts, means Microsoft could be threatened by a rising 'flavor' of Linux.

PlayStation's live service mishaps spotlight the one area Xbox is undeniably dominating its rival

As PlayStation's live service ambitions are stumbling, it faces renewed challenges from a multiplatform Xbox.

Can't send emails through Outlook? You're not alone.

Classic Outlook may crash when trying to create a new email or forward an email. Microsoft confirmed the issue and will roll out a fix soon.

Microsoft 365 Copilot's new app icon is so bad, it’s actually illegible on certain displays

Microsoft 365 Copilot's new icon is lazy, and on low-DPI screens is almost impossible to actually read on the Taskbar.

New Xbox controller appears on Amazon for pre-order

A new Xbox controller appeared on Amazon priced at $74.99 and it has since been revealed as the Pulse Cipher Xbox Controller, launching February 4.

"It's very good": Sam Altman says OpenAI will launch o3 mini reasoning model in a couple of weeks — with API and ChatGPT simultaneously

Sam Altman says OpenAI will launch o3 mini in a couple of weeks, featuring advanced reasoning in science, code, and math.

My favorite TKL gaming keyboard to play World of Warcraft with is now $60 off

Razer's critically acclaimed Huntsman V2 tenkeyless keyboard has gone on sale at Best Buy for less than $90.

Sam Altman dismisses AGI deployment rumors as "Twitter hype," while promising "very cool stuff" — "but please chill and cut your expectations 100x!"

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addresses reports citing AGI deployment slated for next month by branding them as "Twitter hype." However, the ChatGPT maker will ship "very cool stuff" but expectations should be lowered by 100x.

Apparently, publishers are hoping GTA 6 will give them the excuse to charge $100 for games

With the rumors swirling that Take-Two could charge even more than the new $70 price point for GTA 6, apparently, publishers are hoping they do.

A slimey new indie game is set to make the soulslite genre more approachable and accessible when it launches on Xbox and PC in February

Whitethorn Games announces a new indie soulslite, Slime Heroes, coming to Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch in February.

Laffgaff

What is the most common name taken by the Pope?

John.

Sprinter And Duck

What's the difference between a sprinter and a duck? One goes quick, the other goes quack.