The News - Friday, 31 January 2025

BBC News

Black boxes found as officials examine staffing shortage in DC plane crash

The collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter is suspected to have killed all 67 onboard.

Combative Trump blames diversity policies after air tragedy

The president started his White House news conference as "consoler-in-chief" but then pivoted into unevidenced political blame, writes the BBC's Anthony Zurcher.

What we know so far about the crash

The aircraft collided with a military helicopter that was on a training flight as it approached the runway.

Five key impacts of Brexit five years on

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020.

FireAid: Stars take to stage for LA benefit concert

Stars including Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo are set to help raise funds to rebuild the LA area.

Millions yet to file self-assessment tax return as deadline looms

Millions still have to file their tax return by midnight of face a penalty, HMRC said.

Marianne Faithfull, rock star muse who carved her own path, dies at 78

After fame and infamy in the Swinging 60s, she hit rock bottom before re-emerging as a respected artist.

Eight Israeli and Thai hostages released from Gaza

Israel freed 110 Palestinian prisoners from its jails - prompting scenes of celebration in Ramallah.

Brits need better work ethic, says senior Tory MP

The shadow home secretary says the UK is in a global race and everyone needs to make a contribution.

Farmers in bird flu 'panic' call for UK vaccine plan

Vaccinating poultry against bird flu is still not allowed in the UK despite a rise in farm outbreaks.

Suspended engineer accused of forging fire safety certificates for high-rise flats

Buyers say they’ve had mortgage offers withdrawn on flats with safety certificates issued by the man’s firm.

NHS to offer 'groundbreaking' sickle cell gene therapy

The gene therapy Casgevy, which will now be offered to some patients in England, could help people live disease-free, experts say.

BBC Verify analyses last moments before crash

BBC Verify's Nick Eardley has taken a closer look at what we know so far about the collision.

US and Russian figure skaters were on plane

They include two teenage athletes, their mothers and two former Russian stars, according to their club in Boston.

How an AI written book shows why the tech 'terrifies' creatives

The BBC's technology editor Zoe Kleinman is given an AI-made book that claims it was written by her.

The Papers: Trump's diversity 'blame' after air crash and 'shoplifting nation'

The Washington air collision and record high of shoplifting in the UK feature on Friday's papers.

Palestinian born after father was jailed hugs him for first time

There were jubilant scenes in the West Bank, as more Palestinians were released from Israeli jails under the ceasefire deal.

Weekly quiz: What is the newest member of the Royal Family called?

How much attention did you pay to what has been going on in the world over the past seven days?

New homes built falls below target again - how many are in your area?

The BBC's housing tracker shows most regions of England had a year-on-year fall in new homes in second half of 2024.

Smuggling gangs to be targeted with new offence of endangering lives at sea

Border officials will also get powers to seize migrants' phones, under new laws unveiled by the Home Office.

New non-opioid painkiller approved by US health agency

New drug suzetrigine, known by its brand name Journavx, has been approved to treat moderate to severe pain.

No targets for aviation or farming in UK climate plan

The UK has set an ambitious goal to radically reduce carbon emissions by 2035.

Bishop comes forward as Bishop of Liverpool accuser

The Bishop of Warrington raised concerns with "due process" and said "a bishop cannot be above the law".

Mexico asks Google Maps not to rename Gulf of Mexico

US President Donald Trump has ordered that the body of water be renamed the Gulf of America.

Prince Andrew's Newsnight interview was 'ill advised', aide told alleged spy

Fresh court documents reveal further correspondence from the prince's aide to Yang Tengbo.

Teenage skaters, a young pilot and a professor - the victims of DC plane crash

The victims of the mid-air collision include dedicated flight attendants and talented ice skaters.

AstraZeneca ditches £450m investment in UK vaccine plant

The drugs giant blames "protracted" talks with the government as well as differences over funding.

Barclays hit by major IT outage on tax deadline day

Online banking, the bank's app and payments in and out of accounts are all affected.

Sara Sharif family court judges named after appeal

Judges who oversaw Family Court hearings before Sara was murdered have been named after an appeal by the BBC and others.

English farmland could be cut by 9% to hit green targets

The government's launches a consultation on converting farmland to woodland and wild habitats.

Woman's body found in search for missing sisters last seen in Aberdeen

Police say the family of Henrietta Huszti has been informed and the search for her sister Eliza continues.

Campaigner launches bid to ban cross-sex hormones for under-18s

Lawyers write to health secretary warning him to take action or they will seek a judicial review.

Faisal Islam: The 'Iron Chancellor' will have to flex to get the growth she wants

In choppy global seas, going for growth is going to require some tricky navigation - and it will make big domestic political waves too

Ukrainians can bring children to UK as visa changes reversed

Charities say changes brought in without notice last February left families torn apart.

EuroMillions £83.4m jackpot goes unclaimed for a week

The National Lottery operator says it is "very unusual" for such a large prize to go unclaimed this long.

Combative Trump blames diversity policies

The president started his White House news conference as "consoler-in-chief" but then pivoted into unevidenced political blame, writes the BBC's Anthony Zurcher.

The questions that need to be answered

The BBC's Analysis Editor Ros Atkins on the unanswered questions around a fatal crash between a commercial airplane and a military helicopter near Washington DC.

Five key impacts of Brexit five years on

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020.

The best moments and pictures as Billie Eilish and other stars play benefit show for LA

The concert, which also featured Dr Dre and Pink, took place to help raise funds to rebuild the LA area.

Fixing a historic Wales rugby shirt after being ruined through a wash

A worried Karen Richards contacted The Repair Shop to restore the jersey worn by her late father-in-law against France in 1960.

Lily-Rose Depp and Dua Lipa do Chanel: The best of Paris Haute Couture Week

The biggest names in fashion unveil their new collections, with a host of celebrities on hand.

Father of youngest hostage among three men to be released on Saturday, Hamas says

Yarden Bibas and two others will be exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners in the fourth swap since the ceasefire began.

Wine and spirits duty to rise but tax on a pint to fall

A trade body calls the rise in alcohol tax a "bitter blow", but there is better news for pub-goers.

Suspended engineer accused of forging fire safety certificates for high-rise flats

Buyers say they’ve had mortgage offers withdrawn on flats with safety certificates issued by the man’s firm.

Natalie Cassidy to leave EastEnders after 32 years

The actress will leave the soap in February, more than three decades after her first appearance.

University should use its £500m reserves to avoid cutting 400 jobs, union says

Cardiff University has £500m in reserves, but says that money cannot be freely spent.

Drill rapper Digga D jailed for supplying cannabis

The rapper, whose real name is Rhys Herbert, was arrested near Lincoln in February 2024.

Home Office response to violence against women and girls ineffective, says watchdog

The government's spending watchdog finds the Home Office has "not led an effective response".

Bournemouth Echo

In The Dock: Thief stole milkshakes and meat among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

MP to lobby for continued at-home palliative care after Marie Curie cuts

A Bournemouth MP said families need reassurance that "quality, at-home palliative care will remain accessible."

"It is the worst case I've ever seen, it's disgusting"

A heap of rubbish has been discarded in a lane behind a Bournemouth church.

Holidaymakers gear up for first Jet2 flight from Bournemouth Airport next week

Excited holidaymakers will be packing their suitcases this weekend ahead of Jet2’s inaugural flight next week.

Will BCP Council follow Bristol and reduce bin collections?

Bin collections in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will not be dropping in frequency.

Council to cut arts festival funding - but it won't be end of the road

FUNDING for a top cultural festival in Bournemouth will likely be cut by BCP Council – but there’s still hope it won’t come to an end.

Ryanair axes route from Bournemouth Airport - blaming Labour budget

Ryanair has axed one of its routes from Bournemouth Airport as it hits out at the Labour government.

Mother and daughter set to trek sand dunes of the Sahara

A MOTHER and daughter duo from Wimborne will be trekking to Sahara Desert to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Photo of The Beatles signed by Cassius Clay to be auctioned

A PHOTOGRAPH of The Beatles and Cassius Clay is to be auctioned off next month.

Poole Town partners with food bank to help tackle food poverty

Poole Town FC has partnered with Poole Foodbank+ to help tackle food poverty in the area.

'Let's show appreciation for NHS staff'

Let us not forget how caring so many are within our National Health Service are and from many nationalities, countries and cultures.

'Nigel Farage's NHS suggestion is nonsense'

NIGEL Farage's suggestion that our NHS would be better managed like the system in France that it is free at the point of use for everyone, with the exception that those who can afford to pay should do so by being taxed and those who cant afford to pay would not be required to contribute.

School's 12-hour 'drumathon' to raise money for charity

The money raised will go to children's hospice, Julia's House and towards a new samba drum kit for the school's music department.

Charity asks people to 'give up drinks except water' for a month

Diabetes UK is encouraging Dorset residents to take part in the Only Water Challenge

Residents birdwatch with schoolchildren as part of national survey

Residents at The Potteries care home in Poole teamed up with Year 4 pupils from Canford Heath Junior School for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Bournemouth singing group to release charity single for hospice

"This generous donation from their charity single will make an amazing difference every day to local children and families.

Poole church to celebrate 160th birthday of lifeboat station

The last time the bishop led a service at St James' Church in the presence of the crew was two years ago at the Service of the Sea.

Council gives £277k to food projects across Dorset

Dorset Council has allocated £277,000 to support food banks, social supermarkets, and community larders across the county.

New speed limit sees drop in motorists breaking limit

A speed limit reduction on the B3082 Blandford Road near Badbury Rings has led to a significant drop in speeding.

Model makers invited to enter Tank Museum competition

The competition is open to all types of models, including planes, boats, sci-fi and tanks.

East Dorset CAMRA announces annual general meeting

The AGM is also an opportunity to catch up on the latest real ale news and discuss the future of the branch.

Residents at care home in Sway enjoy birdwatching event

Residents at Sway Place care home in Sway participated in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, the world's largest garden wildlife survey

Innovate Change: Top real money casino UK with live dealer games

Innovate Change: Top real money casino UK with live dealer games.

Popular fish and tackle shop to close after 80 years of business

Now, current owners Nigel and Helen have decided to close the shop and go into retirement, the store will close in mid-March later this year.

'Bubbly person and best mate' dies suddenly aged 24

Tyler Smith was described as a ‘great friend, brother, and son’ who passed away earlier this year at the age of 24.

Ferndown councillor speaks out over shock bank closure

The closures are part of a major move to shut 136 branches nationwide as the group accelerates plans to cut costs and digitise the bank.

Woman faces court accused of killing nine-year-old son in crash

A 39-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a nine-year-old boy by dangerous driving.

Star guests announced for Sandbanks beach party

The countdown is on to a huge beach party at Sandbanks this summer.

Fury as vandals set fire to war memorial

A wall memorial in commemorating the fallen soldiers of world war I in village near Dorchester has been set on fire and vandalised, villagers say.

Lewis Manning cuts the ribbon on its 10th charity shop in Dorset

A NEW house clearance charity shop has opened its doors to the public.

Three week road closure for electrical installation works

The works, carried out by Excalon, will require a temporary road closure from 3rd February 2025 until 21st February 2025.

Dorset gets cash to provide homes for Afghan refugees

Dorset Council has been given Government money to provide seven homes for Afghan refugees.

'We devalue human life by our refusal to punish those who take it with death'

SIR Desmond Swayne has backed calls for the death penalty to be used on Axel Rudakubana.

UK singer-songwriter announces tour starting in Bournemouth

The tour kicks off in Bournemouth on September 3 at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).

Bournemouth One wins gold at Bournemouth Business Awards 2025

Bournemouth One provides a mix of hit music, local news, and traffic updates, alongside an advertising platform tailored to Dorset-based businesses.

Woman charged following alleged shoplifting in Swanage

A 39-year-old local woman was arrested and charged with theft.

REVIEW: Spem in Alium / Supersize Polyphony 2, Lighthouse, Poole

Spem in Alium / Supersize Polyphony 2 – Lighthouse, Poole We were surrounded, there was no escape – but in a good way.

Valentine's Day gifts that she'll really love (and none of them are flowers)

Valentine's Day is the day we show our love, so choose a creative gift this year, and save on the flowers.

Formula 1

F1 ROOKIES LOWDOWN: Your comprehensive guide to the young drivers joining the Formula 1 grid in 2025

Who are these youngsters looking to impress against more experienced hands this season? We asked F1 TV commentator Alex Jacques for the lowdown…

Ferrari retain Maya Weug for second F1 ACADEMY campaign in 2025

Maya Weug has become the 12th full-time driver to be locked in for the 2025 F1 ACADEMY season, with Ferrari confirming that the Dutch driver will continue representing the Prancing Horse in the all-female series.

Aurelia Nobels returns for 2025 F1 ACADEMY season with PUMA

Aurelia Nobels will be back on the F1 ACADEMY grid in 2025, as the 18-year-old continues to represent PUMA for her sophomore season.

From an underdog win to record-breaking success – 7 times a driver signing transformed a team’s fortunes

Amid the numerous driver changes that have taken place for the 2025 season, one that could be particularly interesting to watch is the arrival of Carlos Sainz at Williams, with team boss James Vowles confident that the Spaniard can help the squad in their journey back to winning ways. If he succeeds in doing so, the 30-year-old would be following in the footsteps of several other drivers who helped to transform a team’s fortunes. We’ve been taking a look back at seven famous names to achieve this…

Wolff reveals message he sent to Hamilton after seeing former Mercedes man at Ferrari for first time

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed that he messaged Lewis Hamilton shortly after seeing the first photographs of his former driver at Ferrari, praising the seven-time World Champion for an “iconic” look.

Windows Central

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 preorder guide — Bonus, Collector's Edition, and where to buy

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is finally coming out soon, and preorders are live. Here's where you can get a copy, as well as all the benefits each edition gives you.

"DeepSeek is acting as a fast follower": Ex-OpenAI board member claims China is not leading the AI pack — but President Trump revoking Biden's NVIDIA chip export ban would be "a huge victory"

Former OpenAI board member Helen Toner claims despite DeepSeek's recent success in AI, it's not leading the pack. However, if President Trump revokes the NVIDIA AI chip exportation ban, it would be a huge win for China.

Confirmed: Forza Horizon 5 is the next title to make the leap from Xbox to PlayStation

Further to Microsoft's pledge to make Xbox more profitable, one of their biggest franchises is arriving on PlayStation soon.

ASUS designed the most convenient handheld dock for the ROG Ally, and it's now just $30

The official ASUS ROG Ally charging dock doesn't look like a dock, but it sure is, and this deal cuts the price by more than half.

MultiVersus is dead, but players will still be able to play offline

WB Games' free-to-play take on the Smash Bros. formula, MultiVersus, is going offline in May 2025, though the game will still be playable.

Samsung's latest laptop is long-lasting, ultra-thin, and elegant — It's one of the most appealing AI PCs yet

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro is a Copilot+ PC that offers very good performance and can even handle a bit of gaming. Our review.

The latest PlayStation game to arrive on PC has launched to mixed reviews amid reports of significant graphical issues

Spider-Man 2 hasn't got off to the best start on PC with lots of negative reviews citing graphical and audio issues.

The Surface Pro with Snapdragon is almost half the price of Microsoft's new Surface Pro 11 with Intel

Microsoft just announced the Surface Pro 11 with Intel, but that's not the best option for many people. This discounted Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon is the go-to choice for many everyday users.

How to enable Edge's Scareware blocker and protect yourself from online scams

Microsoft Edge now comes with a Scareware blocker, a new feature that will help to reduce the chances of falling for tech support scams online, and here's how to enable it.

I'm now tracking live player counts directly from my Steam Deck without using a web browser — here's how

This new Decky Loader plugin for Steam Deck lets you track live player counts from SteamDB without needing to open a web browser.

OpenAI safety researcher announces their departure over safety concerns while Anthropic CEO claims AI will extend human life "to 150 years"

Safety researcher Steven Adler recently announced his departure after 4 years, citing safety concerns. He claimed the AGI race is a huge gamble.

Anthropic CEO predicts a "bipolar" world with China holding the competitive advantage over the US with next-gen AI systems and a global lead in military apps

Dario Amodei recently spoke on DeepSeek, China, and its potential future competing against US-based AI firms amid a chip ban imposed by Biden's administration.

This intriguing, upcoming indie Soulslike/Metroidvania hybrid has received a new title just a few months away from releasing for Xbox and PC

Mandragora has a new name just a few months before launching on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.