The News - Saturday, 08 February 2025

BBC News

Hamas names next hostages to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners

The three civilians will be exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners in the latest swap on Saturday.

Judge blocks Trump plan to put thousands of USAID staff on leave

A last-minute lawsuit means Trump's efforts to dismantle the overseas aid agency have been put on hold.

Trump says he is revoking Biden's security clearance

"There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information," President Donald Trump says.

Stars join the King for Italian-themed dinner

King Charles praises the culture of Italian cooking as he hosts a dinner ahead of a state visit to Italy.

Cheaper China e-bikes 'kick in teeth' for UK firms

British makers of e-bikes are worried after the government scraps tariffs on Chinese e-bikes .

Baltic states to make historic switch away from Russian power grid

More than 30 years after leaving the Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania will join the EU's grid.

Bereaved families asked to return pension overpayments

A former pensions minister says the DWP does not make it clear to families the repayments are voluntary.

Andrew aide asks court to withhold testimony on alleged spy

Dominic Hampshire said he would not have given evidence had he known it could be made public.

Free sandwiches for all after West Brom signing

Ritchie Massey's post on X about free sausage sandwiches goes viral after West Brom repost it.

Granny pants and situationships: Lessons Bridget Jones taught me in my 20s

Grab your diary and your ice cream - here are Bridget's relatable wisdoms for those trying to survive adulthood.

The Papers: 'Trump wants UK tax cuts for tech giants' and 'hands off our ISAs'

A warning that axing ISAs could "trigger a mortgage crisis" is one of the stories on Saturday's fronts.

How Japan sparked Trump's 40-year love affair with tariffs

As a young real estate developer in New York, Trump said a rising Japan was ripping off the US.

'We left pieces of our life behind': Indigenous group flees drowning island

Rising sea levels threaten an indigenous group's home in Panama, but not everyone wants to leave.

16 things Trump and his team did this week

In his third week back in office, Trump took action on issues from transgender competitors in women's sports to Gaza.

Ecuador chooses president against backdrop of gang violence

Whoever wins the presidential election will be tasked with restoring security to the country.

The Big Yin and Malky: Rare Billy Connolly comic finds new home

Newspaper cartoonist Malky McCormick's archive is being made public six years after his death.

Lasers, ladders and a leap: Photos of the week from around the world

A selection of news photographs from around the world.

Who's pulling the strings in the DR Congo crisis?

As M23 rebels advance in DR Congo, regional players meet to defuse the escalating crisis.

UK demands access to Apple users' encrypted data

The Home Office served the notice to the tech giant under the Investigatory Powers Act.

Grenfell Tower to be taken down, government confirms

It will take around two years to remove the tower where 72 people were killed in a fire in 2017.

Swedish school shooting victims were seven women and three men

Families have been identifying victims of the attack - all between 28 and 68 years old.

Rail lines reopen after car plunges onto tracks

Disruption is still expected until the end of Friday as trains and crews have been displaced

Hostage's British family express joy at his release but concern over gaunt appearance

The in-laws of Eli Sharabi say they are worried he may not know his wife and daughters have been killed.

Woman stuck for 18 months on an NHS ward evicted from her hospital bed

She lived in a cubicle, despite being fit to leave, because of difficulties finding a care home.

Ex-Hollyoaks star's grief after mum and her partner found dead in France

Actor Callum Kerr said the family are grieving the loss of Andrew and Dawn Searle, who were found dead in France.

Judge blocks Musk team access to Treasury Department records

Nineteen state attorneys general sued the Trump administration after the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) was given access.

Parents of stabbed schoolboy Harvey Willgoose lead hundreds in march

Some people wore red and white, while others carried balloons in the same colours or held banners.

TV host 'thanks' Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni at awards ceremony

The Critics Choice Awards host described their lawsuits as "distracting".

Who's who in German elections and why this vote is important

German voters go to the polls on 23 February in a pivotal vote focused on immigration and the economy.

Lasers, ladders and a leap: Photos of the week

A selection of news photographs from around the world.

Ministers desperately want more housing - but are their plans radical enough?

A blizzard of statistics show just how tough it is to buy a home if you can theoretically afford it, writes Laura Kuenssberg.

'My university course made me who I am - now it's being cut'

Universities are cutting jobs to make financial savings, with students and staff bearing the brunt.

Tourists leave and homes break apart in Santorini, but resilient locals remain

Many started evacuating the island as it was hit by tremors - but some have decided to stay.

Trump says he is revoking Biden's security clearance

"There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information," President Donald Trump says.

PlayStation Network outage 'beyond frustrating' for users

PlayStation has vowed to fix the outage, which began late on Friday night, as soon as possible.

Watch: Released Palestinian prisoners greeted in Ramallah

Some 180 prisoners are being freed in exchange for three Israeli hostages.

Granny pants and situationships: Lessons Bridget Jones taught me in my 20s

Grab your diary and your ice cream - here are Bridget's relatable wisdoms for those trying to survive adulthood.

How Japan sparked Trump's 40-year love affair with tariffs

As a young real estate developer in New York, Trump said a rising Japan was ripping off the US.

Modi's BJP wins big in high-stakes Delhi election

PM Modi's party is set to form a government in the Indian capital after 27 years.

'UK's most romantic village' prepares for Valentine's Day

The small village is famed across the world for its unique postal service.

What is Mandelson's strategy for charming Trumpworld?

As Peter Mandelson takes up the role of ambassador to the US, No 10 is determined the UK builds a strong relationship with Donald Trump.

Father-of-two dies days after being assaulted at house

The 31 year old's sister describes him as "everybody's friend" as police launch a murder investigation.

'I know 34 people who have taken their own lives'

Film producer Andrew Jenkins is selling an Aston Martin to fund a film to raise awareness of suicide.

'My son was 18 and went to Ukraine as cannon fodder'

James Wilton, from Huddersfield, volunteered to fight so he could make a difference, says his father.

Why employees smuggle AI into work

Many staff are using AI at work without the permission of their employers.

If the UK has more renewable energy, why aren't bills coming down?

The government has pledged to reduce energy bills by using more renewables, but bills are currently rising.

Bournemouth Echo

Thugs threaten boys, 9, with knife and swing one by broken elbow in horrific attack

TWO teenage thugs attacked a group of nine-year-old friends out playing on a recreation ground and threatened them with a knife.

Dorset's best in tourism sector celebrated at annual awards - winners revealed

All that was great and good was celebrated at the annual Dorset Tourism awards held in Bournemouth.

Purewell plan will improve 'quality of life' for residents

BCP Council have responded to the feelings and views put across by residents and businesses in Purewell.

Tractor found 'well alight' after emergency services called to 'unknown fire'

A fire has destroyed a tractor in Swanage after it was found 'well alight'.

Image appeal released after reported shoplifting in Ringwood

A CCTV image of a man has been released in connection with a reported shoplifting at Tesco in Ringwood.

‘Nothing really compares’: New Pilates studio thriving in Poole

A new Pilates studio that is thriving in Poole and featuring one-to-one guided sessions, is the Daily Echo’s Trader of the Week.

Roadworks set to cause delays on major BCP roads

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole should expect delays next week due to planned roadworks across the area.

60,000 trees and shrubs to be planted in bid to amplify chorus

Around 60,000 trees and shrubs will be planted over the next six years as part of a huge project to amplify nature’s chorus across Purbeck.

Sea defences may be removed 'to let nature take its course'

SEA DEFENCES at Middle Beach, Studland could be removed under a proposal from the National Trust.

Poundland branch in Bournemouth 'under threat of closing'

Winton's branch of Poundland could be under threat of closing as plans are being drawn up to divide the unit into two.

'To enjoy wine, to learn about wine': Festival to bring together tipple enthusiasts

A BOURNEMOUTH man’s love and appreciation of wine has inspired him to give a special experience to residents.

Well-known Bournemouth cliff lift features on popular TV show

A well known cliff lift was featured on an episode of a popular gameshow.

Officers seize cannabis from driver and help to stop stolen car

Dorset Police officers seized cannabis off a driver and helped to stop a stolen car on evening patrols.

‘Extremely rare’ bird of prey seen soaring near New Forest

'Very rare' bird of prey Hen Harrier was spotted soaring over Lymington this week

Seal spotted in the waves off Dorset beach

A seal has once again graced the south Dorset coastline with its presence.

5 of the best spots to see snowdrops in Dorset and the New Forest in winter

Dorset and the New Forest have plenty of spots where you can find pretty snowdrops during the winter months

The top five restaurants to spend your Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and couples will be looking for fun things to do or gorgeous places to visit as they celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

‘Urgent action needed’ says coroner after university student found dead

A coroner has said urgent action is needed after a university student was found dead in his accommodation, two days after a postponed mental health assessment.

'Charming' farmhouse on the market for first time in 35 years

A "charming" four-bedroom farmhouse in Parkstone has been put on the market for the first time in 35 years.

Council opposition calls for 15 per cent reduction in parking charges

Parking charges in Bournemouth and Poole could be 15 per cent lower outside of the summer if a Conservative motion is agreed to.

Restaurant chain to give away free pizzas this weekend

A restaurant chain will be offering free pizzas to a lucky few this weekend.

'We need to break vicious circle'

School entrances are edging closer to being safer through School Streets, where roads are closed to most parents at school drop off and pick up times.

Which neighbour is responsible for paying for garden fence repairs? How to check

Neighbours can often disagree on who should pay for fence repairs with some sharing their opinions to Reddit.

Charity offers free half term activities for families

Ferndown Community Support CIC is offering half-term activities, including a family cooking club where children over four can prepare and take home meals.

Bakery's generous donations to help families in need

Belinda's Bakery donates bread weekly to the Salvation Army in Fordingbridge, helping families in need through community collection events.

Charity receives funding boost for free counselling service

YMCA Bournemouth received a £5,000 grant from Talbot Village Trust to fund 100 extra free counselling sessions for vulnerable individuals in need.

National Trust's spring season of activities in Dorset

The National Trust's Dorset spring events include Easter trails, guided walks and birdwatching at Brownsea Island, helping fund site conservation efforts.

Dorset design agency helps secure investment from Dragons' Den star

Bournemouth design agency Mad River rebranded Little's Coffee, helping secure investment from Dragon's Den star Stephen Bartlett.

New charity store set to open in Christchurch

Blue Cross is opening a new charity shop in Christchurch’s Saxon Square, selling preloved items to support the care of sick, injured and abandoned animals.

Law firm opens new office in Dorset's county town

Ellis Jones Solicitors has opened its eighth office in Dorchester to meet rising demand, offering a full range of legal services led by partner Chris Pemberton.

Community service receives 5,000 requests for help

Help and Kindness has received over 5,000 requests for support, assisting with household tasks, care needs, and connecting people with shared interests.

Bournemouth student gets helping hand from Clarkson's Farm star

Bournemouth student Rupert Jones received the 2024/2025 Kaleb Cooper Agriculture Bursary at the Royal Agricultural University, recognizing his promise in agriculture.

I ditched my card and used only notes for the day to see if cash is still king

I wanted to find out if cash is still king in 2025 by ditching the card and only spending card for the day, this is how it went.

Residents say removing parking will ruin their neighbourhood and damage business

Residents and business owners are fighting back against plans to remove parking in Purewell.

'We need fewer vape shops that are so bright you can almost see from space'

MP TOM Hayes has said high streets need fewer vape shops that are so bright you can “almost see them from space”.

National retailer set to join high street in Poole after Boots quit

A national retailer has plans to move into an empty high street unit.

Caravan destroyed after being found 'well alight'

A caravan has been destroyed in Mappowder after a fire breaks out and engulfs the site in flames.

Man who had 'amazing career and extraordinary life' dies aged 84

A SOLICITOR who practised for 60 years in Bournemouth, was described as 'a wonderfully eloquent advocate' and likened to Perry Mason has died at the age of 84.

Person fined for smoking with child in car 10 years after ban

JUST one fine has been handed out in six years to a person caught smoking in a car while a child was inside. 

Cherries fans can subscribe for just £5 for 5 months in this flash sale

Readers who want to subscribe to our news site can enjoy an exclusive offer of £5 for 5 months or save over 40% off an annual subscription during our limited-time promotion.

Police warn vehicle crime is on the rise

Dorset Police are warning that vehicle crime may be on the rise.

Care home residents embark on "armchair travels"

Residents of a Southbourne care home are embarking on their "arm chair travels", where they collect post cards from all over the world.

'The state of our roads means I'm no longer proud to be British'

HAVING just driven back on the A31 from West Moors to the Canford Bottom roundabout I was shocked and disgusted at the rubbish in the grass verges that obviously had been thrown out of vehicles. Who are these people?

Echo readers can subscribe for £5 for 5 months in this flash sale

Readers who want to subscribe to our news site can enjoy an exclusive offer of £5 for 5 months or save over 40% off an annual subscription during our limited-time promotion.

Residents 'don't feel confident' about a town full of vape shops

Residents say they ‘don’t feel confident about the town’ when they see vape shops filling the high street.

Man charged with having knife after road incident

A MAN has been charged with possessing a knife following an incident on the road in Bournemouth. 

Pub 'may have to close' over new parking restrictions

A pub owner has warned proposals to remove parking from outside his pub may cause it to close.

Two iconic Bournemouth buildings for sale at £4.3million

TWO iconic Bournemouth buildings have been put on the market for a guide price of £4.3million.

Warning over dating scams after almost 500 reported in Dorset

Dorset saw over 500 dating scams reported in five years, with a 39 per cent rise since 2020, though underreporting suggests actual cases may be higher.

'I'm being forced to leave Dorset over £700 tax bill'

I have recently received notification that from April, my council tax will rise to £700 a month.

Formula 1

INSIGHT: Meticulous precision and show-stopping designs – How do you paint a Formula 1 car?

As you might expect in F1, achieving each paint job is a meticulously precise and co-ordinated process that continues non-stop throughout each season. So how does it all work?

Windows Central

Helldivers 2 and all PlayStation network games are currently down

Any game that utilizes the PlayStation Network is currently offline.

The CDKeys 2024 Game Awards: Who's winning and more importantly, what's discounted for us?

CDKeys, the hotspot for cheap game codes, is running its own game awards. Here's who I want to win and what games are on sale.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 gets first big patch on PC as "Mixed" player reviews pour in

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is sitting at "Mixed" reviews on Steam, but the first big patch aims to fix several big issues for players.

This Xbox analysis chart shows how only 7% of games launched with "Play Anywhere" support in 2024 — a decline year-over-year

A recent analysis showcases Microsoft's uphill battle with one of its key differentiators against PlayStation.

Microsoft Teams and Zoom calls are about to get better in your web browser

Microsoft proposed a feature that would allow notifications within a browser to show customizable buttons for calls.

"You’ve cheapened the entire experience” Diablo creator bemoans the current state of ARPGs and MMOs

In a recent podcast interview, Diablo creator David Brevik shared his unfiltered thoughts on the state of modern ARPGs, critiquing their fast-paced, loot-heavy design and reminiscing about a more methodical era of gameplay.

Xbox and Obsidian's Avowed supports cross-buy with Blizzard's Battle.net

In a first, Obsidian's Avowed supports cross-buy with Xbox consoles and Battle.net on PC.

This gorgeous mid-sized gaming tower showcases the best from HP OMEN desktops

The HP OMEN 35L can now be equipped with Intel Core Ultra, pairing its beautiful design with capable and reliable performance, as well as some AI smarts.

Audeze continues to push into the mainstream with these high-end audiophile headphones, and I love them

The Audeze MM-100 wired headphones are true high-end cans packing impressive technology at a fraction of the price of other Audeze headsets, and they're amazing.

Laffgaff

In what athletics event might you use a ‘Fosbury Flop’?

The high jump.

Chocolate Bank

The person who handled customer transactions at the Chocolate Bank quit his job. So the bank hired a Nutella.