The News - Sunday, 16 February 2025

BBC News

European leaders set to hold emergency summit on Ukraine

Sir Keir Starmer, who is expected to attend, said it was a "once-in-a-generation moment" for the UK's national security.

Discordant Ukraine statements from Trump team leave allies anxious

A cacophony from senior members of the US administration has sown confusion and alarm in Europe.

US government struggles to rehire nuclear arsenal staff it fired days ago

It is having problems contacting people who were fired in Trump's blitz to shrink the federal workforce.

The A-level student who became an enemy of the Chinese state

Chloe Cheung had just left school when Hong Kong police had put a million-dollar bounty on her head.

Everything you need to know before the Bafta Film Awards

Mikey Madison, Demi Moore and Ariana Grande are among the stars expected at the ceremony on Sunday.

'Montoya, por favor!': Inside the Spanish reality show that broke the internet

As clips from Spain's Temptation Island go viral, the BBC speaks to the show's executive producer.

Mouldy food and secret files: What Iran left in rapid retreat from Syria

The BBC examines the chaos left behind after Iran had to abandon its military bases in Syria.

'Valentine's Day horror' and 'Europe crisis summit'

A range of stories on Sunday's front pages including a fatal shooting outside a village pub in Kent.

Plans to protect UK steel industry amid threat of tariffs

US President Donald Trump is set to impose 25% taxes on steel entering America "without exceptions".

Are noise-cancelling headphones hurting young people's hearing?

More young people are presenting to audiology teams in England with difficulty processing sound.

How EastEnders was made, from 'doof doofs' to Angie and Den

Archive documents show Manchester and Birmingham were considered as alternative settings for the soap.

Angry neighbours dub inflatable dome 'enormous zit'

The blow-up dome, which houses tennis courts, has caused uproar among residents of Edinburgh's plush Stockbridge.

Americans protest against Elon Musk 'disassembling our democracy'

Protesters organized small #TeslaTakeover demonstrations on BlueSky, the rival to Musk's platform X.

Critics say new Google rules put profits over privacy

Google is allowing advertisers to collect more personal information, which is harder for users to control.

'This battle is my 9 to 5 - I won't stop until I have my £620m of Bitcoin back'

James Howells claimed his ex-girlfriend threw out the hard drive, today worth £620m, in 2013.

Raisins or not? Pudding debate splits island nation

The debate over a beloved dish has reignited as Antiguans and Barbudans seek to preserve their cultural heritage.

Mother and child die from injuries after Munich car attack

The 37-year-old woman and two-year-old child are the first fatalities from Thursday's attack.

Gunfire and looting in DR Congo city as rebels advance

Residents in the Congolese city tell the BBC they are hiding in their homes as the rebels advance.

How I exposed MI5's lie about its violent abusive agent

The Security Service gambled BBC correspondent Daniel De Simone had no evidence. A note, an email and a recording proved it wrong.

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

Rising sea levels threaten homes in Panama, but not everyone wants to leave.

'No durable peace' in Ukraine if Europe not in talks, says minister

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds says the UK could act as a "bridge" between the US and Europe.

Netanyahu praises Trump's 'bold vision' for Gaza at Rubio meeting

The Israeli prime minister said he is working with the US on a "common strategy" for Gaza.

Manhunt continues after Valentine's Day shooting

Police say they are "not ruling out the possibility" that the suspect may have entered the Thames.

Trump steel tariffs negative for both UK and US, says Reynolds

US President Donald Trump is set to impose 25% taxes on steel entering the country "without exceptions".

Austria attack that killed teen linked to IS, officials say

A 14-year-old boy was killed and five others were wounded in the attack in Villach.

Trump administration's mixed messaging on foreign policy leaves world guessing

Different narratives from senior US officials on the future of Ukraine have sown confusion in Europe - but was that perhaps the point?

One year on: Did Russia's democratic opposition die with Navalny?

For years, Navalny was Vladimir Putin's biggest political rival, but now the Russian opposition is weaker than ever.

Mouldy food and secret files: What Iran left in rapid retreat from Syria

The BBC examines the chaos left behind after Iran had to abandon its military bases in Syria.

The A-level student who became an enemy of the Chinese state

Chloe Cheung was just a year out of school when Hong Kong police issued a million-dollar bounty for her arrest.

How well do you know EastEnders? Take our quiz and find out

As the BBC soap turns 40, take our quiz to see how well you know life around Albert Square.

'We quit our jobs and left the UK to go travelling with the kids - and we're better off'

The Hutchinsons say they never had quality time together in the UK because the parents had to work so many hours to pay the bills

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, 24, found dead

Kim began her career as a child actor and was seen as one of the country's most promising actresses.

FBI to help police with Southport killer inquiry

Teams in the US are providing support as British police try to recover the killer's deleted searches.

Hollywood stars in London for Baftas as pope drama leads nominations

Mikey Madison, Demi Moore and Ariana Grande are among the stars expected at the ceremony on Sunday.

Watch: Panda cubs wow huge crowds as they make zoo debut

Huge crowds gathered in Hong Kong to get a glimpse of Elder Sister and Little Brother

World's 'first openly gay imam' shot dead in South Africa

He was a pioneering figure who ran a mosque in Cape Town intended as a safe haven for gay Muslims.

'Gnarly' battle over £1m farmhouse as off-grid group refuse to leave

The non-hierarchical group live communally and are dedicated to sustainable living.

Dozens killed in Mali illegal gold mine collapse

The collapse, which killed at least 40, took place near Kenieba, in Mali's gold-rich Kayes region.

What it means when Elon Musk brings his children to work

You'll sometimes see one of his children on his shoulders as billionaire Elon Musk makes public appearances.

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.

'Funny, kind Semina lit up room': 12-year-old's tragic overdose death

An inquest into the death of Semina Halliwell, who said she was raped by an older boy, finds her death was "unpreventable".

Bournemouth Echo

Two pubs told 'major improvement' needed over hygiene

TWO pubs have been told ‘major improvement’ is needed by food hygiene inspectors. 

'Porch pirate' shamed into moving after caught stealing from neighbours

A SO-CALLED porch pirate who was caught stealing 16 parcels from his neighbours said he has been shamed into moving out of the block of flats.

Faulty oxygen pipe at hospital prompts emergency response

OXYGEN was maintained to Poole Hospital patients after a faulty pipe prompted an emergency response yesterday evening. 

BCP Council authorises 53 roadworks next week

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will experience delays next week due to roadworks.

Dorset photographer wins award with image of a nursing baby gorilla

A touching photo of a baby gorilla nursing from its mother has won image of the year.

The New Forest's highest pub with incredible walks from the doorstep

The Lamb Inn at Nomansland is the family run historic pub perched high above the New Forest, boasting incredible walks from the doorstep.

Area “a lifeless concrete street” since planters and trees removed

An improvement scheme for Victoria Road, Ferndown, which should also tackle pavement parking is being worked on.

Right of way claim holds up sale of ex-council offices

The sale of the former East Dorset council offices at Furzehill are being held up by a right of way claim across the site.

Take a look inside new JD Gyms after 'successful' opening week

The newly opened JD Gym which sits in Bournemouth town centre has seen success among residents in first couple of weeks.

Bid to save youth centre from closure

An emergency meeting is being held next week to try and reverse the closure of the Blandford Youth and Community Centre.

From glamour to tragedy at Bournemouth's Metropole Hotel

Built in the late 19th century, it quickly became a popular destination for the well-heeled, offering luxurious accommodations and views of the seafront.

A35 blocked after crash causes fuel and diesel spill

MOTORISTS on the A35 in Dorset are being warned to expect delays after a crash caused a fuel and diesel spill.

Body found in search for missing man

Officers searching for missing man from the Weymouth area are issuing a sad update.

Man with knife 'made threats' in street as armed police called

ARMS police stormed on a street in Poole after a man was “making threats with a knife”.

Emergency services respond to medical incident at Co-op

A MAN was taken to hospital after he was in need of medical attention. 

CCTV image appeal after food stolen from Co-op

POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to after food was stolen from a Co-op. 

Wildfire breaks out on Upton heathland

FIREFIGHTERS tackled a heath fire on Saturday night. 

REVIEW: Punk Off at the Lighthouse, Poole

If you want to see a great show full of energy and some of the best live songs ever written then this is the gig for you. Talking to people before the start I asked what songs they would expect to hear as part of an evening that documented the history of punk, various people went through their list with The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers and the Ramones being common answers. Well tonight they played them all and plenty more besides. This is not a show that uses punk favourites to tell a story rather it is a spoken narrative interspersed with all of the punk favourites of 1976 to 1979.

Arts by the Sea 2025 theme revealed - as return date announced

ARTS by the Sea organisers have announced when this year’s event will return. 

Here's how much you will pay in council tax

MANY ‘average’ homes in Dorset will be paying around £2,700 a year in council tax from April – those with the biggest properties hitting £5,300 a year in some places.

PHOTOS: When life was a beach in Bournemouth in the 60s

These images offer a fascinating glimpse into Bournemouth and its pier of the past.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes where kids eat free this half term

Half term is here and pubs, restaurants, pubs, cafes and hotels are offering kids eat free deals.

10 of the best destinations for Brits to head to before the summer boom

KAYAK has recommended 10 places for Brits to head to in March ahead of the peak summer travelling season

How smart are you? Take this pub quiz to find out your IQ

Find out how good your general knowledge is with our quiz that will get you ready for your next trip to the pub.

Britain's biggest spiders: The 'giant' arachnids that could be lurking in your home

Discover the six biggest spiders in Britain, as revealed by BBC Countryfile, and where you'll find them.

Formula 1

TEAM PREVIEW: An all-new driver line-up and Audi on the horizon – can Kick Sauber’s 2025 bring more hope than 2024?

Kick Sauber’s first year under their current identity won’t live long in the memory of those at the Hinwil-based team. While the striking green livery was an eye-catching sight in 2024, their results were not. Zhou Guanyu’s four points in Qatar saved them from recording a point-less year, but it didn’t save them from finishing bottom of the Constructors’ Championship. With new management in place – and Audi’s 2026 arrival moving ever closer – can 2025 bring the team added hope for the years ahead? Here’s all you need to know about the squad ahead of the new campaign…

'It’s great to kickstart the season' – Norris and Piastri 'excited' for F1 75 Live launch event

McLaren racers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are “excited” to see what next Tuesday’s unprecedented official Formula 1 season launch F1 75 Live at The O2 has in store for them.

Laffgaff

‘Sempre Libera’ is an aria from which opera?

La Traviata.

Rainy Day

My tax advisor told me to put something away for a rainy day. I've bought an umbrella.