The News - Monday, 17 February 2025

BBC News

PM 'ready and willing' to put UK troops in Ukraine to protect peace

Sir Keir Starmer said securing a lasting peace in Ukraine was "essential" to deter Vladimir Putin from future aggression.

Can Europe conjure a united front on Ukraine's future?

Europe's hastily convened security summit in Paris is proof of leaders' anxiety about their role in defending Ukraine, the BBC's Katya Adler writes.

Special Forces blocked 2,000 credible asylum claims from Afghan commandos

Officers appear to have rejected every application from former Afghan commandos who fought alongside them.

Pledge of 2m extra NHS appointments met, PM says

Sir Keir Starmer says the figure is a "shot in the arm", but "the job isn't done" to bring down waiting lists.

'Fake bailiffs said they'd take my furniture'

Criminals pretending to be bailiffs are tricking people into paying thousands of pounds to settle fictitious debts.

At least nine dead in US floods and heavy rain

Kentucky has seen the worst effects of the rain so far, reporting at least eight dead.

Eight backstage highlights from the Bafta Film Awards

The big winners talk of high spirits, heavy trophies and some speech advice they wish they hadn't taken.

Conclave and The Brutalist win big at the Baftas

Pope drama and immigration epic win four apiece; there are also wins for Zoe Saldana and Mikey Madison.

'I've seen thousands of bodies': the child volunteer at Gaza hospital

Zakaria, 11, volunteered at a busy Gaza hospital during the war - one of three children in a new BBC documentary.

Mum's 20-year fight for epilepsy drug compensation

Catherine Cox is certain taking valproate while pregnant caused her son's disabilities.

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.

In pictures: Stars grace the red carpet for Bafta Film Awards

Stars including Cynthia Erivo, Mikey Madison, Adrien Brody and Ariana Grande were in their finest outfits.

The papers: 'Europe in turmoil' and 'Happy ever Bafta'

A number of Monday's newspapers have the latest on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

'I watched a soap for the first time aged 27, here's what I thought'

With EastEnders celebrating its 40th anniversary, I decided it was time to give soap operas a chance.

A glimpse at Picasso and Pollock masterpieces kept in Tehran vault

Masterpieces by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh feature in the collection in Iran's capital.

How Trump's 'drill, baby, drill' pledge is affecting other countries

Some major carbon-emitting countries are hinting they may follow suit as the US opts to ramp up fossil fuels.

Can Musk damage OpenAI even though his bid has failed?

Experts say his real goal is "stymying" its growth potential as his own AI ventures flounder.

Couple held in Iran need 'prompt' UK action, says Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband urges the government to work "more promptly" than it did on her case.

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.

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.

Watch: Trump's motorcade drives lap of Daytona 500 racetrack

The president opened the Nascar season with a flyby and lap in front of the racing cars.

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

US-Israeli talks follow President Trump's proposal - widely condemned internationally - to take over Gaza and move the Palestinians out.

Woman shot dead on Valentine's Day named

The victim of a shooting in Knockholt is named by police as 43-year-old Lisa Smith from Slough.

Pope's health a 'complex clinical situation', Vatican says

The pontiff will remain in hospital for as long as necessary, the Vatican has said.

Kate and children show drawing skills with portraits of each other

The Princess of Wales and her children reveal their artistic skills in portraits of each other.

Meta plans underwater internet cable stretching across globe

It is the latest move from Meta to invest more in global connectivity rather than its apps.

Standout moments as stars mark 50 years of Saturday Night Live

The three-hour special featured Nirvana getting a new frontman and Sabrina Carpenter singing with a legend.

Property boss hid fraud jail time behind new name

Scott El Paraiso, of Urban Evolution, hid his original identity and criminal record from customers.

Changing room row nurse faces disciplinary hearing

NHS Fife could potentially sack Sandie Peggie based on the outcome of the conduct hearing on Friday.

China anger as US amends wording on Taiwan independence

Beijing demands the US "correct its mistakes" after it altered its factsheet on the self-ruled island.

UK ticket-holder claims £65m EuroMillions jackpot

A single ticket in the UK held the winning numbers for the Valentine's Day draw.

Eight backstage highlights from the Bafta Film Awards

The big winners talk of high spirits, heavy trophies and some speech advice they wish they hadn't taken.

Why Saudi Arabia is the venue of choice for Trump talks on Ukraine

The kingdom has gone from pariah to potential peacemaker in recent years.

'Fake bailiffs said they'd take my furniture'

Criminals pretending to be bailiffs are tricking people into paying thousands of pounds to settle fictitious debts.

BBC presenter steps down after Alzheimer's diagnosis

Janice Forsyth has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years, presenting shows on various radio stations.

Special Forces blocked 2,000 credible asylum claims from Afghan commandos, MoD confirms

Officers appear to have rejected every application from former Afghan commandos who fought alongside them.

Europe must 'step up' to defend Ukraine, says Starmer

The PM is set to tell other European leaders to take on a greater role in defending the continent.

Firms plan job cuts as employment costs rise

Companies' confidence falls as they face increases to National Insurance payments and wages

New Bridget Jones film breaks UK box office rom-com record

Bridget's return also proved more popular in the UK than Captain America: Brave New World this weekend.

Meet the board game fanatic who has appeared on 32 quiz shows

Cornelius O'Donovan memorises answers to Trivial Pursuit questions to build up his knowledge.

House prices plunge in Welsh county as council cracks down on second homes

House prices in a Welsh county have fallen by more than 12% year-on-year, according to new figures.

Bournemouth Echo

Closing down sale begins for last Beales store

BEALES is today starting its closing down sale as the famous department store nears its 144-year life. 

Beloved cafe, kitchen and bar closes after six years

A BELOVED cafe, kitchen and bar has closed after six years on the high street.

Two new businesses looking to invest in Bournemouth town centre

TWO new businesses look to be opening in Bournemouth town centre – including a new cafe.

Burger King plans to open restaurant until 5am

BURGER King is looking to extend the opening hours of two of its restaurants – including one until 5am. 

RECAP: Road closed as pedestrian involved in crash with vehicle

A road is closed due to a crash involving a car and a pedestrian.

RECAP: Main road reopens after crash

A road in Bournemouth is closed due to a crash between a car and a bus.

Terrified driver has car stolen and crashed in horror ordeal

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward as they investigate reports of a robbery and attempted robberies near Dorchester.

Car 'veers into bus' as it attempts to avoid another crash

A CAR veered into the side of a bus while it was avoiding another car, Morebus said.

Two people seriously injured in crash near garage involving Subaru

TWO people are in hospital with serious injuries after a crash near Swanage.

Upton Heath fire may have been started deliberately

A fire which broke out on a heathland may have been started deliberately.

20 firefighters called after blaze breaks out causing 'large amount of smoke'

Firefighters reported a large fire and advises residents to avoid the area around Briantspuddle.

University accommodation evacuated following fire

A fire broke out at a university accommodation.

Rapist often seen in Wetherspoon has been found

A convicted rapist who was known to spend his time in Wetherspoon pubs has been found.

Morebus to come off X - but will send travel alerts to app

MOREBUS is introducing a new way of telling its passengers about disruptions that are affecting routes. 

Police search for Lymington shoplifter

Police are searching for a shoplifter after a theft in Lymington

'Tax dodgers make it harder to tackle potholes and get bobbies on the beat'

£5.9 billion of dirty money is tied up in UK property, enough to buy AFC Bournemouth 49 times over. That’s money that we could be using to fill potholes, fund schools and hospitals, improve access to the police and ensure GPs are accessible.

Three promotions made at Poole offices

A SPECIALIST business provider has made three promotions in its Poole office. 

Bournemouth's 'Google maps for boats' celebrated with win

A BOURNEMOUTH-BASED marine technology company known as the ‘Google Maps for boats’ has won an award at a Miami ceremony. 

Farage’s relationship with Trump 'may turn out to be enormous liability'

SIR Desmond Swayne has said Nigel Farage’s relationship with Donald Trump “may turn out to be an enormous liability” in the coming months.

Revealed: The most prolific area for drink-drivers in Dorset

“It is deeply concerning that drink-drive-related deaths have reached their highest level since 2009"

REVIEW: Dean Lewis's first stop on the Epilogue world tour

Dean Lewis brought his Epilogue world tour to Southampton, performing to a packed crowd at the O2 Guildhall.

REVIEW: Bowling For Soup, BIC, Bournemouth

The past couple of times I have seen Bowling For Soup they have been playing venues half the size of the Bournemouth International Centre, so it was great to see them make the leap to an arena show for this tour.

Runaway cow causes chaos as late night escape closes roads

A runaway cow in Totton caused chaos after a late night escape forced police to close the roads

New initiative to bring community closer to university

A NEW initiative is launching to bring residents of Talbot Village closer together and strengthen ties with Bournemouth University.

'Freddo-like' savings on car parks rejected by council

A PROPOSAL to reduce parking charges by 15 per cent with the aim of boosting town centres has been shot down.

The family-run gelato café that's scooped an award for one of its flavours

A family-run gelato shop has been awarded the title of UK’s Best New Flavour 2025.

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.

How to see rare blood moon in the UK during lunar eclipse

A rare blood moon will be visible in the UK next month as the result of a partial lunar eclipse.

'Clear the clutter of A-boards'

ONE OF the big appeals of Castlepoint is of course the free parking.

Sandbanks neighbours get into row over £600,000 garage conversion

A desperate developer who spent £600,000 on a Sandbanks garage is trying to get it turned into a tiny home by stealth, objectors claim.

Bournemouth students chosen to appear on Channel 4 News

Students from Bournemouth were invited to share their views on conspiracy theories and the spread of misinformation on television.

BCP Council to spend £218k on new town hall audio equipment

BCP Council is to install new microphones and speakers for councillors in the town hall costing £218,660.

Experts discuss palliative and end-of-life care at university event

A conference on palliative and end-of-life care hosted by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care (LMHC) was held at Bournemouth University.

Gifts in wills cover cost of care for one in four patients at local hospice

A hospice serving the New Forest, Totton and Waterside areas revealed that gifts in wills funded care for one in four patients last year, relying heavily on donations.

Rugby legend and ex-RAF pilot helps lender with growth strategy

Former RAF pilot and England rugby legend Rory Underwood is helping MSP Capital shape its five-year growth strategy, aiming for a £750 million loan book by 2030.

Formula 1

From lending vital equipment to intervening at accident scenes – 8 of the kindest moments in F1 history

Formula 1 is a highly competitive sport where everybody is determined to win – but this doesn’t mean that the human side is forgotten, with various moments of goodwill occurring across the championship’s 75 years. In celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’ve rounded up a few of the times where the stars of F1 showed their compassion for one another, from lending a rival what may sometimes have been a crucial piece of equipment through to bravely intervening at the scene of an accident.

Newey reveals most satisfying design ‘loophole’ from his time working in F1 so far

Formula 1 design guru Adrian Newey has opened up on the standout technical ‘loopholes’ from his career to date, looking back on decades of experience with the likes of Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

TEAM PREVIEW: Can Sainz’s arrival help Williams take the next step on their journey in 2025?

After a rollercoaster campaign for the team in 2024, Williams look to be entering 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism as they welcome race winner Carlos Sainz to partner the incumbent Alex Albon. Can this driver pairing help the Grove-based outfit to take the next step in their long-term plan? Here’s everything you need to know about Williams and their goals for the year ahead…

Bottas pinpoints area he can 'definitely help' Mercedes after heading back to team

Valtteri Bottas believes that he can help in supporting rookie Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, with the Finn preparing to offer his insight and experience to the team after re-joining as a reserve driver for 2025.

Host and global music line-up announced for F1 75 Live launch event

Formula 1 is excited to reveal F1 75 Live's headline performers, with the historic launch event taking place on Tuesday, February 18.

From pop performances to airport arrivals – 5 of the most unusual car launches in recent F1 history

It’s almost time for the first-ever F1 season launch, with all 10 teams and 20 drivers descending on London’s O2 to mark the start of the sport’s 75th anniversary season. No better moment, then, to look back at some bold and bizarre car reveals from years gone by…

Windows Central

Elden Ring Nightreign is a different kind of FromSoftware genius, and I've fallen in love — but it won't be for everyone

Though Elden Ring Nightreign is wildly different than FromSoftware's other games, it's still genius in its own way.

Windows Central Podcast: The life and death of HoloLens

On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the official end of HoloLens and IVAS, Copilot being bad at summarizing content, Arm reportedly making its own chips, our thoughts on the latest Lenovo laptops, and initial impressions of the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring!

Here's all the Xbox games launching this week, from February 17 through 23

Here's all the Xbox games launching the week of February 17, 2025, including the standard edition of Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer says Xbox Game Pass helps smaller, single-player games: "They just want to tell their story."

In an interview with XboxEra, Microsoft's Gaming CEO discusses how Xbox Game Pass helps support smaller, single-player games.

This Surface Pro Flex Keyboard discount is key to getting the ultimate Surface Pro 11 setup for under $1,000

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard features a haptic trackpad and can be used when attached or wireless. Right now, it's $100 off.

ASUS gives its Zenbook Duo (2025) more power without harming the battery, but some undesirable quirks remain

Refreshed for 2025, the Zenbook Duo remains an example of engineering expertise. But do Intel's new "Arrow Lake" chips make a difference?

Your new Lenovo Legion Go S works best with these hand-picked accessories

If you've just purchased a Legion Go S you'll be wanting the best accessories, here's our personal picks.

I love Microsoft's Avowed, but it further cements how much I dislike the concept of paid 'Early Access' and a forced FOMO.

Avowed is one of many titles offering early access at a premium cost, and while it seems a necessary evil for the survival of Game Pass, I simply do not like it.

Fedora 42 on WSL 2 is almost here, and you can help test it out TODAY

Fedora 42 will mark the first official release of the Linux distro for WSL, and in advance of its release, users are encouraged to take part in a test day.

Laffgaff

What is the only country in the world with a flag with 5 sides?

Nepal.

Wasp Identification

A friend of mine failed his Wasp Identification Exam recently. He got a bee.

Itsfoss

CrowView Note: Turning Raspberry Pi into a Laptop, Sort of

A highly crowdfunded device to add a portable workstation to your Raspberry Pi and other SBCs.