The News - Thursday, 20 February 2025

BBC News

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump calls him 'dictator'

The PM phones Volodymyr Zelensky and expresses support for "Ukraine's democratically elected leader".

Trump says Russians 'have the cards' in peace talks

The US leader tells the BBC he trusts that Moscow wants to see an end to the war in Ukraine.

Anthony Zurcher: Trump echoes Russia as he upends US policy

While the sudden change in US foreign policy is dramatic, the president has been charting this course for years.

US man dies awaiting sentencing for shooting teen

Andrew Lester, 86, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault in the shooting of the teen boy in Kansas City in 2023.

Historic US ocean liner moves out of Philadelphia after nearly 30 years

The SS United States prepares to become the world's largest artificial reef off the Florida coast.

New graves mark lost generation in drugs-ravaged Scottish town

In just a year and a half, at least eight victims of drug misuse have been buried in Oban's Pennyfuir cemetery.

British tourist dies trekking with friend in Himalayas

The two British men were hiking in "extremely difficult terrain" when one reportedly fell.

Huge sinkhole swallows up more of Surrey street

A second sinkhole has appeared in the street, with a car teetering on the brink.

Watch: Growing sinkhole's size revealed as reporters take closer look

The BBC has visited the town of Godstone, where a major incident has been declared after a huge sinkhole opened.

Trump administration moves to end New York City congestion hikes

New York's governor criticised Trump's declaration of himself as a "king" in the announcement.

Israel prepares to receive first dead hostages from Hamas

Hamas says they will include the Bibas family, who for Israel have become a symbol of the captives.

Georgia's richest man said to be moving funds to avoid US sanctions

The pro-Russian businessman is reported to be moving overseas assets back to the Caucasus country.

Steve Rosenberg: How Putin and Trump shook the world up in a week

It is a week that has upended alliances and put Russia at the top table of global politics.

What is a sinkhole and how does it form?

Two sinkholes have appeared in the Surrey village of Godstone, but how have they formed and are they dangerous?

The Papers: 'Shameful' Trump attack on Zelensky and 'Tearful Emma'

Nearly all of Thursday's papers lead with one story - the deepening row between the US and Ukraine after Donald Trump's new remarks.

'We will unite with Kim Jong Un': Conspiracies grip South Korea

Yoon Suk Yeol's most fanatic followers believe the opposition wants to turn South Korea into a communist country.

Five things we learned at the A$AP Rocky trial

There's a lot to unpack from the rapper's trial, including what AWGE means and the impacts to the A$AP Mob

'I cried for days': Office raids and arrests shock aid workers in Yemen

Humanitarian workers fear the detention of staff and cuts in funding will be a "death sentence" for Yemenis.

YouTuber's 'dirty' comments spark massive row in India

Remarks made by popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia on a talent show have led to a huge controversy.

Watch: Officer smashes window to rescue woman from fiery car crash

Officer Brian Larison recounts the events that led to the rescue of a woman from a burning car involved in a crash in Chandler, Arizona.

The temporary UK visas worrying Ukrainian refugees

The government is facing calls to offer a route to permanent settlement for Ukrainians living in the UK.

Iron Age remains found in bog may have been sacrificial

The remains, which were discovered in October 2023, are thought to be those of a young woman.

'My eye was saved by a placenta after acid attack'

Newcastle doctors use donated tissue to help save Paul Laskey's eyesight.

Crumbling English museums get £270m funding

Some venues said they were at risk of "imminent threat of sale of collections or closure".

Parents 'turn up TV when it rains' as kids fear floods

Children in towns that have repeatedly flooded are scared by the rain, a community worker says.

First pharaoh's tomb found in Egypt since Tutankhamun's

It is the first royal tomb to be found since King Tutankhaman's over a century ago.

Spain's ex-football boss Luis Rubiales fined for World Cup kiss

Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and fined €10,800.

James Bond's long-serving producers give control to Amazon

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson step down after decades of tight family control of the franchise.

Army mishandled sex assault before soldier's death, coroner says

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found hanged in her room at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021.

Passengers on crashed Toronto plane offered US$30,000 each

The gesture to the affected travellers - all of whom survived - comes with no strings attached, the airline says.

Birkenstock sandals are not art, says German court

The firm wanted to claim protection under copyright law, to stop rivals selling copycat versions of its shoes.

Norovirus hospital cases reach highest level ever

More than 1,100 patients a day ill in hospital with vomitting bug last week in England.

Backlash over energy standing charges shake-up

Charities and energy providers have criticised plans to change the way standing charges on gas and electricity bills are paid.

AI cracks superbug problem in two days that took scientists years

The lead researcher has told the BBC he was so astounded he assumed his computer had been hacked.

Pub shooting suspect believed dead, police say

Police believe the man suspected of shooting Lisa Smith died after falling into the River Thames.

Trump and Zelensky's relationship over time

The US and Ukrainian presidents, who have traded barbs in the past, began a new war of words this week.

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump calls him 'dictator'

It comes as Western officials say less than 30,000 troops could be stationed in Ukraine as part of a peace deal.

Anthony Zurcher: Trump echoes Russia as he upends US policy

While the sudden change in US foreign policy is dramatic, the president has been charting this course for years.

Return of bodies marks day of anguish for Israel

Many held out hope that the Bibas family might have still been alive.

New graves mark lost generation in drugs-ravaged Scottish town

In just a year and a half, at least eight victims of drug misuse have been buried in Oban's Pennyfuir cemetery.

Watch: EastEnders actors share their most iconic scenes

The actors who play Ian, Cindy, Tracey and Alfie glance back through 40 years of TV history.

Anita Dobson returns to EastEnders for 40th anniversary special

The actress, who last appeared in the soap more than 37 years ago, played the role of a landlady at the Queen Vic pub.

What it's like living next door to Albert Square

Explosions and super fans - Borehamwood residents on 40 years of living next door to EastEnders.

EastEnders pub landlady on 'exciting' live episode

Harriet Thorpe who plays Queen Vic landlady Elaine on preparing for the upcoming live episode.

Quiz: How well do you know EastEnders?

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

Sinkhole street families 'out of homes for months'

A major incident is still in force three days after a sinkhole opened in the centre of Godstone.

Self-proclaimed 'monster' guilty of top chef's murder

Mussie Imnetu suffered serious brain damage after being punched and kicked until he was unconscious.

Ukrainian leader not a dictator, says Farage

But Reform UK's leader appears to back President Trump's calls for elections in Ukraine.

BBC faces questions over Gaza film's Hamas link

The documentary Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone was narrated by the son of a Hamas official.

Watch: Moment man vandalises ancient Incan artefact

Peruvian police released footage showing a suspect pounding Cusco's 12-Angle Stone.

Guilty Rubiales fined by Spanish court for Hermoso kiss

Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and fined €10,800.

Bournemouth Echo

"Homeless druggies are sleeping in our corridors and nobody will remove them"

HOMELESS drug users have broken into a block of Bournemouth town centre flats nine times and are using the corridors to sleep in.

Paedophile ‘obsessed’ with children became ‘desensitised’ to abuse images

A PAEDOPHILE ‘obsessed’ with children became ‘desensitised’ to sexual abuse images, a court heard.

Man who murdered woman on Bournemouth beach previously accused of stalking

THE man found guilty of murdering a woman on Bournemouth Beach had previously been accused of stalking, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.

Fears over bus routes being axed due to BCP Council cuts

Cllr Duane Farr has spoken out after fears that bus routes could be axed due to council cuts.

Council risks £3m-a-year bill if it doesn't reach own net zero goal by 2030

BCP Council may have to pay £3million a year if it does not meet its own climate goals for 2030.

"Ignoring these failures risks leaving dangerous gaps in our immigration system"

CALLS have been made for an expanded public inquiry into the “systemic failings that led to violent crimes”, including the murder of Thomas Roberts in Bournemouth.

Council set to spend almost £500k on two new pedestrian crossings

PLANS are in place to use nearly £500,000 of active travel funding for two new pedestrian crossings.

New phase of Ringwood Road closure to begin - lasting until summer

THE next phase of the £17.5million Ringwood Road work is to shortly begin and will bring a road closure with it.

In The Dock: Woman stole TV and tried to steal swimming pool

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Dorset's final Homebase 'to close this weekend'

Homebase's final Dorset store will close this month, it has been confirmed.

New South African restaurant opens with goals to bring the community together

New South African restaurant Benenbrini opens its doors in Bournemouth town centre.

Weekly beach hut bookings available today from 10am

WEEKLY beach hut bookings for this upcoming financial year are opening today (February 20) from 10am. 

Nursery celebrates 35 years in the business

A POOLE nursery is celebrating 35 years in the early education and care sector. 

PHOTOS: Echo readers share photos for National Love Your Pet Day

We're a nation of pet lovers – and today marks National Love Your Pet Day 2025.

6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are searching for their forever homes

The RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood, Dorset has many pets, such as cats and dogs, looking for new homes

Walk on popular Dorset beach hailed among best to try in February half term

Go Outdoors has named a Durdle Door beach walk among the best in England for February half term

'Ever increasing number of hazards on our pavements'

Susan Stockwell's letters are well-intentioned, but so often miss the mark.

Festival to celebrate Dorset's beauty in flowers, music and art

The Winterborne Kingston Spring Festival will celebrate Dorset’s literature and landmarks with floristry, music and art, culminating in a "Hymns and Pimm's" event.

André Rieu to celebrate 75th birthday with special cinema event

André will also share memories of his youth in the Maastricht church choir with his brother Robert, before they perform Pie Jesu.

Soul legends The Stylistics to perform in Bournemouth

The Stylistics will bring their "Greatest Hits and More" UK tour to Bournemouth Pavilion, coinciding with the release of their new album Falling In Love With My Girl.

Dorset Council to fly Ukrainian flag to mark anniversary of invasion

The council also expressed gratitude to voluntary and community organisations for their role in welcoming and supporting Ukrainian refugees.

MP to raise drug-related issues in rural communities in Parliament

She expressed concern about the limited resources for Dorset Police, one of the least funded forces in the country and their focus on Bournemouth and Weymouth.

Big wedding show is back after huge success of first event

This resulted in a packed-out event, with exhibitors and couples able to get their planning back on track.

Hit play inspired by making of Jaws to be staged at Lighthouse Poole

Alcohol flows, egos collide and tempers flare, on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic.

New online tool helps residents understand social housing wait times

This comes as more than 6,000 people are on the housing register in Dorset, with demand far exceeding supply.

Dorset is home to the UK's best outdoor hidden gems

Hengistbury Head Beach in Bournemouth was named the third best outdoor hidden gem in the UK.

Dairy company celebrates year since acquisition by cooperative

BV Dairy and First Milk marked a year since their merger by planting 365 trees at Woodhouse Farm in Trowbridge, highlighting their commitment to sustainability.

Award-winning vintage music festival to return this year

The Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival returns to Fisherman's Walk, Southbourne, featuring vintage music, retro fashion, classic cars and an artisan market.

First competitive ice swimming event held in Dorset

Some participants were experiencing their first ice swimming event, while others were attempting their longest cold-water swims.

Ringwood-based construction company starts work on £30m facility

A £30 million multi-storey manufacturing facility is being built by Knights Brown for Harwin, featuring solar panels to reduce environmental impact.

Women urged to get potentially life-saving breast cancer screening

Breast cancer is much more treatable when caught early, and screening prevents an estimated 1,300 deaths nationally each year.

Coastguard called to Durley Chine after person sustains injuries

The coastguard was called to an incident at a beach in Bournemouth

The story of Hamworthy from Legionaries to locals

Hamworthy: A Journey Through Time Let's rewind, way back, to a time when Romans ruled the roost. Picture this: the year is 43 AD, and Emperor Vespasian, no less, sails into Poole Harbour with his Second Augustan Legion. They weren't just here for a seaside holiday; they meant business. And that, folks, is how Hamworthy's story truly begins. It's not just a suburb of Poole; it's a place steeped in history, a living testament to centuries of change.

Formula 1

From standout livery reveals to special music performances – 9 moments that made us say ‘wow’ from F1 75 Live

Formula 1 officially kicked off its 75th anniversary season in unforgettable style on Tuesday night, with F1 75 Live at London’s The O2 proving to be a spectacular show.

WATCH: Behind the scenes on the F1 75 Live red carpet as the drivers and stars arrive

The red carpet was a star-studded affair at F1 75 Live, with the drivers and team bosses – along with legends from the sport and many celebrities – arriving for the big event. There was plenty going on as the famous faces made their entrance, with several big names from the grid stopping to chat to waiting media and fans outside London’s The O2.

POLL: From moment of the season to smoothest driver – Have your say in the 2024 F1 Topps Awards

‘I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be’ – Hamilton insists Ferrari have ‘every ingredient’ to win a world title

Lewis Hamilton is living his best life. The seven-time world champion made a dream move to Ferrari for this season and pretty much hasn’t stopped smiling since.

GALLERY: All the best driver and celebrity arrivals from the red carpet at F1 75 Live

F1 75 Live proved to be an unforgettable evening, packed with exciting livery reveals, standout music performances and countless memorable moments. And before the show had even begun, anticipation was sky high as the drivers and various celebrity guests made their arrivals on the red carpet at London’s The O2.

REVEALED: Your favourite 2025 livery after their F1 75 Live unveilings

The votes are in and, following their spectacular reveals at F1 75 Live on Tuesday night, you've picked your favourite 2025 livery!

Sainz explains 'biggest change' at Williams as he predicts how long it will take to adjust to new car

Carlos Sainz has identified adapting to a new power unit as the “biggest change” he has faced since joining Williams, with the former Ferrari driver set to race with a Mercedes engine for the first time in his F1 career.

Silverstone confirms UK icons to headline 2025 British Grand Prix Festival

Silverstone has announced the headline acts for its star-studded 2025 British Grand Prix music line up, with performances taking place across the race weekend from Thursday July 3 to Sunday July 6.

F1 Exhibition to land in Amsterdam as next host city

The award-winning Formula 1 Exhibition will land in Amsterdam on April 17 2025, with the Dutch capital announced as the next major city to host the groundbreaking show.

Windows Central

Don't buy Avowed at full price when you can already get it for far less with this awesome discount

Obsidian's highly anticipated Xbox RPG Avowed is finally here, but don't buy it at full price — you can get it for far less right now.

The dev behind this long-awaited Xbox game says issues with Microsoft have been resolved, so hopefully it's coming soon

Indie platformer Berserk Boy was announced for Xbox years ago, but an issue — seemingly on Microsoft's end — delayed its release.

Hades 2 gets a familiar god to thirst over and a new boss battle in its second massive update

Hades 2 gets a second major update, adding the god of war Ares, as well as new boss fight and more.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 players team up to generously gift over $2,000 in copies to random strangers, and even the devs pitched in

Recently, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 players banded together to generously gift tons of copies to strangers.

RTX 5070 Ti: Should you buy NVIDIA's latest GPU? Benchmarks, reviews, and the best places to shop.

NVIDIA's RTX 5070 Ti launches on February 20, but it's not expected to be a smooth process. I found the best places to shop, with a look at whether it's actually worth buying.

Minecraft's spawn eggs are getting ridiculously cute, and our dogs are getting more personality

Mojang Studios has dropped a new Minecraft snapshot and beta that introduces cuter spawn eggs and more unique wolf personalities, all in the name of fun.

Microsoft created a new 'state of matter' to revolutionize quantum computing

Microsoft just announced the world's first quantum chip to use a topoconductor. The chip could create a path to quantum computers being a reality.

Humane closes up shop after $116M HP acquisition to bolster "an intelligent ecosystem" across its tech stack — 'Ai Pin' bites the dust, branded "The Worst Product"

HP is expected to acquire assets from Humane Inc., including the majority of the company's employees, software platform, and intellectual property, for $116 million.

Rewrite history in WWE 2K25's 'The Bloodline's Dynasty' Showcase Mode as shown in its latest trailer

WWE 2K25 gets a new trailer showing off its 2K Showcase mode where you play as iconic wrestlers like The Rock, Roman Reigns, Rikishi, the Usos, Yokozuna, Umaga, and more.

Sea of Thieves Season 15 kicks off, with new Megalodon variants, ambient wildlife, and more on the way

Sea of Thieves Season 15 kicks off, bringing new types of Megalodons to threaten players on the seas.

SCUF drops a hot new Xbox controller designed by pros for pros (and those of us who think we are)

The latest SCUF controller for Xbox and PC is designed in collaboration with esports players to target peak performance.

MMORPG Dune: Awakening finally gets release date and preorder info, but not for Xbox

Epic MMORPG Dune: Awakening finally has a confirmed release date, but it's only coming to PC via Steam at first. There's also a new character creator and benchmark tool.

The RTX 5070 Ti is sold out, but you can still find pre-built PCs in stock

NVIDIA's RTX 5070 Ti unsurprisingly sold out in seconds, but that doesn't mean you can't get the new GPU on launch day. I found these pre-built PCs with the GPU.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is about to make importing data into Excel almost effortless

Microsoft is putting the final touches on a feature for Copilot in Excel that will make it easy to important data from the web and other documents.

Bill Gates says Gen Z should worry about 4 "very scary things," including "keeping control of AI" — after predicting its replacement of humans for most tasks

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates highlights four scary things the next generation should be worried about, including keeping control of AI.

Here's exactly when you can play Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 2 Reloaded

New maps, a collab with TMNT and more headline the latest Black Ops 6 and Warzone mid-season refresh.

What is MSConfig, and how do you use it on Windows 11? System Configuration explained.

On Windows 11, you can use the System Configuration (msconfig) tool to manage various aspects of the boot settings and troubleshoot issues.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded — Patch notes, new maps, events, and more

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone get a midseason refresh with a new TMNT crossover event.

Apple Intelligence will reportedly ship to the Vision Pro to boost its $3,500 value — as HoloLens marinates in the Microsoft Graveyard before its prime-time

Apple plans to ship Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro and a spatial content app to potentially spark user interest and drive more headset sales.

This upcoming indie Xbox and PC 'metroidvania' needs to be at the top of your list

Mandragora, developed by an indie studio who previously supported League of Legends, is coming to consoles and PC on April 17.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii review — Set sail for a paradise of minigames

Goro Majima returns as the protagonist in this crazy, amnesiac-fueled pirate journey, leading his crew on another adventure filled with minigames.

Laffgaff

Who composed the opera Madame Butterfly?

Giacomo Puccini.

Notebook

What kind of notebook does a dendrochronologist use? A tree-ring binder.

Itsfoss

FOSS Weekly #25.08: Ubuntu 25.04 Features, Conky Setup, Plank Reloaded and More Linux Stuff

Fedora-OBS feud continues the drama in the Linux world.