The News - Saturday, 22 February 2025

BBC News

Trump fires top US general in Pentagon shake-up

The new defence secretary earlier accused Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown of having a "woke" focus.

19 things Trump and his team did this week

In his fifth week in office, Trump called Zelensky a dictator, sought more federal civil service cuts and dropped in on Nascar.

Child exploitation and cuckooing to be made criminal offences

New legislation being introduced to Parliament next week seeks to criminalise the practices.

Who will be the next James Bond? Speculation mounts after Amazon buys 007

Daniel Craig's replacement will be Amazon's biggest decision after gaining control of the franchise.

'Trump is a dark horse': Russians on the invasion of Ukraine, three years on

A BBC team asking Russians about their invasion of Ukraine draws police and state TV attention.

Israel checking Hamas claims new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas

Hamas told the BBC it had handed a body to the Red Cross on Friday evening.

Final push for votes as German frontrunner vows to lead in Europe

Germany's rival political leaders take their fight for votes right to the last minute before a pivotal election.

Salman Rushdie attacker found guilty of attempted murder and assault

Hadi Matar stabbed the renowned British-Indian author multiple times on stage at a New York lecture.

Are planes crashing more often?

A recent flurry of air disasters have made some people worried about flying - but are crashes on the rise?

Ofgem demands action from energy firms over back billing

The energy regulator is demanding to know how many people have been sent back bills.

'My nephew killed my brother - but I've forgiven him'

Brenton Marriott died in August 2022, less than a year before the Nottingham attacks.

Fit for a pontiff: Inside the Roman hospital caring for Pope Francis

The Gemelli hospital has been treating popes for more than thirty years.

The Papers: 'PM to defy Trump' and 'Apple in UK privacy row'

Sir Keir Starmer's next move before meeting Donald Trump and a data security dispute make Saturday's front pages.

Scientists probe gulls' 'weird and wonderful' appetites

Photographs of gulls eating anything from chips to starfish will help solve a scientific puzzle.

£3,000 rents cause housing fears near nuclear plant

Residents living near a nuclear power plant have seen rents double to £3,000 a month.

119-year-old bottle found behind crown above theatre stage

A theatre-lover was "astonished" to find a 119-year-old message in a bottle during a tour.

'I'm not a wealth hoarding boomer - my grandchildren want for nothing'

Money from boomers is propping up the next generation, rather than being hoarded, says a pensioner.

Nature inFocus Photography Awards 2024: Leopards, sharks and spiders

The winners of the Nature inFocus Photography Awards 2024 have been announced.

Man offers to split winnings after thieves win jackpot with his credit card

The Frenchman has called on the thieves to strike a deal with him to split the €500,000 (£413,664) prize.

Cryptocurrency theft of £1.1bn could be biggest ever

Dubai-based Bybit said it could afford to reimburse customers and that it was working to find the hackers.

Musician seeks help to recover ancient violin stolen in pub

The instrument is worth a six-figure sum but also holds a lot of emotional value.

India v Pakistan: Cricket's ultimate grudge match in the desert

Sunday’s Champions Trophy clash in Dubai promises a charged atmosphere with strong fan presence on both sides.

'I make more in one hour on TikTok than a day in the shop'

Laura Mallows sells most of her products via TikTok but "dreams" of opening a physical shop once more.

Carts, catwalk and carnival: Photos of the week

A selection of news photographs from around the world.

I'll back Ukraine in talks with Trump, Starmer tells Zelensky

The prime minister called Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky for the second time in four days.

'Gruesome sell-out or a chance to lead': What will happen when Starmer visits Trump?

What could happen when Sir Keir Starmer visits the White House next Thursday?

Berlin stabbing suspect planned to kill Jewish people, police believe

Police say they are investigating whether the assailant is suffering from mental illness.

Girl, 3, killed in crash between tram and van

The three-year-old girl has died after being taken to hospital, police say.

Who will be the next James Bond? Speculation mounts after Amazon buys 007

Daniel Craig's replacement will be Amazon's biggest decision after gaining control of the franchise.

'Trump hasn't got any plan': Russians speak to BBC after three years of war

A BBC team asking Russians about their invasion of Ukraine draws police and state TV attention.

Damselfly peering through leaf among eye-catching entries in nature photo awards

The winners of the Nature inFocus Photography Awards 2024 have been announced.

Are planes crashing more often?

A recent flurry of air disasters have made some people worried about flying - but are crashes on the rise?

Pedestrian dies after being hit by ambulance

A 40-year-old man was hit by the ambulance, which was responding to an emergency call, in the early hours of Saturday.

Flat owners 'seething' at £8.8k a year service fee

Flat owners at an Manchester apartment block rail against a 249% service charge increase from April.

Family of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas says new returned body is hers

It comes as a six hostages and over 600 Palestinian prisoners are exchanged on Saturday.

19 things Trump and his team did this week

In his fifth week in office, Trump called Zelensky a dictator, sought more federal civil service cuts and dropped in on Nascar.

Child exploitation and cuckooing to be criminal offences

New legislation being introduced to Parliament next week seeks to criminalise the practices.

Fit for a pontiff: The Roman hospital caring for Pope Francis

The Gemelli hospital has been treating popes for more than thirty years.

Dead soldier's sister says army 'not safe' for women

Gunner Jaysley Beck's sister says she would not advise other women to join the Army.

Search for missing runner enters fourth day

Jenny Hall, a keen long-distance runner, is described as 6ft (1.8m) tall with very long dark hair.

Police officer removed criminal's tag so they could meet up for sex

Natasha Conneely's team was responsible for managing criminals in the community to deter reoffending.

Scientists probe gulls' 'weird and wonderful' appetites

Photographs of gulls eating anything from chips to starfish will help solve a scientific puzzle.

System 'broken' says Ronan Keating after fatal crash verdict

The singer described the justice system in the Republic of Ireland as 'broken' after his brother died in a car crash.

Shackles and a bullet-proof vest - Luigi Mangione reappears in court over CEO 'murder'

His lawyer argued during the hearing that her client - wearing a bulletproof vest - was being treated unfairly.

Bournemouth Echo

Watch as woman films man 'clear the shelves' in brazen shoplifting incident

A woman filmed a man blatantly shoplifting ‘knowing full well he would get away with it.’

BCP parking charges to rise once again next month

Parking charges will once again rise across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole from next month.

Man threatened to rape woman in menacing text message

A man sent a threatening message that he would rape a woman, court documents show.

'Bournemouth is making waves’: Curly hair specialist up for top industry awards

A hairdresser specialising in textured and curly hair is ‘making waves in Bournemouth’ as she makes the finals of industry awards.

In The Dock: Man jailed for stealing £300 of perfume

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Beloved pub undergoes £410,000 makeover to elevate guest experience

A family friendly country pub is shutting its doors to customers for its planned refurbishment.

Man named and charged after 'machete incident' on estate

A man has been charged with numerous allegations including making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon.

Brownsea Island to reopen to public from next month

BROWNSEA Island will reopen in the middle of next month.

Woman in 30s dropped from 'stabbing' investigation

A woman has been dropped from a case after two were arrested for an alleged stabbing in West Howe.

Bournemouth museum awarded money to help fix damaged building

A BOURNEMOUTH museum and art gallery of Bournemouth has been awarded a grant of over £1.5 million by government.

Roads to avoid as traffic delays expected during key works

Roads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to experience significant disruption due to upcoming closures and temporary traffic signals.

£2.85m New Forest country home with tennis court, games room and gym up for sale

Chalford Manor in Stoney Cross, a stunning country house set in eight acres in the heart of the New Forest, is up for sale for £2.85 million.

One of rarest trees in UK to be planted at Coy Pond Gardens

ONE of the UK’s rarest trees will be planted in Poole’s Coy Pond Gardens next month at an event.

Volunteers sought for Lawrence of Arabia's Dorset cottage

Guides are wanted to help tell the story of T.E Lawrence’s Dorset cottage.

Social housing data just a click away with new tool

A new online tool has been launched to provide Dorset Council residents with a clearer idea of how long they may need to wait for a social housing property.

"Substantial amount of chocolate" stolen by "prolific" shoplifters

A "substantial" amount of chocolate was stolen by "prolific" shoplifters from a shop in Poole.

'Extra-special' rare Royal Mint 50p coin sells for £245 on eBay - how to spot

The Rare Royal Mint coin inspired a mini bidding war with 75 bids placed during the online auction before selling for £245

Businesses invited to sponsor Family Fun Day

Sponsors of the event include Greatest Hits Radio, Absolute Music, Shadow Design, Snows Toyota and Raring2Go.

Pop sensation Lulu is set to perform at Lighthouse

Her career has spanned decades, during which she has collaborated with big names such as David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Elton John.

Residents launch 'Dignity Action Month' at care home

Parley Place Care Home launched Dignity Action Month, creating a Dignity Tree to encourage community involvement and highlight the importance of dignified care.

Experts issue advice on cold water swimming for pregnant women

A study by Bournemouth University and the University of Portsmouth examined the safety of cold water swimming during pregnancy, offering expert recommendations due to limited existing research.

Hundreds join in at Dolphin centre to create giant doodle

Hundreds of people took part in a giant community doodle at the Dolphin Centre during half-term, part of an Authentic Education Trust exhibition showcasing student artwork.

TV antiques expert to host valuation day in Bournemouth

TV antiques expert Paul Martin will host a free community valuation day at Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth, inviting residents to have their treasures assessed and valued.

Record £64,800 raised from recycling Christmas trees

More than £64,000 was raised for Diverse Abilities, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and Julia’s House through a Christmas tree recycling initiative, which collected 29 tonnes of trees and turned them into woodland mulch.

Truck dealership celebrates award for 'commitment to excellence'

The Gold Award is one of the highest achievements at the ceremony.

Three trusted traders who will deliver

A well-crafted driveway is a key feature of any home’s exterior. At Creative Paving, a family-run business based in Highcliffe, Dorset, we bring 30 years of expertise to driveways, patios, and all aspects of hard landscaping.

MP to host town hall event to tackle range of issues

During these housing 'super surgeries', residents highlighted concerns beyond just housing, leading to the organisation of this broader public event.

Free paddling pools and splashpark set to open this summer

Four public paddling pools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will reopen this summer, offering free family activities, with funding support from BCP Council and local partners.

Britain's Got Talent winners to perform in Bournemouth

Dance group Diversity will bring their 'Soul' tour to Bournemouth in 2026, exploring technology and humanity through dynamic performances.

Firm sees record growth and expansion despite economic downturn

He attributes much of the slowdown and project delays last year to hesitancy around the 2024 general elections in the UK and USA.

Poundstretcher to give away £10 vouchers 'every hour' this weekend

Poundstretcher is also running a buy one and get one free offer on more than 100 household cleaning products during this week.

I tried the slow-cooked range from M&S and it's better than restaurant grub

I tasted tested the new slow-cooked range from M&S - here's what I thought.

Police search for individual after reports of criminal damage in Poole

A CCTV appeal has been launched by Dorset Police to identify an individual after finding "significant damage" to five cash machines.

Two vehicles seized as part of 'environmental crime' investigation

Two vehicles were seized as part of an investigation into illegal waste disposal in Dorset.

Formula 1

Kick Sauber’s official launch car from F1 75 Live goes up for auction on F1 Authentics

The C45 show car used by Kick Sauber during the F1 75 Live season launch event has gone up for auction on F1 Authentics, giving fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of the unprecedented event.

TEAM PREVIEW: The post-Hamilton era has arrived – 2025 is the start of Mercedes' new chapter

It’s a new era for Mercedes in 2025. In the wake of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s departure for Ferrari, the Silver Arrows have an exciting rookie replacement ready to step up to the big time. But can Mercedes also iron out the inconsistencies with their car that saw the squad go through an up-and-down season last year? Here’s all you need to know about the team ahead of the new campaign…

'We're having an incredible relationship' – Why Sainz and Albon are exactly what Williams need in their rebuild

Carbon. Carbono. Carbonara. Thai Sweet Chilli. Whatever you want to call them, you only have to spend a few minutes with Williams’ new driving pairing Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon to see that they are already gelling incredibly well, both on track and off it – and are exactly what the iconic British team need to help their rebuild.

Windows Central

Can I play Monster Hunter Wilds early on Xbox and PC?

Monster Hunter Wilds is under a week away from launching on Xbox and PC, yet people are wondering if it's possible to play it early. Join us as we answer that question.

Fortnite is the "biggest competitor" to any newly launched video game, says analyst

Speaking with Kinda Funny Games, Circana executive director and analyst Mat Piscatella noted that Fortnite is the biggest threat to any newly-launched game.

Obsidian Entertainment CEO says the developer has grown significantly under Xbox Game Studios

Speaking in a new interview, Obsidian Entertainment CEO Fearus Urguhart talked about how the RPG developer has grown significantly under Xbox.

Microsoft boss Satya Nadella dismisses AGI milestones as "nonsensical benchmark hacking," — indicating AI agents could only run a Fortune 500 company with a "sandboxed" guarantee

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was recently interviewed by Dwarkesh Patel, discussing the tech giant's recent quantum breakthrough, AGI, and more.

Microsoft's new Edge Add-ons site might keep you away from the Chrome Web Store

The Edge Add-ons site, a Microsoft webpage dedicated to browser extensions and themes, just got a significant revamp. The update makes it easier to find your favorite extensions and themes.

Monster Hunter Wilds has spoiled its endgame surprise by revealing the return of 'special' monsters from Monster Hunter World

Capcom recently hosted a special event for Monster Hunter Wilds in Japan, where the developers revealed that they're bringing back Tempered Monsters from Monster Hunter World.

Activision follows through on efforts to combat cheating in Call of Duty by sending cease and desists to prominent cheat providers

Activision has targeted Two2nd and Tomware, prominent providers of Call of Duty cheat software, with cease and desists prompting the permanent discontinuation of Call of Duty cheat products.

Windows Phone 'revived,' Windows 95 in the news, and Halo back on TV? Did someone invent a time machine?

Windows Phone, Windows 95, and the Halo TV series filled this week's headlines. We also got the chance to discuss Microsoft's shifting Surface lineup.

Build your own "Vault" from the Silo TV show — Documents, survival guides, and entire websites to save on an SSD to prepare for the apocalypse

The internet is here today, but it could be gone tomorrow. Here's what I'm doing to retain and safeguard the knowledge I take for granted.

Laffgaff

Which South American country is home to both the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere?

Argentina.

Chivalry Not Dead

I bought my girlfriend a coffee by walking 8 blocks in -20° weather wearing just a t-shirt, all to prove a point. It started when she claimed shiverry was dead.