The News - Sunday, 23 February 2025

BBC News

Germans to vote in high-stakes election watched closely by Europe and US

Conservative Friedrich Merz is expected to win, but the far-right AfD is set for a strong second place.

Pope remains in 'critical' condition after 'respiratory crisis'

Pope Francis is "more unwell than yesterday", the Vatican says, adding his prognosis "remains guarded".

Israel indefinitely delays Palestinian prisoner release as hostages freed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the prisoners won't be freed until the next release of hostages is guaranteed.

List accomplishments or resign, Musk tells US federal workers

The weekend email comes as Elon Musk leads an effort to aggressively curtail the government workforce.

M4 and M48 closed after body found on carriageway

Police are trying to find out how the person's remains came to be on the M4 on Saturday evening.

Archaeologists may have found pharaoh's second tomb

The potential find comes just days after the announcement of the discovery of King Thutmose II's tomb.

He dreamed of a cycling revolution. Then an SUV crushed him

Paul Varry's death has triggered a debate in Paris over the dramatic expansion of cycle infrastructure.

Has Trump kept his day one promises?

It's been a busy first month, with a blizzard of activity, so we compare his pledges with what he has delivered.

'Gimme a hug': Drake's lover-boy comeback after Kendrick feud

As Drake drops a new album after his Not Like Us diss track humiliation - what's his strategy?

Tens of thousands fighting for Russia dying unnoticed on Ukraine frontlinee

The Kremlin’s recruitment policy is shielding society from the true impact of war.

'I learned lesson about parking near beauty spot'

Chelsea Coltart - whose car got damaged and was fined in the Peak District - wants to warn others.

The asteroid hits and near-misses you never hear about

Since a potentially hazardous asteroid was detected in December, tens of others objects have come close to Earth.

Florence Pugh opens Harris Reed show as London Fashion Week starts

London Fashion Week has kicked off, showcasing the best of British design.

Mystery of body in wetsuit found in reservoir puzzles police

Police continue to investigate how a body of a man in a wetsuit was found in a Welsh reservoir.

The Papers: 'PM lays down peace demand' and 'New breed of danger dog'

A mix of stories lead Sunday's papers, with a focus of the prime minister's upcoming trip to the US.

Watch: A real-life flying car takes to the skies

From science-fiction to the real world, flying cars are here - but could the concept actually take off?

'Amateur and dangerous': Historians weigh in on viral AI history videos

Can AI resurrect the past, or are these videos a polished, modernised version of history designed for engagement?

UK pop stars drop out of global bestseller charts

British acts miss out on the worldwide annual music charts for the first time in two decades.

From Baywatch to toxic waste - LA's iconic beaches unrecognisable after fires

Under orders from President Trump, the EPA is trying to fast track the clean-up of toxic debris from LA's fires.

Police hunt van driver as girl dies in tram crash

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

Man offers to split winnings after thieves hit 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.

Zelensky willing to give up presidency in exchange for Nato membership

In response to a question, the Ukrainian president said he would give up his position for peace.

John Simpson: 2025 could be year for the history books as Trump shreds global norms

Like 1968 or 1989, this could be a year when the world changes in a fundamental way.

Police searching for missing 23-year-old runner find body in forest

Jenny Hall's body has been found following a five-day search of Hamsterley Forest in County Durham.

British couple in their 70s arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan

Peter and Barbie Reynolds were returning to their home in Bamiyan on 1 February when they were detained.

He dreamed of a cycling revolution. Then an SUV crushed him

Paul Varry's death has triggered a debate in Paris over the dramatic expansion of cycle infrastructure.

William at his lowest after Kate's diagnosis, says ex-aide

Jason Knauf says the Prince of Wales was deeply affected by the Princess of Wales's cancer diagnosis.

Teenage boy stabbed in chest in Primark store

Detectives say the attack on the 17-year-old was an "appalling act of violence".

'Nightmare visit to beauty spot made me infamous on Tiktok'

Chelsea Coltart - whose car got damaged and was fined in the Peak District - wants to warn others.

Pope asks for prayers in message from hospital

The pontiff is receiving hospital treatment as the Vatican warns his condition is still critical.

Germany's front-runner Merz: Risk-taker who flirted with far right

A look at the conservative leader who broke a German taboo by accepting support from the AfD.

Has Trump kept his day one promises?

It's been a busy first month, with a blizzard of activity, so we compare his pledges with what he has delivered.

Tens of thousands fighting for Russia dying unnoticed on Ukraine frontline

The Kremlin’s recruitment policy is shielding society from the true impact of war.

Florence Pugh, fake snow and wedding gowns: Best pictures from London Fashion Week

Florence Pugh opened Harris Reed's show, while Richard Quinn's runway saw models in wedding dresses walking through fake snow.

Creosote for toothache - The fake GP who treated thousands over 30 years

Muhameed Saeed posed as a doctor for three decades before his deception was uncovered.

Trump right to engage Putin on peace talks, says minister

Bridget Phillipson says the US thawing diplomatic ties with Putin "brought Russians to the table".

PM announces £200m support fund for industrial site

Sir Keir Starmer's announcement comes ahead of the refinery's planned closure this summer with the loss of more than 400 jobs.

Huge crowds gather for Hezbollah leader Nasrallah's funeral

The coffin of the late Hezbollah leader was paraded through huge crowds of mourners.

Gaza ceasefire once again in doubt as first phase nears end

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indefinitely delayed the release of what would have been the biggest group of Palestinian prisoners so far

'Gimme a hug': Drake's lover-boy comeback after Kendrick feud

As Drake drops a new album after his Not Like Us diss track humiliation - what's his strategy?

Electronic 'signal jamming' devices used for car thefts set to be banned

The, including so-called signal jammers, are thought to play a part in four out of 10 vehicle thefts.

Archaeologists may have found pharaoh's second tomb

The potential find comes just days after the announcement of the discovery of King Thutmose II's tomb.

'There's a line': Comedians on whether Peter Kay was right to throw out hecklers

After the star kicked two fans out, we speak to UK comics about the "chaos" and "magic" of heckling.

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.

'Unbelievable gentleman' - 100-year-old veteran meets Marines and has them in fits of laughter

Veteran who earned his Green Beret in 1942 is described as an "unbelievable gentleman".

Bournemouth Echo

Popular Indian restaurant scores lowest hygiene rating in BCP

A popular Indian restaurant has received the lowest food hygiene score by officials in Bournemouth.

Woman cleared of speeding motorcyclist's death

A carer has spoken of her relief after a jury took just 30 minutes to clear her over the death of a motorcyclist who was travelling at twice the speed limit when he crashed into her.

'Threat to life': Concerns raised as 16 flats approved

Plans to build 16 flats in Poole approved despite strong objections Plans to construct two apartment blocks, comprising 16 flats on Sandbanks Road, have been approved by BCP Council despite significant public opposition.

Dividends won't be paid from hotel - as sale edges closer

Businesses who have put in claims of more than £200,000 to a Bournemouth hotel in administration are unlikely to be paid dividends, administrators have warned.

Negotiations between council and administrators 'ongoing' over homes project

NEGOTIATIONS are “ongoing” between BCP Council and administrators over the Carter’s Quay project, the council has said.

Call for public's help after "heartbreaking" event where fire destroyed church

All Saints Church in Mudeford is calling for the public's help after it was destroyed in a fire in 2022.

Best pubs in Dorset and the New Forest for 'proper' food according to readers

From The Carpenter's Arms to The Pear at Parley here are the best pubs for food in Dorset and the New Forest according to readers

Try this Dorset walk which passes filming location in hit BBC drama

This 4.5 mile Dorset walk passes a filming location used for a hit BBC drama series

Contemporary seven-bedroom house to replace bungalow

THE demolition of a detached 1950s bungalow in Blake Dene Road, Lilliput, Poole has been agreed by council planners – to be replaced by a contemporary seven-bedroom house.

Overnight closures for ‘urgent gas repairs’ on carriageway

Overnight closures are set to take place on the A338 Wessex Way for ‘urgent gas repairs’ on the carriageway.

Pub refused permission to retain outside bar

A Dorset pub has been refused consent to retain an outside bar and food servery.

Top attraction refused permission for treehouses and camping site

The Blue Pool tourist attraction hashad planning applications to Dorset Council refused.

Plan for pop-up campsite over summer months

Plans for a pop-up campsite at Harmans Cross in July are being considered by Dorset Council.

Papa John’s faces objections over late night sales bid

Pizza company operators, trading as Papa John’s, failed to defend objections to its late night refreshment sales proposal at its Barrack Road, Christchurch outlet.

Jet fuel storage plans approved for Bournemouth Airport

Expansion plans for jet fuel storage at Bournemouth Airport has been approved – to cope with an expected upturn in flights.

"It's the people that make this pub"

The community driven and welcoming pub, The Foundry Arms in Poole, is the Pub of the Week.

'I am here for business who have chosen BCP their home, like I did'

A Poole man is on the path to revitalise the local business ecosystem, committed to shaping the future of tech innovation and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

New updates on hand luggage by Bournemouth Airport

Bournemouth Airport has changed the rules of hand luggage for passengers travelling though airport.

New car park set to ease major parking issues in town

A new public car park for the centre of Shaftesbury could ease the town’s long-standing shortage of spaces.

Man in 40s killed in serious A31 crash

A MAN has died in a crash on the A31 last night.

Council investigates 'unidentified' sticky white substance on Bournemouth beach

A sticky white substance has been spotted washed up along a large stretch of Bournemouth beach.

'Little gem' cafe to close after 22 years as owner calls it quits

A CAFE has announced it will close after the owner called it quits. 

Corfe Castle closed today by National Trust

The National Trust has closed Corfe Castle today.

Car boot sale cancelled in last minute decision

A CAR boot sale has been cancelled at the last minute.

Bournemouth man reaches quarter-final on BBC's Gladiators

Bournemouth man Mitch took part in the filming of the revived game show in September, taking on the challenge of battling against athletes.

Who is eligible for a free NHS-funded eye test? See full list of those entitled

Find out if you could be eligible for a free NHS eye test in the UK by checking this full list of exemptions such as Income Support and Universal Credit.

Formula 1

GALLERY: Check out all the angles of Aston Martin’s new AMR25 car

Aston Martin have become the latest team to reveal their 2025 F1 car to the world, with the team launching the AMR25 across their digital channels days after unveiling its livery at F1 75 Live.

TEAM PREVIEW: Amid team changes and a new driver, can Red Bull reclaim the Constructors’ crown in 2025?

In one way it’s business as usual for Red Bull entering into 2025, with Max Verstappen again ready to defend his title after sealing his fourth consecutive World Championship. But in other respects the picture has changed dramatically from this time last year, given the departures of some high-profile figures within the team as well as the arrival of a new driver – and not to mention the loss of the Constructors’ Championship. Here’s the lowdown on the Milton Keynes-based outfit ahead of the campaign…

Windows Central

The Razer Handheld Dock gives me more ways to play my games, but is it worth buying?

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is a docking station for all handhelds, and it's solid in most of the ways that matter. It's a little costly and a little imperfect.

Razer's new monitor stand is a great addition to my desk, but that price tag isn't practical

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma lifts your monitor, gives you some added shelf space, and provides extra USB ports... but it really costs this much for the aesthetics.

Are YOU actually actively using AI tools? — Weekend discussion 💬

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this one, Windows Central community. The backlash to AI seems to be ongoing, but the investor hype is not slowing.

Laffgaff

How is British actor Maurice Micklewhite better known?

Michael Caine.

Alarm Clock

I used to have a friend who kept changing the sound his alarm clock made. I wonder what he's getting up to now.