The News - Monday, 24 February 2025

BBC News

Germany's conservatives celebrate, but far right enjoy record result

Friedrich Merz will try to form a coalition after his Christian Democrats won less than 30% of the vote.

Three years on, Ukraine's extinction nightmare has returned

Three years on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the return of Donald Trump has changed everything

Women threaten legal action over pensions row

It comes after the government rejected compensation for women hit by changes to the state pension age.

Trump names right-wing commentator as deputy FBI director

Trump said Bongino was "a man of incredible love and passion for our Country" and would serve under newly confirmed FBI director Kash Patel.

Pope Francis remains 'critical' and has kidney problem, Vatican says

The pontiff "continues to be alert and well oriented" and has not had any further respiratory crises, the Vatican said.

Conclave and Moore get Oscars boost at SAG Awards

Pope selection drama Conclave took the top prize at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles.

Confusion after Musk email to US government workers

Some departments encouraged staff to respond, while others requested employees wait for further guidance.

Wrexham family traumatised by 'horrendous' landslide

Emyr Owens says it could have been a "total disaster" if the landslide had happened at night.

Big challenges loom for Germany's Merz in divided country

Germany is at a crossroads and now for Friedrich Merz the hard work begins, writes Berlin correspondent Jessica Parker.

Watch: Merz thanks voters as he is greeted with cheers

Christian Democrats leader Friedrich Merz thanks those who placed their trust in the party and him.

AfD is 'absolutely delighted' - BBC reports from the party's HQ

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to become the second biggest force in the country.

Stars turn on the style at SAG Awards red carpet

Millie Bobby Brown, Mikey Madison and Timothée Chalamet were among the stars posing for pictures.

The Papers: 'Zelensky offers to quit' and 'Germany turns Right'

Volodymyr Zelensky's offer to step down as president of Ukraine features heavily in Monday's papers.

The unseen map that promised to bring peace to the Middle East

In 2008, Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert urged the Palestinian leader to agree to a two-state solution. The map he drew has never been revealed to media - until now.

Love, loss and duty: Ukraine's photojournalists share stories of war

Moving accounts of some of the men and women behind the striking images that have encapsulated the war.

My 'incel' attackers keep an online tally of their victims

Solo traveller Annie Makeeva fought off two attackers while hiking in Vietnam.

The Kenyans saying no to motherhood and yes to sterilisation

A growing number of women are choosing to be sterilised, bucking traditional norms.

Hot Ones host on Louis Theroux podcast and big Pokémon news: What to stream this week

This week also sees the release of Monster Hunter Wilds, Pamela Anderson's new film, and Lisa's debut album.

Godstone sinkhole to be investigated with 3D maps

Operations to look into the sinkhole have been delayed but less intrusive methods may be used.

Double lung transplant means couple can dance again

John Canning says he had to rely on oxygen 24 hours a day before he had the operation.

Is the downfall of a Japanese star a turning point for women's rights?

The downfall of Masahiro Nakai is a marked departure from how Japan treats claims of sexual violence.

Van driver hunt continues after fatal tram crash

Police are understood to have identified the man involved in the crash, which killed a young girl.

Taxi driver injured in west Belfast shooting

Police said the man is in a "critical but stable" condition after being shot in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry on Sunday.

Arrest after boy stabbed in chest in Primark store

A 16-year-old has been detained on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Inadequate information released after Southport attack by authorities, says terror law reviewer

Quality and quantity of information from authorities after attack was inadequate, according to Jonathan Hall KC.

Southport attack yoga teacher: 'If I didn't get out, everyone was going to die'

Leanne Lucas and a teenage girl give the first survivors' accounts from within the room where three children were fatally stabbed last summer.

MP Mike Amesbury jailed for 10 weeks for punching constituent in street

The MP was suspended by Labour after a video emerged showing him punching a man to the ground.

Man who killed family also planned school shooting

Nicholas Prosper's loaded shotgun with more than 30 cartridges was found in a bush, police say.

Killing Me Softly singer Roberta Flack dies aged 88

The star's other hits included The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Feel Like Makin' Love.

Taliban to 'endeavour' to release British couple 'as soon as possible'

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, both in their 70s, were arrested by the Taliban in early February.

Five key takeaways from the German election

Friedrich Merz's conservatives have won, but the vote has thrown up some fascinating stories.

Macron to warn Trump against looking weak to Putin

The French president is at the White House to appeal to Trump against rushing into a deal with Russia.

'Sweetest' girl, 3, killed after tram crash named

Police say a 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Epilepsy AI tool detects brain lesions doctors miss

One in five epilepsy patients has uncontrolled seizures due to brain abnormalities too subtle for doctors to spot.

Starbucks axes some drinks and staff in bid for US turnaround

Menu items getting the axe in the US include the Royal English Breakfast Latte.

Jeremy Bowen: Ukraine's extinction nightmare has returned

Three years on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the return of Donald Trump has changed everything

Why is Ukraine negotiating a minerals deal with the US?

A minister says nearly all key details have been finalised for a deal giving the US access to the country's minerals.

Love, loss and duty: Photojournalists share stories of war

Moving accounts of some of the men and women behind the striking images that have encapsulated the war.

Watch: The best moments from SAG awards - the last big event before Oscars

Conclave and Shogun took the top honours in film and TV while Jane Fonda accepted a lifetime achievement award

New German leader signals seismic shift in transatlantic relations

Friedrich Merz heralds a new era for Europe without the US as a key partner, writes Europe editor Katya Adler.

Meet the seven marathons on seven continents winner

Paul Holborn had never completed a marathon before signing up for the event 19 months ago.

Pope critical but 'in good humour' in hospital

The pontiff is in good humour and eating normally though he remains "critical", Vatican sources say.

Cause of death of missing sisters was drowning

Henrietta and Eliza Huszti - both 32 and from a set of triplets - disappeared in Aberdeen in January.

Hamas says no Gaza ceasefire talks unless Israel releases prisoners

Israel postponed the release of 600 Palestinians, accusing Hamas of "humiliating" hostage handovers.

Apple commits to $500bn US investment and promises 20,000 new jobs

The iPhone giant's $500bn investment plan includes a new factory in Texas, as well as money spent on suppliers.

US star John Legend defends playing Rwanda concert during war

'We shouldn't punish people when we disagree with their leaders', he told the BBC.

First 750 schools named for free breakfast clubs - check the full list

From April, a pilot scheme will offer free breakfasts for 180,000 pupils before class.

Heavy rain causes flooding and travel disruption in parts of Wales

An amber weather warning for rain was in place across Wales until 06:00 GMT on Monday.

Bournemouth Echo

Traders and shoppers blast 'lazy' and 'infuriating' BCP parking rises

Traders and shoppers have been less than impressed with the latest car parking charge increases by BCP Council.

Road safety fears at '600 lorries for new caravan site' during works

Engineering work to infill a former gravel pit to stabilise the ground ahead of a caravan park extension have been approved.

"If we can't park, we can't play and if we can't park, we can't grow"

A bowls club in Christchurch are fearful that the removal of parking may impact their "thriving business".

University student needed metal screws to fix face after teen attacked

A university student needed metal screws to fix his broken face after a teenager attacked and knocked him unconscious, a court heard.

'Safe and secure housing a pipe dream for too many in Bournemouth'

Safe and secure housing is fundamental to quality of life.

MP backs bill to protect children from 'harmful content' on mobile phones

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes has thrown his support behind measures proposed by the Safer Phones Bill.

Warning pharmacies are ‘hanging on by fingernails’ over financial pressures

Pharmacies have shared that they are ‘hanging on by fingernails’ over financial pressures.

Road blocked after 'major' crash leaves 'car on roof'

A car is 'on its roof' after a major crash at Parley Cross.

‘I will carry a life sentence forever’: Woman raped by man in own home

A MAN who raped a woman in her own home was caught after she recorded the ordeal on her mobile phone, a court heard.

Homes bid for wood rejected - as warnings fired of residents' strength of feeling

COUNCIL planning officers have once again rejected a contentious planning application for a wooded area in Highcliffe.

Two arrested after victim reportedly strangled and threatened with a knife

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of assault and intentional strangulation after a brawl involving a knife.

Man rescued from burning flat

A MAN had to be rescued from a flat after a fire broke out.

Investigation launched after power tools stolen from unoccupied home

Power tools and equipment were stolen from an empty home after a burglar broke in.

Blacked out Mercedes seized by police

TRAFFIC officers stopped and seized a Mercedes that had windows that were too tinted.

RNLI rescues boat that ran aground

A RIB boat ran aground on the sandbar at the entrance to Christchurch Hurbour.

Police hunt for man after person hospitalised with head injuries

Police are hunting for a man after a person was hospitalised with head and facial injuries in Bournemouth town centre.

Cyclist injured after crash with car during rush hour

A CYCLIST was taken to hospital with injuries after a crash with a car.

Nissan Micra crashes into ditch on side of road

A NISSAN Micra crashed into a ditch on the side of the road.

LISTED: Six schools offering free breakfasts to pupils from April

SIX primary schools in the BCP and east Dorset area are among the first schools in the country to offer free breakfast clubs.

Plan to upgrade luxury Grade II-listed hotel unveiled

Plans to upgrade one of the best-known hotels in the New Forest have been unveiled

Brazen youths snatch beers from store as owner considers limiting young customers

Investigation launched into 'unlicensed taxi trips to airport'

BCP Council said it is investigating a taxi driver who is allegedly making unlicensed trips to and from the airport.

Residents won't be able to comment on planning applications this week

Residents wishing to comment on planning applications in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be unable to do so this week.

Bournemouth coach continues to "challenge the tradition" in golf

A Bournemouth golf coach is continuing to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes in the industry.

Hairdresser of the Year 2025 finalists revealed

Daily Echo readers are being invited to vote for their Hairdresser of the Year 2025.

Derelict, leaky warehouse transformed into family space

Families in north Dorset will soon benefit from a brand-new space, thanks to the opening of The Vale Family Hub.

Dorset skin cancer patients wanted for pioneering research

Researchers are recruiting skin cancer patients in Dorset to help them identify if a pioneering blood test could spot signs of melanoma returning faster than regular scans.

12th century 'haunted' church becomes English Heritage site

A Norman church, which was built in the 12th century, has become a part of the English Heritage site.

Dorset museum awarded impressive grant for restorations

Dorset Museum and Art Gallery is one of four south west museums who has been awarded an astounding amount of money.

Bournemouth band to perform at London venue

A hardcore punk band from Bournemouth will headline a London venue next month.

George Harrison to be celebrated at Wimborne theatre

A musical icon who was part of arguably the biggest band of all time will be honoured and remembered with a special show.

'The UK achieving Net Zero will not stop climate change in the UK'

Whilst abroad I like to read the occasional overseas newspapers.

Sandbanks PR agency takes on two new businesses

Sandbanks PR agency Liz Lean has been appointed as the chosen partner for two businesses.

Farmers urged to vaccinate livestock against bluetongue

Since there is no treatment for the disease, vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas are the primary defences.

Haul of nearly 140 motorbikes up for grabs at specialist auction

NEARLY 140 pioneer, veteran, vintage, classic and modern motorbikes will be sold at auction next month.

Morebus driver named south coast employee of the year

MOREBUS driver Robbie Bartle has been named employee of the year by the Poole-based operator.

New workspace hub for tradespeople opens

TradePod, a new workspace hub for tradespeople, has opened in Ringwood, offering co-working space, secure storage, workshops and business support services.

Should HMRC Inheritance Tax be scrapped, as takings reach record high?

Inheritance tax takings receipts between April 2024 and January 2025 rose to £7billion, HMRC data shows.

Formula 1

POLL: Vote for your favourite driver helmet ahead of the 2025 season

American Express selects Nicole Havrda for 2025 F1 ACADEMY season

F1 ACADEMY Official Partner American Express have announced that Canadian driver Nicole Havrda will be representing them on the grid for the upcoming 2025 season, driving for Hitech Grand Prix.

GALLERY: All the angles as Mercedes launch their W16 challenger

Mercedes have unveiled their new 2025 challenger – the W16 – with the car launching digitally just two days before the start of pre-season testing.

FIRST LOOK: Mercedes unveil new 2025 car as W16 breaks cover

Mercedes have revealed their 2025 car for the first time, with the team digitally launching the W16 days after unveiling its livery at the F1 75 Live season launch event.

TEAM PREVIEW: Can Ferrari finally end their title drought with star signing Hamilton?

Ferrari head into the new F1 season with even more eyes on them than usual following Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes. But can the seven-time World Champion and the continuing Charles Leclerc combine to give the Italian marque their first taste of title glory in almost two decades? Following their runner-up finish last year, here’s everything you need to know about Frederic Vasseur’s team…

Lawson gears up for Red Bull debut with private F1 test at Jerez

Liam Lawson recently got behind the wheel of a Red Bull for the first time in 2025 as the New Zealander ramps up preparations for his debut with the senior team.

McLaren drivers prepared for ultra-close F1 season as Norris predicts race winners outside top four teams

Lando Norris reckons even more teams and drivers could be in the mix for Grand Prix victories during the 2025 campaign, adding to the recent front-running group of McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes.

Sainz replaces Vettel as director of Grand Prix Drivers’ Association

Carlos Sainz has been announced as a new director at the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, with the Spaniard stepping into the role vacated by former F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

MY UNTOLD STORY: Five inspiring people reflect on their journeys to working in F1 – and why diversity is so important

Formula 1 is a sport for all, with many people from a wide range of backgrounds playing their part in delivering the entertainment spectacle to fans. From those working trackside through to the staff supporting operations at team headquarters, each individual has their own story about how they got to where they are today. In the latest instalment of the ‘My Untold Story’ series, we sit down with five inspirational people to discuss their upbringings and their roles within F1. Their stories also highlight the importance of diversity in the sport and how this is creating a positive impact.

Windows Central

Xbox Game Pass is going to be harder to pay for with Microsoft Rewards from April, it seems

If you use Microsoft Rewards to pay for Xbox Game Pass, the bad news is it's soon going to cost you a lot more of your points.

Here are all the Xbox games launching this week, from February 24 through March 2

Here are all the different Xbox games like Monster Hunter Wilds launching this week, from February 24 through March 2, 2025.

Amazon's Kindle download deadline is in two days — Here's how I saved my ebooks

Amazon is set to remove its PC download option for ebooks on February 26. Here's why it's a bad move and what you can do to save your books before the deadline.

Windows Central Podcast: A new era for Surface

Daniel and Zac discuss the current state of Surface, and why the Surface you used to know is dead, Quantum computing, Windows 11 news, and more.

Microsoft quietly launches free, ad-supported version of Office apps for Windows with limited functionality

Microsoft has quietly launched a new version of Microsoft Office for Windows that can be used to edit documents for free, no Microsoft 365 subscription or Office license key required.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a stunning digital safari, I just wish this monster menagerie had a bit more bite

The game has an incredible foundation for Capcom to build another special entry in this storied franchise. However, poor balance undermines many core concepts.

This Windows 11 battery app just got a major upgrade, including more support for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7

Battery Flyout is a handy app for Windows 11 that shows detailed battery information through the system tray. The app just received a major update that improves support for PCs powered by Snapdragon.

Satya Nadella admits Microsoft missed an opportunity as ChatGPT and Copilot gain popularity — even OpenAI's Sam Altman "doesn't do Google searches anymore"

A new study suggests users are rapidly ditching conventional search tools like Google in favor of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, citing better accuracy and relevance.

SoftBank could steal Microsoft's title as the exclusive cloud provider and largest investor to OpenAI as $500B "Stargate" projects a $20B loss by 2027

A report suggests a rift between Microsoft and OpenAI, further indicating that the latter may be drifting away from Microsoft and leaning on SoftBank.