BBC News
From Mexico cartel safe house to US streets: BBC tracks deadly fentanyl targeted by Trump tariffs
As the president tries to force Mexico to stop the flow of drugs, cartel members tell Quentin Sommerville they will not be deterred.
'Do you feel guilty?' - Watch BBC reporter challenge smuggler as he follows lethal drugs trade
Quentin Sommerville gains access to a cartel's operation as the US grapples with hundreds of thousands of opioid deaths.
US team headed to Moscow for Ukraine talks as Putin visits Kursk
The president said he can 'do things financially' that would be painful for Russia if the war continues.
Watch: At sea taking a closer look at 'blistered and burnt' oil tanker
While at least two million litres of jet fuel are in the water, there is some positive news.
Thousands of high-risk toxic sites unchecked due to lack of cash
BBC investigation finds nine out of ten high-risk contaminated areas have not been tested.
New endometriosis pill approved on NHS in England
It can be taken at home on a daily basis, but it is only patients for who have tried all other options.
SpaceX rocket due to bring stranded astronauts home stays grounded
Nasa's SpaceX mission will could try again on Thursday as part of the effort to retrieve Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
EU braces for higher prices as US trade war ramps up
For consumers, higher prices loom on supermarket shelves, but for businesses and industry the risks are higher.
MPs scrap judge sign-off in assisted dying bill
Activists suggest replacing judges with a three-person panel featuring a senior legal figure.
Murdered girl's mum says dad would 'never harm' her
Simon Vickers was jailed for murdering his daughter, but her mother insists it was an accident.
New law needed for Southport-type attacks, says terror watchdog
It says the government should create a new offence of preparing a non-terrorist mass casualty attack.
Trade war escalates as Trump pledges more tariffs
Trump repeated trade threats after the European Union and Canada retaliated to US steel and aluminium tariffs.
How much will the UK be hit by tariffs and what happens next?
How much will the UK be hit by US tariffs and what happens next?
Carney ready to talk trade with Trump if 'there's respect for Canada's sovereignty'
Prime minister-designate's comments follow Canada's reciprocal tariffs on US imports after Trump slapped taxes on steel and aluminium.
'Roofers took my savings for job I didn't ask for'
Allan, from Hornsea, says there was nothing he could do when workers took on work he didn't need.
The Papers: 'Benefits turmoil' and 'deal or no steel'
A backlash over proposed reform to the welfare system leads many papers, as does news of Trump's tariffs beginning.
Disability benefit cuts test loyalty of Labour MPs
Some are worried about the possibility of freezing payments for people with long-term conditions.
Catholics mark Pope's 12th anniversary with prayers for his recovery
Pope Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2013, has been in hospital for the past month and has been improving in recent days.
I can't justify my teenage shoplifting, says Stacey Dooley
Stacey Dooley speaks about the rise in shoplifting in her new BBC documentary.
Decoding the Ukraine ceasefire plan line by line
The US is expected to present a 30-day ceasefire proposal to Russia in the coming days.
Could Starmer's regulation shake-up mean a 'bonfire of the quangos'?
The PM will pledge to slash the costs of regulation with an "active government" in a speech later.
Act 'now or never' to hit 6,500 teachers target, report warns
A new report says teacher vacancy posts are at a record high as schools' recruitment problems persist.
Apple's row with UK government over customer data to be heard in secret
The BBC understands the dispute over accessing encrypted data is set to be heard at the High Court.
What we know about Rodrigo Duterte's ICC arrest warrant... in 92 seconds
The BBC's Anna Holligan reports from The Hague, where former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived.
Sturgeon remains the biggest name in Scottish politics
Nicola Sturgeon's decision to stand down as an MSP was obvious but it still has the capacity to startle, says BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell.
Bridgerton or Strictly? Bafta opens vote on best TV moments of 2024
The Gavin and Stacey finale and The Traitors are also nominated for Bafta's "memorable moment" prize.
Arrest warrant issued for member of cult exposed by BBC
The BBC exposed the Lighthouse life-coaching organisation for ruining the lives of its members.
UK revokes accreditation for two Russian diplomatic officials
It comes after two British officials were accused of spying and ordered to leave Russia on Monday.
Peace talks are in parallel universe, say Ukraine front-line troops
Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield say they don't expect to see the war end any time soon.
What does NHS England do? Your questions answered on health reforms
As part of Your Voice, Your BBC, we answer questions from you on government plans to scrap NHS England.
Teenager jailed for life for Elianne Andam murder
Hassan Sentamu repeatedly stabbed the 15-year-old with a kitchen knife outside a shopping centre.
Meta stops ex-director from promoting critical memoir
Social media company wins US emergency ruling preventing ex-director from publicising her book.
Tesco to trial giving away expiring food to shoppers
Giving away food will be trialled in some Express stores in an effort to cut waste.
Abercombie & Fitch must pay for ex-CEO's criminal sex trafficking defence
Judge rules allegations against Mike Jeffries are tied to his former role at the fashion brand.
Donatella Versace steps down as creative director of fashion house
Versace is facing a creative shift as Prada looks to potentially buy the Italian fashion house.
Woman arrested in US for allegedly holding stepson captive for 20 years
Police say the man, who set a fire to escape, was held captive by his stepmother from age 11. He weighed 68 pounds when he was freed.
Sara Sharif's family denied sentence appeal bids
Sara Sharif was hooded, burned and beaten during two years of abuse before her death in Woking.
How to see the 'Blood moon' partial lunar eclipse
UK skywatchers will see a partial but still hopefully spectacular eclipse before dawn on Friday.
Abolishing NHS England is radical - why do it?
There are three main reasons body is going - money, bureaucracy and control, says Nick Triggle
I can't justify my teenage shoplifting, says Stacey Dooley
Stacey Dooley speaks about the rise in shoplifting in her new BBC documentary.
'He strangled me without asking' - experts say choking during sex now normal for many
Experts say it is increasingly filtering into real life as a result of frequent depiction in porn.
What does Putin video tell us about the battle for Kursk?
An analysis of verified footage reveals Moscow is taking back territory in Kursk, the area of Russia that Ukraine attacked in 2024.
'Killed in front of our eyes': How the Pakistan train hijacking unfolded
Passengers tell the BBC of the 30-hour siege and their escape.
The blunt-speaking Canadian taking his fight with Trump to Washington
While other world leaders have tried to be diplomatic, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has struck a defiant tone.
Five Star singer Stedman Pearson dies aged 60
In a statement, Pearson's family confirmed he was being treated for diabetes and was on dialysis.
US influencer draws backlash for stealing baby wombat from mum
Australia's PM Anthony Albanese suggests she tries it with a crocodile: "See how you go there".
Donald Trump's son Eric holds talks with John Swinney
Eric Trump is a senior executive in his father's business - the Trump Organisation - which owns golf resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire.
Pressure grows to hold secret Apple data privacy hearing in public
Civil liberties campaigners have joined US politicians and the BBC in saying Friday's hearing should not be secret.
Keep kids off Roblox if you're worried, its CEO tells parents
The gaming platform is wildly popular, but has been rocked by allegations it exposes children to harmful content.
White House withdraws CDC nominee hours before Senate hearing
Trump officials say Weldon - an ally of RFK Jr - did not have the Senate votes necessary to be confirmed.
John Lewis profits jump but no staff bonus again
The retailer will not pay out a staff bonus for the third year in a row.
Bournemouth Echo
Staff at award-winning restaurant 'told to blockade police' during tense stand-off
An Indian restaurant manager ordered his staff to blockade police officers from leaving the site during a visit, Dorset Police has claimed.
Residents say noise from roadworks has them 'living a nightmare'
Residents have 'been living in a nightmare' after construction work has been ongoing for nearly a year at site in Verwood.
Police give update on Initiative Property Management investigation
Two people have been released without charge as part of a major fraud investigation into Initiative Property Management.
Fears of new HMO creating 'dangerous' conditions for residents
Residents are fearing a new HMO planned for their road will create dangerous conditions.
WATCH: Armed police arrest man who attempted to murder nine-year-old girl
Footage shows the moment armed police stormed a flat building and arrested a man who attempted to murder a nine-year-old girl in a random stabbing attack.
Dog walker 'distressed' after she is sexually assaulted by old man
A WOMAN has been left “distressed” after she was sexually assaulted by an old man while she was out walking her dog.
Poole Bridge reopens after earlier crash
POOLE Bridge is closed today after a car crashed into the barrier.
Man strangled and threatened to stab partner during almost a year of abuse
A MAN strangled, beat and threatened to stab his partner during almost a year of abuse, a court heard.
Canford Heath fire was second largest since 2007
A fire on Canford Heath earlier this week was the second largest in the area since 2007, an environmental group has said.
Party pooper leaves year 6 leavers upset after event cancellation
Primary school pupils are upset after a party venue that was pre-booked cancelled on them.
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol issued across Dorset
A Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is in force across Dorset as temperatures bite.
Grandmothers set to leap from plane in 15,000 ft skydive
The women have been fundraising for their jump, which will be raising money for the DCCF.
Wetherspoon offers jobs elsewhere to staff at soon-to-be-closed pub
Staff at a Wetherspoon pub that will be closing down later this month have all been offered jobs at alternative pubs.
New directors appointed to Bournemouth town centre board
Both Mr Frias-Robles and Mr Herrett were elected to these new positions at last week's AGM.
Bomb squad scrambled to ‘ordnance’ on beach that turned out to be a saucepan
The Royal Navy’s bomb disposal squad was scrambled after “potential ordnance” was found on a Dorset beach – only find it was an upturned saucepan.
Livestock worrying has 'devasting' impact financially and emotionally
Dog walkers are being reminded to keep their pets under control while out in the countryside this spring.
Bournemouth man to cycle from Land's End to top of Scotland
A man from Bournemouth will be cycling 1,000 miles from Land's End to the to of Scotland to raise money for charity.
Man found dead at home in Bournemouth
The Coroner for Dorset is seeking the assistance of the public to find the next of kin of a man who died in Bournemouth.
New Dorset-based TV drama from creator of Broadchurch
Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall’s debut novel will be turned into an ITV series, with the news coming ahead of the book’s publication
In the dock: Man had knuckle duster in beachside bar
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are searching for their forever homes
The RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood and the West Dorset RSPCA branch in Dorchester have several pets looking for new homes
Dorset charity helps 1,000 street dogs and cats in Sri Lanka
The charity, named after Ms Warburton's late pet, has sterilised 1,024 animals, vaccinated 1,000 and provided 126 emergency treatments and 576 skin treatments.
Nursery celebrates 25 years of supporting families
The nursery, which opened in 1999, has a history of supporting families and providing high-quality early education.
Wimborne town backs national campaign to promote tourism
The national campaign allows businesses to participate in events, promotions and social media activities to engage with customers.
"The shop has become a true community hub"
Between January and July 2024, 31 patients from Ringwood benefited from these vital services.
'Urgent need for housing in town centre'
IF THERE is a question mark over the viability of the winter gardens development scheme then surely the most efficient and cost effective way forward would be to sell the site.
Plans for three new homes on plot of land
THREE new homes could be built on empty land behind existing houses under new proposals.
Israeli twinning signs stolen once again
SIGNS twinning Bournemouth with the Israeli city of Netanya have been removed once again.
Units to open at Royal Bournemouth Hospital's new BEACH Building this month
THE new maternity, neonatal and emergency gynaecology units at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital will officially open at the end of the month.
Charity helping sexual violence victims receives donation
STARS, which provides support to people in Dorset who have experienced sexual violence, received the generous donation.
World's fastest animal to nest on top of Asda
The world's fastest animal is to nest on top of an Asda building this spring, a group has predicted.
National Trust to open Lawrence of Arabia's Dorset cottage this month
CLOUDS Hill, the home of writer Lawrence of Arabia, will reopen this month.
Bournemouth Poundland under threat in two ways
POUNDLAND’S owner is mooting a possible sale of the discount retail chain amid an uncertain future over its Winton branch.
Burglar's snatch perfume from Ferndown Boots
A BURGLARY took place at a shop in Ferndown during the early hours of the morning.
Where to buy the cheapest Easter eggs in supermarkets this spring
Easter is just around the corner - which supermarkets have the cheapest chocolate eggs?
Fraudster who conned victims out of thousands by falsely advertising flat spared jail
A fraudster who conned nine people out of nearly £10,000 by falsely advertising his Wilton flat for rent online has narrowly avoided jail
Football kit bank project launched to assist young carers
This includes football boots, shin pads, clean clothing (t-shirts, shorts, jumpers, socks), goalkeeper gloves, kit bags and rain jackets.
MP visits school to discuss Holocaust and Gaza with students
The visit concluded with Ms Toale inviting the students to visit the House of Commons in the autumn.
Dorset brewer raises more than £800,000 for charity
H&W was the headline sponsor of the Teddy Rocks festival, giving more than £140,000 from sponsorship and bar profits to children's cancer charities.
Group of autistic learners travel abroad without families for first time
This initiative enables learners with special educational needs and disabilities to travel and transfer their independent living and employability skills in a different setting.
Community art trail with 45 giant mermaid tails set to launch
The Great Tail Trail is a fundraising initiative by Julia's House children's hospice charity in partnership with Wild in Art.
Car dealer charity makes donations to small charities
The Hendy Foundation has previously supported charities such as the Vale Pantry, Wimborne Community Garden and Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs.
Homecare provider named best individual branch in the UK
The awards ceremony, held at the National Conference Centre in Solihull, recognised the provider's commitment to excellent care, service and community improvement.
Wimborne in Bloom quiz evening sees tie for first place
After four rounds, teams took a break to enjoy a shared food platter while tackling a fun picture round.
Students nominated for national awards for college musical
The production was a collaboration between students from the performing arts and music academy and associated courses, as well as enrichment students.
Hospital trust seeks 100k donations to help improve new maternity unit
The unit is set to open in spring, and will provide maternity services for families in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and surrounding areas.
Technology tournament set to take place at school
Students from ten schools will participate, forming teams of four to tackle a set challenge with a box of materials and tools.
Thousands quit smoking as result of vaping programme
This supports the evidence suggesting that being smoke-free for 28 days significantly increases the chances of quitting for good.
'Remarkable' event celebrates International Women's Day
The event was sponsored by Parker Bullen LLP and had Louise Atkinson, chief people officer at Babcock International Group, as its keynote speaker.
Crematorium's metal recycling scheme raises thousands for hospice
A Poole crematorium's metal recycling scheme has raised more than £11,000 for a hospice.
Government
Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme (Report) Bill
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the potential merits of disregarding payments received under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme operated by the government of Ireland for the purposes of taxation, means-tested social security payments and social care capital limits; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
Piastri reflects on ‘no-brainer’ new contract as he explains how McLaren will approach intra-team battle with Norris
Oscar Piastri has given an insight into his decision to sign a new longer-term deal with McLaren, with the Australian also reflecting on how the team will approach a potential intra-team battle between himself and Lando Norris should this occur in the year ahead.
Hamilton hails ‘most exciting period of my life’ as he gets set for Ferrari debut in Australia
Lewis Hamilton was full of smiles as he faced the world’s media ahead of his first race weekend with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, sharing excitement and pride about representing the famous marque.
‘We are not the quickest at the moment’ – Verstappen assesses where Red Bull stand ahead of Australian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen believes that Red Bull are “not the quickest at the moment” entering into the first race of the 2025 season in Australia, though the Dutchman is confident that the picture can “change quite quickly” as the year progresses.
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the build-up ahead of the Australian Grand Prix weekend
Live coverage of all the build-up ahead of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend.
WATCH: Check out the drivers’ reactions to the new trailer for the upcoming ‘F1’ movie
Anticipation is building for the F1 movie as we edge closer to the June 2025 release date – and our drivers are even more hyped after getting an exclusive look at the latest trailer.
ANALYSIS: How Domenicali guided F1 into a stronger position than ever as he continues to lead the sport through 2029
Stefano Domenicali will continue to run Formula 1, the sport that has coursed through his veins since he was a child, for the next five years through 2029 after being handed a five-year extension to a deal that began back in 2021.
Stefano Domenicali to continue as President and CEO of Formula 1 through 2029
Formula 1 has announced that President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has extended his agreement with Liberty Media in a five-year renewal and will lead the business through 2029.
Hamilton claims Leclerc is ‘Mr Ferrari’ as Sainz says former team mate is in ‘sweetest spot’ of his career
Charles Leclerc has had praise heaped upon him by both his current and former Ferrari team mates, as Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz respectively paid tribute to the Monegasque.
NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix
Formula 1 goes racing for 2025 with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend. Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips and plenty more. You can also keep track of how fans have voted using our popular F1 Play predictor game.
FIA Thursday press conference – Australia
The drivers face the press ahead of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend from Albert Park in Melbourne.
F1 FANTASY: Strategist Selection – What are the best picks for the Australian Grand Prix?
Formula 1 finally returns to action this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix kicking off an exciting new season, and you know what that means – F1 Fantasy is back too! Our F1 Fantasy Strategist reveals five drivers and two teams you might want to consider for your team...
‘I’ll prove him wrong’ – Bortoleto wants to make Marko ‘regret what he said’ after ‘B driver’ comment
Kick Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto has responded to comments made by Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko about his ability on the eve of the 2025 Formula 1 season, vowing to “prove him wrong” and make him “regret what he said”.
Albon shares clear 2025 goal for Williams after team’s eye-catching display at pre-season testing
Alex Albon has revealed Williams’ main target for the 2025 campaign, with the team hoping to become the ‘best of the rest’ behind last year’s top four group of McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes.
BETTING GUIDE: Who are the favourites for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix?
After a busy winter break, it’s time to get the 2025 F1 season underway this weekend as the paddock heads to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix, marking the first stop on a 24-race calendar. Will Max Verstappen get his title defence off to a strong start at Albert Park? Can McLaren continue their strong run of form following their Teams’ Championship victory in 2024? Let’s see what the odds tell us…
WEEKEND WARM-UP: McLaren seek the ideal start while Hamilton prepares for his Ferrari debut as F1 returns in Australia
The 2025 season kicks off in Australia, with the F1 circus all assembled in Melbourne for the opening race of the season. But who will get their campaign off to the perfect start, and how will the rookies fare up and down the grid?
PADDOCK INSIDER: McLaren's chances, Hamilton at Ferrari and Verstappen's quest for a fifth title – F1's 2025 season starts here
Melbourne’s Albert Park was rocking with fans on Thursday, with the paddock buzzing, too – and that’s despite the fact there were no Formula 1 cars on the on-track bill. Rarely has there been so much anticipation for a F1 season, which many insiders feel has the potential to be one of the closest seasons the sport has ever seen.
Russell confident Mercedes have ‘more consistent’ car for 2025 as rookie Antonelli sets out debut targets
George Russell has expressed confidence that Mercedes are in a better place with their new F1 challenger after a “peaky” 2024, but still feels McLaren are “without doubt the favourites” heading into the new season.
‘I don’t think in any way we’re superior’ – Norris plays down McLaren advantage as he predicts ‘tough’ weekend
Lando Norris has played down any suggestions of McLaren holding an advantage over their rivals ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, with the Briton predicting a “tough weekend” for the team in Melbourne.
‘It’s great for Formula 1’ – Drivers praise ‘good leader’ Stefano Domenicali as he extends tenure as F1 President and CEO
Several F1 drivers have shared their positive reactions to the news that Stefano Domenicali will remain as President and CEO of Formula 1 through 2029, having extended his agreement with Liberty Media in a five-year renewal.
Doohan looking forward to 'many home Grands Prix' in F1 amid persistent Colapinto speculation
Jack Doohan has opened up on his emotions and expectations ahead of the Australian’s full Formula 1 debut on home soil this weekend – while shutting down further questions over reserve driver Franco Colapinto’s role at Alpine.
Windows Central
Grab Split Fiction at a great discount, giving both you and a buddy access to the game
Electronic Arts and Hazelight Studios' Split Fiction is available with near-universal acclaim, and you can grab a discounted copy if you act quickly.
Skype is dying, but this niche messaging app once bought by Skype just integrated with Microsoft Copilot
Skype may be on its way out, but GroupMe — once purchased by Skype — is still going strong. Microsoft just announced a new Copilot integration for GroupMe.
Xbox "Project Kennan" gaming handheld: Price, compatibility, launch window, and everything we know so far
Project Kennan is Xbox's first OEM partner handheld, but what exactly is this shiny new device going to be like? We have some details.
Is WWE 2K25 cross-play and cross-progression?
Is there cross-play and cross-progression in WWE 2K25? Here's what you need to know about the features in the new wrestling game.
This retro mechanical keyboard I've lusted after for so long finally has non-US layouts, and it's everything I had always hoped
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is all kinds of brown, bringing an old-school feel to the modern generation.
Is NVIDIA's RTX 5070 right for you? Why it might make sense to spend more on the RTX 5070 Ti.
NVIDIA's latest midrange desktop GPUs have arrived, and you might be wondering which one works best in your build. This comparison can help.
Epic Games and Qualcomm are teaming up to solve one of the biggest roadblocks to gaming on Snapdragon X PCs
Epic Games is working with Qualcomm to enable Easy Anti Cheat on Snapdragon X PCs, and that means you can play Fortnite on them later this year.
PowerWash Simulator 2 is on the way, and it's coming sooner than you think
FuturLab announced PowerWash Simulator 2 on Thursday, revealing a new and improved powerwashing experience coming to Xbox, PlayStation, and PC later in 2025.
Microsoft reveals Copilot for Gaming — coming to the Xbox mobile app for select users in just a few weeks
This new variant of Microsoft's Copilot AI is geared toward Xbox players as a virtual assistant accessible via the Xbox mobile app.
Intel appoints industry veteran as new CEO to right the ship of the chipmaker
Intel just appointed industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, giving him the challenge of turning around the struggling chipmaker. Tan, a former Intel board member and longtime semiconductor leader, replaces Pat Gelsinger after his sudden departure.
What is DISMTools, and how do you get started? Windows 11 (and 10) image GUI manager explained.
DISMTools is a free and open-source GUI designed to make it easier to use the DISM command-line tool on Windows 11 (and 10), and here's how to get started.
It turns out you can only change VRAM on Legion Go and Legion Go S handhelds by going into the BIOS — Here's how it works
Whether you have a Legion Go or a Legion Go S, you can only change VRAM by going into the BIOS. Here's how to do that.
Bill Gates predicts "we will all have an AI agent" helping us prioritize what deserves our attention
Bill Gates says AI will be integrated across all aspects and spheres of our lives, similar to the personal computer era and how it eventually made it to every household.
Salesforce CEO claims Microsoft repackaged ChatGPT as Copilot and "disappointed our customers with what they call Copilot — they're an OpenAI reseller."
Marc Benioff was recently featured in an interview discussing Agentic AI and the company's next chapter. He also indicated that Microsoft Copilot is a letdown.
Laffgaff
Which two US Presidents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery?
William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy.
Jewellery Business
I'm planning on starting a jewellery business. If you want to help, give me a ring.
Itsfoss
FOSS Weekly #25.11: Limit Battery Charging, File Searching, Sudo Tweaks and More Linux Stuff
Go with the flow and open source :)