The News - Sunday, 16 March 2025

BBC News

Plan to freeze PIP disability benefits may be dropped

Many usually loyal Labour MPs had voiced strong opposition to the idea, with the government expected to make billions in welfare cuts.

US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis

The US president cites the armed group's recent attacks in the Red Sea as justification.

Gene Hackman's children not named in actor's $80m will

The legendary actor's three children may still have a claim to his fortune under state laws, legal experts say.

How our noisy world is seriously damaging our health

The BBC's James Gallagher investigates the invisible killer all around us.

'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me'

Going to school in Ghana was like prison for Londoner Mark Wilberforce, but he feels it kept him from jail.

The Papers: Benefits 'backtrack' and smacking 'could be criminal'

A mix of stories make up the front of the Sunday papers.

Creativity or cultural invasion? A fashion show sparks a row in Kashmir

A fashion show in a snowy town has sparked a controversy in Indian-administered Kashmir.

'We're trying to invoke emotion': Stadium architects on what CGI tells fans

Architects say the brand message clubs want to promote is a central part of modern stadium design.

Southport victim's father says support for playground tribute has been amazing

Sergio Aguiar is running the London Marathon to fundraise for a new playground at the school his daughter attended.

Military planning for Ukraine peace to begin, says PM

Military chiefs will meet on Thursday to discuss practical plans to ensure Ukraine's security.

Aid workers killed in Israeli air strike in Gaza, charity tells BBC

The Israeli military says it was targeting terrorists who "posed a threat to Israeli troops".

Trump blocked from using wartime law for deportations

A judge ordered a 14-day halt on deporting Venezuelans under a Trump order that declared them enemies.

PM's ad hoc alliance on Ukraine could still struggle to materialise

After a summit of Ukraine's allies, the PM's coalition is still a somewhat nebulous undertaking.

William and Kate cheer on rival teams at Six Nations clash

The Prince and Princess of Wales are in the Principality Stadium to watch England crush Wales.

Serbia's largest-ever rally sees 325,000 protest government

The collapse of a station canopy that killed 15 people has galvanised anger towards the government.

'I feel sick at the prospect of welfare cuts'

People on long-term sickness and disability benefits have told the BBC they fear how cuts will affect them.

The untold story of the battle that helped end WW2 in Europe

Some of the men who were there look back nearly 80 years to the largest single airborne operation.

Death toll from North Macedonia nightclub fire rises to 59

As many as 1,500 people were attending a concert when sparks from pyrotechnics started the fire, officials say.

Moment pyrotechnics set fire to North Macedonia club

A blaze broke out in the early morning at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, with at least 59 people killed and more than 155 injured.

Mental health conditions are overdiagnosed, Streeting says

Wes Streeting says too many young people are "being written off", as he defends upcoming welfare reforms.

US deports hundreds of Venezuelans despite court order

Their arrival comes less than 24 hours after a federal judge blocked a law Trump planned to use for the deportations.

Fisherman rescued after 95 days adrift eating turtles

Maximo Napa Castro set off for what should have been a two-week trip on 7 December - but was only found on Wednesday.

Conservatives push for ban on phones in schools

Opposition says it will attempt to amend a Labour government bill to include the ban.

They had a fairytale American childhood - but was radiation slowly killing them?

Campaigners in St Louis want support for those who claim to have become ill due to research into the atomic bomb.

Could Starmer be in for a benefits rebellion as tribes clash in his own party?

Labour may have ditched its factional in-fighting - but deep welfare cuts could reignite tensions.

'I skipped college to make games - now I'm Roblox's top developer'

Osian started making games under his staircase at home when his parents thought he was at college.

Fine cancelled for motorhome couple who found migrant

A couple are "ecstatic" having been fined £1,500 after they reported a stowaway on their bike rack.

Moment of pure joy as stranded astronauts meet new crew after SpaceX capsule docks

The pair are due to begin their long delayed journey back to Earth in coming days.

Pope Francis says he faces 'period of trial' in health update

The pontiff has been recovering in hospital from pneumonia, after he was admitted last month.

Pipe-burst disrupts debut of new Alton Towers ride

Park bosses said rides on the Toxicator, which opened on Saturday, were suspended for two hours.

Health secretary admits 'risk of disruption' in NHS overhaul

The health secretary defends scrapping NHS England but admits the reform will bring challenges.

Thames Water set for crucial court ruling

If it does collapse, who will pay and how much?

South Africa should not be 'bullied' by US in ambassador row, opposition says

The calls come after South Africa's ambassador in Washington was given 72 hours to leave the country.

Tornadoes and dust storms leave at least 34 dead in southern US

The storms hit Missouri, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, whipping up fires and overturning trucks.

Playground appeal for Southport victims hits £250k

The dad of Alice Aguiar is raising money for her school and will run the London Marathon.

Trump moves to close down Voice of America

More than 1,300 staff placed on administrative leave as White House accuses VOA of being anti-Trump, "radical" and "leftist".

Watch: Man films as tornado tears past his house and leaves a trail of destruction

The roaring wind can be heard, as debris flies past the windows of the Mississippi property.

Gene Hackman's children not named in actor's $80m will

The legendary actor's three children may still have a claim to his fortune under state laws, legal experts say.

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.

Women share their bittersweet experience after taking weight-loss drugs

Women who have quickly lost weight say strangers are now more likely to smile at them or strike up a conversation.

Bournemouth Echo

Residents concern over bat habitat destruction after 36 tree felling approved

Dorset residents have raised concerns over the potential destruction of a bat habitat after plans to fell 36 trees were approved.

Plans for new 70-bed care home given green light to 'support ageing population'

Frontier Estates has secured planning permission to build the 70-bed home on land to the south of the Wheelwrights Post in Salisbury Road, Burgate.

Pair take over pub they've 'always wanted to run' in Poole

The Blue Boar in Poole is the Daily Echo's Pub of the Week.

'Major' application submitted for 44 apartments in Poole

A major application to build 44 apartments in Poole has been submitted to BCP Council.

Founders of multi-million pound cosmetics company named top in South West

The Sunday Times have revealed that the founders of Lush Cosmetics are top of their 'beauty rich list' in the South West and second in the UK.

Police asking residents for CCTV after man seen with blood on him

Police are at the scene of an incident in Boscombe, where a man was reportedly assaulted.

Huge fire 'completely destroyed' thatched cottage

A fire 'completely destroyed' a home in Ringwood yesterday evening. Fire crews remain at the scene.

Revealed: Food hygiene ratings for Dorset, New Forest and BCP

The scores are in — the latest batch of food hygiene ratings for Dorset, New Forest and BCP restaurants, cafes, takeaways and businesses have been revealed.

Country music festival with barbecue and line dancing coming to Poole

The headline act will be the UK theatre show 'Made in Tennessee', performing country favourites and tribute acts for Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and Dolly Parton.

5 of the best running routes to find in Dorset with picturesque views

Dorset is a county known for its beautiful scenery and here are a few running routes you can try out to enjoy them

REVIEW: Nathan’s Famous returns to Dorset after popular demand

Back by popular demand - American-style restaurant, Nathan’s’ Famous, returns to Dorset after an outcry over its Bournemouth closure.

'If cyclists need to be held accountable, shouldn’t MPs be too?'

I was thrilled to hear that Sir Julian Lewis has finally tackled Britain’s biggest problem: bikes without bells. At last, pedestrians will be safe from the silent menace of cyclists who dare to use roads and paths without a polite ding-ding.

Thatched cottage 'destroyed' in large fire

A large fire broke out at a thatched cottage in Ringwood, drawing a significant emergency response from fire crews in the area.

Salisbury Scouts help restore New Forest habitat for nesting birds

The area has been used by the Scouts for many district and group events over the years, such as the Grose Trophy and navigation exercises.

Hundreds pack into special event aimed at 'transforming business' in BCP

Dan Ware (left) and Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jet2 has friendliest cabin crew, survey finds

BOURNEMOUTH Airport’s newest airline operator has been voted as having the friendliest cabin crew.

Town centre coffee shop told 'major improvements' needed after hygiene inspection

A town centre coffee shop has been told a major improvement is necessary by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Classic 1990s Japanese sports car to be auctioned

A sports car from the 1990s is estimated to sell for less than £20,000 when it goes under the hammer.

DWP £50 fine warning to everyone on Universal Credit and other benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has the power to impose a fine on benefit claimants, including those receiving Universal Credit

What is the difference between 111 and 999? Which to call in medical emergency

In the UK there are two emergency service numbers - 111 and 999. Find out the right situations to call these numbers in.

The scientifically proven hangover cure Brits swear 'always works'

Scientific research conducted by Britsuperstore has revealed the secret to avoiding a hangover - green tea.

Formula 1

Hadjar, Doohan and Sainz all crash out after less than a lap as Australian Grand Prix gets off to dramatic start

The Australian Grand Prix got off to a chaotic start, with Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan and Carlos Sainz all crashing out before the end of lap one.

RACE START: Watch the dramatic getaway in Melbourne as Norris holds off charging Verstappen while Doohan crashes out in wet conditions

There was plenty of action as the 2025 season-opening Australian Grand Prix got underway, with Lando Norris managing to hold off a charging Max Verstappen at the front while others fell victim to the wet conditions.

OFFICIAL GRID: Who starts where as rain threatens and Bearman starts from Melbourne pit lane

McLaren may have dominated Qualifying in Australia, but with some surprise names in a tight Q3 pack behind them – and a wet race in prospect – it’s going to be a fascinating start to the first Grand Prix of 2025.

LIVE COVERAGE: All the action from Australia as Norris leads following early drama

Live coverage of Sunday's Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2025 in Melbourne.

F3: Camara dominates wet Melbourne Feature Race

Rafael Camara completed his impressive weekend in Melbourne, converting pole position for his first FIA Formula 3 race victory in wet weather conditions.

F1 confirms 2026 Concorde Commercial Agreement signed by all teams

Formula 1 has confirmed that all teams have signed the 2026 Concorde Commercial Agreement, which secures the long-term economic strength of the sport.

WATCH: Ride onboard with Norris for his spectacular pole position lap in Australia

In the first qualifying session of 2025, Lando Norris established McLaren as the team to beat once again as he claimed a hard-fought pole position in Australia, pipping his team mate Oscar Piastri to the honour.

TREMAYNE: From McLaren to Hulme and Amon – Lawson’s step up to Red Bull is just the latest chapter of New Zealand’s deep legacy in F1

This Sunday I will imagine Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon – the departed kings of New Zealand motorsport – will be looking down with wide smiles, urging on fellow Kiwi Liam Lawson as he undertakes his most important Grand Prix in Melbourne as team-mate to four-time world champion Max Verstappen following his promotion to Red Bull.

STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the tactical options for the season opener in Australia?

Matt Youson takes a look at the different pit stop and tyre options that are available to the teams on race day at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne...

What the teams said – Qualifying in Australia

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from final practice and qualifying at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix from the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit.

‘We were there when it mattered’ – Hulkenberg enthusiastic about scoring points on ‘milestone’ Kick Sauber debut

Nico Hulkenberg put on a mighty performance in Australia as he recovered from a Q1 exit to finish in the points on his debut for Kick Sauber, masterfully staying clear of the chaos throughout the race.

Antonelli ‘super happy’ with P4 finish on debut in Australia after starting from P16

Kimi Antonelli was left “super happy” with his rise through the field from P16 to P4 on his debut at a dramatic Australian Grand Prix, with the youngster praising the Mercedes team for “guiding” him through a race that featured changing weather conditions and numerous Safety Cars.

Alonso left baffled by 'unlucky' crash that 'came from nowhere' during Australian Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso will investigate the cause of his Australian Grand Prix crash further after being left confused with the incident coming “from nowhere”.

Lawson laments ‘tough weekend’ after failed slick tyre gamble in Australia

Liam Lawson endured a torrid debut weekend with Red Bull at the Australian Grand Prix before a late crash compounded his pain.

‘It’s all to play for’ – Albon 'trying to get my head around' Melbourne points haul as he hails Williams improvements

Alex Albon was left pleasantly surprised after he secured an impressive fifth place in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, establishing Williams as one of the strongest midfield teams early on.

What the teams said – Race day in Australia

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from the 2025 Australian Grand Prix from the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit.

FIA post-race press conference – Australia

1. Lando Norris (McLaren), 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 3. George Russell (Mercedes)

Russell believes Mercedes look 'a step ahead' of Ferrari as he shares podium pride in Australia

Antonelli promoted back to P4 as Australian Grand Prix penalty is overturned

The five-second time penalty handed to Kimi Antonelli during the Australian Grand Prix has been removed after Mercedes submitted a successful ‘Right of Review’ request over the incident that sparked the penalty.

Hamilton rues ‘missed opportunity’ on Ferrari debut after ‘very, very tricky’ race in Australia

Lewis Hamilton admitted that his Ferrari debut was “not what I was hoping for” after the seven-time World Champion finished an incident-filled season-opening Australian Grand Prix in 10th position.

Verstappen reflects on late-race Norris battle and ‘spicy’ tyre gamble as he hails ‘decent starting point’ in Australia

Max Verstappen was relieved to score a decent haul of points by taking P2 in an eventful Australian Grand Prix, with the Dutchman stating that the result acts as a “decent starting point” for Red Bull’s season ahead.

FACTS AND STATS: Norris ends Verstappen’s 63-race streak at top of Drivers' standings

We knew this season was going to be unpredictable, but based on the Australian opener, that might have been something of an understatement. We’ve enjoyed the track action – now it’s time to let the numbers do the talking.

HIGHLIGHTS: Relive the exhilarating Australian Grand Prix action as Norris takes a remarkable victory while rookies struggle

Lando Norris clung on in a chaotic, incident-thrilled race ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell as constantly changing track conditions made for a thrilling season opener in Melbourne.

‘I’ve only got myself to blame’ – Piastri opens up on heartbreak after costly Australian Grand Prix error

Oscar Piastri has accepted fault for a late-race off that curtailed his bid for a first victory on home shores at the Australian Grand Prix.

‘We’ve learned from our mistakes’ – Norris thrilled with ‘amazing’ Australian GP victory after ‘stressful’ chase from Verstappen

Lando Norris has hailed his victory in a chaotic Australian Grand Prix as an “amazing way to start the year”, with the Briton suggesting that he and the McLaren team have learned from mistakes previously made in similar races last year.

DRIVER OF THE DAY: Super-cool Norris gets your nod for superb Melbourne win

What a way to start the season! The unpredictable Melbourne weather brought chaos to the Australian Grand Prix, but polesitter Lando Norris kept his cool through it all to see off World Champion Max Verstappen and start his - and McLaren's championship challenge in style.

Norris beats Verstappen to victory in dramatic Australian GP opener amid late-race chaos

Lando Norris converted pole position into a hard-fought race win during the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, which featured mixed weather conditions, multiple crashes, Safety Cars and a late-race downpour that caused huge drama.

Windows Central

I tried adding Razer's latest smart home lights to my setup, but I'm not as sold on these standing light bars

The Razer Gamer Room is now a little bigger with the Aether Standing Light Bars, but their hollow construction and growing port/outlet requirements put me off.

Xbox Gaming Handheld details emerge as millions of soon-to-be stuck Windows 10 PCs get an unlikely savior in ChromeOS and Microsoft prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary

A new Xbox gaming handheld is in the works, millions of Windows 10 PCs face an uncertain future, and Microsoft prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.