The News - Wednesday, 19 March 2025

BBC News

Astronauts Butch and Suni finally back on Earth

The capsule carrying the Nasa astronauts and two others splashes down in waters off Florida.

Watch: Dolphins surround Dragon capsule after successful splashdown

Nasa commentators joked the aquatic mammals are an "honorary part of the recovery team" attending to the capsule.

Starmer says cost of sickness benefits 'devastating'

The prime minister's remarks come after the government announced a major benefits overhaul on Tuesday.

Chris Mason: Flurry of worry over benefit changes

It could be some time before people know how they may be affected by the government's benefits overhaul.

Putin agrees in Trump call to pause Ukraine energy attacks but no full ceasefire

The Russian leader declines to sign up to a plan that Ukraine had accepted for a month-long ceasefire.

The inside story of Blenheim's gold toilet heist

The BBC hears how five raiders escaped with a £4.8m gold toilet, as told by Blenheim Palace staff.

Harry's US visa records unsealed after drug claims

They are heavily redacted, and no details have been given as to what he put on his immigration form.

Last trove of JFK assassination files released

The files are still being reviewed, but have not so far revealed any smoking gun about the US president's killing.

Netanyahu calls strikes on Gaza 'only the beginning' as hundreds reported killed

Israel's PM warns "this is only the beginning" after deadly strikes on Gaza that broke a ceasefire with Hamas.

'World's ugliest animal' is New Zealand's fish of the year

Known as the world's ugliest animal for its lumpy appearance, the blobfish makes a stunning comeback

Boys need role models not gaming and porn, Sir Gareth Southgate says

Young men are increasingly turning to "callous, manipulative and toxic" influencers as role models, Sir Gareth Southgate says.

Former Putin-appointed governor on trial for breaching UK sanctions

Dmitrii Ovsiannikov is accused of receiving more than £75,000 from his wife and a new Mercedes Benz SUV from his brother.

At-a-glance: The key changes to the benefits system

How Personal Independence Payments (Pip) and other health-related benefits could change under government plans.

Under-22s to be excluded from incapacity benefits

The move comes as part of an overhaul of the welfare system as the UK's benefits bill rises.

Faisal Islam: Hundreds of thousands will be affected by benefits changes

These plans are more geared towards making budgetary numbers add up than fundamental welfare reform.

Putin gives Trump just enough to claim progress on Ukraine peace

Trump made a big deal of his conversation with Putin, but there is little to shout about, Sarah Rainsford writes.

The Papers: Ukraine truce hopes 'on a knife edge' and 'Worried sick'

Wednesday's front pages feature the phone call between Trump and Putin, and Labour's welfare reforms.

'I was homeless while revising for my GCSEs'

Mia and her siblings lived in temporary accommodation for 18 months after a no fault eviction.

US and European armies should join our war on gangs, Ecuador president tells BBC

Daniel Noboa is calling on international armies to fight the cartels trafficking most of the world's cocaine.

BBC Verify: Mapping Israel's wave of strikes

More than 400 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. BBC Verify’s Nick Beake has been assessing footage of the strikes and building a picture of the damage done.

Teen killer of mum and siblings planned 'massacre of the century'

The 19-year-old will be sentenced on Wednesday after he admits to killing his mother, brother and sister.

'Reasonable precautions' could have stopped baby deaths, inquiry finds

Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick and Mira-Belle Bosch died within hours of their births in two Lanarkshire hospitals.

First picture of North Sea tanker collision crew released

Oil tanker Stena Immaculate and cargo ship Solong collided in the North Sea on 10 March.

Boys need role models not gaming and porn, Sir Gareth Southgate says

Young men are increasingly turning to "callous, manipulative and toxic" influencers as role models, Sir Gareth Southgate says.

Steve Rosenberg: Putin's conversation with Trump seen as victory in Russia

The Russian leader was able to set his own conditions for peace in a two-hour phone call with Donald Trump.

'Sliding doors moment' that thwarted teenage killer's plan for school massacre

Nicholas Prosper murdered his family but was spotted before he could carry out a plan to attack his old school.

Paltrow told intimacy co-ordinator to 'step back' before sex scenes with Chalamet

The star didn't want to feel "stifled" while filming "a lot" of sex scenes with Timothée Chalamet.

Tulip Siddiq attacks 'false' Bangladesh corruption allegations

The ex-Labour minister's lawyers say investigators in Bangladesh have yet to formally question her.

Murder charge authorised against husband over Harshita Brella death

Ms Brella's death has prompted an international manhunt for her husband, Pankaj Lamba.

Hungary bans LGBTQ+ Pride marches

The move from Orban's conservative government is the latest in a crackdown on the LGBT community.

UN says worker killed in Gaza as Israeli air strikes resume

Israel's military denies attacking the Deir al-Balah compound, after the Hamas-run health ministry blamed an Israeli strike.

PM faces calls to exempt hospices from National Insurance increase

The NHS will be shielded from April's tax rise but this does not cover private hospices, care homes and pharmacies.

'You don't have the cards' - How to play poker against Trump

The BBC's Anthony Zurcher takes a closer look at the US president's negotiation strategy with top world leaders.

K-Pop summer: How the UK is (finally) embracing Korean pop

With five massive stadium shows this summer, K-Pop is establishing itself in the UK mainstream.

Sir Gareth Southgate: Boys need role models not gaming and porn

Young men are increasingly turning to "callous, manipulative and toxic" influencers as role models, Sir Gareth Southgate says.

Splurge or save? Americans struggle as tariffs hit economy

Families in the US are trying to dodge higher prices from tariffs, as worries rise about the economy.

'After five years in jail, they agree I'm innocent but won't pay out'

Growing calls to make compensation rules for miscarriage of justice victims less strict.

Almost 70,000 South Africans interested in US asylum

This follows President Donald Trump's February executive order offering Afrikaners refugee status.

Brothers conned into signing over farm to church minister

Helen Fraser said her cousins were not in their right mind to sign power of attorney documents.

Santander to close almost a quarter of UK branches

The bank will start closing branches from June, putting 750 jobs at risk.

Three deaths linked to listeria detected in NHS desserts

Listeriosis listed as cause of death in one NHS patient and two other deaths being investigated.

Dundee University insolvency 'a real possibility'

Senior management give evidence over the university's £35m financial deficit to MSPs.

Erdogan rival arrested days before becoming presidential candidate

Protests erupt in the streets of Istanbul after the move, despite a four-day ban on demonstrations.

Hearse attacked by vandals while on way to funeral

The vehicle's window was smashed in an attack while travelling through Edinburgh's Longstone Road.

Bournemouth Echo

IN DETAIL: Where exactly BCP Council wants to reduce speed limits down to 20mph

THIS map shows exactly where BCP Council is proposing to reduce speed limits in the Winton area of Bournemouth.

Mansion formally bought by John Lennon listed for nearly £15 million

A Sandbanks mansion on the site of a bungalow John Lennon bought for his auntie 60 years ago has gone up for sale for almost £15m.

Pre First World War teddy bear donated to help Ukrainian children

A teddy bear dating back to before the First World War is among the many toys being sent to children in Ukraine as part of an aid effort.

Police urge public to help spot signs of child exploitation

Guidance has been developed for these businesses, and information cards and advice leaflets will be rolled out to these sectors.

Former Poole RAF instructor wins national award in construction

A FORMER RAF parachute jump instructor from Poole has won prestigious national award into a new career of construction industry.

Campsite reopens with new 'kids go free' offer

For visitors seeking more comfort, bell tents are available for hire and for the more adventurous, tree tents can also be rented.

More than £22 million earmarked for housing improvements

This includes heating system replacements, kitchen and bathroom refurbishments, and installing energy-efficient windows and external doors.

Food and arts festival to celebrate tenth anniversary

There will be stalls selling food, drink and crafts, as well as cookery demonstrations by TV chefs and three stages of live music.

Care provider set for expansion after £10 million funding package

As part of the deal, Alum Care successfully negotiated a £25,000 reduction in fees with HSBC UK, which was donated to its charity partner, Affinity Vision.

Poole's role in D-Day to be commemorated with plaque

Poole was the third largest embarkation point for the Normandy landings, with thousands of troops and more than 300 vessels setting sail from the harbour.

Talented young dancers return to Poole's Lighthouse

Les Sylphides will be danced to live piano, with the rest of the programme performed to a recording made by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Grants of up to £5,000 available to tackle anti-social behaviour

Groups can apply for grants of between £100 and £5,000 from the latest round of funding.

Residents celebrate St Patrick's Day with Irish-themed fun

"Residents reminisced about visiting their local pubs in years gone by and what their favourite drinks were and there was a lot of laughter and Irish jigging."

Man to appear in court after town centre incident left man critically injured

A MAN is to appear in court after a car being recovered broke loose and critically injured a pedestrian.

Donation boosts mission to recover giant pliosaur fossil

The skull received global attention and brought increased tourism to East Dorset and the Jurassic Coast.

MP impressed with firm's closed-loop recycling scheme

Wiltshire Farm Foods does not use secondary packaging such as cardboard sleeves on its meals.

Rise in Dorset business insolvency-related activity

These figures include administrator and liquidator appointments, as well as creditors' meetings.

Music festival on track to sell out for first time

The pop party on Friday night will return, headlined by Dick & Dom, B*Witched, and Peter Andre.

Poole-based company elected to UK's leading tech board

The company was one of the first signatories of techUK and Defence Digital's collaboration 'Code of Practice'.

Hikers trek 30 miles around Poole Harbour in aid of charity

The event was sponsored by a number of businesses including Bravery, Ineos Grenadier and Elite Exped.

Artist commissioned to transform underpass with huge mural

It will depict Poole's heritage on one side and its diverse wildlife on the other, with a red squirrel, representative of Brownsea Island, already painted.

Great Dorset Beach Clean set to return for 35th year

It offers a chance to enjoy the scenery, meet new people and learn about caring for the environment.

Seafront rubbish remains month after council said it would be removed

Rubbish on the seafront that was supposed to be cleared last month has still not been moved by the council.

Man running Bournemouth Half Marathon after learning to walk again

A FORMER sports journalist who was told he would never walk again after a devastating brain injury has defied the odds and will be running in Bournemouth half Marathon.

Council waiting on administrators to unlock £15million claim

BCP Council has been waiting for nearly a year for administrators to make progress with a claim it has for £15million that was paid to a developer.

Poole woman to paint winner of Crufts competition

A POOLE woman’s passion for painting has led her to create stunning pet portraits, and now she’s thrilled to paint the winner of Scrufts at Crufts.

Man pleads guilty to impersonating officer and possession of firearm

A Bournemouth man appeared in Poole Magistrates' Court after impersonating a police constable and being in possession of a imitation firearm.

'Stop adding asylum hotels to Bournemouth'

An MP has called on the government to stop adding asylum hotels in Bournemouth.

A338 blocked after car rolled and left carriageway

The A338 is partially blocked after a car left the carriageway and rolled.

On this day: Mini Beast from the East roared into Dorset

Here are pictures of a snowy Dorset - when the Beast from the East of seven years ago struck Dorset for a second time.

Delight as Red Arrows to soar over carnival again

The Red Arrows are coming back to Dorset for summer!

Driver's "lucky escape" after car comes off the A338

A driver had a “lucky escape” after her car came off the A338 and overturned.

Hospital apologises after £17 million paid out over child negligence claims

Dorset County Hospital has apologised to families after child negligence claims cost the NHS £17 million in the last five years

Teen who died after being hit by a train named as inquest opens

A teenager who died after being struck by a train in the New Forest has been named.

Funding for New Forest farmers and landowners extended

A fund to help farmers, commoners, and landowners in the New Forest National Park has been extended for another year.

Santander to shut 95 bank branches this year - see the full list

Santander has announced plans to shut another 95 branches across the UK, putting 750 jobs at risk of redundancy.

Men on cycles 'trying car doorhandles' in New Forest amid police warning

Police in the new forest have been investigating vehicle break-ins

Look inside 'exceptional' Sandbanks property on sale for £6.5 million

A luxury property with sea views, a built-in wine cellar, and a private jetty has gone on the market for £6.5 million.

Closed Poole school helps students from struggling families

The school, which opened in 1939 with just five pupils, was damaged by a fire in 2013.

Multiple bank branches to be 'sorely missed' after announce of closure

Multiple Santander branches have announced their closures and will be 'sorely missed' by the public.

Woman comes forward and man identified after assault outside bar

A woman has come forward and a man has been identified following an assault that took place outside Buffalo Bar in Winton.

Chaos as road through town centre closed for two days for emergency works

Bridge Street, Fordingbridge is CLOSED so that Bournemouth Water can carry out an emergency repair. An official diversion set up by Hampshire Highways is in place and the bus company has been informed. Fordingbridge Town Centre is still open and you can park in either of the NFDC car parks - in the town centre or opposite the Recreation Ground. The closure is expected to last approximately 2 days.

£1,000 worth of meat stolen from M&S

CCTV images have been released of two people after £1,000 worth of meat was stolen from a Marks & Spencer.

Community festival to return to Ashely Cross for year 25

Popular Poole festival, Grooves on the Green is returning for its 25 year anniversary.

Thai restaurant voted best in town on TripAdvisor

A THAI restaurant has taken the number one spot for restaurants on TripAdvisor in Poole.

Bournemouth author bases psychological thriller on popular beach

A Bournemouth author has based their new thriller on the 'idyllic' Boscombe beach.

Change up your diet with protein-packed seafood pancakes

Seafood pancakes are an excellent source of protein, as well as a cost-effective option for filling up the family.

DWP disability benefit changes to Universal Credit, ESA and PIP confirmed

The government has changed cuts to welfare amid mounting backbench disquiet about the potential extent of the reforms.

Cash ISA allowance for 2025 and how to make the most of the new tax year

Many are unaware of the Cash ISA allowance 2025 - here's how to make the most of the new tax year

Martin Lewis: How to cut your water bills by up to 90 per cent

Millions of households across the country could be eligible for savings of up to 90 per cent off their water bills - here's who can apply

DWP benefits that could cut your broadband or phone bill to £10

Martin Lewis discussed social tariffs that can cut broadband or phone bills and are open to people claiming DWP benefits

Changes to TV Licence fees could see wealthier homes paying more for BBC

The suggestion, by the BBC’s new chairman, comes as Lisa Nandy considers alternatives to the current TV Licence

Government

Freight Crime Bill

A Bill to make provision about the recording and investigation of freight crime; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Educating fans, reducing waste and celebrating culture – ESG highlights from the Australian GP weekend

Over the last three years, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has been working hard to put on a more sustainable and inclusive event, making progress through waste reduction, energy initiatives, education and awareness and much more.

EXCLUSIVE: Zhou Guanyu on his Ferrari reunion, working with Hamilton and how he’s ready to fight for an F1 comeback

Zhou Guanyu has found a new, old home for the 2025 Formula 1 season by taking up reserve duties at Ferrari – the marque he previously represented as a junior. A few weeks on from that return, the Shanghai native sat down with F1.com to discuss life at Maranello, how much he’s learning from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, his hopes of getting back on the grid and more…

IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix

After a thrilling and dramatic season-opener in Australia it’s a quick turnaround for the Formula 1 paddock as the teams head to China, with plenty to look forward to after Sunday’s first race. Here are a few of the talking points heading to Shanghai.

Who to watch out for from the 2025 F1 ACADEMY grid as the series returns in China

Another unmissable F1 ACADEMY season is just around the corner, as the 2025 field prepare to do battle at the Shanghai International Circuit for the first of a seven-round campaign.

TECH WEEKLY: Has McLaren’s secret weapon for the 2025 season been revealed?

Mclaren’s pace advantage in Melbourne for the opening race of the season was notably enhanced the longer the stint went on. It was very apparent that it was retaining its rear tyre performance longer than any other car.

BEYOND THE GRID: Andy Cowell on Aston Martin’s title ambitions, Newey’s arrival and F1’s future

Andy Cowell added the role of Aston Martin Team Principal to his existing CEO title ahead of the 2025 season – the former Mercedes engine guru tasked with overseeing the squad’s planned rise to the very top of the Formula 1 pecking order.

POWER RANKINGS: Who tops our first leaderboard of the season after a wet and wild Australian GP?

Formula 1 put on a dramatic show as the 2025 season kicked off with a rain-hit, incident-filled Australian Grand Prix. But which drivers impressed our Power Rankings judges over the course of the weekend? Scroll down for the Melbourne top 10 and leaderboard...

Win the ultimate Miami GP weekend and bring your friends too!

Win the ultimate Miami GP weekend and bring your best friends too!

What is the weather forecast for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix?

Formula 1 is back this coming weekend with the Chinese Grand Prix – but what kind of weather conditions can the drivers expect as they head to Shanghai for the first Sprint event of the year?

What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix?

The first Sprint weekend of the season is nearly upon us, as the teams and drivers get ready to compete in Shanghai at the Chinese Grand Prix. But which compounds have tyre supplier Pirelli provided for the three days of action?

PALMER: Piastri was too hard on himself after his slip on Sunday – his race in Australia was one of his best yet

I have a lot of sympathy with Oscar for his one mistake – and don’t think he should be beating himself up about it.

THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on the Australian GP and the latest F1 news

Sunday's race was a great way to get the 2025 season going, but were you paying attention to all the thrills and spills up and down the grid?

How the ‘F1’ movie filmed its thrilling car sequences – and the role that Toto Wolff played in the process

The director of the 'F1' movie has given an insight into the huge amount of preparation that went into capturing the film’s thrilling car sequences – and how an idea from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was pivotal in the process.

Windows Central

The latest Xbox accessibility accessory is available now exclusively via the Microsoft Store

Microsoft celebrates its commitment to invest in accessibility during the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit by launching the Xbox Adaptive Joystick to the Microsoft Store.

Fallout 76's long-awaited playable Ghouls are now available — here's what you need to know

The Ghoul Within update is now live for Fallout 76, bringing playable Ghouls to Bethesda Game Studio's post-apocalyptic West Virgiana RPG.

STALKER 2's new Patch 1.3 update has arrived with 1,200+ notes, but its biggest problem still isn't fixed

Patch 1.3 has come to STALKER 2, but the update didn't make a balance change the game sorely needs.

HP just announced literally DOZENS of brand-new AI PCs — These are the ones that excite me most

HP has announced dozens of new AI PCs. Here are the ones you should definitely take a look at from a mini PC to an All-in-One.

This indie slice-of-life Xbox game tackles love and loss while plucking at your heart strings

Mohammad Fahmi's final game, Afterlove EP, is available now on Xbox. The slice-of-life indie tackles the messy reality of grief after loss and learning to shape yourself beyond your past.

I'm psyched for Helldivers 2's latest big patch update and its new western Borderline Justice Warbond

The latest patch for Helldivers 2 brings a ton of awesome changes, and it's about to get updated with the new Borderline Justice Warbond, too.

I thought this Xbox headset price was a mistake but no it really is this cheap

Want a ridiculous $210 discount on a top-rated Xbox headset? With its amazing performance and jam packed features, this headset from Turtle Beach got a rare 5 star review from us and it's available for an unbelievably slashed price.

I'm eager to test the "world's most powerful workstation" from HP — loaded with new NVIDIA RTX PRO graphics

HP is busy announcing new laptops, and the ZBook Fury G1i is one to keep tabs on. HP says the new RTX PRO GPUs make it the most powerful 18-inch workstation ever.

Assassin's Creed Shadows reviews and Metacritic score roundup: I'm hopeful Ubisoft returned to form with scores like these

The reviews and scores for Assassin's Creed Shadows are in, and they're promising enough that I'm feeling hopeful about the open-world RPG.

Our towering backlogs just got one bigger with Towerborne heading to Xbox and Game Pass next month

Stoic and Xbox Game Studios' co-op brawling RPG Towerborne is coming to Xbox Game Preview on April 29, 2025.

I can now up my Steam Deck handheld storage with this brand-new speedy fast M.2 NVMe SSD

The new PNY CS2342 M.2 2230 NVMe SSD is a storage solution for gaming handhelds, laptops, and desktops. It offers super-fast transfer speeds for gaming.

ARK: Aquatica unveils the worst AI slop I've ever seen in this game trailer — "Please sell the franchise to literally anyone else."

A new trailer for "ARK: Aquatica" appears to have been almost entirely AI-generated, leading to a poor reception for the game.

How to transfer your Windows 11 setup to a new hard drive — no extra app required

On Windows 11, you can transfer the current installation with apps, settings, and files to a new hard drive, and in this guide, I'll show you the step-by-step process to complete this process.

How is this ultrawide OLED gaming monitor so cheap?! — Save almost $700 for 240Hz at 45 inches

It's not every day you see an OLED ultrawide gaming monitor drop in price by nearly $700. This is a great chance to get a superior panel for a lot less than usual.

Monster Hunter Wilds is the best-selling game of February in the US, and it's already crossed another huge milestone

Monster Hunter Wilds is the best-selling game of February in the U.S, per Circana, and it's already taken the lead for the year overall.

Windows 11 has a hidden FAQ page in testing that tells you why your PC is slow

A hidden Windows 11 FAQ page explains why your PC is slow, from RAM limitations to GPU bottlenecks. The feature is in testing now, though you can't see it just yet.

NVIDIA's latest drivers bring DLSS 4 to some of the year's biggest releases so far

NVIDIA's newest driver gets you going in Half Life 2 RTX, inZOI, The Last of Us Part 2 and more besides.

Snapdragon X Elite "upgraded graphics drivers" improve gaming performance — Helldivers 2 and Palworld now supported

Windows 11 PCs with Snapdragon X Elite processors can access a new beta driver to improve app and gaming stability.

Microsoft no longer includes a power supply with Surface Pro 11 in some regions — now you have to pay extra for one

Microsoft is now complying with an EU initiative that allows the Surface Pro 11 to ship without a power supply, instead charging extra for it as an optional accessory.