The News - Saturday, 22 March 2025

BBC News

Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76, says family

Foreman won his first world heavyweight championship in 1973 then did it again in 1994 when he was 45.

Will recapture of presidential palace change course of Sudan war?

Sudan's army has retaken the presidential palace from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), but what's next after two years of war?

Tumour removal was 'hardest thing', Davina McCall tells Comic Relief

The TV presenter recounts her experience as Red Nose Day celebrates its 40th year.

Trump revoking protections for 530,000 Cubans, Haitians and other migrants

Migrants who entered the US under the Biden-era programme will lose their temporary status next month.

Adolescence writer calls for 'radical action' not role models

The writer behind the year's most talked-about TV show discusses the changes he hopes it will inspire.

Archaeologists uncover Bronze Age stone circle

The "hugely significant" discovery in a forest in Derbyshire is thought to date back 3,700 years.

Tates return to Romania to 'prove their innocence'

Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate face human trafficking and other charges in Romania, which they deny.

Trump rescinds order targeting law firm after it makes $40m promise

Paul, Weiss promised $40 million of free legal work to the White House and to change its diversity policies.

Newborn's death 'due to gross failures of midwives'

The coroner at newborn baby Ida Lock's inquest highlights eight opportunities that were missed.

Watch: How the Heathrow disruption unfolded

BBC Verify's Nick Beake explains how Europe's busiest airport was taken out of action.

Giant rats and stench: There's no end in sight for 'Binmageddon'

Residents are stuck in the middle of a dispute between Birmingham City Council and striking bin workers.

The Papers: 'Heathrow's day of chaos' and 'Kate's year of courage'

Saturday's front pages cover the chaos at Heathrow and one year since the Princess of Wales shared her cancer diagnosis.

Deal or no deal? Why Trump is struggling to win fast ceasefire in Ukraine

Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. The reality is proving far more difficult.

Extreme day trips - where people spend just one day abroad

Extreme day trips are popular on social media but have drawn criticism over environmental concerns.

Why earthquake predictions are usually wrong

On social media a self-proclaimed earthquake predictor says he can forecast big shakes, but experts say it's pure luck.

Young people with long Covid 'battle' for NHS care

Kaylee, 17, who experiences dizziness and shortness of breath, says she has not seen an NHS specialist for two years.

Honest or unrealistic? Roblox boss' online safety advice sparks debate

Hundreds of people contacted the BBC after Dave Baszucki spoke about safety on the hugely popular gaming platform.

Uncovering unusual and surprising crimes in England

As four men are sentenced for stealing a gold toilet, the BBC unearths other unusual crimes.

Double agent Oleg Gordievsky dies aged 86

Counter-terrorism police are assisting the coroner, but his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Elon Musk meets defence officials in Pentagon visit

The White House denied media reports that Musk would receive a briefing on classified reports about China.

Drivers warned as final M25 weekend closure begins

Work began in 2022 and is part of a delayed £317m project to improve safety and cut congestion.

Prince William sends strong message from tank near Russian border

Prince William joins a training exercise by soldiers in Estonia guarding Nato's eastern border with Russia.

Israel orders army to 'seize additional territories' in Gaza

The defence minister says the IDF will increase the intensity of its operation in Gaza until Hamas releases hostages.

Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76, says family

Foreman won his first world heavyweight championship in 1973 then did it again in 1994 when he was 45.

Reeves says she will not 'tax and spend' ahead of Spring Statement

In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, the chancellor opened up on the public finances and how she's finding the job.

Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris lose security clearance after Trump order

The US president also confirmed he was revoking the security clearance of Joe Biden and "any other member" of the Biden family.

Three killed and 14 injured in New Mexico mass shooting

The shooting took place at a car meetup, police said. A 16-year-old was among those who died

Pope to make first public appearance since illness, Vatican says

Pope Francis is to give his blessing and greet a crowd from hospital for the first time since he was admitted on 14 February.

Israel strikes Lebanon after first rocket attack since ceasefire

Benjamin Netanyahu has promised "to act forcefully" after the rocket attack into northern Israel.

Facebook to stop targeting ads at UK woman after legal fight

Tanya O'Carroll says her case opens a "gateway" for others wanting to stop personalised adverts.

Grassroots anger tests Farage's grip on Reform UK

Disquiet in the ranks of the rapidly growing party might run deeper than leader Nigel Farage is prepared to admit.

Adolescence writer calls for 'radical action' not role models

The writer behind the year's most talked-about TV show discusses the changes he hopes it will inspire.

Why Trump is struggling to win fast ceasefire in Ukraine

Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. The reality is proving far more difficult.

Roblox boss' online safety advice ignites fierce debate among parents

Hundreds of people contacted the BBC after Dave Baszucki spoke about safety on the hugely popular gaming platform.

Giant rats and stench: No end in sight for Birmingham's 'Binmageddon'

Residents are stuck in the middle of a dispute between Birmingham City Council and striking bin workers.

Extreme day trips: 'I go abroad then fly home in time for bed'

Extreme day trips are popular on social media but have drawn criticism over environmental concerns.

Why Rachel Reeves is feeling the heat

The Chancellor hints at a more guarded approach amid global uncertainty - and issues a warning ahead of her announcements.

University in US agrees to Trump administration's demand for mask ban

The Trump administration has warned 60 universities funding may be cut if they do not address allegations of antisemitism on campuses.

Missing prisoner found after van motorway escape

Jamie Cooper, who escaped from a prison van on Wednesday has been arrested.

Young people with long Covid 'battle' for NHS care

Kaylee, 17, who experiences dizziness and shortness of breath, says she has not seen an NHS specialist for two years.

Five key moments in the battle for Khartoum

BBC Verify examimes social media footage of the fight for control of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum

Watch: Moment police chase ends in four car pile-up in Paris

Thirteen people - 10 of them police officers - have been injured after a car chase in the French capital.

Trump revoking protections for 530,000 Cubans, Haitians and other migrants

Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who entered the US under a Biden-era programme face deportation.

Nicola Sturgeon announces onstage appearance at comedy festival

The former first minister will appear with author Val McDermid at the King's Theatre in Glasgow.

Heathrow Airport chaos: What we know so far

Flights are resuming after disruption due to a fire at a nearby substation caused a power outage at the airport.

Hundreds arrested in third night of Turkey protests

Police arrested Istanbul's mayor, a key opposition figure, on Wednesday, sparking protests.

Trump rescinds order targeting law firm after it makes $40m promise

Paul, Weiss promised $40 million of free legal work to the White House and to change its diversity policies.

Police release new evidence in timeline of Hackman and his wife's death

Authorities say the actor's wife called for medical help a day after she was thought to have died.

Why was a white balloon flying across the UK?

Onlookers spot a mysterious hot air balloon travelling across skies and question where it is going.

How two friends found £3m treasure and ended up in jail

How recklessness and greed led the finders of one of Britain's rarest treasure troves to jail.

Bournemouth Echo

What the giant 'warehouse' is that has popped up along the A35

David Beckham, Kate and Wills, the Kardashians, Andy Murray and LeBron James – all are fans of it.

Full list of roads set to be closed or have delays in BCP

Additionally, Castlemain Avenue will be closed until Wednesday, April 16 for SSEPD installation works, with a signed diversion route in place.

New off-road path opens to help cyclists and pedestrians

The pathway aims to encourage more people to cycle, walk or use public transport, reducing road congestion and promoting healthier lifestyles.

'Intelligent, passionate and hilarious' mum-of-two dies aged 51

Tributes have been paid to a much loved Poole Borough FC teammate, Louise Butcher, after her recent passing.

BCP Council to invest £3.4 million in improvements

"The new paths and crossings will enable people, including local schoolchildren, to walk and cycle safely around the roundabout away from traffic."

Products sold at Tesco, Iceland and more recalled due to insects and plastic

The Food Standards Agency 'do not eat' warnings to customers after some products have been found to contain plastic and others insects

Hidden costs of staying in your own home after the age of 65

Experts have warned of the hidden costs of staying in your own home after the age of 65 - and how to beat them

The best pubs in Dorset for pies according to our readers

The Carpenters Arms and The Square & Compass are considered among the best pubs for pies in Dorset according to Daily Echo readers

Looking to explore Britain by rail? Here are the best hotels near train stations

These are some of the best hotels near train stations in wonderful cities right across the UK.

Tour celebrating music of Rodgers and Hammerstein coming to Poole

Other dates will be taking place in Nottingham, Manchester, Bristol, Basingstoke, London, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Plans to increase supply of affordable homes approved

The council will lease these homes for people needing emergency housing, reducing the need for bed and breakfast accommodation.

Apprentice decorator given career boost with new tools

She is one of four new Aster apprentices to receive the selection of tools, which were of their choice.

Construction of 110-home development set to be completed

"I am looking forward to seeing this development further progress and welcome its new residents next year."

Town council installs solar panels at community centre

The council said the solar panels will generate clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The Tank Museum announces Easter holiday activities

New for Easter 2025 at the museum is a special exhibition, 'Ukraine: Armoured Warfare in the Modern World', which focuses on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Clothing drive to help women 'dress to impress' at job interviews

"Our core mission is to make coming to work a pleasure and we want everyone to be able to experience this."

Wind farm near Wareham shortlisted for national award

Alaska Wind Farm has been recognised for its significant carbon savings and contribution to a net zero energy system.

Dorset designers to create show gardens at BBC fair

The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair marks the start of the gardening season with various attractions.

Auction raises nearly £2,000 for mayor's charities

The money raised will go towards the mayor of Wimborne Minster’s chosen charities, Planet Wimborne and The Victoria Hospital.

Portrait of brigadier general could fetch thousands at auction

Born on Thursday, December 31, 1863, Brigadier General Oxley died in Queen Camel, Somerset, on Thursday, October 4, 1951.

Johnny Cash tribute show to celebrate 20 years in Ringwood

The production stars Clive John as Johnny Cash, a singer-songwriter with eight albums to his name.

University celebrates installation of new heat pumps

It is a step towards decarbonisation, with the pumps expected to reduce the equivalent of gas emissions by around 115 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Company announces appointment of new chief engineer

Mr Doull extensive experience in engineering and project management will be crucial to the company's work on both current and future defence programmes.

JLS announce UK tour including date in Bournemouth

"We’re so excited to be back out on the road with another Hits tour bringing the full club vibes to your city."

Fundraising event for RNLI held at waterside pub

A fundraising event for the RNLI was held at a pub, with a variety of activities for all ages.

Couple celebrate 60 years of marriage at care home

The former builder and painter said: "Gina didn’t like me at first and would go out of her way to avoid me."

Internationally acclaimed artist to perform in Bournemouth

He has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful baritone voice, earning him critical acclaim and global success.

Housebuilder's donation to men's workshop combats loneliness

It opened ten years ago and has been helping people across Dorset combat loneliness since.

Italian restaurant offers free meals for mums next week

It features popular dishes such as oven-baked king prawns, spaghetti carbonara, Mediterranean sea bass, hot chocolate fudge cake and tiramisu.

Family-friendly rave with famous DJs coming to Bournemouth

"We've pulled out all the stops with our lineups and I can't wait to see everyone enjoying themselves."

Stray cat found in 'forlorn and sickly state' gets help

The eye was so severely infected that it had to be removed once Mike was strong enough for surgery.

Bin lorry fire: 'It's so important we all recycle responsibly'

THE public are asked to ‘recycle responsibly’ after a fire which started in a bin lorry.

Staff ‘upset and disgusted’ after charity raffle prize stolen from supermarket

Staff were left “upset and disgusted” after a charity raffle prize was stolen from a supermarket.

Bomb disposal called to beach after ordnance found under cliff

A bomb disposal team were called to a Dorset beach after an ordnance was found under a cliff by a member of the public.

'Find your own way’: Couple £1,000 out of pocket after flight diversion to Germany

A couple were told to make their own way home after their flight was suddenly diverted to Germany.

Here's when there will be live firing on Dorset ranges

These are the dates and times live firing exercises will be carried out at a Dorset military training area next week.

Heathrow Airport reopens as first flight takes off and service resumes

A spokesperson has shared an update on service at Heathrow Airport following a fire and power outage on Friday, March 21 that saw mass disruption.

Meet the instructor bouncing for fitness with mini trampolines

MEET the instructor using mini trampolines to make fitness fun in Wimborne.

Formula 1

Hamilton hits back at ‘yapping’ critics following maiden Ferrari triumph in Shanghai Sprint

Lewis Hamilton has praised the Ferrari squad following his debut win for the Scuderia in the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix, with the Briton acknowledging that some outsiders may have “underestimated” the “steep climb” of adjusting to a new team following his tough weekend last time out in Australia.

‘My worst nightmare’ – Norris rues glaring tyre troubles in underwhelming China Sprint as Piastri reflects on P2 finish

McLaren’s Lando Norris had a Sprint to forget in China as an error on the opening lap and difficulty with managing his tyres around the high-grip circuit left him claiming just a single point.

‘I was just trying to survive out there’ – Verstappen vows to do better after ‘tough’ Chinese GP Sprint

Max Verstappen conceded that a lack of pace in his Red Bull made the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint race a battle for survival as he finished third to Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri.

HIGHLIGHTS: Catch-up with Hamilton's dominant maiden Ferrari victory in the Chinese Sprint

Lewis Hamilton dominated the Chinese Sprint race to score his first win in Ferrari colours.

Hamilton storms to Sprint victory and first Ferrari win in China ahead of Verstappen and Piastri

SPRINT START: Watch the opening lap of the Sprint in China as Hamilton and Verstappen duel into Turn 1

Lewis Hamilton confidently held onto his first front-row start for Ferrari under the threat of Max Verstappen's rapid Red Bull on the opening lap of the Sprint in China.

Williams fined €50,000 after camera infringement in China

The Williams team have been fined €50,000 for failing to provide stewards with video files from their cars within a specific time frame during the Friday of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the F1 Sprint in China as Hamilton converts pole to first Ferrari win

Live coverage of Saturday's F1 Sprint ahead of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the tactical options for the Chinese Grand Prix?

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

TREMAYNE: Remembering the day Zhou made history in Shanghai – and made a whole nation proud

This time last year, Zhou became the only man from one of the world’s biggest nations to have achieved something that all who witnessed it will never forget...

Sprint winner Hamilton left with ‘no hope’ in Chinese GP Qualifying after set-up changes put car ‘on a knife edge’

Lewis Hamilton has described his Ferrari as being “on a knife edge” during Qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, with the seven-time World Champion unable to repeat his standout Sprint performance by winding up fifth fastest.

‘It came alive’ – Mercedes’ Russell ‘buzzing’ after missing out on pole by just 0.082s in Shanghai

George Russell was left both overjoyed and exhausted by his Qualifying performance in China that saw him claim his first front row start of the season and only marginally miss out on pole position.

WATCH: See how Piastri pipped Russell to pole at the Chinese Grand Prix with our fantastic new ‘Ghost Car’ feature

FACTS AND STATS: Piastri puts Australia back on top in Qualifying for the first time since 2018 with Shanghai pole

Oscar Piastri grabbed a maiden pole position for McLaren in China, having started from P1 in a Sprint but never a Grand Prix. He will share the front row tomorrow with George Russell, who found some last-gasp pace to deny Lando Norris a McLaren front row lock-out. But what else happened on a busy Saturday in China? Here are the best facts and stats from Shanghai…

What the teams said – Sprint day and Qualifying in China

The teams report back on the Sprint and then Qualifying for the Grand Prix from the Shanghai International Circuit in China.

A six-way fight for victory and rookies eyeing redemption – What To Watch For in the Chinese GP

Chris Medland picks out five key things to keep an eye on when the lights go out on race day in Shanghai...

WATCH: Ride onboard with Piastri for his maiden pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri took the first Grand Prix pole position of his F1 career, topping the order in Qualifying in China.

FIA post-Qualifying press conference – China

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 2. George Russell (Mercedes), 3. Lando Norris (McLaren)

'It will be quite tricky' – Verstappen doubtful of Chinese Grand Prix victory chances despite changes

Max Verstappen is hopeful that changes made to his Red Bull ahead of Qualifying will aid his progress in Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix.

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the thrilling Qualifying action from China as Piastri storms to his first Grand Prix pole position

Oscar Piastri claimed the first Grand Prix pole position of his career in superb fashion, edging out George Russell and his McLaren team mate in an exhilarating Qualifying session in China.

Piastri ‘pumped’ to take first F1 pole in Shanghai after ‘genuinely struggling’ as Norris rues ‘mistakes from my side’ in P3

Oscar Piastri was “pumped” to claim his first Formula 1 pole position in Qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix after admitting to some struggles earlier in the session, while McLaren team mate Lando Norris will start from P3, the Briton blaming his own mistakes following an aborted final lap.

‘I finished the job’ – Hadjar energised by ‘satisfying’ Q3 appearance in China as Racing Bulls target double points

Racing Bulls established themselves as the midfield team to beat in Qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix as both drivers infiltrated the top 10, with Isack Hadjar getting the better of his rookie rivals.

F1 ACADEMY: Palmowski fends off Chambers to inherit first win in Shanghai

Alisha Palmowski put herself in the right place at the right time to start her rookie season off with victory in Race 1 in Shanghai.

‘It’s just not good enough’ – Lawson frustrated at back-of-the-grid Chinese GP Qualifying as Red Bull struggles continue

Liam Lawson will start the Chinese Grand Prix from last after another disappointing performance in Qualifying.

Piastri edges out Russell and Norris for breakthrough maiden F1 pole during Chinese GP Qualifying

Oscar Piastri narrowly got the better of Mercedes rival George Russell and McLaren team mate Lando Norris during Qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, securing his first-ever Formula 1 pole position in the process.

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from Qualifying in Shanghai as Piastri snatches maiden Grand Prix pole

Live coverage of Saturday's Qualifying session for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

‘Not nice’ – Rookies Lawson, Bortoleto and Doohan reflect on fractious China Sprint performances as Alpine driver handed penalty

Jack Doohan’s difficult rookie season continued with last-lap contact with Gabriel Bortoleto in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint race relegating him to the back of the field and putting him in front of the stewards.

FIA post-Sprint press conference – China

DRIVERS 1 – Lewis HAMILTON (Ferrari) 2 – Oscar PIASTRI (McLaren) 3 – Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing)

Windows Central

Wolfenstein: The Old Blood is FREE on Amazon Prime right now

One of the best FPS games, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, is free on Xbox and PC right now with Amazon Prime.

I thought Microsoft Flight Simulator was coming to PlayStation, but this just looks like an AI slop rip-off

A listing for "Flight Simulator 2025" was recently spotted on PlayStation, but it's not Microsoft's game, or one that you should trust.

I just bought this 34% off 1TB SSD for my gaming PC because it's fast, cheap, and well-rated — Now I can finally upgrade my gaming PC

Thanks to a deal going on right now, I bought an internal SSD for my gaming PC at a much more affordable price. Here's why I chose it over other SSD deals.

Amazon flags Surface Laptop 7 as a frequently returned item — warns buyers to check reviews first

Some configurations of Surface Laptop 7 on Amazon in the US are being flagged with a warning that says the product has a high return rate, encouraging buyers to research the device before purchasing.

Apple faces legal action for using "false" Apple Intelligence ads to drive iPhone 16 sales

A class-action lawsuit drags Apple for using false marketing through its Apple Intelligence strategy to drive iPhone 16 sales and gain a competitive advantage against its rivals.

"The first 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC to challenge Microsoft's Surface Pro 11" is $300 off for a limited time

Looking for a Surface Pro 11 alternative? The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is $300 off right now, making the 2-in-1 a serious contender. It features a 3K OLED display that's excellent for creators.

GOG adds my beloved shooter F.E.A.R. to its Preservation Program "in honor of Monolith Productions" — Including an 80% discount

GOG.com restores missing content to Silent Hill 4: The Room and commits to keeping F.E.A.R. compatible on modern PCs.

Assassin's Creed Shadows reaches 2 million players, outpacing several prior games in the franchise

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows has crossed 2 million players, outpacing many of the games in the franchise, but not quite beating Valhalla.

I tested the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Intel's handheld chips annihilate its AMD rivals — So why can't you buy it?

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a glorious follow-up to the lackluster original handheld.

Laffgaff

Which singer-songwriter’s seventh studio album was called Graceland?

Paul Simon.

Skip Lunch

Why did the two fours skip lunch? Because they already eight.