The News - Friday, 28 March 2025

BBC News

King experiences temporary side effects of cancer treatment

Charles returns to Clarence House after a short period in hospital, palace says, but postpones Friday engagements in Birmingham.

Starmer accuses Putin of 'playing games' over Ukraine peace deal

Now is not the time for pulling back or weakening sanctions, the UK PM says at Paris summit.

Greenlanders prepare for uncomfortable visit from US vice-president

Greenland is giving the cold shoulder to JD Vance and his wife, amid Trump's pledge to take control of the island.

Crew questioned after Red Sea submarine sinks killing six

Details of the victims have not yet been released, but two children were reported among the dead.

David Dimbleby: I thought the free market was with us forever - then Trump came along

Why the reign of the free market is facing its biggest ever challenge

Trump targets 'anti-American ideology' at Smithsonian museums

The order says that "divisive narratives" must be purged from the US museums and research centres.

Putin says Greenland 'nothing to do with Russia' in nod to US

Speaking in the Arctic, Russia's president said Trump's plans were "serious" but nothing to do with Moscow.

Ukrainians lose out on jobs and homes over visa uncertainty

Some employers and landlords are reluctant to hire or rent to Ukrainians because their visas are due to expire.

Big drop in child surgery for swallowed objects

Cashless society may have helped, since coins were a common foreign object swallowed, surgeons say.

Men make sacrifices many women don't for top jobs, Farage says

The Reform leader makes the comments on the role of women in the workplace at an event in Westminster.

Doctor feels betrayed after son died of sepsis at hospital where she worked

Deborah Burns says she is unable to return to work at the hospital after the death of her son, William Hewes.

The Papers: King's 'bump in the road' and 'coalition course'

The King experiencing cancer treatment side effects and plans for a UK-French deployment in Ukraine lead the papers.

Weekly quiz: Which world leader gave Donald Trump a new portrait?

How much attention did you pay to what has been going on in the world over the past seven days?

Affluent India's love for 'fur babies' fuels pet care industry boom

Affluent, urban Indians indulging their dogs and cats have led to the growth of India's pet care sector.

Venezuelans deported to mega-prison 'trapped in black hole'

Gertrudis Pineda tells the BBC she has no information about her son who was sent by the US to a prison in El Salvador.

Why Rachel Reeves may have to raise UK taxes in October

The chancellor is on track to meet her own fiscal rules, so why is there talk of tax rises in the autumn?

What we know so far about the Egypt submarine sinking

Six people have died after the submarine sank near Hurghada, a popular tourist destination.

Canada PM Mark Carney says old relationship with US 'is over'

The Canadian leader said his country's relationship with the US had changed due to Trump's tariffs, jeopardising future cooperation.

Five people injured in stabbing in Amsterdam, police say

Police say the suspect was arrested after being overpowered with the help of a local resident.

UK child poverty numbers reach a record high

About 31% of children are living in relative poverty after housing costs, government figures show.

Officer spared jail over fatal Tasering of 95-year-old

The former police officer was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Clare Nowland.

Albanese faces headwinds ahead of Australian election

A cocktail of global and domestic conditions have complicated the government's run for a second term.

Sky says 2,000 jobs at risk at customer service sites

The planned cuts represent 7% of Sky's total workforce and would mean the closure of three sites.

'Scunthorpe is steelmaking': Locals fear for future as blast furnaces face closure

Up to 2,700 jobs at Scunthorpe's steelworks could go following a British Steel consultation.

Verified video shows widespread damage following Myanmar earthquake

BBC Verify has been checking dozens of videos of damage and destruction following the earthquake in Myanmar.

Student jailed for 39 years for beach murder had 'rage against women'

Nasen Saadi was described in court as a "social misfit" who committed his crimes "to feel powerful".

Wife says 'Amie lives on' as student jailed for murder

Amie Gray was stabbed in the heart and left for dead by Nasen Saadi in Bournemouth last May.

Minister threatens to override new sentencing rules in 'two-tier' justice row

It follows a row with the Sentencing Council over how ethnic minority offenders should be sentenced.

Husband shares 'bittersweet' Paul O'Grady clip filmed 20 minutes before he died

The TV presenter filmed is seen at home alongside his beloved dogs just 20 minutes before he died.

King seen for first time after short hospital visit

The monarch travelled to his Highgrove estate the day after he experienced side effects to cancer treatment.

Reform UK to launch local election campaign

Reform is hoping for major gains at it contests nearly all the1,600 council seats up for re-election on 1 May.

WH Smith name to disappear from High Street after sale

The 233-year old chain will become TGJones but the brand will continue at airports and rail stations.

BBC backtracks on having adverts in some UK podcasts

The BBC says it "recognises strength of feeling about the plans" after other broadcasters objected.

BBC reporter on desperate search for survivors in rubble of 30-storey building

Panisa Aemocha reports from the collapsed tower in Bangkok, where an anxious search and rescue operation is under way.

In pictures: Collapsed buildings and buckled roads across the region

Massive earthquake hits Myanmar, causing widespread destruction there and in Thailand.

What we know so far

Widespread destruction has been caused by a huge earthquake hitting central Myanmar.

Disaster adds to war-torn Myanmar's troubles

The quake comes at a time of ongoing civil war, food shortages and a declining economy.

'It didn't stop - things were falling on us from upstairs'

A resident of Myanmar's largest city Yangon tells the BBC tremors lasted around four minutes.

How to watch Saturday's partial solar eclipse

Parts of the UK with clear skies will see the Moon take a 'bite' out of the Sun on Saturday morning.

David Dimbleby: I thought the free market was with us forever - then Trump came along

Why the reign of the free market is facing its biggest ever challenge

'I needed years of therapy over the battle to change my sexuality'

The government is drafting plans to outlaw conversion practices, with a Bill set to be introduced by the summer.

Chappell Roan: 'There's a new path for girls breaking the rules'

The Giver singer speaks about her fearlessness and being inspired by Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter.

Weekly quiz: Which world leader gave Donald Trump a new portrait?

How much attention did you pay to what has been going on in the world over the past seven days?

King feeling better but will be frustrated at visit having to be cancelled

The mood at Buckingham Palace is not one of alarm, but cancelled Birmingham trip is unsettling.

'My son was seeking the American Dream, now he's trapped in El Savador'

Gertrudis Pineda tells the BBC she has no information about her son who was sent by the US to a prison in El Salvador.

Women in court accused of stalking family of Madeleine McCann

Julia Wandel and Karen Spragg appear in court as part of an investigation into alleged stalking.

PM hails £415m boost for North of England rail

Sir Keir Starmer says upgrading rail connections could "massively improve" people's lives.

Confidential army papers found in street contained details of soldiers and weapons

A football fan finds piles of official military documents scattered along a street in Newcastle.

Israel conducts first strike on Beirut since Hezbollah ceasefire

The strike, which Israel said hit a Hezbollah site, occurred hours after two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel.

The Vampire Diaries author LJ Smith dies at 66

Smith's book series was adapted for a hit teen TV show, which ran for eight years until 2017.

Ukrainians in UK lose out on jobs and homes over visa uncertainty

Some employers and landlords are reluctant to hire or rent to Ukrainians because their visas are due to expire.

Production at Vauxhall in Luton comes to an end

It finishes after 120 years of the vehicle-maker being based in the Bedfordshire town.

Bournemouth Echo

'We're well looked after': BCP businesses thank public for Muddy Stiletto recognition

Businesses across the area have been recognised by the public as the finalists are announced for the Muddy Stilettos awards 2025.

'We are the only charity shop in Bournemouth town centre'

A charity shop manager is calling for greater community support, urging shoppers to choose charity stores and help sustain vital local services.

Dorset businesses recognised as finalists in 2025 Muddy Stiletto Awards revealed

Various businesses around Dorset have been nominated in categories at the Muddy Stiletto Awards 2025

Girl makes ‘amazing’ recovery after being ‘broken in half’

A teenage girl who was “broken in half” after falling from her horse and told that she might never walk again has made an “amazing” recovery.

Bournemouth woman hosts Afro brunch to appreciate her heritage

A WOMAN is excited to organise an afro bash brunch to bring Bournemouth community together and share her Kenyan heritage.

Town centre clean-up crew clears 41 pieces of graffiti in a week

Armed with litter-pickers and bags, the volunteers from various Bournemouth-based companies collected 58 bags of rubbish.

Murderer jailed for stabbing women in ‘savage and random attack’

A MAN with a '"rage against society" and a "grievance against women” has been jailed after fatally stabbing a woman and trying to kill her friend.

Farewell Condor Liberation: ferry leaves Poole for final time

The Condor Liberation has made its final passage through Poole Harbour and out to sea.

WATCH: Judge believes 'dangerous' man was 'prepared to kill'

A man has been sentenced to life in prison after murdering and attempting to murder Amie Gray and Leanne Miles.

LIVE: Man to be sentenced today for Bournemouth beach murder

Nasen Saadi, 21 and of Croydon, to be sentenced today at Winchester Crown Court for murdering a woman and attempting to kill another.

Speeding driver caught in New Forest told police 'I'm off to play golf'

A driver who was clocked speeding through the New Forest told police they were “off to play golf”

In The Dock: Thief who stole from charity among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Met Office predicts week of sunny weather for BCP

The Met Office has not issued any weather warnings or advice for the coming days.

'Wimborne Minster Folk Festival needs volunteers - can you help?'

THE widely anticipated Wimborne Minster Folk Festival will return on 6th-8th June this year and we are looking forward to another highly successful weekend.

See the current wait time for renewing your UK passport in 2025

Here are the current wait times for renewing your UK passport ahead of the summer holidays.

Patient taken to hospital after air ambulance landed in Poole

An air ambulance was called following an incident in Poole.

WATCH: Armed police arrest man who murdered woman on seafront

WATCH the moment that armed police arrested Nasen Saadi after he murdered a woman and attempted to kill another on Bournemouth beach.

Statements in full: Family speak out after murderer jailed

The family of Amie Gray have spoken out after her killer has been sentenced to life in prison.

Government responds to £20,000 personal allowance petition

The government has responded to a petition to raise the HMRC income tax personal allowance threshold from £12,570 to £20,000

WH Smiths agrees to sell UK high street shops to Hobbycraft owner

WH Smith has agreed to sell its UK high street chain to Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital, valuing it at £76 million.

NS&I Premium Bond cuts looming, says expert, as April sees fewer big winners

Premium Bonds big winners have already been cut as fewer £100,000 prizes will be available from next month

Fitness Classes and Gyms in BCP

Shape up for summer with these amazing classes in your local area.

SPONSORED: Spring into adventure: Discover the South Downs with Ordnance Survey!

As the first signs of spring emerge, it's the perfect time to dust off your walking shoes and prepare for outdoor adventures.

WHSmith agree to sell high street chain with plans to rebrand as TGJones

Retailer WHSmith has agreed to sell its UK high street chain to Modella Capital and will rebrand as TGJones.

Bournemouth man charged after 'indecent act' in public

A BOURNEMOUTH man has been put behind the bars after he was witnessed exposing himself publicly around Bournemouth town centre.

Dorset family business wins spray machine in prize draw

Prime Finish Interiors has been a PDA member since November 2022 and specialises in various services including interior decorating and wallpaper hanging.

Young people in the New Forest are taking on Jane Austen

The young people have been working alongside professionals, including a director, designer and stage manager, to make the show a success.

'Enjoy life as much as you can': Great-grandmother celebrates 100th birthday

Inge, who was a blood donor for British soldiers, met her future husband Ron, a British soldier, during this time.

Team of business leaders to tackle National Three Peaks Challenge

The team includes other Frettens employees, as well as members from MYTIME Young Carers, Total Guide to Ltd, Even Keel Solutions, Azets and Evolve Advisory.

Country park announces more than three weeks of Easter events

An Easter trail will be running daily, providing an opportunity to learn about the fairies that 'protect' the Durlston woodland.

Titanic dinner theatre experience to take place on Bournemouth Pier

Attendees are invited to step back in time to 1912 on the night of the Titanic's tragic sinking.

Children can take their mums on the bus for free this Mother’s Day

"Not only is this a chance to spend time together, but it’s also an opportunity to be green, leave the car at home and use sustainable transport for this special day out."

Delight as area placed in top three in national bus satisfaction survey

The survey, carried out in autumn 2024, collected feedback from bus passengers across the country on various aspects of their journeys.

Construction begins on 27 affordable homes in coastal location

The homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring sustainable materials, energy-efficient heating, and large windows for natural light.

Care home residents and schoolchildren unite for eco initiative

The initiative, known as Generations of Change, is focused on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable gardening.

'I want to make her proud': New Milton man to run London Marathon

Ms Carr, who was 69, passed away in May 2024, six months after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Dorset properties take 19 weeks to sell, survey reveals

It tracked the period from when a property is listed on leading UK property portals to when it is marked as 'sold' by the HM Land Registry.

Indonesian culinary evening to support mayor's charity fundraising

The fundraising dinner will support the Mayor of Wimborne, Councillor Jeff Hart, in reaching his charity target.

New Forest council celebrates success of garden waste scheme

"The contents, including grass cuttings, hedge clippings and more, are recycled using a composting process."

Two colleagues qualify as solicitors at Dorset law firm

"It is immensely pleasing to see team members with an interest in furthering their legal careers do so well."

New partnership to support residents during difficult times

The partnership aims to support those who may not qualify for formal adult social care support.

Warning over dangers of driving while tired as clocks go forward

The AA recommends taking a short break every two hours on a long journey to refresh yourself.

New incinerator 'will burn more waste than Dorset produces'

This, she fears, will necessitate importing waste from outside the county.

SPONSORED: Spring into adventure: Discover the Isle of Wight with Ordnance Survey!

As the first signs of spring emerge, it's the perfect time to dust off your walking shoes and prepare for outdoor adventures.

How British are you? See if you could pass the Citizenship test with our quiz

Being born in Britain might make you confident you have a decent grasp of what it means to be British but could you pass the Life In the UK test?

Will the UK get an extra bank holiday for VE Day's 80th anniversary?

Celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day will take place in the UK over four days in May 2025.

King Charles ‘won’t slow down or do what he’s told’ after cancelling engagements

The Queen has described King Charles as a 'workaholic' after he had to cancel engagements due to cancer treatment side effects.

Formula 1

LIVESTREAM: Catch all the Round 12 action from the season finale of the 2025 F1 Sim Racing World Championship

After 11 exciting races across three busy events, it’s time for the title to be decided in the season finale of the 2025 F1 Sim Racing World Championship as the drivers prepare to battle it out around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.

WATCH: Lawson out, Tsunoda in – Laura Winter and Lawrence Barretto discuss Red Bull’s driver call

Red Bull announced on Thursday that Liam Lawson will be stepping back to Racing Bulls from the Japanese Grand Prix, with Yuki Tsunoda taking his place at the senior team.

F1 EXPLAINS: What it’s like to be an F1 team boss – with McLaren’s Zak Brown live in the paddock

What does the CEO of a Formula 1 team do? What happens in the F1 boss group chat? Who decides who collects the Teams’ trophy on the podium?

‘He’s not become the worst driver in two races’ – Ex-Red Bull junior Alguersuari sympathises with Lawson after Racing Bulls demotion

Former Red Bull junior driver and Toro Rosso racer Jaime Alguersuari has shown support for Liam Lawson following the announcement that he will be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda from the Japanese Grand Prix – saying the New Zealander’s performance was “not as bad as it looks”.

Wolff hails Russell as one of 'absolute top three' drivers in F1 after '10 out of 10' performance in China

Toto Wolff believes that George Russell is one of the “absolute top three” drivers in Formula 1 – with the potential to become the “top one” – after deeming the Briton’s performance at the Chinese Grand Prix as a “10 out of 10”.

Opmeer and Red Bull crowned champions during F1 Sim Racing World Championship finale in Abu Dhabi

Jarno Opmeer has been crowned F1 Sim Racing Drivers’ World Champion for a record third time following Thursday night’s Abu Dhabi season finale, with his Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing outfit also taking the Teams’ title.

From infamous title deciders to home race heartbreaks – 7 of the most dramatic disqualifications in F1 history

After a chaotic season opener in Australia, the Chinese Grand Prix also featured its fair share of drama – with a significant amount of this occurring post-race, when it was confirmed that not one, not two, but three drivers had been disqualified from the classification.

HINCHCLIFFE: Mercedes took a huge gamble on 18-year-old rookie Antonelli – but he already looks like the real deal

Antonelli has truly stood out so far. Not just in comparison to his fellow rookies, but to the entire class of 2025, says IndyCar star and F1 TV pundit James Hinchcliffe.

‘It’s tough’ – Lawson shares first message after Red Bull seat swap with emotional social media post

Liam Lawson has shared an initial reaction to the news that he will be replaced at Red Bull from the Japanese Grand Prix in an emotional post on social media.

Windows Central

The next Call of Duty Zombies map, "Shattered Veil", is dropping earlier than expected

The much anticipated trailer for the next Call of Duty Zombies map 'Shattered Veil' is out now, and there's a lot to unpack .

The new Helldivers 2 Illuminate Major Order is so important that we got a new stratagem for it

If Helldivers 2 players can complete this new Major Order, the Illuminate's Meridian Singularity black hole can finally be stopped.

Hogwarts Legacy DLC reportedly canceled by WB Games

Unnannounced Hogwarts Legacy DLC reportedly canceled by WB Games, according to a new report.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake teaser trailer gameplay hints at big story changes coming to these legendary titles

Square Enix presents to the world its first look at Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake with a new gameplay teaser trailer.

This isn't your grandpa's Pac-Man — Bandai Namco's iconic character gets a gritty new action game this Summer

Bandai Namco has announced the release date for Shadow Labyrinth, a game that aims to reinterpret Pac-Man into a gritty sci-fi, side-scrolling Metroidvania action game.

Every PC and Xbox game shown off during Nintendo Direct March 2025

Here are all the games from the Nintendo Direct March 2025 presentation that are also coming to Xbox and PC.

Rumored Ubisoft and Tencent agreement comes to fruition with 25% stake and new division for the Assassin's Creed developer

Ubisoft and Tencent are working together on a new gaming subsidiary that includes Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six.

Microsoft 365 sales are few and far between these days — grab this one before it goes away!

Don’t overpay for Microsoft 365! This deal gets you a full year of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more for just $69.99.

Would PlayStation block its PC Steam games from running on a future Windows-based PC-like Xbox? Let's discuss.

A debate has been raging on social media about whether or Sony will, or even *can* block its PlayStation games on Xbox.

Bill Gates says, "AI will replace humans for most things" — creating a 2-day work week in 10 years, and Copilot says it's good for your mental health

In a recent interview, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates claimed that AI might present a two-day work opportunity for professionals.

The Logitech ERGO K860 is the only keyboard I trust for all-day typing

I’ve used the Logitech ERGO K860 for years, typing over a million words. It’s the best ergonomic keyboard I’ve ever owned, and now you can get it at a discount.

Qualcomm Snapdragon PCs first to get long-awaited ‘Semantic Search’ in latest Windows 11 Insider update

Windows Search is now powered by a semantic AI engine utilizing new NPUs to enhance search capabilities.

I've only played Atomfall for a few hours, but I think I'm going straight to hell

The open nature of how you can play through Atomfall leaves you the ultimate freedom to do what you want. Even if it leads to some questionable practices.

Windows Central Podcast: Nobody wants the Surface Laptop 7?

Daniel and Zac discuss the state of Windows on Arm, Surface Laptop 7 return drama, Microsoft's upcoming smaller Surface PCs, and Windows 11 25H2.

NVIDIA Project G-Assist tested — the new AI gaming tool is worse than I thought

NVIDIA launched a new AI tool built into its official desktop app, and the results after trying it out are less than impressive. Here's what you need to know.

College Football 25 now available through Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play

College Football 25 is now included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Here’s how to play one of the best football games ever at no extra cost.

Is AI a fad? 76% of researchers say scaling has "plateaued" — but firms like OpenAI continue splurging billions into a dead end

According to a new study, 76% of AI researchers suggest that current AI strategies are "unlikely" or "very unlikely" to succeed.

Sam Altman says ChatGPT's images "are wayyy more popular than we expected" — OpenAI had to place free users on a waitlist for a while, "our GPUs are melting"

OpenAI recently announced that it's delaying ChatGPT's image-generation tool for free users for a while.

Amazon warns customers which Xbox products are "frequently returned items," and one is particularly unsurprising

Following Amazon's indictment of the Surface line, it has now set its sights on Xbox.

Microsoft publishes Windows roadmap as it promises transparency around feature availability

Microsoft is launching a new roadmap to help users better understand when new features are coming to Windows 11.

Laffgaff

Who was the first person to observe the planet Saturn with a telescope?

Galileo Galilei.

Paint Thinner

I went down to the paint store to get thinner. It didn't work. I'm still fat.