The News - Wednesday, 02 April 2025

BBC News

23 more women make allegations against PhD student rapist

Police in London say Zhenhao Zou's "offending group is far greater" than they had realised.

Three big unknowns ahead of Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs

The president is expected to unveil details of his plans for a wider set of import taxes. But what tariffs and when?

Chris Mason: Jitters, uncertainty and hope as UK awaits Trump tariff decision

Talks are continuing between London and Washington at quite an intensity, our political editor writes.

The influencers who want America to procreate faster - and believe the White House is on their side

This fringe group have long courted controversy - but since Trump was sworn in for the second time earlier this year, their evangelising has reached a new level

Woman who reported predatory officer blamed by Met

The woman accused the force of trying to discredit her over her complaints against a Met constable.

Don't deport us over health issue, say British couple in Australia

A Macclesfield woman fears she will have to leave Australia due to her medical condition.

Trevor Lock, hero of Iranian embassy siege, dies aged 85

PC Lock was awarded for his bravery after it emerged he had tackled a gunman and saved the life of an SAS soldier.

Messages reveal prison staff violence towards inmates

Messages include jokes about someone who was said to be at risk of taking their life.

Public satisfaction with NHS hits record low

A fifth 21% happy with NHS in Britain, finds long-running poll, with waits and staffing of major concern.

Drone footage shows scale of Greek island flooding

Flash flooding caused significant damage on the Greece's Paros island.

Democratic-backed judge wins Wisconsin race in setback for Elon Musk

Elon Musk was a prominent fundraiser in the campaign, and was the subject of attack ads aired by Crawford's supporters.

Trump poised to reshape global economy and how world does business

The BBC’s economics editor Faisal Islam explains why a US tariff on goods imported into America is such a big deal for both consumers and countries.

The Papers: 'Trump trade madness' and 'BYD bonanza'

Most papers on Wednesday are leading on Trump's threat of global tariffs.

The man mourning 170 loved ones lost in Myanmar's earthquake

Scores of Muslims died in Sagaing when their mosques collapsed during Friday prayers at the end of Ramadan.

Guy Burgess's briefcase among MI5 artefacts on display

A battered leather briefcase left behind by Guy Burgess when he fled to Moscow in 1951 is among 20 objects from MI5's archives to go on display for the first time from Saturday.

Why are bills going up? Your questions answered

Bills, bins, and benefits - the BBC's cost of living correspondent Kevin Peachy answers your questions on bill rises.

BBC finds fear, loss and hope in Sudan's ruined capital after army victory

Our correspondent enters Khartoum just days after Sudan's army recaptured it from the Rapid Support Forces after a six-month offensive.

Watch: Iceland volcano spews lava and smoke after erupting

People are being evacuated as a volcano erupts in south-west Iceland, threatening a town.

US prosecutors to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione in CEO murder case

The 26-year-old is accused of shooting dead healthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.

Tourists and residents evacuated as volcano erupts in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon and the town of Grindavik were ordered to evacuate after earthquakes hit the area.

Virginia Giuffre grateful for 'love and support' after car crash

Ms Giuffre 'remains in serious condition' in hospital following a collision with a school bus, her family say.

Girl missing in River Thames named as Kaliyah Coa

A recovery mission is now under way to find 11-year-old Kaliyah along the Thames, Met Police said.

Private school VAT 'discriminatory', court hears

Families argue that the policy "interferes with the fundamental right to an education".

Prince Harry charity engulfed by cash fears, insiders claim

Financial worries and fundraising rows inflamed boardroom battle that engulfed Sentebale, insiders claim.

Inside Mandalay: BBC finds huge devastation and little help for Myanmar quake survivors

Yogita Limaye is the first foreign journalist to enter Myanmar since a huge earthquake hit the war-torn country.

Survivor challenges Israeli account of attack on Gaza paramedics

Palestinian paramedic Munther Abed rejects Israel's assertion that the vehicles approached troops with their lights off.

Man charged with 64 offences as part of investigation into funeral home

The charges follow an inquiry into a Hull funeral directors in which police removed human remains.

Heathrow warned by airlines about power supply days before shutdown

MPs hear the airport was warned about power supply resilience days before the disruptive closure.

Women to continue having babies later in life, says ONS

The ONS also projects women will continue having smaller families than previous generations.

Hollywood remembers 'wonderful' actor Val Kilmer

He starred in some of the biggest movies of the 1980s and 90s, including Top Gun and The Doors.

Parents allowed to block children's games and friends on Roblox

They are the latest safety measures from the gaming platform, which has faced questions over inappropriate content.

Tesla sales plunge after Elon Musk backlash

The car maker's sales slide has been attributed to competition and controversy around its boss.

Photograph released of girl missing in River Thames

A recovery mission continues to look for 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa along the Thames, Met Police said.

Michael Sheen to take on another real-life role as last Welsh-born Prince of Wales

Michael Sheen will star as Owain Glyndwr, the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, in a new stage play.

Chris Mason: Jitters, uncertainty and hope as UK awaits tariff decision

Talks are continuing between London and Washington at quite an intensity, our political editor writes.

What to expect from Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs

The BBC's Erin Delmore unpacks the reciprocal taxes the president has promised, as his trade wars continue to escalate.

Nintendo announces Switch 2 release date - but what was revealed about new games?

More than a million people watched online as details of the long awaited successor to the hit console were announced.

'I didn't feel able to come forward' - Chinese victims tell BBC about serial rapist

Police in London say PhD student Zhenhao Zou's "offending group is far greater" than they had realised.

Val Kilmer: A brilliant, underrated and unpredictable film star

An often underrated actor, Val Kilmer had extraordinary range.

The influencers who want the world to have more babies - and say the White House is on their side

Pronatalists have long courted controversy - but since Trump was sworn in for the second time, the evangelising of some members of this controversial fringe group has reached new levels.

The generation that has never known smoke-filled pubs

The legislation was brought across the country to reduce the effect of second-hand smoke.

Muse cancel Turkish gig after pressure from anti-government protesters

The British rock band scraps a concert after the promoter insulted anti-government protesters.

Exhibition offers a taste of classic school dinners

Pink custard and turkey twizzlers feature in a showcase of the childhood staple through the years.

UK couple's death in New Zealand probed as murder-suicide

The bodies were found after officers forced entry to a house in Roseneath, near Wellington, on Monday.

Woman who reported predatory officer blamed by Met

The woman accused the force of trying to discredit her over her complaints against a Met constable.

Environment Agency orders review into tyre recycling after BBC probe

Environment Agency review waste tyre exports after BBC probe reveals millions sent to furnaces in India.

Dublin's Molly Malone statue to get stewards to stop people touching it

Stewards are to be stationed next to the Molly Malone statue in Dublin to discourage people from touching it.

Bournemouth Echo

Road to close for five days to repair Victorian railway bridge

Dorset Council has approved the closure and signed diversions will be in place for motorists.

REVIEW: Popular pub returns with fresh menu and new look after refurb

A popular pub dating back to 1851 in Lytchett Minster has returned with a fresh menu and stylish new look after briefly closing for a refurbishment.

Food and music festival to 'cook up a storm' at country park

This year’s festival will treat attendees to a range of live music performances from top UK tribute acts and more.

New right of way officially opened with views across Poole Harbour

The opening event was attended by council leaders from Dorset and BCP Councils and other stakeholders.

Bournemouth influencer prepares for biggest fight yet

Aria has been boxing for a number of years and has fought on some of the "biggest promotions in the UK".

New business club to support community projects launches

It aims to help the centre maintain its venue, grow its partner schools programme and extend its range of access projects.

Gilbert and Sullivan concert to celebrate 150th anniversary of opera

The learned judge will be played by John Simpson, who has appeared with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and the English National Opera.

Dorset care home residents don extravagant hats for charity

Colten Care homes participated in the #WearAHatDay annual fundraiser, combining fun activities with community engagement.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care named Poole BID charity of the year

The charity also offers home visits, support groups and a virtual service, ensuring patients receive care that meets their needs.

Chartered surveyors firm appoints new office manager

"I also support the surveyors by following up on any necessary actions, helping to keep everything running smoothly."

Cooking classes inspire people in recovery from addiction

"I’m two and half years sober and after years of not taking care of myself I am enjoying cooking and shopping for healthy food."

Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists to perform at Bournemouth Pavilion

The choir is known for its rich harmonies and contemporary twist on the traditional Welsh male voice ensemble.

Care provider named one of UK's top 20 home groups

Residents and their families have rated care provider Luxury Care as one of the top 20 care home groups in the UK.

Training provider rebrands after employee ownership transition

The organisation has been in the training industry for more than 25 years, providing skills to thousands of learners and businesses.

Legendary space-rock band to perform in Bournemouth

The album continues the dystopian themes of their recent works and explores humanity's place in the universe.

Indian food festival in Bournemouth a hit with visitors

Children enjoyed crafts and Easter eggs and an Easter-themed drawing competition saw 20 participants take part.

Antiques expert Paul Martin to host free valuation day

The event is in partnership with Devizes auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son, where Mr Martin is head of valuations.

New programme for joint replacement patients to begin

More than 100 joint replacement surgeries are performed monthly across the BCP region.

Air ambulance charity invites supporters to 5k event

This event is open to individuals, groups, families and businesses and is described as an event for everyone.

'Ultimate Elvis tribute artist' coming to Bournemouth

Fans will be treated to a nostalgic journey through some of the King of Rock and Roll's most loved hits, spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Awards evening celebrates efforts of young carers and their supporters

The evening started by recognising the young carers who, according to the charity, balance their caregiving responsibilities with their personal growth.

Toronto Raptors coach gives Bournemouth students masterclass

She advised students that effective leadership is about connecting with people and empowering them to grow, rather than dictating every action.

Monty Python star to perform in Bournemouth as part of UK tour

Eric Idle, who has been a staple in the entertainment industry since 1963, will be backed by The Virtual Band.

Theatre partners with taxi firm to offer 'concierge-style service'

The premier taxi fleet will now provide pre-booked taxis to pick up guests from the front of the theatre after shows.

BCP Council launches consultation on new town and parish councils

The remaining areas of the former Poole and Bournemouth councils would also each have a town council.

New project to help young people explore the world of work

The project is delivered by Dorset Chamber and funded by Dorset Careers Hub, The Careers & Enterprise Company and Dorset Council.

'We’ve given it new energy' - Friends open sports bar in Bournemouth

A new sports bar has opened in Bournemouth, dedicated to cue sports and live sports entertainment.

Vogue and fashion week model turned interior designer to star on BBC show

A VOGUE and fashion week model from Bournemouth, turned interior designer is set to star on a BBC television show.

In The Dock: Woman used false registration plate among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Dorset Council unveils plan to improve public transport

The funding will be used to encourage public transport use, reduce carbon emissions and improve accessibility, particularly in rural areas.

Ironing board found in bushes during town centre clean-up

They took time out of their work schedules to pick up litter in Bournemouth town centre.

Moors Valley to remain closed following a "number of fires"

A popular country park remains closed following a “number of fires”.

Murder investigation continues as man's death still 'unexplained'

A man's death that sparked a murder investigation is still being treated as unexplained, police have said.

Fire service issues 'urgent plea' after Moors Valley blaze

The fire service has issued an urgent plea to the public to ‘play their part’ in helping us to prevent devastating wildfires.

Rescue of giant sea monster in Dorset receives significant cash boost

The rescue of a giant sea monster in East Dorset has received a significant donation from Dolan Charitable trust.

Dorset restaurant wins prestigious dining award

Sherborne restaurant, The Clockspire, has come away with first prize at esteemed award ceremony for the Trencherman's Awards 2025.

Man arrested over shoplifting offences at Waitrose

The police have arrested a man following a series of shoplifting offences in Wimborne.

Missing couple found after appeal

Officers searching for missing Dorchester couple John and Joan are pleased to confirm they have been found safe and well.

Inquest opens into death of man found at caravan park

An inquest has opened into the death of a man who was found dead at a caravan park in the New Forest

Urgent appeal launched to find missing couple

An urgent appeal has been launched to find a missing couple from Dorchester

Couple make 1,000-mile round trip to save rescue dog's life

A couple made a 1,000-mile round trip for a cutting-edge operation to treat their two-year-old rescue dog's rare liver condition.

Ex-police officer assaulted neighbour over parking row

A FORMER police officer who assaulted his new neighbour in a row over parking outside their suburban home has been ordered to pay him £400 compensation.

Dorset Council announces new chief executive

"With an ambitious council plan, and all the ingredients needed to deliver it, I can’t wait to get started."

'Prolific' shoplifter jailed after police found him hiding under duvet

"A prolific local shoplifter received a six month prison sentence after being located hiding at an address. Police had to force entry and he was located hiding under the duvet!"

Man arrested after person stabbed in Bournemouth

A MAN aged in his 20s has been arrested after another man was stabbed at an address in Bournemouth.

Police warn to 'dial 999 immediately' if you see wanted man

Dorset Police warn public to 'dial 999 immediately' and to not approach a wanted man from Bournemouth.

Road shut after crash where car collided with lamppost

A road was closed in Bournemouth after a crash involving two vehicles, with one of them colliding with a lamppost.

Pan-demonium: John Lewis targeted by cookware thieves

Frying pans, saucepans and Le Creuset pots have been stolen in a series of thefts from John Lewis in Poole.

Sainsbury's apologises to shoppers as metal found in chocolate and recall issued

Anyone who has purchased the recalled chocolate from Sainsbury's is being urged not to eat it

Can TV licence officers force their way into your home? Expert explains all

Under UK law, officers are tasked with ensuring that residents are paying the appropriate licence fee.

Santander issues 2025 scam warning to all customers after worrying rise

Santander has recorded a jump in older adults aged 80-plus and younger adults aged 34 and under reporting being scammed.

Batman and Top Gun actor Val Kilmer dies aged 65, daughter says

Star of Top Gun and Batman, Val Kilmer, has died aged 65 from pneumonia.

Next of kin appeal after death of 60-year-old man

The coroner for Dorset states that his death is not being treated as suspicious, and no police investigation is needed.

Amber wildfire alert extended for Dorset and Wiltshire

The danger is particularly high in expansive open land areas, such as heathlands, fields and cliff sides.

Government

Transport (Duty to Cooperate) Bill

A Bill to provide for a duty on transport authorities and other specified persons to cooperate to reduce transport disruption and to ensure the effective operation of transport networks; to provide for reporting requirements in connection with that duty; to require the publication of assessments of expected transport disruption resulting from maintenance, construction, and other works related to transport infrastructure and ancillary services; and for connected purposes.

Street Works (Penalties for Utility Companies) Bill

A Bill to make provision for the daily issuance of Fixed Penalty Notices against a utility company which has committed certain offences under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991; to require the minimum amount of any such penalty to be equal to the costs associated with the issuance of the related Fixed Penalty Notice; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Tsunoda expected 'a lot more trickiness' from Red Bull's RB21 on simulator ahead of Japanese GP

Yuki Tsunoda believes adapting to Red Bull’s RB21 for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix will “be very challenging” despite “expecting a lot more trickiness” from the car during pre-event simulator sessions.

Lawson backed to put ‘little nightmare’ behind him by former Red Bull driver Liuzzi following seat swap

Ex-Red Bull racer Vitantonio Liuzzi believes there is a “good possibility” of Liam Lawson rebuilding his F1 career with Racing Bulls, despite the disappointment and frustration he will feel about being dropped by the senior team.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to host unmissable entertainment line-up

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit – the fastest street circuit in Formula 1 – is set to host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and some incredible music performances across the race weekend from Friday April 18 to Sunday April 20.

How to stream the Formula 1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium

Formula 1 is back in action this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix – and here’s all the information you need to follow the action live from Suzuka on F1 TV.

What time is the Formula 1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix and how can I watch it?

Formula 1 returns this week at the Japanese Grand Prix, with the drivers and teams readying themselves to race at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the first stop in a triple header of races.

‘It can’t get crazier than this’ – Tsunoda on his Red Bull promotion, new team mate Verstappen and the ‘complete unknown’ he faces at Suzuka

Yuki Tsunoda was the star of the show as Red Bull staged a series of demo runs on the streets of Tokyo on Wednesday – the newly promoted racer showing off his fresh colours to a passionate home crowd before this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. When his various stints at the wheel were complete, F1.com caught up with the youngster to discuss the biggest step in his Formula 1 career to date, what relations are like with new team mate Max Verstappen, how he rates his home race chances and more…

THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on Japanese Grand Prix trivia and the latest F1 news

All eyes are on Yuki Tsunoda this weekend as F1 returns to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix...

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

The 2025 Formula1 season continues at pace this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix – but what kind of weather conditions can the drivers expect for Round 3 of the championship?

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

A triple header of races is about to begin as Formula 1 returns to action this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix – but which compounds have tyre supplier Pirelli provided for the three days of action?

‘He has the right attitude to cope with it’ – Perez backs Tsunoda to perform following Red Bull promotion

Sergio Perez believes that Yuki Tsunoda has what it takes to deliver at Red Bull following the team’s decision to promote the Japanese driver and demote Liam Lawson back to Racing Bulls just two races into the season.

Brown hails ‘secret weapon’ Stella as the best Team Principal in F1 amid McLaren success

Zak Brown has hailed McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella as the squad’s “secret weapon” amid their recent success, with the CEO also naming Stella as the “best in F1” when it comes to his role.

Windows Central

Xbox Cloud Gaming seems to now support early access games, starting with South of Midnight

An upgrade to Xbox Cloud Gaming seems to now enable support for early access titles, starting with South of Midnight.

I wish I'd found this Atomfall weapon sooner, it shreds EVERYTHING — trust me, you need to get it

If you're more of a ranged combat Atomfall player, then you simply have to get this weapon. It's a total game changer.

I asked a Lenovo representative about the Legion Go S (SteamOS) price increase — This is what they told me

The Legion Go S (SteamOS) handheld is releasing on May 25, 2025, but it's starting price is higher than initially revealed. This is what Lenovo told me when I asked about the price increase.

Bethesda Softworks QA union authorizes strike as negotiations with Microsoft continue

ZeniMax Workers United, a union representing QA workers on Bethesda Softworks games, has authorized a strike as negotiations with Microsoft continue.

Craft new mines in Minecraft to mine and craft more in the April Fool's Day update you can actually play

Mojang Studios has released Craftmine for April Fool's Day, a real update that lets you, well, craft mines. This is a limited time snapshot that's available now.

Rebellion's Atomfall has already reached 1.5 million players

Rebellion Development's Atomfall has already reached 1.5 million players over its first weekend since launch.

I'll never forget these three Windows apps that changed my life forever — So, where are they now as Microsoft turns 50?

I used (almost) every edition of Microsoft's operating system, so it's time to remember some of Microsoft's iconic first-party programs.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has game sharing and a camera — sound familiar?

The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal showed us GameShare and an included camera, something we've seen before in the Xbox One era but it wasn't so well received in 2013.

Xbox fans, I wasn't ready for $80 games, but Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart World just set the tone

Mario Kart World is $80 for a physical copy on Nintendo Switch 2, possibly heralding a storm of price increases for future games from Xbox and others.

Intel's new CEO requests "brutal honesty" from partners in his first keynote speech — Determined to build a "world-class" foundry

Lip Bu-Tan took to the stage at the enterprise-centric Intel Vision 2025 event to share his vision of the company's optimistic future.

Microsoft's ‘ultimate goal is to remove passwords completely’ — this overhaul could make it happen

Microsoft is overhauling its login experience to push passkeys and eliminate passwords. Here’s how the update improves security and simplifies sign-ins.

SoftBank dethroned Microsoft as OpenAI's largest investor, pushing the ChatGPT maker's market cap to $300 billion — but reportedly buried itself in debt

OpenAI closed its latest round of funding where it managed to raise $40 billion from investors, pushing its market cap to $300 billion.

Elon Musk's X might have a mole problem: “How could someone enumerate all Twitter user IDs, unless they were an employee?"

X was recently hit by a massive data leak featuring 2.8 billion Twitter IDs, potentially impacting over 200 million users.

Microsoft wants you and your business to ditch Office

Microsoft says businesses should upgrade from Office to Microsoft 365, arguing that the subscription saves money in the long run and improves productivity.

I've become a big HP fan after reviewing this powerful and premium enterprise AI laptop

Enterprise laptops are supposed to be boring, but that didn't stop me from falling in love with the chunky, powerful HP EliteBook X 14, and AMD-powered AI PC.

This Xbox Edition controller is not only the ultimate Game Pass companion, it's a reminder of handheld gaming's evolution

Mobile gaming has come a long way in the last 25 years. The latest Backbone One Xbox Controller is a nostalgic throwback that serves as a reminder of this evolution.

Forget Satya Nadella's Windows Phone fumble, Bill Gates' "greatest mistake of all time" cost Microsoft $400 billion

Bill Gates says his mismanagement and anti-trust issues made Microsoft lose its opportunity with Android, costing it $400 billion.

6 reasons why I think Microsoft should keep the 'local account' option in Windows 11

Microsoft keeps making it harder for users to set up a Windows 11 installation without a Microsoft account. I think this is a step in the wrong direction.

GameSir just showed off its G7 Pro "Xbox Elite" controller, and it looksspectacular

GameSir G7 Pro has uploaded a new trailer for the GameSir G7 Pro, an upcoming third-party controller designed to take Xbox and PC gaming to the next level.

Laffgaff

Who directed the 1988 movie Beetlejuice?

Tim Burton.

Punctuation Marks

What do you call two punctuation marks having dinner? Accommodate.

Itsfoss

5 Tools to Enhance Your AppImage Experience on Linux

Love using AppImages but hate the mess? Check out these handy tools that make it super easy to organize, update, and manage AppImages on your Linux system.