The News - Friday, 18 April 2025

BBC News

Ukraine says outline of minerals deal signed with US

The move would be a step towards a final deal derailed by a row at the White House in February.

US senator meets man mistakenly deported to El Salvador

But Salvadoran President Bukele says Kilmar Ábrego García - who is at the centre of a US court battle - will stay in custody.

Hamas formally rejects Israeli ceasefire offer

The group says it wants a deal that would free all hostages in return for an end to the war.

Man used police officer mum's gun to kill two at Florida college, police say

The 20-year-old alleged gunman began shooting at around lunchtime near the student union building.

Syrians have more freedom after Assad, but could they soon lose it?

There are concerns around what democracy could look like and the role of Islam in the new regime.

US weapons left in Afghanistan sold to militant groups, sources tell BBC

Sources say half a million US weapons obtained by the Taliban have been lost, sold or smuggled to militant groups.

How much do bin workers get paid?

At the heart of the dispute are the Waste Recycling and Collection Officers, who were paid more than some other bin workers.

Project to suck carbon out of sea begins in UK

A pilot project will test whether it is a useful way of fighting climate change.

Trump suggests UK state visit set for September

Earlier this year, King Charles III invited Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit.

Four dead in cable car crash south of Naples

The car had been traversing the 1,100m-high mountain when a cord to one of the cabins snapped say local media.

Fire services get 50% less than police to cover tax rises

Fire services across England say they will struggle to meet the cost of a rise in employer National Insurance.

Chilli vs the chiller: Lord Sugar hires new Apprentice

He bills the battle between Indian-flavoured pizzas and air conditioning as "chilli vs the chiller".

Weekly quiz: What song did Katy Perry sing in space?

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

'No-fly throne' and 'Labour turmoil on ruling'

A range of stories make Friday's front pages including a drone ban around King Charles estate in Sandringham.

'Our dad's a teacher - this is how we deal with revision stress at home'

Three teenagers and their teacher dad give some top tips on how to survive the stressful exam period.

Could JD Vance meet the most famous Catholic of them all?

The US vice-president will meet Italy's prime minister but an audience at the Vatican could also happen, the BBC learns.

Migrant tents removed from Guantanamo bay, satellite images show

Some 175 tents raised as part of an expansion to the base's migrant detention centre have been removed.

Couchella: The best sets to stream on Coachella's second weekend

The festival returns for a second weekend in the Californian desert. Here's how to watch at home.

Five takeaways from Canada party leaders' big TV debate

There were two ghosts in the room during Canada's federal election debate - Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump.

Trump and Meloni talk up chances of US trade deal with Europe

The US president separately said he is confident of making "a very good deal" with China.

Menendez brothers' resentencing bid delayed after contentious day in court

A hearing set to decide the fate of the convicted killers was delayed after bickering in court.

'My home is worth millions but my kids can't afford to live here'

Housing has taken a backseat in Canada's election to Donald Trump's tariffs, but advocates argue the affordability crisis is just as disruptive.

US lays out plans to hit Chinese ships with port fees

The charges will start in 180 days and rise in the coming years.

Flintoff 'didn't leave house for six months' after Top Gear crash

The former England cricketer speaks about his recovery from the crash ahead of a new documentary.

Review into body armour for prison staff after Abedi attack

The announcement comes after Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi attacked prison officers at HMP Frankland.

Flintoff 'didn't leave house for six months' after crash

The former England cricketer speaks about his recovery from the crash ahead of a new documentary.

British woman killed in Naples cable car crash named

Margaret Winn was among four people killed in the incident at Mount Faito, while another was "extremely seriously injured".

Migrant dies in channel crossing attempt

Police say they are trying to establish the identity of a man who died crossing the English Channel.

Eyesight rules for motorists unsafe, says coroner

Visual legal standards for motorists is "ineffective and unsafe", a coroner says.

Robbie Williams: Photo requests cause 'discomfort'

The singer says he feels there is an "unspoken law" that celebrities should always be accessible.

Toblerone dark chocolate bar discontinued in the UK

Mondelēz International, which owns the brand, says it took the "difficult decision" to axe the 360g bar.

Ryan Gosling to star in new Star Wars film

The new Disney project, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, is set to be released in May 2027.

'Child in arms, luggage on my head, I fled Sudan camp for safety'

Inhabitants of Sudan's biggest camp for displaced people have had their lives upturned once again.

Watch: Olympic legend leaves parents in her dust at school sports day

The third-fastest woman in history, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, took part in sports day at her son's school in Jamaica.

Blood pressure medication recalled over wrong dose on pack

People taking lercanidipine are being urged to check their medication after thousands of packs were recalled.

Millions get away for Easter bank holiday weekend

There are warnings of disruption on the roads and railways, while weather could also cause delays.

Surprise as 100 Spaniards turn up at English non-league game

Harborough Town's home match had some international visitors - but why were they there?

Weapons left by US in Afghanistan sold to militant groups, sources tell BBC

Sources say half a million US weapons obtained by the Taliban have been lost, sold or smuggled to militant groups.

Syrians have more freedom after Assad, but could they soon lose it?

There are concerns around what democracy could look like and the role of Islam in the new regime.

Five takeaways from Canada party leaders' big TV debate

There were two ghosts in the room during Canada's federal election debate - Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump.

Donald Trump suggests UK state visit set for September

Earlier this year, King Charles III invited Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit.

Bottlenose dolphins kill dolphin calf off Welsh coast

Rare attack seen by dolphin spotting tour could become more common as the seas warm, an expert says.

US senator meets man mistakenly deported to El Salvador

But Salvadoran President Bukele says Kilmar Ábrego García - who is at the centre of a US court battle - will stay in custody.

Council bought unsafe homes for Grenfell survivors

More than 290 properties were bought by Kensington and Chelsea after the 2017 Grenfell fire.

Bournemouth Echo

In The Dock: Man obstructed dual carriageway before assaulting police officers

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Audi seized after suspected drugs found inside

AN Audi was seized when suspected drugs were found inside it. 

Branksome sports day for the ages

The school grounds transformed into a time-travelling wonderland as pupils and staff participated in a sports day themed around the Ages of Man.

Violence erupted on the beach and streets of Bournemouth

The Whitsun bank holiday of 1964 cast a long shadow over Britain, revealing a societal undercurrent of unrest simmering beneath the surface of its seaside idyll

'Logic sidelined in place of anything to save the planet'

THE so-called Plant Based Treaty, invented by yet another minority, wants an end to eating any food that comes from animals, including milk and eggs.

'Love your country, love cycle lanes'

IT IS the job of the council's opposition to question everything a council does, so cycling infrastructure provision is absolutely no exception.

Bournemouth musician's band in running for record label deal

The band performed its first gig in May 2024 at Camden's infamous Dublin Castle, which led to an opportunity to record at Abbey Road Studios.

Job opportunity to help 'transform' New Forest communities

"That sort of empathy makes a difference – it helps people feel seen and that’s powerful."

Two-day festival in Bournemouth to celebrate 'many communities'

"I wanted him and all our children - and us adults too - to feel that we live in a country where we can respect and celebrate each other."

'Unforgettable': College sport teams crowned national champions

"The weekend as a whole was amazing and a great way to end my college football of the last three years."

New Forest town asks for views on draft neighbourhood plan

This includes making decisions on where new homes, shops and offices should be built and what these new buildings should look like.

Innovation to support cleaner vessel movements in Poole

It has received funding from the Innovate UK Marine and Maritime Launchpad programme.

Next of kin appeal for man who died aged 60 in Bournemouth

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

I taste tested hot cross buns from Aldi, Tesco, ASDA and more to find the best

I taste-tested hot cross buns from ASDA, Lidl, Aldi, Tesco and more to find the very best to enjoy this Easter weekend.

Charity skydive event to take place over Wiltshire this summer

The foundation has previously done projects including disaster relief following the Nepal floods and supporting rehabilitative climbing opportunities for veterans.

Charity seeks £8,000 to support community growing projects

"Your donation to our charity will make a real difference in these important local spaces."

Jousting knights and motorcycle stunt kids to thrill at show

They will put on a theatrical horse show, which will see mounted medieval knights battle in a jousting tournament.

Care home invites community to spring social event

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Village hall to host 1940s-themed event to celebrate VE Day

Residents can enjoy cream teas, included in ticket prices, which will be exchanged for "ration cards" at the "NAFFI kitchen."

Winton woman, 20, to run London Marathon to support local cafe

The café, which serves more than 100 people daily, has become "worn and tired" after years of heavy use.

Dorset shoppers can support food allergy research at Tesco

All funds raised will be used by Natasha's Foundation to improve the quality of life for people with food allergies.

Residents invited to volunteer at event to help educate others

The RTS is used by older energy meters to communicate peak and off-peak times and control heating and hot water.

AUB event to celebrate Earth Day with author talks and readings

Dr Moore will discuss 'Ecopoetikon', a new project developed at the University of Gloucestershire to research and showcase global ecopoetries.

Line-up for upcoming months announced by Poole theatre

Violinist Nicola Benedetti will also be performing on Saturday, November 29 as part of her first solo tour in more than a decade.

Want to get your garden summer ready? Here's 5 tips from experts

How you can get your garden ready for summer with these items from High Street TV - as well as 5 tips from gardening experts.

The 'secret' Netflix codes that could help you find 'hidden' content this Easter

A Reddit user has shared a guide to secret codes that will allow you to quickly narrow down your Netflix search

Dorset military families to be prioritised under new scheme

MILITARY families with improper homes in Dorset are being prioritised under new government policy.

Protest against water companies that dump sewage into the sea

A PADDLE out protest against companies continues to dump sewage into oceans and increase sewage pollution will be taking place in Bournemouth.

Plans to change speed limit on new Bournemouth hospital access road

A PLANNING application has been submitted by Royal Bournemouth Hospital to change speed limits on the new access road at the hospital.

Police officer sacked after groping and sniffing woman

A POLICE officer has been sacked after he groped and sniffed a woman at a charity boxing event in Bournemouth.

New venue to ‘elevate town centre’ with darts, drinks and Indian cuisine

A NEW venue is said to ‘elevate’ Bournemouth town centre with darts, drinks and Indian cuisine.

Reunion for old Bournemouth nightclub coming next month

A former favourite nightclub is returning to Bournemouth next month for one night only.

PDSA warning to pet owners over potential poisoning in dogs and cats this Easter

A PDSA vet nurse has issued a safety warning to UK pet owners over the dangers of chocolate poisoning in dogs, cats and rabbits this Easter.

Upton Road closed after crash amid Easter getaway

A35 Upton Road is closed after reports of an accident, we will also be bringing you travel updates from around the area to bear in mind when setting off this Easter weekend.

Investigation due to take place into heath fire at Studland

An investigation is due to take place into a fire at Studland that tore through heathland.

Weather warning issued as rain set to become 'heavier'

A weather warning for rain has been issued to affect areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Warning to 'stay away' from cliff edges due to risk of landslips

If you are out on the coast this Easter weekend, please stay safe by taking notice of warning signs and keep to existing paths. Stay away from the edge and base of cliffs.

Hour-by-hour weather forecast as heavy rain expected

Bournemouth and surrounding areas are due to expect heavy rainfall today and tomorrow this Easter weekend.

Multiple rubbish bags and mattress dumped at car park

A heap of rubbish made up of various discarded items has been left at a New Forest car park.

REVIEW: A Ticket To Dream, Lighthouse, Poole

A Ticket To Dream, Lighthouse, Poole

Nine animals killed on New Forest roads so far this year

Nine animals have been killed on New Forest Roads by vehicles speeding on the road, campaigners have said.

How NHS patient data is powering lifesaving research in Wessex

Did you know your NHS patient data is already helping researchers save lives? From improving cancer detection to predicting disease outbreaks, data is transforming healthcare. Now, the Wessex Secure Data Environment (SDE), led by University Hospital Southampton, aims to unlock the full potential of our health records – making research faster, safer, and more effective right here in our communities.

Warning as 'shocked' homeowner threatened with fine up to £20k for gardening mistake

A common gardening mistake of cutting back a tree with a Tree Protection Order (TPO) landed one homeowner at risk of a £20,000 fine.

Formula 1

WEEKEND WARM-UP: McLaren the favourites as intra-team rivalry hots up in Saudi Arabia with Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes all in the mix

Saudi Arabia plays host to the fifth race weekend of an already enthralling season. But while McLaren start as favourites, nothing is guaranteed at this incredibly fast circuit where the walls loom large.

PADDOCK INSIDER: Verstappen's Red Bull future proves a hot topic as Alonso and Russell reflect on their own plans

Max Verstappen's partnership with Red Bull was a hot topic in the paddock on Thursday in Saudi Arabia after the energy drinks company's motorsport adviser Helmut Marko said he has "great concern" about the reigning four-time World Champion's future with the team. 

‘It’s not impossible’ – Hamilton expands on key area he’s looking to work on to get to grips with Ferrari car

Lewis Hamilton has opened up on the work he has to do regarding his driving style in order to fully get to grips with the Ferrari SF-25, believing that "it's not impossible" to get a handle on.

Norris 'being forced to drive in a different way' as championship leader opens up on car struggles

Lando Norris believes he is “being forced to drive in a different way and a different manner that I’m not used to” having struggled to match the recent performance of McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri.

‘If you perform, everything is good’ – Russell responds to speculation over new Mercedes contract

George Russell has responded to rumours suggesting that he might be about to sign a new contract with Mercedes, with the Briton admitting that his focus is on what is happening on the track given that “if you perform, everything is good”.

FIA Thursday press conference – Saudi Arabia

The drivers face the press ahead of the 2025 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekend.

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

Formula 1 returns to action this week at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with the drivers and teams moving on to the final stop of the season's first triple header sequence.

SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX – Read the all-new digital race programme here

Check out the digital race programme for this weekend's Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025.

Sainz concedes he needs to 'pick fights a bit better' after race-ending contact with Tsunoda in Bahrain

Carlos Sainz has reflected that he needs to ‘pick fights a bit better’ as he continues to adjust to life with new team Williams.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from second practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Live coverage of Friday's second Formula 1 practice session for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

HIGHLIGHTS: Relive FP1 from Saudi Arabia as Gasly claims impressive top spot

Pierre Gasly surprised the Formula 1 grid by claiming top spot in Free Practice 1 for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with a scintillating lap that left him 0.007s clear of Lando Norris.

FP1: Gasly sets the pace from Norris and Leclerc during first practice in Saudi Arabia

Pierre Gasly has topped the timesheets during the first practice hour of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, the Alpine driver causing a surprise by going fastest from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Live coverage of Friday's first Formula 1 practice session for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

F1 EXPLAINS: Crashing, downforce, drag and dirty air – Your questions answered by Laura Winter and James Hinchcliffe

How do drivers stay so calm when they’re about to crash? What’s the difference between a slipstream and dirty air? Why do F1 cockpits have small ‘windscreens’?

‘I know what he’s capable of’ – Russell assesses Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles as he insists ‘we’ll see more of that magic’

George Russell believes that there will be more “magic” to come from former team mate Lewis Hamilton – like that seen during his Sprint victory in China – as the seven-time World Champion continues to get to grips with his new car at Ferrari.

Piastri explains ‘best way’ of approaching championship battle after bouncing back in style from Australian disappointment

Oscar Piastri has explained the "best way" he plans to go about his 2025 championship fight, as he opened up on the mental strength required to bounce back from his Australian Grand Prix disappointment at the start of the year.

Windows Central

As Path of Exile 2's review score continues to plummet, another ARPG overtakes it on Steam

Welcome to the Last Epoch, or the first Epoch if you're a newcomer.

I've had my eye on this new Game Pass RPG for ages, and you can preorder it for a whopping 30% off ahead of its launch next week

The long-awaited Xbox Game Pass RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches next week, and right now, you can save big while preordering it.

Borderlands 4 – Gameplay, release date, cross-play, and everything you need to know

Borderlands is gearing up for another explosive adventure with Borderlands 4. This game promises more mayhem, enemies to blow up, awesome guns to loot, and cross-play support. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

'It was clear that Xbox was the best option," Towerborne developers discuss early access, the superpower of having a community, working with Microsoft, and more

In a recent interview, we caught up with the team at Stoic to learn about Towerborne's past, present, and future.

My favorite Game Pass Soulslike just got a huge 2.0 update, and whoa, the patch even added a Friend's Pass for free playing

The 2023 reboot of Lords of the Fallen was already a great Soulslike, but a massive new Version 2.0 update just made it even better.

Overwatch 2 shows off its ambitious Stadium Mode, new hero, launch date, and more in the new Season 16 gameplay trailer

Blizzard Entertainment has shown off more footage of Overwatch 2's new Stadium Mode along gameplay of Freja, new skins, and more in Overwatch 2's Season 16 trailer.

Diablo 4 is collaborating with Berserk, bringing Kentaro Miura's legendary manga series to the world of Sanctuary

Diablo 4 announced two upcoming IP collaborations for 2025, today we found out the first will be Berserk.

The Xbox app on PC is showing Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One console games, and uh, even Xbox 360 and Windows Phone games — Why?

Microsoft broke something on the back end of the Xbox app, but could it be a sign of things to come?

I don’t need 32GB of RAM, but 16GB isn’t enough anymore — 24GB is the new sweet spot, and Windows OEMs need to catch up

My Surface Laptop 7 is less than a year old, and I'm already hitting the 16GB RAM ceiling. Yet, I can't justify an upgrade to 32GB RAM because I don't need it. I really need 24GB RAM, but that option is fleeting in the Windows laptop space.

Laffgaff

Idi Amin was ruler of what African nation in the 1970s?

Uganda.

Illegal Bees

A guy tried to sell me illegal bees to make free honey. I said no because I knew it was a sting operation.