The News - Friday, 25 April 2025

BBC News

Why the Post Office paid £600m to stay shackled to the faulty Horizon system

Not owning crucial code has meant it has been unable to replace the system that led to a scandal.

Ukraine may have to give up land for peace - Kyiv Mayor Klitschko

Vitaliy Klitschko tells the BBC that although unfair, it could be a temporary solution to end the fighting.

Just Stop Oil was policed to extinction - now the movement has gone deeper underground

Climate activists may be going deeper underground.

Reeves says she understands Trump's trade concerns

The chancellor is set to meet her US counterpart to make the case for a bilateral trade deal.

California passes Japan as fourth largest economy

The US state expresses worries that President Donald Trump's tariffs could stunt future growth.

'I'm alive but three in my group didn't make it' - Kashmir attack survivor

Tourists are returning home after a deadly gun attack killed 26 visitors in Indian-administered Kashmir.

China shares rare Moon rocks with US despite trade war

Two US institutions have been granted access to samples collected by the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.

King and Queen to host VE Day tea party for war veterans

National commemorations and events will begin on 5 May with a military procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces.

Footballer jailed for causing cyclist's death

Mansfield Town footballer Lucas Akins crashed into Adrian Daniel, 33, near Huddersfield in 2024.

Health of Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro has worsened, doctors say

The 70-year-old, who remains in intensive care, underwent intestinal surgery earlier this month - and currently faces coup charges.

Reform UK criticised for candidates' offensive posts

Nigel Farage says his party has the best vetting - but campaigners find candidates who appear to have slipped through the net.

Canadian PM reveals Trump brought up '51st state' during March call

Mark Carney confirmed the detail but told reporters Trump 'brings this up all the time'

Yungblud on keeping fans safe, and his 'shirt off era'

The star says he is 'reclaiming sexiness' after poor self-esteem led to an eating disorder.

The Papers: Ukraine 'too risky' and 'Will only work for 40k'

Ukraine and Trump's rare rebuke of Putin dominate the front pages of Friday's papers.

Weekly quiz: What kind of bread was crowned Britain's Best Loaf?

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

Grande dame hangs up her ballet shoes aged 89

Some of Sheena Gough's students travelled hundreds of miles for her classes in Edinburgh.

What Canadians really care about (beyond Trump)

The BBC asked voters across Canada what issues matter most to them ahead of the country's fast-approaching federal election.

Mass food poisonings cast shadow over Indonesia's free school meals

Nearly 80 students across two high schools fell sick after eating the meals this week.

Who will win the race to develop a humanoid robot?

Humanoid robots are attracting a lot of investment but will China dominate the industry?

Supported housing in crisis, groups tell Starmer

Supported housing for vulnerable or disabled people is in crisis, a letter to the prime minister says.

Runcorn by-election battle tests Labour nerves

The by-election on 1 May will also be seen as a measure of the broader political mood that could set the tone in Westminster.

Harry and Meghan call for stronger social media protections for children

They told the BBC they want to ensure "no more kids are lost to social media" in unveiling a memorial.

Cyber attack causes further chaos for M&S shoppers

Customers have reported problems with click and collect orders as well as card and contactless payments.

We have been eating chocolate digestives wrong for 100 years, McVitie's manager says

The digestive biscuits were originally intended to be eaten with the chocolate side facing down.

China tells Trump: If you want trade talks, cancel tariffs

China denies any trade talks with the US as it calls for sweeping tariffs to be cancelled.

What would it mean for Ukraine to temporarily give up land?

The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has told the BBC that Ukraine may have to give up land as part of a peace deal with Russia. The political opponent to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, called it a "temporary" solution. But what might that actually mean?

Head teacher in love triangle jailed for wrench attack on rival in school

Anthony Felton's attack was motivated by jealousy and "entirely without precedent", a judge says.

M&S stops online orders and issues refunds after cyber attack

The firm has stopped taking orders on its website and apps, including for food and clothes.

'Something different in the air' as hushed Rome reckons with Pope's death

Visitors have noticed a unique atmosphere at the Vatican in the days before Pope Francis's funeral and the conclave.

UN agency runs out of food aid in Gaza after Israeli blockade

The UN agency has delivered its last supplies to meals kitchens, which it warns will run out of food in the coming days.

Laurence Fox denies sharing upskirting image of TV star

Fox is alleged to have posted an intimate photograph on X of the broadcaster without her consent in 2024.

Liverpool to introduce 'tourist tax' for visitors

Liverpool hoteliers back plans for overnight visitors to the city to be charged a £2 fee from June.

Cyclists who kill could face life sentence

The amendment would also see increased sentences for deaths and serious injury caused by cyclists.

US judge arrested for allowing undocumented man to escape immigration agents

Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of trying to help an undocumented immigrant who appeared in her court avoid arrest.

Pope Francis's funeral: A visual guide

The procession, the ancient rituals and the symbolic changes - how Pope Francis will make his final journey.

The order of service for Saturday's funeral Mass

The Vatican has released the order of service ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.

Watch: How previous Popes were laid to rest

From Pius XII to Benedict XVI, the BBC looks back at video from papal funerals since 1958.

Just Stop Oil was policed to extinction - now the movement has gone deeper underground

Climate activists may be going deeper underground.

Can India really stop river water from flowing into Pakistan?

After a deadly militant attack in Kashmir, India suspended a key water treaty with neighbouring Pakistan.

Hairdresser fears she could lose home over tax hikes

The British Hair Consortium is calling on Rachel Reeves to cut VAT to 10% in June's spending review.

Post Office paid £600m to stay shackled to the faulty Horizon system

Not owning crucial code has meant it has been unable to replace the system that led to a scandal.

Warhol print accidentally thrown away by Dutch town hall

A print of Queen Beatrix is among 46 artworks officials fear will never be recovered.

Reeves suggests UK trade with EU more important than US

The chancellor indicates that moving closer to the EU on trade is a bigger priority than the US.

Thieves who plotted to kill man behind Britain's largest cash robbery jailed for 30 years

Daniel Kelly, Stewart Ahearne and Louis Ahearne were each found guilty of conspiracy to murder.

UK Eurovision act recreate spoof song, as contest looms

Remember Monday travelled to Iceland to film a cover of My Hometown, from Netflix's Fire Saga movie.

Sudanese eating charcoal and leaves to survive, aid agency warns

People are trekking under "blistering" heat to escape "horrific circumstances", the BBC is told.

UK claims 90% drop in mail-order cannabis from Thailand

UK Border Force seized 15 tonnes of cannabis in post from Thailand in the last three months of 2024.

Bournemouth Echo

"Our neighbours are throwing food from windows - it's causing rat infestation"

RATS have been infesting housing in Poole.

Anger over 'depressing' and neglected children's park

A father said he wants to take action to clean up a children’s park in Purewell that been closed for over five years.

Children as young as seven-years-old committing arson, figures show

Figures show children as young as seven-years-old are committing arson, with Dorset facing more than 400 incidents in three years.

Dorset 'remains one of England's safest areas' as crime falls

Burglary offences also increased in the county in 2024.

Bournemouth mayor's profile being used in scam attempt

The public are being advised to be 'alert' after scammer impersonating Bournemouth mayor, councillor George Farquhar, asks people for money/

BCP's 'recycled' hard plastics actually going to landfill

Hard plastic waste is not being recycled at any Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole tip, the Echo has learned.

MP Vikki Slade criticises Government over 'Buy British' campaign

The Chancellor dismissed the campaign as "inward looking" and confirmed that the Government would not support it.

In The Dock: Drunk man caused disorder at hospital and other cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Schoolboy bonds forged in the flames of war

Eighty years have passed since the end of a unique chapter for the wartime pupils of Southampton’s Taunton's School.

Broadstone is almost unrecognisable in most of these pictures

In the 19th century, the arrival of the railway transformed Broadstone, attracting new residents and businesses.

Met Office: Sunshine and showers forecasted for weekend

The Met Office has forecasted a mix of sunshine and showers for Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole this weekend.

Plan to build 'harsh and stark' garden fence thrown out

A planning battle has ended in defeat for a Hampshire householder

Orchestra's chief conductor to lead ensemble at BBC Proms

Last year, he helped the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) launch its first syllabus for one-handed pianists.

Castlepoint backs campaign to improve men's toilets

The campaign aims to raise awareness about male incontinence and related health issues, such as prostate cancer.

Person found inland after coastguard launch seafront search

Emergency services were called to help locate a 'high risk' missing person in Poole.

Care home provider celebrates ten years in UK top 20

Other homes, including Newstone House in Sturminster Newton and Belmore Lodge in Lymington, also received individual top 20 ratings.

Man smashes door during attempted burglary

A man smashed a door in an attempted burglary at an address in Ashley Road, Poole, before being confronted by the owner and running away.

Chip shop of the Year 2025 competition: Fisherlicious

It’s about the conversations shared while waiting, the smiles exchanged at the counter and the comforting feeling of knowing you’re always welcome here.

Families warned of council tax charge on inherited properties

Typically, a six-month grace period is given where council tax isn't charged on properties left empty due to the owner's death.

Popular BBC show to perform at Lighthouse Poole

The cast, which includes Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod and Duncan Wisbey, will perform sketches and impressions from the past 25 years.

Comedian Jenny Eclair brings new show to Poole

Eclair will also reminisce about becoming the first woman to win the Perrier Award, as well as her roles as a mother, author and podcaster.

Millions more GP appointments being offered each month

They can use online consultation forms, leaving phone and walk-in options for those who prefer not to go online.

New service to help thousands affected by domestic abuse

The integrated team offers safe accommodation, community support, counselling and more.

Bournemouth poet launches book inspired by near-death experience

"My third book, DoorWay, is all about my faith, belief and trust in a higher plane and is full of hope and love."

Fashion show raises £1,400 for Rotary charities

A fashion show has raised £1,400 for charities supported by Wimborne Rotary.

Football team donates full kit to school for disabled kids in Kenya

This act of kindness has brought hope and joy to the school, which is one of the largest projects sponsored by the charity Meal a Day.

Cherries confirm purchase of Vitality Stadium

The Cherries have confirmed that they have purchased the Vitality Stadium from property Structadene.

Cherries agree deal to buy Vitality Stadium ahead of redevelopment

The Cherries have agreed terms to purchase the Vitality Stadium from property company Structadene.

Two people seriously injured and main road closed after crash

A main road has been closed following a crash this morning

A31 crash causing rush-hour delays

MOTORISTS are facing rush-hour delays this morning after a crash on the A31.

Woman died after suffering fall in home

A woman from Bournemouth died after suffering a fall, a court heard.

Man snatches iPhone from victim’s hand at address

A MOBILE phone was stolen during a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Bournemouth.

M&S 'truly sorry' as it pauses online and app orders following cyber attack

Marks and Spencer (M&S) has warned customers they have paused all online and app orders following a cyber attack.

Martin Lewis gives scam warning about DWP state pension changes

Martin Lewis is warning about scams which prey on women affected by state pension changes

Check your pension payments as £800m of DWP state pensions underpaid

More than £800 million of state pension underpayments has been identified in a correction exercise, and they're not finished yet

HMRC is urging parents to claim up to £2,000 a year - are you eligible?

HMRC is urging parents to claim £2,000 in a new campaign. Here's how to see if you are eligible, and how to apply.

I tried Lush's Butterball bath bomb - it's 95p this weekend, so be quick

Lush turns 30 and to celebrate they are rolling back the clock and selling their Butterball bath bombs for 95p - here's our review

What are the rules for sunbathing naked in your own garden? What the law says

The UK is set to get a taste of summer in a matter of days with a “mini heatwave” on the way as temperatures reach 27C degrees

UK travel company announces sudden closure with all future holidays cancelled

UK travel company Balkan Holidays has been forced to close and has revealed that all of its planned holidays have been cancelled.

Formula 1

'It's impressive and exciting' – Team principals laud F1's motorsport ladder for preparing rookies

Several F1 team principals have been sharing words of praise for how the new generation of rookies are adapting to the sport, with the likes of Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman and Isack Hadjar impressing their bosses in how they have performed so far.

F1 EXPLAINS: Ask an F1 Team Principal with Alpine boss Oliver Oakes

“You've got to balance what everybody wants, but also you’ve got to make the right choices for the team. You're never going to make everyone happy all the time.” Oliver Oakes is telling the F1 Explains podcast about his job. A former World Champion driver in karts, and a team boss in junior categories of motorsport, Oakes is now Team Principal of Alpine.

Madrid begins construction of F1 venue as Carlos Sainz becomes circuit ambassador

‘It's all about patience’ – Bortoleto admits transition from F2 title winner to F1 backmarker is ‘not easy’

Gabriel Bortoleto has admitted that making the transition from winning championships in F2 and F3 to running near the back of the field in Formula 1 has been challenging, with the Kick Sauber driver acknowledging that “it's all about having patience” as he looks to continuously improve.

'That's what you need to fight for a championship' – Verstappen reveals key Piastri trait that could help him in title battle

Max Verstappen has praised Oscar Piastri for his “calm” approach to racing, with the reigning World Champion suggesting that the McLaren driver – who is now leading the Drivers’ standings – has the qualities needed to battle for the title.

‘I’m 2000% behind him’ – Vasseur backs Hamilton amid early Ferrari struggles as he insists ‘potential is there’

Fred Vasseur has reiterated that he is “2000% behind” Lewis Hamilton after the Briton experienced a tough weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with the team boss confident that the “potential is there” once Hamilton becomes more comfortable with the car.

Minor refinements to 2025 regulations agreed at F1 Commission meeting

The second meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in 2025 took place on Tuesday, with key topics discussed including minor refinements to the 2025 regulations as well as progress on the regulations for 2026.

Windows Central

Can I play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other gaming handhelds?

Sandfall Interactive's new Game Pass RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a huge hit, but how does it perform on gaming handhelds?

"The bosses will be more rewarding" — Diablo 4 Season 8 is a major overhaul to Boss Ladders, Season Journey, and Battle Pass

Diablo 4 Season 8 starts on April 29, and with it comes new endgame bosses, a reworked Lair Boss System as well as the Reliquaries replacing the traditional Battle Pass.

FBC: Firebreak release date revealed — Remedy details co-op "Control" spin-off shooter filled with evil sticky note monsters

Remedy Entertainment just announced launch details for its "Control" spin-off, FBC: Firebreak, including details of a deluxe edition.

My favorite File Explorer replacement just got better

A new update for the Files app refines its interface and features, making it a stronger and more customizable alternative to File Explorer.

Windows 3.1 is now available for the Game Boy Color... kind of

This Game Boy cartridge places a replica of Windows 3.1 in the palm of your hand.

Best gaming laptops for playing The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered in 2025

Oblivion Remastered is here, and your aging PC might not be able to handle the beautiful new graphics. Here are five gaming laptops that will get the job done.

AMD Radeon graphics driver brings FSR 4 support to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Assassin's Creed Shadows

AMD's new Radeon "Adrenaline Edition" graphics driver 25.4.1 supports FSR 4 upscaling tech on The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered and other recent PC favorites.

NVIDIA's next 8GB RTX GPU could arrive May 19, but here's why buying on launch day isn't a good idea

A new leak points to an RTX 5060 launch on May 19, but the leak also points to the review embargo lifting the same day. Does that raise alarms for anyone else?

Windows 11 will soon lose the Maps app forever, affecting dozens of users — RIP a Windows Phone relic

Microsoft will remove the Windows Maps app from the Microsoft Store in July 2025, marking the end of a legacy app dating back to Windows Phone.

I 3D printed parts for this modular gaming mouse, just as HyperX intended — Is the gimmick worth the effort?

The HyperX Pulsefire Saga Pro Wireless gaming has a modular design and offers 3D printable files for users to create unique parts, but is it worth buying?

GOG just saved one of the greatest JRPGs of all time — availablenowonPC

Capcom has announced that Breath of Fire 4, one of its most critically-acclaimed JRPGs, has been re-released on PC via GOG.

Ubisoft updates on the offline mode for its popular racing game, hoping to avoid the fiasco of The Crew's server shutdown

After the uproar when Ubisoft flat out killed The Crew, an update has been made on progress for offline play in the sequel.

I'm quitting Blue Prince before I go insane

Blue Prince is a Game of the Year contender. Reaching Room 46 is just the beginning of a delightful and maddening experience, but I need to let it go before I lose my mind.

I refunded The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remaster on Steam Deck and I'm not the only one unhappy with it

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered exposes the shortcomings of Valve’s Steam Deck Verified program yet again

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is as my childhood heart remembers it — I'm in tears from Virtuos and Bethesda's efforts

I bought my first Xbox for Oblivion, and it overtook my summer. Now, it's happening again with Virtuos and Bethesda's fantastic remaster.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered — Xbox Game Pass, platforms, and everything you need to know

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is available now, so here's everything you need to know.

Laffgaff

What were the first two US states to legalize recreational marijuana?

Colorado and Washington.

Palindrome Society

What car does the chairman of the palindrome society drive? A Toyota.