BBC News
US and Ukraine sign long-awaited natural resources deal
The White House has been pushing for the agreement as a prerequisite for further military assistance.
Trump tells business chiefs he needs 'little bit of time' as US economy shrinks
The US president blames the first quarterly GDP decline in three years on his Democratic predecessor.
Meta warns of 'worse' experience for European users
Meta said the negative impact could kick in as soon as the third quarter of this year.
Local elections 2025: Polls to open across England
Hundreds of councillors, six mayors and one MP will be elected in polls across England.
Russia launches deadly drone attack on Odesa, governor says
Russian drones have killed at least two people and injured another five, the Odesa regional governor said.
Mushroom trial: Rare for alleged killer to host lunch, ex-husband says
Three people died in hospital after being poisoned with death cap mushrooms.
Watch video shown to jurors in Sycamore Gap tree trial
The BBC's Emma Vardy talks through the footage shown in court as two men are accused of illegally chopping down the tree.
US judge refers Apple for possible criminal contempt
The tech giant had been ordered in 2021 to allow greater competition and open the App Store up to outside payment options.
US releases Mohsen Mahdawi, detained Columbia student activist
Mahdawi was arrested in mid-April when he attended an American citizenship interview in Vermont.
Teen hazing suspects surrender after being given 48-hour deadline
A prosecutor says one of the alleged victims was blindfolded and thrown into the back of a car at gunpoint.
Is there an election in my area and where can I vote?
Voters in parts of England will elect councillors and mayors on 1 May.
Can I take children or pets to a polling station?
The rules on everything from dogs, children, ID and selfies, to voting while drunk.
The photo ID you will need to cast your vote
Everyone voting in person in the May local elections in England must show valid photo ID.
Israeli reservists speak out against Gaza war as pressure on Netanyahu grows
Thousands of reservists have joined calls to end the Gaza war and bring the remaining hostages back.
The Papers: 'King's cancer message' and 'No way... Not hymn'
King Charles shares a message for patients, carers and campaigners on Thursday's front pages.
'We don't care': A defiant China looks beyond Trump's America
Chinese exporters tell the BBC if the US doesn't want their goods, "other countries have money" to buy them.
What we know about US-Ukraine minerals deal
The deal sets up an investment fund to search for minerals, and set outs how revenues would be split.
Pottery firm goes bust after more than 100 years
The directors of Moorcroft Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent say they are going into voluntary liquidation.
Mosquitoes in Scotland as far north as Shetland
The extent of Scotland's mosquito population is being understood thanks to a successful citizen science project.
Armagh healthy ready meal firm enters liquidation
The healthy food company's products have disappeared from the shelves of some of NI's biggest supermarkets.
North Korea: First road bridge to Russia 'significant' development
The announcement comes after North Korea confirmed for the first time its soldiers are fighting alongside Russia.
Belfast public needle bin 'not a silver bullet'
A trial for a waste needle bin in a Belfast city centre car park will be voted on at council on Thursday.
Harrods latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack
The firm told the BBC it had restricted internet access in its stores following an attempted cyber attack.
British woman, 115, becomes world's oldest person
Ethel Caterham, who lives in Lightwater in Surrey, is 115 and 253 days.
Man accused of felling Sycamore Gap tree told police he was framed in feud
Both men accused of felling the tree claim they did not have the skill to do so.
'They wanted $4m': Lessons for M&S from other cyber attacks
The retailer is reeling from a ransomware attack - here's what other people did when in the same situation.
The Traitors contestant joins BBC Radio 1 presenting team
The Liverpool-based reality tv star will co-host the Early Breakfast show with Nat O'Leary in May.
McDonald's sales drop as diners face 'uncertainty'
The burger chain says its US customers are "grappling with uncertainty".
After 20 years, family favourite The Gruffalo set for new adventure
Author Julia Donaldson says she was spurred to write it by a campaign to reverse a decline in children's reading.
Chris Mason on what's at stake
Watch: What's at stake in these local elections?
Runcorn and Helsby by-election - all you need to know
The poll was prompted after the incumbent MP was sentenced for assaulting a constituent.
Local elections 2025: Dogs at polling stations
People in England are voting today - some with the very best in canine company.
Seven takeaways from US-Ukraine resources deal
What this will and won't change for US assistance to Ukraine, three years into the war.
Four ways your plants could be affected by hot spring weather
With warm weather hitting the UK, here's what gardening experts advise for keeping your plants alive.
Online orders paused and missing items – what we know about the M&S cyber chaos
Online orders paused, food items missing from shelves - here's what we know about the chaos at M&S.
Mexican gang members deported from US make new start in call centres
In the Mexican city of Tijuana a number of firms are employing people who were removed from the US.
Why the trees behind shea butter beauty cream are under threat
One man's struggle to save Uganda's once-profitable trees that produce shea butter.
Campaigners call for urgent action over unhealthy baby food
They are calling on the government to take immediate action to protect babies and children from sugar-laden food.
Xbox prices hiked worldwide amid tariff uncertainty
The company has pointed to increasing game development costs and "market conditions".
Clooney gets Tony nomination for Broadway debut
The Hollywood star says he is "thrilled" to be recognised for the play Good Night, and Good Luck.
Israeli reservists speak out against Gaza war as pressure on Netanyahu grows
Thousands of reservists have joined calls to end the Gaza war and bring the remaining hostages back.
Adams 'insulted' by BBC response to his complaint over murder allegations
Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams is giving evidence on the third day of his libel case against the BBC in Dublin.
Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election
The former vice-president criticises the administration's agenda.
Bournemouth Echo
Power outage leaves ice cream business more than £2,000 down
An ice cream business has had to throw away more than £2,000 worth of stock after an electricity outage hit Christchurch.
Community to overcome vandalism of landmark
The Garden Pavilion was tarnished with graffiti last week but volunteers and Lyme Regis Town Council are 'more determined' to keep the historic building looking at its best as summer approaches.
'I want people to know that it is a safe, welcoming place'
Beauty salon, Starlie Studios, is set to expand and open another site at a new location in Southbourne.
Group to hold Bournemouth protest against Supreme Court's transgender ruling
A PROTEST supreme court’s recent ruling will be taking place in Bournemouth.
How the New Forest was transformed into a military hub ahead of the D-Day landings
During the pivotal years of the Second World War, particularly in the run-up to D-Day, this quiet corner of Hampshire was utterly transformed into a vital military nerve centre.
All the VE Day 80th anniversary beacon lighting locations to find in Dorset
As part of the VE Day 80 celebrations, beacons will be lit in various locations across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Dorchester
6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are searching for their forever homes
The RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood and the West Dorset RSPCA branch in Dorchester have several pets looking for new homes
"God was the true victor of VE Day. Not us"
THIS year marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
CCTV 'stops crime in its tracks' says MP after control room visit
This summer, the CCTV suite will work with the police to keep the beach safe for everyone by establishing a new command centre on the seafront.
Parish council asks for ideas for new community projects
However, the council has limited finances, so it asks that submissions are realistic in terms of cost and maintenance.
David Bowie photography exhibition coming to Poole
Geoff MacCormack met Bowie at school in Bromley, London, when the pair were just eight years old.
Bournemouth accountancy promotes seven staff
The firm said the promotions were to "recognise the hard work and dedication of staff who have consistently delivered outstanding client service."
Research highlights need for 'compassionate and integrated' care
While some received excellent support, many struggled with complex self-care, confusing health systems and inconsistent care levels based on location.
Family wins first golden ticket in caddy competition
John and Archie have never attended the show before, while Lorraine hasn't visited in years.
Poole Scout honoured at prestigious event at Windsor Castle
"This is an incredible achievement, and it reflects all the hard work, dedication, and passion you've put into your Scout journey."
'Amazing' work by graphic design students wins top industry award
The project began with visits to Lush and Dayfold, a Foilco and G. F Smith digital foiling workshop and studio time for research and learning.
New retirement apartments available for rent in Wimborne
The company said that renting in retirement offers a quick and convenient way of moving to a suitable and manageable home, without the commitment of ownership.
Dorset Spring Show 2025 to be held this weekend
There will be 180 stalls to explore at the event, with a variety of activities and entertainment on offer for people of all ages.
Terminally-ill entertainer organises charity cabaret night
Despite his tumour initially shrinking with chemotherapy, it doubled in size after nine months.
Wimborne businesses invited to view draft plan from BID
"Since the beginning of this year, we have been talking to as many town businesses as possible, through drop-ins and groups as well as hosting more than 60 one-to-ones.
Traditional May Day festivities to take place at Dorset museum
For creative visitors, there will be free craft activities to make May crowns, as well as dressing up fun.
NHS partners with tech firm to improve digital healthcare
The use of remote monitoring helps identify health issues early and reduces unnecessary hospital visits.
BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair to come to the New Forest
Other highlights include the Hillier Experience woodland feature garden and further showcase gardens, beautiful borders and floral displays.
School celebrates pupils' achievements on Outcome Day
Other choices spanned sporting skills, arts, crafts, performative arts, Dungeons and Dragons and cross stitch.
Bournemouth school wins major robotics award for second year
Alliances of two teams competed to score points by completing complex tasks using robots programmed for both autonomous and driver-controlled operation.
Ferndown road to be temporarily closed for five days
A signed diversion route will be put in place to minimise disruption.
Dorset residents urged to save water and cash in gardens
The company suggests adopting a well-thought-out planting scheme that includes hardy varieties capable of thriving in dry conditions.
Volunteers 'devastated' as food bank targeted in theft
A food bank has issued a plea for donations after it was broken into over Easter weekend.
Lidl set to build fourth new supermarket in town
LIDL is now set to build a new supermarket in Poole having won the approval of BCP Council.
From council leader to commons: A conversation with Vikki Slade MP
FROM council leader to Westminster, Vikki Slade sat down with the Echo to reflect on her journey to becoming MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole.
Café in Boscombe renovated with help of small trader grant
A KOREAN style brunch cafe offering the flavours of Korea has been given small trader grant to upgrade their café front.
The 8 days you need to book off work this month to get 18 days of leave
With two bank holidays in the UK in May, epxerts have shared tips on how to get 18 days off work by booking specific dates for annual leave.
Road closed after 'serious' incident with two taken to hospital
Police have cordoned off Kinson Road in Wallisdown while emergency services deal with an incident
LIVE: Road 'nearing collapse' and closed after sinkhole forms
A road has been closed because a sinkhole has formed.
Lane closed on A31 near Stoney Cross
One lane is closed Eastbound on the A31 after reports of a broken down vehicle.
First date gone wrong as car gets stuck on beach
WE’VE all had a difficult first date – but this one is perhaps up there as being one of the trickiest.
Star swapping Dorset farm for new island adventure
Star Martin Clunes is swapping his Dorset farm for an new islands adventure with his new ITV documentary series airing on Friday
LISTED: Roads closed and street parties in BCP for VE Day celebrations
ROADS across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be closed this weekend for VE Day celebrations.
Are there any elections in BCP and Dorset today?
DORSET residents will not be going to the polls today while other parts of the country take part in the local elections.
Thieves roll Land Rover down hill before stealing 4X4
THIEVES rolled a Land Rover down the road in the cover of darkness as they stole the car.
Plan for 54 homes given green light - despite road 'chaos' fears
Plans to build more than 50 homes on a greenfield site on the edge of the New Forest have been given the green light
Man wanted on prison recall taken into custody after attempted shoplifting
A man wanted on prison recall has been taken into custody after an attempted shoplifting.
Beachgoers flocked to seafront on hottest day of the year
Thousands flocked to the beach today with many more expected to come over the bank holiday weekend.
‘Very special’ village fair that has been running since 1960s to return in July
The Damerham Fair, which has been running since the 1960s, is returning to the village near Salisbury in July promising fun for all the family
Love-stuck driver frees stricken car from beach after first date hell
A LOVE stuck driver who got his car stuck on Boscombe beach during a first date has recovered his car.
Driver flees scene after e-bike crash leaves two injured
A SEARCH is under way for the driver of a car involved in a hit-and-run collision with an e-scooter.
Man grabs teenage boy and exposes himself before stealing his phone
POLICE are looking for a man who exposed himself to a teenage boy after grabbing and him and stealing his phone yesterday in Christchurch.
Woman who didn't move out of path reversing car hit
A WOMAN who didn’t move out of the way for a reversing car was shouted at by the driver.
Six offers were made for Christchurch civic offices
SIX offers were made for Christchurch civic offices before the council settled on £1.9million, the leader has said.
Barbers hosting opening party for new shop in Ashley Cross this Sunday
A local barbershop is celebrating its new shop with a party in Ashley Cross this Sunday.
Road blocked after two car crash in Christchurch
Fairmile Road in Christchurch was blocked after a crash between two cars took place.
Man jailed after cocaine with value up to £55,000 seized from home
A man from Bournemouth has been jailed after a 'large quantity' of cocaine was seized from his home address by police.
The 8 days you need to book off work this month to get 18 days of leave
With two bank holidays in the UK in May, epxerts have shared tips on how to get 18 days off work by booking specific dates for annual leave.
Martin Lewis warning - don't get your passport renewed by post
If your passport is due for renewal, apply online if you can – it'll save you £12.50
Wetherspoons to axe 3 menu items in just days as fans cry 'biggest mistake ever'
Steaks, mixed grills and gammon are set to be removed from JD Wetherspoon menus across the UK on May 14.
What age can a child stay home alone? Here's what the NSPCC says
See the NSPCC's advice when it comes to leaving your child at home alone - the legalities and what age is acceptable.
All the HMRC Child Benefit payment changes for May 2025
HMRC Child Benefit payments are changing this month - here's what to expect
Martin Lewis scam warning: How to call your bank with just three digits
Martin Lewis is urging 'spread the word' to call your bank with just three digits if you think you may be the target of a scam
Government
Parliamentary Scrutiny of Trade Agreements Bill
A Bill to provide for parliamentary approval of international trade agreements; to require the Secretary of State to publish a proposed negotiating mandate in draft before entering into negotiations in respect of an international trade agreement; to require parliamentary approval of that draft before negotiations begin; to make provision for the amendment of draft negotiating mandates by Parliament; and for connected purposes.
UK–USA Trade Agreements (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament any trade agreement between the UK and the USA which the Government proposes to implement; to prohibit the implementation of such an agreement without the approval by resolution of each House; to make provision for the amendment of such agreements by Parliament; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
GALLERY: Racing Bulls unveil striking special livery for Miami Grand Prix
Racing Bulls have unveiled their first special livery of the season, with the team set to run a vibrant one-off design on the VCARB 02 for the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
GALLERY: Ferrari reveal special co-designed livery for Miami Grand Prix
Ferrari have revealed a special co-designed livery for the Miami Grand Prix, marking the first year of their title partnership with HP.
F1 FANTASY: Strategist Selection – What’s the best line-up for the Miami Grand Prix?
Formula 1 is back in the 305 for the Miami Grand Prix and the second Sprint weekend of the season. With an extra session of scoring in F1 Fantasy on the table, there’s plenty at stake.
BETTING GUIDE: Who are the favourites as the Sprint returns in Miami?
Formula 1 heads stateside this weekend for the Miami Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri entering the event as the new championship leader. Amid the return of the Sprint, can the McLaren driver continue his winning streak in Florida or will one of his rivals prove triumphant? Here are what the odds tell us…
NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix
Formula 1 heads stateside this weekend for Round 6 on the calendar, the Miami Grand Prix. Ahead of the race, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips and plenty more.
Soundtrack artists including Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran and Don Toliver announced for upcoming ‘F1’ movie
Atlantic Records have released the full artist line-up for the soundtrack of Apple Original Films’ upcoming F1 movie – released globally on June 27 – with the likes of Ed Sheeran, ROSÉ and RAYE all set to feature.
Windows Central
Xbox's mobile aspirations may finally come to fruition as a U.S. judge just banned Apple from restricting developers' payment systems on iOS
Apple is preventing Microsoft and others from making viable businesses on its platform, owing to restrictive fees and rules — until now.
Xbox FY25 Q3 gaming revenue up 5% year-over-year, driven by growth in Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft financial results are in, with Xbox Q3 FY25 gaming revenue up 5% year-over-year thanks to Call of Duty and Xbox Game Pass.
Did Helldivers 2 just tease the release of its next big update patch in a silly in-universe ad?
Helldivers 2 players are worried a huge Illuminate attack is coming soon, and this goofy in-universe ad may have just revealed when it — and a new major update — will happen.
Microsoft drops a slightly unusual batch of new playable owned gamesforXboxCloud Gaming
Xbox Game Pass has added eleven games to its Stream Your Own Game library program, allowing subscribers to stream them through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Free DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition? NVIDIA is making it happen.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15, and you can get a free copy with early access when you buy a piece of eligible NVIDIA RTX 50-series hardware.
Windows 11 should Sherlock this audio app — but I hope it doesn't
A handy new app lets you switch audio devices with customizable keyboard shortcuts. It works so well I'm surprised its functionality isn't built into Windows 11.
Grab this Xbox Series X before Walmart realizes Microsoft has increased the console's price
Microsoft just announced prices increases for the Xbox Series X and other consoles. Walmart still has the Xbox Series X at its previous price.
NVIDIA GeForce "Game Ready" graphics driver update fixes bugs from a previous release — Flickering screens patched
NVIDIA's new GeForce "Game Ready" graphics driver 576.28 25.4.1
Microsoft introduces Phi-4 reasoning SLM models — Still "making big leaps in AI" while its partnership with OpenAI frays
Microsoft just launched expanded small language models (SLMs) based on its own Phi-4 AI.
Xbox and Microsoft reveal global price increases for consoles, accessories — and even games
Microsoft confirmed to us today that it is increasing the price of Xbox consoles, accessories, and later this year, games as well. Here's what you need to know.
Over 15 million developers now use this AI coding tool from Microsoft
GitHub Copilot has surpassed 15 million users, with Microsoft reporting a 4x increase year-over-year.
Windows 11's WSL 2 now officially has support from Arch Linux
Having previously been teased, Arch Linux has quietly rolled out its official version for Microsoft's WSL, a couple of weeks after Fedora did the same.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's incredible soundtrack was composed by a guy who posted his music on Soundcloud
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has an incredible soundtrack, and it's composer was discovered on a gaming forum, after posting music from his Soundcloud.
What's new on Recall, Click to Do, and Search for Copilot+ PCs — Here's how to enable and configure each in Windows 11
On Windows 11, Microsoft has started the gradual rollout of the three most important features powered by AI, including Windows Recall, Click to Do, and Semantic Indexing for Windows Search, and here's how to get them and how to get started using them.
Marathon is doomed — ARC Raiders is already a much better extraction shooter, and I feel bad for Bungie's developers
ARC Raiders is the extraction shooter I've been waiting for. Here's why Embark Studios has a better chance against Bungie's upcoming Marathon.
Is AI just hype? This report claims bots like Microsoft Copilot aren't replacing humans, increasing wages, or even saving time
A new working paper suggests AI-powered chatbots like Google's Gemini AI, ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot have minimal impact on wages and employment.
Microsoft shares grow on FY25 Q3 earnings, beating expectations with a 13% increase year-over-year, driven by cloud, gaming, and AI
Microsoft cloud dominates the messaging as Redmond beats Wall Street expectations to post yet another record quarter.
Microsoft: Xbox is now the "biggest publisher" on PlayStation, as PC Game Pass hits 45% year over year growth
Microsoft's gaming fortunes are on the up and up, as it posts record Q3 growth in a tough market.
Laffgaff
The Battle of Okinawa took place during which war?
World War II.
Horse Manure
A gardener friend suggested I put horse manure on my strawberries. Tried it. I'm going back to cream.
Itsfoss
Exploring Firefox Tab Groups: Has Mozilla Redeemed Itself?
Firefox's Tab Groups help you organize tabs efficiently. But how efficiently? Let me share my experience.
FOSS Weekly #25.18: Linux Magazine, Modern Terminals, Muse Pi, apt Guide and More
Going retro, going futuristic.