The News - Monday, 05 May 2025

BBC News

Syrian security forces 'oversaw' armed civilians who killed Alawites, accused man says

One man accused of killing an Alawite during the sectarian violence in March tells the BBC that armed civilians were advised and monitored by government forces.

Royal Family hopes nothing distracts from VE Day commemorations

The King and others in the Royal Family will join the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary.

Trump orders reopening of notorious Alcatraz prison

President Trump says the famous island prison off San Francisco is to be reopened to house "ruthless and violent" offenders.

27 lives per kilometre: How Russia took record losses in Ukraine in 2024

Last year was the deadliest for Russian forces since the start of the full-scale war with at least 45,287 killed.

Non-US movies to be hit with 100% tariffs, Trump says

The president blamed foreign-made movies for the American film industry's "very fast death".

Convicted Russian spies seen in Parliament in 2016

Bulgarians Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova attended an event in the Palace of Westminster, the BBC finds.

Teenager's fire death leaves school 'heartbroken'

Tributes are paid to Layton Carr whose death following a Gateshead fire leads to the arrest of 14 children.

Nationalist Simion ahead in Romanian election rerun

Romania's previous presidential election was cancelled over allegations of campaign fraud and Russian interference.

Bank of mum and dad 'helps half of first-time buyers'

An average of £55,572 was given in loans and gifts by members of the family, estimates show.

Lewis Hamilton to co-host Met Gala with spotlight on menswear and black style

Menswear and black style will be celebrated at this year's fashion extravaganza in New York City.

Doing nothing on social care 'untenable', MPs warn

The report says failure to fix England's social care system carries an unknown human and financial cost.

Custom fireworks and standby firefighters: How the Vatican makes its smoke signal

Experts say the process requires "two custom fireworks", smoke test rehearsals and Vatican firefighters on standby.

The Papers: Terror plot 'foiled' and 'fight off Reform'

Counter-terrorism arrests and the government's reaction to Reform's success make Monday's fronts.

Molly-Mae is back, and I Kissed a Boy returns: What's coming up this week

Sir David Attenborough's new film and PinkPantheress's new album are also out this week.

Long-distance romance and closure from husband's death - your memories of Skype

As Microsoft shuts it down, we’ve spoken to people whose lives were impacted by the tools.

When is Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial and what is he charged with?

The rap mogul denies sex trafficking and racketeering charges, plus dozens of other lawsuits alleging abuse.

Shh... the rise of the silent book club

Book clubs where no-one speaks are growing in popularity across the UK.

Colombia's wind farms bring promise and pain for indigenous group

The South American country is turning to wind power, but some local people are unhappy.

Trump says he won't seek a third term

"This is not something I'm looking to do," the US president says about speculation he may try to find a way to run again in 2028.

Israeli army starts calling up reservists for planned expansion to Gaza offensive

The military says its aim is to increase pressure on Hamas militants to return hostages they still hold.

Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert

Police say the plan was orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech and the radicalisation of teenagers.

Reform considers legal challenges against asylum hotels

Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf told the BBC the party is exploring ways to fulfil its promise to voters.

Woman missing since 1962 found 'alive and well'

Police in Wisconsin say Audrey Backeberg left home 'by her own choice' and no foul play was involved.

Nine dead, one missing after tourist boats capsize in China

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged "all-out efforts" in the search and rescue mission.

Red Arrows, royals and a packed Mall - the celebrations in pictures

Commemorations open with a military procession and flypast watched by WW2 veterans, royals and huge crowds.

Israel security cabinet approves plan to 'capture' Gaza, official says

The Israeli military has called up tens of thousands of reservists, saying it is aiming to increase pressure on Hamas.

Trump film tariffs to be part of UK-US trade talks

It comes as moviemakers worry the UK's thriving film industry could be hit by the new tariff threat.

What will Trump's film tariffs mean for Hollywood - and the UK?

As Trump turns his attention to what he calls the "dying" US film industry, his solution has provoked strong reactions.

Family pay tribute to 'loving boy' killed in fire

A total of 16 children have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, police say.

Rwanda confirms talks with US about taking in migrants

Rwanda's foreign minister says his country is in the "spirit" of giving migrants "another chance".

Romanian PM pulls party out of government after nationalist vote win

Marcel Ciolacu told his colleagues their government had no credibility after presidential elections.

Experience the VE Day flypast from inside a Red Arrows cockpit in 360 video

Experience flying over London with a Red Arrows pilot in our special immersive video from the cockpit.

VE Day moments so far - and what's still to come

A guide to the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of VE day.

Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals watch the celebrations

Royal Family members are at the heart of commemorations to mark 80 years since World War Two ended in Europe.

The day a Dambuster dropped in for breakfast

Kit Lawie, 97, says Guy Gibson visited her Lincolnshire home before leading the Dambusters raid.

Met Gala tickets cost $75,000. Here's what to know about fashion's biggest night

Menswear and black style will be celebrated at this year's fashion extravaganza in New York City.

27 lives per kilometre: How Russia took record losses in Ukraine

Last year was the deadliest for Russian forces since the start of the full-scale war with at least 45,287 killed.

'I want to give my island business away for free'

Richard Irvine runs a smokehouse in Colonsay but is giving it away to help regenerate the local population.

Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster

A large-scale bomb attack was thwarted by police before Gaga's first concert in Brazil since 2012.

Custom fireworks and standby firefighters: How the Vatican makes its smoke signal

Experts say the process requires "two custom fireworks", smoke test rehearsals and Vatican firefighters on standby.

'Why is fuel in my town 10p more than the areas next door?'

Motorists in the seaside town say they prefer to drive to neighbouring areas to fill up their tanks.

Popemobile to become health clinic for Gaza children

One of the famous vehicles is being refitted as a frontline clinic on wheels, following a request by the late pontiff.

Mike Pence given JFK Courage Award for defying Trump over 2020 election result

Pence defied calls by Donald Trump to overturn the result of the 2020 election, and was shunned by Republicans as a result.

Iranian men questioned by police over alleged UK terror plot

The men are being held over an alleged plan to target "a specific premises", the Metropolitan Police says.

New Zealand airport to remove Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures after 12 years

For more than a decade, the giant eagles have cast a watchful eye over visitors at Wellington Airport.

Beware phony IT calls after Co-op and M&S hacks, says UK cyber centre

The NCSC urges firms to check IT help desk "password reset processes" as hackers target retailers.

Syrian security forces monitored armed civilians who killed Alawites, accused man says

One man accused of killing an Alawite during the sectarian violence in March tells the BBC that armed civilians were advised and monitored by government forces.

Formula 1

MIAMI LOWDOWN: All the key moments as McLaren and Antonelli shine, Ferrari face tensions and LEGO takes over

The Miami Grand Prix was an action-packed weekend from start to finish – and in case you missed any of it, we’ve rounded up all of the key moments from F1’s visit to the Miami International Autodrome. From a new parent and a first-time polesitter through to a chaotic Sprint and a McLaren team in a class of their own – not to mention plenty of celebrities and some life-size LEGO cars – check out the highlights from Miami in our ultimate lowdown…

What the teams said – Race day in Miami

The teams report back on all the action from the Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome.

Red Bull's protest into Russell over yellow flags rejected by Miami stewards

Red Bull have had their protest of George Russell dismissed by the Stewards following the Miami Grand Prix, resulting in the Mercedes driver keeping his podium finish ahead of fourth-placed Max Verstappen.

FIA post-race press conference – Miami

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 2. Lando Norris (McLaren), 3. George Russell (Mercedes)

'It was frustrating' – Hamilton opens up on tense Miami radio messages during Ferrari strategy debate

Lewis Hamilton believes that "people didn't like certain comments" that the Ferrari driver made over the radio during the Miami Grand Prix, but that it's important "not get emotional about it" as the team seek to find performance after a lacklustre race.

Verstappen labels Miami Grand Prix ‘a struggle’ after slipping back to P4 as he reflects on gap to McLaren

Max Verstappen admitted that his Miami Grand Prix was “a bit of a struggle” after slipping backwards from pole position to a final result of P4, with the Red Bull man conceding that he lacked paced in comparison to his rivals on a dominant day for McLaren.

FACTS AND STATS: Piastri secures McLaren’s first victory hat trick in over 25 years

Oscar Piastri came away from the Miami Grand Prix weekend with the biggest points haul – as well as adding some interesting data to the history books. But he wasn’t the only one – here’s our round up of the need-to-know numbers from an enthralling race.

HIGHLIGHTS: Piastri leads McLaren 1-2 after thrilling race in Miami

Oscar Piastri extended his lead at the top of the Formula 1 standings after leading home a dominant McLaren 1-2 in the Miami Grand Prix, which came after a titanic battle for the lead with Max Verstappen.

Norris concedes he 'paid the price' as he reflects on Lap 1 battle with Verstappen in Miami

Lando Norris believes he "paid the price" after going wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen during the Miami Grand Prix, and that it's "crash or don't pass unless you get it really right" when battling the reigning World Champion.

Piastri full of praise for McLaren after ‘unbelievable’ and ‘impressive’ victory in Miami

Oscar Piastri did not have a straightforward journey from P4 to the race win around the Miami International Autodrome, but he believes the victory proved how far both he and McLaren have come in recent years.

DRIVER OF THE DAY: Piastri's imperious Miami showing gets your vote

He may have narrowly missed out on victory in the Miami Sprint, but Oscar Piastri made no mistake in the main event. After capitalising on his team mate's early error, the Australian hunted down Max Verstappen.

Piastri wins from Norris and Russell as McLaren seal commanding 1-2 in Miami Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri has strengthened his lead in the World Championship by clinching his fourth victory of the season at the Miami Grand Prix, the Australian leading home team mate Lando Norris to seal a dominant 1-2 for McLaren.

Former F1 and Le Mans racer Jochen Mass passes away aged 78

Former F1 race winner and Le Mans victor Jochen Mass has passed away at the age of 78.

RACE START: Verstappen narrowly holds onto the lead in thrilling start to Miami GP

Max Verstappen only just managed to cling onto the lead of the Miami Grand Prix from pole position as he came under immense pressure from Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli.

OFFICIAL GRID: Wet Miami race in prospect as Gasly starts from pit lane

Just as in the Sprint, the drivers could be faced with a wet track surface when the lights go out for the Miami Grand Prix. This time it’s Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on pole, with the man who started from P1 on Saturday – Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli – in third.

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the Miami GP as Piastri wins in dominant McLaren 1-2

Live coverage of Sunday's Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2025.

Driveable LEGO big builds welcomed to Miami drivers’ parade

There was a fresh take on the Formula 1 drivers' parade ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, with all 20 F1 drivers having the chance to get behind the wheel of fully drivable LEGO big build cars, rather than touring on the usual truck.

Audi announce organisational restructure ahead of F1 arrival in 2026

Audi have announced an organisational restructure as they prepare for their Formula 1 debut in 2026, with Mattia Binotto expanding his responsibilities as Head of Audi F1 Project while Christian Foyer joins in the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer amid the departure of Chief Executive Officer Adam Baker.

5 Winners and 5 Losers from Miami – Who excelled in the Sunshine State?

Oscar Piastri may have messed up the jig he was required to do as part of a bet he agreed to if he won the Miami Grand Prix – but he was inch-perfect when it mattered on track in the Sunshine State. While he had plenty of reasons to celebrate, there were others who will be itching to head home to find some answers. Lawrence Barretto picks his winners and losers from the first of three visits to the United States in 2025...

Tsunoda concedes he ‘made life much more difficult’ with five-second penalty in Miami after battling for final point

Yuki Tsunoda admitted that he made his life “much more difficult” after picking up a five-second time penalty in the Miami Grand Prix, meaning that he had to work even harder to build a gap and hold onto the final point on offer in P10.

Antonelli taking plenty of positives from Miami weekend despite struggles on way to P6 in the Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli had an up and down weekend of it in Miami, two strong qualifying performances tempered by some troubles in both the Sprint and then the Grand Prix. He finished sixth in the latter on Sunday, despite running second in the early stages.

‘We took the tough decision’ – Vasseur defends Ferrari team orders situation in Miami as he acknowledges Hamilton’s frustration

Fred Vasseur has defended Ferrari’s handling of the team orders situation that unfolded between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the Miami Grand Prix, whilst also acknowledging that he could “perfectly understand” the frustration displayed by Hamilton.

Albon delighted with fifth in Miami as Sainz admits frustrations over inability to score 'bigger' points for Williams

Alex Albon was left delighted with Williams' performance in Miami as a fifth-placed finish saw him bank more valuable points, while team mate Carlos Sainz was left frustrated despite his P9 result.

‘We made it count when it mattered’ – Russell satisfied with recovery to podium after troublesome Miami weekend

Mercedes’ George Russell was left pleasantly surprised by his podium finish in the Miami Grand Prix after he spent the majority of the round struggling to feel comfortable with his car.

Stella ‘surprised’ by McLaren advantage after 1-2 in Miami as he hails particular area of engineering 'excellence'

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella was left smiling at the end of a dominant performance by his team, with Oscar Piastri winning the Miami Grand Prix from Lando Norris. With the team having already bagged a 1-2 in the Sprint, their pace is clearly the class of the field – but it was the gap to the rest on Sunday that had the paddock talking.

MONDAY MORNING DEBRIEF: How Leclerc and Hamilton’s opposing Miami strategies culminated in fractious Ferrari radio exchanges

Seventh and eighth places for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton respectively represented a very disappointing Miami Grand Prix for Ferrari, both cars finishing around a minute behind Oscar Piastri’s winning McLaren.

Windows Central

New Xbox games launching this week, from May 5 through May 11 — Revenge of the Savage Planet hits Xbox Game Pass

Revenge of the Savage Planet leads a bunch of new Xbox games launching this week, from May 5 through May 11.

Borderlands 4 is offering a free weapon skin and Golden Keys to unlock loot before the game is even out

2K is offering a free weapon skin for the upcoming looter-shooter Borderlands 4, and free Golden Keys for people who subscribe to SHIFT, the series' rewards program.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 just cracked me into installing a mod for the first time ever

Here's how to install a mod to make parrying and dodging much easier in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

I shouldn't be surprised the first vertical ergonomic mouse from this gaming brand is great, but here we are

The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is the company's first attempt at a true vertical ergonomic mouse, and it's shockingly good. Oh, and it still games.

How to browse your Android storage on Windows 11 without any USB cables

On Windows 11, you can connect your Android phone to your computer with the Phone Link app to access your phone storage wirelessly, and in this guide, I'll show you how.

Anthropic's CEO says "we do not understand how our own AI creations work" — and yes, we should all be "alarmed" by that

CEO Dario Amodei admits that the company doesn't know precisely how its AI creations work.

Skype is dead — Microsoft drops the call after 14 years of neglect to favor Teams: "We know this is a big deal for our users"

Microsoft is officially pulling the plug on Skype and recommends that its users transition to Teams.

The second annual Triple-I Initiative Showcase featured more than 40 indie games — Here's every title showcased for Xbox and PC

The biggest names in indie development come together to show off more than 40 new titles coming to Xbox and PC.

Laffgaff

Which boxer was known as the ‘Brown Bomber’?

Joe Louis.

New Jacket

I got a new jacket recently made entirely of living plants. I wasn't sure at first, but it's grown on me.