The News - Wednesday, 18 June 2025

BBC News

Steve Rosenberg: Russia fears another loss in Middle East from Iran's conflict with Israel

The longer Israel's military operation goes on, the greater the realisation that Russia has much to lose.

Police 'could and should have arrested' US diplomat responsible for Harry Dunn's death

A British police force apologises over a fatal crash after which an American diplomat fled the country.

How investigators are uncovering what caused 'rarest of the rare' Air India crash

Every scorched cable, nut and bolt will be examined along with the black box to determine why it went down 30 seconds after take-off.

Extreme heat is starting to change the way we holiday

With heatwaves likely to increase in some popular travel destinations around Europe, what does that mean for the future of the traditional summer beach holiday?

Co-op offers members discount on shopping after cyber attack

The retailer says the offer is to thank members but a retail analyst says the bar is high to redeem it.

Opening of HS2 line set to be delayed beyond 2033

The BBC understands the government will confirm the delay on Wednesday when a review of the project is published.

MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales

The vote to decriminalise the procedure is the biggest change to abortion laws in England and Wales for nearly 60 years.

'Taxi boats' pick up migrants in waist-deep water as Channel smugglers switch tactics

They are being launched from new sites and in new ways - out of reach of French police.

Trump to extend US TikTok ban deadline, White House says

The app was supposed to be banned in the US after its Chinese owner refused to sell it by a January deadline.

Sharks and oysters set to thrive in warmer UK waters

Climate change will benefit basking sharks in the UK but creatures like the longest living animal may struggle.

Bali flights cancelled after Indonesia volcano erupts

Lewotobi Laki-Laki spewed an ash tower more than 11km into the air on Tuesday.

US moves 30 jets as Iran attack speculation grows

At least 30 US military planes have moved from bases in America to Europe, flight tracking data shows.

Iranians describe fear and sadness over Trump evacuation warning

Tehran's almost 10 million residents must now decide whether to shelter in their homes or attempt to leave.

Tennis icon Navratilova defected to the US 50 years ago. Would she do the same today?

The player who left communist Czechoslovakia to pursue her dreams tells the BBC she doesn't think a Trump-led government would let her in now.

'Trump poised for war' and 'Biggest scandal ever'

Wednesday's UK newspapers are once again dominated by the spiralling conflict in the Middle East.

Trade, a sudden exit, Middle East conflict - five takeaways from G7

This year's summit in Canada did not go as planned, but leaders of the world's wealthiest nations still secured some wins.

Why the death of a blogger has put Kenya's police on trial

His widow tells the BBC his last words from a police station in Nairobi were: "I'll see you soon."

Minnesota's 'nice' culture shattered by political violence

In a place that prides itself on politeness and respect, people are reeling after the targeted assassination of a popular politician.

Musk's X sues New York state over social media hate speech law

The New York law requires social media companies to disclose how they monitor hate speech, extremism, and other contentious content.

Australia lifts blood and plasma donation ban for gay men

The Lifeblood service says the changes will have no impact on safety but will boost the donor pool.

Jeff Bezos 'not welcome here' - Venice activists on plan to disrupt his wedding

The Amazon founder and Lauren Sánchez are due to tie the knot next week - as activists say Venice is being turned into an "asset" for the rich and famous.

Watch: Kim Woodburn's memorable TV moments

The TV personality appeared on several reality shows, after rising to fame on How Clean Is Your House.

UK watchdog fines DNA testing firm £2.3m over 'damaging' data breach

The fine comes as the DNA testing firm, which filed for bankruptcy in March, is set to be sold to a new owner.

Trump's Iran dilemma exposes bitter split in president's circle

The conflict has pitted the isolationist and hawkish wings of the US leader's party against one another.

Lone Air India survivor carries coffin of brother killed in crash

A visibly upset Ramesh was overcome with grief carrying his brother's coffin to the crematorium.

Kate pulls out of Royal Ascot as she looks for right balance of return to public duties

Catherine was due to attend the races with her husband the Prince of Wales and the King and Queen.

British woman dies from rabies after stray dog contact in Morocco

The UK Health Security Agency said there was no risk to the wider public.

Kneecap rapper bailed over terror charge as protesters gather outside court

Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah.

UK braces for heatwave as temperatures near 30C

The nights will also be much warmer from Thursday, with many areas seeing temperatures in the high teens.

Jeremy Allen White sings as Bruce Springsteen in first trailer for biopic

After Timothee Chalamet's Bob Dylan, White plays The Boss in new film biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere.

Meta offering $100m plus to poach my staff, OpenAI boss says

Sam Altman said so far none of his "best people" had jumped ship to his big tech rival.

Record rise in chocolate prices as inflation remains highest for more than a year

Food prices grew for a third month in May, as the overall rate of inflation remained at 3.4%.

Foreign criminals should expect to be deported, minister says

Human rights law too often "protects those who break the rules", the justice secretary says.

Streets eerily quiet and food supplies low - daily life in Tehran

BBC Persian's Kasra Naji says his sister is among those who want to know where the conflict with Israel is leading.

Steve Rosenberg: Russia fears another loss in Middle East from Iran's conflict with Israel

The longer Israel's military operation goes on, the greater the realisation that Russia has much to lose.

Abortion and assisted dying - two huge issues MPs are making their own decisions on

Both are "conscience votes" or "free votes" - meaning it is a matter for Parliament, not government, and MPs can follow their instincts.

How investigators are uncovering what caused 'rarest of the rare' Air India crash

Every scorched cable, nut and bolt will be examined along with the black box to determine why it went down 30 seconds after take-off.

How the threat of extreme heat is starting to change our holiday plans

With heatwaves likely to increase in some popular travel destinations around Europe, what does that mean for the future of the traditional summer beach holiday?

'Taxi boats' pick up migrants in waist-deep water as Channel smugglers switch tactics

They are being launched from new sites and in new ways - out of reach of French police.

Watch Indonesian volcano spew ash over 11km into the sky

The twin-peaked Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted on Tuesday creating a vast plume.

'My baby died after I was ignored': More families call for NHS maternity inquiry

Almost 50 new families contact the BBC with concerns about inadequate care at maternity units in Leeds.

HS2 line to be delayed again with no new date given

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the HS2 project was an "appalling mess".

US Supreme Court upholds Tennessee ban on gender transition care for minors

The justices rejected the argument that restrictions in a Tennessee law amounted to discrimination.

Ex-health secretary Hunt calls for 'urgent re-examination' of Letby case

The Conservative MP said "credible" questions had been raised by experts about the nurse's crimes.

Man jailed after sending threatening messages to deputy NI first minister

The Democratic Unionist Party politician was so scared that she considered moving from her home.

Sisters drowned in mountain pools at national park, inquest told

Hajra Zahid and Haleema Zahid were pulled from water on a path leading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa.

Police 'should have arrested' US diplomat for Harry Dunn's death, report says

An independent report criticises police handling of the investigation into the death of Harry Dunn.

First Windrush commissioner announced

Reverend Clive Foster, a senior pastor in Nottingham, will take up the role on a three-year term.

Bournemouth Echo

BCP Council leader calls for Marilyn Manson show to be cancelled

The leader of BCP Council has backed calls to stop Marilyn Manson from performing in Bournemouth.

‘You broke me as a person’: Teenager repeatedly raped 14-year-old girl

A teenage boy repeatedly raped a 14-year-old girl including when she was asleep and unconscious, a court heard.

Littledown gym changing rooms get £350k makeover

The changing rooms at BH Live Active, Littledown have undergone a transformation.

In The Dock: Pensioner caused serious injury from careless driving

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Future of 'unique' floating restaurant to be determined

Plans for a floating restaurant in Mudeford Spit were discussed at BCP Council's licensing sub-committee meeting.

Man died after becoming unresponsive at Bournemouth hotel

A man died after he became unresponsive at Laguna hotel in Bournemouth, an inquest heard.

'Shocking' figures show high number of animal deaths in New Forest

A campaign group is urging drivers to “drive with care” in the New Forest following a surge of “shocking” animal deaths.

The 'elite' Dorset postcode named among the most expensive in Britain

Dorset's most expensive postcode has been revealed as part of a new analysis from the Daily Mail and Yopa

'Rethink needed to save Bournemouth Air Festival'

The decision by BCP councillors to give up on the air show is a sad day for Bournemouth and there needs to be a rethink.

'Cable car system could help tackle traffic issues'

I'm aware that the conurbation has problems with too many cars clogging up the roads. I saw a video on YouTube about the gondola cable cars that have become very popular in Latin America.

Lighthouse Poole receives top honour for positive impact on high street

A cultural venue has won top honour for its positive impact on the high street.

Tom Hayes MP pays tribute in Parliament to Air India crash victim Ketan Shah

A man from Bournemouth was among those killed in recent Air India plane crash.

Little Troopers runs New Forest weekend for military families

Military families spent a weekend together in the New Forest, thanks to children's charity.

New centres to support young children with special educational needs

TWO new centres are set to open to support young children with special educational needs.

Auction of 88 mermaid tails taking place later this month

The 88 mermaid tails seen over the last two months will be auctioned to raise funds for Julia's House.

Pop legend Paul Young to perform new tour in the New Forest

The 'Songs & Stories' tour will feature both music and anecdotes from his career.

Dorset charity helps woman to fund potentially life-extending cancer drug

A WOMAN from Poole has paid tribute to a cancer charity which helped her fund life-prolonging drug treatment.

Met Office says there is a high chance of 40C temperatures returning to the UK

The Met Office has said there is a high chance of 40C temperatures returning to the UK in the next 12 years.

'Severe' delays following crash on main road

A serious crash is causing long delays during rush hour.

Brittany Ferries to run daily Poole-Cherbourg service this winter

Brittany Ferries to run Poole and Cherbourg ferry service

Fire service warns of increased fire risk due to upcoming heatwave

Fire service issues safety advice ahead of heatwave

Military families come together for weekend of nature activities

Little Troopers, a children's military charity, hosted the event as part of their initiative to provide free family reconnection weekends.

Carer pleads guilty to drink driving following crash

A woman from Wimborne pleaded guilty to drink driving and assaulting an emergency worker after appearing in Poole Magistrates' Court.

Nationwide £100 Fairer Share bonus payments start today: see if you are eligible

Nationwide will pay out its £100 bonus payment to millions of people from today

Another car ends up stranded on the beach

A car was once against seen stranded on Boscombe beach on Tuesday night.

Inquest opens into death of 22-year-old found unresponsive at home

On June 18, the inquest into the death of Isabelle Bridie Sapherson-Moralee, who lived in Wimborne, opened at Bournemouth Town Hall by area coroner Brendan Allen.

Travellers asked to leave after setting up camp in Bourne Valley

TRAVELLERS have set up camp in Bourne Valley Park after being asked to leave Turbary Common on Sunday.

Banksy-style artwork appears in Branksome, but is it real?

DEBATE has surged over the authenticity of a potential Banksy artwork that was found in Branksome.

MP calls for end to 'cruel' cages and crates for farm animals

Tom Hayes MP today called in the House of Commons for an end to the use of cages and crates for farm animals, urging urgent action on animal welfare to avoid suffering in confined spaces.

LETTER: 'We refute claims that "parish councils plans have opened pandora’s box"’

We refute Stephen Chappell’s letter ‘Parish councils plans have opened pandora’s box’

Co-op offers members 25 per cent off their shop after cyber attack - how to claim

The Co-op has offered its members a 25% discount off a £40 shop as a 'thank you' gesture following the cyber attack in May - how to claim

£227,000 Warm Home Discount owed to customers - are you eligible for a payout?

Energy firm Utilita is to pay around £277,000 in compensation after failing to pay its Warm Home Discount payments to customers

11 underclaimed HMRC and DWP benefits to help parents and children

HMRC and the DWP have a number of schemes in place to help families, but many parents are missing out as they don't know they can claim

Princess of Wales pulls out of Royal Ascot appearance

The Princess of Wales is said to be disappointed at not attending the famous social and sporting occasion in Berkshire with Prince William

'Rare' venomous snake spotted in the UK by unsuspecting walker (find out where)

A "rare" black adder has been spotted in the UK by an unsuspecting walker - find out exactly where.

UK inflation rises higher than forecast as food prices rocket for consumers

People are feeling poorer as UK inflation rises, following a food prices hike for consumers

The venomous fish hiding on UK beaches with a sting that can cause 'intense' pain

Find out more about the venomous lesser weaver fish, which can be found hiding in the sand on UK beaches.

Police launch drugs raid in Bournemouth

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences following a police operation in Bournemouth.

Government

Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill

A bill to make provision to alter the rates of the standard allowance, limited capability for work element and limited capability for work and work-related activity element of universal credit and the rates of income-related employment and support allowance, and to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment.

Registration of Births (Inclusion of Deceased Parents) Bill

A Bill to make provision for the inclusion of a parent’s details on a child’s birth certificate where that parent has died before the birth of the child; and for connected purposes.

Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill

A Bill to increase the minimum required height of guarding in multi-storey car parks; to make provision about the height of guarding in existing multi-storey car parks; to require 24 hour staffing of multi-storey car parks; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Why there is a silver lining for Norris after his Canada crash

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer picks the bones out of the most dramatic moment from the Canadian Grand Prix.

Ocon hails points in Canada as ‘reward’ for Haas on 200th Grand Prix

Esteban Ocon was delighted to score points on Haas’ 200th race in Formula 1 thanks to a P9 result at the Canadian Grand Prix, with the Frenchman admitting that taking a risk on a one-stop strategy “paid off”.

Behind the scenes: ‘F1 The Movie’ New York premiere

F1.com's Lawrence Barretto reports back from the red carpet at the world premiere of F1 The Movie in New York's Times Square.

Vasseur reveals area where Ferrari ‘failed massively’ in Canada

Fred Vasseur believes Ferrari “failed massively” in Canada after failing to execute a clean weekend, despite his drivers both finishing in the points in Montreal.

Tsunoda admits feeling ‘a lot of pressure’ as he takes P12 in Canada

Yuki Tsunoda has admitted that he feels “a lot of pressure” amid another weekend without points in Canada, with the Japanese driver still in the process of adapting to the Red Bull following his switch to the squad earlier in the season.

Hadjar on being a ‘fighter’ and the champion he most wants to face

Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar discusses life in F1 and how he has overcome previous setbacks in the latest episode of Beyond The Grid.

Wolff calls McLaren intra-team battle 'tricky' after Canada collision

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has offered his opinion on McLaren's intra-team battle, suggesting that "it's certainly a tricky situation" to manage having dealt with a similar problem between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

10 quiz questions on Canadian Grand Prix and F1 news

See if you were paying attention to the racing action in Montreal over the weekend with our quick-fire quiz.

Windows Central

Hades 2 gets another major update bringing new art, godly powers, and romance as Supergiant gets ready for the game's full release

Hades 2 has its third major update, The Unseen, bringing new artwork and godly powers as Supergiant Games preps for the game's full launch.

5 reasons why The Outer Worlds 2 looks like the Fallout: New Vegas sequel we never got

Obsidian Entertainment's upcoming RPG The Outer Worlds 2 looks great, and could be the Fallout: New Vegas sequel I've always wanted. Here are five reasons why.

Xbox Game Pass gets all three Warcraft remasters, another Call of Duty game, and more

Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft games are coming to Xbox Game Pass alongside another Call of Duty title.

Borderlands 4's PC system requirements need specs over 50% of Steam doesn't have, so I hope you're ready to upgrade

Borderlands 4's PC system requirements are pretty demanding in general, but there's one in particular that over 50% of Steam players don't meet.

Bungie's Marathon delayed past September release date as a darker tone, proximity chat, and more are being added

Bungie shared on Tuesday that its upcoming first-person extraction shooter Marathon is being delayed, with features like proximity chat being added.

These crazy mods can turn one of the best PC games of 2025 into the ultimate Final Fantasy x Pokémon crossover, guest starring Keanu Reeves

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the most popular and beloved games of 2025. In fact, it has garnered so much love that fans have been creating incredible cosmetic mods that transform the playable characters into iconic characters from other franchises.

I appreciate FBC: Firebreak's co-op friction fun, but I hope this Remedy game can evolve over time — Review in progress

FBC: Firebreak is the most different Remedy game so far, with fun intentional friction in co-op that's rewarding, even if progression is a bit of a grind.

Microsoft and AMD have officially entered a new multi-year partnership for first-party Xbox hardware

Xbox President Sarah Bond shared an update on Xbox consoles today, confirming their ongoing partnership with AMD for first-party hardware, while committing to supporting your existing console library on next-gen systems.

With Windows 10 circling the drain, Windows 11 sees a long-overdue surge

With Windows 10 in decline and support ending in 2025, users are finally moving to Windows 11.

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army Review (PC) – A well-done action-RPG remaster that makes me hopeful for more revivals of classic Atlus titles

After months of waiting, the time has come to review RAIDOU Remastered to see if this wild, PlayStation 2-era action-RPG spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei can stand out in the modern era with its renewed graphics and combat system.

Xbox has turned a corner — the future for Microsoft's gaming platform once again looks incredibly bright

Xbox has been no stranger to controversy over the past year, but it feels like they've turned a corner recently. With the next-gen Xbox formally revealed, how are you, Xbox customer, feeling about Microsoft's gaming direction as of June 2025?

Forget about FBC: Firebreak and go back and play Quantum Break instead — it's on Xbox Game Pass, too!

Quantum Break was a groundbreaking mix of classic Remedy gameplay and live action TV, and I'm sad we never saw more of it.

This hidden tool will help you migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Microsoft is testing a new tool inside Windows 10 that helps users transfer data and settings when migrating to a new Windows 11 PC.

Razer sent me "gamer" snacks and a lamp — so I found out how they taste

Razer has deepened its partnership with Mars over the RESPAWN brand, and I got to taste test some of those snacks... and a lamp, I guess.

Xbox Ally isn’t fazed by Switch 2’s dominance — The PC gaming handheld is battling an entirely different competitor

Analysts predict the Switch 2 will outsell all other gaming handhelds combined this year, but that's a non-issue for Xbox Ally. It's a Steam Deck competitor.

Microsoft’s Windows 95 testing phase was so intense that it crashed cash registers with over $10,000 worth of software

Microsoft tested Windows 95's compatibility by buying every PC program in the Egghead Software store, crashing its register with over a $10,000 purchase.

Sam Altman says OpenAI could need a "significant fraction" of the Earth's power for future artificial intelligence computing

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that the company might require a significant fraction of the power on Earth to run its AI advances.

Laffgaff

The Dandy Horse was an early form of what device?

Bicycle.

Fossils

Fossils never change their plans. They're always set in stone.