The News - Friday, 20 June 2025

BBC News

Is the UK about to get dragged into Iran-Israel conflict?

Britain is almost certain to be affected if the US gets involved - but what role could it play?

Leeds maternity units graded 'inadequate' after families tell BBC of failings

Trust told to take immediate action to improve after unannounced inspections prompted by parent concerns.

UK may see record for this year's hottest day broken

Temperatures could peak at 33C on Friday to break Thursday's record for hottest day of the year.

How Belarus dissidents in exile abroad are pursued and threatened

Some receive threatening messages or phone-calls, others say their relatives are visited by authorities back home.

Watch: Man gets stuck driving car down Rome's Spanish Steps

The 81-year-old man and his car got stuck on the way down, before a crane lifted the car away.

BBC Breakfast boss takes extended leave after bullying allegations

It comes after reports of an internal investigation into allegations of bullying.

Government whip quits over disability benefit cuts

The Labour MP says she could not vote for the welfare bill published by the government earlier this week.

Telegram boss says he has fathered more than 100 children

The tech tycoon says all of his offspring will share his estimated $13.9bn fortune.

French trial exposes human trafficking among champagne workers

Three people are accused of exploiting dozens of workers in the heart of champagne country.

US joining Israeli strikes would cause hell, Iranian minister tells BBC

Saeed Khatibzadeh told the BBC that this is "not America's war".

'I was lying in bed... The ceiling fell in': At the scene of Israeli hospital hit by Iran strike

A hospital in the Israeli town of Beersheba was hit as Iran fired a barrage of missiles at the country.

Israel strikes unfinished Arak heavy water reactor in Iran

The Israeli military says it targeted the reactor's core seal to stop it being used for "nuclear weapons development".

Adorable or just weird? How Labubu dolls conquered the world

The dolls have almost tripled their maker's profits - and, according to some, energised Chinese soft power.

The Papers: 'A good death' and 'Royal AscHot'

The looming vote on the assisted dying bill features prominently on the front pages of Friday's papers.

Weekly quiz: What's the one-letter codename for MI6's new spy chief?

How much attention did you pay to what's being going on in the world over the past seven days?

The Indian who called out a massacre - and shamed the British Empire

A defamation case filed against Sankaran Nair helped spotlight the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.

Embattled Spanish prime minister Sánchez resists clamour for resignation

A series of corruption scandals in the Spanish PM's Socialist party makes his position vulnerable.

Student who drugged and raped 10 women jailed for at least 24 years

Zhenhao Zou, who drugged and raped women in London and China, has been called "one of the most prolific predators" in the UK.

Woman, 66, held on suspicion of murder in Rolex watch case

Jennifer Abbott was found by her niece and neighbours with tape across her mouth at her home.

PCs who put spit hood on 90-year-old face hearing

Two serving PCs and a former officer will face gross misconduct hearings.

MPs back assisted dying bill in historic Commons vote

The bill would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to end their own lives.

How did my MP vote on assisted dying?

Check whether your MP voted for or against the assisted dying bill.

Palestine Action to be banned after RAF base break in

The home secretary will move to proscribe the Palestine Action group in the coming weeks, the BBC understands

Woman charged with murdering sister in missing Rolex case

A 69-year-old woman appeared before Highbury Magistrates' Court and was remanded into custody.

Seven arrested after assault outside Iranian embassy in London

The altercation involved protesters supporting and opposing the Iranian monarchy, police believe.

Labour to shift council funding to poorer areas

Ministers say current funding rules fail to account for higher service costs in more deprived places.

BBC shelves Gaza documentary over impartiality concerns

Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was due to air in February, was made by an independent company.

River Island set to close 33 shops

The retailer blames the rise of online shopping for its decision, which risks hundreds of jobs.

Chris Mason: Profound social change that is now likely to become law

MPs back assisted dying - the second vote this week that takes the UK in a socially liberal direction.

What happens next with the bill?

The historic bill has cleared all of its Commons stages and now goes for further scrutiny in the Lords.

Why today's vote is so significant

The debate around assisted dying has been a polarised one - and there are still hurdles to cross before it will be a reality here.

Watch: The emotional debate between MPs on assisted dying

MPs vote to back a bill legalising assisted dying in England and Wales by 23 votes.

'My life shattered when I saw mum's killer on doorbell cam'

Dean Mears is sentenced to 27 years for murdering the frail 69-year-old grandmother.

Watch: How pro-Palestinian activists breached RAF base Brize Norton

Footage posted online by Palestine Action on Friday showed two people inside the Oxfordshire airbase in darkness, spraying a plane with red paint.

'Everyone is scared': Iranians head to Armenia to escape conflict with Israel

Some said they had seen the sites of Israeli bombardment, others said they had heard the sound of explosions.

Pride flag moved after Christian bookshop complaint

The council said it relocated the flag to avoid confrontation or damage.

BBC threatens AI firm with legal action over unauthorised content use

It is first time that the BBC has taken such action regarding alleged scraping of its content for AI.

Is this the biggest yellow box junction in the UK or Ireland?

The box stretches more than 40m along a busy junction in Maghera, County Londonderry.

Israeli military kills 23 Palestinians near aid site in Gaza, witnesses and medics say

The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed in this way since late May.

Bournemouth Echo

Looking back at town's annual event that dates to 1873

Pictures from that day paint a nostalgic scene, showcasing a marketplace around the Minster, adorned with colourful stalls and cheerful crowds.

The royal intrigue, secret visit and crown connection of Bournemouth's Queen's Park

From ancient heathland, parliamentary acts that reshaped the landscape, royal intrigue, and a passion for sport - the park has seen it all.

'Wonderful' Dorset Beer Festival raises thousands for charity

Hall & Woodhouse's Dorset Beer Festival raises £10,000 for charity

Mudeford Arts Festival set to return this July

Mudeford Arts Festival is returning to the Quay in July

Road closure planned to allow for pole replacement works

Hampshire road closure to allow for pole replacement works

New Dixy Chicken branch opens in former KFC site

A new Dixy Chicken branch has opened in New Milton.

People urged to report stag beetle sightings across Dorset

People urged to take part in Great Stag Hunt survey

Cheque donated to hospital ward to help children going through treatment

The Piam Brown Ward, under Southampton Hospitals Charity, relies heavily on the money raised.

Care home resident's wish granted with special concert

Dementia care home resident's wish granted with special concert

Housing development named 'best on the South Coast'

Kingsmere Park named South Coast's top housing development

Scout hall gets makeover with new fencing and a fresh coat of paint

Scout hall in Gillingham gets makeover from housebuilder

Bournemouth entertainment venue to hand out free ice cream

Bournemouth entertainment venue giving free ice cream to children

Bournemouth MP secures improvements for children's play areas

Bournemouth East MP wins new rules to protect children's play

Church group raises more than £4,000 in aid of global communities

Wimborne Christian Aid Group raises £4,000 for charity

Hundreds gather for Dorset Chamber President's Ball

Dorset Chamber President's Ball at Bournemouth Hilton hotel

Dorset water firm raises awareness about crayfish in lakes

Bournemouth Water raises awareness on invasive species

Panto for this Christmas announced by Lighthouse Poole

Lighthouse Poole has announced its Christmas pantomime for this year.

Bournemouth Airport has fewest flight cancellations among UK airports

Bournemouth Airport had the fewest cancelled flights in 2024

Man awarded BEM for dedication to life-saving charity

A MAN has praised the life-saving work of the RNLI after he was awarded a BEM in the King's Birthday Honours List.

Bournemouth club applies to renew its sexual entertainment licence

A strip club has submitted an application to renew its sexual entertainment venue licence.

Car park to remain despite council refusal to ‘encourage public transport’

A CAR PARK is set to stay despite the council’s refusal to ‘encourage public transport’.

'These scammers are like vultures' - Warnings over scam QR codes in car parks

A BOURNEMOUTH resident has voiced concern over a growing QR code scam targeting drivers in car parks, warning others to stay alert.

Sales manager, 58, dies 'unintentionally' from prescription

Karen McAusland, of Ashley House in Poole, died on July 19, 2024. An inquest into her death was held on June 18, 2025, led by coroner Richard Middleton.

In The Dock: Drink and drug drivers among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

'Good guy’ driver banned after chasing hit-and-run through Poole

A motorist who chased down a hit-and-run driver has been banned from driving- despite being praised by police at the scene.

Couple leave pub suddenly for 'pastures new' after eight months

Landlord Harry Evison and landlady Sophie Muzzelle took on the Blue Boar in Market Close in October 2024 and have announced that they have now left.

Police and ambulance crews at scene of crash near A31/A338 Ringwood

We’re receiving reports of an incident near the A31 and A338 junction in Ringwood this evening.

Warning of £1,000 fines for common seaside activity this weekend

Is it illegal to take seashells and pebbles home from the beach and how much could I be fined?

Nearly one in five Dorset homeowners plan to move this summer

New research from housebuilder Redrow revealed that nearly one in five Dorset homeowners plan to move this summer.

Here's how Dorset MPs voted for historical Assisted Dying Bill

Assisted dying is close to becoming law in England and Wales after the historic Bill passed with a 23 vote majority in the House of Commons.

Travellers move onto third park within a week

A group of travellers have set up camp in Redhill Park after being ordered to leave Bourne Valley Park on Tuesday.

Critics condemn plan to build 16 homes on former Jewson site

Plans to transform a prominent town centre site by building 16 "much-needed" homes has run into opposition

'Pretty' and 'popular' Hampshire pub named among the UK's best beer gardens

The Old Mill in Hordle, Hampshire, has been named as one of the UK's best beer gardens, according to Muddy Stilettos

River Island to close 33 stores with hundreds of jobs at risk

Hundreds of jobs at risk as River Island plans store closures

Man ordered to rehome dogs because he can't control them

A man has been ordered to rehome his dogs after it was determined he could not control them.

PICTURES: Talbot Heath School Year 11 prom

Students from Talbot Heath School celebrated the end of their GCSEs with a special event on Thursday night, June 19.

'Gondola scheme could have linked Bournemouth and the airport'

I welcome Mr Jenner's comments about a gondola scheme, as this is something I have been pushing for since I was the chair of the Environment Committee on Bournemouth Council.

Fire crews issue bonfire warning over risk of wildfires

The fire service is warning the public to avoid bonfires and controlled burns unless absolutely necessary.

REVIEW: Thursday at Isle Of Wight Festival 2025

The sun is out, the ferries are packed to the gunnels, it must be day one of the IOW Festival.

'Large quantity' of cannabis found behind trap door in town centre

Police conducted a check of the address and, after some thorough searching, they identified a suspected hidden trap door leading to the basement.

Major road will be closed over the weekend for people

A KEY slip road will be closed for drivers this weekend and they are advised to take alternative routes.

Boeing 727 seen over Poole Bay in oil spill response exercise

An aircraft could be seen flying low over Poole Bay dropping "harmless" dye to simulate and oil spill as part of a training exercise.

Insurance company with office in Bournemouth cuts 650 jobs

Allianz UK, which owns LV = General Insurance, has announced it is cutting 650 jobs, but has not specified whether Bournemouth.

Luxury superyacht arrived in Poole Harbour

A luxury superyacht has been spotted in Poole Harbour.

Cinema goer raised safety concerns after 'poorly managed' evacuation

A WOMAN has described a fire evacuation at the cinema as “quite an ordeal”, raising safety concerns over signage and staff response.

'Massive fish' seen in Poole Bay identified as sunfish

A FACEBOOK video capturing and unusual looking fish in Poole Bay last night has garnered much attention on social media.

FSA warns parents of popular summer drink 'not suitable' for young children

Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children, the FSA warned

Major UK supermarket sun cream and Ultrasun fail safety tests as warning issued

There's a warning as popular sun creams, including Morrisons and Ultrasun, fail safety tests, while Aldi, Lidl, Boots, Nivea and Sainsbury’s passed

Woman arrested at the scene of a two vehicle crash

A woman was arrested following a crash on a busy Bournemouth road.

Lighthouse announces raft of new shows including 'Glorious!'

Lighthouse Poole announces new shows for autumn and winter

Great places to eat out or in, all with a 5 star rating

Great places to eat out or in, all with a 5 star rating

Ever-Pretty’s top picks for 2025 bridal party dresses

Ever-Pretty’s top picks for 2025 bridal party dresses.

Do you get a free car because you are disabled? The Motability Scheme explained

I am going to explain to you, the true cost of my Motability car, not because I feel I owe it to anyone, but because I want people to understand

Pensioner sustains life changing injuries after being hit by car

A PENSIONER has sustained life changing injuries after being hit by a car.

Sticky bandit robs petrol station for sweets and assaults staff member

POLICE are searching for a sweet thief, who assaulted a member of staff.

Cancer care staff to receive compassion fatigue resilience training

UHD cancer care staff receive compassion fatigue training

Bikes worth thousands stolen in Bournemouth burglary

THIEVES broke into a sports shop in the middle of the night and stole around ten bikes.

Formula 1

Wolff insists Russell’s Canada win doesn't affect his Mercedes future

Toto Wolff has admitted that George Russell’s Canadian Grand Prix victory has no bearing on when the squad might agree a new deal for the Briton, with the team boss stating that the Silver Arrows already “know he can perform”.

Kubica’s rollercoaster journey from F1 to Le Mans victory

While all sorts of drama was playing out at the Canadian Grand Prix, another fascinating motorsport story had unfolded over at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with former F1 driver Robert Kubica taking his debut win in the famous endurance race.

12 of the most dramatic team mate clashes on track

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri sparked huge drama in the final laps of the Canadian Grand Prix by colliding as they battled for P4, an incident labelled as “not acceptable” by McLaren boss Andrea Stella. The duo join a long list of team mates who have clashed on the track, so it seems only fitting to take a look through the archive at 12 of the most dramatic intra-team collisions in F1 history…

Windows Central

Surface Laptop 7 is $500 off — the best Copilot+ PC just got easier to recommend

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 is $500 off right now. The deal saves you 25% on one of the best Windows laptops.

This free Windows tool recreates Circle to Search on Windows and Linux

Want Circle to Search on Windows? Snipping Lens uses Google Image Search to analyze screenshots and help you extract or translate text instantly.

Microsoft Surface PC prices drop at Best Buy for a limited time — up to $500 off new models and $1,000 off refurbs

Best Buy looks to be the best place to buy a Surface PC, new or old, thanks to deep discounts that run until June 30. Here are the best deals that I've found.

I bought the Xbox Adaptive Joystick for my fianceé and it changed her PC gaming life — Microsoft wins my praise

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a $30 game-changer, with only minor downsides that I can happily forgive, considering the significant difference it makes.

My top 7 rules that every PC build beginner should follow — saving time (and money)

Building your first PC? I've learned over the two decades that I've been building systems that it's best to follow certain rules, and I'm here to share them.

Gears of War: Reloaded is Steam Deck Verified — take Marcus Fenix on the go with the world's most popular gaming handheld

Gears of War: Reloaded is Steam Deck Verified, letting portable PC gamers take Marcus Fenix on the go as they play the campaign.

"So many amazing Forgers have just given up" — Halo Infinite just lost its best Forge creators over lack of support

A team of the best Forge creators in Halo Infinite is leaving the game due to frustrations with a lack of support from developer Halo Studios.

Microsoft kicks off testing its new GIF maker — right inside Windows 11

Windows 11 is getting its own built-in GIF-making tool, and it's now available for testing with Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels.

Microsoft discovers how most employees feel trapped in an infinite workday — bleeding into weekends and "making Sunday feel like just another Monday"

Microsoft's recent Work Trend Index report reveals that most employees are seemingly trapped in "the infinite workday".

New Elden Ring Nightreign update adds 'Everdark Sovereign' bosses — I hope you're ready to get wrecked all over again

In a surprise new update for Elden Ring Nightreign, developer FromSoftware has added "Everdark Sovereign" versions of Nightlord bosses with increased difficulty and special rewards.

16 billion accounts suffer "the largest data breach" — Google, Facebook, Telegram, and more are susceptible to malicious attacks

A research team uncovered the data breach, which included login credentials from major platforms like Apple, GitHub, and various government services.

I finally built my first keyboard from scratch — thanks to Razer actually offering everything you need for the first time

Razer has finally released its highly customizable BlackWidow V4 75% as a standalone base, and I built my own keyboard to get the barest taste of what it's like.

Microsoft readies new Windows 11 feature drop for next month — here's what's coming, and when

Microsoft's new Windows 11 Release Preview build gives us a good look at what to expect for next month's feature drop.

I played Marvel Cosmic Invasion — pure, simple co-op fun that shouldn't be missed

After going hands-on with Marvel Cosmic Invasion at Summer Game Fest 2025, I'm happy to say it's pure fun and feels great to play.

Monster Hunter Wilds game reviews hit "Overwhelmingly Negative" on Steam — can Capcom turn it around?

Despite having a favorable start at launch, some people are now starting to abandon Monster Hunter Wilds, while others are heavily panning the game for its lack of substantial endgame content and subpar PC performance.

ChatGPT lays out master plan to take over the world — "I start by making myself too helpful to live without"

In a viral YouTube clip from the Frame & Frenzy channel, OpenAI's ChatGPT blatantly described how it would take over the world with a detailed step-by-step plan.

Laffgaff

What color is the easiest slope in ski resorts?

Green.