The News - Wednesday, 09 July 2025

BBC News

King and Macron toast 'ever closer' UK-France ties at state banquet

Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are in the UK for a three-day trip.

Ex-Bangladesh leader authorised deadly crackdown, leaked audio suggests

Sheikh Hasina authorised lethal force against protesters, according to leaked audio verified by the BBC.

Moment house is swept away in New Mexico flash flooding

Video shows a home being swept down a flooded river in Ruidoso, where waters have risen 15 feet, according to weather officials.

Why small-time criminals burned a London warehouse for Russia's mercenary group Wagner

Five men have now been convicted for their part in the arson attack, which caused £1m of damage.

Jury-free trials recommended to save courts from 'collapse'

Many criminal cases should be decided by judges to reduce the backlog, a senior judge recommends.

Gemma Collins weight-loss drug advert banned

The star illegally advertised prescription-only weight loss drugs, the advertising watchdog found.

Days after Texas floods, at least 161 people are still missing in one county

Governor Greg Abbott said search and rescue efforts would continue in the wake of the deadly floods "until this job is finished".

Trump and Netanyahu hold second meeting for Gaza ceasefire talks

Second meeting this week comes as US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggests Israel and Hamas have one remaining issue in negotiations.

Former PM Rishi Sunak takes job at Goldman Sachs

Sunak will take up the part-time role while remaining Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton.

After Diddy: Why hip-hop is still struggling to have its own 'MeToo' moment

The Combs verdict in itself is unlikely to lead to wider changes in the industry, according to insiders

The Papers: Horizon scandal's 'tragic toll' and 'sacked Gregg'

A report on the Post Office scandal dominates the front pages of Wednesday's newspapers.

Trump delays tariffs as the rest of the world plays hardball

The US president reveals his poker "tell" by showing he is open to delays to secure trade deals.

Watch: Macron's day with the Royal Family

The French president met the Prince and Princess of Wales, the King and Queen and dignitaries on the first day of his state visit.

Steve Rosenberg: Russian minister's death serves as warning to political elite

President Putin sacked his transport minister. Hours later, his body was found in a park with a gunshot wound to the head.

Instagram wrongly accuses some users of breaching child sex abuse rules

It was "horrible", "stressful" and "isolating" those affected tell BBC News.

More than 100 hurt as wildfire rages near Marseille

About 800 firefighters are at the scene, France's interior minister says, and will battle the blaze through the night.

Pension triple lock to cost three times initial estimate

The official forecaster warns public finances are in a "relatively vulnerable position" due U-turns.

Southport murders one of UK's most egregious crimes, inquiry chairman says

The public inquiry into the dance class murders in the Merseyside town begins at Liverpool Town Hall.

Action needed to halt exodus of firms leaving UK, says CBI

The boss of the CBI says he would support cutting the allowance on cash ISAs to encourage more people to invest in shares.

Ministers ditch pet insurance rules for renters

Landlords will no longer be allowed to require tenants with pets to take out special insurance.

Bayeux Tapestry to return to UK on loan after 900 years

Bayeux Tapestry will be shown at the British Museum, which will lend treasures to Normandy museums.

Seven-year-old Southport survivor fought to save others, mum tells inquiry

At a hushed hearing, parents of those who survived the attack by Axel Rudakubana a year ago gave more than two hours of testimony.

Starmer refuses to rule out freeze on tax thresholds

The freeze means people risk being dragged into a higher tax band if they get a pay rise.

Met 'truly sorry' for distress to Al Fayed victims

Detectives have written to alleged victims of the late Harrods boss and promised to answer questions about their ongoing investigation.

How an act of kindness put passer-by in path of killer driver at family dispute

Those who knew Chris Marriott, from Sheffield, say he always put other people before himself.

Linda Yaccarino departs as boss of Musk's X

Her exit comes at a difficult time for Musk who, in a brief reply, thanked her for her "contributions."

Penguin says it did 'all necessary due diligence' after The Salt Path accuracy claims

Raynor Winn has defended herself against accusations she gave misleading information in the 2018 book.

PC denies losing control in Manchester Airport brawl

An officer says his actions were justified at the trial of two brothers accused of assaulting police.

Police preparing for Donald Trump to visit Scotland

The US President is expected to visit his new golf course in Aberdeenshire when it opens later this month.

Blood scandal victims harmed further by compensation delays, inquiry chair says

Payments need to be made fairer and faster, the chair of the public inquiry into the disaster says.

'You did it': How doctor realised mushroom cook was a killer

Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering three relatives with a toxic mushroom lunch.

Steve Rosenberg: Moscow shrugs off Trump's irritation with Putin

But the US president's words have not gone unnoticed, writes the BBC's Russia Editor.

After Diddy: Why hip-hop is still struggling to have its own 'MeToo' moment

The Combs verdict in itself is unlikely to lead to wider changes in the industry, according to insiders

Ex-Bangladesh leader authorised deadly crackdown, leaked audio suggests

Sheikh Hasina authorised lethal force against protesters, according to leaked audio verified by the BBC.

'Get your act together': Post Office scandal victims' message to PM

"Just stop being cruel to people", one victim says.

Gregg Wallace warned by top barrister not to 'say women made it up'

The comments come after 50 more people make fresh claims about the TV presenter.

French police raid on National Rally HQ prompts outrage from party leaders

Party president Jordan Bardella complains of an "unprecedented operation", as prosecutors investigate alleged fraud.

Son of couple held in Iran: 'They aren't spies, they're Mum and Dad'

Joe Bennett says he has not heard from his parents in six months after their arrest on spying charges.

Jury-free trials recommended by senior judge to save courts from 'collapse'

A senior judge recommends a shake-up of the system, but some barristers argue juries are essential for fair justice.

Gaza truce talks reportedly stall despite second Netanyahu-Trump meeting

A Palestinian official says key sticking points at the indirect negotiations in Qatar include how aid will be distributed.

More than 100 hurt as efforts to contain Marseille wildfire continue

The city's mayor says the fire is "decreasing" but is still not completely under control.

Bournemouth Echo

Thirty-metre tall stand and new fan zone in Vitality Stadium plans

A thirty-metre-tall stand, filled in corners and a new fan zone are among some of the proposals from the Cherries for the redevelopment of the Vitality Stadium.

'Charming' New Forest pub with 'huge' garden named among England's best pubs

The Royal Oak, located in Fritham in the New Forest, has been named among the best pubs in England, according to The Telegraph

'Something different for town': New model painting and gaming shop opens

A new shop where you can paint 3D printed models and play video games has opened to the public.

Water safety zone to be in place for Swanage Carnival

Swanage Carnival 2025: Dorset Police warn mariners of water safety zone for Red Arrows and Global Stars air displays. Vessel restrictions apply 26 July.

Off-duty police tackles man brandishing 'electric saw' awarded for bravery

Off-duty officer who disarmed man with electric saw honoured for bravery

Exciting events coming to Brownsea Island and Corfe Castle

Discover autumn events at Brownsea Island, Corfe Castle, Hardy's Cottage & Kingston Lacy. Guided walks, red squirrels, craft fairs & family activities.

Two Dorset care homes to host special dementia events

Both events will feature Dr Kellyn Lee, founder and CEO of WISER Health and Social Care and The Dementia Care Hub.

Great-great-grandmother celebrates 100th birthday

Betty Tucker, Bournemouth care home resident and WWII WRNS volunteer, celebrates her 100th birthday with family, friends and a card from King Charles.

'A lifeline': Sure Start scheme to return to Bournemouth

Sure Start returns to Bournemouth as part of 1,000 Best Start family hubs, championed by MP Tom Hayes. Boosts early years support for parents and children.

'Bold' conference returns for second year at Vitality Stadium

re:connect 2025 at Vitality Stadium brings UK tech leaders together for talks on AI ethics, data science, cybersecurity, and inclusion. Tickets for 2026 out now.

Council to begin essential repairs on 'decaying' sluice channel

The repair is crucial for maintaining the lagoon's water quality and high salinity, which is vital for the rare wildlife inhabiting the area.

Prize draw launched to fund youth work in Bournemouth

Support Townsend Youth Partnership's prize draw in Bournemouth to fund youth work, mental health support, and activities for local young people. Backed by YMCA.

'More than a gym': Dorset fitness centre opens new wellbeing hub

RiversMeet Active launches new wellbeing hub in Gillingham, Dorset, offering physical, mental, and social health support, GP referrals and Dorset Mind services.

Dorset man who raised more than £100k for charity to receive award

John Rynne from Dorset to receive British Citizen Award at Westminster for raising £100,000 for Citizens Advice East Dorset through Bournemouth Pavilion events.

Bournemouth and Poole ranked among cheapest places for a pint

The report aims to provide an insight into the cost of living in Dorset, highlighting the variance in pint prices across the county.

'Back cycling for a better Bournemouth'

I see Bournemouth East's MP features in a green energy article you have run recently, which is great. But for real credibility on green issues it takes more than being photographed with Councillor Andy Hadley.

Free cycling lessons to help people improve wellbeing

Adults in Dorset can access free cycling lessons via The Big Bike Revival, funded by central government, to boost wellbeing, save money, and learn to ride.

Paddlers from Dorset team set to compete in Germany

Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team from Hengistbury Head to represent Team GB at the 2024 IDBF World Championships in Germany’s new breast cancer category.

Trio of legal secretaries to start training contracts at law firm

Adrian Falck, the firm's managing partner, said he is thrilled with their progress and glad to be able to give them the opportunity to pursue their careers in law.

Meet the couple who have fostered more than 60 children

Weymouth foster carers Sue and Des Lochrie share insights on supporting children with SEND, highlighting the need for adaptable care, support networks, and inclusion.

Bournemouth skin clinic issues urgent warning as temperatures soar

Bournemouth dermatology clinic warns high UV and heat could cause lasting skin damage. Experts urge sun safety, regular skin checks and sunscreen use.

Charity to open new shop with mayoral ribbon-cutting

Dorset Blind Association opens new charity shop in Shaftesbury, Bell Street, on 11 July. Donations and volunteers needed to support sight loss services.

MP calls for amendments to remove cuts to disability benefits

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan urges removal of £2bn disability benefit cuts from Universal Credit Bill, warning 700,000 disabled people will be affected.

Exhibition of artworks inspired by sea and nature to open at gallery

Pat draws inspiration from England's rugged coastlines, using natural materials like rotting wood and uncut slate for texture and form.

Final inquest date set for flight attendant who died in Jamaica

Final inquest date has been set in the case of a flight attendant who died while staying at a hotel in Jamaica.

New sailing event to be organised and hosted at Poole Harbour

A NEW sailing event hosted by Poole Yacht club will be organised for members and visitors to participate and attend.

Parents' fear for 11-months-old baby after diagnoses with epilepsy

PARENTS of an 11-month-old baby girl have spoken of their heartbreak and fear after she was diagnosed with epilepsy earlier this year.

Record-breaking property developer shuts down amid financial struggles

A record-breaking property developer based in Poole has shut down amid financial struggles.

In The Dock: Man found with crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Queen Elizabeth Leisure centre to reopen pool for school and hire

The future of a disused leisure centre hangs in the balance, as the trust works to reopen the pool for use by the school and community clubs.

LIVE: Road blocked after 'multi-vehicle crash'

A ROAD has been blocked after a reported multi-vehicle crash in Ferndown

Hilarious moment New Forest pony uses doorbell camera to scratch its backside

A Ring doorbell has captured hilarious footage of a New Forest pony using it to scratch its backside as it waited for a feeding.

Car abandoned after crash left lodged in bush for months

A car abandoned after a crash has been left lodged in a bush for nearly three months.

New planning laws pose a risk to dwindling wildlife numbers

Environmentalists fear for wildlife in Dorset as Labour’s ‘disappointing’ planning reforms pose a threat to beauty spots

Broadband company gets £50m in funding to expand across Dorset

Independent broadband provider Wessex Internet secured £50 million to expand its rural network.

Gambling addict stole £1.7m from company to fund luxury holidays and gifts

A financial controller who stole £1.7m from his company to fund his gambling addiction has been jailed.

Public warned not to approach wanted man 'believed to be in Bournemouth'

OFFICERS are searching for a man failure to appeal for a bail hearing believed to be in Bournemouth.

Final day for school after 50 years of teaching

A school will shut its doors for good tomorrow after 50 years.

Person cut free from car after crash hospitalised two people and closed road

A person had to be cut free from a car and two people were taken to hospital after a crash that closed a rural road.

Man arrested on suspicion of rape released from police custody

A man arrested on suspicion of rape has been released on bail as police continue to investigate the incident.

'Threats of violence' after attempted phone theft

A group of five girls made ‘threats of violence’ after reportedly attempting to steal a phone.

Furniture shop to close after nearly 120 years in Bournemouth

Sturtons & Tappers Furnishings in Winton, Bournemouth, is closing after nearly 120 years as owners David and Pauline Scott retire due to health reasons.

NHS doctors reveal start date of 5 day strike in England, starting this month

Doctors in England will walk out for five days from 7am on July 25 in a dispute over pay, the British Medical Association said.

Government

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Training in Schools) Bill

A Bill to make provision about the evaluation of training about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Initial Teacher Education; to require training about Special Education Needs and Disabilities for certain persons working in schools as part of their continuing professional development; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Listen to reaction as Horner exits Red Bull

The F1 Nation team react to the news that Christian Horner is exiting Red Bull after 20 years.

The key stats from Horner’s time as Red Bull team boss

Christian Horner’s time at Red Bull has come to an end, with the squad announcing on Wednesday that he is being replaced as CEO and Team Principal by Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies. As the dust settles on the news, F1.com presents the standout numbers from his long reign…

The key questions as Horner leaves Red Bull

F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto reflects on the news of Christian Horner's exit from Red Bull and what the managerial reshuffle means for the squad.

Verstappen reacts to Horner’s Red Bull exit

Max Verstappen has paid tribute to outgoing Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner, reflecting on their “incredible successes” and “breaking countless records” together.

GALLERY: Horner through his 20 years as Red Bull boss

Following Christian Horner's departure as Red Bull boss after 20 years, F1.com looks back through photos of his tenure in charge as the team secured numerous championships.

Laurent Mekies’ journey from engineer to Red Bull boss

Amid the news of Christian Horner’s immediate exit from Red Bull, it was confirmed that Laurent Mekies will step up as CEO of the squad, having previously acted as Team Principal of sister outfit Racing Bulls. F1.com looks back at the Frenchman’s journey through the sport to this point…

Horner to exit Red Bull with immediate effect

Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies is to take over as CEO of Red Bull Racing with immediate effect replacing Christian Horner, it was announced on Wednesday.

10 quiz questions on the British Grand Prix

Were you paying attention to all the action at the Silverstone? Take our quiz to find out...

‘We deserved more’ – Ocon reflects on collision with Bearman

Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman were both left frustrated at the end of the British Grand Prix, with Ocon admitting that he felt that he and his team mate “deserved more” on a day in which they collided during the latter stages.

Albon ‘very happy’ to return to points at Silverstone

There were mixed emotions across the Williams garage after the British Grand Prix, with Alex Albon thrilled to return to the points in P8 following a string of retirements while Carlos Sainz was left “frustrated” by his continued run of “bad luck”.

Windows Central

Call me a filthy casual — I recommend this RTX 4050 gaming laptop over any of the powerhouses on Prime Day

You don’t need to spend $2,000 to game on PC. This $649 HP Victus with RTX 4050 handles 1080p gaming just fine and is 28% off through an anti-Prime Day deal.

Report: Halo Studios was hit by Microsoft and Xbox layoffs, too — dev says nobody "is really happy about the quality" of the next game

Reportedly, the Halo Studios team was affected by last week's Microsoft and Xbox layoffs, and one dev says it's not "really happy about the quality" of the next Halo game.

The iPad Mini is on sale right now, but I love this gaming tablet more and it's STILL $50 cheaper

I recently called the Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 3) the "best Android-powered iPad Mini alternative," and right now it's still $50 less than the discounted iPad.

This new RTX 5060 gaming laptop is already $400 off — the cheapest way to get NVIDIA's DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Gen

The new Alienware 16 Aurora with NVIDIA RTX 5060 Laptop GPU has only been on the market for a couple of months, but it's already down to $1,099 at Best Buy.

Legion Go S is the cheapest Windows handheld gaming PC right now during Prime Day — I still wouldn't buy it, I'd buy this other one instead

The Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go) might have the biggest discount of all gaming handhelds this Amazon Prime Day, but I still recommend going with the Legion Go instead. It only costs $50 more, and you'll get a better device out of your purchase.

This limited ThinkPad deal is the best I've ever seen in 9 years of Prime Day coverage — but 70% off won't last long

Newegg is blowing out the ThinkPad Z13 (Gen 2) with some help from Lenovo, and right now you can save 70%. That drops the price from $2,249 to only $670.

This Xbox controller anti-Prime Day discount is truly a standout — and "audio features sweeten the deal"

Amazon Prime Day is here, but one of the best Xbox controller deals available right now is actually at Best Buy. Check it out if you need a new gamepad.

I'm a lifelong PC gamer who's covered every Prime Day — here are the 7 best AMD Ryzen CPU deals I'd buy right now

Prime Day is proving to be a great time to upgrade your PC, rivaling even Black Friday when it comes to CPU deals. A bunch of top-rated AMD Ryzen chips are currently enjoying record-low prices, and I found the 7 best deals.

Forget Microsoft's "Xbox Edition" Meta Quest 3S — you can get the original for over $150 less with this Amazon Prime Day deal

The original Meta Quest 3S gives incredible bang for your buck, and it's even more affordable than usual at the moment thanks to Prime Day.

I couldn't care less about PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs until I tried this one — finally down to a reasonable price for Amazon Prime Day

The WD_BLACK SN8100 PCIe Gen 5 NVMe solid-state drive offers 2TB of storage with read speeds up to 14,200MB/s, and it's a beast. Now it's a reasonable price, too.

I've reviewed a lot of tech, and these 9 products are even easier to recommend now thanks to Amazon Prime Day deals

Amazon Prime Day has discounted some of my favorite tech and accessories I've reviewed over the years, and sales make them even easier to recommend.

WWE 2K25 is getting a new story starring Bray Wyatt that will "get people emotional" — but not for PC or last-gen console players

WWE 2K25's The Island mode may finally be about to get some content for fans to really get invested in, featuring the late, great, Bray Wyatt.

Microsoft's new Surface Laptop 13-inch is now priced how I thought it should've always been — all thanks to this Prime Day deal that WON'T last forever

You can save $140 on Microsoft's new Surface Laptop 13-inch right now for Amazon Prime Day, down from its original outrageous $899 price point.

Owlcat Games talks to us about about WH40K: Rogue Trader, the next game 'Dark Heresy' — and how the studio feels about working with Xbox Game Pass

Owlcat Games has risen to RPG royalty thanks to Pathfinder and Rogue Trader, what's next for one of gaming's most interesting studios?

Cor, blimey! The ASUS ROG Ally drops to its lowest-ever price for Amazon Prime Day in the UK — the only Windows handheld to permanently replace my Steam Deck

ASUS is offering its Windows 11 ROG Ally handheld gaming PC at the lowest price in the UK since Black Friday. Don't miss out!

I pretended to need more time to test this Hall Effect controller because it's so good — now it's at its lowest price ever

The GameSir Super Nova surprised me with its Hall Effect sticks, charging dock, and comfort — and now it’s at its best price ever for Prime Day.

I rounded up 10 of best Windows 11 Copilot+ PC deals available this Amazon Prime Day — ranked from cheapest to most expensive

I've been waiting to see how low Snapdragon X powered laptops get this Amazon Prime Day week, and it just crossed under the $500 line. I don't think we'll see a Snapdragon X laptop for cheaper than this deal.

I love my XREAL AR glasses, but I have a cheaper alternative you should try — similar features but cost over $70 less

XREAL grabs the headlines (and rightly so) when it comes to AR glasses, but there are alternatives. This anti-Prime Day deal at Best Buy gets you something very similar, but costs a lot less.

Don't get sucked in by sub $200 laptops on Prime Day — they're all awful, and you'll regret buying one

There are plenty of great laptop deals to take advantage of on Prime Day. We all love a bargain, but if it's a REALLY cheap laptop, it's not worth it.

My pick for best gaming headset of 2024 is currently 15% OFF for Prime Day — for most Xbox and PC players, this is what I always personally recommend

This is a personal favorite headset. Monster audio, crazy versatility, and absurd value, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is an understated masterpiece of accessory engineering.

If you have Amazon Prime Membership, then you're in luck — one of the BEST budget wireless gaming headsets we gave a near-perfect score to is having a 40% discount for Amazon Prime Day

Amazon is hosting a special, Amazon Prime Membership-exclusive 40% discount deal for the Corsair Void V2 Wireless gaming headset as part of its Amazon Prime Day festivities.

I don't care about Amazon Prime Day, but you loved my favorite ANC wireless headphones last time I wrote about them — and that hot discount is back

Amazon Prime Day has discounted the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless ANC headphones yet again, making these cans a stellar value compared to Sony and Bose.

Bill Gates says AI will replace humans for most things — but coding will remain "a 100% human profession" centuries later

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently claimed that programming will remain a 100% human profession, even a century from now.

Our favorite mobile controller is at the lowest price it's ever been — "Well and truly the best at what it does"

The Razer Kishi Ultra is widely considered one of the best premium mobile controllers on the market. Right now, it's on sale for Prime Day with $50 off.

Xbox confirmed to be in attendance for Tokyo Game Show 2025 — set to be its biggest show yet

Tokyo Game Show 2025 has announced the full list of attendees, with Microsoft set to present an online exhibition for Xbox titles.

It doesn't matter how many laptops I review or how great the deals are — this is the one I keep coming back to over and over again

The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (2024) is the laptop I can't put away, no matter how many great devices I review. I recommend it even if it wasn't on sale.

Sam Altman admits current computers were designed for an AI-free world — but OpenAI's new type of computer will make the AI revolution "transcendentally good"

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently hinted that the company might be developing a new type of computer, poised to make the AI revolution "transcendentally good."

You can get a Snapdragon X-powered laptop for under $500 right now — a low I didn't think we'd see this Prime Day week

I've been waiting to see how low Snapdragon X powered laptops get this Amazon Prime Day week, and it just crossed under the $500 line. I don't think we'll see a Snapdragon X laptop for cheaper than this deal.

Microsoft sees its carbon emissions soar on a 168% glut in AI energy demand, "we recognize that we must also bring more carbon-free electricity onto the grids."

Microsoft's pledge to go carbon neutral by 2030 has hit an AI-shaped snag, as the firm's hunger for cloud growth impacts emissions targets.

The gaming headset I use every day is slashed to its lowest price ever thanks to Amazon Prime Day — "stellar battery life" awaits

The HyperX Cloud MIX 2 is the gaming headset I use every day thanks to its stellar battery life, and it's on sale right now for Amazon Prime Day.